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Kernel of Doubt: A Neela Durante Mystery
There’s a body in the cornfield…
Neela Durante has it handsome husband, loving family, loyal dog, and fantastic career. As a star geneticist at the world’s largest agriculture company, she engineers crops that feed the world.
But her long hours in the lab may have ruined her life. Divorce papers arrive on the same day that she learns her father’s health is failing. Even her dog is miserable. And that’s not the only trouble germinating.
When Neela finds a fellow scientist dead in the research center’s test fields, she’s sure the murder has something to do with their work.
As her friends fall under suspicion—and her soon-to-be-ex investigates the case—she is drawn back into the project that made her miserable. And it turns out that accusing your colleagues of murder isn’t the best career move.
With her job, her marriage, and her family farm at risk, Neela’s sleuthing might come at a cost she can’t afford—maybe even her life.
If you like smart female sleuths and cozy farm mysteries, Kernel of Doubt will keep you turning pages until the end.
Neela Durante has it handsome husband, loving family, loyal dog, and fantastic career. As a star geneticist at the world’s largest agriculture company, she engineers crops that feed the world.
But her long hours in the lab may have ruined her life. Divorce papers arrive on the same day that she learns her father’s health is failing. Even her dog is miserable. And that’s not the only trouble germinating.
When Neela finds a fellow scientist dead in the research center’s test fields, she’s sure the murder has something to do with their work.
As her friends fall under suspicion—and her soon-to-be-ex investigates the case—she is drawn back into the project that made her miserable. And it turns out that accusing your colleagues of murder isn’t the best career move.
With her job, her marriage, and her family farm at risk, Neela’s sleuthing might come at a cost she can’t afford—maybe even her life.
If you like smart female sleuths and cozy farm mysteries, Kernel of Doubt will keep you turning pages until the end.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2018
46 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 2, 2018
Highly recommended! It is not your typical cozy mystery since the main character Neela is not a store or bakery owner or something similar. She is a scientist who supports the family farm in trouble with her income.
Neela discovers a strange protein in a genetically changed corn seed and needs to proof that it isn't dangerous for animal and human consumption before it is released. Her research is unexpected bypassed and the genetically changed corn is cleared for consumption by a co-worker, another scientist who gets suspicious is found dead in a corn field next to the research center. Is it really suicide?... or murder?
In the second chapter is a lot of science talk but once I made it past that I couldn't put it down until the end.
There is a lot of suspense and so many twists in this mystery and some very interesting characters. Chalk, the computer guy, had me chuckling and shaking my head.
I got this book on kindle unlimited and I am gonna add to to my TOP 5 list of 2018. I am so glad I gave this new author a chance!!
Neela discovers a strange protein in a genetically changed corn seed and needs to proof that it isn't dangerous for animal and human consumption before it is released. Her research is unexpected bypassed and the genetically changed corn is cleared for consumption by a co-worker, another scientist who gets suspicious is found dead in a corn field next to the research center. Is it really suicide?... or murder?
In the second chapter is a lot of science talk but once I made it past that I couldn't put it down until the end.
There is a lot of suspense and so many twists in this mystery and some very interesting characters. Chalk, the computer guy, had me chuckling and shaking my head.
I got this book on kindle unlimited and I am gonna add to to my TOP 5 list of 2018. I am so glad I gave this new author a chance!!
April 20, 2018
Dr. Neela Durante is a research scientist who has spent the last year obsessing over a problem with the genetics of a dent corn species that potentially could affect the life of every person on earth. The depth of her concern and research has caused her to disconnect from her husband and family. She gets divorce papers and a phone call from her sisters saying her father is very ill on the same day. Neela is the glue that keeps the family from fracturing. She sends money to pay the mortgage and other necessities, looks like now she will be paying doctor bills as well. Aside from those problems, she knows she is not able to give the shared dogg, Molly, what she needs, and therefore gives her to her ex for good. Heartbroken this would be more than enough to deal with, but alas there is more. The research facility she works at has something strange going on that accumulates in finding the body of the head of the Research department shot in the facility's cornfield. It is called a suicide, but Neela and her colleague think it was murder.
I confess that I wasn't sure learning about 375 and B13 would hold my interest or make any sense to me. But the layers this book has are amazing and captivating. I found the computer geek and his way of keeping track of people fascinating. The close knit yet at odds sisters and their willingness to put aside differences for the family good was heartwarming. How the sisters overcame obstacles and got back on track made a tear trickle down my cheek it was so awesome. But best of all was Neela and her determination and ultimately solving a murder that police had "solved" incorrectly.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more. She writes interesting characters that just buckle down and do what is needed rather than whine. She managed to sneak in some wonderful idiosyncrasies for characters and the dog as well! I don't think the promos for this book did her justice, at least not in this new fan's mind.
I confess that I wasn't sure learning about 375 and B13 would hold my interest or make any sense to me. But the layers this book has are amazing and captivating. I found the computer geek and his way of keeping track of people fascinating. The close knit yet at odds sisters and their willingness to put aside differences for the family good was heartwarming. How the sisters overcame obstacles and got back on track made a tear trickle down my cheek it was so awesome. But best of all was Neela and her determination and ultimately solving a murder that police had "solved" incorrectly.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more. She writes interesting characters that just buckle down and do what is needed rather than whine. She managed to sneak in some wonderful idiosyncrasies for characters and the dog as well! I don't think the promos for this book did her justice, at least not in this new fan's mind.
January 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book and the mystery of it, which really through me for a loop by who was killed and why. Neela works as a scientist for a grain company. She has a handsome husband who has sent her divorce papers, a great dog that she and her husband share week about and then she has a rather large family living on a farm that is in dire straights and needs help. Needless to say, Neela is very stressed but she is also very logical and she has some great friends. This book is a good read and kept me guessing until the end of the book of "who done it".
April 7, 2019
Neela is risking it all with the formula she is testing, wanting no doubt before okaying that it is safe. Pressure to pass it, her husband, her father
even the farm, are all suffering because of the long hours in the lab.
The story has a lot of science information, then there is family, and murder.
The plot is good, Neely seems like she is over her head trying to keep up with bills and satisfying people. When the head of research is murdered, brings things to another level. Good characters, and enjoyed.
even the farm, are all suffering because of the long hours in the lab.
The story has a lot of science information, then there is family, and murder.
The plot is good, Neely seems like she is over her head trying to keep up with bills and satisfying people. When the head of research is murdered, brings things to another level. Good characters, and enjoyed.
November 24, 2018
Excellent story!
I got this book because it was listed as a cozy mystery, but when I started reading it, I thought it was a thriller. It turns out to be a bit of both. It's an excellent mystery, with well drawn characters, and realistic relationships between the various characters. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Neela's adventures.
I got this book because it was listed as a cozy mystery, but when I started reading it, I thought it was a thriller. It turns out to be a bit of both. It's an excellent mystery, with well drawn characters, and realistic relationships between the various characters. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Neela's adventures.
January 16, 2021
Rating: Four stars but...
I did not like the main character. The setting was unique, with the main character a PhD who manages a QA lab with an agricultural setting. The family was quite unique also. However, the main character was condescending to coworkers and her family. It deserves four stars for uniqueness and moving along at a good pace.
I did not like the main character. The setting was unique, with the main character a PhD who manages a QA lab with an agricultural setting. The family was quite unique also. However, the main character was condescending to coworkers and her family. It deserves four stars for uniqueness and moving along at a good pace.
June 19, 2023
Surprises Galore
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book, but once I did, what a great story. I’d suspected the perp but the red herrings kept making me think I was wrong. This is a mystery with a wonderful plot and tons of surprises and quirky characters. A new author for me but one I’m a doing to my favorites list.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book, but once I did, what a great story. I’d suspected the perp but the red herrings kept making me think I was wrong. This is a mystery with a wonderful plot and tons of surprises and quirky characters. A new author for me but one I’m a doing to my favorites list.
May 6, 2018
Amazing mystery that sucked me in from the first chapter. I could not put it down. It has great characters and a wonderful plot with several twists. I will be reading more books by Hillary Avis. Her characters shine!
December 29, 2018
Pretty good!
A little science-y for my tastes, but I liked Neela and her tenacity. She chased the mystery all the way to the end and it was worth it. I really liked Chalk best. He was a fun and interesting character that kept me laughing even when it was serious. Great story!
A little science-y for my tastes, but I liked Neela and her tenacity. She chased the mystery all the way to the end and it was worth it. I really liked Chalk best. He was a fun and interesting character that kept me laughing even when it was serious. Great story!
February 17, 2019
This is the first time reading this series. The main character is Neela and she ends up investigating a murder at the place she works. She was kind of hard to follow at times. She has some interesting friends and family members that help her out. I think I would try another of Neela 's stories.
May 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick, easy read. It was clean and wholesome. I was kept guessing who the murderer was but did have a good guess just before the reveal.
Definitely a good read.📖👍👍♥️
Definitely a good read.📖👍👍♥️
December 31, 2018
Delightful!
This well written mystery will really draw you in.
Good story line with full blown characters
This well written mystery will really draw you in.
Good story line with full blown characters
February 4, 2020
A great book and a wonderful read!
September 9, 2020
Wasn't sure what to expect with corn seed studies but relationships made it more enjoyable
July 20, 2021
A frothy mix of science and mystery.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews