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Berry Basket Mystery #1
Dying for Strawberries
With seasonal crowds flocking to its sandy beaches, lively downtown shops, and the Berry Basket, a berry emporium with something for everyone, the lakeshore village of Oriole Point is ripe for summer fun—and murder.
Much has changed for Marlee Jacob since she returned to Oriole Point, Michigan, three years ago. Between running the Berry Basket, dodging local gossip, and whipping up strawberry muffins, smoothies, and margaritas to celebrate the town’s first annual Strawberry Moon Bash, the twenty-nine-year-old hardly has time for her fiancé, let alone grim memories of her old life in New York . . .
But unfortunately for Marlee, Oriole Point is muddled with secrets of its own. First her friend Natasha disappears after an ominous dream. Next the seediest man in town threatens to crush her business. Then an unknown person nearly kills her on the night of the Bash. When she discovers a dead body while searching for Natasha, Marlee realizes she’ll have to foil a killer’s plot herself—before the past permanently stains her future.
Strawberry picking at its finest. Dying for Strawberries has it all. Delicious small town ambience, tasty cast of characters, and a plot so satisfying you'll want to return for another serving of the Berry Basket Mysteries.”
—Gail Oust, author of the Spice Shop Mysteries
“Whoever said small town life is dull never visited Oriole Point, Michigan! Marlee Jacob has enough humor and pluck to keep her lakeside town happily complicated for years to come.”
—Laurie Cass, author of the Cat Bookmobile Mystery series
“Sharon Farrow whips up the perfect recipe for a great cozy. Dying for Strawberries boasts a charming setting, a feisty heroine, and a smart mystery. What a treat!”
—Cindy Brown, Agatha-nominated author of the Ivy Meadows mysteries.
Much has changed for Marlee Jacob since she returned to Oriole Point, Michigan, three years ago. Between running the Berry Basket, dodging local gossip, and whipping up strawberry muffins, smoothies, and margaritas to celebrate the town’s first annual Strawberry Moon Bash, the twenty-nine-year-old hardly has time for her fiancé, let alone grim memories of her old life in New York . . .
But unfortunately for Marlee, Oriole Point is muddled with secrets of its own. First her friend Natasha disappears after an ominous dream. Next the seediest man in town threatens to crush her business. Then an unknown person nearly kills her on the night of the Bash. When she discovers a dead body while searching for Natasha, Marlee realizes she’ll have to foil a killer’s plot herself—before the past permanently stains her future.
Strawberry picking at its finest. Dying for Strawberries has it all. Delicious small town ambience, tasty cast of characters, and a plot so satisfying you'll want to return for another serving of the Berry Basket Mysteries.”
—Gail Oust, author of the Spice Shop Mysteries
“Whoever said small town life is dull never visited Oriole Point, Michigan! Marlee Jacob has enough humor and pluck to keep her lakeside town happily complicated for years to come.”
—Laurie Cass, author of the Cat Bookmobile Mystery series
“Sharon Farrow whips up the perfect recipe for a great cozy. Dying for Strawberries boasts a charming setting, a feisty heroine, and a smart mystery. What a treat!”
—Cindy Brown, Agatha-nominated author of the Ivy Meadows mysteries.
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
October 20, 2016
Marlee Jacobs lives in Oriole Point, Michigan and runs a little shop called The Berry Basket. She was raised here but has just returned two years ago after being embroiled in a media shocking murder investigation in New York. Marlee loves her life here, is engaged to a gorgeous man, and has an amazing house on the lake. When a fellow shop owner is murdered and Marlee just happens to be on his house at the time, thinks start to haywire. Marlee is positive that the murder is tied into a real estate deal and blackmail, and she is going to prove it, even if it means alienating herself from the rest of the town.
This is the first book in the Berry Basket Mystery series. It amazed me that this was the first book. I felt like I had missed so much backstory. She keeps referring back to stuff, like the reader is suppose to know what she is talking about, so I was positive this was at least book 2 or 3 in the series. With it being the first, it is confusing why Ms. Farrow would write it this way. Maybe I am missing something...
As for the characters, some were good and some were cardboard cutouts. The main character, Marlee, was likable, but I didn't really understand her. The murder had nothing to do with her really, yet she went all out to solve it. And why would these other shop owners tell her stuff. I don't get it. I mean she was all for justice telling everyone that finding the murderer trumped their heartfelt secrets, but who was she to pick and choose what the police got to know and what they didn't. I didn't understand any of the motivations of most of the characters, except the murderer.
The mystery was good. I liked how it really could have been multiple people. It was a pretty straightforward cozy, except it really felt like you were reading the third book in the series. It was an okay read. I wouldn't preorder the next in the series, but I might read it. A give it a solid C.
* I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and gave an honest review *
This is the first book in the Berry Basket Mystery series. It amazed me that this was the first book. I felt like I had missed so much backstory. She keeps referring back to stuff, like the reader is suppose to know what she is talking about, so I was positive this was at least book 2 or 3 in the series. With it being the first, it is confusing why Ms. Farrow would write it this way. Maybe I am missing something...
As for the characters, some were good and some were cardboard cutouts. The main character, Marlee, was likable, but I didn't really understand her. The murder had nothing to do with her really, yet she went all out to solve it. And why would these other shop owners tell her stuff. I don't get it. I mean she was all for justice telling everyone that finding the murderer trumped their heartfelt secrets, but who was she to pick and choose what the police got to know and what they didn't. I didn't understand any of the motivations of most of the characters, except the murderer.
The mystery was good. I liked how it really could have been multiple people. It was a pretty straightforward cozy, except it really felt like you were reading the third book in the series. It was an okay read. I wouldn't preorder the next in the series, but I might read it. A give it a solid C.
* I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and gave an honest review *
September 11, 2021
DNF. I gave up at Page 312. Scribd.com's English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate. Continuing the Project Learning English by myself.
* Spoiler Allert!* Accidentally, the main character found the first corpse (of an enemy of hers). Okay. But then, she made an appointment with another enemy in a vacant lot and found her dead! Oh Lord! No!
* Spoiler Allert!* Accidentally, the main character found the first corpse (of an enemy of hers). Okay. But then, she made an appointment with another enemy in a vacant lot and found her dead! Oh Lord! No!
November 25, 2019
What a fun read. Lots of suspects. No cop boyfriend. Set on the western side of Michigan. Looking forward to book 2.
November 14, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first in a new series with Marlee Jacob as the heroine and shop owner of the Berry Basket with all things berry related. Plenty of red herrings abound to make this a fun, sweet read. Oriole Point is a lovely small-town setting for murder and Marlee is determined to get involved and do some serious snooping around. Enjoyable for those looking for a light mystery with an amateur sleuth.
The first in a new series with Marlee Jacob as the heroine and shop owner of the Berry Basket with all things berry related. Plenty of red herrings abound to make this a fun, sweet read. Oriole Point is a lovely small-town setting for murder and Marlee is determined to get involved and do some serious snooping around. Enjoyable for those looking for a light mystery with an amateur sleuth.
October 18, 2020
I really enjoyed the start of this series, a new series and author for me. Marlee is a spunky main character, life has handed her a couple of blows but she's pulled herself up, works hard, has an interesting business and doesn't suffer fools gladly. When everything she has worked for is put at risk and someone is murdered, she is determined to find answers. I like that she doesn't mind telling it like it is. I look forward to reading more in this series!!!
October 25, 2016
Marlee Jacob has settled nicely back into her home town of Oriole Point, and she is quite happy running her business, The Berry Basket. However, she quickly finds herself in trouble when her good friend goes missing, a surprise announcement rattles all the local business owners, someone tries to kill her, and then she finds a dead body. What is going on?
I enjoyed this book with how it played with some cozy mystery tropes early on while still providing us with a compelling cozy mystery. There’s plenty happening to keep us entertained all the way through, and the twists of the plot come together for a logical climax. Some of the supporting characters are still a bit thin, but we can get to know them better in later books. Marlee herself is wonderful, and the rest of the suspects are also viable characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed this book with how it played with some cozy mystery tropes early on while still providing us with a compelling cozy mystery. There’s plenty happening to keep us entertained all the way through, and the twists of the plot come together for a logical climax. Some of the supporting characters are still a bit thin, but we can get to know them better in later books. Marlee herself is wonderful, and the rest of the suspects are also viable characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 7, 2021
Marlee likes to match people she meets with fictional characters. Marlee left NYC from her tv series (she was a producer) Marlee witnessed a cooking star poison her husband because she he was cheating on her. So the show got canceled. to go back to Michigan to open up her Store Berry Basket where she sells ( with her friend Gillian and two other staff members) Berrie in all kinds of forms. Muffins, pies, cupcakes, There is ships with blueberry and lavender raspberry and ginger. PunXsutawney infused with rosemary which featured in one month Vogue What people are talking about section. Aunt Vickie (she owned a animal rufuge.) tried to always get Marlee to keep a rescue but Marlee said she to busy to keep and animal. But Marlee reconsidered when her Aunt showed up with Minnie the 🐦bird( that the previous owners says Minnie knew up to 300 words but Marlee believed it seemed more than that). Marlee friend Natashia (a Russia woman) was scared of her much older husband Cole ( He was very rich) because Cole roughed Natashia up badly. So !Natasha hit him and then disappeared after that. Cole got murdered so everybody thought Nastashia did it. But Marlee did not believe it. This is a awesome book Marlee know a lot of facts that are related to berries.And the bashes every month with vendor selling there items with music and yummy alcoholic drinks sound fun to attend. My friend Wendy live in Lansing Michigan and knows a Orile Point. I told her about this book. She is going to read it
October 2, 2016
Dying for Strawberries is the first in the A Berry Basket Mystery series featuring Marlee Jacobs, owner of the Berry Basket in Oriole Point, Michigan. Marlee has recently returned to her hometown after leaving her job in New York City as the producer of a hit cooking show on the Gourmet Living Network. Marlee had found herself embroiled in the murder of one of the shows stars John Chaplin by his wife Evangeline, after she'd discovered he had been cheating on her with another woman, April Byrne.
Oriole Point is preparing for the annual Strawberry Moon Bash, organized by founding family member Piper Pierce. Busy with preparations for the Festival, Marlee also finds herself dealing with her friend Natasha Bowman's marital woes. Natasha and her husband Cole own the Kitchen Cellar, and he has a reputation as a domestic abuser. After a nasty fight public, Natasha goes missing and Marlee is concerned that Cole has finally murdered his wife.
In her efforts to solve the disappearance of her friend, Marlee soon discovers that Cole has purchased a large tract of land and convinced the Zoning members to switch the land to commercial which will allow fast food chains and box stores to build in the idyllic town. Marlee suspects that Cole is blackmailing the committee members to vote his way, and not long after she publicly accuses him, an attack is made on her life. Determined to unmask her attacker, Marlee sets out with help from best friend, Tess Nakamura to start investigating and stumbles upon the bludgeoned body of Cole.
Dying for Strawberries is darker and edgier than a traditional cozy but still has the basics including a small community with tight knit members harboring secrets, the possibility of the dreaded love triangle, best friends, family and a talking African Grey. A fast paced storyline with plenty of suspects to keep you turning the pages and salivating over the tasty strawberry recipes. Unanswered questions leave the door open for further adventures at the Berry Basket.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Oriole Point is preparing for the annual Strawberry Moon Bash, organized by founding family member Piper Pierce. Busy with preparations for the Festival, Marlee also finds herself dealing with her friend Natasha Bowman's marital woes. Natasha and her husband Cole own the Kitchen Cellar, and he has a reputation as a domestic abuser. After a nasty fight public, Natasha goes missing and Marlee is concerned that Cole has finally murdered his wife.
In her efforts to solve the disappearance of her friend, Marlee soon discovers that Cole has purchased a large tract of land and convinced the Zoning members to switch the land to commercial which will allow fast food chains and box stores to build in the idyllic town. Marlee suspects that Cole is blackmailing the committee members to vote his way, and not long after she publicly accuses him, an attack is made on her life. Determined to unmask her attacker, Marlee sets out with help from best friend, Tess Nakamura to start investigating and stumbles upon the bludgeoned body of Cole.
Dying for Strawberries is darker and edgier than a traditional cozy but still has the basics including a small community with tight knit members harboring secrets, the possibility of the dreaded love triangle, best friends, family and a talking African Grey. A fast paced storyline with plenty of suspects to keep you turning the pages and salivating over the tasty strawberry recipes. Unanswered questions leave the door open for further adventures at the Berry Basket.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
November 25, 2016
I’m always excited to find that a new series has just started especially one that’s centered around strawberries…my most favorite fruit! DYING FOR STRAWBERRIES, the first book in the Berry Basket Mystery series by Sharon Farrow, starts off with a bang and will keep you turning pages! From the moment I saw the cover art on this new book and then heard that subsequent books would be centered around a variety of berries (book two will be centered on blackberries!) I knew Sharon Farrow had found a winning combination! I like how the protagonist, Marlee, is already established in town with her business, The Berry Basket, instead of starting brand new. This gives a wider variety of supporting characters to interact with and gives greater insight into who Marlee is. The author includes a bit of humor such as Marlee Jacob’s name, which is a riff on the character from A Christmas Carol. The mystery and subplots are nicely woven together which adds to the appeal of this book. Marlee is the only one who shows concern for the disappearance of her friend, Natasha, who was being abused by her husband. The author brings the issue of domestic abuse to the forefront and I admire how social issues are being addressed in books to bring awareness which will hopefully facilitate change for the better. I was delighted to find out that not only was there a story centered around strawberries but the author includes several yummy strawberry recipes! I tried her recipe for Strawberry Smash Muffins...absolutely delicious and a new favorite in my household!
September 14, 2018
I really enjoyed my visit to the small lakeside town of Oriole Point, MI and could just picture the little shops and lakefront Victorian homes like Marlee lived in. It was very well-written and plotted and at times, kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what would happen next.
Marlee Jacob (her family was a Dickens fan--I loved the play on Jacob Marley's name) ran the Berry Basket shop in town along and like a lot of her neighboring shops, depending on tourist trade. When a local man, who wasn't very well liked to begin with, announced at a town council meeting that he now owned 30 acres that the zoning commission had voted to zone as commercial--and that he was going to allow big box stores to come and build, someone in town took matters into their own hands. He was found dead in his home by Marlee and her friend Tess. Since the mayor's wife had gone ballistic and punched him at the meeting, she was arrested for the murder.
Marlee was curious as to how the entire zoning commission, all of which were longtime residents of Oriole Point and supposedly shared the same belief that tourist trade was their sole income, could have possibly decided to allow a zoning change for something that would no doubt bankrupt many of the merchants. Could blackmail or bribery have been going on? After a brush with death herself, Marlee was still determined to find out the truth, and to complicate matters, someone from her past was in town trying to make Marlee's life a living nightmare.
I wasn't sure at all who the killer was in this and I loved the showdown because it was exciting with a great twist to it. The killer got hauled to prison and Marlee was somewhat of a hero to a very unlikely person, who, because of who they were, turned the tables to look like they were the big hero. Marlee didn't care, she was alive and she'd helped prevent someone else's death. The mayor's wife was cleared of all charges and announced that her helper for the next event in town would be Marlee! I'm guessing this will be the story of the next book, which I definitely plan to read.
I really enjoyed the characters for the most part. Marlee and her fiance' have an odd relationship. She'd found out something about him that he hadn't seemed to think was important to tell her, he's awfully jealous of a local guy who was Marlee's boyfriend in high school and was really just a nice and goofy friend to her now. It'll be interesting if they pick back up where they were or if he realizes he should have come clean with her about his past. I'm not a fan of birds as pets at all, but I have to admit I really enjoyed Minnie the parrot that Marlee adopted at her Aunt Vicki's insistence. There were a lot of different characters, so I hope in the next book we can get to know the main characters just a little bit better. I do like the main characters, but I don't feel like I know them quite as well as I thought I should by the end of the book. I did still enjoy it and want to read the next one!
Marlee Jacob (her family was a Dickens fan--I loved the play on Jacob Marley's name) ran the Berry Basket shop in town along and like a lot of her neighboring shops, depending on tourist trade. When a local man, who wasn't very well liked to begin with, announced at a town council meeting that he now owned 30 acres that the zoning commission had voted to zone as commercial--and that he was going to allow big box stores to come and build, someone in town took matters into their own hands. He was found dead in his home by Marlee and her friend Tess. Since the mayor's wife had gone ballistic and punched him at the meeting, she was arrested for the murder.
Marlee was curious as to how the entire zoning commission, all of which were longtime residents of Oriole Point and supposedly shared the same belief that tourist trade was their sole income, could have possibly decided to allow a zoning change for something that would no doubt bankrupt many of the merchants. Could blackmail or bribery have been going on? After a brush with death herself, Marlee was still determined to find out the truth, and to complicate matters, someone from her past was in town trying to make Marlee's life a living nightmare.
I wasn't sure at all who the killer was in this and I loved the showdown because it was exciting with a great twist to it. The killer got hauled to prison and Marlee was somewhat of a hero to a very unlikely person, who, because of who they were, turned the tables to look like they were the big hero. Marlee didn't care, she was alive and she'd helped prevent someone else's death. The mayor's wife was cleared of all charges and announced that her helper for the next event in town would be Marlee! I'm guessing this will be the story of the next book, which I definitely plan to read.
I really enjoyed the characters for the most part. Marlee and her fiance' have an odd relationship. She'd found out something about him that he hadn't seemed to think was important to tell her, he's awfully jealous of a local guy who was Marlee's boyfriend in high school and was really just a nice and goofy friend to her now. It'll be interesting if they pick back up where they were or if he realizes he should have come clean with her about his past. I'm not a fan of birds as pets at all, but I have to admit I really enjoyed Minnie the parrot that Marlee adopted at her Aunt Vicki's insistence. There were a lot of different characters, so I hope in the next book we can get to know the main characters just a little bit better. I do like the main characters, but I don't feel like I know them quite as well as I thought I should by the end of the book. I did still enjoy it and want to read the next one!
August 13, 2018
Y'all this was legit the wildest ride I've ever been on. For a start, there's so much casual violence??? No one is batting an eye a man is literally physically abusing his wife and STRANGLED HER IN A RESTAURANT??? But she deserves it because she's a "Russian gold digger"? W T F. And then the crystal meth addicts???? I think like 8 people died in this book??? Also this book reads like the 3rd book in a series, but it's the first. It keeps referring back to the main character's (Marlee... I think?) past, so lowkey, I was so lost lmao. And this is a girl who can do multivariable calculus in her head. The mystery was also SO wild and just weird, and not enjoyable at all to read about. And also, some other dude is in love with the main character, Marlee, and her fiance is uncomfortable with it, and MARLEE THREATENS TO END THEIR ENGAGEMENT?? W T F again. Honestly, you might as well go see the circus if you're looking for a show.
January 30, 2018
Good start to a new cozy series, I love the main character and her relationships with her friends and the town folk in general.
One character I hated! when you read it you will know exactly who I mean and I really, really wanted to see them hit very hard in the groinal area multiple times with heavy objects but that might just be me.
I have the 2nd book in this series on my kindle and I think I'm gonna have to pick it up to get back into this world. Hopefully I'll be able to post a review quicker than I have been doing!
*Huge thanks to Sharon Farrow, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
One character I hated! when you read it you will know exactly who I mean and I really, really wanted to see them hit very hard in the groinal area multiple times with heavy objects but that might just be me.
I have the 2nd book in this series on my kindle and I think I'm gonna have to pick it up to get back into this world. Hopefully I'll be able to post a review quicker than I have been doing!
*Huge thanks to Sharon Farrow, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
January 6, 2017
Marlee Jacob owns The Berry Basket, a business in the touristy town of Oriole Point, Michigan, selling berry-related items. After a run-in with the town's bully, Cole Bowman, who has promised he won't renew Marlee's lease, effectively closing her business, she's stunned; as are the rest of the townspeople, but for a different reason: it seems Cole has come into ownership of Strawberry Fields, a parcel adjoining the town, and plans to turn it commercial, allowing chains into their little village that will probably put local businesses out of business. What Marlee doesn't understand is how the four members of the council could approve such a move, since they are also local business owners; and blurts out at the meeting that they were either bribed or blackmailed into agreeing to it.
When Marlee is attacked on the night of the Strawberry Moon Bash, and no one will believe her, she's determined to find out who wants her dead. And when Cole's wife Natasha goes missing, she's convinced he's killed her, and decides to investigate on her own. She doesn't find Natasha, but she does find Cole...dead at his home.
Now she's convinced that he was killed by one of the members of the council, and learns that Piper and Lionel have hired detectives to dig up secrets. So Marlee decides to question each of them on her own, hoping to find out first if one of those secrets were terrible enough to cause one of them to kill Cole, and attempt murdering her. But it just might get her killed instead...
I don't like giving mediocre reviews, but I will tell you right off that I'm not compromising myself by giving a great one just to make everyone happy. Sometimes a book isn't always a stinker, but it still makes it hard to slog through. This, unfortunately, was one of those books.
It almost lost me at the beginning when Marlee apparently carries around an EpiPen because her boyfriend Ryan is allergic to bees. He works at his family's orchards, but allergic to bees - right. I carry one, but my husband doesn't because I'm not always with him. After all, he's not the one having an attack, so why would he need it? It's one thing to carry one for your minor child, but for another adult? It's also illegal. How stupid is Ryan that he would "forget" to carry it? I've never forgotten - not once. It just didn't make sense. And therein, folks, lies the problem. Beginning a book with something that just doesn't make any sense can skew the rest of the book for the reader.
Just because she was attacked she thinks it's perfectly fine to go around investigating peoples' pasts? Pasts that have nothing to do with her and she has no business knowing at all? At least it will be interesting in future books with the enemies she's made by doing that (surely these people can't be so forgiving that they ignore the fact she's forced them to tell her things they never wanted anyone to know). If I had even one of these secrets, I'd keep her out of my life forever. A person like this has no boundaries.
Not to mention that Ryan is a royal jerk. I was hoping he was the murderer (sorry, he's not). Why on earth she's interested in him is beyond me. Just because a guy's 'hot' doesn't make him a keeper. I have news for Marlee: if a man is hiding his past from you when you're going to be his wife, run as fast as you can in the other direction...because he'll do things in the future that he wants to hide from you, too. (One can only hope he "forgets" his EpiPen in a future book and actually does bite the dust). He treats her like a child, acts like her business isn't as important as his, and isn't around when she needs him. It also kind of seemed like she just capitulated when he wanted her; there was no sizzle between them, no connection, no real reason they're together at all.
And at the last, why would a reputable news source keep revisiting a TV chef's murder every single year? It wouldn't happen. It's not that riveting. There were also little things, like comparing every character to another person/book character (Ryan Gosling, Jasmine from Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, etc.), and calling Drake a witch (a male witch is a warlock) - Drake should have corrected her - better yet, the author should have known this little fact before adding it to the story.
When the murderer was revealed, the killer wasn't really a revelation, and I had figured it out long before, but I will say that the reason for the murder was unexpected. Since this is the first in a new series, I have given leeway that the author is still honing her craft, and I will probably read the second one.
When Marlee is attacked on the night of the Strawberry Moon Bash, and no one will believe her, she's determined to find out who wants her dead. And when Cole's wife Natasha goes missing, she's convinced he's killed her, and decides to investigate on her own. She doesn't find Natasha, but she does find Cole...dead at his home.
Now she's convinced that he was killed by one of the members of the council, and learns that Piper and Lionel have hired detectives to dig up secrets. So Marlee decides to question each of them on her own, hoping to find out first if one of those secrets were terrible enough to cause one of them to kill Cole, and attempt murdering her. But it just might get her killed instead...
I don't like giving mediocre reviews, but I will tell you right off that I'm not compromising myself by giving a great one just to make everyone happy. Sometimes a book isn't always a stinker, but it still makes it hard to slog through. This, unfortunately, was one of those books.
It almost lost me at the beginning when Marlee apparently carries around an EpiPen because her boyfriend Ryan is allergic to bees. He works at his family's orchards, but allergic to bees - right. I carry one, but my husband doesn't because I'm not always with him. After all, he's not the one having an attack, so why would he need it? It's one thing to carry one for your minor child, but for another adult? It's also illegal. How stupid is Ryan that he would "forget" to carry it? I've never forgotten - not once. It just didn't make sense. And therein, folks, lies the problem. Beginning a book with something that just doesn't make any sense can skew the rest of the book for the reader.
Just because she was attacked she thinks it's perfectly fine to go around investigating peoples' pasts? Pasts that have nothing to do with her and she has no business knowing at all? At least it will be interesting in future books with the enemies she's made by doing that (surely these people can't be so forgiving that they ignore the fact she's forced them to tell her things they never wanted anyone to know). If I had even one of these secrets, I'd keep her out of my life forever. A person like this has no boundaries.
Not to mention that Ryan is a royal jerk. I was hoping he was the murderer (sorry, he's not). Why on earth she's interested in him is beyond me. Just because a guy's 'hot' doesn't make him a keeper. I have news for Marlee: if a man is hiding his past from you when you're going to be his wife, run as fast as you can in the other direction...because he'll do things in the future that he wants to hide from you, too. (One can only hope he "forgets" his EpiPen in a future book and actually does bite the dust). He treats her like a child, acts like her business isn't as important as his, and isn't around when she needs him. It also kind of seemed like she just capitulated when he wanted her; there was no sizzle between them, no connection, no real reason they're together at all.
And at the last, why would a reputable news source keep revisiting a TV chef's murder every single year? It wouldn't happen. It's not that riveting. There were also little things, like comparing every character to another person/book character (Ryan Gosling, Jasmine from Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, etc.), and calling Drake a witch (a male witch is a warlock) - Drake should have corrected her - better yet, the author should have known this little fact before adding it to the story.
When the murderer was revealed, the killer wasn't really a revelation, and I had figured it out long before, but I will say that the reason for the murder was unexpected. Since this is the first in a new series, I have given leeway that the author is still honing her craft, and I will probably read the second one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Kensington Books via NetGalley.
First in a New Series.
Marlee Jacob returned to her childhood home of Oriole Point, Michigan three years ago, after she was involved with a murder case of one of the chefs on the show she produced. Now she owns and runs the Berry Basket, a berry emporium to suit everyone's tastes.
The only problem is that every June the murder case is dragged up on tv...only this time the murdered man's mistress has written a book and is hell bent on seeking revenge on Marlee!
On top of that is the fight her friend Irina has with her husband, smacking him on the nose with an instrument from their shop, and then her disappearance. Plus at the Oriole Point Business forum that evening it comes to light that someone has brought up the Strawberry Fields and zoning has been passed for commercial businesses, and it's the same people that own her shop. And it's Irina's disreputable husband Cole and he's going to make sure Marlee is going out of business!
On the night of the Strawberry Moon Bash, someone bashes Marlee on the head and pushes her into the water to drown. After being resued, no one believes that she was attacked, thinking that she was drunk and fell and hit her head before entering the water.
When the man causing all the planning upheaval is murdered. When a couple of Marlee friends are accused, she must sift through the secrets people are hiding to expose a murderer and her attacker...before they try to get rid of her again, permanently!
I really enjoyed this first outing of the Berry Basket mysteries, with it's crazy cast of characters, and well plotted and written story. Hope to see more of these books.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
First in a New Series.
Marlee Jacob returned to her childhood home of Oriole Point, Michigan three years ago, after she was involved with a murder case of one of the chefs on the show she produced. Now she owns and runs the Berry Basket, a berry emporium to suit everyone's tastes.
The only problem is that every June the murder case is dragged up on tv...only this time the murdered man's mistress has written a book and is hell bent on seeking revenge on Marlee!
On top of that is the fight her friend Irina has with her husband, smacking him on the nose with an instrument from their shop, and then her disappearance. Plus at the Oriole Point Business forum that evening it comes to light that someone has brought up the Strawberry Fields and zoning has been passed for commercial businesses, and it's the same people that own her shop. And it's Irina's disreputable husband Cole and he's going to make sure Marlee is going out of business!
On the night of the Strawberry Moon Bash, someone bashes Marlee on the head and pushes her into the water to drown. After being resued, no one believes that she was attacked, thinking that she was drunk and fell and hit her head before entering the water.
When the man causing all the planning upheaval is murdered. When a couple of Marlee friends are accused, she must sift through the secrets people are hiding to expose a murderer and her attacker...before they try to get rid of her again, permanently!
I really enjoyed this first outing of the Berry Basket mysteries, with it's crazy cast of characters, and well plotted and written story. Hope to see more of these books.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
September 15, 2016
Dying for Strawberries is the first book in Sharon Farrow’s Berry Basket Mystery series. Ms. Farrow has written a well thought out and interesting mystery, with a good story line and character development, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
Marlee Jacob, known as the berry expert, returned to her hometown three years ago and is the owner of the Berry Basket in the charming lakeside village of Oriole Point, Michigan. Oriole Point business owners are preparing for their first annual Strawberry Moon Bash. Marlee is worried about her friend, Natasha Bowman, who is in an abusive marriage. Shortly after astrologer, Drake Woodhill, scares Natasha with her horoscope, she has a strange dream about strawberries, and disappears after an argument with her husband, Cole. Marlee thinks Cole is responsible for her friend’s disappearance and an attempt on her life at the Strawberry Moon Bash, but because the local authorities are doubtful, she sets out to find her friend. While searching the Bowman’s house for clues, Cole returns home, and she hides upstairs. When she thinks the coast is clear, she slowly descends the staircase and finds Cole on the floor, with his head bashed in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Marlee Jacob, known as the berry expert, returned to her hometown three years ago and is the owner of the Berry Basket in the charming lakeside village of Oriole Point, Michigan. Oriole Point business owners are preparing for their first annual Strawberry Moon Bash. Marlee is worried about her friend, Natasha Bowman, who is in an abusive marriage. Shortly after astrologer, Drake Woodhill, scares Natasha with her horoscope, she has a strange dream about strawberries, and disappears after an argument with her husband, Cole. Marlee thinks Cole is responsible for her friend’s disappearance and an attempt on her life at the Strawberry Moon Bash, but because the local authorities are doubtful, she sets out to find her friend. While searching the Bowman’s house for clues, Cole returns home, and she hides upstairs. When she thinks the coast is clear, she slowly descends the staircase and finds Cole on the floor, with his head bashed in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
October 17, 2016
This is fast moving thriller the first in the series. There is a different wrinkle to the tale as the back story is important. The characters caught my attention and I keep reading to find out what happens to them. There is gossip, greed, revenge, secrets, guilt and abuse to occupy your mind.
Marlee Jacobs has returned to Oriole Point, Michigan to open her dream store. She brings baggage with her from her time in the production of hit TV shows. Her family has lived in the area for years and been in the business of growing different berries. There is an uproar in the business meeting of the shop owners when a disliked person announces he now owns their stores and acreage has been re-zone for commercial franchise stores. Marlee finds him dead and the town's mayor is arrested for his murder. Marlee works to understand how the re-zone occurred and angry party from her TV days is causing her problems. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Marlee Jacobs has returned to Oriole Point, Michigan to open her dream store. She brings baggage with her from her time in the production of hit TV shows. Her family has lived in the area for years and been in the business of growing different berries. There is an uproar in the business meeting of the shop owners when a disliked person announces he now owns their stores and acreage has been re-zone for commercial franchise stores. Marlee finds him dead and the town's mayor is arrested for his murder. Marlee works to understand how the re-zone occurred and angry party from her TV days is causing her problems. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 18, 2021
I've been to this area and love the setting! The characters are really appealing and I loved the main character. She was spunky and caring and hard-working and she doesn't tolerate shenanigans. So many cozy MCs are pushovers and Marlee was anything but. I'm not crazy about her boyfriend and hope she doesn't go through with the wedding. I really look forward to reading what happens to Natasha and the Berry Basket (which obviously stays in business since there are several more books in the series!)
July 26, 2018
I finally surrendered to the fact that this book was going nowhere and gave up on it halfway through. I couldn't connect to the characters at all. The fact that it took me 2 1/2 weeks to get midway through says a lot--I typically finish a book within 24 hours.
January 1, 2018
New cozy series that has a berry theme (yum!) and set in Michigan what could possibly be wrong with that? Nothing!
I think this series has some great potential! The small town with close knit neighbors, possible love triangle, berries (if there is food I already like it) and intrigue.
Fair warning, the murder doesn't happen until about 1/3 of the way into the book. I kept waiting for someone to end up dead but was surprised it took that long. But once it did you understand why because the scene needed to be set. Thankfully it was a character I didn't like so I was glad to see him gone.
Marlee does a lot of pushing and prodding to get to the bottom of the murder because she believes she was the first target and was just lucky that she was fished out of the lake in time. She is on the right path and it is very surprising (to me) who is revealed as the killer because the author does a great job of playing down all of the suspects.
There is a lot of information presented at the beginning of the book and some of it takes time before it is truly explained. This did leave me a little confused until the whole story was revealed.
Then there is the fiance, Ryan. While he sounds nice, things are revealed about him that makes me wonder how long he is going to be the fiance. His attitude and thought process would not have worked with me and he would have been in the dust. Plus if he so allergic to bees, why does he not carry an epi-pen? Seems kinda odd especially considering his career field!
I still enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book
I think this series has some great potential! The small town with close knit neighbors, possible love triangle, berries (if there is food I already like it) and intrigue.
Fair warning, the murder doesn't happen until about 1/3 of the way into the book. I kept waiting for someone to end up dead but was surprised it took that long. But once it did you understand why because the scene needed to be set. Thankfully it was a character I didn't like so I was glad to see him gone.
Marlee does a lot of pushing and prodding to get to the bottom of the murder because she believes she was the first target and was just lucky that she was fished out of the lake in time. She is on the right path and it is very surprising (to me) who is revealed as the killer because the author does a great job of playing down all of the suspects.
There is a lot of information presented at the beginning of the book and some of it takes time before it is truly explained. This did leave me a little confused until the whole story was revealed.
Then there is the fiance, Ryan. While he sounds nice, things are revealed about him that makes me wonder how long he is going to be the fiance. His attitude and thought process would not have worked with me and he would have been in the dust. Plus if he so allergic to bees, why does he not carry an epi-pen? Seems kinda odd especially considering his career field!
I still enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book
July 18, 2022
I didn't get too far into this book when I realized that it is not for me. It felt like the author was trying to hard and all the characters came off as dislikable. Some of the berry products sold in the Berry Basket shop like blueberry coffee were unappetizing to me! Also the weirdness factor was high. A former Miss Russia, her physically abusive husband and his big-foot hunting uncle. It was too much eccentricity for me.
Read
August 18, 2022DNF. This book is weird. Cozies are generally fairly light, but the MC best friend is being physically abused by her husband. I still kept going, but in the first 20 or so pages, we're introduced to about 30 characters and it's just too much. Nope.
July 27, 2021
Did not really care for the begging of the book, so was not going to spend time finishing it......on to the next in the series.....
October 29, 2016
Dying For Strawberries
A Berry Basket Mystery, Book #1
Sharon Farrow
5 Stars
Synopsis:
With seasonal crowds flocking to its sandy beaches, lively downtown shops, and the Berry Basket, a berry emporium with something for everyone, the lakeshore village of Oriole Point is ripe for summer fun—and murder.
Much has changed for Marlee Jacob since she returned to Oriole Point, Michigan, three years ago. Between running the Berry Basket, dodging local gossip, and whipping up strawberry muffins, smoothies, and margaritas to celebrate the town’s first annual Strawberry Moon Bash, the twenty-nine-year-old hardly has time for her fiancé, let alone grim memories of her old life in New York . .
But unfortunately for Marlee, Oriole Point is muddled with secrets of its own. First her friend Irina disappears after an ominous dream. Next the seediest man in town threatens to crush her business. Then an unknown person nearly kills her on the night of the Bash. When she discovers a dead body while searching for Irina, Marlee realizes she’ll have to foil a killer’s plot herself—before the past permanently stains her future. (Goodreads)
Review:
Marlee loves the berry shop that she has opened and wants to see it continue to grow. When that growth is threatened, and her lease is likely to be ended, she is beside herself with worry. Add to that her friend, Natasha, is missing after being seen fighting with her abusive husband, and her worry increases. And after she is attacked, and she finds a dead body, she knows she has to do something to find the killer, before more dead bodies turn up, possibly even hers.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I enjoyed getting to know Marlee, her friend Tess and her friend Max. I am not quite sure how I feel about Marlee’s fiance, Ryan. They seem to fight quite a bit and he did not seem like he supported her very much. He seemed a little too distant to me and I did not feel like he was completely in love with her. In my opinion, I think there is a better match for her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy fast read. I liked the fact that the murder did not take place until about forty percent into the book. This is not the norm when it comes to mysteries, but there was so much other suspense going on that it seemed like the perfect time to introduce the body. There were so many suspects to consider that is was like a Who’s Who in killers. And there were enough twists and turns and clues to pick up along the way that I never did figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am happy that this is the first book in what I hope is a long series.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A Berry Basket Mystery, Book #1
Sharon Farrow
5 Stars
Synopsis:
With seasonal crowds flocking to its sandy beaches, lively downtown shops, and the Berry Basket, a berry emporium with something for everyone, the lakeshore village of Oriole Point is ripe for summer fun—and murder.
Much has changed for Marlee Jacob since she returned to Oriole Point, Michigan, three years ago. Between running the Berry Basket, dodging local gossip, and whipping up strawberry muffins, smoothies, and margaritas to celebrate the town’s first annual Strawberry Moon Bash, the twenty-nine-year-old hardly has time for her fiancé, let alone grim memories of her old life in New York . .
But unfortunately for Marlee, Oriole Point is muddled with secrets of its own. First her friend Irina disappears after an ominous dream. Next the seediest man in town threatens to crush her business. Then an unknown person nearly kills her on the night of the Bash. When she discovers a dead body while searching for Irina, Marlee realizes she’ll have to foil a killer’s plot herself—before the past permanently stains her future. (Goodreads)
Review:
Marlee loves the berry shop that she has opened and wants to see it continue to grow. When that growth is threatened, and her lease is likely to be ended, she is beside herself with worry. Add to that her friend, Natasha, is missing after being seen fighting with her abusive husband, and her worry increases. And after she is attacked, and she finds a dead body, she knows she has to do something to find the killer, before more dead bodies turn up, possibly even hers.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I enjoyed getting to know Marlee, her friend Tess and her friend Max. I am not quite sure how I feel about Marlee’s fiance, Ryan. They seem to fight quite a bit and he did not seem like he supported her very much. He seemed a little too distant to me and I did not feel like he was completely in love with her. In my opinion, I think there is a better match for her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy fast read. I liked the fact that the murder did not take place until about forty percent into the book. This is not the norm when it comes to mysteries, but there was so much other suspense going on that it seemed like the perfect time to introduce the body. There were so many suspects to consider that is was like a Who’s Who in killers. And there were enough twists and turns and clues to pick up along the way that I never did figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am happy that this is the first book in what I hope is a long series.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 27, 2017
Oriole Point, Michigan
July 23, 2017
3.75
Pretty enjoyable. A good start to a series. Got to know the town and the people, politics and relationships within it.
I wish the mystery action occurred a bit sooner, though. There seemed to be a slower start. Which, if it continued would have started to bore me. Luckily, after the incident on the pier, things started to pick up and the last part of the book kept my attention.
Pretty enjoyable. A good start to a series. Got to know the town and the people, politics and relationships within it.
I wish the mystery action occurred a bit sooner, though. There seemed to be a slower start. Which, if it continued would have started to bore me. Luckily, after the incident on the pier, things started to pick up and the last part of the book kept my attention.
November 3, 2016
A promising start to a new series.
I’ve been looking forward to reading DYING FOR STARWBERRIES since I first heard about the book. It looked to be a light and fun mystery. While it was good, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. This is in no way because the author didn’t do a good job, because she did. It’s just that I am used to cozies having a little more humor to them. Also, a conversation at the very beginning of the book was a bit much for a cozy I think (And that is just my opinion). I’m sure other readers won’t even blink when reading it.
I will say, author Sharon Farrow started out strong with this first book in her Berry Basket Mysteries. She writes one heck of a mystery, and I found myself working hard trying to figure out whodunit.
Because Ms. Farrow is a talented writer, and DYING FOR STRAWBERRIES is the first book in the series, I will check out book two if given the opportunity.
Check out the back of the book for some tasty recipes.
NOTE: My four star rating is for the author’s writing technique and imagination, which are good. Just because this book wasn’t for me, I won’t penalize the author by lowballing the star rating.
I’ve been looking forward to reading DYING FOR STARWBERRIES since I first heard about the book. It looked to be a light and fun mystery. While it was good, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. This is in no way because the author didn’t do a good job, because she did. It’s just that I am used to cozies having a little more humor to them. Also, a conversation at the very beginning of the book was a bit much for a cozy I think (And that is just my opinion). I’m sure other readers won’t even blink when reading it.
I will say, author Sharon Farrow started out strong with this first book in her Berry Basket Mysteries. She writes one heck of a mystery, and I found myself working hard trying to figure out whodunit.
Because Ms. Farrow is a talented writer, and DYING FOR STRAWBERRIES is the first book in the series, I will check out book two if given the opportunity.
Check out the back of the book for some tasty recipes.
NOTE: My four star rating is for the author’s writing technique and imagination, which are good. Just because this book wasn’t for me, I won’t penalize the author by lowballing the star rating.
September 11, 2016
First, the blurb here at Goodreads lists Irina as Marlee's friend (as of 9/11/16), it's actually Natasha.
This is one of those cozy series set in a small town with lots of cute shops set up for tourists. I usually enjoy them despite wondering how the businesses stay a float. Plenty happens during the story, a lot of it mentioned in the blurb.
I'm only going with an ok rating because I just never got involved with the story and I didn't feel much for the characters. If I was offered a sequel from Netgalley (in exchange for my honest review like Dying for Strawberries) I'd probably give it a read, but I'm not eagerly waiting the next outing of Marlee and friends.
This is one of those cozy series set in a small town with lots of cute shops set up for tourists. I usually enjoy them despite wondering how the businesses stay a float. Plenty happens during the story, a lot of it mentioned in the blurb.
I'm only going with an ok rating because I just never got involved with the story and I didn't feel much for the characters. If I was offered a sequel from Netgalley (in exchange for my honest review like Dying for Strawberries) I'd probably give it a read, but I'm not eagerly waiting the next outing of Marlee and friends.
November 6, 2016
LOVE this new series. Why? First, I'm a Michigander (Michiganian?) and loved Oriole Point. I believe the setting is based on South Haven (from what I saw on the author's website) and I have visited there several times, and can see how this fits right in with this mystery series. LOVE Marlee, love the characters and plot. What a great start to this scrumptious strawberry series!
September 23, 2020
02/03/2020 So glad I finally got around to reading this first in the series. Excellent debut. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
9/23/2020 Here 'tis! Check out those amazing muffins!
9/23/2020 Here 'tis! Check out those amazing muffins!
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