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Peggy Lee Garden Mystery #6
A Thyme to Die
Peggy Lee and her gardening friends have managed to persuade the International Flower Show to move to Charlotte from Atlanta this year. Excited and enthusiastic, Peggy agrees to step into the role as director of the event, but on opening day, a good friend of hers is found dead in the middle of the show.
Dr. Aris Abbuto, an orchid grower from South Africa, has been shot and buried in a makeshift grave covered with pink thyme. Peggy is especially devastated since he came at her personal invitation. The presence of the pink thyme, a plant once used for ancient burial rites, tells her it’s possible one of the show’s growers may be involved in his death.
She plans to work with the Charlotte Police on this one, in her position of contract forensic botanist, and is surprised to learn of the Charlotte FBI’s interest in the case—which means her husband, Steve is involved too.
Peggy is focused on finding her friend’s killer and running the flower show with hundreds of sometimes disgruntled vendors. Her questions will find a devious plot with her friend and his young daughter, unwittingly, at the heart of it.
Asking the wrong questions can be dangerous, however, as Peggy knows so well. If she isn’t careful, finding her friend’s killer might also lead to a flower-covered grave for her.
Dr. Aris Abbuto, an orchid grower from South Africa, has been shot and buried in a makeshift grave covered with pink thyme. Peggy is especially devastated since he came at her personal invitation. The presence of the pink thyme, a plant once used for ancient burial rites, tells her it’s possible one of the show’s growers may be involved in his death.
She plans to work with the Charlotte Police on this one, in her position of contract forensic botanist, and is surprised to learn of the Charlotte FBI’s interest in the case—which means her husband, Steve is involved too.
Peggy is focused on finding her friend’s killer and running the flower show with hundreds of sometimes disgruntled vendors. Her questions will find a devious plot with her friend and his young daughter, unwittingly, at the heart of it.
Asking the wrong questions can be dangerous, however, as Peggy knows so well. If she isn’t careful, finding her friend’s killer might also lead to a flower-covered grave for her.
ebook
First published May 10, 2013
19 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books645 followersaka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 26, 2013
This is the sixth book in the Peggy Lee Gardening Mystery series and the first one I ever read. For someone like me, who is obsessed with reading series in order, I've been reading many out of order because of review requests and blog tours. I don't want to make this a habit, but so far, it hasn't ruined the reading experience for me. This is another book that I fell in love with immediately.
First, I love Peggy. She's the owner of a gardening shop and moonlights as a forensic botanist. A strong, smart and feisty sleuth. Her husband, a police officer, was killed many years ago and now she's re-married to an FBI agent, Steve. Her son and his wife are about to give her a grandchild and life couldn't be better.
When Peggy organizes a local flower show, she has her hands full with more than organizing a show. A friend of hers is found dead and Peggy is immediately on the case. She's determined to find out who killed him and why.
It's a roller coaster ride for Peggy, her friends and the FBI as they go through clue after clue to figure this out. Another fast-paced cozy series to add to my "must read" list.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
First, I love Peggy. She's the owner of a gardening shop and moonlights as a forensic botanist. A strong, smart and feisty sleuth. Her husband, a police officer, was killed many years ago and now she's re-married to an FBI agent, Steve. Her son and his wife are about to give her a grandchild and life couldn't be better.
When Peggy organizes a local flower show, she has her hands full with more than organizing a show. A friend of hers is found dead and Peggy is immediately on the case. She's determined to find out who killed him and why.
It's a roller coaster ride for Peggy, her friends and the FBI as they go through clue after clue to figure this out. Another fast-paced cozy series to add to my "must read" list.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 11, 2015
I just couldn't get into the changes made by the authors when they brought back this series.
Peggy's character took more stupid risks and refused to reach out for help even when it was obvious the authorities should be called. There was a seriously lack of trust when it came to her husband...
Which was sometimes understandable considering he had suddenly morphed into a full time FBI agent... Sorry but I couldn't suspend my disbelief on that one. They spend so much time talking up his veterinary practice in the first 5 books only to turn around and "reveal" that he was undercover all that time because he was supposed to watch out for Peggy... Wow he must be the most talented man on the planet to have gotten his veterinarian schooling done and still had time to be an FBI agent...
I might read more, but overall I'm disappointed. It came off too much like the authors wanted to bring back Peggy and just wrote out or rewrote characters they didn't like anymore.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP. books from the author ASAP.
May 12, 2013
Since her last adventure, Peggy Lee is still happily married, living in a big house in a nice town, operating a gardening shop, and consulting as a forensic biologist with law enforcement authorities. As the current story opens, she is acting as chairman of an international flower show and preparing her shop’s exhibit. During a visit to the convention center where the show is being held, she spots a mound of earth with wooden cross and flowers resembling a grave. She alerts authorities. They investigate, and discover the body of a South African exhibitor. Thus begins the adventure. In what follows, the authors present a large cast of characters who interact in a familiar dance as law enforcement seeks evidence, Peggy does her part as a consultant and problem solver, the killer does further mischief, and everyone else goes about their usual business. Saying too much about the details would be a spoiler, but it is fair to offer a few hints regarding important elements: a missing satchel, a skunk, thyme in the grave, women impersonating the victim’s daughter, smuggling speculations, a powdery substance, two men arguing.
Each chapter begins with an informative vignette about a particular flower. The book ends with a Garden Journal, recipe, and gardening tip.
Highly recommended to Cozy fans.
Each chapter begins with an informative vignette about a particular flower. The book ends with a Garden Journal, recipe, and gardening tip.
Highly recommended to Cozy fans.
May 3, 2013
Thyme to Die, a Peggy Lee Garden Mystery by Joyce and Jim Lavene
This is a great book. This was the first book in the series I have read but it will not be the last. I loved it and can not wait to get my hands on the others. Peggy Lee owns The Potting Shed and is a forensic botanist. She has convinced the International Flower Show to hold a show in her hometown of Charlotte. She is the director of the show alone with her friend Adam. On opening morning she finds her friend Aris dead. Aris was an orchid farmer from Africa. He was buried on the showroom floor with thyme, which was used in Egyptian burial practice. This book is fast paced and action packed. Her FBI agent husband, her police officer son and her late husband’s partner all take part in the investigation. You are sure to the humorist antics of Shakespeare the Great Dane and Matilda the skunk. I highly recommend this book and the series.
This is a great book. This was the first book in the series I have read but it will not be the last. I loved it and can not wait to get my hands on the others. Peggy Lee owns The Potting Shed and is a forensic botanist. She has convinced the International Flower Show to hold a show in her hometown of Charlotte. She is the director of the show alone with her friend Adam. On opening morning she finds her friend Aris dead. Aris was an orchid farmer from Africa. He was buried on the showroom floor with thyme, which was used in Egyptian burial practice. This book is fast paced and action packed. Her FBI agent husband, her police officer son and her late husband’s partner all take part in the investigation. You are sure to the humorist antics of Shakespeare the Great Dane and Matilda the skunk. I highly recommend this book and the series.
May 9, 2013
I really liked this book. Peggy Lee is an engaging, smart botanist in charge of the International Flower Show at Charlotte. When opening up she finds a grave covered with pink thyme and containing her friend, orchid grower, Dr. Aris Abutto. Not only is the Charlotte PD involved, but so is the FBI, which means her husband Steve is involved. Peggy can't keep uninvolved. She keeps digging for the truth, which leads to more an attempt on her life, and more questions than answers.
I not only liked the book, but found the plant information at the beginning of each chapter, and the tips and recipes at the end, interesting.
I was allowed to red this prior to the release date with the permission of the authors.
I not only liked the book, but found the plant information at the beginning of each chapter, and the tips and recipes at the end, interesting.
I was allowed to red this prior to the release date with the permission of the authors.
March 25, 2015
The International Flower Show has come to Charlotte and Peggy is the director of this big event. On opening day she discovers a mound of dirt that looks like a grave, police are called and the body of her South African friend is found. Here goes Peggy's adventure and possibly putting herself into danger to help solve this murder.
I love the mystery and the information I am learning about plants.
I love the mystery and the information I am learning about plants.
June 7, 2017
A lot has happened since the last book. A couple characters gone with no explanation. I guessing it all happened in the short book between this book. I am not fond of Steve being FBI. Hard to believe since he a Vet in the previous books. He was trying to build his practice. I big stretch for me.
Since they jumped forward so much i can only give it two stars. If you reading out of order you won't mind.
Since they jumped forward so much i can only give it two stars. If you reading out of order you won't mind.
June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this, and I always learn something about plants. Unfortunately, the library didn't have the 3 previous books so I feel like I really missed out on a lot. I would have liked to have read about Peggy and Steve's courtship.
June 26, 2018
A great read with a clever plot, well developed and believable characters, and as a plus a great deal of plant information.
October 2, 2021
The 6th book in the Peggy Lee Garden mystery series. Peggy is a botanist turned amateur sleuth. Fun and entertaining cozy mystery. Good for fans of cozies and plants.
April 5, 2023
Interesting story
Refreshing story line with diverse lines of theories to pursue. Clean and clear thinking. Highly recommended and can learn more about plants, too.
Refreshing story line with diverse lines of theories to pursue. Clean and clear thinking. Highly recommended and can learn more about plants, too.
March 3, 2017
The International Flower show has come to
Charlotte.
Peggy Lee, who owns the Potting Shed and
is a forensic botanist., has arranged for the
show and is in charge of the show. Arriving
at the show Peggy finds a massive pile of soil
strewn with pink thyme, the funeral flower.
It looks like a grave. This was not supposed to
be there!!!
Turns out that Dr. Aris Abbuto, an orchid grower
from South Africa is buried in the soil!!!
Murders, kidnapping, diamonds, mayhem caused
by a skunk, a Great Dane named Shakespeare
and all types of flowers plus the history and
meaning of flowers make this an interesting,
intriguing and informative read.
This is book #6 in the Peggy Lee Garden Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone. This is the
first book I have read in the series.
Charlotte.
Peggy Lee, who owns the Potting Shed and
is a forensic botanist., has arranged for the
show and is in charge of the show. Arriving
at the show Peggy finds a massive pile of soil
strewn with pink thyme, the funeral flower.
It looks like a grave. This was not supposed to
be there!!!
Turns out that Dr. Aris Abbuto, an orchid grower
from South Africa is buried in the soil!!!
Murders, kidnapping, diamonds, mayhem caused
by a skunk, a Great Dane named Shakespeare
and all types of flowers plus the history and
meaning of flowers make this an interesting,
intriguing and informative read.
This is book #6 in the Peggy Lee Garden Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone. This is the
first book I have read in the series.
February 26, 2017
Another good instalment of the Peggy Lee Potting Shed series (although it seems you need to have read #5.5 to fully appreciate the timeline).
Peggy has arranged for a large flower/horticultural show to be held in their town but the morning of the opening she finds things are not as they should be - with the worst being a friend (on-line who she met for the first time at this event) dead. She needs to work with her new husband Steve, her son Paul and of course her staff from The Potting Shed to find out who would kill an Orchid lover and why.
Peggy has arranged for a large flower/horticultural show to be held in their town but the morning of the opening she finds things are not as they should be - with the worst being a friend (on-line who she met for the first time at this event) dead. She needs to work with her new husband Steve, her son Paul and of course her staff from The Potting Shed to find out who would kill an Orchid lover and why.
May 14, 2013
I read Pretty Poison last year and I really enjoyed it. It is a different sort of cozy, with our heroine being a botanist. Peggy Lee is more than just a lady who runs a garden shop!
I found that learned a lot while being entertained, reading these stories. Each chapter has a little blurb about a certain type of plant
With a lot of cozy series, you can jump in any time and enjoy the book without going back, and for the most part that's how A Thyme To Die was.
I read the novella that came before this one, Buried By Buttercups and I realized I missed a lot by not searching out the other books in the series. I definitely needed a refresher in Peggy Lee's life stat! because I was foundering...
When did she marry Steve? She just hooked up with him in the first book.
WTH is up with the way her house is passed down...
I have to say that part confused me...if her husband inherited...why didn't her son...
But those are little things and they don't really play a part in the mystery.
I love how she's actually working legitimately with the police now. That's a different twist with most Cozies. Peggy is the forensic botanist and when needed she's on the police payroll! Woo hoo! Which means she's more than the amateur sleuth that does silly things to solve the mystery. That's one thing I really like about Peggy, she's smart, and even though she has brushes with the bad guys, she doesn't come out as a foolish lady at all.
I really love how I couldn't figure out the who dun it and again the stuff about plants that I learned through reading this book!
Great mystery, story and series!
Oh and just to show you how off I was..I thought the guy that did it had the animal that kept escaping in the International Flower Show!
I found that learned a lot while being entertained, reading these stories. Each chapter has a little blurb about a certain type of plant
With a lot of cozy series, you can jump in any time and enjoy the book without going back, and for the most part that's how A Thyme To Die was.
I read the novella that came before this one, Buried By Buttercups and I realized I missed a lot by not searching out the other books in the series. I definitely needed a refresher in Peggy Lee's life stat! because I was foundering...
When did she marry Steve? She just hooked up with him in the first book.
WTH is up with the way her house is passed down...
I have to say that part confused me...if her husband inherited...why didn't her son...
But those are little things and they don't really play a part in the mystery.
I love how she's actually working legitimately with the police now. That's a different twist with most Cozies. Peggy is the forensic botanist and when needed she's on the police payroll! Woo hoo! Which means she's more than the amateur sleuth that does silly things to solve the mystery. That's one thing I really like about Peggy, she's smart, and even though she has brushes with the bad guys, she doesn't come out as a foolish lady at all.
I really love how I couldn't figure out the who dun it and again the stuff about plants that I learned through reading this book!
Great mystery, story and series!
Oh and just to show you how off I was..I thought the guy that did it had the animal that kept escaping in the International Flower Show!
August 18, 2013
I have said it before, but it bears repeating, the Lavenes are 2 of my favorite authors. From the Peggy Lee series, to the Missing Pieces series to the Renaissance mysteries, to Sharyn Howard series, I don't see how they have time to do much of anything else. And each series will grab ahold and take you to where they are.
Welcome back Peggy Lee, it has been a while since I have seen you and your new husband Steve. I was so glad to hear that you and Steve had finally decided to get married. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be married to another member of law enforcemant, after the tragic murder of your 1st husband John, and to have your son Paul in the PD, mercy girl, I don't know how you keep it together. Though I'm sure the thoughts of your 1st grandchild is of much help!
My dear friend, you really do find yourself in some messes, once in a while, don't you? Only you could find trouble at an international flower and garden show. What a shock it must have been to discover a murder at a venue that was to be so peaceful. Between the murders, the escaped skunk, your neighbor Walter, and your part time job at the Medical Examiners office, you do keep your self busy. No wonder your faithful readers have missed you so much.
Every time I read a book by the Lavenes I claim it is my favorite, so far. So guess what, this one IS my favorite, at least until Deadly Dahlia comes out next year.
Welcome back Peggy Lee, it has been a while since I have seen you and your new husband Steve. I was so glad to hear that you and Steve had finally decided to get married. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be married to another member of law enforcemant, after the tragic murder of your 1st husband John, and to have your son Paul in the PD, mercy girl, I don't know how you keep it together. Though I'm sure the thoughts of your 1st grandchild is of much help!
My dear friend, you really do find yourself in some messes, once in a while, don't you? Only you could find trouble at an international flower and garden show. What a shock it must have been to discover a murder at a venue that was to be so peaceful. Between the murders, the escaped skunk, your neighbor Walter, and your part time job at the Medical Examiners office, you do keep your self busy. No wonder your faithful readers have missed you so much.
Every time I read a book by the Lavenes I claim it is my favorite, so far. So guess what, this one IS my favorite, at least until Deadly Dahlia comes out next year.
October 10, 2018
If you haven't read this series I recommend it. Especially if you live in or around Charlotte, NC.
This series is about Peggy Lee who is a specialist and speaker on plants. She is often called in to help the police when her knowledge is needed. The book takes place in Charlotte, NC so you feel like you really know Peggy when she describes where she is because you know exactly where she is talking about. In this book she is coordinating the first International Flower Show in Charlotte and everything is going great until she arrives at the event on the first day to make sure everything is ready and finds her good friend Dr. Aris Abbuto dead and buried in a makeshift grave with thyme around it. Of course the police close the flower show down for the day. So to help the police speed things along Peggy decides to do some investigating. She knows she is getting close when she starts getting threats. This is a great series with an interesting mystery to keep you on your toes trying to figure out who the killer is. And there is always several suspects. Good read, great series.
This series is about Peggy Lee who is a specialist and speaker on plants. She is often called in to help the police when her knowledge is needed. The book takes place in Charlotte, NC so you feel like you really know Peggy when she describes where she is because you know exactly where she is talking about. In this book she is coordinating the first International Flower Show in Charlotte and everything is going great until she arrives at the event on the first day to make sure everything is ready and finds her good friend Dr. Aris Abbuto dead and buried in a makeshift grave with thyme around it. Of course the police close the flower show down for the day. So to help the police speed things along Peggy decides to do some investigating. She knows she is getting close when she starts getting threats. This is a great series with an interesting mystery to keep you on your toes trying to figure out who the killer is. And there is always several suspects. Good read, great series.
May 12, 2013
This is another winner in Peggy Lee Garden mystery series. It is a fast-paced page turner that will keep you guessing whodunit until the very end. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I love the characters and can't wait to see what they will be doing in the next book. So, if you don't mind getting a little dirt under your fingernails, then A Thyme To Die is one book you should be reading.
To read the entire review - here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/review/R17BUPRH....
To read the entire review - here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/review/R17BUPRH....
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June 10, 2014A Thyme To Die The garden information and forensics are good. However, I not happy with way the story is going now.Peggy has worked to bring the International Garden Show to Charlotte and she is in charge. Before it opens one of her online friends from Africa is found buried in a bed of thyme in one of the exhibits and hid exhibit is trash. Because of the foreign countries involved the FBI is in charge. Peggy hears from Nightflyer. Peggy needs to solve this death so the flower show is successful.
November 11, 2025
Plant biologist, Peggy Lee, has been working to get the international flower show to the area. She finally succeeds and everything is all set for the flower show to open. Getting there early the first morning to check on things one last time, she sees one of the displays has earth turned up on it with thyme flowers scattered over the site. She immediately calls the police - it looks way too much like a grave and thyme denotes death.
June 10, 2014
The garden information and forensics are good. However, I not happy with way the story is going now.
Peggy has worked to bring the International Garden Show to Charlotte and she is in charge. Before it opens one of her online friends from Africa is found buried in a bed of thyme in one of the exhibits and hid exhibit is trash. Because of the foreign countries involved the FBI is in charge. Peggy hears from Nightflyer. Peggy needs to solve this death so the flower show is successful.
Peggy has worked to bring the International Garden Show to Charlotte and she is in charge. Before it opens one of her online friends from Africa is found buried in a bed of thyme in one of the exhibits and hid exhibit is trash. Because of the foreign countries involved the FBI is in charge. Peggy hears from Nightflyer. Peggy needs to solve this death so the flower show is successful.
October 14, 2014
This book was just ok, it really didn't have any depth, it seemed like you jumped into the middle of a story. The first part of the book is a novella Buried by Buttercups that tells you some about the characters and then when you start A Thyme to Die, this information is repeated. Buried by Buttercups is wrapped up so fast it is like some chapters are left out. The information on what the flowers stand for is interesting.
February 8, 2017
Excellent. Favorite authors.
December 31, 2015
Peggy and her FBI husband solve murder at Charolatte flower show
Peggy had worked very hard to bring the international flower show to Charolatte. Instead of being able to enjoy the fruits of her labor she spent most of her time solving problems that included diamond smuggling and murder
Peggy had worked very hard to bring the international flower show to Charolatte. Instead of being able to enjoy the fruits of her labor she spent most of her time solving problems that included diamond smuggling and murder
June 23, 2013
It was nice to finally have a new book in the Peggy Lee book. And as always I enjoyed the garden lore at the beginning of each chapter. However I figured out who the perps were partway through the story.
August 25, 2015
I was so thrilled when this series was picked up again. One of my favorite Cozy Mystery series ever! I figured this one out which I was excited about because I never can! Of to the next Peggy Lee book!
June 14, 2015
Delicious reading
As with the first book of the garden mystery series, this one is just as interesting and informative. This is an author I truly enjoy. Hope to read .more in her series.
As with the first book of the garden mystery series, this one is just as interesting and informative. This is an author I truly enjoy. Hope to read .more in her series.
June 2, 2015
As an avid gardener I not only enjoyed this mystery but also the descriptions throughout the book on plants. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
May 26, 2015
When I want an enjoyable cozy mystery this series is the best! Love all the gardening/flower stuff and the characters are like old friends....perfect escape!
May 28, 2015
Learning while entertained
The Lavenes have crafted such an interesting cozy mystery with bits botanical information sure to keep you reading as long as the series lasts.
The Lavenes have crafted such an interesting cozy mystery with bits botanical information sure to keep you reading as long as the series lasts.
September 24, 2015
Enjoyed
Pretty interesting with good characters and mystery. Really liked the descriptions of each flower, their history, and the meaning of each
Pretty interesting with good characters and mystery. Really liked the descriptions of each flower, their history, and the meaning of each
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews