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A Garlic Farm Mystery #1
Six Cloves Under
App developer Mabel Skinner is about to discover something rotten on her late aunt's garlic farm—and it's not the compost heap . . .
Mabel doesn't know a stinkin' thing about garlic farming. She knows how to develop an app and how to code. But when her aunt, Peggy Skinner, dies suddenly, Mabel inherits her Stinkin' Stuff Farm in western Massachusetts. She arrives during peak harvest time—with three days to bring in the entire crop before rain can destroy it.
But Mabel has an even bigger problem: she suspects her aunt's “accidental death” was murder. As she digs for both garlic and clues, Mabel must contend with a mysterious crop thief, a rival garlic grower her aunt was suing, and a farmer who was after Aunt Peggy's green-thumb secret. It's up to Mabel to crack the code on a killer, before she joins the garlic bulbs six cloves under . . .
Mabel doesn't know a stinkin' thing about garlic farming. She knows how to develop an app and how to code. But when her aunt, Peggy Skinner, dies suddenly, Mabel inherits her Stinkin' Stuff Farm in western Massachusetts. She arrives during peak harvest time—with three days to bring in the entire crop before rain can destroy it.
But Mabel has an even bigger problem: she suspects her aunt's “accidental death” was murder. As she digs for both garlic and clues, Mabel must contend with a mysterious crop thief, a rival garlic grower her aunt was suing, and a farmer who was after Aunt Peggy's green-thumb secret. It's up to Mabel to crack the code on a killer, before she joins the garlic bulbs six cloves under . . .
215 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
41 people are currently reading
1854 people want to read
About the author
Gin Jones
48 books116 followersGin is a retired lawyer who specialized in ghost-writing for other lawyers. She prefers to write her own books, though, since she doesn't have to worry that her sense of humor might get her thrown into jail for contempt of court. In her spare time, Gin makes quilts, grows garlic, and advocates for patients with rare disorders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 6, 2020
Six Cloves Under is the first book in Gin Jones's Garlic Farm Mystery series. App developer Mabel Skinner doesn't know a thing about garlic farming. But when her aunt dies unexpectedly, Mabel inherits her garlic farm in western Massachusetts. When she arrives at her aunt's, she learns that the crops need to be harvested in three days - and the entire town is counting on her to do it. But Mabel has a bigger problem: she suspects that her aunt's death may not have been accidental at all. She thinks that someone murdered her aunt and is determined to uncover the truth.
A fun mystery that kept me engaged until the last page. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of garlic farming. Mabel is a memorable character. As an introvert myself, I immediately connected with her and found her reaction to certain situations to be very relatable. I'm going to enjoy seeing how she adjust to life on the farm - it's certainly going to be interesting.
All in all, a great start to a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A fun mystery that kept me engaged until the last page. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of garlic farming. Mabel is a memorable character. As an introvert myself, I immediately connected with her and found her reaction to certain situations to be very relatable. I'm going to enjoy seeing how she adjust to life on the farm - it's certainly going to be interesting.
All in all, a great start to a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
Six Cloves Under by Gin Jones is the first book in the cozy A Garlic Farm Mystery series. As with most cozy series this first book has it’s own mystery that is fully solved within the book so it can be read as a standalone without a cliffhanger. There will be however the character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
Mabel Skinner got so caught up in her job as an app developer and with life in general that she hasn’t been to visit her Aunt Peggy Skinner in years falling back on sending the occasional card. It still hits Mabel hard when she gets news of Aunt Peggy’s passing since her aunt had always been in good health working hard on her garlic farm.
Mabel packs a bag and finds herself heading to western Massachusetts when it’s found that Aunt Peggy left the Stinkin’ Stuff Farm to Mabel. Mabel only plans to get the farm ready for sale but soon finds herself in the middle of the garlic harvest with Peggy’s friends and neighbors jumping in to help. Before long though Mabel begins to doubt the story she was told of Aunt Peggy dying in an accident and finds herself looking in every corner for a murderer.
Who knew people went so crazy for garlic? I certainly didn’t until reading this opener in the A Garlic Farm Mystery series. This one was filled with quirky and fun characters with somewhat introverted app developer Mabel. It also had a favorite of mine with cute critters all around including a helpful alarm of a kitty. I also liked that this first book of the series dealt with the death of Mabel’s aunt instead of her arriving to another dead body. So when it was all said and done I’ll definitely return to Stinkin’ Stuff Farm with book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Mabel Skinner got so caught up in her job as an app developer and with life in general that she hasn’t been to visit her Aunt Peggy Skinner in years falling back on sending the occasional card. It still hits Mabel hard when she gets news of Aunt Peggy’s passing since her aunt had always been in good health working hard on her garlic farm.
Mabel packs a bag and finds herself heading to western Massachusetts when it’s found that Aunt Peggy left the Stinkin’ Stuff Farm to Mabel. Mabel only plans to get the farm ready for sale but soon finds herself in the middle of the garlic harvest with Peggy’s friends and neighbors jumping in to help. Before long though Mabel begins to doubt the story she was told of Aunt Peggy dying in an accident and finds herself looking in every corner for a murderer.
Who knew people went so crazy for garlic? I certainly didn’t until reading this opener in the A Garlic Farm Mystery series. This one was filled with quirky and fun characters with somewhat introverted app developer Mabel. It also had a favorite of mine with cute critters all around including a helpful alarm of a kitty. I also liked that this first book of the series dealt with the death of Mabel’s aunt instead of her arriving to another dead body. So when it was all said and done I’ll definitely return to Stinkin’ Stuff Farm with book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 24, 2020
New Adventure:
Where: western Massachusetts
Who: Mabel Skinner
I wasn’t really sure what to think when I heard I was going to a garlic farm...really?? Um ok...I mean i do love garlic. I was going to be meeting Mabel Skinner who was the farm owner's niece. Peggy skinner the farm owner and Mabel’s aunt had recently passed away. Mabel an app developer is a little out of her element…. a lot out of her element. On top of dealing with trying to arrange services for her aunt, keeping up with her own job, she finds out she has to harvest her aunt's huge garlic crop in 4 days. Suddenly my visit seems like it was going to get a whole lot smellier. Mabel starts to believe her aunt was murdered...although most think of Peggy’s friends think she is just grieving. That is how I got roped into helping Mabel find out the truth about her aunts' death....
My thoughts:
This was the first book in the series. I thought the writing was good, and the mystery was great. I was in the dark until the murderer was revealed. Overall, this book was ok. I had a hard time with the main character. She did grow on me (pun intended lol), but still wasn’t my favorite. She was rude, and we get it…. she doesn’t like the mornings…. she is a night owl. If she made that point one more time...I would have pulled out my hair. I will give this series another shot…there is a lot of potential.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Gin Jones, and the publisher for this opportunity
Where: western Massachusetts
Who: Mabel Skinner
I wasn’t really sure what to think when I heard I was going to a garlic farm...really?? Um ok...I mean i do love garlic. I was going to be meeting Mabel Skinner who was the farm owner's niece. Peggy skinner the farm owner and Mabel’s aunt had recently passed away. Mabel an app developer is a little out of her element…. a lot out of her element. On top of dealing with trying to arrange services for her aunt, keeping up with her own job, she finds out she has to harvest her aunt's huge garlic crop in 4 days. Suddenly my visit seems like it was going to get a whole lot smellier. Mabel starts to believe her aunt was murdered...although most think of Peggy’s friends think she is just grieving. That is how I got roped into helping Mabel find out the truth about her aunts' death....
My thoughts:
This was the first book in the series. I thought the writing was good, and the mystery was great. I was in the dark until the murderer was revealed. Overall, this book was ok. I had a hard time with the main character. She did grow on me (pun intended lol), but still wasn’t my favorite. She was rude, and we get it…. she doesn’t like the mornings…. she is a night owl. If she made that point one more time...I would have pulled out my hair. I will give this series another shot…there is a lot of potential.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Gin Jones, and the publisher for this opportunity
September 21, 2020
The protagonist,Mabel is a relatable character in that she wants to hide herself from the world. When she inherits her aunt Peggy's garlic farm she has to open up her world to aunt Peggy's friends and a whole community who loved her and her garlic.
Mabel needs to bring in the harvest before the rain destroys it not only that but she suspects her aunts death was not accidental so maybe aunt Peggy was not loved by all and garlic has been stolen.
The characters in six cloves under will make me want to continue reading this series. I loved Mabel. Especially when she even though she didn't know her aunt well want to find her killer and harvest the best garlic on the east coast.
Disclaimer Thank you Netgalley for this book. This was an honest review
Mabel needs to bring in the harvest before the rain destroys it not only that but she suspects her aunts death was not accidental so maybe aunt Peggy was not loved by all and garlic has been stolen.
The characters in six cloves under will make me want to continue reading this series. I loved Mabel. Especially when she even though she didn't know her aunt well want to find her killer and harvest the best garlic on the east coast.
Disclaimer Thank you Netgalley for this book. This was an honest review
April 4, 2020
Garlic is my new obsession.
October 20, 2020
I had a hard time warming up to Mabel who inherited the garlic farm from her aunt Peggy. I also couldn't quite comprehend how this garlic could be so incredible that it is incomparable to any other garlic in the area.
Neglecting this, the mystery was very good and I hope that Mabel will fit in a bit better in future installments. I had my eye on the right suspect relatively soon but I don't think it was obvious.
Neglecting this, the mystery was very good and I hope that Mabel will fit in a bit better in future installments. I had my eye on the right suspect relatively soon but I don't think it was obvious.
April 25, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mabel Skinner hasn’t visited her Aunt Peggy is years. Then her aunt suddenly dies and she has left her the Stinkin’ Stuff Garlic Farm. Mabel a successful App developer hopes she can tie up the loose ends with the final harvest and get back to her life.
But Mabel starts to believe her aunt’s death may not have been as accidental as everyone believes. When she starts to dig for clues she finds much more than she bargained for. She has put herself in the killer’s path. She may find herself buried six feet under, pushing up garlic, if she isn’t very careful.
Mabel Skinner is a tough nut to crack, determined and smart, but a little hard to warm up too. Her analytical skills are top-notch and do come in handy when tracking a killer and determining the in and outs of a garlic farm. I really wish her relationship with her aunt had been more current because I think that is going to bother her beyond the pages of this first story. Mabel did grow on me by the end of the story.
Ms. Jones does introduce us to a fine crew of supporting characters that come together to bring in the garlic crop. Many in the community are dedicated and loved Aunt Peggy. In fact, the entire town is counting on Mabel to finish the garlic harvest, which is touted as the Best Garlic on the East Coast. Restauranteurs, the local CSA, the farmer’s market, even the librarian is counting on that crop. All the residents we meet really grow over the pages of the first book. Rory is a true stand out. That woman has more energy in her little finger than I ever had in my entire body. The author has left plenty of room for growth for all the characters and I am excited about that.
The mystery was very well-plotted. There really aren’t any straight forward clues until later in the book. I actually suspected everyone. Things didn’t add up for me or Mabel, but accidental death surely wasn’t the cause. She needed proof and it was hard to come by. I enjoyed the chase, the questions, the quest for the truth. When I honed in on the real culprit it was just a feeling. When that feeling proved right I was actually pretty stunned.
I love garlic and the garlic farm theme is one I was am excited about. I learned a lot and that is always a bonus. I love that the farm is called the Stinkin’ Stuff Farm. The second crop of lavender also interests me.
Six Cloves Under is a nice start for this series. A variety of characters and a puzzling mystery was a very enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Rhubarb Pie Before You Die will be released in December.
Mabel Skinner hasn’t visited her Aunt Peggy is years. Then her aunt suddenly dies and she has left her the Stinkin’ Stuff Garlic Farm. Mabel a successful App developer hopes she can tie up the loose ends with the final harvest and get back to her life.
But Mabel starts to believe her aunt’s death may not have been as accidental as everyone believes. When she starts to dig for clues she finds much more than she bargained for. She has put herself in the killer’s path. She may find herself buried six feet under, pushing up garlic, if she isn’t very careful.
Mabel Skinner is a tough nut to crack, determined and smart, but a little hard to warm up too. Her analytical skills are top-notch and do come in handy when tracking a killer and determining the in and outs of a garlic farm. I really wish her relationship with her aunt had been more current because I think that is going to bother her beyond the pages of this first story. Mabel did grow on me by the end of the story.
Ms. Jones does introduce us to a fine crew of supporting characters that come together to bring in the garlic crop. Many in the community are dedicated and loved Aunt Peggy. In fact, the entire town is counting on Mabel to finish the garlic harvest, which is touted as the Best Garlic on the East Coast. Restauranteurs, the local CSA, the farmer’s market, even the librarian is counting on that crop. All the residents we meet really grow over the pages of the first book. Rory is a true stand out. That woman has more energy in her little finger than I ever had in my entire body. The author has left plenty of room for growth for all the characters and I am excited about that.
The mystery was very well-plotted. There really aren’t any straight forward clues until later in the book. I actually suspected everyone. Things didn’t add up for me or Mabel, but accidental death surely wasn’t the cause. She needed proof and it was hard to come by. I enjoyed the chase, the questions, the quest for the truth. When I honed in on the real culprit it was just a feeling. When that feeling proved right I was actually pretty stunned.
I love garlic and the garlic farm theme is one I was am excited about. I learned a lot and that is always a bonus. I love that the farm is called the Stinkin’ Stuff Farm. The second crop of lavender also interests me.
Six Cloves Under is a nice start for this series. A variety of characters and a puzzling mystery was a very enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Rhubarb Pie Before You Die will be released in December.
February 29, 2020
App developer Mabel knows nothing about garlic farming, yet when her aunt, Peggy, dies unexpectedly Mabel inherits her Stinkin' Stuff Farm in western Massachusetts. Mabel learns when she arrives at Peggy's that it's peak harvest time and she has to bring in the entire crop in the next three days or the forecast rain will destroy it all. Peggy has no employees but a few of Peggy's neighbors and friends are ready to pitch in and help, though it's going to take more people to get it done. Mabel needs to find additional people to hire fast, harvest the crop, stop the thief who keeps stealing the garlic, and do her regular job (...she has to create and email her boss a finished app by the end of the week). On top of working two full jobs, Mabel begins investigating Peggy's death because things just don't feel right. She quickly becomes convinced Peggy's supposedly accidental death was murder.
Learning about running a garlic farm was really interesting. Mabel describes herself as "a heartless misanthropist," which is basically the opposite of what a typical cozy mystery protagonist is, and makes her a fascinating and refreshingly different character. Mabel's an introvert who prefers to spend as much time alone as possible, and communicate via e-mail. Aunt Peggy's friends are determined to become her friends and help her, whether she wants that or not. Mabel knows who she is and is comfortable with herself which is great; she's not good at reading social situations but it's not depicted as something about her that needs to be "fixed". She enjoys statistics and computers. She also occasionally demonstrates some dry humor. When considering the possibility that a man she'd described as gorgeous might hug her Mabel stays in character, planning to knee him in the groin if he invaded her personal space bubble. Often books have the main woman character falling apart/all over a man, even when not rational, so it was nice Mabel didn't suddenly fling herself at him.
As much as I liked Mabel, I adored Pixie - her attitude and behavior were hilarious. I wish there had been more information about Scott; I'd have liked to have gotten to know him better, and I think that would have bolstered the story. We hear about him frequently from Bettina's perspective, but not much from anyone else.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Learning about running a garlic farm was really interesting. Mabel describes herself as "a heartless misanthropist," which is basically the opposite of what a typical cozy mystery protagonist is, and makes her a fascinating and refreshingly different character. Mabel's an introvert who prefers to spend as much time alone as possible, and communicate via e-mail. Aunt Peggy's friends are determined to become her friends and help her, whether she wants that or not. Mabel knows who she is and is comfortable with herself which is great; she's not good at reading social situations but it's not depicted as something about her that needs to be "fixed". She enjoys statistics and computers. She also occasionally demonstrates some dry humor. When considering the possibility that a man she'd described as gorgeous might hug her Mabel stays in character, planning to knee him in the groin if he invaded her personal space bubble. Often books have the main woman character falling apart/all over a man, even when not rational, so it was nice Mabel didn't suddenly fling herself at him.
As much as I liked Mabel, I adored Pixie - her attitude and behavior were hilarious. I wish there had been more information about Scott; I'd have liked to have gotten to know him better, and I think that would have bolstered the story. We hear about him frequently from Bettina's perspective, but not much from anyone else.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
June 7, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. The mystery was good, but I don't know if I particularly liked any of the characters. Pixie the cat was probably my favorite! However, I'll read the next one and see where it goes.
April 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the A Garlic Farm Mystery by Gin Jones.
I never thought a garlic centered storyline would be so thrilling!
Mabel is an internet savvy app designer. She has come to town to deal with all the details after her Aunt Peggy’s untimely death. Aunt Peggy was a garlic farmer with the best garlic on the East Coast. And someone wants Peggy’s award-winning crop for themselves. Everyone is a suspect since Mabel doesn’t know anyone and her radar for people who would take advantage of her has always been a bit wonky.
I am totally digging this series. Not sure why all the farming stories have been my thing lately since I have the blackest green thumb there is. Plus I am allergic to nearly everything on a farm: hay, dirt, dust, grass, trees, horses, cats, dogs, etc.
I could resonate with Mabel’s experience here. I would be just as baffled as she was. It is one thing to get thrust into the middle of a harvest season when you don’t know the ropes, but to be also stressed about whether or not your aunt was murdered… that took this to a whole new level for me.
In a first book in a series, you get a lot of characters thrown at you in a short period of time. We will get to know them all better at some point since I am sure this series will just grow by leaps and bounds. It was unputdownable for me. Plus, I felt like there was this spark between Charlie contractor and Mabel. It may have been my imagination but I could sense the heat from a hookup that was bound to happen someday.
The only thing this story lacked for me was a good love interest. Plus it was new and different to have a police officer who was not in that role. Heck, I even suspected both him and his wife at one point in the story. The whodunit part of this was amazing. I wish there had been a few more clues at the beginning pointing me toward the killer just to get that “ah-ha” moment when the villain is revealed.
I totally can’t wait for the next book in the series!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the A Garlic Farm Mystery by Gin Jones.
I never thought a garlic centered storyline would be so thrilling!
Mabel is an internet savvy app designer. She has come to town to deal with all the details after her Aunt Peggy’s untimely death. Aunt Peggy was a garlic farmer with the best garlic on the East Coast. And someone wants Peggy’s award-winning crop for themselves. Everyone is a suspect since Mabel doesn’t know anyone and her radar for people who would take advantage of her has always been a bit wonky.
I am totally digging this series. Not sure why all the farming stories have been my thing lately since I have the blackest green thumb there is. Plus I am allergic to nearly everything on a farm: hay, dirt, dust, grass, trees, horses, cats, dogs, etc.
I could resonate with Mabel’s experience here. I would be just as baffled as she was. It is one thing to get thrust into the middle of a harvest season when you don’t know the ropes, but to be also stressed about whether or not your aunt was murdered… that took this to a whole new level for me.
In a first book in a series, you get a lot of characters thrown at you in a short period of time. We will get to know them all better at some point since I am sure this series will just grow by leaps and bounds. It was unputdownable for me. Plus, I felt like there was this spark between Charlie contractor and Mabel. It may have been my imagination but I could sense the heat from a hookup that was bound to happen someday.
The only thing this story lacked for me was a good love interest. Plus it was new and different to have a police officer who was not in that role. Heck, I even suspected both him and his wife at one point in the story. The whodunit part of this was amazing. I wish there had been a few more clues at the beginning pointing me toward the killer just to get that “ah-ha” moment when the villain is revealed.
I totally can’t wait for the next book in the series!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 25, 2020
I LOVED IT! Gin Jones always delivers something special and Six Cloves Under, the first book in her A Garlic Farm Mystery, fits the bill. I loved Mabel, an app designer and major introvert who still has adequate social skills to be able to be kind, the most important social skill of all. I feel in love with the bit of the community that I met, and I can't wait to spend more time with Mabel and the crew of special people who worked to help her gather the garlic. That doesn't sound like a big deal but for her, and to some of the people helping her, that final harvest was a tribute to her late aunt. There are some relationships that are already in flux, mostly in a good way, and I look forward to seeing how those work out.
Mabel's analytical mind insists that her aunt almost had to be murdered even though no one else accepts that idea, but she can't figure out who. Even the few people who didn't seem to love her aunt Peggy, don't seem like killers and most of them have alibis. With little to go on and too much work to do, Mabel is severally handicapped in her search for a killer.
It is such a small thing, but I appreciate that Gin Jones lets us see bits of daily life to keep the flow moving forward comfortable without cluttering up the story. It makes me feel part of the story and makes the characters feel more real.
I was excited to get an ARC from NetGalley, but you would have heard from me even if I hadn't. I am a big Gin Jones fan!
Mabel's analytical mind insists that her aunt almost had to be murdered even though no one else accepts that idea, but she can't figure out who. Even the few people who didn't seem to love her aunt Peggy, don't seem like killers and most of them have alibis. With little to go on and too much work to do, Mabel is severally handicapped in her search for a killer.
It is such a small thing, but I appreciate that Gin Jones lets us see bits of daily life to keep the flow moving forward comfortable without cluttering up the story. It makes me feel part of the story and makes the characters feel more real.
I was excited to get an ARC from NetGalley, but you would have heard from me even if I hadn't. I am a big Gin Jones fan!
February 29, 2020
This is the first book in the Garlic Farm Mystery series and the first book I've read by this author. I had a hard time getting into this book for a few reasons. First, and no fault of the author, the formatting on the ARC I received made everything run together. Second, is the protagonist. It was hard for me to warm up to her. Mabel is an app designer who is very analytical. She is also very self-contained and very introverted, making it difficult for me to really connect with her. There is a nice group of secondary characters that do round out the cast nicely. I like the community farm aspect of the story.
Mabel's analytical side is a benefit when it comes to the death of her aunt. She finds it hard to believe her aunt's death was accidental even though the rest of the community does. This leads Mabel to try and solve the mystery on her own. The killer's identity was not a huge surprise for me but the story is wrapped up nicely.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
Mabel's analytical side is a benefit when it comes to the death of her aunt. She finds it hard to believe her aunt's death was accidental even though the rest of the community does. This leads Mabel to try and solve the mystery on her own. The killer's identity was not a huge surprise for me but the story is wrapped up nicely.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 20, 2020
This was a much different main character than I've ever read about as well as a different profession both in her day job and inherited farm job. At first, I didn't like her much at all. I mean, who doesn't like hugs? I'm a big introvert, but I like hugging people that are important to me. But as the book progressed, I found that I was agreeing with some of her lines of thinking, and I was even chuckling a little at her dry sense of humor that was sprinkled here and there. Mabel was basically a good person at heart, and I found myself thinking "atta girl" different times as she discovered the right thing to do for all these people who had loved her aunt so much. She was sort of like a computer or robot who did have a human heart after all.
I think Rory was probably my favorite character, because she was just an all-around great friend to people but didn't take lip from anyone or excuses. She seemed like a good mom to her daughter, Dawn too. I can actually see Mabel becoming close friends with her and maybe even friends with Emily. The showdown with the killer was awesome and one I could just picture! I was surprised at the killer but in a way, not really. Now I'm anxious to read on and see what happens next, although I have no idea when the next book might be out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases tomorrow, April 21, 2020.
I think Rory was probably my favorite character, because she was just an all-around great friend to people but didn't take lip from anyone or excuses. She seemed like a good mom to her daughter, Dawn too. I can actually see Mabel becoming close friends with her and maybe even friends with Emily. The showdown with the killer was awesome and one I could just picture! I was surprised at the killer but in a way, not really. Now I'm anxious to read on and see what happens next, although I have no idea when the next book might be out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases tomorrow, April 21, 2020.
April 16, 2022
I was intrigued by the name of the series, "A Garlic Farm Mystery" as I love Italian cooking and especially Italian selections made with garlic. Garlic knots are always the perfect accompaniment to any order of pasta dishes. But as I viewed the title, I realized I didn't have any clue as to how garlic is grown. Reading this cozy seemed a delicious way to explore the topic.
Just like Mabel Skinner I'm much more comfortable at a computer than thinking of working on a farm. Even though Mabel kept telling herself she was taking care of her Aunt Peggy's farm in western Massachusetts to honor her aunt and her reputation of having the "best garlic on the east coast" Mabel's actions are quite impressive.
For feline lovers, there is an adorable cat named "Pixie" but with a very interesting habit. For cooks, there are a few recipes at the end of the mystery.
I certainly learned more than I ever wanted to know about growing and harvesting garlic but in a charming way that can only be found within a cozy mystery. I'm glad I stepped away from my comfort zone to read about a niece stepping away from hers. Although I didn't anticipate continuing to read the series, the next title is "Rhubarb Pie Before You Die" and I love rhubarb pie (even more than garlic).
Just like Mabel Skinner I'm much more comfortable at a computer than thinking of working on a farm. Even though Mabel kept telling herself she was taking care of her Aunt Peggy's farm in western Massachusetts to honor her aunt and her reputation of having the "best garlic on the east coast" Mabel's actions are quite impressive.
For feline lovers, there is an adorable cat named "Pixie" but with a very interesting habit. For cooks, there are a few recipes at the end of the mystery.
I certainly learned more than I ever wanted to know about growing and harvesting garlic but in a charming way that can only be found within a cozy mystery. I'm glad I stepped away from my comfort zone to read about a niece stepping away from hers. Although I didn't anticipate continuing to read the series, the next title is "Rhubarb Pie Before You Die" and I love rhubarb pie (even more than garlic).
May 11, 2020
After her Aunt Penny's death, Mabel Skinner inherited her garlic farm. As she heads to the farm to figure out what to do, her aunt's friends and the farming community pressure her to honor her aunt's memory by making sure the last harvest of the best garlic on the East Coast gets brought in. However, Mabel is an app designer who knows nothing of farming and very little about dealing with people. Looking through her aunt's logs, she becomes convinced that someone has been stealing garlic and that her aunt's death was not a freak accident, but murder. Enjoyable cozy, the character of Mabel is intentionally off putting at the beginning, but begins to grow on you. Mystery is well plotted with enough suspects to keep you guessing. All in all, a debut of an interesting new series that I will continue to read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2024
3.75 I enjoyed this one. It's a little slower paced than what I've been used to reading with other cozy mysteries, but I enjoyed the location and the farm atmosphere, and I like the main character Mabel. I also went from listening to Libby Klein's Poppy McAllister series with the same narrator which if you haven't read or listened to them they are hilarious! So I think I was thrown a little when I realized this is a completely different series altogether and from a different author. I look forward to reading the next one in the series with a better understanding to which series I'm actually listening to!
May 10, 2020
Six Cloves Under earns 5+/5 Garlic Scapes...Deliciously Entertaining!
Gin Jones is a favorite author who has again made me a fan of her new Garlic Farm series starring Mabel Skinner, a character with whom I identify as we’re both “...Virgo. Detail oriented, and love to have facts at [our] fingertips...” Mabel inherited her Aunt Peggy’s garlic farm, and struggling to “fill her aunt’s boots,” she is trying to honor her aunt’s memory and preparing to harvest a crop about which she knows little. She’s also fallen into some contentious issues with other farmers wanting to swoop in on vacancies her aunt’s death has created and a lawsuit against a seed provider is still pending. Mabel is quite the novice in all things farming, but many are counting on this year’s premium garlic crop. No pressure...she needs to harvest in just a few days or lose the crop and her aunt’s spot at the Farmers’ Market. She’ll do her best to get this crop in and to market to uphold her aunt’s reputation, but Mabel has so many questions with no easy answers, and suspicions make her doubt the verdict her aunt’s death was accidental. Mabel is set to find the truth, but her safety may also be in jeopardy.
Aromatically Brilliant! Along with a third-person narrative, sensory-laden language, and clever banter, Gin Jones has penned a very compelling and complex mystery. Although it took time to unfold since it wasn’t obvious that anything was untoward, I was totally engaged with getting to know Mabel as well as issues with the farm and local residents. It was hard to put down, and the ending was one I didn’t see coming. I was greatly intrigued by all the fascinating information of the “stinking rose” woven into the drama...who knew one could eat the scapes or even what is is. Google was a friend showing me more about the loopy stalk can be eaten just like one eats asparagus, but with its own “light garlicky flavor.” What a cozy! Engaging. Informative. Entertaining. Bonus! What’s a cozy without recipes...I don’t know, it’s scary to think there’s such a thing. Gin provides three tasty easy to-follow recipes perfect for garlic lovers everywhere: Roasted Garlic Bread, Garlicky Chicken and Rice, and Pickled Garlic.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Lyrical/Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Gin Jones is a favorite author who has again made me a fan of her new Garlic Farm series starring Mabel Skinner, a character with whom I identify as we’re both “...Virgo. Detail oriented, and love to have facts at [our] fingertips...” Mabel inherited her Aunt Peggy’s garlic farm, and struggling to “fill her aunt’s boots,” she is trying to honor her aunt’s memory and preparing to harvest a crop about which she knows little. She’s also fallen into some contentious issues with other farmers wanting to swoop in on vacancies her aunt’s death has created and a lawsuit against a seed provider is still pending. Mabel is quite the novice in all things farming, but many are counting on this year’s premium garlic crop. No pressure...she needs to harvest in just a few days or lose the crop and her aunt’s spot at the Farmers’ Market. She’ll do her best to get this crop in and to market to uphold her aunt’s reputation, but Mabel has so many questions with no easy answers, and suspicions make her doubt the verdict her aunt’s death was accidental. Mabel is set to find the truth, but her safety may also be in jeopardy.
Aromatically Brilliant! Along with a third-person narrative, sensory-laden language, and clever banter, Gin Jones has penned a very compelling and complex mystery. Although it took time to unfold since it wasn’t obvious that anything was untoward, I was totally engaged with getting to know Mabel as well as issues with the farm and local residents. It was hard to put down, and the ending was one I didn’t see coming. I was greatly intrigued by all the fascinating information of the “stinking rose” woven into the drama...who knew one could eat the scapes or even what is is. Google was a friend showing me more about the loopy stalk can be eaten just like one eats asparagus, but with its own “light garlicky flavor.” What a cozy! Engaging. Informative. Entertaining. Bonus! What’s a cozy without recipes...I don’t know, it’s scary to think there’s such a thing. Gin provides three tasty easy to-follow recipes perfect for garlic lovers everywhere: Roasted Garlic Bread, Garlicky Chicken and Rice, and Pickled Garlic.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Lyrical/Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
April 23, 2020
From Kensington Books comes a new series, "A Garlic Farm Mystery" by author Gin Jones. The first book, Six Cloves Under, will have readers learning a great deal about garlic and how difficult it can be for someone to step into a situation they have no clue how to handle.
Mabel doesn't know anything about growing, harvesting, or selling garlic. She doesn't want to know either. But guilt-ridden she has no choice but to learn quickly. This character isn't at first very likable; she isn't just an introvert; she is the ultimate loner. She doesn't like people and isn't comfortable dealing with strangers. She's not the touchy-feely kind, and it appears that everyone she comes in contact with is just the opposite.
Throughout the book, Mabel begins to grow; she starts to understand that maybe her issues with people are just that, her issues. Not everyone is out to hurt her or take advantage of her. This doesn't necessarily make the everyday contact easier for her but helps explain who she is or will become. Other characters in this story are garlic lovers and know far more about the process of farming than Mabel will ever know. Emily, Dawn, Charlie, and Rory are great characters that readers will want to know more about.
The setting is not as well defined other than the farm, but there is plenty of room for growth, and not just for the characters. I would like to know more about the layout of the town and the personalities that clearly are obsessed with garlic, and with Mabel's aunt's garlic in particular. Aunt Peggy's death, thought to be an accident by everyone, doesn't take Mabel long to figure out it was anything but an accident. The killer is not necessarily unexpected, but the reveal is action-packed and exciting.
This series is destined to become a favorite with cozy book readers. Garlic will become a must-have spice (or an herb, or a vegetable, depending on who you are) for everyone's pantry. The garlic aspect puts an unusual twist on this cozy. Mabel will continue to grow and evolve, maybe even get a love interest. I am happy to recommend Six Cloves Under and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Mabel doesn't know anything about growing, harvesting, or selling garlic. She doesn't want to know either. But guilt-ridden she has no choice but to learn quickly. This character isn't at first very likable; she isn't just an introvert; she is the ultimate loner. She doesn't like people and isn't comfortable dealing with strangers. She's not the touchy-feely kind, and it appears that everyone she comes in contact with is just the opposite.
Throughout the book, Mabel begins to grow; she starts to understand that maybe her issues with people are just that, her issues. Not everyone is out to hurt her or take advantage of her. This doesn't necessarily make the everyday contact easier for her but helps explain who she is or will become. Other characters in this story are garlic lovers and know far more about the process of farming than Mabel will ever know. Emily, Dawn, Charlie, and Rory are great characters that readers will want to know more about.
The setting is not as well defined other than the farm, but there is plenty of room for growth, and not just for the characters. I would like to know more about the layout of the town and the personalities that clearly are obsessed with garlic, and with Mabel's aunt's garlic in particular. Aunt Peggy's death, thought to be an accident by everyone, doesn't take Mabel long to figure out it was anything but an accident. The killer is not necessarily unexpected, but the reveal is action-packed and exciting.
This series is destined to become a favorite with cozy book readers. Garlic will become a must-have spice (or an herb, or a vegetable, depending on who you are) for everyone's pantry. The garlic aspect puts an unusual twist on this cozy. Mabel will continue to grow and evolve, maybe even get a love interest. I am happy to recommend Six Cloves Under and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 24, 2020
Six Cloves Under by Gin Jones has Mabel Skinner inheriting her aunt’s garlic farm, Stinkin’ Stuff Farm in West Slocum, Massachusetts. Being an app developer, Mabel does not know a thing about farming. She is dumped in the deep end because the garlic must be harvested within the next three days. The more Mabel learns about her aunt’s death and the farm, the more she suspects that her Aunt Peggy’s death was not accidental. Mabel will have to proceed with caution if she does not want to tip off the killer and end up as fertilizer food. Six Cloves Under is the amusing debut of A Garlic Farm Mystery series. Mabel Skinner is an interesting character. She is an app developer who prefers to work at night (I can relate). She goes to bed around 3 a.m. and considers noon to be morning. I did not appreciate Mabel’s abruptness and rudeness with people. I can understand being cranky when being awoken at the crack of dawn (7 a.m.), but you can still be polite. Mabel is also an introvert and an analytical thinker. I did think that Mabel being a night owl was overmentioned (I got it after the first five times). There is a nice cast of secondary characters that round out the story especially the friendly next-door neighbor, Emily Cotter. I liked that the author chose a garlic farm for the setting. It is unique for a cozy mystery. There is also a lavender field which sounded like it is lovely when in full bloom. I enjoyed learning more about the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program that the area farms are involved in. The mystery was different for a cozy. Peggy’s death had not been ruled murder, but I had to agree with Mabel that things did not add up. While I identified the guilty party early on, I enjoyed following Mabel as she put together the clues. Six Cloves Under is a fun tale with glorious garlic, a crop conundrum, a shortage of sleep, developing deadlines, friendly farmers, and a confounding crime.
May 29, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Mabel is a brilliant but socially stunted computer programmer who has inherited her aunt’s garlic farm just before harvest. She has not been close to her aunt so there are gaps in her knowledge of her aunt’s wishes as well as a total lack of knowledge about farming or garlic. But happily, there are lots of people who cared about her aunt and are willing to help out. Mabel, introvert that she is, is not quite sure how to handle it all but she realizes it is important to honour her aunt by getting her precious garlic in.
Spotty internet service is hampering her ability to get a big project in on time but it is far less of a distraction than the feeling that her aunt’s death was not accidental. Her belief is strengthened by the theft of garlic from the farm. Pixie, her new friend and kitty, turns out to be a terrific advance warning system when someone comes onto the property. She also indicates who the thief and killer is. The identity of the villain may come as a shock to some but thanks to Pixie, I had her pegged.
This is a refreshing take on the cozy where the heroine usually has close family and friends who are intricately woven into her life. With a heroine who could live happily as a hermit,, her reaction to the characters around her creates a unique dynamic. It works too although I suspect her misanthropic tendencies may be tempered in any future books. I hope there will be more.
Four purrs and two paws up. .
Spotty internet service is hampering her ability to get a big project in on time but it is far less of a distraction than the feeling that her aunt’s death was not accidental. Her belief is strengthened by the theft of garlic from the farm. Pixie, her new friend and kitty, turns out to be a terrific advance warning system when someone comes onto the property. She also indicates who the thief and killer is. The identity of the villain may come as a shock to some but thanks to Pixie, I had her pegged.
This is a refreshing take on the cozy where the heroine usually has close family and friends who are intricately woven into her life. With a heroine who could live happily as a hermit,, her reaction to the characters around her creates a unique dynamic. It works too although I suspect her misanthropic tendencies may be tempered in any future books. I hope there will be more.
Four purrs and two paws up. .
March 20, 2020
This is the first in the new Garlic Farm mystery series. At first I had a hard time getting into this one. Mabel Skinner has inherited her Aunt Peggy’s garlic farm (Stinkin Stuff Farm..love the name) just at harvest time. She is an app developer who is anti-social and typically works during the night and sleeps during the day. She is definitely not your typical cozy small town friendly heroine. Perhaps her anti-social ways were a little weird to me but she really begins to grow on you as she becomes acclimated to what is needed to harvest her Aunt Peggy’s garlic and then she begins to ask questions about where she was when she died, where is her phone etc. You come to understand Mabel and grow to like her and she wants to do the right thing. It was a good solid mystery and will be interested to see what happens next with her. I will definitely get the next in the series.
November 21, 2020
I liked this one more than I thought I would. I like garlic, and it forms one of the bases of Indian cooking, but I don't think I've ever really thought of garlic farming. I mean, I know someone has to grow it, but it didn't really register as a crop that someone would actually steal. Apparently it is, and that's the mystery of the book. I realized who the culprit was pretty much the minute they were introduced. But it was still a good book, because like me, the MC just wants to give up the whole thing and go back to her corporate workplace, and more importantly, somewhere where no one is going to cross into her personal boundaries. I also really liked her cat Pixie, and the cat warning system she had going on. Fun fact, my own cat doesn't bother with other people, but invariably perks up and walks over to the door when hubby gets back. (Presumably he does this with me also). So. I'm sure Mabel is stuck with the farm and the cat, and I'll be glad to read about whichever dead bodies turn up next.
May 19, 2021
I was very invested in whether they would get the garlic crop in or not.
June 7, 2025
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Interesting to read of introvert Mabel slowly blossoming to become more accepting of social situations and solving the mystery of her Aunt’s death.
December 20, 2020
I enjoyed reading Six Cloves Under. This Garlic Farm Mystery was a fun read. I really liked the way the story flowed, I loved Mabel Skinner, loner, computer nerd and oh so funny. I liked the way she followed the clues to find out what really happened to her Aunt Peggy. Pixie the cat was the best. I'm looking forward to continuing with this series.
I give Six Cloves Under 4 stars for its fun mystery.
I would recommend this book to Cozy Mystery Fans.
I give Six Cloves Under 4 stars for its fun mystery.
I would recommend this book to Cozy Mystery Fans.
January 23, 2021
Landless not good at socializing. But when her Aunt Peggy died Mabel went to find out about the garlic farm she had. Aunt Peggy had a lot of friends there. Mabel felt bad for not being closer to her aunt. But something fishy about Aunt Perry's death was just not right
May 10, 2020
I was expecting a short cozy mystery but got a bit more serious book. The idea was interesting, anything with cooking and recipes after seems like a bonus to me and one with garlic even better. I learned a lot about garlic farming that I will probably never need to know. I think my main issue was with Mabel - the main character. She was dull, dry and barely civil. Everything was a burden to her and even the hunt for her aunts killer was more of a slow walk than brisk run. She also didn’t seem to bright for someone who was supposedly so smart. Stranger to the farm but keeps running out at night without phone or weapon to check out noises. I guess I just didn’t like her and that made the reading of what could have been a great story a bit tedious. Hopefully this is a first book and the character as well as the author will evolve. I’m not looking for sweetness and light, just a character I can get behind and enjoy.
August 25, 2020
Six Cloves Under by Gin Jones is the 1st book in A Garlic Farm Mystery series, and it's off to a great start. Mabel Skinner has just inherited her aunt Peggy's garlic farm after her sudden death. Mabel likes computers, not farms. Mabel arrives at the Stinkin Stuff Farm in Massachusetts, and has three days to get the entire crop harvested before the rain comes and destroys the plants. Mabel suspects that her aunt's death was not accidental, and someone is stealing her garlic crops. Stinkin Stuff Farm grows the best garlic around. Mabel is determined to find out who killed her aunt, while making sure the garlic gets picked. It took me awhile for me to like Mabel, and get through her selfish attitude. I am really looking forward to the next book. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 7, 2020
I really wanted to love this book as it sounded like it was right up my alley. Throughout most of Six Cloves Under, I really disliked the main character, Mabel, who is an app developer. Mabel basically disliked other humans and here she was in a new town where she inherited her aunt's garlic farm and really needed friends to help harvest the crop. Mabel only wants to get the crop harvested, get the place sold and get back hoem. But as she learns more and more about her aunt's life and death, she begins to think her aunt may have been murdered.
Mabel's character does soften towards the end of the book and you are left wondering if her attitude will totally turn around and if she'll stay and make some friends. Too late, too little for me. If there is a sequel I may pick it up and see out of curiousity.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in return for an honest review.
Mabel's character does soften towards the end of the book and you are left wondering if her attitude will totally turn around and if she'll stay and make some friends. Too late, too little for me. If there is a sequel I may pick it up and see out of curiousity.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in return for an honest review.
September 4, 2020
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this up... a Cozy Mystery Series about a garlic farm??
I loved how strong the main character, Mabel, was. She was determined to not only prove that her aunt was murdered but prove she could save thee garlic farm she left behind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in this series and look forward to reading more.
I think it will be interesting seeing Mabel acclimate to farming life.
I had a digital copy (from Netgalley) and the audio version narrated by Callie Beaulieu, who is a fabulous narrator.
I loved how strong the main character, Mabel, was. She was determined to not only prove that her aunt was murdered but prove she could save thee garlic farm she left behind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in this series and look forward to reading more.
I think it will be interesting seeing Mabel acclimate to farming life.
I had a digital copy (from Netgalley) and the audio version narrated by Callie Beaulieu, who is a fabulous narrator.
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