Gone with the Wool (Yarn Retreat Mystery #4) by Betty Hechtman

I shouldn't have to remind you, who started my cozy mystery journey. With my love for all things yarn, it was no mystery why I was drawn to read Betty Hechtman. I started with her crochet series, but I have devoured every single book she has written since. I'm happy to say her latest, Gone with the Wool (Yarn Retreat Mystery #4) due out July 5, is just as fabulous as the rest.

From the back of the book:

The national bestselling author of Wound Up in Murder spins a deadly yarn of knitting bees, butterflies, and beauty queens.

Every October, thousands of monarch butterflies flock to California’s Monterey Peninsula to spend the winter there. To welcome their colorful guests, Cadbury by the Sea holds a weeklong festival complete with a butterfly queen and her court.

Eager to show some town spirit, Casey Feldstein finds herself fluttering back and forth between setting up a yarn retreat, baking and helping out at the festival. But when a former butterfly queen is found dead with a knife in her back after a Bless the Butterflies service, Casey must set her loom aside to hook a killer with a score to settle.

My thoughts:

Every time I read this series it makes me wish there was a retreat anywhere near me. I'd totally go. Of course I wouldn't want any dead bodies showing up. I would however want Casey showing up, she really feels like an old friend. I was so glad to see her again, as well as everyone else. There was some deepening of the romantic elements too, which is always nice. 

I liked that they did loom knitting this time. It reminded me that I have a loom I need to learn how to use still. The butterflies made a nice touch too, we don't get them in any great amount here, but I do love the ones that show up in the yard. I was so lost in the story and setting that I didn't figure this one out, but I so thoroughly enjoyed it. I read this in one sitting, as usual. Betty Hechtman writes so beautifully, and it is so immersive that I really struggle to put it down once I start. I even walk and read, seriously! I have stubbed toes to prove it.

As always in the back of the book are recipes and patterns. You can start the series here, but  recommend you read them all, I recommend you read everything by Betty Hechtman.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.