The Herringbone Harbor Mystery

Book Review: The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum 📚

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

When I picked up The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, I'll admit it was the delightful cover that first caught my eye. There's something about those cozy, seaside vibes that just draw you in, promising a charming escape to the picturesque town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. It's the kind of place where the locals know each other well, and the tourists flock in as predictably as the tide, eager to soak up the sun and the small-town charm. 🏖️🌞

The story sets us right in the midst of this idyllic setting, as the Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters are busy with their latest creative project—designing new classes for the incoming vacationers and collaborating on a single, unique blanket. Birdie, one of the knitters, is enjoying a visit from her teenage granddaughter, who has started a dog-walking business with her friend Daisy. Meanwhile, there's a buzz in town about a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café that's drawing in crowds. 🧶🍲

However, the peace is shattered when Birdie witnesses a fire from her balcony, dangerously close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. The next morning reveals an even more shocking discovery: a popular businessman and mayoral candidate has been found dead in the blaze. This man wasn't just any victim; he was well-liked in the community, which is a bit of a twist from the typical murder victim scenario. Kudos to the author for shaking things up in that regard. 🔥🕵️‍♀️

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there's more simmering beneath the surface of this quaint town than meets the eye. The Seaside Knitters—Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell—find themselves unraveling a web of secrets and false accusations to catch the killer before they can strike again. 🧵🔎

While I enjoyed The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, it didn't quite captivate me as much as I'd hoped. The plot was engaging enough, but perhaps a bit too much emphasis was placed on a victim who seemed almost too good to be embroiled in such nefarious circumstances. Still, the author's writing is undeniably strong; her descriptions of Sea Harbor are vivid and transportive, painting a picture of a place you'd love to visit. The characters are likable, and there's even the added bonus of knitting patterns at the end for those who are crafty at heart. 📚🎨

All in all, it's a well-written cozy mystery that offers an enjoyable read, even if it didn't entirely sweep me off my feet. It earns a solid three stars from me—worth picking up for a lazy afternoon when you're in the mood for some seaside sleuthing. 🌊🔍

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