Killer Green Tomatoes

Farm-to-Fork #2

by Lynn Cahoon

The time seems ripe for success as Angie Turner opens her farm-to-table restaurant in her Idaho hometown—until her new tomato supplier is accused of murder and Angie has to pick the real killer . . .
 
To Angie, nothing tastes more like summer than her Nona's fried green tomatoes. Eager to add the recipe to the menu at the County Seat, she's found the perfect produce supplier—her sous chef Estebe’s cousin, Javier. Just one problem: ladies’ man Javier’s current hot tomato Heather has turned up dead, and he’s the prime suspect. Somehow, between managing her restaurant and navigating a romantic triangle between Estebe and Ian, the owner/manager of the farmer's market, Angie needs to produce evidence to clear Javier—before this green tomato farmer gets fried . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2018

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes is the 2nd book the 'Farm-to-Fork Mystery' series by Lynn Cahoon. I read the first one last month, since I'm current on another of her series that I enjoy, and will read the next one soon. I want to be ready for the 4th book which releases at the end of the year. I enjoyed this second book about the same as the first one, which is always a good thing. I prefer the 'Cat Latimer' series, but this one is definitely growing on me--even if I don't like green tomatoes!

Angie and Felicia's new restaurant is finally open and doing well. Their head chef takes Angie to visit his cousin, a produce supplier. Angie wants to use his products, but the next time she hears from him, he's being interrogated for murdering his girlfriend. Soon after, he disappears. Although Angie doesn't want to get involved, she's drawn back into another investigation because her chef is busy trying to protect and find his cousin. It puts her at odds with the sheriff, then her neighbor takes a vacation, enlisting Angie to watch her elderly grandmother. Angie's life is way too busy to deal with everything, especially when a bunch of kooky customers start claiming she's two-timing Ian with her head chef and that she's stolen recipes from other people.

The main mystery was a little light for me. It had great potential, but it felt like a few links or scenes were missing to provide enough shock value and red herrings. Not a huge issue, as it was filled in with many side stores and humor... but as a mystery, I wanted something more complex. I guessed the villain a little too soon, yet at the same time, the books are shorter than most cozies, so there wasn't a lot of room for multiple suspects. That said, I really like the characters, setting, and writing.

Lynn Cahoon builds good stories and shares realistic dialog. Angie can be a bit rude or direct for my taste, but she's never mean. I've known people like that, so it feels like a nice comparison to reality, especially in the food and restaurant business. I look forward to the third book which I'll be ordering this evening. I hope to finish it next week, as I have a few other reads already included in my schedule.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon is the second installment of the cozy Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. In this series Angie Turner has moved back to her hometown in rural Idaho after her grandmother's passing and opened up a new restaurant, the County Seat.

A month has passed since Angie helped find the person who murdered Old Man Moss, the local dairy farmer and Angie really hoped she'd be out of the sleuthing business with a restaurant to run. However, Angie's sous chef Estebe comes to her for help when his cousin, Javier, is accused of murder.

While Javier is not known around town as perfect boyfriend material Heather got the idea into her head that she and Javier were an item so when her body is found all signs point to Javier as a suspect. Angie however doesn't think Javier actually committed the murder so she agrees to poke around town to see what she can come up with.

Having read both books in this series I do believe this one got even better than the first and I quite liked it too. Angie is a likable character with strong family values, there are cute critters galore being in a farming community, Angie's elderly neighbor is always good for a few chuckles, for the foodies there's all kinds of dishes and there's plenty of suspects to keep one guessing on the mystery side of things. Count me in as a fan of the series as I will definitely be waiting for book three in the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun amateur sleuthing time for Angie. I love the dog on the cover so much! Big, fluffy and slobbery! RTC

What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ an unexpected guest that's a handful
~ victim’s name is Heather 😱
~ a witty boyfriend

Narration notes:
She does a really good job differentiating her voices, for men too.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I have never been a fan of fried green tomatoes but I am a fan of this story.

Angie Turner’s farm to fork restaurant is becoming a big success. She wants to add her Nona’s fried green tomatoes to her menu and sous chef, Estebe Blackstone, tells her he has the perfect supplier, his cousin, Javier. Estebe takes her to his farm to check things out. Javier is not what she suspected, he’s a bit of a “player”, a flirt, thinks he God’s gift to women, but his produce is fantastic so she places her first order. Shortly thereafter, Javier’s current girlfriend is dead and he is the police’s #1 suspect. He begs Angie to help him clear his name. She doesn’t want to get involved but again she ends up right in the middle of the investigation.

We meet more of Estebe and Javier’s family and Angie’s steps up to take care of her elderly neighbor while her granddaughter takes a vacation. Mrs. Potter is not a very happy houseguest and adds more stress to Angie’s life. I applaud Angie, she kept her wits about her and her sense of humor. I don’t think I would have handled things half as well. As for the Blackstone family, they are planning for the Basque Festival in Boise. It is a very important event for the family. Estebe has taken the week off from the restaurant and has invited all the staff to come for a special breakfast.

I don’t know how Ms. Cahoon packs so much into these pages. The characters are well defined including Dom, Angie’s growing St. Bernard puppy, Mabel, a black and white chicken and Precious, the goat. The mystery is well plotted out and the setting is wonderfully described. The romance between Ian and Angie is comfortable and doesn’t overtake the mystery. The pace is quick too. I was unable to set the book down, I read it all in one sitting.

I am really enjoying this new series from Lynn Cahoon. I am excited for One Potato, Two Potato, Dead coming March 19, 2019.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll want to book your reservations to the County Seat well in advance for a nice table with a great view while you enjoy a batch of Chef Angie Turner’s fried green tomatoes! Angie and her friend/co-partner, Felicia, have their new restaurant running smoothly when head sous chef, Estebe takes a leave of absence after a family member, Javier, is accused of murder and jailed. Author Lynn Cahoon scatters seeds of doubt among the cast of characters who come and go through the doors of the County Seat. As one family wars for control of a legacy, the guilty wilt and show their hand under the pressure the sheriff and Angie put them under.

Fresh as rain the springtime, this fast moving plot grows on you, and there are bushels of clues to sift through. I adore Angie’s St. Bernard puppy, Dominic, who is one of her protectors, along with her boyfriend, Ian. Neighbor, Mrs. Potter, provides lots of chuckles as she moves over and spends a week with Angie and they comically ‘speak a different language’! 😊 Farm living is one of the ‘in’ themes for cozy mystery’s, and I’m sure enjoying this tasty series!

I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Thank you.

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes is the second installment in this fast paced and fun series.

Angie just connected with a new supplier for her farm-to-table restaurant when the owner is suspected of killing his girlfriend and disappears. Since he is related to her sous chef Estebe she agrees to ask a few questions....

When her neighbour asks her to take care of her elderly mother it leads to some complications and some good chuckles.

Lots of twists and turns and some serious fun had me glued to the pages. I had a great time reading this book.

I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with a copy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read Killer Green Tomatoes, the second in the Farm to Fork mystery series. Lynn is a great author and I loved this complex mystery. Main Character Angie, has a huge heart and a community minded business. Not only is she running a successful new restaurant, she is navigating small town life, new relationships and creating a family from those who she spends the most time with. I love her fury sidekicks and curious mind. Great story from start to finish. Loved it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angie Turner finally finds a local supplier for fresh grown tomatoes. She's ecstatic because local produce is vital to her Farm-To-Fork restaurant, County Seat. Her happiness is a bit short-lived however, when Javier is arrested for murder. His girlfriend has been murdered and local law enforcement think he did it. Not only is Javier her new produce supplier, but also the cousin of Estebe, one of her kitchen staff. Angie loves her staff like family, so she agrees to help clear Javier's name.

Killer Green Tomatoes is the second book in the Farm-To-Fork cozy mystery series. I love the concept of a restaurant that serves only locally sourced produce and meats, so this is an enjoyable new cozy series for me. I like Angie as a main character. She is intelligent and a bit feisty, but a kind boss. The side characters all blend well to make the background theme of small-town Idaho and a farm-to-plate restaurant work well. The background theme doesn't over power the mystery, but helps build the plot. I like Lynn Cahoon's other cozies -- The Tourist Trap and Cat Latimer series -- and this newest series does not disappoint.

The mystery is nicely paced and interesting, with plenty of sleuthing required and a few twists. I'm definitely going to read more of this series. It provided me with a nice, relaxing evening of reading.
Plus the recipe for Fried Zucchini at the end of the book sounds amazing! There is no recipe for fried green tomatoes, but the traditional southern dish is mentioned several times during the story. I'm now motivated to try my hand at cooking some up before the end of the summer season. I've lived in the south for 15 years and have never tried the dish before. It will be an adventure!

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes is a great addition to the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. In fact, I think it is better than the first one. Lynn always does a great job creating a cast of recurring characters in her small town cozies. This one is especially fun to read with all the good food prepared by Chef Angie Turner and her kitchen staff at the County Seat in small town River Vista, Idaho where she purchases local produce and dairy products. Her best friend and business partner, Felicia, runs the front of the restaurant and helps make the running of everything go smoothly. Angie has a new boyfriend in Ian, who works with the local farmers and their co-op. Everything is going smoothly until Javier, a cousin of her sous chef, Estebe, is accused of murdering his girlfriend. Estebe is out of the restaurant this week working with the Basque Festival going on in Boise. Even though, she doesn't want to get involved with the investigation, especially with Ian's uncle, Sheriff Brown warning her to stay away from it, it seems that she does anyway. Throughout dealing with that situation, she is torn between the restaurant duties and her guest for the week. Mrs. Potter from across the street is visiting while her granddaughter, Erica is on a vacation. An old friend of Angie's Nona, she is quite a character.
This is another winner by Lynn Cahoon where you can expect a pool of suspects, twists and turns, fun repeat characters with some mean girls thrown in, great storyline, danger and an ending that I didn't see coming.
I received a complimentary of copy from Lyrical Underground and Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions stated are mine only.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: July 3, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 4 stars

Recommended Read

Lynn Cahoon is still a fairly new author to me, but she is quickly climbing into one of my favorite cozy authors. Her characters just seem to speak to me. They are realistic, relatable, and easy to love. The mysteries aren't cheesy like some cozies out there, and are fun to solve right along with the characters. My only issue, and really it's an issue with all cozies not just this one, is that the murders are a bit far fetched. Finding a murdered person once is a tragedy. Finding them twice, three times, and more is just unbelievable. Especially in a small town that hasn't had any in decades. I get that it's all part of the fun, and honestly I like how easy it is to fall into these mystery and solve the case, but they are still improbable to actually occur in the real world.

With that, this is another impressive cozy from Lynn Cahoon and I would recommend it to anyone who has read the first book in the series. I wouldn't recommend starting it wherever you want in the series because the characters are introduced in book one and you;ll learn about them, their business, and how they came to be.

Perfect for Fans of ...
➜ Book 1, Who Moved My Goat Cheese? (https://amzn.to/2sHXHa5)
➜ Culinary Cozies
➜ Food
➜ Amateur Sluthes
➜ Small Town Mysteries

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next book (2nd) in Farm to Fork did not disappoint as all of Lynn Cannon' stories are good. Annie with her best friend, Felicia have open their restaurant. Their employees are working together but her sous chef Estebe is planning to help with Basque festival for a week. Information on the Basque culture was intriguing. Annie has agreed to help her neighbor with her elderly Mother, by hosting Mrs. Potterfor a week. There are some funny scenes caused by Mrs. Potter actions. Heather, an acquaintance is found murdered in the alley. Estebe's cousin is the only suspect in the death. Annie gets involved to clear Javier. The goat, pig, chickens, the dog are again present. Annie affair with Ian is ongoing. I highly recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: Many Thanks to Lyrical Underground or a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2 stars

‘Killer Green Tomatoes’ is the second book in Lynn Cahoon’s 'Farm-to-Fork' cozy mystery series. I gave it two stars, which for me means that it was okay. I haven’t read book one in the series yet, but I was really looking forward to reading this book set in rural Idaho. I was hoping that location would take a more prominent part in the book, but really this could have been set in almost any rural location for the small amount of time devoted to fleshing out the setting. That was a disappointment.

Angie Turner owns the new hot restaurant in town, the ‘County Seat’. She and her business partner Felicia have finally put together a well-functioning team both in the front and back of the house. Angie’s Basque sous chef, Estebe’s cousin Javier, is accused of murder when his girlfriend, Heather is found stabbed to death in the alley between the County Seat and the neighboring bar.

Estebe asks Angie for help in solving Heather’s murder. So between trying to find clues to Heather’s murder; keeping her restaurant humming; updating her beloved Nona’s recipes for use in the restaurant; and having her prickly elderly neighbor, Mrs. Potter stay with her for a week; Angie has her hands full. She’s also trying to find time to spend with her new boyfriend, Ian, and fight off the gossip-monger’s rumors that she’s two-timing Ian with Estebe.

Whew, that sounds like a busy plot, but the pace was too slow for me. There were lots of scenes about feeding the chicken and the goat, and keeping the St Bernard puppy, Dom, exercised. The secondary characters fell flat. Even Angie’s relationship with her boyfriend was stilted and without much warmth. On the plus side, I didn’t guess the whodunit element. The actual murderer surprised me. That’s always good in a mystery!


Thank-you to NetGalley; Lyrical Underground (an imprint of Kensington Publishing); and the author, Lynn Cahoon; for providing a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes
Farm-To-Fork Mystery, Book #2
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The time seems ripe for success as Angie Turner opens her farm-to-table restaurant in her Idaho hometown—until her new tomato supplier is accused of murder and Angie has to pick the real killer . . .

To Angie, nothing tastes more like summer than her Nona's fried green tomatoes. Eager to add the recipe to the menu at the County Seat, she's found the perfect produce supplier—her sous chef Estebe’s cousin, Javier. Just one problem: ladies’ man Javier’s current hot tomato Heather has turned up dead, and he’s the prime suspect. Somehow, between managing her restaurant and navigating a romantic triangle between Estebe and Ian, the owner/manager of the farmer's market, Angie needs to produce evidence to clear Javier—before this green tomato farmer gets fried . . .

Praise for Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries

“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries

“Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder.”
—Fresh Fiction (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. I like that all of the people working at the County Seat, Angie and Felicia’s restaurant, are like family instead of employees. You can tell that they care about and really like each other. It is not surprising that Angie wants to help find the killer of her sous chef’s cousins girlfriend, even though she swore she has hanging up her sleuthing shoes. Ian, her boyfriend, is a good guy and their relationship is moving along nicely. And I really enjoyed Angie’s houseguest and the way they interacted, it was sweet and added another aspect to the story. I feel like I could be friends with this cast of characters. And I loved all the animals that were included in this book.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I was pulled into the story from the very first. There was plenty of talk about food (Angie does own a restaurant) but it was not so overwhelming that it took over the story. There is even a recipe in the back of the book for the reader to try if they are so inclined.

There are two mysteries to solve: a murder and a kidnapping. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. Throw is some twists and turn and red herrings and they are not easily solved. I had part of it right but not completely.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters and well plotted murder make for a great read.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. In this second book in the Farm-To-Fork Mysteries, Angie Turner is diligently trying to add more dishes and get more suppliers for her restaurant. When her sous chef, Estebe tells her about his cousin Javier and the family farm, they head off to see what produce he had available. Javier is quite the womanizer and tries to make time with Angie. When Javier’s girlfriend, Heather, turns up dead, he is the prime suspect as they had just had a major, public argument in the local bar. Estebe asks Angie for help and she can’t turn him down.

This is a fun series with great characters. Angie is a smart, loyal, friendly chef and friend. She has a small farm with a goat, chicken and her dog. They are a hoot with actual personalities that add fun to the story. Angie’s neighbours across the street add a much of the humor to the book. Mrs. Potter plays a much bigger role in the story this time as she actually moves in with Angie for a week. The plot moves quickly and the mystery is solved in a very believable way. I love the small town vibe, the rumor mill that has Angie stepping out on her beau Ian, and the colourful characters. Another wonderful addition to this series that cozy mystery lovers are sure to enjoy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was in food service, I know I'd want to work at a place exactly like the County Seat. Angie and Felicia are the best bosses. They have their employees' respect by being firm but treating them like family. I love the monthly dinners they hold and talk around the table like a real family.

When a relative of one of the restaurant family members was accused of killing his girlfriend, Angie was talked into investigating. Sheriff Brown was always a fairly nice guy when it came to her investigating. It seems like he was more concerned with her personal safety than her scooping him on catching a killer. There was a side mystery along with the murder when the murder suspect went missing. Angie came face to face with the killer in an exciting but quick showdown. Everyone should have a neighbor like Mrs. Potter!

I have the next book in the series and hope to get to it sooner than I got to this one. I've quickly grown to like these main characters, and I'm happy with where Angie and Ian are in their dating friendship.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Good characters. Really enjoyed the first book in the series, this didn't grab me as much as the first book did but will definitely give book 3 a shot.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

KILLER GREEN TOMATOES by Lynn Cahoon is the second book in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series and is a worthy addition to a delightful series. Protagonist Angie Turner owns the County Seat restaurant with her best friend, Felicia, in the small town of River Vista, Idaho. Angie’s life centers on preparing delicious food and treating her employees like family. In fact, there is a very strong theme of family that is woven into both the plot and the subplots of the book, from her employees, to her elderly neighbors, to her adorable pets. You can’t help but love her giant St. Bernard puppy, Dom! I also greatly enjoyed the descriptions of food and cooking and how it connects families and friends together. Ms. Cahoon also provides an emotional connection between Angie and her deceased grandmother by involving recipes passed down. I loved her idea of creating a cookbook from those handwritten, food stained treasured papers!

With characters you can love and relate to, the story also contains a well-written mystery. When Angie’s sous-chef’s cousin is accused of murder and then disappears, Estebe begs her to find him and clear his name. The author weaves in bits and pieces about the Basque culture and the festival organized by Estebe’s family. There were plenty of suspects and a strong plot that kept the pace flowing and the conclusion wrapped up the threads of the subplots nicely. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first book in this series then you are going to want to add this one to your to be read list. I always enjoy a books from author Lynn Cahoon. She creates diverse characters that appeal to all readers and Angie is no different. She is a likable characters and one I can relate to - probably because we both have type A personalities. The secondary cast of characters are fun and we can see growth already, as we get to know some of them a bit better in this book. Angie's romance with Ian is progressing slowly, which I like as it gives us more insight into her personality.

The mystery was solid and woven throughout the book from the beginning to the end. There are two different yet related crimes so there are clues peppered throughout the story. I did guess one of the culprits but not the other, which was revealed in a dramatic conclusion.

I always finish a book by this author having been entertained and looking forward to the next release. This book was no different.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon is the second story in A Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. Angie Turner is the co-owner as well as the head chef at County Seat. She has been trying to recreate her Nona’s fried green tomato recipe for the restaurant, but she has yet to get it exactly right. Estebe Blackstone, Angie’s sous chef, knowing that Angie is looking for good produce suppliers recommends Pamplona Farms which is run by his cousin, Javier Easterly. Javier is quite the flirt and is known for his rotating girlfriends. The produce, though, is exceptional and Angie is excited to create new dishes for the County Seat with the fresh veggies. One day Estebe gets a call at work from an agitated Javier. His latest girlfriend, Heather was found murdered behind the Red Eye Saloon after a very public disagreement. Javier is accused of the crime and Estebe asks Angie for her assistance. Angie will need to work in her investigating in between managing the restaurant, filling in for Estebe, making sure her farm animals get fed and taking care of her temporary roommate. Erica, Mrs. Potter’s granddaughter, has the chance to take a vacation in Cabo, but she needs someone to take care of Mrs. Potter. Angie agrees to watch out of for her elderly neighbor despite her misgivings. Angie is in for a busy and entertaining week. Things are heating up and Angie needs to be careful or she will get burned.

I enjoyed reading Killer Green Tomatoes. I like the author’s conversational writing style and the engaging characters that she created. Angie is a smart, hardworking woman who is getting her new business off the ground. I find Angie to be a likeable and relatable main character with her unusual pets of Mabel, the chicken and Precious, the goat as well as the lovable, Dom (her St. Bernard puppy). Mrs. Harriet Potter is a delightful addition to the series. I am glad that she had a more prominent role in Killer Green Tomatoes. Mrs. Potter provided levity with her well-meaning antics (you will have to read the book to find out what I mean). Angie’s romance with Ian is progressing. I appreciate that the author is not rushing their relationship. They are taking the time to get to know each other. Working in time for dates is difficult, though, with their busy schedules and the pesky murders. The mystery was well-plotted and is woven throughout the story. The author manages to combine the cozy and mystery elements, so they are balanced. If you are an avid reader of cozy mysteries (like me), then you will not have a problem arriving at the solution. There are many cozy moments in Killer Green Tomatoes with friendship, animals, cooking, romance, mishaps, creating new recipes and, of course, eating. I like how everyone who works at the restaurant comes together for a meal each week. It gives all the workers a chance to try the food and get to know each other. Killer Green Tomatoes can be read as a standalone. Personally, I would read Who Moved My Goat Cheese? prior to Killer Green Tomatoes. It will allow you to see the development of the characters and the restaurant. My rating for Killer Green Tomatoes is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is a recipe for fried green tomatoes at the end of the book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I hadn't read the first book in the series but it was easy to jump right into small-town life in River Vista, Idaho. Angie Turner has returned to her hometown to open a successful restaurant, The County Seat, with her business partner Felicia. While seeking locally-sourced foods to serve, she travels to a local farm with her sous chef, Estebe, and meets his cousin Javier. They are members of a prominent Basque family. Javier has a reputation as a "ladies man." He is accused of murder when a girl who has been seen around town with him is found murdered in the alley between the bar and the County Seat. Estebe's family pleads with Angie to find the real killer, as they can't believe Javier would commit such a crime.

The story also combines Angie's responsibility of caring for her friend's elderly grandmother in Angie's home, which provides some moments of comic relief and also frustration. I also enjoyed the development of Angie's romance with Ian, though I quickly tired of seemingly every person inquiring of their future plans as a couple. Overall, the mystery was well-plotted and kept me engaged and entertained throughout the whole book. I look forward to the next book in the series and I have also started book one in the series, "Who Moved My Goat Cheese?"


** Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I preferred the first one in the series, as this one seemed to drag a bit, but it was still a tasty read.

[Carlymor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Lynn Cahoon is a favorite author. I really love her Tourist Trap mystery series and it looks like this Farm to Fork series is going to be another favorite. Angie is once again involved in a murder mystery when sous chef Estebe’s cousin Javier is accused of murdering his girlfriend. Mrs. Potter from across the street stays with Angie while her granddaughter is out of town, creating some personal drama for Angie. Angie has been trying to replicate her grandmother’s fried green tomatoes recipe and Lynn Cahoon does a wonderful job of relating how food can bring back cherished memories. The mystery is good, and the returning characters are very interesting and likable. I’m looking forward to the next entry.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, fast paced book. The author does a wonderful job penning a story that is so believable, you will think you are sitting at The County Seat, eating a meal prepared by Angie and Estebe.
This story revolves around Estebe and his cousin Javier, who is a suspect in his girlfriend's murder.
There are many twists and turns in the story as well as the background stories.
I found myself reading well into the night because I couldn't put Killer Green Tomatoes down.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the farm to fork series. I love the concept of a farm to table restaurant. Angie's new produce supplier is found dead. The police think Angie's chef and the suppliers cousin is the killer. Angie doesn't believe Estebe is a killer so she starts investigating. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the mystery was good and I love all the characters.

[T K Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to please me. Believable characters doing believable things. Relationships developing nicely whether it’s the kitchen staff working together, boyfriend and girlfriend progressing slowly into a couple as would happen in reality (rather than the pattern so often in cozies), or neighbors building on a veeeery longstanding familial history. The main characters are strong women each written with a distinct personality who are wonderfully supportive and understanding of each other.

The author weaves together the day to day requirements of running a business with what’s necessary for Angie to live her life and take care of her various animals. This time around we are treated to the aging Mrs Potter from across the street as a house guest for a week. And of course, the murder mystery which Angie is reluctantly drawn into.

There are enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing without needing a scorecard to keep the characters straight. Not an easy task for an author to do. Another well written, easy to read addition to this series. I look forward to reading the next.

I read the kindle edition and have to guess the editor/proofreader relies a wee bit too heavily on spellcheck. The multiple errors I noticed were words, just not a correct word that should appear in the instance. Also thought it was odd that the included recipe was for fried zucchini. I respect the author’s comment that in her family tomatoes were canned rather than fried but still seemed an odd choice.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much going on in this book that you cannot put it down. I had never read this author before, but now I'm going to get book one and then continue into the future.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Lynn Cahoon’s second book of the Farm-to-Fork series, titled Killer Green Tomatoes, Angie and Felicia are beginning to hit their groove with the rest of the restaurant staff. The County Seat is a popular place to eat, with reservations needing to be secured well in advance.

Angie soon finds she has more than she can chew, though, when she has her elderly neighbor for a house guest and Estebe, her sous chef, has family involved in a murder and disappearance.

I really enjoyed the difficulties between Angie and Mrs. Potter. (Sorry, Angie!) They made for very realistic, yet hilarious times.

The portrayal of the Basque people was very tasteful and sensitive to a group very proud of their heritage.

In this book, we start to see the inner connectivity of people in the town. Several attitudes and actions are based upon someone’s protectiveness or love for another. This is actually true for multiple characters. Small town living, as Angie rediscovers, has both its joys and its jinxes.

Things one may not like: some may figure out the murderer, but there were enough twists that I was ultimately surprised. Sex was mentioned quite a bit. However, true to cozy form, there were no bedroom scenes.

Bottom line, I enjoyed this book, as Angie and Felicia and their crew really start to become their own “work family.”

I gratefully received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, for which I am responsible. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Green Tomatoes is the second book in Lynn Cahoon’s Farm-to-Fork Mystery Series. The well-developed characters are fun and likeable and the story flows smoothly at a steady pace. The mystery is well plotted and interesting. The story has a nice mix of investigating, friendship, and a little romance. This entertaining book kept me guessing right to the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Angie Turner and her best friend, Felicia Williams, recently opened a farm-to-table restaurant, The County Seat, in Angie’s hometown, River Vista, Idaho. Angie is the head chef and in charge of the kitchen staff and Felicia, who lives in the apartment above The County Seat, is in charge of the front of the restaurant, the servers, and bar. They have a great staff and the restaurant has been well received. Angie wants to add an appetizer of fried green tomatoes to The County Seat’s menu and searches for the perfect recipe. Angie lives in the farmhouse she inherited from her grandmother, , and has three animals that she cares for: Dom, a St. Bernard puppy, Mable, Nona’s lone surviving black-and-white chicken, and Precious, a newly born goat she met at Gerald Moss’s farm before he was murdered. Angie has been seeing Ian McNeal, the owner/manager of the River Vista Farmers’ Market and an organizer and activist for the community. Erica, Mrs. Potter’s granddaughter, asks Angie if she’d watch her grandmother while she goes to Cabo for a week with her study group. The grumps, but wise Mrs. Potter moves into Angie’s house and Angie hopes she hasn’t bitten off more than she can chew.

Estebe Blackstone, the sous chef, suggests his cousin’s farm as a possible produce supplier and takes Angie to Pamplona Farms to meet Javier Easterly and she’s impressed with his produce. When Javier’s current girlfriend, Heather, is murdered behind the Red Eye Saloon, he becomes the prime suspect. Estebe asks Angie to talk to Javier and help clear his name. Sheriff Allen Brown isn’t happy when Angie starts asking questions in her attempt to identify the murderer and locate Javier, who suddenly disappeared.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Un'altra bella storia. Credevo di aver capito ben presto chi fosse il colpevole, poi ho scoperto che avevo capito e risolto solo metà del mistero...
Mi piacciono la protagonista e il gruppo di comprimari che l'affianca. E vorrei tanto poter cenare nel suo ristorante... Ogni volta che nel libro si parla di cibo, l'autrice riesce a farmi venire l'acquolina in bocca. E io non sono una molto sofisticata riguardo al cibo, basta che un piatto mi piaccia, solitamente non faccio molta attenzione a cosa mangio, anche se nel corso degli anni ci sono stati dei momenti culinari che mi sono rimasti impressi.