Knitting in Jamaica: Who Knew Knitting Was So Dangerous? by Gary Edwards is a delightful surprise, defying every stereotype you might associate with knitting. When you think of knitting, murder mysteries and supernatural folklore aren’t usually what come to mind, but Edwards takes this simple activity and spins it into a gripping, unpredictable adventure.
Let me start by saying, I never thought I’d be reading a thriller centered around knitting. It almost sounds like a cozy mystery gone rogue, right? But from the moment I picked up Knitting in Jamaica, I knew I was in for something completely different. Gary Edwards isn’t a household name—yet—but his ability to merge something as innocent as knitting with murder, folklore, and whisky bootlegging is pure genius. This is not your typical murder mystery, and that’s exactly why it works.
The story follows three characters—Sean Morrison, Kaylee Wu, and Pistachio—on an unexpected, dangerous adventure. Their journey takes them from San Francisco to Jamaica, and eventually to the Scottish Highlands, where the stakes get higher with every turn. What starts off as a relatively innocent mystery quickly unravels into a much larger plot involving multiple murders, kidnappings, and even treasure hunts. The tension escalates when supernatural elements come into play—monstrous wolves, fairies, and voodoo spirits all get involved, making the story as bizarre as it is thrilling. There's also an intriguing subtext about counterfeit whisky and buried treasure that adds layers to the plot. This mix of mystery, history, and folklore is what sets the book apart from traditional thrillers.
Edwards’ writing style is energetic and fast-paced. He doesn’t linger too long in one place, which keeps the narrative moving quickly, making it easy to get lost in the story. His descriptions are vivid but not overwhelming, allowing the reader to imagine these strange worlds without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. One thing that stands out is the seamless integration of historical tidbits about knitting and Scotch whisky distilling, which adds a touch of authenticity to the fantasy elements. But it’s not just about action—there are moments of humor and wit that make the characters feel more relatable. However, readers might find the heavy use of Jamaican and Scottish dialects a bit tricky. While it adds authenticity, it can sometimes slow the pace, especially if you're not familiar with the language.
The characters are where the book shines in its own quirky way. Sean Morrison, Kaylee Wu, and Pistachio make for an unlikely trio, but their dynamic is refreshing. They’re not the most deeply developed characters you’ll come across, but they don’t need to be. Their relatability comes from their reactions to the increasingly absurd situations they find themselves in—whether it's dodging kidnappers or seeking help from a Druid witch. They’re easy to root for because they feel like regular people caught in extraordinary circumstances. That said, I would’ve loved a little more complexity in their motivations. Some of the side characters, like the Voodoo priestess and Druid witch, are fascinating but could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the magical elements.
The plot is wonderfully chaotic. Every time you think you know where the story is going, Edwards throws another curveball—whether it’s a new murder or a supernatural twist. The structure is tight, with the pacing ramping up as the story progresses. You won’t find any slow parts here; each chapter ends with a cliffhanger that pulls you into the next one. That said, some twists do feel a bit too convenient, but they never take away from the overall enjoyment.
On a deeper level, the book explores themes of trust and survival. The folklore and supernatural elements tie into the idea that history and culture are always lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. There’s also an interesting commentary on the value of tradition, whether it's through knitting or whisky distilling, and how these practices carry stories of their own.
While it’s mostly a fun, thrilling ride, there are moments of real tension and suspense that had my heart racing. The supernatural elements add a layer of unpredictability, keeping you on edge because anything feels possible in this world. The humor sprinkled throughout also made me laugh out loud at times, lightening the darker moments in just the right way.
The book’s greatest strength is its originality. I’ve never read anything like it before—a murder mystery that involves knitting, supernatural creatures, and whisky bootlegging? That alone makes it worth the read. The pacing is tight, the humor is spot-on, and the blend of genres feels fresh and exciting.
The main weakness, in my opinion, is the character development. While the plot is fun and engaging, the characters themselves could have had a little more depth. Additionally, the dialects might be a turn-off for some readers, as they can slow down the flow of the story.
For me, Knitting in Jamaica was a delightful surprise. I went in expecting a quirky mystery and came out with an adventure that blended folklore, history, and modern-day crime in a way that felt genuinely fresh. The supernatural twists were a particular favorite of mine, adding an extra layer of intrigue that kept me hooked.
In the end, Knitting in Jamaica is a wild ride, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of the bizarre. It’s fun, unpredictable, and filled with enough twists to keep you entertained from start to finish. While it has a few areas that could use some polish, the creativity and energy behind the story make it a must-read for fans of adventurous thrillers.
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