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Farmers' Market #4
A Killer Maize
"Becca Robbins is selling her farm-made jams and preserves at a county fair where business is not the only thing that's dead...
"The last person Becca expects to run into at the Swayton County Fall Festival is her ex-husband, Scott Triplett, who's operating a shooting gallery. Honesty was not always Scott's policy, and their unexpected reunion is further complicated when the festival becomes a crime scene. On Becca's second day there, Ferris wheel operator Virgil Morrison is found hanging from his rickety ride, dead from a gunshot.
As Becca starts to notice Scott suspiciously sneaking around the fairgrounds, she begins to worry her ex may be involved in the murder. Then there's the shadow she sees in the creepy corn maze and rumors of a gypsy curse--not to mention Virgil's mysterious spider tattoo. Now Becca must search through a labyrinth of lies, secrets, and superstition to find a kernel of truth...before the killer starts stalking her.
"The last person Becca expects to run into at the Swayton County Fall Festival is her ex-husband, Scott Triplett, who's operating a shooting gallery. Honesty was not always Scott's policy, and their unexpected reunion is further complicated when the festival becomes a crime scene. On Becca's second day there, Ferris wheel operator Virgil Morrison is found hanging from his rickety ride, dead from a gunshot.
As Becca starts to notice Scott suspiciously sneaking around the fairgrounds, she begins to worry her ex may be involved in the murder. Then there's the shadow she sees in the creepy corn maze and rumors of a gypsy curse--not to mention Virgil's mysterious spider tattoo. Now Becca must search through a labyrinth of lies, secrets, and superstition to find a kernel of truth...before the killer starts stalking her.
287 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 11, 2016
It's been quite a bit (October of last year, in fact) since I've read a book in this series, and lately I've been trying to not only attack my TBR shelves (which were about to burst) but also read some books in series that I started but stopped for one reason or another. This book fit the bill, so I decided to go ahead and give it a go. I honestly have to say, it disappointed me.
Becca is great, though I still feel like she's a little bit naive and shallow. She's a part of a love triangle and people keep telling her the right choice (which is right in front of her face!!!) but she drags her feet. The author tried and succeeded in creating tension in the relationship, but it didn't really improve my feelings on the entire thing. The secondary characters, however, were great! They all are fleshed out and I honestly feel they're more relatable than Becca.
The mystery was okay, but there was a huge clue like 75 pages before the ending, so it wasn't really a surprise. I honestly liked the setting of Bailey's better than the county fair setting, also.
My main complaint, and the reason I rated this a low three stars, was I lost interest in the book. The last 100 pages or so felt like they dragged to me. It was probably my mood I'm in (I've been so busy with other things) but it was still disappointing.
Overall a mediocre book. However, I loved the second and third in this series, so I hope the next one improves.
Becca is great, though I still feel like she's a little bit naive and shallow. She's a part of a love triangle and people keep telling her the right choice (which is right in front of her face!!!) but she drags her feet. The author tried and succeeded in creating tension in the relationship, but it didn't really improve my feelings on the entire thing. The secondary characters, however, were great! They all are fleshed out and I honestly feel they're more relatable than Becca.
The mystery was okay, but there was a huge clue like 75 pages before the ending, so it wasn't really a surprise. I honestly liked the setting of Bailey's better than the county fair setting, also.
My main complaint, and the reason I rated this a low three stars, was I lost interest in the book. The last 100 pages or so felt like they dragged to me. It was probably my mood I'm in (I've been so busy with other things) but it was still disappointing.
Overall a mediocre book. However, I loved the second and third in this series, so I hope the next one improves.
October 28, 2023
Becca Robbins and a few friends from Bailey's are selling their wares at the Swayton County Fair but business is slow and the fair is deader than the rides are about to be. As Becca tries to work up her nerve to ride the rickety Ferris Wheel, she tries to chat up Vergil, the ride operator, in hopes of finding out the meaning of his black spider tattoo on his neck. Becca never expects who turns up next. She's surprised and dismayed to meet her second ex-husband, Scott Triplett, who is at the fair running the shooting gallery. Scott is as charming and irrepressible as ever and Becca actually enjoys hanging out with him. At least until Vergil ends up dead, shot and hanging from the Ferris Wheel and Scott was the one to discover his body and cut the man down. Becca feels in her gut Scott could never murder anyone but he's acting sneaky and suspicious. Something weird is going on at the fair and everyone just seems to want to blame it on some mysterious magic and a gypsy witch who once lived on the land. Since the local authorities don't seem to be actively investigating, Becca decides to do a little snooping of her own, just to find out what Scott is up to. Sam seems to be sneaking around the fair too but off duty. What on earth? Meanwhile, Ian is busy with his lavender business but Becca has an unexpected rival that is not business. She must examine her heart and figure out what she wants.
This mystery was very good. I only guessed who at the very end but why was a huge surprise. My quibble is that a minor character I had forgotten about turns out to sort of be a key character. The spooky factor was just enough to be atmospheric for this time of year and I appreciated that it wasn't too creepy because I am a wuss. I'm torn on the witchy aspect though. The story was interesting but never fully explained. warning for the language police: This book uses the term gypsy. Becca's mom does explain the history of the people and the language they spoke even though the story was not about a Romany traveler. Cozy wise, I could have done without the love triangles but I did like getting to know more about her past.
Becca is still a little stupid sometimes. She does one major dumb thing in the middle of the story and one kind of dumb thing with the best of intentions at the end. Becca withholds evidence from the police and even Sam though in order to protect Scott. She should know Sam by now and Sam would help figure out what was going on and take it to the locals. Sam arrested her mother but didn't really believe Polly was a killer. He treated her nicely. I think he would make sure Scott was taken care of. Becca is older now and should know what she wants in her love life. I never got a connection with Ian. Having fun and hanging out with Ian is OK at first but not when her heart belongs to Sam. It's obvious to everyone and I think Ian is too polite to break up with Becca first. He's trying to let her figure it out. Betsy is back and trying to make a move on Ian. Who knew? She seems a little too intense for him though and she and Becca were sort of friendly so she shouldn't be doing that. She says she has everyone's best interests at heart. Her plan would be a good one for a different situation.
Officer Sam Brion seems to be the one snooping in this book. He's concerned about Virgil's murder and how the local authorities don't seem to be able to investigate or solve the crime. They don't seem all that interested. Sam doesn't believe in witchcraft/magic/curses whatever they call it. He becomes a little too buddy buddy with Scott for my liking. They seem to be discussing Becca behind her back. I HATE that! Scott is not a bad guy. He's goofy and friendly, a little awkward and maybe still a bit immature. He says he's remarried and has a stepson. He seems to be a devoted family man from his conversations but he's at this fair, alone, with an itinerant odd job, sneaking around at night? It doesn't sound like he's matured all the way. I don't think he's a murderer but he may be having an affair.
Virgil was an enigma. No one really knew him well. Some had been to his house and knew him socially, some seem to know when he moved to town, what he did for a living but nothing concrete. He wasn't super talkative and didn't discuss anything personal with Becca. Even if he was in a gang or the mafia, he didn't deserve to die. Lucy, the fair coordinator, is eager to have the Bailey's farmers stay. She insists business will pick up but why would it when the rides are old and creaking? Lucy is mysterious. She holes up in her office with the door locked and never answers when Becca knocks. Does she know Becca is being nosy and avoiding questioning? Does she have something to hide? Like let's start with : Is she the reason the rides are rusting away? Who are the mysterious owners? Do they exist? Is Lucy secretly the owner?
Dianna Kivitt is a newcomer to Orderville. She runs the local bar and works odd jobs at the fair. She's suspicious and not overly friendly. Dianna can be friendly when it comes to customer service but when she realizes Becca is being nosy, she runs away. What does she have to hide? What does she know? Jerry, the corn dog seller, is affable and easy going. He comes from California and has a different mindset I guess. He's fun and friendly. I think he likes Becca but being a newcomer, he doesn't have answers about what's happening at the fair. Randy, another newcomer, a babyfaced math teacher, is friendly and fun too. The others seem to know Scott and like hanging out with him. Randy knew Virgil the best of anyone and still doesn't have any ideas who would have wanted Virgil dead.
Another farmer Becca meets and questions is Ward. He's from the outskirts of Orderville and seems suspicious to Becca. He has a lot to say about the fair's past and has many happy memories. Um ok. The fair is small and creepy. He must be remembering the LONG past when the rides didn't make suspicious noises. He's a font of information though. Could he be the killer? He knows so much about the fair and the people involved.
Jena Bellings was said to be a gypsy witch who put a blessing on the land. Becca's parents know more about her past than anyone from a story handed down from mother to daughter but I fear Polly's refusal to share the story with outsiders may prevent Becca from solving the mystery. Jena had a really rough life and it got better as an adult before she met a tragic end. That mystery was never solved. I don't think she'd be hanging around watching out for a cheap fair.
We get to know some of the other vendors from Bailey's. Stella, the baker, sells cinnamon chip bread. It sounds amazing! She's friendly enough with Becca but doesn't seem interested in gossiping. Henry is a newcomer to the market and to farming. He raises squash. Henry is fun. He's friendly, unconventional and happily shares his life story with Becca.
This was kind of an unusual mystery but I enjoyed it the most of all of them so far. Since there's only 2 more, I decided to keep going. I don't think this series is destined to be a favorite but I like it well enough for now. This one was the perfect read for the season. Not too spooky- just enough Halloween atmosphere for me.
This mystery was very good. I only guessed who at the very end but why was a huge surprise. My quibble is that a minor character I had forgotten about turns out to sort of be a key character. The spooky factor was just enough to be atmospheric for this time of year and I appreciated that it wasn't too creepy because I am a wuss. I'm torn on the witchy aspect though. The story was interesting but never fully explained. warning for the language police: This book uses the term gypsy. Becca's mom does explain the history of the people and the language they spoke even though the story was not about a Romany traveler. Cozy wise, I could have done without the love triangles but I did like getting to know more about her past.
Becca is still a little stupid sometimes. She does one major dumb thing in the middle of the story and one kind of dumb thing with the best of intentions at the end. Becca withholds evidence from the police and even Sam though in order to protect Scott. She should know Sam by now and Sam would help figure out what was going on and take it to the locals. Sam arrested her mother but didn't really believe Polly was a killer. He treated her nicely. I think he would make sure Scott was taken care of. Becca is older now and should know what she wants in her love life. I never got a connection with Ian. Having fun and hanging out with Ian is OK at first but not when her heart belongs to Sam. It's obvious to everyone and I think Ian is too polite to break up with Becca first. He's trying to let her figure it out. Betsy is back and trying to make a move on Ian. Who knew? She seems a little too intense for him though and she and Becca were sort of friendly so she shouldn't be doing that. She says she has everyone's best interests at heart. Her plan would be a good one for a different situation.
Officer Sam Brion seems to be the one snooping in this book. He's concerned about Virgil's murder and how the local authorities don't seem to be able to investigate or solve the crime. They don't seem all that interested. Sam doesn't believe in witchcraft/magic/curses whatever they call it. He becomes a little too buddy buddy with Scott for my liking. They seem to be discussing Becca behind her back. I HATE that! Scott is not a bad guy. He's goofy and friendly, a little awkward and maybe still a bit immature. He says he's remarried and has a stepson. He seems to be a devoted family man from his conversations but he's at this fair, alone, with an itinerant odd job, sneaking around at night? It doesn't sound like he's matured all the way. I don't think he's a murderer but he may be having an affair.
Virgil was an enigma. No one really knew him well. Some had been to his house and knew him socially, some seem to know when he moved to town, what he did for a living but nothing concrete. He wasn't super talkative and didn't discuss anything personal with Becca. Even if he was in a gang or the mafia, he didn't deserve to die. Lucy, the fair coordinator, is eager to have the Bailey's farmers stay. She insists business will pick up but why would it when the rides are old and creaking? Lucy is mysterious. She holes up in her office with the door locked and never answers when Becca knocks. Does she know Becca is being nosy and avoiding questioning? Does she have something to hide? Like let's start with : Is she the reason the rides are rusting away? Who are the mysterious owners? Do they exist? Is Lucy secretly the owner?
Dianna Kivitt is a newcomer to Orderville. She runs the local bar and works odd jobs at the fair. She's suspicious and not overly friendly. Dianna can be friendly when it comes to customer service but when she realizes Becca is being nosy, she runs away. What does she have to hide? What does she know? Jerry, the corn dog seller, is affable and easy going. He comes from California and has a different mindset I guess. He's fun and friendly. I think he likes Becca but being a newcomer, he doesn't have answers about what's happening at the fair. Randy, another newcomer, a babyfaced math teacher, is friendly and fun too. The others seem to know Scott and like hanging out with him. Randy knew Virgil the best of anyone and still doesn't have any ideas who would have wanted Virgil dead.
Another farmer Becca meets and questions is Ward. He's from the outskirts of Orderville and seems suspicious to Becca. He has a lot to say about the fair's past and has many happy memories. Um ok. The fair is small and creepy. He must be remembering the LONG past when the rides didn't make suspicious noises. He's a font of information though. Could he be the killer? He knows so much about the fair and the people involved.
Jena Bellings was said to be a gypsy witch who put a blessing on the land. Becca's parents know more about her past than anyone from a story handed down from mother to daughter but I fear Polly's refusal to share the story with outsiders may prevent Becca from solving the mystery. Jena had a really rough life and it got better as an adult before she met a tragic end. That mystery was never solved. I don't think she'd be hanging around watching out for a cheap fair.
We get to know some of the other vendors from Bailey's. Stella, the baker, sells cinnamon chip bread. It sounds amazing! She's friendly enough with Becca but doesn't seem interested in gossiping. Henry is a newcomer to the market and to farming. He raises squash. Henry is fun. He's friendly, unconventional and happily shares his life story with Becca.
This was kind of an unusual mystery but I enjoyed it the most of all of them so far. Since there's only 2 more, I decided to keep going. I don't think this series is destined to be a favorite but I like it well enough for now. This one was the perfect read for the season. Not too spooky- just enough Halloween atmosphere for me.
January 16, 2016
A few of the vendor's from Bailey's Farmer's Market are taking their products to the Swayton County Fall Festival. The festival director thinks their unique products will bring in new customers to the festival. After the first day the vendors think they have made a big mistake. This festival is dead, hardly any people there at all. That is until one of the carnival workers is founding hanging from his rickety Ferris wheel, dead from a gunshot wound.
Funny how murder brings out the people out to the fair, including one of Becca's exes. He just happens to be running one of the games at the festival and he is acting quite suspicious. Becca just can't help herself. She has to work her way through a myriad of clues, lies, and secrets to "find a kernel of truth before the killer starts stalking her."
Dollycas's Thoughts
I love the setting! A fall festival with a huge corn maze and dilapidated rides and maybe even a ghost. Paige Shelton always surprises and never disappoints. A carny with a spider tattoo on his neck!!! Mysterious owners, a creepy little town, and gypsy magic. This story should have come out at Halloween but I am not complaining. I fell right into this story and there is more than one maze in this story. We are led through the clues and hit a few dead ends and have to back up, regroup and chart a new path. Masterfully plotted, just masterful!!
I did miss the regulars at Bailey's a bit but the new characters were quite colorful and unique. Scott Two's appearance at the festival gave us a peak at Becca's past and of course Sam helps out the local police a bit and is in just the right place at the right time.
On top of solving the crime Becca is also making a very important decision of her own. She also learns what Scott has been up to these past few years. I also loved the addition of another furry friend.
Head to the bookstores online or brick and mortar and harvest the homegrown mystery today. A jam packed who-dun-it that will "a-maize" you!
Funny how murder brings out the people out to the fair, including one of Becca's exes. He just happens to be running one of the games at the festival and he is acting quite suspicious. Becca just can't help herself. She has to work her way through a myriad of clues, lies, and secrets to "find a kernel of truth before the killer starts stalking her."
Dollycas's Thoughts
I love the setting! A fall festival with a huge corn maze and dilapidated rides and maybe even a ghost. Paige Shelton always surprises and never disappoints. A carny with a spider tattoo on his neck!!! Mysterious owners, a creepy little town, and gypsy magic. This story should have come out at Halloween but I am not complaining. I fell right into this story and there is more than one maze in this story. We are led through the clues and hit a few dead ends and have to back up, regroup and chart a new path. Masterfully plotted, just masterful!!
I did miss the regulars at Bailey's a bit but the new characters were quite colorful and unique. Scott Two's appearance at the festival gave us a peak at Becca's past and of course Sam helps out the local police a bit and is in just the right place at the right time.
On top of solving the crime Becca is also making a very important decision of her own. She also learns what Scott has been up to these past few years. I also loved the addition of another furry friend.
Head to the bookstores online or brick and mortar and harvest the homegrown mystery today. A jam packed who-dun-it that will "a-maize" you!
June 26, 2017
This is an enjoyable and quick read, in between some deeper stuff, and as such I really enjoyed it. A fairly shallow mystery that didn't give me logical clues to pick up on ... just suddenly had a conclusion that sort of came out of nowhere. Characters were interesting, some kind of weird (what's a book, or life for that matter, without a few weird ones?) and some just ... interesting. None very deep. Nothing hard about this book. Fun to think about the farmers' market, and anticipate attending one soon.
October 28, 2025
Some cozy mystery series you can pick up any book in the series and still be able to follow along with what is going on. I don't believe Farmer's Market Mystery is one of them. I think it would have been better if I had started with the first book. I had a hard time connecting with the characters or even really caring about the mystery. I'm not sure I'll go back and try the first book in the series.
March 26, 2020
Another reason for me NOT to EVER go in a corn🌽 maze! There were a couple of cringe 😣 worthy moments and the reveal was kind of confusing 😕 but I loved it.
April 29, 2021
In my opinion it contained way too many details that were unnecessary and it was hard for it to get my attention but I mean it was okay.
October 2, 2025
Absolutely no complaints about this one. A cozy fall mystery that kept me guessing all the way until the reveal. 5/5 stars
December 26, 2012
This is the fourth book in the series (+ the one novella in between), and it's still good. I really do think Shelton may be my most favorite cozy writer ever.
Becca Robins, in Killer Maize, is slightly annoying as she obsesses over her attraction to two men (Ian, the younger hunk who is officially her boyfriend, and Sam, the cop she finds attractive and -- unfortunately -- kissed once) AND over the fact that her second ex-husband shows up at the local fair where she's working for this book. I wanted to smack her more than once and tell her to accept her attractions and decide what to do about them! However, this is good; it means that Shelton has made Becca seem just that real.
I also found this mystery to be ... well, more mysterious. There's a murder, and Scott, Becca's ex-husband, is acting very suspiciously. But then, so's half the tiny town of Orderville. Other than Scott, there seem to be no really obvious candidates for killers, and even the cops (yes, Sam, too) are acting strangely.
I liked all that. The killer, the motive, and the odd behavior of so many people don't become clear until the end, which means the book is quite fun to read.
My only disappointment is that the end feels too much like an end. I hope Shelton isn't finished with this series, as I've really liked it!
If you're a cozy fan, The Farmers' Market series is excellent. But you could enjoy Killer Maize just on its own as well.
Becca Robins, in Killer Maize, is slightly annoying as she obsesses over her attraction to two men (Ian, the younger hunk who is officially her boyfriend, and Sam, the cop she finds attractive and -- unfortunately -- kissed once) AND over the fact that her second ex-husband shows up at the local fair where she's working for this book. I wanted to smack her more than once and tell her to accept her attractions and decide what to do about them! However, this is good; it means that Shelton has made Becca seem just that real.
I also found this mystery to be ... well, more mysterious. There's a murder, and Scott, Becca's ex-husband, is acting very suspiciously. But then, so's half the tiny town of Orderville. Other than Scott, there seem to be no really obvious candidates for killers, and even the cops (yes, Sam, too) are acting strangely.
I liked all that. The killer, the motive, and the odd behavior of so many people don't become clear until the end, which means the book is quite fun to read.
My only disappointment is that the end feels too much like an end. I hope Shelton isn't finished with this series, as I've really liked it!
If you're a cozy fan, The Farmers' Market series is excellent. But you could enjoy Killer Maize just on its own as well.
January 9, 2013
This series started out weak, but with each book it's gotten better and A Killer Maize is the best one so far. The characters have become so much more likeable, and the setting in South Carolina is well illustrated.
The mystery in this book is truly a mystery. I honestly had no idea at all what was going on with the murder, the town, the people - until the author revealed it to Becca. Ms. Shelton could have done a smoother job in bringing us to that point - sometimes it felt like she'd forgotten what she'd written a couple of chapters back - but since I seem to be one of those readers that remember *everything*, I concede I'm probably being too hard on her here.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad I stuck with the series. I look forward to the next book!
The mystery in this book is truly a mystery. I honestly had no idea at all what was going on with the murder, the town, the people - until the author revealed it to Becca. Ms. Shelton could have done a smoother job in bringing us to that point - sometimes it felt like she'd forgotten what she'd written a couple of chapters back - but since I seem to be one of those readers that remember *everything*, I concede I'm probably being too hard on her here.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad I stuck with the series. I look forward to the next book!
September 11, 2013
This book had it all; a fall theme, a spooky carnival, a murder, gypsy magic and superstition, a baby kitten and even some progress in Becca's love life. Some readers might miss the farm stand setting, as Becca was selling her wares at a town carnival, but I liked the change of pace. I'm looking forward to the next in this series which has a Christmas theme!
August 8, 2017
Becca Robbins is taking part in a county fair, selling her homemade jams and syrups with a few other vendors from Bailey’s Farmers Market. They are not finding the venture to be very profitable. When the group decides to leave the fair Becca is the one to deliver the news to the woman in charge. It doesn’t take long for Becca to agree to talk to the others and possibly give the fair one more chance. A shocking event overnight brings people out in droves. Also at the fair is Becca’s ex-husband. Their unexpected reunion has Becca worried when the fair becomes a crime scene and incriminating evidence seems to point Scott’s direction.
I have not read the first three books in this series, but I had no difficulty following this book. The authors provides enough back story to make me want to go back and read them though. I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are interesting and realistic. The setting was interesting. I’ve never been to South Carolina, but there are enough rural areas in this country that I have visited that fit the picture. The action in this story moves at a nice pace and kept me engaged. I will be reading the first three books for sure.
I have not read the first three books in this series, but I had no difficulty following this book. The authors provides enough back story to make me want to go back and read them though. I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are interesting and realistic. The setting was interesting. I’ve never been to South Carolina, but there are enough rural areas in this country that I have visited that fit the picture. The action in this story moves at a nice pace and kept me engaged. I will be reading the first three books for sure.
January 18, 2018
#4 in the Farmers' Market mystery series. Becca is an interesting character but once again, as in her last outing #3.5 Red Hot Deadly Peppers (2012), she is without the support structure of her farmer's market and fellow vendors. She does revisit (at great length) her romantic tangles but the current mystery is tepid. I long forward to her return to familiar ground.
Farmers' Market mystery - The last person Becca expects to run into at the Swayton County Fall Festival is her ex-husband, Scott Triplett, who's operating a shooting gallery. Honesty was not always Scott's policy, and their unexpected reunion is further complicated when the festival becomes a crime scene. On Becca's second day there, Ferris wheel operator Virgil Morrison is found hanging from his rickety ride, dead from a gunshot. As Becca starts to notice Scott suspiciously sneaking around the fairgrounds, she begins to worry her ex may be involved in the murder. Then there's the shadow in the creepy corn maze and rumors of a gypsy curse--not to mention Virgil's mysterious spider tattoo.
Farmers' Market mystery - The last person Becca expects to run into at the Swayton County Fall Festival is her ex-husband, Scott Triplett, who's operating a shooting gallery. Honesty was not always Scott's policy, and their unexpected reunion is further complicated when the festival becomes a crime scene. On Becca's second day there, Ferris wheel operator Virgil Morrison is found hanging from his rickety ride, dead from a gunshot. As Becca starts to notice Scott suspiciously sneaking around the fairgrounds, she begins to worry her ex may be involved in the murder. Then there's the shadow in the creepy corn maze and rumors of a gypsy curse--not to mention Virgil's mysterious spider tattoo.
November 1, 2019
This was a perfect way to end a self-imposed month of reading pumpkin-themed mysteries! I like Becca and her crew from Bailey's Farm Market in Monsoon, SC... and this time, some of them were in Odersville, a nearby town, at the yearly Fall Fair/Festival. It's not going so well, with attendance down--until someone is murdered at the carnival after hours. Becca attempts to immerse herself into the tight-knit group of people from Odersville in order to sniff out the killer, as she juggles seeing her ex-husband, her current beau, and the cop she seems to be drawn to--as well as trying to maintain her jams and syrups business and run her farm.
It was a good, clean read (no sex, foul language, gratuitous violence), and there were almost as many twists and turns as there are in a corn maze! A recommended read.
It was a good, clean read (no sex, foul language, gratuitous violence), and there were almost as many twists and turns as there are in a corn maze! A recommended read.
April 13, 2018
I usually enjoy Paige Shelton books, but this series really does nothing for me.
Becca and several other Bailey's Farmers Market people set up shop at an autumn festival in another town. Mystery surrounds the town and the fair with shockingly unsafe rides and vendors with secrets. Becca's second husband, Scott (the nice Scott), is one of the vendors running the shooting gallery. Is Scott hiding something? Can he be the person involved in the killing of the Ferris wheel vendor?
Stepping outside the world of Bailey's Farmers Market puts Becca in contact with a new group of people, but it seems a bit formulaic. Different venue, same old Becca...just not enough to make me want to sit down and read more.
Becca and several other Bailey's Farmers Market people set up shop at an autumn festival in another town. Mystery surrounds the town and the fair with shockingly unsafe rides and vendors with secrets. Becca's second husband, Scott (the nice Scott), is one of the vendors running the shooting gallery. Is Scott hiding something? Can he be the person involved in the killing of the Ferris wheel vendor?
Stepping outside the world of Bailey's Farmers Market puts Becca in contact with a new group of people, but it seems a bit formulaic. Different venue, same old Becca...just not enough to make me want to sit down and read more.
October 29, 2018
County Fairs (with their rickety roller coasters) and Corn Mazes (lets just all agree on the moldy smell and claustrophobia that comes with those) spook me a little so this story had a solid heebie jeebies factor. Finding a murder victim hanging from the Ferris Wheel is the stuff that nightmares are made of, right up there with creepy clowns (possibly the only thing this story was missing). The mystery was interesting, the secondary characters were fascinating, and I really like Becca and her cute little dog Hobbit. Her personal relationship drama was a little overwhelming but its been building for four stories now so that was expected. Overall, I'm still enjoying this series and look forward to reading more!
June 22, 2022
I have read all the books in the series and have really liked them. This book not as much as the others. I love pumpkins, farms, corn maizes, etc. Mysteries set in the fall are my favorites.
I think the whole premise around the mystery was a little ridiculous but it kept my interest enough to want to read to the conclusion.
Becca and the love triangle is what I didn’t care for the most. I dislike love triangles in all books but this one I thought I was back in high school. Becca (in her 30’s) is really immature when it comes to men. I am glad that situation is resolved.
I will be reading the next book.
I think the whole premise around the mystery was a little ridiculous but it kept my interest enough to want to read to the conclusion.
Becca and the love triangle is what I didn’t care for the most. I dislike love triangles in all books but this one I thought I was back in high school. Becca (in her 30’s) is really immature when it comes to men. I am glad that situation is resolved.
I will be reading the next book.
October 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It made for a perfect fall read because it takes place at a Fall Festival. I felt the writing was smooth and the dialogue was realistic. The characters were likable, which is important in a cozy. I never felt a sense of suspense, but I didn't need to. The way the story was written was enough to keep me wanting to read more. It is the first I have read in this series I am now looking forward to reading the others in the Farmer's Market Mystery series.
March 28, 2025
This was another great book with a thousand twists and turns. I love reading how the author weaves so many of them in the book and the plot.
Some things get sorted out but that only brings forward a bazillion more questions about the characters and where they are heading.
What I love best about this author in all the series of hers that I have read so far, is her attention to detail. Nothing escapes her and I love that.
Some things get sorted out but that only brings forward a bazillion more questions about the characters and where they are heading.
What I love best about this author in all the series of hers that I have read so far, is her attention to detail. Nothing escapes her and I love that.
October 30, 2025
Beccasaid she wasn't going to get involved, that didn'ty last for long. Several vendors from Bailey's market were selling at fair to hlep them along. Becca was trying to make friends with Virgil who was runnng the ferris wheel. she wanted to ride it but was trying to get her nerve up and making talking with Virgil. By Thursday he was found hangng from one of the buckets, Sam just happened to at the fair grounds that day and offered to help that town's police. anad so it begins.
August 12, 2020
I liked most of the book, but the whole "we wanna be godfathers had to open the fair to protect folks who were in the witness protection program instead of calling the Federal Marshals in charge of their care and even though we were risking the lives of anybody who rode the rides" just didn't make any sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
A nice cozy mystery. My fault for starting at the end of the series, but this book plunges you into the middle of a love triangle. I really like Paige Shelton’s writing. Her setting and characters were great and kept me reading.
February 9, 2022
I think this is my first one in this series. I'm not sure of the number, but I'm thinking there's a bit I need to catch up on. I did enjoy the book and could follow along with no problem on this story. I'm looking forward to reading more.
January 31, 2017
Another fun read, though I wasn't as drawn in as I was with Farm Fresh Murder, until later in the story.
May 4, 2017
Great mystery. The people in his series seem like people you would know in real life.
June 14, 2017
I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite by any means. The relationship stuff was better than the mystery by far.
January 28, 2018
We have resolved the love triangle! HALLELUJAH
July 7, 2019
Cute cozy mystery. I'm interested in reading the rest of the series.
November 23, 2019
Love this series one of a kind characters. With a fair setting with a run down traveling group. Along with members of a farmers market. There murder of course.
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October 11, 2022fun
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