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Potting Shed Mystery #8
Bittersweet Herbs: Potting Shed Mysteries, Book 8
Home at Greenoak in Hampshire, Texas, transplant Pru Parke joins a society to establish a medieval herb garden near the twelfth-century Hospital of St. Cross in Winchester. But when a flamboyant supporter of the garden who promised a million-pound donation is found hanged, Pru finds herself drawn into more than the study of medieval gardens.
A dangerous herbal concoction made from an ancient recipe was found near the body. Had the poison been taken willingly or under duress? Was it suicide or murder? Murder, police say. Detective Inspector Christopher Pearse—Pru's husband, partner in crime-solving, and the only one legally allowed to do so—is called in on the case by Detective Superintendent John Upstone, who was Christopher's first "guv" more than twenty years earlier.
Murder is a fact, but motives involve emotions—deep grudges, resentment, jealousy, revenge. Who are the likely suspects? What will happen to that promised huge donation? Pru and Christopher investigate. Like walking two different paths in the garden, she follows her heart and he follows the evidence, but they end up with the same someone else is in danger.
A dangerous herbal concoction made from an ancient recipe was found near the body. Had the poison been taken willingly or under duress? Was it suicide or murder? Murder, police say. Detective Inspector Christopher Pearse—Pru's husband, partner in crime-solving, and the only one legally allowed to do so—is called in on the case by Detective Superintendent John Upstone, who was Christopher's first "guv" more than twenty years earlier.
Murder is a fact, but motives involve emotions—deep grudges, resentment, jealousy, revenge. Who are the likely suspects? What will happen to that promised huge donation? Pru and Christopher investigate. Like walking two different paths in the garden, she follows her heart and he follows the evidence, but they end up with the same someone else is in danger.
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First published October 16, 2021
238 people are currently reading
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About the author
Marty Wingate
32 books694 followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 14, 2023
I have enjoyed this series from the very first book and have been putting off reading this one, which appears to be the final installment, because I don’t want to say goodbye to Pru, Christopher and the rest.
Pru, the MC, is an American who has been transplanted from Texas to England, which must have been quite a shock to her at first. After all this time, though, she has adjusted well, but is still learning about her new home and the plants that grow in the area. I like that she’s an older character than we get in many cozy mysteries, and gives us a different perspective than many of her younger counterparts.
The murder victim in this book was disliked by most of the village, so there were quite a few suspects to consider and several red herrings, some of which I fell for. I didn’t really start to consider one character as the most likely killer until the clues started pointing in that direction, nor did I figure out that person’s motive.
I doubt that there will be more books, but if this series continues, I will certainly read more of Pru’s adventures.
Pru, the MC, is an American who has been transplanted from Texas to England, which must have been quite a shock to her at first. After all this time, though, she has adjusted well, but is still learning about her new home and the plants that grow in the area. I like that she’s an older character than we get in many cozy mysteries, and gives us a different perspective than many of her younger counterparts.
The murder victim in this book was disliked by most of the village, so there were quite a few suspects to consider and several red herrings, some of which I fell for. I didn’t really start to consider one character as the most likely killer until the clues started pointing in that direction, nor did I figure out that person’s motive.
I doubt that there will be more books, but if this series continues, I will certainly read more of Pru’s adventures.
January 17, 2022
It's Cozy Mystery Book Bingo time and this year's theme is British cozy mysteries. I picked up this one for the Beautiful English Gardens square because no one does gardens better than Pru Parke.
I enjoyed this one, it's been a minute since I caught up with Pru, Christopher and the gang at Greenoak so I was looking forward to a great mystery and this didn't disappoint. I liked the idea of a medieval garden and the many Cadfael references make me want to pick up the series again! I really liked that the victim, Claudia, had enough of an introduction that you got a feel for who she was before she was murdered (it's so much easier to relate to the plot if you "know" the victim first, so kudos to that!) Add in the feel-good side plots of Claudia's son, Danny and the return of Christopher's old boss with issues of his own, giving this book a rich multi-faceted plot that really made me feel like I was there.
I enjoyed this one, it's been a minute since I caught up with Pru, Christopher and the gang at Greenoak so I was looking forward to a great mystery and this didn't disappoint. I liked the idea of a medieval garden and the many Cadfael references make me want to pick up the series again! I really liked that the victim, Claudia, had enough of an introduction that you got a feel for who she was before she was murdered (it's so much easier to relate to the plot if you "know" the victim first, so kudos to that!) Add in the feel-good side plots of Claudia's son, Danny and the return of Christopher's old boss with issues of his own, giving this book a rich multi-faceted plot that really made me feel like I was there.
December 11, 2021
Bittersweet Herbs Earns 5/5 Herbal Concoctions…Delightfully Fun!
Pru Parke has been invited by the Medieval Garden Society to an evening lecture on “The Medieval Garden” with guest speaker self-taught expert Acantha Morris. The event provides some authentic flair with goblets of mead and a buffet of medieval-inspired foods including…Compost? Yes, an “old English recipe with roasted fruits and vegetables pickled in vinegar and wine.” The proceeds are earmarked for an ambitious project of recreating a medieval herb garden set near a twelfth-century building, Hospital of St. Cross and Almshouse of Nobel Poverty, and additionally turns out to be the perfect inspiration for the pesky magazine article Pru agreed to write. She is also fascinated by the garden’s designs and volunteers her participation, but she’s reticent about accepting the invitation to actually be a member on the board for the Society. But, it all takes a dark turn when one of the society members, one who pledged a seven-figure donation, is found dead. Suicide or murder is the question…Pru sees murder.
It’s a pinch of flavorful fun and a dash of murderous motives! I am a big fan of Marty Wingate’s work, and although I lack a green thumb, I greatly enjoy the well “planted” elements in her work. This eighth book in the series offers an engaging murder mystery with twists in the drama, obvious secrets to expose, and several suspects to explore. The issues of jealousy and long-held animosities are raised, but is it enough to incite murder? Marty’s writing style is always entertaining with lovely descriptions, informative gardening details, and well-developed characters, varying in personality. The dynamic between Pru and her detective husband is loving and supportive and adding family and friends makes the series always fun for readers, like me. The element of a medieval herb garden was unique with fascinating insights into medieval plants and their medicinal or murderous usages—I’m a camomile fan! I highly recommend this book, and thank goodness, no ‘green thumb’ required.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Pru Parke has been invited by the Medieval Garden Society to an evening lecture on “The Medieval Garden” with guest speaker self-taught expert Acantha Morris. The event provides some authentic flair with goblets of mead and a buffet of medieval-inspired foods including…Compost? Yes, an “old English recipe with roasted fruits and vegetables pickled in vinegar and wine.” The proceeds are earmarked for an ambitious project of recreating a medieval herb garden set near a twelfth-century building, Hospital of St. Cross and Almshouse of Nobel Poverty, and additionally turns out to be the perfect inspiration for the pesky magazine article Pru agreed to write. She is also fascinated by the garden’s designs and volunteers her participation, but she’s reticent about accepting the invitation to actually be a member on the board for the Society. But, it all takes a dark turn when one of the society members, one who pledged a seven-figure donation, is found dead. Suicide or murder is the question…Pru sees murder.
It’s a pinch of flavorful fun and a dash of murderous motives! I am a big fan of Marty Wingate’s work, and although I lack a green thumb, I greatly enjoy the well “planted” elements in her work. This eighth book in the series offers an engaging murder mystery with twists in the drama, obvious secrets to expose, and several suspects to explore. The issues of jealousy and long-held animosities are raised, but is it enough to incite murder? Marty’s writing style is always entertaining with lovely descriptions, informative gardening details, and well-developed characters, varying in personality. The dynamic between Pru and her detective husband is loving and supportive and adding family and friends makes the series always fun for readers, like me. The element of a medieval herb garden was unique with fascinating insights into medieval plants and their medicinal or murderous usages—I’m a camomile fan! I highly recommend this book, and thank goodness, no ‘green thumb’ required.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 3, 2022
I enjoy this series and fun to see the continuing adventures Pru and Christopher.
December 1, 2023
This was a bittersweet read for me because it's the last in the Potting Shed Mystery series and I am bereft. Love Pru and Christopher and the incredible cast of secondary characters. And Pru's charming Texan ways. She's never met a stranger and her heart for people and their troubles leads her into all kinds of interesting situations. Excellent mystery, with lots of emotional layers for Pru to work her magic with. And, of course, all the lovely gardening tidbits just make me happy. I'm putting this series on my re-read list for 2024 because I love these characters so much I can't bring myself to say goodbye.
October 22, 2021
Love this British gardening mystery series
Pru is at it again, combining her love of plants with her concerns that people are all cared for too. Not one to shirk tackling tough gardening or mystery solving. Pru makes a new batch of friends as she deftly helps her DI inspector husband figure out how a lovely, sweet, generous woman was so sadly murdered. I feel as though I have to recover from the chilly, damp weather along with Pru. But unfortunately I won't get to do so in a local pub, in front of a fire sipping a half pint. Well done!!
Pru is at it again, combining her love of plants with her concerns that people are all cared for too. Not one to shirk tackling tough gardening or mystery solving. Pru makes a new batch of friends as she deftly helps her DI inspector husband figure out how a lovely, sweet, generous woman was so sadly murdered. I feel as though I have to recover from the chilly, damp weather along with Pru. But unfortunately I won't get to do so in a local pub, in front of a fire sipping a half pint. Well done!!
July 14, 2024
Isn't there another?
The best thing about this series is the characters! The continuing ones and even the ones from each plot, are people who are charming, interesting and fully rounded, not flat. The guilty parties are just a bit mad, not evil to the core. Everything smooths out and you could just keep having tea and Texas biscuits on the weekends forever! Delightful and I have learned a few gardening tips too.
The best thing about this series is the characters! The continuing ones and even the ones from each plot, are people who are charming, interesting and fully rounded, not flat. The guilty parties are just a bit mad, not evil to the core. Everything smooths out and you could just keep having tea and Texas biscuits on the weekends forever! Delightful and I have learned a few gardening tips too.
July 19, 2024
Awesome series
This series of The Potting Shed Mysteries is an enjoyable, entertaining, and captivating read. The characters are well developed and incredibly likeable. The stories include interesting gardening facts that make you anxious to get your hands in some dirt. The mysteries are well written with just the right hints. No surprise out of the blue wrap up. Love the series!!!
This series of The Potting Shed Mysteries is an enjoyable, entertaining, and captivating read. The characters are well developed and incredibly likeable. The stories include interesting gardening facts that make you anxious to get your hands in some dirt. The mysteries are well written with just the right hints. No surprise out of the blue wrap up. Love the series!!!
December 5, 2023
A sheer delight to immerse yourself in.
A delightful, heartwarming series of books that provided some much needed escapism into the charming world of country gardens, village life, and the delicious twists and turns of a good murder mystery.
Engaging characters and well crafted plots have made this series a pleasure to delve into. I shall greatly miss Pru and her friends.
A delightful, heartwarming series of books that provided some much needed escapism into the charming world of country gardens, village life, and the delicious twists and turns of a good murder mystery.
Engaging characters and well crafted plots have made this series a pleasure to delve into. I shall greatly miss Pru and her friends.
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November 22, 2021Another winner from Marty Wingate
The latest Potting Shed mystery is well plotted and also filled with fascinating bits of information about medieval herb usage. The characters, as usual, are well developed and interesting. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
The latest Potting Shed mystery is well plotted and also filled with fascinating bits of information about medieval herb usage. The characters, as usual, are well developed and interesting. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
December 7, 2022
Picked a copy up at the library
and will return it today
to much detail in the clothing and not enough info on the herbs
MC is 'meh 'at best and bla-bla at her worst
Cover art : so- so
Will not persue the rest of the books
and will return it today
to much detail in the clothing and not enough info on the herbs
MC is 'meh 'at best and bla-bla at her worst
Cover art : so- so
Will not persue the rest of the books
May 21, 2024
Bittersweet Herbs
A nice easy read of Pru and Christopher’s adventure in murder. These stories are filled with compassion.
You feel like friends of the family when reading I hope there are more as I have read all series up to now.
A nice easy read of Pru and Christopher’s adventure in murder. These stories are filled with compassion.
You feel like friends of the family when reading I hope there are more as I have read all series up to now.
June 26, 2025
Pru helps solve a mystery of who killed a woman about to make a generous donation to a medieval garden society. Christopher’s former boss arrives with his new wife. And Pru continues her cooking lessons
October 24, 2021
So good to have Pru and gang back at it. I hope there will be more.
November 12, 2021
Love this series.
October 9, 2023
I love the adventures involving gardens and all the great characters.
January 7, 2024
Enjoyable outing with Pru and friends as they try to find who murdered Claudia before she could donate her fortune to the Medieval Garden Society.
January 22, 2024
This one didn't hold my attention as well as the others, but I'm still itchy for the next one. lol
January 28, 2024
Wonderful series
Bittersweet Herbs finds Pru and Christopher involved in a medieval garden, and new characters that are challenging and some that warm your heart.
Bittersweet Herbs finds Pru and Christopher involved in a medieval garden, and new characters that are challenging and some that warm your heart.
February 14, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version. It kept my interest but it was just ok. I will go back and read the 1st one in the series to get some background that I missed.
February 18, 2024
3.75 stars
August 25, 2024
I have absolutely been enthralled by this series of books ! Would love it if there were more but sadly I don’t think there are !
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed it very much
October 29, 2021
The Potting Shed mysteries have always been some of my favorites, and I eagerly anticipate each new release. Bittersweet Herbs, Marty Wingate's 8th book in the series, is cleverly written, cozy, warm, and mysterious....and it's the kind of book that although I could easily devour it in one sitting, I try to limit my reading to just a few chapters a day to make it last.
Pru Parke's been asked to join the Winchester Medieval Garden Society, and before she can even make her decision, one of the board members is murdered. Discovering who killed this generous and trusting woman becomes Pru's personal mission, and I felt as if I was working right along with her as we both sorted out the clues. Well done, Marty Wingate!
A+++
Pru Parke's been asked to join the Winchester Medieval Garden Society, and before she can even make her decision, one of the board members is murdered. Discovering who killed this generous and trusting woman becomes Pru's personal mission, and I felt as if I was working right along with her as we both sorted out the clues. Well done, Marty Wingate!
A+++
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews