The Path That Turns Toward Spring

by Melanie Lageschulte

A stash of stolen cash, a local landmark on the brink of extinction … Kate Duncan is back to tackle her biggest mystery yet.

It’s bad enough that Eagle River’s livestock auction barn, which has been in business since the late 1800s, might be put up for sale. But it’s the ominous collection-agency notices appearing in residents’ mailboxes that tell Kate something is seriously wrong.

As it turns out, those farmers aren't at fault; someone has been swiping cash from the auction barn’s accounts for years. Tens of thousands of dollars are missing, and whispers claim the barn’s grand sale pavilion is more like a house of cards. Greed, betrayal, and indifference may be to blame … and Kate soon realizes danger could be afoot, as well.

While the official investigators turn to their high-tech tools, Kate and her friends decide old-school gossip is their best bet to crack this case. Kate's season is already packed with navigating a new love and planning the town's May Day festival ... can she find the answers she needs before the gavel hits the auction block? Look for books 5 and 6 in this riveting cozy-mystery series in 2026!

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

About the author

Melanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.

Reviews

[Kathie Loch · Rating 1 out of 5]

slow and boring

Too many cats, this book was a big dissapointment from her previous books. I give every book at least 5 chapters and if it doesn’t click by then, I skim through it. Well I skimmed through this one and am thankful I don’t live in a small town, in an ancient house and have a dog and give cats!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Path That Turns Towards Spring

I just love the Mailbox Mystery series and I was so excited when book 4 was release. This is a very relatable story line for those who grew up in rural areas like myself. The characters share a special friendship, loyalty and work ethics. My favorite part is all the furry babies, keeps you entertained from the first page to the last and there's always a mystery to solved. Enjoy

[Doc Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all sorts of books. Melanie’s books are about a small town, their community, people, heritage and the wonderful lives and families that make-up the town. You delve into the families, the farms, the sweet animals, and the friendships…all of the things that, as we get older, we hold even more dear. I adore her books/series. They warm my heart. They make me smile and tear-up, and I feel as though I’ve found a group of friends in a town in which id love to live.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muddy Roads

Every "Country Person"'knows how muddy it can get after a snow or rain hits the area but muddy areas can happen to anyone when doing things that are considered against the law also! I loved this book and the whole series! Melanie is a great storyteller and I can't wait for her next series to come out! Maybe it will be about Karen next time! Keep them coming Melanie as I am going to start over with" The Blessed Season "!

[MargeGordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waited a long time for this to come out, but it was worth the wait. I enjoyed reading it, could hardly put it down. Great mystery, and what a thriller ending, to the mystery. The other ending was pretty good too!

[Natalie Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great read!

Love Melanie Lageschulte! Such relatable stories and welcoming characters. Hopeful this series will continue and we,ll have the chance to follow Kate and Alex a while longer

[Joy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

I’ve been waiting for the latest Mailbox Mystery, and it did not disappoint. A very satisfying story! I recommend it highly.

[Christi Barron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow roll into adventure

Nice and slow read. Same familiar faces. Same town. Exactly as it should be. Always feels l ill keep coming home when I read these books.

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

But, honestly? The details became a little tiresome and I skipped a bit.
But it all came together in the end...

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. Some parts were over-the-top dramatic, but overall, a fun read in a nice series.

[Reading Divas]

March- Lori

[Diane Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

keep it coming

On to the next adventure in the series. Loved it!
Lots of drama, suspenseful characters and new trouble brewing for all.

[Shawn Remely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[M Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Loved the series. I really enjoy the authors style of writing. I Look forward to reading more of her books.