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The English Cottage Garden Mysteries #1
Deadhead and Buried
A new British cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna!
City girl Poppy desperately wants to pay off her debts, quit her dead-end job, find her father… oh, and keep a plant alive. But she knows these are just hopeless dreams—until the day the letter arrives. Suddenly, Poppy is on a train heading deep into the English countryside, to collect a mysterious inheritance. And the last thing she expects to receive is a cottage garden nursery—complete with romantic climbing roses, fragrant herbs, a ginger cat with attitude… and a dead body.
Now she must solve the mystery or risk losing her new home and the chance for a fresh start. But who would want to murder a gardener in a sleepy little village? Could the reclusive inventor have something to do with the killing? What about the brooding crime author next door? And why is her long-lost cousin so desperate for her to sell the cottage?
Poppy might not know her pansies from her petunias but that doesn’t stop her digging for clues. The only problem is, she could be digging her own grave too…
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: cat cozy mystery series / gardening cozy mystery / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery
THE ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
~ more coming soon!
City girl Poppy desperately wants to pay off her debts, quit her dead-end job, find her father… oh, and keep a plant alive. But she knows these are just hopeless dreams—until the day the letter arrives. Suddenly, Poppy is on a train heading deep into the English countryside, to collect a mysterious inheritance. And the last thing she expects to receive is a cottage garden nursery—complete with romantic climbing roses, fragrant herbs, a ginger cat with attitude… and a dead body.
Now she must solve the mystery or risk losing her new home and the chance for a fresh start. But who would want to murder a gardener in a sleepy little village? Could the reclusive inventor have something to do with the killing? What about the brooding crime author next door? And why is her long-lost cousin so desperate for her to sell the cottage?
Poppy might not know her pansies from her petunias but that doesn’t stop her digging for clues. The only problem is, she could be digging her own grave too…
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: cat cozy mystery series / gardening cozy mystery / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery
THE ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
~ more coming soon!
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2019
3219 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
72 books1,094 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
April 7, 2021
Poppy inherits a cottage with an old English garden and finds herself living next door to a good looking, single author and a very intelligent ginger cat. All good until she discovers a dead body in the garden.
So begins another new series by H.Y. Hanna who will seriously be the death of me if she keeps writing so many books! At the moment I am part way through The Oxford Tea Room Mysteries (all good books so far), about to start The Barefoot Sleuth series, and wishing I had time to read the Bewitched by Chocolate series. There are more but I am keeping my eyes averted.
Anyway Deadhead and Buried was good fun. Poppy maybe spent a little bit too much time on her own with her overactive imagination, but hopefully in future books she may spend more time with the good looking author.
Onwards now to #2 Silent Bud Deadly (Love these titles!) All this reading is hard work but someone has to do it:)
So begins another new series by H.Y. Hanna who will seriously be the death of me if she keeps writing so many books! At the moment I am part way through The Oxford Tea Room Mysteries (all good books so far), about to start The Barefoot Sleuth series, and wishing I had time to read the Bewitched by Chocolate series. There are more but I am keeping my eyes averted.
Anyway Deadhead and Buried was good fun. Poppy maybe spent a little bit too much time on her own with her overactive imagination, but hopefully in future books she may spend more time with the good looking author.
Onwards now to #2 Silent Bud Deadly (Love these titles!) All this reading is hard work but someone has to do it:)
January 22, 2026
Poppy was unhappy in her job in London and when she received a letter from a solicitor in Oxford to say she’d inherited her grandmother’s cottage, she wasn’t sure what to do. It had a nursery attached and Poppy knew her fingers weren’t green – the will stated she had to reopen the nursery if she was going to live there. Her journey to see her inheritance – after she quit her job – saw her arrive to a tangle of vines, weeds and a ramshackle old cottage. But on her entry, she felt immediately at home.
The discovery of a body in the garden at the back of the house shocked Poppy. But when the Detective told her she couldn’t stay in her cottage because it was a crime scene, she was offered a room next door. Poppy’s time was spent placating the big ginger tom cat, Oren, reading her gran’s gardening books, and trying to solve the mystery of the death in her garden. But could she do it?
Deadhead and Buried is the 1st in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Lots of fun and good entertainment, I loved Oren and his nemesis Einstein (the terrier) as well as Poppy and Nell. I’m looking forward to book 2 soon. Highly recommended.
The discovery of a body in the garden at the back of the house shocked Poppy. But when the Detective told her she couldn’t stay in her cottage because it was a crime scene, she was offered a room next door. Poppy’s time was spent placating the big ginger tom cat, Oren, reading her gran’s gardening books, and trying to solve the mystery of the death in her garden. But could she do it?
Deadhead and Buried is the 1st in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Lots of fun and good entertainment, I loved Oren and his nemesis Einstein (the terrier) as well as Poppy and Nell. I’m looking forward to book 2 soon. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2019
A 5 star new series
A story set in the beautiful Oxfordshire area of England. The book has great characters plus the added bonus of a large finger Tom car named Oren and a small 5344894 named Einstein.
Like the lead character, Poppy, I don't know much about flowers but picturing the many types presented in the book I am sure to learn.
There is little more beautiful than an English Garden but finding a dead body in it adds confusion and suspense.
A story set in the beautiful Oxfordshire area of England. The book has great characters plus the added bonus of a large finger Tom car named Oren and a small 5344894 named Einstein.
Like the lead character, Poppy, I don't know much about flowers but picturing the many types presented in the book I am sure to learn.
There is little more beautiful than an English Garden but finding a dead body in it adds confusion and suspense.
February 13, 2022
Another corker of a read and first of a relatively new series by H.Y. Hanna. You know a book is damn good when you decide to stay up all night fighting a psychotropic sedative just to finish it.
March 12, 2020
Deadhead and Buried by H.Y.Hanna is the first book in the English Cottage Garden mystery series. Poppy Lancaster finds that she has inherited an English Cottage garden nursery from her estranged grandmother, only to stumble across a body on her first night at the cottage. A nice start to the series. Poppy is a likeable character and she has some interesting and quirky neighbours, with Oren the tomcat and a dog Einstein. It was interesting how the garden theme and flowers played a part in the mystery and I loved learning about the flowers with Poppy. A delightful and enjoyable, light cozy mystery.
March 21, 2020
Poppy Lancaster would love nothing more than to quit her job, but she has numerous bills and just can't. Then, out of the blue, a letter shows up that she's inherited a cottage garden nursery in Oxfordshire. It wouldn't hurt her to check out the property her grandmother left her, and see if she can sell it. This is a grandmother who Poppy has never met after all. Deciding to stay at the cottage for the night, she encounters a grumpy neighbor, a demanding cat, and a dead body.
I liked Poppy right away. The setting of this book has a soothing feel to it, and I wish I could have that cottage. Good mystery, although, it seemed to take a backseat to the plot. This author was new to me, and I'm so glad I picked this one to read. Looking forward to reading more and would definitely recommend to readers.
I liked Poppy right away. The setting of this book has a soothing feel to it, and I wish I could have that cottage. Good mystery, although, it seemed to take a backseat to the plot. This author was new to me, and I'm so glad I picked this one to read. Looking forward to reading more and would definitely recommend to readers.
November 12, 2019
I loved the concept and the blurb. This sounded like a creative take on the cozy mystery. I love them. I'm forever looking for well-written cozies and new authors. So, when this popped up in my feed, I got quite excited.
So excited, I didn't check out the book.
Big mistake.
The very first sentence was a massive turnoff
"Poppy Lancaster rushed out of the train station and paused as her eyes fell on the opposite street corner." Well, if my eyes fell on a street corner, that too would give me a pause.
Ironymode off.
Sorry, this is such an essential mistake one shouldn't make it at all. To have that in the first sentence - heavens, no.
To be fair, I tried to read on. Perhaps, that was just a slip. Every author has some pet bloopers and perhaps the author just got unlucky.
I'm afraid, the narrative doesn't get any better. Studded with ellipses and em-dashes, riddled with adverbs and people spluttering and stuttering not much goes on in the first chapter. I read to its end but that's where I gave up.
*Cries*
I so wanted to like this. I give two stars because I still like the concept and I just HATE giving one star reviews, but I can't do any better.
So excited, I didn't check out the book.
Big mistake.
The very first sentence was a massive turnoff
"Poppy Lancaster rushed out of the train station and paused as her eyes fell on the opposite street corner." Well, if my eyes fell on a street corner, that too would give me a pause.
Ironymode off.
Sorry, this is such an essential mistake one shouldn't make it at all. To have that in the first sentence - heavens, no.
To be fair, I tried to read on. Perhaps, that was just a slip. Every author has some pet bloopers and perhaps the author just got unlucky.
I'm afraid, the narrative doesn't get any better. Studded with ellipses and em-dashes, riddled with adverbs and people spluttering and stuttering not much goes on in the first chapter. I read to its end but that's where I gave up.
*Cries*
I so wanted to like this. I give two stars because I still like the concept and I just HATE giving one star reviews, but I can't do any better.
June 6, 2019
A great start to this new series. 4.5*
May 21, 2019
The first book in the English Garden mysteries. Poppy is working at a thankless job with no chance of advancement when she receives a letter from the lawyer handling her estranged Grandmother's estate. Upon her arrival at the lawyer's office, she takes the keys and goes to see the rundown garden. While there, someone tries to break into the cottage and Poppy finds the handyman buried in a flower bed. She has quirky neighbors. One side is a retired professional teacher and the other is a well-known mystery writer. She meets Oren, yellow-orange tomcat. He has a minor role in the tale. Poppy decides to bring the Garden and back to life. I recommend this book.
February 23, 2019
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was so excited to hear about this new series by HY Hanna and hoped it would be just as good as her other series. Deadhead and Buried was such a fun read, the mystery was well done, the theme was fun and there are a lot of fun and quirky characters. It's an awesome start to this new series and I am looking forward to see where this series goes next.
Deeadhead and Buried starts with main character Poppy having a bad day on her job, her boss doesn't treat her well and she's not enjoying her work. Luckily for Poppy thing are about to change for her. A letter comes informing her that she has inherited her grandmother's cottage. She jumps on the train to check it out, planning to sell it and use the money to follow her dreams, but then she finds a body in the garden and she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. And slowly falling in love with the lovely cottage and garden.
The mystery was well done, while it starts a bit later in the book as there is a bit of introduction first, it was still worked out very well. I liked trying to figure out who was the murderer and I liked the reveal when we find out who did it. I hadn't expects that person to be the murderer and I liked being surprised. It did make sense, even tough there are only a few hints in that direction, but mostly it's that I didn't realize those things were clues, it's great when things fall on it's place and how much sense it makes. There are enough suspects and not many clues at first, which made for an interesting situation. It also felt realistic how Poppy slowly got into solving the mystery, she just wanted to figure things out and defend her new friend and slowly ends up solving it when she finds the right clue.
I liked Poppy, she seemed friendly and curious. Her situation is so typical for a cozy mystery with an inheritance sending her on a different road, but the way the plot was worked out still made it feel fresh. Poppy was a likable main character who just want to follow her dreams and get out of her dreary job and I love seeing her find her place. I admit I am not a fan of the plot lines where a character is set on selling a place, while you know they're going to stay. But as here the focus wasn't too much on it and it got resolved by the end of the book I didn't mind as much and it did make sense that Poppy was planning to sell it first. I liked following Poppy's story and seeing her grow attached to the town, cottage and people here.
There is a great cast of quirky side characters, from the elusive crime author to the quirky elderly inventor who lives next door. Then there is an orange tom cat called Oren and a terrier. And there is the friendly lawyer who helps her out, her rude cousin, some friendly villagers and a female detective who seems to know what she is doing. And there is even a potential love interest for Poppy, but we'll see how that goes in future books. I liked getting to know these side characters a bit and I am looking forward to see more of them in future books.
I also liked the gardening/ plant theme, it's infused in the book with enough about the plants and gardening, but also done in a way that makes sense. I don't know as much about plants, but I do like plants and enjoyed reading about them. I also think it's quite the unique theme for a cozie as I can't remember seeing too many books with a similar theme. It's also clear the author knows her plants with the many plant names and also the bits of information dropped throughout the book.
To summarize: Deadhead and Buried is an awesome start to this new series. Poppy is a fun main character and I was happy to see her luck turn around and see her slowly find her place in this new town and the cottage she inherited. The mystery was well done, it kept me guessing and surprised me with the murderer, but there are enough clues that looking back it makes sense. There is a fun cast of interesting and quirky side characters, among which an elderly inventor, a reclusive crime author and an orange tom cat and a terrier. The gardening and plant theme was a fun touch and well done. The author seems to know a lot about plants with the plant names and bits of information dropped throughout the book. All in all I had a lot of fun reading this one and can't wait for book 2!
I was so excited to hear about this new series by HY Hanna and hoped it would be just as good as her other series. Deadhead and Buried was such a fun read, the mystery was well done, the theme was fun and there are a lot of fun and quirky characters. It's an awesome start to this new series and I am looking forward to see where this series goes next.
Deeadhead and Buried starts with main character Poppy having a bad day on her job, her boss doesn't treat her well and she's not enjoying her work. Luckily for Poppy thing are about to change for her. A letter comes informing her that she has inherited her grandmother's cottage. She jumps on the train to check it out, planning to sell it and use the money to follow her dreams, but then she finds a body in the garden and she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. And slowly falling in love with the lovely cottage and garden.
The mystery was well done, while it starts a bit later in the book as there is a bit of introduction first, it was still worked out very well. I liked trying to figure out who was the murderer and I liked the reveal when we find out who did it. I hadn't expects that person to be the murderer and I liked being surprised. It did make sense, even tough there are only a few hints in that direction, but mostly it's that I didn't realize those things were clues, it's great when things fall on it's place and how much sense it makes. There are enough suspects and not many clues at first, which made for an interesting situation. It also felt realistic how Poppy slowly got into solving the mystery, she just wanted to figure things out and defend her new friend and slowly ends up solving it when she finds the right clue.
I liked Poppy, she seemed friendly and curious. Her situation is so typical for a cozy mystery with an inheritance sending her on a different road, but the way the plot was worked out still made it feel fresh. Poppy was a likable main character who just want to follow her dreams and get out of her dreary job and I love seeing her find her place. I admit I am not a fan of the plot lines where a character is set on selling a place, while you know they're going to stay. But as here the focus wasn't too much on it and it got resolved by the end of the book I didn't mind as much and it did make sense that Poppy was planning to sell it first. I liked following Poppy's story and seeing her grow attached to the town, cottage and people here.
There is a great cast of quirky side characters, from the elusive crime author to the quirky elderly inventor who lives next door. Then there is an orange tom cat called Oren and a terrier. And there is the friendly lawyer who helps her out, her rude cousin, some friendly villagers and a female detective who seems to know what she is doing. And there is even a potential love interest for Poppy, but we'll see how that goes in future books. I liked getting to know these side characters a bit and I am looking forward to see more of them in future books.
I also liked the gardening/ plant theme, it's infused in the book with enough about the plants and gardening, but also done in a way that makes sense. I don't know as much about plants, but I do like plants and enjoyed reading about them. I also think it's quite the unique theme for a cozie as I can't remember seeing too many books with a similar theme. It's also clear the author knows her plants with the many plant names and also the bits of information dropped throughout the book.
To summarize: Deadhead and Buried is an awesome start to this new series. Poppy is a fun main character and I was happy to see her luck turn around and see her slowly find her place in this new town and the cottage she inherited. The mystery was well done, it kept me guessing and surprised me with the murderer, but there are enough clues that looking back it makes sense. There is a fun cast of interesting and quirky side characters, among which an elderly inventor, a reclusive crime author and an orange tom cat and a terrier. The gardening and plant theme was a fun touch and well done. The author seems to know a lot about plants with the plant names and bits of information dropped throughout the book. All in all I had a lot of fun reading this one and can't wait for book 2!
March 10, 2019
With very little education or self- confidence, Poppy Lancaster doesn't think much in her future. She has to work extra long hours, but gets no overtime pay. She can barely pay her part of the rent and utilities and minimum payments on the credit card debt left when her mother died. What little is left goes to pay for food.
After receiving a letter from Charles Mannering, an attorney, Poppy takes a day off to meet with him. It turns out to be a good choice, as she discovers that she has inherited the Hollyhock Cottage Garden Nursery from her grandmother, Mary Lancaster.
After moving into the cottage, she realizes she has her work cut out for her. The gardens are completely overgrown with weeds and vines except for one area. This area looks to be dug up recently. Things get interesting when Poppy trips and falls in the freshly turned soil. She finds a body and things just seems to go from bad to worse.
Who was the person buried in the garden? How long has the body been there? Will Poppy sell the Nursery or try to make a go of it? Will the corpse affect the decision to keep or sell?
H.Y. Hanna puts so much into her books that you can find it really hard to put them down. Deadhead and Buried kept me up at night and I loved it. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
After receiving a letter from Charles Mannering, an attorney, Poppy takes a day off to meet with him. It turns out to be a good choice, as she discovers that she has inherited the Hollyhock Cottage Garden Nursery from her grandmother, Mary Lancaster.
After moving into the cottage, she realizes she has her work cut out for her. The gardens are completely overgrown with weeds and vines except for one area. This area looks to be dug up recently. Things get interesting when Poppy trips and falls in the freshly turned soil. She finds a body and things just seems to go from bad to worse.
Who was the person buried in the garden? How long has the body been there? Will Poppy sell the Nursery or try to make a go of it? Will the corpse affect the decision to keep or sell?
H.Y. Hanna puts so much into her books that you can find it really hard to put them down. Deadhead and Buried kept me up at night and I loved it. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
March 28, 2026
un vrai coup de coeur pour cette nouvelle série ❤️🦋 ça se lit facilement et ce genre de lecture me fait tellement de bien après des journées fatiguantes au boulot 🥰. En plus elle est parfaite pour le printemps et pour les amoureux de fleurs et petits villages anglais 😍❤️
March 8, 2021
I really liked this, especially the gardening aspect.
April 21, 2021
Quote: Heather symbolizes transformative change- from the mundane to the extraordinary. Flower crime and flower messages were interesting. A young lady alone in the world receives a possible inheritance, a dead body, friendly cat, and dog neighbors, in a small English village full of fun characters. A fast-paced cozy mystery.
January 8, 2025
Aaaah bagus, cozy mystery pertama yg aku suka dan baca ampe selesai walau 300 hlm. lebih (biasanya prefer <300 kalo buku bhs. inggris), kayaknya berkat buku ini aku jd lebih terbiasa baca ebook bhs. Inggris :))
Penulisannya cenderung didikte klo berhubungan sama karakterisasi, tp gak over banget, karna lebih fokus ke plot pencarian pembunuh, disini kita bakal nemenin Poppy pergi sekeliling Bunnington buat nyari petunjuk ttg pembunuhan seorang pria yg dilakukan dikebun belakang neneknya.
Plotnya well written imo, gak terlalu convoluted dan gak terlalu simpel jg, baru kali ini aku bisa nebak pelakunya siapa, seneng bgtt.
Overall enak sih bacanya, cocok buat yg mau mulai baca cozy mystery <3
Penulisannya cenderung didikte klo berhubungan sama karakterisasi, tp gak over banget, karna lebih fokus ke plot pencarian pembunuh, disini kita bakal nemenin Poppy pergi sekeliling Bunnington buat nyari petunjuk ttg pembunuhan seorang pria yg dilakukan dikebun belakang neneknya.
Plotnya well written imo, gak terlalu convoluted dan gak terlalu simpel jg, baru kali ini aku bisa nebak pelakunya siapa, seneng bgtt.
Overall enak sih bacanya, cocok buat yg mau mulai baca cozy mystery <3
May 1, 2021
Floralific
I am glad that I decided to read this series. A little bit challenging with all of the Latin flower names but still intriguing. I think it was fun that Oren's responses sounded like answers to questions. I suppose there will be a bit of romance co.ing up. Can't wait to see how the garden grows.
I am glad that I decided to read this series. A little bit challenging with all of the Latin flower names but still intriguing. I think it was fun that Oren's responses sounded like answers to questions. I suppose there will be a bit of romance co.ing up. Can't wait to see how the garden grows.
May 2, 2022
Questa autrice mi piace, i suoi libri scorrono che è un piacere, ma ho avuto qualche problemino con la protagonista di questo: spero che "maturi" un po' nel prosieguo della serie.
March 19, 2021
So much fun and really well written and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 15, 2021
Deadhead and Buried by H.Y. Hanna
Synopsis /
City girl Poppy desperately wants to pay off her debts, quit her dead-end job, find her father… oh, and keep a plant alive. But she knows these are just hopeless dreams—until the day the letter arrives. Suddenly, Poppy is on a train heading deep into the English countryside, to collect a mysterious inheritance. And the last thing she expects to receive is a cottage garden nursery—complete with romantic climbing roses, fragrant herbs, a ginger cat with attitude… and a dead body.
Now she must solve the mystery or risk losing her new home and the chance for a fresh start. But who would want to murder a gardener in a sleepy little village? Could the reclusive inventor have something to do with the killing? What about the brooding crime author next door? And why is her long-lost cousin so desperate for her to sell the cottage?
Poppy might not know her pansies from her petunias but that doesn’t stop her digging for clues. The only problem is, she could be digging her own grave too…
My Thoughts /
And so it begins…..a new British cosy mystery series from Australian author H.Y. Hanna. The English Cottage Garden Mysteries.
In this first instalment we are introduced to the effervescent, Poppy Lancaster. Now, Poppy would love nothing more than to quit her job and travel the World, but bills, bills, and more bills, keeps her in a job she doesn’t like. One day, a letter arrives in the mail from an attorney named Charles Mannering and Poppy finds out that she has inherited an English Cottage Garden Nursery (aka Hollyhock Cottage) from her grandmother, whom she has never met. So what’s a girl to do, but jump straight on a train to go check it out! Poppy, thinking that this is a dream too good to be true, plans on selling it immediately and use the money to follow her dream of travelling. Arriving in beautiful Oxfordshire, at the office of Charles Mannering, Poppy introduces herself and takes the keys and goes to see her grandmother’s garden nursery. Arriving at the cottage, Poppy realises that she has her work cut out for her, as the gardens are completely overgrown with weeds and vines, and the cottage itself is in need of repairs. During the night, after hearing a noise in the back garden, Poppy investigates and finds a body (buried) in the garden and thus, she finds herself in the middle of our cosy murder mystery.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to some extremely interesting side characters:
Dr Bertie Noble - an eccentric inventor and, next door neighbour is an endearing character, providing us with much of the comic relief in this story. Nick Forrest – Author and writer of crime fiction novels - Poppy’s other next door neighbour and, as it turns out an ex-cop. Nick Forrest adds some moodiness, mystery (hmmm and maybe romance in the future????) Attorney, Charles Manning lends a fatherly influence on Poppy – but is he all that he seems??????? There is Oren, the big huge orange tom cat, who belongs to crime writer Nick. Einstein the terrier pup is also an absolutely fun character – belonging to Dr Noble. The altercations between these two in the story is absolutely hilarious.
As the story progresses, so does Poppy’s love for the town, the people and her grandmother’s cottage.
A lovely start to a new series!
Synopsis /
City girl Poppy desperately wants to pay off her debts, quit her dead-end job, find her father… oh, and keep a plant alive. But she knows these are just hopeless dreams—until the day the letter arrives. Suddenly, Poppy is on a train heading deep into the English countryside, to collect a mysterious inheritance. And the last thing she expects to receive is a cottage garden nursery—complete with romantic climbing roses, fragrant herbs, a ginger cat with attitude… and a dead body.
Now she must solve the mystery or risk losing her new home and the chance for a fresh start. But who would want to murder a gardener in a sleepy little village? Could the reclusive inventor have something to do with the killing? What about the brooding crime author next door? And why is her long-lost cousin so desperate for her to sell the cottage?
Poppy might not know her pansies from her petunias but that doesn’t stop her digging for clues. The only problem is, she could be digging her own grave too…
My Thoughts /
And so it begins…..a new British cosy mystery series from Australian author H.Y. Hanna. The English Cottage Garden Mysteries.
In this first instalment we are introduced to the effervescent, Poppy Lancaster. Now, Poppy would love nothing more than to quit her job and travel the World, but bills, bills, and more bills, keeps her in a job she doesn’t like. One day, a letter arrives in the mail from an attorney named Charles Mannering and Poppy finds out that she has inherited an English Cottage Garden Nursery (aka Hollyhock Cottage) from her grandmother, whom she has never met. So what’s a girl to do, but jump straight on a train to go check it out! Poppy, thinking that this is a dream too good to be true, plans on selling it immediately and use the money to follow her dream of travelling. Arriving in beautiful Oxfordshire, at the office of Charles Mannering, Poppy introduces herself and takes the keys and goes to see her grandmother’s garden nursery. Arriving at the cottage, Poppy realises that she has her work cut out for her, as the gardens are completely overgrown with weeds and vines, and the cottage itself is in need of repairs. During the night, after hearing a noise in the back garden, Poppy investigates and finds a body (buried) in the garden and thus, she finds herself in the middle of our cosy murder mystery.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to some extremely interesting side characters:
Dr Bertie Noble - an eccentric inventor and, next door neighbour is an endearing character, providing us with much of the comic relief in this story. Nick Forrest – Author and writer of crime fiction novels - Poppy’s other next door neighbour and, as it turns out an ex-cop. Nick Forrest adds some moodiness, mystery (hmmm and maybe romance in the future????) Attorney, Charles Manning lends a fatherly influence on Poppy – but is he all that he seems??????? There is Oren, the big huge orange tom cat, who belongs to crime writer Nick. Einstein the terrier pup is also an absolutely fun character – belonging to Dr Noble. The altercations between these two in the story is absolutely hilarious.
As the story progresses, so does Poppy’s love for the town, the people and her grandmother’s cottage.
A lovely start to a new series!
March 12, 2019
“Deadhead and Buried” earns 5/5 Sprigs of Heather…Engaging Can't Miss Read!
What would make one quit their job? Demanding boss. Personal rebukes. Docking pay. Twenty-something Poppy Lancaster acquiesces desperately needing her paycheck, but when the last straw comes, quitting is the only solution. Remembering a chance meeting and the gift of a papier-mâché sprig of heather pin, “Heather symbolizes transformative change—from the mundane to the extraordinary.” The mundane is left behind and the extraordinary leads to the Oxfordshire countryside, “…you are the sole beneficiary of her estate.” Extraordinary isn't without its problems: missing keys, overgrown garden, need of repairs cottage, four-legged and two-legged intruders, and a dead body.
H.Y. Hanna is my most favorite author of my two most favorite series (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries and Bewitched by Chocolate), so I was ecstatic about her new series that would still be set in Oxfordshire, and weaving through the drama is fascinating English gardens, small village life, and a cat...a big one with a demanding nature! Love it! Although the murder investigation doesn't get started right off, something I prefer, my attention was immediately engaged with introductions and a compelling back story. I prefer a first-person narrative, but that's easily overlooked because Hanna’s style is well-paced, clever, and entertaining along with vivid descriptions and banter that illustrates well the tone, emotion, and personality of the characters. Poppy has joined a marvelous community of Hanna women (Gemma Rose and Caitlyn Le Fey) who lack confidence and struggle to overcome their past or insecurities, but they find their inner strength and their skill at amateur sleuthing. Romance? Maybe… I highly recommend this first in the series. Oh, I recommend anything from H.Y. Hanna!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
What would make one quit their job? Demanding boss. Personal rebukes. Docking pay. Twenty-something Poppy Lancaster acquiesces desperately needing her paycheck, but when the last straw comes, quitting is the only solution. Remembering a chance meeting and the gift of a papier-mâché sprig of heather pin, “Heather symbolizes transformative change—from the mundane to the extraordinary.” The mundane is left behind and the extraordinary leads to the Oxfordshire countryside, “…you are the sole beneficiary of her estate.” Extraordinary isn't without its problems: missing keys, overgrown garden, need of repairs cottage, four-legged and two-legged intruders, and a dead body.
H.Y. Hanna is my most favorite author of my two most favorite series (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries and Bewitched by Chocolate), so I was ecstatic about her new series that would still be set in Oxfordshire, and weaving through the drama is fascinating English gardens, small village life, and a cat...a big one with a demanding nature! Love it! Although the murder investigation doesn't get started right off, something I prefer, my attention was immediately engaged with introductions and a compelling back story. I prefer a first-person narrative, but that's easily overlooked because Hanna’s style is well-paced, clever, and entertaining along with vivid descriptions and banter that illustrates well the tone, emotion, and personality of the characters. Poppy has joined a marvelous community of Hanna women (Gemma Rose and Caitlyn Le Fey) who lack confidence and struggle to overcome their past or insecurities, but they find their inner strength and their skill at amateur sleuthing. Romance? Maybe… I highly recommend this first in the series. Oh, I recommend anything from H.Y. Hanna!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
September 14, 2020
This was offered as a free download that’s been sitting in my kindle queue for a long, long time. Finally reached a time when nothing more preferable was available so popped her open.
Our main character, Poppy, starts as a bit of a doormat. Inherits an English cottage and retail garden from a grandmother she never knew. Fully intending to visit the property for no purpose other than inspection prior to selling Surprise! she falls in love with the area and all the possibilities the property presents to her.
The book has a simple plot with the author showing the reader no surprises. Her adoring, doting landlord serves as the closest thing to a relative Poppy has. The caring estate attorney who becomes like a father figure. The handsome, brooding neighbor has the book’s obligatory cat. Okay, maybe it was a surprise to have her other neighbor be an over the top “mad scientist”.
I confess skimming about 25% in the center of the book. The clues were clear who the culprit was so I flipped through to see if the solution was really that easy. Feeling comfortable I’d missed very little by skipping ten chapters, continued on and read to the end.
Story is definitely written as the beginning of a series. Many threads intentionally left dangling to be cleared up in future books. It was a pleasant enough book but also one I cannot recommend.
Our main character, Poppy, starts as a bit of a doormat. Inherits an English cottage and retail garden from a grandmother she never knew. Fully intending to visit the property for no purpose other than inspection prior to selling Surprise! she falls in love with the area and all the possibilities the property presents to her.
The book has a simple plot with the author showing the reader no surprises. Her adoring, doting landlord serves as the closest thing to a relative Poppy has. The caring estate attorney who becomes like a father figure. The handsome, brooding neighbor has the book’s obligatory cat. Okay, maybe it was a surprise to have her other neighbor be an over the top “mad scientist”.
I confess skimming about 25% in the center of the book. The clues were clear who the culprit was so I flipped through to see if the solution was really that easy. Feeling comfortable I’d missed very little by skipping ten chapters, continued on and read to the end.
Story is definitely written as the beginning of a series. Many threads intentionally left dangling to be cleared up in future books. It was a pleasant enough book but also one I cannot recommend.
March 19, 2019
I'd probably give this 2 1/2 stars. The writing isn't terribly inspired; it's your basic formulaic mystery fodder, but there is a cat, which improves everything. Plucky heroine who solves the mystery and dreams of finding her rock star father, check. Absent-minded but well-meaning mad scientist on one side of the garden wall, check. Handsome, brooding famous author (and obvious eventual love interest) on the other side, check. Nothing too shocking or graphic - this is very much in the tradition of Nancy Drew or similar girl detective mysteries.
The characters are caricatures, but at least the cat has a bit of personality. And while I'm not a gardener myself, I do love flowers. They play a central role in the mystery and will obviously be a focus in future books, given that it's a cosy mystery centered around a garden.
The characters are caricatures, but at least the cat has a bit of personality. And while I'm not a gardener myself, I do love flowers. They play a central role in the mystery and will obviously be a focus in future books, given that it's a cosy mystery centered around a garden.
October 5, 2022
I've enjoyed a couple of other series by this author though those 2 were focused more around food which is totally my thing! This one around the garden isn't my thing cuz brown thumbs here... but thought I'd give it a go anyway.
Deadhead and Buried is a very easy and fast read. I feel that it's very simple / basic in comparison to her other books or maybe this being the first book in series so a lot of time was spent on setup. I'm keen to find out how Poppy develops as character and amateur sleuth.
And no... didn't make me feel like gardening at all 🤣
Deadhead and Buried is a very easy and fast read. I feel that it's very simple / basic in comparison to her other books or maybe this being the first book in series so a lot of time was spent on setup. I'm keen to find out how Poppy develops as character and amateur sleuth.
And no... didn't make me feel like gardening at all 🤣
December 10, 2024
Deadhead and Buried is the first book in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna. This was such a fun and enjoyable read. If you enjoy cosy mysteries, then I recommend you read this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
May 6, 2021
I just adore these author's cozies. They never fail to cheer me up, which is quite odd since someone always dies in them! Nevertheless, I think this series might even top the Oxford Tearoom series. I love to garden and look forward to seeing how and when the heroine's garden is restored to its former glory. :)
As to the mystery itself, the identity of the perpetrator was a bit easy to guess. I still enjoyed the story anyway and am looking forward to what's to come.
As to the mystery itself, the identity of the perpetrator was a bit easy to guess. I still enjoyed the story anyway and am looking forward to what's to come.
April 7, 2025
Un petit cosy mystery bien sympathique pour ces journées de printemps ! L'intrigue est simple mais efficace. Les personnages ont tous des personnalités bien à eux et personnellement j'ai bien aimé qu'ils soient si variés. On a très vite envie de se faire un jardin anglais ou de foncer dans l'Oxfordshire pour profiter de quelques jours de vacances. Une lecture sans prise de tête qui glisse toute seule !
June 10, 2023
I have read almost all of the Oxford Tearoom mysteries by the same author and loved them. I really enjoyed the gardening aspect of this book, but so far haven't warmed to the characters. Poppy seems to jump to a lot of comclusions and it was a bit annoying. Will be reading the whole series for a book challenge, so I hope it grows on me.
March 20, 2021
I didn't finish it. I just didn't like Poppy, who was much too hasty to jump to conclusions.
March 10, 2019
Reviewed at Haunted Bookshelf
Poppy is facing a dull and boring existence in a job she loathes and with dreams unable to be realized. All that will change when she inherits her emotionally distant grandmother’s garden cottage, a place now overrun with flowers, weeds, and broken pottery… oh, and a dead body.
Poppy might be able to have beautiful blooms keen over at her slightest glance, but the cottage is working its magic on her soul. Yes, there’s a mystery to be solved, new neighbors to get to know, an annoying relative that she’d rather not have met, and just maybe a touch of romance in her future. But first, she has to figure out why this guy ended up dead in her (or her grandmother’s) garden plot.
As with any mystery or cozy mystery, I will not go into plot details in a review – that’s just wrong on so many levels. I will, however, say that DEADHEAD AND BURIED captured my attention with a really good base story, several twists and turns along the way and rich characters that I easily either liked loved or loathed. Watching Poppy come into her own sense of worth and purpose was a delightful part of this story. And no, I did not see that reveal coming – although looking back knowing who did actually “do it” there were enough clues, I just frankly didn’t pick up on them. So I think it’s safe to say that any mystery lover will enjoy figuring out this one without a doubt in my mind.
I’m excited to be beginning a new series with H. Y. Hanna, although I miss the paranormal aspect there is certainly enough mystery and engaging characters to satisfy me.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Poppy is facing a dull and boring existence in a job she loathes and with dreams unable to be realized. All that will change when she inherits her emotionally distant grandmother’s garden cottage, a place now overrun with flowers, weeds, and broken pottery… oh, and a dead body.
Poppy might be able to have beautiful blooms keen over at her slightest glance, but the cottage is working its magic on her soul. Yes, there’s a mystery to be solved, new neighbors to get to know, an annoying relative that she’d rather not have met, and just maybe a touch of romance in her future. But first, she has to figure out why this guy ended up dead in her (or her grandmother’s) garden plot.
As with any mystery or cozy mystery, I will not go into plot details in a review – that’s just wrong on so many levels. I will, however, say that DEADHEAD AND BURIED captured my attention with a really good base story, several twists and turns along the way and rich characters that I easily either liked loved or loathed. Watching Poppy come into her own sense of worth and purpose was a delightful part of this story. And no, I did not see that reveal coming – although looking back knowing who did actually “do it” there were enough clues, I just frankly didn’t pick up on them. So I think it’s safe to say that any mystery lover will enjoy figuring out this one without a doubt in my mind.
I’m excited to be beginning a new series with H. Y. Hanna, although I miss the paranormal aspect there is certainly enough mystery and engaging characters to satisfy me.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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