What do you think?
Rate this book
Garden Girls #23
Alien Allure
After a group of spy and alien enthusiasts descend on the small town of Belhaven, a child is abducted, prompting Gloria & the Garden Girls to investigate.
BONUS - RECIPE INCLUDED!
When Ruth is appointed regional director of NASCA (North American Surveillance and Communications Association) the Garden Girls volunteer to help her host her first ever convention.
Soon after, the small town of Belhaven is overrun with enthusiasts not only looking to learn about the latest spy and surveillance technology, but to also make contact with aliens.
As if an alien Elvis and a lightsaber carrying band of attendees isn’t enough to keep Ruth and friends on their toes, Rose concocts a special potion, “Alien Allure,” to make it easier to attract the otherworldly beings.
After a recent child abduction in the area, Gloria does a little investigating but vows to stay out of it until the abductor strikes a little too close to home.
Can Gloria and the Garden Girls figure out who is targeting the children, all the while keeping the spies and aliens from turning Belhaven upside down?
BONUS - RECIPE INCLUDED!
When Ruth is appointed regional director of NASCA (North American Surveillance and Communications Association) the Garden Girls volunteer to help her host her first ever convention.
Soon after, the small town of Belhaven is overrun with enthusiasts not only looking to learn about the latest spy and surveillance technology, but to also make contact with aliens.
As if an alien Elvis and a lightsaber carrying band of attendees isn’t enough to keep Ruth and friends on their toes, Rose concocts a special potion, “Alien Allure,” to make it easier to attract the otherworldly beings.
After a recent child abduction in the area, Gloria does a little investigating but vows to stay out of it until the abductor strikes a little too close to home.
Can Gloria and the Garden Girls figure out who is targeting the children, all the while keeping the spies and aliens from turning Belhaven upside down?
- GenresCozy Mystery
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2020
555 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
190 books772 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 24, 2020
Alien Allure is the twenty-third book in Hope Callaghan’s awesome Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series. Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to put it down. While no murder is involved, there are multiple suspects and no shortage of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The writing style flows smoothly, the storyline is well-plotted, the mystery is well thought out and interesting, and the well-developed characters are delightful. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Ruth Carpenter was recently appointed as director of the Great Lakes Region of the North America Surveillance and Communications Association, and as such, is hosting an alien/spy convention on the grounds of the Belhaven flea market. She’s enlisted Gloria Rutherford-Kennedy and several of their friends to help with various tasks, but she quickly discovers that she’s in over her head. Vendor booths are available, so Rose Morris, who works with Dorothy “Dot” Jenkins at Dot’s Restaurant, has created a special potion to attract aliens, and Helena Giese, who owns the flea market along with her husband, is selling her freeze-dried meal packs. Residents are alarmed when there’s an attempted abduction of a young boy in the Belhaven Corners subdivision, and a boy is abducted from the nearby community of Lakeville. Meanwhile, Gloria’s sister, Liz, has sold her house in Florida and is moving back to Belhaven, where she will be renting Margaret Hansen’s house.
Ruth Carpenter was recently appointed as director of the Great Lakes Region of the North America Surveillance and Communications Association, and as such, is hosting an alien/spy convention on the grounds of the Belhaven flea market. She’s enlisted Gloria Rutherford-Kennedy and several of their friends to help with various tasks, but she quickly discovers that she’s in over her head. Vendor booths are available, so Rose Morris, who works with Dorothy “Dot” Jenkins at Dot’s Restaurant, has created a special potion to attract aliens, and Helena Giese, who owns the flea market along with her husband, is selling her freeze-dried meal packs. Residents are alarmed when there’s an attempted abduction of a young boy in the Belhaven Corners subdivision, and a boy is abducted from the nearby community of Lakeville. Meanwhile, Gloria’s sister, Liz, has sold her house in Florida and is moving back to Belhaven, where she will be renting Margaret Hansen’s house.
January 31, 2020
Another mystery with the Garden Girls. I love this series because it takes place in Michigan, and a mention of an Elvis siting in Kalamazoo, my home town.
Ruth is co directing a spy and alien awareness convention in Belhaven at the flea market property.
With all the extra people in town there is an abduction of a boy and an attempted one of Gloria's grandson.
All the girls are helping out, Gloria, Lucy, Margaret, Eleanor, Dot and Rose, where they can.
Rose has concocted a potion to allure aliens, that smells like skunk. She sold out of her mixtures the first day.
There is a green Alien Elvis that puts Dot's Mom and Pop Eatery on the map by ordering, grilled peanut butter, banana, bacon sandwich with melted marshmallows for dipping sauce. It seems to be making quite the sensation.
Of course Gloria is at the helm of detecting, and with the help of her friends, solves the mystery yet again.
I just love this series, and always look forward to the next installment.
I always recommend Hope's books for anyone liking clean, funny cozy mysteries.
Ruth is co directing a spy and alien awareness convention in Belhaven at the flea market property.
With all the extra people in town there is an abduction of a boy and an attempted one of Gloria's grandson.
All the girls are helping out, Gloria, Lucy, Margaret, Eleanor, Dot and Rose, where they can.
Rose has concocted a potion to allure aliens, that smells like skunk. She sold out of her mixtures the first day.
There is a green Alien Elvis that puts Dot's Mom and Pop Eatery on the map by ordering, grilled peanut butter, banana, bacon sandwich with melted marshmallows for dipping sauce. It seems to be making quite the sensation.
Of course Gloria is at the helm of detecting, and with the help of her friends, solves the mystery yet again.
I just love this series, and always look forward to the next installment.
I always recommend Hope's books for anyone liking clean, funny cozy mysteries.
February 21, 2020
When Ruth becomes the Regional Director for the NASCA (North American Surveillance Communication Association, she is in charge of their next event in their home town of Belhaven. Surveillance is right up Ruth’s alley so hosting the event was a no-brainer for her. Along with her NASCA group, they are also hosting a group of UFO enthusiasts. When strange events start happening during the event, including an attempted abduction, Gloria, Ruth and the rest of the Garden Girls begin to investigate the occurrences.
Hope Callaghan is a wonderful author portraying her Christian characters. Most cozies are considered “clean” reads and Ms. Callaghan adds the dimension of faith into her books as well, without being “preachy.” The plot is fast moving, with several suspects popping up along the way. I was happy the Garden Girls were back on the case, not only by volunteering to help Ruth out with her event, but by using their deductive resources to help solve the crime.
Hope Callaghan is a wonderful author portraying her Christian characters. Most cozies are considered “clean” reads and Ms. Callaghan adds the dimension of faith into her books as well, without being “preachy.” The plot is fast moving, with several suspects popping up along the way. I was happy the Garden Girls were back on the case, not only by volunteering to help Ruth out with her event, but by using their deductive resources to help solve the crime.
February 10, 2023
Review of this book.
This was an exceptional book. It came very close to home for Gloria. She and her friends got quite a scare. My heart was racing as I continued to read the book. Being a mother, as well as a grandmother, my heart went out to the families involved. This book was over the top with drama, suspense, and sheer terror as the story continued. This author is an exceptional writer. She just keeps getting better and better. She has a God given talent for writing clean cozy mysteries. I hope she continues to write these thrilling cozy mysteries. I cannot wait to read more of her books. Everyone will enjoy her books. Even die hard mystery lovers cannot help but enjoy reading her books. She is able to pull you into the mysteries as you try to solve it with the clues that she doles out. Remember that the clues are subtle, with several false leads to keep you on your toes. Fantastic reading from the first words to the heart pounding final sentence.
This was an exceptional book. It came very close to home for Gloria. She and her friends got quite a scare. My heart was racing as I continued to read the book. Being a mother, as well as a grandmother, my heart went out to the families involved. This book was over the top with drama, suspense, and sheer terror as the story continued. This author is an exceptional writer. She just keeps getting better and better. She has a God given talent for writing clean cozy mysteries. I hope she continues to write these thrilling cozy mysteries. I cannot wait to read more of her books. Everyone will enjoy her books. Even die hard mystery lovers cannot help but enjoy reading her books. She is able to pull you into the mysteries as you try to solve it with the clues that she doles out. Remember that the clues are subtle, with several false leads to keep you on your toes. Fantastic reading from the first words to the heart pounding final sentence.
January 28, 2020
Aliens, fun at the flea market fairgrounds and child abductions...
Oh how I've missed Gloria and the garden girls! I loved this latest installment as Ruth directs a convention for members of the surveillance and spyware community as well as members of the alien support community hoping beyond hope to attract alien sightings. Alien Elvis did make his presence known on more than one occasion eating grilled peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches at Dot's. When child abductions begin around the same time as the convention, the spotlight turns to the many attendees, but when Gloria's grandson lands in the abductors crosshairs, events take a serious turn.
This is an excellent read with plenty of excitement, twists and turns along with the smiles and laughs we have come to expect from Hope Callaghan's Garden Girls!
Oh how I've missed Gloria and the garden girls! I loved this latest installment as Ruth directs a convention for members of the surveillance and spyware community as well as members of the alien support community hoping beyond hope to attract alien sightings. Alien Elvis did make his presence known on more than one occasion eating grilled peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches at Dot's. When child abductions begin around the same time as the convention, the spotlight turns to the many attendees, but when Gloria's grandson lands in the abductors crosshairs, events take a serious turn.
This is an excellent read with plenty of excitement, twists and turns along with the smiles and laughs we have come to expect from Hope Callaghan's Garden Girls!
January 24, 2020
A fun out of this world read with familiar faces, eccentric aliens, doomsday preppers, unexpected twists of stranger danger, abduction, potions, and many a red herring. As a foodie, I enjoyed the mention of a TV Cooking Show - Missy Meals in Minutes. Nice alliteration. The Cajun Sausage Alfredo recipe is easy to make and scrumptious. As a grandmother, my heart stopped with Glorias when Ryan disappeared, because I had a son who walked away in a store. Then as a Grandma, I chuckled that the Garden Girls have Grandma Magic with Andrea’s twins Daisy Marie and Trace. The NASCA convention did remind me of Star Trek meets Star Wars. Alien Elvis was Out of This World in his fashion sense and comfort food. A delightful Who Dun IT mystery.
August 20, 2020
Love these Garden Girls!
Another adventure with the a Garden Girls, this one in their hometown. Ruth is hosting the NASCA (North American Surveillance and Communication Association) on the local flea market grounds. To say it’s a crazy bunch is putting it mildly! The alien enthusiast group is also there, hoping to attract some aliens. But as someone in a van tries to snatch a local child and then succeeds in snatching a child from a nearby town, Ruth worries that it is someone from the gathering. Of course, Gloria and the gang investigate. A fun cozy mystery, with a serious nod to child abductions.
Another adventure with the a Garden Girls, this one in their hometown. Ruth is hosting the NASCA (North American Surveillance and Communication Association) on the local flea market grounds. To say it’s a crazy bunch is putting it mildly! The alien enthusiast group is also there, hoping to attract some aliens. But as someone in a van tries to snatch a local child and then succeeds in snatching a child from a nearby town, Ruth worries that it is someone from the gathering. Of course, Gloria and the gang investigate. A fun cozy mystery, with a serious nod to child abductions.
January 31, 2020
What Can I Say About Every Garden Girls Mystery?
I have read every book that Hope Callaghan has written and have never been disappointed with any of them!! Alien Allure is no exception and combines humor with mystery, all wound up and solved at the very end so we readers don't guess "who dunnit" too early!! Even if I am in the middle of another series when a new Hope Callaghan book comes out, I drop what I'm reading to immerse myself in the latest installment of what I know will be a super good Christian read!!
I have read every book that Hope Callaghan has written and have never been disappointed with any of them!! Alien Allure is no exception and combines humor with mystery, all wound up and solved at the very end so we readers don't guess "who dunnit" too early!! Even if I am in the middle of another series when a new Hope Callaghan book comes out, I drop what I'm reading to immerse myself in the latest installment of what I know will be a super good Christian read!!
January 31, 2020
Aliens and Surveillance convention?
The Garden Girls are in almost over their heads when Ruth hosts a combination alien watcher/surveillance convention in Belhaven. The Girls all work together to help Ruth keep the gathering organized, but chaos seems to reign.
When a local boy is almost kidnapped, is there a link to the group meeting at the flea market grounds? It seems that trouble abounds when the Garden Girls are involved. Will they find the perp before anyone else is harmed? Read this fun book to find out. 😊
The Garden Girls are in almost over their heads when Ruth hosts a combination alien watcher/surveillance convention in Belhaven. The Girls all work together to help Ruth keep the gathering organized, but chaos seems to reign.
When a local boy is almost kidnapped, is there a link to the group meeting at the flea market grounds? It seems that trouble abounds when the Garden Girls are involved. Will they find the perp before anyone else is harmed? Read this fun book to find out. 😊
February 18, 2020
Lawd What can these gals get into next! Ruth is named area coordinator of alien and survellience group and hosts a convention! Someone attempts to kidnap Gloria’s youngest grandson and another boy! Plus they do kidnap a third child! The girls leap into action! Gloria sister Liz is returning to town is the town big enough for the two sisters! Great read kept me on the edge of my seat! I didn’t figure out the bad guy til late in the book! Another home run for this wonderful author!
January 14, 2022
The title of this book could have been alien abduction.
The reason for my comment is that there was a child abduction during the story. The convention of alien seekers was exciting, complete with an alien Elvis and a lot of other characters. The story got scary when Gloria's grandson disappeared. Gloria was frantic, and when she found him, his clue led her to the real abductor. This story had a little of everything in it, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
The reason for my comment is that there was a child abduction during the story. The convention of alien seekers was exciting, complete with an alien Elvis and a lot of other characters. The story got scary when Gloria's grandson disappeared. Gloria was frantic, and when she found him, his clue led her to the real abductor. This story had a little of everything in it, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
December 26, 2025
Fantastic reading
Gloria and the girls are helping Ruth host the spy techs and the alien believers conference in Belhaven. An attempted child abduction sets everyone on edge especially the next day when there is an abduction. The girls are investigating all the vans that meet the description including Ruth's spymobile. When Gloria's grandson was almost abducted it sent Gloria into don't mess with grandma bear
Great reading
Gloria and the girls are helping Ruth host the spy techs and the alien believers conference in Belhaven. An attempted child abduction sets everyone on edge especially the next day when there is an abduction. The girls are investigating all the vans that meet the description including Ruth's spymobile. When Gloria's grandson was almost abducted it sent Gloria into don't mess with grandma bear
Great reading
January 25, 2020
Alien Invitation and Spy Aficionados
Gloria and the gang help Ruth host the gathering she is responsible for. So many things are going on that they are all busy making it go smoothly. When an attempted abduction happens, they snoop,
When one actually happens they go into high gear. A different setting and cast of characters
Gloria and the gang help Ruth host the gathering she is responsible for. So many things are going on that they are all busy making it go smoothly. When an attempted abduction happens, they snoop,
When one actually happens they go into high gear. A different setting and cast of characters
January 26, 2020
Loved it!
Hope he done it again. The Garden Girls are helping one of their own, Ruth, put on a convention for space enthusiasts and spy technology. When you mix alien Elvis, child abduction, and lots of weirdos, Gloria and the girls have their hands full finding the creep who is messing with their kids. I love the Garden Girls and look forward to the next one.
Hope he done it again. The Garden Girls are helping one of their own, Ruth, put on a convention for space enthusiasts and spy technology. When you mix alien Elvis, child abduction, and lots of weirdos, Gloria and the girls have their hands full finding the creep who is messing with their kids. I love the Garden Girls and look forward to the next one.
May 4, 2020
Another great Garden Girls adventure!
Gloria and girls are at again, this time at a spy and alien convention Ruth is hosting. Some local boys have experienced attempted kidnappings and an actual kidnapping and they seem to be tied to the convention. Will Gloria and the girls find the culprit before it's too late?
Gloria and girls are at again, this time at a spy and alien convention Ruth is hosting. Some local boys have experienced attempted kidnappings and an actual kidnapping and they seem to be tied to the convention. Will Gloria and the girls find the culprit before it's too late?
March 13, 2021
Loved this series!
This series was really good. I had to read all of them practically without stopping over the last several days. I can't wait till book 24 comes out. In the mean time I am starting another series by this author. I'm so glad she has written so many books! I plan to read them all.
This series was really good. I had to read all of them practically without stopping over the last several days. I can't wait till book 24 comes out. In the mean time I am starting another series by this author. I'm so glad she has written so many books! I plan to read them all.
July 5, 2021
Aliens and abductions
Ruth is hosting a convention in town and the girls are lending a hand. A boy is almost abducted by a man with long hair and a van. Then two boys disappear, the search is on. The police think someone at the alien/spy convention is evolved. This story hits close to home for the group. Intriguing story.
Ruth is hosting a convention in town and the girls are lending a hand. A boy is almost abducted by a man with long hair and a van. Then two boys disappear, the search is on. The police think someone at the alien/spy convention is evolved. This story hits close to home for the group. Intriguing story.
July 30, 2021
I have read all of the series and enjoyed it a lot. I was very disappointed to see the use of child abduction and hints of molestation in this book. I am not naive. I know what goes on in the world. I read this series for the mystery and fun of getting to know the characters better. I will continue the series, but hope to not see such disturbing, to me, subjects.
September 10, 2023
Hosting a Convention Isn't Easy!
Ruth was hosting a convention for spys and alien searchers. What could go wrong? The regular characters get involved with solving a child abduction case while helping Ruth run the convention. Will Alien Evis help solve the case? As always, a fun read. Enjoy!
Ruth was hosting a convention for spys and alien searchers. What could go wrong? The regular characters get involved with solving a child abduction case while helping Ruth run the convention. Will Alien Evis help solve the case? As always, a fun read. Enjoy!
January 28, 2020
A sweet cozy
I love the Garden Girls. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Hope Callaghan is a must read.
I love the Garden Girls. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Hope Callaghan is a must read.
January 29, 2020
A wonderful Read I have read all of the Garden Girls books. This one was a different read for me with the Space Aliens and thing. Made it a wonderful read add kidnapping to it If you have read any of th Garden Girls books you will love it
February 2, 2020
The best
Hope Callaghan writes the most interesting stories ¡ I really enjoy A GARDEN GIRLS COZY MYSTERY! Gloria and the girls keep you on your toes trying to figure out just what they are going to do next! QUITE ENJOYABLE!
Hope Callaghan writes the most interesting stories ¡ I really enjoy A GARDEN GIRLS COZY MYSTERY! Gloria and the girls keep you on your toes trying to figure out just what they are going to do next! QUITE ENJOYABLE!
February 10, 2020
Another Great Garden Girls Cozy
I always enjoy reading Grden Girls Mysteries,filled with plenty of suspense , twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
I always enjoy reading Grden Girls Mysteries,filled with plenty of suspense , twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
February 11, 2020
Love the Garden Girls
Gloria and gang are one of my favorite books to read. This time Ruth is hosting an convention for Alien enthusiasts. At the same time a couple of boys are abducted. So they have to figure out if the abductor is human or Alien!
Gloria and gang are one of my favorite books to read. This time Ruth is hosting an convention for Alien enthusiasts. At the same time a couple of boys are abducted. So they have to figure out if the abductor is human or Alien!
March 22, 2020
Alien Allure
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed it a lot. I had the wrong person again. I was surprised at who it was. That’s all I’m going to say. If you want to know more you will have to read this book.
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed it a lot. I had the wrong person again. I was surprised at who it was. That’s all I’m going to say. If you want to know more you will have to read this book.
May 13, 2020
Another cannot put down book!!
This book brought the mother\grandmother in me out in full force.Set in the scene of an outdoor convention with all the girls in attendance and children in trouble. Kept my attention and made me keep reading and ignoring my surroundings.
This book brought the mother\grandmother in me out in full force.Set in the scene of an outdoor convention with all the girls in attendance and children in trouble. Kept my attention and made me keep reading and ignoring my surroundings.
September 5, 2020
Alien allure
I finally finished the last book in the garden girls cozy mysteries...read every one of them...best series of books I have read in a long time. Don't pass these up...can't wait till the next one
I finally finished the last book in the garden girls cozy mysteries...read every one of them...best series of books I have read in a long time. Don't pass these up...can't wait till the next one
April 14, 2021
Great cozy Christian mystery
I can't believe I've finished book 20 in the series! It has been so fun romping around with the garden girls. This book was fun with excitement and energy!
I can't believe I've finished book 20 in the series! It has been so fun romping around with the garden girls. This book was fun with excitement and energy!
June 6, 2021
Garden Girls Rock
Love the garden girls mysteries. Great story lines with believable char. Love the adventures. Really enjoyable reading. Try them you we will love these ladies. Thank you Hope Calaghan. You are amazing
Love the garden girls mysteries. Great story lines with believable char. Love the adventures. Really enjoyable reading. Try them you we will love these ladies. Thank you Hope Calaghan. You are amazing
May 21, 2022
The Mystery Girls do it again.
I have enjoyed reading the Garden Girls Christian Cozy Mystery Series. I can't wait to see what the girls will do next and how they solve the mystery.
I have enjoyed reading the Garden Girls Christian Cozy Mystery Series. I can't wait to see what the girls will do next and how they solve the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews