Last Wool and Testament by Molly MacRae is the first book in the new “Haunted Yarn Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, September 2012

Kath Rutledge is about to learn the true meaning of TGIF—Thank Goodness It’s Fiber.

That’s the name of the spunky group of fiber and needlework artists founded by Ivy McClellan, Kath’s beloved grandmother. Though Ivy has recently passed on, the members still meet regularly at her fiber and fabric shop, the Weaver’s Cat, which Kath has now inherited. But that’s only the first in a series of surprises when Kath returns to the small town of Blue Plum, Tennessee, to settle her grandmother’s affairs.

There’s been a murder, and it turns out her grandmother was the prime suspect. Before Kath can begin to clear Ivy’s name, she encounters a looming presence in the form of a gloomy ghost. It turns out the specter has just as much interest in solving the murder as Kath. So, with a little help from the members of TGIF—and a stubborn spirit from beyond—she sets out to unravel the clues and hook the real killer.

This was a fun book filled with mystery, mayhem and a little comical relief in the form a spirit who would not go away. The people of Blue Plum are an interesting lot and I can’t wait to know more about them, from Kath to Ten to Ardis and even Geneva.

The author did a good job in keeping me on my toes with the many directions she took to keep me guessing and turning the pages. With a likable cast of characters, a small town atmosphere and good dialogue, this is a pleasantly appealing debut series and I look forward to more exciting times with the citizens of Blue Plum, Tennessee.