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Garden Girls #3
Smoky Mountain Mystery
“If you like clean cozy mysteries that keep you guessing until the end, you’ll love the Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series!”Smoky Mountain Mystery Is Book 3 in the Garden Girls Cozy Mystery SeriesBONUS-RECIPE INCLUDED!-------------------------------------Life is good for "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford. Spring has finally sprung, love is in the air, and no dead bodies have turned up in the small town of Belhaven...lately. It seems as if it's almost too good to be true.Just as Gloria starts to get settled into her familiar routine, she receives a mysterious message from her older sister, Liz. Certain that her sister, the drama queen, is once again bent on turning Gloria's life upside down for no good reason, she almost chooses to ignore the dire message that she may be in danger. When a key to her sister's place shows up in her mailbox after Liz mysteriously vanishes, Gloria jumps in with both feet to track her down. Crisscrossing the country with one of the other Garden Girls in tow, the two amateur sleuths find themselves on an adventure of a lifetime.Gloria soon discovers her sister's mysterious disappearance is the least of her worries.Grab your copy and start reading this clean, fun-filled mystery series today!
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2015
574 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
190 books770 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
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★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 14, 2017
Another fun Garden Girls mystery. This one didn't have a murder, but there was a good mystery that Gloria went about solving. Definitely a fun series and I will be reading more of them. :)
September 28, 2018
Trains, clues, and hidden treasure
Is the treasure for real or not? That's the question that the sister's and
Margaret have to figure out. On top of that who's been stalking them
And for what. Then two gun fights in one 24hour period. But they didn't
count on Mally the lion hearted. A great who dun it. You will enjoy this one.
The girls did new frindships found and made. All in one big adventure.
Is the treasure for real or not? That's the question that the sister's and
Margaret have to figure out. On top of that who's been stalking them
And for what. Then two gun fights in one 24hour period. But they didn't
count on Mally the lion hearted. A great who dun it. You will enjoy this one.
The girls did new frindships found and made. All in one big adventure.
December 19, 2015
Gloria's sister Liz leaves her a key giving Gloria another mystery to solve.
August 11, 2016
Hopes books are great I read it in bed in one night. I love her books and enjoy them. She's a great Author
April 24, 2015
This is the first book that I have read from this series and it was a great read. I love the quirky, endearing older characters and the curious situations and adventures they managed to become involved in. This adventure takes them on a train trip through the Smoky Mountains, including an informative visit into “moonshine” territory (Gatlinburg, Tennessee) and related regional history.
"Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford is enjoying life. Until, Gloria gets a disturbing phone call from her sister, Liz, and then nothing. Gloria soon discovers her sister's mysterious disappearance is the least of her worries. Gloria receives train tickets and with one of the other Garden Girls tagging along, the two sleuths begin their adventure of their lives while traveling across the country. Initially Gloria believes that Liz, considered to be a real drama queen, is determined to upset the serenity in Gloria’s life once again. Between receiving the train tickets and the mysterious appearance of the key to Liz’s residence, Gloria determines it is imperative that she find Liz believing that Liz’s life may depend on it. The story reads like a combination light travel documentary and cozy mystery. It seemed that each time I thought I knew what would happen, the plot would take unanticipated twists and turns, with a number of complete surprises. Ms. Callaghan successfully integrated Biblical references and faith based “truths” or mottos.
I believe readers who appreciate Christian cozy mysteries will absolutely will love this series. I greatly appreciate the lack of violence, sex, and foul language. With a well written plot, this was an enjoyable book to read. Personally, I’m glad there are more books in the series. I would recommend this novel to anyone who favors reading a light, cozy Christian mystery.
"Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford is enjoying life. Until, Gloria gets a disturbing phone call from her sister, Liz, and then nothing. Gloria soon discovers her sister's mysterious disappearance is the least of her worries. Gloria receives train tickets and with one of the other Garden Girls tagging along, the two sleuths begin their adventure of their lives while traveling across the country. Initially Gloria believes that Liz, considered to be a real drama queen, is determined to upset the serenity in Gloria’s life once again. Between receiving the train tickets and the mysterious appearance of the key to Liz’s residence, Gloria determines it is imperative that she find Liz believing that Liz’s life may depend on it. The story reads like a combination light travel documentary and cozy mystery. It seemed that each time I thought I knew what would happen, the plot would take unanticipated twists and turns, with a number of complete surprises. Ms. Callaghan successfully integrated Biblical references and faith based “truths” or mottos.
I believe readers who appreciate Christian cozy mysteries will absolutely will love this series. I greatly appreciate the lack of violence, sex, and foul language. With a well written plot, this was an enjoyable book to read. Personally, I’m glad there are more books in the series. I would recommend this novel to anyone who favors reading a light, cozy Christian mystery.
June 12, 2015
I love that this series is a Christian read with endearing, yet quirky, older characters and the curious situations and adventures they manage to become involved in. Gloria and her friends feel like women you might meet one day or already know. The storyline for this book is somewhat different than the first two books in this series, but just as entertaining and enjoyable to read. Friendship was also an important factor in this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy Christian mysteries.
January 14, 2016
Hope Callaghan does it again! What a great book. I love mysteries anyway and these are superb!
January 12, 2022
One of things I have learned about picking up a novel in the Garden Grirls Cozy mystery series is that you are bound to find a Christian read with endearing, yet quirky, older characters and the curious situations and adventures they manage to get themselves involved in. Gloria and her friends feel like women you might meet one day or you already know. The storyline for this book is somewhat different than others I have read to date, but just as entertaining and enjoyable to read. The plot takes unanticipated twists and turns and there are surprises. Friendship was also an important factor in this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy Christian mysteries. I recommend th
January 16, 2023
Review of this book.
This book was exceptional. The story was very exciting. The ending was great. Just the kind of story that I love reading. There was a lot of drama and suspense. The part before the end was quite scary. I could not read fast enough to find out if they were going to make it out alive. This author definitely knows how to write a top notch mystery. I never saw the the that part coming towards the end. It was a real eye opener. She just keeps getting better and better. She has found her calling as a cozy mystery writer. The stories in the books are awesome. We need more authors like her. I love a good mystery, just not the mysteries with profanity and explicit sexual scenes. It is refreshing to be able to read good, clean mysteries.
This book was exceptional. The story was very exciting. The ending was great. Just the kind of story that I love reading. There was a lot of drama and suspense. The part before the end was quite scary. I could not read fast enough to find out if they were going to make it out alive. This author definitely knows how to write a top notch mystery. I never saw the the that part coming towards the end. It was a real eye opener. She just keeps getting better and better. She has found her calling as a cozy mystery writer. The stories in the books are awesome. We need more authors like her. I love a good mystery, just not the mysteries with profanity and explicit sexual scenes. It is refreshing to be able to read good, clean mysteries.
July 19, 2023
This is book #3 of the Garden Club series. While not my favorite, is was an okay read. Gloria's sister Liz sends her 2 train tickets for a Gatlinburg train ride. She takes her friend, Margaret. She was not Gloria's first choice but it ended up being a very good choice as the two ladies got to know each other better.
Gloria and Liz's Aunt Ethel set up this mysterious meeting. Supposedly there is a hidden treasure somewhere on Aunt Ethel's property which belonged to Ethel's dad and the sister's grandfather.
This book is full of adventure for Gloria, Margaret and Liz: almost locked in a basement, almost mugged, wins a jackpot while gambling and gets locked up overnight for murder.
Gloria and Liz's Aunt Ethel set up this mysterious meeting. Supposedly there is a hidden treasure somewhere on Aunt Ethel's property which belonged to Ethel's dad and the sister's grandfather.
This book is full of adventure for Gloria, Margaret and Liz: almost locked in a basement, almost mugged, wins a jackpot while gambling and gets locked up overnight for murder.
December 18, 2018
This was so engaging that I read it in one sitting. Enjoyed the story and the characters, and loved the MC's Springer Spaniel dog-Mally. It had a nice adventure theme to it.
Loved the part with the Casino, the treasure hunt, and the night in jail! Plus I enjoyed the descriptions of where they stopped to eat, and what they had.
Deducted one star because of the god-talk/religious proselytizing, more than the first two books in the series, but some may not mind that. I plan to read the next book in the series.
Loved the part with the Casino, the treasure hunt, and the night in jail! Plus I enjoyed the descriptions of where they stopped to eat, and what they had.
Deducted one star because of the god-talk/religious proselytizing, more than the first two books in the series, but some may not mind that. I plan to read the next book in the series.
July 16, 2018
Lighthearted mystery
Clean writing in a basic, fun story-telling. I enjoy reading entertaining works that are free of bad language and it brings the reader back to faith. Gloria’s got a knack for crime and thankfully the ability to stay healthy. Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.... a lovely setting for mystery & crime.
Clean writing in a basic, fun story-telling. I enjoy reading entertaining works that are free of bad language and it brings the reader back to faith. Gloria’s got a knack for crime and thankfully the ability to stay healthy. Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.... a lovely setting for mystery & crime.
April 17, 2018
Another good one!
Just finished the third book in the garden girls mystery series. Great read. If you're looking for a clean. Wholesome, and fun read, these books are for you. Very enjoyable.
Just finished the third book in the garden girls mystery series. Great read. If you're looking for a clean. Wholesome, and fun read, these books are for you. Very enjoyable.
April 25, 2019
Two Sisters' Rivalry
H having an older sister, I was able to empathize with Gloria. An interesting mystery. Only Margaret out of the Garden Girls Club was willing to get involved. Various scenarios of patience and other Christian values and virtues involved.
H having an older sister, I was able to empathize with Gloria. An interesting mystery. Only Margaret out of the Garden Girls Club was willing to get involved. Various scenarios of patience and other Christian values and virtues involved.
November 22, 2020
Garden girls mystery
Book 3 in the series which is very enjoyable reading. Gloria along with Margaret, her sister Liz and her dog Malley they meet their Dads sister in her hometown but she's not on the up and up. Intrigue, sleuthing and accidents afoot. Entertaining fun read
Book 3 in the series which is very enjoyable reading. Gloria along with Margaret, her sister Liz and her dog Malley they meet their Dads sister in her hometown but she's not on the up and up. Intrigue, sleuthing and accidents afoot. Entertaining fun read
August 11, 2025
Great cozy mystery
Gloria is sent on a mission to find her sister Liz, who had left for Tennessee
Margaret agrees to travel with her, and the adventure begins with clues left for them at various locations. Great reading with some Bible verses and a little romance
Gloria is sent on a mission to find her sister Liz, who had left for Tennessee
Margaret agrees to travel with her, and the adventure begins with clues left for them at various locations. Great reading with some Bible verses and a little romance
December 13, 2025
As Gloria follows clues to Liz's disappearance, she learns that Liz is after a treasure that may or may not exist. The treasure's backstory and the characters they meet are all interesting, but it puts the ladies in serious danger.
The story was engaging and a great way to pass the time.
The story was engaging and a great way to pass the time.
May 15, 2017
Gloria's sister Liz has left Gloria a funny message so off Gloria goes trying to find out what is up.
A fun story with Gloria, Liz and Margaret.
A fun story with Gloria, Liz and Margaret.
May 27, 2018
Sweet cozy mystery series
March 9, 2019
Love !!!!
Such a wonderful clean read .. Thank you Hope !!!!
You can't go wrong with Hope Callaghan!! Now I'm off for the next Garden Girls Club .
Such a wonderful clean read .. Thank you Hope !!!!
You can't go wrong with Hope Callaghan!! Now I'm off for the next Garden Girls Club .
August 9, 2019
The Garden Girls are really growing on me. I need to go hang out with them!
February 26, 2020
Sweety read
It just goes to show you that no matter your age God can still use you . This series is wonderfully sweet and a joy to read
It just goes to show you that no matter your age God can still use you . This series is wonderfully sweet and a joy to read
April 6, 2020
Moonshine anyone!
Gloria, Liz and Margaret go on an adventure to the great Smoky Mts. They meet a long lost relative, sister to Gloria and Liz’s Dad.
Gloria, Liz and Margaret go on an adventure to the great Smoky Mts. They meet a long lost relative, sister to Gloria and Liz’s Dad.
April 29, 2020
Easy Read - and fun to get to know the characters -
Love how easily they solve a mystery while keeping me guessing!
Love how easily they solve a mystery while keeping me guessing!
July 5, 2020
Good clean story and fun characters
December 29, 2020
where is Liz? Funny, ring her neck, only a sister could feel, a bonding of two friends, some mighty big surprises. I love this author. you feel like you could walk into Dots and the whole gang will be having breakfast and could join them lol
June 21, 2021
This third book in the series was a bit hokey and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two. However, I'll keep reading the series because I like the characters.
July 18, 2021
Love this series
Such a fun series to read. Love the Bible references and the lessons learned in the story. Always good reminders.
Such a fun series to read. Love the Bible references and the lessons learned in the story. Always good reminders.
January 7, 2022
Very enjoyable to have a cozy mystery without a murder. A bit unbelievable that women would follow clues to a supposed treasure rather than just going to the source, but a fun read.
January 10, 2022
Entertaining
This action filled mystery involves three spunky older ladies searching for long-ago hidden treasure. They encounter obstacles, death even some time in jail.
This action filled mystery involves three spunky older ladies searching for long-ago hidden treasure. They encounter obstacles, death even some time in jail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews