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Sugar Grove Mystery #3
A Sticky Situation
The author of Maple Mayhem returns to Sugar Grove, New Hampshire , where the Greene family—including Dani's irksome Aunt Hazel—are busy preparing for the annual Maple Festival. But nothing kills the festive spirit like murder…
Aunt Hazel isn’t exactly sweet, but she’s not the only one putting syrup maker Dani in a sour mood. Her family is trying to help renovate the town’s Opera House, but their contractor Russ Collins seems to specialize in finely crafted excuses. And his latest one is killer.
In the Opera House basement, Russ uncovers the remains of Spooner Duffy, a charming drifter thought to have skipped town decades ago with a hefty sum of the town’s money. Tapping into some unpleasant memories, Spooner’s bones also threaten to reveal a murderer’s secret, and now it’s up to Dani to catch a killer before the town is stuck with a deadly reputation.
Recipes included!
Aunt Hazel isn’t exactly sweet, but she’s not the only one putting syrup maker Dani in a sour mood. Her family is trying to help renovate the town’s Opera House, but their contractor Russ Collins seems to specialize in finely crafted excuses. And his latest one is killer.
In the Opera House basement, Russ uncovers the remains of Spooner Duffy, a charming drifter thought to have skipped town decades ago with a hefty sum of the town’s money. Tapping into some unpleasant memories, Spooner’s bones also threaten to reveal a murderer’s secret, and now it’s up to Dani to catch a killer before the town is stuck with a deadly reputation.
Recipes included!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
About the author
Jessie Crockett
7 books135 followersA nearly life-long resident of the Granite State, Jessie naturally adores black flies, 98% humidity, killing frosts in August and snow banks taller than the average grandmother. When not working on her next murderous adventure she enthusiastically combs the beach, designs bento lunches and throws parties. She delights in mentoring young writers at local schools.
Her debut mystery, Live Free or Die, was the 2011 winner of the Daphne DuMaurier Award for Mainstream Mystery. Jessie lives with her dark and mysterious husband and exuberant children in a village so small most other New Hampshire residents have never heard of it. Hearing from readers makes the winter seem shorter so please drop her a line.
Her debut mystery, Live Free or Die, was the 2011 winner of the Daphne DuMaurier Award for Mainstream Mystery. Jessie lives with her dark and mysterious husband and exuberant children in a village so small most other New Hampshire residents have never heard of it. Hearing from readers makes the winter seem shorter so please drop her a line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 18, 2024
Interesting cozy mystery. I enjoyed this final story, and recommend the series.
April 7, 2015
A STICKY SITUATION was a sweet delight of a mystery and left me hungry for more.
There was no doubt after DRIZZELED TO DEATH, the first book in the Sugar Grove series, author Jessie Crockett had a hit series on her hands. Main character Dani and her family are so much fun. I come from a big family and could relate to many things, family meals for one.
One of the things I love about cozy mysteries is learning about so many different and new subjects. Crafts, professions, recipes (and there are some yummy sounding recipes in this book). I really enjoyed reading about making syrup. I never realized all the steps that go into the process.
The mystery involving the body of a drifter, thought gone from town decades before, was really intriguing. I’ve always liked mysteries stemming from the past. They’re so much harder to investigate with all the years passed. The Nancy Drew living inside me was thrilled with this one.
A STICKY SITUATION is a very appropriate name for this book. It was stuck to my hands from the moment I picked it up until the last page!
There was no doubt after DRIZZELED TO DEATH, the first book in the Sugar Grove series, author Jessie Crockett had a hit series on her hands. Main character Dani and her family are so much fun. I come from a big family and could relate to many things, family meals for one.
One of the things I love about cozy mysteries is learning about so many different and new subjects. Crafts, professions, recipes (and there are some yummy sounding recipes in this book). I really enjoyed reading about making syrup. I never realized all the steps that go into the process.
The mystery involving the body of a drifter, thought gone from town decades before, was really intriguing. I’ve always liked mysteries stemming from the past. They’re so much harder to investigate with all the years passed. The Nancy Drew living inside me was thrilled with this one.
A STICKY SITUATION is a very appropriate name for this book. It was stuck to my hands from the moment I picked it up until the last page!
July 20, 2017
By the way this book ended, I'm pretty sure it is the last of the series. It's too bad really as I've enjoyed reading about the small town and the unique set of characters. The addition of Aunt Hazel in this book lead to some laughs and also some things to think about. Overall a nice cozy mystery series.
December 1, 2018
This cozy series is just what I need in between more serious/sad books. I love how clean they are and the family dynamic between all the members of the Green clan is heartwarming. Dani, the h, can seem a little whiny and ungrateful, but I'm glad she always gets over it before I start wishing she would meet an unfortunate fictional accident of some sort. I liked that she was able to stand her ground with her cousin without being an awful shrew. The author did a good job at making her a realistic and balanced character. Too often the heroine is either pushover or a bulldozer. I'd like to believe that women (and people in general) can find a healthy middle ground.
Plot wise, the mystery in this one was a little bit more interesting. The one thing that I wished had happened was the aunt making up for . I also wish that there was a bit more page time with the h and her love interest. He still isn't that developed of a character, nor is their relationship a big part of the book, but I guess I can accept that since this isn't romance. Other than that, this one left me with a smile on my face.
Plot wise, the mystery in this one was a little bit more interesting. The one thing that I wished had happened was the aunt making up for . I also wish that there was a bit more page time with the h and her love interest. He still isn't that developed of a character, nor is their relationship a big part of the book, but I guess I can accept that since this isn't romance. Other than that, this one left me with a smile on my face.
January 31, 2018
3.5 stars
It's sugaring season and Dani Greene is busier than ever! Sugaring season always brings Grandpa's eccentric (crazy) sister Hazel and her disagreeable granddaughter Jade to the farm. In order to avoid her nutty relatives, Dani throws herself into the opera house renovation project. When she gets a call from her handyman Russ wanting to quit for the day, Dani figures he's just being lazy as usual but when she arrives on the scene, Russ has something shocking to show her! The renovations have revealed a skeleton hiding under the coal pile! With renovations on hold, Dani has an interest in solving the mystery. With Russ bragging of his find to all the women in town and showing off the spoons he found on the body, Dani is shocked when Tansey faints dead away. Who is the dead man and what is he doing under the opera house? Thirty-year-old town secrets reveal the man was known as Spooner, a drifter and handyman who disappeared the same time as the money from the charitable Maple Festival. When Tansey threatens to quit the Maple Festival leaving Dani with all the work, Dani promises to find out who took the money.
This mystery is very complicated. There are too many suspects and two major mysteries. Are the mysteries one in the same? There's also a fair amount of relationship drama between Dani and her family and Dani and Graham. I guessed Tansey's interest in the mystery right away. It was obvious. By the time the villain was revealed, I had an inkling but I wasn't sure. The mystery was just too complicated to be certain. I was a little surprised by what happened and why. I especially like the final two chapters when the plot wraps up neatly and we close the curtain on Greener Pastures. Bonus points for having some recipes that sound delicious but I wanted more! This book is full of food!
I especially liked the character growth exhibited in this story. Dani grows up a lot and finally takes steps towards becoming an adult. I liked how her relationship with Graham was made stronger by the events of the novel even if I think he comes on too strong at times. Graham manages to be very sweet and likeable in this novel. Dani's mother is my favorite character. She is funny but caring and sweet. She obviously loved Dani's father very much though she is able to move forward with her life. Dani's grandfather is my second favorite character. He's a very sweet and caring man who is obviously close to his siblings and cousins, etc. I liked his private moment with Dani. That was very touching.
The newest characters introduced here are Hazel and her granddaughter Jade. Hazel is an octogenarian who thinks she's 21. She is wild, crazy, embarrassing and not someone I'd like to be related to, yet I can't help but admire her. I DO think the sexual harassment angle should have been taken out or toned down. It was supposed to be funny but when it makes the other person uncomfortable, then it's not OK even if the comments come from an 80-something year old lady. Hazel's granddaughter Jade would drive me as crazy as she drives Dani. A prissy, rich girl from California, Jade is all about beauty pageants and bringing class to Sugar Grove. Yet both Hazel and Jade show some depth that I didn't expect and bring them beyond the stereotypes they appear to be. I almost liked Jade by the end of the book.
The suspects include Cliff, a volunteer firefighter and former library trustee. He's cranky and a bit rude. I did not care for his attitude about the library, though he did have a point, but everyone needs a library! Pastor Gifford is another suspect because Spooner was reportedly "sniffing around" the Pastor's underage daughter Sarah. Pastor Gifford seems like he could be overprotective enough to kill. Teresa, Mitch's mother, was the festival pageant queen that year. She was engaged to be married when Spooner made his move. Could her husband Gary Reynolds have killed Spooner in a jealous rage? I think so. Karen, the former town clerk, lost everything 30 years ago. She had every opportunity to take that money. It seems too easy and too obvious but she was high on my list of suspects. Her ex-husband, Preston Byrnes, was the police chief at the time. People say he was heavy handed and I would say overzealous in some respects and incompetent in others. He is not a nice man and I believe he could commit murder. Frances, a now elderly woman in assisted living was a banker at the time. She could have killed Spooner for taking the money but she was so good at her job and such a stickler for the rules, why wouldn't she have taken the money back to the bank? She is such a tragic character. I felt so bad for her being paranoid with dementia. I think she should have been in a nursing home with a memory care unit and not assisted living. Frances used to live above the village dress shop run by Priscilla. She is a bit snippy but her shop sounds lovely. Priscilla was on the library committee and the time Spooner went missing. What could have been her motivation for murder if she did it?
Nicer characters include Doc MacIntyre, a kind, eccentric man who is the type of old-fashioned doctor you don't see anymore. I really liked him. Knowlton even manages to not be so creepy this time around. He is worried about his mother and that takes precedence over stalking-or does it? Dani's friend Piper doesn't have a large role in the book but I love her quirky vintage style and her passion for creating new recipes. I hope she ends up seeing the light about Dani's brother Loden. He's kind, quiet, shy and unlike Piper in every way but opposites attract and they could be good for each other. Lowell, the sheriff and Dani's godfather is back on duty. He cares very much for Dani but doesn't let his emotions get in the way of duty. He is very patient with her.
Content: dialogue, hints that characters have made love or are about to make love but no actual love scenes involved-not even fade to black.
It's sugaring season and Dani Greene is busier than ever! Sugaring season always brings Grandpa's eccentric (crazy) sister Hazel and her disagreeable granddaughter Jade to the farm. In order to avoid her nutty relatives, Dani throws herself into the opera house renovation project. When she gets a call from her handyman Russ wanting to quit for the day, Dani figures he's just being lazy as usual but when she arrives on the scene, Russ has something shocking to show her! The renovations have revealed a skeleton hiding under the coal pile! With renovations on hold, Dani has an interest in solving the mystery. With Russ bragging of his find to all the women in town and showing off the spoons he found on the body, Dani is shocked when Tansey faints dead away. Who is the dead man and what is he doing under the opera house? Thirty-year-old town secrets reveal the man was known as Spooner, a drifter and handyman who disappeared the same time as the money from the charitable Maple Festival. When Tansey threatens to quit the Maple Festival leaving Dani with all the work, Dani promises to find out who took the money.
This mystery is very complicated. There are too many suspects and two major mysteries. Are the mysteries one in the same? There's also a fair amount of relationship drama between Dani and her family and Dani and Graham. I guessed Tansey's interest in the mystery right away. It was obvious. By the time the villain was revealed, I had an inkling but I wasn't sure. The mystery was just too complicated to be certain. I was a little surprised by what happened and why. I especially like the final two chapters when the plot wraps up neatly and we close the curtain on Greener Pastures. Bonus points for having some recipes that sound delicious but I wanted more! This book is full of food!
I especially liked the character growth exhibited in this story. Dani grows up a lot and finally takes steps towards becoming an adult. I liked how her relationship with Graham was made stronger by the events of the novel even if I think he comes on too strong at times. Graham manages to be very sweet and likeable in this novel. Dani's mother is my favorite character. She is funny but caring and sweet. She obviously loved Dani's father very much though she is able to move forward with her life. Dani's grandfather is my second favorite character. He's a very sweet and caring man who is obviously close to his siblings and cousins, etc. I liked his private moment with Dani. That was very touching.
The newest characters introduced here are Hazel and her granddaughter Jade. Hazel is an octogenarian who thinks she's 21. She is wild, crazy, embarrassing and not someone I'd like to be related to, yet I can't help but admire her. I DO think the sexual harassment angle should have been taken out or toned down. It was supposed to be funny but when it makes the other person uncomfortable, then it's not OK even if the comments come from an 80-something year old lady. Hazel's granddaughter Jade would drive me as crazy as she drives Dani. A prissy, rich girl from California, Jade is all about beauty pageants and bringing class to Sugar Grove. Yet both Hazel and Jade show some depth that I didn't expect and bring them beyond the stereotypes they appear to be. I almost liked Jade by the end of the book.
The suspects include Cliff, a volunteer firefighter and former library trustee. He's cranky and a bit rude. I did not care for his attitude about the library, though he did have a point, but everyone needs a library! Pastor Gifford is another suspect because Spooner was reportedly "sniffing around" the Pastor's underage daughter Sarah. Pastor Gifford seems like he could be overprotective enough to kill. Teresa, Mitch's mother, was the festival pageant queen that year. She was engaged to be married when Spooner made his move. Could her husband Gary Reynolds have killed Spooner in a jealous rage? I think so. Karen, the former town clerk, lost everything 30 years ago. She had every opportunity to take that money. It seems too easy and too obvious but she was high on my list of suspects. Her ex-husband, Preston Byrnes, was the police chief at the time. People say he was heavy handed and I would say overzealous in some respects and incompetent in others. He is not a nice man and I believe he could commit murder. Frances, a now elderly woman in assisted living was a banker at the time. She could have killed Spooner for taking the money but she was so good at her job and such a stickler for the rules, why wouldn't she have taken the money back to the bank? She is such a tragic character. I felt so bad for her being paranoid with dementia. I think she should have been in a nursing home with a memory care unit and not assisted living. Frances used to live above the village dress shop run by Priscilla. She is a bit snippy but her shop sounds lovely. Priscilla was on the library committee and the time Spooner went missing. What could have been her motivation for murder if she did it?
Nicer characters include Doc MacIntyre, a kind, eccentric man who is the type of old-fashioned doctor you don't see anymore. I really liked him. Knowlton even manages to not be so creepy this time around. He is worried about his mother and that takes precedence over stalking-or does it? Dani's friend Piper doesn't have a large role in the book but I love her quirky vintage style and her passion for creating new recipes. I hope she ends up seeing the light about Dani's brother Loden. He's kind, quiet, shy and unlike Piper in every way but opposites attract and they could be good for each other. Lowell, the sheriff and Dani's godfather is back on duty. He cares very much for Dani but doesn't let his emotions get in the way of duty. He is very patient with her.
Content: dialogue, hints that characters have made love or are about to make love but no actual love scenes involved-not even fade to black.
March 6, 2022
Dani Greene is back for a third mystery set in Maple Syrup country. With her is the whole zany cast of the town—which is a strong benefit to readers of the series because many of these residents have been suspects in earlier novels and they will feel familiar to the reader.
This time the crime is thirty years old when the bones of a man who for three decades was suspected of stealing the profits of a local festival are discovered during the renovations of a town building. It turns out that this man, “Spooner”, was a lady’s man loved by women even as they fought over him and hated by their fathers and husbands. (Who would have thought that the ability to make music from two spoons would make a man sexy?) Just about everyone had something to say about Spooner and something to coverup from the past.
To complicate matters further, Dani’s annoying aunt and cousin have returned to Sugar Grove to live and they are so bad that Dani and her (up until now) rotten sister, Celedon, become partners in trying to keep away from them. The only thing “wrong” in this book is that Dani’s reason for poking her nose into the police investigation is very weak, but then, being nosy is often the excuse to investigate in this sort of novel. Overall, this was another enjoyable book in the series and I’m very sorry that Jessie Crockett apparently stopped writing them after this book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
This time the crime is thirty years old when the bones of a man who for three decades was suspected of stealing the profits of a local festival are discovered during the renovations of a town building. It turns out that this man, “Spooner”, was a lady’s man loved by women even as they fought over him and hated by their fathers and husbands. (Who would have thought that the ability to make music from two spoons would make a man sexy?) Just about everyone had something to say about Spooner and something to coverup from the past.
To complicate matters further, Dani’s annoying aunt and cousin have returned to Sugar Grove to live and they are so bad that Dani and her (up until now) rotten sister, Celedon, become partners in trying to keep away from them. The only thing “wrong” in this book is that Dani’s reason for poking her nose into the police investigation is very weak, but then, being nosy is often the excuse to investigate in this sort of novel. Overall, this was another enjoyable book in the series and I’m very sorry that Jessie Crockett apparently stopped writing them after this book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
July 6, 2015
3.75 stars. Dani Greene and her family own a maple sugarmaking farm in Sugar Grove, New Hampshire. Her family is paying to restore an old opera house in town and the contractor discovers a skeleton buried 30 years ago. Dani deals with some eccentric members of her family while interviewing various people in town to solve the murder and find the missing money.
This book is a cute little cozy. Lots of humor mixed in the book. I enjoyed reading about the process of making maple syrup from tree sap. The recipes at the end of the book are unique.
I received this book in a giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
This book is a cute little cozy. Lots of humor mixed in the book. I enjoyed reading about the process of making maple syrup from tree sap. The recipes at the end of the book are unique.
I received this book in a giveaway. This opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
May 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. Solving a 30 year old robbery and murder, Dani investigates the history of the Maple Festival and the town's secrets, all while dealing with the dreaded Aunt Hazel and cousin Jade. A great addition to this series.
June 30, 2015
This series has improved! This book was more about the mystery than the characters, and the mystery was 30 years prior, am happy that the author keep a "tight grip" on the story-line.
October 7, 2026
Not gonna lie, I teared up a little at the end. I LOVE this series. The fact that there are only 3 books is a travesty in my opinion (there are over 30 Hannah Swenson books and only 3 of these?!?) The humor is perfect, it makes the story fun without being flippant at the wrong times or about the wrong things. Dani is awesome, I love her. So many cozy MCs are pushovers who tolerate things they shouldn't tolerate but Dani stands up for herself and she does it in such a way that it not only sets the boundaries, but it makes the relationships stronger. I love her family so much too, they're all great. Yes, even Hazel. Since this series ended in 2015 and has never been resurrected I'm guessing it was part of the big shakeup where series were ended and the publisher kept the rights to them so the authors couldn't continue them independently. Another crime if you want my opinion. There was so much more story to be told here. Maybe someday more books will be released to continue the series. A girl can dream!
November 3, 2015
I have really enjoyed the Sugar Grove series. Dani and her family are a ton of laughs, the "sugaring" business is fascinating, and this mystery in particular with a decades old skeleton being uncovered reminds me of a classic Nancy Drew mystery! Spooner Duffy was a drifter and a womanizer who showed up briefly 30 years earlier and then made off with the Maple Festival Fundraiser money for the new town library project.... or at least that's what everyone thought until Spooner's boney remains turned up while the town hall was being renovated!
I loved this story and can't wait to read more by Jessie Crockett!!
I loved this story and can't wait to read more by Jessie Crockett!!
Read
September 9, 2019Maple syrup Festival is coming soon and Dani is busy with the family maple syrup business. Her greataunt Hazel is coming and Hazel's granddaughter Jade is moving to town too. They are disasters and the rest of the family tries to stay out of their way while they are visiting. Dani is also helping with the Opera House renovation but the renovation has run into a snag when a dead body and a pair of silver spoons is found buried in the cellar's dirt floor.
set in Sugar Grove, NH in Feb. - sapping time
set in Sugar Grove, NH in Feb. - sapping time
August 2, 2024
This was a cozy read, and the review reflects such. The characters were charming but without a ton of depth. The plot was interesting but not overly intriguing. I appreciated the new characters for the twists and turns they introduced which complimented the storylines continuing from books 1 and 2. I was disappointed by that lack of wild game present, although Graham was utilized well as a character.
December 4, 2023
I think the author was going for a sassy, bit snarky protagonist. I just found Dani to be annoying. When I picked the book up I didn't realize it was the third book in the series, but it became obvious very quickly as the author launched into details of Dani's life that left me floundering. Since I didn't like Dani within just a few pages, I didn't make the effort to follow the story.
August 22, 2023
This is the final book of the series. It was really well done for the most part! I just wish there would have been an epilogue. It ended pretty quickly. I liked the series though and I was so excited to finally find out Dani’s real name!
July 12, 2018
Why I took so long to read this one after the first two still baffles me
October 15, 2018
Number 3 in the series but my first. I really enjoyed this - a fun and adventurous maple syrup treat! Nice twists!
December 31, 2022
Another great mystery by an author I enjoy reading. She keeps me guessing as to who the culprit is! Characters keep expanding too. Wish there were more in this series.
July 21, 2024
Throughly enjoyed the series. I hope more are forthcoming.
July 30, 2024
Decent cosy mystery
April 8, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
It is always a fun time when we get to visit Dani in her hometown of Sugar Grove, New Hampshire. And this installment comes at the busy time with the maple is starting flow from the trees and the family is preparing for the annual Maple Festival. The only bad thing about the festival is strange and irritating Aunt Hazel always makes an appearance for the festival and usually has snobby cousin Jade along with her. Aunt Hazel could make a saint turn sinner pretty quick. She never lets a young man get out of her sights, so be careful. Jade breaks some dreaded news to the family this time. Things are going to change soon. For the wonderful Greene family things are beyond busy. And Dani is stuck in the middle of all the goings on in town.
Things are going smoothly as the syrup is running through the tubing Dani installed to modernize the family business until a body is uncovered. They were forced to employ Russ Collins to start on the repairs of the old opera house basement even though he moves at a slug’s pace. Then Dani gets a call that he has unearthed a body beneath the coal there. Signs point to a local drifter Spooner Duffy who disappeared years before at the time the festival money came up missing. Although Dani is up to her eyeballs in work, she is forced to do a little investigating. Not into how Spooner died, but to prove he did not steal the money.
Jessie Crockett’s writing style is smooth, full of laughter and intrigue and keeps the reader stuck to this book like syrup. The characters are hilarious and delightful. This is a series that keeps the reader laughing and guessing at the same time. Even Dani’s father who has passed away helps with the mystery. I was kept guessing up till the end and had a blast trying to figure it out along the way. I can never get enough of the fun, family and friends in Sugar Grove.
This is one hilarious, fun filled, intriguing mystery you just can not put down. I would recommend A Sticky Situation to all cozy lovers. If you have not started this series you need to do so now. This mystery keeps you guessing and enjoying it the whole time. Jessie Crockett is a fabulous writer and I bet one heck of a fun friend to hang out with too. Come to Sugar Grove for tons of fun, mystery and some wonderful sweet syrup!! Great recipes at the end too for those who enjoy them.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
It is always a fun time when we get to visit Dani in her hometown of Sugar Grove, New Hampshire. And this installment comes at the busy time with the maple is starting flow from the trees and the family is preparing for the annual Maple Festival. The only bad thing about the festival is strange and irritating Aunt Hazel always makes an appearance for the festival and usually has snobby cousin Jade along with her. Aunt Hazel could make a saint turn sinner pretty quick. She never lets a young man get out of her sights, so be careful. Jade breaks some dreaded news to the family this time. Things are going to change soon. For the wonderful Greene family things are beyond busy. And Dani is stuck in the middle of all the goings on in town.
Things are going smoothly as the syrup is running through the tubing Dani installed to modernize the family business until a body is uncovered. They were forced to employ Russ Collins to start on the repairs of the old opera house basement even though he moves at a slug’s pace. Then Dani gets a call that he has unearthed a body beneath the coal there. Signs point to a local drifter Spooner Duffy who disappeared years before at the time the festival money came up missing. Although Dani is up to her eyeballs in work, she is forced to do a little investigating. Not into how Spooner died, but to prove he did not steal the money.
Jessie Crockett’s writing style is smooth, full of laughter and intrigue and keeps the reader stuck to this book like syrup. The characters are hilarious and delightful. This is a series that keeps the reader laughing and guessing at the same time. Even Dani’s father who has passed away helps with the mystery. I was kept guessing up till the end and had a blast trying to figure it out along the way. I can never get enough of the fun, family and friends in Sugar Grove.
This is one hilarious, fun filled, intriguing mystery you just can not put down. I would recommend A Sticky Situation to all cozy lovers. If you have not started this series you need to do so now. This mystery keeps you guessing and enjoying it the whole time. Jessie Crockett is a fabulous writer and I bet one heck of a fun friend to hang out with too. Come to Sugar Grove for tons of fun, mystery and some wonderful sweet syrup!! Great recipes at the end too for those who enjoy them.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
September 1, 2015
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle
Language Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
A Sticky Situation by Jessie Crockett is the third book in the Sugar grove Mystery series after Drizzled with Death and Maple Mayhem. In this book, Dani Greene and her family are busy getting ready for the annual Maple Festival. But Aunt Hazel’s appearance for the annual event makes everyone in the family feel uneasy. At least Dani’s irritating cousin Jade won’t be here with Aunt Hazel this time, or will she?
Things are running smoothly in the Maple business until a man making repairs to an old opera house unearths a body. It turns out, that the body belongs to someone who was long ago suspected of stealing a large amount of the town’s money. Dani has her hands full as she questions people about what happened years ago when the money went missing. As she tries to help one town resident prove another one’s innocence in the theft, she also works to solve the mystery so that work can continue on the opera house site.
A Sticky Situation is my favorite book in this series. I found it to be more enjoyable maybe because less time was spent talking about the maple process and more time was spent on delving into the characters and their interactions. The mystery is fast paced enough to keep your interest and it was nice to see Dani move forward in her life by making the decision to move from the family home. Overall, a great read.
-- WENDY
Language Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
A Sticky Situation by Jessie Crockett is the third book in the Sugar grove Mystery series after Drizzled with Death and Maple Mayhem. In this book, Dani Greene and her family are busy getting ready for the annual Maple Festival. But Aunt Hazel’s appearance for the annual event makes everyone in the family feel uneasy. At least Dani’s irritating cousin Jade won’t be here with Aunt Hazel this time, or will she?
Things are running smoothly in the Maple business until a man making repairs to an old opera house unearths a body. It turns out, that the body belongs to someone who was long ago suspected of stealing a large amount of the town’s money. Dani has her hands full as she questions people about what happened years ago when the money went missing. As she tries to help one town resident prove another one’s innocence in the theft, she also works to solve the mystery so that work can continue on the opera house site.
A Sticky Situation is my favorite book in this series. I found it to be more enjoyable maybe because less time was spent talking about the maple process and more time was spent on delving into the characters and their interactions. The mystery is fast paced enough to keep your interest and it was nice to see Dani move forward in her life by making the decision to move from the family home. Overall, a great read.
-- WENDY
May 30, 2015
Jessie Crockett has written another Sugar Grove Mystery novel. “Sticky Situation” in a mystery novel set in Sugar Grove, New Hampshire during the sugar tapping season. Dani Greene belongs to the family who runs Greener Pastures and is a pillar family of the community. The annual Maple Festival is coming up and preparations are underway for this celebration. Her family has also generously donated money to have the old opera house refurbished. During the renovations, a skeleton has been unearthed in the basement. This skeleton has been identified as Spooner Duffy who disappeared thirty years ago and who was thought to have taken the money from that year’s festival. Dani is helping the investigation, off the record, to find out who did the deed.
I started this book, but didn’t finish it because I really could not get into the story. There were just too many characters involved. Family members, community members, festival members, and many more were just too hard to keep track of. I guess I didn’t have the perseverance necessary to complete the book.
I received a free print copy of the book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest opinion of the novel. You can find this and other reviews on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-fQ.
I started this book, but didn’t finish it because I really could not get into the story. There were just too many characters involved. Family members, community members, festival members, and many more were just too hard to keep track of. I guess I didn’t have the perseverance necessary to complete the book.
I received a free print copy of the book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest opinion of the novel. You can find this and other reviews on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-fQ.
July 16, 2015
Book#3 in this series continues the fun, wacky and delightful characters from the first two books while adding more to the mix of family and friends. Set in the maple syrup making town of Sugar Grove, New Hampshire, with Dani Greene and her wacky family finding murder in unique places, this is a must read. While renovating the old opera house, Dani's contractor finds a dead body that turns out to a man who was thought to have left town 30 years ago with a bunch of stolen money. The ensuing investigation brings many interesting and complex characters into play while the setting makes you want to visit. The murder is extremely well done and will keep you turning the pages. I started and read straight thru! I enjoyed the wacky characters and setting because they were so well blended into the mystery and murder plot. The ending was a surprise, even with all the clues that were given. I especially liked being surprised by both the murderer and the reason. I can't wait for the next one and highly recommend this is to all mystery fans.
April 14, 2015
It’s sugaring season, which means Dani Greene is super busy with the sap running, the annual Maple Festival, and the annual visit from her difficult great-aunt. The last things she needs is the body in the town hall basement. The remains are identified as a drifter who came through town 30 years ago and stole cash before he left. Now, Dani is asked to figure out who really took the money. Can she do that without getting in a killer’s crosshairs?
This series has some great characters, and it was a treat to get to visit them again. The new characters are just as strong. The main mystery and some sub-plots weave in and out of each other, and the result is a book I didn’t want to put down.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series has some great characters, and it was a treat to get to visit them again. The new characters are just as strong. The main mystery and some sub-plots weave in and out of each other, and the result is a book I didn’t want to put down.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 13, 2014
If you think you know maple syrup and what is involved then you will love this series. And if you don't you will like it even more. Greener Pastures is home to Dani Greene and her family with its long history of making maple syrup. But Dani is also a smart, funny, clever character that can take on almost anything, and murders keep dropping into her lap. Now she is on the hunt of a thirty year old murder when a body is discovered in the basement of the old opera house siring renovations. People in town are taking the news very differently and it is going to be up to Dani to find out if thirty years later the killer still lives I town? Great read, good mystery that keeps you turning the pages, and a sweet town full of colorful characters.
August 15, 2015
While this was the third in a series, I was able to follow along like it was the first without having read the other two. The setting was charming and I really loved it's link to making maple syrup. The mystery was unique to many in that it was regarding a body found from a long ago murder, so it was more about setting the past right, which was a nice change.
I also found it refreshing that while there was a love interest there was no triangle or worse, it seemed more pure and realistic.There was a genuine, cozy feeling to this cast and tale that was spot on. Like I mentioned at the start, I have not read the first two parts but I am going to... next because I would love to see how all of the wonderful characters came to be in the place they are now.
I also found it refreshing that while there was a love interest there was no triangle or worse, it seemed more pure and realistic.There was a genuine, cozy feeling to this cast and tale that was spot on. Like I mentioned at the start, I have not read the first two parts but I am going to... next because I would love to see how all of the wonderful characters came to be in the place they are now.
September 1, 2015
This is the third book in the Sugar Grove series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two books. Jessie Crockett has a wonderful writing style and has created characters that have begun to feel like old friends. I very much enjoy that while Dani is the protagonist in the series her entire family is involved in each story. This series and the characters embrace family and community. The author also does a great job of weaving in humor throughout the story. The mystery was well done and there are a couple of sub-plots that are woven in nicely. I was surprised by the identity of the culprit at the end of the book as well as for the reason behind the crime.
This is a wonderful read, with great characters and an engaging mystery that will keep you turning pages until the end.
This is a wonderful read, with great characters and an engaging mystery that will keep you turning pages until the end.
February 4, 2015
It is interesting to finally learn more about some of the family members who have chosen to move away from the family homestead.
I loved all the bits of town history that were brought to light during this novel!
I can hardly wait to read more about Dani's adventures soon!
(& hopefully more about her and Graham as their relationship develops).
I loved all the bits of town history that were brought to light during this novel!
I can hardly wait to read more about Dani's adventures soon!
(& hopefully more about her and Graham as their relationship develops).
July 14, 2015
It's a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the main character of Dani as she's trying to run her maple syrup making business and work for the Maple Festival. When a body is found that was buried 30 years ago, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. If nothing more than something to distract herself from unlikeable relatives that have shown up to make her life miserable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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