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A Local Foods Mystery #4
Murder Most Fowl
Spring may be around the corner, but organic farmer-turned-sleuth Cam Flaherty will have to set aside her seedlings as she tills the soil for clues in the mysterious death of a local poultry maven . . .
With the birds once again chirping, Cam should be spending her days pruning blueberry bushes and taking care of the new batch of chicks that just hatched. But murder knows no season. When her fellow fowl-raiser Wayne Laitinen is found dead, Cam dons her crime-solving hat and quickly digs up a bounty of motives. Scandal, blackmail, cover-ups. There’s a fox in the hen house. But where? With some help from her off-again, on-again flame, police detective Pete Pappas, Cam will have to crack this case before Wayne’s killer flies the coop forever.
Praise for the Local Foods Mysteries
“Maxwell’s feisty heroine and the interesting background detail on the realities of organic farming blend to deliver a clever, twisting mystery.” —Booklist
“A most enjoyable look at organic farming.” —Kirkus Reviews
With the birds once again chirping, Cam should be spending her days pruning blueberry bushes and taking care of the new batch of chicks that just hatched. But murder knows no season. When her fellow fowl-raiser Wayne Laitinen is found dead, Cam dons her crime-solving hat and quickly digs up a bounty of motives. Scandal, blackmail, cover-ups. There’s a fox in the hen house. But where? With some help from her off-again, on-again flame, police detective Pete Pappas, Cam will have to crack this case before Wayne’s killer flies the coop forever.
Praise for the Local Foods Mysteries
“Maxwell’s feisty heroine and the interesting background detail on the realities of organic farming blend to deliver a clever, twisting mystery.” —Booklist
“A most enjoyable look at organic farming.” —Kirkus Reviews
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2016
177 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
About the author
Edith Maxwell
47 books583 followersEdith Maxwell is an Agatha-winning mystery author who writes the Local Foods Foods Mysteries as well as the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries, featuring a Quaker midwife sleuth in 1888.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 12, 2016
An easy yet intelligent read, author Edith Maxwell’s writing is as pure and organic as Cam’s food!
The farming way of life certainly isn’t for me. But every time I read a Local Foods Mystery, I’m ready to climb the pages and help protagonist Cam Flaherty do the chores.
Ms. Maxwell raises an interesting question at the beginning of MURDER MOST FOWL. If a large plot of land was donated to a town, what would be best for it . . . affordable housing, ball fields for the local children, or leave it as a natural green space for walking trials, and habitats for the wildlife. This very topic brings about death, and vandalism in this fourth installment of the Local Foods Mysteries.
MURDER MOST FOWL is very much a cozy in every way but one. The heroine, Cam didn’t spend the entire book putting herself in harm’s way. She wants to know the why and the who, but she doesn’t try to solve everything single handedly. She has the good sense to keep the police in the loop when she finds out something, and then lets them handle things.
In the best story of this series so far, author Maxwell really delivers the mystery. A fantastically flawless whodunit.
The farming way of life certainly isn’t for me. But every time I read a Local Foods Mystery, I’m ready to climb the pages and help protagonist Cam Flaherty do the chores.
Ms. Maxwell raises an interesting question at the beginning of MURDER MOST FOWL. If a large plot of land was donated to a town, what would be best for it . . . affordable housing, ball fields for the local children, or leave it as a natural green space for walking trials, and habitats for the wildlife. This very topic brings about death, and vandalism in this fourth installment of the Local Foods Mysteries.
MURDER MOST FOWL is very much a cozy in every way but one. The heroine, Cam didn’t spend the entire book putting herself in harm’s way. She wants to know the why and the who, but she doesn’t try to solve everything single handedly. She has the good sense to keep the police in the loop when she finds out something, and then lets them handle things.
In the best story of this series so far, author Maxwell really delivers the mystery. A fantastically flawless whodunit.
May 31, 2016
It is Spring in Westbury, Massachusetts, Cam Flaherty is preparing her organic farm for spring and summer. She has baby chicks in the barn under heat lamps. Animal Right Activists are causing damage at the farms in the area. Their actions at a poultry farm leave red paint over all the buildings, the open doors allow cold temperatures to enter the buildings and lower the temperature for the chickens. Later that morning the owner is found dead in his home. Pete Pappas, the local homicide detective, and Cam boyfriend are called in order to explore the mysterious death. Cam farm is visited by the activists and the barn door is open allowing a fox to enter and take several chicks. Cap watches as the fox is in the barn when she is present. To help prevent trespassers Cam added new locks, a camera and motion lights to the barn area. Cam finds an arm and gold bracelet in her compost pile that brings to light an old mystery that affects the current time. Will the new hardware show the culprit before more damage occurs? A good light and easy read.
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 are my own.
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 are my own.
May 31, 2016
One morning in March, Cam’s neighbor dies at his breakfast table, just hours after his chicken farm his hit by animal rights activists. Wayne was a very nice man, often offering Cam advice on her own heard of chickens. When the man’s daughter turns to Cam for help understanding what happened to him, Cam starts investigating. But can she find the killer?
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 14, 2016
Cam is preparing for a busy spring season with planting and taking care of the chickens. But her farm work is interrupted when a neighbor is found dead. Of Course Cam is caught up in the middle of the investigation. She ends up uncovering a few secrets a few people would like to keep hidden.
I really enjoyed this book I definitely identify with Cam and love reading about happenings around her farm. She often gets herself into trouble but luckily finds a way out. I'm also enjoying Cam's relationship with Pete. It's great how they are getting more comfortable with each other. Eventhough Pete doesn't want her to get in the way of the police investigation he always listens when she gives him information.
The mystery kept my interest and it was fun trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book I definitely identify with Cam and love reading about happenings around her farm. She often gets herself into trouble but luckily finds a way out. I'm also enjoying Cam's relationship with Pete. It's great how they are getting more comfortable with each other. Eventhough Pete doesn't want her to get in the way of the police investigation he always listens when she gives him information.
The mystery kept my interest and it was fun trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
Organic vegetable and fruit farming meet murder, with a few chickens thrown in. Edith Maxwell's work just gets better and this is the best in the series! Cam Flaherty works hard keeping her small organic farm solvent. Adding a hoop house for year round growing and expanding into a small chicken operation help but then vandalism strikes her poultry mentor's operation and is followed up by his murder. Long held secrets, blackmail, a long ago disappearance, greed and jealousy make this a twisted story of murder, hate and revenge. Cam's daily farming routine blends with a complex mystery that will give you an adventure on so many levels. For me, Cam's chickens are a special part of the story that have given me both laughter and tears. If chickens and farming aren't your usual thing for reading, this book will change your mind. It's time to expand your horizons!
I received this ARC from the author in a contest. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
I received this ARC from the author in a contest. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
March 10, 2016
This was a new author for me, but I really enjoyed the book. I like the setting in New England, the organic farmer setting and the starting over vibe I got from the main character Cam. I didn't know if I would but I identified with her, her new life, her pets, animal and the farm. I liked that the murder seemed to flow in the context of the story and not be contrived. This is not the first book in the series but that did not stop me from following the story, the characters and their relationships. It did make me want to go back and read the other books in the series and I will soon. The mystery was an interesting one with enough likable and unlikable characters to keep you guessing. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
April 28, 2024
Another fun adventure on the farm. I enjoy the characters in this and reading about Cam and her farming. The mystery was interesting, the ending exciting and I was surprised by the culprit. With all of Cam’s security upgrades no one will get away with anything on her farm.
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May 29, 20164 Stars. First off I’d like to thank NetGallery for giving me this opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
This book was a new series and new author for me. I’m usually not disappointed when I read cozy’s but this one surprised me as how fast I was captured by it, and I was falling in love with this book, that I will now go back and read the first three that came before it.
I connected with the fact that it was an organic farmer setting, as I do grow my own organic vegetables, and often buy organic foods when I’m grocery shopping. So I could relate to this very well, and I even learned a thing or two. It didn’t take long for me to connect with the main characters, and anybody who raises animals/pets in books are usually connected to rather quickly. I enjoyed the characters very much, the plot was well written, with twists and turns, fun, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I did figure out the whodunit early, and I was rather pleased with myself by the end of the book and discovering I was right.
The main character Cam gets involved with the investigation of another local farmer, Wayne is found dead. Wayne has a long list of people that would love to see him dead, from members of a local animal rights activist to a former high school friend. Cam’s boyfriend State Police Det. Pete Pappas is also there to investigate this murder.
Fans who enjoy reading cozy mysteries, will have no problem wanting to read this series.
This book was a new series and new author for me. I’m usually not disappointed when I read cozy’s but this one surprised me as how fast I was captured by it, and I was falling in love with this book, that I will now go back and read the first three that came before it.
I connected with the fact that it was an organic farmer setting, as I do grow my own organic vegetables, and often buy organic foods when I’m grocery shopping. So I could relate to this very well, and I even learned a thing or two. It didn’t take long for me to connect with the main characters, and anybody who raises animals/pets in books are usually connected to rather quickly. I enjoyed the characters very much, the plot was well written, with twists and turns, fun, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I did figure out the whodunit early, and I was rather pleased with myself by the end of the book and discovering I was right.
The main character Cam gets involved with the investigation of another local farmer, Wayne is found dead. Wayne has a long list of people that would love to see him dead, from members of a local animal rights activist to a former high school friend. Cam’s boyfriend State Police Det. Pete Pappas is also there to investigate this murder.
Fans who enjoy reading cozy mysteries, will have no problem wanting to read this series.
May 31, 2016
Murder Most Fowl
At first, I had a hard time getting into the story. This was the first of the series that I have read, so the characters were all new to me. I kept reading though and soon was pleasantly surprised with all of the twists and turns presented in the story. This was a town with many secrets hidden just under the surface.
The main character, Cam Flaherty, a local farmer just can’t seem to stay out of the investigation. Cam even uncovers a mystery from the past that could be related to the murder of another farmer. She isn’t the only one on the search for clues though. Her detective boyfriend’s dog gets into the picture as well. Cam and the dog make a dynamic duo in solving this murder. Edith Maxwell created a story that had me guessing at every turn who the killer was and what the motive was in the killing. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the other books in this series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
At first, I had a hard time getting into the story. This was the first of the series that I have read, so the characters were all new to me. I kept reading though and soon was pleasantly surprised with all of the twists and turns presented in the story. This was a town with many secrets hidden just under the surface.
The main character, Cam Flaherty, a local farmer just can’t seem to stay out of the investigation. Cam even uncovers a mystery from the past that could be related to the murder of another farmer. She isn’t the only one on the search for clues though. Her detective boyfriend’s dog gets into the picture as well. Cam and the dog make a dynamic duo in solving this murder. Edith Maxwell created a story that had me guessing at every turn who the killer was and what the motive was in the killing. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the other books in this series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
May 31, 2016
I received this book in exchange for a review. This is the fourth in a series. Normally I have to start a series from the beginning, but I had no problem figuring out the relationships between the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the previous and future books in this charming series. This book seems to be following the trend of linking an event from the past to the current crime, in this case, murder. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the characters are cleverly written. The organic farming tips and information was masterfully woven throughout the story, but it didn't weigh down the plot or seem contrived.
May 14, 2016
Murder Most Fowl
I received an advanced copy to read and fairly review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!!
Great setting, and characters. Fun, fast-paced story-line.
It even managed to make me like chickens!!!
Not the first in the series, but you don't need to read the others to understand the characters or their relationships. I am looking forward to reading more of this series, and others from Edith Maxwell.
I received an advanced copy to read and fairly review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!!
Great setting, and characters. Fun, fast-paced story-line.
It even managed to make me like chickens!!!
Not the first in the series, but you don't need to read the others to understand the characters or their relationships. I am looking forward to reading more of this series, and others from Edith Maxwell.
October 20, 2017
The other day I sat in a most uncomfortable chair for over five hours at a meeting, so I understand Cam’s feelings. The ARF and groups like them need to start looking at all sides of a problem before they start defacing and destroying property. Oh, yes, the book!!! Other than the above mentioned pet peeves, I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it – even though I didn’t guess who dun it until almost the end.
May 10, 2016
This is the 4th book in this series and I admit to not having read the previous three but I don't think this had any effect on my enjoyment of this book. I will probably seek out the others and read them, although I will leave it a while cos then I will have forgotten any spoilers I may have gleaned from reading this one first!
I really do love books starring amateur sleuths. Big fan of the likes of Marple and Raisin so I did go into this book with high expectations and I was definitely not let down. The crime and solving thereof in this book does follow the usual formula for this type of book but what does set it apart is the setting. In my experience, it was original and interesting and I do admit to now knowing more about organic farming methods and chickens than perhaps I will ever need to!
Characters were good too. A rather eclectic mix all told and all deliciously fleshed out so they were easy to connect to (I need that in books). I especially loved the animal members of the cast and thought they got a good showing! There was the obligatory romance that you get in these type of cosy mysteries but it wasn't over the top at all and didn't distract me from the story.
The story itself was well plotted and again typical of the genre. There were the usual red-herrings and twists that you would expect from any crime novel but there were also a couple of added extras to the main story that I found balance out perfectly.
All in all, a good cosy mystery played out by a good cast. I will be playing catch-up as soon as I get chance and then looking out for the next in the series.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really do love books starring amateur sleuths. Big fan of the likes of Marple and Raisin so I did go into this book with high expectations and I was definitely not let down. The crime and solving thereof in this book does follow the usual formula for this type of book but what does set it apart is the setting. In my experience, it was original and interesting and I do admit to now knowing more about organic farming methods and chickens than perhaps I will ever need to!
Characters were good too. A rather eclectic mix all told and all deliciously fleshed out so they were easy to connect to (I need that in books). I especially loved the animal members of the cast and thought they got a good showing! There was the obligatory romance that you get in these type of cosy mysteries but it wasn't over the top at all and didn't distract me from the story.
The story itself was well plotted and again typical of the genre. There were the usual red-herrings and twists that you would expect from any crime novel but there were also a couple of added extras to the main story that I found balance out perfectly.
All in all, a good cosy mystery played out by a good cast. I will be playing catch-up as soon as I get chance and then looking out for the next in the series.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Murder Most Fowl is the 4th book in the Local Foods Mystery Series. I hadn't previously read the other books in the series, but it didn't matter; I was able to follow along and not feel like I was missing something, and I went back and began to read the others I enjoyed this one so much!
Cam Flaherty is a local organic farmer who just can't seem to stay away from trouble! When one of her fellow chicken farmers is found dead, Cam is ready to jump in and solve the case. But can she balance her daily life, dealing with vandalism on the farm as well as a murder investigation?
Definitely a page turner, I would have read this all in one sitting had I not started it late in the evening. The characters in this book are really great, and it's fun to read and learn about life on an organic farm. The mystery is well done and there are lots of twists and turns. I wasn't able to figure out the 'whodunnit' right away, which is something that I like. If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery, look no further!
Murder Most Fowl is the 4th book in the Local Foods Mystery Series. I hadn't previously read the other books in the series, but it didn't matter; I was able to follow along and not feel like I was missing something, and I went back and began to read the others I enjoyed this one so much!
Cam Flaherty is a local organic farmer who just can't seem to stay away from trouble! When one of her fellow chicken farmers is found dead, Cam is ready to jump in and solve the case. But can she balance her daily life, dealing with vandalism on the farm as well as a murder investigation?
Definitely a page turner, I would have read this all in one sitting had I not started it late in the evening. The characters in this book are really great, and it's fun to read and learn about life on an organic farm. The mystery is well done and there are lots of twists and turns. I wasn't able to figure out the 'whodunnit' right away, which is something that I like. If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery, look no further!
May 30, 2016
I was excited to receive an advance copy of Murder Most Fowl from the author in exchange for an honest review. Although it is the fourth in a series, it was stand alone and the first one that I had read.
The main character is Cam Flaherty of Westbury, Massachusetts. Cam is an organic farmer who offers CSA shares and is also raising chickens. She gets sidetracked from this endeavor when her neighbor is murdered. She makes a surprising discovery in the compost on her own farm at about the same time as the murder. There are several story threads relating to the murder and Cam’s discovery which eventually tie together and reach satisfying conclusions.
I really enjoyed this book from first page to last. The plot threads are well developed as are the characters. There are even several recipes included at the end. It particularly engaged me because I have participated in Community Supported Agriculture and the setting of the book is in an area in which I have lived. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading the earlier books in the series.
The main character is Cam Flaherty of Westbury, Massachusetts. Cam is an organic farmer who offers CSA shares and is also raising chickens. She gets sidetracked from this endeavor when her neighbor is murdered. She makes a surprising discovery in the compost on her own farm at about the same time as the murder. There are several story threads relating to the murder and Cam’s discovery which eventually tie together and reach satisfying conclusions.
I really enjoyed this book from first page to last. The plot threads are well developed as are the characters. There are even several recipes included at the end. It particularly engaged me because I have participated in Community Supported Agriculture and the setting of the book is in an area in which I have lived. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading the earlier books in the series.
May 31, 2016
MURDER MOST FOWL, the fourth book in the Local Food Mystery series by Edith Maxwell, was a delightful read! While I have not read any of the previous books in the series (and I will be remedying that) I found it easy to follow the story and felt like I knew the realistic characters. The plot had plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing and I enjoyed how there were strong sub-plots and a mini-mystery. The small-town location was quaint with extremely creative, fun names for the local roads and farms which made me feel like I was traveling the countryside. The farming information was nicely woven into the story so it didn’t feel forced…in fact, it made me want to try my hand at growing a vegetable garden again! The author also includes several farm-fresh recipes at the back of the book and I tried her recipe for Alexandra's Carrot Muffins. They were amazingly delicious and I appreciated how healthy the recipe was.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
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May 31, 2016This was a highly entertaining book that kept my attention from the very beginning. Cam overhears Wayne Laitinen the local chicken farmer having words with his neighbor after a town meeting. Cam doesn’t think much of it until Wayne is found dead on Sunday morning. Of course, Cam can’t help but butt into the investigation, much to the chagrin of her state trooper boyfriend, Pete. Then Cam turns up a gold bracelet and a bone that could be an arm bone in her farms compost pile, of course she has to investigate that also. There is a lot going on in this book other than the initial murder. There are a lot long held secrets and a lot of long held resentment. I wondered all through the book if my hunch on who the killer really was would pan out. If you are looking for a well written book with a great plot that will keep you guessing, then this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
June 1, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author and their team in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own. Edith Maxwell's lead character, Cam Flaherty, is very likable and relatable. I enjoyed visiting Westbury, Massachusetts while reading about Cam and her friends and neighbors. I enjoyed the way Maxwell included so many elements of organic farming and eating locally sourced foods. I felt that this book has the elements that I enjoy in a cozy mystery. I also like the sub plot/story arc between Cam and Detective Pete Pappas, the male lead character in this book. I enjoyed following the clues with Cam and reading to see how the story would unfold. I would recommend this book to other readers. I will also be looking for more by Edith Maxwell.
April 8, 2016
This is a great addition to the Cam Flaherty series. I've read all the books in this series and this one is my favorite.
Spring is fast approaching on the organic farm and instead of doing her farm prep, cam is searching for clues to who killed kindhearted farmer, Wayne
As the clues stack up, Cam finds herself uncovering decades old secrets, a blackmailing scheme, an unhappy wife and much more.
This is a good, clean series, with just the right touch of romance.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I will be recommending this book to other cozy mystery readers.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Spring is fast approaching on the organic farm and instead of doing her farm prep, cam is searching for clues to who killed kindhearted farmer, Wayne
As the clues stack up, Cam finds herself uncovering decades old secrets, a blackmailing scheme, an unhappy wife and much more.
This is a good, clean series, with just the right touch of romance.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I will be recommending this book to other cozy mystery readers.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
May 5, 2016
Book 4 in a series.
While this was book 4 in the series, I have to say that I never felt lost, having not read books 1-3. The main characters feel well developed, and most important, likable. The main character, Cam, is smart enough to save her own fanny as well, and I really like that.
The story was tight and fun, while still having some suspense about who is behind the vandalizing of local farmer's animal enclosures and who killed Cam's neighbor. I got so engrossed in this book that I read it straight through to the end.
Now I have to go find books 1-3, haha.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While this was book 4 in the series, I have to say that I never felt lost, having not read books 1-3. The main characters feel well developed, and most important, likable. The main character, Cam, is smart enough to save her own fanny as well, and I really like that.
The story was tight and fun, while still having some suspense about who is behind the vandalizing of local farmer's animal enclosures and who killed Cam's neighbor. I got so engrossed in this book that I read it straight through to the end.
Now I have to go find books 1-3, haha.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
This is a new author for me, I loved the fact that the main character is an organic farmer. The setting is New England. I enjoyed following her on her chores gathering eggs and taking care of her animals and farm chores. The murder of a neighboring farmer finds her trying to find out who did it and it will keep you guessing until the very end. I look forward to going back and reading books #1 thru #3. This is book #4, you will not be lost if you begin with this title. The author gives enough background that you can pick up quickly. I would recommend this one to anyone that likes a good clean, fun cozy.
May 23, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to Edith Maxwell, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy, a good mystery with well written characters and some nasty ones too.
Even though it's the 4th in a series you don't have to have read the other 3 to enjoy it, you get bits of info about the back stories of the characters but nothing to leave you on the back foot about anything.
The story moves at a good pace and has a good mix of the mystery, Cam's life and her relationships with the other characters. The story also ends with a glimpse of what may be to come in the next book.
Huge thanks to Edith Maxwell, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy, a good mystery with well written characters and some nasty ones too.
Even though it's the 4th in a series you don't have to have read the other 3 to enjoy it, you get bits of info about the back stories of the characters but nothing to leave you on the back foot about anything.
The story moves at a good pace and has a good mix of the mystery, Cam's life and her relationships with the other characters. The story also ends with a glimpse of what may be to come in the next book.
April 30, 2016
I so enjoy "visiting" with Cam on her farm and hearing of her day to day life. Too bad her neighbor's farm and her own gets targeted by local animal rights activists and her neighbor turns up dead. When Cam starts looking into why her neighbor was killed, items from the past start getting uncovered and Cam finds herself in danger.
This was a great addition to the series and I look forward to more to come! I was given an advanced ecopy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great addition to the series and I look forward to more to come! I was given an advanced ecopy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2016
This is the 4th book in the Local Foods Mystery and they keep getting better and better. It's spring in the small farming town in Massachusetts and Cam is starting her planting and collecting her eggs in between attending the town meetings and solving her neighbor's murder. Pete, her detective boyfriend is happy for the help until the killer decides Cam is sticking her nose into their business. I enjoy this series and learn a lot concerning organic foods and local co-ops. Edith Maxwell has a wide variety of books available but this series is my favorite.
May 31, 2016
This book is number four in the series, and with alot of series they start to get a little stale by this point.(new murder but everything else is the same)Murder Most Fowl is not like that. Yes there is the murder that Cam is trying to solve and she has plenty of clues to work through. But she also has a farm to run, so there is also alot about Cam's day-to-day life. Ms. Maxwell manages to balance the two parts perfectly.
This was a very enjoyable book that can be read in a few hours.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This was a very enjoyable book that can be read in a few hours.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 25, 2016
This series gets better with each new installment. Cam tries to stay out of trouble, and doesn't always succeed, bless her. Animal activists, baby chicks, angry foxes, yummy food, vaping and those pesky dead bodies-a triumph of plotting and imagination. With the last phone call that Cam receives, fans of the series will be salivating for the arrival of book 5!
May 21, 2016
Local Food Mysteries is organic farming at it's best. A delightful series, it keeps you guessing until the end. I would be happy to have the acquaintance of many of these characters.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
June 8, 2016
I totally enjoyed this read! This book was a fun story that left you trying to figure out who done it. Cam is a great character anda smart cookie to boot.I don't want to give any spoilers, because it is that fun a read.. Plus if you are not careful you may learn something!!
August 4, 2016
Love Cam and her friends and family. Another great mystery, Ms. Maxwell!
October 18, 2021
MURDER MOST FOWL, the fourth book in Edith Maxwell's Local Foods mystery series opens as organic farmer Cam Flaherty is busy prepping her farm for the fast approaching spring growing season.
But amid pruning trees, caring for newly arrived baby chicks and watching over her adult chickens, Cam finds herself once again dealing with a mysterious murder. Soon after her neighboring farmer Wayne Laitinen, a larger scale chicken farmer than Cam is, finds his farm attacked by a local animal rights group, he turns up dead.
Cam was friendly with Wayne and his death strikes home with her. But trying to find out who killed him reveals that there are any number of suspects. The easy path is to suspect the animal rights activists. But Cam becomes suspicious of a woman looking to buy some of Wayne's land and a chemical company rep who was once Wayne's friend. If that wasn't enough, the different ways Wayne's family reacts is enough to make Cam and of course the police to even question if they might have done it.
But as Cam's questions spook the killer and soon she is targeted herself. She'll have to rely not only on herself but on her friends to keep one step ahead of the killer determined to shut her up.
If that wasn't enough, Cam is dealing with small town life and discovering just how ponderous town meeting government can be. And there's an attack on her farm too.
That last point was the one issue I had with the story. Not that it happened or anything, that made sense. But how it came about seemed to me that Cam simply failed to put two and two together. Maybe it is my cynical self, but as soon as certain events in the story happened, I knew who attacked the farm and was mystified that it took Cam longer to figure things out.
But that was a relatively small part of the overall plot and thus it didn't really affect my enjoyment of the story. Though I've read many of Edith Maxwell's books, I'm a latecomer to the Local Foods series. However, I'm learning that it is just as great a series of reads as all the books that came afterwards.
In the end, MURDER MOST FOWL provides more insight into Cam, organic farming and the hunt for the truth behind a seemingly inexplicable murder. And that can never be a bad thing!
But amid pruning trees, caring for newly arrived baby chicks and watching over her adult chickens, Cam finds herself once again dealing with a mysterious murder. Soon after her neighboring farmer Wayne Laitinen, a larger scale chicken farmer than Cam is, finds his farm attacked by a local animal rights group, he turns up dead.
Cam was friendly with Wayne and his death strikes home with her. But trying to find out who killed him reveals that there are any number of suspects. The easy path is to suspect the animal rights activists. But Cam becomes suspicious of a woman looking to buy some of Wayne's land and a chemical company rep who was once Wayne's friend. If that wasn't enough, the different ways Wayne's family reacts is enough to make Cam and of course the police to even question if they might have done it.
But as Cam's questions spook the killer and soon she is targeted herself. She'll have to rely not only on herself but on her friends to keep one step ahead of the killer determined to shut her up.
If that wasn't enough, Cam is dealing with small town life and discovering just how ponderous town meeting government can be. And there's an attack on her farm too.
That last point was the one issue I had with the story. Not that it happened or anything, that made sense. But how it came about seemed to me that Cam simply failed to put two and two together. Maybe it is my cynical self, but as soon as certain events in the story happened, I knew who attacked the farm and was mystified that it took Cam longer to figure things out.
But that was a relatively small part of the overall plot and thus it didn't really affect my enjoyment of the story. Though I've read many of Edith Maxwell's books, I'm a latecomer to the Local Foods series. However, I'm learning that it is just as great a series of reads as all the books that came afterwards.
In the end, MURDER MOST FOWL provides more insight into Cam, organic farming and the hunt for the truth behind a seemingly inexplicable murder. And that can never be a bad thing!
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