Knot Dead Again

Book Review: Knot Dead Again by Betty Hechtman

Rating: 3 Stars

I recently finished reading Knot Dead Again by Betty Hechtman, and it was quite the ride! This cozy mystery had everything I enjoy: a charming setting, engaging characters, and a plot that kept me guessing. However, it also had some elements that dampened the experience just a bit.

Let me start with the premise. The story unfolds as Casey Feldstein, our yarn retreat host, finds herself and her guests trapped at Vista Del Mar due to a torrential downpour—definitely not ideal for a relaxing getaway! Just when you think the weather is the worst of their problems, a guest turns up dead in his room, prompting speculation about foul play. With police unable to reach them due to the storm, Casey takes it upon herself to investigate the mystery and keep her guests safe. As more bodies turn up and tensions rise, Casey finds herself racing against time to solve the case before the killer slips away.

Now, onto what I thought about the book. First off, can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It's perfection! I was already intrigued to dive into the story just by looking at it. In terms of plot, I loved how well-structured the mystery was. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found the setting of Cadbury to be delightful. The characters were mostly likable too, which made me root for Casey as she navigated this stormy situation—both literally and figuratively.

However, I did take off a star for one significant reason: the relationship drama. There was way too much focus on Casey's romantic entanglements—especially with Dane. It felt repetitive and, honestly, a bit frustrating at times. I mean, c'mon! A simple five-minute conversation could have cleared up so much tension. When I pick up a cozy mystery, I'm really in it for the mystery itself rather than a heavy dose of relationship angst.

That said, I'm hopeful about the next installment in the series. It looks like things may take a better turn (fingers crossed!). Overall, Knot Dead Again was enjoyable despite its flaws, and I'm still on board to see where Casey's adventures take her next. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries without too much romantic drama, you might want to tread lightly on this one—but it's definitely worth a read if you're looking for an engaging whodunit with some knitting twists!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️