cover image The Postman Always Purls Twice: A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery

The Postman Always Purls Twice: A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery

Anne Canadeo. S&S/Gallery, $15 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-1-4767-6749-9

In Canadeo%E2%80%99s appealing seventh Black Sheep Knitting mystery (after 2014%E2%80%99s A Dark and Stormy Knit), empty-nest widow Maggie Messina and her friends are almost dropping stitches in excitement over a Hollywood film being shot in Plum Harbor, Mass. Maggie%E2%80%99s Black Sheep Knitting Shop will serve as a location for scenes in the movie, and the group all hope to see the starring actress, Jennifer Todd, a local girl who shares their favorite hobby%E2%80%94knitting. Before filming begins, they are welcomed and even invited to sit in as extras, and thus are in a position to witness a bizarre accident that almost takes Todd out of the limelight. Later, when a poisoner strikes, the whole film is put in jeopardy. The well-knit plot, which includes several red herrings, maintains suspense right through the surprising finale. Cozy fans will enjoy spending time with the distinctive main characters, all of whom are intelligent, working women. Agent: Bob Mecoy, Bob Mecoy Literary Agency. (Apr.)