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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #19
Sheep with One Eye Open
These wooly crime-spotters are never a sheep on the job.
An eco-friendly business using sheep to mow lawns isn’t on Ivy’s radar but she can’t resist helping with the new project. Sheep are the easiest of her livestock to manage and they might as well contribute to the community.
Grass, as it turns out, is merely an appetizer for these busy ruminants and murder the main dish. When someone falls on the wrong side of the baa, Ivy, Keats and the gang take a sheep of faith to keep Clover Grove safe.
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals and funny, spunky amateur sleuths.
An eco-friendly business using sheep to mow lawns isn’t on Ivy’s radar but she can’t resist helping with the new project. Sheep are the easiest of her livestock to manage and they might as well contribute to the community.
Grass, as it turns out, is merely an appetizer for these busy ruminants and murder the main dish. When someone falls on the wrong side of the baa, Ivy, Keats and the gang take a sheep of faith to keep Clover Grove safe.
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals and funny, spunky amateur sleuths.
- GenresCozy Mystery
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
277 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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July 21, 2024
Ivy's nephews have a new business idea. They want to use Ivy's sheep to cut grass. It's eco-friendly and helps the economy. Their first client is none other than Mayor Martingale. Ivy is eager to help her nephews out. She trusts them. But the mayor changes the plan when she learns pop star and former Clover Grove resident, Seren, is coming to town to film a biopic and reunite with the strict great-aunt who raised her, the mayor pushes Seren into giving a charity concert for animal rescue at the fairgrounds. Thus the sheep mowing project moves to the fairgrounds, a much larger, more open space. Ivy can't stay but they have fencing and she'll send Keats over if the twins need help managing the sheep. It'll be fine right? While Ivy, Jilly and the pets are enjoying watching Seren play an impromptu session at a Dog Town pub, the twins send a garbled SOS message causing Ivy, Jilly, Edna and the pets to race to the fairground where Percy does his usual and Keats manages to herd the sheep and Ivy discovers a new baby lamb NOT born of one of her sheep. This lamb, Cosette, is a rare Swiss breed and very expensive. She's determined to find out where Cosette came from and reunite her with her mother. She insists that's all she cares about and Kellan and Asher can handle the murder of Seren's great-aunt, Greta Needles. Was Greta linked to the lamb? Was she killed for what she knew? Or was she killed because she was nasty or because of Seren coming back to town? Ivy is furious when Kellan assigns a guard on her but she's more than a match for Travis especially when the mayor intends to make scapegoats of the teenaged twins!
This book was so much fun. I stayed up late reading it because I just HAD to know what happened. I didn't guess any of it but I did figure out WHO from the clue just before Ivy went off alone and the murderer came after her. Before that it wasn't obvious. The clue was a little too much even though it seemed insignificant. I didn't quite know WHY though until the big reveal. Ivy is more clever than me. She did put the clues together.
I adore Runaway Farm and all the animals. I was delighted to see Bocelli and Clippers return with Ivy's grandparents and a reappearance of Alvina the Alpaca. Bocelli and Alvina are my favorites! New lambs are just the CUTEST creatures but I'll leave the rearing of them to the mama thank you. Ivy treats this one like her baby. She has to or else Cosette will die. Is Cosette really a fancy breed or a mutt that just happens to have similar markings? Where did she come from? Where is her mother? What Ivy discovers is heartbreaking and appalling! It seems like the mayor knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Ivy is unfailingly loyal to her animals. They need her and she needs them. The farm is her happy place.
When it comes to humans, Ivy is a little slower to trust and show loyalty to people outside her close family circle. Her dad, Calvin, is new in her life. She's reserving judgment but resents his absence. She's more like him than she cares to admit though. Ivy is protective of her nephews but not in the way Daisy is. Ivy wants to encourage them and help them succeed in whatever it is they want to try. She understands them better than her sister does especially after years in HR before finding her own path. She's eager to help and the sheep mowing business sounds like a good one. I saw that in England and the sheep are SO cute! They make good tourist attractions which would be good for the town. The twins seem serious about it - at first. I think the reality is that it's a boring job and they were given an opportunity and being teenage boys, jumped at the chance without questioning. I think they're innocent. They wouldn't kill an old lady they don't even know. Their mother would kill them! Sutton is more feisty and more of a delinquent than Weston. Sutton is probably too smart for his own good.
Ivy is protective of creatures in need and that includes her sister Poppy. Poppy is like a rescue animal. She's been hurt and through a tough time, abandoned by her parents, expelled from school, loss of confidence. She's just now starting to be herself again and Ivy fears Poppy's happiness is being undermined by her boyfriend, Travis. We met Travis in the previous book. He's a cheeky homesteader and beekeeper. His past is mysterious and therefore Ivy doesn't trust him. Mostly she doesn't like him because he teases her about Kellan and is friends with Kellan and shows no loyalty to Ivy. He can and will report everything she does to Kellan and Ivy doesn't like that. I don't blame her but I don't think Travis is a bad guy. Ivy needs to talk it out with Kellan in order to have a successful relationship.
The senior preppers are on board for this adventure. Edna is a hoot. I must be old because I find myself agreeing with her more and more. She was definitely lonely before Ivy showed up and now her life is lively and filled with purpose. Edna keeps everyone in line waiting for end times and pronouncing who is and is not fit to join her bunker. She's a hoot. Gertie takes a back seat, literally, in this story and isn't as big a character. Buckley Brackens appears again as Ivy chases down information on the orphaned lamb. He's a crotchety old man, weird and worse than Edna ever was. He's a hermit who doesn't enjoy having his comfortable existence threatened and he doesn't want to rock the boat. He wants to survive on his own thank you. There are a couple of other seniors in Ivy's network of friends. Some we've met before and others are new. Hazel Bingham is still lovely and eager to chat with Ivy about the past. Martha Kincaid has information about the more recent past. It seems Greta was a card sharp fleecing seniors out of their money at the retirement home! Could her death be related to that? It didn't seem like Greta had much money. Dabney Plug is a rude, crude old sheep farmer. He's nasty to Ivy and to baby Cosette! He assumes Ivy is devious like her criminal ancestors and thinks she knows what he's talking about. Ivy is unfailingly nice to him to get the information she needs. I would have been tempted to tip over his wheelchair!
Mayor Meryl Martingale is a piece of work. She's not as bad as the mayor of Dog Town but like him, it's all about optics. All she cares about is how the town is portrayed in the media, how others see her and being in control of the narrative. She's not above corruption and bribery. Scapegoating a pair of innocent teens just BECAUSE you need a suspect to look good is ridiculous. They need a new mayor in Clover Grove. I do hope we see her niece again. Bronwyn is a good kid, nothing like her mother and aunt.
Seren the music star is as famous as Taylor Swift. Like Taylor, she's a singer, dancer, musician and songwriter. The twins declare she's hot and has great dance moves so who cares if her singing isn't quite all that? So we know her demographic is teens. Seren grew up in Clover Grove before becoming famous. Her mother abandoned her when she was very young and her great-aunt Greta Needles, who raised Seren's mother, raised Seren too. Seren seems like a nice girl. She's happy to be back home and follows Runaway Farm. She's excited to stay at the farm and meet all the animals. The poor girl rarely has happy moments of peace like that and it's her idea to do a benefit concert. Her manager, Stacey, seems kind of tough. Normally people can't get to Seren without going through Stacey first. I think Stacey is trying to control the narrative in the same way the mayor is and keep Seren unapproachable which then makes her more famous. The groupies will come far and wide just to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrity.
Seren's Aunt Greta was super strict on the girl growing up. Greta turned into a mean, cranky old lady everyone was afraid of. YET she clearly loves Seren. She spent all her meager income on making sure Seren had music lessons from the best teacher and whatever else she wanted to become a singer. Now Greta claims to hate what her niece does, how she looks, how she dresses, etc. She wants nothing to do with show biz or with Seren. I sure hope Seren didn't murder her aunt. She seems sweet and just a regular girl with a lot of childhood trauma she channels into her songs. I think Greta is hurt because everyone she's loved has left her. Greta had a Border Collie and competed in sheep dog trials. A-ha! Was her death connected to the harpies? Her meanness doesn't excuse murder.
Seren's childhood friend, Gemi Gass, known as Gemini, is also a singer/dancer but not quite as famous as Seren. She has yet to produce a big breakout hit. The two were close as girls, they shared music lessons with the same teacher and shared big dreams. Greta didn't like Gemi and thought the girl was a bad influence on Seren. Her manager, Blanca Pearce, and PR rep, Eboni Bunting are evil twins. Neither of them is friendly and they're both controlling. Blanca is super witchy and paranoid. They don't let Gemini have any autonomy at all. They're engaged in a ruthless feud with Seren that has nothing to do with the girls personally and everything to do with fame and fortune. Gemi seems like she wants to be a nice girl but she's desperate for fame. How desperate? Was she worried her chances of fame would be ruined if she was featured in Seren's biopic? Did she confront Greta about the past and stab Greta? Ronan Bish, the music teacher the two singers shared, is also chasing a dream - still. He hasn't been able to ride the coattails of fame yet. I don't think he's a trustworthy character.
This was another excellent adventure and I can't wait to read more!
This book was so much fun. I stayed up late reading it because I just HAD to know what happened. I didn't guess any of it but I did figure out WHO from the clue just before Ivy went off alone and the murderer came after her. Before that it wasn't obvious. The clue was a little too much even though it seemed insignificant. I didn't quite know WHY though until the big reveal. Ivy is more clever than me. She did put the clues together.
I adore Runaway Farm and all the animals. I was delighted to see Bocelli and Clippers return with Ivy's grandparents and a reappearance of Alvina the Alpaca. Bocelli and Alvina are my favorites! New lambs are just the CUTEST creatures but I'll leave the rearing of them to the mama thank you. Ivy treats this one like her baby. She has to or else Cosette will die. Is Cosette really a fancy breed or a mutt that just happens to have similar markings? Where did she come from? Where is her mother? What Ivy discovers is heartbreaking and appalling! It seems like the mayor knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Ivy is unfailingly loyal to her animals. They need her and she needs them. The farm is her happy place.
When it comes to humans, Ivy is a little slower to trust and show loyalty to people outside her close family circle. Her dad, Calvin, is new in her life. She's reserving judgment but resents his absence. She's more like him than she cares to admit though. Ivy is protective of her nephews but not in the way Daisy is. Ivy wants to encourage them and help them succeed in whatever it is they want to try. She understands them better than her sister does especially after years in HR before finding her own path. She's eager to help and the sheep mowing business sounds like a good one. I saw that in England and the sheep are SO cute! They make good tourist attractions which would be good for the town. The twins seem serious about it - at first. I think the reality is that it's a boring job and they were given an opportunity and being teenage boys, jumped at the chance without questioning. I think they're innocent. They wouldn't kill an old lady they don't even know. Their mother would kill them! Sutton is more feisty and more of a delinquent than Weston. Sutton is probably too smart for his own good.
Ivy is protective of creatures in need and that includes her sister Poppy. Poppy is like a rescue animal. She's been hurt and through a tough time, abandoned by her parents, expelled from school, loss of confidence. She's just now starting to be herself again and Ivy fears Poppy's happiness is being undermined by her boyfriend, Travis. We met Travis in the previous book. He's a cheeky homesteader and beekeeper. His past is mysterious and therefore Ivy doesn't trust him. Mostly she doesn't like him because he teases her about Kellan and is friends with Kellan and shows no loyalty to Ivy. He can and will report everything she does to Kellan and Ivy doesn't like that. I don't blame her but I don't think Travis is a bad guy. Ivy needs to talk it out with Kellan in order to have a successful relationship.
The senior preppers are on board for this adventure. Edna is a hoot. I must be old because I find myself agreeing with her more and more. She was definitely lonely before Ivy showed up and now her life is lively and filled with purpose. Edna keeps everyone in line waiting for end times and pronouncing who is and is not fit to join her bunker. She's a hoot. Gertie takes a back seat, literally, in this story and isn't as big a character. Buckley Brackens appears again as Ivy chases down information on the orphaned lamb. He's a crotchety old man, weird and worse than Edna ever was. He's a hermit who doesn't enjoy having his comfortable existence threatened and he doesn't want to rock the boat. He wants to survive on his own thank you. There are a couple of other seniors in Ivy's network of friends. Some we've met before and others are new. Hazel Bingham is still lovely and eager to chat with Ivy about the past. Martha Kincaid has information about the more recent past. It seems Greta was a card sharp fleecing seniors out of their money at the retirement home! Could her death be related to that? It didn't seem like Greta had much money. Dabney Plug is a rude, crude old sheep farmer. He's nasty to Ivy and to baby Cosette! He assumes Ivy is devious like her criminal ancestors and thinks she knows what he's talking about. Ivy is unfailingly nice to him to get the information she needs. I would have been tempted to tip over his wheelchair!
Mayor Meryl Martingale is a piece of work. She's not as bad as the mayor of Dog Town but like him, it's all about optics. All she cares about is how the town is portrayed in the media, how others see her and being in control of the narrative. She's not above corruption and bribery. Scapegoating a pair of innocent teens just BECAUSE you need a suspect to look good is ridiculous. They need a new mayor in Clover Grove. I do hope we see her niece again. Bronwyn is a good kid, nothing like her mother and aunt.
Seren the music star is as famous as Taylor Swift. Like Taylor, she's a singer, dancer, musician and songwriter. The twins declare she's hot and has great dance moves so who cares if her singing isn't quite all that? So we know her demographic is teens. Seren grew up in Clover Grove before becoming famous. Her mother abandoned her when she was very young and her great-aunt Greta Needles, who raised Seren's mother, raised Seren too. Seren seems like a nice girl. She's happy to be back home and follows Runaway Farm. She's excited to stay at the farm and meet all the animals. The poor girl rarely has happy moments of peace like that and it's her idea to do a benefit concert. Her manager, Stacey, seems kind of tough. Normally people can't get to Seren without going through Stacey first. I think Stacey is trying to control the narrative in the same way the mayor is and keep Seren unapproachable which then makes her more famous. The groupies will come far and wide just to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrity.
Seren's Aunt Greta was super strict on the girl growing up. Greta turned into a mean, cranky old lady everyone was afraid of. YET she clearly loves Seren. She spent all her meager income on making sure Seren had music lessons from the best teacher and whatever else she wanted to become a singer. Now Greta claims to hate what her niece does, how she looks, how she dresses, etc. She wants nothing to do with show biz or with Seren. I sure hope Seren didn't murder her aunt. She seems sweet and just a regular girl with a lot of childhood trauma she channels into her songs. I think Greta is hurt because everyone she's loved has left her. Greta had a Border Collie and competed in sheep dog trials. A-ha! Was her death connected to the harpies? Her meanness doesn't excuse murder.
Seren's childhood friend, Gemi Gass, known as Gemini, is also a singer/dancer but not quite as famous as Seren. She has yet to produce a big breakout hit. The two were close as girls, they shared music lessons with the same teacher and shared big dreams. Greta didn't like Gemi and thought the girl was a bad influence on Seren. Her manager, Blanca Pearce, and PR rep, Eboni Bunting are evil twins. Neither of them is friendly and they're both controlling. Blanca is super witchy and paranoid. They don't let Gemini have any autonomy at all. They're engaged in a ruthless feud with Seren that has nothing to do with the girls personally and everything to do with fame and fortune. Gemi seems like she wants to be a nice girl but she's desperate for fame. How desperate? Was she worried her chances of fame would be ruined if she was featured in Seren's biopic? Did she confront Greta about the past and stab Greta? Ronan Bish, the music teacher the two singers shared, is also chasing a dream - still. He hasn't been able to ride the coattails of fame yet. I don't think he's a trustworthy character.
This was another excellent adventure and I can't wait to read more!
June 6, 2024
This one of my favorite series.
Sheep with One Eye Open doesn't disappoint. It kept me reading...I just couldn't put it down.
Ivy's twin nephews have a great idea for a business....Sheep Chomp.....using sheep to mow yards. Now what could go wrong?!
This is a jam packed read and a can't put it down book.
20 👍up from me.
I received this book as an ARC for my unbiased opinion.
Sheep with One Eye Open doesn't disappoint. It kept me reading...I just couldn't put it down.
Ivy's twin nephews have a great idea for a business....Sheep Chomp.....using sheep to mow yards. Now what could go wrong?!
This is a jam packed read and a can't put it down book.
20 👍up from me.
I received this book as an ARC for my unbiased opinion.
June 12, 2024
I love this series, and I can't wait to see what animal Ivy rescues next!
Ivy agrees to help her enterprising twin nephews with a sheep grazing business, but things get out of hand when a famous singer returns to her native Clover Grove and someone dies abruptly. Ivy has her hands full trying to investigate, but not investigate--to keep the peace with Kellan, plus trying to find a lost lamb’s mom. (Ivy comes up with the greatest names for her animals.) Edna, Jilly, and the oldsters mafia are around to lend plenty of support.
The mysteries are always interesting, but what keeps me eagerly awaiting each new installment in this series are the characters and their relationships. I love seeing them grow and deepen. What new tidbit are we going to learn about Edna or Gertie or some other Clover Grove resident? What new animal is Ivy going to come in contact with and/or rescue, and how are they going to interact with other farm residents? Plus I just want to soak up time with Keats and Percy.
Ivy agrees to help her enterprising twin nephews with a sheep grazing business, but things get out of hand when a famous singer returns to her native Clover Grove and someone dies abruptly. Ivy has her hands full trying to investigate, but not investigate--to keep the peace with Kellan, plus trying to find a lost lamb’s mom. (Ivy comes up with the greatest names for her animals.) Edna, Jilly, and the oldsters mafia are around to lend plenty of support.
The mysteries are always interesting, but what keeps me eagerly awaiting each new installment in this series are the characters and their relationships. I love seeing them grow and deepen. What new tidbit are we going to learn about Edna or Gertie or some other Clover Grove resident? What new animal is Ivy going to come in contact with and/or rescue, and how are they going to interact with other farm residents? Plus I just want to soak up time with Keats and Percy.
June 5, 2024
Ellen Riggs just keeps on turning out the hits with the latest offering in her Bought-The-Farm cozy mystery series. "Sheep With One Eye Open" is a real page turner. I HAD to read it cover to cover, it was that good!
All the usual players were there and up to their usual antics, all while trying to help Ivy save the latest animal to come into her care. Oh, and solve another murder for her erstwhile Sheriff fiance, Cheifheart. There is lots of driving the backroad trails to keep Ivy out of harms way and running afoul of Cheifheart's latest attempts to get her to stay home and out of trouble. Yes, Keats is still giving driving instructions, and there is much more action than would normally fit in any one person's 24 hour day, but it's all exciting action, and I'm glad we get to read about it all! So if you love the Bought-The-Farm series or you just love reading well written cozy mysteries, you'd better get yourself a copy of "Sheep With One Eye open!"
All the usual players were there and up to their usual antics, all while trying to help Ivy save the latest animal to come into her care. Oh, and solve another murder for her erstwhile Sheriff fiance, Cheifheart. There is lots of driving the backroad trails to keep Ivy out of harms way and running afoul of Cheifheart's latest attempts to get her to stay home and out of trouble. Yes, Keats is still giving driving instructions, and there is much more action than would normally fit in any one person's 24 hour day, but it's all exciting action, and I'm glad we get to read about it all! So if you love the Bought-The-Farm series or you just love reading well written cozy mysteries, you'd better get yourself a copy of "Sheep With One Eye open!"
June 11, 2024
I was privileged to be among those with a first review to "help" find typos and any other issue. Well, I had to read it twice. I was so enthralled with the new antics of all my favorite characters (especially the Senior Mafia who seem to expand as time goes on) that I flew thru the book the first time through. Second reading was slower and I still did not find anything to point out as needing to be fixed (other than it was too short!) Anytime I think Ms Riggs can't match a previous book with a new one, she proves me wrong. This was a top of her style with even more unexpected twists and turns than normalSheep with One Eye Open
June 12, 2024
The latest book in the Bought-the-Farm series, Sheep with One Eye Open, will send you off on the next adventure with Ivy, Keats, Percy and the gang! When Keats, Ivy’s brilliant sheepdog, is the navigation expert in Ivy’s truck you know you’re in for a fun adventure!
I have read this series multiple times. Each book makes you feel like you’re going back to visit with good friends at Runaway Farm. In this newest book Ivy helps her ornery twin nephews with their Sheep Chow business. However, she ends up in a mystery when an unusual baby lamb is left among her sheep herd.
As with all of the Bought-the-Farm books, this is one you don’t want to miss! Ellen Riggs is a superb author! Her books will keep you guessing and laughing out loud! Once I started reading it I did not want to put it down!
I have read this series multiple times. Each book makes you feel like you’re going back to visit with good friends at Runaway Farm. In this newest book Ivy helps her ornery twin nephews with their Sheep Chow business. However, she ends up in a mystery when an unusual baby lamb is left among her sheep herd.
As with all of the Bought-the-Farm books, this is one you don’t want to miss! Ellen Riggs is a superb author! Her books will keep you guessing and laughing out loud! Once I started reading it I did not want to put it down!
June 23, 2024
I always thoroughly enjoy this author's books and this one was wonderful! Great characters, unusual plots, and puzzling mysteries. I strongly recommend this book and this series!
Amazon synopsis:
A flock of woolly crime-spotters never sheep on the job.
An eco-friendly business using sheep to mow lawns isn’t on Ivy’s radar but she can’t resist supporting her twin nephews’ new venture. Sheep are the easiest of her livestock to manage, especially with canine herding specialist Keats at the helm.
When the crew lands a prestigious gig, grass becomes a mere appetizer for these busy ruminants and murder the main dish.
Someone has fallen on the wrong side of the baa, leaving the twins on the hook. Can Ivy, Keats and the gang take a sheep of faith to keep Clover Grove safe?
Amazon synopsis:
A flock of woolly crime-spotters never sheep on the job.
An eco-friendly business using sheep to mow lawns isn’t on Ivy’s radar but she can’t resist supporting her twin nephews’ new venture. Sheep are the easiest of her livestock to manage, especially with canine herding specialist Keats at the helm.
When the crew lands a prestigious gig, grass becomes a mere appetizer for these busy ruminants and murder the main dish.
Someone has fallen on the wrong side of the baa, leaving the twins on the hook. Can Ivy, Keats and the gang take a sheep of faith to keep Clover Grove safe?
July 5, 2024
Sheep With One Eye Open
A other win for Keats & Ivy! And Ms. Riggs, of course! Now I'm in love with sheep! This is, I think, one of the best stories of this series!! It seems to me that Keats & Percy have become more "human" in their communication this time around! Or Ivy has become more able to have two-way conversations! No, that's not right because others can understand them now. Oh well, doesn't really matter, it just makes the stories more interesting! We see the return of some characters from earlier stories & some new folk, too. Ivy's Senior friends are front & center for this one, as are her elder twin nephews! There are new additions to the farm & one especially is simply adorable! I can hardly wait for the next edition!
A other win for Keats & Ivy! And Ms. Riggs, of course! Now I'm in love with sheep! This is, I think, one of the best stories of this series!! It seems to me that Keats & Percy have become more "human" in their communication this time around! Or Ivy has become more able to have two-way conversations! No, that's not right because others can understand them now. Oh well, doesn't really matter, it just makes the stories more interesting! We see the return of some characters from earlier stories & some new folk, too. Ivy's Senior friends are front & center for this one, as are her elder twin nephews! There are new additions to the farm & one especially is simply adorable! I can hardly wait for the next edition!
June 7, 2024
Another great book with Ivy, Keats, Percy and the gang! Ivy finds a rare Valais Blacknose baby lamb she names Cosette and is trying to find her mom. Meanwhile, she has to bottle feed the lamb, and carries her around with her in a basket! Add in two teenage twin boys, Sutton and Weston, who have a bent for trouble and know karate to boot! All your favorites are included, including Ivy’s fiancé Kellan, brother Asher, friend Jilly, and prepper Edna. Lots of “ewe” jokes and puns! I always enjoy these books and the continuing saga of Ivy and her hobby rescue farm! I received an advance copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2024
We are back at runaway farm with Ivy and the gang. Ivy's nephews have decided to start a sheep mowing business but everything does not go as planned. After finding a murder victim and a surprise lamb in the middle of her sheep pen things take a dangerous turn. Will Ivy and the gang find the killer or are they being led like sheep to a.. well you know.
I have loved every book in this series so far and this one was no exception. Amazing characters wonderful storyline and some surprisingly amusing dialogue. I could not put this book down. Cannot wait for the next one. This is a must read for anyone.
I have loved every book in this series so far and this one was no exception. Amazing characters wonderful storyline and some surprisingly amusing dialogue. I could not put this book down. Cannot wait for the next one. This is a must read for anyone.
June 18, 2024
I can't believe these books are still fresh, funny and exciting! I was captivated from the first chapter, and as always loved seeing how all the characters are developing and interacting. Daisy's twins Sutton and Weston are teenagers and dipping their toes into the adult world, for one, and have a bigger part in this book. If this is your first book in the series, you will want to read the rest as well because of all the wonderful stories.- I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
June 22, 2024
Ewe are going to love the twists turns and antics in this book! I love the addition of the younger family members taking up the gauntlet and helping ? their Aunt Ivy solve the mystery and show that the kids are growing up and into their own. This really brought the family members together to support each other and bring about a touching reunion between old friends and, ewe guessed it … but I’m not giving that away! Ewe will need to read it yourself! Way to go Keats!
Can’t wait for the next installment - write faster! Love them all❤️
Can’t wait for the next installment - write faster! Love them all❤️
June 10, 2024
The latest entry in Ellen Riggs's Bought the Farm series doesn't disappoint. Her mixture of mystery, suspense, humor and just a tiny bit of romance satisfies this time just as it has done in all the previous books. From the "designer sheep" to the rock concert finale it keeps you guessing right to the final chapter. The excellent editing makes it a fast and satisfying read. I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 10, 2024
The newest installment of The Bought The Farm series, Sheep with One Eye Open, was everything I love about Ellen Riggs! Her books without fail leave me chuckling, Sheep didn’t disappoint! I love seeing the growth and development of my favorite characters and seeing personal storylines continuing to build. Edna is one of my favorites—and her humor this book was spot on! From start to finish this was a delightful read, my only complaint is now I have to wait for the next book! Dagnabbit!
June 10, 2024
Sheep With One Eye Open
I have read every book in this series and have loved each and every one of them! Sheep With One Eye Open was very funny with lots of unusual characters, including new animals to fall in love with! This book contains enough background information to stand on its own, without having to read any precious books in the series! (But you will want to!) I highly recommend it to the novice reader of Ellen Riggs and the series connoisseur!
I have read every book in this series and have loved each and every one of them! Sheep With One Eye Open was very funny with lots of unusual characters, including new animals to fall in love with! This book contains enough background information to stand on its own, without having to read any precious books in the series! (But you will want to!) I highly recommend it to the novice reader of Ellen Riggs and the series connoisseur!
June 20, 2024
Baa, baa to the bad guys.
You won't drift off to sleep counting the sheep in this book. When a local girl makes good in the music budiness, she returns to her home ground thinking to make a biopic and, perhaps, have a reunion with her aunt who raised her. Ivey and Jilly get involved rescuing a lamb found at the murder scene of the aunt. And then there's the Mayor butting into the events. It's hard to put down. Harder to wait for the next farm saga.
You won't drift off to sleep counting the sheep in this book. When a local girl makes good in the music budiness, she returns to her home ground thinking to make a biopic and, perhaps, have a reunion with her aunt who raised her. Ivey and Jilly get involved rescuing a lamb found at the murder scene of the aunt. And then there's the Mayor butting into the events. It's hard to put down. Harder to wait for the next farm saga.
December 16, 2024
Ewe'll love it!
Ivy, Jilly and the critters never disappoint. Crazy animal shenanigans, comedy, a little family drama and a dead body or two. There's something for everyone in another whodunit solved by Keats and his human. A fun read, where delightful word choices outshine the modern tendency to splatter profanity over every page.
Sheeple is one of my favorite new words, along with a few more.
Ivy, Jilly and the critters never disappoint. Crazy animal shenanigans, comedy, a little family drama and a dead body or two. There's something for everyone in another whodunit solved by Keats and his human. A fun read, where delightful word choices outshine the modern tendency to splatter profanity over every page.
Sheeple is one of my favorite new words, along with a few more.
June 19, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this book. Ms. Riggs outdid herself with this book. I liked the fact that 4 generations, teens to geriatrics, helped to solve this one. I had a good laugh while picturing Ivy carrying a baby lamb in a baby pack carrier. LOL I can't wait for the next book.
I was gifted with a free copy of this book and volunteered my honest review.
I was gifted with a free copy of this book and volunteered my honest review.
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July 6, 2024Love, love, love Ellen Riggs’ “ I Bought The Farm” mysteries and book 19 is no exception. It’s rollicking good fun with a cast of characters as quirky as they can be. You’ll love the cast of animals, too, especially Keats, the genius Border Collie. I can’t wait for Book 20. This series is binge-worthy.
August 11, 2024
Twins use some great moves just in time.
A great story told by a great author. Ivy's sheep are mowing the grass at the fair grounds when a neighbor is found dead among the sheep. The unsanctioned investigation begins with the Focus on where did the newborn lamb come from and where is her mom. Of course the murder of Greta is also solved ending with an impromptu concert at the fair grounds.
A great story told by a great author. Ivy's sheep are mowing the grass at the fair grounds when a neighbor is found dead among the sheep. The unsanctioned investigation begins with the Focus on where did the newborn lamb come from and where is her mom. Of course the murder of Greta is also solved ending with an impromptu concert at the fair grounds.
November 4, 2024
Such a fun read . Add adorable sheep , a murder mystery and Ivy , Keats, Percy cannot help but get involved. Love all the great characters. human and animals . Fun cozy mysteries, no gore. Stand alone books but each one is a treasure. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
May 6, 2025
This is book # 19 in the series and is just as good as the first book was! Once again Ellen Riggs has crafted a story that I did not want to put down and it just leaves me wanting the next book right now! This is a excellently written series and I'm always intrigued about how Keats, Percy, Ivy, and the gang will do to solve the mystery. Cannot recommend the book and series enough!
June 19, 2024
I love this series and this is another great addition. The characters are maturing nicely. I have to wonder if Ivy carrying the lamb around is prepping us (the readers) for Ivy carrying a baby around on her sleuthing?
June 20, 2024
loved all the series.i love these character
I love the characters and the loving interactions between them all. The action moves quickly and the plots are inventive. It helps that so much of the actions are funny and the read makes for such an enjoyable experience.
I love the characters and the loving interactions between them all. The action moves quickly and the plots are inventive. It helps that so much of the actions are funny and the read makes for such an enjoyable experience.
June 20, 2024
sheep with One Eye Open
Another great Bought the Farm Book! Ellen Riggs’ imagination thrives in this tale of rock stars and a rare beautiful lamb lost from its mother. Of course there’s murder and mayhem, octogenarian antics and family fun! Looking forward to book 20!
Another great Bought the Farm Book! Ellen Riggs’ imagination thrives in this tale of rock stars and a rare beautiful lamb lost from its mother. Of course there’s murder and mayhem, octogenarian antics and family fun! Looking forward to book 20!
June 23, 2024
One of the best in the series
Everything falls into place. Life at Runway Farm expands by a new born sheep and two up and coming Rock Stars . It makes for an interesting combo, and a great mystery.
Everything falls into place. Life at Runway Farm expands by a new born sheep and two up and coming Rock Stars . It makes for an interesting combo, and a great mystery.
September 18, 2024
I loved this book, having just got back from Scotland, land of sheep and cows, the animal guest star was appropriate. As always, this was a cute book with a happy ending and a pleasure to read. Sometimes we just need a fun book that we can just enjoy and not have to think too hard about.
November 27, 2024
Warm as a fleece blsnket
Each and every one of these stories warms my heart. The connection between animals and humans is real. As always the story is hard to leave and you won't want to for very long.
Each and every one of these stories warms my heart. The connection between animals and humans is real. As always the story is hard to leave and you won't want to for very long.
November 9, 2025
Illegal lamb
The twins started a sheep mowing service, but what they got was being accused of murder. Can the twins get free from a star-struck singer? This book had a ton of ups and downs.
The twins started a sheep mowing service, but what they got was being accused of murder. Can the twins get free from a star-struck singer? This book had a ton of ups and downs.
November 15, 2025
Heartwarming, funny, and a good ending!
So enjoy these. This series has some of the best characters, and gets lots of point for originality. Do yourself a favor and read these treasures.
So enjoy these. This series has some of the best characters, and gets lots of point for originality. Do yourself a favor and read these treasures.
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