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Danger Cove Farmers' Market Mystery #2
A Slaying in the Orchard
Labor Day weekend starts with a bang in Danger Cove when a dead body is found in the orchard of Maria Dolores' mentor and maybe-boyfriend, Merle! While it's clear the murder took place long ago, the police are still keeping Merle tied up, leaving Maria on her own to run the local farmers' market. She's prepared for the petty squabbles, disorganized vendors, and even a rowdy group of costumed pirates—it comes with the territory. But she isn't prepared for the fresh body found in an isolated corner of the market!
Maria would like to leave the investigation to the local homicide detective, but he's stretched thin with two separate murders, and her nemesis—the farmer who lost out to her for the manager's job—is demanding quick answers or else. With a nearly endless array of suspects, since the victim had upset just about everyone at the market, Maria has her work cut out for her! Can she prevent another murder in the market... or will she end up the next victim?
Maria would like to leave the investigation to the local homicide detective, but he's stretched thin with two separate murders, and her nemesis—the farmer who lost out to her for the manager's job—is demanding quick answers or else. With a nearly endless array of suspects, since the victim had upset just about everyone at the market, Maria has her work cut out for her! Can she prevent another murder in the market... or will she end up the next victim?
182 pages, ebook
Published August 22, 2017
117 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ashby
53 books54 followersLocal resident Elizabeth Ashby was born and raised in Danger Cove and now uses her literary talent to tell stories about the town she knows and loves. Ms. Ashby has penned several Danger Cove Mysteries, which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. While she does admit to taking some poetic license in her storytelling, she loves to incorporate the real people and places of her hometown into her stories. She says anyone who visits Danger Cove is fair game for her poisoned pen, so tourists beware! When she's not writing, Ms. Ashby enjoys gardening, taking long walks along the Pacific coastline, and curling up with a hot cup of tea, her cat, Sherlock, and a thrilling novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 22, 2017
This is a fast paced story that quickly grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages until I finished. The characters are interesting, and realistic; I enjoyed "hanging out" with them. The mystery kept me guessing throughout, I had not idea who the culprit was. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
August 22, 2017
I absolutely love reading about Maria Dolores and the antics at the Farmer's Market. It is amazing what items you can find there, even dead bodies! This author amazes you with everything and keeps you guessing as to who the murderer is. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and here's to hoping it won't be the last!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!
November 4, 2017
Interesting installment of the danger cove series
September 27, 2023
Consider calling an editor
This great little story could have been a much better read if there hadn’t been so many extra long sentences.
This great little story could have been a much better read if there hadn’t been so many extra long sentences.
March 25, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The Danger cover series is made up by several different author's writing stories all based in one place, so you get a lot of other character names and shops mentioned that (If like me you have read other book) you will recognize. The books are all stand alone books and because they are written by different author's you don't need to read or listen to them in order. I enjoyed this book because of the characters, who with all there little quirks make up this fun mystery. There is a lot going on to give you the idea of a busy farmers market but this means there is also a lot of characters to keep track of. The mystery was interesting with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing.
Maria Dolores is trying to expand the farmer's market but with her boy friend busy trying to prove that he had nothing to do with the bones just discovered in his orchard, she is having to keep on top of all the demands the stall owners have. Breaking up fights or checking that everything for sale is grown or made locally, soon becomes the least of her worries when a dead body is found. The police have there hands full running to two investigation, can Maria help find the killer before the police decide to shut down the market?
The narrator was good but there wasn't that much variation in her tone, unless she was voicing Casey, Maria assistant.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
Maria Dolores is trying to expand the farmer's market but with her boy friend busy trying to prove that he had nothing to do with the bones just discovered in his orchard, she is having to keep on top of all the demands the stall owners have. Breaking up fights or checking that everything for sale is grown or made locally, soon becomes the least of her worries when a dead body is found. The police have there hands full running to two investigation, can Maria help find the killer before the police decide to shut down the market?
The narrator was good but there wasn't that much variation in her tone, unless she was voicing Casey, Maria assistant.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
September 6, 2024
Good Addition to Series
This was a good addition to the “Danger Cove Mystery” series. Like the others in the series, this one is a stand alone, although there are threads to other books both before and after.
In this one, Maria Dolores—the farmer’s market manager—is attempting to corral vendors for the Labor Day Weekend. Unfortunately, several people don’t like her rules, but she holds firm. Even when one of her more curmudgeonly vendors ends up dead.
While the police investigate, Maria does a little sleuthing of her own, but gets nowhere until the last minute when she figures it out and gets trapped by the killer.
Even though the mystery is solved and the killer is caught, there were enough threads left dangling that I believe there will be more stories coming from this one. At least, I hope so. And I hope that one of the more irritating characters gets his comeuppance eventually. He’s one I’d really like to see behind bars! (And trust me, you’ll know who it is.)
Recommended.
This was a good addition to the “Danger Cove Mystery” series. Like the others in the series, this one is a stand alone, although there are threads to other books both before and after.
In this one, Maria Dolores—the farmer’s market manager—is attempting to corral vendors for the Labor Day Weekend. Unfortunately, several people don’t like her rules, but she holds firm. Even when one of her more curmudgeonly vendors ends up dead.
While the police investigate, Maria does a little sleuthing of her own, but gets nowhere until the last minute when she figures it out and gets trapped by the killer.
Even though the mystery is solved and the killer is caught, there were enough threads left dangling that I believe there will be more stories coming from this one. At least, I hope so. And I hope that one of the more irritating characters gets his comeuppance eventually. He’s one I’d really like to see behind bars! (And trust me, you’ll know who it is.)
Recommended.
August 23, 2017
Exciting story with everything that can go wrong at a Farmer's Market including murder. Maria Delores is trying very hard to make her Farmer's Market one of the best. But when a dead body surfaces at the market, that's the kind of publicity she doesn't want. Can she find the killer before the market's reputation is destroyed?
October 2, 2022
Slow reading
The book was very slow to get into. It seemed to have too much unnecessary details used as filler which wasn't needed. It was mostly boring. It took me a long time to get through the book. I kept putting it down and not in a rush to pick it up again. I couldn't wait for it to end.
The book was very slow to get into. It seemed to have too much unnecessary details used as filler which wasn't needed. It was mostly boring. It took me a long time to get through the book. I kept putting it down and not in a rush to pick it up again. I couldn't wait for it to end.
August 20, 2017
Gin Jones is an amazing author as she once again proves in A Slaying in the Orchard. I know I will be reading every book in the Danger Cove Farmers' Market Mystery series for two reason. The stories are excellent and I want to know more about every character that I have met who works the market. I feel as if I am learning about them as Maria is and I love sharing that experience but sometimes I want to tell her to ignore her job and let me spend more time with a character. Alas, she takes her responsibility seriously even though she agrees with me. My favorites besides Maria Delores are also her favorites, Merle, Cary, and Tommy. Two of these guys demonstrate one of the things I appreciate about her books; some of her key characters face serious challenges but refuse to give in to limitations. This time we see Army vet Tommy facing doubts but not about his life in a wheel chair.
I was shocked by the victim in this book as I had already picked out a likely candidate but naturally his death works well with what we know and gives us a great chance to view all of the possible suspects. The most likely suspect is slowly narrowed until we can identify the person at the same time Maria Does. The reader might be able to guess but a guess is all it would be because all of the suspects are reasonable.
I was delighted to receive an ARC copy of this book from the author. The review reflects my opinion alone. I review all books that I enjoy, and so far I have loved every book she has written.
I was shocked by the victim in this book as I had already picked out a likely candidate but naturally his death works well with what we know and gives us a great chance to view all of the possible suspects. The most likely suspect is slowly narrowed until we can identify the person at the same time Maria Does. The reader might be able to guess but a guess is all it would be because all of the suspects are reasonable.
I was delighted to receive an ARC copy of this book from the author. The review reflects my opinion alone. I review all books that I enjoy, and so far I have loved every book she has written.
August 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It is a light read, full of mystery and great characters. The story shows all the things that can go wrong at a Farmer's Market-even murder. I was kept guessing at who the murderer was.
October 10, 2022
Who knew there was so much going on behind the scene at the Farmer's Market. Several disagreements and a murder! Lots of plot twists and excitement before, at the very end the murderer is revealed. Great story, love the characters and the suspense. Well worth reading.
July 6, 2023
Labor day weekend brings more people to the Farmer's market and Maria Delores has plenty of people to keep in check when one of her grumpier exhibitors is found murdered. Good reading with a lot of changing suspects mixed with a little romance
September 2, 2024
a little boring
The story was dragged out a lot longer than it needed to be. You don't have to keep repeating things over and over, I think i skipped over at least 3-4 parapgraphs a chapter. The plot line wasn't bad, just dragged on with too much useless stuff
The story was dragged out a lot longer than it needed to be. You don't have to keep repeating things over and over, I think i skipped over at least 3-4 parapgraphs a chapter. The plot line wasn't bad, just dragged on with too much useless stuff
August 22, 2017
A Slaying in the Orchard is a fun addition to the Danger Cove series of books. Set at the farmers market, we meet a lot of town people. There is extensive character development in this cozy mystery.
September 9, 2017
I really enjoy the Danger Cove Mysteries, they are a light read full of mystery, great plot twists and turns awesome characters and set in a gorgeous fictitious small town.
October 24, 2021
another great mystery in the series, looking forward to the next...
April 11, 2023
Loved it!
I loved this book. This book is fast-paced from beginning to end. There is a murderer loose at Danger Cove's Farmer's Market. Will it ever be the same?
I loved this book. This book is fast-paced from beginning to end. There is a murderer loose at Danger Cove's Farmer's Market. Will it ever be the same?
September 3, 2024
Very slow through most of the book. Didn't like the narrator's voice. Boring and just didn't keep my attention.
August 30, 2024
Who killed Henry Atwell and Ryan and why??? they were both mean to her??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews