I'm already a fan of Allie Pleiter's Love Inspired romances, so reading one of her cozy mysteries wasn't a real stretch. With quirky NYAGs (Not Your Average Grandmas) and nosy townspeople, the story sparkles with humor amid the mystery.

Shelby Phillips' graphic design career AWAY from Gwen Lake crashes along with her romantic dreams when the business is swallowed by a larger conglomerate. Returning home is not her favorite option, but right now it's the only one open to her. When her parents decide to take a 3-week trip, her mother asks her to take charge of her needlework shop, Nora's Nimble Needle while they are away. Since she grew up in the store, Shelby has no doubt that she can do the job. Her only doubt is if she wants to do the job. One week in, she's gearing up for the trunk show her mother has scheduled when she learns that the woman showing her wares has been trying to buy the Needle from her mother. Not only that, she's someone who followed Shelby around and claimed her as a friend even though Shelby barely tolerated her. Kat Katsaros has made a major change in herself since high school, and it appears that few people in town like the woman she has become.

Determined to show her mother that her faith isn't misplaced, and to show her "perfect" older sister that she, too, can handle running the shop, Shelby dives in with everything she's got, trying to put the past behind her and deal with Kat as an adult. However, the morning of the trunk show where Kat is supposed to show her newest scissors and canvas designs, Kat doesn't show up. Shelby goes looking for her and finds her van nearby. She hears her machinery running, opens the back door, and finds Kat slumped over the machinery with a knife buried in her chest. The police declare it a tragic accident, but Shelby has a niggling feeling that won't leave her alone. Could this really have happened the way the police are sure it did? Have they even looked at any of Kat's enemies that seem to be crawling out of the woodwork everywhere Shelby looks?

Shelby doesn't believe it's an accident, but can she expose a killer when everyone else sees a tragic mistake on Kat's part?

The mark of a good cozy for me is not figuring out the culprit until the very end of the book. I was truly surprised at the reveal in this one. Readers who love a good mystery will enjoy One Sharp Stitch. I loved the wit and humor throughout, and the oddball characters that popped up everywhere. I definitely recommend!

I really enjoyed meeting Shelby and her new friends in town along with her family when she came to take care of her mom’s needlepoint shop so Mom and Dad could go on a nice long road trip. She sure had no idea she’d be dealing with a murder soon after her parents left, although at first that’s not what it was being called. But Shelby persisted and even got Jessica somewhat involved.

On the shop front, Shelby managed to combine sleuthing with coming up with a needlepoint prize for a rotation all the shops took every few months. I liked the group she got together to help her do the stitching since they all talked about the case while they worked. The showdown and reveal were good—I’d definitely never suspected that person. Shelby and Jessica grew a lot closer as sisters after that which was gonna make the reveal during the epilogue a lot easier for both, lol. I sure can’t wait for that next book now!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

It’s book review time! I went back to the cozy mystery genre this month. One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter is the first in a new series. It was released yesterday (the 25th) from Kensington Books. As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s get to it!

One Sharp Stitch follows Shelby Phillips as she returns home to sort her life out after being laid off and manage her mother’s needlepoint store while her parents go on a road trip. Her strained relationship with her seemingly perfect sister doesn’t equal a particularly pleasant homecoming. Throw in the murder of an old school acquaintance and things get even more complicated. Can Shelby solve her own problems, let alone a murder? She’s sure going to try.

The plot is pretty standard, but with some family drama thrown in for fun. There’s a love interest, an annoyed police chief who isn’t quite as useless as she thinks he is, and a blossoming friendship that is definitely the shenanigans-encouraging bestie. There’s a lot of talking, but not a lot of going out and actually investigating, so the story moves slowly. The actual clues kind of just fall into Shelby’s lap. I’m fine with that, but I admit it’s not as engaging as other series with similar crafting themes. However, there are some nice twists that made me second guess myself for a couple of pages before going back to my main suspect (which was the correct one).

As far as the characters go, I liked them. At the least, they have potential. Shelby and her family are fairly fleshed out. As is the chief. Most of the other side characters are pretty flat, but they each have potential to be more in future books. I found Shelby’s and her sister’s aversion to their parent’s fun weird and annoying. So what if they wear matching shirts and stop at all the corny roadside attractions and take silly pictures? It’s not cringe if they’re enjoying themselves. So, I got a little tired of the teenager-esque “ew my parents still have fun” attitude from a couple of 30+ year olds, but that’s a me thing. Otherwise, the characters were interesting enough to keep me entertained when the plot dragged.

The writing was unobtrusive and nothing special. Sometimes, themed cozies can get carried away with all the technical jargon relating to the topic (needlepoint in this case) because the author wants to prove they know what they’re talking about, but this one doesn’t do that. There’s a nice balance of technical terms and explanations of those terms without feeling like the author is craftersplaining (like mansplaining, but crafters instead of men).

Ultimately, I enjoyed One Sharp Stitch. It has some issues, but nothing major. Most first books in a series have issues that either get better or worse as the series continues, so I’m willing to give this series another shot. I’ll keep an eye out for book two.

Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you’re into cozy mysteries or cross stitching, it’s definitely worth a look.

Shelby tells herself that her return to her hometown is only temporary, only long enough to run her family’s needlepoint shop while her parents take a much-needed vacation. But when the primary vendor for the shop’s trunk show is found dead, Shelby is determined to solve the crime before the killer strikes again.

Allie Pleiter is a new author for me, although she’s written several books prior to this one, and it shows. She has avoided many of the first-in-a-series traps, and created a story that is entertaining and made me root for the main character. Shelby develops friendships and grows more confident as the book continues. I especially like the NYAGs (Not Your Average Grannies), and the cat Nabbit. The needlepoint theme made me want to dig through my stash and see if I have any unworked needlepoint kits hiding somewhere :)

The murder victim didn’t have the best reputation in town, so there were several possible suspects to consider. Several red herrings threw me off, and I didn’t begin to suspect the actual culprit until shortly before the confrontation scene in the book.

This appears to be the first book in a new series, and I look forward to reading the next installment when it is released.

What a great start to this new cozy mystery series! I loved it! I quickly became invested in the story and was flying through the pages. I couldn't read it fast enough.

I loved the charming town of Gwen Lake. The Nimble Needle was such a cozy and inviting shop. I’ve never done needlepoint, but now I’m very intrigued by it. I thought CHNO, the coffeeshop, was really neat, and the yacht club was fun! Very clever!

This book is full of so many wonderful characters. Shelby, her sister Jessica, their parents, the NYAGs—the list could go on and on. I loved the dynamic between Shelby's family. It was realistic. Shelby and Jessica had the typical sibling rivalry, but I loved how they were still supportive of each other.

The mystery was great and kept me guessing. I was completely shocked by the reveal. I sure didn’t see that coming, but it made perfect sense. I love when I can be surprised like that.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed the author’s Riverbank Knitting Series and have been disappointed there haven’t been more. While the title in this new series doesn’t fill that void, it was good. What I loved most about it is that some of the characters don’t have the perfect lives that are the norm for most cozy series. These characters felt real. The plot was complex though the story had a predictable ending. Looking forward to book 2. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.

As the first book in a new mystery series, One Sharp Stitch is well, sharp. It is well written with great characters and a quirky setting.
Shelby Phillips comes home to Gwen Lake North Carolina to help out her mother with her shop, Nina’s Nimble Needle. The Nimble Needle is a needlework shop - needlepoint, cross stitch and that type of handicraft.
The writing made me want to pick up a project.
Shelby’s friend from high school, Kat, has made a name for herself by crafting embroidery scissors and design along with knife sharpening. Kat dies. Most everyone besides Shelby thinks it was a terrible accident. Shelby thinks it may have been murder.
The sense of community is built quickly in the book. There is the group of grandmas, called NYAGs, who visit the shop often. There are the new and former friends that Shelby gathers together to help her search for answers.
The quirkiness of the town involves the lake and yachts, but you’ll have to read to know why that is quirky. It’s just too good to spoil the surprise in a review.
There were real problems to solve in addition to the death. The culprit behind the death was a bit of a surprise, although it was a conclusion I could see coming from clues given.
I enjoyed reading the book. The narrator of the audiobook enhanced the story. I recommend picking up One Sharp Stitch especially if you enjoy handicrafts and artistic endeavors.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Cozies and Tantor Media for the opportunity to experience this book.

Thank you Netgalley & Kensington Cozies for an eARC ♥️


Hey, have you ever thought you were just temporarily escaping the chaos of your life, only to find yourself in the middle of a murder investigation? Yeah, that's what happens to Shelby Phillips.
Shelby's back in her hometown of Gwen Lake, North Carolina, taking over her mom's needlepoint shop, Nimble Needle. It's supposed to be a chill gig, but things take a deadly turn when Shelby finds the body of her former classmate, Kat Katsaros.
Kat was a bit of a rival, and Shelby's not exactly shedding tears. But she's determined to figure out who killed Kat, and she's not afraid to ask questions and stir up some drama.
As Shelby digs deeper, she's got some unlikely helpers - her sister, some stitchy friends, and a cute new guy in town. Together, they're gonna unravel the mystery and catch the killer before Shelby's life gets any more complicated.
This book is like a cozy cup of coffee on a chilly morning - it's got a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, and some serious small-town sass.😁

One Sharp Stitch is book #1 in the Nimble Needle Mystery series by Allie Pleiter.

I’ve never read anything by this author, but I was drawn to the series by the North Carolina location and the needlepoint shop. I wasn’t disappointed! Shelby‘s life is collapsing and she heads home to mind her mom‘s shop while her parents are on a month-long trip. She certainly wasn’t expecting to find a body. This was a nice introduction to the characters and the small town. I enjoyed the mystery and I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

When Shelby moves back to Gwen Lake to temporarily run her mother's needlepoint shop, she gets a little more than she bargained for, and it has nothing to do with needlepoint.

This crafty cozy mystery was an enjoyable read. Quirky characters, a small, locally owned business, a murder mystery and a small town give this one all the right vibes that I enjoy in a cozy mystery. The author does a great job of throwing you off the scent as you read along and try to solve the mystery. This is a fantastic start to what I hope will be a new series where we will learn more and more about the established characters.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter is a heartwarming and delightful read. With relatable characters, a charming storyline, and a perfect mix of mystery and emotion, it’s a cozy, feel-good book that will leave you smiling. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) A truly enjoyable experience from start to finish!

This is the debut book in the Nimble Needle Series by cozy author Allie Pleiter. I enjoyed this craft based series with the charming addition of needlework. The author has a well written debut with delightful characters and a well crafted sleuth. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity.

Shelby is in her thirties and nothing is turning out right for her. When her parents ask her to take over their needlepoint shop while they travel for a month by RV she agrees. Moving back to her small hometown was not in her plan for her life but she is sure it will only be temporary. When she is faced with a high school nemesis attempting a take over of her shop Shelby is determined to stop the women. Soon she is found dead and Shelby is the main suspect. She must clear her name to save her parents shop and free herself from suspicion.

I enjoyed this needlepoint based cozy and look forward to the next in series. The characters are done to perfection and the sleuth well crafted and kept me guessing to conclusion. A wonderful debut cozy.

Thank you to Net Galley for he ARC for review.

One Sharp Stitch is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Allie Pleiter. We follow Shelby, a thirty-something who has just lost her job and has to move back home to help out in her mother's needlepoint shop, Nimble Needle. On her first day at work, she finds one of the shop's suppliers, and a former school acquaintance, dead in his van. Shelby keeps her cool and decides to solve the mystery, convinced that the death was not an accident. Together with her colleagues and regular customers at the shop, as well as her overly perfect sister, they try to solve the mystery.

One Sharp Stitch is a subdued, cozy mystery without overly disturbing or frightening scenes. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and any bumps in the road are quickly resolved. There are few surprising elements in the book. The main characters come across as somewhat bland, and the only character who shows much personality is murdered right at the beginning. I missed a bit more character development in Shelby and would have liked to hear more from her good colleagues. However, since this is the first book in a planned series, I am confident that this will improve over time.

I enjoyed the small-town setting, the craft shop, and the witty comments along the way. It wasn't the most entertaining cozy mystery I've read, but it certainly meets all the genre's rules. Pick it up if you're looking for a cozy, easy-to-read story.

This was such a fun read. It’s so much more than a cozy mystery. It has amateur sleuthing, new/old friendships (human & feline), a hint of potential romance and lots of humor. Some of the characters are bizarre which added to the overall experience. It really took a turn there at the end!!
Taking a quote from the book sums it up well, “Quirky in a heartwarming kind of way”. 🥰
Highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a feel good book - yes I know there’s a murder but still…😅
Can’t wait for further adventures with Shelby and Nabbit in Gwen Lake.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A nice start to a new cozy series that is centered on a needlepoint shop and focuses not only on murder but also on family. Shelby's had some career troubles (to put it mildly) and she's only meant to be running her parents' shop for a month. Dealing with the women who hang out there and with her sister Jessica is one thing but when she discovers the body of Kat well, that's something else altogether. This is a set up for a classic series, with red herrings about the villain, a nascent romance and a nice small town. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This is my first book by Pleiter (I don't know how I missed her) and now I'm looking forward to more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wasn’t too sure at first, because it didn’t have the stereotypical cute picture on the front that most cozy mysteries do, but it ended up being a really great story!! I can’t wait for the next one!

I am a big fan of Allie Pleiter's knitting series, and was excited for the opportunity to preview the first title in her new needlework series! It did not disappoint. I love that she can craft mysteries that are cozy without being corny. I enjoyed the characters and found the mystery compelling. Highly recommend for cozy fans.

One Sharp Stitch is a well written cozy mystery. I enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. Mystery fans will love this book.

I loved this cozy so much! As someone who also does needlepoint, I had so much fun with the way the author described colors and textures. The mystery was also very interesting and kept me guessing at every turn.
I eagerly await the next book in this series!

This is a solid start to Pleiter's latest series. I enjoyed the quirky characters, as well as the small-town vibe. The mystery is one that keeps readers guessing. The pacing was a bit off, and the murder isn't really confirmed until well into the book, which is unusually late for this genre. There is a nice secondary storyline growing with Shelby and her hometown, as well as her relationships. I am sure they will be explored in more details and upcoming books.