Cozy knitting mystery - On Skein of Death

Some weeks ago, Allie Pleiter’s assistant reached out to see if we were interested in hosting Allie on the podcast.  Allie is the author of a new series of knitting mystery books set in a small waterfront town in Maryland.  I will admit that I am not a fan of the fluffy and cloying knitting novels of a decade ago, so I was hesitant.  But my friend Janet, who owns String Theory Yarns in Chicago, said Allie was terrific  So I scheduled her for December 29th - this week.  

Allie sent me a copy of On Skein of Death, so I could read it before the interview, but I was so busy before Christmas that I never got a chance.  By Monday morning, my sleep deficit had caught up with me, and all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my pajamas. I remembered the book, and thought, I’d get started. By dinner, I was just about done.  I’d spent the entire day reading on the couch and was happy to do it. While not my typical genre, I can honestly say that it was a great read. Like a big fluffy scarf on size 11 needles, it was warm and snug and utterly satisfying.  

On Skein of Death was exactly what I needed – charming and cozy, but not overly sweet. Pleiter’s characters are warm and real, and she’s done her homework on the knitting and what it’s like to own a yarn shop. She nails the main character, Libby, owner of Y.A.R.N, as well as the feel of the shop and the strong sense of community that surrounds it, reminding us that a LYS is not just a place to buy yarn, but a place to belong.  

I can’t wait for you to meet Allie on the podcast this week. She is as lovely and genuine as her characters, and I know you will adore her.  Be sure to tune in because I’ll be giving away a free autographed copy of On Skein of Death at the end of the podcast!

If you’d rather secure your copy for sure instead of wait for the giveaway, I have a limited number of signed copies of On Skein of Death at the shop, or you can order here. 

Go ahead and clear a day when you can curl up on the couch and binge read, because I guarantee once you start, you won’t want to stop. And when you’ve finished, you’ll be glad to know that there are at least two more coming out very soon.  I know I will.  

See you Wednesday!

Ellen