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Myrtle Grove Garden Club Mystery #5
Blues, Butterflies & Murder
Jesse Camden is minding the store at the Gilded Lily Antiques and Vintage Shop when a stranger enters and begins asking questions about Lindsey Hatch, Jesse’s friend, business partner and the barista at the tearoom next door. It’s a bad beginning to a day that just gets worse when, within hours, two people are found dead.
While trying to learn more about the man who’s stalking Lindsey, Jesse and Vivian Windsor find his body in a motel room. When it turns out they are also the last two people to see another victim alive, they become prime suspects in both deaths. Before the afternoon is out, Lindsey joins Jesse and Vivian at the sheriff’s office to defend themselves, and the ladies of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club go on high alert to solve a twelve-year-old mystery and bring a killer to justice before one of them is charged for a murder they didn’t commit.
While trying to learn more about the man who’s stalking Lindsey, Jesse and Vivian Windsor find his body in a motel room. When it turns out they are also the last two people to see another victim alive, they become prime suspects in both deaths. Before the afternoon is out, Lindsey joins Jesse and Vivian at the sheriff’s office to defend themselves, and the ladies of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club go on high alert to solve a twelve-year-old mystery and bring a killer to justice before one of them is charged for a murder they didn’t commit.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
740 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 16, 2019
The more I read these cozies the deeper I fall in love with them, Jesse and her gang are at it again only this time it is more twisted than ever. Two murders and a lotta suspects, which is just how Vivian and Jesse like it, more dirt to sift through until they find the one or ones that did the dastardly act. This has been a truly engaging and entertaining cozy filled with drama, a bit a romance and a lotta intrigue.
June 18, 2021
As good as the first one
This is one of those books that I couldn't put down and leave to finish later. It is well written and interesting in both mystery and characters.
This is one of those books that I couldn't put down and leave to finish later. It is well written and interesting in both mystery and characters.
May 2, 2020
Jesse Camden, co-owner of the Gilded Lilly Antique Shop as well as the adjacent tearoom is involved in murder, yet again, and her sometime beau, Sherriff Joe Tyler is not amused. Jesse and her friend Vivian seem to possess some sort of corpse radar when it comes to discovering bodies or it could just be the fact that they are notorious busy bodies (with the proverbial hearts of gold).
This time around it’s Lindsey, one of Jesse’s partners, who brings the havoc into Jesse’s life. Lindsey has secrets that no one suspected and she is not the only person in the town of Myrtle Grove with a past shrouded in mystery.
No more secrets will be divulged at this point lest it dampen the appetite of avid cozy readers. Suffice to say, there are more than enough characters whose previous exploits are lurking just out of sight waiting to destroy their present. Overall, this is a good, quick read.
JUST ONE THING: If there was one character that I had a problem with it was Darla Owen. Her personality and behavior seemed to vacillate between thoughtful pre-teen and frightened five year old. I didn't think her actions were age appropriate.
This time around it’s Lindsey, one of Jesse’s partners, who brings the havoc into Jesse’s life. Lindsey has secrets that no one suspected and she is not the only person in the town of Myrtle Grove with a past shrouded in mystery.
No more secrets will be divulged at this point lest it dampen the appetite of avid cozy readers. Suffice to say, there are more than enough characters whose previous exploits are lurking just out of sight waiting to destroy their present. Overall, this is a good, quick read.
JUST ONE THING: If there was one character that I had a problem with it was Darla Owen. Her personality and behavior seemed to vacillate between thoughtful pre-teen and frightened five year old. I didn't think her actions were age appropriate.
July 2, 2021
I didn't expect this book to be disappointing
This book started out well for me - it had women looking out for each other, a close-knit community and an engaging writing style.
But soon the okay-but-not-so-great proofing/editing started annoying me. And the writing itself became loose and winding. It became difficult to keep track of threads and surprises.
Why? Because of unrealistic stuff in the plot - long conversations and speculations between Jesse and the sheriff when the latter needs to be rushing somewhere else (twice), the top-notch hospitality (spoiling him silly, really) provided to a character she could hardly trust, one more never-ending long conversation with the same guy who needs to be rushing to leave the town. Also couldn't believe that Lindsey wouldn't recognise her husband's cousin whom she must have surely met when she got married! And how patiently the men hung around while the women endlessly discussed their speculations and theories. And which 12 YO reaches your midsection and requires you to squat down to talk to them?? I mean, really, the author got carried away writing some parts.
By chapter 11, I was becoming impatient and rolling my eyes. I motivated myself to read further, managed till chapter 24 and then skimmed rapidly through to the end - chapter 36 - phew!
I would have liked for the plot to have lesser twists, believable parts and tighter story-telling.
Nothing can save this disaster for me, but I did like the female characters being so protective, the community feel and the designer tennis shoes work by everyone in town.
This book started out well for me - it had women looking out for each other, a close-knit community and an engaging writing style.
But soon the okay-but-not-so-great proofing/editing started annoying me. And the writing itself became loose and winding. It became difficult to keep track of threads and surprises.
Why? Because of unrealistic stuff in the plot - long conversations and speculations between Jesse and the sheriff when the latter needs to be rushing somewhere else (twice), the top-notch hospitality (spoiling him silly, really) provided to a character she could hardly trust, one more never-ending long conversation with the same guy who needs to be rushing to leave the town. Also couldn't believe that Lindsey wouldn't recognise her husband's cousin whom she must have surely met when she got married! And how patiently the men hung around while the women endlessly discussed their speculations and theories. And which 12 YO reaches your midsection and requires you to squat down to talk to them?? I mean, really, the author got carried away writing some parts.
By chapter 11, I was becoming impatient and rolling my eyes. I motivated myself to read further, managed till chapter 24 and then skimmed rapidly through to the end - chapter 36 - phew!
I would have liked for the plot to have lesser twists, believable parts and tighter story-telling.
Nothing can save this disaster for me, but I did like the female characters being so protective, the community feel and the designer tennis shoes work by everyone in town.
August 2, 2022
Heavy on what seemed like unnecessary detail and short on explanations, though the latter might be due to this being the fifth in a series but the first I've read (or, more accurately, tried to read).
I credit Loulou Harrington with creating a setting that seems so real it would be a surprise not to find this shop somewhere in some town named Myrtle Grove (or something similar). But for those of us who don't swoon at the sight of antique furniture or family heirloom china, a little of these descriptions goes a long way.
The plot seemed predictable to me in the beginning and the characters weren't especially believable, so I skipped ahead after a few chapters. It was gratifying to see the story had some twists and turns but even then I wasn't intrigued enough to read the full text.
Some other commenters are saying it's a fun, quick read. For me it was a hop, skip, and a jump to the end experience.
I credit Loulou Harrington with creating a setting that seems so real it would be a surprise not to find this shop somewhere in some town named Myrtle Grove (or something similar). But for those of us who don't swoon at the sight of antique furniture or family heirloom china, a little of these descriptions goes a long way.
The plot seemed predictable to me in the beginning and the characters weren't especially believable, so I skipped ahead after a few chapters. It was gratifying to see the story had some twists and turns but even then I wasn't intrigued enough to read the full text.
Some other commenters are saying it's a fun, quick read. For me it was a hop, skip, and a jump to the end experience.
July 23, 2022
This story broke my heart. Two murders. Are they related? You betcha! Another child turns to Jesse for help. Vivian is back. Hurray! She brings insights into situations that often make Jesse rethink. Joe is there to give Jesse help and support, as well as the usual caution to stay out of it. She doesn't listen, not when it concerns her partner and good friend. Surprises erupt constantly. The characters add so much realism to small town stories, along with a bit of humor.
Mothers shouldn't be killed. I know, in real life they are. But that's what broke my heart in this story. Of course, the bad guy is captured and will be punished, but my heart went out to the kids. Still, this is a good mystery.
Mothers shouldn't be killed. I know, in real life they are. But that's what broke my heart in this story. Of course, the bad guy is captured and will be punished, but my heart went out to the kids. Still, this is a good mystery.
March 21, 2019
I love visiting Myrtle Grove. The residents -- especially the members of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club -- are an fascinatingly eclectic group of women who always manage to find trouble and (help) resolve it in increasingly imaginative ways. And in between their sleuthing, they manage to get a tad bit of gardening done to justify their name/existence. This time it's one of their own who has big trouble, which happens to spill over to the wife of the local hardware store owner. Add a 12-year-old girl and a questioned paternity, and you have the makings for some really good mystery. Oh, and there's a nice recipe in the back of the book too.
July 19, 2020
A little different
This is a good story, a little hokey but most cozy mysteries are. This one had the typical, owner of an antique shop and tea room. Happens upon a murder. She ivestigates, gets into some trouble and solves the case before the police. Cozy mysteries are nice for a change. This one was better than most, it had a few twists and wasn't as easy to guess until closer to the end. Cozy mysteries are good if you read alot of murder mysteries and get to the point where they all seem the same or your mind needs a rest. These are different because they are clean. No violence and no foul language. Just cozy.
This is a good story, a little hokey but most cozy mysteries are. This one had the typical, owner of an antique shop and tea room. Happens upon a murder. She ivestigates, gets into some trouble and solves the case before the police. Cozy mysteries are nice for a change. This one was better than most, it had a few twists and wasn't as easy to guess until closer to the end. Cozy mysteries are good if you read alot of murder mysteries and get to the point where they all seem the same or your mind needs a rest. These are different because they are clean. No violence and no foul language. Just cozy.
January 8, 2019
Good Mystery!
Lindsey is found by Jesse in a cupboard, crying, fearful; after an incredibly handsome hunk has been in the Antique Store! What is wrong? Why has the hardware store owners wife committed suicide? Who killed the hunk who tried to haul Lindsey out of the coffee shop of The Gilded Lily? Good mystery, terrible ending for Sheriff Tyler and Jesse! I am becoming frustrated by the lack of romance in this series! If all you want to read is a Cozy Mystery, go for it! Other than that, forget it!
I recommend! Thanks!
Carolintallahassee.com
Lindsey is found by Jesse in a cupboard, crying, fearful; after an incredibly handsome hunk has been in the Antique Store! What is wrong? Why has the hardware store owners wife committed suicide? Who killed the hunk who tried to haul Lindsey out of the coffee shop of The Gilded Lily? Good mystery, terrible ending for Sheriff Tyler and Jesse! I am becoming frustrated by the lack of romance in this series! If all you want to read is a Cozy Mystery, go for it! Other than that, forget it!
I recommend! Thanks!
Carolintallahassee.com
March 29, 2019
An intriguing story of how past romantic relationships can cause pain and chaos in the present. Two cousins seek love, unfortunately with the same woman, and it ends dramatically. A young wife is fed up with her matrimony and escapes for three years to settle into a new life but as fate would have it, she is found. And so the mystery begins.
The plot keeps you guessing as to who is the person responsible for what happens.
The plot keeps you guessing as to who is the person responsible for what happens.
April 3, 2019
Old secrets can Lead to Murder
Once again Ms Harrington has given us readers a gift so marvelous I want every cozey murder mystery or mystery reader to share in the magic of this heart warming storey , one of those women who run from abuse, lieve town in shame with a secret to carry and those whose lives are fractured in the aftermath. Pick up a copy and start enjoying "Myrtle Grove Garden Club Mystery "book 5.🙄😮🤐😏😶 Kat
Once again Ms Harrington has given us readers a gift so marvelous I want every cozey murder mystery or mystery reader to share in the magic of this heart warming storey , one of those women who run from abuse, lieve town in shame with a secret to carry and those whose lives are fractured in the aftermath. Pick up a copy and start enjoying "Myrtle Grove Garden Club Mystery "book 5.🙄😮🤐😏😶 Kat
April 29, 2019
Picked this up on a whim not paying attention to the fact that it was a #5 and I hadn't read the first 4. But I read it anyway. There were a few things I probably could've benefited from by reading the other books, but all in all, this stood alone quite well. And it made me want to go back and read the other books when I have the time and money. Loads of fun, but with heart. Good mystery. Great characters.
July 19, 2021
A woman who has been involved with murder before, just can't seem to help involving herself.
Jesse, nudging 50 just cannot seem to stop seeing the puzzles that coalesce when strange events happen in her small community. Including murder.
I loved working out the puzzles in this book along with Jesse. Seeing a possibility of people who have been traumatised, healing is a special treat for me to imagine.
Jesse, nudging 50 just cannot seem to stop seeing the puzzles that coalesce when strange events happen in her small community. Including murder.
I loved working out the puzzles in this book along with Jesse. Seeing a possibility of people who have been traumatised, healing is a special treat for me to imagine.
September 6, 2021
I can never get enough of
Loulou's books!!! I finish one and start another. Vivian and Jesse sure managed to step into the heart of this story.......or should I say in the mess of the story? Everyone had a little piece of information but was only one piece of the puzzle. Not helpful until way later in the book. I couldn't guess who the killers were until the end. Thank you for having your books in kindle unlimited.
Loulou's books!!! I finish one and start another. Vivian and Jesse sure managed to step into the heart of this story.......or should I say in the mess of the story? Everyone had a little piece of information but was only one piece of the puzzle. Not helpful until way later in the book. I couldn't guess who the killers were until the end. Thank you for having your books in kindle unlimited.
November 13, 2021
I loved this mystery, as I have loved all of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club series. This mystery was especially suspenseful and filled with lots of twists and turns along the way all the way until the last several pages of the book.
Harrington does a fantastic job of developing the characters in her stories, juxtaposing the realities of human foibles, character, and the mixture that all people are. I look forward to the next stories in the series.
Harrington does a fantastic job of developing the characters in her stories, juxtaposing the realities of human foibles, character, and the mixture that all people are. I look forward to the next stories in the series.
March 18, 2019
Two murders instead of one
Jesse seems to always be in the middle of solving a murder but now it is two. How are they related and was it one killer or two. It take some time but she finally gets there in the end. I would like to have seen a little more romance like the last book. That is still hanging out there.
Jesse seems to always be in the middle of solving a murder but now it is two. How are they related and was it one killer or two. It take some time but she finally gets there in the end. I would like to have seen a little more romance like the last book. That is still hanging out there.
April 2, 2019
A very entertaining read!!!
This is the fifth book in this series! I have enjoyed all of the other books and couldn't wait to start reading this one! The characters are fun and the story line keeps you reading until the end. I hope this author continue is A this series with me y more books and .mysteries to keep me guessing!!!
This is the fifth book in this series! I have enjoyed all of the other books and couldn't wait to start reading this one! The characters are fun and the story line keeps you reading until the end. I hope this author continue is A this series with me y more books and .mysteries to keep me guessing!!!
August 2, 2020
4.5 stars
This is a cozy mystery with a good plot development. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the book to keep you guessing. Who done it? There are numerous suspects and several murders.
I found this book entertaining and found that I couldn't put it down, once I started it.
This is a cozy mystery with a good plot development. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the book to keep you guessing. Who done it? There are numerous suspects and several murders.
I found this book entertaining and found that I couldn't put it down, once I started it.
January 20, 2021
Two Murders
A small town like Myrtle Grove, Oklahoma, doesn't have one murder in one day, let alone two in one day! But Jesselyn and Vivian find two separate bodies. Quite a story about a really dysfunctional family and mistakes made decades ago. Jesse figures it all out, but Sheriff Joe is almost with her. Excellent series.
A small town like Myrtle Grove, Oklahoma, doesn't have one murder in one day, let alone two in one day! But Jesselyn and Vivian find two separate bodies. Quite a story about a really dysfunctional family and mistakes made decades ago. Jesse figures it all out, but Sheriff Joe is almost with her. Excellent series.
April 25, 2021
Another Return to Myrtle Grove
Very good mystery if somewhat confusing but all summed up nicely. Brothers and e women who all have secrets and oh yes a cousin who is tied in also. Murder in such a small town is pretty commonplace but I would probably move or steer clear of the Garden Club.
Very good mystery if somewhat confusing but all summed up nicely. Brothers and e women who all have secrets and oh yes a cousin who is tied in also. Murder in such a small town is pretty commonplace but I would probably move or steer clear of the Garden Club.
December 15, 2021
A mystery wrapped in a conundrum and then put through the Enigma machine
The Hurtle Grove Garden Club series of Cosy Mysteries can be tried upon for a good read. This one is more satisfying than others Characters I have read. Secrets, murder, accident and inheritance are all essential to the story. Defiantly recommended!
The Hurtle Grove Garden Club series of Cosy Mysteries can be tried upon for a good read. This one is more satisfying than others Characters I have read. Secrets, murder, accident and inheritance are all essential to the story. Defiantly recommended!
January 12, 2024
Very interesting read. Since it was 5 of a series there a few things that they talk about that you don't know. A 50 year old women and her 70 something friend keep getting themselves and their book club in a small town involved in solving crimes. Murders. Some romance that just doesn't get the chance to progress. Memorable characters.
July 3, 2024
WOW
Is this ever a wonderful series. I can’t say one book is better than the next. So far, they all deserve 10 stars. I kind of stumbled on LouLou’s wonderful books and so glad I did. If you like mysteries, this series is for you, once you start you can’t put them down. At least I couldn’t.
Is this ever a wonderful series. I can’t say one book is better than the next. So far, they all deserve 10 stars. I kind of stumbled on LouLou’s wonderful books and so glad I did. If you like mysteries, this series is for you, once you start you can’t put them down. At least I couldn’t.
October 6, 2018
Good cozy mystery
This is a good cozy mystery that is well written. The characters sound realistic. It is an enjoyable interesting read. I would definitely read more by this author.
This is a good cozy mystery that is well written. The characters sound realistic. It is an enjoyable interesting read. I would definitely read more by this author.
October 9, 2018
Great Cozy Mystery
I enjoyed continuing to read about the Myrtle Grove Gardening Club. I liked the characters, the setting, and their sleuthing abilities. Hope there is another book in the works.
I enjoyed continuing to read about the Myrtle Grove Gardening Club. I liked the characters, the setting, and their sleuthing abilities. Hope there is another book in the works.
November 4, 2018
I love the series.
I really enjoy this series. I do hope there will be more to come. I love Jesse she is so spunky. I did figure out the culprit for one murder when Walter talked about a well endowed blonde was leaving Darrens room.
I really enjoy this series. I do hope there will be more to come. I love Jesse she is so spunky. I did figure out the culprit for one murder when Walter talked about a well endowed blonde was leaving Darrens room.
February 1, 2019
Jesse is on the trail of the bad guys.
Strange families, strange deaths, people thinking money can cure all ills. Sheriff Taylor worried about Jesse and the problems she gets herself into, her mother worried about the people Jesse is trying to help.
Read and enjoy.
Strange families, strange deaths, people thinking money can cure all ills. Sheriff Taylor worried about Jesse and the problems she gets herself into, her mother worried about the people Jesse is trying to help.
Read and enjoy.
March 17, 2019
Sleepy little town that spawns murders connected in many different ways.
I've found another author. She's different than Janet Evanovich but is funny and has twists and turns. I have read 5 books now and recommend them all.
I've found another author. She's different than Janet Evanovich but is funny and has twists and turns. I have read 5 books now and recommend them all.
April 1, 2019
Ending Surprise
I didn't guess the ending. It surprise me which in my mind makes it a good read. This was my first book by Loulou Harrington, but not my last. Fell in love with all the charaters and the town.
I didn't guess the ending. It surprise me which in my mind makes it a good read. This was my first book by Loulou Harrington, but not my last. Fell in love with all the charaters and the town.
April 5, 2019
This was my first 'visit' to Myrtle Grove ............................. and looking forward to going there again. Great group of female protagonists with an assortment of 'back histories' to give them extra interest.
Think I'm going to have to start with Book 1 and work my way through them all.
Think I'm going to have to start with Book 1 and work my way through them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews