Chicken Culprit

Backyard Farming Mystery #1

by Vikki Walton

Check Out the First Book in the New Backyard Farming Mystery Series CHICKEN CULPRIT

Finally healing after her heart-breaking divorce, Anne Freemont is ready to put the painful past behind her.

Discovering an old Victorian for sale in the small mountain town of Carolan Springs may be just what she needs. The beauty of Colorado beckons, so Anne heads west to start her new life.

Yet, before Anne'scompletely settled in, her neighbor is found dead in his compost pile. What’s worse is that Anne’s quirky young neighbor, Kandi Jenkins, could be the killer. When Kandi begs for her help, Anne feels she has no choice but to help the young woman.

However, she finds herself quickly at odds with the local sheriff. And while she uncovers more of the community's secrets, she's also exploring her awakening feelings for Sam Powers, the town's deputy coroner.

Once Anne starts looking at who could be the real killer, the suspect list keeps getting longer and longer. It seems that Carolan Springs is a place of many secrets. But who would want to murder Ralph and who’s willing to kill again to keep their secret?

Cast of Characters Stewart Rogers: Ralph’s nephew who’s always turning up unexpectedly. Hope Boswell: Doctor and herbalist who’s come home to care for her ailing mother. Faith Boswell: Dealing with early onset dementia, she still has what some call second sight. Eliza de French: An Ethiopian woman whose beauty hides an ugly secret. Jeff Jenkins: Kandi’s goal-oriented husband who often travels for work. ˃˃˃ First Book in The Backyard Farming Cozy Mystery Series

Chicken Culprit introduces us to Anne Fremont, a divorcee starting over in the fictional town of Carolan Springs, Colorado. With a diverse cast of characters, the locale isn’t short of personalities and suspects.

With a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor that women of a certain age can relate to, Chicken Culprit takes a look at love, loss and the impact of the past in our lives.

˃˃˃ Q&A with the Author

1. Why did you decide to write a mystery series around homesteading?

Mysteries have always been my favorite genre since I received my first set of Nancy Drew books. When I finally decided to write my own I knew I wanted to write about something I love and that’s homesteading or backyard farming. I live in the suburbs but our landscaping is a combination of permaculture food guilds, gardens and Xeriscape. We have chickens and are beekeepers. My chicken, Rusty, was a character in her own right. Now she’s one in my first book.

2. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start backyard farming?

Decide what you want the most and do that first. Then add to it. Don’t do too much at once. You can use the simple quiz on my website to help determine the top three things for your havenstead.

3. What’s a havenstead?

I believe that your home should be your haven. Homesteading has been around for hundreds of years. Now you can create your own havenstead.

4. Can you give us a glimpse into the next book?

Sure! Someone and possibly a couple of someone’s are going to die. It will feature another part of homesteading and that’s around the food production side of things. In this case the main star will be the elderberry plant. The book after that will feature bees.

5.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Animals, Adult, Amazon

434 pages, ebook

Published February 12, 2018

About the author

Vikki Walton is the best-selling author of the cozy mystery series, A Backyard Farming series. She is also the author of the Taylor Texas series, and Viviane's Adventures series.
In addition to writing cozy mysteries, she is the author of nonfiction books.
Vikki loves spending time either in her garden or visiting gardens on her travels. She loves animals so you'll usually find some animals in most of her stories.
Vikki currently lives in the beautiful state of Colorado.
You can sign up to receive updates and news about new releases, book deals, and giveaways through https://vikkiwalton.com
You can also find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VikkiWaltonA...

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a frequent cozy mystery reader and often search out new series. When Vikki Walton's new 'Backyard Farming' mystery series fell into my lap, I jumped on the chance to read the first book, Chicken Culprit: (Backyard Farming Mystery Series) (Cozy Mystery). Walton is a new author for me, but one I enjoyed getting to know. In this caper, a ~40ish woman moves to a small Colorado town known for homesteading. As the story evolves, we learn she has a lot more connections to it than we originally thought -- always makes for a good mystery. I'll leave it at that so the suspense grabs you enough to check it out. I give this debut caper 3.5 out of 5 stars and will gladly continue reading the series.

Walton notes a sort of tongue-in-cheek approach to the story, which I definitely see in the style and humor. At first, it threw me off a little but I settled into the tone eventually welcoming the approach as an easy and enjoyable read. The main character has a strong personality and doesn't hide her concern over some of the interesting / wacky neighbors she meets, including a potential chicken killer, then a real killer, and a girl who says 'like' as often as any Valley Girl I've met before. (And that's quite a few!) I like to learn when I read a cozy mystery, hence why it needs a catchy theme. This is my first farming book where I can gain some useful information if I ever move to the country (a distinct possibility!).

I can't speak too much about the characters without giving away critical information, but there are several fun twists which I didn't expect. There's a bit of culture and life-experience more than I've seen before in a cozy, but I liked it a lot. I found the banter between the sheriff and the main character, Anne, amusing. Sometimes I think he's a meanie, other times, he has potential. All-in-all, there's a good level of diversity and range in the characters. Walton has a few things to work out with the setting and relationships in the book, but it's off to a promising start.

Kudos to a new series. I look forward to checking out more.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many things I enjoy about cozies. I like meeting all of the quirky characters. The stories are usually set in small towns. I live in one and can relate. And the mysteries, while mostly murders, aren’t gruesome.

Anne Freemont hasn’t even had time to settle into the old Victorian she just purchased before she’s tangled up in the murder of her neighbor. While not a suspect herself, a young woman she’s become friends with is the main suspect and begs her to help clear her name. Having no idea how to go about it, the town rallies and they all put on their sleuthing caps.

I easily connected with Anne. Moving from a bustling city to a small town takes getting used to. Everyone knows each other’s business and don’t hesitate to butt into hers. When her new friend, Kandi, is arrested for murder and asks her for help, I found it a fresh angle that she has no idea where to start. Most cozies have the character diving in enthusiastically, having some ideas on how to go about it. Anne has none. Luckily, she has a secret that helps her.

The friendship between Anne and Kandi is a fun one. Years separate them but they have a lot of common interests. Kandi’s use of the work like in every other sentence drives Anne nuts but they soon find it a source of amusement.

The small town of Carolan Springs is filled with a slew of interesting characters. How they welcomed Anne into their midst was comical and heart warming. Anne recognizes that being a newcomer might help her in her investigation as she might notices things that the residents, being so familiar with each other, might not. A fresh set of eyes and ears you might say.

The mystery is a tough one. I usually spot a few bread crumbs, but didn’t catch one this time. When the author finally reveals what happened, I was caught completely by surprise. Never saw it coming.

And I really liked the ending. Some might think it was sappy, but I thought it was precious.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Loved this cozy so much! Great mystery,small town living,with people you would love to have for neighbors. Beautifully written! Highly recommend to all cozy lovers!

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars
Series: A Backyard Farming Mystery #1
Publication Date: 2/12/18

This was my first time reading Vikki Walton and I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if the series will continue with characters from this book or if there will be new characters and locations with each new book. I hope that it will be the same characters because I like them very much and because I like a nice romance to go with my mysteries, and this book didn’t have any romance at all. It would be nice to see the main character grow into a nice romance rather than this being the only book containing this particular set of characters.

Anne Freemont is in her forties and is now divorced from an abusive spouse. She is beginning a new life in a lovely, small Colorado town. Anne begins meeting her new neighbors almost immediately when she hears a loud argument and screaming near her new home. When she goes out to check on what is happening, she finds an older gentleman holding a chicken and an ax, and a young woman crying and begging him not to harm her chicken. What an introduction to a new town and a new neighborhood!

Days later Anne is disturbed again, by screaming coming from the same neighbor’s yard. This time, the older man is lying on his compost heap – dead – and the young woman is crouching over him screaming. Could this lovely, lively, and very likable young woman have murdered the crotchety older man? Anne is sure she could not have done it, but all of the evidence points toward her.

There is more than one mystery in the book. There is the haunted and beautiful African-American woman, Kandi’s husband Jeff and, of course, who killed Ralph Rogers. You’ll find the answers to all of those mysteries if you choose to read this lovely book. You will also see the possibility for romance between Anne and the local sheriff and/or Sam, the paramedic and assistant-coroner.

While the resolution to the murder mystery was satisfactory, I felt the ending of the book was a bit lame and contrived. There was no point to it and it only made me scratch my head in what was otherwise a nicely written, well plotted and satisfying mystery.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Eline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chicken culprit became chicken victim.

It’s a cozy mystery but suddenly took a very dark twist at the end.
Some things weren’t really quite believable, like the behavior of some characters for example.
Good plot 👍

[Pat Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful!

Anne finds herself in love with an entire town. I liked Kandi’s funny take on life. The description of the town and it’s people was enticing.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chicken Culprit is more than your usual cozy mystery.
It has suspense,twists and turns amidst small town Colorado
My favorite was the different ways of suburban homesteading and the endearing characters.
This book is recommended for those that love cozy mysteries.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super cheesy until close to the end and then gets dark and deals with human trafficking. Not consistent at all with the tone of the book. Terrible

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at https://bit.ly/2HHbUu5

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but was intrigued enough by the cover and description to try this new-to-me author, and I’m so glad I did! Chicken Culprit is uniquely different from other cozy mysteries that I’ve read and I love Vikki Walton’s fresh voice and style. With this first book in her homesteading series, she has created a setting and community of characters that feel real and I’m very eager for more. In short, Chicken Culprit is a story with lots of heart and it goes on my favorites list.

The author’s writing flows smoothly across the page, with a ready wit that I enjoyed. Carolan Springs, Colorado, has a small-town feel that is beautifully conveyed. Whether it was Anne’s Victorian house, Kandi’s home next door, or Hope’s medical practice in the town, I was quickly transported into the Carolan Springs community. I wasn’t familiar with the theme of homesteading, or backyard farming, and found it fascinating as well as informative.

The well-crafted mystery had an emotional touch and, like Anne, I pretty much suspected everybody and loved how it all unfolded. But the strength of this story is one of character depth and relationships, setting it apart from most typical cozy mysteries. Anne is a strong and appealing protagonist with a compelling backstory. And Kandi, her sweet neighbor who can’t help interjecting the word “like” into almost every sentence, is absolutely precious. The friendship between these two drives the story, making it unforgettable. There’s one scene that I found especially moving – the town’s welcome party for Anne.

I enjoyed everything about Chicken Culprit, a gem in the cozy mystery field, and am eager for more stories. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps You Guessing

The first book of this series is wonderful! There were so many twists, turns, tears, and red herrings that I was guessing until the very last page! Even the way the death actually occurred and who was responsible was a complete surprise.

I appreciated how this story took place over a longer period of time than most cozy mysteries. It made for rich character development. I also enjoyed the unexpected friendship that propelled the story forward, looking for the truth, rather than a sense of extreme urgency.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never been to Colorado and was easily pulled in and felt as if that was the state I was in while reading this book. This is a cozy mystery with some twist that wasn't expected but yet glad to be seen. Love the smooth writing skills of the author and the feel of wanting more and knowing that this will be the first of a good series!

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for pleasure can’t get much better than this. I fell in love with the characters, and having lived in Denver, I could just picture the setting of the fictional town Carolan Springs. I’m also a backyard farmer (sans chickens) and laughed until my sides hurt at the descriptions of the compost patch. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Walton hit me with another twist; so masterful is her ability to weave a tale. And the humor is appropriate, even when talking about murder. There are so many curves and corners in the story it reminds me of driving in the Colorado mountains. I was blown away at the ending – not at all what I had expected. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. These characters are just too good to be lost to one book only. This one is now on my gift list to all my reading buddies.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a delight

Reading this book really was a delight. I enjoyed this mystery wholeheartedly and I am really hoping there will be many more of these as a series. I loved the characters!
The best part was the ending. The mystery was solved and then there was a sweet surprise at the end.
Thank you, Vikki Walton, please write many more books!

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good read

Loved this story of small town life in America. Ann moved there and became involved with the death of a neighbour.. There is a good mixture of humour and drama, which makes it exciting. Great characters who were believable.

[Jennifer Oberth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I give this 0 stars - and if I could - negative stars.

This is NOT a cozy. I don't understand why the author would cross that line and betray a reader by stating this is a cozy. See the axe and the chicken on the cover? The two meet - and it doesn't end well. And terrible things happen to children.

This book is despicable. In a cozy there is no harm to animals and no harm to children. Yet this book has both in the pages and shown. I wish I could erase my memory of reading this horrible book. She should have billed this as a mystery. It is NOT a cozy.

I even read reviews to check and make sure it's safe to read (as a cozy because that is my choice), but no one mentioned this. So I'm mentioning this to anyone who needs a nice safe cozy to sink into - this is NOT it.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't see that coming!

Outstnding! There was a lot going on in this entertaining story. However, this author kept the reader's attention glued throughout clear to the end! I can hardly wait to read more of this series!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read!

I thought this story was entertaining and amusing. I thought the ending was really cute too! I intend to look for more books by this Author.

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a more unusual cozy, to me it had almost a surreal feel to it because of some people's behavior and their many roles. Kandi was hard to believe, marching into a newcomer's house and taking over, then unlocking Anne's door and letting herself in whenever. I thought it odd that she's so friendly and chatty to everyone in town, yet when she needs help the only person she can call on is the newcomer, in town less than a week.

The timing is rather confusing, as it jumps around from arrest to visiting to bail posted, Kandi's husband isn't in the picture at all for weeks. Again, Anne is the one who picks her up and takes her home. Jeff, the husband, is portrayed as a cold fish, no pretense of affection even.

Maybe it's supposed to be humorous, but I thought it rather weird and the way they joked about the murder. Kandi joking about being the axe murderer made the story feel more unreal to me. And Anne's past occupation, when it was finally revealed, was certainly unusual.

The formatting often stumped me. Frequently speakers would change without a new paragraph and I had to stop and figure out where one person's comment ended and the next one had started talking.

Therefore, though it was an interesting enough story and fairly well plotted, I'm only giving it three stars.

[JOHN ABBATE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the worst grammar and formatting I have seen.

This is a promising book which is badly in need of editing and formatting. I liked the characters and setting. The plot was also good. But the grammar and formatting were some of the worst I have seen. The author seemed not to know that when a different character speaks it calls for a new paragraph. Two different characters speaking in the same paragraph makes the reader have to go back and figure out who is saying what. This was very annoying. There were other mistakes too numerous to mention. It was as if this was a first draft that no one looked at before it was published. At the end of the book there was a thank you to an editor and I could not believe it. Problems just ruined the reading experience.

[Zoë · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly the thing that annoyed me most was the way Kandi spoke; authors and adults making a character use the word "like" a lot to symbol their youth or unintelligence or as a way to make them seem annoying is just so tired. ESPECIALLY because it wasn't even used right. Slang has rules, just like language and it was clear the author just threw the word "like" into the sentence anywhere she saw fit, and as a gen z, it literally didn't make sense. Just felt like another older adult trying to make fun of the way younger people talk. Especially when paired with her ditsiness - you can use filler words and still be intelligent.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so sick of authors writing bumbling cops that have no clue or evidence to arrest someone yet does. I'm sick of the amateur heroine figuring it all out.
This book started good. It even had a decent back story and plot and then just went downhill from there.
Wow this is a bad book.

[Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

This was definitely a book that took me by surprise! I typically only read cozies that fall within my interests, which explains why you'll see me review a lot of them featuring books, libraries, food, and sometimes crafts. I was largely intrigued by the author's giveaway for this tour, which included the winner's ability to help create a character in the next book. That is an absolutely fantastic idea and I just knew I needed to give this one a shot and read it in anticipation of the next book! And I can honestly say that I'm so glad I did!

Walton's smooth and casual writing style really makes you feel a part of this community. Readers get to know Anne's neighbors right alongside her and follow her along as she makes the decision to help Kandie. And there are plenty of shady individuals lurking around in this neck of the woods! I thoroughly enjoyed that Anne wasn't the typical amateur sleuth that you see in many cozies who is overconfident in her abilities and eager to a fault. Anne initially doesn't want to get involved and for good reasons, but gradually, she determines she does has something to offer and proceeds accordingly. While Kandie's use of the word "like" was extremely annoying as the story began, the resulting friendship Kandie and Anne shared quickly overshadowed any frustration to the point that it almost became background noise by the end. Despite their many differences, these two women bonded together to create a truly heartwarming and unforgettable relationship that I am looking forward to seeing more of.

There are many humorous and witty moments along this twisting and turning roller coaster of a mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming! This was a great start to what sounds like a promising series and is an absolute steal on Kindle. I would highly recommend this one for anyone simply looking for a place to start with cozies, but if you're like me and you have read quite a few of them, this one was certainly enjoyable and well worth the time.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the small town atmosphere and how all the people looked out for each other. It is a refreshing story that had me loving all the characters. I love apples and it was so intriguing to read how they used the apples to make their own apple cider. Carolan Springs is the perfect place to relax, refresh and perhaps hide from the media. Anne is hoping she can blend in as she decides to buy a quaint Victorian house .

I really liked Anne and thought she had the patience of a saint when she bet her neighbor Kandi. If Kandi was my neighbor, I would lock my doors and keep the binds closed at all times. I know she means well, but if she said "like" one more time I was going to have to yank her hair out. Oh small town living is filled with friendly well meaning people so Anne seems to welcome Kandi into her life. Even though Kandi annoyed me, she kinda grew on me. I have to say the author wrote the perfect character to become friends with Anne.

As luck would have it, Anne's not so nice older neighbor is found dead. Could Kandi have killed him because he threatened to kill her chicken? The local cops sure do think its the perfect motive for murder and off Kandi goes to jail. There are so many laughs during the story that I found myself really getting comfortable in Carolan Springs. Poor Kandi has to call Anne to pick her up from jail since her husband is busy. Did I mention how much I dislike Kandi's husband? He is a jerk, a snob, a sneak and overall horrible person and husband. I think I will add him to the list of suspects.

The author writes a great story with fun characters and some surprises about a few that I was not prepared for. This is a first in a new series and i know readers will love the way the story flows and how caught up you can get with the town and its people. yes i was surprised at the ending and it makes me want to read the next in the series. Well done for a great storyline about homesteading and the town that watches out for each other.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

[Ellen Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a nice book. It's been a while since I read a good mystery that didn't have a trusted character turning out to be some creepy psychopath. I'm a farm girl, so I enjoyed the homesteading, the chickens, the fresh veggies, the home-made foods, and especially the close-knit family-like community. I liked the characters, especially Sherrif Carson. I think I liked him a tad more than popcorn-fragrant Sam Powers. Sherrif Carson's cold demeanour and self-satisfied smirk are what make him attractive. I want to know more about him!

There were some really sad moments, mostly connected with the pasts of some of the townspeople. And the end was just so sweet, I actually teared up. I think I felt it more keenly because we get to see a little of what Anne had to go through with her dumb husband, may he slip into a compost pile. I can't believe what a jerk he is.

One thing that I really, really liked was that things, in the end, turn out such that you're still left with this feeling that good people do exist and that you can let your guard down. Normally, after reading a mystery, I feel like I can never trust anyone again. But this time, I felt safe. I felt that life is good, that the world is not all bad and dangerous, and that things like true love, friendship, and great communities still exist. I'm really happy that I read this book.

There are a few minor errors in the book, and initially, the number of "like" that Kandi says in one sentence is very annoying. However, once you get to know her, you kinda learn to accept that as a part of who she is and it is less irritating. I really enjoyed reading this and I finished it in one sitting. I shall be reading the 2nd book soon.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Walton's Chicken Culprit is the first in a new series. I love finding new cozy series at the start.

Its a quick read and I love that the setting of series is unique. I've only read one other cozy that involves farming or rather homesteading. I like to see series divert from the usual.

Anne is escaping from her old life and meets Kandi shortly after moving into her new Victorian. Kandi is "like" really fond of the word "like." Apparently that girl is trapped in an 80s "Valley Girl" type film. Kandi is also really lovable, in her own unusual way.

Anne, I wasn't sure how to take her at times. Sometimes I liked her a lot, and other times I felt like she was kind of mean, though when it came to Kandi, it was hard not to be mean. Kandi could try the patience of a saint, especially after she is accused of murdering her neighbor, Ralph. Anne is getting away from her ex-husband who was, in not so many words, not quite nice. There are some other things in Anne's life that she's hiding, but that would give too much of the story away.

This book is full of quirky fun characters and many of them have motive to get rid of Ralph. I loved getting to know the townspeople as well as Anne and Kandi, who as we learn by the end of the book may becoming a sort of dynamic duo in future books, as these two women have developed a rather unique friendship as the mystery played out.

This was a truly enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what happens next in Carolan Springs.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having started a different cosy and given up within 2 pages, annoyed by the amateurish writing, I was relieved to find this one competently written, even if the frequent formatting errors were slightly annoying.
We are chicken keepers, so the title drew my eye, and then the offer of a country-living themed easy read murder mystery sealed the deal.
Wanting to put the past behind her, Anne buys an old Victorian she plans to do up. Almost immediately she becomes embroiled in local life when she sees one neighbour chasing another neighbour’s chicken, axe in hand, furious to find said hen, Rusty, on his property yet again. Enter ditsy but charmingly sweet hen keeper, Kandi. Rusty escapes her fate, but next morning Anne finds her chicken-hating neighbour dead in his compost heap, and now she’s so involved she needs to discover who dunnit.
This is a charming, easy read, with feeling. I sailed through it in short order and enjoyed it, even though I found it weird that Kandi was so devoted to her slimy husband, and I was irritated by the ‘big reveal’ about who Anne really was. With the story told from Anne’s viewpoint, I felt her thought processes should have given us some subtle clues rather than just landing the truth in one big hit – I felt somewhat misled.
Overall though, if you are looking for a light cosy, with country living as a background, you won’t go wrong with this one.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Freenant is trying to start again, in a new place, a new house and maybe some new friends... but a murder never entered in her plans! So now, she will have to discover the truth if she wants to continue with her new life...!

Since the first page I felt in love with this little village and all the neighbours in it. Yes, there's a killer between them, and let me say that I hope there will be more, because I can't wait to read a new mystery with all these characters. Everyone is welcoming and sweet, why reality cannot be this way?
Of course all the characters will have secrets, some of them more dangerous than others, even Anne has a few of their own, but this makes the book interesting and addictive for the reader, don't you think?
I loved how in the end, when Anne discovers the truth, she would confront all the possible killers in one room and discards one by one with their explanation for why they lied or not told totally the truth... and then we will have the killer to confess!
If you are searching for a quick read mystery, with delightful characters and some very promising series, I would recommend you to start this series, is perfect for any cozy mystery lover.
Ready to discover who killed the chicken?

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Anne Freemont has found the perfect town to flee to after a bad divorce. Carolan Springs, Colorado is a tight-knit community. Her neighbors do bicker with each other. Too bad that Ralph was found dead in his own compost pile. Kandi was witnessed threatening Ralph over her chickens. Who killed Ralph? Would Kandi really be stupid enough to keep the murder weapon in her yard? Let's find out.

Dislikes: Anne really does have a problem with men. Sherrif Carson had a difficult case to investigate. Yes, he was grumpy. But being gruff does not allow you to treat people badly. He wasn't Anne's ex-husband. She never gave him a chance to prove what people already suspected.

Kandi can irritate you. She has the word 'like' as a nervous tic.

Likes: Ralph handled Hope the best way that he could. She didn't realize that he was supporting her in so many ways.

Kandi does seem to be a little social butterfly. Oh, you're new? She'll make you feel welcomed.

The homesteading fair had a cute scene with a little girl, and a talk of chickens.

Conclusion: This was an interesting take on the cozy mystery. There are some formatting issues that might bother some readers. If you like the homesteading life, or even curious about it, then try this book. Enjoy the read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne bought a old Victorian house in a small town after she divorced her husband. Anne also was pregnant but lost her child. Her husband wanted children to help progress his career . Anne was remodeling the home. A neighbor named Kandi lived next door on a farm. Anne heard screams coming from next door so she runs over falls in the mud compost pile first off. Only to find a man Ralph standing holding a chicken in his hand and a axe in the other hand. Telling Kandi hes going to kill her chicken if he dont stay out of his garden and eating his tomatoes. Kandi became a regular at Annes house usually unannounced with food or offering to help her once Anne gets out of bed. Kandi's husband was hardly ever home he was away for work. Things started on next with Ralph being found dead. Kandi was blamed for it. Anne decided to do her own police work to found out the truth of what really happened. The ending was a totally different ending for a book. I thought Anne and Sam whom she met along the way would get together and get married.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newly divorce, Anne Freemont decided to settle down in the smal town of Carolan Springs, Colorado. Before she can even get comfortable her neighbor who she had only met once was found dead in his compost pile. He was a grump old guy but no one had a reason to kill him. When her young neighbor Kandi is accused of his murder, Kandi begs Anne to help her out. Anne had just met Kandi and found her adorable but did she know her well enough to believe she is innocent. Once Anne starts asking questions she finds more suspects and one of them is Kandi's husband Jeff. She doesn't trust him but Kandi in so in love with him. Then there is the nephew who will inherit which is always a good motive. As Anne continues asking questions she finds that there are a lot of secrets in this town. Of course Sheriff Carson is constantly telling her to stay out of his investigation. This is a great book. You have mystery, secrets, romance and murder with a touch of heart warming. Everything you need for a good read. I could not put this book down and can't wait to read the second one.