Sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain. A trait that makes me wish there was a rewind button on my forehead. Not right on my forehead exactly. That would be so unattractive. You know what I mean. Aren’t there days that you wish could just start all over again? Today for instance, an ordinary Thursday. How could I ever guess that before the clock struck midnight, my entire life would be upside down.
In my world the word “prime” applies to real estate, those seven figure properties I’m dying to sell. Occasionally, it might even cross my lips as in, “prime suspect” -– when I’m helping my friends at the Black Sheep & Company knitting shop untangle some local mayhem. Never once has it crossed my lips as in, yours truly, the prime suspect of a murder investigation.
It’s all Liza Devereaux’s fault. Obviously. But I’ll get to that.
The day started in the usual way. The alarm clock rang like the starter’s gun at a marathon and I jumped out of bed. I made coffee, whipped up breakfast and packed a bunch of lunches. As toast crumbs settled, I herded my husband and our three kids on their way, then raced back upstairs to pull my sweet little self together.
I had to look extra polished and professional for a staff meeting at the office. After all, I am Suzanne Cavanaugh, star sales associate at Prestige Properties. Though some people would debate that point with their dying breath. . .and actually did.
I drove into town and cruised down Main Street. Plum Harbor is a classic, New England seaside village and Maggie’s shop is one of the most charming in town. It officially opens at nine, but our gang, Dana, Lucy and Phoebe, were already hanging out on the porch sipping coffee and trading juicy gossip. I usually jump right in, but I was running late and I knew I’d catch them later at our weekly get together.
Confession: I am by far the absolute worst knitter in our group. Within fifty miles, I’d bet. But Maggie is amazingly patient at repairing my messes, and it’s a genuine gift to find a circle of friends who totally get you and love you, just as you are. I know they have my back, no matter what.
Even after I turned the staff meeting at my office into a bar room brawl and regressed to complete playground mentality, going “pedicure to pedicure” with my nemesis and rival, Liza.
After the embarrassing battle royal, I went straight to the shop and poured my heart out. Knitting, sympathy and a glass of Merlot. What more could a girl ask for?
“Why did you let her get to you again?” my friends asked. Because she steals my clients and dips into my commissions. And she looks so impossibly perfect in her size two pencil skirts and Manolo Blahnik heels, it drives me crazy. All perfectly good reasons, if you ask me.
As usual, they had good advice. “Take the high road, Suzanne. Though you probably need a GPS now to find it.”
I knew they were right and when I saw Liza’s Mercedes parked outside the office on my way home, I decided to get the humble pie eating over with. But Liza was in no condition to dish it out.
Her eyes were blank, her skin was cold. She was dead.
It’s hard to remember what happened next. I definitely screamed and I must have called 911. The police arrived and asked me a lot of questions.
Unfortunately, they haven’t stopped since and I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this. As if Liza is out there somewhere, watching, and she’s won the last laugh after all.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a signed copy of Purls and Poison. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends October 31, 2018. Good luck everyone! Bonus question: do you know how to knit?
You can read about Suzanne in Purls and Poison, the second book in the “Black Sheep & Company” mystery series, coming October 30, 2018 from Kensington.
When a fellow Black Sheep Knitter is suspected of poisoning her coworker, the group puts down their needles and takes up their friend’s defense . . .
Suzanne Cavanaugh has just about had it with her office rival at Prestige Properties. It’s bad enough that Liza Devereaux is constantly needling her at work, but when she shows up at one of Suzanne’s open houses to poach potential buyers, it’s the last straw. No one in the office fails to hear the two snarling at each other.
When Liza is later found dead in her office cubicle—poisoned by a diet shake—Suzanne becomes the prime suspect. It’s soon discovered, though, that Liza had double-crossed so many around town and stashed their dark secrets in her designer handbags that anyone could be the culprit.
The Black Sheep Knitters have no doubt their friend has been framed—but they need to prove it. Stirred to action, they get together to catch a sneaky killer who’s trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes . . .
Purchase Link
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About the author
Anne Canadeo is the best-selling author of over 30 books, including the Black Sheep & Company Mysteries, and the Cape Light and Angel Island series which she writes as Katherine Spencer. She’s a down-and-dirty gardener, a reliably good cook, and an avid community volunteer. She enjoys good books, great dogs and dark chocolate, sometimes simultaneously. She lives on Long Island with her husband and canine office assistant, Lily. Anne loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: annecanadeo.com and on Facebook.
All comments are welcomed.
I learned how to knit when I was very young, but I never learned how to end a project….lol!!!
Funny you should say that, Cyn209. It’s hard to end a book sometimes, too! But I try my best. Thanks for your comment.
I love mysteries that have a craft theme! My knitting is so very slow. At one time, many years ago, I was rather good at it. Now, I feel like I take so long to finish even simple projects. I do enjoy it though.
Thank you for the chance to win this book.
I’m a slow to not knitting at all knitter, too. When I do, I find it relaxing. My niece is pregnant and I set a goal to make a baby hat and booties, or something like, that for her little one. The patterns in the back of Purls And Poison inspired me and it should be fun. A hat with little ears, I think. Thanks for your comment!
This sounds like a fun mystery! I’d love to win the signed copy. (And no, I don’t know how to knit.)
It is a fun book, Karlene and you absolutely don’t need to knit to enjoy the Black Sheep. It’s really about a great group of friends, and everyone can relate to that. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t knit but the book sounds good
It’s one of my favorites in the series so far, Sandi and you definitely don’t need to knit to enjoy it. Thanks for your comment and good luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like a great series. I don’t knit but I do crochet. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
I hope you try the Black Sheep and enjoy them. Do let me know and good luck in the giveaway!
I cannot knit 🙁
That makes two of us, Amy! I pull out the old needles every once in a while, but these books are really about a great group of friends and how they love and support each other. Everyone can relate to that. Hope you try the Black Sheep. Let me know what you think.
Great review I love mysteries with pets and crafts, love knitting and crocheting. Thank you
Penney
Thanks for the comment, Penney. I hope you like Purls and Poison. Good luck in the giveaway!
Never read any of these book. I sounds good. Thanks for the chance.
I hope you try one soon, Sonia. No need to read in order. This is one of my favorites so far and very amusing. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for your comment!
My mother was a fabulous knitter, although I never could get the hang of it…lol! Love 💕 love 💕 love 💕 the cover of this new book! It sounds so exciting! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the chance sweet Dru and Anne! God bless you dear girls! 😍🤗💜
Hi Beverly! My grandmother was a genius knitter, a real artist with the needles. I’ve inherited all her equipment but alas, have so far not mastered the craft. I know I need to practice more, but too busy writing books ! 🙂 I hope you enjoy the latest adventure of the Black Sheep. Please let me know what you think and good luck with the giveaway!
Hi Penney! I’ve seen you post lots of times on my page. Thanks for your comment and hope you enjoy Purls And Poison. It’s one of my favorites so far. Good luck in the giveaway!
Mommy Dearest owned a knitting shop back in the 1950’s. She went on to earn a Master’s in Art and taught at a local Community College. She always found time to knit gifts for relatives’ kids and grandkids. I can’t and won’t knit. I’d rather be reading a book.
Dru, I would love to win this book though so toss my name into the magic contest hat please.
Thanks for your comment, Nora-Adrienne. Your Mom sounds like a very interesting, dynamic woman. Good luck with the giveaway. I hope you enjoy Purls And Poison.
I cannot knit but this sounds like a great series.
You don’t need to be a knitter to enjoy the Black Sheep Mysteries. But it helps if you like to laugh a lot. 🙂
I’m sold. The cat on the cover won me over without any other thing said. My fingers are crossed that I’m fortunate to win this book. Yes I do knit but slowly. Because I am not as proficient in knitting I prefer crocheting.
Good luck, Robin! Thanks for your comment!
PS – I’m actually more if a dog person. The next mystery, HOUNDS OF THE BASKET STITCH proves that. 🙂
I learned how to knit as a child at my mother’s knee, but stopped for a long time. After her death, I picked it up again and haven’t stopped since. I love Anne’s series!
It’s funny how we sometimes return to things we have given up and enjoy them even more. Thanks for your kind words, Barb. I hope you like this book even more than the rest.
I do not know how to knit. Maybe one day I’ll take the time to learn how.
When I enjoy something, I manage to make the time to do it. Usually. Hope you enjoy Purls and Poison!
Even tho I don’t knit, I love this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for your comment and lovely compliment, Doward!
Good luck!
What goes around comes around. She got hers.
Yup — but there’s a lot more to the story… you’ll be surprised.
I’m a terrible knitter, but I love reading this series–even if I was a good knitter, the cats would enjoy playing with the yarn too much to allow me to get much done.
Thanks, Rochelle! I’m glad to hear you love hanging with the Black Sheep, what a nice compliment. Hope you enjoy this book, too. Let me know!
I can crochet but I can’t knit.
Both have beautiful results, for the creator and the person on the receiving end. No need to knot yo enjoy The Black Sheep & Company Mysteries.
I Love the knitting themed mysteries. I always look forward to them.
Hope you enjoy this one, too. 😊
My sister taught me to knit and I also took some classes. She is a much better knitter than I am and I love the felted slippers she makes. Would really like to read the book and share it with her.
I knitted a lot when I was younger and my mom was around to help fix my goofs! Nowadays I can barely cast on or do much more than knit or pearl! However this sounds like a great book since I also love looking at Real Estate! All in all I am looking forward to this book and starting the series.
I cannot wait to read this book!
I don’t knit but I love this series! I can’t wait to read this book so I hope that I win.
I do not knit. I like to see others’ projects tho. The detail & skill is impressive.
Sounds wonderful. I do not know how to knit, but my mother enjoys it. She says it keeps her hands nimble. Thanks for the chance to win.
I did knit when I was in college, but not much since. My oldest sister did knit a lot, making two piece suits to wear when teaching in rural northern Vermont.
Gorgeous cover!! love all the colors.
I do know how to knit. I have made many sweaters over the years.
I want to win this book!!!
I know the basics of knitting but don’t do it very well at all, although I am accomplished at crocheting, lol.
wfnren at aol dot com
My mother tried so hard to teach me to knit—but I was a lost cause. I think I could actually stab myself with those needles. I’m glad I don’t need any knitting expertise to enjoy these wonderful books.
I, personally, do not knit or crochet but love to read titles that are about those crafting projects. And, I love the name of the series “black sheep and company”
I do not know how to knit, but I like to embroider.
I think I’ve read five of these books. I really enjoy them. Can’t knit or crochet but I can do stamped embroidery with the X’s. I enjoy crafting mysteries. The cover is great.
I do not know how yo knit but wish I did.
I don’t know how to knit, but I do know how to crochet, just don’t do it much since health challenges. I would like to read this; thanks for the opportunity!
Would love to win this book. Thanks for a chance.
It’s funny how I remember sitting on the couch with my mom trying to make a blanket.. “know one pearl two” I am not sure if I could even make the chain to start the process, but it may end fun to try again. (I never completed anything, I usually ended up unraveling it and starting over😉
I absolutely wish I knew how to knit and I tried to self teach myself at one point and I couldn’t get the hang of it. Now with life so busy and 2 young kids I don’t have the time for knitting but I do have time for reading a cozy!
Thank you for the giveaway! My mom loved and devoured the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries and I was thrilled to discover these new books. I have tried many times over the years to learn how to knit but it still remains a mystery to me. There are a couple of reasons for this with a large one being that my mom (the teacher) is a leftie and I’m a rightie and the largest one being that I have absolutely no hand/eye coordination. None whatsoever! LOL!
Know how to knit and crochet, BUT never been able to really that that knowledge and actually make anything. I tried years ago to make my young daughter a vest. I was so young in the craft that I didn’t realize there was a reason there was different weights of yarn until I was finished and the vest was more like a suit of armor.
Would love the opportunity to read “Purls and Poison”. Think it would be awesome to read more about Plum Harbor and the adventures of Suzanne Cavanaugh.
Love the cover! From the colors used and the Victorian house down to the adorable kitty and hints in the broken strand of pearls, this cover would draw me in making me to want to pick it up and read it.
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of the book!
My grandmother taught me to knit. The book sounds great. Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I love to knit and crochet. In fact, I used to have a booth at all the local craft shows and still do custom orders. Thank you for this chance.
Thanks so much for offering the contest.
Elaine Orr
No but I wish I did..
Hi Anne! You’re a new author to me…happy to know about you now! Thanks for the chance to win one of your books. Nope, not a knitter. Hand embroidery has been my needlework passion since I was four years old.
I love knitting and crocheting even though i am disabled i have to try to keep some of my fingers moving as they are badly crippled. I love to read also although print is all i can do and I just love this cover of the book. I have read 1 of her books and look forward to reading and reviewing another and this one is right up my alley. Thank you so much for writing the review of this book and also offering one to us. ptclayton2 (at) aol(dot)com Peggy Clayton
I have wanted to learn for years. I have how-to books. I also have several looms, and how-to books. I just need to actually try. 🙄
Yes I do know how to knit. Thanks!
Wow, I could read this book for the fast-moving fantastic dialogue alone!! Love it!! New to your books but putting them on my TBR list now. I loved knitting ages ago but got into crochet more…thinking now I’ll try it again. Thank you so much Anne!! Love that book cover too!!
I absolutely love this series!
I don’t knit, but I appreciate the wirk of others.
Thanks for the chance to win this book.
I have 5 sisters and 4 of them are crafty like our grandmother was. I did not inherit the craftiness! But I love what they create and think it’s amazing !☘️
Looks like a wonderful book. And it has a great cover too.
I learned to knit at 55 years old. I just love it and still knit all the time.
It’s so relaxing to me and even though the hands act up once it a while I knit and purl through it
Looks Great
Thanks for sharing
No I don’t know how I wish I did though
Shared on Twitter https://twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/1057461101548441602
Thanks, Linda!
**** WINNER ****
Purls and Poison is Rochelle F
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Rochelle! And thanks to all for your interesting comments and knitting memories.
I hope you all enjoy PURLS AND POISON. Please visit and let me know — @AnneCanadeoAuthor