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Murder at the Farmers' Market: A Bewitchingly Tangled Herbal Cozy Mystery
Eleanor Delaney didn't show up to her booth at Millfield Market Saturday morning.
The herbalist never missed a day in fifteen years.
When visiting chef Fiona Firth finds her dead in her potting shed, the police call it a tragic accident. But Fiona sees what they staged evidence, switched labels, and a killer who made one critical mistake.
Dr. Nina Chen blamed Eleanor for stealing patients. Kevin Delaney inherits his aunt's waterfront cottage after months of bitter fights. Both claim innocence.
With hidden journals hinting at danger, boot prints that don't belong, and a poisoned drink meant to silence her next, Fiona has one weekend to unmask a murderer.
Because if Eleanor's death stays an accident, a killer walks free and Fiona doesn't walk at all.
The herbalist never missed a day in fifteen years.
When visiting chef Fiona Firth finds her dead in her potting shed, the police call it a tragic accident. But Fiona sees what they staged evidence, switched labels, and a killer who made one critical mistake.
Dr. Nina Chen blamed Eleanor for stealing patients. Kevin Delaney inherits his aunt's waterfront cottage after months of bitter fights. Both claim innocence.
With hidden journals hinting at danger, boot prints that don't belong, and a poisoned drink meant to silence her next, Fiona has one weekend to unmask a murderer.
Because if Eleanor's death stays an accident, a killer walks free and Fiona doesn't walk at all.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 29, 2025
This is a herbalist and market story with a murder. The heroine has moved to Millfield and is one of many stallholders. When a senior lady does not appear, everyone is concerned.
While it's catchy to have a cat participate, I know most cats would not appreciate being carried to every crime scene and interview like this one; a cat is not a dog. They would rather sleep in a sunny window, then eat and play with a ball. Somehow, Miso the cat knows to stare at a shelf in a garden shed (rather than a deceased person), and the owner doesn't think it wants to chase mice or spiders. The cat also changed gender a few times. On page 5 it's a he. On page 8 it's a she.
The author needs to be careful of a few clarity issues. For instance, we're given a detailed account of what Fiona does in the garden shed, standing around and snooping, handling an item (she later lies about that to the police) and the moment at which she slides her phone out of her pocket to take photos of the scene. Next line, she steps out of the shed and the police are arriving, asking if she phoned them. She says yes. When? Before or after she discovered a body? During the time carefully described in the shed, when at no time was a phone call mentioned? Maybe a long break or a row of stars to indicate a break in timing would help. Why call the police when a relative of the deceased was in the adjacent house, and she did not alert that person? Most of us would shout for the relative first.
The author also has a style which reads somewhat like poetry. The scents of herbs and other goods are described, which is lovely. Nice tight descriptions like, "Derek's table was a neat grid of microgreens and pride." However, she keeps breaking sentences so the lines resemble bullet points. "Late thirties. Tired eyes. Coffee stain on his notepad." This is hard to read on every page, as it jars and takes the reader out of the story. I suggest if the author wants to write poetry, leave it out of the novels, or if she is just making notes as she goes, to complete the lines.
Due to these writing issues I can't give higher than three stars, but it's a nice light mystery. I would read more by this author.
I read an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
While it's catchy to have a cat participate, I know most cats would not appreciate being carried to every crime scene and interview like this one; a cat is not a dog. They would rather sleep in a sunny window, then eat and play with a ball. Somehow, Miso the cat knows to stare at a shelf in a garden shed (rather than a deceased person), and the owner doesn't think it wants to chase mice or spiders. The cat also changed gender a few times. On page 5 it's a he. On page 8 it's a she.
The author needs to be careful of a few clarity issues. For instance, we're given a detailed account of what Fiona does in the garden shed, standing around and snooping, handling an item (she later lies about that to the police) and the moment at which she slides her phone out of her pocket to take photos of the scene. Next line, she steps out of the shed and the police are arriving, asking if she phoned them. She says yes. When? Before or after she discovered a body? During the time carefully described in the shed, when at no time was a phone call mentioned? Maybe a long break or a row of stars to indicate a break in timing would help. Why call the police when a relative of the deceased was in the adjacent house, and she did not alert that person? Most of us would shout for the relative first.
The author also has a style which reads somewhat like poetry. The scents of herbs and other goods are described, which is lovely. Nice tight descriptions like, "Derek's table was a neat grid of microgreens and pride." However, she keeps breaking sentences so the lines resemble bullet points. "Late thirties. Tired eyes. Coffee stain on his notepad." This is hard to read on every page, as it jars and takes the reader out of the story. I suggest if the author wants to write poetry, leave it out of the novels, or if she is just making notes as she goes, to complete the lines.
Due to these writing issues I can't give higher than three stars, but it's a nice light mystery. I would read more by this author.
I read an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
December 13, 2025
A farmers market is encircled by tension along with a whisper of menace that builds slowly as MC Fiona and her companion kitty Miso peer beneath the pleasant facade to find the stench of greed.
I recommend this atmospheric and slightly mystic story.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free book from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
I recommend this atmospheric and slightly mystic story.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free book from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
March 28, 2026
Quick read. Fiona Firth & Miso, her orange tabby, went to Millfield Market to sell herbs. She found a dead herbalist & solved the mystery of who did it. The Herb Safety Quick Guide & Lemon Balm Syrup Recipe at the end of the book is a nice touch. I got this quick read from Book Funnel & am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2025
A nice mystery. The characters are good. Miso, the cat, is adorable . The plot is good. In the book is advice on how to store herbs and make some herbal remedies. This us a quick read , and I will read more of this series.
March 27, 2026
This book is probably good for someone who is into herbs and cats …. The cat’s name is Miso, and she is the star of the story.
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May 11, 2026Pretty good.
May 13, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK, CAUGHT THE KLILLER, AND LEARNED A LITTLE ABOUT THE POWER OF HERBS.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews