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Sugar Grove Mystery #2
Maple Mayhem
In Sugar Grove, New Hampshire, people are serious about their maple syrup—especially Dani Greene, whose family owns the Greener Pastures sugarhouse. But when murder disrupts the small-town sweetness, Dani pores over clues to draw out a killer...
Despite being a fourth-generation syrup maker, Dani isn’t stuck in the past. She’s starting a new agricultural cooperative that reduces costs for every syrup producer who joins. Everyone considers it a sweet deal except the die-hard curmudgeon Frank Lemieux—and when a saboteur starts targeting supporters, everyone suspects Frank.
But it turns out they’re barking up the wrong tree when Dani finds Frank murdered in his own sugarhouse. As the sabotage continues, she realizes that Frank was framed. With the help of her family, and a handsome official from the Fish and Game Department, Dani must catch the killer before another syrup maker kicks the bucket.
Recipes Included!
Despite being a fourth-generation syrup maker, Dani isn’t stuck in the past. She’s starting a new agricultural cooperative that reduces costs for every syrup producer who joins. Everyone considers it a sweet deal except the die-hard curmudgeon Frank Lemieux—and when a saboteur starts targeting supporters, everyone suspects Frank.
But it turns out they’re barking up the wrong tree when Dani finds Frank murdered in his own sugarhouse. As the sabotage continues, she realizes that Frank was framed. With the help of her family, and a handsome official from the Fish and Game Department, Dani must catch the killer before another syrup maker kicks the bucket.
Recipes Included!
298 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Jessie Crockett
7 books135 followersA nearly life-long resident of the Granite State, Jessie naturally adores black flies, 98% humidity, killing frosts in August and snow banks taller than the average grandmother. When not working on her next murderous adventure she enthusiastically combs the beach, designs bento lunches and throws parties. She delights in mentoring young writers at local schools.
Her debut mystery, Live Free or Die, was the 2011 winner of the Daphne DuMaurier Award for Mainstream Mystery. Jessie lives with her dark and mysterious husband and exuberant children in a village so small most other New Hampshire residents have never heard of it. Hearing from readers makes the winter seem shorter so please drop her a line.
Her debut mystery, Live Free or Die, was the 2011 winner of the Daphne DuMaurier Award for Mainstream Mystery. Jessie lives with her dark and mysterious husband and exuberant children in a village so small most other New Hampshire residents have never heard of it. Hearing from readers makes the winter seem shorter so please drop her a line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 19, 2017
Dani gets into more trouble as we learn a lot more about small town NH living. The characters have evolved and changed as the series moves along and Dani seems to be ready for a change herself. The opening of book 1 has her faking a migraine to find a little alone time from her family but this book seems to be changing some of her opinions.
Ready for book 3 the final in the series so far, I hope the author continues with the series sometime in the near future.
Ready for book 3 the final in the series so far, I hope the author continues with the series sometime in the near future.
November 30, 2023
Great cozy mystery! Keen characters took the lead, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Surprise, after surprise! I highly recommend!
February 21, 2022
Dani Greene is back for another mystery together with her cast of zany neighbors and crazy family members (or is that zany family members and crazy neighbors). This time, she’s trying to set up a syrup cooperative so that she and her syrup producing neighbors can buy their supplies at a discount, but someone is out to stop them.
For the first half of the novel, the villain restricts him or herself to simple vandalism and warnings, but things take a turn for the far more serious when Dani’s number one suspect is murdered. Dani, naturally, is one of the acting police chief’s top suspects, but the reader never has to take this too seriously. After all, this is the same ex-boyfriend who ticketed Dani for broken taillights when he discovered her car with the tires slashed, the paint keyed, the lights broken out, and a warning to stop the cooperative scratched into the paint.
Overall, this is another solid mystery in the delightful New England setting of Sugar Grove.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
For the first half of the novel, the villain restricts him or herself to simple vandalism and warnings, but things take a turn for the far more serious when Dani’s number one suspect is murdered. Dani, naturally, is one of the acting police chief’s top suspects, but the reader never has to take this too seriously. After all, this is the same ex-boyfriend who ticketed Dani for broken taillights when he discovered her car with the tires slashed, the paint keyed, the lights broken out, and a warning to stop the cooperative scratched into the paint.
Overall, this is another solid mystery in the delightful New England setting of Sugar Grove.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
January 9, 2015
This is the second in the Sugar Grove Mystery series. I have not read the first one but this story stands on its own. Full of quirky characters and lots of humor made this a fun read. The main character, Dani Greene is a very petite woman with two sides, one which makes her seem immature at age 26 and another where she is able to handle serious situations. She is trying to get a sugar co-op started to help the maple sugar producer save money but someone is against this idea. Vandalism starts occurring at different maple sugar farmers and one man seems to be the ideal suspect. Dani feels bound and determined to find out who is sabotaging her co-operative plans. When a murder occurs, the stakes become higher and more dangerous.
September 8, 2015
If I could I would give this book 3.5 stars but since I can't and I really liked the ending I am rounding up to 4 stars instead of rounding down to 3 stars. This book had great flow and the characters are likeable. I will continue on in this series.
January 16, 2016
In Sugar Grove, New Hampshire, people are serious about their maple syrup—especially Dani Greene, whose family owns the Greener Pastures sugarhouse. But when murder disrupts the small-town sweetness, Dani pores over clues to draw out a killer…
Despite being a fourth-generation syrup maker, Dani isn’t stuck in the past. She’s starting a new agricultural cooperative that reduces costs for every syrup producer who joins. Everyone considers it a sweet deal except the die-hard curmudgeon Frank Lemieux—and when a saboteur starts targeting supporters, everyone suspects Frank.
But it turns out they’re barking up the wrong tree when Dani finds Frank murdered in his own sugarhouse. As the sabotage continues, she realizes that Frank was framed. With the help of her family, and a handsome official from the Fish and Game Department, Dani must catch the killer before another syrup maker kicks the bucket.
Recipes Included!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Things are getting very sticky in Sugar Grove and that makes for a fantastic cozy mystery.
Dani is right in the middle of another murder of investigation and the local sheriff is away on a cruise with Dani’s mother. He left Mitch Reynolds in charge. Mitch and Dani dated a few times and she does everything to avoid him. When her fabulous car, that she just got back from the mechanic, is vandalized he tries to ticket her for having broken headlights and taillights instead of being concerned about who wrecked her car. He is definitely in over his head when Dani finds Frank’s body. Of course, she becomes his prime suspect.
Jessie Crockett has created some truly wonderful characters, ones we love like Dani, her grampa, Piper, the owner of The Stack Shack and Dani’s best friend, Graham, the handsome Fish and Game Warden and Celedon, Dani’s sister who is doing anything she can to get Dani settled down and married. And those we don’t love so much like Knowlton and Mitch. I wanted to jump in the pages at more syrup over Mitch’s head more than once.
The mystery is top-notch and the dialogue is so well written. The perfect amount of humor and romance is blooming for more than just Dani. Her phone calls from her mother just cracked me up. I also enjoy learning all about making syrup and tapping the trees.
This is a fun and entertaining story for those of us who like our whodunits on the cozy side.
Despite being a fourth-generation syrup maker, Dani isn’t stuck in the past. She’s starting a new agricultural cooperative that reduces costs for every syrup producer who joins. Everyone considers it a sweet deal except the die-hard curmudgeon Frank Lemieux—and when a saboteur starts targeting supporters, everyone suspects Frank.
But it turns out they’re barking up the wrong tree when Dani finds Frank murdered in his own sugarhouse. As the sabotage continues, she realizes that Frank was framed. With the help of her family, and a handsome official from the Fish and Game Department, Dani must catch the killer before another syrup maker kicks the bucket.
Recipes Included!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Things are getting very sticky in Sugar Grove and that makes for a fantastic cozy mystery.
Dani is right in the middle of another murder of investigation and the local sheriff is away on a cruise with Dani’s mother. He left Mitch Reynolds in charge. Mitch and Dani dated a few times and she does everything to avoid him. When her fabulous car, that she just got back from the mechanic, is vandalized he tries to ticket her for having broken headlights and taillights instead of being concerned about who wrecked her car. He is definitely in over his head when Dani finds Frank’s body. Of course, she becomes his prime suspect.
Jessie Crockett has created some truly wonderful characters, ones we love like Dani, her grampa, Piper, the owner of The Stack Shack and Dani’s best friend, Graham, the handsome Fish and Game Warden and Celedon, Dani’s sister who is doing anything she can to get Dani settled down and married. And those we don’t love so much like Knowlton and Mitch. I wanted to jump in the pages at more syrup over Mitch’s head more than once.
The mystery is top-notch and the dialogue is so well written. The perfect amount of humor and romance is blooming for more than just Dani. Her phone calls from her mother just cracked me up. I also enjoy learning all about making syrup and tapping the trees.
This is a fun and entertaining story for those of us who like our whodunits on the cozy side.
July 12, 2014
I was hoping the author would produce a more mature form of writing of this 2nd sugar grove mystery but I am disappointed to find the same flowery language. This is a mystery, a novel, not a poem. I envision the author chuckling at her own cutesy prose but I, the reader, can't digest it any better than all the maple foods this town consumes.
I am a third of the way through this book and the only mystery is who vandalized Dani's MG. Mitch, the so-called police officer is more interested in arresting Dani for having a vandalized car instead of figuring out who did the damage to it. He presents as immature and not police-worthy in the least.
The constant, page after page, comparisons (analogies): This....is like that.... from every character is not normal in any conversation.
Dani is a partial character, not believable. Her family treats her as if she were a child instead of a 27 year old woman, Dani allows that. She accepts it. But, who do the townsfolk call when they have an issue? Dani. Not the police to witness further vandalism or threatening notes. They call Dani. Her feelings sway far to the left then to the right again. She is a confusing character, not deep, not wise, just confusing.
I take issue with the fact that Graham and Dani had a rather suggestive adult conversation in front of a traumatized child. Who is this author?
Once again this is a convoluted story that runs in circles.
finally the last third of the book did away with the constant flowery comparisons. It was almost like another author had taken over the writing.
I am a third of the way through this book and the only mystery is who vandalized Dani's MG. Mitch, the so-called police officer is more interested in arresting Dani for having a vandalized car instead of figuring out who did the damage to it. He presents as immature and not police-worthy in the least.
The constant, page after page, comparisons (analogies): This....is like that.... from every character is not normal in any conversation.
Dani is a partial character, not believable. Her family treats her as if she were a child instead of a 27 year old woman, Dani allows that. She accepts it. But, who do the townsfolk call when they have an issue? Dani. Not the police to witness further vandalism or threatening notes. They call Dani. Her feelings sway far to the left then to the right again. She is a confusing character, not deep, not wise, just confusing.
I take issue with the fact that Graham and Dani had a rather suggestive adult conversation in front of a traumatized child. Who is this author?
Once again this is a convoluted story that runs in circles.
finally the last third of the book did away with the constant flowery comparisons. It was almost like another author had taken over the writing.
November 29, 2018
2.5 stars.
Cute but predictable. I think I enjoyed this book because it was the the complete opposite of the previous book I read. It was clean, had no intimate scenes, and featured MCs who aren’t puddles of hormonal goo. I like a good cozy because it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s not high literature, it’s not super suspenseful or mysterious, but it does leave you with a warm feeling, which is a little weird since someone is murdered. But I digress.
I’m looking forward to reading the next one when I’m in the mood for some lighthearted and clean mystery solving.
Cute but predictable. I think I enjoyed this book because it was the the complete opposite of the previous book I read. It was clean, had no intimate scenes, and featured MCs who aren’t puddles of hormonal goo. I like a good cozy because it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s not high literature, it’s not super suspenseful or mysterious, but it does leave you with a warm feeling, which is a little weird since someone is murdered. But I digress.
I’m looking forward to reading the next one when I’m in the mood for some lighthearted and clean mystery solving.
May 20, 2018
Hysterical!!!
February 17, 2020
Great book! Accurate facts about the maple sugaring process. Quirky characters. Funny dialogue. The author has crafted a true New England story.
September 15, 2015
The mystery actually wasn't bad, but I can't stand these characters!! Dani is an adult, but we're constantly reminded of the fact that she is very short, shops in the kids department and people treat her like a kid. Really?? We get it.......but she lets them get away with treating her that way, so her problem, no one else's. She also has issues with her mommy having a relationship with a man who is close to the family. Her dad's been dead for several years. She needs to get over her issues. Then she has this god-awful sister who I would call a bitch, but then I'd be insulting all the bitches of the world. Celadon (yes, that's really her name!) is just awful, and once again Dani lets her walk all over her. I really wanted to like this series, but I don't. I think I have the 3rd book, but I'll take my time getting to it and won't bother with anymore in this series.
December 15, 2016
What a wonderful follow up to Drizzled With Death!! I love the little New Hampshire community of Sugar Grove! The extra tidbits involving maple syrup and the sugaring season is very interesting! Dani and her family, friends, and neighbors are pure fun but what really made this story work was the very interesting mystery and the constant vandalism! Dani is a nosy go-getter when it comes to ferreting out clues and yet even with all the information she gathers, the ending was still a surprise!! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
October 3, 2014
The first book in this series was so zany and fun, with all the different animals running in and out of the story. Since the main character's boyfriend is a wildlife officer / game warden, I had hoped that various wildlife would be present in this book as well and was a bit disappointed to see it wasn't. The book was still fun and funny, and I liked learning about making maple syrup, but I hope the next book sees Dani encountering some New Hampshire wildlife!
April 8, 2015
A very well-plotted mystery, but the writing and the characters just could not hold my interest. The MC's sister was horrible; if my sister interfered with my personal life like that I'd have thrown a syrup bottle at her and told her to butt out. Not continuing with this one.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114053...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114053...
August 11, 2014
A good cozy mystery. Dani seemed a little too scatter-brained in this book. We are told that she is 27 and runs the family maple business. However, a lot of times she reminds me of a teenager. Someone is unsure of themselves and lets people run roughshod over her. It was a good mystery, but the killer was not a surprise. The first book in the series was much better.
July 11, 2014
The reference to the main characters size became tedious.
January 9, 2018
Dani Greene, a fourth-generation syrup maker is tired of being the baby in her family. She's determined to expand and modernize their business and make her mark on the community. Dani has determined the best way is to form a co-op with the other syrup makers in northern New Hampshire to bring down supply costs and help out the smaller producers. Not everyone is on board though-Kenneth Shaw, the largest producer needs more time, Dean Hayes just wants his sister to sell their land for cash and Frank Lemieux is a crazy, government conspiracy nut who wants nothing to do with Dani and her co-op. Dani wants nothing to do with Frank and his scary dog either but when a vandal starts hitting the co-op participants, everyone is convinced it is Frank and wants Dani to deal with it. With Dani's mother and Lowell, the sheriff on vacation together, Mitch, Dani's ex-boyfriend is in charge. Mitch holds a grudge against Dani and is determined she is the troublemaker. Dani has only one option: solve the mystery herself! When she stumbles across Frank's dead body, Dani is forced to admit Frank may not have been the vandal. Who could it have been and though most everyone hated Frank, who was mad enough to kill?
This is a real cozy mystery set in small town New Hampshire with plenty of quirky residents. Dani's mother calls from her cruise to assist Dani with spiritual advice-as in advice from Dani's late father! Everyone is busy sticking their nose in Dani's love life, which I hated as much as Dani does. She's a lot nicer than I am. I probably would have killed my sister by now if I were here. Caledon can't be content with managing her kids and her charity. It's none of her business if/when Dani gets married and whether she's had some of Graham's sausage. (There's a lot of innuendo in this story). I can't imagine all my family members living under one roof. I can't stand it when we're all in the same house for one day! The Greenes are a warm, loving family. I especially love Grampa. I also love Dani's best friend. She's spunky, unique and a lot of fun. On the other hand, Knowlton is super creepy. He would qualify as a stalker for sure and a creepy one at that. I did like how his character becomes more complex as the story goes on. Graham is hardly in the story but I find him a little creepy too.
There are several new characters here. Most importantly there's Frank. He's a crazy anti-government nut who collects junk. He's cantankerous at best and I can see why Dani hates him. He's downright awful to her. How about "no thank you I'm not interested."? and "Keep these kids away from my property or I'll have the sheriff arrest you for trespassing" not "Get off my land or I'll shoot." This Frank character is totally bonkers. His daughter Phoebe seems nice but if I were her, I would resent Dani for being a mean girl. Could Phoebe be trying to sabotage Dani? She was high on my suspect list right after Frank. Then there's Kenneth Shaw, a town selectman and large maple syrup producer. No one likes him either. He's arrogant and condescending. Dean Hayes, a young man raised by his sister after the death of his parents, is Dani's friend Piper's latest winter fling. I agree with Dani, she can do better. He's kind of a loser and I suspected him of vandalism as well. Another chief candidate for douchebag of the year is Russ. If he wasn't so lazy, he would have been on my suspect list. I'd hate to be married to him. Finally, there's Byron the mechanic. He's also a lazy man who can't meet his commitments. I didn't like the way he talked to Dani. The problem is finding out who killed Frank when so many people hated him! Dani just stumbles into it, which I didn't like.
The mystery is somewhat interesting but doesn't get intriguing until the halfway point when Frank turns up dead. I was able to put it down and go to sleep just fine though.
Finally, there's not enough pancakes! The maple recipes don't appeal to me at all and I hope for more time at The Stack in the third book!
This is a real cozy mystery set in small town New Hampshire with plenty of quirky residents. Dani's mother calls from her cruise to assist Dani with spiritual advice-as in advice from Dani's late father! Everyone is busy sticking their nose in Dani's love life, which I hated as much as Dani does. She's a lot nicer than I am. I probably would have killed my sister by now if I were here. Caledon can't be content with managing her kids and her charity. It's none of her business if/when Dani gets married and whether she's had some of Graham's sausage. (There's a lot of innuendo in this story). I can't imagine all my family members living under one roof. I can't stand it when we're all in the same house for one day! The Greenes are a warm, loving family. I especially love Grampa. I also love Dani's best friend. She's spunky, unique and a lot of fun. On the other hand, Knowlton is super creepy. He would qualify as a stalker for sure and a creepy one at that. I did like how his character becomes more complex as the story goes on. Graham is hardly in the story but I find him a little creepy too.
There are several new characters here. Most importantly there's Frank. He's a crazy anti-government nut who collects junk. He's cantankerous at best and I can see why Dani hates him. He's downright awful to her. How about "no thank you I'm not interested."? and "Keep these kids away from my property or I'll have the sheriff arrest you for trespassing" not "Get off my land or I'll shoot." This Frank character is totally bonkers. His daughter Phoebe seems nice but if I were her, I would resent Dani for being a mean girl. Could Phoebe be trying to sabotage Dani? She was high on my suspect list right after Frank. Then there's Kenneth Shaw, a town selectman and large maple syrup producer. No one likes him either. He's arrogant and condescending. Dean Hayes, a young man raised by his sister after the death of his parents, is Dani's friend Piper's latest winter fling. I agree with Dani, she can do better. He's kind of a loser and I suspected him of vandalism as well. Another chief candidate for douchebag of the year is Russ. If he wasn't so lazy, he would have been on my suspect list. I'd hate to be married to him. Finally, there's Byron the mechanic. He's also a lazy man who can't meet his commitments. I didn't like the way he talked to Dani. The problem is finding out who killed Frank when so many people hated him! Dani just stumbles into it, which I didn't like.
The mystery is somewhat interesting but doesn't get intriguing until the halfway point when Frank turns up dead. I was able to put it down and go to sleep just fine though.
Finally, there's not enough pancakes! The maple recipes don't appeal to me at all and I hope for more time at The Stack in the third book!
October 21, 2019
The Greene family is a prominent, tightly-knit family in their small New Hampshire town. Each member has carved out their way to help their community, and as youngest, Dani is trying to find her own way. Her new cooperative could help all the maple growers in town, until someone starts vandalizing different maple growers in town to send a message. But, who is so against the co-op to resort to murder?
I read the first book in this series a while back and I remember really liking it. This one was okay, but I don't plan to continue reading this series. I'm pretty sure I had a different series in mind when I picked this one out, but I definitely don't plan to read any more.
This book was okay, and that's about the best I can give it. The plot wasn't bad, the whole over-involved family thing was a little weird (the scene where the whole town has her two love interests pitted against each other trying to win her over...at meat bingo?), and something about the main character drove me a little nuts. It might have been the over focus on her appearance and how tiny and girlish she was. I mean, that's great and all, but it still somehow came off as body shaming at times. Body shaming is body shaming whether we are talking fat or not. I remember a time I had been really sick and lost a bunch of weight and was having trouble eating...and people would tell me "it must be nice". Um, no, it's not especially nice to feel terrible and weak and sick all the time, and throw up roughly every other week and have to start all over at reintroducing foods my stomach would tolerate. So maybe that's why it bothered me - for some reason it triggers memories of that.
Also, this is another book that the murder didn't occur until around p. 130 and it was page 193 before the main character committed herself to solving it. I like having some other things going on in the story, but other than her family and the weird almost-but-not romance stuff, there wasn't anything to really be interested in. It wasn't maple season, so although that's Dani's primary passion, we didn't get to see anything about that. I feel like that kind of took away one of the main things I enjoy about cozy mysteries. If your theme isn't well integrated, then just get to the mystery!
Overall, I'll go 5 of 10 for enjoyment and 4 of 5 for readability. While an easy read, it didn't hold my interest very well until we really got into the mystery. It was okay, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
I read the first book in this series a while back and I remember really liking it. This one was okay, but I don't plan to continue reading this series. I'm pretty sure I had a different series in mind when I picked this one out, but I definitely don't plan to read any more.
This book was okay, and that's about the best I can give it. The plot wasn't bad, the whole over-involved family thing was a little weird (the scene where the whole town has her two love interests pitted against each other trying to win her over...at meat bingo?), and something about the main character drove me a little nuts. It might have been the over focus on her appearance and how tiny and girlish she was. I mean, that's great and all, but it still somehow came off as body shaming at times. Body shaming is body shaming whether we are talking fat or not. I remember a time I had been really sick and lost a bunch of weight and was having trouble eating...and people would tell me "it must be nice". Um, no, it's not especially nice to feel terrible and weak and sick all the time, and throw up roughly every other week and have to start all over at reintroducing foods my stomach would tolerate. So maybe that's why it bothered me - for some reason it triggers memories of that.
Also, this is another book that the murder didn't occur until around p. 130 and it was page 193 before the main character committed herself to solving it. I like having some other things going on in the story, but other than her family and the weird almost-but-not romance stuff, there wasn't anything to really be interested in. It wasn't maple season, so although that's Dani's primary passion, we didn't get to see anything about that. I feel like that kind of took away one of the main things I enjoy about cozy mysteries. If your theme isn't well integrated, then just get to the mystery!
Overall, I'll go 5 of 10 for enjoyment and 4 of 5 for readability. While an easy read, it didn't hold my interest very well until we really got into the mystery. It was okay, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
May 14, 2026
I am loving this series. I really wish it was more than 3 books! This book was a bit of a slow burn, I'll admit. The murder doesn't happen until more than halfway through the book, which in a lot of cases I would consider unforgiveable. But I love Dani and her family is so quirky and wonderful (although Celadon annoys the crap out of me, she is basically exactly like my own older sister). Dani's relationship with Graham is also getting interesting, though I wish he was around more. I didn't care for Mitch or how the police end of the investigation was handled, but it played with what was happening in the story and it worked in its own way.
This series just hits me the right way with the characters and with the maple syrup theme (a bit of an obsession of mine because I love maple syrup and a syrup camp tour this past spring made me want to throw it all away and move to a syrup camp of my very own.) I almost never reread a cozy series (I did a reread of the original 4 Ivy Malone books by Lorena McCourtney and I reread the first of Laura Childs Teashop series) but I can actually see myself rereading this series.
This series just hits me the right way with the characters and with the maple syrup theme (a bit of an obsession of mine because I love maple syrup and a syrup camp tour this past spring made me want to throw it all away and move to a syrup camp of my very own.) I almost never reread a cozy series (I did a reread of the original 4 Ivy Malone books by Lorena McCourtney and I reread the first of Laura Childs Teashop series) but I can actually see myself rereading this series.
February 2, 2026
Dani Greene is starting up a cooperative. Most people think it is a great idea except for Frank Lemiux, whom everyone suspects is targeting supporters until he ends up dead. Now Dani is investigating who killed Frank as well as who is still sabotaging the cooperative.
I enjoyed further getting to know the colorful cast of characters. The mystery was interesting and I did not guess the killer right away. There was a nice touch of romance. I love the fact that recipes were included at the end.
I enjoyed further getting to know the colorful cast of characters. The mystery was interesting and I did not guess the killer right away. There was a nice touch of romance. I love the fact that recipes were included at the end.
May 23, 2018
Dani gets started on having all of the sugaring operations in the area join a collective in order to save on supplies and other costs. Only one person is not interested in joining. And then sabotage at several of the farms start happening.
Everyone thought it was Frank, until he wound up dead.
Now Dani not only needs to find a killer, but also who is trying to sabotage the collective.
A fun story with a lot of twist.
Everyone thought it was Frank, until he wound up dead.
Now Dani not only needs to find a killer, but also who is trying to sabotage the collective.
A fun story with a lot of twist.
May 15, 2022
A very good mystery in a series I'm glad I stumbled on, probably at a thrift store. Hope to read all the books by this author "sometime". Like to read every series in order if possible. And no, I didn't have the ending of this mystery figured out at all.
June 28, 2017
Even faster read than #1 and I figured it out correctly this time too. Kind of wishing Dani was a little less annoying though with her immaturity considering she's like 27.
September 2, 2019
Good book!
Read
July 13, 2023Kind of corny but ok
August 19, 2023
Good mystery, but think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read book one. I was also a little disappointed that the murder didn't happen till halfway through the book.
September 20, 2024
Dani is dumb, naïve, and a prude.
September 10, 2020
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ma...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Dani – a diminutive 27 year old maple syrup maker, I found to be a relatable protagonist. I liked her character, a bit quirky, however….being petite myself, I got real tired of her describing herself in a derogatory (self deprecating) manner with respect to her height. And throughout the book, the townspeople are referring to Dani as a “pipsqueak” – Bob says:
“Mitch called me in here to question me because of your tattling. I didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Frank and I have a whole lot better things to do with my time than to be here answering a bunch of insulting questions because a pipsqueak like you had to offer up opinions on stuff she know nothing about.”
All I have to say is, really…..I know as a petite person, I would not put up with people calling me names! So needless to say, this has distracted from my enjoyment of the book.
Mitch – the scorned beau of Dani and local law enforcement officer. His going out of his way to give Dani tickets for clearly things beyond her control is humorous….and childish at the same time. He has to step up and investigate the murder of Frank while the chief is away on vacation (with Dani’s mother no less). At times I felt he was an inept officer of the law.
Celadon – older sister….trying to help Dani’s love life (or lack thereof) with Graham – the conservation officer. We were not privy to very much personal information regarding Celadon….I expect more to come in future books? Just my guess. I think there certainly is more to her story than was told in this book.
I found the wording quaint at times…as an example:
“At least not since Coleman Price moved on to that big bingo hall in the sky three winters ago.”
The writing style is light when bringing up sensitive subjects. I find this endearing as I know they are speaking of a person dying….but the way it is broached is sensitive.
I had a great chuckle over the bingo game (meat bingo….what an awesome idea) where Graham and Knowlton were pitted against each other…trying to impress the object of their affection (Dani of course).
“The Stack” – A homey restaurant to eat your main dish with….”Maple Syrup” of course. Reminds of the sugar shacks in Quebec….ahhhh….good memories.
One character I took a shine to was Piper. She had a relatable work ethic, separating her love life from her work life. Now if she would get away from short term flings and see what is right in front of her – or should I say who – Loden – her love life might be of a more permanent nature.
Unfortunately, I found the book just okay. I suspect that is mostly a result of how Dani is portrayed. The mystery part was adequate. The chase to find the killer was a bit lack luster. I think the most exciting story line involved Piper….and I will NOT say any more on that. I do not want to tell her secret OR the identity of the killer….just not going to happen. 🙂
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Dani – a diminutive 27 year old maple syrup maker, I found to be a relatable protagonist. I liked her character, a bit quirky, however….being petite myself, I got real tired of her describing herself in a derogatory (self deprecating) manner with respect to her height. And throughout the book, the townspeople are referring to Dani as a “pipsqueak” – Bob says:
“Mitch called me in here to question me because of your tattling. I didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Frank and I have a whole lot better things to do with my time than to be here answering a bunch of insulting questions because a pipsqueak like you had to offer up opinions on stuff she know nothing about.”
All I have to say is, really…..I know as a petite person, I would not put up with people calling me names! So needless to say, this has distracted from my enjoyment of the book.
Mitch – the scorned beau of Dani and local law enforcement officer. His going out of his way to give Dani tickets for clearly things beyond her control is humorous….and childish at the same time. He has to step up and investigate the murder of Frank while the chief is away on vacation (with Dani’s mother no less). At times I felt he was an inept officer of the law.
Celadon – older sister….trying to help Dani’s love life (or lack thereof) with Graham – the conservation officer. We were not privy to very much personal information regarding Celadon….I expect more to come in future books? Just my guess. I think there certainly is more to her story than was told in this book.
I found the wording quaint at times…as an example:
“At least not since Coleman Price moved on to that big bingo hall in the sky three winters ago.”
The writing style is light when bringing up sensitive subjects. I find this endearing as I know they are speaking of a person dying….but the way it is broached is sensitive.
I had a great chuckle over the bingo game (meat bingo….what an awesome idea) where Graham and Knowlton were pitted against each other…trying to impress the object of their affection (Dani of course).
“The Stack” – A homey restaurant to eat your main dish with….”Maple Syrup” of course. Reminds of the sugar shacks in Quebec….ahhhh….good memories.
One character I took a shine to was Piper. She had a relatable work ethic, separating her love life from her work life. Now if she would get away from short term flings and see what is right in front of her – or should I say who – Loden – her love life might be of a more permanent nature.
Unfortunately, I found the book just okay. I suspect that is mostly a result of how Dani is portrayed. The mystery part was adequate. The chase to find the killer was a bit lack luster. I think the most exciting story line involved Piper….and I will NOT say any more on that. I do not want to tell her secret OR the identity of the killer….just not going to happen. 🙂
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 22, 2023
I liked the first book better but this one was a cute little cozy mystery!
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