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Peridale Cafe #17
Vegetables and Vengeance
Julia South-Brown is busy. Between trying for a baby, having her adopted daughter move out, renovating her beloved cafe, and training for the annual Peridale marathon, she doesn't have much time for anything, especially solving the recent murder of local farmer, Ted Coleman. Despite Peridale Farm only being just up the lane from Julia's cottage, she doesn't know much about the reclusive Coleman family, which is why she's happy to take a backseat.
But, when Ted's young widow, Denise, turns up on Julia's doorstep begging for help, she finds it impossible to turn the fragile woman away. Ted's three sons and ex-wife are making Denise's life a living hell. Everyone thinks she murdered her husband to claim ownership of the farm, and she needs Julia's help to prove her innocence.
With death bringing out the worst sides of everyone in the Coleman family, Julia soon finds herself in over her head. Who stabbed Ted Coleman in the back with a knife during a family party, and more importantly, why? Can Julia sift through the family lies to find out the truth, and can she trust the widow who begged for her help? With her own personal family problems stacking up, Julia finds it difficult to discover a balance, but does she have it in her to walk away from one of her most difficult cases?
But, when Ted's young widow, Denise, turns up on Julia's doorstep begging for help, she finds it impossible to turn the fragile woman away. Ted's three sons and ex-wife are making Denise's life a living hell. Everyone thinks she murdered her husband to claim ownership of the farm, and she needs Julia's help to prove her innocence.
With death bringing out the worst sides of everyone in the Coleman family, Julia soon finds herself in over her head. Who stabbed Ted Coleman in the back with a knife during a family party, and more importantly, why? Can Julia sift through the family lies to find out the truth, and can she trust the widow who begged for her help? With her own personal family problems stacking up, Julia finds it difficult to discover a balance, but does she have it in her to walk away from one of her most difficult cases?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2019
820 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 30, 2024
Julia South-Brown runs the Peridale Cafe
plus she acts as an amateur part time sleuth.
Julia, her husband (Barker), adopted
daughter (Jessie) are In training for the
annual Peridale Marathon.
Jessie has gotten her own apartment and
is going out on her own.
Julia’s Grandmother is protesting the use
of plastic straws as a potential environmental
hazard.
Julia’s Cafe has sprung a leak in one of the
pipes. It has ruined the inside of the Café.
While having the Cafe renovated, Julia
keeps busy by getting involved with a farm
family. The second wife of the farmer has
been accused of stabbing her husband to
death by the three sons of the farmer’s
first wife.
Then wife number one is found dead in the
barn. Accidental or murder?? To be
determined with the help of Julia.
Secrets galore, quirky characters, a good
mixture of suspense, mystery, drama all
in a small town atmosphere.
plus she acts as an amateur part time sleuth.
Julia, her husband (Barker), adopted
daughter (Jessie) are In training for the
annual Peridale Marathon.
Jessie has gotten her own apartment and
is going out on her own.
Julia’s Grandmother is protesting the use
of plastic straws as a potential environmental
hazard.
Julia’s Cafe has sprung a leak in one of the
pipes. It has ruined the inside of the Café.
While having the Cafe renovated, Julia
keeps busy by getting involved with a farm
family. The second wife of the farmer has
been accused of stabbing her husband to
death by the three sons of the farmer’s
first wife.
Then wife number one is found dead in the
barn. Accidental or murder?? To be
determined with the help of Julia.
Secrets galore, quirky characters, a good
mixture of suspense, mystery, drama all
in a small town atmosphere.
January 3, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. This book had a differ t feel to it and I enjoyed seeing the characters grow. Things are changing for our favorite characters and I cannot wait to see their stories unfold despite the crimes in Peridale
November 10, 2021
March
The mystery involves wind turbines, a shop, a farm, murder, and abuse. The mystery was pretty good. I thought it was going to be someone else for the same reason. I like the way it was solved too. It wasn't by the way or person of thought it would be. The rest of the story involves a half marathon, café renovations, and relationship troubles. I wasn't as interested in this part of the story, especially the relationship issues. I thought this should have gone differently.
The mystery involves wind turbines, a shop, a farm, murder, and abuse. The mystery was pretty good. I thought it was going to be someone else for the same reason. I like the way it was solved too. It wasn't by the way or person of thought it would be. The rest of the story involves a half marathon, café renovations, and relationship troubles. I wasn't as interested in this part of the story, especially the relationship issues. I thought this should have gone differently.
January 24, 2024
It’s been awhile since I dug into a Peridale Cafe book. Julia snd Barker are sending Jesse off to her new apartment while down the road at Peridale Farms there is a murder and Julia has mercy on a lady and her daughter. This story is a little different since Barker is barely mentioned and DI Christie actually seems to be a pretty helpful policeman. One death leads to two and Julia helps the Coleman family find a bit of peace amongst the chaos. Definitely a bit different read than normal but I enjoyed all the little insights Julia gave to the family at Peridale Farms.
November 8, 2023
3.75 for this one.
November 15, 2021
Overall I liked this book. Julia is approached by a woman and she needs her help. Her husband has been killed and needs to figure out who is behind it. The problem is that Julia soon learns that family is crazy. Thankfully in the end Julia figures out who did it and all is well for now.
June 15, 2021
This book caught me off guard usually I can figure out who the killer is but not this time. The killer was well hidden lol plot twist.
July 7, 2019
I love reading about Julia and Barker and Jessie. This book was different from all the others in the fact that Julia wasn't there to witness the murder this time. I also love reading about Jessie and how she is progressing to becoming an independent young woman. This book seemed a little more on the serious side having the topic that it did.
June 10, 2019
2019 bk 191. Agatha Frost has scored again with her newest mystery. This time the mystery revolves around Julia and Barker's next door neighbors at the farm. When the farmer, Ted, is stabbed to death, his sons point the finger at their stepmother. When the DI Christie speaks with Julia, he admits that this one has him stumped. I havn't seen a family that hates each other as much as this one does, but all have alibis. All of this is taking place as Jessie is moving out on her own and learning that breaking up is hard to do, especially if you are the one who has to do the breaking up. Oh, and Julia, Barker, and Jessie have to find time to train for a mini-marathon and to top it off, a pipe broke, flooding the cafe with water that requires extensive renovation. So much, so well put together....
May 27, 2019
Loved it
This book is amazing. I liked how Julia and Jessie where the one of the focuses this time around. It was nicely tied in with the main story line of the lady getting married young and not feeling she had a choice in life as her dad wanted her to run the their farm and then Julia letting Jessie know that she did have choices and not to jump into anything and I like how she accepted that Jessie was older and mature enough to be on her own but she would still need as she is an adult. I also liked that Jessie was thankful that Julia wanted her and she realized she had choices that you can as person rewrite your story of how you want to end up. Like the lady in the story she also learned that she had choices. I like the awareness of domestic violence and that it is not ok and that you can reach out for help. Also how it talked about breaking the cycle.I like that in story that it addresses women and men have choices in life and they have control of their own. The murder did throw me for a loop I thought that it was the man mother.
This book is amazing. I liked how Julia and Jessie where the one of the focuses this time around. It was nicely tied in with the main story line of the lady getting married young and not feeling she had a choice in life as her dad wanted her to run the their farm and then Julia letting Jessie know that she did have choices and not to jump into anything and I like how she accepted that Jessie was older and mature enough to be on her own but she would still need as she is an adult. I also liked that Jessie was thankful that Julia wanted her and she realized she had choices that you can as person rewrite your story of how you want to end up. Like the lady in the story she also learned that she had choices. I like the awareness of domestic violence and that it is not ok and that you can reach out for help. Also how it talked about breaking the cycle.I like that in story that it addresses women and men have choices in life and they have control of their own. The murder did throw me for a loop I thought that it was the man mother.
September 9, 2025
Love is What Makes these Books Great Cozies!
Book 17,! I can't believe I've read this many books so quickly. But they are really just short stories with lots of fluff all around them. But what's there is worth reading. They are not only fun steries to solve, but a good look at how loving others leads to a happier place for everyone involved. Loving others is what Julia does every day of her new life. She loves each member of her extended family, no matter hos wacky they are. And she loves her (adopted) daughter as much as she could her own child. She loves her husband, who loves her back. In fact, it's Julia's love for others that is behind her mystery solving. She carres about others and always tries to help them find the joy she has.
Book 17,! I can't believe I've read this many books so quickly. But they are really just short stories with lots of fluff all around them. But what's there is worth reading. They are not only fun steries to solve, but a good look at how loving others leads to a happier place for everyone involved. Loving others is what Julia does every day of her new life. She loves each member of her extended family, no matter hos wacky they are. And she loves her (adopted) daughter as much as she could her own child. She loves her husband, who loves her back. In fact, it's Julia's love for others that is behind her mystery solving. She carres about others and always tries to help them find the joy she has.
May 24, 2019
Well you always wonder whether an Author can keep their characters as fresh and interesting over a long series of books and I have to say that Agatha Frost just keeps on doing it. I started reading it about 10.30 last night and could not put it down until 2 this morning. I loved the way the consistent characters are moving forward and growing within the ways their lives have been woven. I liked the fact that the book started with Julia started of not wanting to get involved in the murder at first and how, she is drawn to it.
Well done so looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended.
Well done so looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
This is the first Peridale Cafe Mystery installment in a while that just didn't hook me in as the books normally do. I think that's in large part due to how relatively dark this book is compared to Frost's other cozy mysteries. In fact, given the occasional on-screen inclusion of domestic violence (TW), I might argue that Vegetables and Vengeance veers out of the cozy genre. The mystery also did not feel as tightly wound as Frost's other books do. There were no red herrings, for example.
That said, I especially loved all of the various subplots: Jessie's relationship woes, Julia's baby fever, Dot's latest craze, etc.
This is the first Peridale Cafe Mystery installment in a while that just didn't hook me in as the books normally do. I think that's in large part due to how relatively dark this book is compared to Frost's other cozy mysteries. In fact, given the occasional on-screen inclusion of domestic violence (TW), I might argue that Vegetables and Vengeance veers out of the cozy genre. The mystery also did not feel as tightly wound as Frost's other books do. There were no red herrings, for example.
That said, I especially loved all of the various subplots: Jessie's relationship woes, Julia's baby fever, Dot's latest craze, etc.
May 9, 2024
Just as strong as previous books, and I enjoyed every inch of the book, finishing it feeling content.
I found the different tactics employed in culprit reveals in the previous few books interesting; rather than having Julia almost single-handedly resolve the mystery, the author seems to let her readers narrow down the culprit by providing crucial evidence and accounts here and there in the story, which I am liking it so far.
That said though, the very ending felt a bit abrupt to me; it felt as though the last couple of sentences or pages were omitted. Other than that, I quite enjoyed the book.
I found the different tactics employed in culprit reveals in the previous few books interesting; rather than having Julia almost single-handedly resolve the mystery, the author seems to let her readers narrow down the culprit by providing crucial evidence and accounts here and there in the story, which I am liking it so far.
That said though, the very ending felt a bit abrupt to me; it felt as though the last couple of sentences or pages were omitted. Other than that, I quite enjoyed the book.
August 17, 2024
I wanted to give this 5 stars BUT yet again Agatha Frost is wishy-washy with her characters: the murderer blames his victim for making him do it then accidentally kills the ex-wife of the victim and claims he just pushed her a little......Julia feels for him, the killer that is......why? He pushed a woman. Julia doesn't like men who are violent to women, she repeats this many times about the victim's sons.
Anyway, still better than most other of her novels because it was not all trying new recipes and the town's people getting on her nerves in the cafe.
Anyway, still better than most other of her novels because it was not all trying new recipes and the town's people getting on her nerves in the cafe.
May 26, 2019
What a crop??
5 stars would have given it more
Great storyline as always
New characters from Peridale, great for future books
Quite a lot going on in this book: Jessie growing up and moving out to new pastures, Julia and Barker taking part in a half marathon great fun
Dot on one of her crusades - this time to turn everything green, never lasts
I guessed who the murderer was in this book but not now they did it, the why yes I guessed
Loved every minute of it
Cannot wait for the next book
Absolute perfection as always from Agatha
5 stars would have given it more
Great storyline as always
New characters from Peridale, great for future books
Quite a lot going on in this book: Jessie growing up and moving out to new pastures, Julia and Barker taking part in a half marathon great fun
Dot on one of her crusades - this time to turn everything green, never lasts
I guessed who the murderer was in this book but not now they did it, the why yes I guessed
Loved every minute of it
Cannot wait for the next book
Absolute perfection as always from Agatha
June 30, 2019
Seriously serious and thought provoking
Vegetables and Vengeance took on the challenge of blended families and the real tensions between step parenting with step children, with a liberal amount of stress and violence. I learned life is not pleasant and fair to all involved. A very emotional book for me this time and what is weird to me is I hardly remember Dot's shenanegans . I will read again to capture all I missed while contemplating the Coleman family dynamics.
Vegetables and Vengeance took on the challenge of blended families and the real tensions between step parenting with step children, with a liberal amount of stress and violence. I learned life is not pleasant and fair to all involved. A very emotional book for me this time and what is weird to me is I hardly remember Dot's shenanegans . I will read again to capture all I missed while contemplating the Coleman family dynamics.
August 5, 2019
Wonderful book
Ms. Frost writes delightful books with characters you would like to meet. This time Julia must solve not one but two murders and save a family torn apart by distrust and greed. Back on the home front Julia is dealing with empty next syndrome and a tragedy that strikes her business. With her husband Barker at her side and daughter Jessie can a she make it. Read the story and find out.
P.S. These books would be good for a Hallmark Movie series.
Ms. Frost writes delightful books with characters you would like to meet. This time Julia must solve not one but two murders and save a family torn apart by distrust and greed. Back on the home front Julia is dealing with empty next syndrome and a tragedy that strikes her business. With her husband Barker at her side and daughter Jessie can a she make it. Read the story and find out.
P.S. These books would be good for a Hallmark Movie series.
December 5, 2019
Surprised
Another wonderful entry in the series. I find myself reading and being unable to stop. :-) I need to go back and review some of the other books in the series. I just get so caught up that I can’t seem to make myself stop. I love these characters. I hope that some of the characters that we have seen and other stories come back for visits. This family in particular, I would like to see what happens to them. This series seems to get better and better with each entry.
Another wonderful entry in the series. I find myself reading and being unable to stop. :-) I need to go back and review some of the other books in the series. I just get so caught up that I can’t seem to make myself stop. I love these characters. I hope that some of the characters that we have seen and other stories come back for visits. This family in particular, I would like to see what happens to them. This series seems to get better and better with each entry.
July 12, 2024
Wow. This one hit hard. Even with this being a murder mystery series, I think this was one of the toughest ones so far. And I'm with Julia. I don't blame Robert a bit. He tried. This was a powerful story and so so good. Everyone is growing up and maturing and it's hard to read but good. You want everyone to stay as they are forever lol. But it don't work that way. This series just gets better and better and I'm so glad I've gotten to read it.
October 8, 2024
In this book Julia has to deal with quarrels and discussions within a family where a murder has occurred and where each family member suspects that the other may be the murderer; the question of who will inherit the property aggravates the whole situation... I thought I had understood who the murderer was and I thought that this time it would really be an unlikely story, but I was wrong... Meanwhile, the private life of Julia moves on. A nice book like the others.
June 2, 2019
Another great visit to Peridale!
Good to catch up with the characters we already know and love but great to meet new ones who will no doubt become regulars in future visits. It is like going on holiday to your favourite place and catching up with all the goings on, I look forward to my next visit!
Good to catch up with the characters we already know and love but great to meet new ones who will no doubt become regulars in future visits. It is like going on holiday to your favourite place and catching up with all the goings on, I look forward to my next visit!
June 3, 2019
Julia tries to avoid the latest murder, but gets involved because one of the suspects needs help and is desperate. Julia looks into the murder and doesn't get far before another person is dead on the farm. It looks like an accident, or was it staged. Another great mystery in the Peridale series. Enjoy.
June 4, 2019
Just Like the Characters, I was kept guessing all through the story. This author always managed to keep your interest, but this time, she's done the best one so far!
I have read all 18 of her books and can't wait for #19! This one has me shaking my head in dismay at how far off I was! It's filled with lots of excitement and we'll thought out characters! Enjoy it for yourself!
I have read all 18 of her books and can't wait for #19! This one has me shaking my head in dismay at how far off I was! It's filled with lots of excitement and we'll thought out characters! Enjoy it for yourself!
Read
February 2, 2023I do so love these novels!
So I have now read 4 in a row, and they have been an absolute delight to read. Along with a murder or two there is the wit as well which comes from Dot, Julia's gran. In this novel farming is on the agenda and who was it that killed Ted Coleman? I would advise that you read it to find out!
So I have now read 4 in a row, and they have been an absolute delight to read. Along with a murder or two there is the wit as well which comes from Dot, Julia's gran. In this novel farming is on the agenda and who was it that killed Ted Coleman? I would advise that you read it to find out!
December 19, 2023
Part of the series I have now come to expect certain things in Agatha Frost's books. This one was a little different however, a few extra twists and turns in the murder and of course Julia's life wouldn't be complete without some drama. Jessie moving out is a huge deal and she needs to come to terms with it, naturally that means she is throwing herself into helping with the newest murder.
May 24, 2019
Review
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, but this one I really did not. Denise just got on my last nerve. Although I have highly recommended all of the previous books in the series and have given them 5 stars, this one I could not.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, but this one I really did not. Denise just got on my last nerve. Although I have highly recommended all of the previous books in the series and have given them 5 stars, this one I could not.
May 26, 2019
Brilliant series, always on the lookout for the next one.
Brilliant series, books are easy to read, enjoyable, funny with a village cosy crime mystery. Can’t wait for the next one 😀x
Brilliant series, books are easy to read, enjoyable, funny with a village cosy crime mystery. Can’t wait for the next one 😀x
May 26, 2019
Another brilliant storyline
Plough how I wish she was pregnant in disobeying hopefully the next one and not only does she solve the murders always but she brings a broken family back together and there nothing better than that x
Plough how I wish she was pregnant in disobeying hopefully the next one and not only does she solve the murders always but she brings a broken family back together and there nothing better than that x
May 26, 2019
Peridale is a wonder village in England
I have loved all of the Peridale cafe mysteries. I recommend all 17 of them. Julia, Barker and Jessie are the main characters. So fun trying to figure out who done it.
I have loved all of the Peridale cafe mysteries. I recommend all 17 of them. Julia, Barker and Jessie are the main characters. So fun trying to figure out who done it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews