Dead Men Don't Crochet

The focus on crafts adds such a charming touch, and I'm curious what sparked the idea of blending crochet with murder-solving in this way.

The characters and setting made me wish I could join their knitting circle. What details made the town feel so real to others?

The tone was perfectly light but still kept me on edge during the mystery parts. Was that a deliberate choice or did it develop during writing?