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A Domestic Diva Mystery #6
The Diva Digs Up the Dirt
Trouble in spades…
Determined not to be a garden-variety diva, Sophie Winston’s neighbor, Natasha, cultivates a plan to shine on television—using Sophie’s backyard. As the cast and crew of the makeover show Tear It Up With Troy bulldoze through her backyard—and vacation—Sophie retreats to her perennial boyfriend Wolf’s to replace a dead rose bush. But her tender deed goes awry when she digs up a purse belonging to Wolf’s missing wife.
As speculations sprout, Wolf bolts, and then a body crops up in a garden. Is Wolf’s thorny past raising a dead head? This is one case the domestic diva can’t let wither on the vine…
Determined not to be a garden-variety diva, Sophie Winston’s neighbor, Natasha, cultivates a plan to shine on television—using Sophie’s backyard. As the cast and crew of the makeover show Tear It Up With Troy bulldoze through her backyard—and vacation—Sophie retreats to her perennial boyfriend Wolf’s to replace a dead rose bush. But her tender deed goes awry when she digs up a purse belonging to Wolf’s missing wife.
As speculations sprout, Wolf bolts, and then a body crops up in a garden. Is Wolf’s thorny past raising a dead head? This is one case the domestic diva can’t let wither on the vine…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
159 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Krista Davis
36 books3,256 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 15, 2025
A great mystery with an unexpected twist at the end. I can't wait for the next one.
May 20, 2016
This series is one of my favorites; each mystery keeps getting better and better and the characters are all amazing. THis book was no let down, mixing an old disappearance with a new murder it was action-packed from the get-go!
Sophie was once again a level-headed character who doesn't mince her words and for this mystery we get to see a lot more of her friend, and across the street neighbor, Nina, and her next door neighbor and friend, Francie helping her with her sleuthing. I was actually wondering where Francie had been when I read the last book, so I'm very glad the author brought her back and put her in a more prominent role with this book.
Wolf was also a much bigger character in this book, because of the simple fact that half of the mystery revolved around him. I actually didn't care for Wolf that much in this book. I think Ms. Davis did a wonderful job of showing how he and most people would act under his circumstances, but I just really felt like he was rude to Sophie at times in this book.
The mystery was stellar. It combines old and new and the ending was a total surprise; I never expected what happened until it took place.
Overall a very good book, with a semi-cliffhanger ending. I really can't wait to read the next one and see how Ms. Davis ties up these loose ends!
Sophie was once again a level-headed character who doesn't mince her words and for this mystery we get to see a lot more of her friend, and across the street neighbor, Nina, and her next door neighbor and friend, Francie helping her with her sleuthing. I was actually wondering where Francie had been when I read the last book, so I'm very glad the author brought her back and put her in a more prominent role with this book.
Wolf was also a much bigger character in this book, because of the simple fact that half of the mystery revolved around him. I actually didn't care for Wolf that much in this book. I think Ms. Davis did a wonderful job of showing how he and most people would act under his circumstances, but I just really felt like he was rude to Sophie at times in this book.
The mystery was stellar. It combines old and new and the ending was a total surprise; I never expected what happened until it took place.
Overall a very good book, with a semi-cliffhanger ending. I really can't wait to read the next one and see how Ms. Davis ties up these loose ends!
August 8, 2020
Even on vacation, Sophie can't catch a break. Between another scheme hatched by Natasha, a garden party that goes wrong, and finally a resolution to Wolf's missing wife, Sophie is run ragged. This is an entertaining series with a likable protagonist, entertaining secondary characters, a good dose of humor, and engaging mysteries. This book had a lot going on with several mysteries to solve and plenty of plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. I will definitely be continuing with this series to see what the author has in store for Sophie's future. Even Natasha is starting to grow on me a little bit and I look forward to her next hijinx.
July 13, 2017
Oh my! This one centers around the big mystery of Sophie's boyfriend's life, with series-changing results.
February 2, 2018
Another good entry in the Diva series. this story takes Sophie and her friends to the home of a wealthy acquaintance where several murders and attempted murders abound. Good characters and a good plot make this a good read.
August 3, 2012
The Diva books are not easy to put down, Krista Davis has a way of ending her chapters with just a morsel that has you saying, “well, just a little bit more” and soon you are up way past your bedtime finding out what Sophie and Natasha are up to.
All Sophie Winston wanted was a nice backyard vacation, no work for two weeks. A peaceful and quiet time with her gardening and pets, she works hard, that should not be too much to ask for. All that changed when Mona charges into her backyard and demands that she find her missing daughter.
Nope not going to happen, even though Sophie has helped in investigations in the past, she is not a detective. If only life were that simple.
While trying to do a good deed and plant a rosebush in her boyfriend Wolf’s backyard, Sophie unearths the purse of Wolf’s missing wife. All along, she has known that Anne just disappeared one day, but the realization that without a body, Wolf is still married has hit her hard. What is she to do? She knows that there is no way that the man she loves could be responsible for this act but there are too many unanswered questions.
Add in Natasha’s fame addiction, a home improvement show trying to add a garage to Sophie’s back yard, the curious goings on with Roscoe, his new wife, his ex-wife, his housekeeper, his son and the son’s fiancée. I know that sounds a bit complicated, but Krista Davis has no problem keeping everyone straight for the reader.
The longed for vacation is but a dream.
Another reviewer has called this a transitional book and I could not agree more. We, the readers, are not sure what direction Sophie will take. She loves her family, her town, she loves her friends and her pets, but it is now a time for Sophie to open new doors.
I love this series; the characters are developing without any shocking changes, well except for one in this book. Who knew that Detective Kenner could be human? The humor runs throughout the book, and just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a wham moment. The multiple storylines have you bouncing back and forth, without any drag or confliction and with returning characters, the reader has a chance to revisit old friends.
Great series that is best enjoyed from the beginning, so grab the books, sit out on your patio and enjoy a taste of Old Town sleuthing.
All Sophie Winston wanted was a nice backyard vacation, no work for two weeks. A peaceful and quiet time with her gardening and pets, she works hard, that should not be too much to ask for. All that changed when Mona charges into her backyard and demands that she find her missing daughter.
Nope not going to happen, even though Sophie has helped in investigations in the past, she is not a detective. If only life were that simple.
While trying to do a good deed and plant a rosebush in her boyfriend Wolf’s backyard, Sophie unearths the purse of Wolf’s missing wife. All along, she has known that Anne just disappeared one day, but the realization that without a body, Wolf is still married has hit her hard. What is she to do? She knows that there is no way that the man she loves could be responsible for this act but there are too many unanswered questions.
Add in Natasha’s fame addiction, a home improvement show trying to add a garage to Sophie’s back yard, the curious goings on with Roscoe, his new wife, his ex-wife, his housekeeper, his son and the son’s fiancée. I know that sounds a bit complicated, but Krista Davis has no problem keeping everyone straight for the reader.
The longed for vacation is but a dream.
Another reviewer has called this a transitional book and I could not agree more. We, the readers, are not sure what direction Sophie will take. She loves her family, her town, she loves her friends and her pets, but it is now a time for Sophie to open new doors.
I love this series; the characters are developing without any shocking changes, well except for one in this book. Who knew that Detective Kenner could be human? The humor runs throughout the book, and just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a wham moment. The multiple storylines have you bouncing back and forth, without any drag or confliction and with returning characters, the reader has a chance to revisit old friends.
Great series that is best enjoyed from the beginning, so grab the books, sit out on your patio and enjoy a taste of Old Town sleuthing.
May 9, 2023
This is a solid installment in one of my favorite series. In this book, event planner Sophie Winston is shocked to find out that her frenemy, Natasha, signed up for a tv show to do a backyard renovation...to Sophie's yard! Sophie does some gardening of her own and ends up digging up a clue in an unsolved mystery that hits close to home. I enjoyed Sophie, Nina, and Mars all working together to solve the case, with Natasha mostly distracted with the tv show. The plot is more complicated than it first seems the way things end, it looks like there will be big changes in future books.
June 20, 2012
Well, I suppose if you read this series, you had to see this plot line coming. The mystery about Wolf's wife's disappearance is the focal point of this book, along with the strange goings-on in one local family. Lots of upheaval for Sophie in this book.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The characters are always fun, always interesting. Personally, I'd smack Natasha into next week if I were Sophie, but I guess every cozy has to have a 'nemesis' these days. I really look forward to seeing the next book and reading about the 'aftermath' of all that happened in this book.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The characters are always fun, always interesting. Personally, I'd smack Natasha into next week if I were Sophie, but I guess every cozy has to have a 'nemesis' these days. I really look forward to seeing the next book and reading about the 'aftermath' of all that happened in this book.
December 27, 2015
I feel like there are three things wrong with this series.
1. the lack of sleep I'm getting because I can't put it down
2. they don't come with a sample platter so I can try all the tasty treats
3. Sophie Winston is not my neighbor in real life
1. the lack of sleep I'm getting because I can't put it down
2. they don't come with a sample platter so I can try all the tasty treats
3. Sophie Winston is not my neighbor in real life
October 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this one. It was a darker emotionally than the norm of this series but still oh so good.
When new evidence appears about a missing person, Sophie unintentionally gets involved in the case, a case that can have a heavy impact on her.
There were a lot of characters in this book, more than normal, and that can some times be overwhelming but I never had an issue with keeping them straight. I knew who was involved in both issues (even though they were all wrapped into one in the end).
I adore this series to the point that I am completely binging them. In this case, I am so happy it took me so long to read them, I have no idea what I will do when I catch up and have to wait for a book to be released. One of the best thing about these books is that they make me LOL. In this book; however, I wish the end was more emotional and I needed a little more closure. I wanted a conversation.
When new evidence appears about a missing person, Sophie unintentionally gets involved in the case, a case that can have a heavy impact on her.
There were a lot of characters in this book, more than normal, and that can some times be overwhelming but I never had an issue with keeping them straight. I knew who was involved in both issues (even though they were all wrapped into one in the end).
I adore this series to the point that I am completely binging them. In this case, I am so happy it took me so long to read them, I have no idea what I will do when I catch up and have to wait for a book to be released. One of the best thing about these books is that they make me LOL. In this book; however, I wish the end was more emotional and I needed a little more closure. I wanted a conversation.
December 1, 2025
Our sleuth's eternal nemesis somehow convinced a TV show to remake the sleuth's backyard. Retreating to her super cop boyfriend's house for some quiet, she finds a purse beneath a rose bush. A purse belonging to the super cop's missing wife...
This leads to a flurry of investigation.
And then there's a body found...
A very busy book, that seem like it might be the last in the series.
This leads to a flurry of investigation.
And then there's a body found...
A very busy book, that seem like it might be the last in the series.
May 20, 2018
This book was great. It is my favorite so far.
August 1, 2021
I really liked this one. There was so much going on, but it made it so entertaining.
June 17, 2021
This was excellent! Series changing in its resolution. A nicely complex mystery. One of the best cozy mysteries I have read.
February 20, 2025
Natasha still needs to be brought down a peg, Mars is an unforgivable idiot for still being with her, but the rest of this was really fun
June 6, 2018
So apparently there is a formula to these books by now.
1. She is a walking doormat for any and every person in the book to insult her, make fun of her, threaten her, use her, etc. This character really needs co-dependency therapy.
2. She must have a hell of a savings account bc she rarely works yet always manages to have the exact right amount of food on hand for every freeloading friend and neighbor (see #1).
3. Her investigation technique is to accuse every single person in the book of the murder - including family, friends, boyfriends. She is so quick to assume people she likes are capable of murder that I’d hate to be her friend. Unless I wanted a free meal.
4. No one, and I mean, no one, has the balls to look at Natasha and say, “Shut the hell up, you ignorant twit.” Nope, they all just roll their eyes and shrug it off. That’s called “enabling”. It’s not cute or funny.
Someone introduce her to Kay Scarpetta. They’d get along great.
1. She is a walking doormat for any and every person in the book to insult her, make fun of her, threaten her, use her, etc. This character really needs co-dependency therapy.
2. She must have a hell of a savings account bc she rarely works yet always manages to have the exact right amount of food on hand for every freeloading friend and neighbor (see #1).
3. Her investigation technique is to accuse every single person in the book of the murder - including family, friends, boyfriends. She is so quick to assume people she likes are capable of murder that I’d hate to be her friend. Unless I wanted a free meal.
4. No one, and I mean, no one, has the balls to look at Natasha and say, “Shut the hell up, you ignorant twit.” Nope, they all just roll their eyes and shrug it off. That’s called “enabling”. It’s not cute or funny.
Someone introduce her to Kay Scarpetta. They’d get along great.
March 8, 2016
Whoever said that the more things change the more they look alike clearly hasn't read this book. It's a major departure from the usual solid storytelling the author served. There are less people to keep track of. I didn't know what score to give this book. It could be a one, two or three stars. The reading experience was shambolic as I suffered from reader's burnout. On the plus side, the bittersweet conclusion appealed to my nature. The only predictable thing was the overuse, again, of more than one attempting killer, which Krista Davis uses all the time to complicate her plot. That is all.
April 3, 2020
I've always had a love/hate relationship with this series but I've really enjoyed the last two books I've read in it and this one might be the one I've enjoyed the most! I'm not sure if I've just adjusted to Natasha or if she hasn't been as horrible lately. I really liked the story/mystery in this book. It was well done and kind of involved a cold case which I am always a fan of. #readforkimberly
August 12, 2019
This was good and tips were about gardening.
October 9, 2019
Sofie is dating Wolf and they seem to be in a good place. She plans the party for a local who has a party every year for all his family, friends and staff. After this party is over, she is taking time off to rest, but her ex-husband's current girlfriend has other plans. She sent in Sofie's name and address for a makeover by a popular DIY guy. Natasha thinks that this is her way to get a bigger and better gig from the local tv station. She spends a lot of time trying to dodge her current boyfriend's mother-in-law and Natasha and the DIY tv show. When she goes over to Wolf's house to plant a new rose bush for him, she finds his first wife's handbag with identification. Now Wolf's partner is trying to get him arrested by digging up the whole backyard looking for the body of the woman. She feels that it is necessary to find out what is really happening and who is really trying to kill her customer and his family.
I really do enjoy these stories and on a lark, I looked up the places mentioned at the beginning of chapters to see if they really exist and they do. You can read these stories out of order (as you are able to get them from a library).
I really do enjoy these stories and on a lark, I looked up the places mentioned at the beginning of chapters to see if they really exist and they do. You can read these stories out of order (as you are able to get them from a library).
September 15, 2025
The Diva Digs Up Dirt is the 6th book in The Diva series by Krista Davis. Sophie Weston decides to surprise Wolf with a rose bush, but she gets a surprise. There is also someone trying to kill by poison the patriarch of a wealthy family. Of course, Sophie tries to help Wolf and the wealthy family. She's supposed to be on a staycation, but how can she relax when on top of everything else, Natasha has a surprise for her, too.
I enjoy this cozy mystery series. I always laugh at some of the stuff the characters get up to. Add on dogs and cats, and I am a happy reader. There has also been good character development throughout the series. If you enjoy cozies, you need to give this one a try.
#LibbyApp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook #KristaDavis #TheDivaDigsUpDirt #Serieslove2025
I enjoy this cozy mystery series. I always laugh at some of the stuff the characters get up to. Add on dogs and cats, and I am a happy reader. There has also been good character development throughout the series. If you enjoy cozies, you need to give this one a try.
#LibbyApp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook #KristaDavis #TheDivaDigsUpDirt #Serieslove2025
October 19, 2019
Wow, I didn't see this stories outcome coming! Wolfe finally gets resolution, but I don't think anyone expected this ending. Sophie and Nina were up to their snooping and determined to get answers.
December 30, 2024
Well, that changes everything
February 18, 2025
I’m obviously really enjoying this series, and this was the best yet because it was about Wolf’s disappeared wife. We finally got answers. The other death/mystery was also very compelling.
March 19, 2022
Sophie Winston is looking forward to putting her feet up and relaxing on her vacation; perhaps even sharing more than a quick dinner with her boyfriend Wolf. First, a mysterious woman stalks Sophie and wants to hire the event planner to find her missing daughter. Then she's rudely awakened at a too-early hour by Natasha who has invited a yard makeover TV show to dig up Sophie's yard and build her a garage-without asking Sophie. Sophie is upset at the intrusion to her solitude and the destruction of her yard, which she likes as is, thank you, but there's no saying no to the handsome host or even to Natasha. Sophie has one more event to plan, an ice cream social for wealthy businessman Roscoe Greene and his new, younger, second wife Mindy. As per Mindy, his ex-wife Olive is NOT invited to the picnic. Wolf would prefer it if Sophie stayed away too but it's her business and she's always counted Roscoe as a good client and friend. Sophie is horrified to learn the first Mrs. Greene's garden is to be torn up and concrete poured over. Until then, it seems like someone goofed and ordered manure for the garden instead of mulch. How to host a party when the yard smells? That's a new one for Sophie. The next day, a priceless work of art is stolen from Mr. Greene's house and he is furious. Then one by one Greene family members fall ill and die! Sophie suspects poison from the beautiful but deadly plants in the garden. She never would have expected beautiful gardens to be so deadly. While digging up a dead rosebush for Wolf, Sophie unearths his missing wife's purse and Nina insists they have to call the police. Detective Kenner has always had it out for Wolf and now he's certain Wolf is a murderer. If only they could find the body. A body IS found but not in Wolf's yard but in Olive Greene's garden. Fortunately or unfortunately it's not the missing Anne but the assistant on the show that's working on Sophie's yard. How did he end up in the garden buried under mulch on top of the manure? Who could be behind such a thing? Is there a connection to the disappearance of Wolf's wife
At first it seemed like Krista Davis had gotten the hang of dialing back her plots, but alas, no. Luckily, everything is connected and makes sense. The overall theme is gardening and the domestic diva tips are all about gardens and gardening, which I am not into. The romance plot takes a dramatic turn I didn't like but it sucked me in and didn't let me go. Krista Davis is queen of the hook. Chapters end on cliffhangers and I stayed up a little later to keep reading one more chapter... I even woke up early and ended up finishing the book! I managed to figure out most of it. The clues were there to make it rather obvious. I was wrong about one person and did not guess all of the drama surrounding Anne's disappearance. Plotwise, this is the best of the series I have read so far.
Characterwise, I'm not that into these people. Sophie is a little better but she's still so passive! She can't stand up to Natasha at all. She does lose her cool a bit but nothing happens. Natasha is AWFUL! She's so selfish and blind to anything else that's going on outside her career. I don't understand why Mars is with her and stays with her. Putting his foot down about a new house should have been the last straw. Natasha is even oblivious to how obnoxious she appears to a STRANGER- the TV host of the yard renovation show. He has to invent tasks to get Natasha out of his hair. Sophie has some good friends, other than Natasha. Nina is the best because she is a true animal lover and tries her hardest to rescue and rehome them all. This time it's a longhaired calico cat in danger in Roscoe's garden. Nina also has Sophie's best interests at heart and makes the right decision to notify the police instead of hiding evidence. Mars still has feelings for Sophie and feels protective of her. That's all great except she's a 40-something year-old adult, she's been dating Wolf for three years and I would think she would know him by now.
Sophie has doubts about Wolf's innocence too. That bothers me. She should know by now what he's like and the animals love him too. He's opened up about his past, a bit, and Sophie can see how much Anne's disappearance hurt Wolf. It takes her friends to make her realize Wolf is still in love with Anne and can't let her go. Anne is his blind spot. He thinks she was perfect- sweet, gentle, innocent and won't listen to anyone who tries to say otherwise. He's transferred his protective feelings to Sophie, who is a different type of woman, which he acknowledges, but still doesn't want her to be involved with the sordid business of searching for answers. Nina explains Sophie is Wolf's "safe harbor" and while Sophie doesn't see it, I think Nina is right. I could never be with someone who used me like that. I think Sophie doesn't quite love Wolf just yet either though so they have a lot to talk about if Anne never returns!
Heath Blakenship works for the TV show digging up Sophie's yard. Somehow he ends up dead in Roscoe's yard. The Greenes know him because Heath used to work for their company but was fired for misconduct. Does this mean his "bad boy" persona was true? Why does he end up dead under the mulch, on top of the manure, in Roscoe Green's yard?
Roscoe Green may be a wealthy man but he's a simple country guy at heart. He loves hunting and fishing and hosting parties for his friends. His taste in art reflects his interests and his unassuming personality. His wife Mindy, on the other hand, is a first class *itch. She's a gold digger if I ever saw one and really insecure. She resents Olive, the first Mrs. Greene and wants to obliterate all traces of her. Mindy doesn't understand or share her husband's country pursuits and would ideally change who he is. She has some secrets Sophie and Nina uncover and they give her a strong motive for murder, besides being a gold digger. That's unfortunate. I liked Roscoe. He seemed humble for all his wealth and larger than life. He was a good neighbor and great employer to host all kinds of people at his home. Roscoe's son Audie is a strong suspect for villain too. He wants to take over the company - now! I think he's eager to get his hands on the money and could care less about running a business, if he even knows how. I think he's in league with someone to take over his father's business and money- any way he can. Audie is engaged to a young woman named Cricket. (seriously?) I suspect she may not be who she says she is. She pinges my spidey senses a bit. She's engaged to Audie, at least informally, but already has the dress? Is she a gold digger like Mindy? Probably. Cricket was best friends with Wolf's wife Anne and drops some surprising revelations. Does Cricket know where Anne is?
Olive, Roscoe's first wife, also pings my murder radar. She loves gardening and lives next door to Wolf. A body is found in her beloved garden and her ex-husband ends up poisoned. I think she may do anything to protect her son. She may also be so upset over the divorce she wants to teach Roscoe a lesson. I don't think she intended to kill HIM but maybe she wanted to make him so ill, he saw just what his son and new wife are really like. What about Violet, the creepy housekeeper who Sophie refers to as "Mrs. Danvers" because she's like the housekeeper in Rebecca. I got that vibe too even before Sophie thought it. Thinking along those lines, Violet is devoted to the Greene family including Olive but NOT including Mindy. She's always sneaking around, she's trying to poison a stray cat for going after the wild birds and is all around weird. How devoted is she? Perhaps Mindy was the last straw and she wants revenge? It would explain SOME of what's happening but not everything.
Mona is Anne's mother. She's toxic! Flamboyant and ambitious, she made her daughter's life a living hell. She didn't understand how shy and sensitive her daughter is/was and pushed Anne into a life Anne didn't want or choose. Did Anne take her own life? Did Anne disappear to get away from her toxic mother? Why not tell Wolf? I don't trust Mona. I wonder if she had something to do with Anne's disappearance. It wouldn't surprise me if she killed her daughter in the heat of the moment during an argument.
Dectective Kenner finally becomes three-dimensional. We learn more about what makes him tick, why he hates Wolf so much. I get why he would be upset but his anger seems out of proportion. People have free will. I guess Wolf maybe violated the bro code or something but that's not reason to ASSUME Wolf is an evil killer with a nasty temper. That's no reason to go after Sophie all the time. She's innocent of anything that happened before she met Wolf. I think Kenner has the makings of actually being a decent guy if he can let go of his past hurt and if Wolf proves to be innocent.
I'm curious to see where the relationship plot goes next. I'm hoping Mars dumps Natasha. I hope Wolf is not a killer and truly loves Sophie. I hope Sophie loves him back.
At first it seemed like Krista Davis had gotten the hang of dialing back her plots, but alas, no. Luckily, everything is connected and makes sense. The overall theme is gardening and the domestic diva tips are all about gardens and gardening, which I am not into. The romance plot takes a dramatic turn I didn't like but it sucked me in and didn't let me go. Krista Davis is queen of the hook. Chapters end on cliffhangers and I stayed up a little later to keep reading one more chapter... I even woke up early and ended up finishing the book! I managed to figure out most of it. The clues were there to make it rather obvious. I was wrong about one person and did not guess all of the drama surrounding Anne's disappearance. Plotwise, this is the best of the series I have read so far.
Characterwise, I'm not that into these people. Sophie is a little better but she's still so passive! She can't stand up to Natasha at all. She does lose her cool a bit but nothing happens. Natasha is AWFUL! She's so selfish and blind to anything else that's going on outside her career. I don't understand why Mars is with her and stays with her. Putting his foot down about a new house should have been the last straw. Natasha is even oblivious to how obnoxious she appears to a STRANGER- the TV host of the yard renovation show. He has to invent tasks to get Natasha out of his hair. Sophie has some good friends, other than Natasha. Nina is the best because she is a true animal lover and tries her hardest to rescue and rehome them all. This time it's a longhaired calico cat in danger in Roscoe's garden. Nina also has Sophie's best interests at heart and makes the right decision to notify the police instead of hiding evidence. Mars still has feelings for Sophie and feels protective of her. That's all great except she's a 40-something year-old adult, she's been dating Wolf for three years and I would think she would know him by now.
Sophie has doubts about Wolf's innocence too. That bothers me. She should know by now what he's like and the animals love him too. He's opened up about his past, a bit, and Sophie can see how much Anne's disappearance hurt Wolf. It takes her friends to make her realize Wolf is still in love with Anne and can't let her go. Anne is his blind spot. He thinks she was perfect- sweet, gentle, innocent and won't listen to anyone who tries to say otherwise. He's transferred his protective feelings to Sophie, who is a different type of woman, which he acknowledges, but still doesn't want her to be involved with the sordid business of searching for answers. Nina explains Sophie is Wolf's "safe harbor" and while Sophie doesn't see it, I think Nina is right. I could never be with someone who used me like that. I think Sophie doesn't quite love Wolf just yet either though so they have a lot to talk about if Anne never returns!
Heath Blakenship works for the TV show digging up Sophie's yard. Somehow he ends up dead in Roscoe's yard. The Greenes know him because Heath used to work for their company but was fired for misconduct. Does this mean his "bad boy" persona was true? Why does he end up dead under the mulch, on top of the manure, in Roscoe Green's yard?
Roscoe Green may be a wealthy man but he's a simple country guy at heart. He loves hunting and fishing and hosting parties for his friends. His taste in art reflects his interests and his unassuming personality. His wife Mindy, on the other hand, is a first class *itch. She's a gold digger if I ever saw one and really insecure. She resents Olive, the first Mrs. Greene and wants to obliterate all traces of her. Mindy doesn't understand or share her husband's country pursuits and would ideally change who he is. She has some secrets Sophie and Nina uncover and they give her a strong motive for murder, besides being a gold digger. That's unfortunate. I liked Roscoe. He seemed humble for all his wealth and larger than life. He was a good neighbor and great employer to host all kinds of people at his home. Roscoe's son Audie is a strong suspect for villain too. He wants to take over the company - now! I think he's eager to get his hands on the money and could care less about running a business, if he even knows how. I think he's in league with someone to take over his father's business and money- any way he can. Audie is engaged to a young woman named Cricket. (seriously?) I suspect she may not be who she says she is. She pinges my spidey senses a bit. She's engaged to Audie, at least informally, but already has the dress? Is she a gold digger like Mindy? Probably. Cricket was best friends with Wolf's wife Anne and drops some surprising revelations. Does Cricket know where Anne is?
Olive, Roscoe's first wife, also pings my murder radar. She loves gardening and lives next door to Wolf. A body is found in her beloved garden and her ex-husband ends up poisoned. I think she may do anything to protect her son. She may also be so upset over the divorce she wants to teach Roscoe a lesson. I don't think she intended to kill HIM but maybe she wanted to make him so ill, he saw just what his son and new wife are really like. What about Violet, the creepy housekeeper who Sophie refers to as "Mrs. Danvers" because she's like the housekeeper in Rebecca. I got that vibe too even before Sophie thought it. Thinking along those lines, Violet is devoted to the Greene family including Olive but NOT including Mindy. She's always sneaking around, she's trying to poison a stray cat for going after the wild birds and is all around weird. How devoted is she? Perhaps Mindy was the last straw and she wants revenge? It would explain SOME of what's happening but not everything.
Mona is Anne's mother. She's toxic! Flamboyant and ambitious, she made her daughter's life a living hell. She didn't understand how shy and sensitive her daughter is/was and pushed Anne into a life Anne didn't want or choose. Did Anne take her own life? Did Anne disappear to get away from her toxic mother? Why not tell Wolf? I don't trust Mona. I wonder if she had something to do with Anne's disappearance. It wouldn't surprise me if she killed her daughter in the heat of the moment during an argument.
Dectective Kenner finally becomes three-dimensional. We learn more about what makes him tick, why he hates Wolf so much. I get why he would be upset but his anger seems out of proportion. People have free will. I guess Wolf maybe violated the bro code or something but that's not reason to ASSUME Wolf is an evil killer with a nasty temper. That's no reason to go after Sophie all the time. She's innocent of anything that happened before she met Wolf. I think Kenner has the makings of actually being a decent guy if he can let go of his past hurt and if Wolf proves to be innocent.
I'm curious to see where the relationship plot goes next. I'm hoping Mars dumps Natasha. I hope Wolf is not a killer and truly loves Sophie. I hope Sophie loves him back.
June 11, 2012
(For synopsis, please read the blurb in the book description.)
I have loved everyone of "The Diva" series since I picked up the first one. This is no different.
In a very real way, "The Diva Digs Up the Dirt" is sort of a transitional book for Davis and her sleuth, Sophie. The transitions are obvious within the first 3 or 4 chapters and they all lead the reader to a "what next" set of questions--What next for Sophie and Mars? What next for Sophie and Wolf? What next for Sophie's house? and, by the end, What next in the series?
However, unlike a rash of transitional books from mystery authors lately, "The Diva Digs Up the Dirt" does not end up a book of excuses or illogical actions in order to get to this ending and the next phase.
The mystery really isn't much of a mystery. If you pay attention, the "who" in the who-dun-it is quite obvious early on. I do not fault Davis for that. In fact, I praise any author who sprinkles legitimate clues throughout the book so that the reader can follow along as the case progresses.
As usual, the character development is the strongest part of this Diva installment. The recurring ones--Mars, Natasha, Nina, etc.--are still vibrant, real people (even though I so want Sophia to, just once, tell Natasha to shove it) while the book specific characters--Roscoe, Olive, Mona, etc.--are given enough depth to make us understand the motivations and care about the outcomes.
And, though it could be read as a stand alone, the Diva series should be read in order and I would suggest not reading this until you've caught up on the previous installments.
There is so much I want to say about this book but to do so would require spoilers and no one likes to have their reading of a mystery spoiled by too much information.
I gave this book 5 stars because that is exactly what it is--a 5 star book in a 5 star series.
I have loved everyone of "The Diva" series since I picked up the first one. This is no different.
In a very real way, "The Diva Digs Up the Dirt" is sort of a transitional book for Davis and her sleuth, Sophie. The transitions are obvious within the first 3 or 4 chapters and they all lead the reader to a "what next" set of questions--What next for Sophie and Mars? What next for Sophie and Wolf? What next for Sophie's house? and, by the end, What next in the series?
However, unlike a rash of transitional books from mystery authors lately, "The Diva Digs Up the Dirt" does not end up a book of excuses or illogical actions in order to get to this ending and the next phase.
The mystery really isn't much of a mystery. If you pay attention, the "who" in the who-dun-it is quite obvious early on. I do not fault Davis for that. In fact, I praise any author who sprinkles legitimate clues throughout the book so that the reader can follow along as the case progresses.
As usual, the character development is the strongest part of this Diva installment. The recurring ones--Mars, Natasha, Nina, etc.--are still vibrant, real people (even though I so want Sophia to, just once, tell Natasha to shove it) while the book specific characters--Roscoe, Olive, Mona, etc.--are given enough depth to make us understand the motivations and care about the outcomes.
And, though it could be read as a stand alone, the Diva series should be read in order and I would suggest not reading this until you've caught up on the previous installments.
There is so much I want to say about this book but to do so would require spoilers and no one likes to have their reading of a mystery spoiled by too much information.
I gave this book 5 stars because that is exactly what it is--a 5 star book in a 5 star series.
July 18, 2012
Excellent. This series just keeps getting better. The disappearance of Wolf's wife that has hovered in the background of earlier books is addressed in this one. The author's timing is perfect. Sophie and the supporting characters are well-developed at this point and their actions are consistent with what readers have come to expect. Krista Davis intertwines the disfunctional family of a wealthy entrepreneur whose annual picnic Sophie plans with a discovery she makes that reopens investigation into the disappearance of her boyfriend's wife. It's a multi-layered mystery. The Greene family includes ex-, current, and future wives. Who is poisoning whom? Natasha's shenanigans provide their usual comic relief: this time she arranges for Sophie's backyard to be torn-up for a network tv show and then tries to get a network show of her own. And the alternating advice letters from Sophie and Natasha that open each chapeter are both humorous and helpful gardening tips. I figured this one out but it still kept me engaged 'til the end. Plus I had to see if I had it right. Great read. This is the best in a very good series.
October 27, 2016
***SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD***
I absolutely love this series! Not only does the books take place near my home (I know, I know...all fiction), but the characters are 100% lovable! And, yes, even Natasha!
This one finds Sophie trying to take a well needed stay-cation. Natasha ruins that plan when she has a reality show film an episode in Sophie's back yard creating her a garage. Trying to escape that, Sophie goes to Wolf's house to plant a rose bush. While digging in the dirt, she uncovers a purse and wallet belonging to Wolf's missing wife. This discovery brings all that stuff to the surface. Now it's up to Sophie and her gang to figure out the truth. Like, why is she dating a married man?!? I love the bond between Sophie and Nina and how they always have each other's back. I felt involved in this one myself, trying to guess who had done it. When Kenner suggests more than one poisoner, I had no clue it would be true! I thought it was just said to throw us off!
I stayed in all day because I wasn't feeling good and was finally able to read this book straight to the end. Very good book and I can't wait to go to the next one!!
I absolutely love this series! Not only does the books take place near my home (I know, I know...all fiction), but the characters are 100% lovable! And, yes, even Natasha!
This one finds Sophie trying to take a well needed stay-cation. Natasha ruins that plan when she has a reality show film an episode in Sophie's back yard creating her a garage. Trying to escape that, Sophie goes to Wolf's house to plant a rose bush. While digging in the dirt, she uncovers a purse and wallet belonging to Wolf's missing wife. This discovery brings all that stuff to the surface. Now it's up to Sophie and her gang to figure out the truth. Like, why is she dating a married man?!? I love the bond between Sophie and Nina and how they always have each other's back. I felt involved in this one myself, trying to guess who had done it. When Kenner suggests more than one poisoner, I had no clue it would be true! I thought it was just said to throw us off!
I stayed in all day because I wasn't feeling good and was finally able to read this book straight to the end. Very good book and I can't wait to go to the next one!!
October 10, 2020
Who knew gardening could open such a can of worms?! Sophie thinks she is going to have a quiet vacation week relaxing at home. Of course, that was before Natasha had finagled a way to get Troy, another television personality, to come tear up her back yard and build a much needed garage.
Then, trying to be helpful, Sophie bought a rosebuds to plant in Wolf's back yard. When she dug up Wolf's presumed dead wife's handbag, the net begins closing in on Wolf. Rumor had him as Ann's killer for years. Now the police had evidence enough to investigate. With little to go on, Sophie desperately wants to prove Wolf didn't kill his wife, but is she prepared for the truth?
And then there's the little matter of the Green family goings on, complete with poisonings and attempted murders.
There was a great deal going on in this installment of Krista Davis' Diva series, which kept the pace lively and engaging. I love this series!
Then, trying to be helpful, Sophie bought a rosebuds to plant in Wolf's back yard. When she dug up Wolf's presumed dead wife's handbag, the net begins closing in on Wolf. Rumor had him as Ann's killer for years. Now the police had evidence enough to investigate. With little to go on, Sophie desperately wants to prove Wolf didn't kill his wife, but is she prepared for the truth?
And then there's the little matter of the Green family goings on, complete with poisonings and attempted murders.
There was a great deal going on in this installment of Krista Davis' Diva series, which kept the pace lively and engaging. I love this series!
April 8, 2016
I'm giving this book 3 stars because I liked how it takes place around gardening and landscaping. Makes me wish I had a garden. Maybe someday. Other than that, I felt that the book was to long and there were to many characters, I got confused keeping track of everyone. And it seemed to repeat itself. Instead of having clues to the killer and what happpened to Wolf's wife they seemed to run around and blame everyone. I still like Sophie and Nina, but feel like Sophie lets Natasha get her way to much, that woman isnt even nice to her. I'll still check out future books in the series but I think her holiday ones are better.
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