Great Mystery with Heartwarming Characters
Dollycas's Thoughts
I am delighted to be back in Sea Harbor with Izzy, Nell, Birdie, and Cass just in time for the holidays and a big party at the mayor's new house. The Seaside Knitters have been busy but a holiday party may just be what they need. Nell and Ben are excited because the celebrity chef catering the party is married to their old college friend Oliver Bishop. The food is delicious and catching up with their old friend is fun until the dark and snowy night turns to murder. The celebrity chef won't be ringing in the new year. Nell finds the woman's body buried in a snow drift with what she assumes is the murder weapon nearby.
If that isn't enough excitement there is an "ogler" peeping into windows and Cass's new nanny has disappeared and taken the family dog with her.
It is time for the Seaside Knitters to knit and purl the clues together to unmask the ogler, find the nanny and the dog, and catch a killer before everyone's Christmas is ruined.
_____
I selfishly held this book to read the week of Christmas because the characters in this story always give me the heartwarming feels that their friendships provide. No matter what is going on these ladies have each other's back. They lend a listening ear, a hearty hug, and then leap into action if necessary. The men in their lives are the same, always ready with a helping hand or some notes of wisdom. Their weekly gatherings at Ben and Nell's for fantastic food and fellowship always make me wish I could be right there with them.
I loved meeting Luna. She is a woman with many layers who reveals her true self over the course of the story. It is the introduction of characters like her that keep this series fresh for 16 books. I hope we see Luna again in future stories.
The mystery was complicated but if readers catch all the clues the killer will be revealed to them before it unfolds on the pages. I really enjoyed the way the author mixes the mystery with daily everyday life. The ladies may be knitting but all the drama around them is never far from their thoughts. And when all the mysteries are solved everyone gathers for a meal to rehash the case and answer any questions anyone, including those reading the book, may have.
Ms. Goldenbaum's writing style is detailed and her stories unfold at a very comfortable place. My only issue is when I turn the last page it always seems too soon. I am never ready to leave Sea Harbor and the delightful scenes and its friendly residents.
A Dark and Snowy Night is a wonderful addition to this series. Until next year . . . . . .
