I know, you’re surprised. I am too. You know and I know that my cook Ella only allows me in the kitchen for conversation. But here I am, proud owner of this place—Lambswool Farm. A farm that serves meals, would you believe that? It’s an amazing place. Magnificent.
Coming out here is the perfect cure for the unsettling feelings lurking around Sea Harbor these days.
The farm renovation wasn’t entirely my idea. I remembered the old Favazza farm as a spot to sit in my Sonny’s Lincoln convertible beneath a full moon, cuddly and cozy. Making out, we used to call it those millions of years ago.
But then something peculiar happened. The rolling fields and broken down barns rose up and called out one day, begging me to bring them back to life. So I did. Well, we did.
Once my granddaughter Gabby saw this place—she’s the deer-like creature out there right now, racing through the fields—she began planning how many sheep we needed. Cats came next (and there’s a pony on the list).
Next a gardener friend begged to dig her fingers into the soil. She’d enrich it and create the finest organic garden on the North Shore, she said. And Claire did exactly that.
And then my lovely friend Nell, who sometimes fancies herself as Sea Harbor’s Barefoot Contessa, suggested we turn one of the barns into a state of the art kitchen. ‘Plated dinners at sunset,’ she said, “using organic vegies from Claire’s garden. “Fresh fish from the sea.” I groaned. But it was a happy groan.
And before you knew it, area chefs were clamoring to host the dinners at Lambswool Farm.
Planning for the first farm dinner is a great distraction from the strange things happening in town: a fine young man losing a job, a beloved family doctor acting strangely, a stranger coming through town—and not leaving.
But we’ve pushed the bad vibes away. In just a few days we’ll hold the first dinner—a rehearsal, I call it. Just invited friends and family to help us work out all the kinks.
“We’re probably imagining the unrest in town,” I told Nell this morning. “It’s just slight nervousness about the dinner.”
But Nell said no. “This beautiful place can’t be responsible for the unsettling feeling gripping Sea Harbor,” she said.
Cass, our lobster fisherwoman friend, agreed. She blames the bad vibes on the tourist passing through town. A pleasant man, in my opinion. I told Cass she’s been banding lobsters too long. She expects to be pinched.
But Nell agreed with her. There’s something about him, she said. Something I can’t put my finger on . . .
Something about him? Nonsense. He fixed my new John Deer tractor, after all.
To prove them all wrong, I’ve invited Glenn—that’s his name— to the dinner on Sunday.
Wine and delicious food, music. Friends soaking in the magic of Lambswool Farm at sunset. It will be a perfectly lovely time. How could it not be?
There are plenty of reasons, a voice in my head says. But I am dismissing it, right now. . .
Murder at Lambswool Farm is the 11th book in the Seaside Knitters mystery series, published by Penguin, May 2016.
Late summer blooms in beautiful Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and while a harvest thrives, Izzy Chambers Perry and the other Seaside Knitters will need to cast on their sleuthing skills to save a local farm. Unfortunately, finding a killer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. . . .
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has long loved knitting, but lately she’s taken on a new challenge—making a family farm operational again. With help from friends, Lambswool Farm is now up and running, with thriving crops and grazing sheep. In addition, the farm will host rustic, six-course prix fixe dinners plated by local chefs and served on a gorgeous restored harvest table, decorated to perfection with colorful knitted vegetables crafted by Izzy Chambers Perry, her aunt Nell, and the other Seaside Knitters.
But on the night of the first meal, everything spins out of control when one of the guests, Seaside Harbor’s family physician, becomes fatally ill. It seems that behind Dr. Alan Hamilton’s friendly bedside manner was a man with enemies and secrets.
Soon the town is gossiping and pointing fingers at all possible suspects—including the women at Lambswool Farm. Now the Seaside Knitters must join together to uncover the truth in Dr. Hamilton’s complicated past—and restore peace to town and country alike.
# # # # # # # # # # #
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum writes the Seaside Knitters Mystery Series, set on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, an area she visits every chance she gets. Murder at Lambswool Farm, the newest in the series, is now available in hardcover, and the 9th book in the series, A Finely Knit Murder is available for the first time in paperback. Connect with Sally at sallygoldenbaum.com.
Giveaway: Leave comment below for your chance to win a print copy of A Finely Knit Murder. US entries only, please. The giveaway will end May 13, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
All comments are welcomed.
I would love to win a print copy of A Finely Knit Murder.. Thank you for a chance to.
Good luck, Cathy.
ty
Oh, this sounds like a fun page turner! Thank you for the chance to win.
Enjoy!
I love this series!!!
Thanks, Gram!
I’d love a copy of A Finely Knit Murder. This series sounds like one I’d enjoy reading. I love farms.
And it’s a farm with great food and beautiful sunsets. Enjoy!
This sounds terrific!
Thanks, Karen.
I loved the review. Unfortunately this is the first I’ve heard of the series . I hope that wouldn’t interfere with reading this one or do I have to start at the first ? Thanks for the chance. jmhinton@psci.net
Hi Mari–You should be able to start here (and hopefully you’ll want to go back and find out even more about Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass!).
I’ve loved all the books in this series so far. Can’t wait to read A Finely Knit Murder.
Thanks, Jacki. The school in a Finely Knit Murder was inspired by my granddaughter’s preschool on Cape Ann.
New author for me. I’d love to get caught up. Thanks for a chance to win!
It’s always exciting when I hear about new readers. I hope you enjoy it, Donna.
Such a lovely series. These women are great already, I can’t imagine how wonderful this farm restaurant will be…and am anxious to read MURDER AT LAMBSWOOL FARM. Thank you Dru for today’s selection.
Thank you, Barbara. There’s one scene at the farm that is my favorite. I hope you like it too…..
I love this series but have only read the first couple, Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck, Nancy!
Love this cover! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “Murder at Lambs Wool Farm”, it sounds like a cuddly cozy.
wfnren at aol dot com
Thanks, Wendy. Enjoy!
Thanks for this delightful cozy feature and giveaway.
Good luck, Elaina. Have a nice weekend.
New series for me!
That’s great, Rhonda. Welcome to Sea Harbor. I hope you’ll stay while.
Sounds like a great series. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Good luck, Elaine.
Yes please Dru, I most certainly want this one. Please toss my name into the magic hat and lets see what happens. I own a previous book in this series and enjoyed it very much (from 2012). Please don’t make me beg the library to order it for me.
Hi Noraadrienne. Welcome! (And good luck~)
Thanks so much for including Sally Goldenbaum’s newest book on your blog. I am a knitter but not very adept but it’s still a great setting for a book. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. robeader53@yahoo.com
I appreciate your comments. Enjoy!
Sounds like a great read.
Great food, a beautiful farm overlooking the sea…and a murder. The seaside knitters welcome you!
One of my favorite series of all time!
Thanks, Barb!
Can’t wait to read the book, I love the series and the characters.
Thank you, Rachel. Hope you enjoy it!
I would love a chance to win! Thanks for writing such good stories!
Good luck (and have a nice weekend).
Love, love, love Birdie and want to be her at that age! Have the whole series so far and can’t wait for the next one. I work in a library and Seaside Knitters are always on my request list!
Hi Sue–I love Birdie, too! And thanks so much for promoting the series at your library. That means so much. Have a great weekend. Sally
Sounds like another great book! Thank you for the contest.
Thanks, Carol. Hope you like it.
Best series I’ve ever read. Can’t wait to read this one. The characters have become my best friends!
Penny, you’re the best (and I remember you!). Thanks so much. Sally
Best series ever! I feel like the characters are my best friends!
What a nice comment. Thank you! (And the seaside women invite you to Friday night dinner on the deck.)
I would be thrilled to win one of your books. I love them
Thanks, Claudia. Good luck!
Sally
I would love to win a copy of your book. I love them all
I stayed up past midnight to finish reading “A Finely Knit Murder” last night so I don’t need a copy of the book. I have enjoyed reading all of Sally’s Seaside Knitters Mysteries and look forward to reading her latest.
Thanks, Donna. You’re so nice and always supportive. It’s much appreciated. Have a nice weekend.
Sally
Love this series. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks, Doward. Good luck! ~sally
I know I’ve said it before, but I love the A Day in the Life posts. Murder at Lambswool Farm sounds like a wonderful read with a great cast of characters. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Celia–I agree with you. DruAnn does such a great job with her blog. Good luck in the giveaway. ~ sally
I have read many of the books in this series and would love to have the new one. Thanks for the chance.
Good luck, Candy. Have a happy weekend. ~sally
Good luck, Candy. Have a nice weekend. ~sally
Love Goldenbaum!
Amy–thank you! (And good luck) ~sally
This series is a keeper series for me….thanks for the chance to add to my set
I’m so happy you like the series. Good luck! ~sally
Love the location of this book and the crafting that goes on in this series.
It’s a nice place to spend a summer, Mary Jane~ all best, sally
This is a new series and author to me. The farm and people sound charming. Looking forward to reading.
Enjoy, Dianne!
~sally
I was amazed to find out there were more books than the five my library had on the shelf…..sooooo, they are ordered. I am waiting…..
Thanks, Anne. I appreciate the marketing help! All best, sally
This sounds lovely–fixing up the place and inviting people over for a meal–love the name of the series, Seaside Knitters Mystery.
I hope you visiting the farm, Bonnie. ~sally
Sounds like another winner Sally. Can’t wait to read it. 💐
Thanks, Debbie.
sally
Wonderful. What a gift!
Good luck, Wanda. Happy spring. ~sally
A Finely Knit Murder sounds great. Thank you for introducing me to Sally Goldenbaum’s books.
Thank YOU for reading them, Peggy.
~sally
Hi there! I can’t wait to read Murder at Lambswool Farm! Many of our library patrons are enjoying your books and are looking forward to the newest! All the best!
Thanks for the message, Karen! So happy to hear. Warm wishes, sally
The farm sounds beautiful. I would love to read more descriptions.
It’s a lovely place. Come visit ….
~sally
Sally,
I love your characters and their stories. They are a wonderfully caring community.
I’ve even started knitting more and found a knitting group so I can have some knitting community on my life too.
Please continue writing these wonderful stories.
Helene–what a sweet message. I wish you were closer and I could come speak to your knitting group. Warm wishes, sally
Sounds l;ile a great series, and I hope I win and can go back and read all I missed, ty for the chance
I hope so too, Betty. Warm wishes, sally
I’ve already finished it and it’s a great story! Love Sally’s book! This is just a wonderful series.
Thanks, Pat! Your comment is much appreciated! ~sally
So excited to continue this series!! All the characters seem like family now and I eagerly look forward to each installment~ I’ve even taken up knitting beyond what I learned in grade school. 😉
Hi Karen–I’m so glad you are a part of the fold. Come to Friday night dinner!
Sally
I love the Sea Harbor knitting group. All of the books in this series are so well written, I can’t put them down. I would love to win a book to add to my collection. Gloria Silva
Hope you win, Gloria. Good luck! All best, Sally
I can’t wait to read this book! This series is endearing and the characters seem like old friends! Would love to win a copy!
Hi Jennifer–thanks so much! All best, sally
Thank you for sharing your wonderful characters that you weave into your stories with us. They are a very cozy read! I would love to win your newest book. Thanks for this opportunity.
And I love your comment, Gail. So generous. Thank you. Warmly, sally
Enter me in the contest to win the book!
Thanks, Christene. And good luck.
~sally
11th book in the series? Hum…misprint? Love these stories and I am sure I have read them all, but not 11 of them. Lol IS there 11?
Sherri–Lambswool Farm is the 11th (A Finely Knit Murder, now in paperback, the 9th). Confusing, I know. Sometimes I need to check! There is a 10th–Trimmed with Murder that will be out in PB in November.
Happy reading!
~sally
I would love to visit Lambswool farm. What a charming series. I have added it to my TBR list.
Lambswool Farm would welcome your visit. Thanks, Vicki.
Congrats on the new book. I enjoy this series. Thank you
Thanks, Kari. All best, sally
Thank you for the giveaway. I love your series and have enjoyed reading about this great group of women. With friends like that you can take anything the world gives you. I would love to win a copy of the next adventure they deal with.
Thanks, Debra. I appreciate your comment–and your lovely take on friendship. Warm wishes, sally
I CANNOT wait to get my hands on this book. I always feel like I’m reconnecting with old friends when the newest installment comes out in this series.
Thanks so much, Tracey! Warm wishes, sally
Sounds like a great book and series. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Thanks, Patty. Good luck. ~sally
Looks like a great read. Seaside Knitters. Love that. Beautiful cover. Thank you for the chance to become acquainted with this author and series
Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to meet a new reader.
Sally
Thank you to DruAnn and all the wonderful readers who joined in. Warm wishes to you all.
Sally
Love Sally’s book – she makes the characters seem so real and the plots are always interesting. Looking forward to reading this one.
Oh Birdie I am so excited about your new farm, you ate my favorite character, I’m sure you’ll serve a lot of pint grigio there 🙂
That sounds like such a cool book!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Already added to my WishList…..
Thank you for the giveaway….
Oh wow…the Seaside Knitters I am so glad I didn’t miss the contest on this one. It sounds funny and I love those. Thanks for the contest.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for a great post!
I love, love, love this series, from the setting to the characters to the great descriptions of food. I can’t wait to read this installment.
A Finely Knit Murder sounds like a good read. Knitters and murder, my interest is definitely piqued. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Really looking forward to reading this one. Love this series.
I have some of the books in the series.