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The Leafy Hollow Mysteries #2
Digging Up Trouble
Secrets don’t stay buried for ever…
Verity Hawkes’ new life as Leafy Hollow’s accidental landscaper would be almost tranquil… if only her missing aunt would turn up. After receiving a mysterious message, Verity decides to step up the search.
The villagers are friendly enough—until an outsider casts doubt on their profitable tale of long-lost treasure. When his corpse becomes the unintended highlight of a village event, suspicion lands on Verity’s newly found friends.
Verity wants nothing more than to disappear into her former shut-in ways. But her new life is on the line. To clear her friends of murder, she enlists the aid of a feral-cat fancier, a hard-of-hearing vicar, and a hunky local lawman. Can they help her unearth a killer?
Digging Up Trouble is the second book in a series of delightfully funny cozy mysteries. If you like lovably quirky characters, deceptively idyllic Canadian villages, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Rickie Blair’s Leafy Hollow Mysteries series.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2017
485 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Rickie Blair
19 books146 followersWhen not hunched over my computer conversing with people who exist only in my head, I spend my time trying to tame an unruly half-acre garden and a mischievous Jack Russell-cross. I also share my southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 23, 2024
This is a 4.5 star read.
I received a copy of this novel for free directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
Why, oh why, did I wait so long to read the second in the Verity Hawke Leafy Hollow series? Another rollicking, humorous murder mystery to solve with Verity and the gang, this novel begins straight after the first book in the series and concerns the commemoration of Prue Bannon, an historical heroine from Leafy Hollow.
When a body turns up in the Bannon family crypt, Verity's bff implores her to solve the mystery to save her aunt. Verity and her friends are drawn into mysteries involving the finding of two bodies, the disappearance of an old love many years in the past and the identity of the father of the new kittens down by the river
All our favourite characters make an appearance. There's Gideon Picard, he of the Starship Enterprise Command Deck themed lounge room, who disappears after setting out to find Verity's missing aunt. Also the hunks abound with a bowling date for Verity with Jeff, the town Detective Constable and a hasty rebound dinner date with the ever gaawjus Ryker. Add in the mysterious group Control and their nefarious counterpart The Syndicate and you have an action packed investigation of the murderous kind and giggles galore at the ensuing antics the gang finds themselves in.(I'll never think of Smurfs in the same way again!)
And we finally find out just who Control are - you'll never guess! As we fade out on this story we are given a look at poor General Chang and his wince inducing ending. (pun definitely intended)
A highly, HIGHLY recommended read for those that love their cosies a more full-bodied novel length, full of hilarious mishaps.
I received a copy of this novel for free directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
Why, oh why, did I wait so long to read the second in the Verity Hawke Leafy Hollow series? Another rollicking, humorous murder mystery to solve with Verity and the gang, this novel begins straight after the first book in the series and concerns the commemoration of Prue Bannon, an historical heroine from Leafy Hollow.
When a body turns up in the Bannon family crypt, Verity's bff implores her to solve the mystery to save her aunt. Verity and her friends are drawn into mysteries involving the finding of two bodies, the disappearance of an old love many years in the past and the identity of the father of the new kittens down by the river
All our favourite characters make an appearance. There's Gideon Picard, he of the Starship Enterprise Command Deck themed lounge room, who disappears after setting out to find Verity's missing aunt. Also the hunks abound with a bowling date for Verity with Jeff, the town Detective Constable and a hasty rebound dinner date with the ever gaawjus Ryker. Add in the mysterious group Control and their nefarious counterpart The Syndicate and you have an action packed investigation of the murderous kind and giggles galore at the ensuing antics the gang finds themselves in.(I'll never think of Smurfs in the same way again!)
And we finally find out just who Control are - you'll never guess! As we fade out on this story we are given a look at poor General Chang and his wince inducing ending. (pun definitely intended)
A highly, HIGHLY recommended read for those that love their cosies a more full-bodied novel length, full of hilarious mishaps.
August 16, 2017
This second book in the Leafy Hollow mystery series started where the first one left off. While the mystery can be enjoyed as a stand alone I think that the missing knowledge of the background story from the first book will lead to confusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Verity and friends again and learning more about the town and its past.
The situations the gang gets into are not only gripping but also often humorous.
I received a free copy from the author and reviewed it voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Verity and friends again and learning more about the town and its past.
The situations the gang gets into are not only gripping but also often humorous.
I received a free copy from the author and reviewed it voluntarily.
May 31, 2018
Hard to get going
I found the book quite hard going at the start - perhaps because I hadn’t read the first in the series - but once I got into it, I enjoyed the plotting and the subtle description of the place. The plot was a bit far fetched, even contrived, but it was a pleasant unchallenging read. I could have done without the cellar hologram however.
I found the book quite hard going at the start - perhaps because I hadn’t read the first in the series - but once I got into it, I enjoyed the plotting and the subtle description of the place. The plot was a bit far fetched, even contrived, but it was a pleasant unchallenging read. I could have done without the cellar hologram however.
November 17, 2020
I'm so loving this series. Really happy to find that there are 8 books and not 3 as I first thought.
Onto the next Leafy Hollow Mystery!
Onto the next Leafy Hollow Mystery!
June 24, 2018
Digging Up Trouble by Rickie Blair is the second book in the Leafy Hollow Mysteries and was another fun and engaging read. Verity is determined to find her Aunt but it is slow going as no one but her believes that her Aunt is still alive. Then there is a murder and Verity just can't seem to stop snooping. A smoothly paced plot with twists and laughter as Verity and her friends dig to find the answers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
Digging Up Trouble is the second book of The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. And like the first book, it is an easy read, full of humor and cozy story to enjoy.
Digging Up Trouble continues from the first book, From Garden to Grave where Verity, along with Emy and Lorne continues with their daily routine and life. Emy the baker, and Verity and Lorne with the Garden business. Enter Edgar Nesbitt-Cavanagh, the historian who claims that Leafy Hollow's heroin, Prudence, is a hoax and was to be believed a dog. With this claim, he made a lot of Leavy Hollow residents angry. The next day, the hated Nesbitt-Cavanagh is discovered dead in the cemetery. Ford claims that he saw what happened, but because he is a homeless crazy guy who looks after stray cats, nobody but Verity believes him. All fingers point to Reverend Daniel, who probably had motive to kill Nesbitt, and who was the last person to see him alive. After all, his fingerprints were on the candlestick and shovel. But why is Isabelle, Emy's cousin so emotional? What is she hiding? As you fly through the chapters, more and more secrets are revealed!
Because I've read From Garden to Grave some time ago, I had a little bit of trouble to remember some of the characters again. Luckily, Rickie Blair reminds the readers who is who by telling us a little bit of history from the first story. And then, like in From Garden to Grave where Emy, Lorne (get-away-driver) and Verity broke into a house, they were having another nightly adventure again. I really love it when these three go on an adventure trying to solve a murder. This time, they broke into the church basement to find the hidden treasure but found something very different and disturbing instead. Let me say, they got caught covered with blue paint, with only their underwear on. This is chuckle worthy!
I love the fact that Verity still has General Chang, the gray tabby cat with one eye. I came to love this animal, and he plays a big role in Digging Up Trouble. Verity really did find true friendship in Leafy Hollow, and whether she thought of returning to Vancouver, she dismissed that idea after this story. This was indeed a funny, cozy, light and easy read, and I'm happy that I already have book 3 ready on hand.
Digging Up Trouble continues from the first book, From Garden to Grave where Verity, along with Emy and Lorne continues with their daily routine and life. Emy the baker, and Verity and Lorne with the Garden business. Enter Edgar Nesbitt-Cavanagh, the historian who claims that Leafy Hollow's heroin, Prudence, is a hoax and was to be believed a dog. With this claim, he made a lot of Leavy Hollow residents angry. The next day, the hated Nesbitt-Cavanagh is discovered dead in the cemetery. Ford claims that he saw what happened, but because he is a homeless crazy guy who looks after stray cats, nobody but Verity believes him. All fingers point to Reverend Daniel, who probably had motive to kill Nesbitt, and who was the last person to see him alive. After all, his fingerprints were on the candlestick and shovel. But why is Isabelle, Emy's cousin so emotional? What is she hiding? As you fly through the chapters, more and more secrets are revealed!
Because I've read From Garden to Grave some time ago, I had a little bit of trouble to remember some of the characters again. Luckily, Rickie Blair reminds the readers who is who by telling us a little bit of history from the first story. And then, like in From Garden to Grave where Emy, Lorne (get-away-driver) and Verity broke into a house, they were having another nightly adventure again. I really love it when these three go on an adventure trying to solve a murder. This time, they broke into the church basement to find the hidden treasure but found something very different and disturbing instead. Let me say, they got caught covered with blue paint, with only their underwear on. This is chuckle worthy!
I love the fact that Verity still has General Chang, the gray tabby cat with one eye. I came to love this animal, and he plays a big role in Digging Up Trouble. Verity really did find true friendship in Leafy Hollow, and whether she thought of returning to Vancouver, she dismissed that idea after this story. This was indeed a funny, cozy, light and easy read, and I'm happy that I already have book 3 ready on hand.
February 15, 2017
You just can't put this down! A mystery with lots of humor!
Diggin up Trouble is the second in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series. Like the first, I just couldn't put it down. It kept you guessing until the end with lots of twists, turns and red herrings. Poor Verity, all she wants to do is find her Aunt and she is once again caught trying to solve a murder to help her friends. And then there is the mysterious "control" ...a strange, holographic entity behind locked doors in her basement which sometimes shows itself and sometimes not. a corundrum! I loved this book and had to finish it in one day because you just can't put it down. A lot of mystery with laughs!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily offering my own honest opinion about the book.
Diggin up Trouble is the second in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series. Like the first, I just couldn't put it down. It kept you guessing until the end with lots of twists, turns and red herrings. Poor Verity, all she wants to do is find her Aunt and she is once again caught trying to solve a murder to help her friends. And then there is the mysterious "control" ...a strange, holographic entity behind locked doors in her basement which sometimes shows itself and sometimes not. a corundrum! I loved this book and had to finish it in one day because you just can't put it down. A lot of mystery with laughs!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily offering my own honest opinion about the book.
June 4, 2017
Digging Up Trouble is the second book in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries - a series penned by Rickie Blair.
Judging from the confusion going through my mind at different intervals throughout the book I believe it is safe to say Digging Up Trouble is NOT a stand alone book. Haven't a clue what was the back story between the protaganist, her aunt and some guy named Gideon as I haven't read the previous book. Fear not though there are only a few places in the book referring to events which occurred in book 1.
The book starts off slow but once it gets up and running the characters and events draw the reader into the story so that it is hard to put the book aside even for just a minute or two!
Judging from the confusion going through my mind at different intervals throughout the book I believe it is safe to say Digging Up Trouble is NOT a stand alone book. Haven't a clue what was the back story between the protaganist, her aunt and some guy named Gideon as I haven't read the previous book. Fear not though there are only a few places in the book referring to events which occurred in book 1.
The book starts off slow but once it gets up and running the characters and events draw the reader into the story so that it is hard to put the book aside even for just a minute or two!
August 9, 2017
The more books I read by Rickie Blair, the more I love them. This is such a wonderful funny series and the characters are super quirky.
Verity gets dragged into unofficially solving a murder, finding lost treasure as well as trying to make sense of the cryptic messages from "Control" . Not for the faint of heart :-)
I love this series, because of all the layers and stories within a story. I would love to know what happens with Control and if Verity's aunt ever comes back.
This is a great series and I would recommend it to anybody who loves cosy mysteries
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Verity gets dragged into unofficially solving a murder, finding lost treasure as well as trying to make sense of the cryptic messages from "Control" . Not for the faint of heart :-)
I love this series, because of all the layers and stories within a story. I would love to know what happens with Control and if Verity's aunt ever comes back.
This is a great series and I would recommend it to anybody who loves cosy mysteries
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 12, 2017
Digging Up Trouble is the second book in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series is a great fast paced read with twists and turns and humor.
Verity still has not found her Aunt, but had not given up. She needs to help her friends get cleared from charges of murder.
Enjoyed the story and did not want to put down until the end.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Verity still has not found her Aunt, but had not given up. She needs to help her friends get cleared from charges of murder.
Enjoyed the story and did not want to put down until the end.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 8, 2017
Rickie Blair has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and Verity is one of my favorite characters. If you're looking for a new series of Cozy Mysteries, you should definitely give The Leafy Hollow Mysteries a try.
July 18, 2019
Verity Hawkes is now living in Leafy Hollow which
is a small town in the Ontario province. Her Aunt
Adeline has disappeared. Her Aunt’s lawyer believes
that her Aunt is dead, making Verity the heir.
Verity has also taken over her Aunt’s landscaping
business. She has learned about the various types
of gardening plants. So when she is asked to spruce
up the landscape near the crypt of a famous Leafy
Hollow historical figure, Verity notes trampled weeds
near the crypts door.
When the crypt is opened, a newly murdered man is
found. How did the man get into the crypt? Who
murdered him? Why was he murdered?
While investigating this, Verity and her crew discover
yet another murdered victim.
Verity has a once feral cat, General Chang who came
to live with her. He helps calm her fears. He will be the
hero of the book.
This is a complex plotted book. Besides mystery, suspense
the book has a touch of humor.
The characters are well written, very colorful, quirky and
an interesting group.
is a small town in the Ontario province. Her Aunt
Adeline has disappeared. Her Aunt’s lawyer believes
that her Aunt is dead, making Verity the heir.
Verity has also taken over her Aunt’s landscaping
business. She has learned about the various types
of gardening plants. So when she is asked to spruce
up the landscape near the crypt of a famous Leafy
Hollow historical figure, Verity notes trampled weeds
near the crypts door.
When the crypt is opened, a newly murdered man is
found. How did the man get into the crypt? Who
murdered him? Why was he murdered?
While investigating this, Verity and her crew discover
yet another murdered victim.
Verity has a once feral cat, General Chang who came
to live with her. He helps calm her fears. He will be the
hero of the book.
This is a complex plotted book. Besides mystery, suspense
the book has a touch of humor.
The characters are well written, very colorful, quirky and
an interesting group.
April 12, 2020
I loved it! Verity is a young widow with a lot of emotional baggage and has been transplanted from the West Coast of Canada to the Falls area near the US border. She has a house that has some strange secrets, a missing aunt, a few good friends, and a strong tendency to snoop/sleuth. I think it's a great story and there's some real laughs, too!
In the 3 years since I read the first book in the series I have had more vision issues and can do best with books that TTS (dear robot reader) or audiobooks. That being said, I think that Petrea Burchard is excellent! Great separation of characters who really are and interpretation of their feelings
In the 3 years since I read the first book in the series I have had more vision issues and can do best with books that TTS (dear robot reader) or audiobooks. That being said, I think that Petrea Burchard is excellent! Great separation of characters who really are and interpretation of their feelings
December 23, 2021
Clever plot kept me guessing. Likable characters and strong lead characters keep this interesting, as well as twists & turns.
The author uses cute humor, mostly mellow dramatic but still really cute.
Side note, I appreciate how the author mentioned that homeless & feral cats need to be fixed to stop contributing the the population, and how they go hungry unless willing & able people step in to help.
The author uses cute humor, mostly mellow dramatic but still really cute.
Side note, I appreciate how the author mentioned that homeless & feral cats need to be fixed to stop contributing the the population, and how they go hungry unless willing & able people step in to help.
July 19, 2017
Great continuation from book 1
I thoroughly enjoy Rickie's stories...but again, she left me wanting more...i was hoping she'd find her aunt and Gideon too...will there be a 3rd? I thought it was the end of this series but i really think we need some closure....Rickie, please add more to Verity's life.
I thoroughly enjoy Rickie's stories...but again, she left me wanting more...i was hoping she'd find her aunt and Gideon too...will there be a 3rd? I thought it was the end of this series but i really think we need some closure....Rickie, please add more to Verity's life.
August 22, 2017
I liked the first book in this series but I have to say I REALLY liked this book #2. Verity is still looking for her Aunt, but of course she has to get involved in yet another murder. I am lovig this cast of characters ad the way they interact with each other. Can't wait to see what trouble they will find them selves in the next time around.
February 2, 2018
I have received this book and I am freely giving my review. Digging up Trouble is the second book in the Leafy Hollows series. This is just as good as the first book. The characters all fit well together and I am looking forward to finding out more about Control, the syndicate and especially meeting Aunt Adeline. I am now on my way to read the next book in the series. Join me!
June 15, 2019
Another fun meander through Leafy Hollow
I read this immediately after book one and found it almost as compelling.
The characters continue to develop and entertain, the mystery of Adeline rolls on and romance and intrigue work well together.
A thoroughly enjoyable cosy series. I must say, I'm liking the heroine way more than tetchy leads in some other similar style series.
I read this immediately after book one and found it almost as compelling.
The characters continue to develop and entertain, the mystery of Adeline rolls on and romance and intrigue work well together.
A thoroughly enjoyable cosy series. I must say, I'm liking the heroine way more than tetchy leads in some other similar style series.
January 25, 2020
Another Fun Mystery
Just as much fun as the first book in the series. When an expert arrives in Leafy Hollow to lecture about a local heroine, things don't go as planned. Now, Verity is investigating another murder while still searching for Aunt Adeline. Love it! Can't wait to start the next book in this series.
Just as much fun as the first book in the series. When an expert arrives in Leafy Hollow to lecture about a local heroine, things don't go as planned. Now, Verity is investigating another murder while still searching for Aunt Adeline. Love it! Can't wait to start the next book in this series.
August 31, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. The author weaved this story into so many directions that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. If you like your cozy mysteries with a touch of romance and murder, this is the series for you.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
Great characters, fun series!
The second of the Leafy Hollow Mysteries brings the blossoming of Verity, our heroine. Using her talents and insecurities to lead her friends through an amusing series of events, the twisted mysteries are solved! Waiting for #3!
The second of the Leafy Hollow Mysteries brings the blossoming of Verity, our heroine. Using her talents and insecurities to lead her friends through an amusing series of events, the twisted mysteries are solved! Waiting for #3!
September 29, 2017
A very good read
Wasn't sure after reading the first book, but the characters have really developed into engaging and funny people. I'm looking forward to reading then next book in the series.
Wasn't sure after reading the first book, but the characters have really developed into engaging and funny people. I'm looking forward to reading then next book in the series.
July 7, 2018
I am enjoying this series of books. Verity is looking for her aunt who has mysteriously disappeared without a trace. She is healing from to death of her husband and overcoming her social anxiety issues that made her a hermit back in Vancouver. Rated G
July 17, 2018
Really enjoyable cozy read. Just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Have now read all books in this series and look forward to more. The things this heroine fumbles into are humorous and believable. Great characters and settings.
March 30, 2019
A fun read
A history expert is found murdered after he tried to discredit a local legend. This leads to the discovery of a 10 year old murder. And Verity is in the middle even when she doesn’t want to be.
A history expert is found murdered after he tried to discredit a local legend. This leads to the discovery of a 10 year old murder. And Verity is in the middle even when she doesn’t want to be.
April 3, 2019
I’ve read a few mysteries that attempt to be humorous. Rickie Blair’s actually are. Enough humor to help keep things light, but enough depth for the mysteries to be interesting and the characters real.
September 20, 2019
Another gem from my long neglected to be read pile.
I'm enjoying these great stories I'm discovering. So far they have all been so very well worth the read. I haven't been disappointed yet. You won't be disappointed.
I'm enjoying these great stories I'm discovering. So far they have all been so very well worth the read. I haven't been disappointed yet. You won't be disappointed.
February 7, 2021
A very entertaining, easy to read novel, wonderful characters, I love the way the story continues in each book, full of twists and turns.
This reveiw is based on a free audiobook from audiobooks unleashed and I wanted to. give an honest reveiw.
This reveiw is based on a free audiobook from audiobooks unleashed and I wanted to. give an honest reveiw.
October 24, 2022
I'm slowly getting into this series. General Chang is my favorite character thus far! I like the coinciding murder mysteries with Verity's aunt's disappearance.
Favorite Line ~ "I tried to eke out a tear, but since I was no actress my expression more likely suggested gastric distress."
Favorite Line ~ "I tried to eke out a tear, but since I was no actress my expression more likely suggested gastric distress."
December 9, 2022
Rickie Blair doesn't disappoint. Verity and her fiends continue to make me smile then laugh. Reading as they blunder about is almost as much fun as learning the killer's name. A great cozy that was just what I needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews