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In Leafy Hollow, mysteries are always in season…Verity Hawkes can hardly remember her reclusive past. She's actually starting to enjoy her role as the small town's resident gardener and unofficial super sleuth. Her blossoming relationship with a dreamy local detective certainly doesn't hurt matters. But Verity can't help but question her place in town when a group of kidnappers steal away a beloved citizen and single her out to handle the ransom…

After the deal goes south, it's clear to the Leafy Hollow gardener that larger forces are at play. Between dealing with a rogue agent, a meddling ex-boyfriend, and an underground Botox clinic, she knows that nothing is as it seems. To dig up the conspiracy, Verity may just have to get her hands dirty…

Muddy Waters is the fourth installment in a series of charmingly funny cozy mysteries. If you like picturesque Canadian villages, endearingly weird characters, and high-stakes whodunnits, then you'll love Rickie Blair's Leafy Hollow series.

Buy Muddy Waters today to unearth a murky new mystery!

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2017

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About the author

Rickie Blair

19 books146 followers
When not hunched over my computer conversing with people who exist only in my head, I spend my time trying to tame an unruly half-acre garden and a mischievous Jack Russell-cross. I also share my southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.

I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.

Rickie

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5 stars
205 (50%)
4 stars
138 (33%)
3 stars
53 (12%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
November 23, 2017
This is the fourth book in the Leafy Hollow mystery series and I would recommend reading the books in order. In this installment the mysterious "Control" agency which was a background story in previous books takes over the main part.

Once again we are provided with a touch of romance, some laugh-out-loud situations and an intriguing mystery with twists and turns. The characters developing nicely and I always enjoy coming back to Leafy Hollow.

A great mystery set in Canada.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,480 reviews82 followers
January 17, 2019
This is a 4.5 star cosy with bite read.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,493 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2018
Muddy Waters by Rickie Blair is the fourth book in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series and focuses now on answering some of those mysterious questions about her Aunt, Control and where her neighbor has been for the past few weeks. Another adventure for Verity with plenty of surprises this time including double agents, another murder, kidnapping, and missing ransom money. A fast paced plot with the usual laughter as Verity tries to find the answers.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jen - Reviews.
438 reviews32 followers
November 23, 2020
As with the other three book before it, I'm really loving these Leafy Hollow mystery books. It's light reading not heavy and depressing despite the mystery part. Just loving them.
1,385 reviews21 followers
November 21, 2017
The fourth book in the Leafy Hollow mysteries and some of the ongoing mysteries are solved. This is a little different from the usual mysteries we find in Leafy Hollow but it was so great to finally understand Control and to resolve some of the past mysteries. The growth in the characters and their relationships continues to delight me. There is emotion, humor, adventure and excitement. I love visiting with Verity and her friends and am looking forward to more of their stories.
Profile Image for Jennifer Jansen.
Author 35 books28 followers
July 23, 2021
These cosy mystery books by Rickie Blair are a real treat. Enjoying each one more than the one before!
Profile Image for Kelly Young.
Author 42 books56 followers
November 20, 2017
Leafy Hollow is hiding some secrets and the fourth book in the series delves more in depth into those secrets.
Well written, as always, Muddy Waters adds some intrigue to the mystery, with plenty of twists, turns and misdirection to keep you guessing right up until the end.
It is always fun to read a book, or series, set at home and I thoroughly enjoy the Ontario and Canada references. Who knew Canadians could be so crafty? Rickie Blair, that's who.
The character development took a bit of a back seat in this book to the storyline of Control and the international implications, but it is still an excellent read that advances the series considerably. I look forward to getting to know the new characters better.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books33 followers
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I did have to check that there are going to be more in the series and it wasn't the last one. Phew there is, which this listener is eagerly waiting for. As you can tell I am really enjoying this series and this book is no exception. They are stand alone books but I would highly recommend you start with book one and work you way through them all. In fact I did recommended them to my mum who is currently in the process of listening them. What I love, is the characters and the mystery surrounding the aunt's disappearance, which a little bit more gets revealed with each book. The mysteries are fun and full of twists and quirky goings on that are bound to make you smile if not laugh out loud. I hope the author has plenty more story lines because I can't get enough of them and can't wait to see what new twist there is in store for Verity and her friends.
When the local retailer is kidnapped in broad day light Verity has no choice but get involved when they ask her to make the drop. Playing at amateur sleigh never prepared her for this job and she has no idea why she was chosen. Then things go wrong and the money goes missing and Verity and her boyfriend come under suspicion. But it is not until the kidnapped victim turns up safe and well that things get really bizarre for Verity. What is going on? Was it all a hoax or a well planned and executed misdirection? And what does control have to do with it? Or her aunt? Can Verity finally track down her aunt or will an ex boyfriend put a spanner in the works? There is more at stake this time round than just catching a killer.
I really like the narrator and hope she plans to stick with the series, she does a really good job with making the characters come to life.
Profile Image for Tex.
159 reviews
December 9, 2017
Stomping in the Muddy Waters
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book and decided to provide my honest review, which I have.) Muddy Waters was Fantastic!!!! I was so excited to be able to read once again about Leafy Hollow. And I was not disappointed. The author has always been very effective in keeping the storyline on the train track book-to-book. It never skips a beat so you can pick up where you left off in the previous book and just read. That is what I particularly value about this author, that regardless of books one through four the storyline did not waiver. The adventures changed, various people came and went, life changes occurred, but not the infrastructure of the series. The reader doesn’t have to take a timeout to remember what they could of the book prior, before starting to read the current book. Honestly, that happens to me after reading chapter one. Lastly, I really saw the characters’ development along with the storyline and it was extraordinary. The protagonist, Verity, was simpler in book one than in book four. To have the ability to synchronize growing the character’s development along with the storyline complexity takes your breath away. The Leafy Hollow Series was a good read and I am glad I did so. RECOMMENDATION: BUY THE BOOK, find a comfy spot to read, and before you know it you’ll be having a fabulous time in Leafy Hollow. –Tex. (P.S. I bought the book – couldn’t help it).

1,520 reviews17 followers
November 19, 2017
When the town's realtor gets kidnapped, a ransom for $50,000 is demanded and Verity is to drop it off. Jeff, the handsome detective is not at all happy with putting Verity in the front line, but when the Prime Minister phones to asks Verity to help out, she can hardly say no, although she cannot understand how Nellie is important enough to have the ear of the PM. But the ransom drop goes pear shaped and suddenly, nothing is as it seems and no one is who they seem to be either.

"Control" promises that Aunt Adeline is alive and will be home in a few days but Gideon is still missing and there is talk of rogue agents who are playing both sides. Did they mean Gideon? or Adeline? and although she is not supposed to do so, she tells Jeff all about it, hoping that he will be able to help but instead, he thinks that she is pulling his leg and made the whole thing up. Or perhaps she made it up to mislead him, because Bryan, her crush from high school has suddenly turned up and is ready to fan the ambers of an old flame.

An excellent book 4 from Rickie Blair. I think I sort of enjoyed this all the more because it brings all the loose ends together and leaves few questions unanswered. Although it can be read as a standalone, do yourself a favour and start with the books in order - you will appreciate them all the more
126 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2018
Muddy Waters (Leafy Hollow Mysteries book 4) by Rickie Blair
Oh I happily sat down with this book to read Verity’s latest plans in her search for Aunt Adeline who had disappeared but Verity was positive she was still alive.. The weird screens in her basement gave her grief by not giving clear precise answers to her questions so she threw something and broke two computer screens! I would have done the same thing. She is backed by great friends including Lorne who works with her at Aunt Adeline’s gardening service and he doesn’t mind filling in and doing it all if she has to run off detecting. He goes out with Emy the wonderful shop owner who bakes mouthwatering desserts as well as other food Verity can’t resist. Emy is also Verity’s BFF in Leafy Hollow while Jeff the handsome Police Detective so far is only Verity’s boyfriend in her daydreams. They had yet to actually arrange even a date, let alone a kiss. For an idyllic country village, so far Verity had been caught up in a few murders and been given the reputation of village sleuth! These are just such enjoyable novels to read. I get a smile every time I begin a new one, this is number four and I have really liked the characters since book one, From Garden To Grave. I was given this ebook but the review is all my own. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,702 reviews28 followers
November 22, 2017
A fantastic 4th book in a fantastic cozy mystery series! This book is a must read!

This is the 4th book in a really fun to ready cozy mystery series that makes you crave for more as soon as you finish. Written with lots of twists and turns and red-herrings, put together brilliantly with humor! Will Verity be able to solve this one? No one believes her when she talks about what has happened and the strangeness of what is happening. Will Jeff actually believe her or will it be a wedge between their blooming romance. Will the appearance of Verity's long ago High School sweetheart thow a monkey wrench in her relationship with Jeff? And why did he show up after all these years and how did he actually find her? Will she finally get some answers about her aunt's disappearance? You must read this book to find out! I love this series and the growth of Verity's character throughout the 4 books in this series. I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are stricly my own.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
202 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2017
It's always fun spending time with Verity and her friends. This time the story focused more on the mysterious Control that's been more or less in the background of the previous books in the series. There's also an explanation as to why Verity and her aunt have the same last name. I know I'm not the only one who wondered about that.

I like that Verity's investigative skills get stronger with each book and that her involvement in the cases is becoming more and more natural. She also develops as a character with each book, which is nice to follow.

It was good to have some more solid information on Control and what they're all about. I think this was an important book for the series. However, I really hope the next book focuses a little more on a purely Leafy Hollow centered mystery. I look forward to continuing the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
969 reviews8 followers
January 8, 2018
This is the 4th book of the Leafy Hollow series. It is a fantastic series. In this book Verity is right in the middle of the craziness as usual! Someone is kidnapped and verity has to deliver the ransom. There is a murder, a bank robbery and lots of twists and turns. All Verity wants is to find her aunt alive and well but she is constantly embroiled in more and more immediate situations. Her ex boyfriend come back to interfere in her relationship with Jeff. As usual there is a lot of intrigue,, twists and turns and excitement with the quirky and funny characters of this little village! This book answers a lot of lingering questions from the previous books. The only thing I didn’t like is the fact that this book seems to conclude the series! I really hope I’m wrong because I loved this series! I highly recommend this book and all the books in this series.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 18, 2018
Her final case or will she manage to overcome the obstacles

Another great read. An abducted estate retailer leads our investigator into a abyss of of life changing finds. Mix in a plot to blow up a dam, the identity of Control, moles and her missing aunt for a roller coaster ride that will propel you through the book. The plot has numerous twists and turns that will leave you wondering who the real culprit is. The characters as always are as charming as ever and this book draws even more facets of their identity out. Will she now finally see her aunt again or will this be her final encore. A terrific read that you can read as part of the series or as a one off (but the underlying threads are better understood if you read the series). Recommended
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,991 reviews23 followers
July 2, 2020
This was my first Rickie Blair's book. This is the fourth installment in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries, a fun cozy mystery. I believe it is preferable to listen to this Series in order, so you won't miss anything. The characters are great and intriguing. The story is complex, well written, fun, entertaining, and captivating. The mystery unfolds at a great pace, filled with hilarious scenes, and unpredictable twists and turns. This is a great cozy mystery, and I enjoyed it. Petrea Burchard did an amazing job with the narration. She has a beautiful voice, easy to understand. She has a great range of voices. Looking forward to listen to the other installments in the Series. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for kathy.
1,524 reviews
August 7, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book! I did receive a free copy for a voluntary review which I am happy to provide. I have read the other previous books in this series and felt this book really answered a lot of questions I had simmering on the back burner! It was nice to see the general part of this series move forward and get some of my questions answered regarding Verity's Aunt!! I'm always happy reading about a love interest and Verity's special guy Jeff had some ups and downs in this book which were a bit touch and go but ending on a high note! I love all the main supporting characters in the town that I'm learning to love as much as Verity is learning to love living there. The setting is quaint, the characters are endearing and the plot moves along! Enjoy!
1,596 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2017
I enjoyed this charming and humorous cozy mystery with quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, twists, turns, and a touch of romance, set in Canada. I knew as soon as I started reading that I wouldn't be able to put the book down until I read the last word. I really like Verity Hawkes and her dynamic with the other characters especially police detective Jeff Katsuro. Even though this is the fourth book in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series, it is the first I have read and had no problem reading it as a standalone. I like it so much, I want to read all of the books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2017
I have to say, this book is the best one yet. It had a bit of a different feel to it, more gritty, but no less funny. And the addition of a new character made things very interesting. He always seemed to turn up at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

The Niagra Falls conspiracy was so Austen Powers, but it did add to the suspense in this book. The plot was excellent, equal parts amusing and tense. I so hope there are more books about Verity and her friends.

Recommended to everyone who loves a goos cosy-mystery as well as lots of humour.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,287 reviews98 followers
November 29, 2017
Verity Hawkes' memory isn't what it used to be....like it is gone. But she has moved on and things are going pretty good. She has a job she likes and developing a relationship with a detective that is easy on the eyes. But she has an ex-boyfriend who is an hinderance to her.Then there is a kidnapping and the kidnappers want her to handle the ransom. Something isn't adding up for her. Can she figure it out in time to save the victim and get the kidnappers? This sounds like a serious story, but it really is a light hearted fun read. I voluntarily reviewed ARC of this book The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Niken Widyastuti.
380 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2017
As always, this series really got to me. I loved Verity character. How she changed, evolved, from book one to now, book 4. I felt and rooted for her. The romance was (very) slowly built, yet it fit with Verity’s character.

The mystery story itself was a stand-alone, so not to worry, you could jump right in to this book. But believe me, you’ll want to read the previous books as well. You’ll enjoy it more. There were some additional information about Verity’s aunt as well, the over arching storyline.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this book very much.
1,514 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2017
Well Rickie Blair has done it again with cozy mysteries featuring our sometimes gardner sometimes super slueth( Variety Hawks )her friends by her side and the Handsome Detective Jeff watching her back she will solve another one. I never tire of reading these books couldn't put it down so for snyone who wonders if these books are good they are. So find out who the villan is will Variety find the Realtor or gasp well just read the book already. And this is and honest review for this book which i recieved as and ARC.
Profile Image for Sandra.
643 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2017
Part four of Verity's life in Leafy Hollow. She is going strong, more secure in herself and people aroung her, geting more and more settled to her life and keeping aunt's business above water and deepening her relationship with hot detective. She also gets involved in mysterious happening in her little town. Nothing and no one is who they seem to be. Full of twists and turns and developments you can not even begin to imagine, this book doesn't disappoint. I wish it had more funny situations as previous books had. Each book is like gettin together again with old friends.
6,044 reviews46 followers
November 22, 2017
Village a hotbed of criminal and spy activity. Jeff and Verity grow closer, but with complications.

Will Jeff trust and believe Verity?

Lorne grows bolder.

Kidnap, ransom, and murder.

What about Verity's aunt?

Is a high school beau more help or hinderance?
I originally received an advance copy of this book.

I'm a huge fan, so was also thrilled to buy the book during a great pre-order sale.

A fun new chapter in the crazy adventures of a small village not too far away from the Canada side of Niagra Falls.
1,062 reviews19 followers
November 25, 2017
Another fun and enjoyable reading Cozy mystery story by Rickie Blair in the continuing series of Leafy Hollow mysteries as the search for the missing aunt continues with suspenseful activities taking a rather unexpected turn. It is of course also the continuing story of the slow developing love between the two main characters. Once again it takes the nosiness of amateurs to help guide the police in their attempts to solve all the crimes covered between the pages of the book. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Denn.
510 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2017
Muddy Waters, book 4 of 4 in Rickie Blair's Leafy Hollow Mysteries, was confusing at times which kept me guessing the identity of the book's "baddie". I can't say I particularly liked the back and forth finger pointing occurring in my head but....what I can say is - thank goodness Verity's aunt materialized!

After reading and rereading all the mentions of Verity's missing aunt in the previous 3 books the commentary was getting old and annoying. Not sure I could handle the unresolved case of the missing aunt in another book. Fortunately, I didn't have to.
587 reviews
June 5, 2020
Verity gets a message that her missing aunt will be home soon, but she has no time to celebrate when the local Real Estate agent is kidnapped, an old high school boyfriend shows up and the Prime Minister calls her. Of course, there's a mystery or two, maybe three to solve and some trouble to get into. This is fun series, with unique characters, lots of action, suspense and humour. I will be checking out more books in this series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
November 21, 2017
The stories in this series are a little bit kooky but they are so much fun!! The characters in this series are priceless! From Verity, the main character, to Emy, her sidekick, to the 4 ft. tall lawyer who wants to be Mayor. Everybody in town is fairly kooky and loads of fun! Definitely not a thriller like Clancy or even James Patterson but lots like Evanovich's Stephanie Plum. A complete riot!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Nadine.
847 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2019
This was ok...not a favorite in the series. The characters are still great....I love the mishaps that happen to Verity, Emy and Lorne. There’s a bit of romance but not too much which I appreciate. The book was more about the “Control”
Which was just ok for me. It did tie up lose ends concerning Aunt Adeline. Now on to bigger and better things for Verity. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Happy Reading :)
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews99 followers
May 16, 2020
A missing aunt, a suspicious entity with technology in the basement, a probable kidnapping with the ransom money disappearing along with the banker, trouble for both our protagonist and her police detective boyfriend, and good friend who really do try to help. The publisher's blurb gives a good hook but doesn't give a clue as to the fun. I like the audios and Petrea Burchard really knows how to be a fantastic narrator!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews