A Crime of a Different Stripe

Book excerpt: As sleepy Sea Harbor, Massachusetts settles into the glow of autumn, a baby-on-the-way has the Seaside Knitters feeling warm and fuzzy. Only, these crafty ladies can’t get too cozy when sweater weather delivers an unexpected arrival—murder! While nonchalant mother-to-be Cass Halloran tries downplaying her pregnancy, a softer side of the no-nonsense lobsterwoman emerges as the Seaside Knitters create heaps of delicate hats and booties for her bundle of joy. But in contrast to the happy news, terrifying events unfold at the town’s art series that puts a real chill in their New England fall… Izzy Perry’s husband had reservations about inviting Louis Mansfield to speak at the opening festivities, although he never imagined the sketchy photographer would ditch the party. When Louis’s dead body turns up along the wooded shoreline the next day, startling secrets come into focus that could undo the tight-knit community of local artists… With a mysterious murder pitting neighbors against each other, Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and a vulnerable Cass find themselves entangled in a dangerous hunt for answers. Can four best friends somehow tie together scattered clues and pacify a list of potential culprits before a cascade of fallen foliage buries the pièce de résistance of a ruthless killer?