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Farmers' Market #5
Merry Market Murder
Bailey’s Farmers’ Market is this season’s go-to holiday destination, but not all the vendors are feeling the Christmas spirit...
Jam and preserve maker Becca Robins is excited about the extra business that the Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm is bringing to the market this holiday season. But when a competing tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees, angrily barking that he has exclusive selling rights at the market, Becca finds herself pining for more goodwill toward men.
After Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest, she wonders when the Christmas tree business turned so deadly. Now Becca has to use the only clues she has to the killer’s identity—mysterious ornaments that begin to show up in her stall—to hook a sinister Scrooge who will go to any lengths to drive home a point…
Jam and preserve maker Becca Robins is excited about the extra business that the Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm is bringing to the market this holiday season. But when a competing tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees, angrily barking that he has exclusive selling rights at the market, Becca finds herself pining for more goodwill toward men.
After Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest, she wonders when the Christmas tree business turned so deadly. Now Becca has to use the only clues she has to the killer’s identity—mysterious ornaments that begin to show up in her stall—to hook a sinister Scrooge who will go to any lengths to drive home a point…
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
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December 2, 2019
"The rumors are true."
The fifth book in the Farmer's Market Mystery series opens with the Ridgeway Christmas tree farm setting up shop at Bailey's Farmers' Market. It doesn't hurt that Denny Ridgeway is a Santa look-alike. Easygoing dog treat vendor, Brenton Jones, becomes angry at the sight of the Ridgeway family. Things get ugly when a competing farm shows up with his trees and a contract stating that he will be exclusive to the market. The farm owner, Reggie Stuckey, is found dead in his truck the following morning with a Christmas tree stake through his chest. Becca immediately goes into investigative mode and begins questioning various vendors.
This is an enjoyable addition to the series. I am pleased with the relationship between Becca and police officer, Sam. He still tries to curtail her probing while at the same time bouncing ideas off of her. It is like visiting home when I return to Monson, SC.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book as we come to know the Ridgeways and the Stuckeys. There is bad blood, love interests and politics. And a Christmas tree parade! The downtown area hosts the event where trees are decorated and then auctioned off. The wonders of a small town!
The descriptions of the town and the surrounding farms transports you there. I always like when I feel "at home" when reading a book. A good solid read. I look forward to visiting with Becca, Sam, Allison, Hobbit and the supporting cast again soon.
Lots of yummy recipes in the back too!
3.5 stars
The fifth book in the Farmer's Market Mystery series opens with the Ridgeway Christmas tree farm setting up shop at Bailey's Farmers' Market. It doesn't hurt that Denny Ridgeway is a Santa look-alike. Easygoing dog treat vendor, Brenton Jones, becomes angry at the sight of the Ridgeway family. Things get ugly when a competing farm shows up with his trees and a contract stating that he will be exclusive to the market. The farm owner, Reggie Stuckey, is found dead in his truck the following morning with a Christmas tree stake through his chest. Becca immediately goes into investigative mode and begins questioning various vendors.
This is an enjoyable addition to the series. I am pleased with the relationship between Becca and police officer, Sam. He still tries to curtail her probing while at the same time bouncing ideas off of her. It is like visiting home when I return to Monson, SC.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book as we come to know the Ridgeways and the Stuckeys. There is bad blood, love interests and politics. And a Christmas tree parade! The downtown area hosts the event where trees are decorated and then auctioned off. The wonders of a small town!
The descriptions of the town and the surrounding farms transports you there. I always like when I feel "at home" when reading a book. A good solid read. I look forward to visiting with Becca, Sam, Allison, Hobbit and the supporting cast again soon.
Lots of yummy recipes in the back too!
3.5 stars
November 12, 2023
It's the holiday season and Bailey's Market is offering something special this year- fresh cut Christmas trees from Ridgeway Farm. Allison offered them an exclusive deal with free space after learning they were donating trees to the town for the annual parade. However, if she had foreseen the trouble having a Christmas tree vendor would bring, she never would have asked the owners to agree to it. First, when Brenton, the dog treat vendor, arrives at the market, he behaves with uncharacteristic animosity and violent behavior towards the Ridgeways for some unknown reason. Then, Reggie Stuckey shows up with HIS Christmas trees, claiming he has a contract for exclusively selling trees at Bailey's. Something's not right here and Allison and Becca are determined to figure things out. Before they do, Becca finds Reggie's dead body buried underneath his trees with a tree stake through him. Uh-oh! Not another murder at Bailey's! Technically the murder occurred outside the market but still, Becca is concerned and determined to stick her nose in to help Sam figure out who killed Reggie. When someone starts leaving her little handmade ornaments, Becca begins to wonder if they are clues leading to the murderer. If she can find out who gave them to her, hopefully they will lead her to the murderer. Can she do it before Christmas so Becca and Sam can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as a couple?
This series keeps getting better. Too bad there's only one more. Paige Shelton is an excellent mystery writer. I never guessed who the murderer was or what the motive was. I didn't even have a good guess. There were a lot of complications that led to red herrings for the motive. I love Christmas and picking out a fresh tree is one of my favorite activities. It seemed a little weird that it was such a HUGE deal and Becca had never had a real tree before, let alone spent any time in a forest. I can quibble and say there are many different types of Christmas trees. Pines are not desirable because they shed needles. Spruces and Firs are usually popular, at least around here. I loved the baking too and the tree farm. I didn't know it snowed in South Carolina enough to be a snow globe scene!
Becca impressed me in this investigation. She's come a long way. Sure she was nosy for no good reason but she shared her information with Sam the whole time and to be fair to her, at the end, he knew where she was because they had planned a personal visit there for pleasure. Sam's ethics are questionable. He's a better boyfriend than a detective. He fills Becca in on his investigation, shares information with her and even lets her tag along because she's already been there and it's not an active crime scene. He overlooks something crucial to his investigation too. I think he should be more guarded. His previous love was killed just to target him. What if it happens again? Sam doesn't share all the details of what happened only that his heart was broken and he was traumatized. He needed a change of scene, a more quiet (ha) location and once he met Becca, he began to heal. Becca is sweet not to pry, just to be there and support Sam when he needs her.
The only Bailey's vendor involved in the story is Brenton. He's normally mild mannered and nothing bothers him. He's a private person but always kind to the chatty ones. Brenton LOVES dogs and is happy to greet each one who comes to the market. So what happened? It's like a switch suddenly flicked and he had a personality transplant. Who is this Brenton Mr. Hyde and why is he so antagonistic towards the Ridgeways? He won't share with Allison and she has every right to kick him out of the market. She's too nice.
The Ridgeways seem nice enough. Denny is the eldest of the siblings and resembles Santa Claus. He's also very kind and listens to Becca's nosy questions even if he won't answer them. He doesn't seem to let the whatever with Brenton bother him. I hope he's not a murderer! His sister Billie is a little awkward and standoffish. She's lying about something but it may not be a big deal. The third sibling Ned seems nice too but he isn't in the story much. Reggie Stuckey was their business rival, at least this market season. Yet those who knew Reggie claim he was only running the tree farm for fun. So why didn't he just turn around and promise to sort things out later. He was adamant he was in the right and had the paperwork to prove it. The clues don't really add up. His life was sad and his death was sadder. It seems there's no one to mourn Reggie Stuckey.
Gellie, Reggie's housekeeper, was new to the job. She's an amazing cook and an efficient housekeeper. She even, begrudgingly, cares for Reggie's pet goose, Batman. Batman is hilarious and steals the one scene he's in. Gellie is kind and doesn't want to tell tales but she bonds with Becca and is willing to share what she knows- which is not much. There are two helpers on the farm, Patricia and Joel, a married couple. They don't come into the house and just do the trees. Reggie may have been paying them in cash which is fine and legal for that sort of job, but something about them is off. They seem sneaky and suspicious. Jennifer is a buxom blond like Mamma Maria and seemed to have a closer relationship with Reggie than her husband did. Or at least Reggie trusted her more. Maybe only because she knows how to work office equipment?
At the Smithfield Market, Becca discovers a new suspect. Someone who has every good reason to want Reggie out of the way. But why now when they haven't seen each other in decades? Like Becca, I don't even understand why what happened was such a big deal. Evie wasn't responsible. Their relationship seems to have unraveled quickly, even before that moment. Does she know who the killer is? Is Evie leaving Becca clues?
Becca's parents have some good information to share on the events of Evie's past. As always, they're charming. They need to stay vocal about the causes they believe in, especially if they stay in Monson! One other source of information is Stephanie, an apple grower, and someone who was once close to a key character. She's a tough businesswoman and a straight shooter. If she doesn't want to take the time to deal with you then you better turn around and go home. She's a little guarded and doesn't share stories that aren't hers to tell or offer speculation, just what she knows for sure. I'm not sure I like her. She's a little intimidating.
Hobbit comes along for a day of investigating. She's so sweet! She has a key moment in the story when she saves the day. It had me in stitches. I think it's funny and cute how Officer Vivienne Norton ships Becca and Sam. She ships them so hard, she baked Becca Christmas cookies! Who knew she was a romantic? Or maybe she just thinks Sam is easier to work with when he's not brooding.
There are several recipes for Christmas cookies, pies and muffins that sound wonderful! However, mixing frozen whipped topping with pumpkin does not make a cream pie and I would be furious if I bought something at a farmer's market and that's all it was. I suppose one could use non-dairy topping for those guests who can't tolerate cow cream. That makes it natural and better than just plain Cool Whip.
I'm sad there's only one more book to go but happy Paige Shelton is still writing cozy mysteries.
This series keeps getting better. Too bad there's only one more. Paige Shelton is an excellent mystery writer. I never guessed who the murderer was or what the motive was. I didn't even have a good guess. There were a lot of complications that led to red herrings for the motive. I love Christmas and picking out a fresh tree is one of my favorite activities. It seemed a little weird that it was such a HUGE deal and Becca had never had a real tree before, let alone spent any time in a forest. I can quibble and say there are many different types of Christmas trees. Pines are not desirable because they shed needles. Spruces and Firs are usually popular, at least around here. I loved the baking too and the tree farm. I didn't know it snowed in South Carolina enough to be a snow globe scene!
Becca impressed me in this investigation. She's come a long way. Sure she was nosy for no good reason but she shared her information with Sam the whole time and to be fair to her, at the end, he knew where she was because they had planned a personal visit there for pleasure. Sam's ethics are questionable. He's a better boyfriend than a detective. He fills Becca in on his investigation, shares information with her and even lets her tag along because she's already been there and it's not an active crime scene. He overlooks something crucial to his investigation too. I think he should be more guarded. His previous love was killed just to target him. What if it happens again? Sam doesn't share all the details of what happened only that his heart was broken and he was traumatized. He needed a change of scene, a more quiet (ha) location and once he met Becca, he began to heal. Becca is sweet not to pry, just to be there and support Sam when he needs her.
The only Bailey's vendor involved in the story is Brenton. He's normally mild mannered and nothing bothers him. He's a private person but always kind to the chatty ones. Brenton LOVES dogs and is happy to greet each one who comes to the market. So what happened? It's like a switch suddenly flicked and he had a personality transplant. Who is this Brenton Mr. Hyde and why is he so antagonistic towards the Ridgeways? He won't share with Allison and she has every right to kick him out of the market. She's too nice.
The Ridgeways seem nice enough. Denny is the eldest of the siblings and resembles Santa Claus. He's also very kind and listens to Becca's nosy questions even if he won't answer them. He doesn't seem to let the whatever with Brenton bother him. I hope he's not a murderer! His sister Billie is a little awkward and standoffish. She's lying about something but it may not be a big deal. The third sibling Ned seems nice too but he isn't in the story much. Reggie Stuckey was their business rival, at least this market season. Yet those who knew Reggie claim he was only running the tree farm for fun. So why didn't he just turn around and promise to sort things out later. He was adamant he was in the right and had the paperwork to prove it. The clues don't really add up. His life was sad and his death was sadder. It seems there's no one to mourn Reggie Stuckey.
Gellie, Reggie's housekeeper, was new to the job. She's an amazing cook and an efficient housekeeper. She even, begrudgingly, cares for Reggie's pet goose, Batman. Batman is hilarious and steals the one scene he's in. Gellie is kind and doesn't want to tell tales but she bonds with Becca and is willing to share what she knows- which is not much. There are two helpers on the farm, Patricia and Joel, a married couple. They don't come into the house and just do the trees. Reggie may have been paying them in cash which is fine and legal for that sort of job, but something about them is off. They seem sneaky and suspicious. Jennifer is a buxom blond like Mamma Maria and seemed to have a closer relationship with Reggie than her husband did. Or at least Reggie trusted her more. Maybe only because she knows how to work office equipment?
At the Smithfield Market, Becca discovers a new suspect. Someone who has every good reason to want Reggie out of the way. But why now when they haven't seen each other in decades? Like Becca, I don't even understand why what happened was such a big deal. Evie wasn't responsible. Their relationship seems to have unraveled quickly, even before that moment. Does she know who the killer is? Is Evie leaving Becca clues?
Becca's parents have some good information to share on the events of Evie's past. As always, they're charming. They need to stay vocal about the causes they believe in, especially if they stay in Monson! One other source of information is Stephanie, an apple grower, and someone who was once close to a key character. She's a tough businesswoman and a straight shooter. If she doesn't want to take the time to deal with you then you better turn around and go home. She's a little guarded and doesn't share stories that aren't hers to tell or offer speculation, just what she knows for sure. I'm not sure I like her. She's a little intimidating.
Hobbit comes along for a day of investigating. She's so sweet! She has a key moment in the story when she saves the day. It had me in stitches. I think it's funny and cute how Officer Vivienne Norton ships Becca and Sam. She ships them so hard, she baked Becca Christmas cookies! Who knew she was a romantic? Or maybe she just thinks Sam is easier to work with when he's not brooding.
There are several recipes for Christmas cookies, pies and muffins that sound wonderful! However, mixing frozen whipped topping with pumpkin does not make a cream pie and I would be furious if I bought something at a farmer's market and that's all it was. I suppose one could use non-dairy topping for those guests who can't tolerate cow cream. That makes it natural and better than just plain Cool Whip.
I'm sad there's only one more book to go but happy Paige Shelton is still writing cozy mysteries.
December 2, 2019
I really liked this installment. The market was a lot of fun at Christmas time especially with all the mystery that came with their special Christmas tree vendors. I really enjoyed how Becca's new relationship was developing in this book. You've also got to love a sleuth who admits she wants to know things just because she is nosy. Fun Christmas read. #readforkimberly
February 25, 2017
Very good book with an excellent mystery. However, it took me a little while to really get into it. Recommend, and I will read the next one.
December 5, 2013
This is the fifth installment of the Farmer’s Market Mystery Series featuring fraternal twin sisters Allison and Becca Robins. Allison manages Bailey’s Farm Market and Becca is a vendor selling her jams and preserves.
Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm has decided to add a booth at Bailey’s Farmers’ Market this year. Most of the regular vendors are excited about it until another tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees and tries to claim he has an exclusive contract to sell them. Before Allison has time to sort out the contract dispute Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest. Things are far from MERRY!
Soon after the body is found Becca starts to receive unusual and mysterious ornaments. She thinks they may be clues to who killed Reggie. As she tries to wrap her mind around what these clues are telling her she discovers a lot about some people she thought she knew pretty well.
Just who is the Scrooge that that is set on keeping these holidays from being happy?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
One of my favorite series and this time we get to visit over the Christmas holidays. Again Becca lands right in the middle of the trouble. Her detective boyfriend wishes she would butt out but the clues are all being left for her and she can’t just ignore them.
This is a very clue oriented mystery and Becca has to dig deep and back in history to put everything together and then she may still be too late. Paige Shelton has put a real clever spin on the clues this time. They need to be pondered and investigated and then sometimes pondered a bit more.
All our favorite characters are back and it seems Becca and Allison’s parents may be sticking around awhile. The new characters are interesting. A tree farmer than looks a bit like Santa can’t be a bad guy. can he?
Anytime is a great time to “escape” to visit Bailey’s. But with the smell of pine in the air and a bounty of tasty treats available this is perfect time. Time to get in the holiday spirit and you know this book would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the cozy mystery lover on your list. The recipes in the back of book are fabulous, the Orange Meltaways are just one that has been added to my holiday baking list.
Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm has decided to add a booth at Bailey’s Farmers’ Market this year. Most of the regular vendors are excited about it until another tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees and tries to claim he has an exclusive contract to sell them. Before Allison has time to sort out the contract dispute Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest. Things are far from MERRY!
Soon after the body is found Becca starts to receive unusual and mysterious ornaments. She thinks they may be clues to who killed Reggie. As she tries to wrap her mind around what these clues are telling her she discovers a lot about some people she thought she knew pretty well.
Just who is the Scrooge that that is set on keeping these holidays from being happy?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
One of my favorite series and this time we get to visit over the Christmas holidays. Again Becca lands right in the middle of the trouble. Her detective boyfriend wishes she would butt out but the clues are all being left for her and she can’t just ignore them.
This is a very clue oriented mystery and Becca has to dig deep and back in history to put everything together and then she may still be too late. Paige Shelton has put a real clever spin on the clues this time. They need to be pondered and investigated and then sometimes pondered a bit more.
All our favorite characters are back and it seems Becca and Allison’s parents may be sticking around awhile. The new characters are interesting. A tree farmer than looks a bit like Santa can’t be a bad guy. can he?
Anytime is a great time to “escape” to visit Bailey’s. But with the smell of pine in the air and a bounty of tasty treats available this is perfect time. Time to get in the holiday spirit and you know this book would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the cozy mystery lover on your list. The recipes in the back of book are fabulous, the Orange Meltaways are just one that has been added to my holiday baking list.
January 14, 2017
Merry Market Murder by Paige Shelton Jam and preserve maker Becca Robins finds time in between canning jam for Bailey's Market, baking cookies for the Christmas Tree Parade and dating a police officer to nose around into the murder of a Christmas Tree Farm vendor. Becca's only clues to the killer are mysterious ornaments that begin to show up in her stall.
This 5th book of the Farmers' Market cozy mystery series will make you pine for a Christmas tree even if it's not Christmas yet.
This 5th book of the Farmers' Market cozy mystery series will make you pine for a Christmas tree even if it's not Christmas yet.
December 24, 2015
Becca Robbins sells her jams and cookies at Bailey’s Farmers’ Market, but being busy baking, canning, and selling doesn’t curtail her curiosity or prevent her from investigating a murder that occurred at the market. Her forthright personality just makes her forge ahead, regardless of possible dangers. This Christmas cozy has it all: great characters, an intricate plot, clues for the reader to follow, accurate background material about the press in the 1980‘s, tasty recipes, and a dog named Hobbit. What more could you want? This cozy makes me want to read the rest of the series.
January 2, 2016
On a scale of 1 to Coco, Merry Market Murder comes in at a 6. It would have been higher had the ending been more satisfying and the plot holes smaller. Also, points lost for no jalapeño mint jam recipe in the back! However, the characters were fun, the farmer's markets and tree farms were excellent settings, and the cozy animal sidekicks (especially Batman the Goose) were great! I don't know that I would read other books in this series but it was successful cozy stocking stuffer for sure!
February 12, 2018
#5 in the Farmer's Market mystery series. The setup to this 2013 cozy takes us to Becca Robins with her familiar farm and her stall at the farmers market with her familiar co-vendors. So far the cozy is cozy. But then a Christmas tree vendor shows up and shortly thereafter follows another one. Two vendors where there should only be one. One is killed and provides the requisite cozy body. But the motive may be related to a 20 year old betrayal and that's where the plot gets overly complex. The betrayal affected: a wealthy hobby farmer growing Christmas trees; three siblings with another Christmas tree farm; a dog treat vendor at the market; a regionally famous apple grower; and, a former state senator and now egg seller at another market. You'll enjoy it as you read it, but at some point you may wish you had laid down a trail of bread crumbs (or sketched a diagram).
Jam and preserve maker Becca Robins is excited about the extra business that the Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm is bringing to the market this holiday season. But a competing tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees, angrily barking that he has exclusive selling rights at the market. After Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest, she wonders when the Christmas tree business turned so deadly. Now Becca has to use the only clues she has to the killer's identity--mysterious ornaments that begin to show up in her stall.
Jam and preserve maker Becca Robins is excited about the extra business that the Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm is bringing to the market this holiday season. But a competing tree farmer, Reggie Stuckey, arrives with a truck full of trees, angrily barking that he has exclusive selling rights at the market. After Reggie is found with a tree stake in his chest, she wonders when the Christmas tree business turned so deadly. Now Becca has to use the only clues she has to the killer's identity--mysterious ornaments that begin to show up in her stall.
October 11, 2020
I loved the Christmas theme of this one. The only thing that kept it from getting the 5th star was that the murder plot got too complicated and convoluted for me. So I'll just have to accept that the ending was rushed and confusing but that I enjoyed the rest of the story and move on to the next book.
April 8, 2023
Tis the season at the farm market, and things are busy. A tree farm has been invited to participate this year. Imagine everyone's surprise when a rival tree farm shows up, and they claim exclusive rights to sell. But then that tree farmer is found murdered. There's a mystery to be solved.
Becca and Sam's relationship is heating up. While they haven't used the 'L' word yet, they're close. And Sam actually doesn't seem to mind all that much Becca asking questions. Maybe it will even give him some insights as he tries to solve the crime. But who is leaving Becca Christmas ornaments? An admirer, or someone who is giving Becca clues to the murderer.
This is a nice read, a cute book, and the mystery is solid. I like this series, and this one did not disappoint. I did not figure out who the murderer was, and it all made sense in the end.
It does help to read the series in order. Recipes at the end for baked goods mentioned throughout the story. Some I might actually try.
Becca and Sam's relationship is heating up. While they haven't used the 'L' word yet, they're close. And Sam actually doesn't seem to mind all that much Becca asking questions. Maybe it will even give him some insights as he tries to solve the crime. But who is leaving Becca Christmas ornaments? An admirer, or someone who is giving Becca clues to the murderer.
This is a nice read, a cute book, and the mystery is solid. I like this series, and this one did not disappoint. I did not figure out who the murderer was, and it all made sense in the end.
It does help to read the series in order. Recipes at the end for baked goods mentioned throughout the story. Some I might actually try.
December 27, 2017
I like this series for many reasons. Always a well done mystery, but I love the setting and the premise. Becca works hard on her farm and at her farmers' market stall selling the jams and preserves she creates. She works hard with her sister who runs the farmers' market, together they are making it shine.
I would love to visit this town and market, get to know these people. There is a murder to solve and Becca becomes involved rather naturally [key for me to really enjoy a cozy]. I read this one out of order so missed some bits of info like new boyfriend who is a cop, but it wasn't off-putting. I like the new guy. And that Becca is still friends with her past boyfriend. I love touches like that.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I would love to visit this town and market, get to know these people. There is a murder to solve and Becca becomes involved rather naturally [key for me to really enjoy a cozy]. I read this one out of order so missed some bits of info like new boyfriend who is a cop, but it wasn't off-putting. I like the new guy. And that Becca is still friends with her past boyfriend. I love touches like that.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
June 2, 2018
Becca is now “a couple” with Sam the police officer. (This is the 5th in the series) It’s a couple weeks before Christmas and the vendors at Bailey’s are getting ready for the holiday. Unfortunately, two Christmas tree sellers thought they had been given exclusive rights to sell their trees at the market – and one of them winds up murdered. As things unfold Becca learns that the difficulty between the two sellers goes back many years and uncovers a number of secrets. Although Becca’s attempts at finding information do help the police, Sam really figures out most of it before Becca. – I do like it when there is a good strong intelligent law enforcement figure as well as the interested female working on the case.
June 18, 2018
It had been a long time in between entries of this series for me, and I even missed a book due to physically losing it somehow and so just deciding to skip it. It felt like I never missed a beat, a testament to Shelton's writing and to the characters she's created in this series. I really enjoyed this one--I felt that the mystery was interesting and different, and the twists of fate that brought Becca into danger on this one never seemed forced or eye-roll-inducing. Glad to have gotten back into this one!
November 18, 2018
"Merry Market Murder" by Paige Shelton was a decent cozy mystery set at Christmas. I'm not so sure that there were enough clues but the plot made some sense. The amateur detective, Becca, spends some digressive time on subplots that really don't help the story but do tie this story to others in the series. The Christmas milieu is a real part of the story and not some how tacked on in the background. Not only is the victim a seller of Christmas trees but the farmers' market where the story is set is in Christmas mode as is Becca and her friends. Quite liked the novel.
December 22, 2018
This was a very good mystery! Lots of twists and turns and zigzags, left me very unsure about the villain right up until the reveal! I like that! The festive themed story was wonderful, I read it during the holiday season and loved all the little extras about Christmas trees and ornaments. I also enjoy the development of the relationship between Becca and Sam. Its smooth and comfortable. But the best part, Hobbit was pretty prominent in this story and I just love this cute little dog! I'll be sorry to see this series end!
April 24, 2019
Christmas time is upon us and a tree seller has come to the market. Another tree seller thinks he has the exclusive and ends up dead. Sam Becca's cop boyfriend and Becca set out to find the murderer. Was it a close friend from the market or some distant person from his past.
The story is quick paced full of twists and turns and a great story line. I love all the now familar characters and the new additions to the farmers' market. They interact so well together. Plus there is the added love interest which seems to be heating up between Sam and Becky.
A really great series and a must read.
The story is quick paced full of twists and turns and a great story line. I love all the now familar characters and the new additions to the farmers' market. They interact so well together. Plus there is the added love interest which seems to be heating up between Sam and Becky.
A really great series and a must read.
January 8, 2025
Emphasis on romance and relationships, not the murder mystery. Major impediment was that Becca was an expert in reading body language, interpreting coded speech, and analyzing scenes so she knew more about things than others; but this did not make her interesting, instead I found it distracting. Nothing escaped her investigatory skills, but at least she shared everything with her boyfriend the cop. Lots of atmosphere and flavor of small town in the South.
April 26, 2023
I am really loving this series. I'm bummed there's only one left. I love how Becca is so honest about her curiosity, and that people usually tell her things because of it.
I don't really understand why Brenton got so upset with his siblings that he changed his name. Billie, maybe, but his brothers didn't really do anything.
Other than that, a great story as always! I love Sam and Becca together.
I don't really understand why Brenton got so upset with his siblings that he changed his name. Billie, maybe, but his brothers didn't really do anything.
Other than that, a great story as always! I love Sam and Becca together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this cozy ... of course, it's Christmas, and I really love Christmas! But I also enjoy all of the characters in this story. The mystery is light, but fun, and I especially enjoyed the Christmas ornaments as clues. The romance included is not intrusive, but a delightful background for the mystery. Really like this one!
December 13, 2018
This story is set around Christmas and a family of tree growers. Becca Robins gets involved in asking questions after a tree farmer is killed at the farmers market. Becca is also the girlfriend of a policeman, Sam, so is able to help him with the case. A lot of the clues happened in the past so Becca has to read the people as she asks her questions. The book was a fast easy read.
January 5, 2021
This book had a bit more activity in the actual Farmer's Market, which is always my favourite part of the series. Becca is really pushing the envelope with this mystery, freely admitting her nosiness and asking really inappropriate questions to virtual strangers. Love the background the most and this Christmas parade and festival sounded great. Good series.
April 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and I am a little sad. The next book I start in the series is the last one......I am going to miss these characters......
This was a cute story but I think it get the Most Twists and Turns and Red Herring award for this series. I really, REALLY thought I had this one figured out but NOPE.....it's ok......I still enjoy trying to sort it out.....
This was a cute story but I think it get the Most Twists and Turns and Red Herring award for this series. I really, REALLY thought I had this one figured out but NOPE.....it's ok......I still enjoy trying to sort it out.....
March 30, 2020
There wasn't a moment that I didn't want to read this story (unfortunately life got in my way 😩). It seriously took me until right before the reveal to figure out who the killer was (I love 😍 when that happens) and wow what a reveal! The Christmas gift was by far my favorite part!
December 8, 2024
great holiday read
Becca is a great character. Nosy, honest , and in love even if she won’t admit it to herself. Good solid read. This one was not as nail biting as the ones before but great read nonetheless. Family secrets dominated this story
Becca is a great character. Nosy, honest , and in love even if she won’t admit it to herself. Good solid read. This one was not as nail biting as the ones before but great read nonetheless. Family secrets dominated this story
March 12, 2017
It was ok. A little too folksy for me. Interesting mystery though.
May 6, 2017
This was a great mystery. Kept me guessing until the end.
June 26, 2017
Very satisfying.
January 19, 2019
A cute mystery
December 17, 2019
A quick, fun holiday read.
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