The Quilt Whisperer Investigates

Working at the Arts and Crafts Museum in small town Massachusetts, a quilting and antique quilts expert pieces together a patchwork of clues against the vibrant backdrop of a New England fall in this crafty new cozy series from Peggy Ehrhart, acclaimed author of the Knit and Nibble Mysteries.

As Associate Director and Curator of Special Collections at the Yates Museum, Caroline is excited to pick up a prized antique quilt from Nancy Critchley, one of Banburyport's wealthiest residents, for an upcoming exhibit. . . . Until she discovers Nancy dead on the floor of her beautiful Federalist home. The muslin bag that held the quilt is empty. On the table is a napkin smeared with what appears to be tomato juice--in a design that may have been Nancy's final message.

Garret Seldon, the town's new police detective, pinpoints museum intern Amber Foster as the top suspect. Amber's blog is sharply critical of the Critchley family, among other prominent citizens from Banburyport's past, for exploiting less fortunate residents in order to gain their riches. But could long-ago sins really have spurred someone to stab Nancy with a pair of sewing scissors?

All of Banburyport is abuzz with theories, including the regulars at Farrow Square Coffee. A humiliated caterer, a developer angered by Nancy's work with the Historical Preservation Committee, disgruntled family members--there are plenty of possible motives and suspects. And then there's the missing quilt, a priceless creation that's almost 200 years old.

Caroline and her good friend and landlady, Libby, are convinced of Amber's innocence. And somewhere among these tangled threads, Caroline knows there's a pattern to be uncovered, one that ties together the colorful secrets of Banburyport's past and present . . .

Includes quilting tips and pattern!

Author: Peggy Ehrhart
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Published: 08/25/2026
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.70w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781496759252


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/01/2026
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2026

About the Author
Peggy Ehrhart is the author of acclaimed cozy mysteries, including the Knit and Nibble Mystery series and the Quilt Whisperer Mysteries. Her short stories have appeared in anthologies as well as Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, Crime and Suspense, Flashing in the Gutters, Spinetingler, Crime Scene: New Jersey 2, and Murder New York Style. A former English professor, she holds a Ph.D. in medieval literature from the University of Illinois and taught writing and literature at Queens College, CUNY, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, and previously served as president of Sisters in Crime NY/TriState as well as on the board of MWA New York. A longtime knitter, quilter, needlepointer, and blues guitarist, she lives in New Jersey and can be found online at PeggyEhrhart.com.