Mulch Ado about Murder

A Local Foods Mystery #5

by Maddie Day

It’s been a hot, dry spring in Westbury, Massachusetts. As organic farmer Cam Flaherty waits for much-needed rain, storm clouds of mystery begin to gather. Once again, it’s time to put away her sun hat and put on her sleuthing cap . . .

May has been anything but merry for Cam so far. Her parents have arrived unexpectedly and her crops are in danger of withering away. But all of that’s nothing compared to the grim fate that lies in store for one of her neighbors. Nicole Kingsbury is the proud owner of the town’s new hydroponic greenhouse. She claims the process will be 100% organic, but she uses chemicals to feed her crops. To Cam’s surprise, her mother embarrasses her by organizing a series of loud public protests against Nicole’s operation.

When Nicole is found dead in a vat of hydroponic slurry—clutching another set of rosary beads—Detective Pete Pappas has a new murder to solve. Showers may be scarce this spring, but there’s no shortage of suspects, including the dead woman’s embittered ex‑husband, the Other Man whose affair ruined their marriage, and Cam’s own mother. Lucky for Cam, her father turns out to have a knack for sleuthing—not to mention dealing with chickens. Will he and Cam be able to clear Mrs. Flaherty’s name before the killer strikes again?

PRAISE FOR THE MYSTERIES OF EDITH MAXWELL!

MURDER MOST FOWL

“Another intelligent installment in this unusual cozy series. Maxwell keeps the dialogue as fresh as Cam’s produce in this nice mix of cozy ambience and a realistic story of greed and hidden secrets.” —Booklist

“Entertaining . . . cozy fans will enjoy spending time with Cam and friends.” —Publishers Weekly

FARMED AND DANGEROUS

“Quirky characters, lots of organic farming tips, and a well-developed mystery make this Cam’s best outing yet.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Maxwell’s feisty heroine and the interesting background detail on the realities of organic farming blend to deliver a clever, twisting mystery . . . Fans of other mysteries involving organic farming, or of foodie mysteries in general, will find plenty to enjoy here.” —Booklist

“For all cozy readers, especially fans of Joanne Fluke and Diane Mott Davidson.” —Library Journal

‘TIL DIRT DO US PART

“There are plenty of farming-based cozies on the market today, but this one stands out.” —Booklist

“A most enjoyable look at organic farming with some charming characters and cooking suggestions thrown in.” —Kirkus Reviews

A TINE TO LIVE, A TINE TO DIE

“With an insider’s look at organic farming and a loyal, persistent heroine, Maxwell offers a series that cozy mystery fans will root for.” —Lucy Burdette, author of Fatal Reservations

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2017

About the author

Maddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.

As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.

She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.

Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023

Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Spring is such a busy time for a farmer. The last thing Cam needs is a surprise visit from her parents. O.K. that’s not the last thing she needs, the last thing she needs is to get wrapped up in another murder. But that is just what she does. When she arrives at the new hydroponic greenhouse to drop off some seedlings she finds the owner Nicole Kingsbury dead in a vat of slurry. Because of the group protesting outside the greenhouse she has plenty of witnesses to provide an alibi for the time she arrives. Unfortunately that doesn’t work for her mom, who happens to be one of the protesters. There are plenty of other suspects too but her mom is hiding something. To keep her mom out of jail she is going to be assisting the local police including her boyfriend Detective Pete Pappas.

What I really like about these stories is that Cam does the her sleuthing but she quickly tells the police anything she finds even if they don’t always appreciate her help. This time her dad even lends a hand.

Edith Maxwell has created such a vibrant cast of characters. Cam has really grown into her role as a farmer. I love that she has a group of volunteers that help with the chores and receive produce for their labors. They span all ages from teenagers to senior citizens.

Of course, I have heard of organic farming but hydroponic farming is brand new to me. The author educates the reader in the course of the story. I found the process very interesting.

The story is well written with important seeds sprinkled throughout getting us closer and closer to finding the killer. The family dynamic that grows between Cam and her parents was just as engaging as the murder mystery. The author gives us suspense and drama peppered with humor and also gives us several heartwarming moments too. Cam and Pete’s relationship has to take a little break because of the investigation but its strength shines in the way they handle the separation.

This is a strong addition for this series. A perfect summer read. And there are recipes in the back of the book too. Yes, it can be read as a stand alone. PICK yours up today!

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Flaherty is helping new hydroponics farmer, Nicole, by starting a few plants for her. She’s dropping off a few of those plants when she finds Nicole dead in her greenhouse. The police question those protesting Nicole’s hydroponic methods, including Cam’s visiting mother, Deb. Deb is clearly hiding something from the police. Will it get her arrested for murder?

I hadn’t realized how much I had come to love these characters until I was visiting them again. They are wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to catch up on their lives. We’ve gotten to see a lot of growth in Cam over the course of the series, and watching her interact with her parents provides an opportunity for more. And the mystery? It starts quickly and moves along at a brisk pace with plenty of secrets and suspects before we reach the climax.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good cozy who-done-it set in Westbury, Massachusetts. It is an unusual spring, got and dry. Cam's crops are in damage of wilting and she is worried about not having enough produce for shareholders. Her parents are by sitting at this busy time of the year. Cam is delivering a couple of flats to a follow farmer. She finds Nicole Kingsbury dead in Nicole's greenhouse. Nicole is clutching her rosary beads, a few of the beads are missing. Cam's Mother had visited Nicole early in the morning and becomes a person of interest. Her Father is enjoying the visit and becomes a big help in the farm. He especially liked the chickens. Can feels her Mother would not kill someone but thinks her Mother is not telling everything. Homicide Detective, Pete Pappas, Cam's, boyfriend has to revise himself from the death investigation. Cam and her Father explore the problem of her Mother's silence. They need to find answers before her Mother loses her life. 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.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulch Ado About Murder: A Local Foods Mystery
Author: Edith Maxwell
Publisher: Kensington Mystery

Spring in Westbury, Massachusetts has been unusual, hot, muggy and hard to take. Organic farmer Cam Flaherty needs rain desperately, but instead of rain storms, she gets murder.

Spring has not been great for Cam, and her parent's sudden unexpected visit throws her for a loop. When her mother joins a group of locals to protest the newest business owners methods of soilless hydroponic growing, it is almost too much for Cam to handle. When Cam finds Nicole dead in a vat of hydroponic slurry—clutching a set of rosary beads—her boyfriend Detective Pete Pappas has a new murder to solve, and Cam’s mother is a prime suspect. Clearing her mother of any suspicion is Cam’s primary focus, and with the help of her father she sets out to find the killer.

--
Cam’s dad is a joy to read about. He is unassuming, calm and restrained. Even when his wife is accused of murder, he remains a calming presence. For the first time in her adult life, Cam realizes that she truly loves her father and mother and doesn’t want to lose them.

All of the characters in this story are hard working, happy people that you might meet in any small farming community. They are for the most part regular, average citizens, who enjoy small town life where entertainment is home grown.

Cam is a troubled hard working young woman who doesn’t think her parents care about her or want her in their life, so she stays away from them. However, their unexpected visit helps her understand them better, and love them more. She can see them in a different light than when she was younger and is making headway getting them to be a bit more affectionate with her and talking to her. The scene when her mother finally opens up and tells Cam about her fears and the past brings pure joy and makes the reader love Cam’s mother.

This book is written in a delightfully simple manner; it has some twists and turns that keep you guessing as to the identity of the killer. It is well-written and a quick read. The characters are believable and interesting. Westbury, Massachusetts is the type of town you can find almost anywhere in America and will love reading about the cultural life. Ms. Maxwell has crafted a wonderfully delightful mystery that any cozy reader will enjoy. This series is highly recommended.


https://thecozyreview.com/2017/04/16/...

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The fifth book in the series is a definite page-turner. I had no trouble following along even though I did not know there were others in this series. Cam Flaherty is a well-developed protagonist, and the plot draws you in immediately with a murder. Cam's parents are visiting, and they are just as much a part of this book as Cam and just as pertinent. These characters are so memorable that I'm giving this five stars. Cozy mystery fans need to grab their copy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one. I enjoy the characters and liked having Cam’s parents in town for this one. The mystery was interesting and I enjoy the farm setting.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulch Ado about Murder is the fifth book in Edith Maxwell’s Local Foods Mystery series. Even if you haven’t read the previous books in this series, Ms. Maxwell provides enough character background that you won’t feel lost jumping in so late in the series. The storyline is well thought out and the characters well developed. I enjoyed reading this book; it’s a quick, clean read, with an interesting mystery, relatable characters, and some twists and turns that keep you guessing as to the killer’s identity. There is no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit situations. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading clean mysteries.

Cam Flaherty owns Attic Hill Organic Farm, an organic farm in Westbury, Massachusetts and her parents have shocked her with a surprise visit. Cam is a classic introvert and relishes her alone time and this visit makes that close to impossible. While delivering organic seedlings to Nicole Kingsbury who owns Seacoast Fresh, a soil-free hydroponic greenhouse, there’s a group of demonstrators outside and Cam is dismayed to see Deb Flaherty, her mother, among the small group of protesters. The problem the group has with the hydroponic process is that chemicals are used and they feel that renders the final product as non-organic. When Cam enters the greenhouse, she doesn’t see Nicole or receive a response when she calls out to her, so she sends a text message to let her know she left the flats. She hears Nicole’s cell phone chirp as the text is received and when she walks around to see if she can find her, she finds Nicole leaning over a vat of hydroponic slurry and when she checked, there was no pulse. Deb becomes a person of interest because she was involved in the protest and had spent time alone with Nicole in her greenhouse and since Cam found the body, she isn’t able to spend time with her boyfriend, Homicide Detective Pete Pappas. Cam is determined to clear her mother’s name and in the process, learns there’s no shortage of suspects. Cam’s dad is an easy going, agreeable, and thoughtful person while her mother is quiet and somewhat secretive. Cam grew up knowing her parents were committed to her but their relationship lacked any signs of affection and she felt there were times when they all tended to keep each other at arm’s length but they make some real breakthroughs during this visit.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Flaherty does not have the luck of the Irish.
An organic farmer, Cam makes a delivery to the new hydroponic/organic farmer in town...only to find Nicole's body in the greenhouse.
Twists and turns in the murder investigation have the police looking at Cam, her mother, the deceased's ex-husband, her ex-boyfriend, and the competition. The ex-boyfriend is arrested for trespassing on Cam's farm.
Then the ex-boyfriend turns up dead in a similar fashion to Nicole's.
Determined to clear her mom from suspicion the pair embark on what could their last trip together.
This is a great addition to the Local Foods Mystery series.
I requested, received and enjoyed an ARC of this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mystery, mayhem with an
engaging plot, plenty of twists and turns
are the ingredients for their story that
you will definitely want to read!!!!!
We are going to visit Attic Hill Organic Farm.
It is located in Westbury, Massachusetts. The
farm is owned and run by Cam Flaherty. Cam
lives there with her Norwegian Forest cat,
Preston and a henhouse full of egg laying
chickens. She has a group of local volunteers
who help her with gardening chores in turn
for vegetables, herbs, eggs...anything she
grows.
Her parents are visiting her which is a very
unusual occurrence. Cam was never close
to them as they were traveling Professors.
Will Cam and her parents be able to begin
relating to each other sincerely?
Cam is delivering several flats of basil &
lettuce to Seacoast Fresh. This is a new
hydroponic organic greenhouse. When she
arrives, there is an anti-hydroponic protest
in front of the greenhouse. One of the
protesters is her mother. Why is she there??
Upon entering, Cam calls out to let the owner
know she is there with her delivery. No one
answers....This is very unusual. Cam goes to
leave her flats when she discovers a body....
a dead body. It is the owner dead clutching
a rosary. What happened? Was the death a
natural one or something else?
The variety of characters are well defined,
very creatively described, vivid, colorful
with a few quirky ones. Some will bring
a smile to the reader's face, some will make
the reader cringe but the myriad of
character types rounds out the puzzling plot.
There is an interesting trail of clues, lies
and secrets uncovered. Plenty of suspense
with many unexpected twists that rounds
out the story.
A well written cozy murder mystery.
This is book # 5 in the Local Food Market
series. It can be read as a stand alone as the
writer weaves the past and present
characters together effortlessly.
I volunteered to read the Advanced Reader
Copy. Thanks to the author and publisher
via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the
opportunity. My opinion is my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mulch Ado about Murder by Edith Maxwell is the fifth book in A Local Foods Mystery series. Cam Flaherty owns Attic Hill Organic Farm in Westbury, Massachusetts. It is the end of May and a busy time for Cam on the farm. Cam heads into town to drop off some basil and lettuce seedlings to Nicole Kingsbury. Nicole is starting Seacoast Fresh, a hydroponic organic greenhouse. Cam arrives at Seacoast Fresh and discovers protestors outside the building. One of the demonstrators is her mother, Deb Flaherty. Her parents decided to surprise Cam with a visit. Cam skirts around the protestors and enters the greenhouse calling out for Nicole. Cam discovers Nicole deceased by the slurry vat clutching a rosary. Once again Cam is embroiled in a murder investigation with her mother on the suspect list. Cam wants to get her mother cleared of the crime and starts digging into Nicole’s life. Cam gets an unlikely sidekick in her father, William. Will this duo be able to uproot the killer?

Mulch Ado about Murder is an easy to read cozy mystery. The book is nicely written and has a good pace (can be finished in just a couple of hours). I liked the main characters and enjoyed the addition of her parents (especially William). It was good to get more background on Cam and how her family influenced her life choices. Mulch Ado about Murder is a light cozy mystery with focus on Cam’s day to day life (the crops, taking care of the chickens, eating out, her boyfriend, parade, her friends). The mystery was medium level. There are a couple of suspects and a unique method of murder (the best part). When reading a mystery novel, the little details are the most important. That was definitely the case in Mulch Ado about Murder. I give Mulch Ado about Murder 3.5 out of 5 stars. I did find some information to be repeated a few times throughout the story. There were also some details brought up that were never addressed (what was in Nicole’s slurry, chemical smell Cam smelled). For instance, D.J. had left his bike at Cam’s farm while out of town. At the end of the book, D.J. arrives at Cam’s on his bike (had just returned to town and he had not been out to farm yet). While Mulch Ado about Murder is the fifth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the needed background information for someone to read and understand the story. I did like reading Mulch Ado about Murder and look forward to the next book in A Local Foods Mystery series.

[Liz Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith Maxwell has written another delightful cozy mystery!
Cam Flaherty is worried about her crops - it has been a dry Spring in Massacusetts. And her parents have dropped in for a surprise visit. But she also has a great set of volunteers helping on the farm in exchange for freshly harvested produce. And she's supplying seedlings to a new hydroponic greenhouse in town. But when Cam finds the owner of the greenhouse dead, the same day Cam's Mom and two of her volunteers are picketing in front, things get out of balance quickly. Especially since Cam's honey, Pete, a state police investigator, has to make himself scarce during the investigation.
Everyone seems to have secrets, including Cam's parents. Cam *has* to investigate, to protect them. Her determination, along with her obvious affection for the people around her, come through clearly.
This is the fifth installment in Maxwell's Local Foods series. I look forward to the sixth.
This review is based on an Advance Reading Copy from the publisher.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith Maxwell can make murder fun and fascinating, and this is yet another excellent visit with Cam and her friends and family!

Cam Flaherty has a lot on her plate, the rains are yet to arrive (and so a lot of hand watering is happening), her parents have turned up for an unexpected visit (her father cannot tell what is a weed and what isn't and her mother is involved in a local protest!), this would be bad enough but Cam has just found a body, her mother is one of the people of interest! and Pete Pappas cannot be involved in the case because of this.

Now with Debra Flaherty obviously hiding something (although Cam is sure that does NOT include killing the local hydroponic farmer) Cam and her father need to put their heads together to find out the truth before Debra ends up being a Professor behind bars!

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great installment in the Local Foods Mystery Series. I really enjoy visiting Cam and her farm, Attic Hill Organic Farm. I love Edith Maxwell's writing style which make for an easy and fast read. This one flowed really well and I liked the plot. I also liked that it was set during Memorial Weekend and that is when I finished reading it. When Cam's mother becomes a suspect in the murder of a new greenhouse owner, Cam has to become involved and get herself into some situations with unsavory people. This one kept my attention from the time I started reading until I finished. It had a lot of action and was a page turner for sure. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book and I received a free copy to do so.

Such a great story! Cam is planning to help a local hydroponics company get started with some seedlings. But, when she arrives to drop them off, she finds protesters marching in front of the greenhouses with her mother as their leader. Add to that finding the owner dead on the floor and Cam is about to have an interesting summer.

This was the first book of the series that I've read but, I didn't feel lost by not having read other books. Such a great storyline and the characters are wonderful! I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and can not wait for the next book!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulch Ado About Murder by Edith Maxwell tells an interesting and captivating story.

Cam Flaherty is hoping for rain. Her crops are dry and if mother nature doesn't send some rain, her crop will wither away.
If that was Cam's only concern, she would find a way to make do, unfortunately, her parents are in town for a rare visit and that's added pressure to Cam's way of life.

Cam's mother soon finds herself embroiled in a murder and Cam tries to do everything in her power to make things right. Cam's mother is full of secrets and even a looming murder charge won't loosen her lips.
What will it take for her mom to open up to Cam and confront the painful truths from her past?

Find out May 30th.

I really liked this book and I enjoyed reading about her parents. Her mom is a tough nut to crack and I had a hard time liking her. Her dad is a wonderful character and his down home charm was a nice addition.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulch Ado About Murder is the fifth book in the Local Foods Mystery series.

A timely book in that Spring is coming and time to start with my garden, as is Cam on her Cam’s Attic Hill Organic Farm.

Spring is a bad time of year to have company, but her mother and father have come for one of the their visits with Cam. When Cam goes to deliver some seedlings to Nicole Kingsbury’s new hydroponic greenhouse she is shocked to see that one of the protesters is none other than her mother Deb. As Cam enters the greenhouse she calls out to Nicole, but gets no reply. Cam soon finds Nicole’s lifeless body hanging over the edge of a vat of slurry, clenched in her hand is a rosary with some beads missing.

Since Deb was in the area where Nicole died, she is soon on the police’s radar. In addition, Cam feels that there is something that Deb is not willing to share concerning Nicole.

As Cam was about to enter the greengouse she spotted a man, who was unknown to her, leaving the area. Later she learns that it was Nicole’s estranged husband. When she learns that he is in need money, she sees the need to look into his activities. As she continues to investigate she learns that a local insurance agent had been at a marriage counseling retreat when Nicole had and they had an affair. She wonders if Nicole had rejected him and he killed her. Another that she is considering is Orson Page who runs Fresh Page which is the same type of business Nicole’s and he decided to get rid of the competition. Cam needs to figure out who the killer is before her mother is fitted for an orange jumpsuit.

Some of the regular cast are back, but Cam’s father, William is there to take the edge off the murder investigation. William is a brilliant professor, but in not much of gardener. Cam finds that he is great at handling the chickens and collecting the eggs, but has been banned from weeding, as she soon learns he doesn’t know the difference between a plant and a weed.

Ms. Maxwell once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and told story with a cast of interesting characters.

I particularly enjoy this series and enjoy learning more about what goes into the running on an organic garden.

I will be watching for the next book in this exciting and informative series.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fresh, entertaining story in the Local Foods Mystery series.

I get so excited each time I start a new book by author Edith Maxwell. I am always anxious at first thinking there is no way it can be as good as her other works. And then only a few pages in, I know how silly I was being, because each tale she writes is better than the one before! The proof is in the reading because MULCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is the cream of the crop.

I’m not an outdoorsy person, and I don’t eat vegetables (though I am a fruit fan), so what am I doing reading the Local Foods Mysteries? Well, as I mentioned above, I am a fan of this author’s writing. But I am also fascinated with the thought of little seeds becoming big, beautiful, eatable food. And Ms. Maxwell does make it sound fun . . . almost. ;-)

I love spending time with series lead, Cam Flaherty. I think she’s a brilliantly written character. She’s independent, and knowledgeable, but not 100% perfect, which adds another layer of interest to her. It was great getting to see her interact with her parents in this story. I quite like her father, but her more I believe is an acquired taste.

The murder mystery in MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER is exceptional. There are many possible suspects, including Cam’s mom. So many people who would want to see the victim dead. Ms. Maxwell could easily have muddied things for readers with all that was going on, but she blended everything together perfectly, planting doubts, and leaving clues to harvest. And all led up to an action packed reveal, that left me feeling I had lived through the story myself!

MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER has everything you want in a cozy summer read, including great recipes. You’ve got to pick up a copy of your own!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mulch Ado About Murder” earn 5/5 Plump Organic Tomatoes!

I am new to Edith Maxwell’s Local Foods series, so this fifth book in the series was the perfect introduction: Organic farming with murder? Who knew farming could be more than strenuous, but deadly? I didn’t feel that I was left out of the back story and character connections having not read the previous four books, although I am excited to do so. The story was still exciting with a bit of humor and family entanglements, and kept me engaged. With California’s drought just now easing and a few family members as long time farmers, the trials and tribulations were well addressed for Cam as she struggles with her farming needs and no rain in sight. I found Edith’s characters, my favorite Cameron Flaherty, to be well developed and fun, not juvenile. The connection Cam has with her father evolves well, but to me it is unique; most main characters don’t team up with a parent to investigate the murder d’jour. The setting of Westbury, Massachusetts (Massachusetts, a wonderful place to visit) and details surrounding organic farming and hydroponics play out in the background along with recipes highlighting vegetables at the back of the book: Cam’s Dad’s Roasted Garlic spread for lunch sandwiches, Cam’s favorite Kale and Couscous Salad, Cam’s Mom’s favorite Brown Rice Veggie Risotto, and Jake’s Swedish Cheesecake (Ostkaka). I highly recommend this book, or hold off and start from the beginning

"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was selected by me from NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.”

[Dawn Halverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do rosary beads, a drought, and a vat of hydroponic slurry have in common? All three are key ingredients in Edith Maxwell’s newest cozy mystery, Mulch Ado About Murder, the fifth book in her delightful Local Foods Mystery series. Spring has not been kind to the residents of Westbury, Massachusetts, and Attic Hill Organic Farm owner, Cam Flaherty, is also looking for relief from the dry and humid weather. Instead of getting a much needed downpour, Cam discovers the dead body of Nicole Kingsbury, the owner of another organic greenhouse, leaning over a vat of hydroponic slurry clutching a set of rosary beads. Nicole’s hydroponic process is the focus of local demonstrators who are protesting Nicole’s use of chemicals in her hydroponic process which, they feel, makes her products non-organic. When her mother becomes a suspect in Nicole’s murder, Cam and her father join forces to find the real killer. I really enjoy the series, and this book does not disappoint! The characters are very well developed, relatable, and really do seem like the folks I grew up with in our small farming community. I especially loved how heavily Cam’s parents were integrated into the plot and how Cam began to see them in a whole new way. The mystery itself has its own twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and keeps their interest until the end. Just a wonderful cozy and excellent addition to this great series!

I was provided with an advanced reader’s copy by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I have enjoyed the other four books in this series - Maxwell does a great job creating characters, describing Cam's daily life, and establishing a strong sense of setting. But there was almost TOO much of all that this time around. The plot seemed non-existent, and the mystery meanders around, lost instead amidst a lot of padding involving all of those characters Maxwell has created for Cam to interact with. So many characters. It just felt like overkill. The mystery doesn't get any real attention until the second half of the book. The first half is too occupied with all the side characters and what they're doing in their lives. Which is fine if that's what you're looking for, but I'm more interested in the mystery, personally. And it was just okay and more predictable than I like. I'm also not a fan of suspects outing themselves as the killer - I want the sleuth to figure it out and do the confronting, but again, that's just my preference.

Also, I felt the dialogue was not as good as it usually is, maybe because there were so many scenes of Cam chit-chatting with her friends that didn't really add to the plot? Cam's friend Lucinda was the only side character that stood out, everyone else kind of blended together.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cam Flaherty is embarrassed to see her mother, Deb, protesting outside of Westbury’s newest hydroponics greenhouse. After all, Cam has contracted with Nicole Kingsbury, the owner of the greenhouse, to start some of the seedlings Nicole will use. Unfortunately, Cam’s irritation soon turns to dismay when she finds Nicole dead. Even worse, the death isn’t accidental and now Deb is hiding secrets. Cam knows her mother isn’t guilty of murder… but can she prove it?

MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER is the fifth book in A Local Foods Mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone. Edith Maxwell does a great job at providing readers with enough background information to jump right in and thoroughly enjoy the story. However, each and every book in A Local Foods Mystery series is enjoyable so I suspect readers will find themselves wanting to read the rest of the series after getting a taste.

MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER provides us with some insight into Cam’s childhood as we get to know Cam’s parents, Deb and William. It took me a while to warm up to Cam’s parents, as Deb especially is quite secretive and almost cold at times. It’s easy to see why Cam’s Great-Uncle Albert and the farm are so important to Cam. Edith Maxwell does a wonderful job at bringing the storyline full circle, however, as Deb and William grew on me. In fact, I hope we see more of them in future books.

Edith Maxwell is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I love the insight she gives into the ups and downs of an organic farmer’s life almost as much as I enjoy the mysteries themselves. However, it’s the wonderful characters and relationships that make A Local Foods Mystery series such a hit. MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER is yet another great entry into the series and I look forward to what the next installment has in store for us!

[Jeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has really developed and grown! In this edition, we finally get to meet Cam's parents when they come to stay with her for a bit to visit. Of course, this being Cam's busy season she doesn't have the time to spare to show them around. When Cam finds a newcomer and new business owner in town dead her mom is suspected because she was protesting the business. This leads to the discovery of more secrets her mom has been hiding.

I very much enjoyed the relationship and friendships developed between all the various characters. This adds a great deal to the book and it's like dropping in on old friends.

I was given an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Sharon Super · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam has herself connected to the first victim which quickly involves more suspects from the past. Even her parents, who seem unlikely to be involved, but quickly become helpful and involved in the crime.
Fun read from author of both “A Local Foods Mystery”and “A Country Store Mystery”.
Author uses a different name for each series.
Main characters of both series are unique in their crime solving techniques.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Cam Flaherty, the main character, finds a body when she delivers some seedlings to a new greenhouse in town. At the same location, her mother is picketing. The story also covered some of Cam's background with her parents who are visiting her. The book was a quick easy read.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters and the way all of them interact. I especially enjoyed the bringing in of Cams parents. Especially her dad.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulch Ado About Murder by Edith Maxwell is book five in the Local Foods Mystery series which feature female sleuth Cam Flaherty. Cam is the owner of Attic Hill Organic Farm which was given to her by her uncle. She is trying to make it work while battling the hot, dry climate while juggling an unplanned visit from her parents Deb and William Flaherty. Their visit could not have come at a more difficult time for her.
On the way to drop off some organic basil and lettuce seedlings to Nicole Kingsbury, owner of Seacoast Fresh Green House, a hydroponic greenhouse, she observes the protest outside the business and to her surprise amidst the protesters is her own mother, Deb. As she precedes to enter the greenhouse a man rushes past her. She goes inside the business and calls out Nicole's name and when no one answers, she decides to leave the seedlings and to send a text to Nicole's phone. She hears a ping from the phone and begins to look for it. To her dismay she finds it near the body of Nicole. Cam calls the police and her friend Ruth arrives who listens as she describes finding the body. Ruth has seen Deb and says she will have to question her in addition to all of the protesters.
Soon Cam learns that her mother is a person of interest in the case, adding to her worry is the fact that her mother was the last person to see Nicole alive. Apparently she had visited her that morning to attempt to get her to stop using hydroponics. Between organizing her volunteers, irrigating her farm, plantings and other farm work she now has the added worry of how to clear her Mom of a crime she knows she didn't commit. As the story moves along we soon discover that Cam's Dad, William, is not such a klutz around the farm as she thought. Using all her sleuthing skills and with the surprising aid of her father, William, she attempts to clear her mother.....
This was a delightful fun and easy cozy mystery read. It moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader entertained, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre of books. While this book can be read as a stand alone one I believe the reader would benefit from reading some of the other books for the background they provide into the main character, Cam Flaherty.
I was provided a copy of this book via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER, the fifth book in Edith Maxwell’s Local Foods Mystery series, brings the reader back to Westbury, Massachusetts. We find organic farmer Cam Flaherty hard at work tending her fields and chickens, when her academic parents decide to come for a visit. Cam’s parents were more interested in their studies and researching abroad every year than spending time with her while she was growing up and as a result, they were never close. Cam has always felt insecure in their love for her and isn’t sure that she wants them there for too long of a visit, especially when her mother starts protesting against Nicole, a new hydroponics farmer in town.

I found the introduction of the controversy over hydroponics in organic farming very interesting. My husband grows flowering plants in hydroponics and semi-hydroponics and I’m intrigued at the possibility of growing food using that method. The town is divided over the issue and when Nicole is murdered, Cam’s visiting mother becomes a suspect. Cam knows her mother must be innocent but she appears to be hiding a dark secret and won’t confide in Cam or anyone else. The author weaves in the theme of looking for acceptance and finding yourself while making peace with the past. Cam’s mother may be hard to get to know but her father seems more amiable, kind of a forgetful, bumbling at times, professor who brings a sweetness to the story. The mystery of who killed the hydroponics farmer is satisfying with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. The story is well paced with a suspenseful ending that had me up late, turning pages to find out how it ended!

Edith provides several delicious recipes at the end of the book and many are farm-fresh recipes that make me think of spring and summer. I tried her recipe for Swedish Cheesecake: a light, not too sweet, dessert that provides a perfect ending to a summery dinner. The directions were easy to follow and the results were tasty.

I received an ARC of the book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's springtime in Massachusetts, and organic farmer Cam Flaherty is receiving an unexpected and rare visit from her parents whom she's never had a "traditional" relationship with. But life goes on, and Cam has duties; so she leaves her father to help out at the farm while she makes a delivery to Nicole Kingsbury, with whom she has contracted to provide her with seedlings for her hydroponic farming.

When she arrives at Nicole's, she doesn't expect to see a line of protesters condemning her operation, and she certainly doesn't expect to see her mother in the group. Trying her best to ignore them, she enters the greenhouse and calls out to Nicole. But it's apparently deserted so she decides to leave the flats and also text her a message stating she's done so. But when she hits 'send' she hears the distinct ping of a cell phone, and goes to investigate. Unfortunately, what she comes across is Nicole's body, slumped over a vat of the slurry she used to feed the plants. Shaken, Cam calls the police.

After being questioned and released, she returns home to tell her father that her mother is also being questioned and will return later. But since her mother Deb admits she went in to speak with Nicole, it unfortunately puts her in the area of being a suspect, and Cam isn't pleased. She also isn't pleased that her boyfriend, Detective Pete Pappas, removes himself from the case and to make matters worse, until they figure out what happened to Nicole, he can't spend any time with her.

But as the case progresses, it turns out that it wasn't an accident but possible homicide, and Cam is convinced her mother is hiding something both from her and the police. While she's positive her mother didn't kill Nicole, it's obvious she's not telling everything.

What makes it harder is that Cam's parents are not ones for demonstrations of affection; neither parent has ever given her the indication that they even cared much about her but even so, she loves her mother and believes in her innocence, and will do whatever it takes to keep her out of prison, even if it puts her own life in danger...

I found this book not only to be a very good mystery, but it also gives us a lot of insight into Cam's parents and her (at times) tenuous relationship with them. When it begins it appears that her parents arriving during prime planting season is more of a hindrance and inconvenience, but as the days go on, the relationship between them changes and grows. Regrettably, it's taken a murder to effect that change.

Cam, although strong and independent, seems unsure where her parents are concerned; it's as if she's walking on eggshells around her mother, while her bond strengthens with her father who, surprisingly, while at first seems to be a disaster at the farm eventually becomes quite a help to her. It takes a bit more however, for her relationship with her mother to truly connect and become closer. This, in my opinion, is the true crux of the book; not only trying to help solve a murder (even if the police don't want her help) while forging a new relationship with, and understanding her mother. It is a delight to watch the changes between them.

As to the murder itself (and we know it must be), I found it to be quite a treat indeed to have several red herrings thrown in, only to find that my initial thoughts came full circle. But unfortunately I can't tell you what those thoughts were, or it gives away the ending. Ah, well...suffice it to say that around nearly every corner we have Cam trying her best to keep the farm up and running, her parents entertained properly, and search for clues whenever she gets the chance. This is one busy woman.

When the murderer is revealed and the reason for it discovered, we understand all too well the machinations, while thinking how easy it is for some people to do evil. This is the fifth book in the series, and is an easy read and well written. It can be read as a stand alone, but if you haven't read any others in the series I suggest you do so, because they're all quite as fun as this one. Highly recommended.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring has sprung for Cam Flaherty, the organic farmer in Westbury, Massachusetts. But all is now coming up roses (or whichever vegetable you may want to substitute from Cam's Attic Hill Farm crops).

Rain has been scarce so far, which leaves Cam's crops in danger. And if that wasn't enough to try her patience or cause her stress, Cam's parents have descended upon her. Her academic researcher parents have always been distant in her life but having them staying with her at the farm is getting on her last nerve.

While her father has seemingly changed quite a bit from what Cam remembers, helping (or accidentally hindering) on the farm and developing a bond with Cam's chickens, her mother remains a stiff, remote and seemingly emotionless figure.

But Cam's own problems take a back seat when she stumbles across the body of Nicole Kingsbury, the new hydroponic greenhouse owner in town. She's been killed in her own greenhouse and Cam's mother Deb is soon one of the leading suspects. She was protesting the hydroponic facility and had a confrontation with the woman soon before her body was discovered.

As the police investigate, Cam's boyfriend Detective Pete Pappas has to distance himself from Cam due to his role in the investigation. But Cam digs into the crime, assisted by her father, in order to clear her mother's name. That may be something easier said than done however because Cam ends up discovering that her mother isn't telling the whole truth to her or more importantly, the cops.

Cam needs to not only discover the truth about the murder, but figure out how to get through to her mother about the need for her to take things seriously. Because there's a killer on the loose and there's no telling if and when they will strike again.

After four books in the series, getting to meet Cam's parents was quite the neat twist in the series narrative. Readers have learned about them from Cam's point of view and while a lot of it still rings true (especially in the case of her mother), the emotional distance between the child and parent means Cam has missed those changes. Her dad is particularly different from what Cam remembers.

The ins-and-outs of running the Attic Hill Farm once more prove interesting as Cam has to deal with an early season lack of rainfall and the attendant need to keep her crops from failing. As Cam adjusts to new circumstances on the farm, including the need to hire paid help, you can see that she is further settling into this new life as a farmer.

But as always it is the mystery that moves the story along and once again Maddie Day spins a murder yarn that makes me eager to keep turning the pages long after I reached the conclusion. I liked the continued character work for Cam's supporting cast of friends as well. I remain a big fan of Cam's teenage helper Ellie but the development for Lucinda and others also gave a great lift to the subplots.

And that's a good thing because as this book ends, so does the Local Foods mystery series. It's only been about three years since MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER was published so I'd still wish there was more books to read but I definitely appreciated that Maddie Day tied up the series nicely with a look towards the future, even if we aren't there to see it. As with a lot of the mysteries I read, I may not want to take on the job of the main character but it sure does provide for some great reading adventures and I can only hope that someday we'll see what Cam has been up to all these years.