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Danger Cove Farmers' Market Mystery #3
A Secret in the Pumpkin Patch
From USA Today bestselling authors Gin Jones and Elizabeth Ashby comes a hauntingly good mystery...
It's Halloween, and Maria Dolores is hoping for a trouble-free weekend, the last one before the Lighthouse Farmers' Market closes for the winter. But her hopes are dashed when a state agricultural inspector threatens to shut down the market prematurely... right before a young woman falls to her death from the lighthouse cliff!
The local homicide detective thinks it was suicide and won't listen to Maria's extensive list of possible suspects for foul play or the fact that the victim was known for getting into fights that went beyond mere words. Not even Maria's boyfriend, lawyer-turned-farmer Merle Curtis, can convince the detective otherwise.
Now it's up to Maria to unearth A SECRET IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH before the killer buries the truth—and possibly Maria along with it—forever.
It's Halloween, and Maria Dolores is hoping for a trouble-free weekend, the last one before the Lighthouse Farmers' Market closes for the winter. But her hopes are dashed when a state agricultural inspector threatens to shut down the market prematurely... right before a young woman falls to her death from the lighthouse cliff!
The local homicide detective thinks it was suicide and won't listen to Maria's extensive list of possible suspects for foul play or the fact that the victim was known for getting into fights that went beyond mere words. Not even Maria's boyfriend, lawyer-turned-farmer Merle Curtis, can convince the detective otherwise.
Now it's up to Maria to unearth A SECRET IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH before the killer buries the truth—and possibly Maria along with it—forever.
264 pages, ebook
Published October 3, 2017
149 people are currently reading
149 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 7, 2017
“A Secret in the Pumpkin Patch” earns 5/5 Pumpkin-spiced Predicaments!
I really enjoy Gin Jones’s Farmers’ Market stories that she pens with fictitious author Elizabeth Ashby for the Danger Cove Mystery series. Here in her book three, Maria Delores is looking to convince the mayor of Danger Cove to renew her management contract by ending the Lighthouse Farmers’ Market season with a big win—producing a problem-free Halloween celebration, snagging a beekeeper for next season, and being listed in various round-ups of favorite markets. But, of course, things don’t go smoothly, of course, it is “Danger” Cove after all! Left on her own to introduce the market to a somewhat awkward beekeeper Buzz Reed she has to suffer with Angela Henderson causing another ruckus, Jim Sweetwater’s continued criticisms, a shutdown threat from a very antagonistic state inspector, and a disgruntled former client demanding her help. So many could end up Gin Jones’ victim in this book. But, the body of a woman found at the bottom of the lighthouse cliff doesn’t look like murder to the local police despite suspicions and lots of suspects. I love it…a big hit from Gin Jones! Maria’s off again partnering with handsome boyfriend lawyer-turned-farmer Merle Curtis to prove it is murder and find the killer! Wow! With additional life-threatening events and an ending that was nail-biting, fans will be thrilled with this book. However I suggest newbies read the series in order. It isn’t imperative, but to enhance one’s enjoyment it is better to first get all the background and character development: “A Death in the Flower Garden,” then “A Slaying in the Orchard” before finishing with this book. Gin Jones again delights with marvelous descriptions that bring Danger Cove and its residents and the market to life along with exploring Maria’s struggles to continue managing the market, dealing with a client from her previous job, and to commit with her relationship with Merle. It is all entertaining, engaging, and holiday fun!
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
I really enjoy Gin Jones’s Farmers’ Market stories that she pens with fictitious author Elizabeth Ashby for the Danger Cove Mystery series. Here in her book three, Maria Delores is looking to convince the mayor of Danger Cove to renew her management contract by ending the Lighthouse Farmers’ Market season with a big win—producing a problem-free Halloween celebration, snagging a beekeeper for next season, and being listed in various round-ups of favorite markets. But, of course, things don’t go smoothly, of course, it is “Danger” Cove after all! Left on her own to introduce the market to a somewhat awkward beekeeper Buzz Reed she has to suffer with Angela Henderson causing another ruckus, Jim Sweetwater’s continued criticisms, a shutdown threat from a very antagonistic state inspector, and a disgruntled former client demanding her help. So many could end up Gin Jones’ victim in this book. But, the body of a woman found at the bottom of the lighthouse cliff doesn’t look like murder to the local police despite suspicions and lots of suspects. I love it…a big hit from Gin Jones! Maria’s off again partnering with handsome boyfriend lawyer-turned-farmer Merle Curtis to prove it is murder and find the killer! Wow! With additional life-threatening events and an ending that was nail-biting, fans will be thrilled with this book. However I suggest newbies read the series in order. It isn’t imperative, but to enhance one’s enjoyment it is better to first get all the background and character development: “A Death in the Flower Garden,” then “A Slaying in the Orchard” before finishing with this book. Gin Jones again delights with marvelous descriptions that bring Danger Cove and its residents and the market to life along with exploring Maria’s struggles to continue managing the market, dealing with a client from her previous job, and to commit with her relationship with Merle. It is all entertaining, engaging, and holiday fun!
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
October 9, 2022
Mildly Interesting
Sorry that my wife and I could not warm up to the heroine. Too many "problems" shadowed the murder, and by the end we were not thrilled about whodunnit. Also, this was our first book in the aeries, and there were too many spoilers about previous murders. I own several other books in the series, but will not be reading them.
Sorry that my wife and I could not warm up to the heroine. Too many "problems" shadowed the murder, and by the end we were not thrilled about whodunnit. Also, this was our first book in the aeries, and there were too many spoilers about previous murders. I own several other books in the series, but will not be reading them.
February 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The reason is because of all the great recurring characters that we have met throughout the series but it can be read or listened to as a standalone mystery and would be just as good if meeting for the first time. I like the fact that it all takes place in a small town market, very unusual and entertaining with the drama each stand holds. The mystery was interesting with all the possible and even who the victim was meant to be. The story was a little slow and not really much investigating, more running from one stall crisis to another and hoping the market wasn't closed down. Just a fun mystery in a great series written by various authors.
Maria Dolores is hoping to have a hassle free weekend for the last day in the season for the market but when an inspector turns up determined to sight them for every slight infraction. It proves anything but quiet. And quite is just what she needs if she hopes to convince a why he's keeper to join the team. Then a body is found in the pumpkin patch. With all the seller's dressed up in costumes it's a guess if the victim was the intended target of somebody else. Can Maria Dolores keep the bed keeper happy? Find a killer? And keep the market open for another year?
I like the narrator, she has a fairly deep sounding voice which at times sounds a bit monotone but otherwise the voices she gives the characters are fun.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Maria Dolores is hoping to have a hassle free weekend for the last day in the season for the market but when an inspector turns up determined to sight them for every slight infraction. It proves anything but quiet. And quite is just what she needs if she hopes to convince a why he's keeper to join the team. Then a body is found in the pumpkin patch. With all the seller's dressed up in costumes it's a guess if the victim was the intended target of somebody else. Can Maria Dolores keep the bed keeper happy? Find a killer? And keep the market open for another year?
I like the narrator, she has a fairly deep sounding voice which at times sounds a bit monotone but otherwise the voices she gives the characters are fun.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 3, 2017
The season, but I hope not the series, ends strong with Maria Delores facing one final challenging long weekend before the end of the Market season and this one is a doozy. When a nemesis dressed like the market manager dies, the question of accident, suicide, or murder haunts the market. Our least favorite detective is on the job and ignores two attempts one Maria Delores’s life clinging to suicide as the cause of death and refusing to believe that someone could have mistakenly killed the trouble maker in place of the market manager. The upcoming off season for both Maria and Merle has the busy market manager taking moments to contemplate where their relationship is going. Favorites from Danger Cove cameo and while our old friends from this series offer additional color and flavor to the novel.
October 21, 2024
A Halloween to be Remembered
This is the 17th book in the Danger Cove Mysteries - and the third one with Maria Delores as the main character. It’s Halloween weekend and the last weekend for the farmer’s market in Danger Cove and market manager Maria Delores is just trying to hang on until the market closes down. But… the murder of someone dressed as she is, then someone tries to run her down in the street lets her know that someone really wants her dead. Add to that, a crooked agriculture inspector, a bee keeper who can’t make up his mind, and an irritating vendor who criticizes her every move and you have the makings for an interesting whodunnit.
And a very satisfying ending!
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the Gemma Halliday Publishing for providing this book. All opinions are mine and are not solicited or influenced by anyone or anything.
This is the 17th book in the Danger Cove Mysteries - and the third one with Maria Delores as the main character. It’s Halloween weekend and the last weekend for the farmer’s market in Danger Cove and market manager Maria Delores is just trying to hang on until the market closes down. But… the murder of someone dressed as she is, then someone tries to run her down in the street lets her know that someone really wants her dead. Add to that, a crooked agriculture inspector, a bee keeper who can’t make up his mind, and an irritating vendor who criticizes her every move and you have the makings for an interesting whodunnit.
And a very satisfying ending!
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the Gemma Halliday Publishing for providing this book. All opinions are mine and are not solicited or influenced by anyone or anything.
July 11, 2023
Maria Delores is looking forward to the Halloween farmers market as it is the end of the season. She is busy escorting a fidgety beekeeper around trying to recruit for the next season, she has a former client trying to get her to look at his financial records, a agriculture inspector who has a bone to pick with Danger Cove, and her own detractors. Fast paced story with many plot twists and action great reading.
October 12, 2017
Great one
WOW this one really had a lot of twists. I can't say I wasn't glad to see some events take place. I was pleased to see how things are progressing for Maria and Merle. I hope we get more of their story soon.
WOW this one really had a lot of twists. I can't say I wasn't glad to see some events take place. I was pleased to see how things are progressing for Maria and Merle. I hope we get more of their story soon.
October 13, 2022
Trouble at the Framer's Market in spades, troublemaking vendor, out of control inspector, cos play gone wrong - what more can happen, well you'll have to read the book to find out. It's a wild ride but worth the time. Highly recommend.
November 19, 2023
Secret in the Pumpkin Patch
Delightful, seasonal read for the Fall season. Characters are endearing and entertaining, the plot is original and challenging. The setting makes the reader want to visit it.
Delightful, seasonal read for the Fall season. Characters are endearing and entertaining, the plot is original and challenging. The setting makes the reader want to visit it.
October 30, 2017
My favorite series.
Danger Cove lives up to the name. Really need to visit and get in the Fun Can’t wait for the next one.
Danger Cove lives up to the name. Really need to visit and get in the Fun Can’t wait for the next one.
November 5, 2017
Another fantastic danger cover mystery.
February 15, 2021
Another great whodunit in this fantastic series! Always some humor and plenty of twists & turns in these Danger Cove books.
November 3, 2021
really enjoyed the book, had some surprises, looking forward to reading more of the series...
November 5, 2021
For some reason I just didn’t care much for this book. I can’t pin down the reason but it bored me.
December 7, 2021
It was an entertaining entry in the series. Not my favorite as it felt a little labored in places, but it was enjoyable. Vivid characters.
April 6, 2023
Terrific
I loved the book. It was fast-paced from beginning to end. I just couldn't get enough. I never saw the end coming.
I loved the book. It was fast-paced from beginning to end. I just couldn't get enough. I never saw the end coming.
October 22, 2023
Who killed Angela and why??? And who tried to kill her??? Jealousy??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
November 9, 2023
Disappointing read. The mystery was underdeveloped while the protagonist’s angst about we’re getting her job contract renewed was excessive.
January 10, 2024
Who killed Angela and why??? It wasn't supposed to be her there??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
October 3, 2017
The Fall Festival is being held at the Farmer's Market and Maria Delores is hoping for an easy time of it. Unfortunately, an old nemesis of hers is found at the bottom of a cliff and no one knows if it was suicide or murder. Since this person was dressed like Maria Delores, could it have been a case of mistaken identity? I was kept in suspense, wondering what happened and, if it was murder, who did it. Also, there is an inspector going around trying to stir up a lot of trouble! I hope there will be more books in the Farmer's Market series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews