Review & Giveaway: PURLS BEFORE SWINE by Rebecca McKinnon

This week, Rebecca McKinnon is celebrating the release of Purls Before Swine and I was lucky enough to received an ARC of this cozy mystery. Although this is the third book in the Clear Creek Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the previous books yet).

About the Book

Autumn has arrived in the Rocky Mountains. The resort that was almost the death of the small town of Clear Creek is trying to mend relations by hosting a local artisan show.

Jemma has been asked to create a display showing beginner projects all the way up to expert. Hoping to knit up attention for the shops in Clear Creek, she agrees. The last thing she expects is to trip over a body in the middle of the exhibits.

Curiosity piqued, she wants to know how someone was killed under the watchful eyes of the resort’s security staff — headed by the man she loves.

Even though her past experiences have taught Jemma she doesn’t want to be anywhere near a killer, when Deputy Chase surprises everyone by asking for her help she can’t bring herself to say no. Because if the killer isn’t bound off before the resort guests leave, someone will get away with murder.

My Review

Set in a small town in Colorado, where everyone knows each other’s buisiness (or at least thinks they do), this mystery follows Jemma as she investigates another murder in Clear Creek.

Jemma is smart, likeable, and easy to identify with. She does a good job rooting out the truth, with help from her friends. One quirky character in particular, Granny (not her grandmother) adds a bit of spice and humor to the character mix. And the charming man in her life is, of course, ready and willing to help in any way he can – as long as it doesn’t mean a conflict of interest, given his job at the resort.

The story is well written and the plot unravels at a nice pace, with twists and turns along the way. The closeknit community and light-writing style make this a good choice for cozy mystery lovers. BTW, if you are on the fence about reading a knitting-themed mystery, don’t be. Unlike some craft-themed cozies, there is just enough detail to appreciate the craft without getting tedious.

FTC Disclosure: I received an advance review copy from the publisher. This has not affected the content of my review.

Giveaway

Enter a rafflecopter for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card from the author.

About the Author

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.

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