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Garden Girls #4
Death by Dumplings
Upon returning home from her recent Smoky Mountain adventure, "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford wants nothing more than to relax and unwind on her farm. After a good night's rest, she decides to catch up with her close friends, aka, The Garden Girls at their favorite hangout, Dot's Restaurant.
There's just one small problem. As Gloria pulls into the small town of Belhaven, she finds Dot's place swarming with cops and the restaurant itself taped off with crime scene tape. Someone at the restaurant has been poisoned after eating Dot's famous Chicken 'n Dumplings!
Dot and her husband Ray, are devastated and now must try to clear their name. When they ask Gloria to help, she jumps right into detective-mode and is hot on the trail of another killer.
The list of suspects widens as Gloria uncovers a pile of motives - some from residents in their own little town.
Desperate to clear her good friends' names, she discovers the killer may be a little too close for comfort.
There's just one small problem. As Gloria pulls into the small town of Belhaven, she finds Dot's place swarming with cops and the restaurant itself taped off with crime scene tape. Someone at the restaurant has been poisoned after eating Dot's famous Chicken 'n Dumplings!
Dot and her husband Ray, are devastated and now must try to clear their name. When they ask Gloria to help, she jumps right into detective-mode and is hot on the trail of another killer.
The list of suspects widens as Gloria uncovers a pile of motives - some from residents in their own little town.
Desperate to clear her good friends' names, she discovers the killer may be a little too close for comfort.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
436 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
188 books768 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
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★ 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 31, 2017
Murder mystery- the girls are at it again. Too many suspects makes things more crazy. This story mentioned the prior story of when Liz was leading them on a wild goose chase. It was nice to be reminded of that adventure. Those who haven't read the prior book really should. I didn't see a lot coming in this mystery. It did keep me turning the pages. Recipes are included.
December 27, 2018
This is the 4th book in this series to rate 'My Favorites' shelf. Wasn't a gripping/intense read, but did hold my interest throughout, and I was very satisfied with the ending., which is an excellent survival tip! I really enjoy sharing the adventures of these familiar characters, and getting to know new ones. It feels like rejoining old friends, and I will surely be visiting them again soon.
July 10, 2017
A couple weeks ago I read book 1 of this series. I loved it so much I believe I purchased 2-7. I read the first 3 in 2 days. I then had to stop and do other things and read a book i had committed to. I kept wantiwanting to come back to this series. Well today I sat down and read book 4. I love this series. This book was fantastic. I love who caring Gloria is. Always thinking of and looking out for others. She never stops. Everything about this book just screamed at me to keep reading and do NOT stop. I am glad I finally had the time. I am looking forward to now starting book 5. I am so glad I found this series.
December 19, 2015
Gloria is at again. This time to help her friend Dot. This is another great cozy mystery.
October 2, 2022
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I like the characters and the friendships between them. The mystery was good with a few suspects. I knew I was invested when I was like, "oh no not that person"!
This is a Christian cozy mystery. It includes praying and it includes Bible verses. I thought they were well done. Both were presented as natural occurances so they didn't feel, to me, forced or fake. There is also a love interest and some matchmaking going on. I enjoyed that. I liked that we read about other characters relationships. It felt balanced, to me, not to have the focus only on the main characters lovelife. My big feeling while reading this was how relatable it felt. I felt like these characters were people I would be friends with. Some felt like people I had known at some point in my life.
I plan to read more of this series.
This is a Christian cozy mystery. It includes praying and it includes Bible verses. I thought they were well done. Both were presented as natural occurances so they didn't feel, to me, forced or fake. There is also a love interest and some matchmaking going on. I enjoyed that. I liked that we read about other characters relationships. It felt balanced, to me, not to have the focus only on the main characters lovelife. My big feeling while reading this was how relatable it felt. I felt like these characters were people I would be friends with. Some felt like people I had known at some point in my life.
I plan to read more of this series.
May 20, 2019
Serving Disaster
Gloria and the garden girls club have had thier share of problems in thier small town. Every few months it seems one or the other iin the is faced with tragedy .This time I'ts Dot who struggles after a patron in her diner collapses after eating part of the daily special and lieve in an ambulance dying before reaching the hospital. Dot is devastated. How did this happen?Read Death by Dumplings and find out what happens next when the ladies search for hidden truths. 😣😐🤔🙄 Kat
Gloria and the garden girls club have had thier share of problems in thier small town. Every few months it seems one or the other iin the is faced with tragedy .This time I'ts Dot who struggles after a patron in her diner collapses after eating part of the daily special and lieve in an ambulance dying before reaching the hospital. Dot is devastated. How did this happen?Read Death by Dumplings and find out what happens next when the ladies search for hidden truths. 😣😐🤔🙄 Kat
July 27, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. While Hope is not preachy, she does include prayers and her beliefs. What a refreshing series!
A murder has been committed in Dot's restaurant (one of the Garden Club members). Gloria can not stand to see her dear friend going through such a horrible trial. The restaurant has to be shut down until the investigation is complete. Gloria and group come up with quite a list of suspects. Each one could have done it. It had me guessing!
I love how Hope weaves all of the possibilities into the book and makes it sound so logical.
A murder has been committed in Dot's restaurant (one of the Garden Club members). Gloria can not stand to see her dear friend going through such a horrible trial. The restaurant has to be shut down until the investigation is complete. Gloria and group come up with quite a list of suspects. Each one could have done it. It had me guessing!
I love how Hope weaves all of the possibilities into the book and makes it sound so logical.
October 29, 2024
Nice relationship stories
The writing and dialog is good and the murder mysteries believable. Nice to have a good story without cussing, long descriptions of sex and string females. I do cringe every time the author calls the group of women girls. Just as easy to say women. They are all mature and accomplished women. She does not call the men in the stories boys. Except for the actual boys.
The writing and dialog is good and the murder mysteries believable. Nice to have a good story without cussing, long descriptions of sex and string females. I do cringe every time the author calls the group of women girls. Just as easy to say women. They are all mature and accomplished women. She does not call the men in the stories boys. Except for the actual boys.
June 8, 2020
Usually when I read a Garden Girls book I'm laughing till I cry 😂 and I did BUT when Gloria visited James...I cried 😢 tears of sadness. The killer wasn't even on my radar 😐 (hate it when I don't solve the case before the reveal) and I mean why would I look in that direction anyway. Loved visiting the girls again and seeing what mischief they got into. 😊
November 28, 2020
Garden murder mystery
Enjoyable fun read. A customer collapses of food poisoning in Dot's restaurant so Gloria fights to clear her friends name. A woman in town spreads malicious rumours and Gloria has her hands full with solving crimes, looking after her adorable pets and a romance. Twists and turns to keep you guessing. Another winner penned by Hope Callaghan
Enjoyable fun read. A customer collapses of food poisoning in Dot's restaurant so Gloria fights to clear her friends name. A woman in town spreads malicious rumours and Gloria has her hands full with solving crimes, looking after her adorable pets and a romance. Twists and turns to keep you guessing. Another winner penned by Hope Callaghan
August 14, 2025
Continued excellence
Gloria is going to Dot's for coffee and a chat when everything is blocked off by the police. A customer died while eating the famous chicken and dumplings. Gloria is trying to solve the case while also playing matchmaker and looking for lawyers to set up wills. Great reading
Gloria is going to Dot's for coffee and a chat when everything is blocked off by the police. A customer died while eating the famous chicken and dumplings. Gloria is trying to solve the case while also playing matchmaker and looking for lawyers to set up wills. Great reading
June 28, 2020
A cute who done it book in this small town
A well written story of murder in a small town n a senior who helps her boyfriend cop solve the case. The local restaurant has someone poison the dumplings. A story that is enjoyable that people can relate to .
A well written story of murder in a small town n a senior who helps her boyfriend cop solve the case. The local restaurant has someone poison the dumplings. A story that is enjoyable that people can relate to .
July 21, 2025
Love Gloria and the gang!
I lov
e it! Once again Gloria solves another mystery. I love how Hope Callaghan keeps you guessing til the end. Just when you think you have it figured out, a twist at the end happens. She keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I lov
e it! Once again Gloria solves another mystery. I love how Hope Callaghan keeps you guessing til the end. Just when you think you have it figured out, a twist at the end happens. She keeps you on the edge of your seat.
March 20, 2017
Great mystery this time; paired with good friends we've gotten to know,
May 15, 2017
As I am reading the series I enjoy all the different characters in the town and really enjoy Gloria's sleuthing. This is a fun series and an enjoyable read.
March 18, 2018
I am hooked on this series now. It reminds me of the Miss Julia series which is a high compliment.
June 1, 2018
Death by dumplings
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers. Of clean, mystery novels.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers. Of clean, mystery novels.
July 16, 2018
Once again, another Kindle freebie. A fun cozy mystery. Great for reading on a plane!
August 28, 2019
Another Great Read!
Reading brought me laugh out loud chuckles as well as heartwarming tears. This series is addictive! Can't wait to Love the next!
Reading brought me laugh out loud chuckles as well as heartwarming tears. This series is addictive! Can't wait to Love the next!
November 2, 2019
Another awesome Garden Girls Mystery! I can’t wait for the next book! This is a must read series!
November 28, 2019
The Garden Girls series are by no means hard reading. I find them completely enjoyable and a lovely escape from books with heavier subject matter.
December 31, 2019
See what Gloria and her Garden Girls get themselves involved in this time when they try to help one of their friends.
April 29, 2020
Easy Read - and fun to get to know the characters -
Love how easily they solve a mystery while keeping me guessing!
Love how easily they solve a mystery while keeping me guessing!
December 31, 2020
Other then it seemed to me that there were parts in the book that jumped around the book was still good. Saving grace was the characters.
March 7, 2021
Great. I didn’t have the suspect figured out. It’s always someone you least expect. Great novel.
January 9, 2022
Christian, cozy mystery. Several red herrings kept the murderer's identity secret until near the end. The characters are continuing to develop.
January 17, 2022
I love the characters in this series so much!!
November 7, 2023
Mmmm dumplings for supper
Again a great book with all the intrigue you could want, love it that the prior stories have a place in the new book
Again a great book with all the intrigue you could want, love it that the prior stories have a place in the new book
January 23, 2024
Cannot get to book 5 quick enough
I just recently started reading. Hope Callaghan’s books. I just love the characters that she creates, the mystery, and the Bible verses.
I just recently started reading. Hope Callaghan’s books. I just love the characters that she creates, the mystery, and the Bible verses.
October 26, 2025
I am enjoying this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews