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DYER CONSEQUENCES
by Maggie Sefton
Berkley, June 2008
321 pages
$21.95
ISBN: 042521933X


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Kelly Flynn is now the proud owner of the alpaca ranch she has had her eye on for a while. This ranch once belonged to Geri Norbert, a murderer Kelly helped put behind bars. Then the ranch went through several owners in quick succession until Kelly was able to put in the winning bid. While this history might make one hesitant to own the ranch, Kelly is looking forward to making improvements and moving in. But first Kelly needs to get through the last of the winter and save some money. Luckily she has two good caretakers in part-time college student, Bobby, and new neighbor, Jayleen. They are able to keep an eye on the alpacas and on the land itself.

Saving money is difficult, as someone has been vandalizing her home and her car. Kelly quickly discovers that removing red paint and getting new tires makes a large dent in her moving plans. Then her favorite yarn shop, House of Lambspun, and the adjoining café are vandalized. This case things is far more serious than mere property damage and someone is killed. Tracy, the murder victim, was rather reserved but loved mixing dyes. When she is discovered drowned in a dye vat, the entire knitting community begins to reevaluate their opinions of dye and vibrant colors.

In addition to this murder, more vicious attacks occur. Not being one to stay on the sidelines, Kelly begins questioning anyone who knew the victim or who might be able to provide information about her new ranch. To this end, she enlists the aid of Burt, a former police officer turned wool spinner; Steve, her boyfriend; Jennifer, her knitting friend and real estate agent; and the rest of her knitting friends. Kelly and her investigating crew must discover the killer and the vandal before any additional victims are claimed.

DYER CONSEQUENCES is the fifth book to feature amateur detective, accountant and beginning knitter Kelly Flynn. This book focuses on the House of Lambspun and the people who shop, work and knit there. These characters all connect closely to provide the book with a sense of community. By giving the book a solid basis, Sefton then allows the characters to expand and develop their interests and abilities in their professional and personal lives. For example, Kelly is urged to consider what is best for her safety and life rather than to merely give into her wants and desires. While this might not seem to be support, Kelly is risking her life by not being practical.

DYER CONSEQUENCES does have some flaws (the character interactions could be better written) but over all I enjoyed this book. While I typically prefer police procedurals, I appreciate books that have strong central characters and provide sense of community. Cozies like DYER CONSEQUENCES provide a nice break from the dark reality of the real world.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, May 2008

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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