Turmeric and Turmoil: A Small Town Contemporary Cozy Mystery

Heywood Herbalist #8

by Carly Winter

Welcome to Heywood, where the only thing deadlier than gossip is dinner.

When former soap opera star Sam Jones and her lawyer, Colin Breckshire, discover a dead body outside his office, Sam's peaceful life in Heywood takes a deadly turn. Alan Jackson, a wealthy HVAC business owner, has been poisoned, and Colin becomes the prime suspect.

Determined to prove her friend's innocence, Sam uncovers a web of secrets surrounding Alan's death, and discovers plenty of his business partner has been embezzling funds, his wife is having an affair, and his estranged son has been cut from the will.

As Sam delves deeper into the investigation—much to the sheriff’s frustration—she discovers that Alan wasn't the upstanding citizen he appeared to be. From blackmail schemes to family betrayals, the victim had made plenty of enemies.

But the murderer is more dangerous than his victim and Sam must tread carefully.

Will Sam find the killer before she becomes a target herself?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

Reviews

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Turmeric and Turmoil (Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries #8)" by Carly Winter has Sam's house nearly finished and her re-ownership of Sage Advice almost finished. She just needs to finish signing papers with their lawyer. Unfortunately, the lawyer's office is a crime scene and the layer the number one suspect. Sam can't believe he would be capable of murder and sticks her nose in to investigating.

This one set up several suspects that could easily have been the culprit. I was actually leaning towards a sort of Strangers on a Train mixed with cheating spouse (but not the spouse you'd think right away) scenario. I could see how that might not go over well with some readers though. In the end, it made sense but was really a little too basic compared to what I had going on in my head.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Sam Jones wanted to do was sign the contract to regain part of her business, but the dead body in her attorney's office made that an impossibility. Now her lawyer (and friend), Colin Breckshire, is a suspect in a murder inquiry, and Sam's not going to take that sitting down. The real murderer better watch out!

It's always a pleasure to head back to the town of Heywood. Even at the start of this series, I knew the inhabitants; they were that well described. But, even more now, I love spending time with these imaginary friends.

This particular mystery felt very emotion-driven, with Sam determined to clear Colin's name. Despite this, Sam's investigation appeared to be very focused and rational. I enjoyed going down rabbit holes with her as she worked to uncover the killer.

As the eighth book in the series, Turmeric and Turmoil has a vast history behind it. However, this book can be read as a standalone, although readers may encounter spoilers from other stories in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries.

Thank you to BookSirens and Carly Winter for the chance to view this e-Arc. My opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Michelle Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the quaint town of Haywood, Arizona, Sam—a former daytime soap opera star—is about to embark on a thrilling new journey. As she sits on the steps of her lawyer’s office, gazing up at the shimmering stars, she can hardly contain her excitement. She’s just moments away from signing the papers to officially reclaim her beloved herbal shop, Sage Advice. Little does she know, her dream is about to take a dark turn.

When her lawyer, Colin, finally arrives, they ascend to his office on the second floor, only to find the lights have mysteriously gone out. With her phone flashlight leading the way, they reach the door—and are met with an unimaginable sight: the lifeless body of Alan Jackson, one of Colin’s clients, sprawled on the floor.

The sheriff quickly zeroes in on Colin as the prime suspect, but Sam won’t stand for that. Determined to clear his name, she dives headfirst into the mystery, determined to unearth the truth. With a long list of potential suspects, each more suspicious than the last, can Sam crack the case before Colin is wrongfully charged with murder?

Don’t miss out on the gripping twists and turns of Carly Winter’s latest cozy mystery, *Turmeric and Turmoil*! This is a captivating story that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat—grab your copy now and see if you can solve the mystery before the final reveal!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This was a fun cozy that kept you guessing. There was plenty of suspects, all with possible means and motives to carry out the murder. To be honest I kept changing my mind as to who was responsible and never did figure it out. I like the characters and as the series switches between the friends, as they solve crimes the books don't need to be read in the correct order, however the stories do end with an epilogue which gives you a teaser of what the characters are up against in the next book. Sam is always an entertaining main character because she always has a lot on her plate and things look like they are going to get even more interesting in the next book.

With the shop Sage advice still in trouble being run by Annabelle, Sam is set to become a partner and take over running the business side of the shop. However when she goes to sign the papers at her lawyers office, she stumbles over a dead body. When the police seem to take a keen interest in her lawyer friend, Sam sets out to prove he was not responsible. The dead man was not well liked even by his own family and Sam will have her work cut out for her in narrowing down the list. With poison as the murder weapon, alibis can't help until she works out when he was poisoned and the fact the deadly mushrooms grow everywhere means everyone of her suspects has access to them. Can she find the killer?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and her lawyer Colin are meeting to get some papers done for her partnership in Sage Advice. That gets sidetracked when they find a body outside his office doorway and the office itself is ransacked. When Trevor now sheriff sets his sights on Colin who if you’ve kept up you know is the sweetest man ever as prime suspect Sam can’t help but be outraged on his behalf and gets to sleuthing.
This one was a real head scratcher. A mystery wrapped up in an enigma. There’s tons of motives, lots of suspects and a very unsympathetic victim. Even though that makes her task harder Sam keeps on trucking. Love a visit to Heywood anytime and this was no different. So glad they now have a qualified sheriff even though that doesn’t stop Sam from “helping.” A twist worthy of her former career at the end. Can’t wait for the next book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise Trammel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Carly Winters has a great book out! Reading more about her little town of Heywood and her characters as they develop gives me such joy. Each of her books in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries makes me happy. I love trying to figure out who the guilty party is while reading. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants a fun, easy, enjoyable read.

I received this book as an ARC reader from Book Sirens for my honest opinion

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorites are back! There are so many things going on in this story. Sam is trying to get Sage Advice back from the brink of disaster after Annabelle almost ran out into the ground. While meeting with her friend and lawyer, Colin Berkshire, they stumble upon the body of Alan Jackson, a local HVAC contractor.

Colin becomes the prime suspect, which is just kind boggling to me. The investigation is in Trevor and Jordan’s hands and Sam is furious that Trevor is even considering Colin a suspect.

We see a tiny bit of Gina and Annabelle, but it’s more Sam on her own or with Jordan. I do miss the other two.

There are so many unknowns in this, and it actually did take me up until the end to figure out who the killer was. I love these books!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's on the Case . . .

Former soap opera star Samantha Jones ("Sam") and Colin Breckshire, Sam's lawyer and friend, head to his office after hours to get some paperwork he needs to sign and take to the bank the next day. The corridor is dark and Sam turns on her phone's flashlight to find the dead body of Alan Jackson in the hallway outside Colin's office! She noticed he had a white, frothy substance around his mouth and had no pulse. They called the Sheriff and Trevor arrived to ask them questions. Alan Jackson had been Colin's client and had owed Colin a large sum of money. He had told Colin 2 days previously that he had no intention of paying the money back. When the crime scene team arrived, Trevor let Sam and Colin leave, he called them back, when they found that Colin's office had also been ransacked as if someone had been looking for something -- and why would Colin have ransacked his own office? When it turns out that Alan Jackson had been poisoned, Colin becomes the primary suspect.

Determined to prove Colin had nothing to do with this, Sam uncovers some important clues surrounding Alan Jackson's death. A number of people already had strong motives. Alan's business partner, Bill Wares, had a gambling problem and was embezzling funds; Alan's wife Christina has apparently been having an affair with someone; and Alan had cut his son Connor out of his Will. As Colin had been telling Sam, Alan is not a nice guy. There were quite a few people who had a reason to want him dead. Now Sam is putting herself at great risk. She had already found two very possible suspects. But can she prove who the killer is before she ends up as the next victim?

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curl up with another of Carly's cozies and visit quaint small town Heywood again. Carly Winter's Turmeric and Turmoil is the eighth story in her Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries. Once again, Sam Jones discovers a body and this time her friend and lawyer seems to be the primary suspect. Naturally she dives in and starts snooping. This series has all the best cozy mystery tropes: the quaint small town filled with colorful quirky characters and a protagonist who keeps discovering bodies and always needs to solve the mystery because the suspect is friend or family. Winter always has plenty of red herrings for her sleuth to follow, and this time was no exception. The body that is discovered on Collin's office doorstep is that of a former client. And as Collin informs her the man has made his share of enemies. Between an estranged son, a not so loving wife, and a shady business partner there is not shortage of suspects. As the investigation continues, Sam digs up a few more. Since this is a lengthy series, most of the characters are already friends that the reader knows well and can't wait to visit. Because of that there is very little character development in this novel and the reader can just sit down and enjoy the mystery. Although this is a long running series, the mystery can easily be read as a stand-alone. There is only one problem with this novel. As usual, the epilogue is a teaser for the next book, and now I can't wait until February for Oregano and Outrage: A Small Town Contemporary Cozy Mystery.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Heywood and on book 8 no less ! It’s still as fresh though this series by Carly Wintervale it really is the bees’ knees.if you know this couple Sam you know where I’m going to begin…with a dead body and some sleuthing .For those who are just being introduced ,well here’s the juice . The gossip if you like . You see Sam Jones former Operatic Star solves mysteries and this one for her lawyer Colin Breckshire is serious business. There’s a dead body been found outside his building …Already feel a mystery building? Well let’s delve in and see what this mystery is adding up to be shall we? Well it’s packed a lot in and I really don’t know where to begin except that there’s some embezzling funds and moving things about and a lot of underhandedness without a doubt . This sleuth extraordinaire is armed but there’s someone dangerous who doesn’t care for her skill and she has to be careful she’s not the next kill. Eek it’s the truth she does seek so she will . But as far as you or I can foresee .its a thrilling mystery read . Wonderfully written indeed! I lapped it up with relish and gusto as per usual if you must know because I love this author’s writing so.Good solid characters with their own traits and descriptions are also top rate good. If I was you and asked would I read ,I’d answer without a second thought nor guess ,of course I would yes.

[Mackenzie Grier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me so long to read; I could not get into it.

Sam annoyed me a little, which was sad because I was trying to love her as the main character, but she just seemed all over the place, getting involved in too many things, with every person in town. She seemed to be pulled in too many directions that trying to keep up with her was exhausting. She argued with the police, I get it, she wanted to be involved and help, but then blatantly did exactly what they warned her not to do.

I also didn’t think it realistic that people let her basically interrogate them and come into their houses asking weird questions just because she said she knew Alan or Collin.

It definitely would have helped to read the books before this one in the series. There wasn’t enough introduction to the characters for me, a new reader of this series. I found many things Sam did, like projects she was working on, also didn’t come with a description or backstory, so I would have to assume it started as something in the previous book that was carried into this one.

There were a couple parts where I was yelling at Sam that things were very obvious and she needed to come to this realization sooner. There were a couple suspects, but it was a straight-forward mystery to me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turmeric and Turmoil is another fun installment in Carly Winter’s Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries, and it’s everything fans of the series have been waiting for. Returning to the charming Arizona town of Heywood feels like catching up with old friends—quirky neighbors, small-town gossip, and of course, a fresh mystery that keeps you guessing from page one.

Former soap star turned herbalist sleuth Sam Jones once again finds her quiet life upended by a murder close to home. As previously, Carly Winter balances warmth, wit, and intrigue beautifully. The herbal remedies and small-town charm provide a cozy backdrop, while the layered motives and red herrings make for a clever whodunit that never feels predictable.

Longtime readers will appreciate how relationships continue to evolve, but newcomers can easily jump in and enjoy the ride. With its engaging characters, crisp dialogue, and perfectly paced suspense, Turmeric and Turmoil proves this series is as fresh and satisfying as ever. Fans of character-driven cozy mysteries will devour it in a single sitting.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sam meets lawyer Colin after hours to sign some paperwork, she instead finds herself in the middle of another mystery. Lying dead outside Colin’s ransacked office is his client, businessman Alan. With Sheriff Trevor focusing on Colin as a suspect, Sam decides to investigate to clear his name. Colin reveals some shady decisions Alan wanted legal help with that could be motive for murder. Alan made plenty of enemies, but which one wanted him dead?

The 8th book in the Heywood Herbalist series offers a puzzling mystery with plenty of suspects. Carly Winter does a great job with setting up the case and throwing in red herrings. I was definitely surprised with the direction things went. The Heywood mysteries are always a lot of fun and Sam, Annabelle, and Gina are great to catch up with. Trevor’s exasperation with Sam’s interference likely reminded him of Gina doing the same in the Heywood Hounds series. The epilogue sets up a conflict for the next book between Sam and one of her former costars, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series!!

I really love Carly Winter's books - they are well written, fun, and have wonderful, often quirky characters that you can't help but love.

In this book, Sam and her lawyer, Colin, go to his office so she can sign papers getting her back in as an owner of Sage Advice (very needed since Annabelle is a great herbalist but not so great at finances. As they get to his office, they find a dead body - that of another of Colin's clients. With Colin the main suspect, Sam sets out (to the frustration of Jordan and Trevor) to find the real murderer. Along the way, we meet a number of suspects, and there are twists and turns and unexpected reveals along the way.

Super fun book, with the ending setting us up for book 9, which I'm now REALLY wanting to read!! Can't wait :).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read about Sam Jones and her ongoing adventures in the town of Heywood. The murder mystery has Sam, Jordan, Annabelle and assorted characters looking for clues to who done it. The suspects as usual are many and this time poison is the weapon. The story arc was good and kept me engaged throughout. I enjoy these characters and love getting to read the ongoing development of their relationships with each other. The one slightly disappointing thing is that while Sam and Jordan's relationship has evolved - it took kind of a back burner to the story. Their discussions, arguments and resolutions were a bit weak and one dimensional. Despite that I enjoyed the book with the cliff hanger ending. If you like cozy mysteries that offer a nice escape from life than this book and the series are for you.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series from book 1 and seeing how far Sam has come in the small town of Heywood has been such a great storyline. She came trying to hide her identity as a Hollywood star until she realized these people don't care who she is as long as she's a good kind neighbor. I love that! But when her attorney, who's helped her so much with her business at Sage Advice is the number one suspect in the most recent killing in Heywood she's got her claws out to catch the real killer. The characters in this series are what makes it great for me. I love how they all interact with each other and protect each other when someone gets out of line. Cozy Mysteries are built around their characters and Carly Winter's one of the best at bringing them to life. I can't wait for the next book to hit the shelves. Happy Reading!

[Kathy Tozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Settling back into life in Heywood was a bit hectic but coming along well. Well, that is until Sam meets with her lawyer Colin and finds yet another dead body.
The demise of another citizen puts future plans for Sam on hold.
There is no way she is going to stand by and watch another friend be framed for murder.
For a small town there sure are a lot of murders. Good thing Sam is on the job once again.

This series is such a wonderful read, I hope it does not end for a while.
Kudos to Carly Winter for another great book.
Turmeric and Turmoil: A Small Town Contemporary Cozy Mystery

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turmeric and Turmoil: A Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery is book #7 in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries series by Carly Winter.

Sam and Jordan are settling back in to life in Heywood, but things go awry when Sam is meeting her lawyer, Colin, at his office one evening. In front of the office, they find the body of one of Colin’s clients. When the police learn the victim owes Colin a considerable amount of money, they zero in on him as the prime suspect. Sam knows that Colin is not a murderer so she and Annabelle and gang all are on board to clear Colin’s name. This was another entertaining mystery. I love going back to Heywood and seeing Sam, especially when her soap opera character comes out when she’s threatened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series when it started and have enjoyed every iteration of Heywood, from Sam Jones's first series, to Gina and Daisy's walk on the wild side in Heywood Hounds. But, having the original Soap Opera Diva back in the saddle has been amazing. I loved how the author stayed true to the original story, while bringing a fresh and new take, as well.

In this story, Sam and her lawyer find a dead body in front of her lawyer's office. When Sheriff Trevor starts investigating the lawyer, who is trying to balance his duties as the deceased lawyer versus saving his own hide… Sam jumps in and tries to find the real killer.

I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Heywood Herbalist series! Now, since Sam and Jordan are back in Heywood, Sam is preparing to purchase back Sage Advice, at Annabelle's suggestion, when meeting with her attorney, Colin, they find the body of one of Colin's clients. Colin's office had also been ransacked. Colin becomes the main suspect and Sam works with Jordan, Trevor (a friend and new Sheriff of Heywood), and her friend and colleague, Annabelle to find the real killer. I really like how this series is turning, it's nice to spee Trevor as sheriff, working WITH Sam and Jordan. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turmeric and Turmoil is another fun, twisted, small town of Heywood, cozy mystery. Another body messes with Sam's life as her attorney is accused of the murder. It turns out that the murderer was not exactly an upstanding citizen. With suspects that include an son removed from the will, a wife having an affair, and a business partner with a gambling addiction and more, there are plenty of suspects. There are always lots of red herrings so I seldom ever guess the actual murderer. The attorney is not answering his phone and Sam cannot get her business papers filed. There is a lot to keep up with and I did not want to put the book down!

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a killer to save a friend
Sam's life is very hectic between house renovations, buying back into Sage advice, and everyday life. So it was really not in the cards to find a dead body at her lawyer's office. But that's the deal and when Colin Berkshire, her attorney and one of the nicest people is high on the suspect list she decides to aid in the investigation. Since the dead man seemed to have no end of enemies finding the killer is like looking for a straw in a straw stack. But Sam's perseverance and the Sheriff and Jordan's investigative skills make for an excellent story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam stumbles over a disorganized and grizzly scene with her local business and legal guru, and the trouble linked to it might mean some challenges forher dapper friend.

a few extra kinks pop up with the apothecary - Annabelle is a great advisor for herbal health, and a loyal if kinda crazy friend - she's just not so business organized.

throw in some conniving friends, family and neighbors and it's a lethal concoction or two.

intense, drama, suspense and action packed tangled tales and travails.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turmeric and Turmoil is Book 8 in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter. I have read every book in this series and this author writes very enjoyable mysteries. I think it is a great idea to give a short snippet of books 1-7 for those who are new to the series. There are lots of people who want Alan dead and tons of secrets to uncover. Turmeric and Turmoil will sprinkle clues throughout the story. Can you solve this murder before Sam? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 8 of Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries. Sam is back for another attempt at solving a murder when she and Colin her lawyer stumble upon a dead man. I love the characters in the series and how you have crossover characters that make this series a must read. My favorite part is each time I read a new book it's like coming home to an old friend. I'm able to get lost in the story until the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRC from BookSirens and Westwood Publishing
A fast paced, fun, cozy mystery. Sam, who’s on her way to meet her lawyer, see him outside his office and they go in together, where they find a body. Colin, the lawyer, is the lead suspect, and Sam knows he didn’t do it. She needs to clear his name. There are a few suspects, lots of red herrings, and some interesting information about deadly mushrooms.
This is the eighth book in the series, but you don’t need to have read the previous ones to enjoy it. The author give you a quick synopsis of books 1-7 at the beginning of this one.

[BookHound · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam the murder magnet strikes again. And this time the finger is pointing at her attorney Colin as the murderer. Intrigue surrounds the victim, so lots to sort out. It was nice to include several other previous characters throughout the story so we can keep up with them. Heywood is a cozy town with likable characters, but with so many murders I wouldn't want to live there. Keep guessing until the end who actually did the deed. I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I've read the entire series along with the offshoot series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of Death cap mushrooms. There were wt least 6 possible suspects. Everyone had motive and a means. Uncovering the back stories of how their lives intertwined was interesting. I would have liked to see more closure to some of the other suspects. I still have questions about their motives. The ending is a cliffhanger with the premise set for the next story. The relationships between the shop owners are close, always caring about each other. I would definitely read more in the series.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't draw me in like some of the others in this series. I'm not sure why. It was a good mystery with lots of suspects, Sam working to clear Colin while the dealing with Trevor and Jordan. I kind of think I'm missing Annabelle and Gina as they did add to the overall story in previous books. I'll wait for the next one and see what happens. Unfortunately this book ends in a cliffhanger (which I do not like) but at least you know where the next book is going to start!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex Hollywood star Samantha Rathbone has started a new life in the small town. of Heywood.
After lots of changes she is on the verge of becoming co-owner of the local herbal shop. But when she arrives together with her lawyer at his office to sign the final papers, a dead body is putting a stop to the finalizing

Her lawyer had a bad relationship with the murdered man over a financial dispute and became a prime suspect. That doesn't sit well with Sam, who makes it her business to find out who the real killer is.