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Half Past Death
The beauty and peace of Meadowood Gardens, a historic botanical garden on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is disrupted by murder...
Marigold (Mari) Saille, a graduate student in the Gardens Administration Program, is led to the body of noted visiting professor, Dr. Wellington, by an insistent, meowing Nepeta, the resident garden cat. All clues point to Dr. Arthur Knight as the culprit, a Gardens professor and Mari's family friend. Determined to exonerate Dr. Knight, despite warnings from the police and ominous threats to her own life, Mari finds herself in a race against time to find the killer before she's next!
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 1, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
1st June 2025
TITLE: Half Past Death
AUTHOR: Sharon & James Brubaker
Star Rating: 4
‘A cleverly plotted murder mystery with strong characterisation, a highly original setting – and lots of suspense!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this cosy murder mystery from the pen of not one, but two talented writers. Isn’t it odd how a murder can be described as ‘cosy’ – but, hey, it’ a crazy world! Anyway, I settled down with this well-written novel on a Friday afternoon; it’s not overly long, so I finished it that evening. And, I must say, the hours flew by. I SO got into it; not only the mystery of who murdered visiting professor, Dr. Wellington, but I also loved rooting for Marigold (Mari), as she attempts to discover who did the dastardly deed.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the story is smartly plotted, the authors never giving away too much too soon. There’s an art to that; an art the Brubakers have mastered. Secondly, I liked Mari. She’s determined, clever and, best of all, she’s fun to get to know. And thirdly, and liked the botanical garden setting. But then, I’m an avid gardener, so it’s not surprising.
In terms of who this book is for, I suspect the ‘average’ cosy mystery fan will find this book excellent. Admittedly, there are a few errors sprinkled here and there, and I felt it was a bit too short; in fact, I was just getting into it, and it ended. But for readers looking for a relaxing novel to enjoy in the garden this summer, Half Past Death is perfect. I think they’ll enjoy getting to know the characters (including Nepeta, the cat), the suspense, and the thrill of the chase. All in all, a compelling, albeit light read.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
1st June 2025
TITLE: Half Past Death
AUTHOR: Sharon & James Brubaker
Star Rating: 4
‘A cleverly plotted murder mystery with strong characterisation, a highly original setting – and lots of suspense!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this cosy murder mystery from the pen of not one, but two talented writers. Isn’t it odd how a murder can be described as ‘cosy’ – but, hey, it’ a crazy world! Anyway, I settled down with this well-written novel on a Friday afternoon; it’s not overly long, so I finished it that evening. And, I must say, the hours flew by. I SO got into it; not only the mystery of who murdered visiting professor, Dr. Wellington, but I also loved rooting for Marigold (Mari), as she attempts to discover who did the dastardly deed.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the story is smartly plotted, the authors never giving away too much too soon. There’s an art to that; an art the Brubakers have mastered. Secondly, I liked Mari. She’s determined, clever and, best of all, she’s fun to get to know. And thirdly, and liked the botanical garden setting. But then, I’m an avid gardener, so it’s not surprising.
In terms of who this book is for, I suspect the ‘average’ cosy mystery fan will find this book excellent. Admittedly, there are a few errors sprinkled here and there, and I felt it was a bit too short; in fact, I was just getting into it, and it ended. But for readers looking for a relaxing novel to enjoy in the garden this summer, Half Past Death is perfect. I think they’ll enjoy getting to know the characters (including Nepeta, the cat), the suspense, and the thrill of the chase. All in all, a compelling, albeit light read.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
December 4, 2025
A charming cozy mystery for horticulture lovers! This is just a ticket to tear you away from doomscrolling. Our protagonist, Marigold, is one of a handful of graduate students in residence at an historical garden on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. When a visiting professor is found dead under the Clock Tower--shades of Nancy Drew--Mari gets pulled into a twisting plot with a good enough ending.Meanwhile, the lush descriptions of plants, the many gardens, and the Chesapeake Bay area bring the story to life... and the hint of romance just whetted my appetite for the next volume in the series.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews