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Clover Covered Corpse
Emma Justice never imagines working at the farmers market on a normal Saturday morning will lead to her second murder investigation. When two friends becomes suspects in the latest small-town murder, she’ll help prove they are innocent by tracking down the real killer. Houston Turner, the successful owner of Texas BBQ Hut, is a hard man and has made many enemies in his life. Revenge, greed, and hatred are some of the motives Emma must sift through to catch the killer. Seeds of suspicion from family, friends, and employees leaves Emma digging for real clues instead of stumbling through the rocky soil of deceit and lies.
- GenresContemporaryMystery
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
8 people are currently reading
5337 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Layton
12 books341 followersJackie has written six cozy mysteries set in the Low Country of South Carolina. She lives in Pawleys Island with her husband.
Weeding Out Lies is the first book in her A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery series. Clover Covered Corpse is the second book in this series.
Clutter Free is a series with a professional organizer who uses her skills to solve murder mysteries.
You can find Jackie at any of these sites:
http://www.jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3CMn796
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLayton...
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/46yjQJb
https://www.instagram.com/jackielayto...
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8
Weeding Out Lies is the first book in her A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery series. Clover Covered Corpse is the second book in this series.
Clutter Free is a series with a professional organizer who uses her skills to solve murder mysteries.
You can find Jackie at any of these sites:
http://www.jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3CMn796
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLayton...
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/46yjQJb
https://www.instagram.com/jackielayto...
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 14, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Flower farmer Emma Justice enjoys selling her flowers at the local Farmers Market but when Texas BBQ Hut owner Houston Turner is murdered there she loses her bliss for the place. When her friends Brett Tirabasi and Paula Jones are picked as suspects by Police Chief Matt Young she knows it is time to weed out the real killer. Houston Turner had his hands in a lot of pots and made his share of enemies. Digging through the clues she finds plenty of suspects with motives to kill, but if she isn't careful she could be the next Clover Covered Corpse.
_____
The core characters Ms. Layton created in the first book, Weeding Out Lies, have returned and have continued to develop so well. Emma's flower farm has recovered after being destroyed and is growing a wide variety of flowers. She has a good following at the market and around town. Her newly adopted mostly golden retriever Cowboy is such a good boy and is usually by her side. She has discovered he has some unique talents. Jake has a huge heart. He is attentive, kind, and helpful, not only to Emma but other Lutz residents too. I am happy he and Emma are getting closer but they aren't the only ones, Brett and Celia are getting closer too.
We meet Houston Turner, his sister Miranda Penn, her daughter Shelby, young photographer, Elijah Barnes, and several vendors selling their wares at the farmer's market. I was thrilled that Houston was murdered. He was a nasty, self-serving bully of a man. He had no redeeming qualities. Shelby touched my heart. She had high hopes are getting a tennis scholarship for college but faced several obstacles. All the characters were interesting and had depth. Some were easy to like, others, not so much.
Ms. Layton has written an intriguing mystery. At times Emma was going in circles trying to eliminate suspects but their actions kept putting them back on the list. I liked that she and Jake worked together and side by side. He wanted to keep her safe and they make a really good team. She gets a bit pushy going back repeatedly to question people, pushing the actual killer too far. Emma soon found herself in a dire situation as everything was revealed. The culprit was at the top of my suspect list for some time after a few well-placed clues stuck with more than they did for Emma.
Clover Covered Corpse is a fine addition to the Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery Series. Ms.Layton's characters easily draw you into their lives and make you eager to follow them page by page to a very satisfying conclusion. They plus small-town charm and a curious mystery with perfectly planted humor and romance made this book a very enjoyable read. I hope to return to Lutz soon to see what Emma and her friends dig into next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Flower farmer Emma Justice enjoys selling her flowers at the local Farmers Market but when Texas BBQ Hut owner Houston Turner is murdered there she loses her bliss for the place. When her friends Brett Tirabasi and Paula Jones are picked as suspects by Police Chief Matt Young she knows it is time to weed out the real killer. Houston Turner had his hands in a lot of pots and made his share of enemies. Digging through the clues she finds plenty of suspects with motives to kill, but if she isn't careful she could be the next Clover Covered Corpse.
_____
The core characters Ms. Layton created in the first book, Weeding Out Lies, have returned and have continued to develop so well. Emma's flower farm has recovered after being destroyed and is growing a wide variety of flowers. She has a good following at the market and around town. Her newly adopted mostly golden retriever Cowboy is such a good boy and is usually by her side. She has discovered he has some unique talents. Jake has a huge heart. He is attentive, kind, and helpful, not only to Emma but other Lutz residents too. I am happy he and Emma are getting closer but they aren't the only ones, Brett and Celia are getting closer too.
We meet Houston Turner, his sister Miranda Penn, her daughter Shelby, young photographer, Elijah Barnes, and several vendors selling their wares at the farmer's market. I was thrilled that Houston was murdered. He was a nasty, self-serving bully of a man. He had no redeeming qualities. Shelby touched my heart. She had high hopes are getting a tennis scholarship for college but faced several obstacles. All the characters were interesting and had depth. Some were easy to like, others, not so much.
Ms. Layton has written an intriguing mystery. At times Emma was going in circles trying to eliminate suspects but their actions kept putting them back on the list. I liked that she and Jake worked together and side by side. He wanted to keep her safe and they make a really good team. She gets a bit pushy going back repeatedly to question people, pushing the actual killer too far. Emma soon found herself in a dire situation as everything was revealed. The culprit was at the top of my suspect list for some time after a few well-placed clues stuck with more than they did for Emma.
Clover Covered Corpse is a fine addition to the Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery Series. Ms.Layton's characters easily draw you into their lives and make you eager to follow them page by page to a very satisfying conclusion. They plus small-town charm and a curious mystery with perfectly planted humor and romance made this book a very enjoyable read. I hope to return to Lutz soon to see what Emma and her friends dig into next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
May 20, 2024
Definitely an engaging cozy mystery! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author Jackie Layton knows how to write cozy mysteries which keep the reader guessing! There are many different suspects who have all sorts of motives. I enjoyed scrutinizing the suspicious folks and letting my mind swirl with the possibilities. However, I never could decide who did it. Great fun to read this intriguing mystery!
Emma Justice is a flower farmer in Lutz, Texas and recently solved a murder in the small community. When a local restaurateur is found dead and a couple of friends are implicated, Emma is asked to help solve the crime.
I enjoyed the details of investigating all the possible suspects and their motives. This small town is filled with many interesting characters. The simmering relationship between Emma and Jake Hunter, a contractor, is a sweet addition. I look forward to more Jackie Layton books featuring these characters!
If you are a cozy mystery reader, I think you’ll find Clover Covered Corpse will grab your attention as you try to solve the crime. Isn’t that what makes reading cozies a great experience? Since this story features a flower farmer, this book is a perfect summertime read!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author with no requirement to write a positive review. This is my honest opinion.
Author Jackie Layton knows how to write cozy mysteries which keep the reader guessing! There are many different suspects who have all sorts of motives. I enjoyed scrutinizing the suspicious folks and letting my mind swirl with the possibilities. However, I never could decide who did it. Great fun to read this intriguing mystery!
Emma Justice is a flower farmer in Lutz, Texas and recently solved a murder in the small community. When a local restaurateur is found dead and a couple of friends are implicated, Emma is asked to help solve the crime.
I enjoyed the details of investigating all the possible suspects and their motives. This small town is filled with many interesting characters. The simmering relationship between Emma and Jake Hunter, a contractor, is a sweet addition. I look forward to more Jackie Layton books featuring these characters!
If you are a cozy mystery reader, I think you’ll find Clover Covered Corpse will grab your attention as you try to solve the crime. Isn’t that what makes reading cozies a great experience? Since this story features a flower farmer, this book is a perfect summertime read!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author with no requirement to write a positive review. This is my honest opinion.
June 20, 2024
This book kept me in. I guessed wrong on the killer. Great read.
June 29, 2024
Young widow/single mom turned flower farmer Emma Justice stumbles into another murder mystery in small town Texas, and her simmering attraction to swoony Jake (which I loved in book one) is blossoming into a sweet romance in Clover Covered Corpse!
As with the first book in this series, I enjoyed the setting and the circle of friends Emma has around her, including her cute golden retriever mix – Cowboy. I particularly appreciate Emma’s friendship and romance with Jake Hunter, as well as how he looks out for her while also respecting her strengths and letting her shine. They make a great investigative team and think well together, combining their individual experiences and talents to help one another connect the dots more quickly than if either were trying to solve it alone.
Speaking of the mystery, the victim is definitely most unlikable so needless to say there aren’t a ton of people who are distraught over his death. Which also means there ARE a ton of suspects though, and the more we learn about Houston the more suspects we add to the mix. I kept changing my guess as to the culprit’s identity but really was suspicious of one person the whole time… only to be completely wrong LOL The author did a wonderful job of providing plenty of red herrings and clues for readers to chase right along with Emma, giving us the satisfaction of a case well-solved, even if we had nothing whatsoever to do with it.
Bottom Line: Clover Covered Corpse by Jackie Layton is warmly written with lovely characters and a clever mystery. Poison, pyramid schemes, and plot twists keep readers invested in the outcome, and the growing romance between Jake and Emma adds a dash of extra swoon & sweetness (which I loved) without taking over the story. While I did think the book could have been several chapters shorter (it sometimes felt like we were going over the same stuff again), I still stayed immersed in the investigation and actively guessing whodunit (even if I was all wrong in the end). Another enjoyable visit to Lutz, Texas, and Emma’s flower farm… and another murder solved! A good choice for fans of the Potting Shed Mysteries by Marty Wingate or the Domestic Diva Mysteries by Krista Davis!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
As with the first book in this series, I enjoyed the setting and the circle of friends Emma has around her, including her cute golden retriever mix – Cowboy. I particularly appreciate Emma’s friendship and romance with Jake Hunter, as well as how he looks out for her while also respecting her strengths and letting her shine. They make a great investigative team and think well together, combining their individual experiences and talents to help one another connect the dots more quickly than if either were trying to solve it alone.
Speaking of the mystery, the victim is definitely most unlikable so needless to say there aren’t a ton of people who are distraught over his death. Which also means there ARE a ton of suspects though, and the more we learn about Houston the more suspects we add to the mix. I kept changing my guess as to the culprit’s identity but really was suspicious of one person the whole time… only to be completely wrong LOL The author did a wonderful job of providing plenty of red herrings and clues for readers to chase right along with Emma, giving us the satisfaction of a case well-solved, even if we had nothing whatsoever to do with it.
Bottom Line: Clover Covered Corpse by Jackie Layton is warmly written with lovely characters and a clever mystery. Poison, pyramid schemes, and plot twists keep readers invested in the outcome, and the growing romance between Jake and Emma adds a dash of extra swoon & sweetness (which I loved) without taking over the story. While I did think the book could have been several chapters shorter (it sometimes felt like we were going over the same stuff again), I still stayed immersed in the investigation and actively guessing whodunit (even if I was all wrong in the end). Another enjoyable visit to Lutz, Texas, and Emma’s flower farm… and another murder solved! A good choice for fans of the Potting Shed Mysteries by Marty Wingate or the Domestic Diva Mysteries by Krista Davis!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 2, 2024
This is a small-town cozy that takes place in Lutz, Texas. Emma is a flower farmer. There’s a rotten guy, Houston Turner, who peddles a terrible-tasting health drink, Good Life. He has a short temper. He’s rude and bossy, and his Good Life business may be caught up in a pyramid scheme. No wonder he ends up murdered.
With so many people pointing fingers at others, there are plenty of suspects. Because Houston was so awful, each of the suspects has a legitimate reason to want him dead. I thought I knew early on who did it, but Layton’s story made me second guess myself again and again. The mystery aspect of the story was fantastic!
I also enjoyed the science-y details of flowers and poisons. Did you know daffodils have a toxin that affects other cut flowers when they are in a vase together? (Before reading this book, I didn’t know that!)
There is also a bit of a romance in this story. Will Emma get together with the attentive police chief? What about her friend Jake, or someone else entirely? I know the answer, but I won’t spoil it for other readers. The romance is a sweet part of the plot that adds to but doesn’t overshadow the mystery.
But the story wasn’t perfect for me. Layton’s dialogue passages carry much of the plot. I would have enjoyed more action scenes to break up all the talking. So I took off half a star.
Kudos to the cover designer. The watercolor image is beautiful.
Overall, Clover Covered Corpse is a fun mystery with a bit of a sweet romance, and the setting and Emma’s flower farm are wonderful. 4.5 stars!
With so many people pointing fingers at others, there are plenty of suspects. Because Houston was so awful, each of the suspects has a legitimate reason to want him dead. I thought I knew early on who did it, but Layton’s story made me second guess myself again and again. The mystery aspect of the story was fantastic!
I also enjoyed the science-y details of flowers and poisons. Did you know daffodils have a toxin that affects other cut flowers when they are in a vase together? (Before reading this book, I didn’t know that!)
There is also a bit of a romance in this story. Will Emma get together with the attentive police chief? What about her friend Jake, or someone else entirely? I know the answer, but I won’t spoil it for other readers. The romance is a sweet part of the plot that adds to but doesn’t overshadow the mystery.
But the story wasn’t perfect for me. Layton’s dialogue passages carry much of the plot. I would have enjoyed more action scenes to break up all the talking. So I took off half a star.
Kudos to the cover designer. The watercolor image is beautiful.
Overall, Clover Covered Corpse is a fun mystery with a bit of a sweet romance, and the setting and Emma’s flower farm are wonderful. 4.5 stars!
June 12, 2024
This is a quick, cozy read that I finished in a day. While book two in the series, I had no issues following along as I have not read book one. The book does mention activities from a murder investigation in book one, but this did not hamper my understanding or enjoyment of book two.
For a shorter read, there are many possible suspects for Emma to sort through–the victim was certainly not a favorite among many in the small town! I enjoyed sorting through the clues and connections between the victim and suspect–this kept me guessing as I turned the pages. I also found the information regarding flowers and possible poisons fascinating. Jackie has clearly done her research!
There’s also a little bit of a light romance simmering for Emma and that was a lovely add to the story.
Pretty flowers, a murder at a Farmers’ Market and a long list of suspects make this a fun summer read!
For a shorter read, there are many possible suspects for Emma to sort through–the victim was certainly not a favorite among many in the small town! I enjoyed sorting through the clues and connections between the victim and suspect–this kept me guessing as I turned the pages. I also found the information regarding flowers and possible poisons fascinating. Jackie has clearly done her research!
There’s also a little bit of a light romance simmering for Emma and that was a lovely add to the story.
Pretty flowers, a murder at a Farmers’ Market and a long list of suspects make this a fun summer read!
June 8, 2024
Cozy mystery
After her flowers were destroyed, the community helped her get back on her feet but there is still some ground to make up. She is working her booth at the farmers market when one of the vendors dies. Some of her friends are worried about being implicated and ask her to help investigate. Jake is willing to help, but there are a lot of suspects. She could be putting herself in harms way.
After her flowers were destroyed, the community helped her get back on her feet but there is still some ground to make up. She is working her booth at the farmers market when one of the vendors dies. Some of her friends are worried about being implicated and ask her to help investigate. Jake is willing to help, but there are a lot of suspects. She could be putting herself in harms way.
October 30, 2024
This was good for what it is - a quick hit murder mystery. It was an easy read and entertaining
May 22, 2024
This was a wonderful cozy mystery. The characters are well developed and I loved getting to know Emma and the rest of the individuals who make up the Texas Flower Farmer series. Getting to know the people related to Houston Turner, the murder victim, as either family or business associates will have you scratching your head to figure out who could be guilty. Lots of twists and turns and angst are spread throughout the pages. You will be flipping through the book as quickly as possible to discover who is guilty. I am looking forward to the next adventure with the gang. I’ll be anxiously watching for news about a new book to be released!
Thank you to the author and Level Best Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
cozy mystery
mystery
Thank you to the author and Level Best Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
cozy mystery
mystery
January 20, 2025
In Clover Covered Corpse, Texas flower farmer Emma Justice is sniffing out clues! With a warm cozy setting, gorgeous flowers, great characters, and the beginning of a swoony new romance, this is a fantastic second chapter in Jackie Layton's Texas Flower Farmer Mysteries. Plenty of suspects and secrets kept me turning the pages to find out whodunit. Can't wait for my next visit to Lutz, Texas!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews