Died in the Wool by Peggy Ehrhart is the second novel in A Knit & Nibble Mystery series. Pamela Paterson along with Bettina Fraser have been selling knitted aardvarks at Arborfest all day with the proceeds to benefit the Arborville high school athletic program. During the afternoon, Bettina noticed that two of the little knitted critters have gone missing and, as Pamela removes the canvas from around the table, she finds one of them—on top of a dead body someone stashed under the table. The victim is local high school history teacher, Randall Jefferson who managed to rub many people the wrong way and angered many people for his critical op-ed regarding school sports programs. When the knitting club members and their knitted creations become persona non grata, Pamela must work to unravel the clues. After a search of Randall’s home, they come up with two likely suspects. Someone is not happy with Pamela’s questioning and leaves her an unusual warning. Pamela will not be deterred, and she soon uncovers the second missing aardvark along with another victim. Can Pamela connect the clues and identify the wily killer?

Died in the Wool can be enjoyed if you have not read Murder, She Knit. The author provided the necessary background on the main character and the knitting club. I had some trouble getting into the book because I found Died in the Wool to be a slow starter. They eat frequently in this book and the food is described in detail (the ingredients, how it is prepared, every item in the meal, sitting down to eat, etc.). There are also detailed descriptions of plants as the various members maintain their perennial beds and purchase new plants. Readers are also entertained with every outfit that Penny Patterson wears to work (she has an interesting wardrobe). The group has a new member, Holly who is very perky. I liked that she is knitting with larger needles and yarn (similar to roving). The ruby red yarn that Pamela picked up for her new sweater sounded beautiful. The mystery had Pamela and Bettina breaking into Randall’s home, questioning suspects, tailing thieves and tampering with evidence. Any forensics that could have been obtained from the evidence was lost by the time this group was done with it. There are pointed clues to aid readers in solving the crime and the killer can be pinpointed early in the book. In Died in the Wool more time is devoted to food than the mystery and the murder mystery was lacking in substance. I did get a good laugh when the cat in heat noises were described (it is very distinctive). Pamela had no clue what the caterwauling indicated. There is a knitting pattern at the end for a cozy cat and a recipe for strawberry shortcake. I am giving Died in the Wool 3 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a light cozy mystery with charming characters, then you should check out Died in the Wool.

I compared this book to an old tv show called the Snoop Sisters, which I loved. The story revolves around Pamela and Bettina who are neighbors and friends. They also are members of the local knitting group. The knitting group decides to make Aardvarks for the local school program. While cleaning up they find the local history teacher under their table with one of the aardvarks on his chest. I found the storyline held my interest and very descriptive. I love the descriptions of the houses of the club members and clothes worn throughout the book. Food was described so you could even say that the book included recipes. I thought the addition of Catalina, Pamela's cat added some humor to the book. The town sounded so quaint and friendly. I really like books where when you read them you can just picture in your mind what is going on. This book does that. The addition of energetic and overly helpful Holly was a good one. It was good to see that a younger person was interested in knitting. There are some twists and turns in the book which added to the suspense of the book. I truly enjoyed this book and plan on purchasing the the first book.

Died in the Wool

by Peggy Ehrhart

Died in the Wool, like the first book in Peggy Ehrhart's Knit and Nibble Mystery Series, has a calmness that gives me pleasure as I read. Although the main character Pamela sometimes follows inadvisable investigative leads like other cozy mysteries’ main characters, neither her pace of life nor her pursuit of justice is frenetic. I sometimes wonder how some main characters manage to maintain a job while trying to solve the mystery and juggle their many personal issues.

Pamela, like author Ehrhart, enjoys knitting and food, and those passions are evident in Pamela’s life as a member of a knitting club whose meetings also feature snacks or desserts. Ehrhart includes a knitting pattern and recipes in the back of the book, but more pointedly, her descriptions of various foods are detailed and mouth-watering.

The knitting club Knit and Nibble works for weeks producing stuffed animal aardvarks, the school mascot, to sell in support of the football team at Arborfest. Unfortunately there is a murder and the knitting group’s reputation is damaged. Pamela and her friend Bettina try to find the murderer. This cozy has twists and turns with the criminal’s identity discovered only after many understandable, but wrong assumptions and some exciting scenes. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, Knit One, Die Two.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #2 in the Knit and Nibble Series, but works well as a standalone

Publication: August 28, 2018—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

She tested several ice-breaking comments in her mind, settling on “Your daughter’s tabouli is delicious.” He turned, looking as startled as if she’d announced a taste for human blood. Terribly shy, Pamela said to herself, awkward in social situations.

At that moment, the sandwiches arrived, on cream-colored oval plates with slender pickle spears tucked alongside. Gobbets of tuna salad and golden streaks of melted cheddar were barely contained by bread that had been grilled to buttery and toasty perfection.

Pamela wasn’t a wary person. She woke up every morning expecting the day to unfold predictably, just the way a knitting project moved predictably toward completion with only an occasional dropped stitch that could easily be picked up again.

This delightful new series is already a favorite of mine. The small-town setting of Arborville, NJ, is a short drive into Manhattan. It is the kind of town where many people know each other or get to know of each other at local functions. For example, football coach Brad Striker tells everyone in earshot how Randall Jefferson is an “idiot history teacher” at the May Celebration.
Pamela is an associate editor for a fiber arts magazine, allowing her to work from home. She is also the founder of the knitting club in Arborville, Knit and Nibble. They have knit 25 turquoise aardvarks, the high school mascot, to raise money for the school’s athletic program. They are to be sold at the knitting club booth at the annual May Celebration and Parade.
History teacher Randall Jefferson thinks that high school sports, especially football, should be disbanded, and that history more important than team sports. When Pamela and best friend Bettina are taking down their booth and find Jefferson’s body stuffed under the canvas-wrapped table, it was an easy assumption that Coach Striker did the deed.
Pamela and Bettina think they are the primary suspects since he was found at the knitting group’s booth. They are almost ostracized, one local web site even stating that Pamela should be in jail already! Someone started collecting the “killer aardvarks” that people had purchased, with the intent to burn them. As much as she doesn’t want to get involved, Pamela knows she must follow at least a couple leads. One who looks just like Jefferson, a woman named Nightingale who was a regular nightly visitor, and a professor with whom Jefferson had regular, backstabbing, written critiques of each other’s research.
Pamela and Bettina have colorful imaginations, as evidenced by their potential scenarios of who might have killed Jefferson. Their easy conversations show how close their friendship is. I enjoy both ladies for their intelligence, creativity, homemaking talents, and strong relationships with loved ones, despite Bettina’s insistence that the widowed Pamela should consider going out with their somewhat new neighbor, Richard. I also enjoy sweet Catrina, the kitten Pamela rescued during the winter who has become quite the companion.
I find it refreshing that this cozy mystery includes “seasoned” protagonists. Pamela has an interesting career that does not consume her and is enhanced by her love of working in various fibers. She, and the mystery, took hold of my attention early in the novel and held it throughout. Twists and turns in the plot brought suspects to light. I’m not sure than I could wander through a recently-murdered man’s home looking for clues…especially when hearing someone else in a house that should be empty! There is genuine suspense, humor, cleverness, and the joy of being with friends. I had an idea who the killer was, only for the reason of opportunity and a couple of tiny seeds of clues, yet was genuinely surprised to see it really was this person who was respected in the community. The end left me wanting more of Arborville and its good friends. I highly recommend Died in the Wool to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries filled with yarn arts, fun, and friendship.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-arc from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This book starts with a sale at Arborfest, in Arborville New Jersey. Pamela Patterson, lives in Arborville. Today, her and her friends from Knit and Nibble are selling knitted Aardvarks. The sale of Aardvarks goes to support the local high school and it's sports program. New coach and all. All does not sit well, and some people just don't like the idea of football over history and school wars are strong. It's not long into reading when the dead body is found. It was a little lack luster of the body was killed. Though the placement of a knitted Aardvark leads to all those happy customers taking issues with the Knit and Nibble knitting group. Was it a knitter or a nibbler who killed the victim?

During the reading of the book we learned details about Arborville, and what it is like in May. It sounds picture perfect. Green Grass, cool nights, and flowers are blooming. Though, next door to Pamela's house; lives Richard. This time Richard is a little more open. But he has employ the towns lawn guy to help trim the overgrown mass of yard. It seems that the discussion of lawns, and lawn care are clues to putting the pieces together.

So, last time we were in this universe, wild turkeys were running around, and it was Thanksgiving. I really was hoping for more of that kind of thing. Like could there be birds, or rascals of the night again? This time the animal talk is more centrally focused on Catrina. Catrina is our cover cat for this series so far. I love her issues this time, but am worried how next time there may be issues with Pam and a horde of kittens.


I was thinking one way with this mystery. But the clues gathered popped up at the very end. This time the familiar Co-Op as a grocery store was not an option for Pamela. So we learned about some other places to get supplies in Arborville. One thing I like about this series is this is not a yarn shop series. This is a group of knitters, and they get yarn else where. Pamela works for a magazine as an assistant editor. But there is no "shop" Though the yarn does come from some unique places.

A new craft mystery for me and I had no problem catching up with all the characters especially the friend ship between Pamela and Bettian.
( but I will go back to read the first book my choice).
This book was fun to read a lot of twist in the story which kept you guessing as to who would want to kill Randall Jefferson and why, with a suprise ending .
I look forward for the next Peggy Ehrheart next book in the series.

A pleasant cozy mystery. The aardvarks sound adorable. Entertaining story. I look forward to reading more by Peggy Ehrhart.

Died in the Wool is the second installement in Knit and Nibble Mystery series vut can be read as a standalone.
Pamela and her knitting club are selling aardvarks to help local high school's sports program. But when she discovers body of the not so liked history teacher with only a stuffed aardvark as a clue she has no choice but to search for the truth.
Even though I enjoyed the story I didn't qarm up to any particular character and must admit that the story is a bit slow going. Also step by step cooking instruction tend to slow it even more. Though only a beginner knitter and as someone who enjoys baking there are many refernces regarding these subjects that I enjoyed.
Quick and easy nicely plotted mystery with qell developed characters and a nice setting.

Ehrhart has kicked it up a bit in this second installment in a cozy series featuring Pamela and her friends (primarily Bettina) who knit and solve mysteries. Don't worry if you haven't read the first one-there's enough back story here to catch you up but not too much for those who read the first one (as I did). This time around, the knitters are determined to find out who killed Randall Jefferson, who might have been a good history teacher but was a polarizing character. And who stuffed him under their booth at the fair? (Why, btw didn't anyone notice this before they did?). It's a quick read, with good characters and some funny lines. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the genre.

I liked the first book in this series and this one is even better.
There’s an interesting development of the characters that makes them more fleshy and likable.
The plot was engaging and keptme guessing till then.
A very good mystery, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this arc

In this second "Knit & Nibble Mystery," the knitting club knits Aardvarks to benefit the local high school. When a body is found under their table at a fundraiser, Pamela and crew are on the trail to determine who commited the crime and the reason why. Even though this is the second in this cozy knit mystery series, jumping into this book didn't leave me confused with characters - appropriate backstory is shared throughout the book.

Free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Book is available August 28th.

Another great story of the adventures of the knit and nibble. Pamela and her knitting friends just keep coming upon murders and then always get to help solve them. In between they get together to knit and nibble. Great series.

I received a free copy of Died in the Wool (Book 2 of the Knit and Nibble Mysteries) by Peggy Ehrhart in exchange for an honest review. The Knit and Nibble knitting club is excited to sell their hand-knit aardvarks at a local fair with all proceeds going to the high school athletic program (GO VAARKS!) However, things begin to go awry. First, two of the toys are stolen. Second, one of the stolen toys is found atop a murdered man. Third, the murdered man was found concealed under the covered table at the Knit and Nibble group’s booth. When the entire community turns against the knitters and the police produce no results, Pamela Paterson finds herself, once again, embroiled in hunting a killer.

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and entertaining read. The characters are engaging. As an avid handcrafter, I would actually like to knit and nibble with Pamela’s knitting group - if it weren’t quite so dangerous.

#DiedInTheWool #NetGalley

Another in the series of Knit and Nibble club books, this book has Pamela and her knitting friends trying to find out who killed the history teacher found beneath their sales table at a local event. Their group falls under suspicion and they are trying to clear their name. It's an interesting cozy mystery series that's captured my attention because it includes a cat! I'm glad to see the cat playing a larger part of this story, and hope to see her in upcoming books. You'll like this easy reading mystery for its touch of romance, knitting trivia, and likeable characters.

This second book in the series is even better than the first.
I am not usually a fan of "knitting" cozies, but I quite enjoyed this one.
The characters were appealing and the whodunit kept me guessing until the final reveal.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanace Reader Copy of this book.

Entertaining and wholesome.
Love the feeling of camaraderie and friendship between neighbors and fellow knitters.
In this installment, the knitting group participates in a high-school event to raise money for the football team. They have made some cute stuff animals in the shape of the aardvark in honor of the school's mascot. Little did they know that a murder had taken place and the knit club would be the main suspect.

This is turning into one of my favorite series! I could hardly wait to read this book and it didn't disssapoint. The lead female character is great, just the right amount of pushy in order to find clues. In some cozy mystery series the lead character does unrealistically dangerous things. This character is smarter than that and actually makes it seems like something a "regular" person could get caught up in. The supporting characters are great. I especially like her relationship with her best friend. The mysteries are complicated enough that you don't know who done it, but not so confusing that it gets too exhausting to read. The slow romance is just enough to not take over the book. Many cozies can't say that. I very much look forward to the next in the series.

Died in the Wool by Peggy Ehrhart is the second book in the cozy A Knit & Nibble Mystery series. Again I will admit that I’m not a knitter but my attraction to this series is it reminds me of my grandmother who did love to knit and bake so with every turn of a page I think of her.

In this second book Pamela is back with her knitting group which includes her good friend and fellow knitter, Bettina. The group had been busy knitting up some aardvarks to sell to benefit the local school. But as the day is wrapping up they find that they are missing two of the aardvarks that didn’t sell.

As they are trying to pack up and figure out the dilemma of the missing critters something even worse is found, a dead body. Randall Jefferson who teaches history at the school seems to have been murdered but with the body is a missing aardvark so of course the town begins to suspect the Knit and Nibble group leading Pamela and Bettina to do their own investigating yet again.

While the Knit & Nibble Mystery series is not one that is overly quirky I have enjoyed the characters and this mystery yet again. With the first book of the series I thought the author had a tendency to go a little overboard describing the knitting process and while that didn’t seem to happen this go round it seemed to be replaced with step by step cooking. Now without a better way of putting this I have to just come out and say going a bit too far with that is a a bit boring and slows a story. Thankfully it wasn’t too much so in the end I’d give this second installment 3.5 stars and come back to see how the third goes.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is a new to me series and I had no problem starting with book #2.

It was nice to have a main character with a sidekick again and there are a lot of other characters in the knitting group with potential.

The killer kind of comes from left field and I doubt many readers would see it coming.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the series and I can't wait for book 3! I really enjoy the characters and the story moves along at a great pace. The mystery keeps you guessing until the very end (and I didn't see it coming!). The covers are really done well with lots of color and a very memorable cat.