Allie Pleiter is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Knit or Dye Trying, her latest novel in the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series.

Welcome, Allie. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tell us about your novel. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

KNIT OR DYE TRYING is the second book in the Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. Maryland yarn shop owner Libby Beckett finds herself in a tangle of sister rivalry that leaves her VIP guest murdered. With the help of her friends, her loyal shop customers, her meddling mother, and of course charming dog Hank, Libby unravels the clues to save the day and her town’s food festival.

The Riverbank Knitting Mysteries follows reluctant sleuth Libby Beckett as she launches her dream of opening a Maryland yarn shop. Set in the small tourist town of Collinstown, the series features a cast of lovable—and not-so-lovable—characters that enrich and complicate Libby’s life. The first book in the series, ON SKEIN OF DEATH, released in 2021 and the third book, IT CAME UP ON A MIDNIGHT SHEAR, will hit shelves November of this year.

Where did the idea for the mystery that is central to the story come from?

While the complexities of yarn dying and the multitude of unusual fibers that can make yarn are certainly key to the story, the mystery revolves around tangled family dynamics. I wanted to explore the fascinating and beautiful world of independent fiber dye artists. I also found it compelling to put that artistry in the context of a dysfunctional family and how “success” can breed misery as much as it breeds acclaim.

Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?

Contrary to what you might think, it’s really not about yarn. Or knitting. Those are certainly present vividly throughout the story, but the story is really about family and jealousy and what such emotions can drive us to do to those we should love the most.

How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?

My characters can saunter up to my imagination and introduce themselves—often without warning. Libby came to me fully realized—shop name, dog, and all. Others, like shop assistant Linda have revealed themselves to me in layers. Gavin has been fun to explore because of all the history he has with Libby. Readers seem to be especially fond of Rhonda, Libby’s mom. I expect that may be because Rhonda seems to say what we’re all thinking (even when it ought not to be said!). And of course, there’s Hank. I’m a dog owner myself, so I understand the special bond of companionship pets offer.

How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?

While my books are almost always set in fictional towns, I do try to base them on actual ones. I prefer to make multiple in-person visits to my location, gathering details, atmosphere, geographic layout, etc. But every location “comes to life” by virtue of the people in it. In that aspect, some small town dynamics are universal. If I do my job right, readers recognize characters from their own communities in Collinstown’s colorful residents.

What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the novel?

Each Riverbank Knitting Mystery focuses on a different aspect of yarn and fiber arts. So I’ll do a wide swath of book research to begin. Then, I draw on topic experts to help me get the details right. Getting to know such talented people has been one of the greatest pleasures of writing the series. I also need help from crime-specific experts like medical professionals, law enforcement, and attorneys. I’m fortunate to have a bunch of great people eager to help me.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book?

If you are a knitting reader (and there are loads of them!), it’s fun to know there is a knitting pattern included in each book. Also, I LOVE to visit bookstores and bookclubs, so any interested readers should contact me at allie@alliepleiter.com if they’re interested in setting up an in-person or virtual visit.

Thanks for answering my questions, Allie, and good luck with Knit or Dye Trying the latest book in the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Allie and her writing by visiting her Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Bookbub pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Link on my webpage    Amazon (including Kindle and Audible)      Barnes & Noble (including Nook)      Apple Books     Google Play     Kobo     IndieBound

About Allie Pleiter: An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time.  The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold.  In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers.