"Half Double Murder" By Marshall Thornton: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a code for an audiobook of this book, and a link to purchase the book.

Half Double Murder is the first in the new Queer Crochet Mystery series by Marshall Thornton and after inhaling this, I am hoping readers are in for more entries. I grabbed this title in audio format, and narrator Dana P. Rowe does an excellent job bringing a large cast of characters to life.

Troubled teen Brown and senior citizen Chester (Chess) meet at an LGBTQ fiber arts group, held at the Northern Lower Michigan Pride Center. They both are hoping to crochet sweaters as a momentary respite from difficult life situations. Brown is just learning and Chess has multiple works in progress in various states of success.

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Image Source Kenmore Books

Soon, though, the fiber arts group learns that Vaughn, a young gay man and director of the Pride Center, has been arrested for the murder of the owner of a neighboring hair salon. (The owner had recently posted transphobic attacks on social media). He must be innocent, and Chess begins his own investigation. His kindness and openness ropes a reluctant Brown in as well.

What follows is a tightly woven mystery that is told in alternating points of view (Brown and Chess). I didn’t guess the resolution ahead of time and enjoyed the journey. Chess is relentless in his questioning, using his age, status and wealth to his advantage. May we all have a friend and advocate like Chess. While Brown may seem to be quietly sitting on the sidelines, they are very much aware of all the characters, events and clues.

In addition to a strong mystery, there is both humor and hardships woven throughout and balanced perfectly. I felt that I got to truly know (and like and root for) our main characters and could easily visualize them in the setting. I adored the crochet talk and especially chuckled at Chess and his stashes of unfinished projects and frequent purchases of more beautiful yarn. I know that well.

What a great start to what I hope is a long series. 

To enter to win an audiobook copy of Half Double Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "half,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 3, 2026. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter.  If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!

You can click here to purchase this book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director, and then a stay at home mom. Currently, she is working part-time in a local elementary school library and loving being back with kids and books. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband, two dogs and a cat. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.