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A Garden Squad Mystery #1
Pruning the Dead
With hundreds flocking to her inaugural garden party, meticulous Lilly Jayne hasn’t left a single petal out of place. But the picture-perfect gathering turns unruly upon the arrival of Merilee Frank, Lily’s ex-husband’s catty third wife. Merilee lives for trouble, so no one is surprised after she drinks too much, shoves a guest into the koi pond, and gets escorted off the property. The real surprise comes days later―when Merilee is found dead in a pile of mulch. Lilly wishes she could stick to pruning roses and forget about Merilee’s murder―until her best friend and ex become suspects in the overgrown homicide case. Now, aided by the Garden Squad, an unlikely group of amateur crime solvers with a knack for planting, Lilly knows she has limited time to identify the true culprit and restore order to Goosebush―because if the murderer’s plot isn’t nipped in the bud, another victim could be pushing up daisies!
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First published January 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
January 5, 2019
Pruning the Dead by Julia Henry is the first book of the cozy A Garden Squad Mystery series. As with most cozy series the story within will be a self contained one with the mystery being wrapped up in the one book and a new mystery in each additional book of the series.
This series features an older leading lady in Lilly Jayne who is sixty five years young. Lilly Jayne hadn't realized she'd become bit withdrawn after her second husband had passed away two years before but when her friends give her a gentle nudge she decides to once again focus on her garden.
Lilly Jayne has acres and acres of garden space at but she hadn't hosted her tours in years so she wanted to make sure every petal was in it's place before the hundreds of guests arrived. Attending Lilly Jayne's affair was her first husband and his third wife who Lilly Jayne doesn't quite care for but she never wished the woman would turn up murdered and her ex would become a suspect.
Pruning the Dead wasn't a bad little mystery read at all, in fact most other reviewers seem to absolutely love it. However, when you see a 3, or I say eh, it was OK in the cozy mystery genre generally that means it just wasn't quirky enough for me. I really enjoy the overly funny stories the most and I noticed someone called this one "realistic", well yes, but realistic also translated into ordinary to me. It didn't really help matters that the author tended to be one to tell and not show, especially right off, so I just didn't get that excited with this new series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This series features an older leading lady in Lilly Jayne who is sixty five years young. Lilly Jayne hadn't realized she'd become bit withdrawn after her second husband had passed away two years before but when her friends give her a gentle nudge she decides to once again focus on her garden.
Lilly Jayne has acres and acres of garden space at but she hadn't hosted her tours in years so she wanted to make sure every petal was in it's place before the hundreds of guests arrived. Attending Lilly Jayne's affair was her first husband and his third wife who Lilly Jayne doesn't quite care for but she never wished the woman would turn up murdered and her ex would become a suspect.
Pruning the Dead wasn't a bad little mystery read at all, in fact most other reviewers seem to absolutely love it. However, when you see a 3, or I say eh, it was OK in the cozy mystery genre generally that means it just wasn't quirky enough for me. I really enjoy the overly funny stories the most and I noticed someone called this one "realistic", well yes, but realistic also translated into ordinary to me. It didn't really help matters that the author tended to be one to tell and not show, especially right off, so I just didn't get that excited with this new series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 4, 2019
A nice debut featuring a protagonist and a secondary cast of older characters. Several neighbors band together to form The Garden Squad which secretly does good gardening, etc., deeds around town. I felt the plot was more character driven than focused on the murder mystery, however the story was certainly interesting enough to hold my attention. I’m looking forward to the next book!
January 28, 2019
Lilly Jayne is opening up her garden for a garden party for the first time in years, a first step toward getting back into life in Goosebush, Massachusetts, after the death of her husband. Unfortunately, getting back into life in Goosebush includes dealing with her first husband's current wife. Merilee Frank goes looking for trouble and does a very good job of stirring it up. She makes several scenes at the party, but the real shock comes a few days later when Merilee turns up dead. With the police looking at several people Lilly is certain are innocent, she begins to investigate with the help of her best friends. But can they figure out what really happened?
This is the start of a new series, but I can already tell you I love these characters. Lilly and her "squad" are well drawn, and how much they obviously care for each other made me care for them. I do feel the book could have been a little tighter, especially at the beginning, but it never wandered for too long, and a strong gardening sub-plot helped keep me engaged. I did feel the third person narration head hopped a bit, a personal pet peeve, but that was a minor complaint. I love the setting, a coastal small town. This is exactly the kind of place I'd love to visit if I could. The mystery itself was enjoyable with several strong suspects. I began to suspect where things were going as we got close to the end, but I didn't have everything figured out until Lilly pieced things together for us.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is the start of a new series, but I can already tell you I love these characters. Lilly and her "squad" are well drawn, and how much they obviously care for each other made me care for them. I do feel the book could have been a little tighter, especially at the beginning, but it never wandered for too long, and a strong gardening sub-plot helped keep me engaged. I did feel the third person narration head hopped a bit, a personal pet peeve, but that was a minor complaint. I love the setting, a coastal small town. This is exactly the kind of place I'd love to visit if I could. The mystery itself was enjoyable with several strong suspects. I began to suspect where things were going as we got close to the end, but I didn't have everything figured out until Lilly pieced things together for us.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 28, 2018
Aches and pains don't slow sixty-five year old Lilly Jayne down as she preps her show place gardens for their first viewing in a few years. Her palatial home, Windward, in Goosebush, Massachusetts has acres of gardens and Lily Jayne is throwing her first open garden tour since her beloved second husband passed away two years ago. As Lilly Jayne reinserts herself into Goosebush life, she is surprised to find what all she has missed out on during her husband's illness. Dealing with her ex-husband's third wife, who gets drunk and has to be removed from the garden party is no problem for Lilly Jayne but when the woman is found murdered and her ex-becomes a prime suspect, Lilly Jayne has to start an investigation of her own. The deeper Lilly Jayne digs into the murder, the more she learns about problems in Goosebush. The city apparently has no money for road repairs and upkeep on public parks and the compliance clerk is dealing out devastating fines to seniors who can't afford them and then threatens to take their homes. What is going on in her beloved family town?
I found this first book in the new series, "Garden Squad Mysteries" to be very entertaining. It pulls you in from the beginning and never lets go. The characters are well done and totally believable. It is nice to have an older sleuth working the case. Lilly Jayne reminds me of Agatha Christie's, Miss Marple. The twisted murder plot and city funding mystery are tightly woven together in a style similar to Agatha Christie's writing. One of the most twisted murder plots I have read in recent months. Any cozy and mystery reader will really enjoy this book. I am eagerly anticipating the next book.
I won an ARC of this book from a contest held by the author. I read it voluntarily and this is my honest opinion and fair review.
I found this first book in the new series, "Garden Squad Mysteries" to be very entertaining. It pulls you in from the beginning and never lets go. The characters are well done and totally believable. It is nice to have an older sleuth working the case. Lilly Jayne reminds me of Agatha Christie's, Miss Marple. The twisted murder plot and city funding mystery are tightly woven together in a style similar to Agatha Christie's writing. One of the most twisted murder plots I have read in recent months. Any cozy and mystery reader will really enjoy this book. I am eagerly anticipating the next book.
I won an ARC of this book from a contest held by the author. I read it voluntarily and this is my honest opinion and fair review.
March 11, 2019
Author Julia Henry aka J. A. Hennrikus aka Julianne Holmes, sure knows how to pen a tale no matter what name she uses. If this first book in the Garden Squad Mysteries is any indication of what the rest of the series will be like, I need to clear my shelves for the next installments!
One of the things about PRUNING THE DEAD that will stand out to many readers is the protagonist, Lily Jayne and her cohorts are older than most series leads and besties. While I enjoy the thirty somethings starring in most cozies (They make me feel young), I enjoyed spending time with a more mature group of characters.
The writing in PRUNING THE DEAD is first rate. The further into the story I read, the harder it was to tare myself away. I was so involved in this book, I didn’t know how late it had become until I realized I could no long see the pages. Not only was it a spectacular mystery with more twists and turns than ivy vines, it was an entertaining story from cover to cover.
And don’t miss the gardening tips at the end. I learned so many new things, I just may be able to keep plants alive now!
One of the things about PRUNING THE DEAD that will stand out to many readers is the protagonist, Lily Jayne and her cohorts are older than most series leads and besties. While I enjoy the thirty somethings starring in most cozies (They make me feel young), I enjoyed spending time with a more mature group of characters.
The writing in PRUNING THE DEAD is first rate. The further into the story I read, the harder it was to tare myself away. I was so involved in this book, I didn’t know how late it had become until I realized I could no long see the pages. Not only was it a spectacular mystery with more twists and turns than ivy vines, it was an entertaining story from cover to cover.
And don’t miss the gardening tips at the end. I learned so many new things, I just may be able to keep plants alive now!
March 5, 2023
This is the first in a series based in a MA small beach town. The town is looking a bit rundown and Lilly and friends are noticing and wanting to do something about it. But everything keeps getting turned down or so many restrictions are put on their plans that they form a group to spruce things up around midnight or so. The town clerk is charging fines and late fees for the smallest of infractions and it adds up quickly and mostly to people who can't afford it. Something fishy is going on so Lilly and friends are also investigation what's happening in there beloved town of Goosebush. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 4, 2023
Lily Jayne became a bit of a recluse when her beloved husband Alan passed away but her friends have encouraged her to get back to her more outgoing self because her husband wouldn’t want her to dwell any longer on his death. They decide a garden party would be a great way to get her life back on track. Sadly the problematic third wife of her ex-husband, Merilee crashes the party, causes all kinds of chaos, and has to be escorted away from the party.
The party did help Lily Jayne see it was definitely time to get back out there and participate. She missed a lot while she was mourning. One project she is excited to get involved in is the clean-up of a local park. A committee is organized and a group of volunteers arrives at the park and get busy but then Lily Jayne’s friend and housemate Delia makes a gruesome discovery. Merrilee Frank in the garden shed, lying on bags of mulch with hedge clippers “protruding from her chest”.
Lily Jayne didn’t think a murder investigation would be part of her return to community involvement but when people she cares about lead the suspect list she has no choice. She brings together a group of friends to be sleuths to help her catch a killer. The “Garden Squad” is born to dig into the clues and plant the murderer behind bars before anyone else ends up 6 feet under.
_____
I immediately liked Lily Jayne. She was devastated by the loss of her husband and needed to take some time for herself. Her friends were supportive and understood. But they knew she needed a little shove which she did. As a former Goosebush mover and shaker, it was time to get back out there. She is such a kind woman with a huge heart. She has fantastic ideas and really cares about the residents of her town. Delia had been Lily’s husband’s graduate assistant and when Alan died she moved in with Lily. Even with the 40-year age difference, they became good friends. Tamara O’Connor is Lily’s best friend. They met in nursery school and have been friends ever since. It was Tamara’s idea to throw the party. We also meet several other residents of Goosebush. They are a diverse group and are all very cleverly crafted and true to real life.
Goosebush is a small town with a very unique setup. The author uses the first chapter to explain the “wheel” layout, with a prominent center and several “petals” branching off. This was very helpful because the characters travel all around the town during the book. A great picture formed in my mind and a map could be easily drawn out from the descriptions. I am sure the author has one nearby as she is writing.
The murder mystery was very entertaining with a plethora of suspects. A tightly woven subplot regarding city finances really grabbed my interest. Both had some nice twists and turns. The Garden Squad really spent time pruning through the suspects. I really enjoyed the way Lily got involved in all aspects. Her generosity was so heartwarming and her gathering all the suspects together to reveal the truth was magnificent. A fabulous time!
Pruning the Dead has set this series off on a spectacular start. Ms. Henry’s characters are so engaging that I didn’t want to let them go. I will be reading the next book in the series Tilling the Truth soon.
The party did help Lily Jayne see it was definitely time to get back out there and participate. She missed a lot while she was mourning. One project she is excited to get involved in is the clean-up of a local park. A committee is organized and a group of volunteers arrives at the park and get busy but then Lily Jayne’s friend and housemate Delia makes a gruesome discovery. Merrilee Frank in the garden shed, lying on bags of mulch with hedge clippers “protruding from her chest”.
Lily Jayne didn’t think a murder investigation would be part of her return to community involvement but when people she cares about lead the suspect list she has no choice. She brings together a group of friends to be sleuths to help her catch a killer. The “Garden Squad” is born to dig into the clues and plant the murderer behind bars before anyone else ends up 6 feet under.
_____
I immediately liked Lily Jayne. She was devastated by the loss of her husband and needed to take some time for herself. Her friends were supportive and understood. But they knew she needed a little shove which she did. As a former Goosebush mover and shaker, it was time to get back out there. She is such a kind woman with a huge heart. She has fantastic ideas and really cares about the residents of her town. Delia had been Lily’s husband’s graduate assistant and when Alan died she moved in with Lily. Even with the 40-year age difference, they became good friends. Tamara O’Connor is Lily’s best friend. They met in nursery school and have been friends ever since. It was Tamara’s idea to throw the party. We also meet several other residents of Goosebush. They are a diverse group and are all very cleverly crafted and true to real life.
Goosebush is a small town with a very unique setup. The author uses the first chapter to explain the “wheel” layout, with a prominent center and several “petals” branching off. This was very helpful because the characters travel all around the town during the book. A great picture formed in my mind and a map could be easily drawn out from the descriptions. I am sure the author has one nearby as she is writing.
The murder mystery was very entertaining with a plethora of suspects. A tightly woven subplot regarding city finances really grabbed my interest. Both had some nice twists and turns. The Garden Squad really spent time pruning through the suspects. I really enjoyed the way Lily got involved in all aspects. Her generosity was so heartwarming and her gathering all the suspects together to reveal the truth was magnificent. A fabulous time!
Pruning the Dead has set this series off on a spectacular start. Ms. Henry’s characters are so engaging that I didn’t want to let them go. I will be reading the next book in the series Tilling the Truth soon.
July 23, 2019
Pruning the dead by Julia Henry is the first book in the Garden Squad Mystery series. Lilly Jayne holds a garden party after having isolated herself following the death of her husband 2 years previously. Unfortunately her exhusbands third wife Merilee causes trouble and then is found dead. I enjoyed this book very much after a slow start. I liked Lily and her friends that make up the garden squad and their kindness in secretly helping out others in their town of Goosebush. A nice introduction which became more captivatig as it progressed.
February 7, 2019
This was a well-written and well-plotted starter for a new series and I really enjoyed my trip to Goosebush, Massachusetts. I may not be a fan of gardening as an activity, but I sure felt like the friends who made up the Garden Squad were good friends of mine by the end of the book.
There were a lot of secrets in the town not to mention the murder, but with the help of Lilly's Garden Squad friends, they all played a big part in bringing down the killer. I especially loved the showdown where Lilly had gathered all the suspects a la Agatha Christie. I liked how the current police chief and the retired chief both worked together and how Lilly took the new chief under her wing and helped him any way she could. I hadn't guessed the killer, so I just went along for the ride and discovered it as it unfolded.
Lilly was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and generous characters I've read about in a cozy mystery, but what I loved was that she was realistic too. It was cool that she and her friends are a little older, but these folks are no strangers to tech, since they all have their smartphones and texting network. I'm anxious to see what the next Garden Squad adventure will be!
There were a lot of secrets in the town not to mention the murder, but with the help of Lilly's Garden Squad friends, they all played a big part in bringing down the killer. I especially loved the showdown where Lilly had gathered all the suspects a la Agatha Christie. I liked how the current police chief and the retired chief both worked together and how Lilly took the new chief under her wing and helped him any way she could. I hadn't guessed the killer, so I just went along for the ride and discovered it as it unfolded.
Lilly was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and generous characters I've read about in a cozy mystery, but what I loved was that she was realistic too. It was cool that she and her friends are a little older, but these folks are no strangers to tech, since they all have their smartphones and texting network. I'm anxious to see what the next Garden Squad adventure will be!
July 19, 2019
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Pruning the Dead is the first book in the Garden Squad Mystery series and it has become a top favorite of mine! This is the first cozy I have come across in a long time that felt more serious. I also think I learned quite a bit about gardening (my green thumb is horrible), so I may use some of the advise given at the end of the book and try my hand at it again. That being said, I really loved this book! Julia Henry not only brings her characters to life but she makes them feel relatable. Even though I am a good 30 years younger than the heroine in this one I still felt a strong kinship towards her. This right here is GOOD writing on the authors part!
Lilly Jayne is the MC of Pruning the Dead. She is a 65 year old EX recluse and enjoys tending to her gorgeous gardens and helping out the people in Goosebush who need it. However, she gets much more than she bargained for when her ex husbands wife is found dead at a community park. Lilly Jayne of course does what any other sleuth would do and sets out to solve the murder even though she didn't care for Merilee in the slightest. Not only that, Lilly Jayne and her posse (the garden squad) begin to uncover some things going on with the town finances. Do the two go together? Or are they separate misdeeds? You'll have to read to find out!
Pruning the Dead is the PERFECT start to a brand new cozy mystery series and I am excited to dive into the next book which releases at the end of August. I recommend this one to those who enjoy cozy mysteries and those who love gardening!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Pruning the Dead is the first book in the Garden Squad Mystery series and it has become a top favorite of mine! This is the first cozy I have come across in a long time that felt more serious. I also think I learned quite a bit about gardening (my green thumb is horrible), so I may use some of the advise given at the end of the book and try my hand at it again. That being said, I really loved this book! Julia Henry not only brings her characters to life but she makes them feel relatable. Even though I am a good 30 years younger than the heroine in this one I still felt a strong kinship towards her. This right here is GOOD writing on the authors part!
Lilly Jayne is the MC of Pruning the Dead. She is a 65 year old EX recluse and enjoys tending to her gorgeous gardens and helping out the people in Goosebush who need it. However, she gets much more than she bargained for when her ex husbands wife is found dead at a community park. Lilly Jayne of course does what any other sleuth would do and sets out to solve the murder even though she didn't care for Merilee in the slightest. Not only that, Lilly Jayne and her posse (the garden squad) begin to uncover some things going on with the town finances. Do the two go together? Or are they separate misdeeds? You'll have to read to find out!
Pruning the Dead is the PERFECT start to a brand new cozy mystery series and I am excited to dive into the next book which releases at the end of August. I recommend this one to those who enjoy cozy mysteries and those who love gardening!
October 24, 2020
Weeding out the weeds
A delightful gardening cozy mystery. When the historic town of Goose bush is grown into turmoil due to a murder a group of the town's long time residents band together to find the murderer and use their gardening abilities to correct some issues effecting city lands and residents.
A delightful gardening cozy mystery. When the historic town of Goose bush is grown into turmoil due to a murder a group of the town's long time residents band together to find the murderer and use their gardening abilities to correct some issues effecting city lands and residents.
January 24, 2023
This book was very slow to start. I had a hard time getting into the characters. However I pushed thru and more then 3/4 thru I did finally get into it and want to know who did the murdering. I will give book 2 a chance as I know they can get better as each new one is written.
December 28, 2018
Pruning the Dead by Julia Henry is the first book in a promising new series featuring Lily Jayne, benevolent town matriarch of Goosebush, Massachusetts and a close band of friends who have dubbed themselves the Garden Squad. They have taken on the task of sprucing up the town which has been neglected over the past few years, but are soon interrupted by murder and the suspicion that the perpetrator is Lily’s ex-husband. Although divorced, she holds no ill will toward him, and doesn’t believe he is capable of murder. In addition, Lily wants to see Bash, the town chief of police, succeed in his job and if he arrests the wrong person she fears his job will be in jeopardy..
The book was a little difficult to get into at first as there seemed to be a big story-telling aspect to the writing as opposed to helping the reader see the action. After the second chapter, the ability to “see” the characters and the town of Goosebush improved and the story began to take off.
The victim is not a likeable character, so there is no sadness at her demise. Conversely, Lilly and her friends develop into people you would like to get to know, perhaps even ask if you could become a member of the Garden Squad if you had anywhere near a green thumb. That sets the reader up to enjoy spending time with the people of the book as well as in the town of Goosebush itself.
Lily and her best friend, Tamara are well into the middle age category with the younger group being represented by Lily’s friend Delia. In addition, we get a closer introduction to Roddy, Lily’s new neighbor, Ernie, the proprietor of the local garden supply store along with several other town residents who will hopefully be repeat characters in the next book in the series.
The mystery itself was easy to solve, although that didn’t detract from the book itself. The reason for the murder was spun out in a slow fashion that made for interesting reading and also set up the series for further books, although this is a completely self-contained mystery. It seems to be the type of series where relationships and characters are more richly developed as the books progress, making it the type of series best enjoyed by reading in order of publication.
There is enough description to help the reader fall in love with the town of Goosebush and at least want to visit if not relocate. It represents a return to the charm of small-town Americana, although that charm is being threatened by outside forces. Some of this has happened because Lily has been focused on grieving the death of her husband for the past few years. The reader can breathe a sigh of relief, along with the town’s residents, when Lily begins taking an in-depth look around at her town and realizes she needs to get back to work to help the people and the town return to a pleasant place to live. It is easy to pull for Lily on the one hand, while never really doubting her ability to accomplish her task of making Goosebush a pleasant place to live, and accomplish it all while solving the mystery of who among them could commit murder.
This is a classic cosy in that the murder is touched on briefly in terms of description and most of the emphasis is on figuring out who the murderer is. Also, in classic cosy style, the murder is solved by Lily with the help of her cohorts, the resident amateurs who take on the task. They do have the help and support of local law enforcement, primarily because Lily is a lifetime resident of the town and has been known to always be working behind the scenes for the betterment of the community.
This first in a new series is good enough to create interest in reading the next book to see if it is as entertaining. I would love to see a few more viable red herrings and clues that were buried a bit deeper so that it becomes a more engaging puzzle for the reader. I look forward to reading the second in the series to see if it meets, or hopefully, exceeds that possibility.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is one I recommend to anyone looking for a new cosy mystery series.
The book was a little difficult to get into at first as there seemed to be a big story-telling aspect to the writing as opposed to helping the reader see the action. After the second chapter, the ability to “see” the characters and the town of Goosebush improved and the story began to take off.
The victim is not a likeable character, so there is no sadness at her demise. Conversely, Lilly and her friends develop into people you would like to get to know, perhaps even ask if you could become a member of the Garden Squad if you had anywhere near a green thumb. That sets the reader up to enjoy spending time with the people of the book as well as in the town of Goosebush itself.
Lily and her best friend, Tamara are well into the middle age category with the younger group being represented by Lily’s friend Delia. In addition, we get a closer introduction to Roddy, Lily’s new neighbor, Ernie, the proprietor of the local garden supply store along with several other town residents who will hopefully be repeat characters in the next book in the series.
The mystery itself was easy to solve, although that didn’t detract from the book itself. The reason for the murder was spun out in a slow fashion that made for interesting reading and also set up the series for further books, although this is a completely self-contained mystery. It seems to be the type of series where relationships and characters are more richly developed as the books progress, making it the type of series best enjoyed by reading in order of publication.
There is enough description to help the reader fall in love with the town of Goosebush and at least want to visit if not relocate. It represents a return to the charm of small-town Americana, although that charm is being threatened by outside forces. Some of this has happened because Lily has been focused on grieving the death of her husband for the past few years. The reader can breathe a sigh of relief, along with the town’s residents, when Lily begins taking an in-depth look around at her town and realizes she needs to get back to work to help the people and the town return to a pleasant place to live. It is easy to pull for Lily on the one hand, while never really doubting her ability to accomplish her task of making Goosebush a pleasant place to live, and accomplish it all while solving the mystery of who among them could commit murder.
This is a classic cosy in that the murder is touched on briefly in terms of description and most of the emphasis is on figuring out who the murderer is. Also, in classic cosy style, the murder is solved by Lily with the help of her cohorts, the resident amateurs who take on the task. They do have the help and support of local law enforcement, primarily because Lily is a lifetime resident of the town and has been known to always be working behind the scenes for the betterment of the community.
This first in a new series is good enough to create interest in reading the next book to see if it is as entertaining. I would love to see a few more viable red herrings and clues that were buried a bit deeper so that it becomes a more engaging puzzle for the reader. I look forward to reading the second in the series to see if it meets, or hopefully, exceeds that possibility.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is one I recommend to anyone looking for a new cosy mystery series.
December 19, 2018
The first book in a new series Lilly Jayne mysteries and a new author for me. Lilly has been grieving for husband and at the urging of a friend has opened her spectacular garden. The party brought huge number residents to visit the garden. At the appearance of her first husband and his 3rd wife, Marilee Frank the mood of the party changed. Lilly is now aware of the negative aspects that are occurring in the town. She forms the Garden Squad to correct the problems. On the cleanup of the town's park, Marilee murder body is found. Lilly is involved in the investigation as her first husband, Pete Frank is the main suspect and Lilly feels he is not guilty. Will Lilly's effort to clear Pete is a success, or will Pete end up in prison. I highly recommend this book.
Gardening tips are included.
Disclosure: Mnay thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Gardening tips are included.
Disclosure: Mnay thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2019
Pruning the Dead by Julia Henry is the first book in this new cozy series and I couldn't be happier.
Ms. Henry is a "new to me" author but I am thrilled to have found this book. She has written a well-crafted story with very likable characters. I especially enjoyed the fact that the protagonist and her best friend are in their mid-sixties which is quite a change from the usual characters in cozy mysteries lately. I found the characters to also be relatable as Ms. Henry developed their personalities well in this first book. I am sure that readers will get to know them better as the series progresses. If I liked gardening more, I would want to join Lilly Jayne, Delia, Tamara and Ernie - the Garden Squad.
The story was quickly paced with just enough twists to keep me guessing and plenty of suspects that made me question their honesty and motives along with Lilly Jayne. There was more than one mystery to be solved in this book but it was all connected as Lilly Jayne showed in the reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own. I want to sincerely thank Kensignton for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining new cozy.
Ms. Henry is a "new to me" author but I am thrilled to have found this book. She has written a well-crafted story with very likable characters. I especially enjoyed the fact that the protagonist and her best friend are in their mid-sixties which is quite a change from the usual characters in cozy mysteries lately. I found the characters to also be relatable as Ms. Henry developed their personalities well in this first book. I am sure that readers will get to know them better as the series progresses. If I liked gardening more, I would want to join Lilly Jayne, Delia, Tamara and Ernie - the Garden Squad.
The story was quickly paced with just enough twists to keep me guessing and plenty of suspects that made me question their honesty and motives along with Lilly Jayne. There was more than one mystery to be solved in this book but it was all connected as Lilly Jayne showed in the reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own. I want to sincerely thank Kensignton for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining new cozy.
December 15, 2023
I started reading this series out of order. I started with book 3, Digging Up the Remains, as it caught my eye at the library around Halloween time. I thought that book was a bit on the slow and boring side at points, but over the past couple weeks my thoughts kept wandering back to Goosebush. I decided to go back and start at the beginning (via Libby ebook). I kind of regret not reading them in order now, but probably wouldn't have found them at all otherwise... but would recommend doing so if possible so you get to know the characters and their relationships more gradually. Although the mystery is self-contained, there are some ongoing plotlines such as the restoration of Alden Park (and secrets found there), and the progress of Roddy's garden.
I was more aware of what I was getting into this time, as far as a slower-paced, meandering story, and was better able to enjoy the journey. It just felt relaxing to read and follow along with Lilly's days. I had the suspects narrowed down to 2 possible murderers pretty early on from characters who weren't in the later book, although I wasn't sure about the full picture (motive, etc.) until later. The Star Cafe sounds like a great place to hang out, and would fit right in to my hometown (which is a real version of one of these typical cozy-setting-towns, though more new-age/hippie than Goosebush).
The town is really fleshed out and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I really like that there are diverse characters here who don't feel token. I also like how the characters take full advantage of technology (cameras, blogs, Facebook, etc.) The 3rd book has this as the main plot driver actually.
A couple spoiler thoughts:
I was more aware of what I was getting into this time, as far as a slower-paced, meandering story, and was better able to enjoy the journey. It just felt relaxing to read and follow along with Lilly's days. I had the suspects narrowed down to 2 possible murderers pretty early on from characters who weren't in the later book, although I wasn't sure about the full picture (motive, etc.) until later. The Star Cafe sounds like a great place to hang out, and would fit right in to my hometown (which is a real version of one of these typical cozy-setting-towns, though more new-age/hippie than Goosebush).
The town is really fleshed out and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I really like that there are diverse characters here who don't feel token. I also like how the characters take full advantage of technology (cameras, blogs, Facebook, etc.) The 3rd book has this as the main plot driver actually.
A couple spoiler thoughts:
September 30, 2021
Pruning the Dead by Julia Henry is the first book of the cozy A Garden Squad Mystery series. This series finds sixty-five-year-old Lilly Jayne in the role of trying to change Goosebush, Massachusetts for the good. She is still trying to get over the death of her husband, but realizes that she has been ignoring the town the she loves for far too long. A group of friends and townspeople want to revive a local park that has gone to ruin. Unfortunately for the group, the third wife of Lilly Jayne's first husband, Merilee, is found dead in the garden shed on the morning of the first day of work. Lilly Jayne has no desire to get involved, but when her best friend and ex become the main suspects, she knows she can't just let it go.
I really like the character of Lilly Jayne. There is so much I can identify with, her age, being a widow and enjoying gardening (although my gardens are not anything like hers). She has always been a pillar of the community, and many people look up to her. She also has money, which often helps when the town needs something. The crime is a bit complicated, but I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was and I was right (that doesn't happen often). I enjoyed finding out the motives and getting to know the various characters in the Garden Squad, but overall this was just an okay read for me. I am hoping that the mysteries will get a bit harder to solve as this one was telegraphed from the beginning. I will continue to read this series, even though I only gave this one 3 stars as I like the characters and hope that the next ones are a bit more enjoyable. The narrator, Laural Merlington did a better job with the male voices than she has in other books she has narrated. She does a good job reading the book with expression and emotion and is a performer that I am becoming to enjoy, the more often I listen to her.
I really like the character of Lilly Jayne. There is so much I can identify with, her age, being a widow and enjoying gardening (although my gardens are not anything like hers). She has always been a pillar of the community, and many people look up to her. She also has money, which often helps when the town needs something. The crime is a bit complicated, but I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was and I was right (that doesn't happen often). I enjoyed finding out the motives and getting to know the various characters in the Garden Squad, but overall this was just an okay read for me. I am hoping that the mysteries will get a bit harder to solve as this one was telegraphed from the beginning. I will continue to read this series, even though I only gave this one 3 stars as I like the characters and hope that the next ones are a bit more enjoyable. The narrator, Laural Merlington did a better job with the male voices than she has in other books she has narrated. She does a good job reading the book with expression and emotion and is a performer that I am becoming to enjoy, the more often I listen to her.
January 25, 2019
Pruning the Dead is the debut novel in A Garden Squad Mystery series. I appreciated that the author took the time to establish the main character and her sidekicks who compose the Garden Squad. I like the town and most of the residents (there are always a few bad eggs). Lilly comes across as a do-gooder (I am surprised there is not a golden halo shining over her head). Goosebush is a small town that needs a little TLC. Lilly has not been paying attention the last four years as she dealt with her husband’s illness and then grieving for her lost mate. Now, she is aware that things have not been kept up around town and she has plans to rectify it. Unfortunately, Pat French, the town clerk, has numerous rules in place to prevent the simplest task (like pulling weeds and installing plants around the flagpole). Pruning the Dead is nicely written with steady pacing which makes for an easy to read book. The mystery was very straightforward. It is easy to distinguish who would die and who did the deed before the crime had been committed. The why was equally obvious (insert disappointed sigh here). There was repetition of case details as the Lilly and the Garden Squad got together to discuss the case. Also, that Lilly creates order out of chaos was frequently mentioned along with Delia’s researching skills. The friends like to get together to socialize, eat good food, and discuss gardening. The gardening details are not lacking in Pruning the Dead. There are gardening tips at the end of the book. The story could have used more action (less gardening, talking and eating). The pace slowed down when I was a quarter of the way through and did not pick back up until the end. There is a hint that romance may blossom between Lilly and her new neighbor, Roderick Lyden as Lilly rejoins the living and becomes immersed in town matters. I am giving Pruning the Dead 3 out of 5 stars. Pruning the Dead is a good start to A Garden Squad Mystery series. I will be reading Tilling the Truth when it releases later this summer.
dnf
April 15, 2019Loved that Lilly and her friends are older, 50s and 60s. But the first chapter was pure info dump, the next few chapters were a mix of info dumps and stage setting. It was moving too slowly and I wasn't invested in the stories or characters. Also, the town has monthly town meetings? Seriously? The author, according to her bio, lives in MA, the setting for the book, so she should know better. Nope, not buying it.
November 10, 2020
I had trouble concentrating on this one and it took me ages to get through, but I'm going to blame it on extreme election stress! So hard to say for sure how much I liked it--I did like Lilly but the mystery itself seemed a bit meh on the end. The cast of characters has potential though, so I will probably read the next one, hopefully in a state of less existential dread than I was for most of this one.
July 8, 2019
Julia Henry's Garden Squad Mysteries debut digs deep into the lives of an older woman and her friends in a small coastal Massachusetts town. Lilly and gang solve a murder and cultivate civic beautification - but only under cover of darkness. Henry plants the seeds for a fast-growing series. Take the book to your garden or a public park and enjoy a perfect summer read.
June 14, 2021
This was a semi entertaining book. There were a few spots I had to reread because I spaced out but not bad overall. I think the reveal at the end was a fun one. I'm not rushing to get the next book but I will definitely read it!
Read
February 2, 2019Great first in series! Likable main characters and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. I love the setting and the idea of the Garden Squad. I can't wait to find out what the squad gets into in the next book!!
January 28, 2019
***Side note*** THIS took way longer than expected; because of a yucky file, I had to read this on my kindle [with the largest font] and that just take way longer than when I can read it on my computer. My eyes are killing me, but it just might have been worth it! ;-)
THIS was an excellent book - a very good mystery within the genre of the cozy mystery. I had never heard of this writer and I was reluctant to start a new series, but there was just something about the description that drew me in and man am I glad that I took that chance; I enjoyed every second of this book. The main character Lilly and her companion Delia are just so delightful and I love how their minds work and how well they work together, in spite of their age difference. I appreciated how the author dealt with Lilly and how she grieved [and was still grieving] the loss of her beloved husband Alan and how the grief process includes often shutting ourselves off from the world, which had happened to Lilly and she was oblivious was happening in her beloved town and it wasn't until some things about the town were brought to her attention did she realize she needed to start living. As someone who has dealt and lived with the grief process, this part of the story felt very real to me and I am grateful that the author didn't try to gloss over it or make it a trite thing; it made the book seem more real and believable to the reader.
The whole book in itself was very real and believable; as someone who lives in a small town [full of many of the kinds of people in this book], so much of this book and what happened - the murder, the "garden squad", the comradeship - all of those are very real in a small town, along with the gossip, the nasty rumors and all the bad that also comes with a small town. It made me feel like I was just visiting another small town like mine and that made the book even more fun to read. The characters are real and fun and believable. And the mystery was excellent; I had no idea and that always makes it awesome!!
I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
THIS was an excellent book - a very good mystery within the genre of the cozy mystery. I had never heard of this writer and I was reluctant to start a new series, but there was just something about the description that drew me in and man am I glad that I took that chance; I enjoyed every second of this book. The main character Lilly and her companion Delia are just so delightful and I love how their minds work and how well they work together, in spite of their age difference. I appreciated how the author dealt with Lilly and how she grieved [and was still grieving] the loss of her beloved husband Alan and how the grief process includes often shutting ourselves off from the world, which had happened to Lilly and she was oblivious was happening in her beloved town and it wasn't until some things about the town were brought to her attention did she realize she needed to start living. As someone who has dealt and lived with the grief process, this part of the story felt very real to me and I am grateful that the author didn't try to gloss over it or make it a trite thing; it made the book seem more real and believable to the reader.
The whole book in itself was very real and believable; as someone who lives in a small town [full of many of the kinds of people in this book], so much of this book and what happened - the murder, the "garden squad", the comradeship - all of those are very real in a small town, along with the gossip, the nasty rumors and all the bad that also comes with a small town. It made me feel like I was just visiting another small town like mine and that made the book even more fun to read. The characters are real and fun and believable. And the mystery was excellent; I had no idea and that always makes it awesome!!
I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2019
4.5/5 stars.
I read the blurb for this book and thought: nice setting, interesting main character and I could do with learning some more about gardening! I’m glad to say the mix of gardening, culprits, motives and sleuthing shenanigans worked well and made for a very enjoyable read.
Lilly is an absolute doll. She is 65 years young, just into her ‘later’ middle age she says, and ready to enjoy the rest of her life in Goosebush, as she’s just starting to take an interest in town activities once again. She’d become a bit of a recluse after the death of her husband. Her determination to make life better for all in her Goosebush town, and how she comes back into her own with the assistance of her Garden Squad friends, is a really well-developed aspect of the story and makes Lilly even more likable. I can’t wait to read more stories in this series to see how Lilly continues to grow.
The secondary characters are funny, classy, come from varied backgrounds and promise that life with the Garden Squad will be full of entertainment and good food!
The mystery itself is well-plotted. There are clues and cues and red herrings all around. The suspects are several and quickly whittled down. The motives and opportunities are gradually revealed and the pacing of the action is just right. I picked the right culprit earlyish but didn’t figure out the full why until the big reveal.
I’m not much of a gardener and admire those who can. I enjoyed the short forays into gardening advice littered throughout the story. If you aren’t interested in gardening, don’t worry, the tips are not excessive and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The little town of Goosebush is diverse and intent upon preserving its history. The short historical anecdotes and research bits add charm to the tale and made me enjoy it even more.
I definitely hope to continue the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book courtesy NetGalley.
I read the blurb for this book and thought: nice setting, interesting main character and I could do with learning some more about gardening! I’m glad to say the mix of gardening, culprits, motives and sleuthing shenanigans worked well and made for a very enjoyable read.
Lilly is an absolute doll. She is 65 years young, just into her ‘later’ middle age she says, and ready to enjoy the rest of her life in Goosebush, as she’s just starting to take an interest in town activities once again. She’d become a bit of a recluse after the death of her husband. Her determination to make life better for all in her Goosebush town, and how she comes back into her own with the assistance of her Garden Squad friends, is a really well-developed aspect of the story and makes Lilly even more likable. I can’t wait to read more stories in this series to see how Lilly continues to grow.
The secondary characters are funny, classy, come from varied backgrounds and promise that life with the Garden Squad will be full of entertainment and good food!
The mystery itself is well-plotted. There are clues and cues and red herrings all around. The suspects are several and quickly whittled down. The motives and opportunities are gradually revealed and the pacing of the action is just right. I picked the right culprit earlyish but didn’t figure out the full why until the big reveal.
I’m not much of a gardener and admire those who can. I enjoyed the short forays into gardening advice littered throughout the story. If you aren’t interested in gardening, don’t worry, the tips are not excessive and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The little town of Goosebush is diverse and intent upon preserving its history. The short historical anecdotes and research bits add charm to the tale and made me enjoy it even more.
I definitely hope to continue the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book courtesy NetGalley.
February 18, 2019
An enjoyable debut book. A more comprehensive review will be on Myshelf.com in the near future
August 12, 2019
4 1/2 stars
October 31, 2018
A new series with a multigenerational, multiethnic, multi everything set of protagonists, lead by the seemingly unflappable Lilly Jayne. This wonderful new series follows Lilly and the rest of the Garden Squad through the picturesque town of Goosebush. See the classic New England town; the beautiful homes; the caring neighbors; the local shops; the dead body...wait that can't be right! Oh, but it is. While Lilly and residents meet to clean up a local park they find more than they bargained for-now it's up to Lilly and the Garden Squad to find out who did what to whom and why? Smartly written, elegant and original characters and a lovely setting plan the seed to an excellent new series!! Pre-order it now!
March 8, 2019
Lilly Jane has not socialized much since her husband passed so when she decides to host her garden party again it seems like the whole town is in attendance. This party and the up and coming clean up of the park in town has sparked her decision to get involved again in the community’s issues. On the day of the park’s clean up the body of a woman is found in the shed that was set up to store the equipment they were using. Lilly Jane and her group of friends can’t help but get involved with the investigation to help solve the murder before the town’s reputation can be damaged.
This is a great start to a new series by Julia Henry. The plot is well written and has just the right pace with several twists and turns to keep the reader guessing whodunit. The characters are fun, unique and very likable. The setting of a small town makes you feel like you are apart of their group of friends and you are there solving the crime right along with Lilly Jane and the Garden Squad. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
This is a great start to a new series by Julia Henry. The plot is well written and has just the right pace with several twists and turns to keep the reader guessing whodunit. The characters are fun, unique and very likable. The setting of a small town makes you feel like you are apart of their group of friends and you are there solving the crime right along with Lilly Jane and the Garden Squad. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
October 19, 2020
A really enjoyable book. Looking forward to reading others in the series.
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