cover image Purl Up and Die

Purl Up and Die

Maggie Sefton. Berkley Prime Crime, $25.95 (320p) ISBN 978-0-425-25844-6

Sefton's intriguing 13th knitting cozy (after 2014's Yarn over Murder) finds accountant Kelly Flynn taking knitting classes from her friend Barb Macenroe, a former nurse, at the House of Lambspun in Fort Connor, Colo. Meanwhile, Barb's doctor son, Tommy, is doing his residency at an emergency care clinic, where late one night he examines a walk-in patient, Laura Brewster, who says she has stomach pains. Immediately afterward, Laura accuses Tommy of sexual assault, flees the clinic, and files a complaint with the police. When Laura is later found strangled in her apartment, Tommy becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Sure of Tommy's innocence, Kelly sets out to find the real killer. Experienced knitters will appreciate the frequent discussions of knitting techniques, while beginners will feel like rushing to their local knitting shop in search of yarn. Those expecting more than a routine mystery or any serious discussion of the issue of false accusations of sexual assault will be disappointed. A muffin recipe rounds out the volume. Agent: Jessica Faust, BookEnds. (June)