Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Joy to the Wool (Clear Creek Mysteries) by Rebecca McKinnon. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
Joy to the Wool (Clear Creek Mysteries)
by Rebecca McKinnon
Joy to the Wool (Clear Creek Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Independently Published (October 5, 2023)
Number of Pages: 254
All dressed up for the holidays, Clear Creek looks like it’s right out of a storybook. But the decorations aren’t just for fun. The tiny Rocky Mountain town is hosting a Christmas Festival sure to be used as a pattern for years.
While Jemma is busy with the Cozy Tree — a place visitors can buy hand-knitted hats and scarves to donate to people in need — Granny is busy taking bets on which day of the event Jemma will find a body. But to everyone’s surprise, this time Granny’s the one who makes the discovery!
Choosing to put her relationship with Brandon first, Jemma agrees to steer clear of the investigation. But Granny’s determination to solve the crime lands Jemma the impossible job of keeping the spunky old lady out of trouble, and breaking and entering is just the beginning of their adventure.
When the Cozy Tree is vandalized, it becomes obvious the pair is making someone nervous. Can Jemma and Granny knit up the investigation before Santa climbs in his sleigh?
Granny Hijacks Clear Creek FAQs
Character Guest Post
[A sprightly old woman glances over her shoulder. Convinced no one is watching, she opens a computer. Her eyes move across the screen. Her wrinkles fall into a smile and she cackles, then wiggles her fingers and begins to type.]
I’m not sure why so many of you have the same questions, but I can see the author, Rebecca McKinnon, has been ignoring them for way too long. Let’s take care of that, shall we? Since she’s so busy, I’ll just answer them for her. No, I’m not an author — I could have been, but who wants to spend all their time making things up when they could be actually living? — but we’ll get along just fine. You can call me Granny. If you’ve read any of the Clear Creek Mysteries, you already know who I am. Let’s get on with it — there’s no time to waste!
How many books will be in the Clear Creek series?
That’s a stupid question to ask the author. She won’t ever give the right answer. I’ve heard her say she planned to write a book for each season. That means the book that’s about to come out, Joy to the Wool, would be the last. But that whole idea’s nonsense. So many things happen in Clear Creek, I’m sure we can convince her to write more.
Do you have to read the series in order?
[More cackling before arthritic fingers return to the keyboard] Any story from around here can be read by itself. Does that mean it should be? Well, that depends. How well do you want to get to know those of us who live in Clear Creek? I do suggest you read them in order, but do what you want. Life’s short.
Do you have a favorite book in the series?
I have no idea what Rebecca would say to this. What I can do is tell you that this new one is my favorite. It’s the one where I get the most time on the page.
Is Clear Creek a real place?
You betcha! But the real version doesn’t look like the one I live in, so don’t get any ideas about vising the cute shops or getting to meet any of us in person.
What’s your favorite yarn project?
Hmm. I know how to knit — practically everyone in Clear Creek does — but I can’t say that I have a favorite thing to make. Wait, I’ve got it. A thick wool hat, made with a nice, thick yarn. Those work up real quick, so you don’t have to sit still very long before you can head out for an adventure.
I really love Granny. How did you come up with the idea for her?
[Preens] What’s not to like? And do you really think anyone came up with me? I assure you, I came fully formed as soon as Rebecca started writing about me. In fact, she has the nerve to make sure I’m not around in some scenes, just because she thinks I’ll take over. Can you believe that?
Which character are you most like?
Ha! If you want the character Rebecca is most like, you’re looking in the wrong series. Go find Octavia. She lives in Murder to my Ears.
I loved the Clear Creek books. Which of your books should I read next?
Of course you loved the Clear Creek books. We have a lot of fun together. As for what you should read next, it really depends on what you like. If you want another fun cozy mystery, you want Murder to my Ears. If you want to explore other genres, I suggest you try Rebecca’s time travel romance. Beyond the Swearing Stone takes place in Ireland — and you’ll meet Duncan. If I didn’t love my Jasper so much, I might try to step into that book just for the medieval blacksmith. Or do you like to make sure people get what’s coming to them? Ankou’s Daughter would be the book to give you that. I’m a little jealous of Mellie. Who wouldn’t want to be able to use death magic? Or any magic, really. Rebecca has a bunch of other options, too, if none of those feel right for you.
[The sound of a door closing pulls Granny away from the keyboard. A woman’s voice can be heard greeting the cats as she enters the kitchen. In the office, Granny hurries to get a few more words down before Rebecca can catch the character living outside of her book.]
Just make sure you read Joy to the Wool. You won’t be sorry! After all, it’s not every day that I discover the body of a murder victim. See you soon!
My review of Joy to the Wool
Pick up your knitting needles! Okay, put them down; you’ve got to read Joy to the Wool first! Joy to the Wool by Rebecca McKinnon is the fourth book in the delightful Clear Creek Mystery series. I read the second book when it came out but missed the third somehow! If this is your first Clear Creek Mystery, don’t worry; you can read it as a standalone. Reading Joy to the Wool reminded me of how much I loved the characters, so I’ll be reading the ones I missed!
It’s the Christmas season in the small Rocky Mountain town, Clear Creek. The Christmas Festival has been meticulously planned by Emmilene, booths are ready to sell their goods, and Jemma has the Cozy Tree decked out in knitted hats. Local shops are decorated in their Christmas finery. It’s basically everything a Hallmark Christmas festival would be, and I love it! Clear Creek already has a cozy feel, but “seeing” it all Christmas-y gives me even more cozy feels.
In addition to its cozy setting, I love the characters in Joy to the Wool. The eclectic mix of personalities makes for fun banter and some crazy conversations. I love Granny because she’s at the age where she’s done caring about what people think about her (if she ever did!).
Joy to the Wool’s mystery leaves you guessing! The multiple red herrings and misdirections had me changing my mind several times. I liked how Jemma really did try to stay out of the murder investigation, yet the sheriff knows she hears things he won’t and includes her (somewhat!) in investigating. Of course, Granny doesn’t care if she’s supposed to stay out of it or not. She won’t!
I really think cozy mystery lovers will enjoy reading Joy to the Wool as much as I did. I highly recommend it for the Christmas charm, cozy setting, well-written characters, and well-developed plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About Rebecca McKinnon
Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.
Website/Social Media Links:
Website – https://rebeccamckinnon.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMcKinnonAuthor
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamckinnon_author/?hl=en
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4993788.Rebecca_McKinnon
Purchase Link – Amazon
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Joy to the Wool TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 26 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
September 26 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT
September 27 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 27 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 28 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
September 28 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW
September 29 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
September 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
September 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
October 1 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
October 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 2 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 4 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – AUTHOR GUEST POST
October 5 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
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Great interview. This looks like a good to read.
Thanks for sharing!
The cover is so very cute.
Sounds like it would be fun to read.
Thanks so much for letting Granny stop by for an interview, and for the fantastic review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book, and hope your readers will, too!
You’re welcome!Thank you for stopping!
This definitely seems like a terrific book! I would enjoy reading.
What an interesting title and cover!
Loved the excerpt.
Thank you for sharing it.
Looking forward to reading this. Sounds great