Review

As she faces the diverse group in front of her, Casey Feldstein has never been more nervous. Just a few of the group members are aloof Olivia, pre-occupied mother Bree, and enthusiastic, but blunt Edie, and all are looking to Casey to lead them on a weekend yarn retreat. The problem is, even though Casey has inherited her aunt’s business, Casey’s passion is making desserts. She knows nothing about yarn or knitting and is tempted to give up on the retreat scheduled to be held at the Vista Del hotel. Casey realizes she doesn’t have enough money to refund the scheduled attendees, so with her friend Lucinda’s encouragement, she goes forward with the event. Casey faces more than a few challenges, but when someone in the group is killed, Casey knows she can’t quit before learning the truth about the death of one of her knitters.

The premise of this book sounds like Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street series with strangers bonding over knitting. However, I started out disliking this debut by Betty Hechtman because most of the characters, including Casey, seem so miserable. Ironically, the murder victim was the most upbeat until her demise.  Most of the others act as if they would rather be having a root canal than attending the retreat. Even Casey’s friend Lucinda, who is thrilled to have a weekend free to knit, doesn’t seem happy with her life as co-owner of a restaurant with her obsessive husband. After a while, all of the negativity becomes tedious to read.  It’s a shame Casey’s aunt Joan passed away before the book begins, because Joan sounds like an interesting mix of individuality, optimism, and kindness. Her attitude is greatly needed in the first half of the book!

The mystery itself is interesting, and I enjoy seeing Casey become more and more determined to find out what is going on at the Vista Del. After a while, the retreat group start working together on their knitting projects, then start helping each other with problems in their lives as well. This is when the book begins to live up to the bar set for this type of book by Macomber. Some of the characters, who are initially unpleasant, turn out to be more likeable as the story progresses. This makes it easier to connect with them and to become more invested in the story.

I also disliked the way everyone, from her controlling mother to the obnoxious manager at the Vista Del, bulldozes over Casey throughout much of the book.  The book improves after Casey gains more confidence from leading the retreat, and finally finds her backbone. She begins making decisions based on what she knows is right and to please herself instead of everyone else.  The mystery concludes nicely, and I like the direction Casey is headed with her aunt’s business. If this first book is being used to set the stage for Casey to find her way and figure out how she wants to live her life, then I think follow-up books could be excellent. An unexpected twist in Casey’s personal life is interesting, but hopefully won’t cause Casey to go back to letting others make decisions for her.  

Readers who enjoy Betty Hechtman’s Crochet mysteries should enjoy seeing her branch out with a series focused on knitting.

Reviewed by Christine K.