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Seneca James Mysteries #1
Butterfly Betrayal
Raising butterflies is peaceful and calm, until someone dies.
Majestic Monarch Butterfly Farm might flitter away forever. That is, unless Seneca James acquires the property next door. She and Winifred, her costume-wearing cat, have a fight on their hands. Their land sits next to a milkweed-covered field, essential for monarchs. If she’s unsuccessful in buying it, her precious, winged friends won’t survive. When people end up dead on her farmland, Seneca is suspected of murder. What is it about the milkweed field that’s worth killing for? And who’s the murderer?
Majestic Monarch Butterfly Farm might flitter away forever. That is, unless Seneca James acquires the property next door. She and Winifred, her costume-wearing cat, have a fight on their hands. Their land sits next to a milkweed-covered field, essential for monarchs. If she’s unsuccessful in buying it, her precious, winged friends won’t survive. When people end up dead on her farmland, Seneca is suspected of murder. What is it about the milkweed field that’s worth killing for? And who’s the murderer?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
About the author
Ruth J. Hartman
57 books208 followersRuth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats, and her nights spinning mysterious tales that make you smile. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people's recliners. Not that the cats couldn't get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else's.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 29, 2026
I enjoyed this mystery, especially because it was centered around a monarch butterfly farm. I loved the protagonist’s cat and the cute outfits it wore. I was suspicious from the beginning of the book about something in particular, and if readers catch that clue, they will have an inkling of who is involved in the murders. The townspeople are certainly a gossipy bunch! LOL! This was a very good first book in a new mystery series, and I look forward to reading future stories.
February 3, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Seneca James owns the Majestic Monarch Butterfly Farm in rural Indiana and she is desperate to exercise the agreement she has made with her neighbor to purchase his property including a milkweed-covered field. Her butterflies need the milkweed, it is critical for their survival as Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves.
When Seneca finds her lawyer dead in her greenhouse she is lucky her best friend, Sheriff Cody Bales, is on her side and knows she didn't kill the man. But when another body is found on/near her property he may not be able to save her.
Can Seneca find the killer and save her beautiful butterflies? Or will she be betrayed by the people she thought were her friends and go to jail for a crime she didn't commit?
_____
The cover of this book is gorgeous. That and the synopsis propelled me right into the story.
Our protagonist, Seneca James, inherited her farm from her grandmother and made it into a haven for Monarch butterflies. She also owns the Painted Wings Cafe but her cousin Evie runs the place with cook Murray Grimes. Seneca just drops in occasionally to "find out the scuttlebutt happening around" town and to make sure things are running smoothly. Seneca has a wonderful feline named Winifred who wants to dress up every morning. Of course, a monarch outfit is her favorite. Sheriff Cody Bales and Seneca have been lifelong friends. They are just friends for now but I can see it growing into a romantic relationship as the series continues. I really enjoyed meeting these core characters and look forward to getting to know them better.
There was one instance that concerned me about Seneca's cafe. I realize she is pretty hands-off regarding the place but my parents had a restaurant of similar size and if one of the employees were injured and went to the doctor they wouldn't have left the restaurant until that employee returned. The injury needs to be documented and even if the other employee stated they didn't need help the owner should have stuck around especially when a "busload of hungry customers had flooded in" as she was leaving.
The mystery was well-written with plenty of suspects, twists, and turns. The residents of Maple Junction, Indiana are a quirky bunch and I couldn't believe that many were people Seneca had known her whole life from the way they acted. I knew something was off about one character but I wasn't able to put the puzzle of clues together until Seneca found a major clue. A major clue that was quickly put her into dire straights. Before the exciting showdown, there was a surprising event that shook me a bit. I hadn't expected it at all.
Butterfly Betrayal is full of beautiful butterflies, a determined protagonist, a hunky sheriff, an adorable feline, a rising body count, betrayal, and a tangled-up mystery. Ms. Hartman has given this series a terrific start.
Seneca James owns the Majestic Monarch Butterfly Farm in rural Indiana and she is desperate to exercise the agreement she has made with her neighbor to purchase his property including a milkweed-covered field. Her butterflies need the milkweed, it is critical for their survival as Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves.
When Seneca finds her lawyer dead in her greenhouse she is lucky her best friend, Sheriff Cody Bales, is on her side and knows she didn't kill the man. But when another body is found on/near her property he may not be able to save her.
Can Seneca find the killer and save her beautiful butterflies? Or will she be betrayed by the people she thought were her friends and go to jail for a crime she didn't commit?
_____
The cover of this book is gorgeous. That and the synopsis propelled me right into the story.
Our protagonist, Seneca James, inherited her farm from her grandmother and made it into a haven for Monarch butterflies. She also owns the Painted Wings Cafe but her cousin Evie runs the place with cook Murray Grimes. Seneca just drops in occasionally to "find out the scuttlebutt happening around" town and to make sure things are running smoothly. Seneca has a wonderful feline named Winifred who wants to dress up every morning. Of course, a monarch outfit is her favorite. Sheriff Cody Bales and Seneca have been lifelong friends. They are just friends for now but I can see it growing into a romantic relationship as the series continues. I really enjoyed meeting these core characters and look forward to getting to know them better.
There was one instance that concerned me about Seneca's cafe. I realize she is pretty hands-off regarding the place but my parents had a restaurant of similar size and if one of the employees were injured and went to the doctor they wouldn't have left the restaurant until that employee returned. The injury needs to be documented and even if the other employee stated they didn't need help the owner should have stuck around especially when a "busload of hungry customers had flooded in" as she was leaving.
The mystery was well-written with plenty of suspects, twists, and turns. The residents of Maple Junction, Indiana are a quirky bunch and I couldn't believe that many were people Seneca had known her whole life from the way they acted. I knew something was off about one character but I wasn't able to put the puzzle of clues together until Seneca found a major clue. A major clue that was quickly put her into dire straights. Before the exciting showdown, there was a surprising event that shook me a bit. I hadn't expected it at all.
Butterfly Betrayal is full of beautiful butterflies, a determined protagonist, a hunky sheriff, an adorable feline, a rising body count, betrayal, and a tangled-up mystery. Ms. Hartman has given this series a terrific start.
February 2, 2025
Excellent Debut!
This was a fun, entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed! The protagonist's occupation as a butterfly farmer is an interesting and different premise from many other cozy mysteries. I loved the charming small town setting of Maple Junction, as well as the cast of characters. The townsfolk gossip was a hoot! This was my first read by Ruth J. Hartman, but certainly won't be my last. Book two in this delighful series is already on the way!
This was a fun, entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed! The protagonist's occupation as a butterfly farmer is an interesting and different premise from many other cozy mysteries. I loved the charming small town setting of Maple Junction, as well as the cast of characters. The townsfolk gossip was a hoot! This was my first read by Ruth J. Hartman, but certainly won't be my last. Book two in this delighful series is already on the way!
November 18, 2023
I enjoyed Butterfly Betrayal by Ruth J Hartman. The characters were relatable to anyone from a small town. The mystery of why people turn up deceased on Seneca's property kept me guessing who the culprit was.
I am loving these mystery books by Ms Hartman.
I am loving these mystery books by Ms Hartman.
November 26, 2023
Ruth J. Hartman creates relatable characters and small town charm with each new book, so I was happy to read her newest cozy mystery, Butterfly Betrayal. When we first meet poor Seneca, our intrepid protagonist and butterfly farmer, she’s not having her best day… mainly due to the dead body of her lawyer in her greenhouse. And unfortunately for Seneca, things only go downhill from there.
I became personally invested in Seneca’s butterflies and admit to feeling reader-rage on their behalf a couple of times in this story. I also now want to plant copious amounts of milkweed to attract them to my own yard because who DOESN’T want a bunch of pretty butterflies flittering around and spreading joy? Seneca is very likable as a character in general and as an amateur sleuth, and I hope to get to know her even better as the series progresses. Her best friend/sheriff Cody had me immediately in his corner, just in case their friendship progresses into something more, but not to worry if you prefer less romance and more mystery – things stay mostly platonic between them in this book.
The mystery itself had nearly as many layers as Seneca has butterflies, and the suspects kept piling up along with the bodies. Perfect opportunity for the small rural town’s quirky characters to come out of the woodwork and complicate things even further for Seneca and Cody. Threats to her livelihood and to her life surround Seneca, and I thought the author did a good job of helping readers feel that tension along with her. I had my suspicions of whodunit but I wasn’t quite as on target as I thought I was, making this a rewarding read for avid armchair sleuths like me who aren’t often surprised.
Bottom Line: Butterfly Betrayal by Ruth J. Hartman is a cute first installment in a new cozy mystery series about a small town butterfly farmer. I enjoyed meeting Seneca, her butterflies, and her costumed cat-with-personality Winnifred, as well as Seneca’s best friend (and town sheriff) Cody. The mystery has several intriguing layers as the body count rises, and the various players and potential suspects kept me guessing. I look forward to more books in this series – and I especially am eager to see if the hints of romance potential between Cody & Seneca develop into something more.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I became personally invested in Seneca’s butterflies and admit to feeling reader-rage on their behalf a couple of times in this story. I also now want to plant copious amounts of milkweed to attract them to my own yard because who DOESN’T want a bunch of pretty butterflies flittering around and spreading joy? Seneca is very likable as a character in general and as an amateur sleuth, and I hope to get to know her even better as the series progresses. Her best friend/sheriff Cody had me immediately in his corner, just in case their friendship progresses into something more, but not to worry if you prefer less romance and more mystery – things stay mostly platonic between them in this book.
The mystery itself had nearly as many layers as Seneca has butterflies, and the suspects kept piling up along with the bodies. Perfect opportunity for the small rural town’s quirky characters to come out of the woodwork and complicate things even further for Seneca and Cody. Threats to her livelihood and to her life surround Seneca, and I thought the author did a good job of helping readers feel that tension along with her. I had my suspicions of whodunit but I wasn’t quite as on target as I thought I was, making this a rewarding read for avid armchair sleuths like me who aren’t often surprised.
Bottom Line: Butterfly Betrayal by Ruth J. Hartman is a cute first installment in a new cozy mystery series about a small town butterfly farmer. I enjoyed meeting Seneca, her butterflies, and her costumed cat-with-personality Winnifred, as well as Seneca’s best friend (and town sheriff) Cody. The mystery has several intriguing layers as the body count rises, and the various players and potential suspects kept me guessing. I look forward to more books in this series – and I especially am eager to see if the hints of romance potential between Cody & Seneca develop into something more.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 26, 2023
BUTTERFLY BETRAYAL by Ruth J. Hartman
The First Seneca James Mystery
Seneca James has inherited her grandmother's farm but is struggling to grow enough milkweed to support the Monarch butterflies she raises. She needs the property next door but her elderly neighbor, who had always been nice and gracious, has done an about face, reneging on the contract to sell her his land. She then finds her lawyer, dead in her greenhouse. Seneca's best friend, the sheriff, is there to support her, but it seems as if most of the town has betrayed her. Will Seneca be able to save her butterflies and herself?
BUTTERFLY BETRAYAL has the markings of the coziest of cozy mysteries. The protagonist protects and raises butterflies and there's a cat who loves wearing butterfly outfits. That screams cute and cozy. The truth is a lot darker. The majority of the townsfolk we meet, people Seneca has knows her whole life, are duplicitous, nasty people. I want to spend time and hang out with the characters in cozies, but while I'd love to see the butterflies and Winifred's outfits while getting a bite to eat at the cafe-I don't want to visit this town. With cruel acts (don't worry, Winifred's fine) the book has more of a traditional mystery vibe, albeit with some very cute aspects.
The sting of betrayal and the reluctance to request help are the hallmarks of the first Seneca James Mystery. I like Seneca and Cody and adore Winifred. I also hope to see more of Murray. With red herrings and misdirection, the mystery was well executed. There was a major clue given at the start of the book that I knew was important, although I wasn't sure what it meant until the truth was revealed.
BUTTERFLY BETRAYAL is a unique small town mystery with friendship and betrayal at its core.
The First Seneca James Mystery
Seneca James has inherited her grandmother's farm but is struggling to grow enough milkweed to support the Monarch butterflies she raises. She needs the property next door but her elderly neighbor, who had always been nice and gracious, has done an about face, reneging on the contract to sell her his land. She then finds her lawyer, dead in her greenhouse. Seneca's best friend, the sheriff, is there to support her, but it seems as if most of the town has betrayed her. Will Seneca be able to save her butterflies and herself?
BUTTERFLY BETRAYAL has the markings of the coziest of cozy mysteries. The protagonist protects and raises butterflies and there's a cat who loves wearing butterfly outfits. That screams cute and cozy. The truth is a lot darker. The majority of the townsfolk we meet, people Seneca has knows her whole life, are duplicitous, nasty people. I want to spend time and hang out with the characters in cozies, but while I'd love to see the butterflies and Winifred's outfits while getting a bite to eat at the cafe-I don't want to visit this town. With cruel acts (don't worry, Winifred's fine) the book has more of a traditional mystery vibe, albeit with some very cute aspects.
The sting of betrayal and the reluctance to request help are the hallmarks of the first Seneca James Mystery. I like Seneca and Cody and adore Winifred. I also hope to see more of Murray. With red herrings and misdirection, the mystery was well executed. There was a major clue given at the start of the book that I knew was important, although I wasn't sure what it meant until the truth was revealed.
BUTTERFLY BETRAYAL is a unique small town mystery with friendship and betrayal at its core.
June 6, 2025
For the most part I enjoyed this first book in the Seneca James mystery series but I'm not sure if I will continue this series.
I learned a lot about Monarch butterflies and I would have liked to learn more about Seneca and the townspeople. Especially since it seems that Seneca had a possibly abusive marriage to the horrible Payne and is determined to be independent as a result and it is reflected in her sleuthing. I was really hoping her cousin and Murray may possibly play more of a role sleuthing and with the amount of gossiping that goes on that town I expected Seneca to use it to her advantage.
I did enjoy the relationship between her and Sheriff Cody and there is obviously chemistry between the two.
I learned a lot about Monarch butterflies and I would have liked to learn more about Seneca and the townspeople. Especially since it seems that Seneca had a possibly abusive marriage to the horrible Payne and is determined to be independent as a result and it is reflected in her sleuthing. I was really hoping her cousin and Murray may possibly play more of a role sleuthing and with the amount of gossiping that goes on that town I expected Seneca to use it to her advantage.
I did enjoy the relationship between her and Sheriff Cody and there is obviously chemistry between the two.
February 6, 2024
I was disappointed. Though the info about monarchs, milkweed and wasps was interesting there wasn't as much as I expected. And I really did care much about the protag. A real mental self inflictor, ever anxiety was suffered several times, she'd chastise herself for doing it, and then do it again. All the terrible things happening, she'd say and think she didn't want to know, then insist on going to see for herself, while complaining she had so many chores to do. What chores? Never explained. And everything had to be kept secret, no one ever seemed to want to explain anything to someone who might had done something useful.
And as someone asked, what about the rubies?
And as someone asked, what about the rubies?
December 12, 2023
Butterfly Betrayal was another great book by Ruth J. Hartman. The length of the book gave me time to get to know the small town and the characters, but wasn’t full of descriptors that weren’t needed! I enjoyed the fun, the fancy, and the frustration that comes from every day life along with the complications of multiple murders! Following the heroine and making the discoveries along with her made for a wonderful read!
January 6, 2025
Seneca James is one of those people who wants to do everything on her own. She doesn't need anyone, especially a man, to swoop in and save the day. She runs her butterfly farm, taking care of the caterpillars and adult monarchs plus the milkweed fields, and has everything under control. Well, until she finds a dead body in her greenhouse.
This is an enjoyable read, with likeable characters and plenty of red herrings.
This is an enjoyable read, with likeable characters and plenty of red herrings.
December 11, 2023
This was a great book! I love how passionate Seneca is for her Butterflies, her cat Winifred, and her friends and family. I really like her relationship with Cody, the town Sheriff, who has been her best friend since they were kids. Seneca is fiercely loyal, protective, and helps out people she cares for. I love how the story flowed, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
April 28, 2025
An excellent read!
You learn about monarch butterflies, about what can make neighbours turn on each other, about small town living, and about the love between a mother and child. A lot to pack into a cozy mystery, but Ms. Hartman does it well.
Oh, and there's a really good twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all - so a big surprise ending too.
I recommend this book.
April 10, 2026
How can you not love a cozy with a butterfly business. I pictured all the lovely monarchs fluttering around Seneca James as she attempted to solve the murder of her lawyer, who died in her greenhouse. The monarchs know who did it, but they can't tell. There is even a butterfly cafe. Love the characters, setting, and mystery in this entertaining story. I purchased a copy.
February 7, 2025
Twists and turns
Once again, Ruth created a story that had you guessing until the very end. Annie confessed but did she do it? Lorna is lurking around the greenhouse, did she do it? All the suspects but what you think will not be the real culprit.
Once again, Ruth created a story that had you guessing until the very end. Annie confessed but did she do it? Lorna is lurking around the greenhouse, did she do it? All the suspects but what you think will not be the real culprit.
December 17, 2023
did they find the rubies? and other unanswered questions!
May 11, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book by Ruth J Hartman.
Who knew raising and caring for Monarchs was a thing.
Who knew raising and caring for Monarchs was a thing.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews