The Silence of the Llamas

Smalltown squabbling turns to cold-blooded murder in Canadeo%E2%80%99s diverting fifth knitting mystery (after Till Death Do Us Purl). Maggie Messina, owner of the Black Sheep Knitting Shop in Plum Harbor, Mass., is set for a relaxing afternoon at the grand opening of Laughing Llama Farm when her yarn spinning demonstration is cut short. When a group of llamas are shot by a paintball gun, owners Ellie and Ben Krueger immediately have suspects in mind. The shooting wasn%E2%80%99t an isolated incident, but one in a string of vandalisms. Competition with a rival alpaca farm and speculation over an upcoming vote on zoning laws provide ample intrigue for possible culprits. As tensions rise and a dead body surfaces, Maggie can%E2%80%99t help getting involved. The antics of Maggie and her friends will keep readers turning the pages. Tempting recipes round out the volume. Agent: Bob Mecoy, Bob Mecoy Literary Agency. (Jan.)