Gloria has also reconnected with some old acquaintances: Maggie, owner of the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, and her knitting circle, Lucy, Dana and Suzanne, a Realtor. Rounding out the group is part-timer, college student Phoebe who has recently added Goth friend Crystal to the group occasionally.

One evening at a knitting circle hosted by Gloria, she announces her intentions to begin selling her properties and start anew with Jamie. Everyone is pleased that their new friend is so happy, but even more pleased at the prospect of new business. Suzanne agrees to list Gloria’s house and to discuss the other properties with her.

The day Suzanne brings her most promising couple to the house, they find Gloria floating in the pool dead. The police quickly decide the death was an accident due to too much alcohol and prescription drugs. A few loose ends, a doorbell ringing the night before while Suzanne was on the phone with Gloria and wine glasses that Suzanne tidied up when she arrived at the house, make the friends wonder if Gloria’s death was accidental or murder.

As the group supports Jamie as he navigates the water of probate, they become suspicious of Gloria’s former lover who sold her some properties for the princely sum of $1.00. The friends are certain they have enough evidence that Gloria’s death was not a horrible accident, but aren’t sure they have enough to convince the police until a second death occurs.

Knit, Purl and Die is full of knitting tips and descriptions of new yarns that will whet the appetite of even the most novice knitter. The plot is knit loosely and there are several times when readers will find themselves wondering why someone didn’t say something sooner or see something that was fairly obvious. The story is told at different times from each woman’s point of view, not really allowing too much development of each character.

As a whole, the women are a group that any knitter would want to join. Readers looking for an intricate mystery with many hidden red herrings and a good puzzle will be disappointed, but those looking for an easy read with a group of good friends will find much to enjoy.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry