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A Local Foods Mystery #2
'Til Dirt Do Us Part
After a festive dinner ends with a foul murder, a Massachusetts organic farmer must get hands dirty to find a killer in this cozy mystery.
Autumn has descended on Westbury, Massachusetts, but the mood at the Farm-to-Table Dinner in Cam’s newly built barn is unseasonably chilly. Local entrepreneur Irene Burr made a lot of enemies with her plan to buy Westbury’s Old Town Hall and replace it with a textile museum—enough enemies to fill out a list of suspects when the wealthy widow turns up dead in a neighboring farm. Even an amateur detective like Cam can figure out that one of the resident locavores went loco—at least temporarily—and settled a score with Irene. But which one? With the Fall harvest upon her, Cam must sift through a bushelful of possible killers that includes Irene’s estranged stepson, her disgruntled auto mechanic, and a fellow CSA subscriber who seems suspiciously happy to have the dead woman out of the way. The closer she gets to weeding out the culprit, the more Cam feels like someone is out to cut her harvest short. But to keep her own body out of the compost pile, she’ll have to wrap this case up quickly.
“There are plenty of farming-based cozies on the market today, but this one stands out.”—Booklist “Engaging. On top of the intriguing whodunit plot, Maxwell vividly portrays life on a small contemporary farm.”—Publishers Weekly “A most enjoyable look at organic farming with some charming characters and cooking suggestions thrown in.”—Kirkus Reviews
Autumn has descended on Westbury, Massachusetts, but the mood at the Farm-to-Table Dinner in Cam’s newly built barn is unseasonably chilly. Local entrepreneur Irene Burr made a lot of enemies with her plan to buy Westbury’s Old Town Hall and replace it with a textile museum—enough enemies to fill out a list of suspects when the wealthy widow turns up dead in a neighboring farm. Even an amateur detective like Cam can figure out that one of the resident locavores went loco—at least temporarily—and settled a score with Irene. But which one? With the Fall harvest upon her, Cam must sift through a bushelful of possible killers that includes Irene’s estranged stepson, her disgruntled auto mechanic, and a fellow CSA subscriber who seems suspiciously happy to have the dead woman out of the way. The closer she gets to weeding out the culprit, the more Cam feels like someone is out to cut her harvest short. But to keep her own body out of the compost pile, she’ll have to wrap this case up quickly.
“There are plenty of farming-based cozies on the market today, but this one stands out.”—Booklist “Engaging. On top of the intriguing whodunit plot, Maxwell vividly portrays life on a small contemporary farm.”—Publishers Weekly “A most enjoyable look at organic farming with some charming characters and cooking suggestions thrown in.”—Kirkus Reviews
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
114 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
29 books1,552 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 3, 2014
I loved this mystery and was several times surprised, and several times my suspicions were confirmed, but I promise there are no spoilers in the review!
Although I am more of a psychological thriller fan, I do also love cosy (cozy? across the Atlantic) mysteries, going back to my childhood love of the Miss Marple stories. A good cosy mystery does in fact hinge on pretty much the same intersection of character and community as a psychological thriller, when you think about it. It's all about what is rippling beneath the surface of an apparently placid exterior.
The main character here is Cam Flaherty, a farmer, who used to be in software. As someone with related experience I guessed a connection when I saw the name of the farm, Produce Plus Plus - and was rather sad when Cam decided to change it during the course of the novel.
Her change of direction in life makes her an interesting character and one many of us can empathise with, as she is adjusting to a new way of life. Finding out about new subjects is one of the pleasures of reading mysteries, and Edith's knowledge of farming life was evident throughout.
The murder victim had annoyed a lot of people, and so there was no shortage of suspects. I particularly liked that even so she was not one dimensional, but there was a more sympathetic side to her which we found out later. In fact all the main characters have depth and complexity, and that was especially interesting when it came to Cam's personal life. Another reason I want to know what happens in the next book.
I was lucky enough to win an early copy of this one in Edith's prize draw on Facebook, and I devoured it as soon as it arrived. The novel is beautifully written and very readable. The first thing I did afterwards was order the first novel in the series, because I now want to catch up with the backstory.
Although I am more of a psychological thriller fan, I do also love cosy (cozy? across the Atlantic) mysteries, going back to my childhood love of the Miss Marple stories. A good cosy mystery does in fact hinge on pretty much the same intersection of character and community as a psychological thriller, when you think about it. It's all about what is rippling beneath the surface of an apparently placid exterior.
The main character here is Cam Flaherty, a farmer, who used to be in software. As someone with related experience I guessed a connection when I saw the name of the farm, Produce Plus Plus - and was rather sad when Cam decided to change it during the course of the novel.
Her change of direction in life makes her an interesting character and one many of us can empathise with, as she is adjusting to a new way of life. Finding out about new subjects is one of the pleasures of reading mysteries, and Edith's knowledge of farming life was evident throughout.
The murder victim had annoyed a lot of people, and so there was no shortage of suspects. I particularly liked that even so she was not one dimensional, but there was a more sympathetic side to her which we found out later. In fact all the main characters have depth and complexity, and that was especially interesting when it came to Cam's personal life. Another reason I want to know what happens in the next book.
I was lucky enough to win an early copy of this one in Edith's prize draw on Facebook, and I devoured it as soon as it arrived. The novel is beautifully written and very readable. The first thing I did afterwards was order the first novel in the series, because I now want to catch up with the backstory.
May 22, 2015
Another wonderful tale in the Local Foods Mystery series. Cam's organic farm is doing well and she hosts a harvest dinner for her shareholders. And of course (this is a cozy mystery, after all) someone ends up murdered. The setting is delightful: north-east Massachusetts near Newburyport, a farming community where some are thriving and some, not so much. In this second book of the series, we encounter the folks we met in A TIME TO LIVE, A TINE TO DIE as well as quite a few new ones. Edith Maxwell does a masterful job in making us feel that these are people we know and care about. I love to see growth and development in the characters in a series and that is certainly evident here. The plot is complex, the red herrings are many, the pacing is breakneck, and the dénouement is unexpected and satisfying.
July 16, 2020
3.5 stars. This series is very likeable. I like the farm setting and it's fun seeing that Cam is a working farmer. The mystery was good and there were lots of exciting events in the story. Her love life is kind of like a soap opera right now and I'm interested to see what will happen next with that.
June 5, 2017
Great mystery as well as just a novel about the main character, whom I really like. Strong woman- was a coder, now an organic farmer in New England. Lots of farming and gardening tips as well as local color. Edith Maxwell, when will,there be another Tace Baker?
May 31, 2021
'TIL DIRT DO US PART, the second book in author Edith Maxwell's Local Foods mystery series, presented an interesting conundrum for me even before I started reading the book.
On the cover, a pull quote from Kirkus Reviews proclaims the book to be "A most enjoyable look at organic farming". Well, I don't know about anyone else, but to me that seemed like an odd quote to use for a MYSTERY novel.
And I hadn't forgotten that the central figure in the series is an organic farmer. It just seemed strange that a mystery review would focus on what is really the background setting rather than the main thrust of the plot.
But since you don't judge a book by its cover (or in this case, the pull quote on said cover), I dove into 'TIL DIRT DO US PART eager to catch up with Cam Flaherty's life as Westbury, Massachusetts most recent organic farmer.
Since her first adventure, fall is rushing towards the area and Cam's life is focusing on continuing to provide her farm subscribers with their weekly share of the varied crops she grows. But as the story opens, she's hosting a dinner made for those subscribers and other invited guests on her farm. It's all locally sourced food, and the mood is relatively light as the dinner guests arrive.
But those good feelings quickly dissipate upon the arrival of Irene Burr. She's the quintessential "rich old lady" of Westbury. She throws her money (and the attending weight in brings her) around and makes life miserable for anyone that crosses her path. During the course of dinner, she manages to irritate any number of other guests.
So when her body turns up dead in a neighboring farmer's pigsty, Cam finds herself in the mix of the investigation once again since the list of suspects is not only long, but a lot of them had contact with Irene shortly before her death. And that contact was, shall we say, less than jovial.
But Cam's questioning of suspects, in not quite the subtle manner that she thinks she's employing, ends up putting her in the crosshairs of a killer determined to avoid capture. Cam needs to unmask a killer while avoiding becoming a victim herself.
There's a whole lot going on in this book and at first I thought it might be too much in the way of plot, but all the separate plots are skillfully woven into a tight and taut story that gives just due not only to the involving whodunnit, but the continuing subplots as well.
Cam's social life takes a share of the spotlight and personally, lacking much in the way of sentiment can't understand one choice she makes while another aspect of her personal life gets thrown into more upheaval.
As for that focus on the farming, well it only makes sense that there'd be so much information about Cam's job in the narrative. Farming is a 24/7 kind of life and the details in this story about day to day life of a working farm helps flesh out Cam's life outside of crime solving. Her work on the farm, the farmer's market visits and even her relationships with other farmers in the area make for great fodder and some intense confrontations outside of her hunt for a killer.
The supporting cast is mostly great, though I'm hoping one character soon becomes a lesser presence in her life. Even the changes that come in Cam's life as a farmer made for interesting reading. And yet, none of this overwhelms the central mystery plot of the book.
While the Local Foods mysteries are an earlier series from author Edith Maxwell, I find that despite being a newcomer to the series itself, I'm really enjoying what the books have to offer. Sure, I'm not about to run off and become a farmer but damn if these books and their mysteries don't provide a fantastic vicarious experience for any reader that picks up the book!
On the cover, a pull quote from Kirkus Reviews proclaims the book to be "A most enjoyable look at organic farming". Well, I don't know about anyone else, but to me that seemed like an odd quote to use for a MYSTERY novel.
And I hadn't forgotten that the central figure in the series is an organic farmer. It just seemed strange that a mystery review would focus on what is really the background setting rather than the main thrust of the plot.
But since you don't judge a book by its cover (or in this case, the pull quote on said cover), I dove into 'TIL DIRT DO US PART eager to catch up with Cam Flaherty's life as Westbury, Massachusetts most recent organic farmer.
Since her first adventure, fall is rushing towards the area and Cam's life is focusing on continuing to provide her farm subscribers with their weekly share of the varied crops she grows. But as the story opens, she's hosting a dinner made for those subscribers and other invited guests on her farm. It's all locally sourced food, and the mood is relatively light as the dinner guests arrive.
But those good feelings quickly dissipate upon the arrival of Irene Burr. She's the quintessential "rich old lady" of Westbury. She throws her money (and the attending weight in brings her) around and makes life miserable for anyone that crosses her path. During the course of dinner, she manages to irritate any number of other guests.
So when her body turns up dead in a neighboring farmer's pigsty, Cam finds herself in the mix of the investigation once again since the list of suspects is not only long, but a lot of them had contact with Irene shortly before her death. And that contact was, shall we say, less than jovial.
But Cam's questioning of suspects, in not quite the subtle manner that she thinks she's employing, ends up putting her in the crosshairs of a killer determined to avoid capture. Cam needs to unmask a killer while avoiding becoming a victim herself.
There's a whole lot going on in this book and at first I thought it might be too much in the way of plot, but all the separate plots are skillfully woven into a tight and taut story that gives just due not only to the involving whodunnit, but the continuing subplots as well.
Cam's social life takes a share of the spotlight and personally, lacking much in the way of sentiment can't understand one choice she makes while another aspect of her personal life gets thrown into more upheaval.
As for that focus on the farming, well it only makes sense that there'd be so much information about Cam's job in the narrative. Farming is a 24/7 kind of life and the details in this story about day to day life of a working farm helps flesh out Cam's life outside of crime solving. Her work on the farm, the farmer's market visits and even her relationships with other farmers in the area make for great fodder and some intense confrontations outside of her hunt for a killer.
The supporting cast is mostly great, though I'm hoping one character soon becomes a lesser presence in her life. Even the changes that come in Cam's life as a farmer made for interesting reading. And yet, none of this overwhelms the central mystery plot of the book.
While the Local Foods mysteries are an earlier series from author Edith Maxwell, I find that despite being a newcomer to the series itself, I'm really enjoying what the books have to offer. Sure, I'm not about to run off and become a farmer but damn if these books and their mysteries don't provide a fantastic vicarious experience for any reader that picks up the book!
May 7, 2014
Fall has arrived in Westbury, Massachusetts and self-professed geek turned gardener Cameron Flaherty finds herself mixed up in murder – again.
With the summer warmth and long days behind her, Cameron is grateful to have her barn rebuilt. And although the busiest gardening season is over, there is still plenty of work around the farm to be done and vegetables to be harvested.
The day after hosting an outdoor farm-to-table dinner at her farm, Cameron learns that one of the attendees has been found dead at a neighboring farm. Irene Burr had been raising a lot of ire around town with her desire to turn the old town hall into a museum. Did someone murder her, or was it a horrible accident? When Detective Pappas arrives at her doorstep, Cam knows murder is again in the air. She doesn’t want to be drawn in to the mystery, as the farm needs her full attention, but when strange events start happening to her, Cameron can’t help but be drawn in to try to find answers.
Maxwell’s ability to combine personal experience with a fictional world gives the story a nice balance. She entertains and educates at the same time. Young Ellie is back in this story and is excited about fulfilling the requirements for a Girl Scout badge thanks to Cameron’s assistance. Chef Jake is masterful with preparing the food for the farm-to-table dinner, yet his mood swings have Cameron wondering what is going on with him. The cast of characters adds the right amount of neighborly conflict, jealousies, and suspicions to make the reader as uncertain about who to trust, as the protagonist.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about organic food, farmer’s markets, and CSAs when reading this novel. The main character will soon be adding fresh eggs to her CSA, as chickens have moved onto Cameron’s farm. The novel is a wonderful glimpse into how being involved in the community can make a difference in people’s lives in various ways, too.
This is the second novel in Edith Maxwell’s Local Food Mystery Series. The first is A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die. Maxwell has published several mystery short stories, and has a traditional mystery, Speaking of Murder, published under the pseudonym Tace Baker.
I enjoyed ‘Til Dirt Do Us Part and it was difficult to stop turning the pages. The twists and turns kept me guessing right until the end, and even then there’s a cliffhanger. I found the romantic aspect just as intriguing as trying to solve the whodunnit. Who will Cam end up with? What kind of trouble will she find herself involved with next? This reader is looking forward to the next book in the series. I consider this a highly recommended, pleasurable read.
With the summer warmth and long days behind her, Cameron is grateful to have her barn rebuilt. And although the busiest gardening season is over, there is still plenty of work around the farm to be done and vegetables to be harvested.
The day after hosting an outdoor farm-to-table dinner at her farm, Cameron learns that one of the attendees has been found dead at a neighboring farm. Irene Burr had been raising a lot of ire around town with her desire to turn the old town hall into a museum. Did someone murder her, or was it a horrible accident? When Detective Pappas arrives at her doorstep, Cam knows murder is again in the air. She doesn’t want to be drawn in to the mystery, as the farm needs her full attention, but when strange events start happening to her, Cameron can’t help but be drawn in to try to find answers.
Maxwell’s ability to combine personal experience with a fictional world gives the story a nice balance. She entertains and educates at the same time. Young Ellie is back in this story and is excited about fulfilling the requirements for a Girl Scout badge thanks to Cameron’s assistance. Chef Jake is masterful with preparing the food for the farm-to-table dinner, yet his mood swings have Cameron wondering what is going on with him. The cast of characters adds the right amount of neighborly conflict, jealousies, and suspicions to make the reader as uncertain about who to trust, as the protagonist.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about organic food, farmer’s markets, and CSAs when reading this novel. The main character will soon be adding fresh eggs to her CSA, as chickens have moved onto Cameron’s farm. The novel is a wonderful glimpse into how being involved in the community can make a difference in people’s lives in various ways, too.
This is the second novel in Edith Maxwell’s Local Food Mystery Series. The first is A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die. Maxwell has published several mystery short stories, and has a traditional mystery, Speaking of Murder, published under the pseudonym Tace Baker.
I enjoyed ‘Til Dirt Do Us Part and it was difficult to stop turning the pages. The twists and turns kept me guessing right until the end, and even then there’s a cliffhanger. I found the romantic aspect just as intriguing as trying to solve the whodunnit. Who will Cam end up with? What kind of trouble will she find herself involved with next? This reader is looking forward to the next book in the series. I consider this a highly recommended, pleasurable read.
September 15, 2021
The second in Edith Maxwell’s “Local Foods” cozy mystery series, ’Til Dirt Do Us Part is a terrific read. The series follows small-town farmer Cam Flaherty through the seasons, and in this sequel it’s now autumn—the busy harvest time.
As Cam juggles the multiple chores that go along with farming all on her own, she’s also coming to terms with the realities of eking out a living. So far, she’s been able to make due by selling to local restaurants and at farmers markets, and from subscribers’ farm shares. Now, only adding to her stress, she finds she has two different suitors—not to mention a gruesome murder at a neighbor’s farm to solve.
Fast-paced and with a healthy dose of humor, 'Til Dirt Do Us Part held my interest all the way through, and I was happily fooled about whodunit right until the end. Anyone who loves food, engaging stories, and intelligent, plucky protagonists will eat up this book.
[Disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book by the author.]
As Cam juggles the multiple chores that go along with farming all on her own, she’s also coming to terms with the realities of eking out a living. So far, she’s been able to make due by selling to local restaurants and at farmers markets, and from subscribers’ farm shares. Now, only adding to her stress, she finds she has two different suitors—not to mention a gruesome murder at a neighbor’s farm to solve.
Fast-paced and with a healthy dose of humor, 'Til Dirt Do Us Part held my interest all the way through, and I was happily fooled about whodunit right until the end. Anyone who loves food, engaging stories, and intelligent, plucky protagonists will eat up this book.
[Disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book by the author.]
July 26, 2014
There were a few consistency errors in this one, such as things repeated several times, but the mystery was good. I am still confused about Howard Fisher and why he wanted Cam to like him so much, but the tie in with Howard Fisher and the Fisher Cat and Preston the Cat was interesting if you're an English major looking for symbolism. I'll read the next one because I like the characters. I am liking Jake less and less, though. Anyone else?
May 22, 2014
Cam Flaherty's local foods dinner is a success despite the fact that Irene Burr had words with several people during the event. The next morning, however, Irene turns up dead. Did something from the dinner lead to her death?
I enjoyed the mystery, which had several viable suspects and some good twists before the climax. The characters were very fleshed out as well. My only complaint was one sub-plot that took over a bit at the beginning, but once it fell back to sub-plot status, I was absorbed in the book again.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Note: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the mystery, which had several viable suspects and some good twists before the climax. The characters were very fleshed out as well. My only complaint was one sub-plot that took over a bit at the beginning, but once it fell back to sub-plot status, I was absorbed in the book again.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Note: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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August 26, 2015Fall In Westbury Massachusetts
At the annual shareholders banquet Cam Flaherty sees that Irene,one of guests has arguments with several people. The next day Irene is found dead in a pigsty. Her friends Bobby becomes the main person of interest. Her cat Preston comes up missing and the chickens are settling in their new home. Cam is torn between to 2 men in her life. Cam begins to look for Preston and puts their lives in jeopardy. This a pleasant series.
At the annual shareholders banquet Cam Flaherty sees that Irene,one of guests has arguments with several people. The next day Irene is found dead in a pigsty. Her friends Bobby becomes the main person of interest. Her cat Preston comes up missing and the chickens are settling in their new home. Cam is torn between to 2 men in her life. Cam begins to look for Preston and puts their lives in jeopardy. This a pleasant series.
May 21, 2020
I really enjoyed the second book in this series! I love the whole organic farming setting but probably really more how Cam grows her farm and herself!! In this book she adds the chickens and more friends! She still uses her brain to solve mysteries while she uses the rest of herself to farm. This was an interesting mystery, although I think I'm off pork for a while, solving it also brought more people into Cam's world. Can't wait to read the next installment, already on order!!!!
January 20, 2015
Cam the former programmer, Lucinda the Brazilian librarian, and Girl Scout Ellie are back in this second mystery set on Boston's North Shore. This series has real potential! Not enough Uncle in this one, though things are moving fast with potential love interests Bobby, Jake and Pete!
I hope Ellie grabs herself a Gold Award project in books 3 - 4 - hint, hint!
I hope Ellie grabs herself a Gold Award project in books 3 - 4 - hint, hint!
October 1, 2016
I loved the mystery, a nod their characters, Cam a novice farmer is all about local foods. This community has a strange assortment of characters. So when a murder happens it is hard to assume who did it . Camus a nerd turned farmer, and doing it by her self. Love her cat Mr, P. This was hard to put down. Had to finish it fast to find out who done it.
July 6, 2014
Should have read the first in series first!
Cam certainly knows how to get in trouble!
Cam certainly knows how to get in trouble!
August 31, 2019
I enjoyed this Local Foods Mystery set in the fall.
Cam is offering subscriptions to her farm produce and not all of the Farm-To-Table Dinner guests are getting along. When one of them is found dead the next day, Cam questions the note that was found in the tent after the dinner. Until it disappears before she can turn it into the police.
Her pig farm neighbor is acting very strangely, even for him. The dead woman is found on his farm. Cam's missing cat is also found at the farm.
Wes is missing his wife who is out of town visiting her sister, and acting oddly too.
Bobby Burr, who rebuilt Cam's barn, is related to the victim and disappears before the local police can talk to him, and Bobby's mechanic friend Sim is determined to prove his innocence.
Alexandra is determined to rescue 40 chickens from a neglectful neighbor before they are put to death, and she convinces Cam to take them. She and her companions build a coop and instruct Cam on chicken care and feeding. The former owner takes it personally and threatens Cam.
State Policeman Pete is warming up to Cam since the last book, and she is also still dating Jake the chef and restaurateur.
In addition to the weekly subscriptions, Cam is attending a new Farmers Market with upscale perks and more clientele.
Cam is so stressed out it is a wonder she has any time to farm.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
Cam is offering subscriptions to her farm produce and not all of the Farm-To-Table Dinner guests are getting along. When one of them is found dead the next day, Cam questions the note that was found in the tent after the dinner. Until it disappears before she can turn it into the police.
Her pig farm neighbor is acting very strangely, even for him. The dead woman is found on his farm. Cam's missing cat is also found at the farm.
Wes is missing his wife who is out of town visiting her sister, and acting oddly too.
Bobby Burr, who rebuilt Cam's barn, is related to the victim and disappears before the local police can talk to him, and Bobby's mechanic friend Sim is determined to prove his innocence.
Alexandra is determined to rescue 40 chickens from a neglectful neighbor before they are put to death, and she convinces Cam to take them. She and her companions build a coop and instruct Cam on chicken care and feeding. The former owner takes it personally and threatens Cam.
State Policeman Pete is warming up to Cam since the last book, and she is also still dating Jake the chef and restaurateur.
In addition to the weekly subscriptions, Cam is attending a new Farmers Market with upscale perks and more clientele.
Cam is so stressed out it is a wonder she has any time to farm.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
April 17, 2018
#2 in the Local Foods Mystery series. This 2014 series entry by author Maxwell stands out from other farm and food centric cozy series by having farmer Cam Flaherty's locavore customers buy shares in the produce and volunteer to spend planting, growing and reaping the crops. She names the crops she is growing, shares information about them, and she and her chef boyfriend use them in menus. For readers following Cam's romantic side, her chef boyfriend, Jake, is becoming angrily jealous of carpenter Bobby, who has been flirting with Cam while rebuilding her barn, but of great surprise to her, she is becoming interested in Pete Pappas, the state homicide cop. Fun, quirky series.
Cameron Flaherty is preparing for her first farm-to-table dinner party. Eighty people will gather under a tent on her organic farm in Millsbury, Mass., served from a temporary kitchen in the barn. Fortunately the evening is a big success. The next day, however, Cam learns that one of her guests, cantankerous Irene Burr, has been found dead in a pig sty on a neighbor's pig farm. When Bobby Burr, Irene's carpenter stepson who rebuilt Cam's barn after a fire, becomes a suspect in what proves to be a murder case, Cam sets out with Bobby's mechanic friend, Simone Koyama, to prove his innocence by finding the real killer.
Cameron Flaherty is preparing for her first farm-to-table dinner party. Eighty people will gather under a tent on her organic farm in Millsbury, Mass., served from a temporary kitchen in the barn. Fortunately the evening is a big success. The next day, however, Cam learns that one of her guests, cantankerous Irene Burr, has been found dead in a pig sty on a neighbor's pig farm. When Bobby Burr, Irene's carpenter stepson who rebuilt Cam's barn after a fire, becomes a suspect in what proves to be a murder case, Cam sets out with Bobby's mechanic friend, Simone Koyama, to prove his innocence by finding the real killer.
January 16, 2019
Not horrible. I started at book #2 and like so many cozy mysteries there is a bit of a recap of events from book #1. I got enough back story from this one to know where the characters had alliances and conflicts.
Cam is a newly minted CSA provider (Community supported agriculture) at the end of her first harvest. At her first farm to fork dinner in the field for interested folks one particular patron draws ire from just about everyone. When one of the characters turns up dead Cam is a suspect along with half the town.
Better written than some mysteries (ie I can think of a particular series where books get to a bigger page count by constantly reviewing material every time there is a new person walking in the room....think "hi person x, this is what we know since the last time we've seen you" 5 or 50 times in the course of a 300 page book or "character x recalls what happened two books ago". blech!!!) the CSA info is interesting (I participate in one).
I am not sure I will read more of this series. The love interests (or potential ones) seem contrived and for such a "smart girl" the choice should be clear. I think instead I will look up CSA recipes on the internet and just imagine that Cam makes the right choice.
Cam is a newly minted CSA provider (Community supported agriculture) at the end of her first harvest. At her first farm to fork dinner in the field for interested folks one particular patron draws ire from just about everyone. When one of the characters turns up dead Cam is a suspect along with half the town.
Better written than some mysteries (ie I can think of a particular series where books get to a bigger page count by constantly reviewing material every time there is a new person walking in the room....think "hi person x, this is what we know since the last time we've seen you" 5 or 50 times in the course of a 300 page book or "character x recalls what happened two books ago". blech!!!) the CSA info is interesting (I participate in one).
I am not sure I will read more of this series. The love interests (or potential ones) seem contrived and for such a "smart girl" the choice should be clear. I think instead I will look up CSA recipes on the internet and just imagine that Cam makes the right choice.
November 11, 2022
The produce is local--and so is the crime--when long-simmering tensions lead to murder following a festive dinner on Cam Flaherty's farm. It'll take a sleuth who knows the lay of the land to catch this killer. But no one ever said Cam wasn't willing to get her hands dirty. Autumn has descended on Westbury, Massachusetts, but the mood at the Farm-to-Table Dinner in Cam's newly built barn is unseasonably chilly. Local entrepreneur Irene Burr made a lot of enemies with her plan to buy Westbury's Old Town Hall and replace it with a textile museum--enough enemies to fill out a list of suspects when the wealthy widow turns up dead in a neighboring farm. [amazon synopsis]
The murder victim was obvious well before her murder. Enjoyable 2nd book of the series. Cute love story in progress - will it continue?
The murder victim was obvious well before her murder. Enjoyable 2nd book of the series. Cute love story in progress - will it continue?
July 16, 2017
Second book is a little better than the first but not by much. I give it 2.5 stars and rounded up to 3. The parts about farm is the most aggravating to me. Being a farmer's daughter, growing up on the farm, still live on the farm after 45 years I know a little about farming. Seems the author does not know diddly squat about how a farm should really work. I really do not understand why author write about something they truly know nothing about.
Mystery was halfway decent. I do not like Jake. I have dated his type before. His jealousy will soon turn to rage and abuse. I really like Pete and hope to see him in future books. Yes I plan on to read the next book in the series.
Purchased at Kobo.
Mystery was halfway decent. I do not like Jake. I have dated his type before. His jealousy will soon turn to rage and abuse. I really like Pete and hope to see him in future books. Yes I plan on to read the next book in the series.
Purchased at Kobo.
February 24, 2020
Irene Burr is a wealthy woman in the community, and manages to rub almost everyone the wrong way. And this continues at Cam's Farm to Table dinner for her CSA subscribers in the fall. Naturally, later that night, someone murders Irene. And there are lots of suspects. In addition to all her work on the farm, she suddenly finds herself with 40 chickens, rescued from a neighbors farm due to extreme neglect. Meanwhile, Cam is dealing with her legion of admirers, Bobby the carpenter, who rebuilt her barn after the fire earlier in the year, Jake, the chef of the restaurant she supplies with produce, and suddenly, Detective Pete Pappas, the detective who usually is assigned to investigate murders.
March 4, 2021
Running an organic farm is hard work. But with lots of volunteers, Cam is up for the task. It is near end of harvest time and Cam holds a dinner for all the volunteers and subscibers. But all is not right with all the guests and one person in particular.
Cam's new interest is oh so fine but will it work out because he also has a couple trust issues causing some really bad jealousy. When Cam finds a letter addressed to herself warning her to keep out of it, she finds that she must lock her doors now.
Will Cam find out who is sending threatening notes or end up the next victim? Good plot, good characters but seemed a bit unrealistic at times with all the work she gets done all by herself.
I will read on because it was an easy read.
Cam's new interest is oh so fine but will it work out because he also has a couple trust issues causing some really bad jealousy. When Cam finds a letter addressed to herself warning her to keep out of it, she finds that she must lock her doors now.
Will Cam find out who is sending threatening notes or end up the next victim? Good plot, good characters but seemed a bit unrealistic at times with all the work she gets done all by herself.
I will read on because it was an easy read.
July 29, 2025
Cameron Flaherty, Cam; has a farm, hosting a farm to table dinner at the farm;
Irene Burr, wealthy widow, Bobby's step mother, found DEAD in a pigsty;
Jake Ericson, Chef at The Market Restaurant, dating Cam;
Bobby Burr rebuilt her burned barn;
Bobby's friend, Simone Koyama (Sim), a mechanic
Ruth Dodge, Cam's friend, a local policewoman, twin girls;
Great Uncle Albert, lives in assisted living, gave Cam the farm;
Got Chickens from Bev Montgomery's farm, (rescued);
Wes & Felicity Ames, Wes arrested by Diane Weaver for growing weed in the old town hall......
Pappas - state police;
Lucinda - hired her part time;
Howard Fisher KILLED Irene, put her in his pigsty;
Alexandra Magnusson, recent college grad;
Ellie Kosloski, 14, girl scout volunteer; locavore badge;
Irene Burr, wealthy widow, Bobby's step mother, found DEAD in a pigsty;
Jake Ericson, Chef at The Market Restaurant, dating Cam;
Bobby Burr rebuilt her burned barn;
Bobby's friend, Simone Koyama (Sim), a mechanic
Ruth Dodge, Cam's friend, a local policewoman, twin girls;
Great Uncle Albert, lives in assisted living, gave Cam the farm;
Got Chickens from Bev Montgomery's farm, (rescued);
Wes & Felicity Ames, Wes arrested by Diane Weaver for growing weed in the old town hall......
Pappas - state police;
Lucinda - hired her part time;
Howard Fisher KILLED Irene, put her in his pigsty;
Alexandra Magnusson, recent college grad;
Ellie Kosloski, 14, girl scout volunteer; locavore badge;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
The rating is an average of how I enjoyed reading it and my reaction to the solving of the murder. On one hand, I found the book really enjoyable to read, since I love New England and farming. It was sort of a stand-alone book, but there were a lot of references to previous stories, and since I hadn't read anything before, it was a little annoying. However, it was the solution that infuriated me. The murder was suddenly solved with a sudden discovery of something that had never been mentioned before. I hate that a critical clue is kept from the reader until the end. I'm not sure if I would read another of her books or not.
August 23, 2017
Although part of the Local Foods Mysteries, I found that “Til Dirt Do Us Part could definitely be read as a stand-alone book. The book centers around an organic farmer named Cameron Flaherty who you can’t help but love – even more so in this second book.
I found the book very well written full of excitement that keeps you guess right up to the end. Along the way you learn more about the members of the community and the co-op. You are never bored reading it. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down.
If not already, it needs to be on your TRB list!
I found the book very well written full of excitement that keeps you guess right up to the end. Along the way you learn more about the members of the community and the co-op. You are never bored reading it. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down.
If not already, it needs to be on your TRB list!
May 24, 2021
Cam Flaherty and her organic farm are heading into autumn. When a local busybody is found dead that day after a gala at her farm, Cam, once again, is drawn into the investigation. There were a lot of folks in Westbury who did not like Irene Burr, so the the list of suspects is long. Meanwhile, Cam is trying to balance her attraction to the local organic chef as well as her interest in the local state police officer, who is investigating the crime. Both men are more than interested in Cam, but jealousy rears its ugly head. Another entertaining read from Edith Maxwell.
June 23, 2025
This was an interesting book but I felt it didn't flow very well.......sometimes chapters just ended and there didn't seem like a finish to them. The story line was good and I like how this author builds the suspense towards the end of the book when she is wrapping up all the details.......there were a few details I missed however.....LOL.....but that is on me......
The characters are developing nicely and I am starting to understand some of them a little bit more......they don't seem so curt or short in their talking now in the book.....
On to the next one.......
The characters are developing nicely and I am starting to understand some of them a little bit more......they don't seem so curt or short in their talking now in the book.....
On to the next one.......
July 10, 2017
Cam is back in the second book of this series hosting a farm to table evening. The next day, the body of a woman who was at the event turns up dead. While juggling a rocky relationship with Jake and a blooming relationship with Detective Pappas, Cam tries to figure out who killed the woman. This was a great book and I look forward to the next book in the series and finding out which guy Cam will end up with.
December 9, 2025
Cam Flaherty is running her farm after leaving her job in computer programing. After a Harvest Festival dinner on her farm, a woman, Irene is found dead in a neighbor's pig sty. She has been partially eaten. Cam is concerned that the death was so near. The carpenter who has worked on her barn is the step son of the woman. When he disappears, Cam wants to prove he is innocent so she gets involved in the case.
May 18, 2017
Oh boy, this was fun. Not until the very last few pages did it dawn on me who done it.
There is so much going on in this story, so many people to get to know and like (or not) and so many new developments, it kept me interested and rooting for the main character throughout.
Fun read, nicely written.
There is so much going on in this story, so many people to get to know and like (or not) and so many new developments, it kept me interested and rooting for the main character throughout.
Fun read, nicely written.
May 29, 2018
I really like how this series is going. The stories are light, fun, easy-reading cozy mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie. There is murder for sure, but it's not gross. The murder just presents a puzzle that is fun to figure out. I treat myself to a cozy after I've read several heavier books as a nice, relaxing change of pace. Learning about locavore culture is fun as well.
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