Murder at the Bee Farm

Sunny Honey B&B Cozy #1

by Sue Hollowell

Welcome to Honeyridge Falls, where the sweet scent of honey masks dark secrets. Moxie Rayburn returns to her grandmother's cozy B&B seeking a fresh start, but her plans are derailed when a shocking tragedy strikes at Sweet Buzz Farms.

To her dismay, a person from her past becomes a prime suspect. Despite their complicated history, Moxie can't shake the feeling that he might be innocent. Torn between lingering resentment and a sense of justice, she reluctantly decides to help uncover the truth.

As the annual Honey Festival approaches, Moxie races against time to solve the mystery, facing old demons and new threats. With the help of her spirited grandmother Iris, a newly adopted mischievous cat named Sneaker, and a quirky cast of locals, she navigates a web of small-town secrets and lies.

Packed with charm, intrigue, and a touch of romance, Murder at the Bee Farm is the perfect cozy mystery for fans of small-town whodunits.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3

Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.

The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.

Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.

She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.

Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but a few things made me crazy- First of all, the MC's name, Moxie. I assume that the author was looking for a "different name that would be remembered", but all I could think of whenever I read it was soda pop. Second, Moxie has been away from home for quite some time and yet when she is called to the police station, Grandma goes with her, in full protective mode. I get wanting to support your grand daughter, and if Moxie was a teenager, I would be fine with it, but this seemed over the top support for a grown woman. Finally, Moxie is home because of a cheating ex who broke her heart, but there is really no background on why she is so invested in this guy. Where, when and how did they meet? Just knowing that he is the cheating ex didn't do much in the way of explaining her commitment to clearing his name!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will be reading the next. I only hope Moxie acts and is treated more like a grown up in it!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Murder at the Bee Farm” is the first book in the Sunny Honey B&B Cozy series. The main character, Moxie Rayburn, moved back to her Grandmother’s B&B after finding out her ex-boyfriend had been cheating on her. As she is getting settled into her new life of being a night clerk at the B&B, a murder occurs at the nearby bee farm. Both she and her ex have ties to the victim and both are being investigated by the local police. Moxie begins to investigate to clear both her and Chase’s name. Will she be able to find the killer before it’s too late?

This cozy mystery is a fast read and the ending twist comes out of nowhere. The author does a nice job in her descriptions of the characters and surrounding in the story. To me, it made it easier to picture the scenes and get to know the people from Honeyridge Falls. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean, cozy mysteries.

[Katy Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried to get into this, but I found the style really clunky, and the descriptions of every facial expression really off-putting. The other thing was that at over 1/3 of the way in, no real investigating had taken place. It all seemed to be about the MC's potential obsession with her ex-boyfriend that she'd run away from to return to her home town, except he only lived less than 30 minutes away and worked in her home town?!

I had assumed it was the author's first book, but it turns out she has over 138 out there, so I think, unfortunately, I just don't get on with her now-established writing style.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in return for an early review.

This is a new series by Sue and I found I was once again caught up in the story just as I have been with her other series!

Moxie returns to her grandmother’s bed and breakfast inn after her boyfriend’s betrayal but the next day she becomes a suspect when the girl he was cheating on her with turns up dead and she’s a suspect because her name is in the woman’s purse!
While trying to clear her name her ex boyfriend is arrested for the girl’s murder so Moxie feels she has to find out if he did or didn’t kill the girl because she can’t see him doing that besides clearing her own name!

A few other suspects turn up while she investigates the case with the help of her grandmother and an old
nemesis and others. While this is going on an intriguing old mystery is revived which Moxie is going to look into with the help of another local individual.

Things come to a thrilling climax as the killer is revealed and it will surprise you when it’s revealed!

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and heartily recommend it for your reading pleasure! It’s a delightful read which will keep you guessing as to
whodunnit throughout the book and I think the killer will catch you by surprise like it did me!

Sue writes clean cozy mysteries you can read without
explicit sexual scenes in her books. They are just the interactions of the characters and trying to find out who did the person or persons “in”.

They are a perfect escape from the stress of doom and gloom of the media everyday! Why not just sit back, relax and read a good book and enjoy letting your mind forget the stress and pressures of the day for a few hours!

You’ll feel better afterwards believe me!

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Sting of Suspense.
Murder at the Bee Farm spins an enchanting web of mystery and intrigue set in the idyllic yet shadowy town of Honeyridge Falls. This book takes us through a tantalizing glimpse into a story that blends charm, suspense, and heartfelt relationships.

Moxie Rayburn's return to her grandmother’s cozy B&B promises warmth and nostalgia, but the narrative takes a darker turn when a shocking event disrupts the town’s picturesque façade. The stakes are raised when Moxie finds herself grappling with a prime suspect from her past—a personal dilemma that adds layers of emotional complexity to the whodunit. Her inner conflict between unresolved resentment and a quest for justice creates a protagonist readers can root for.

The inclusion of the spirited grandmother Iris and the mischievous Sneaker adds a delightful touch of humor and coziness, balancing the tension of the unfolding mystery. Meanwhile, the annual Honey Festival and its hive of quirky characters provide a vibrant backdrop, weaving a sense of community that is integral to small-town mysteries.

Murder at the Bee Farm promises a story packed with twists, endearing relationships, and a hint of romance. Fans of cozy mysteries will likely savor this blend of suspense and charm, finding themselves immersed in the secrets buzzing beneath the sweet surface of Honeyridge Falls. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug while keeping you on the edge of your seat, this one might just be the perfect pick.

I sincerely thank Ms. Sue Hollowell for this highly enjoyable book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moxie Rayburn returns to Honeyridge Falls and her grandmother, Iris' B&B, The Sunny Honey B&B after a really bad break-up with her boyfriend, Chase when he was found with another woman after years of being with Moxie. She becomes a real help to her grandmother taking on the night shift. The Bee Farm, Sweet Buzz Farms, is getting ready for the annual Honey Festival when while setting up, they discover a murdered employee, Elena Martinez. But the kicker is, Detective Wilson tags Moxie as a suspect since her name and phone number was found in Elena's bag. She doesn't even know who this woman is. When she finds out that she was the woman her ex Chase cheated on her with, she knows she has to investigate and find the murderer. When Chase is finally arrested, Chloe knows in her heart he didn't do it. But did he? There's evidence. So Chloe continues to investigate along with her once nemesis, reporter Sammy who seemed to really want to help. And the most adorable cat, named Chloe that attached itself to her became therapy cat and snuggly friend. So many twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the surprise ending. And we get a glimpse of the next coming book in this series and I can't wait to read it! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved these key players especially Grandma and her friend Arthur. Moxie was a good main character having just come off a breakup with a cheater and was doing okay healing until he showed up. Was he somehow involved in the murder at the bee farm? If that was the case, Moxie hadn't known him at all. I really liked Grandma's friend Arthur who helped Moxie do some sleuthing into that. I'd love to see him and Grandma together more.

The showdown was good and with Moxie’s unlikely ally as backup, the authorities showed up pretty quickly. Toward the end, a side mystery cropped up, then the last chapter did lead into the next book, so if you don't like a cliffhanger, just don't read that last part until the next book comes out and you can go right into it. But I can assure the main mystery was all wrapped up neatly and Moxie got some much-needed closure from a previous relationship. The new case is gonna be the next book and I can't wait!

[Carol Losey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis pulled me in and intrigued me. I had higher hopes for this book, but they kind of fell flat. I'm all for continuing the series, however, to see if Sue Hollowell's writing style changed or is even for me. The one thing that stood out to me was the word trepidation and phrases using this word. I feel the setting was good, the characters were okay, but I think getting a bit more backstory on the victim and a bit more character development would have done the story well. There were times I found myself bored in the story, but I pushed on and overall, I am glad I did because I was able to not only finish reading another book but experience a different writing style as well as a new-to-me author.

Favorite quote: "Welcome to Honeyridge Falls, where the sweet scent of honey masks dark secrets."

[Christine Linn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has very basic level details that are missing or don't make any sense. Like that the main character works nights but then she is also doing back to back stuff with other characters during the day. She just doesn't sleep? She also had a board with pictures and string up, which was cliche at least, but also it wasn't established that the character was building that, it was only revealed that she had already done it. Or dialogue that is all over the place, doesn't make sense, or repeats. Typos. Characters doing out of character things, or being introduced then never coming back into the story. I regret finishing. I held in there to see who the murderer was, and it was very underwhelming. I wanted cottagecore murder mystery and this was disorganized hobby writing.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Sue Hollowell and this does not disappoint, this is book one in The Sunny Honey B&B cozy mystery series. Moxie Rayburn returns to her Grandmother Iris's B&B (Sunny Honey), seeking a fresh start. The Honey Festival at the Sweet Buzz Farm is coming up. Their is a murder at the setup, Elena Martinez is the deceased. She had Moxie's name and number in her purse, so Moxie is a suspect. Moxie states she did not know her. Moxie finds out that her ex-boyfriend Chase had cheated on her with Elena; so Chase is a suspect. Is Chase a murderer? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Sue Hollowell!!!

[Toi Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunny Honey B&B

Welcome to the Sunny Honey B&B, where you meet Moxie, and her Grandma and the guests of the B&B. In this story, Moxie has moved in with her Grandma to help run the B&B after a break up from her boyfriend Chase. At the bee farm, a girl who Chase was seeing behind Moxie's back named Elaina, whose body was found by another worker. Can Moxie solve the case when the sheriff comes to question Moxie of how her name and number were found on the victim. And can she clear Chase of any wrong doing. Read the book and follow along as Moxie tries to find the clues and solve the case.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ok read but in all honesty it could have been better. It felt a little disjointed here and there. As a reader I didn't really feel the intensity of a 'murder' having taken place. There's just a citizen trying to find out what was going on to help exonerate her old boyfriend who had devastated her in betrayal. At one point she has material like an investigator which just wasn't realistic. (My father was a law officer.) Her night shift lifestyle wasn't realistic to me either as my family has lived the life for over 30 years.
I'd give the second book a chance and hope for a better result. This had good bones. It just needed more work, I think. I'm sorry to rate it a 3.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am very glad I was able to read this book in one sitting & not keep myself up from going to sleep. Moxie has returned to live with her grandmother & work the night shift at her grandmother’s Sunny Honey B&B. After her first night working a police officer comes in & says she’s implicated in a murder of someone she didn’t know. The woman had her name & phone number in her bag. Turns out, the dead woman was the one Moxie’s ex boyfriend was cheating with. Moxie involves herself because she knows she didn’t kill the woman! There is a lot in this book, setting the scene of a new series.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

B&B small town cozy
Ms. Hollowell pens a tale of a young woman starting over with the help of her grandmother after leaving her cheating ex. A murder brings her to the local PD's attention because not only does the victim have her name written down,she was involved with the ex. Moxie tries to do her job at the B&B and snoop into the murder st the same time, gaining new friends and a few enemies at the same times. Nicely plotted.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

[The Darling Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really hate to give this 2 stars but this book was not great. It had so much potential and the setting was great. However, there was almost no character development and everything happened way too fast. Way, way too fast. There were just huge leaps to get to the information and no explanation why she cared about clearing her cheating, ex-boyfriend's name. No background to Elena and lots of "plot points" were cleared up at the end with one line, like the author didn't know what to do with it. It was just hard to get through.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving a toxic relationship has Moxie Rayburn returning to her grandmother’s B&B where she plans on starting a new life while helping her grandmother run the business. When Moxie becomes a suspect in a murder, she and her one-time nemesis work together to find the real killer and clear her name. This charming story set in a lovely B&B is a fun and entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author.
This is the first book in a great new series by a favorite author. Moxie is new to town after inheriting a B&B. Things suddenly become complicated when there's a murder and Moxie is a suspect because her name was on a paper in the woman's purse. Naturally she needs to investigate and clear her name. I really enjoyed this first book and look forward to many more.

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Bee Farm written by Sue Hollowell. Sue what a great book again. All the characters are well written. Moxie came back to Grandmas place to relax and get away for awhile. So she is helping Grandma with her B&B. Then there is a murder at the Bee Farm. So she has to go and investigate who was murdered, who, how, & why. You will have to get the book and find out who did it. Yes I have the book and I enjoyed it front start to finish. You won’t regret it.

Written by
Edith L 🐈🐈‍⬛

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moxie goes back home to the Sunny Honey B&B to help out her Grandma and get away from her cheating boyfriend. Just before the honey bee festival someone is murdered. Moxie has to become a detective to clear herself and her ex-boyfriend. I liked the part where Moxie and her Grandma have a storytelling night with stories about the town. I did not guess the killer till the end, quite the twist. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Bee Farm (Sunny Honey B&B Cozy Mysteries Book 1), my thirty-fifth enjoyable short read from author Sue Hollowell. “I received a Kindle copy of this book am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Biscotti and Betrayal (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 10) high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

New town and job, cheating ex-boyfriend, a murder and now a mystery to solve

Leading character, Moxie moves to a new town, starts a new job at her grandmother's BB as she begins to recover from a bad breakup. There are town festivals, story telling evenings, old friends reuniting, mystery and murder neatly put together in this well told story. A nice read for a relaxing evening.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moxie briefly becomes a person of interest in a murder case and she vwants to find the killer. I really enjoyed this story. A nice writing style and likeable characters. It ends with a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, entertaining cozy.

A very sweet and entertaining cozy mystery as Moxie plans to start a new life, but is caught up as a suspect in a murder investigation. I can't wait to read another book in this series. A very enjoyable cozy that I recommend.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving a toxic relationship has Moxie Rayburn returning to her grandmother’s B&B where she plans on starting a new life while helping her grandmother run the business. When Moxie becomes a suspect in a murder, she and her one-time nemesis work together to find the real killer and clear her name. This charming story set in a lovely B&B is a fun and entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Bee Farm is Book 1 in the Sunny Honey B and B Cozy Mystery by Sue Hollowell. I think that this author writes wonderfully enjoyable mysteries. I think she laid a great foundation for the series. Molly and her gran, Iris, are good characters along with their cat Sneaker. This small town cozy is big time fantastic. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Patricia Nicoletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent new series. Great characters and excellent story telling. Loving the cat in the story. And with the cutest name Sneaker. Easy reading. Small town fun with a past, a whodunnit. Can Moxie figure out what happened and help someone from her past that is now the prime suspect. Read and enjoy. Sue Hollowell writes great cozy mysteries, this one is off to a good start.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first in the series. The main character is Moxie. Moxie moves in whit her grandma and help run a B&B. There is a murder at the bee farm and the body had her name and number on it. She thinks I might be somehow connected to her ex boyfriend. The more she learns the more she wonders. Can she figure out what happened and stay out of jail ?

[Melinda Whitfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick read (about an hour). Unfortunately, what could have been an engaging plot faltered with too many coincidences, disjointed details, and overly dramatic prose. The author missed opportunities for deeper character development. I also noted errors that could have easily been avoided with more thorough proofreading. Overall I was disappointed.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. Moxie Rayburn returns to the B and B her grandmother operates after she left her cheating ex-boyfriend and the city in which she lived. She becomes involved in a murder investigation when a bee farm worker, Elena, is killed and her ex-boyfriend, Chase, (who had taken a job at the same bee farm), is accused. Although Moxie has hard feelings against Chase, she is positive he didn't kill Elena. Will she be able to clear Chase's name or not? Find out by reading this well written book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Antonia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a baffling story that winds its way around you as you try to fathom, "who done it." I like the character, Moxie. Her vulnerability is endearing. An added bonus is the history sprinkled throughout the story. This was an excellent way to spend and evening!!!!!