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A Greenhouse Mystery #1
A Muddied Murder
When Megan Sawyer gives up her big-city law career to care for her grandmother and run the family’s organic farm and café, she expects to find peace and tranquility in her scenic hometown of Winsome, Pennsylvania.
Instead, her goat goes missing, rain muddies her fields, the town denies her business permits, and her family’s Colonial-era farm sucks up the remains of her savings.
Just when she thinks she’s reached the bottom of the rain barrel, Megan and the town’s hunky veterinarian discover the local zoning commissioner’s battered body in her barn. Now Megan is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation—and she’s the chief suspect.
Can Megan dig through small-town secrets, local politics, and old grievances in time to find a killer before that killer strikes again?
Instead, her goat goes missing, rain muddies her fields, the town denies her business permits, and her family’s Colonial-era farm sucks up the remains of her savings.
Just when she thinks she’s reached the bottom of the rain barrel, Megan and the town’s hunky veterinarian discover the local zoning commissioner’s battered body in her barn. Now Megan is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation—and she’s the chief suspect.
Can Megan dig through small-town secrets, local politics, and old grievances in time to find a killer before that killer strikes again?
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
347 people are currently reading
1894 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Tyson
24 books384 followersWendy Tyson is an author, lawyer, and former therapist whose background has inspired her thrillers and mysteries. As Liv Andersson, she writes thrillers, including Little Red House. As Wendy Tyson, she is the author of several mystery series, including the Amazon bestselling Greenhouse Mystery Series. Wendy’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals and crime anthologies, and she has written for The Big Thrill and The Thrill Begins, International Thriller Writers’ online magazines. Wendy is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She and her husband live in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with their sons and three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
May 2, 2016
Whether you are an animal-lover, someone who loves a good mystery or you just enjoy engaging characters, Wendy Tyson’s first story in her Greenhouse Mystery series has it all.
Megan Sawyer had returned to her roots after the death of her husband in Afghanistan and a burgeoning career as a big-city lawyer. Her grandmother, Bonnie Birch (affectionately known as Bibi), was approaching her mid-eighties and needed someone nearby. Megan wanted to make a life-change and her return to Winsome, Pennsylvania was appreciated. Or so she thought……
With the help of a young brother-sister team and some quirky townspeople, Megan was expecting to sell her organic vegetables at a local farmer's market and open her restaurant in a few days. There were a few last-minute kinks that need to be worked out. Unfortunately, there was a heated discussion with the local zoning commissioner. He was found murdered in her barn that night and most fingers pointed to Megan.
The storyline was character-driven and believable. Even though Megan was in the limelight, there were an abundance of intriguing secondary characters. I was never bored. I expect to see some of them in future stories.
The title of the mystery was completely relevant. The turmoil that took place in A Muddied Murder rippled along the surface. Then there was a budding romance with the local veterinarian. Dr. Denver Finn was born in Scotland but had travelled the world before settling in Winsome. His Scottish accent had an unusual ebb and flow. His gentle manner with Megan tugged at my heart. And I loved reading about the baby goats, chickens, horses and dogs.
My one minor complaint concerned the Still, this was a wonderful introduction to their quirky community and I look forward to visiting Winsome again soon.
*BTW, I was uncertain until the end of who the killer would be.*
Megan Sawyer had returned to her roots after the death of her husband in Afghanistan and a burgeoning career as a big-city lawyer. Her grandmother, Bonnie Birch (affectionately known as Bibi), was approaching her mid-eighties and needed someone nearby. Megan wanted to make a life-change and her return to Winsome, Pennsylvania was appreciated. Or so she thought……
With the help of a young brother-sister team and some quirky townspeople, Megan was expecting to sell her organic vegetables at a local farmer's market and open her restaurant in a few days. There were a few last-minute kinks that need to be worked out. Unfortunately, there was a heated discussion with the local zoning commissioner. He was found murdered in her barn that night and most fingers pointed to Megan.
The storyline was character-driven and believable. Even though Megan was in the limelight, there were an abundance of intriguing secondary characters. I was never bored. I expect to see some of them in future stories.
The title of the mystery was completely relevant. The turmoil that took place in A Muddied Murder rippled along the surface. Then there was a budding romance with the local veterinarian. Dr. Denver Finn was born in Scotland but had travelled the world before settling in Winsome. His Scottish accent had an unusual ebb and flow. His gentle manner with Megan tugged at my heart. And I loved reading about the baby goats, chickens, horses and dogs.
My one minor complaint concerned the Still, this was a wonderful introduction to their quirky community and I look forward to visiting Winsome again soon.
*BTW, I was uncertain until the end of who the killer would be.*
February 3, 2016
Megan Sawyer, an ex-attorney, leaves the hectic city life of Chicago to return to her grandmother Bibi's, organic farm and nursery. Aptly named Washington Acres; legend says George Washington stayed there during the Revolutionary War. Megan is ready to open their Cafe in town but can't seem to get her inspections passed. Simon Duvall, a local history buff, with a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality wants Bibi's land zoned for historical preservation and is pushing Bibi to sell. Apparently, others also have an interest in the land and the adjoining property. When Duvall's corpse is discovered in the farm's barn; Brian Porter, an ex-soldier with anger management issues is accused. Porter works odd jobs when he isn't drunk and mean; and Dr. Denver Finn, the veterinarian Megan uses for all the farm animals, believes he's innocent. Megan is attracted to Denver and wants to trust him.
The author layers this plot carefully, then tosses it like a garden salad until it's so mixed up that every chapter seems to have a different spin on who could have dunnit, and what their motive would be! Top that with a tasty dressing of many cute animals and yummy cooking, and this debut mystery has promise to be an absorbing new cozy series. I loved the ending and would have done the same thing as Elizabeth. Don't miss this one!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The author layers this plot carefully, then tosses it like a garden salad until it's so mixed up that every chapter seems to have a different spin on who could have dunnit, and what their motive would be! Top that with a tasty dressing of many cute animals and yummy cooking, and this debut mystery has promise to be an absorbing new cozy series. I loved the ending and would have done the same thing as Elizabeth. Don't miss this one!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
February 20, 2016
A fabulous start to what I hope will be a long running series!
This first book in the Greenhouse Mysteries by author Wendy Tyson had everything I look for in a great mystery. A perfect setting, an interesting profession for the protagonist, and characters I would love to know in real life.
By the end of chapter one of A MUDDIED MURDER I was besotted with character Megan Sawyer, an attorney turned farmer/café owner, her grandmother Bibi, and local vet Dr. Finn. As I read more of the story I was laughing hysterically thanks to Megan’s store manager Clover Hand, and her boyfriend Police Chief Bob King.
Quick witted and intelligent writing drew me into this book from the beginning, and held me captive through the thrilling reveal, and delightful ending. Wonderful storytelling at its best.
Wendy Tyson has a sure bet of a hit series on her hands. I’m looking forward to book two, BITTER HARVEST. Come on 2017!
This first book in the Greenhouse Mysteries by author Wendy Tyson had everything I look for in a great mystery. A perfect setting, an interesting profession for the protagonist, and characters I would love to know in real life.
By the end of chapter one of A MUDDIED MURDER I was besotted with character Megan Sawyer, an attorney turned farmer/café owner, her grandmother Bibi, and local vet Dr. Finn. As I read more of the story I was laughing hysterically thanks to Megan’s store manager Clover Hand, and her boyfriend Police Chief Bob King.
Quick witted and intelligent writing drew me into this book from the beginning, and held me captive through the thrilling reveal, and delightful ending. Wonderful storytelling at its best.
Wendy Tyson has a sure bet of a hit series on her hands. I’m looking forward to book two, BITTER HARVEST. Come on 2017!
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July 27, 2017“Tyson gives us an evocative sense of place, a bit of romance, and dimensional characters with interesting backstories. Readers are left looking forward to the next book in the series and hankering for organic mushroom tartlets.” – Publishers Weekly
April 17, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Like our author, Megan Sawyer is a lawyer. Megan feels like she is leaving the rat race behind when she returns to Winsome to help her grandmother and open a store and café featuring things grown on her family’s organic farm. But Winsome has its own share of rats, namely Zoning Commissioner, Simon Duvall. He is holding up her permits and keeping her from her grand opening. She can handle the rain and her goats wandering but she can’t let one man keep her from her livelihood.
With the goats getting loose a lot, she has the veterinarian on speed dial. Dr. Denver Finn, is easy on the eyes and has a delicious accent and he would like to get to know Megan even better. Romance takes a back seat when she and the good doctor find Simon Duvall dead in her barn. Her grievance with the man was public knowledge making her the prime suspect in his murder. She may live in Winsome but she could lose some if she doesn’t dig deep and figure out who really killed the rat, I mean Mr. Duvall.
I was already a fan of this author and her Allison Campbell Mysteries so I was anxious to read this story. She has started off this series wonderfully.
First she gives us great realistic characters with depth. Megan is a strong woman with a dream. I think it will be a great success and she is definitely going to need more help. Especially if she keeps tracking down murders. Her grandmother, Bibi, will find her way right into your heart. Another strong woman who hates to slow down. She is excited about the new family venture and will do anything she can to help. Dr. Denver Finn is an interesting man and has a way with both people and animals. He is watching over a veteran with some issues due to his time overseas. He also rescues animals. He had me in his corner immediately. We also have a few 4 legged characters as well to add to the fun.
Wendy Tyson wraps these characters in a story that meshes history, politics, and general small time life. She also blends in a murder mystery with more twists than a tornado. Each time I thought I had it figured out there was another clue that wrecked my theory. She added an element I never even thought about that turned the story on its ear. The ending was just fabulous!
I hope this series lasts a good long time. I will tramp through the mud, the rain, the snow with Megan anytime. I want to get to know all the characters better. I can hardly wait for the second book.
Like our author, Megan Sawyer is a lawyer. Megan feels like she is leaving the rat race behind when she returns to Winsome to help her grandmother and open a store and café featuring things grown on her family’s organic farm. But Winsome has its own share of rats, namely Zoning Commissioner, Simon Duvall. He is holding up her permits and keeping her from her grand opening. She can handle the rain and her goats wandering but she can’t let one man keep her from her livelihood.
With the goats getting loose a lot, she has the veterinarian on speed dial. Dr. Denver Finn, is easy on the eyes and has a delicious accent and he would like to get to know Megan even better. Romance takes a back seat when she and the good doctor find Simon Duvall dead in her barn. Her grievance with the man was public knowledge making her the prime suspect in his murder. She may live in Winsome but she could lose some if she doesn’t dig deep and figure out who really killed the rat, I mean Mr. Duvall.
I was already a fan of this author and her Allison Campbell Mysteries so I was anxious to read this story. She has started off this series wonderfully.
First she gives us great realistic characters with depth. Megan is a strong woman with a dream. I think it will be a great success and she is definitely going to need more help. Especially if she keeps tracking down murders. Her grandmother, Bibi, will find her way right into your heart. Another strong woman who hates to slow down. She is excited about the new family venture and will do anything she can to help. Dr. Denver Finn is an interesting man and has a way with both people and animals. He is watching over a veteran with some issues due to his time overseas. He also rescues animals. He had me in his corner immediately. We also have a few 4 legged characters as well to add to the fun.
Wendy Tyson wraps these characters in a story that meshes history, politics, and general small time life. She also blends in a murder mystery with more twists than a tornado. Each time I thought I had it figured out there was another clue that wrecked my theory. She added an element I never even thought about that turned the story on its ear. The ending was just fabulous!
I hope this series lasts a good long time. I will tramp through the mud, the rain, the snow with Megan anytime. I want to get to know all the characters better. I can hardly wait for the second book.
September 3, 2016
Unfortunately for me this was written in a style that was mostly telling and not showing which became tedious and well, boring. And there were some events and behaviors that just did not make sense to me. It could not keep my attention. The last two books I read have been contemporary (and I did not enjoy them) so perhaps I should just not go there.
February 28, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review from Henery Press and Netgalley. All opinions stated in this review are entirely mine.*
A lawyer-turned-farmer, a murder, a flood, and tons of suspenseful yet cozy action go together to make A Muddied Murder a winner!
The main character, Megan, has recently transitioned from her job as a big city corporate lawyer to a small-town organic farmer, and she loves it. But when a man is murdered on her farm, and she becomes one of the suspects Megan knows she has to find a killer, before a killer muddies up her dreams.
I loved Megan, she was raw and wonderfully real to me. She showed strength, and weakness, proving that she had flaws. That is how a character should be, that is how real people are. Her comrades, Denver, Clover, and Claw were awfully wonderful. Denver's strength and mysteriousness, Clover's peppiness and helpfulness, and Clay's brain and truthfulness all went together to add something to this story.
The author did a stunning job with her descriptions. She almost made me want to become an organic farmer in rural Pennsylvania! I can't wait to read the next book to see if any of Megan's ideas for her cafe and farm expansions come true.
At one point in the book it looked as if the author was setting up a love triangle, but I am very happy to say that notion was knocked out of the ballpark by the end of the book! Thank you Wendy Tyson for not adding a useless, drama-filled, love triangle to your book. You just proved that a book can stand wonderfully on it's own without one.
Overall an excellent book. I will most certainly be reading the next one, and I'm going to read some of Ms. Tyson's other books soon!
A lawyer-turned-farmer, a murder, a flood, and tons of suspenseful yet cozy action go together to make A Muddied Murder a winner!
The main character, Megan, has recently transitioned from her job as a big city corporate lawyer to a small-town organic farmer, and she loves it. But when a man is murdered on her farm, and she becomes one of the suspects Megan knows she has to find a killer, before a killer muddies up her dreams.
I loved Megan, she was raw and wonderfully real to me. She showed strength, and weakness, proving that she had flaws. That is how a character should be, that is how real people are. Her comrades, Denver, Clover, and Claw were awfully wonderful. Denver's strength and mysteriousness, Clover's peppiness and helpfulness, and Clay's brain and truthfulness all went together to add something to this story.
The author did a stunning job with her descriptions. She almost made me want to become an organic farmer in rural Pennsylvania! I can't wait to read the next book to see if any of Megan's ideas for her cafe and farm expansions come true.
At one point in the book it looked as if the author was setting up a love triangle, but I am very happy to say that notion was knocked out of the ballpark by the end of the book! Thank you Wendy Tyson for not adding a useless, drama-filled, love triangle to your book. You just proved that a book can stand wonderfully on it's own without one.
Overall an excellent book. I will most certainly be reading the next one, and I'm going to read some of Ms. Tyson's other books soon!
June 2, 2016
Megan Sawyer’s plans to revitalize her family’s farm and open a small store and café are constantly hitting the road block of Simon Duvall. Simon is the head of the local zoning commission, and he keeps failing her on every inspection. After the latest one, Megan finds Simon murdered in the farm’s barn. Naturally, the police are looking at Megan as a suspect, but all Megan can wonder is why Simon was killed in the barn.
This is a wonderful debut! There are some secrets in Megan’s family that come to light over the course of the book and add another layer to the story. I can’t wait to see where that goes next. The mystery of Simon’s murder is also very well done with plenty of surprises along the way. Top that off with great characters. I can’t wait to return for the sequel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a wonderful debut! There are some secrets in Megan’s family that come to light over the course of the book and add another layer to the story. I can’t wait to see where that goes next. The mystery of Simon’s murder is also very well done with plenty of surprises along the way. Top that off with great characters. I can’t wait to return for the sequel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 24, 2017
Megan Sawyer left her lawyer career to
return to Winsome, Pennsylvania. She is
caring for her grandmother while setting
up a organic farm and cafe.
The farm and town scenery is described
so vividly that the reader will feel as if
they are in Winsome.
The book is intriguing with believable
characters involved in an puzzling plot.
Murder, a loose goat, muddy fields,
stabbing, historical re-enactment,
historical society meets, fire
beautification projects, the farmer's
market, hidden treasure, Washington
Acres Farm and Cafe combined with post
traumatic stress, suspense, humorous
touches, adventure and a touch of romance
makethis a good read.
Plenty of animals fill the story:
Mutton Chops ( the cat ), the goats:
Dimples & Heidi, the chickens: Delawares,
Orpington Plymouth Rocks( Omelet), a
Quarter horse & Palomino, plus dogs: a Great
Dane, a Chihuahua, a Beagle, Sarge ( aGerman
Shepherd ) and the two main dogs:
Sadie with a German Shepherd face, a greyhound
body Shepherd coloring and a golden retriever tail
and Gunther who becomes the farm's guard dog
This is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery.
Looking forward to read the rest of the series.
return to Winsome, Pennsylvania. She is
caring for her grandmother while setting
up a organic farm and cafe.
The farm and town scenery is described
so vividly that the reader will feel as if
they are in Winsome.
The book is intriguing with believable
characters involved in an puzzling plot.
Murder, a loose goat, muddy fields,
stabbing, historical re-enactment,
historical society meets, fire
beautification projects, the farmer's
market, hidden treasure, Washington
Acres Farm and Cafe combined with post
traumatic stress, suspense, humorous
touches, adventure and a touch of romance
makethis a good read.
Plenty of animals fill the story:
Mutton Chops ( the cat ), the goats:
Dimples & Heidi, the chickens: Delawares,
Orpington Plymouth Rocks( Omelet), a
Quarter horse & Palomino, plus dogs: a Great
Dane, a Chihuahua, a Beagle, Sarge ( aGerman
Shepherd ) and the two main dogs:
Sadie with a German Shepherd face, a greyhound
body Shepherd coloring and a golden retriever tail
and Gunther who becomes the farm's guard dog
This is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery.
Looking forward to read the rest of the series.
May 24, 2016
Esta historia tiene de todo un poco: un sugerente misterio, un inquietante asesinato, un poco de romance y otro poco de humor, un pueblo no tan pequeño y sus metomentodo habitantes y entre engaño y secreto familiar, una interesante visión de economía sostenible.
Muy interesante y muy entretenido. Y si no fuese porque se trata de una serie y no todo es descubierto y/o explicado en este libro (no soy fan de las series) le hubiese dado las 5 stars.
Te van a gustar todos los personajes, no hay dos iguales, la autora se inventa toda una paleta de personalidades a cada cual más interesante. No hay personajes planos, ni de relleno ni llenos de tópicos. Todos son muy reales y todos con su trasfondo. Son los que llevan el peso de la historia y funciona.
Cuando Megan abandona su fructífera carrera como abogada y vuelve a la granja familiar para empezar una nueva etapa y cuidar de su abuela, encontrar un cadáver en su granero no estaba en su lista de prioridades. Como tampoco lo estaba encontrarse siendo la sospechosa número uno, como tampoco esperaba que el tío mas estirado del pueblo le pusiese tantas trabas para abrir su negocio, pero lo que seguro que no esperaba era descubrir que su pasado familiar es más turbulento de lo que ella pensaba.
Sólo con esto ya hay para novela y media, ahora súmale un poquito de romance, una Asociación Histórica para la defensa y gloria de Winsome que no deja títere con cabeza y una abuelita dulce y encantadora y tienes entretenimiento para rato.
She (Megan) had slammed down the snooze button on her alarm six times. After the seventh reprieve, Bibi (her grandmother) finally intervened.
“Are you running a farm or a brothel?” Bibi asked. “Cause with your late hours and sleeping habits, it feels more like the latter.”
Ves? Dulce y encantadora…
Me ha gustado mucho.
El romance, a pesar de estar en un segundo plano, ha sido muy tierno. Me hubiese gustado pasar más tiempo con estos dos…
Y el misterio ha sido muy interesante. No sabía qué iba a pasar o quién era el malo hasta que lo leí…
Los secretos familiares es lo que me ha descolocado un poco… No sé si la explicación va a ser lo suficientemente buena…va a resultar complicado convencerme de los motivos pero ya veremos…
Muy entretenida, muy buena y muy recomendable.
This story has a little bit of everything: an intriguing mystery, a disturbing murder, a bit of romance, a bit of humor and a few not-so-small town busybody villagers, and between deception and family secret, an interesting vision of sustainable economy.
It has been so interesting and entertaining. And if it weren´t because it's a series, and not everything is discovered or explained in this book (I'm not a big fan of series) I would have given it 5 stars.
You will like all the characters, not two of them are alike, the author invents quite a palette of personalities, each one is as interesting as the next. There are neither flat characters nor for the only purpose of fill the plot nor full of clichés. All the characters feel real and all have their background. They carry the weight of the story and it works.
When Megan abandons her successful career as a lawyer and returns to her family farm to begin a new chapter and take care of her grandmother, finding a corpse in her barn was not at the top of her list of priorities. As neither was being the suspect number one on the aforesaid murder, nor was being continually holding up her new business by the most manipulative guy in town, but what she sure didn't expect was to discover that her family's past was more shadowy than she thought.
Just with all of the above, there is for one and a half novel, now add a bit of romance, a Historical Association for the defense and glory of Winsome that takes no prisoners and a sweet and charming grandmother and you´ll have enough entertainment for a long time.
She (Megan) had slammed down the snooze button on her alarm six times. After the seventh reprieve, Bibi (her grandmother) finally intervened.
"Are you running a farm or a brothel?" Bibi asked. "Cause with your late hours and sleeping habits, it feels more like the latter."
See? Sweet and lovely...
I liked it a lot.
The romance, despite it remained in the background, has been sweet and lovely. I would have liked to spend more time with these two...
And the mystery was very interesting. I didn't know what was going to happen or who the bad guy was until I read it...
But it has been the family secrets what have me slightly disconcerted... I don't know if the explanation is going to be good enough... it will be difficult to give a convincing explanation to the goings-on... We´ll see…
Greatly entertaining, very good and highly recommended.
December 15, 2015
[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
"Ah, well… this new life was certainly teaching her patience. Mother Nature had her own opinions about timing, and she wasn’t hearing appeals."
Megan Sawyer, former Chicago lawyer and widow of Mick, who died serving his country in the Middle East, has returned to Winsome PA to live with her 80 something grandmother Bonnie Birch, aka Bibi after her father traipses off to Europe with his latest girlfriend, leaving a mortgage and another abandoned project that Megan is refurbishing to begin an organic farm, café and small store. And, struggling to get started, she has begun seeing some progress as things are beginning to show positive progress.
Until someone is found dead in the barn. The town is rumored to have been a haven for George Washington, and, true or not it seems that their farm:Washington Acres, may have the foundations to prove it as fact.
The head of the preservation society, also the town inspector, is found with his head bashed in and it sends Megan and her cohorts scrambling to find out why. Along the way her café opens, her grandmother finds new purpose, and her relationship with the local vet Denver Finn begins to show some promise.
Which leaves her to wonder just what it is that could go wrong next?
Wendy Tyson has the basis of a great series here. The topics of returning home, organic farming and healthier lifestyles is very current, as are war widows. The historical mystery is fascinating as is the family mythos around the original owners and their connections to early America. The only thing missing are recipes for the wonderful dishes they are serving in Megan's café. Can hardly wait for the second book!
"Ah, well… this new life was certainly teaching her patience. Mother Nature had her own opinions about timing, and she wasn’t hearing appeals."
Megan Sawyer, former Chicago lawyer and widow of Mick, who died serving his country in the Middle East, has returned to Winsome PA to live with her 80 something grandmother Bonnie Birch, aka Bibi after her father traipses off to Europe with his latest girlfriend, leaving a mortgage and another abandoned project that Megan is refurbishing to begin an organic farm, café and small store. And, struggling to get started, she has begun seeing some progress as things are beginning to show positive progress.
Until someone is found dead in the barn. The town is rumored to have been a haven for George Washington, and, true or not it seems that their farm:Washington Acres, may have the foundations to prove it as fact.
The head of the preservation society, also the town inspector, is found with his head bashed in and it sends Megan and her cohorts scrambling to find out why. Along the way her café opens, her grandmother finds new purpose, and her relationship with the local vet Denver Finn begins to show some promise.
Which leaves her to wonder just what it is that could go wrong next?
Wendy Tyson has the basis of a great series here. The topics of returning home, organic farming and healthier lifestyles is very current, as are war widows. The historical mystery is fascinating as is the family mythos around the original owners and their connections to early America. The only thing missing are recipes for the wonderful dishes they are serving in Megan's café. Can hardly wait for the second book!
December 17, 2015
Wendy Tyson is a new to me author and I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I was very impressed with this book. It had everything I look for in a cozy mystery.
When Megan Sawyer returns to the family farm in rural Winsome, PA, she has no idea what she is in for.
Finding a dead body was not on her list of never ending chores. Struggling to keep the family farm going, it seems someone doesn't want Megan to succeed. It is up to her to dig up the dirt on fellow Winsome residents if she wants to uncover the truth.
This story is packed with mystery, drama, lies, secrets and of course, a little bit of romance.
This story was interesting from the beginning and I was hooked on the story by the end of chapter one. I am putting the next one in the series on my TBR list.
I was very impressed with this book. It had everything I look for in a cozy mystery.
When Megan Sawyer returns to the family farm in rural Winsome, PA, she has no idea what she is in for.
Finding a dead body was not on her list of never ending chores. Struggling to keep the family farm going, it seems someone doesn't want Megan to succeed. It is up to her to dig up the dirt on fellow Winsome residents if she wants to uncover the truth.
This story is packed with mystery, drama, lies, secrets and of course, a little bit of romance.
This story was interesting from the beginning and I was hooked on the story by the end of chapter one. I am putting the next one in the series on my TBR list.
April 5, 2016
A fun new cozy series - especially since it centers around food. I love the idea of farming or having a garden but don't think you'll find me doing that.
There are a lot of interesting characters to round out the story, with several back stories on different characters that I think we will see more of in the future.
Regarding the mystery...I didn't figure out who the "bad guys" were until revealed. I wanted to throw a few of the characters to the wolves and wanted them to be culprit but no such luck. maybe in a future book!
There is a little of a love story between Megan and the local vet and I can't wait to see how that story continues in future books.
There are a lot of interesting characters to round out the story, with several back stories on different characters that I think we will see more of in the future.
Regarding the mystery...I didn't figure out who the "bad guys" were until revealed. I wanted to throw a few of the characters to the wolves and wanted them to be culprit but no such luck. maybe in a future book!
There is a little of a love story between Megan and the local vet and I can't wait to see how that story continues in future books.
September 25, 2020
It is a well balanced detective where the deduction vs accidentally found clues are intricately woven into a day-to day life of a lady farmer with a business to run, a Granma to care, a hot man to flirt with, a local community to win and some history secrets to reveal. Dead bodies are seen not only as a tragedy (which they of course are) but also a nuisance that does not let the farm life go when every day is crucial for the harvest and for the farm to survive. The murders are surprisingly in the bottom of the main character's to-do list - and that is seen as refreshing.
Definitely into the next book of the series.
Definitely into the next book of the series.
June 18, 2019
Loved it! This book has everything I love in a story! Mystery, food, animals, quirky grandmothers, and a great leading female character. Oh, and a bit of romance too. Megan has moved back home to work the family farm, and to open a café. So when a body is found in her barn, all heck breaks loose. There are plenty of suspects, and I did not figure out who the killer was until almost the end of the book. It is a fast paced and fun read, and I was sad to say goodbye to the characters, lucky for me there are more books in the series!
October 13, 2017
A fun start to a new series - Megan has given up the pressured life of a lawyer to run the family farm after the death of her Grandfather, they want to also open a cafe in a place they own in the town but the local Commissioner seems to be throwing problem after problem in the way, then Megan and the local vet Denver find his dead body in the farm's barn. One problem is over but the rest are just beginning and Megan needs to pull her legal training back to the fore in order to sift the truth from the lies.
January 10, 2018
A really good read!
August 11, 2023
There is so much to like about this debut story in author Wendy Tyson's new cozy series. From the setting on a Pennsylvania small town farm, to the antics of two young goats, and the ministrations of a handsome and dedicated (and Scottish!) local veterinarian, readers can easily settle in to enjoy the craftsmanship of the story. But all is not quite as it seems in the idyllic countryside. Wendy Tyson introduces a puzzling murder mystery and manages to cast suspicion on a wide swath of suspects, keeping her readers guessing until the final chapters.
As A Muddied Murder opens, big time lawyer Megan Sawyer has recently returned home to her small town Pennsylvania farm roots and is working hard to open an organic farm and cafe/larder in town. I delighted in all the descriptions of plantings and pickings, knowing full well that, while I may dream of gardening, I lack the dedication and time to really do the job justice. But Megan certainly doesn't! She's an admirable farmer with passion for the work and plenty of gumption to get things going. The thorn in her side? The local zoning commissioner who is setting up more hoops for her to jump through than a three ring circus, constantly delaying her plans of getting all of the needed permits in order. When he turns up dead in Megan's barn, she's immediately a suspect. Luckily, the former lawyer knows how to keep her cool; that is, until it looks as though her grandmother may have been involved. But whoever killed the zoning commissioner doesn't stop there. As the attacks continue, suspicion widens to several suspects. No one wants to believe that the residents of this small town are capable of murder, but the bodies are beginning to pile up - and Megan could be next.
I really liked this book. Having visited Pennsylvania just last year, I could picture some of the setting and, a history buff, especially of the Revolutionary War, the touches of historical significance that are part of the story and the mystery were fun to ponder. The pairing of Megan and Denver is a great one - they have wonderful chemistry on the page; something that isn't always well crafted by authors, but is certainly mastered by Wendy Tyson. Especially fun for me was learning that I was at least partially correct in my suspicions! I may not have uncovered the whole plot, but I sniffed out at least one player - and was very relieved to cross some folks off my list, too. Can't wait to read more from this series!
As A Muddied Murder opens, big time lawyer Megan Sawyer has recently returned home to her small town Pennsylvania farm roots and is working hard to open an organic farm and cafe/larder in town. I delighted in all the descriptions of plantings and pickings, knowing full well that, while I may dream of gardening, I lack the dedication and time to really do the job justice. But Megan certainly doesn't! She's an admirable farmer with passion for the work and plenty of gumption to get things going. The thorn in her side? The local zoning commissioner who is setting up more hoops for her to jump through than a three ring circus, constantly delaying her plans of getting all of the needed permits in order. When he turns up dead in Megan's barn, she's immediately a suspect. Luckily, the former lawyer knows how to keep her cool; that is, until it looks as though her grandmother may have been involved. But whoever killed the zoning commissioner doesn't stop there. As the attacks continue, suspicion widens to several suspects. No one wants to believe that the residents of this small town are capable of murder, but the bodies are beginning to pile up - and Megan could be next.
I really liked this book. Having visited Pennsylvania just last year, I could picture some of the setting and, a history buff, especially of the Revolutionary War, the touches of historical significance that are part of the story and the mystery were fun to ponder. The pairing of Megan and Denver is a great one - they have wonderful chemistry on the page; something that isn't always well crafted by authors, but is certainly mastered by Wendy Tyson. Especially fun for me was learning that I was at least partially correct in my suspicions! I may not have uncovered the whole plot, but I sniffed out at least one player - and was very relieved to cross some folks off my list, too. Can't wait to read more from this series!
January 19, 2016
A Muddied Murder
by
Wendy Tyson
A Review
A Muddied Murder
A small farm, a vegetable stand, a small town local grocer, and an organic cafe, make for the perfect location for a murder. When located in southeastern Pennsylvania, it seems almost like home. In fact, for Megan Sawyer, it was too close to home.
Megan was on the verge of becoming a big time Chicago lawyer, but she had the opportunity to return to her roots in rural Pennsylvania after the death of her husband. But to do so, she had to hang up her law education and grab the small farmer label that came with the old family farm she would run. She found it energizing - working among the vegetables and farm animals that defined her new life. The property had a history - a legend really - that somebody knew more about than she did. A legend that somebody was willing to kill for.
Megan was the first suspect (really? come on now?); Bibi Birch, her grandmother, was the second (not likely, being in her 80’s). But somebody had murdered Simon Duvall, the local zoning commissioner. It would take Megan, Bibi, Clay (the farmhand), Bob King (the town Police Chief), and Denver Finn (the local veterinarian), along with a few others to find the truth. The characters were well developed and fun to follow. This reader felt like he knew them - having lived in small towns and known a few individuals that returned to their rural roots by choice.
For the reader looking for a cozy mystery written for those spring days that never quite are ready for summer, “Muddied Murder” might just fill the bill. Sit back, relax, and get to know the people of Winsome, PA, as you discover the history of Washington Acres and its ties to an unnecessary murder.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2016
In A Muddied Murder, the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery series, author Wendy Tyson weaves a riveting cozy mystery that follows the trials and tribulations of ex-corporate attorney turned organic farmer / cafe owner Megan Sawyer.
Set in the small rural town of Winsome, Pennsylvania, this fast paced tale follows Megan Sawyer as she returns to her hometown to help her Grandmother Bonnie "Bibi" Birch run their family owned organic farm and cafe. Megan's struggles to restore the farm and run the cafe takes a turn for the worse when she finds the body of Simon Duvall, the town zoning commissioner in her barn. Megan and Commissioner Duvall had an argument over the denial of her business permits, and suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation as the primary suspect! Determined to clear her name and save her family's property, Megan decides to investigate the murder on her own with the help of handsome local veterinarian Dr. Daniel "Denver" Fin, and her two employees, brother and sister Clay and Clover Hand. Can Megan and friends solve the murder mystery before the killer strikes again?
A Muddied Murder is a wonderful cozy mystery that has an intriguing cast of characters who all have skeletons in their closets and long held past secrets, plenty of town gossip and family drama, a subtle romance, and enough suspenseful twists and turns that will easily keep the reader engaged and guessing how Megan and her friends will solve the murder mystery.
A Muddied Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery that is hard to put down, and will leave the reader wanting to follow Megan's next adventure.
A Muddied Murder is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher / author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Set in the small rural town of Winsome, Pennsylvania, this fast paced tale follows Megan Sawyer as she returns to her hometown to help her Grandmother Bonnie "Bibi" Birch run their family owned organic farm and cafe. Megan's struggles to restore the farm and run the cafe takes a turn for the worse when she finds the body of Simon Duvall, the town zoning commissioner in her barn. Megan and Commissioner Duvall had an argument over the denial of her business permits, and suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation as the primary suspect! Determined to clear her name and save her family's property, Megan decides to investigate the murder on her own with the help of handsome local veterinarian Dr. Daniel "Denver" Fin, and her two employees, brother and sister Clay and Clover Hand. Can Megan and friends solve the murder mystery before the killer strikes again?
A Muddied Murder is a wonderful cozy mystery that has an intriguing cast of characters who all have skeletons in their closets and long held past secrets, plenty of town gossip and family drama, a subtle romance, and enough suspenseful twists and turns that will easily keep the reader engaged and guessing how Megan and her friends will solve the murder mystery.
A Muddied Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery that is hard to put down, and will leave the reader wanting to follow Megan's next adventure.
A Muddied Murder is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher / author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
May 2, 2016
I found this book a bit difficult to get into at first. I didn’t have much interest in the mystery, and there was a very in-depth look into Megan’s life as a farmer/Café owner/ex-lawyer, that I felt took away from the story a little. There was just a lot of information and explaining that I felt wasn’t so necessary. I actually caught my mind wandering a few times as I was reading.
As for the characters, I found them a bit annoying, and the ones I fairly liked were pretty trivial to the story as a whole. Well except sexy Dr. Finn. He was the apple of the story :D I found myself continuously annoyed with Megan and her grandmother. Bibi, because I was annoyed by her secretiveness (which in the end the reasons why; although I hadn’t expected it, were pretty anticlimactic), Megan because she seemed so high and mighty in her affirmation that the only person who could really solve this was her. She was, from the very beginning, so passive-aggressive antagonistic to King and the police force (Even Kings girlfriend, Clover was like that.). She continuously gave King problems and (I felt) snottily telling him how to run the investigation. It would be different if it was clear that King wasn’t following serious leads…but they were all legitimate leads and questions! I don’t know it just rubbed me the wrong way.
I enjoyed reading the mystery, and there were enough red herrings for it to be interesting, but I felt that the ending was a little rushed and anticlimactic. I also enjoyed the interactions between Megan and Denver.
I think with a little polishing and some character exploration this had the potential for a great mystery!
I received this novel from Netgalley and the Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
As for the characters, I found them a bit annoying, and the ones I fairly liked were pretty trivial to the story as a whole. Well except sexy Dr. Finn. He was the apple of the story :D I found myself continuously annoyed with Megan and her grandmother. Bibi, because I was annoyed by her secretiveness (which in the end the reasons why; although I hadn’t expected it, were pretty anticlimactic), Megan because she seemed so high and mighty in her affirmation that the only person who could really solve this was her. She was, from the very beginning, so passive-aggressive antagonistic to King and the police force (Even Kings girlfriend, Clover was like that.). She continuously gave King problems and (I felt) snottily telling him how to run the investigation. It would be different if it was clear that King wasn’t following serious leads…but they were all legitimate leads and questions! I don’t know it just rubbed me the wrong way.
I enjoyed reading the mystery, and there were enough red herrings for it to be interesting, but I felt that the ending was a little rushed and anticlimactic. I also enjoyed the interactions between Megan and Denver.
I think with a little polishing and some character exploration this had the potential for a great mystery!
I received this novel from Netgalley and the Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and I found it to be very enjoyable. This is a promising start to a new series. The story is well written with a good pace. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged in what I found to be a solid mystery. I also enjoyed the historical mystery that was woven in to this story about the ancestors of our main character. The author has a wonderful descriptive writing style and I enjoyed learning more about organic farming, which is becoming a more common theme of the cozy mystery genre.
I also enjoyed all of the characters and thought the author did a really good job developing them for this first in the series. It is a balance between providing some background that helps the reader connect with the characters without burdening them in too much of the back story. This author had just the right balance providing what we needed in this book but leaving some questions to be answered in future installments in the series. I enjoyed Megan's character and thought she proved to be smart in her sleuthing. I also found rest of the characters to be very likable and enjoyed the budding romance between the main character Megan and Denver, the local vet. I am looking forward to future installments to see where the author takes this series.
I received an copy of this book from Henry Press, the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. The thought express in this review are my own.
I also enjoyed all of the characters and thought the author did a really good job developing them for this first in the series. It is a balance between providing some background that helps the reader connect with the characters without burdening them in too much of the back story. This author had just the right balance providing what we needed in this book but leaving some questions to be answered in future installments in the series. I enjoyed Megan's character and thought she proved to be smart in her sleuthing. I also found rest of the characters to be very likable and enjoyed the budding romance between the main character Megan and Denver, the local vet. I am looking forward to future installments to see where the author takes this series.
I received an copy of this book from Henry Press, the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. The thought express in this review are my own.
June 17, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author. Takes place in Winsome, PA where everyone knows your name and your relatives names. After working for a large law firm in Chicago, Wendy comes back home to take care of the family farm and her grandmother. She also decides to open up a health food café in town. But someone doesn't want her to do that and when the zoning commissioners body is found on her farm, Wendy and/or her grandmother become the main suspects. With the help from Denver the Vet (with a little romance thrown in) and a couple of friends Wendy sets out to find out why her farm is so popular and why someone is digging holes in and near her barn. Great small town USA setting, with all kinds of interesting characters. The book had a nice pace to it and once you start reading you can't stop. Looking forward to the next one.
March 8, 2016
I really like this new series. The characters were personable, well most of them, and there was a good mix of quirky thrown in. This story was not short of suspects as well. I had absolutely no idea who "did it". I was astonished when I found out why there had been so many strange things going on. I look forward to the next book in the series when, I presume, the author will tell us about the part Megan left out of the letter. Don't understand that last part? Pick up the book and see what I'm talking about. It's a great cozy mystery that I'm sure you will definitely enjoy.
Thanks Henery Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks Henery Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2019
Megan Sawyer gives up her career as a lawyer to move back to her small town in Pennsylvania to help her grandmother run her farm. To make the farm a growing concern, she opens a cafe and store for sale of her organic produce. It seems like every time she turns around something else is holding up the ability to open.
When Megan gets into a heated argument with the man behind the holdups, and he is later found dead in her barn, she and her grandmother become suspects in the murder.
I found this book to be very well done, loose ends tied up and plenty of characters to get involved with. Not really sure if Meg was very flushed out as a character as I really didn't love her yet. Since this is the first book in the series, probably to be expected. I will read on.
When Megan gets into a heated argument with the man behind the holdups, and he is later found dead in her barn, she and her grandmother become suspects in the murder.
I found this book to be very well done, loose ends tied up and plenty of characters to get involved with. Not really sure if Meg was very flushed out as a character as I really didn't love her yet. Since this is the first book in the series, probably to be expected. I will read on.
Read
May 7, 2023This was my first cozy mystery and it was so much fun to read! When I discovered one of my favorite thriller authors writes these, I decided to give a cozy mystery a try. I read this in less than a day.
I love that this book is suspenseful but light. This seems like a great genre to read if you’re looking for a fast page turner but are not willing to dedicate all of your emotional capabilities to reading an intense thriller at the moment 😂.
A Muddied Murder us book 1/6 of the Greenhouse Mysteries series. Good thing there’s more than one, because I get the feeling that these cozy mysteries are a bit like potato chips…
I’m not giving a star rating just yet because I’d like to get more of a feel for this genre, but I can tell you with certainty the writing is fantastic and the story moves along at the perfect pace.
I love that this book is suspenseful but light. This seems like a great genre to read if you’re looking for a fast page turner but are not willing to dedicate all of your emotional capabilities to reading an intense thriller at the moment 😂.
A Muddied Murder us book 1/6 of the Greenhouse Mysteries series. Good thing there’s more than one, because I get the feeling that these cozy mysteries are a bit like potato chips…
I’m not giving a star rating just yet because I’d like to get more of a feel for this genre, but I can tell you with certainty the writing is fantastic and the story moves along at the perfect pace.
September 8, 2018
A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson is the first book in a Greenhouse Mystery series. Megan Sawyer gives up her law career to help her grandmother run the family's organic farm and cafe. She is having problems with opening her cafe due to petty knock-backs from the zoning commissioner when his body is found battered to death on her farm. An interesting and enjoyable book, with engaging and strong characters. Megan is smart and hard working, just like her grandmother. A nice start to the series.
Read
October 3, 2019This book just introduced me to a new book boyfriend - Dr. Finn. A 6'4 Scottish veterinarian, who is a complete sweetheart. Loved him!
I was fortunate enough to interview the lovely author, Wendy Tyson over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pUbr...
I am definitely reading book two!
I was fortunate enough to interview the lovely author, Wendy Tyson over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pUbr...
I am definitely reading book two!
February 16, 2016
Megan Sawyer has come home. After a telephone call from her father, who told her he was moving to Italy, she made the decision to move home and care for her family's farm, along with her grandmother, Bibi. She's trying to turn the farm into a completely organic one, and also has plans to open a cafe/market in town, but is stymied at every turn by Simon Duvall, the zoning commissioner, and town historian. Tired of his endless inspection requirements, Megan and Simon have an argument at her cafe, witnessed by several people.
Later that evening, when the town's veterinarian, Dr. Daniel "Denver" Finn stops in to check on one of Megan's goats, her dog Sadie begins nosing around her barn. When Megan and Denver go to find her, they find something else...the body of Simon Duvall. It was apparent he was hit with a shovel to the head - Megan's shovel. So when police chief Bobby King arrives the next day to question Megan, he already knows about Simon's stonewalling and their argument, making Megan a suspect. Although she refuses to be cowed, she does become even more suspicious when Simon's inspector, Roger Becker, arrives at her home with the 'passed inspection' notices. It seems he's had them for awhile, but Simon wouldn't give them to her, instead trying to financially break her in the waiting process. But why?
Megan soon begins discovering small tidbits during the investigation - things like her grandmother was going to sell the farm to Simon, even though Bibi denies it; and more than one person had reason to dislike Simon, who ruled with an iron thumb. But even more disturbing is Simon's mother Lenora, who wants the farm to be listed in the historical register, which means that Megan wouldn't be able to make any improvements without the assent of the Historical Society, and that is something Megan isn't willing to allow to happen.
When the police find a bloody glove that suddenly changes suspects, it's one that isn't a welcome change to Megan. Suddenly, things begin to happen - Megan's store is broken into, she sees someone out by her barn at night, etc. Now she knows that someone is after something on her farm, but what?
So with the whys and the whats, Megan needs answers, but she's not getting any from Chief King or anyone else. She is able to garner a bit of information now and then from her employee Clover, who is Chief King's girlfriend. But all that does is make more questions. And if she doesn't find out the answers soon, then her life, or worse, the life of Bibi, could be in danger.
Ms. Tyson gives us an intriguing novel in this first of the Greenhouse series. She has fleshed out all the main characters - Megan, Denver, Bibi - to make us understand them, and why they are the people they are. There is just enough background on Megan and Denver to make you realize that you have two wounded people who are slowly finding their way toward each other; and enough of Bibi in that you begin to realize what she does and does not say is only to protect Megan in some way (although I have high hopes we will learn more in future books). The secondary characters, of which there are many, are given a background too, and I also look forward to learning more about Clay, Clover, Brian, and Bobby.
I enjoyed the fact that this isn't the typical 'amateur sleuth moves to town and gets involved with the police chief.' Denver, as I mentioned, is the town's Scottish veterinarian, and has his own demons to fight, although not the same ones as Megan. Megan, for her part, has no interest in becoming an amateur sleuth, as it were, and doesn't really even go searching for clues to the killer. She's more interested in the opening of her cafe and why someone is roaming around her farm at night. Very refreshing indeed. (Although, as we know, it isn't going to keep her from getting involved or being in danger).
When we finally learn the truth and the killer is revealed, it comes as a complete surprise. I was pleased with the way Ms. Tyson put the final pieces together, weaving the clues into a nice tapestry that made it all the more believable. With this, the first in the series, she has introduced us to a new set of friends that I hope I will spend time with for years to come. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but it in no way influenced my decision.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
Later that evening, when the town's veterinarian, Dr. Daniel "Denver" Finn stops in to check on one of Megan's goats, her dog Sadie begins nosing around her barn. When Megan and Denver go to find her, they find something else...the body of Simon Duvall. It was apparent he was hit with a shovel to the head - Megan's shovel. So when police chief Bobby King arrives the next day to question Megan, he already knows about Simon's stonewalling and their argument, making Megan a suspect. Although she refuses to be cowed, she does become even more suspicious when Simon's inspector, Roger Becker, arrives at her home with the 'passed inspection' notices. It seems he's had them for awhile, but Simon wouldn't give them to her, instead trying to financially break her in the waiting process. But why?
Megan soon begins discovering small tidbits during the investigation - things like her grandmother was going to sell the farm to Simon, even though Bibi denies it; and more than one person had reason to dislike Simon, who ruled with an iron thumb. But even more disturbing is Simon's mother Lenora, who wants the farm to be listed in the historical register, which means that Megan wouldn't be able to make any improvements without the assent of the Historical Society, and that is something Megan isn't willing to allow to happen.
When the police find a bloody glove that suddenly changes suspects, it's one that isn't a welcome change to Megan. Suddenly, things begin to happen - Megan's store is broken into, she sees someone out by her barn at night, etc. Now she knows that someone is after something on her farm, but what?
So with the whys and the whats, Megan needs answers, but she's not getting any from Chief King or anyone else. She is able to garner a bit of information now and then from her employee Clover, who is Chief King's girlfriend. But all that does is make more questions. And if she doesn't find out the answers soon, then her life, or worse, the life of Bibi, could be in danger.
Ms. Tyson gives us an intriguing novel in this first of the Greenhouse series. She has fleshed out all the main characters - Megan, Denver, Bibi - to make us understand them, and why they are the people they are. There is just enough background on Megan and Denver to make you realize that you have two wounded people who are slowly finding their way toward each other; and enough of Bibi in that you begin to realize what she does and does not say is only to protect Megan in some way (although I have high hopes we will learn more in future books). The secondary characters, of which there are many, are given a background too, and I also look forward to learning more about Clay, Clover, Brian, and Bobby.
I enjoyed the fact that this isn't the typical 'amateur sleuth moves to town and gets involved with the police chief.' Denver, as I mentioned, is the town's Scottish veterinarian, and has his own demons to fight, although not the same ones as Megan. Megan, for her part, has no interest in becoming an amateur sleuth, as it were, and doesn't really even go searching for clues to the killer. She's more interested in the opening of her cafe and why someone is roaming around her farm at night. Very refreshing indeed. (Although, as we know, it isn't going to keep her from getting involved or being in danger).
When we finally learn the truth and the killer is revealed, it comes as a complete surprise. I was pleased with the way Ms. Tyson put the final pieces together, weaving the clues into a nice tapestry that made it all the more believable. With this, the first in the series, she has introduced us to a new set of friends that I hope I will spend time with for years to come. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but it in no way influenced my decision.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2016
I loved everything about this book. Two women running a "gentlewoman's" farm! Gardening! A Scottish veterinarian who goes to great lengths to rescue dogs! People who were raised on a commune! American Revolution reenactors! Wounded warriors portrayed realistically! Charming bungalows in a bucolic small-town setting! Buried treasure! Mischievous baby goats! And of course, murder most foul.
Former Chicago-based corporate lawyer and widow Megan moves back to her hometown (and in with her grandmother) to take up the reigns of the continuously-failing family farm and homestead and turn it around once and for all. She's determined to make her dream of bringing sustainable, wholesome food to the townspeople a reality, but the Historic Preservation Society and the Zoning Board have other ideas. When the Jerk-in-Chief of the Historic Society denies Meg's permits, she's understandably frustrated. But then J-i-C ends up with a shovel to the back of the head in her own barn, the police turn a serious eye toward Meg and her grandmother.
There are family secrets heaped upon family secrets in this book, all of which lay excellent groundwork for books to come. The author left a few unanswered questions, and I can't wait to see how she deals with those in future books. I did not figure out who the murderer was, or the motive, which is a HUGE PLUS for me, because I hate it when I guess right, ha!
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. It is a cozy, but it is not precious. The characters seem real, and while they are well-developed in this book, there is obvious room for growth for them all as the series progresses. The animals in the book are treated with such care, and as actual characters, but without being cheesy.
Megan is very relatable; she's nothing like her parents, which makes her interactions with the townspeople who knew her parents quite interesting. I liked it that her romance with Dr. Finn was there from the beginning, so we didn't have to deal with the "insta-love" that is often seen in books. And even better was that the author is writing the romance as a slow burn, which is realistic given that a) both parties are not in their 20s, and b) Meg is a widow who hasn't been romantically involved with anyone since her husband died a few years ago. The author really hit the emotional part of all of it right on the head, and it was completely believable. There is a moment where Dr. Finn comes upon Megan and another character in a position which could be misinterpreted - and it is - but that doesn't turn out to be Some Big Huge Deal with a lot of frustrating crap that could and would be solved in real life by a couple of simple and honest conversations. Indeed, it IS solved by a couple of honest and simple conversations. REFRESHING. A main character without angst? I'll take it.
Megan also isn't a typical sleuth, and this book isn't focused on HER investigating the murder that took place in her barn. Rather, she thinks out loud and has discussions with her friends and family, and kind of naturally puts the pieces together, because she has an interest in the killer being found, but not because she is making it her mission to solve the crime. I cannot WAIT for more books in this series.
My final gold-star note for this book is the recipe for Garden Vegetable Pasta Primavera at the end, which I will be making ASAP. It sounds amazing.
Former Chicago-based corporate lawyer and widow Megan moves back to her hometown (and in with her grandmother) to take up the reigns of the continuously-failing family farm and homestead and turn it around once and for all. She's determined to make her dream of bringing sustainable, wholesome food to the townspeople a reality, but the Historic Preservation Society and the Zoning Board have other ideas. When the Jerk-in-Chief of the Historic Society denies Meg's permits, she's understandably frustrated. But then J-i-C ends up with a shovel to the back of the head in her own barn, the police turn a serious eye toward Meg and her grandmother.
There are family secrets heaped upon family secrets in this book, all of which lay excellent groundwork for books to come. The author left a few unanswered questions, and I can't wait to see how she deals with those in future books. I did not figure out who the murderer was, or the motive, which is a HUGE PLUS for me, because I hate it when I guess right, ha!
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. It is a cozy, but it is not precious. The characters seem real, and while they are well-developed in this book, there is obvious room for growth for them all as the series progresses. The animals in the book are treated with such care, and as actual characters, but without being cheesy.
Megan is very relatable; she's nothing like her parents, which makes her interactions with the townspeople who knew her parents quite interesting. I liked it that her romance with Dr. Finn was there from the beginning, so we didn't have to deal with the "insta-love" that is often seen in books. And even better was that the author is writing the romance as a slow burn, which is realistic given that a) both parties are not in their 20s, and b) Meg is a widow who hasn't been romantically involved with anyone since her husband died a few years ago. The author really hit the emotional part of all of it right on the head, and it was completely believable. There is a moment where Dr. Finn comes upon Megan and another character in a position which could be misinterpreted - and it is - but that doesn't turn out to be Some Big Huge Deal with a lot of frustrating crap that could and would be solved in real life by a couple of simple and honest conversations. Indeed, it IS solved by a couple of honest and simple conversations. REFRESHING. A main character without angst? I'll take it.
Megan also isn't a typical sleuth, and this book isn't focused on HER investigating the murder that took place in her barn. Rather, she thinks out loud and has discussions with her friends and family, and kind of naturally puts the pieces together, because she has an interest in the killer being found, but not because she is making it her mission to solve the crime. I cannot WAIT for more books in this series.
My final gold-star note for this book is the recipe for Garden Vegetable Pasta Primavera at the end, which I will be making ASAP. It sounds amazing.
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