It was a wonderful day. Until it wasn’t.
But as head mistress of an amazing girls’ school in Sea Harbor—an old stone mansion that overlooked the sea—one had to expect some bumps, right? But all bumps aren’t created equal, I discovered one day.
My office overlooks the ocean, and it almost always brings peace and comfort to my life. Almost always.
But this day I had just fired a teacher—a good teacher, but one who had offended a powerful board member. The art teacher took losing his job badly.
After Josh left, slamming my office door so hard the framed photo of the captain who used to live in the mansion that now housed my school, almost fell on his stern, bearded face, I walked to my window, seeking the view that usually brought peace to my soul.
But today, this is what I saw instead:
My fired artist strolling across the rolling green lawn, spraying the grass with canary yellow paint—the color of crime scene tape—in wild flying circles. And in the center of one of the fuzzy circles he added a unique and frightening touch—it reminded me of a road sign—a stick figure of a woman with a line slashed through her.
I should have seen the omen that day for what it was: a harbinger of the days that would follow. Some of the most difficult of my life. Days that were a roller coaster ride that dipped down to its lowest the evening of a magnificent party on the lawns and terraces of my school, an evening that ended with a body being found near our old boathouse—the body of a person who hated me.
Walking away would have been an option, but I had been gifted with my dream job, working every day in a magnificent mansion straight out of Jane Eyre. One filled with the high chatter and spinning laughter of young girls with bright inquisitive minds.
Somehow that omen would lift me up again, I knew it had to.
And with the help of four amazing women who taught my students the gifts that knitting brings to one’s soul, and, on the side, taught a headmistress how to live and fall in love with a tiny seaside town—it did.
You can read more about Elizabeth in A Finely Knit Murder, the 10th book in the “Seaside Knitters” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book in the series is Death by Cashmere.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on May 26 for the chance to win a copy of A Finely Knit Murder. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum is the author of three dozen novels, most recently the Seaside Knitters Mystery Series, set in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. A Finely Knit Murder, the newest in the series, is now available in hardcover, and the 9th book, Murder in Merino is now available for the first time in paperback. Sally lives in Prairie Village, Kansas, but spends as much time as possible on Cape Ann, MA, cavorting with the seaside knitters (and her family). Visit Sally at www.sallygoldenbaum.com.
A new series for me sounds perfect for me.
Hi Rhonda–I love new readers! Good luck.
Sally
Seaside Knitters is a favorite of mine even though I don’t knit! Just the right touch for me. Thanks for giveaway. I’m looking forward to enjoying A Finely Knit Murder.
Am so pleased you enjoy the series (and being a knitter, as you’ve discovered, is definitely not a prerequisite). Thanks for the nice comment.
Sally
looks like a great series! Thanks for the giveaway!!!! 😀
Hi Abby–good luck and have a great day.
Sally
Just learning to knit, A Finely Knit Murder sounds great 📖📚
Hi Mary Ann–one of the knitters (Cass, who is also a lobsterfisherwoman) is just learning, too. You can be partners. Hope you enjoy the series.
Sally
Love this series! Thanks for the chance.
Thanks, Laura. Good luck!
Sally
This is a good series. This entry sounds like it will have a lot of action.
From Sally to Sally–thanks for the nice comment! Good luck and happy summer to you.
Sounds great! I myself do not knit but my library holds classes. Thinking about trying it. Thanks for the chance!
Hi Barbara–
In addition to the mystery and yarn shop tie-ins, the stories focus on friendship, relationships, and living in a small town. Hope you enjoy!
Sally
I enjoy this series! Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Mary–so happy you’re enjoy the women of Sea Harbor (and the puzzles they solve). Good luck!
Sally
A Finely Knit Murder sounds like a great book. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jen,
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the mysteries and secrets and relationships that develop and/or are uncovered in the series. Have a happy day. Sally
This is a wonderful series by a talented writer—thanks for the chance to win a copy of Goldenbaum’s latest offering!
Sheila, you’re wonderful. Thanks for the lovely comment.
Good luck and have a great day.
Sally
This sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck, Dawn. I hope you enjoy a trip to Sea Harbor and sharing some time with the seaside women. All best, Sally
A Finely Knit Murder sounds like a great book. Thank you for the opportunity.
Hi Shelli,
Thanks for entering the drawing. Good luck. Sally
I love to knit so this book sounds like a winner.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for joining us today. All best to you.
Sally
Thanks for the introduction to a new-to-me author and series! Will put on my wishlist!
Hi Karen,
New readers are what keep the seaside knitters exploring their small town secrets and deepening their relationships. Welcome and good luck!
Sally Goldenbaum
Sounds like a good book, thank you for the chance to win
And thank YOU for entering. I hope you have a chance to explore the series. All best, Sally
Looks great, thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your interest and good luck. All best, Sally
Love the chance to read an other new series to me. Thanks again.
Hi–
I love the chance to meet new readers! I hope you enjoy the series. All best, Sally
This series always makes me want to take up knitting.
Hi Gram–
As always, I love your comment. May it bring you good luck.
Thanks for your support of the Seaside mystery series.
All best, Sally
Must be wonderful to have an ocean view. You become a big target after taking revenge! Thank you of the chance.
Hi Carolee,
I agree! Elizabeth has the best office in the world (but she should probably stay away from the window for awhile–). The school is actually modeled after a real one in Gloucester, Ma–a beautiful stone mansion right across the street from the sea.
Happy reading,
Sally
the urge to do some knitting has hit me. Thanks from review Dru. robeader53@yahoo.com
Hi Robin,
I am thinking the same thing–I need a project. And my thanks to Dru, too, for her review. She does such a wonderful job with her blog. So wonderful that she’s been nominated for an Anthony award for Best Critical or Non-Fiction Word–a true honor. Good luck on your knitting and thanks for dropping by.
Sally
Yes please Dru, I’d love a chance at adding another book from this series to my home library.
Hi Noradrienne–always good to catch up with you!
Good luck,
Sally
Hi Nora–always good to ‘see’ you! Good luck.
Sally
Hi NoraAdrienne–great to ‘see’ you again! Good luck, Sally
I am hooked, can’t wait to get it in my hands.
Hi Mary Jane,
Thanks for joining the drawing. And happy reading to you. All best, Sally
Hi Mary Jane–thanks for the nice comment! Good luck and hope you enjoy the mystery. A happy summer to you!
Sally
I love this series–I’ve bought and read every single one–I love the characters, the setting, the food and the knitting–what else can you say?
You are a gem! thanks so much for the gracious comments on the seaside books. I hope you enjoy A Finely Knit Murder. (Trimmed With Murder will be out in November–and it sheds light on some relationships I’m especially interested in.)
A happy summer to you,
Warm wishes, Sally
An office overlooking the ocean, now that would be nice. Sounds like a great read!
Hi Judy,
Elizabeth has a great office! (And the school is modeled after an actual school in Gloucester MA–a magnificent granite mansion right across from the sea.) Hope you enjoy the series.
Sally
I love stitching books – though I don’t knit. That’s one type of stitchery I could never master. Thanks for the chance to read the next installment.
No need to be a knitter, Marylou. (I’m ‘half’ a knitter but love spending time in yarn shops.) Good luck and wishes for a happy summer. Sally
Hi Mary Lou–I haven’t completely mastered it either (but I love spending time in yarn shops. I meet such lovely people!). Good luck and have a happy summer. Sally
Hi Mary Lou,
I’m still learning myself but love my time in yarn shops.
Have a happy summer.
Sally
Hi Marylou, I’m not much of a knitter (but love to spend time meeting lovely people in yarn shops). I think you’ll find it doesn’t matter if you knit or not–but enjoy the women, their relationships, the town and its secrets (and the food…).
Happy summer,
Sally
Sounds like a great series.
Hi Rita,
Thanks for signing on and good luck. I hope you enjoy the series.
All best,
Sally
Wonderful, I love the cleverly written lines!
Thanks so much. I love that Dru gives the characters a chance to come and let you peek in on their lives.
Happy summer.
Sally
This is one of my favorite series to read. Always enjoyable and comfy.
Thank you, Dru!
Sally
Thanks, Dru!
What could be more cozy than Seaside Knitters? Thanks for the chance to add a copy of the latest to our library.
Hi–I love your comment–and hope you like Sea Harbor and the women who live there (and solve mysteries, of course). Good luck, Sally
They are interesting women who have taught me lots about relationships, living in a small town, and uncovering secrets to solve mysteries. I hope you agree!
Sally
I’m not at all familiar with the series or the author, but it sounds like something I would love to read!
Sharon–I love new readers! Hope you enjoy the series.
Sally
eould love to win and read this. Thank you for the chance
And I would love for you to win and read the seaside mysteries, too! Enjoy, Sally
The “art work” on the lawn does not bode well.
I know! But I guess maybe it’s a way an artist expresses anger, right? Hmmm. Good luck, Libby, and have a good summer.
Sally
Love any type of stitching books and my husband always laughs that i am always crocheting or reading mysteries about it and then i still have the time to sleep at night.
Hi Peggy,
Men don’t always get it, do they? But I love that you can multitask so well (and still sleep at night!). Happy summer. Sally
I really enjoy Goldenbaums’ books.
Thanks, Prentiss! A happy summer to you.
Sally
It seemed like such a long wait for A Finely Knit Murder to be published, but midway through reading it I find it definitely was worth the wait! I am thoroughly enjoying my 10th visit to Sea Harbor and spending time with my dear Seaside Knitters. I love feeling so immersed in the story I can nearly smell the salty breezes, hear the ocean, and feel the yarn in Izzy’s shop. I know I’d enjoy tasting all the delicious food on knitting nights, supper on Nell’s deck, and meals in the local restaurants, especially Gracie’s or Merry’s. Keep writing these lovely visits to my favorite imaginary place to visit Sally and thanks Dru for inviting Elizabeth via Sally to visit your blog.
What a terrific comment (and I should have you writing cover copy and marketing materials!). This is truly lovely, and I’m so happy you’re enjoying the books. Thank you for posting.
Sally
I thought I would want a nice office overlooking the ocean like was described—-until I read that murder was involved. I wonder how the knitters solve this one. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the post–and the office is truly lovely, based on a real school in Gloucester MA, that overlooks the ocean. And the women of Sea Harbor will do a great job of allaying your fears so you can still have the office, settle in nicely, and not worry about a thing!
Happy summer to you.
Sally
What a unique and intriguing cozy. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway.
Hi Anne,
Thanks for dropping by. Good luck. Enjoy the women of Sea Harbor.
Happy summer,
Sally
I don’t knit but I certainly envy the talented people who do. A mystery containing knitting is probably the closest I will come to being a knitter. Thanks for the giveaway. The drawing is on my anniversary so maybe it will be lucky for me.
An early Happy Anniversary, Verna, and good luck on the drawing! (You don’t need to know a thing about knitting. The book is also about a mystery— and good friends, something we all know a bit about.
Happy summer to you,
Sally
I love this series and look forward to each new entry.
Thanks, Dotty! So happy you’re enjoying my Sea Harbor friends. Good luck and a happy summer to you.
Sally
Sounds like a good read and it has a great start.
Hi Karen,
Good luck to you. And thanks for your interest in the Seaside mysteries.
Happy reading,
Sally
Such a great series. I would like to vet to win a copy of this latest book.
Hi Annette,
Thanks for the nice note. So happy you’re enjoying the series. Good luck on the drawing!
Warm wishes,
Sally
One of my favorite series! I’ve read them all so far.
Hi Barb–
Thanks! So happy you are enjoying the mysteries and the women of Sea Harbor. Wishes to you for a happy summer!
Sally
I’d like this series.
Hi Kaye,
I hope you do like it! It’s about friendship and living in a small town, secrets and murder, knitting and good food, ocean air and art. Come visit!
Happy summer,
Sally
looks intriguing!!!
Hi Vickie,
I hope you’ll give it a try. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.
Warm wishes,
Sally
What amazing descriptives! I would love to read this, although I have not yet read any others in the series. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Hi Jeanie,
Thanks for stopping by and reading a bit of the new mystery. I hope you give them a try and become friends with Nell, Izzy, Birdie and Cass. They are fine women and I feel sure you’d become friends.
Happy summer (and good luck in the drawing!)
Sally
Thank you for the chance to win. This book sounds great
Thanks, Candace. Good luck in the drawing and wishes for a happy summer (with some time for reading mysteries!).
Sally
I love to knit and have a lot of interest in this book.
Hi Lisa,
Good luck in the drawing! And I hope you find the women of Sea Harbor to be good friends, people you’d like to sit down and have coffee or a glass of wine with as you help them solve a mystery.
Happy summer,
Sally
I haven’t read any in this series so this sounds like fun…
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Good luck, Marilyn. I love new readers! Hope you enjoy time spent in Sea Harbor. Let me know–
Happy summer,
Sally
How fun that I was listening to “Moon Spinners” as I read this post. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and would love to win a copy of “A Finely Knit Murder”. Thanks for the chance! Julie
Julie–
What a lovely happenstance. Audible just contracted for the next seaside mysteries–they should appear soon. I’m so happy you’re enjoying the series!
All best,
Sally
always wanted to go to a girls school. wouldn’t expect to find a body there however. lol
I had a problem with that too, Donna. Somehow having it happen a distance away helped a bit! Good luck,
Sally
I have been enjoying this series. Looking forword to another visit
Thanks, Kari. I’m happy you’re enjoying the series.
Have a happy summer.
Sally
Looking forward to getting reintroduced to this series. I have read a couple of the books in Seaside Knitters so know how good the stories are. I try to read every cozy and other genre that has the New England area discussed in the book and since this is set in MA, and I live here as well, that makes me want to read the series even more .I used to knit but had to give it up due to physical limitations and vision problems, but have spent time teaching our 11 year old granddaughter the basics and she enjoys knitting a lot now. I can’t wait to get back to Sea Harbor for a visit. We get to your visiting area about once a summer so will think of you when around Gloucester or Marblehead this summer. Have not been to Cape Ann in a LONG time, but that is residents only if I am not mistaken. ???
Continued success with this series and enjoy your summer/visiting time in MA.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Blain
Uxbridge, MA
Hello again Sally: In my previous comment, I meant to say, that some of the beaches are residents only now I was rushing and didn’t get it all in. We used to live in Marshfield and still try to go to Hummarock for a few days each summer.
Just wanted to clarify my question if you were to read the above comment. Thank you. Cynthia B
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for posting and I’m so pleased you’re enjoying the series. It’s always nice to hear from someone who knows the area. Actually the residents-only beach is Long Beach. There may be others but that’s the one I know. It’s between the towns of Gloucester and Rockport. We have rented a place there this summer for our family to gather and I’m looking forward to it to a wonderful week at the sea. I hope you get a visit in as well!
Happy summer.
Sally
What a great cover…
I need to catch up on this series….
Thank you for the giveaway….
New to me author, excited to check out this series. Thanks for the chance to win a copy 🙂
You had me at “harbinger.” Love that word. Count me in. Judy D.
Eager to read this one.
I have a couple of books in this series and would love to add this one. Thank you so much for the giveaway.
This is a new series for me. I do know how to knit, but haven’t in years. Maybe it’s time to start again. Thanks for the give away opportunity.
I would love to win a copy of “A Finely Knit Murder”.
Sounds like a great novel to read.
Awesome
thanks for the chance!
I am a knitter but I have never read this series but I would love to because as well as being a knitter, I am a teacher!!
I love to knit and I love to read mysteries. Sounds like a good combination.
Absolutely love the Seaside series.
Thank you Sally for commenting and interacting with my readers.
Contest is closed.