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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #2
Dark Side of the Moo
Sweet life on the farm turns sour when a guest mooves on to greener pastures. Permanently.
Ivy was happy to put her old life at Flordale Corporation behind her, but with a recent murder tarnishing her new inn’s reputation she can’t afford to be choosy about paying guests. So when her former teammates from HR ask to hold their retreat at Runaway Farm and Inn, she throws down the welcome mat.
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer.
At first Ivy agrees to stay out of the investigation at the police chief’s request. When a family member becomes a suspect, however, she jumps into action with Keats, her know-it-all border collie, and Jilly, her best friend.
Will they be able to find the bad apple on the Flordale HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good?
Ivy was happy to put her old life at Flordale Corporation behind her, but with a recent murder tarnishing her new inn’s reputation she can’t afford to be choosy about paying guests. So when her former teammates from HR ask to hold their retreat at Runaway Farm and Inn, she throws down the welcome mat.
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer.
At first Ivy agrees to stay out of the investigation at the police chief’s request. When a family member becomes a suspect, however, she jumps into action with Keats, her know-it-all border collie, and Jilly, her best friend.
Will they be able to find the bad apple on the Flordale HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2020
653 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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February 11, 2023
Ivy is eager to open her inn to paying guests but dreading the arrival of the Flordale Vipers, her former co-workers, who are coming for a retreat. She just wants to put the past behind her and run her farm and inn. Good thing she has her best friends Keats and Jilly by her side. Things don't go according to plan, however, when someone dumps a calf with birth defects at the farm and Senna, the vet, has to check him out and castrate him. Then the Flordale people arrive early, seeing Ivy in all her farm muck glory. She loses control of the situation pretty quickly when her old boss and one of the other men decide to act like juveniles and cause problems with the animals BEFORE the contracts and insurance waivers are signed. The men even give Jilly a hard time about her meal. The women aren't much better, mostly not dressed for farm life, but respecting Ivy's rules. The next morning at 4 Am Keats wakes Ivy up determined to show her something in the barn. She thinks he's just excited and protective of their newest resident but of course not... Keats is well aware of the body in the cow stalls. The very dead body of Wilf Darby, the vice president of human resources, and Ivy's old boss. The County sends the new animal control officer after the cows, who Ivy swears are innocent. The police are more inclined to suspect Ivy's mom. If she's going to save her reputation and remove the Flordale vipers, she has to figure out who killed Wilf. Ivy knows these people and knows corporate life. She's certain she can solve this one for Kellan.
Aww I love this farm! I'm only 2.5 books in and already I am enjoying my visit. It's armchair travel at it's best because I don't actually want to spend my vacation on a farm. I don't like muck and manure. I just love animals. The mystery wasn't super tight that I didn't say "I knew it!" when the murderer was revealed but tight enough that I wasn't SURE SURE. Just a hunch because a certain clue was mentioned several times and this time I was paying attention to Keats.
Ivy is so lovely. She has such a huge heart and a true passion for animals. Seeing her bloom and grow is great. Seeing her with her former boss and colleagues- not so great. She turns into old Ivy but is self-aware enough that she's NOT that person anymore and makes changes. Everyone comments on it but she's just trying to live her life and do her job. Not her fault her idiot ex-boss got murdered and her mother is fiercely protective of her daughters. Ivy is more careful in her sleuthing this time and none of what happens is her fault at all. I appreciate that even if there is an element of danger.
My favorite characters are the animals, of course. Keats is so special. He is fierce and loyal to Ivy. Now we have little Archie, the calf with one eye and a little nub of an ear. Aww he sounds adorable! There was WAY too much discussion of castration though for this city slicker, however I am glad it's far more humane than what I read in My Friend Flicka.
Favorite human character is Jilly, of course. She always has Ivy's back and understands Ivy's needs. In this book we meet Ivy's mom, who is outspoken and blunt. Jilly has class and tact, Dahlia has none. Dahlia is protective of her baby girl to outsiders but Ivy is an adult and can take care of herself. Having your mom light into your ex-boss for firing you is embarrassing. I did like those scenes with Dahlia but then Ivy's mom goes crazy and starts bugging Ivy to GO BACK to work for Flordale where she was obviously miserable and they treated her like manure. Dahlia's revelations about her relationships are a little shocking coming from one's mother but as long as she's honest and open with the men she dates, I think it's OK. But she's not MY mother! I'm positive she's not the murderer because she's Ivy's mom and family is off-limits on the reader's suspect list. (As are best friends). It's never who the police think it is either.
Wilf Darby is a total donkey. He's nasty, rude, mean and disrespectful to Ivy. If he thinks he's going to win her over with his behavior, he's delusional. Thwarting her rules and disrespecting the animals in order to have his own way and/or put the farm out of business so Ivy can come back to Flordale also doesn't seem very effective. I would have sent him packing right back to Boston. I don't care who killed him. They did the world a favor. The guy was arrogant and thought he was above rules.
Wilf brings along the rest of HR. Nellie Cassios is a moron. She didn't understand they were coming to a real farm and she cares too much about her appearance. She's whiny, snotty and while Jilly claims Nellie is insecure, I think she's self-centered. The department’s administrative assistant, Paulette Woodcrest, an older woman, has always been nice and motherly towards Ivy. Yet, she knows everyone's secrets, especially Wilf's. Could this sweet little old lady be the murderer? Was Wilf about to can her? Keri Browning, Ivy's replacement, seems decent but way in over her head. She doesn't have killer instincts or Ivy's compliant nature. Perhaps she's hiding a ruthless streak and did away with Wilf so she can have his job. Macy and Kate are for all intents and purposes the same person. Now THEY are insecure and feel the need to copy what they think corporate wants them to be. They're immature.
Neal Fife, the department’s technology expert, is an unpleasant man. He's weird, juvenile and does dumb stuff on purpose. I thought he must be high at first but I guess not. He's another one who thinks rules don't apply to him. He seemed kind of shady to Ivy and she didn't want to hire him but Wilf overrode her objections. Both Wilf and Neal were buddy buddy with toxic masculine culture. BARF! PLEASE let him be the murderer! Another great suspect would be Tess Blade, the new field officer for Animal Services. I.E. the new Lloyd. Yikes! You would think the County would have learned their lesson but nope. Tess is dogged in her pursuit of Ivy and determined to catch Ivy doing something wrong. Why would cows be dangerous killers? That makes no sense. Only because Heidi is moody after a miscarriage and adjusting to mothering little Archie, she might feel protective or be upset at the intrusion but she didn't murder Wilf on PURPOSE. Yet, I think, perhaps Tess is as devoted to animals and doing the right thing as the vet, Senna. She shows a different side of her when she's in a scene alone.
Ben Miller is a gentle giant. He's kind and helpful. He's one of three men on the trip and the only one not acting like a jerk. I hope he's not the murderer. He doesn't seem like he has it in him but a witness puts him in the right place at the right time. I really like him and don't want it to be him! I also really like Senna the new vet. She's smart, sensible and cares about animals. I hope she's not the murderer. There are some other players from Flordale who come out and could probably be the murderer. Neither of them is likeable. Avis has killer instincts and a lot of clout in the company. She's selfish and doesn't care about hurting anyone. Piers Frankl, the president, is loathsome. He's TOUGH, selfish, rude, boorish and makes Wilf look like a buffoon. Yikes! I think he totally killed Wilf. I think he has the most motive of them all and the ruthless nature to do it too.
Ivy's sisters are all so different. Daisy is uptight and OCD, stressed out and needs a long spa vacation away from her family. Poppy is a brat and a troublemaker. In this book physical sparks begin to fly between Ivy and Kellan but I don't see them becoming an item because of her stubborn need to investigate and because they share too much past history. He's a good guy though and she could do much worse. Ash is adorable in how he CAN keep secrets after all. He seems to be want to push his friend and his sister together but wary because Kellan is his boss. He's trying to stay neutral. I loathe Edna, Ivy's nosy neighbor for things that happened in the previous book and her attitude. I have lived in New England my whole life and never once was the school nurse required to vaccinate anyone. Vaccines were required before we even started school. I think she was stuck in a time warp and took her authority to the next level. She was on a power trip. Now, I think, maybe, she's actually telling Ivy she's lonely and unable to care for herself properly anymore. The opposite is too horrible to contemplate- that's she's sharp as a tack and is deliberately rude and nosy and doesn't give a care.
There's a brief cameo at the end by one of the Rescue Mafia Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series and Ivy takes her guests into the town to see the bronze dog sculptures. I loved revisiting the familiar location and hope some more of the people pop up again- WITH their rescue dogs.
I am eager to read this whole series now.
Aww I love this farm! I'm only 2.5 books in and already I am enjoying my visit. It's armchair travel at it's best because I don't actually want to spend my vacation on a farm. I don't like muck and manure. I just love animals. The mystery wasn't super tight that I didn't say "I knew it!" when the murderer was revealed but tight enough that I wasn't SURE SURE. Just a hunch because a certain clue was mentioned several times and this time I was paying attention to Keats.
Ivy is so lovely. She has such a huge heart and a true passion for animals. Seeing her bloom and grow is great. Seeing her with her former boss and colleagues- not so great. She turns into old Ivy but is self-aware enough that she's NOT that person anymore and makes changes. Everyone comments on it but she's just trying to live her life and do her job. Not her fault her idiot ex-boss got murdered and her mother is fiercely protective of her daughters. Ivy is more careful in her sleuthing this time and none of what happens is her fault at all. I appreciate that even if there is an element of danger.
My favorite characters are the animals, of course. Keats is so special. He is fierce and loyal to Ivy. Now we have little Archie, the calf with one eye and a little nub of an ear. Aww he sounds adorable! There was WAY too much discussion of castration though for this city slicker, however I am glad it's far more humane than what I read in My Friend Flicka.
Favorite human character is Jilly, of course. She always has Ivy's back and understands Ivy's needs. In this book we meet Ivy's mom, who is outspoken and blunt. Jilly has class and tact, Dahlia has none. Dahlia is protective of her baby girl to outsiders but Ivy is an adult and can take care of herself. Having your mom light into your ex-boss for firing you is embarrassing. I did like those scenes with Dahlia but then Ivy's mom goes crazy and starts bugging Ivy to GO BACK to work for Flordale where she was obviously miserable and they treated her like manure. Dahlia's revelations about her relationships are a little shocking coming from one's mother but as long as she's honest and open with the men she dates, I think it's OK. But she's not MY mother! I'm positive she's not the murderer because she's Ivy's mom and family is off-limits on the reader's suspect list. (As are best friends). It's never who the police think it is either.
Wilf Darby is a total donkey. He's nasty, rude, mean and disrespectful to Ivy. If he thinks he's going to win her over with his behavior, he's delusional. Thwarting her rules and disrespecting the animals in order to have his own way and/or put the farm out of business so Ivy can come back to Flordale also doesn't seem very effective. I would have sent him packing right back to Boston. I don't care who killed him. They did the world a favor. The guy was arrogant and thought he was above rules.
Wilf brings along the rest of HR. Nellie Cassios is a moron. She didn't understand they were coming to a real farm and she cares too much about her appearance. She's whiny, snotty and while Jilly claims Nellie is insecure, I think she's self-centered. The department’s administrative assistant, Paulette Woodcrest, an older woman, has always been nice and motherly towards Ivy. Yet, she knows everyone's secrets, especially Wilf's. Could this sweet little old lady be the murderer? Was Wilf about to can her? Keri Browning, Ivy's replacement, seems decent but way in over her head. She doesn't have killer instincts or Ivy's compliant nature. Perhaps she's hiding a ruthless streak and did away with Wilf so she can have his job. Macy and Kate are for all intents and purposes the same person. Now THEY are insecure and feel the need to copy what they think corporate wants them to be. They're immature.
Neal Fife, the department’s technology expert, is an unpleasant man. He's weird, juvenile and does dumb stuff on purpose. I thought he must be high at first but I guess not. He's another one who thinks rules don't apply to him. He seemed kind of shady to Ivy and she didn't want to hire him but Wilf overrode her objections. Both Wilf and Neal were buddy buddy with toxic masculine culture. BARF! PLEASE let him be the murderer! Another great suspect would be Tess Blade, the new field officer for Animal Services. I.E. the new Lloyd. Yikes! You would think the County would have learned their lesson but nope. Tess is dogged in her pursuit of Ivy and determined to catch Ivy doing something wrong. Why would cows be dangerous killers? That makes no sense. Only because Heidi is moody after a miscarriage and adjusting to mothering little Archie, she might feel protective or be upset at the intrusion but she didn't murder Wilf on PURPOSE. Yet, I think, perhaps Tess is as devoted to animals and doing the right thing as the vet, Senna. She shows a different side of her when she's in a scene alone.
Ben Miller is a gentle giant. He's kind and helpful. He's one of three men on the trip and the only one not acting like a jerk. I hope he's not the murderer. He doesn't seem like he has it in him but a witness puts him in the right place at the right time. I really like him and don't want it to be him! I also really like Senna the new vet. She's smart, sensible and cares about animals. I hope she's not the murderer. There are some other players from Flordale who come out and could probably be the murderer. Neither of them is likeable. Avis has killer instincts and a lot of clout in the company. She's selfish and doesn't care about hurting anyone. Piers Frankl, the president, is loathsome. He's TOUGH, selfish, rude, boorish and makes Wilf look like a buffoon. Yikes! I think he totally killed Wilf. I think he has the most motive of them all and the ruthless nature to do it too.
Ivy's sisters are all so different. Daisy is uptight and OCD, stressed out and needs a long spa vacation away from her family. Poppy is a brat and a troublemaker. In this book physical sparks begin to fly between Ivy and Kellan but I don't see them becoming an item because of her stubborn need to investigate and because they share too much past history. He's a good guy though and she could do much worse. Ash is adorable in how he CAN keep secrets after all. He seems to be want to push his friend and his sister together but wary because Kellan is his boss. He's trying to stay neutral. I loathe Edna, Ivy's nosy neighbor for things that happened in the previous book and her attitude. I have lived in New England my whole life and never once was the school nurse required to vaccinate anyone. Vaccines were required before we even started school. I think she was stuck in a time warp and took her authority to the next level. She was on a power trip. Now, I think, maybe, she's actually telling Ivy she's lonely and unable to care for herself properly anymore. The opposite is too horrible to contemplate- that's she's sharp as a tack and is deliberately rude and nosy and doesn't give a care.
There's a brief cameo at the end by one of the Rescue Mafia Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series and Ivy takes her guests into the town to see the bronze dog sculptures. I loved revisiting the familiar location and hope some more of the people pop up again- WITH their rescue dogs.
I am eager to read this whole series now.
March 2, 2021
This is the second book . Ivy and Keats a border collie with one blue eye and one brown are charging murdered again. This time Ivy's old job collages from Human Resources department Flordale Co. Is the first people that are come to her farm. Jilly her best friend thinks Ivy is crazy to let them be her first clients. Wilf did her very much wrong. But Ivy wants them to know she is doing great and love her farm animals and especially her dog Keats. Keats know things and Ivy can figure it out with his stance and his eyes. Wilf will not listen to Ivy when she tells him to leave the farm animals alone. And next thing you know Wilf is dead in a cow fence. But did the cows really stomp on him or was it someone who wanted dead. If you love farm animals and a intelligent border collie you will enjoy these books
April 12, 2021
Skvělý, příjemný oddechový čtení, fajn příběh. Vybrala jsem to úplně namátkově, chtěla jsem něco s border kolií, neměla jsem vůbec očekávání a najednou už začínám 3. díl a nemůžu se dočkat, jak se tam vyvinou vztahy a okolnosti:) žánr "cosy mystery" vidím uplně poprvý v životě, je to tedy úplný opak mých oblíbených gruesome detektivek, ale z nějakého důvodu mě to fakt chytlo a pokračuju dál :D (těm 5 hvězdám se vůbec nedivím, Ellen píše skvěle).
March 26, 2021
Another great read
I can’t get anything done around the house.
Why, you might ask.
It’s because I have to read the whole book in one sitting.
I can’t get anything done around the house.
Why, you might ask.
It’s because I have to read the whole book in one sitting.
March 21, 2022
Dark Side Of The Moo
A Bought-The-Farm Mystery, Book #2
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Sweet life on the farm turns sour when a guest mooves on to greener pastures. Permanently.
Ivy was happy to put her old life at Flordale Corporation behind her, but with a recent murder tarnishing her new inn’s reputation she can’t afford to be choosy about paying guests. So when her former teammates from HR ask to hold their retreat at Runaway Farm and Inn, she throws down the welcome mat.
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer.
At first Ivy agrees to stay out of the investigation at the police chief’s request. When a family member becomes a suspect, however, she jumps into action with Keats, her know-it-all border collie, and Jilly, her best friend.
Will they be able to find the bad apple on the Flordale HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good? (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoy the relationship between Ivy and Jilly. You can tell that they are good friends and that they will do anything for each other. When someone is killed in the barn, Ivy knows she has to figure out the killer before her bed and breakfast suffers a loss she cannot recover from. Between her and Jilly and her dog, Keats, they will do what it takes to nail the culprit.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the book alive in my mind’s eye. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing until the very end. I had a few suspects in my mind that were the culprit but I did not know who it was for sure.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and cannot wait to read the next one.
A Bought-The-Farm Mystery, Book #2
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Sweet life on the farm turns sour when a guest mooves on to greener pastures. Permanently.
Ivy was happy to put her old life at Flordale Corporation behind her, but with a recent murder tarnishing her new inn’s reputation she can’t afford to be choosy about paying guests. So when her former teammates from HR ask to hold their retreat at Runaway Farm and Inn, she throws down the welcome mat.
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer.
At first Ivy agrees to stay out of the investigation at the police chief’s request. When a family member becomes a suspect, however, she jumps into action with Keats, her know-it-all border collie, and Jilly, her best friend.
Will they be able to find the bad apple on the Flordale HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good? (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoy the relationship between Ivy and Jilly. You can tell that they are good friends and that they will do anything for each other. When someone is killed in the barn, Ivy knows she has to figure out the killer before her bed and breakfast suffers a loss she cannot recover from. Between her and Jilly and her dog, Keats, they will do what it takes to nail the culprit.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the book alive in my mind’s eye. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing until the very end. I had a few suspects in my mind that were the culprit but I did not know who it was for sure.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and cannot wait to read the next one.
October 14, 2021
Dark Side of the Moo was a pretty cute cozy mystery to dive into. Even though it's the second installment, and I never read the first, I didn't seem confused or lost with anything that was happening. I did enjoy all the interactions throughout all the characters - human and animal. It just put a smile on my face and they even had some funny moments.
The one thing that was kind of weird was the big reveal of the killer. It seemed pretty obvious to me and I was wondering why the main characters didn't pick up on the clues. I'm not a very good detective if I'm being completely honest here so it just felt a bit unrealistic that I picked up on everything before they even thought about it. Ya know?
Other than that, it was a cute book. If I have the time, I'll definitely jump into the first book before continuing on with the series. Especially if they are all on KU. I need some more cute cozy mystery books in my life!
The one thing that was kind of weird was the big reveal of the killer. It seemed pretty obvious to me and I was wondering why the main characters didn't pick up on the clues. I'm not a very good detective if I'm being completely honest here so it just felt a bit unrealistic that I picked up on everything before they even thought about it. Ya know?
Other than that, it was a cute book. If I have the time, I'll definitely jump into the first book before continuing on with the series. Especially if they are all on KU. I need some more cute cozy mystery books in my life!
May 11, 2020
I received an ARC of this book, but I am voluntarily leaving a review. Ivy and Jilly have welcomed, albeit with reservations, their first guests at Runaway Farm… the HR Dept from Ivy’s old employer. You also get to meet Ivy’s unique mother with her rotating boyfriends. Cori of the Rescue Mafia in Dog Town makes a quick phone call and introduces herself to Ivy. Maybe there will be more meetings in future books! Ivy and Kellan dance around and with each other – maybe a future at some point for these two? Of course, there is another mystery to solve, too, and Keats the Border Collie is prominent with his unique skills. I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series so you know how Ivy and Keats meet and understand how they end up with Runaway Farm.
January 14, 2023
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
✅ exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
This series is slowly growing on me.
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
✅ exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
This series is slowly growing on me.
January 11, 2021
A Nice Cozy
I have a checklist of entertaining cozies, lots of suspense plenty of twists and turns ,an intriguing storyline with a varied cast of characters.
I am proud to say this book meets them all.
I have a checklist of entertaining cozies, lots of suspense plenty of twists and turns ,an intriguing storyline with a varied cast of characters.
I am proud to say this book meets them all.
January 18, 2021
This series is fun and entertaining. I especially enjoy the human/animal interactions.
June 20, 2025
Che dire questa autrice mi sta convincendo sempre di più.
Purtroppo a poca distanza dal primo omicidio a Runaway Farm se ne verifica un altro, questa volta la vittima è l'ex capo di Ivy.
A finire nei guai principalmente sono gli animali, per la comparsa di un nuovo accalappia cani poco simpatica.
Ma lungo il percorso investigativo che Ivy non abbandona, incontriamo nuovi personaggi, ne vengono approfonditi di altri, e soprattutto ci farà pensare a tre mila possibili sospettati altrettante possibili motivazioni, ma mai avrei indovinato il colpevole e il perché, sono rimasta shokkata.
Così come il primo questo volume mantiene incollati alla lettura, e ci fa sperare in una mossa prima o poi da parte dello sceriffo.
Purtroppo a poca distanza dal primo omicidio a Runaway Farm se ne verifica un altro, questa volta la vittima è l'ex capo di Ivy.
A finire nei guai principalmente sono gli animali, per la comparsa di un nuovo accalappia cani poco simpatica.
Ma lungo il percorso investigativo che Ivy non abbandona, incontriamo nuovi personaggi, ne vengono approfonditi di altri, e soprattutto ci farà pensare a tre mila possibili sospettati altrettante possibili motivazioni, ma mai avrei indovinato il colpevole e il perché, sono rimasta shokkata.
Così come il primo questo volume mantiene incollati alla lettura, e ci fa sperare in una mossa prima o poi da parte dello sceriffo.
January 5, 2022
Bought the Farm fun!!!
Such a fun series! I can’t wait to read the 3rd. Well developed characters and nonstop mischief and hint of romantic tension. Border collies, small towns and mystery!!
Such a fun series! I can’t wait to read the 3rd. Well developed characters and nonstop mischief and hint of romantic tension. Border collies, small towns and mystery!!
May 21, 2020
Another great story for this new cozy series!
Opening an inn to infuse cash into her new hobby farm is a necessity. Playing host to her former HR teammates’ retreat seems to be a necessary evil she will have to endure. She cannot turn away paying guests at this point unless she wants to chance losing everything she has worked to build in her new life. Surely it will not be as bad as she imagines. Oh, yes it can and is when one of her guests turns up dead in the barn. Ivy really tries to stay out of the official investigation, but forces pull her in again. What is a girl to do?
I read the prequel and first book a few weeks back. I was so anxious to read the next story that I put the release date on my calendar. Today finally came and I was able to download the book and it was so worth the wait. I enjoyed reading this entertaining and fun cozy mystery story. Filled with both loveable and not-so-loveable characters acting out in all manner of ways, this story was hard to put down to even grab a bite to eat. There were plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing whodunit, a little romance here and there, and a lot of drama everywhere to keep my attention to the end.
If you enjoy reading a well-written, well-told, clean, and wholesome romantic cozy mystery, then this is a book you will want to read. I can hardly wait for the next book. I’m marking my calendar now for August 11, 2020.
Recipe included: Rockin’ Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Opening an inn to infuse cash into her new hobby farm is a necessity. Playing host to her former HR teammates’ retreat seems to be a necessary evil she will have to endure. She cannot turn away paying guests at this point unless she wants to chance losing everything she has worked to build in her new life. Surely it will not be as bad as she imagines. Oh, yes it can and is when one of her guests turns up dead in the barn. Ivy really tries to stay out of the official investigation, but forces pull her in again. What is a girl to do?
I read the prequel and first book a few weeks back. I was so anxious to read the next story that I put the release date on my calendar. Today finally came and I was able to download the book and it was so worth the wait. I enjoyed reading this entertaining and fun cozy mystery story. Filled with both loveable and not-so-loveable characters acting out in all manner of ways, this story was hard to put down to even grab a bite to eat. There were plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing whodunit, a little romance here and there, and a lot of drama everywhere to keep my attention to the end.
If you enjoy reading a well-written, well-told, clean, and wholesome romantic cozy mystery, then this is a book you will want to read. I can hardly wait for the next book. I’m marking my calendar now for August 11, 2020.
Recipe included: Rockin’ Moroccan Chickpea Stew
January 11, 2021
Never Guessed the Culprit
This was a well constructed cozy murder mystery and I never figured out who did it until the reveal. The book was humorous and I loved the animals especially Keats the dog. Ivy, the main character never seems to catch a break from murder on her farm, thus the story evolves. I gave this book 4 stars vs. 5 because for some reason (and I am not really sure myself, why it was), but I had a really hard time getting through this book. It was not that there was not enough action or witty dialog, but I just was not engaged as I usually am with the story. Maybe it was the corporate back story, I am not sure, but it took me well over a month to get through this book when it often takes me only a day or two. The reviews are very positive about this book which is what kept me going to finally finish it. I'm glad I did as I think not finishing would leave a gap in the series for me. So far, I have read each book of the series and have loved it, so I will be moving on to the next installment. Overall, this series is funny, has quirky characters that the author brings to life, a budding romance, and of course a cadre of animals with the best of all, a loving and very smart dog with one brown and one blue eye. This series has a lot going for it in the cozy mystery genre.
This was a well constructed cozy murder mystery and I never figured out who did it until the reveal. The book was humorous and I loved the animals especially Keats the dog. Ivy, the main character never seems to catch a break from murder on her farm, thus the story evolves. I gave this book 4 stars vs. 5 because for some reason (and I am not really sure myself, why it was), but I had a really hard time getting through this book. It was not that there was not enough action or witty dialog, but I just was not engaged as I usually am with the story. Maybe it was the corporate back story, I am not sure, but it took me well over a month to get through this book when it often takes me only a day or two. The reviews are very positive about this book which is what kept me going to finally finish it. I'm glad I did as I think not finishing would leave a gap in the series for me. So far, I have read each book of the series and have loved it, so I will be moving on to the next installment. Overall, this series is funny, has quirky characters that the author brings to life, a budding romance, and of course a cadre of animals with the best of all, a loving and very smart dog with one brown and one blue eye. This series has a lot going for it in the cozy mystery genre.
July 6, 2024
Keats, border collie extraordinaire, is my favourite character in this series but Ivy (his human) comes in at a close second. :-) Love their relationship -- the way they understand each other. Keats always has her back and Ivy tries hard to keep up with him!
I'm definitely in my happy place over the cozy aspects to the story -- there's lots of lovely and funny details about life on a farm that caters to animal rescues. And the small town vibes complete with nosey neighbour and lots of country charm make a wonderful backdrop for the murder mystery. And yay me -- I figured out the whodunnit before Ivy did and some of that was me picking up clues from Keats that Ivy missed. Just call me an armchair dog whisperer!
I listened to the audio edition and really enjoyed Jennifer Stoneking's narration. She brought all these characters to life and kept me fuming and sighing and laughing right to the very end.
I'm definitely in my happy place over the cozy aspects to the story -- there's lots of lovely and funny details about life on a farm that caters to animal rescues. And the small town vibes complete with nosey neighbour and lots of country charm make a wonderful backdrop for the murder mystery. And yay me -- I figured out the whodunnit before Ivy did and some of that was me picking up clues from Keats that Ivy missed. Just call me an armchair dog whisperer!
I listened to the audio edition and really enjoyed Jennifer Stoneking's narration. She brought all these characters to life and kept me fuming and sighing and laughing right to the very end.
January 3, 2021
Ivy and Keats are back in action when another murder occurs on the Runaway Farm. Once again the murder victim had plenty of enemies so there are a multitude of suspects along with twists and turns. The fact that Ivy didn't figure out the killer before the reveal wasn't realistic since she should have been able to see the evidence before she did. That sounds cryptic but I can't explain without spoilers. I don't like the fact that Edna was implicated as an accessory in the murder from the first book but she is still around to cause trouble in book 2. Tess Blade was an unnecessary character who didn't add anything worthwhile to the plot, IMO. Making both dogcatchers out to be jerks is too much. I did enjoy the story and am going to give the next book a try.
February 7, 2025
A fun, cozy read and the second in the Bought-the-Farm Mysteries. Ivy is trying to run the Inn and farm that she started. When one of her guests gets killed, she is afraid that her dreams may be at an end. With the help of her amazing dog Keats though, she is determined to catch the killer.
Ivy's relationship with her dog Keats is so sweet and makes me smile. She is always talking to him and asking his advice and he seems to understand everything. He is very protective of her and her best friend Jillie also has her back.
I have to say this is quickly becoming one of my favourite series.
Ivy's relationship with her dog Keats is so sweet and makes me smile. She is always talking to him and asking his advice and he seems to understand everything. He is very protective of her and her best friend Jillie also has her back.
I have to say this is quickly becoming one of my favourite series.
May 12, 2020
This series just keeps getting better. Poor Ivy has to host her old boss and coworkers at her new bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, one of them is murdered their first night there. Ivy takes it upon herself, and Keats, to figure out who the murderer is and of course gets herself in trouble with the local sheriff again.
Even more misadventures than last time!
And a surprise guest at the end that everyone who read the “Dog Town” series will recognize.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Even more misadventures than last time!
And a surprise guest at the end that everyone who read the “Dog Town” series will recognize.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
June 15, 2020
Ivy, Jilly and Keats welcome the inn's first guests. Unfortunately they are the HR team from Flordale, Ivy's former employer.
When one of the guests ends up dead in the barn, the reputation of Runaway Farm is on the line again. With a houseful of suspects and several motives, will the trio be able to help unmask the killer?
I am really enjoying this series. There is a cast of likable and some quirky characters. I am also kept guessing until the end which keeps me interested.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and freely given review
When one of the guests ends up dead in the barn, the reputation of Runaway Farm is on the line again. With a houseful of suspects and several motives, will the trio be able to help unmask the killer?
I am really enjoying this series. There is a cast of likable and some quirky characters. I am also kept guessing until the end which keeps me interested.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and freely given review
May 7, 2022
Good
Ivy and Keats must band together with Kellen and Jillian to find out who helped Ivy's former boss to bite the dust in her barn.
With plenty of suspects, it'll take Keats's keen nose to sniff out the truth.
This trip back to Runaway Farm starts with Ivy's former coworkers as her first guests. He thoroughly hateful boss is killed, and the team investigates.
Lots of action, and a few shenanigans from Ivy, although Kellen does reign her in some!
Plenty of fun, and of course the handsome Keats steals the show!
A great choice for fans of cosy mysteries with animal stars!
Ivy and Keats must band together with Kellen and Jillian to find out who helped Ivy's former boss to bite the dust in her barn.
With plenty of suspects, it'll take Keats's keen nose to sniff out the truth.
This trip back to Runaway Farm starts with Ivy's former coworkers as her first guests. He thoroughly hateful boss is killed, and the team investigates.
Lots of action, and a few shenanigans from Ivy, although Kellen does reign her in some!
Plenty of fun, and of course the handsome Keats steals the show!
A great choice for fans of cosy mysteries with animal stars!
February 12, 2023
Good Cozy Mystery
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer
This is a good cozy mystery.
The culprit is the wronged woman in the story.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
When a guest turns up dead in the cow stall, it’s a terrible shock. The cows are initially on the hook for the crime, but Ivy knows her girls too well to buy that. But if the cows aren’t to blame, it means the killer is continuing to enjoy Ivy’s hospitality and everything bucolic Clover Grove has to offer
This is a good cozy mystery.
The culprit is the wronged woman in the story.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 29, 2025
First guests
Ivy has her first guests arriving soon. The company she had worked for are having their retreat at her inn.
It's rocky right off the bat. It gets worse as her old boss drinks more.
The next morning he is found laying between the cows. Later,it is proved he died before the cows got upset with him being there.
Just wonderful. Not only another murder at her inn, her mother is back from vacation.
Kellan has his hands full with all the suspects, plus I have and Keats helping.
Will they find out who the murderer is before her guests head back home?
Ivy has her first guests arriving soon. The company she had worked for are having their retreat at her inn.
It's rocky right off the bat. It gets worse as her old boss drinks more.
The next morning he is found laying between the cows. Later,it is proved he died before the cows got upset with him being there.
Just wonderful. Not only another murder at her inn, her mother is back from vacation.
Kellan has his hands full with all the suspects, plus I have and Keats helping.
Will they find out who the murderer is before her guests head back home?
May 13, 2020
Dark side of the Moo is a great adventure at Runaway Far(m). Ivy, Jilly and Keats welcome their first guests to the inn. Unfortunately it is the HR group from Ivy's old company. - not the most functional group! When a guest turns up dead in the barn, it is not the publicity Ivy hoped for. Come along as Ivy and Keats get pulled into another murder investigation. This is a well written plot with many suspects. I did not guess the murderer which is a plus.
May 23, 2020
I found this book to be a fantastic read, I love Keats more each book especially the way he talks. With a mother that’s full of mayhem and madness wherever she goes and individualistic sisters and their two cents worth, a curious neighbour, wonderful cows and a wayward pig this cozy is full of family, fun, good sleuthing in spite of the police force and touches of romance. It’s so entertaining and engaging I wish I lived there. It’s totally clean and I can easily recommend it to you all.
May 29, 2020
Visiting Runaway Farm is calming, relaxing and murder. Ivy and Jilly have their first quests at the Inn and all the drama that Ivy left behind in Boston came with them. This series is fun and delightful. The world building makes you feel like you are relaxing on the farm and enjoying all the animals. You will fall in love with the characters and their crazy antics. A truly fun book and series. Highly recommend both to all cozy mystery lovers.
September 13, 2020
Dark Side of the Moo is the second book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series.
This wonderful cozy mystery brings Ivy, Keats, and Jilly are stuck together with the Flordale Vipers as they host a business retreat at the Runaway Farm. Who killed the viper? Will Ivy and Keats beat Kellan and Asher to the answer or will Ivy put herself in danger yet again?
I loved this cozy mystery and recommend this series to any cozy fans.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This wonderful cozy mystery brings Ivy, Keats, and Jilly are stuck together with the Flordale Vipers as they host a business retreat at the Runaway Farm. Who killed the viper? Will Ivy and Keats beat Kellan and Asher to the answer or will Ivy put herself in danger yet again?
I loved this cozy mystery and recommend this series to any cozy fans.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
December 1, 2020
Fun read
Ivy, Jill and Keats have more adventures with murder playing a big role. Ivy's old work colleagues are the first guests at the opening of her guest house. There were characters who interacted beautifully, in order to create the suspense and intriguingly different plots. The clues to a murder were so many and so twisted that I didn't know who had done it. Keats is so intelligent and loves protecting Ivy so much .
Ivy, Jill and Keats have more adventures with murder playing a big role. Ivy's old work colleagues are the first guests at the opening of her guest house. There were characters who interacted beautifully, in order to create the suspense and intriguingly different plots. The clues to a murder were so many and so twisted that I didn't know who had done it. Keats is so intelligent and loves protecting Ivy so much .
February 28, 2021
Fun story
Ivy continues on her farm. The whole HR department that she left come for retreat Murder ensures. As always she tries to solve the murder The characters continue to develop in interesting ways. Her villains are horrible people, with lots of quirks. The story moves quickly, the writing is very good. I especially like her language without any foul words sprinkled in. No gore,no navel gazing no sex. Sounds dull but it’s not. I recommend it highly
Ivy continues on her farm. The whole HR department that she left come for retreat Murder ensures. As always she tries to solve the murder The characters continue to develop in interesting ways. Her villains are horrible people, with lots of quirks. The story moves quickly, the writing is very good. I especially like her language without any foul words sprinkled in. No gore,no navel gazing no sex. Sounds dull but it’s not. I recommend it highly
October 23, 2023
The next in the series of the "Bought the Farm" cozy mysteries. I found it very enjoyable, but I can't say why exactly. The mystery was pretty good, although now a couple of weeks after reading it, I don't remember who dunnit and what they done. The people were amusing but I can't say I ever laughed out loud or re-read a passage that was exceptionally clever.
It's just sweet and homey and exceptionally....well...cozy.
Will read more.
It's just sweet and homey and exceptionally....well...cozy.
Will read more.
July 6, 2024
I'm kind of on the fence with this series. I had been wanting to read it for a really long time, but my library only has the audiobooks and I've never made a secret of the fact that I LOATHE them.
I generally don't care for city people in general, and despise people who harass animals, so a good bit of this story just annoyed me. It's well written, but since I'm a farmer myself, I've dealt with a lot of these things and didn't find them amusing.
I generally don't care for city people in general, and despise people who harass animals, so a good bit of this story just annoyed me. It's well written, but since I'm a farmer myself, I've dealt with a lot of these things and didn't find them amusing.
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