What do you think?
Rate this book
A Greenhouse Mystery #4
Rooted in Deceit
It’s summertime in Winsome. Washington Acres is abloom, Megan is preparing for the grand opening of their wood-fired pizza farm, and things with Megan’s beau, handsome Dr. Finn, are getting as hot as the August temperatures. But when Megan’s ne’er-do-well father arrives in Pennsylvania with his high-maintenance Italian wife, Sylvia, and announces they’re staying at the new yoga retreat center a town away, a sweet occasion sours.
Eager to secure pieces for her Milan boutique, Sylvia finagles a meeting with up-and-coming artist Thana Moore, whose work is showing at the retreat center. After their explosive encounter, Thana is murdered and Sylvia becomes the prime suspect. Only Sylvia isn’t the only one with ties to the artist—once upon a time, Thana Moore had been Megan’s best friend. As Megan delves into Thana’s past, piecing together the years since their falling out, she realizes that something sinister is afoot in Bucks County. Unless Megan can find the killer, this idyllic summer will turn nightmarish. Innocent people may be imprisoned—and even more could die.
Eager to secure pieces for her Milan boutique, Sylvia finagles a meeting with up-and-coming artist Thana Moore, whose work is showing at the retreat center. After their explosive encounter, Thana is murdered and Sylvia becomes the prime suspect. Only Sylvia isn’t the only one with ties to the artist—once upon a time, Thana Moore had been Megan’s best friend. As Megan delves into Thana’s past, piecing together the years since their falling out, she realizes that something sinister is afoot in Bucks County. Unless Megan can find the killer, this idyllic summer will turn nightmarish. Innocent people may be imprisoned—and even more could die.
Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
About the author
Wendy Tyson
24 books383 followersWendy Tyson is an author, lawyer, and former therapist whose background has inspired her thrillers and mysteries. As Liv Andersson, she writes thrillers, including Little Red House. As Wendy Tyson, she is the author of several mystery series, including the Amazon bestselling Greenhouse Mystery Series. Wendy’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals and crime anthologies, and she has written for The Big Thrill and The Thrill Begins, International Thriller Writers’ online magazines. Wendy is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She and her husband live in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with their sons and three dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 9, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Summer brings Megan’s father and his wife Sylvia to Winsome from Italy. Megan thinks it a vacation to see her but Sylvia quickly tells her it is for business and that they will be staying at a new resort a whole town away. Her feelings are hurt but realizes having Sylvia and her dad at the resort will give her more time to focus on the grand opening of the new wood-fired pizza farm.
But when one of the artists Sylvia met with to acquire pieces for boutique ends up dead and the police suspect her of the murder things quickly go downhill. The artist, Thana Moore, had once been Megan’s best friend, but they have not been in contact for years. Megan decides to look into Thana’s past to try to clear her father’s wife, but what she uncovers in really surprising and could put more lives in jeopardy.
So much is happening in Winsome in this installment that the pages almost flew from one to the next. I love the idea of the wood-fired pizza farm and all the plans to expand it after the grand opening. The town and store/restaurant are places I would love to visit.
The characters are what really bears fruit in this story. Megan and her grandmother Bibi are true and so genuine. I felt so bad for them. They wanted to spend time with their father/son and Sylvia planned everything so that there was little time for that. Megan’s mother makes an appearance too. I found the way they all interacted very believable. The new characters in this story are very fleshed out, unique, and true to life. They all made an impression on me may it be good or bad or somewhere in between.
The mystery was compelling, with many facets that truly kept me guessing right up until the end. It was nicely balanced with everyday life. The main suspects are close to Megan so she is very invested in finding the true killer.
Rooted in Deceit will have you rooted to your seat from the first page to the last. A first-rate mystery with very interesting characters. This story is ripe and ready for picking. “Pick” up your copy as soon as you can. I have enjoyed every book in the Greenhouse Mystery Series!
Summer brings Megan’s father and his wife Sylvia to Winsome from Italy. Megan thinks it a vacation to see her but Sylvia quickly tells her it is for business and that they will be staying at a new resort a whole town away. Her feelings are hurt but realizes having Sylvia and her dad at the resort will give her more time to focus on the grand opening of the new wood-fired pizza farm.
But when one of the artists Sylvia met with to acquire pieces for boutique ends up dead and the police suspect her of the murder things quickly go downhill. The artist, Thana Moore, had once been Megan’s best friend, but they have not been in contact for years. Megan decides to look into Thana’s past to try to clear her father’s wife, but what she uncovers in really surprising and could put more lives in jeopardy.
So much is happening in Winsome in this installment that the pages almost flew from one to the next. I love the idea of the wood-fired pizza farm and all the plans to expand it after the grand opening. The town and store/restaurant are places I would love to visit.
The characters are what really bears fruit in this story. Megan and her grandmother Bibi are true and so genuine. I felt so bad for them. They wanted to spend time with their father/son and Sylvia planned everything so that there was little time for that. Megan’s mother makes an appearance too. I found the way they all interacted very believable. The new characters in this story are very fleshed out, unique, and true to life. They all made an impression on me may it be good or bad or somewhere in between.
The mystery was compelling, with many facets that truly kept me guessing right up until the end. It was nicely balanced with everyday life. The main suspects are close to Megan so she is very invested in finding the true killer.
Rooted in Deceit will have you rooted to your seat from the first page to the last. A first-rate mystery with very interesting characters. This story is ripe and ready for picking. “Pick” up your copy as soon as you can. I have enjoyed every book in the Greenhouse Mystery Series!
September 7, 2018
Megan Sawyer is finding August to be extremely busy. While trying to keep the farm running during a drought, she is helping get things ready for the opening of the wood-fired pizza farm in her barn and her father and his wife, Sylvia, are in town for a visit. Then there's the new yoga retreat center opening nearby. As part of their opening celebration, they are hosting an art festival, and the headlining artist is Megan's old friend Thana. However, the celebration turns to tragedy when Thana is found murdered and Sylvia becomes a suspect. Her father didn't marry a killer, did he?
This series has had a strong storyline involving Megan and her complicated past with various family members, and that continues here by introducing us to her father. Additionally, there are developments in other ongoing storylines. I enjoyed getting the next chapter in Megan’s life. The characters are as strong as always, whether main characters, series regulars, or those introduced for this book. The subplots did distract from the main mystery at times, but there is still a solid mystery here. One element of the mystery needed to be included better, but overall it was a minor issue. We got great twists and red herrings on the way to a surprising ending. Fans of the series will be pleased with this new entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series has had a strong storyline involving Megan and her complicated past with various family members, and that continues here by introducing us to her father. Additionally, there are developments in other ongoing storylines. I enjoyed getting the next chapter in Megan’s life. The characters are as strong as always, whether main characters, series regulars, or those introduced for this book. The subplots did distract from the main mystery at times, but there is still a solid mystery here. One element of the mystery needed to be included better, but overall it was a minor issue. We got great twists and red herrings on the way to a surprising ending. Fans of the series will be pleased with this new entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 26, 2018
The fourth installment of the Greenhouse mysteries has Megan excited about her wood-fire Pizza restaurant about to open. She is expecting her Father and his new wife, Sylia. Megan and Bibi are disappointed when they learned that her Father and Stepmother are going to stay at the new yoga center that just opened. She is surprised that two of her childhood best friends are at the center. One, Thana Moore is a feature artist at the spa. Megan was visiting her Father when Thana is murdered. Silva and Alvaro's wife are both person of interest in Thana's murder. Megan become involved with the investigation as both her Father and Alvargo are upset.
Will Megan find her answers before one of them is arrested for murder?
I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Edelweiss and Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Will Megan find her answers before one of them is arrested for murder?
I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Edelweiss and Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2018
“Rooted in Deceit” earns 5/5 Farm-to-Oven Pizzas…Murderously Fun!
After a two-year absence, Megan’s father has returned from Italy, new wife in tow, but instead of staying with her and her grandmother at the family farm, the wife made arrangements for them to stay at the upscale Summit Yoga Retreat Center and Spa. That leads to discovering former friends, missing artwork, a strangled body, stalkers, and step-mom at the top of the suspect list. Alibis are not solid, and when the investigation expands to include former boyfriends, disgruntled employees, and more family and friends, Megan can't help but once again get involved.
Yes! I loved it! Wendy Tyson has penned a very engaging murder mystery with a third-person narrative rich with descriptions of the farm and woods you can almost smell, the people you can almost envision, and the pizzas you can almost taste. But beyond the clever mystery with twists and turns and revisiting past grievances challenging one’s inner Sherlock and dialogue that illustrates well personality, tone, and emotion, it is the side dramas that make the entire book very entertaining. I greatly enjoy a story that depicts real life…no one drops their life to investigate murder 24/7. So, along with following the ups and downs of running the farm and cafe, harvesting tomatoes and fresh herbs, and managing all the animals, Tyson adds a “pizza farm” as the newest venture, Megan and Denver’s relationship is temporarily long-distance, interactions with her grandmother, friends, and employees continue, and an emotional family quadrangle between father/daughter/step-mother and an estranged mother is precariously navigated. Wendy Tyson goes beyond the cozy mystery formula to bring fans a delightful series, and newbies can easily join with this fourth book. It definitely blossoms as one of my favorites!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
After a two-year absence, Megan’s father has returned from Italy, new wife in tow, but instead of staying with her and her grandmother at the family farm, the wife made arrangements for them to stay at the upscale Summit Yoga Retreat Center and Spa. That leads to discovering former friends, missing artwork, a strangled body, stalkers, and step-mom at the top of the suspect list. Alibis are not solid, and when the investigation expands to include former boyfriends, disgruntled employees, and more family and friends, Megan can't help but once again get involved.
Yes! I loved it! Wendy Tyson has penned a very engaging murder mystery with a third-person narrative rich with descriptions of the farm and woods you can almost smell, the people you can almost envision, and the pizzas you can almost taste. But beyond the clever mystery with twists and turns and revisiting past grievances challenging one’s inner Sherlock and dialogue that illustrates well personality, tone, and emotion, it is the side dramas that make the entire book very entertaining. I greatly enjoy a story that depicts real life…no one drops their life to investigate murder 24/7. So, along with following the ups and downs of running the farm and cafe, harvesting tomatoes and fresh herbs, and managing all the animals, Tyson adds a “pizza farm” as the newest venture, Megan and Denver’s relationship is temporarily long-distance, interactions with her grandmother, friends, and employees continue, and an emotional family quadrangle between father/daughter/step-mother and an estranged mother is precariously navigated. Wendy Tyson goes beyond the cozy mystery formula to bring fans a delightful series, and newbies can easily join with this fourth book. It definitely blossoms as one of my favorites!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
August 25, 2021
Megan Sawyer is finding August to be extremely busy, with trying to keep the farm running during a drought, getting ready for her new wood-fired pizza restaurant in her barn and her father and his new wife, Sylvia, are in town for a visit. With a new yoga retreat center opening nearby, her father and Sylvia are staying there. As part of their opening celebration, they are hosting an art festival, and the headlining artist is Megan's old friend Thana. However, the celebration turns to tragedy when Thana is found murdered and Sylvia becomes a suspect. Is her father's new wife a murderer? Can Megan find out who really killed Thana with everything else going on.
Wendy Tyson has written another engaging murder mystery to add to this series. I love her descriptive writing where you can picture the farm and food. This mystery has a few twists, more than one suspect and a few red herrings. I also enjoy all the stories of community and Megan's busy and complicated life. Along with the ups and downs of running the farm and cafe, harvesting tomatoes and fresh herbs, and managing all the animals, Megan is also adding a new pizza farm, just to make sure she keeps busy. Megan and Denver’s relationship is temporarily long-distance, which causes a bit of angst, while dealing with her family issues with her father and new wife. I like that Megan does not drop everything to investigate and so her sleuthing. She still as a life. This series is great to read in order, but you can read this one as a standalone if you don't want to go back and read the previous three. I recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers.
Wendy Tyson has written another engaging murder mystery to add to this series. I love her descriptive writing where you can picture the farm and food. This mystery has a few twists, more than one suspect and a few red herrings. I also enjoy all the stories of community and Megan's busy and complicated life. Along with the ups and downs of running the farm and cafe, harvesting tomatoes and fresh herbs, and managing all the animals, Megan is also adding a new pizza farm, just to make sure she keeps busy. Megan and Denver’s relationship is temporarily long-distance, which causes a bit of angst, while dealing with her family issues with her father and new wife. I like that Megan does not drop everything to investigate and so her sleuthing. She still as a life. This series is great to read in order, but you can read this one as a standalone if you don't want to go back and read the previous three. I recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers.
September 13, 2018
It’s summer in Winsome, and Megan’s is busy getting ready for the opening of their second restaurant – a brick oven pizza restaurant right on the farm. But the success of their new venture isn’t the only thing weighing on Megan’s mind. Her father Eddie and his new wife Sylvia are in town (but not spending much time with the family), a new health center (“Peaceful Summit Yoga Retreat Center and Spa,” complete with an upscale restaurant) is opening nearby, and her boyfriend Denver is returning to Scotland to help his sister recover from an accident.
All this before Megan’s ex-best friend is murdered just outside the Center. And both Sylvia and a close family friend are suspects in the murder.
Megan’s got her hands full.
The mystery has plenty of suspects as we follow Megan in her investigation to try and clear Sylvia and her family friend’s name. As always, my favorite part of the story is following the characters and their personal stories that unfold along with the mystery. Will Clay’s brick oven pizza idea succeed? Can Megan start to build a relationship with her estranged mother? Will Denver decide to stay in Scotland? And exactly how many scones does her grandmother Bibi make when she’s upset? (I bet her kitchen smells divine.)
I’ve said this before of the Greenhouse Mysteries, and it’s still true with Rooted in Deceit. You’ll come for the mystery but stay for the characters.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
All this before Megan’s ex-best friend is murdered just outside the Center. And both Sylvia and a close family friend are suspects in the murder.
Megan’s got her hands full.
The mystery has plenty of suspects as we follow Megan in her investigation to try and clear Sylvia and her family friend’s name. As always, my favorite part of the story is following the characters and their personal stories that unfold along with the mystery. Will Clay’s brick oven pizza idea succeed? Can Megan start to build a relationship with her estranged mother? Will Denver decide to stay in Scotland? And exactly how many scones does her grandmother Bibi make when she’s upset? (I bet her kitchen smells divine.)
I’ve said this before of the Greenhouse Mysteries, and it’s still true with Rooted in Deceit. You’ll come for the mystery but stay for the characters.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
August 14, 2019
The seasons change in Winsome, but murder is omnipresent!
Megan and her staff are starting a new venture, in the old barn (which they have done up) they have set up a wood-fired pizza oven and tonight is the trial for it, her father (and his new Italian wife) are here, however although the pizza goes down well (apart from with Italian Sylvia) the rest of the time isn't so great, rather than staying with family Eddie and Sylvia are booked into a newly opened Yoga and Retreat Centre. Things go even more downhill when Megan and her boyfriend (Dr Denver Finn) to meet Eddie and Sylvia for lunch and Sylvia is late and looking flustered. The next day Denver needs to head to Scotland as his sister has been in a car accident, and after he has gone it is discovered that a local artist (who also used to be friends with Megan) has been found murdered, and Sylvia is one of the two main suspects! The other is her chef Alvaro's wife Maria, Megan is positive the latter has nothing to do with this and she hopes the former also hasn't, but as this is outside Winsome's jurisdiction the local police chief's hands are tied.
Add in a break in and trashing of the new Pizza barn Megan and her staff and family have a lot more on their plates than just pizza and they need to figure out who killed Thana and why so that they can move on and be safe!
Megan and her staff are starting a new venture, in the old barn (which they have done up) they have set up a wood-fired pizza oven and tonight is the trial for it, her father (and his new Italian wife) are here, however although the pizza goes down well (apart from with Italian Sylvia) the rest of the time isn't so great, rather than staying with family Eddie and Sylvia are booked into a newly opened Yoga and Retreat Centre. Things go even more downhill when Megan and her boyfriend (Dr Denver Finn) to meet Eddie and Sylvia for lunch and Sylvia is late and looking flustered. The next day Denver needs to head to Scotland as his sister has been in a car accident, and after he has gone it is discovered that a local artist (who also used to be friends with Megan) has been found murdered, and Sylvia is one of the two main suspects! The other is her chef Alvaro's wife Maria, Megan is positive the latter has nothing to do with this and she hopes the former also hasn't, but as this is outside Winsome's jurisdiction the local police chief's hands are tied.
Add in a break in and trashing of the new Pizza barn Megan and her staff and family have a lot more on their plates than just pizza and they need to figure out who killed Thana and why so that they can move on and be safe!
August 2, 2019
When Megan's former H.S. best friend, now estranged is killed. Megan starts looking into it after her friend and chef's wife is implicateds.
Thana Moore has become an artists with some talent and has some of her work going several thousand each. She has had arguments with several of the staff members as well as her now ex-boyfriend.
Megan's father and his new wife are also in town, the wife had a meeting with Thana about her art, and also argued with her, now she is also a suspect.
Megan beleives those accused to be innocent and will do everything she can to help clear their names.
Meanwhile: Her new pizza barn is broken into and trashed. Two pictures that Thana had made years earlier was also stolen. She can't help but believe that the thefts are part of the murder plot.
This is a fun story with well developed characters and a bit of humor added in.
I have enjoyed Wendy Tysons series and will continue with the next one.
Thana Moore has become an artists with some talent and has some of her work going several thousand each. She has had arguments with several of the staff members as well as her now ex-boyfriend.
Megan's father and his new wife are also in town, the wife had a meeting with Thana about her art, and also argued with her, now she is also a suspect.
Megan beleives those accused to be innocent and will do everything she can to help clear their names.
Meanwhile: Her new pizza barn is broken into and trashed. Two pictures that Thana had made years earlier was also stolen. She can't help but believe that the thefts are part of the murder plot.
This is a fun story with well developed characters and a bit of humor added in.
I have enjoyed Wendy Tysons series and will continue with the next one.
August 14, 2018
Washington Acres Farm has a new addition - a wood-fired oven set in a renovated barn. All ingredients for the pizza are from locally-sourced farms including her own, and Megan is excited about the opening. In Rooted in Deceit by Wendy Tyson, Megan's excitement is dimmed by the arrival of her estranged father and Sylvia, his Italian, high-maintenance wife. When Sylvia is accused of murdering a local painter, Megan promises her father she will help clear her.
Read
August 27, 2018“Lively characters, a charming setting, red herrings galore, and a satisfying denouement make this entry a winner.” - Publishers Weekly
March 18, 2019
Review to come later.
Quick thoughts:
Def love the town and characters that Wendy Tyson has created. The relationship between Denver and Megan is moving along nicely. Good mystery and story,
Quick thoughts:
Def love the town and characters that Wendy Tyson has created. The relationship between Denver and Megan is moving along nicely. Good mystery and story,
September 19, 2018
This was a great read. I really enjoy Megan, the main character, her relatives and found family and friends. The depth of the characters is one of the things I really love about this series. In this volume friends from her teen years feature prominently and when that get tanglec with her strain relationships with her parents, Megan gets pulled in my directions trying to help figure out her old friend. I great mystery with many options and a surprise ending!!!!!
May 23, 2019
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but the seed-packet style cover of the first one pulled this gardener in and now, with the fourth book, I was just happy to get my hands on it. I just plain enjoy the ongoing story of Megan and her friends and relatives in the small Bucks County town of Winsome. She's trying to make a go of the family farm but somehow keeps getting involved in murder cases. The mysteries are capably drawn and well-paced, but I'm really aboard more for the characters and the setting. This one emphasizes Megan's relationship with her parents. And now I'm delighted to see Book 5 is coming soon. [And this part is a note for the publisher -- your copy editor missed just a few typos in this one, as indeed happens in most published books, but I laughed out loud at the description of an inn as "gentile" instead of "genteel." Also, please note that you take a different TACK, not tact. It's a metaphor from sailing.]
June 3, 2020
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.0 of 5
Megan Sawyer is working at the idyllic Washington Acres in Winsome, Pennsylvania. But her perfect summer, which includes some quality time with the handsome Dr. Finn, is about to go downhill rapidly when Megan learns that her father (who's never been too reliable) and his new wife, Sylvia, plan to stay at a retreat center the next town over.
Sylvia has plans to open up a specialty boutique and is trying to secure the artwork of an artist whose work is showing at the retreat center. The meeting between Sylvia and the artist doesn't go well and shortly after their volatile encounter the artist, Thana Moore is found murdered. Sylvia is the prime suspect. Megan will investigate, but she also has ties to Thana ... at one time, Thana and Megan were best of friends. Now as Megan dives into solving this case, she learns a lot about her friend since their friendship waned, but more importantly, that no one in the region is safe until something (or someone) sinister is taken down.
For the most part, I've really liked the different mystery series' that I've read from publisher Henery Press. However, I have selected the series' I've wanted to read. Wanting to branch out a bit, I thought I'd give this title a try.
Mostly likely it was the fact that I was coming blind into the 4th book in a series, but there was very little here that held any appeal for me. The characters never stood out as sharp and unique individuals. Instead, I felt that these were just characters created to move a story forward.
It could also be that this book was a little more 'cozy' than many of the mysteries that I've enjoyed. I'm typically not a fan of the cozy mystery genre, but there are some that I enjoy a lot. This one just never caught my attention and I struggled to read it.
Looking for a good book? Rooted in Deceit by Wendy Tyson is a cozy mystery that never takes off. It's possible that you really need to read the entire series to care about the characters.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
Megan Sawyer is working at the idyllic Washington Acres in Winsome, Pennsylvania. But her perfect summer, which includes some quality time with the handsome Dr. Finn, is about to go downhill rapidly when Megan learns that her father (who's never been too reliable) and his new wife, Sylvia, plan to stay at a retreat center the next town over.
Sylvia has plans to open up a specialty boutique and is trying to secure the artwork of an artist whose work is showing at the retreat center. The meeting between Sylvia and the artist doesn't go well and shortly after their volatile encounter the artist, Thana Moore is found murdered. Sylvia is the prime suspect. Megan will investigate, but she also has ties to Thana ... at one time, Thana and Megan were best of friends. Now as Megan dives into solving this case, she learns a lot about her friend since their friendship waned, but more importantly, that no one in the region is safe until something (or someone) sinister is taken down.
For the most part, I've really liked the different mystery series' that I've read from publisher Henery Press. However, I have selected the series' I've wanted to read. Wanting to branch out a bit, I thought I'd give this title a try.
Mostly likely it was the fact that I was coming blind into the 4th book in a series, but there was very little here that held any appeal for me. The characters never stood out as sharp and unique individuals. Instead, I felt that these were just characters created to move a story forward.
It could also be that this book was a little more 'cozy' than many of the mysteries that I've enjoyed. I'm typically not a fan of the cozy mystery genre, but there are some that I enjoy a lot. This one just never caught my attention and I struggled to read it.
Looking for a good book? Rooted in Deceit by Wendy Tyson is a cozy mystery that never takes off. It's possible that you really need to read the entire series to care about the characters.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2018
Wendy Tyson’s Rooted in Deceit is another stellar cozy mystery in The Greenhouse Mystery Series. Megan is the owner of Washington Acre Farms, a farm that supplies organic produce for her own café and organic store in Winsome as well as several restaurants in Philadelphia.
Tyson dumps the reader into the story immediately with four major plot pieces. Megan’s mini-enterprise is almost ready to expand as her crew puts the finishing touches on the long awaited pizza farm restaurant. Her father Eddie and his wife of two years, Sylvia, arrive from Milan on business, swirling up lots of emotions and relationship issues. They will be staying in nearby Dartville at Peaceful Summit Yoga Retreat Center and Spa which may be competition for Megan’s café. Thrown into this mix is an artist and middle school friend of Megan’s, Thana Moore, whose work will be on display at the center.
Before you know it, Megan is up to her eyeballs in a murder investigation, without the help of boyfriend, veterinarian Denver, who is called to Scotland when his sister is in a serious accident. Megan has to come to grips with her feelings about her own family past as well as middle school shenanigans that come back to bite her and her former friends.
You’ll enjoy watching the plot unfold as Megan follows various leads. Some go to dead ends and others branch off into new possibilities. There’s never a dull moment in Rooted in Deceit.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tyson dumps the reader into the story immediately with four major plot pieces. Megan’s mini-enterprise is almost ready to expand as her crew puts the finishing touches on the long awaited pizza farm restaurant. Her father Eddie and his wife of two years, Sylvia, arrive from Milan on business, swirling up lots of emotions and relationship issues. They will be staying in nearby Dartville at Peaceful Summit Yoga Retreat Center and Spa which may be competition for Megan’s café. Thrown into this mix is an artist and middle school friend of Megan’s, Thana Moore, whose work will be on display at the center.
Before you know it, Megan is up to her eyeballs in a murder investigation, without the help of boyfriend, veterinarian Denver, who is called to Scotland when his sister is in a serious accident. Megan has to come to grips with her feelings about her own family past as well as middle school shenanigans that come back to bite her and her former friends.
You’ll enjoy watching the plot unfold as Megan follows various leads. Some go to dead ends and others branch off into new possibilities. There’s never a dull moment in Rooted in Deceit.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2018
The the series infers that the books are based on a greenhouse style mystery, the setting is actually a small goat/organic vegetable farm. The trials and tribulations of a small farmer making her way are part of the story and, for me, an important part.
Our farmer/sleuth, Megan, has her hands full when her father and his new wife unexpectedly descend on their small town. At the same time, a spa retreat opens and Megan’s high school sweetheart turns out to be involved with the venture.
Things turn a bit weird when yet another friend from the old days shows up. When a murder occurs, Megan is drawn into solving it when people she cares about come under suspicion. I appreciate a logical tie to a sleuth getting involved and this one is certainly that. Sometimes a sleuth comes across as a busybody but not Megan.
Megan’s beau, Dr. Finn, is AWOL for most of the story but their relationship continues to blossom. Megan begins to process how she feels and what she wants for the future in a very realistic manner.
I enjoyed the story and think it could be read stand-alone. However, I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed watching the characters grown and relationships develop. I think it adds a lot and recommend reading the books in order.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.
Our farmer/sleuth, Megan, has her hands full when her father and his new wife unexpectedly descend on their small town. At the same time, a spa retreat opens and Megan’s high school sweetheart turns out to be involved with the venture.
Things turn a bit weird when yet another friend from the old days shows up. When a murder occurs, Megan is drawn into solving it when people she cares about come under suspicion. I appreciate a logical tie to a sleuth getting involved and this one is certainly that. Sometimes a sleuth comes across as a busybody but not Megan.
Megan’s beau, Dr. Finn, is AWOL for most of the story but their relationship continues to blossom. Megan begins to process how she feels and what she wants for the future in a very realistic manner.
I enjoyed the story and think it could be read stand-alone. However, I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed watching the characters grown and relationships develop. I think it adds a lot and recommend reading the books in order.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.
September 4, 2018
5 stars
This fourth installment in the Greenhouse mysteries is pure enjoyment to read. Washington Acres farm has renovated a barn into a wood burning pizza restaurant and is preparing for a Grand Opening event.
Megan is expecting her father hand his new wife, Sylvia who is a business owner looking to expand into buying and selling artwork. They don’t stay with Megan and Bibi at the farm, but decide to stay at the new hotel / yoga retreat that just opened up. Megan finds out that two of her close childhood friends are involved with the center opening and the memories of that time come flooding back.
Shortly after Megan’s father and Sylvia arrive at the center, one of the feature artists at the spa, Thana Moore is found murdered on a back road near the facility. Megan’s stepmother becomes a person of interest which results in Megan becoming involved with finding out more.
Thoroughly enjoy the setting and characters in this series. This story builds on prior ones, but not to a degree where this can’t be read as a standalone. Great pace to the mystery and it definitely was a surprise ending for me. This is one of my favorite series!
Thank you Edelweiss+ and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This fourth installment in the Greenhouse mysteries is pure enjoyment to read. Washington Acres farm has renovated a barn into a wood burning pizza restaurant and is preparing for a Grand Opening event.
Megan is expecting her father hand his new wife, Sylvia who is a business owner looking to expand into buying and selling artwork. They don’t stay with Megan and Bibi at the farm, but decide to stay at the new hotel / yoga retreat that just opened up. Megan finds out that two of her close childhood friends are involved with the center opening and the memories of that time come flooding back.
Shortly after Megan’s father and Sylvia arrive at the center, one of the feature artists at the spa, Thana Moore is found murdered on a back road near the facility. Megan’s stepmother becomes a person of interest which results in Megan becoming involved with finding out more.
Thoroughly enjoy the setting and characters in this series. This story builds on prior ones, but not to a degree where this can’t be read as a standalone. Great pace to the mystery and it definitely was a surprise ending for me. This is one of my favorite series!
Thank you Edelweiss+ and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 17, 2018
Book number four in the series has Megan Sawyer opening a farm to table pizza kitchen on her Washington Acres farm located in Winsome, Pennsylvania. To add more stress to the days before the opening, Megan’s father and his high maintenance wife Sylvia appear and while they have been invited to stay at the farm, they decide that a nearby yoga wellness center would suit them better. Unfortunately, that creates issues all its own when Sylvia confronts an artist in residence, Thana Moore, whose body is later found and Sylvia is the main suspect.
There are a few twists and recurring characters, but overall the book is a good continuation of the series and by the end, some new revelations will be found and a new spin on old history will finally find its way onto Washington Acres.
The ongoing side stories are what keep this series moving for me. The murder du jour is a given, but the people and history of the area are what keeps me coming back. Small businesses, new relationships, and family all rolled into the typical cozy mystery formula without overburdening any of the usual ploys.
There are a few twists and recurring characters, but overall the book is a good continuation of the series and by the end, some new revelations will be found and a new spin on old history will finally find its way onto Washington Acres.
The ongoing side stories are what keep this series moving for me. The murder du jour is a given, but the people and history of the area are what keeps me coming back. Small businesses, new relationships, and family all rolled into the typical cozy mystery formula without overburdening any of the usual ploys.
June 22, 2018
All I can say is “wow!” Actually, that’s not all. Wendy Tyson truly gets better with each book in the Greenhouse Mystery Series. Yes, there is an excellently paced plot with a truly intriguing mystery. Yes, the farm/store/restaurant/town are charming and delightful. And yes some of the characters are quirky and add to an almost Stars Hollow feel. BUT what makes these books, and ROOTED IN DECEIT specifically, so good is the characters. And I’m not just talking the main characters of Megan and her aunt (both of whom I love and I’m utterly convinced I’d be friends with). Each person introduced in the book is fully fleshed out from the chef to the farm hands to the dead artist. I believe them easily. And speaking (or typing) about believability, Tyson has absolutely nailed complicated family dynamics.
If you want a fast-paced mystery that is rooted (see what I did there?) in fully developed characters in a near idylic setting, you must read ROOTED IN DECEIT. And if you haven’t read the first three, go back and do that, too. Trust me, you’ll thank me.
If you want a fast-paced mystery that is rooted (see what I did there?) in fully developed characters in a near idylic setting, you must read ROOTED IN DECEIT. And if you haven’t read the first three, go back and do that, too. Trust me, you’ll thank me.
May 20, 2020
Talk about your sleepless nights....a mixture of not being able to sleep due to this stay-at-home stuff and staying awake for just one-more-page syndrome for reading this one, which was "I can't sleep so will read to go back to sleep but just one more page to see what's going to happen".
I love this series so much! The premise is super as are the characters and the mysteries. Chemistry is everywhere between the characters, I like that they feel real to me in their relationships.
The investigation is split between two towns police forces and Megan runs into roadblocks with the other town but is well-known and trusted by her town's force.
She has her hands full with her ne'er-do-well father and his new wife and the appearance of an old friend. All of this is why it's natural she gets drawn into the murder investigation.
The premise of her farm-to-table operation is super cool. It's hard work but I'd love to have something like that one day. Even with all of the mysterious deaths in her locale....
I can definitely recommend this author, book and series.
I love this series so much! The premise is super as are the characters and the mysteries. Chemistry is everywhere between the characters, I like that they feel real to me in their relationships.
The investigation is split between two towns police forces and Megan runs into roadblocks with the other town but is well-known and trusted by her town's force.
She has her hands full with her ne'er-do-well father and his new wife and the appearance of an old friend. All of this is why it's natural she gets drawn into the murder investigation.
The premise of her farm-to-table operation is super cool. It's hard work but I'd love to have something like that one day. Even with all of the mysterious deaths in her locale....
I can definitely recommend this author, book and series.
September 13, 2018
I found this book to be more focused on personalities and relationships than on a cozy murder. Reading it in series order might be the wisest way to get maximum benefit from this episode in the series.
Megan's father, Eddie, arrives with his new Italian wife, Sylvia but their focus is on acquiring art at the new Centre, especially paintings by Thana Moore, Megan's former BFF, and not on Bibi or the farm Eddie abandoned.
With Denver back in Scotland for a family emergency, Megan is left to tackle all the activities that keep Washington Acres Farm plus their store & eatery in town profitable AND open the new pizza barn restaurant at the farm.
When Thana is murdered, Mega's chef's wife Maria Alvarez and her dad's wife Sylvia are elevated to persons of interest status which wreck havoc for Megan.
Murder was definitely secondary to the family and love relationships this time around but it was a very good read. I give this 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Megan's father, Eddie, arrives with his new Italian wife, Sylvia but their focus is on acquiring art at the new Centre, especially paintings by Thana Moore, Megan's former BFF, and not on Bibi or the farm Eddie abandoned.
With Denver back in Scotland for a family emergency, Megan is left to tackle all the activities that keep Washington Acres Farm plus their store & eatery in town profitable AND open the new pizza barn restaurant at the farm.
When Thana is murdered, Mega's chef's wife Maria Alvarez and her dad's wife Sylvia are elevated to persons of interest status which wreck havoc for Megan.
Murder was definitely secondary to the family and love relationships this time around but it was a very good read. I give this 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
June 2, 2019
Megan really begins to realize her feelings for Denver while he is out of the country. Her feelings for her father are conflicted by his snotty Italian wife and his helpless, spineless, worthless attitude. Megan helps to solve another murder, run her farm, run the cafe & store and open a farm pizza restaurant - it's exhausting. So much so that she, evidently, lost her mind and gave some of the value of the buried treasure to her father. Fortunately, for once, he stood up like a real man and sent the money back. Maybe she'll finally buy the property next door that she's been wanting. My main problem with this type of cozy mystery is that the heroine manages to be involved in 500 things at once and still finds time to be nosy and get involved in the investigation of the day. In these books Megan hardly ever sleeps because of worry/wondering; it reminds me of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta never eating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
Very intriguing! I really enjoyed meeting Megan's father in this book and seeing the family dynamics. It was also interesting to see more of Megan's mother and watch the two try to figure out their relationship. Megan's father's new wife, Sylvia, as well as Alvaro's wife, Maria, are suspects in the murder of a local artist at the new spa resort. The dead woman was once a friend of Megan's and she once again gets involved investigating. This book was interesting as the murder occurred in a different town and Bobby is not involved, though he does do what he can to help Megan. We also see the addition of the pizza farm to Washington Acres. I found this concept to be intriguing. I missed seeing Denver as he was in Scotland helping his injured sister for most of the book. These are well-written characters and stories that leave you wanting more. I look forward to what's next for Megan!
March 28, 2019
Intriguing plot and characters. The author has the gift of describing setting and characters in a way that brings them to life without being overly verbose. This one could stand on its own; however, I chose to read the prior three in the series and I'm glad I did. They were just as well-written and allowed me to have background on the farm, town and relationships that made this entry in the series that much more interesting, especially the ending. Wendy Tyson has the gift of being able to capture a reader's interest, imagination and attention. The ending hinted at more good things to come. Hopefully, that will be so and this series will continue to intrigue and entertain. My thanks to Wendy for enjoyable reads.
June 26, 2019
The 4th book in this series is as good as the previous ones, well-written with believable characters and a plot that isn't so far-fetched it's off the planet! Megan is intelligent, kind, and cares deeply about her grandmother, who brought her up, and her employees in her farm and cafe business. She has a developing relationship with the local vet, though he spends most of this book in Scotland; and much of the plot concerns both Megan's father, who effectively abandoned her years ago, his new wife, and Megan's high-school boyfriend and former best friend. Fortunately, there is no renewal of silly feud from her teenage years, which, for reasons that are a mystery to me, seems to be a favourite plot device with American writers of cosy mysteries.
October 19, 2018
I continue to enjoy my visits to Winsome, Pennsylvania, to spend time with Megan Sawyer, her grandmother Bibi, and friends Clay, Clover, Bobby, and Denver. My one complaint, and it is minor, was the repeated bashing of how Bibi raised Megan's dad, Eddie. Yes, she made mistakes. What parent doesn't?
Looking forward to a fifth book in the Greenhouse Mystery series.
Looking forward to a fifth book in the Greenhouse Mystery series.
November 12, 2018
Fast paced can't put down mystery
Wendy's books keep getting better and better. I couldn't guess who the killer was. She kept me guessing the entire time. Loved it. Recommend it highly.
Wendy's books keep getting better and better. I couldn't guess who the killer was. She kept me guessing the entire time. Loved it. Recommend it highly.
December 2, 2018
Awesome series
I enjoyed this whole series! Such well- drawn characters, people you can really see and love. Read all four books in four days! Very good twists in the story kept completely interested.
I enjoyed this whole series! Such well- drawn characters, people you can really see and love. Read all four books in four days! Very good twists in the story kept completely interested.
January 10, 2019
The character bothers me because she is basically a doormat for everyone. She lashes out at people who are worthy of trust but then when someone hurts her, she just takes it. I can't give it four stars because of that.
July 21, 2019
Wendy's tyson popped up on my Facebook page as an author I might like since I love mysteries. I love her books! I read the first 3 and was happy to read the 4th. I'm now following her and see book 5 will be out soon. Can't wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews