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The Aspen Notch Mysteries #2
The Garden Shop Mystery: The Aspen Notch Mystery Series, Book 2
A new garden shop, a quiet mountain town . . . and sabotage that could turn deadly.
Sue Jaworski has big hopes for Butterflies and Blooms, her new garden shop in the mountain town of Aspen Notch. Housed in the same historical cabin that once held a beloved local candy store, Sue dreams of building something just as cherished by the town's tight-knit community.
But when a series of unsettling incidents disrupts the shop—escalating from minor mischief to full-blown vandalism—those dreams start to wither. Then food poisoning sweeps through town, and health officials point to Sue's shop as the source. Now, it's clear someone wants her shut down for good—but why?
While her husband Alan, the town's police chief, works other cases, Sue draws on her instincts—and his backup—to connect the dots. As long-buried tensions in Aspen Notch begin to surface, the couple must uncover the truth before the attacks turn more dangerous.
The Garden Shop Mystery is a wholesome cozy mystery with endearing characters and a satisfying whodunnit at its heart. If you enjoy Betty Rowlands, Murder, She Wrote, or the classic charm of Nancy Drew, you'll feel right at home in Aspen Notch.
Sue Jaworski has big hopes for Butterflies and Blooms, her new garden shop in the mountain town of Aspen Notch. Housed in the same historical cabin that once held a beloved local candy store, Sue dreams of building something just as cherished by the town's tight-knit community.
But when a series of unsettling incidents disrupts the shop—escalating from minor mischief to full-blown vandalism—those dreams start to wither. Then food poisoning sweeps through town, and health officials point to Sue's shop as the source. Now, it's clear someone wants her shut down for good—but why?
While her husband Alan, the town's police chief, works other cases, Sue draws on her instincts—and his backup—to connect the dots. As long-buried tensions in Aspen Notch begin to surface, the couple must uncover the truth before the attacks turn more dangerous.
The Garden Shop Mystery is a wholesome cozy mystery with endearing characters and a satisfying whodunnit at its heart. If you enjoy Betty Rowlands, Murder, She Wrote, or the classic charm of Nancy Drew, you'll feel right at home in Aspen Notch.
Audible Audio
First published May 14, 2020
About the author
Kathleen McKee
35 books88 followersKathleen McKee is a retired educator and registered dietitian who enjoys crafting stories that are uplifting and moving. Regardless of genre, she likes to include a touch of romance and mystery, with narratives that bring the characters to life.
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 18, 2022
Sue decides to make a garden center in the cabin after encouragement from her friend Evelyn and support from Alan. Everyone in town wants Sue to include candy from the recipes Clara Whitman left but Sue isn't sure there's room for candy in a garden center. Enter Barb who volunteers to make the recipes and bring them to the cabin so they can sell them. Everything is fine until people get sick and blames the candy for it. That along with vandalism to the store ends up causing the store to be closed down till the health inspector decides if it really was the candy that got everyone sick. The vandalism escalates, someone dies and there are more suspects than answers. Alan and Sue aren't sure they're ever going to find the killer and after a lot of interesting twists, turns and plot changes with the occasional red herring thrown in is the truth discovered. Meanwhile throughout the story the history and family tree of Abe Whitman [the founding father so to speak of Aspen Notch] is slowly completed. Lots of action going on throughout the story and if you love a good mystery, you are definitely going to want to read this book.
January 8, 2026
Picking up several months after the conclusion of the first book in the series, The Garden Shop Mystery opens by bringing listeners up to speed on Sue and Alan’s life as they’ve settled into their home in Aspen Notch. Sue is moving forward with her dream to open a garden shop in “Abe’s Cabin,” the outbuilding located on their property. While it’s a lot of work, she’s enjoying the process; however a newly elected town official is working to keep the shop from opening, and after it does open, vandalism and other issues cause the store to close for days.
The Garden Shop Mystery is just that… a mystery over who is trying to sabotage the shop or if it’s all just a series of terrible pranks. While the book was slow going as I listened to all of the pitfalls and successes of Sue’s endeavor, I realized I liked that the story didn’t center on a murder. Too many cozies fall in to the trap of creating a town filled with dead bodies. There are only so many murders a small town can handle before it becomes ridiculous.
The Aspen Notch Mystery series features real characters that have everyday concerns. I love that Sue and Alan are a bit older, yet still active. This is a second marriage for both Sue and Alan, and I like that we see them learn each other’s quirks and habits. That said, they’ve been together a year and still fall into the same traps when it comes to communication. Sue often reacts without thinking, especially when she’s frustrated with Alan’s perceived lack of concern. It’s okay for a bit, but she ends up acting like a petulant child who doesn’t get her way. And Alan tends to try and control Sue’s handling of a situation, belittling her concerns and actions. While I praise the author for creating solid, real characters, I want to see them learn and mature as the series progresses, and I don’t see that yet in this book.
There is also a scene in the book that shocked me and left a bad taste in my mouth. At one point when Sue is frustrated over her situation and unclear on how to proceed, she states that she doesn’t know where to start. Her best friend Evelyn makes a comment about Custer not knowing where to start when he was told to round up the Native Americans. I was just floored at how insensitive this comparison is. It came out of nowhere and is in horribly poor taste.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Sue. Jones performs with a deeper feminine voice, suitable for the 60-something Sue. She alters a marginal amount for gender, deepening her voice for males. There isn’t a lot of variation between characters of the same gender, but enough to distinguish who was talking. Overall it’s a good performance.
In the end, The Garden Shop Mystery is a good mystery. While I do appreciate that the story and characters are grounded in reality, I want to see the characters learn from their actions, especially Sue, who went a bit overboard in this story. I’ll give the next book a try, but if I don’t see improvement, I may be leaving Aspen Notch behind.
My Ratings:
Story: B-/C+
Narration: B+
Originally posted on That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
The Garden Shop Mystery is just that… a mystery over who is trying to sabotage the shop or if it’s all just a series of terrible pranks. While the book was slow going as I listened to all of the pitfalls and successes of Sue’s endeavor, I realized I liked that the story didn’t center on a murder. Too many cozies fall in to the trap of creating a town filled with dead bodies. There are only so many murders a small town can handle before it becomes ridiculous.
The Aspen Notch Mystery series features real characters that have everyday concerns. I love that Sue and Alan are a bit older, yet still active. This is a second marriage for both Sue and Alan, and I like that we see them learn each other’s quirks and habits. That said, they’ve been together a year and still fall into the same traps when it comes to communication. Sue often reacts without thinking, especially when she’s frustrated with Alan’s perceived lack of concern. It’s okay for a bit, but she ends up acting like a petulant child who doesn’t get her way. And Alan tends to try and control Sue’s handling of a situation, belittling her concerns and actions. While I praise the author for creating solid, real characters, I want to see them learn and mature as the series progresses, and I don’t see that yet in this book.
There is also a scene in the book that shocked me and left a bad taste in my mouth. At one point when Sue is frustrated over her situation and unclear on how to proceed, she states that she doesn’t know where to start. Her best friend Evelyn makes a comment about Custer not knowing where to start when he was told to round up the Native Americans. I was just floored at how insensitive this comparison is. It came out of nowhere and is in horribly poor taste.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Sue. Jones performs with a deeper feminine voice, suitable for the 60-something Sue. She alters a marginal amount for gender, deepening her voice for males. There isn’t a lot of variation between characters of the same gender, but enough to distinguish who was talking. Overall it’s a good performance.
In the end, The Garden Shop Mystery is a good mystery. While I do appreciate that the story and characters are grounded in reality, I want to see the characters learn from their actions, especially Sue, who went a bit overboard in this story. I’ll give the next book a try, but if I don’t see improvement, I may be leaving Aspen Notch behind.
My Ratings:
Story: B-/C+
Narration: B+
Originally posted on That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
June 11, 2023
This was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed so I thought I would check it out. It is time to bring my review to Goodreads.
Premise: Sue wants to own a garden shop, and the locals are excited to finally have one in their town. While putting the place together she comes across some old recipes. She decides to sell the candies. This creates a whole new series of problems, including vandalism. What's up in her town?
Cozy mystery. Small town charm. Woman sleuth. Likable characters. Easy read.
Premise: Sue wants to own a garden shop, and the locals are excited to finally have one in their town. While putting the place together she comes across some old recipes. She decides to sell the candies. This creates a whole new series of problems, including vandalism. What's up in her town?
Cozy mystery. Small town charm. Woman sleuth. Likable characters. Easy read.
June 4, 2021
I seldom find a good, page turning mystery without a dead body being discovered, but this is one. The characters are likeable and feel like real people. There's enough narrative to help set the various scenes, but not so much that it's boring. The plot keeps you reading and progresses at a comfortable pace. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for an easy, interesting read.
June 3, 2020
I was charmed by Kathleen McKee's latest, The Garden Shop Mystery. After reading the prequel, I was on the edge of my seat to see what trouble protagonist Sue would get into next! As Sue settles into her new community, I especially enjoyed reading about her evolving female friendships and the support that these relationships gave her in developing her new business. The escalating mischief at the newly opened garden shop kept me turning the pages, devouring the book in the span of a day! McKee is a riveting, wholesome storyteller who paints such a clear picture that I could practically taste the vanilla saltwater taffy.
December 13, 2020
I enjoy Kathleen McKee's Aspen Notch Mysteries very much. Her characters are well written, writing the best - just very enjoyable reads.
October 22, 2025
These Books Keep Getting Better
These books aren’t your regular murder / death books. MS McKee has blended a likable storyline with the misadventure of some of the residents. My only complaint would be with the husband in the story…he’s way too obtuse to be a lawman. I understand the play by
But sometimes I want to shake his character, lolol…still much an enjoyable story and characters.
These books aren’t your regular murder / death books. MS McKee has blended a likable storyline with the misadventure of some of the residents. My only complaint would be with the husband in the story…he’s way too obtuse to be a lawman. I understand the play by
But sometimes I want to shake his character, lolol…still much an enjoyable story and characters.
July 24, 2026
Excellent story crafting
I’ve read two of these novels now and enjoyed both of them thoroughly. Kathleen McKee has a great sense of plotting to keep the story. Interesting and keep the mystery moving along. With the two novels she’s now brought in a cast of characters and friends that I’m sure will follow along with the rest of the books and give us that warm feeling of camaraderie.
I’ve read two of these novels now and enjoyed both of them thoroughly. Kathleen McKee has a great sense of plotting to keep the story. Interesting and keep the mystery moving along. With the two novels she’s now brought in a cast of characters and friends that I’m sure will follow along with the rest of the books and give us that warm feeling of camaraderie.
June 30, 2020
This book was a wonderful mystery with relatable characters. I loved the historical element too. Made me want to learn more of my own family history. She describes the scenes with so much detail that it’s easy to envision the settings. I was imaging the cabin with all the garden items, plants, tools, and had me craving taffy! It was an enjoyable read!
June 19, 2025
Enjoyable series
Sue has opened her garden shop in the cabin on their property, but several acts of vandalism and even some serious incidents make the continuation of the shop questionable. Several people in town have gotten sick with high potassium levels, and finding out what caused is another mystery. I hope to continue the series.
Sue has opened her garden shop in the cabin on their property, but several acts of vandalism and even some serious incidents make the continuation of the shop questionable. Several people in town have gotten sick with high potassium levels, and finding out what caused is another mystery. I hope to continue the series.
January 26, 2026
surprised by one incident
There were so many side stories that wove into the main one. I’m glad they settled the issues about the candy. Sue is a very forgiving woman. Alan can be a suspicious jerk toward his wife sometimes. I will read the next book in the series. Please always keep Sophie safe.
There were so many side stories that wove into the main one. I’m glad they settled the issues about the candy. Sue is a very forgiving woman. Alan can be a suspicious jerk toward his wife sometimes. I will read the next book in the series. Please always keep Sophie safe.
July 5, 2026
These are lovely little cozy mysteries. Sue is a lovely person. I'm not sure when these mysteries were written; there is internet and cell phones, but Sue is also the person who seems to do all the housework and plans dinners. It is an annoying jab in the otherwise well written series.
Sue continues to both solve mysteries and help the people she encounters make connections.
Sue continues to both solve mysteries and help the people she encounters make connections.
February 26, 2026
The Garden Shop Mystery
This,was a great second book in the Aspen Notch mystery series. In this book we meet new characters and get better acquainted with the ones from book 1. The story comes together well with an interesting twist at the end. I enjoyed the book.
This,was a great second book in the Aspen Notch mystery series. In this book we meet new characters and get better acquainted with the ones from book 1. The story comes together well with an interesting twist at the end. I enjoyed the book.
April 30, 2026
Great story
I enjoyed the story. Was expecting another dead body and was glad that the series isn't just another murder mystery series. Enjoyed the history and search for ancestors info. Good story and characters.
I enjoyed the story. Was expecting another dead body and was glad that the series isn't just another murder mystery series. Enjoyed the history and search for ancestors info. Good story and characters.
May 4, 2026
The Garden Shop Mystery
A mystery is a great way to escape and As pen Notch is a great place where dual living is slow and steady but there is always something about to happen. A delightful community, friendly folks and mystery is waiting you. A must read. Enjoy
A mystery is a great way to escape and As pen Notch is a great place where dual living is slow and steady but there is always something about to happen. A delightful community, friendly folks and mystery is waiting you. A must read. Enjoy
May 23, 2026
Nice cozy read
This was a simple and easy read. I did skip through some of it because it just got repetitive. But its a cozy mystery what do you expect? I'll continue to read more.
This was a simple and easy read. I did skip through some of it because it just got repetitive. But its a cozy mystery what do you expect? I'll continue to read more.
June 27, 2026
nice book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
August 4, 2025
A Must Read
Kathleen McKee is now at the top of the list of my favorite authors. Looking forward to the future novels
Kathleen McKee is now at the top of the list of my favorite authors. Looking forward to the future novels
August 22, 2025
Great series
Great characters, interesting storyline and good writing. Also very well edited highly recommend. Just a good easy read that you will enjoy.
Great characters, interesting storyline and good writing. Also very well edited highly recommend. Just a good easy read that you will enjoy.
March 22, 2026
Great book
This was a very interesting book with lots of surprises. I have grown to love the characters with their unique personalities.
This was a very interesting book with lots of surprises. I have grown to love the characters with their unique personalities.
April 23, 2026
What a delightful series love the characters, the mystery & Sophie the lab. I recommend this series. On to book 3 now.
July 23, 2026
Very easy to listen to. Good plot!
October 2, 2026
How much steak do these people eat? Why is her husband such a condescending prig? Why do keep listening to these?
Yes, I probably will listen to the next one.
Yes, I probably will listen to the next one.
May 27, 2026
The first book was good enough (not great but I am low on options) so I continued with the second. It is maddening. I find Sue, the main character, to be rude, emotional, and impulsive. Her clashes with characters give me second hand shame, the worst of which is her new husband (there isn’t much likable about him either). There is not enough development in the first book or this one to show a good relationship between them and I keep wondering why they supposedly like each other. While I do like that it is not a murder, that is about all I like. (And OMG, the myopic comment about Custer and the Native Americans!! So awful)
April 17, 2022
I got a bit lost with all the genealogy but enjoyed the book
A couple of things bothered me in this book. I thought Sue was petulant with her anger toward Alan, especially on the steps of their neighbors and not cognizant of the difficulty she put him in. And her reaction to the health inspector closing the shop was too much. Anyone, it seems to me, would want to do that till the problem was found. The turnaround of the neighbors at the end might have been unrealistic. Although Sue points out that she has her flaws as we all do, a little more insight into whet seems to me to be her self serving behavior, would have been nice. Otherwise, I enjoyed the interactions with Sues new friends and the mystery. I kept trying to figure out where the potassium came from even when I wasn’t reading. So the book did engage me!
A couple of things bothered me in this book. I thought Sue was petulant with her anger toward Alan, especially on the steps of their neighbors and not cognizant of the difficulty she put him in. And her reaction to the health inspector closing the shop was too much. Anyone, it seems to me, would want to do that till the problem was found. The turnaround of the neighbors at the end might have been unrealistic. Although Sue points out that she has her flaws as we all do, a little more insight into whet seems to me to be her self serving behavior, would have been nice. Otherwise, I enjoyed the interactions with Sues new friends and the mystery. I kept trying to figure out where the potassium came from even when I wasn’t reading. So the book did engage me!
June 9, 2020
Another delightful read from Kathleen McKee
The Garden Shop Mystery unfolds like the blossoms of a rose. Layer by layer Sue discovers the motives and the culprits behind the series of unusual events that accompanies the opening of her flower shop. One of my favorite things about the author’s books are the details of the every day life of the characters. This gives a richness and a fullness that makes the story interesting and believable. Read and enjoy! Well done Kathleen McKee.
The Garden Shop Mystery unfolds like the blossoms of a rose. Layer by layer Sue discovers the motives and the culprits behind the series of unusual events that accompanies the opening of her flower shop. One of my favorite things about the author’s books are the details of the every day life of the characters. This gives a richness and a fullness that makes the story interesting and believable. Read and enjoy! Well done Kathleen McKee.
January 17, 2022
My first visit to Aspen Notch and I enjoyed my visit. I also liked meeting all the characters in the small town. Eventually, all the damage and vandalism caused to Sue's 'Butterflies and Blooms' shop in old Abe Whitman's cabin was finally sorted out. The culprit brought to book in a cosy way. A very cosy crime but also very readable. On the down side, I did find it laboured a little in places but that said, I would read others in the Aspen Notch series.
May 2, 2023
The Garden Shop Mystery is a great continuation of The Aspen Notch Mysteries. Sue has opened her garden shop in What was Claire’s candy store, but someone isn’t happy about it. Alan is stil acting Chief of Polce for Aspen Notch, and fully supports Sue’s endeavor. I love the new characters and the continued development of some from the first book. The mystery is developed throughout the story and has a surprise ending. I look forward to the next book.
March 22, 2026
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Sue Jaworski and her husband, Alan purchased a home in Aspen Notch and she is opening a garden shop in a cottage on their property, but someone doesn’t want her to open the shop and begins a series of incidents which escalate and are aimed at keeping it closed. An engaging story about historic characters, relationships and solving mysteries.
July 18, 2026
This is the second book by the author that I listened to. In both cases I feel the stories drug on too much. I did not like this one as much as the other. I got tired of the petty arguing between the main characters—husband and wife. I felt her very much unfair in her actions. I really had trouble liking her. I will say the author’s writing style appeals to me. Very descriptive!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews