Book Review: Knit One, Kill Two
I’m back with another book review about a novel featuring yarn! This month, I’ve moved from romance to cozy mystery novels with Knit One Kill Two.
This month, the book is a Maggie Sefton book. Knit One, Kill Two, is the first in a series of cozy mysteries featuring a yarn shop.
About The Plot…
Kelly’s Aunt Helen has been killed. Kelly and her dog Carl head back to her family’s hometown in Colorado to handle the affairs. While the police believe Helen’s murder was committed randomly by a passer-by they have in custody, Kelly isn’t sure.
Kelly hangs out at the local yarn shop, a favorite place of her aunt’s. The friends she makes there insist she learns to knit and assist her in investigating Helen’s murder. Notable friends: Jennifer, a real estate agent who can give context to some suspicious property dealings. Steve, a builder, is set up as a love interest for future books.
Along the way, Kelly finds unknown family members and long-buried secrets. I won’t spoil the details for you. But as expected, Kelly and her friends find the murderer and draw out a confession.
Is The Author A Knitter?
The author clearly knows how to knit and has taught knitting to beginners. The sections describing learning how to knit are detailed. Experienced knitters at the always-bustling shop (unusual but welcome in a small town) guide her to yarn and needles and help her correct her common mistakes.
The book is a little older — published in 2005. There was some nostalgia for me as it describes how popular brightly-colored eyelash yarns are. Kelly falls in love with the colors and textures of yarn at the shop. There are plenty of descriptions of lovely combinations of merino and silk.
The mystery itself is satisfying but fairly predictable. There’s just enough blood at the crime scene for DNA tests, but it’s not gory nor described in detail. There are a couple of scenes where Kelly thinks she might be in a little danger. But like most cozy mysteries, there’s not enough to make the reader scared for her. The characters could be fleshed out more, and I hope they are in subsequent books in the series.
The end of the book has a beginner scarf pattern. It’s a very basic shell pattern made in bulky yarn (with a schematic), and a cinnamon roll recipe.
What The Publisher Says…
The publisher’s blurb on Amazon.com about Knit One, Kill Two is:
“Despite the fact that her aunt was an expert knitter, Kelly Flynn never picked up a pair of knitting needles she liked—until she strolled into House of Lambspun. Now, Kelly is about to learn how to knit one, purl two, and untangle the mystery behind her aunt’s murder…
Sefton, Maggie. Knit One Kill Two. Berkley Book; English Language edition (June 7, 2005)
Kelly would be the first to admit her life in Washington, D.C., is a little on the dull side. But coming back to Colorado for her beloved aunt’s funeral wasn’t the kind of excitement she was seeking. The police are convinced that her Aunt Helen’s death was the result of a burglary gone bad, but for the accountant in Kelly, things just aren’t adding up. After all, why would her sensible, sixty-eight-year-old aunt borrow $20,000 just days before her death? With the help of the knitting regulars at House of Lambspun, Kelly’s about to get a few lessons in cranking out a sumptuously colored scarf—and in luring a killer out of hiding…”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Knit One, Kill Two”?
Knit One, Kill Two is a mystery novel by Maggie Sefton featuring knitting as a central theme. It’s the first book in the Knitting Mysteries series, set in a fictional Colorado yarn shop. The main character is a woman who moves to town and gets drawn into investigating a murder at the local knitting store. It launched a very popular cozy mystery series that combines the comfort and community of knitting culture with classic whodunit mystery storytelling. It’s part of the broader “craft mystery” genre that has a devoted readership among crafters.
What is the “cozy mystery” genre and why do knitters love it?
Cozy mysteries are a subset of crime fiction that emphasizes community, warmth, and amateur investigation over graphic violence or police procedurals. They’re set in tight-knit communities (small towns, craft shops, bakeries) and the protagonists are usually ordinary people who stumble into solving crimes. The genre is hugely popular among knitters and crocheters because the books often feature protagonists who craft, craft shop settings, and a community vibe that feels familiar and comforting. Reading about knitting while knitting? Perfect. These books feel like a warm hug… even when there’s a murder involved!
Are there other mystery books or series that feature knitting and crochet?
Many! The craft mystery genre is thriving. Monica Ferris writes the Needlecraft Mysteries. The Yarn Retreat Mysteries by Betty Hechtman. The Crochet Mysteries by Betty Hechtman (yes, she writes both!). The Agatha Raisin series features various craft-community settings. The craft element varies in how central it is… some series are heavily focused on the craft community, others just use crafts as a backdrop. Ravelry has groups dedicated to discussing craft mysteries if you want recommendations from fellow knitters who’ve read widely in the genre.
Can I use the patterns mentioned in craft mystery books?
Some craft mystery authors actually include patterns in the back of their books! Maggie Sefton and other craft mystery authors have been known to include knitting patterns tied to the book’s story. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s worth checking whether the books you’re reading include patterns… it’s an extra gift from the author that blends the reading and crafting experiences in a delightful way. Some series have companion craft books with patterns inspired by the fictional yarn shop or characters.
Where can I find more craft mysteries and bookclub recommendations for crafters?
Ravelry has active book groups where crafters discuss craft mysteries and other fiber arts-related reading. Goodreads has lists like “Books about knitting” and “Cozy mysteries for knitters.” Your local library likely has many of these in their mystery section. And asking in knitting communities (like Marly’s Minions Facebook group!) often gets enthusiastic recommendations from fellow crafters who love reading craft mysteries. The intersection of crafting and reading is a wonderfully cozy place to spend your time!
Categories: Book Reviews, Product Reviews
Thank you for sharing this, can’t wait to read.
Another great cozy mystery series is The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren. There are now 14 books in the series and all are great. She even has a Facebook Page where people share their knit, and crochet projects, and love for the books.
Happy reading, knitting, and crocheting everyone ????