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Berry Basket Mystery #2
Blackberry Burial
Between a booming art scene and elaborate Independence Day festivities, July in lakeshore Oriole Point, Michigan, is always a blast. Especially when an explosive murder case crashes the fun . . .
As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School's centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race--despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .
But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It's a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who's convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer--before the next 'blackberry victim' is ripe for the picking!
Includes Berry Recipes!
As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School's centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race--despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .
But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It's a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who's convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer--before the next 'blackberry victim' is ripe for the picking!
Includes Berry Recipes!
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 31, 2017
27 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 30, 2018
In the second book of the Berry Basket series is another satisfying read. There is good information on blackberries, wines, animal behavior, police units, and friendship. The antics of the animals lighten the mood of the story. There is faint evidence of the paranormal.
Marlee Jacob is getting ready to handle crowds at the annual 4th of July celebration at Oriole Point, Michigan. The festivities are to honor 100 years of BlackBerry Art School existence. A road rally is planned for the affair. Marlee and Piper need a new start area for the rally. They go to check out an area and Piper's new puppy gets loose and digs up a skeleton. The twists and turns the story takes will keep you enthralled. Marlee is looking for answers to how Sienna dies before her cook, Theo becomes a victim. Berry recipes are included. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Marlee Jacob is getting ready to handle crowds at the annual 4th of July celebration at Oriole Point, Michigan. The festivities are to honor 100 years of BlackBerry Art School existence. A road rally is planned for the affair. Marlee and Piper need a new start area for the rally. They go to check out an area and Piper's new puppy gets loose and digs up a skeleton. The twists and turns the story takes will keep you enthralled. Marlee is looking for answers to how Sienna dies before her cook, Theo becomes a victim. Berry recipes are included. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 31, 2017
Marlee Jacob has been roped into helping her friend Piper find a starting location for the upcoming Blackberry Car Rally, but while checking out the newest prospect, they uncover a skeleton. The remains belong to Sienna, a promising art student who vanished 20 years ago from the local art school. With the art school holding a reunion, everyone Sienna knew is back in town. At the time, everyone thought she’s drowned in Lake Michigan, but if that’s what happened, how did she get buried away from the lake?
This book starts out well, but it only gets better when the reunion starts and Sienna’s friends arrive. From that point on, I didn’t want to set the book down due to the twists and the strong suspects. When I hit the climax, I was racing to find out what would happen next. Marlee and her friends are a pleasure to be around, and the setting is a summer vacation paradise it is a pleasure to visit on the page.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book starts out well, but it only gets better when the reunion starts and Sienna’s friends arrive. From that point on, I didn’t want to set the book down due to the twists and the strong suspects. When I hit the climax, I was racing to find out what would happen next. Marlee and her friends are a pleasure to be around, and the setting is a summer vacation paradise it is a pleasure to visit on the page.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 17, 2021
The 2nd book in series. Piper and Marlee are setting up a Blackberry Event. But where there suppose to have it a accident happened so they tried to have it on a old farmhouse. When they went to ask the man Gordon of the farm. Piper great dane.Charmaine went to the woods and found a skeleton. Come to find out Theo the baker at Berry Basket (where they had items of every berry item they could come up with. 🍦ice cream syrups, wines ☕coffees pancake mix, and items like berry scented candles ceramic berry bowls books about berries and a lot more. Marlee shop) knew who the person was.. B.A.S. was a Art institute that specialised in painters, sculpters, glass working, ceramics any one with beauty of Art and hunger to create where the skeleton And the friends that knew. There were 6 people that knew of the skeleton. 20 years has passed before they found bones. So Marlee tried to find out who hurt the person. And Kit Holt the deputy was working with Marlee. Kit seemed to like Marlee but Marlee was to get married next January. The second book is a great read. Every month Piper makes events with berries in it. And everyone gathers around and does fun things and eats and gets money if they win the contest. I would love to go to these. Marlee Aunt Vickey runs a Animal rescue and Marlee loved birds so her Aunt gave her a grey beard bird
named Minnie. Piper got a great dane and Marlee Russian friend Natasha got a cute little girlie named Dasha. Love these story lines. They are cool facts about berries in these books of the berries. Will keep on reading this series
named Minnie. Piper got a great dane and Marlee Russian friend Natasha got a cute little girlie named Dasha. Love these story lines. They are cool facts about berries in these books of the berries. Will keep on reading this series
October 27, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
That was...wow. I don't know how else to describe it. The mystery was intriguing, yet a bit darker and more twisted than I expected. This series is one I like because it is a bit nostalgic for me. It always makes me smile reading it because it really does make me remember Michigan. The orchards, the berry farms, it really brings back memories (even though it isn't set in the area I lived in).
That was...wow. I don't know how else to describe it. The mystery was intriguing, yet a bit darker and more twisted than I expected. This series is one I like because it is a bit nostalgic for me. It always makes me smile reading it because it really does make me remember Michigan. The orchards, the berry farms, it really brings back memories (even though it isn't set in the area I lived in).
October 3, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I'm always on the look out for new Cozy mysteries to read, and since discovering Netgalley and their wealth of titles, I haven't been let down in a cozy mystery book. Kensington Publishing seems to hold some fantastic titles and authors in this genre, including this berry themed series.
At first I was a little hesitant with this theme; I mean, Berries? What is there to know about them? Offhand I could think of like four different kinds. But just like any good themed cozy, I found myself learning more and more as the book progressed. I loved the idea of the Berry Basket shop, and it made me both hungry and curious to try products like theirs. Who knew so many berry themed products existed?
The really strong point of this book is the friendships. Marlee feels strongly about her connections with people, and I adored her interactions with Piper, Theo and the Cabot brothers. What I didn't like was her romance with Ryan- but I think I was meant to not like it. Hopefully the author is setting Kit up as the new romantic interest, because Zeller farms sounds like hell to me. I don't want Marlee to give up her identity or break things she believes in for a bloke (he thinks she'll take up hunting because 'that's what Zeller women do'. Uh, how about no?)
I loved the fun ending, despite the fact that the characters probably thought it anything but. My very favorite part? the actual mystery, and who killed Sienna, both how and why. It really builds up well, and avid mystery fans will be as satisfied as I am. Looking forward to a new installment, and I'll have to go back and read book one. Four stars!
I'm always on the look out for new Cozy mysteries to read, and since discovering Netgalley and their wealth of titles, I haven't been let down in a cozy mystery book. Kensington Publishing seems to hold some fantastic titles and authors in this genre, including this berry themed series.
At first I was a little hesitant with this theme; I mean, Berries? What is there to know about them? Offhand I could think of like four different kinds. But just like any good themed cozy, I found myself learning more and more as the book progressed. I loved the idea of the Berry Basket shop, and it made me both hungry and curious to try products like theirs. Who knew so many berry themed products existed?
The really strong point of this book is the friendships. Marlee feels strongly about her connections with people, and I adored her interactions with Piper, Theo and the Cabot brothers. What I didn't like was her romance with Ryan- but I think I was meant to not like it. Hopefully the author is setting Kit up as the new romantic interest, because Zeller farms sounds like hell to me. I don't want Marlee to give up her identity or break things she believes in for a bloke (he thinks she'll take up hunting because 'that's what Zeller women do'. Uh, how about no?)
I loved the fun ending, despite the fact that the characters probably thought it anything but. My very favorite part? the actual mystery, and who killed Sienna, both how and why. It really builds up well, and avid mystery fans will be as satisfied as I am. Looking forward to a new installment, and I'll have to go back and read book one. Four stars!
December 22, 2017
I adore the setting of this lively and modern mystery. The orchard district near Lake Michigan is busy with harvests, pick your own, tourism and a planned road rally. Then a Great Dane digs up a shallow grave and everything grinds to a halt.
The protagonist runs a shop called Berry Basket and she provides home-made jams, tarts, soaps and other goods. With plenty going on, friends and acquaintances, livestock and dogs, she is kept busy. Solving a cold case of a girl student missing for twenty years seems like a lot to ask, but the whole neighbourhood wants answers.
Well written and full of interesting characters. I'll be coming back to pick some more.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The protagonist runs a shop called Berry Basket and she provides home-made jams, tarts, soaps and other goods. With plenty going on, friends and acquaintances, livestock and dogs, she is kept busy. Solving a cold case of a girl student missing for twenty years seems like a lot to ask, but the whole neighbourhood wants answers.
Well written and full of interesting characters. I'll be coming back to pick some more.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
October 9, 2017
Blackberry Burial is the second installment in Sharon Farrow’s Berry Basket Mystery series and is a well thought out and interesting mystery, with a good story line and character development. This is an entertaining and easy to read, with a strong emphasis placed on the value of friendship. The author provides plenty of clues and adds some twists and turns to engage the reader as they try to solve the mystery. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Marlee Jacob is the owner of the Berry Basket in the small lakeside village of Oriole Point, Michigan. She’s known as the berry expert, owns a beautiful and talkative African grey parrot, and is engaged to Ryan Zellar. Residents and business owners are preparing for their annual Fourth of July celebration and Blackberry Art School’s week long centenary celebration. Marlee agreed to help Piper Lyall-Pierce with the promotion of the annual road rally, but the owners of the property where the race is to begin back out and Marlee and Piper are visiting Sanderling farm to determine if it will be an acceptable starting point for the race. When Piper’s newly acquired Great Dane puppy dashes away from them, it’s up to Marlee to chase after him because Piper isn’t dressed or shoed for running after her dog. As Marlee’s luck would have it, when she finally locates the dog in the forest, he’s in the process of digging up a skeleton. Marlee’s talented baker, Theo Foster, helps identify the body as Sienna Katsaros, who was a young art student in Blackberry Art School’s summer program twenty years ago because he made the gold bracelet, with ceramic charms painted to look like crayons for her. Detective Greg Trejo of the Michigan State Police and Atticus ‘Kit’ Holt, who is the head of the Sheriff Department’s investigative branch, work together to resolve this cold case. Because of the connection between Theo and the victim, Marlee wants to help solve what happened to Sienna twenty years ago. Even though she’s engaged to Ryan, Marlee and Kit seem to have a mutual attraction to each other and she has to keep reminding herself of her upcoming nuptials.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Marlee Jacob is the owner of the Berry Basket in the small lakeside village of Oriole Point, Michigan. She’s known as the berry expert, owns a beautiful and talkative African grey parrot, and is engaged to Ryan Zellar. Residents and business owners are preparing for their annual Fourth of July celebration and Blackberry Art School’s week long centenary celebration. Marlee agreed to help Piper Lyall-Pierce with the promotion of the annual road rally, but the owners of the property where the race is to begin back out and Marlee and Piper are visiting Sanderling farm to determine if it will be an acceptable starting point for the race. When Piper’s newly acquired Great Dane puppy dashes away from them, it’s up to Marlee to chase after him because Piper isn’t dressed or shoed for running after her dog. As Marlee’s luck would have it, when she finally locates the dog in the forest, he’s in the process of digging up a skeleton. Marlee’s talented baker, Theo Foster, helps identify the body as Sienna Katsaros, who was a young art student in Blackberry Art School’s summer program twenty years ago because he made the gold bracelet, with ceramic charms painted to look like crayons for her. Detective Greg Trejo of the Michigan State Police and Atticus ‘Kit’ Holt, who is the head of the Sheriff Department’s investigative branch, work together to resolve this cold case. Because of the connection between Theo and the victim, Marlee wants to help solve what happened to Sienna twenty years ago. Even though she’s engaged to Ryan, Marlee and Kit seem to have a mutual attraction to each other and she has to keep reminding herself of her upcoming nuptials.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 30, 2017
I loved it! This is the first mystery I've read by this author and it won't be the last. A Berry Basket Mystery lives up to its name, as I read very interesting things about the berries in season. This is one of the delightfully unique things about this novel, and there are many more that make this an intriguing, yet fun story, including the birds native to the area.
Marlee owns A Berry Basket, and summer - tourist season - is the busiest time of year for her shop. This year it is even more so, as the Blackberry Art School is holding its 100-year anniversary celebration. Sadly, the remains of a student who had gone missing from the school 20 years earlier are found. The six students from her class are re-living her disappearance; most assumed that Sienna had drowned back then.
Theo, Marlee's baker, had been a student at the same time as Sienna but not in the same class. He loved her and was so sad when she disappeared. Now he wants to find out who killed Sienna and buried her amidst blackberry bushes in the nearby woods, and Marlee is the person he asks to help him. Marlee is also getting ready for participating in the Blackberry Road Rally.
Marlee and/ or Theo have stirred up a bird's nest with their questions or statements about who killed Sienna, especially among the six alumni who don't want to be part of an investigation. When one of the alumni wants to meet with Marlee and talk with her about it, the vehicle he was supposed to be driving to meet her was forced off the road, leaving another alumni clinging to life.
I enjoy many of the characters, especially Marlee and Theo. Marlee's fiance, Ryan, leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to his perception of his family's expectations on her. The small town of Oriole Point has an eclectic mix of people for sure!
There are plot twists that make the mystery much more suspenseful. The end surprised me; the bad guy/ gal was someone I had briefly considered, then stopped thinking about, early in the novel. I enjoyed this mystery immensely, and I hope to see more of this series in the future.
I won a copy of this novel from the author. No review was requested. The aforementioned is my honest opinion.
Marlee owns A Berry Basket, and summer - tourist season - is the busiest time of year for her shop. This year it is even more so, as the Blackberry Art School is holding its 100-year anniversary celebration. Sadly, the remains of a student who had gone missing from the school 20 years earlier are found. The six students from her class are re-living her disappearance; most assumed that Sienna had drowned back then.
Theo, Marlee's baker, had been a student at the same time as Sienna but not in the same class. He loved her and was so sad when she disappeared. Now he wants to find out who killed Sienna and buried her amidst blackberry bushes in the nearby woods, and Marlee is the person he asks to help him. Marlee is also getting ready for participating in the Blackberry Road Rally.
Marlee and/ or Theo have stirred up a bird's nest with their questions or statements about who killed Sienna, especially among the six alumni who don't want to be part of an investigation. When one of the alumni wants to meet with Marlee and talk with her about it, the vehicle he was supposed to be driving to meet her was forced off the road, leaving another alumni clinging to life.
I enjoy many of the characters, especially Marlee and Theo. Marlee's fiance, Ryan, leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to his perception of his family's expectations on her. The small town of Oriole Point has an eclectic mix of people for sure!
There are plot twists that make the mystery much more suspenseful. The end surprised me; the bad guy/ gal was someone I had briefly considered, then stopped thinking about, early in the novel. I enjoyed this mystery immensely, and I hope to see more of this series in the future.
I won a copy of this novel from the author. No review was requested. The aforementioned is my honest opinion.
January 25, 2018
Marlee Jacob is the owner of The Berry Basket in Oriole Point, Michigan. The shop features everything that you can think of that is made with all kinds of berries. The town is busy preparing for the centenary celebration of the local Blackberry Art School over the 4th of July. Marlee is helping with the annual road rally by finding another location for the starting point. Thinking the old Sanderling farm might be used, she and the event's organizer, Piper Lyall-Pierce, go to check it out with the owner's permission. While looking around, Piper's new puppy gets loose and Marlee is forced to run after him. When she catches up with him, he is busy digging a hole in an area surrounded by blackberry bushes. When he unearth's a human skull, Marlee knows the day is going downhill fast. As the police start to investigate, Marlee's baker, Theo, identifies the bracelet found at the burial scene, as one he made for a fellow student at the Blackberry Art School 20 years earlier. Sienna disappeared before the end of the summer session and was presumed drowned when her clothes washed up on the beach, but her body was never found. As former students from all over the country come to the centenary and Sienna's housemates gather for the first time in 20 years, Marlee knows the killer has to be one of them. When they try to implicate Theo in the murder, Marlee gets involved because she knows her baker is innocent. As Marlee continues to ask questions, she is threatened and assaulted. When the truth comes out, the murderer disappears before he can be arrested. As Marlee and her friends compete in the road rally, the murderer gets behind them and the ensuing car chase will have you both laughing non-stop and hanging on to the edge of your chair.
I really enjoyed this new to me author and series. The murder plot was extremely well plotted and kept me guessing to the end. Using a store dedicated to all things berry made for a very interesting background. I found the characters to be very defined. Their characteristics came thru the pages in an exact and explicit manner. This is the second book in this series and I am going back to read the first one, "Dying For Strawberries."
I really enjoyed this new to me author and series. The murder plot was extremely well plotted and kept me guessing to the end. Using a store dedicated to all things berry made for a very interesting background. I found the characters to be very defined. Their characteristics came thru the pages in an exact and explicit manner. This is the second book in this series and I am going back to read the first one, "Dying For Strawberries."
September 22, 2017
This second book in the Berry Basket Mystery series was terrific. I found it very entertaining, fun and easy to read. Marlee Jacobs is one of those characters that readers can easily relate to. She is fun, outgoing, loyal to her friends, independent, and smart. In Blackberry Burial, we find Marlee once again involved in a murder but this time it is a cold case. Marlee, along with Piper's dog Charlemagne find the a body in the woods that has been there for approximately 20 years. Because of the connection of the victim to Theo, her baker, Marlee wants to help solve what happened to this young art student twenty years ago. The mystery is well done. The suspects, who were friends of the victim when they were young, return to Oriole Pointe for the 100 year celebration of the art school. Personally, I didn't really find any of the suspects likable which allowed the author to throw in plenty of clues and some twists and turns to distract the reader as they attempt to solve the mystery. Marlee discovers what really happened to the victim and this leads to a very climatic ending. The secondary characters are all fun, likable and interesting. They are all developing nicely and I am looking forward to more from this author.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensingto, through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensingto, through Netgalley.
October 9, 2017
BlackBerry Burial by Sharon Farrow is a great second book in the Berry Basket series.
It's the height of tourist season in Oriole Point and Marlee Jacob is looking forward to the BlackBerry Art School centenary celebration.
To kick things off, Marlee's sister Piper is organizing the annual road race, which sounds like a lot of fun.
When Marlee and Piper have to change start off location, neither of them expect to find a dead body. Technically, it's Piper's new dog, a huge great dane, that finds the body.
When the victim turns out to be a BAS former student, all fingers are quick to point at Marlee's baker, Theo.
Due to Theo's unique personality, it makes him an easy target for the BAS alumni.
Marlee refuses to believe her baker killed Sienna, he truly cared about her and would never hurt her. Unfortunately, a piece of evidence targets Theo and it's up to Marlee to prove his innocence.
I really enjoyed this book, and since I love blackberries, it was fun to read all the interesting facts about them.
I had a hard time liking Marlee's boyfriend. He was portrayed in a rather harsh way and I couldn't find anything I liked about him. At the end, I was hoping for a break up, I still am :)
I definitely recommend this book to other cozy mystery fans.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
It's the height of tourist season in Oriole Point and Marlee Jacob is looking forward to the BlackBerry Art School centenary celebration.
To kick things off, Marlee's sister Piper is organizing the annual road race, which sounds like a lot of fun.
When Marlee and Piper have to change start off location, neither of them expect to find a dead body. Technically, it's Piper's new dog, a huge great dane, that finds the body.
When the victim turns out to be a BAS former student, all fingers are quick to point at Marlee's baker, Theo.
Due to Theo's unique personality, it makes him an easy target for the BAS alumni.
Marlee refuses to believe her baker killed Sienna, he truly cared about her and would never hurt her. Unfortunately, a piece of evidence targets Theo and it's up to Marlee to prove his innocence.
I really enjoyed this book, and since I love blackberries, it was fun to read all the interesting facts about them.
I had a hard time liking Marlee's boyfriend. He was portrayed in a rather harsh way and I couldn't find anything I liked about him. At the end, I was hoping for a break up, I still am :)
I definitely recommend this book to other cozy mystery fans.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 15, 2017
Blackberry Burial is the second installment in Sharon Farrow’s Berry Basket Mystery series and what a read it is. The Berry Basket Shop is a new and cute thing in the cozy. You can easily relate to Marlee. Her sister Piper’s dog is the one who finds the dead body. Everything points to Theo, Marlee’s baker. She knows he didn’t kill Sienna. So she sets out to prove it.
The reader will be on the edge of their seat waiting to see what happens. The author will keep you guessing until the very end. What I love most about this book is the value of friendship.
*** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
November 14, 2017
NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy provided to me by the author.
Marlee and friends are back in the 2nd Berry Basket Mystery, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. While surveying a possible starting location for the annual road rally, Marlee finds the body of a girl missing for 20 years hidden in the overgrowth. Can she catch a killer when the murder happened so long ago?
I enjoy reading about Marlee and her friends, and I would love to visit Oriole Point. With such a great combination of characters, setting, and suspense, I’m already looking forward to book #3.
Marlee and friends are back in the 2nd Berry Basket Mystery, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. While surveying a possible starting location for the annual road rally, Marlee finds the body of a girl missing for 20 years hidden in the overgrowth. Can she catch a killer when the murder happened so long ago?
I enjoy reading about Marlee and her friends, and I would love to visit Oriole Point. With such a great combination of characters, setting, and suspense, I’m already looking forward to book #3.
October 25, 2020
This was another good read in this series. I like Marlee, especially her loyalty to her friends. When her very shy and slightly different baker, Theo gets pulled into an old cold case, Marlee will not let him deal with it alone, and when all the suspects show up for a reunion at the local art school Marlee will work with the Sheriff to help justice be served. I continue to enjoy the setting of this series, Marlee's friends and employees, the Berry store and the area.
October 31, 2017
I have enjoyed this book just as much as the first one in the series if not more. I like how the author gives you tidbits about the fruit in the title this one just happens to be blackberries. It was fun to go back to the Berry Basket and our friends from the little town. I liked how the people of the town have a special bond with each other. If my new puppy would have dug up a skeleton I think I would have been a little freaked out. I like that the author puts enough twists and turns in the story to keep you guessing. There were multiple suspects which made it fun to guess who was the actual one who was the guilty party. Be sure to have a snack handy while reading this book as reading about all the tasty treats will leave you hungry. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 10, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/bl...
Blackberry Burial
A Berry Basket Mystery, Book #2
By Sharon Farrow
ISBN 9781496704887
Author Website: sharonfarrowauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Between a booming art scene and elaborate Independence Day festivities, July in lakeshore Oriole Point, Michigan, is always a blast. Especially when an explosive murder case crashes the fun . . .
As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School’s centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race–despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .
But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It’s a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who’s convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer–before the next ‘blackberry victim’ is ripe for the picking!
Includes Berry Recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
I loved reading Blackberry Burial! It is an exciting, fast-paced mystery that is both delightful and deadly! It is A Berry Basket Mystery series, and can be read as a standalone. The mystery is realistic and well-written, and I appreciated the references to birds and their habitat. Bird lovers and art aficionados may enjoy the Blackberry Road Rally.
Marlee returned to Oriole Point two years ago from after an exciting job in the big city and opened The Berry Basket, a shop for many things related to berries native to western Michigan.. Marlee and Piper, the mayor’s wife, are going to Sanderling’s Farm to see how it will work for the upcoming Blackberry Road Rally. This year is the centenary celebration of Blackberry Art School, so the Rally is named accordingly and honors the centenary. Until the remains of a young woman, a student who disappeared from the school twenty years earlier are found by Charlemagne. Piper’s Great Dane broke free, raced around the farm and into the woods beyond. By the time Marlee found him, he had unearthed a skull. By the time the police arrive, the year-old pup had saved them the trouble of digging up the rest of the skeleton.
It was shocking to Marlee, who didn’t know Sienna. Her baker, Theo is crushed. He had loved Sienna; they were top of their classes in their respective art. Due to a brain injury when he was young, the other artists ignored him. All except for Sienna, the only one who was kind to him. Grieved that there was confirmation that Sienna was not alive anywhere, Theo asks Marlee to find out who killed Sienna. If only it were that easy; the alumni are more than willing to throw suspicion on him.
The BAS centenary celebration is beginning; the members of the group she was in at the school, all of whom were still friends, are saddened at the news. The police question each of the alumni, four men and two women. One of the ladies had to leave school early that summer due to a nasty case of poison ivy and couldn’t attend this year’s celebration as she is in the Brazilian rainforest collecting samples of native botanicals.
While the alumni are annoyed with Marlee’s questions, she is also preparing for the Road Rally. Her best friend, Tess, her baker Theo, and two of her part-time employees, Dean and Andrew, were riding together in Marlee’s Malibu. Dean and Andrew were desperately studying any kind of art that the Rally clues might point to. While they are obsessed with winning the Rally and splitting the substantial award, someone else is obsessed with quieting the people who are closest to uncovering the 20-year-old secret.
The characters are so much fun! Each has a unique personality and neuroses and contribute to the intrigue. Marlee is the most transparent; she is who she says she is. I enjoy her, Theo, and Kit Holmes. I may be on the bandwagon about how mismatched Ryan and Marlee are, especially since his family is priority over everything, including her. “Watching” birds with Theo is fun, as is Minnie, Marlee’s African Gray parrot.
The author does an excellent job of executing this intricate plot. What sets this cozy mystery apart from many others is the setting, learning about the berries, the characters, and how well the plot is woven together. The plot twists contributed to the overall story, as did the additional layer to the mystery, the wit, and the humorous situations amid the suspense. I did not anticipate who the bad guy/ gal was, bringing more than one surprise to the end. Overall, the novel was very satisfying and I highly recommend it.
Blackberry Burial
A Berry Basket Mystery, Book #2
By Sharon Farrow
ISBN 9781496704887
Author Website: sharonfarrowauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Between a booming art scene and elaborate Independence Day festivities, July in lakeshore Oriole Point, Michigan, is always a blast. Especially when an explosive murder case crashes the fun . . .
As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School’s centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race–despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .
But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It’s a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who’s convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer–before the next ‘blackberry victim’ is ripe for the picking!
Includes Berry Recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
I loved reading Blackberry Burial! It is an exciting, fast-paced mystery that is both delightful and deadly! It is A Berry Basket Mystery series, and can be read as a standalone. The mystery is realistic and well-written, and I appreciated the references to birds and their habitat. Bird lovers and art aficionados may enjoy the Blackberry Road Rally.
Marlee returned to Oriole Point two years ago from after an exciting job in the big city and opened The Berry Basket, a shop for many things related to berries native to western Michigan.. Marlee and Piper, the mayor’s wife, are going to Sanderling’s Farm to see how it will work for the upcoming Blackberry Road Rally. This year is the centenary celebration of Blackberry Art School, so the Rally is named accordingly and honors the centenary. Until the remains of a young woman, a student who disappeared from the school twenty years earlier are found by Charlemagne. Piper’s Great Dane broke free, raced around the farm and into the woods beyond. By the time Marlee found him, he had unearthed a skull. By the time the police arrive, the year-old pup had saved them the trouble of digging up the rest of the skeleton.
It was shocking to Marlee, who didn’t know Sienna. Her baker, Theo is crushed. He had loved Sienna; they were top of their classes in their respective art. Due to a brain injury when he was young, the other artists ignored him. All except for Sienna, the only one who was kind to him. Grieved that there was confirmation that Sienna was not alive anywhere, Theo asks Marlee to find out who killed Sienna. If only it were that easy; the alumni are more than willing to throw suspicion on him.
The BAS centenary celebration is beginning; the members of the group she was in at the school, all of whom were still friends, are saddened at the news. The police question each of the alumni, four men and two women. One of the ladies had to leave school early that summer due to a nasty case of poison ivy and couldn’t attend this year’s celebration as she is in the Brazilian rainforest collecting samples of native botanicals.
While the alumni are annoyed with Marlee’s questions, she is also preparing for the Road Rally. Her best friend, Tess, her baker Theo, and two of her part-time employees, Dean and Andrew, were riding together in Marlee’s Malibu. Dean and Andrew were desperately studying any kind of art that the Rally clues might point to. While they are obsessed with winning the Rally and splitting the substantial award, someone else is obsessed with quieting the people who are closest to uncovering the 20-year-old secret.
The characters are so much fun! Each has a unique personality and neuroses and contribute to the intrigue. Marlee is the most transparent; she is who she says she is. I enjoy her, Theo, and Kit Holmes. I may be on the bandwagon about how mismatched Ryan and Marlee are, especially since his family is priority over everything, including her. “Watching” birds with Theo is fun, as is Minnie, Marlee’s African Gray parrot.
The author does an excellent job of executing this intricate plot. What sets this cozy mystery apart from many others is the setting, learning about the berries, the characters, and how well the plot is woven together. The plot twists contributed to the overall story, as did the additional layer to the mystery, the wit, and the humorous situations amid the suspense. I did not anticipate who the bad guy/ gal was, bringing more than one surprise to the end. Overall, the novel was very satisfying and I highly recommend it.
October 25, 2017
BLACKBERRY BURIAL is the newest release in the Berry Basket Mystery series by Sharon Farrow. This second book is a delightful addition to an entertaining series and I lost myself in Oriole Point, Michigan as the town prepares itself for the 4th of July festivities. The protagonist, Marlee Jacob, (and I love that she is named after the character in A Christmas Carol!) owns The Berry Basket, which sells a huge variety of berry related foods and accessories. Her adorable shop is one I would dearly love to visit! With mid-summer in full swing, blackberries are in season. The town’s Blackberry Art School is celebrating its centenary in conjunction with the town’s numerous events, including a road rally. Marlee is pulled into the planning by the mayor’s overbearing wife, Piper. Piper’s undisciplined dog ends up unearthing an old skeleton on a reputedly haunted farm while Marlee is trying to capture the runaway pup, pulling her into an old missing person’s case.
As Marlee starts asking questions around town, trying to discover who the body belongs to and why they were abandoned in the woods, she discovers a link to her baker. Her baker is very talented but is timid and socially impaired and when he begs her to find the killer, she can’t tell him “no”. I enjoyed how Marlee assigns fictional character personalities (from books, tv or movies) to the people she meets and talks to. It helps the reader “see” the characters of BLACKBERRY BURIAL. There are plenty of viable suspects that are woven from the cold case into the present day. The plot flowed and provided enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and turning pages and the hair-raising finale finishes with a heartwarming note.
With all the delicious blackberry morsels Marlee’s baker creates, the reader will be drooling while turning pages. Ms. Farrow has included some delicious recipes at the back of the book and I am anxious to try them!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As Marlee starts asking questions around town, trying to discover who the body belongs to and why they were abandoned in the woods, she discovers a link to her baker. Her baker is very talented but is timid and socially impaired and when he begs her to find the killer, she can’t tell him “no”. I enjoyed how Marlee assigns fictional character personalities (from books, tv or movies) to the people she meets and talks to. It helps the reader “see” the characters of BLACKBERRY BURIAL. There are plenty of viable suspects that are woven from the cold case into the present day. The plot flowed and provided enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and turning pages and the hair-raising finale finishes with a heartwarming note.
With all the delicious blackberry morsels Marlee’s baker creates, the reader will be drooling while turning pages. Ms. Farrow has included some delicious recipes at the back of the book and I am anxious to try them!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2017
Blackberry Burial is the second installment in the A Berry Basket Mystery series set in Oriole Point, Michigan featuring Berry Basket owner, Marlee Jacobs. Folks in Oriole Point are gearing up for the Blackberry Art School centenary which will be bringing alumni in from all over the world, some of its former students have become world famous talents.
Marlee has been recruited by Piper Lyall-Pierce the mayor's wife and director of the Oriole Point Tourist and Visitor center to help organize the annual Road Rally. This year the rally is being dubbed the Blackberry Road Rally in honor of the BAS reunion. When the Grunkemeyer Farm which was supposed to be the starting point for the rally is deemed unsafe, Marlee and Piper set out along with Piper's new Great Dane puppy Charlemagne "Charlie" to visit the Sanderling Farm.
Upon his release from the car, Charlie immediately takes off into the woods and Marlee must go looking for him. Much to her dismay, she finally locates Charlie who has happily dug up a human skeleton. The skeleton is identified as belonging to a former BAS student and classmate of the Berry Basket baker Theo Foster. Marlee has a very soft spot in her heart for the baker, and when he begs her to find his friend's killer, she can't say no.
With the help of best friend Tess, employees Dean and Andrew Cabot and Captain Atticus Holt, Marlee discovers that the relationship among the former BAS students was very prickly. This is a fast paced storyline with characters and animals that will pull at your heartstrings, have you both laughing and crying. A delightful mystery is woven in amongst the evolvement of friendships and hopefully a new and more suitable relationship for Marlee.
I received an advanced copy of Blackberry Burial from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Marlee has been recruited by Piper Lyall-Pierce the mayor's wife and director of the Oriole Point Tourist and Visitor center to help organize the annual Road Rally. This year the rally is being dubbed the Blackberry Road Rally in honor of the BAS reunion. When the Grunkemeyer Farm which was supposed to be the starting point for the rally is deemed unsafe, Marlee and Piper set out along with Piper's new Great Dane puppy Charlemagne "Charlie" to visit the Sanderling Farm.
Upon his release from the car, Charlie immediately takes off into the woods and Marlee must go looking for him. Much to her dismay, she finally locates Charlie who has happily dug up a human skeleton. The skeleton is identified as belonging to a former BAS student and classmate of the Berry Basket baker Theo Foster. Marlee has a very soft spot in her heart for the baker, and when he begs her to find his friend's killer, she can't say no.
With the help of best friend Tess, employees Dean and Andrew Cabot and Captain Atticus Holt, Marlee discovers that the relationship among the former BAS students was very prickly. This is a fast paced storyline with characters and animals that will pull at your heartstrings, have you both laughing and crying. A delightful mystery is woven in amongst the evolvement of friendships and hopefully a new and more suitable relationship for Marlee.
I received an advanced copy of Blackberry Burial from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
November 24, 2017
The second in the series and just as good as the first book, Dying for Strawberries!
This book takes place on the heels of the first book and this time no one is murdered. Instead, Marlee finds the bones of someone that went missing 20 years ago. Of course it is tied to the town and the event that is getting ready to happen for the art camp that many attend growing up.
What I like about this series - there is food (and recipes!) and while I knew you could do a lot with all sorts of berries, I learned several new ways to enjoy them. The characters are engaging and add depth to the story. Yes there are some wacky characters and some that you love to hate, but they meld well together. The mystery portion - I didn't guess who was responsible for what happened 20 years ago. You are able to narrow it down based on some clues that are revealed throughout the story, and you might be able to decipher who is responsible, but there isn't anything that flat out points you to this person. i like this because I don't want to guess too soon in the book.
There is some romance but I'm thinking Ryan (Marlee's fiance) isn't long for this relationship. I thought that in the first book too. There are too many red flags that hopefully Marlee sees them before they tie the knot. There is a potential new love interest and it seems like he might be a better match for Marlee.
Check out this series!
This book takes place on the heels of the first book and this time no one is murdered. Instead, Marlee finds the bones of someone that went missing 20 years ago. Of course it is tied to the town and the event that is getting ready to happen for the art camp that many attend growing up.
What I like about this series - there is food (and recipes!) and while I knew you could do a lot with all sorts of berries, I learned several new ways to enjoy them. The characters are engaging and add depth to the story. Yes there are some wacky characters and some that you love to hate, but they meld well together. The mystery portion - I didn't guess who was responsible for what happened 20 years ago. You are able to narrow it down based on some clues that are revealed throughout the story, and you might be able to decipher who is responsible, but there isn't anything that flat out points you to this person. i like this because I don't want to guess too soon in the book.
There is some romance but I'm thinking Ryan (Marlee's fiance) isn't long for this relationship. I thought that in the first book too. There are too many red flags that hopefully Marlee sees them before they tie the knot. There is a potential new love interest and it seems like he might be a better match for Marlee.
Check out this series!
November 4, 2017
In this second book of the series Marlee is helping with the Blackberry Art Schools Centenary Celebration. While looking for a location to start the annual Blackberry Road Race Marlee comes across some bones her friends dog, Charlie, has dug up. When it comes to light it's the body of a girl who went missing twenty years earlier she wonders if a killer can be found after all this time. Theo, the baker for The Berry Basket, new and cared for the girl and wants Marlee to help figure out just what happened all those years ago. With her business to run, the rally, and visiting friends will she be able to find a conclusion to this mystery? Follow along as she works her way through the suspects who have returned for the Art Schools Centenary Celebration. Could it have been a lover, a friend, or maybe a stranger passing through? I love how much the characters have developed and look forward to reading and seeing their ever growing personalities.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2017
Although this is the second book in the series, I read it without having read the first one, and had no problem. Events from the first book are mentioned, but they are explained sufficiently to keep a reader from getting confused or lost.
I enjoyed all of the berry information provided in the story and reading about all of the berry-themed products Marlee sells in her store. I love her parrot, as well as Charlemagne, the Great Dane. Aside from Marlee, my favorite character is Theo. I don't think much of the romance between Marlee and Ryan...but there is another character I LOVE her chemistry with and hope things continue to heat up between them.
The mystery is very well-developed throughout the course of the story, and the reveal was a big surprise to me. I definitely look forward to reading more about the folks in Oriole Point. (And I hope to try the recipe for Blackberry Chicken in this book, as well!)
I enjoyed all of the berry information provided in the story and reading about all of the berry-themed products Marlee sells in her store. I love her parrot, as well as Charlemagne, the Great Dane. Aside from Marlee, my favorite character is Theo. I don't think much of the romance between Marlee and Ryan...but there is another character I LOVE her chemistry with and hope things continue to heat up between them.
The mystery is very well-developed throughout the course of the story, and the reveal was a big surprise to me. I definitely look forward to reading more about the folks in Oriole Point. (And I hope to try the recipe for Blackberry Chicken in this book, as well!)
January 15, 2018
Bel libro, che mi ha fatto supporre fino all'ultimo chi fosse il colpevole e stavolta non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse. Soprattutto, è ben scritto e non riuscivo a metterlo via: tutte le volte che ho dovuto interrompere la lettura l'ho fatto a malincuore. Ho sperato fino in fondo che la protagonista si accorgesse che il fidanzato non fa proprio per lei, ma niente... Beh, almeno alla fine le sono venuti un po' di dubbi, quindi c'è speranza...
June 30, 2022
This was far better than the first book! The author set a very intriguing tone that made you feel as if you were the sleuth in the book. The last bit were she, along with several others, could have died was super intense. Heart pounding while pages being turned at lightening speed to find out if they lived! Just fantastic.
March 29, 2019
While tourist season is booming, Marlee is busy between her berry business and helping with the annual road rally. A wrench is thrown into everyone’s plans when the location of the road rally starting point is suddenly up in the air. Marlee finds herself surveying a potential property when she stumbles upon the skeletal remains of an unknown poor soul. Determined to stay out of things, Marlee finds herself knee deep in the murder mystery and on the run for her life.
After reading the series opener, I knew I had to get my hands on the second installment right away. I quickly found myself entertained and ready to continue reading any time I had to put the book down. The book is filled with fun characters, jokes, delicious sounding food, and a big mystery that Marlee just can’t stay away from.
I love Marlee and the people she surrounds herself with. While she was extremely busy between running her business and getting to the bottom of the mystery, I wish that we spent a little more time with her out of town friends. Otherwise, I can’t think of a complaint or even a downside to the story. It’s gripping and full of fascinating to heartwarming characters that just makes the book feel like a home away from home.
On the romance front, I don’t see Marlee getting married to her fiancé, Ryan. I didn’t get a strong feeling about their romance in the first book, and the longer we get to know him, the more I can’t see the relationship working out in the long run. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a sweet guy. However, he’s got a mean jealous streak, is very stuck in his ways, and unwilling to compromise. I could see if he and Marlee saw eye to eye about their future plans, but Marlee is feeling iffy about a few things that he expects to happen in their future married life and he’s not budging. Basically, I don’t see them making it down the isle unless he becomes more willing to hear her out so they can both work toward meeting somewhere in the middle.
That said, I’m excited that things are looking hopeful with Kit Holt. Marlee doesn’t seem like the kind of person to cheat on her significant other, but I can see them getting together if things don’t work out with Ryan. Hell, if the books were real and nothing more than a friendship bloomed between the pair, I’d take Kit off her hands. He’s a real catch!
The murder mystery itself was interesting and its resolution was a wild ride. Literally. That is the most action-packed scene I’ve seen in a book in a long time. I found myself letting out a nervous laugh like I was in the car with Marlee and company while they were trying to stay alive and get to safety. It’s completely fictional but phew. I felt like I was sitting in the car with them! All in all, I highly recommend the series!
After reading the series opener, I knew I had to get my hands on the second installment right away. I quickly found myself entertained and ready to continue reading any time I had to put the book down. The book is filled with fun characters, jokes, delicious sounding food, and a big mystery that Marlee just can’t stay away from.
I love Marlee and the people she surrounds herself with. While she was extremely busy between running her business and getting to the bottom of the mystery, I wish that we spent a little more time with her out of town friends. Otherwise, I can’t think of a complaint or even a downside to the story. It’s gripping and full of fascinating to heartwarming characters that just makes the book feel like a home away from home.
On the romance front, I don’t see Marlee getting married to her fiancé, Ryan. I didn’t get a strong feeling about their romance in the first book, and the longer we get to know him, the more I can’t see the relationship working out in the long run. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a sweet guy. However, he’s got a mean jealous streak, is very stuck in his ways, and unwilling to compromise. I could see if he and Marlee saw eye to eye about their future plans, but Marlee is feeling iffy about a few things that he expects to happen in their future married life and he’s not budging. Basically, I don’t see them making it down the isle unless he becomes more willing to hear her out so they can both work toward meeting somewhere in the middle.
That said, I’m excited that things are looking hopeful with Kit Holt. Marlee doesn’t seem like the kind of person to cheat on her significant other, but I can see them getting together if things don’t work out with Ryan. Hell, if the books were real and nothing more than a friendship bloomed between the pair, I’d take Kit off her hands. He’s a real catch!
The murder mystery itself was interesting and its resolution was a wild ride. Literally. That is the most action-packed scene I’ve seen in a book in a long time. I found myself letting out a nervous laugh like I was in the car with Marlee and company while they were trying to stay alive and get to safety. It’s completely fictional but phew. I felt like I was sitting in the car with them! All in all, I highly recommend the series!
October 11, 2017
Blackberry Burial is the second book in the Berry Basket Mystery series! I was lucky enough to be able to read the first book early last year and I absolutely loved it so I've been dying to get my hands on the second book, and I have to say that it was beyond amazing!!! Perfection!
We meet up with Marlee Jacob again as she's planning the annual Blackberry Road Rally with Piper, the mayor's wife, but they quickly find out that they have to find a new starting location for the event. When they find a new location—a farm, they travel there to look at it, and while they are there, Marlee stumbles upon a skeleton buried in the forest—thanks to Piper's dog. We find out the skeleton belongs to a girl, Sienna, who supposedly drowned twenty years earlier.
The actual mystery itself was brilliant. Very creative and carefully plotted. There were so many twists and suspects that it was hard to pinpoint the actual bad guy. It was definitely unpredictable, and the ending was thrilling and action-packed. I loved it.
My favorite thing about this book though was the budding relationship between Theo—Marlee’s baker and Marlee. We didn’t really get to know much about Theo in book one, but that completely changes in book two. We get his full history and personality and I really liked him, but what I loved about him was his connection with Marlee. It’s truly authentic and beautiful. The last couple pages of the story, when they talk, brought tears to my eyes. A definite ‘awww’ moment.
Overall, this was a great book! Everything about it was awesome! From the captivating mystery to the fun and exciting characters to the action-packed ending. I'm anxiously awaiting the third installment. I need it now! Please?
We meet up with Marlee Jacob again as she's planning the annual Blackberry Road Rally with Piper, the mayor's wife, but they quickly find out that they have to find a new starting location for the event. When they find a new location—a farm, they travel there to look at it, and while they are there, Marlee stumbles upon a skeleton buried in the forest—thanks to Piper's dog. We find out the skeleton belongs to a girl, Sienna, who supposedly drowned twenty years earlier.
The actual mystery itself was brilliant. Very creative and carefully plotted. There were so many twists and suspects that it was hard to pinpoint the actual bad guy. It was definitely unpredictable, and the ending was thrilling and action-packed. I loved it.
My favorite thing about this book though was the budding relationship between Theo—Marlee’s baker and Marlee. We didn’t really get to know much about Theo in book one, but that completely changes in book two. We get his full history and personality and I really liked him, but what I loved about him was his connection with Marlee. It’s truly authentic and beautiful. The last couple pages of the story, when they talk, brought tears to my eyes. A definite ‘awww’ moment.
Overall, this was a great book! Everything about it was awesome! From the captivating mystery to the fun and exciting characters to the action-packed ending. I'm anxiously awaiting the third installment. I need it now! Please?
October 27, 2017
BLACKBERRY BURIAL by Sharon Farrow
The Second Berry Basket Mystery
Marlee Jacobs thought her life was settling down. Sure, she'd be busy for the 4th of July weekend, especially since alumni from the Blackberry Art School were flocking to town for the school's centennial, but it wouldn't be difficult and it would help push her store even more in the black. But a search for a location for Oriole Point's road rally leads to a grand adventure for a Great Dane puppy and the subsequent discovery of a human skeleton. The body turns out to be Sienna Katsaros, a young woman gone missing 20 years earlier from the school. Marlee's baker, an admitted admirer of Sienna, is distraught and Marlee vows to protect him when others infer his guilt. Surely he had nothing to do with Sienna's death, especially when Sienna's other classmates look much more culpable!
Memorable characters are the backbone of a good mystery and Sharon Farrow has filled her berry basket with them, from a likeable protagonist, who I hope will get smarter about her love life, zany friends, and lovable animals. We meet a lot of new characters in BLACKBERRY BURIAL, and they're all pretty rotten, nasty, and unlikeable, giving us a whole lot of people we hope can be guilty. We also meet a new, very likeable character in Captain Atticus Holt.
BLACKBERRY BURIAL is a mystery that gets increasingly more intense and dramatic. It starts whimsical, but although fun and humor are maintained, serious layers begin to develop creating heightened tension and suspense. Ultimately, Sharon Farrow produces a heart pounding, exciting race to the finish in her second Berry Basket Mystery.
Recipes Included.
The Second Berry Basket Mystery
Marlee Jacobs thought her life was settling down. Sure, she'd be busy for the 4th of July weekend, especially since alumni from the Blackberry Art School were flocking to town for the school's centennial, but it wouldn't be difficult and it would help push her store even more in the black. But a search for a location for Oriole Point's road rally leads to a grand adventure for a Great Dane puppy and the subsequent discovery of a human skeleton. The body turns out to be Sienna Katsaros, a young woman gone missing 20 years earlier from the school. Marlee's baker, an admitted admirer of Sienna, is distraught and Marlee vows to protect him when others infer his guilt. Surely he had nothing to do with Sienna's death, especially when Sienna's other classmates look much more culpable!
Memorable characters are the backbone of a good mystery and Sharon Farrow has filled her berry basket with them, from a likeable protagonist, who I hope will get smarter about her love life, zany friends, and lovable animals. We meet a lot of new characters in BLACKBERRY BURIAL, and they're all pretty rotten, nasty, and unlikeable, giving us a whole lot of people we hope can be guilty. We also meet a new, very likeable character in Captain Atticus Holt.
BLACKBERRY BURIAL is a mystery that gets increasingly more intense and dramatic. It starts whimsical, but although fun and humor are maintained, serious layers begin to develop creating heightened tension and suspense. Ultimately, Sharon Farrow produces a heart pounding, exciting race to the finish in her second Berry Basket Mystery.
Recipes Included.
November 8, 2017
Blackberry Burial is the latest installment of the Berry Basket Mystery Series by Sharon Farrow. This was a fun and entertaining read. It was the first book in the series I read and I easily jumped into Marlee’s world as owner of The Berry Basket in Oriole Point, Michigan.
Here are my top reasons why you should check out this book.
Fun Berry Knowledge and Recipes
I’ll admit I went into this book not knowing a lot about blackberries. They just aren’t a berry I eat very often. I enjoyed how the author wove berry facts and ways to use them into the story. It made me want to add blackberries to my next grocery list!
Great Friends
Marlee has a great group of girlfriends with very different personalities in the book. I enjoy the entertainment they brought. I found them to be great comic relief and made great supporting characters for our protagonist.
Twists and Turns
This story is full of entertaining twists and turns that kept me captivated until the very end. I didn’t figure the crime out ahead of time and I enjoyed going along for the ride as Marlee pulls out all the stops to solve the case.
If you are looking for an exciting mystery with a great setting and great characters, Blackberry Burial is for you.
https://cozyexperience.com/basket-ful...
Here are my top reasons why you should check out this book.
Fun Berry Knowledge and Recipes
I’ll admit I went into this book not knowing a lot about blackberries. They just aren’t a berry I eat very often. I enjoyed how the author wove berry facts and ways to use them into the story. It made me want to add blackberries to my next grocery list!
Great Friends
Marlee has a great group of girlfriends with very different personalities in the book. I enjoy the entertainment they brought. I found them to be great comic relief and made great supporting characters for our protagonist.
Twists and Turns
This story is full of entertaining twists and turns that kept me captivated until the very end. I didn’t figure the crime out ahead of time and I enjoyed going along for the ride as Marlee pulls out all the stops to solve the case.
If you are looking for an exciting mystery with a great setting and great characters, Blackberry Burial is for you.
https://cozyexperience.com/basket-ful...
November 20, 2017
Blackberry Burial is a cozy Berry Basket Mystery by Sharon Farrow. Is full of excitement, murder and hot country cowboy. A great murder mystery surrounded by berries during a hot summer in the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. The tale is quite singular and the telling great which make a good combination for this story.
Marlee the Berry shop owner is helping her friend to find a suitable place to start the Road Rally and they go visit a desolated farm. They take her friend’s great Dane for company and she gets loose. Marlee has flat shoes so her friend sent her to get the dog. She fallowed it until the sight of a human skull appeared from the whole the dog is digging on the grown. Now Marlee found herself in the middle of a murder mystery that will text all her talent as an amateur slew or take her life and that of her closest friends.
I enjoy this book, the characters and the story. I would recommend it to any murder mystery lovers and does who enjoy solving a crime. I enjoy the different berry culture sprinkles about the story, to give the reader a feel for the place and the characters roaming about the story.
Marlee the Berry shop owner is helping her friend to find a suitable place to start the Road Rally and they go visit a desolated farm. They take her friend’s great Dane for company and she gets loose. Marlee has flat shoes so her friend sent her to get the dog. She fallowed it until the sight of a human skull appeared from the whole the dog is digging on the grown. Now Marlee found herself in the middle of a murder mystery that will text all her talent as an amateur slew or take her life and that of her closest friends.
I enjoy this book, the characters and the story. I would recommend it to any murder mystery lovers and does who enjoy solving a crime. I enjoy the different berry culture sprinkles about the story, to give the reader a feel for the place and the characters roaming about the story.
October 3, 2017
Blackberry Burial is book two in the Berry Basket Mystery Series. Tourist season is starting to get in full swing, and Marlee is busy as usual. She has offered to be part of the annual road rally which is in honor of the local art school she attended. When she is out scouting a starting location, she stumbles across a body long buried which throws the entire array of festivities for the celebration of the school out of whack. Marlee is also thrown head first into the investigation when her baker becomes one of the prime suspects.
This story was just as engaging as the first in the series. We get to see deeper into the characters and are introduced to new ones. The plot was wonderful, solving a years old murder in the middle of celebrating the local arts school.
This book is definitely one you can read again and again. The recipes at the end are a delicious bonus!
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley. The review and opinions are my own.
This story was just as engaging as the first in the series. We get to see deeper into the characters and are introduced to new ones. The plot was wonderful, solving a years old murder in the middle of celebrating the local arts school.
This book is definitely one you can read again and again. The recipes at the end are a delicious bonus!
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley. The review and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2017
Charlemagne, the Great Dane, was on a mission racing through the woods looking for treasures. When Marlee Jacob finally caught up to him he was frantically digging up a bone. Unfortunately, it was a human one complete with the rest of the skeleton. Marlee soon finds out that this cold case isn't so cold after all and finds herself literally racing to save her own life as well as her best friends.
I really liked that a prominent part of this story featured Theo Foster, a baker, who had developmental problems due to a closed head injury. The author raises awareness in the prejudices people with an impairment face and how they are a valuable part of society.
This entertaining story is the second in A Berry Basket Mystery series and comes complete with recipes. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really liked that a prominent part of this story featured Theo Foster, a baker, who had developmental problems due to a closed head injury. The author raises awareness in the prejudices people with an impairment face and how they are a valuable part of society.
This entertaining story is the second in A Berry Basket Mystery series and comes complete with recipes. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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