GULL & BONES

The Seaside Knitters investigate the murder of someone close to their hearts.

Angus McPherron, a beloved resident of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, who used an unexpected inheritance to benefit the town, is approaching his 100th birthday. A huge birthday party has been planned, including the whole town but especially his closest friends, Harry Garozzo, Gus McGlucken, Henry Staab, and Jake Risso, who with Angus are known as the fab five. When Angus is found dead just before his birthday, everyone seems devastated. But his party goes on until the knitters find Angus’ friend Father Lawrence Northcutt wounded and clinging to life. The attack encourages police Chief Jerry Thompson to order an autopsy on Angus to confirm that he died of natural causes, but it discloses instead that he was poisoned. Enter the Seaside Knitters: Birdie Favazza, an octogenarian whose wise counsel has helped solve many a murder; Nell Endicott, a retired nonprofit director; her niece, Izzy Perry, whose store, Sea Harbor Yarn Studio, provided the impetus for the knitting group; and Cass Brandley, who owns a lobster company. Although the Knitters have been involved in several murders, this one may prove their most difficult, since most of the suspects are old friends. The exception is Annie Smith, an attractive and talented woman who showed up in Sea Harbor and grew close to Angus. Annie, who shares a house with Izzy’s younger brother, nurse Charlie Chambers, is an enigmatic figure who made special teas for Angus. When the knitters start looking into other residents, they find cracks in what seemed like perfect friendships.

A deep dive into the meaning of love and friendship adds gravitas to a complex mystery.