Betty Hechtman

Molly Pink is finally starting to get her life in order -- again. She's found out she's the 'contact person' for the Craftee Channel, who want to film a show at Shedd & Royal Books & More, where Molly works. But her co-worker Adele isn't happy, since she thinks that she should be the right person. And when Molly discovers that a young reality star, Rory Graham, is going to be the host, she's less than thrilled -- especially when she finds out Rory can't crochet.

But then the Tarzana Hookers show more are joined by two new members -- Marianne Freeman and Connie Richards. Molly soon figures out that Marianne has some problems, and Connie is there to help her. But she also learns that Marianne's brother Errol isn't happy about it, and wants to keep Marianne where he can see her.

At least her love life is improving; she's back with high-powered criminal defense attorney Mason Fields, and they're starting all over, trying to make time for each other in their busy schedules. Although her ex homicide detective Barry Greenberg isn't happy, he's trying to learn to deal with it.

But then Connie is found dead on Marianne's lawn, electrocuted, and now Marianne is a suspect. She won't talk to the police, but Barry comes to Molly for help, which is a first, hoping she can get information from Marianne that the police can't. Molly, who has an innate curious nature, is more than willing to help.

When Molly starts asking Marianne questions she begins to learn more about the quiet woman than she ever imagined. It's obvious Marianne's brother doesn't want her in their home, but Molly persists, and Marianne is on Molly's side.

But Rory is another problem: if she's not ready for the show, everything will fall apart and Mrs. Shedd will be devastated. So Molly enlists her fellow crocheters to help, tries to get Mariane to talk, is trying to set up a very different type of book signing, keep her relationship with Mason going, and keep Barry and Mason apart, all while helping Barry. It's enough to make her take her eye off the killer so they can put theirs on her...

This is the eleventh book in the series, and there is a lot going on here. Rory is more interested in showing off her dance moves than crocheting, figuring that Adele can do the job for her (of course she can't); and Molly is trying to keep her helping Barry on the down low, which is near impossible when her best friend Dinah is having her own problems and hiding out at Molly's intermittently.

It's an interesting mystery that starts to come together slowly, with the clues being put together as Molly finds them. Is Marianne guilty? Molly doesn't think so, but Detective Heather Gilmore is sure of it, not even looking at other suspects. Barry doesn't agree with her, which is why he's enlisted Molly's help.

Of course, Molly is still feeding anyone who shows up at her house, and I find that a bit overdone; people know how to feed themselves. At least Adele has toned things down a bit in this book, and for that I am grateful. (One note that I have to say is that I am a left-handed crocheter. I have been crocheting since I was a child, learning from my mother, and never had any problem with patterns at all.)

When the ending comes and Molly puts everything together, the murderer is a surprise, which is always a nice thing. I did enjoy reading this book and look forward to the next, waiting to see what lies in store for Molly and her friends. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review. show less

Fellow fans of this series will like knowing that a secret from the previous book is dealt with here in Gone With the Wool, and the reaction Casey gets isn't exactly what she expected. How's the mystery? First rate, because Hechtman's red herrings led me in the opposite direction from the villain-- a bit like Julius the cat's "stink fish" would make me head away from the kitchen pronto.

If there's any weakness in this book for me, it's the fact that Casey spent 97% of her time sleuthing and show more dodging irritating parents. You see, her friend Sammy's parents are in town, and they still think Casey is going to marry their darling boy. (Definitely not happening.)

The reason that Casey had so much time to play detective is that her "early bird" friends who attend each of her yarn retreats are now so well-trained that they can do the work themselves. (You're not paying them, Casey, shame on you.) One of the reasons why I enjoy this series so much is that I love the participation in the retreats and the interaction with all the crafters. For me, yarn is as big an addiction as reading, so I need my fiber fix as much as my mystery fix.

If you're in the mood for a book (and a series) with a strong cast of characters, a good setting, intriguing mysteries, and a few balls of yarn thrown in for good measure, I suggest you sign up for one of Betty Hechtman's Yarn Retreats. show less

The people of Cadbury are used to cloudy skies, but a rainy deluge catches them off guard. No one at Vista Del Mar thought the rain would strand them there, but that is exactly what happens. The resort is eventually surrounded by a moat of water and debris. And while they are waiting for the rain to stop and for heavy equipment to be brought in to move trees and cars, a tragedy strikes the inn. One of the guests dies. Casey and Sammy take charge of the situation, trying to keep guests calm. show more The situation is a stressful one, trying to feed guests with limited food and with little help, and to keep them occupied. And they may be stranded with a murderer on the premises. This novel really adds much to the continuing series. There is trouble in the romance department, too. Dane’s high school sweetheart is back in town, and Casey feels that she must leave town, not wanting to see her former boyfriend with someone else. Author Betty Hechtman really upped her game with this novel. I’m looking forward to the next one and to Casey’s next adventure. show less

I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series even though after seven books, I'm beginning to think that a real Vista del Mar resort might be bankrupt from all the murders that have taken place there. (Lethal word of mouth, don't you know-- and imagine the Yelp reviews.) The enjoyment arises from a wonderful California coast setting, a fun cast of characters, and a succession of intriguing mysteries to solve.

There's quite a bit of fun to be found while Casey tries to solve another murder. show more Where does one of her retreat members keep sneaking off to? Is learning to crochet really that easy? Will resort manager Kevin St. John get a chance to enforce his No Pets on the Premises rule? And how about that mindfulness retreat he put together? (Three raisins?!?) Other things that made me smile were the attempts Casey makes in order to keep her burgeoning romance a secret in her small town, and the fact that it seems as though everyone beats a path to the Blue Door Restaurant after hours to talk to her. How on earth does she manage to get her baking done?

And guess what? While I was having so much fun with the characters and the various situations, I found myself led astray by some very good misdirection in the mystery. All in all, Knot on Your Life is light and fun and a pleasure to read. More, please! show less