Izzy Chambers Perry is a sleuth in the “Seaside Knitters Society” mysteries. One of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions. So, let’s get to know Izzy.
What is your full name?
Isabel Chambers Perry, Izzy to almost everyone who knows me.
How old are you?
I am in my thirties, although there are days I feel like fifty. And sometimes, when I am putting a puzzle together with my amazing toddler, Abby, I feel like I’m three.
What is your profession?
I began my grownup life studying law, which my father had vigorously encouraged, telling me often that art, which I loved, was a fine hobby, and then he’d add, ‘but law, my lovely, smart daughter, law is a career.” Very early in my practice, a man I successfully represented, celebrated his freedom by returning to his old neighborhood and killing a shopkeeper.
I left law after that, and the city, too, moving north to Sea Harbor, a seaside town where my aunt and uncle lived—and where I healed. And eventually I fulfilled my dream of opening a small yarn studio on Harbor Road, a friendly and safe place.
Do you have a significant other?
Sam Perry is more than significant. He is my best friend, my lover, my husband, and the father of our amazing daughter. His biggest fault is he has no sense of fashion, but it’s an endearing fault he wears well.
What is their name and profession?
Sam Perry is an award-winning photographer.
Do you have any children?
Abigail is our only child.
Do you have any siblings?
My brother Charlie is younger, a terrific man who had a tough time growing up. He is now a wonderful nurse and I love him dearly. My older brother Jack is married, has children and has fulfilled our father’s dream by joining a Kansas City law firm.
Are your parents nearby?
My mother Caroline (Aunt Nell’s sister) and father Craig live in Kansas City, with frequent trips to my mother’s family’s ranch in western Kansas. An amazing place where I spent many happy growing-up summers.
Who is your best friend?
I have circles of friends, but the three that are at the very center are my aunt Nell, Cass Halloran and Birdie Favazza. We span more than three decades among us.
Do you have any pets?
I have an old arthritic dog named Red, whose owner died suddenly while my friends and I were looking into the death of a visitor to Sea Harbor.
What town do you live in?
Sea Harbor, MA. A small, amazing place.
Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Sea Harbor is a small town on the shore of Cape Ann.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I live with my family in the small cottage-like house that Sam bought when he was a bachelor, and which I have successfully turned into a perfect cozy place for the three of us.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
There is a deck off the back that captures a perfect view of the ocean and its many moods. We have spent many nights there with Sam’s telescope, talking to the moon and the stars. Abby is especially fond of the little dipper and hopes to ride in it someday.
Favorite meal and dessert?
Anything Nell cooks is great with me. Always perfectly spiced with a splash of wine.
Do you have any hobbies?
Knitting and designing sweaters. And I love to hike, to ride bikes, and to sail in Sam and Uncle Ben’s Hinckley sailboat.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Right here, Sea Harbor, MA. Why would anyone leave? (Although I do dream now and then about celebrating an anniversary with Sam in an intimate Paris brasserie.)
What music do you listen to?
I listen to almost anything, depending on my mood. We are developing an eclectic song list in the yarn studio—music to knit by. And we’ve included everyone from the Beatles to Marvin Gaye to Alicia Keys to Nick Jonas, to the soundtrack from Hamilton.
Do you have a favorite book?
I read nearly every day before bed, but couldn’t single out a favorite because it would change next week.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
Sitting on our deck with Sam and Abby, looking at stars and sometimes dancing, all three of us, crazy moves and lots of hugs.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Knitting my Life, in Twenty Easy Lessons
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Amateur, for sure. And we—Nell, Birdie, Cass, and I—only indulge in sleuthing when family and friends’ lives are affected by someone’s misdeeds.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
Up early for a run along the shore—usually a favorite time of day (except for one day recently when while on a run, I ran into ‘death’ in A Crime of a Different Stripe). Then a shower, getting Abby dressed, and coffee with Sam before heading over to my yarn studio to teach and schmooze and wallow in the colors and warmth of piles of yarn all around me. And if it’s Thursday, staying late with my three closest friends, where we eat Nell’s amazing Thursday night meals, drink Birdie’s wine, and savor one another’s deep and forever friendship.
A Crime of a Different Stripe is the fourth book in the “Seaside Knitters Society” cozy mystery series, released October 27, 2020.
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 no-nonsense mother-to-be Cass Halloran tries downplaying her pregnancy and her frequent doctor’s visits as an “older” mother-to-be, a softer side of the lobsterwoman emerges as she joins the Seaside Knitters in knitting an abundance of delicate hats and booties. 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 Sam had reservations about inviting his one-time mentor Harrison Grant to speak at the opening reception, although he never imagined the famed and charismatic photographer would rudely embarrass his hosts that evening. But when a 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?
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum is the author of thirty plus novels, most recently the Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries and The Queen Bees Quilt mysteries. She and her husband live on Cape Ann, MA, the inspiration for the setting of the seaside mysteries. Her most recent novel, A Crime of a Different Stripe, was released October 27th.
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Sally has generously offered to give away one print copy of A Crime of a Different Stripe. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends November 4, 2020. Good luck everyone!
All comments are welcomed.
What an awesome cover on this new book 📚! I love 💕 this exciting series and can’t wait to read this newest book! Thank you so much dear Dru and Sally for the chance to win! 📚💜😊🌈
Thank YOU, Beverly. And yes, I love DruAnn for all she does.
Sounds like a charming setting for a mystery. I’m not familiar with this series but would like to give it a try.
I love this series. It has been wonderful to see the characters grow with each story.
I enjoyed Getting to Know Izzy Perry – what a great way to be introduced to a book and series! Thanks for the giveaway ~
Thanks, Celia. I do love Izzy. Hope you enjoy the book — and good luck!
I really like the cover
I love it, too, Sandy. Clearly the artists loves pets!
I love a craft themed mystery! And the cover is adorable- reminds me of my cat.
A delightful cozy and lovely setting. Thanks for this great feature and series.
Thank you, Anne!
I have read & enjoyed all of Sally Goldenbaum’s adventurous novels & look forward to revisiting these friends in this new adventure.
Thank you, Anita. Hope you enjoy this one.
I would really like to read more about The Seaside Knitting Society. Sounds like a great series.
This sounds like a wonderful series. Thanks for the article. And I love the cover.
Thanks, Carol. Hope you enjoy it.
I love this series and have bought every one of them–the descriptions of the food, scenery and knitting make me want to hang out with the characters.
So happy you like the series! ,
Sea Harbor sounds absolutely idyllic, except for the murders of course!
Hi Pat,
So happy you like the books. Ans I will be interested to hear what you think of the murderer in the new book…..
Sally Goldenbaum is one of my favorite authors. Love the setting of her books. Thanks for the opportunity to read this newer series. I’ve read the earlier books from Sea Harbor.
Thanks so much, Fran. My long-time readers like you become friends.
Cozy Culinary Mysteries are perfect for this time of year. May I have some hot chocolate with that? Thanks!
Hot chocolate (and a roaring fire) coming your way.
Tonight’s menu. A steaming large plate of Nell’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce to feed the tummy and a few pages of A Murderous Tangle to feed the soul. A great combination. Bon Apetit!
Your new book sounds interesting. I love New England. Stay safe and well.
To Sally (from Sally)–Thanks for your comment. We love NE, too. Best wishes to you and I hope you enjoy the women of Sea Harbor.
Yes please, I enjoy the series and even own one of the early ones in the series. I’d have more but I was between jobs at that time. I’d love to add this one to my library.
Noraadrienne, thanks you for your comment and for being a long time supporter of the women of Sea Harbor. Good luck in the drawing!
Many many thanks to all of you who chimed in, and a special thanks to DruAnn who is always there to help authors and readers! Love, Sally
Nice cover. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
New author and series for me, sounds good!
This sounds great! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
**** WINNER ****
A Crime of a Different Stripe is Gram
Congratulations!