Trowel and Error

The English Cottage Garden Mysteries #4

by H.Y. Hanna

Autumn has arrived, with crisp, cold mornings, dew on the grass and hedgerows full of blackberries... When budding garden sleuth Poppy is invited to a party in a beautiful orangery, the last thing she expects is to witness a lethal wasp attack! As authorities investigate the possibility of murder, Poppy is horrified when local handyman Joe Fabbri, her friend and mentor, becomes the main suspect. Determined to prove Joe's innocence, Poppy sets out to solve the case - with help from her "mad scientist" neighbour, his new robotic invention, and a particularly stinky mushroom! Meanwhile, Poppy is also learning that gardening isn't just sunshine and roses. As she grapples with wind, rain, and unpleasant autumn chores, she wonders if she's bitten off more than she can chew. With limited horticultural experience and a long winter ahead, can she really make a success of the cottage garden nursery that she's inherited?
As Oren, the talkative ginger cat, lends a paw, and crime author Nick Forrest helps her dig for clues, Poppy makes a startling discovery: could there be a link between the murder victim and her long-lost father? Would solving this case also give her answers to the biggest mystery from her past?

Books in the ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES:
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
Doom and Bloom (Book 3)
Trowel and Error (Book 4)
Fronds and Enemies (Book 5)

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cats, Cozy, British Literature, Contemporary, Audiobook

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.

Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com

And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of cosy mysteries and the victims die from many causes, but not usually from a swarm of wasps. It seems to be a very nasty way to go. In this fourth book in the English Cottage Garden series main character, Poppy, sees this happen at a party and finds herself involved in discovering who was to blame.

The mystery was good and the possible culprits many and varied, but the best part of these books is the cast of characters. Poppy often jumps to conclusions a bit too rapidly but Nick, the crime writer who lives next door, is good at keeping her in line. Crazy scientist Bertie and his robot cleaning machine provide lots of humorous moments, as does Oren the ginger cat.

A fun book to read. Four stars.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series and so sad that I'm all caught up now. :-( Love that Poppy is gradually coming out of her shell, learning to trust herself more. Some lovely character growth happening from book to book. She still dithers and second guesses herself but that's what makes her endearingly Poppy. And I love the misfit-ish family she's created in her new home and career. Quirky doesn't begin to describe them and that includes the cozy critters! Lots of zany fun that had me laughing out loud. And I'm even gleaning gardening tips right along with Poppy! The mystery is solid with a goodly number of potential suspects that kept this armchair sleuth on her toes. I listened to the audible edition narrated by Pearl Hewitt and it is divine! Now I'm off to start in on this author's Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. Yay!

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really enjoy this garden mystery series by H.Y. Hanna and was excited to dive into a new book in this series. This was another solid read. I liked following Poppy along as she struggles and works hard to get her business off the ground, as well as solves a mystery in each book.

This mystery was a good one. I was surprised by who the murderer was and was thinking in a totally different direction. There were plenty of suspects and clues and looking back I see enough clues that point toward the murderer even though they weren't as obvious to me while reading that they pointed to that person. The whole set up for the murder was a bit weird and strangely similar to another mystery I was reading with the whole wasp thing. I like how the mystery progressed with clues popping up and Poppy finding out more, but it still took till the end of the book for it all to come together. There were a few scenes that where a bit too convenient or coincidental how Poppy was just in the right time at the right place at times, but this doesn't really detract form my enjoyment of the book.

Besides the mystery plot line there is the usual plot lines surrounding Poppy's garden business and her search for her birth farther. Poppy is struggling a bit now the weather is turning colder ad her business is drying up, she has some big set backs, but also some good things that happen and I look forward to see how she gets through the colder seasons. She also follows a lead about who might be her father and comes in contact with two people who were involved in the music scene when her mom was younger which provides a bit more insight into that.

There also is the same enjoyable cast of characters as in the previous books, especially her two neighbors and their pets are great to read about. And then there is Bertie's creation CLARA, who was quite interesting to read about too. And Poppy's friend Joe, who is suspected of being the murderer and how Poppy gets even more involved as she wants to prove his innocence. I like how she has found friends in this new place and seeing how they're art of her life. Then there are some new characters. she meets who are connected to the mystery as well.

To summarize: This was another fun read in this series. I like reading about the mystery as well as the other plot lines surrounding Poppy's garden business, her search for her father and her relationships with her new friends here. The mystery was a solid one. The set-up was a bit weird with the wasps being involved, but I liked how it developed. There were plenty of suspects with most being clear from the start and then Poppy slowly figuring out more of what happened and what was going on. I was surprised by who the murderer was as I was thinking in a different direction, but looking back I can see the clues that point in this person's direction. Poppy is a fun character to read about and I like the side characters, especially her two neighbors and their pets. All in all another great read in this series and I look forward to the next one.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trowel and Error earns 5+/5 Swarmzzzz...Engaging Entertainment!

H.Y. Hanna is an all-time favorite author for her clever mystery, descriptive language, and an entertaining banter, and this fourth book in her English Cottage Garden Mystery is another excellent adventure. Poppy Lancaster needs to fulfill her end of a “quid pro quo” with her cousin Hubert Leach. He had given Nell, her surrogate mother and housemate, a lucrative cleaning contract, so acting as his date at an invitation-only cocktail party seemed easy. Until she discovers his “quo” is more than her “quid” can handle. But a deal is a deal. She is, however, afforded an introduction to billionaire David Nowak who owns the Róża Garden Centres and is a candidate for Parliament. This cocktail party is meant to show off his renovated orangery and maybe a bit of fundraising on the side. But, the evening doesn’t go as planned. Party crashes Rick Zova, a mate from David’s past, is found dead...covered in wasp stings! Rick’s uninvited appearance seemed a friendly surprise, but Poppy overheard conversations, talked to another party crasher, and witnessed a disturbing outburst. She is shocked to learn CID is honing in on her friend and mentor Joe Fabini with circumstantial evidence; she is adamant that Joe is innocent, and she’s going to prove it!

The buzz is...it’s brilliant! The murder mystery was well-developed from the victim selection and a long list of folks connected to the victim to intriguing motives and interesting secrets; all of this ends with a final reveal nail-biting by a bit of personal peril. I had the killer on my radar, but cleverly Hanna’s story had me dismiss that idea when something better came along...and Joe? He had reason; I wondered if Poppy just had it wrong. I love it when I get stumped. Readers also get more insights into Poppy’s late mother and the father she never knew...fascinating side story! The English Cottage Garden main characters are delightful, realistic, and varied in age to meet any cozy fan’s preferences, and additional characters do well to support their personalities, class, and education. Several suspects had the opportunity and slowly several motives are exposed as Poppy uses her informal queries, Bertie’s newest invention CLARA, and an “in” at the police station; my inner Sherlock was on overdrive. I may not be an active gardener, but I greatly enjoyed the idea of a nursery, gardening, and all the flowers talk. I loved it all! No recipes or gardening tips...just saying.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

How can H.Y. Hanna’s story get any better? Produce it as an audiobook narrated by the talented Pearl Hewitt. My entertainment is greatly enhanced by Pearl’s ability to go well beyond a traditional reading out loud with variations of the British accent illustrating region and education, great effort with make voices, and performing the tone and emotions to keep me totally engaged. She makes an excellent CLARA, the robot. She sure is my favorite narrator, and when I read one of Hanna’s books, I always have Pearl’s voice in my head.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storms, Wasps, and a diet for Oren

Holly Lancaster is facing the upcoming seasons of fall and winter without any idea of how she's going to pay for any of the usual bills and buy bulbs for her gardening center that she inherited from her estranged grandmother.
Yet hope springs eternal so Holly begins the arduous chore of cleaning the green house. Then everything falls apart.
Her crooked cousin Hubert shows up and wants to collect on a favor she owes him, Holly and her mystery writer neighbor Nick Forest stumble on a dead body.
And of course we can't forget Nell, Holly's friend and housemate, Bertie the inventory neighbor on the other side of the cottage and his new invention CLARA the cleaning robot, the billionaire who insists on buying Hollyhock Garden Center and the aging rocker who could hold the answer to who Holly's father is.

I enjoy this series and the characters are quite fun. But my favorite character is a big fluffy over weight orange cat named Oren.

[Anastasia Abboud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love H.Y. Hanna's English Cottage Garden series. They are the coziest of cozies. The characters are wonderful. As the series progresses, they grow closer to each other and also to the reader's heart. Trowel and Error, the fourth book in the series, just strengthens those relationships.

I don't retell the stories in my reviews, but I will say that the mystery in this book is a little different. The garden is less involved, although Poppy's cottage garden, Oren, and Einstein are all present enough in the story to satisfy.

Great characters and a finely twisted little mystery make Trowel and Error a most enjoyable read.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life got busy and I have listened to several books after this one without reviewing it so I am just circling back now. Because of that, this won't be detailed but I remember my overall feelings. Trowel and Error is book 4 in the English Cottage Garden series. It is a cozy mystery series set in England. I did not like the beginning of this book. I really enjoyed the first 3 books, and I was afraid that this one was going to be a huge miss for me. I give the first part of this book 1 star. Thankfully, after the death, once the investigating started, this book got so much better. I thought the last 25% was excellent. I am still loving the series and looking forward to book 5. The narration was good. Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I found myself a bit annoyed with Poppy in this installment. She's just so bumbling. I would like for her to stop finding herself in mortal danger in almost every book. I get that not that much time has passed since the first story, but still!

On the mystery front, it was a little obvious who the murderer was. This wasn't my favourite, but I will continue on with the series. I just see a lot of myself in Poppy. LOL. I suppose if you were to read an episodic series of my life, you'd be quite frustrated with me at times as well!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to like this series more as I read on :) It's fun getting to know the characters, and like all good cosy mysteries - there is always drama!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun!

Poppy's greedy cousin Hubert demands his pound of flesh for giving Nell a job cleaning his properties. He insists that Poppy attend a cocktail party with him, pretending to be his girlfriend. The party will take place in an exquisite orangery at the home of wealthy businessman David Nowak. A rock musician who was once a childhood friend of Nowak crashes the party and later is attacked by a swarm of angry wasps, to which he is allergic and subsequently dies.

A terrible storm destroys Poppy's greenhouse and Nowak's wife doubles her husband's original offer to buy Poppy's business and keep her on as manager. Tempting, but Poppy still declines and decides to accept her cousin Hubert's offer to give her the money. She thinks that perhaps she has mis-judged him, but we know better. No doubt we will learn the reason for his seemingly generous offer in a later book.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trowel and Error by H.Y.Hanna is the 4th book in The English Cottage Garden Mysteries series. Cottage garden nursery owner Poppy is asked to attend a party in an orangery by her cousin, only to witness a lethal wasp attack on one of the guests. A charming and enjoyable mystery. Poppy's neighbour Bertie's inventions are always a lot of fun and I wouldn't mind having a cleaning robot. Poppy is also still searching for her father. Entertaining and fun.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy Lancaster who inherited a cottage and garden business from her grandmother and with the help of her handyman and mentor, Joe she is slowly learning how to make the flower and garden business work, hopefully turning her brown thumb green. On one side of the cottage lives a well known author, Nick, who helps her in his own way when he is in a good mood. On the other side of the cottage is her eccentric neighbor Dr. Bertie Noble, a retired professor and crazy inventor who invents Clara a cleaning robot. Living with Poppy is her friend, Nell who takes care of Poppy as if she was her own daughter and the house as well as cleans houses in the village. Then we have Poppy's only relative Hubert, her slick cousin who owns a real estate business and who she owes a favor to for helping Nell get the cleaning jobs. Hubert calls in his favor by asking Poppy to go with him to a party at Chatswood House owned by David Nowak owner of one of the biggest Garden Center Chains in the country since he wants to get Nowak's business. He doesn't want to look like he can't get a girlfriend. She balks at first, but then decides to go to get the favor out of the way. As they are walking toward the house they see Joe coming away since he was called to fix something. Hubert finally tells Poppy he gave her an alias. Even her neighbor Nick is there. When the party is crashed by the once famous rock star, Rick Zova things go down hill fast. Nowak and another guest, Geoff were old friends many years ago and it was not a happy meeting. We also see an aging groupie and a fired personal assistant to Nowak. Apparently, Geoff was wronged by the ex-rock star. When Nick and Poppy step outside for some air so she can explain why Hubert introduced her with an alias, they see a slumped Rick Zova against a tree down the walkway. Appartently, he was stung to death by angry wasps from a nest in the tree. They ran and made it back to the house to call the police and pest control. But when the police take Joe into custody for the murder of the rock star, Poppy is incensed. So many suspects have motive, what motive could Joe possibly have even though they found his trowel under the body. Well that's all Poppy needs to investigate to prove Joe's innocence. But everyone but Joe seem to have alibis. But why? This is a fast read and if you haven't read the first three books in this series, then you are really missing something! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fun cozy mystery that I loved by H.Y Hanna. Once again she has beautifully weaved a clever murder mystery into a entertaining plot, which resulting in an excellent book. I love the characters and animals, they are so much fun and written about so well that even if this is your first introduction to them you have no problems imaging them. I love quirky characters and I can't think of anyone more quirky then Dr Bertram, the mad scientist neighbour and all his inventions, that somehow never do what they are ment to do, all highly amusing. The mystery was good and I found myself guessing along with Poppy nearly until the end , as there was lots of suspects all with reasons to hate the victim. I had worked it out just before Poppy did but it is definitely a book I would listen to as an audio book, despite knowing how it ends.
Poppy is blackmailed by her cousin to attend a party as his date. She should have know better than to go alone with him and being introduce as somebody else was her first clue that the night wasn't going to end well. Then she is caught up in a wasp attack but what made the swaps swarm in the first place? Things escalate when the dead body of an aging rock star is found out side. He was a gate crasher and wasn't invited to the party but should that have really cost him his life? The police suspect it was murder when a towel belonging to her friend and helper in her cottage garden is found under the body. Poppy is quick to jump to his rescue and point out many other party guest had just as much reason to see him dead from the cheated band member to the crazy super fan to the ex pa of the host of the party. A storm is coming and it is not just the one caused by the weather, Poppy will have to solve this murder if she doesn't want the police to arrest the wrong man, as well as battle a grumpy cat who is on a strict diet and fend off a mad cleaning robot.

[Tokki.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Bunnington hält der Herbst Einzug – die Blätter färben sich golden, stürmische Winde fegen durch die Gärten, und Poppy beginnt sich zu fragen, ob sie sich mit der Gärtnerei ihrer verstorbenen Großmutter nicht doch etwas übernommen hat. Während sie sich durch all die herbstlichen Gartenarbeiten kämpft, die sie viel zu lange aufgeschoben hat, erreicht sie eine Einladung zu einer eleganten Party in einer prachtvollen Orangerie.

Doch was als stilvolle Veranstaltung beginnt, endet in einer Katastrophe – durch einen tödlichen Wespenangriff! Während die Polizei zunächst von einem schrecklichen Unfall ausgeht, keimt schnell der Verdacht, dass hier jemand auf raffinierte Weise ermordet wurde. Zu Poppys Entsetzen fällt der Verdacht ausgerechnet auf ihren Freund und Mentor Joe Fabbri.

Entschlossen, seine Unschuld zu beweisen, stürzt sich Poppy in die Ermittlungen – und bekommt dabei wieder Unterstützung von ihrem Nachbarn Bertie, dem exzentrischen Wissenschaftler. Mit seiner neuesten Erfindung, einer ziemlich ungewöhnlichen Roboterhilfe, und einem Pilz mit einem durchdringenden Duft machen sie sich auf Spurensuche. Doch Poppy ist nicht nur mit der Lösung des Falls beschäftigt: Ihr eigensinniger Kater Oren sorgt für Ablenkung, und auch Krimiautor Nick Forrest mischt sich erneut ein.

Dann macht Poppy eine erschütternde Entdeckung – könnte das Mordopfer eine Verbindung zu ihrem unbekannten Vater haben? Plötzlich werden aus ihren Ermittlungen nicht nur ein Versuch, Joe zu entlasten, sondern auch eine Suche nach der Wahrheit über ihre eigene Vergangenheit.



Dieser Band hat sich für mich stellenweise etwas gezogen, doch insgesamt war die Geschichte wieder spannend. Ich war bis zum Schluss auf dem Holzweg und hatte mit einem amüsanten Moment gerechnet, der dann aber ausblieb. Besonders interessant finde ich, dass sich Nick und sein Vater langsam annähern – mal sehen, wie sich das weiterentwickelt. Leider kann ich nicht mehr verraten, ohne zu spoilern!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trowel and Error is the fourth book in English Cottage Garden Mysteries.

Poppy is very surprised when her cousin Hubert invites her to the lavish party given by a billionaire David Nowak who owns garden centers all over the country. But she has no idea that she will witness a death of an unwanted and uninvited guest, a famous aging rock star and an old friend of Nowak's from the past.
When her friend and mentor of sort is accused of being a murderer she has no choice but to start investigation on the side trying not to cross paths with the leading detective.
She will encounter many obstacles and queries along the way, not only regarding the murder but her personal life and her livelihood as well.

I like how this series progresses nicely, with each new installment we meet some new characters but have a steady cast of recurring ones as well. I would like to see them develop even more. I would like to see things happen between Poppy and her neighbor.
Mysteries are well thought of, clearly presented and easy to follow.
Books are nicely paced and easy to read. Delightful stories set in a beautiful and charming English village.

I received a free copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an entertaining book! And I could not solve the mystery until it was revealed at the end!

Poppy is invited to a party in a beautiful orangery and the last thing she expects is to witness a lethal wasp attack! As authorities investigate the possibility of murder, Poppy is horrified when local handyman Joe Fabbri, her friend, and mentor, becomes the main suspect. Poppy is determined to prove Joe's innocence, so she sets out to solve the case.

Poppy has inherited the cottage and the nursery business. She is discovering the tough side of the business as autumn gets rougher weather and massive chores. She wonders if she can really make a success of the cottage garden business with her limited horticultural experience, meager savings, and a long winter ahead.

Neighbor and crime author Nick Forrest helps her dig for clues, Poppy makes a startling discovery: could there be a link between the murder victim and her long-lost father? Would solving this case also give her answers to the biggest mystery from her past?

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn has arrived, with crisp, cold mornings, dew on the grass and hedgerows full of blackberries... When budding garden sleuth Poppy is invited to a party in a beautiful orangery, the last thing she expects is to witness a lethal wasp attack! As authorities investigate the possibility of murder, Poppy is horrified when local handyman Joe Fabbri, her friend and mentor, becomes the main suspect. Determined to prove Joe's innocence, Poppy sets out to solve the case - with help from her "mad scientist" neighbour, his new robotic invention, and a particularly stinky mushroom! Meanwhile, Poppy is also learning that gardening isn't just sunshine and roses. As she grapples with wind, rain, and unpleasant autumn chores, she wonders if she's bitten off more than she can chew. With limited horticultural experience and a long winter ahead, can she really make a success of the cottage garden nursery that she's inherited?
This is a good book. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Heather Belleguelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new cozy by HY Hanna is always eagerly anticipated and never disappoints. I thoroughly enjoyed Poppy’s latest case which, as usual, the author has filled with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns. Poppy’s eccentric neighbour Bertie provides the hilarity we’re accustomed to with his latest crazy invention and concoctions which, of course, prove central to the mystery as well. It’s lovely to see Poppy growing in confidence in her gardening abilities, and there’s the continual wondering if anything will ever develop between her and her other neighbour, Nick Forrest. And, as ever, Oren the big orange cat doesn’t fail to amuse. With the mystery as well, there really are a lot of reasons to enjoy this book.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.

[Katja Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous mystery in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries by Hy Hanna. This is my favourite series so far. Poppy has once again managed to find herself involved in a murder mystery. We were given a number of suspects but were kept guessing to the end. The stories are not just about a murder but in every new book we get to learn more about Poppy, her family, friends and neighbours. Reading these stories by HY Hanna is like being welcomed by old friends, you really feel like you are part of the story.
The way the stories are written are so beautiful and descriptive that I can almost see and smell the flowers in Poppy's garden.
If you love a good English Cottage Mystery, then this is the series for you.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Poppy is at a party at an orangery, she's witness to a lethal wasp attack. When her friend and mentor, handyman, Joe Fabbri is taken in as the main suspect, she sets out to prove him innocent. In addition, she's learning that gardening is going to take a lot more than she thought. With help from her friends, Poppy settles into the investigation and into her garden.

I love this series and this book is no exception. I was hooked from the beginning of this well-written story. The characters are well-rounded, there are some you'll like and others you won't. Full of intrigue and mystery, this book will take you through a range of emotions during the twists and turns throughout. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Roger]

Trowel and Error (English Cottage Garden #4), my twenty-first read/listen from author H.Y. Hanna & the fourth book in her new English Cottage Garden Series. An enjoyable cozy mystery. I love the narrator’s British accent; I was impressed and enjoyed the vocal variety & inflections of narrator Pearl Hewitt, especially her oh-so-cute animal sounds & really enjoyed the read. Cozy Mystery/romance, captivating primary character, what other blurbs can I use to describe these books? Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Maria E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All fans of Miss Hanna's books who have read the previous books in this series, we've already grown to expect that Poppy will once again end up involved in a murder investigation which the police are botching up, while trying to keep her garden business going, helping a friend from being wrongfully arrested, and distracted by her hunky next door neighbor. This series is delightful, I've enjoyed all the prior books, and I'm enjoying this one as well. If you like this series, you will enjoy Miss Hanna's other two mystery series very similar in style to this one: 'The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries', and 'Bewitched by Chocolate' series. I recommend all of them.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy is coerced to go to a shindig posing as her cousin's date as repayment of a past favor owed.
The gala is being sponsored by the owner of several large gardening stores.
While there, an unwanted and uninvited past acquaintance shows up.
The unwanted guest winds up dying from a swarm of wasps, and the police are not so sure it was an accident.

This is a fun story with developed characters, a strong plot, and a bit of humor.
The rift with Poppy's neighbors (a famous crime writer and his excentric inventor father) may be coming to a solution, and a new rivalry is starting up between Nell and cleaning robot that brings the story to a hilarious end.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in a series and I have really enjoyed the others but this one was my favorite. I would described these books at “cute stories”. They are not real deep or intense but they draw you in and keep you engaged. The characters that carry through the series are delightful. You need to read the books in order so you know and understand the characters but they are all worth the read. There is another book coming out in this series and I definitely plan to read it too. One thing I like about he books is that the underlying characters stay the same but the storylines end with each book and you don’t feel like you are left hanging until the next book is available.

[Patricia Kiyono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy receives an invitation to a fancy-dress party at which she meets an aging rock star. The celebrity is later found under a tree bitten repeatedly by a swarm of wasps, to which he was highly allergic. An autopsy reveals that he was beaten to death before being stung. Who killed him? Was it the party host, who’d known him since childhood? Was it a disgruntled former band member who claimed that he’d gotten famous singing a song he’d written? Was it a spurned fan? I’m happy to see that Poppy’s two eccentric neighbors, the famous crime writer and the mad scientist, are getting along better, and they both play a big part in helping her solve the crime.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

Ms. Hanna has again written a charming story about murder. You ask what's charming about murder it is how she approaches it, with endearing characters and plot line. Entering her stories and seeing her characters at work gives you a familiar feel and affection. This time Poppy must find the murderer of a old rock star to save a dead friend and puts herself in danger. With the help of Bertie an eccentric inventor, a talkative cat and a scamp of a dog Poppy sets out to discover the truth.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.Y. Hanna has the most fantastic writing abilities. This book is wonderful. The characters are both loveable and deadly. From the quirky inventor next door, Bertie, to Oren the ginger cat; all the characters are richly described and so well crafted. Polly has her hands full in this story. Watch as she goes from one mystery to the next while trying to help solve the murder investigation.
This series is definitely worth a try, you will be entertained and enjoy the humor. Highly recommend.

[Poppy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried hard to get into this series having read the first 3 books. I was even, in hindsight, overly generous with my ratings for those three. I am absolutely NOT continuing with this series. So disappointing. The plot was tenuous, the main protagonist so frustratingly naive and annoying that I struggled to finish it, just skimming through the last 4-5 chapters to find out who the culprit was. Conclusion was not the least bit satisfying. I'm going to stop there and make myself a cup of tea.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves a 1000+ stars!!!

What an intriguing, captivating, and entertaining
book! I absolutely loved it! There was some great
twists and turns that kept me guessing right up
to the killer reveal. Lots of humorous moments. I
really like the addition of Clara, the cleaning
robot. I do hope Nick and Poppy get together! Its
going to be a long while until the next book in
the series comes out, but I will definitely be
impatiently waiting for it.😸😸😸

[Artist_carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, very enjoyable read.

As Poppy is still struggling with money issues and how to make ends meet, her cousin invites her to a party in a beautiful orangery under false pretenses, when someone is murdered that she thinks could of helped her, her friend and mentor is the prime suspect. Wanted to prove his innocence she might be in over her head. I received this as an ARC an voluntarily choose to reveiw.