Member Reviews

Another great book from Anne Canadeo! The quality never diminishes. She continues to excel at plots and characterization. The plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing. You will feel like you know her characters personally by the end and will want to see them again soon!

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You might not look at your local farmer's market the same way after this one! Phoebe is excited to get a booth to sell her socks but sadly, the booth comes with a heavy legacy- the previous user was believed to have committed suicide until a review showed it was murder. Then, back things start to happen to her not the least of which (well emotionally) is the arrival of Harry, her ex, and his pots just across from her. He was a rat but when he's arrested for narcotics and murder (!) after another merchant is killed, Phoebe asks her friends from the Black Sheep to help her solve the crimes. They never liked him but they're up for helping Phoebe. I've only read a couple of the books in this long running series and I do think that helps because of the backstories and the range of characters (there's a wedding in the offing too). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A classic cozy with friends in the lead.

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This is a charming series that I always enjoy returning to. This release is the 12th book in the popular cozy series
"Black Sheep & Company". Thank you to both the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

Our next in series finds Phoebe at the center of a sleuth after her breakup with Henry. She becomes involved in center of a police investigation and the group is determined to save their friend from suspicion as well as clear her ex from murder charges. When a second murder occurs Phoebe 's ex is again involved as is a very mysterious set of circumstances. The knitting group steps up to help Phoebe clear his name and find the true suspect.

I loved this next in series. it is a departure from the previous books and involved Phoebe and different charcters. It was a well crafted sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. I love the setting and the supporting charcters as well as the group of friends that support one another. This series is the perfect cozy mystery read.

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Another fun mystery amongst the knitters! A quick and enjoyable read on a fall night. Thought I had it figured out, but then I didn't! A great addition to the Black Sheep and Co. series.

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As always I loved reading Anne Canadeo’s story! Spending time with the Black Sheep knitters is always enjoyable! I wanted to hear more about their relationships at home and the ending didn’t make sense to me. I don’t think Robbie would have killed anyone. He was too gentle of soul. I think Martin had more reason to kill his Mother’s lover. Looking forward to reading more of this talented author’s stories!

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Strangers on a Skein by Anne Canadeo is the fourth book in her Black Sheep & Co Mystery series. This book has an interesting storyline and likable characters. It is a well-written story but not my style. The storyline has a lot of descriptive prose and also lots of philosophizing conversations. I prefer less description and a faster pace. I really like the cover though.

I received an ARC and am happy to provide a honest review.

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Strangers on a Skein is another mystery involving the lives of a group of knitters. They meet and knit together in Maggie’s Black Sheep Knitter’s Shop in the small town of Plum Harbor. As a result they have become close friends. When the shop manager, Phoebe, gets a stall at the Farmer’s Market because of the death of the previous occupant, they all pitch in. to help her open. The death turns out to be a murder and Phoebe’s ex-boyfriend is accused. From there on, there are a series of twists and turns, plus another murder. The knitters uncover clues leading to the discovery of the drama at the Farmer’s Market which ultimately helps solve the murders.
I enjoy the different characters . Reference is made to plots of past books in the series where each has been the center of the mystery unfolding. I think the books are well written, light, and enjoyable.

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A very good mystery and the characters are so very diverse. I really liked the by play of the other girl friends.

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I really enjoyed this book. It's got a great story, interesting characters and a shocker of an reveal of the bad guy. #StrangersonaSkein #NetGalley

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The Black Sheep & Co. yarn shop and its owner, Maggie, have solved several mysteries over the life of the series that tangentially relate to knitting and yarn. In this latest entry in the series, Maggie's employee Phoebe has struck out on her own, serendipitously landing a stall at the Plum Harbor Farmer's Market after the death of the stall's previous renter. Phoebe is excited to start her own business selling finished knit items and yarn kits, hoping this new venture will take her mind off of her recent break up with her boyfriend, Harry. Then she discovers that her stall is right across from Harry's aunt's stall, and the uncomfortable situation is made worse when vandalism and a suspicious death stalk the market. Like all the books in the series, the yarn shop and knitting are just the hook to attract readers and don't contribute to the story. These books never read as if the author herself has experience with knitting. Minor goofs, like 'casted off' for beginning a project (it's casting on) and vague wording (like "Maggie helped her finish the sock") signal very clearly that Ms. Canadeo isn't a knitter. So diehard knitting fanatics who want to read descriptions of yarn and more meaningful connections between the knitter and her project should pass on this series. This entry is a little better than previous stories in that none of the Black Sheep regulars are suspected of murder, although one of them is involved with a major suspect. The story was fairly fast paced, and Plum Harbor seems like a nice enough little town. A couple of chapters before the end, I began to suspect who the murderer was, but it still came as a surprise that Ms. Canadeo went in that direction. I want to like Maggie more than I do: she's middle aged and has started all over again, found romance, lives in a lovely little town, doesn't have to really work for a living, is surrounded by a group of close friends--but I just don't care that much for her. She's kind of bland. She doesn't like tacos! I'm not sure I can like a character who doesn't like tacos. Her groups of friends have more interesting and distinct personalities. It's a pleasant enough read, and when I stumble across one, like this, I will read it, but this is not a series I'd seek out or eagerly wait for.

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I had not read the other books in this series but had no trouble diving right into the story and never felt like I had missed something. I loved the way the characters interacted. The friendships really came through in the writing. The author's humorous writing style was very enjoyable. The mystery had many twists and kept me guessing. I will be checking out the prior books and look forward to the next installment of the series. I highly recommend Strangers on a Skein to cozy mystery lovers.

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Knitting shop owner Maggie and her Black Sheep Knitting Group are sleuthing again -- but this time it's mostly about their young friend Phoebe's love life. The older ladies are convincingly concerned for Phoebe, and determined to help her.

The mystery includes a lot of complex relationships and interesting characters. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the town is appealing.

As a knitter,I have to say that these amateur sleuths knit amazingly fast -- seems like they can knit up a pair of socks in a few days while also solving crimes, conducting their own relationships, and even holding down jobs.

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I really enjoyed this next book in a great series. I thought it was for sure not going to be Robbie who was the bad guy you realyhad me on my toes trying to figure it out. And boy was i surprised at the great ending to a wonderful continuing series. Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of STRANGERS ON A SKEIN (Book 4 of the Black Sheep & Co. Mysteries) by Anne Canadeo in exchange for an honest review. Phoebe Myers, assistant manager of the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, rents a booth at the local farmer’s market to sell her handknitted goods. Phoebe lucks into a prime spot, which opened due to the suicide of the previous booth owner. Phoebe soon learns that, though the surface appearance of the farmer’s market is happy and upbeat, the drama underneath that surface is hostile and vicious. To complicate matters, Phoebe’s ex-boyfriend Harry has a nearby booth and begins pressuring her to reconnect. Soon, Phoebe’s booth is vandalized, the suicide verdict is upgraded to homicide, and another vendor is murdered. When Harry becomes the prime suspect in both homicides and further arrested for possessing narcotics with intent to distribute, Phoebe and the Black Sheep Knitters find themselves investigating. Though Harry’s behavior towards Phoebe was less than honorable, Phoebe is certain his shady behavior doesn’t extend to murder.

I enjoyed this story. I’ve only read one prior book in this series and none in the original, but I had no problems keeping the story or the characters straight. I note that, though this story is Phoebe’s, it’s told primarily from the perspective of the proprietor of the knitting shop and only switches to Phoebe’s viewpoint in pivotal moments. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, knitting, knitting shops, flea markets, farmer markets, or open air markets.

#StrangersonaSkein #NetGalley

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A good whodunit with lots of red herrings. Makes me want to learn to knit! Love the characters and their relationship to each other. You can read as a stand alone or read in order. Either way an awesome time to be had! Thanks #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Strangers on a Skein by Anne Canadeo (Black Sheep & Company Mystery #4) 3.5 stars

This outing of the Black Sheep & Company Mystery focuses on Phoebe, Maggie's assistant manager. A booth at the local farmer's market just became available and Phoebe will be selling her hand knitting goods there. Phoebe finds out that the booth became available because the original stall holder committed suicide. Things get weird for Phoebe when she finds out that an ex-boyfriend will be working a stall nearby. Throw in hostile farmers, vandalism and cyber bullying, Phoebe now wonders if getting a stall is a good thing. After her ex-boyfriend's aunt is found dead in her home, the atmosphere at the market is trending towards chilling. The ladies of Black Sheep & Company have to marshal their resources to get the bottom of these crimes or Phoebe may end up the next victim.

I have been reading this series for years and I loved last years entry "The Hounds of the Basket Stitch". But this one fell flat for me. The book was a fast read and not demanding. I think what spoiled it for me was the attitude Maggie, Suzanne and the others have toward Phoebe. It was a bit overprotected for my taste. The series overall is excellent and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

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I loved this book! It started off a bit slow but then it hooked me. The women are such great friends without being cloying. The storyline is a good one that many friends have experienced and I was rooting for them all. Sometimes with so many characters something gets lost but here they are all complete, fresh, and fabulous. If I wasn't allergic to wool I'd run right out and stock up on knitting supplies!

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This is a fun series for all ages. The knitting aspect is fun throughout the mystery. Maggie owns the Black Sheep Knitting Shop and I would love to visit. She welcomes knitters of all ages. Her manager gets to sell handmade things at Farmers Craft Market. It’s a great opportunity for Phoebe that is until someone is murdered. This was a fast paced and fun book.
#StrangersonaSkein #NetGalley

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Phoebe finally snags a spot at the local farmers market to sell her hand crafted goods. She finds that a spot opened up only because an old popular farmer had died, leaving his stall available. While Phoebe feels strange taking them man’s place, she soon finds the market itself is a strange place.

When the farmer’s death is changed from suicide to murder, things get even stranger with the murder of the stall operator across from her, who happens to be the aunt of her ex boyfriend. It seems the market, if not Phoebe’s stall, is cursed when her ex is accused of murdering both the farmer and his aunt. Phoebe stands by her ex and vows to prove his innocence. The Black Sheep knitters all seem to have some different input but will they find the one clue that will help the police find the killer and clear Harry the Potter?

A super fun series that is comprised of a group of knitters of all ages. I don’t know why but this one just didn’t quite feel like previous entries. Maybe because this time Maggie and the others were a bit more restrained in their sleuthing, or maybe it was just me. Either way, it was a good read and a solid whodunit.

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Stranger on a Skein by Anne Canadeo Y'all are going to love the latest from the Black Sheep & Company.  This mystery solving knitting group keeps you interested in their knitting projects, relationships, local town happenings and especially the latest murder or in this latest novel, murders.  I am always left wanting more. Thank you Net Galley.

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