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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #5
Alpaca Lies
Can a dancing alpaca waltz her way out of a murder allegation and go toe-to-toe with the real killer?
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
The crime is just the beginning for innkeeper, hobby farmer and amateur sleuth, Ivy Galloway, and her brilliant sheepdog, Keats. As things get wild and woolly around town, her talented team tangos for their very lives. Can they figure out all the steps before the killer strikes again?
Laugh out loud with the heartwarming and suspenseful Bought-the-Farm cozy mystery series for animal lovers.
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
The crime is just the beginning for innkeeper, hobby farmer and amateur sleuth, Ivy Galloway, and her brilliant sheepdog, Keats. As things get wild and woolly around town, her talented team tangos for their very lives. Can they figure out all the steps before the killer strikes again?
Laugh out loud with the heartwarming and suspenseful Bought-the-Farm cozy mystery series for animal lovers.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2020
414 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 30, 2021
Ivy and The gang are back. With Alvina The alpaca and a new member to Runaway Farm. The 5th book in this series. Is about a guy named Jose that gives ballroom dancing. But is he what he says he is. Dahilia Ivy mom is a suspect again in the 5 book. She was in 4th book too. And Jose body is found in Runaway Farm once more. But the the plots are great with all the animals. And the budding romances starting up
March 4, 2023
Alvina the Alpaca has been depressed since Hannah and her husband left. Hannah's husband was Alvina's #1 dancing partner. Now it seems as if Asher will fit the bill. Unfortunately Alvina's notoriety has reached the rest of the town, namely Ivy's mother Dahlia, who wants her dance instructor boyfriend to film a video on the farm featuring him dancing with Alvina. Ivy agrees but only because Dahlia promises Jose's dance troupe will come and stay at the inn. Business has been down since ... they opened! While the dancers party until dawn, Ivy goes to sleep and when Keats wakes up, he has bad news for her once again. Jose Batista, Dahlia's current flame, is dead in the llama pen. Oh no not again! Kellen has to consider Dahlia a suspect in the investigation- AGAIN and this time Edna is certain Ivy, Jilly, Keats and Percy team up with her to solve the mystery.
I returned to Clover Grove eager to read about sweet Alvina, my favorite animal on the farm. The mystery did not disappoint and I only figured it out at the end with just a hunch. (And because it was getting close to the end). There were plenty of twists and turns and this time, the investigation involves interrogating and snooping on the townspeople who have become friends to Ivy. The Rescue Mafia appears on the farm for the first time so be sure to read Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series first.
I liked the mystery portion of the story and the farm animals. This time I liked Ivy a little less. She's super judgmental. She constantly makes snide comments in her head comparing her mother's sequined dance costume to a figure skating or ice dance costume. This is incredibly rude and skaters have options now. They don't have to wear sequins and it's a COSTUME for goodness sakes. I know moms can be embarrassing I get that but it's a costume and Dahlia feels comfortable and beautiful in it. That's all that matters. Then Ivy has the gall to insinuate that Jane Austen book club members would be nice, boring guests. I don't know any Jane Austen book club members who are boring and while they may be more polite than the Bridge Biddies, introduce them to those Bronte book club members and see what happens!
I did like Kellen a lot more in this book. The romance is progressing nicely. He's in it for the long haul even if it means getting his clothes full of fur and feather and Keats's teeth marks and Percy's claw marks. He doesn't quite accept Ivy's communication with Keats but he's starting to come around and talk to Keats himself! I love that! He'll be an animal lover soon enough. I also respect how he's able to be boyfriend Kellen and police chief Kellen at different times. He can be angry at the situation Ivy has created but not at her. He respects her intelligence but wants her to stay out of his official investigation on one hand but wants to know what Detective Keats and Detective Percy have found this time. LOL!
Jilly is always lovely. She doesn't have much to do in this book. Edna is a hoot. She's crazier than ever now she's into the survivalist movement. Everyone makes fun of her but it keeps her busy and happy. Her nosiness comes in handy as she relates important information to Ivy now. No more bribing for evidence. She's come a long way! Asher is such a sweetheart. He's a good sport with Alvina even if he feels embarrassed. I like Ivy's mom Dahlia. She is a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. I feel bad for her that she has had such a rough time with men and for what Ivy's dad put her through. I appreciate she has own her fashion sense and makes do on little money. She seems to be doing well with her barber shop and hopefully will earn some money soon.
I adore Alvina and am tired of villains disrespecting the animals. Once again the rumor mill claims one of Ivy's "camels" killed Jose. If people obeyed the rules, respected that this is a RESCUE farm and not a petting zoo, everything would be well. Fortunately, even those the alpaca and llamas are rescues and have demons, none of them have actually killed anyway. If so, it was in self defense anyway. Ivy doesn't allow people in their pen for a reason!
Jose does not seem like a good guy. He doesn't respect Ivy's farm or her animals. I would have had him forcibly removed after he slapped Alvina. Ivy needs to add that to her waiver - touch the animals and you're toast. He invites loads of people to stay and they cause chaos, damage Ivy's floor without a second thought and one of them must be a murderer! Once his story was slowly revealed, I wasn't entirely surprised. I feared it would be something like that. He preyed on a lot of people and it got him killed.
We meet a lot more of the townspeople in this book. Ivy's friend Mabel Halliday owns Miniature Mutts, a ceramics store. She creates the tiniest, most detailed sculptures including a replica of Ivy's farm. She seems really nice, friendly and creative. Her husband? Not so much. Alf, newly made redundant, is helping out in the store. They don't seem to work well together. He doesn't understand creativity and art, the purpose of art is to share. Artists never make money but he seems to expect Mavis to rake in the cash. I don't quite trust him. He's too grumpy and stingy to be a good guy. Another artist friend of Ivy's is Teri, a bohemian with an eclectic sense of style. She's always cheerful, fun and honest with Ivy. What on earth is she doing with Kevin Breen? He's polite and soft-spoken but sounds like a stick in the mud. Furthermore, Keats doesn't get a good vibe off the guy. Could he be a murderer? He doesn't seem like the type to follow a dance troupe but you never know what the motive might be. Mabel and Teri seem so sensible. I find it hard to believe they would fall for a sleazy guy like Jose, plus they're already in relationships. I hope it isn't either of them.
Another person Keats isn't too sure about is Simon Rezek, owner of Grub, the local feed store. There's nothing wrong with Simon. He's cheerful, friendly and devoted to the community and his wife Anne. They're the perfect loving couple. Simon is super knowledable about all things homesteading and the go-to guy for farm advice. The problem is their Mastiff, Gregor. Keats is not a fan of the larger dog. Poor Keats! He doesn't realize he's a dog and supposed to socialize with other dogs. Simon's wife Anne is so lovely. She's always kind and welcoming. Ryan Stopes, owner of the fine foods store, seems like a meathead turned stuffed shirt. He and Kevin are similar in that they both care a lot about appearances and money. I don't get a good vibe off of Kevin especially in his relationship. He's dating a much younger woman, Tish Ramsey, who must be just out of high school if she's 10 years behind Ivy in school. She might be a little too immature for him. She's infatuated with Jose and jealous of Dahlia. She seems a tad bit obsessed and I wouldn't put it past her to kill Jose in revenge for a broken heart/misplaced dreams. Whatever. Whatever. She certainly has a temper. Later, she reveals she's wiser than Ryan about what is important in relationships and mature enough to do the right thing to right a wrong. I don't trust her to stay that way though. She's young and her brain still hasn't developed fully.
Nadine Boyce, Margie Hodson, Dina MacIntosh from the Hound and Fury all took lessons from Jose. Heddy Langman, the antiques dealer, also had a thing for Jose and she's already not Dahlia's biggest fan. The two have a rivalry and perhaps Heddy was furious with Jose for choosing her rival? Perhaps it was a case of "if I can't have him, no one can."? She's certainly ruthless in business and she and her sister are rather scary. They're all seniors and vulnerable prey for slimy men.
Laurene Pedal is new in town. She recently opened a bookstore/cafe inside a former cheese shop. She isn't having much success because the store REEKS of cheese. No one wants to stay. When Ivy questions Laurene, Laurene seems a little suspicious to me, like she's not telling Ivy the truth or the whole truth. I think she was also in love with Jose. Poor Dahlia to have all these women infatuated with her man.
I think we can assume none of the longtime townspeople are murderers, I hope. Maybe Laurene because she's new? We know it isn't Maddy McCain! She's coming out of her shell and enjoying success as a baker and café owner. Good for her! I like her a lot and she's come a long way since the first mystery.
That leaves us with the dance troupe. They all LOVED Jose and would follow him anywhere. Maybe there was no love lost between Collin, of of the only men, and Jose though. Collin and Jose had a professional rivalry going back a few years and maybe personal too. Perhaps Collin was tired of the women throwing themselves at Jose and wanted more attention? Perhaps he let his anger and jealousy get the better of him and he killed Jose. Arlene is the jealous type. She nearly (probably on purpose) kicked Dahlia. She's snooty and smug and looks down on Clover Grove and the inhabitants. She's not too bright and disparages the animals with snide comments. Did she kill Jose for leaving her and her sophisticated (Ivy's been there - it's not) town? Stacia wants the troupe together again. I don't see a motive for killing Jose but perhaps an argument got out of hand? She's rude and doesn't even think about Ivy's property. All Stacia wants to do is dance. Maeve is also a little snooty and tone deaf. James has motive to kill Jose- Jose stole his girlfriend. Yet James seems pragmatic and OK with how things turned out. Is he putting on a front for Ivy so he doesn't fall under suspicion?
I look forward to returning to Clover Grove but I hope Ivy parks her judgment in the truck. This series is so charming and fun otherwise.
I returned to Clover Grove eager to read about sweet Alvina, my favorite animal on the farm. The mystery did not disappoint and I only figured it out at the end with just a hunch. (And because it was getting close to the end). There were plenty of twists and turns and this time, the investigation involves interrogating and snooping on the townspeople who have become friends to Ivy. The Rescue Mafia appears on the farm for the first time so be sure to read Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series first.
I liked the mystery portion of the story and the farm animals. This time I liked Ivy a little less. She's super judgmental. She constantly makes snide comments in her head comparing her mother's sequined dance costume to a figure skating or ice dance costume. This is incredibly rude and skaters have options now. They don't have to wear sequins and it's a COSTUME for goodness sakes. I know moms can be embarrassing I get that but it's a costume and Dahlia feels comfortable and beautiful in it. That's all that matters. Then Ivy has the gall to insinuate that Jane Austen book club members would be nice, boring guests. I don't know any Jane Austen book club members who are boring and while they may be more polite than the Bridge Biddies, introduce them to those Bronte book club members and see what happens!
I did like Kellen a lot more in this book. The romance is progressing nicely. He's in it for the long haul even if it means getting his clothes full of fur and feather and Keats's teeth marks and Percy's claw marks. He doesn't quite accept Ivy's communication with Keats but he's starting to come around and talk to Keats himself! I love that! He'll be an animal lover soon enough. I also respect how he's able to be boyfriend Kellen and police chief Kellen at different times. He can be angry at the situation Ivy has created but not at her. He respects her intelligence but wants her to stay out of his official investigation on one hand but wants to know what Detective Keats and Detective Percy have found this time. LOL!
Jilly is always lovely. She doesn't have much to do in this book. Edna is a hoot. She's crazier than ever now she's into the survivalist movement. Everyone makes fun of her but it keeps her busy and happy. Her nosiness comes in handy as she relates important information to Ivy now. No more bribing for evidence. She's come a long way! Asher is such a sweetheart. He's a good sport with Alvina even if he feels embarrassed. I like Ivy's mom Dahlia. She is a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. I feel bad for her that she has had such a rough time with men and for what Ivy's dad put her through. I appreciate she has own her fashion sense and makes do on little money. She seems to be doing well with her barber shop and hopefully will earn some money soon.
I adore Alvina and am tired of villains disrespecting the animals. Once again the rumor mill claims one of Ivy's "camels" killed Jose. If people obeyed the rules, respected that this is a RESCUE farm and not a petting zoo, everything would be well. Fortunately, even those the alpaca and llamas are rescues and have demons, none of them have actually killed anyway. If so, it was in self defense anyway. Ivy doesn't allow people in their pen for a reason!
Jose does not seem like a good guy. He doesn't respect Ivy's farm or her animals. I would have had him forcibly removed after he slapped Alvina. Ivy needs to add that to her waiver - touch the animals and you're toast. He invites loads of people to stay and they cause chaos, damage Ivy's floor without a second thought and one of them must be a murderer! Once his story was slowly revealed, I wasn't entirely surprised. I feared it would be something like that. He preyed on a lot of people and it got him killed.
We meet a lot more of the townspeople in this book. Ivy's friend Mabel Halliday owns Miniature Mutts, a ceramics store. She creates the tiniest, most detailed sculptures including a replica of Ivy's farm. She seems really nice, friendly and creative. Her husband? Not so much. Alf, newly made redundant, is helping out in the store. They don't seem to work well together. He doesn't understand creativity and art, the purpose of art is to share. Artists never make money but he seems to expect Mavis to rake in the cash. I don't quite trust him. He's too grumpy and stingy to be a good guy. Another artist friend of Ivy's is Teri, a bohemian with an eclectic sense of style. She's always cheerful, fun and honest with Ivy. What on earth is she doing with Kevin Breen? He's polite and soft-spoken but sounds like a stick in the mud. Furthermore, Keats doesn't get a good vibe off the guy. Could he be a murderer? He doesn't seem like the type to follow a dance troupe but you never know what the motive might be. Mabel and Teri seem so sensible. I find it hard to believe they would fall for a sleazy guy like Jose, plus they're already in relationships. I hope it isn't either of them.
Another person Keats isn't too sure about is Simon Rezek, owner of Grub, the local feed store. There's nothing wrong with Simon. He's cheerful, friendly and devoted to the community and his wife Anne. They're the perfect loving couple. Simon is super knowledable about all things homesteading and the go-to guy for farm advice. The problem is their Mastiff, Gregor. Keats is not a fan of the larger dog. Poor Keats! He doesn't realize he's a dog and supposed to socialize with other dogs. Simon's wife Anne is so lovely. She's always kind and welcoming. Ryan Stopes, owner of the fine foods store, seems like a meathead turned stuffed shirt. He and Kevin are similar in that they both care a lot about appearances and money. I don't get a good vibe off of Kevin especially in his relationship. He's dating a much younger woman, Tish Ramsey, who must be just out of high school if she's 10 years behind Ivy in school. She might be a little too immature for him. She's infatuated with Jose and jealous of Dahlia. She seems a tad bit obsessed and I wouldn't put it past her to kill Jose in revenge for a broken heart/misplaced dreams. Whatever. Whatever. She certainly has a temper. Later, she reveals she's wiser than Ryan about what is important in relationships and mature enough to do the right thing to right a wrong. I don't trust her to stay that way though. She's young and her brain still hasn't developed fully.
Nadine Boyce, Margie Hodson, Dina MacIntosh from the Hound and Fury all took lessons from Jose. Heddy Langman, the antiques dealer, also had a thing for Jose and she's already not Dahlia's biggest fan. The two have a rivalry and perhaps Heddy was furious with Jose for choosing her rival? Perhaps it was a case of "if I can't have him, no one can."? She's certainly ruthless in business and she and her sister are rather scary. They're all seniors and vulnerable prey for slimy men.
Laurene Pedal is new in town. She recently opened a bookstore/cafe inside a former cheese shop. She isn't having much success because the store REEKS of cheese. No one wants to stay. When Ivy questions Laurene, Laurene seems a little suspicious to me, like she's not telling Ivy the truth or the whole truth. I think she was also in love with Jose. Poor Dahlia to have all these women infatuated with her man.
I think we can assume none of the longtime townspeople are murderers, I hope. Maybe Laurene because she's new? We know it isn't Maddy McCain! She's coming out of her shell and enjoying success as a baker and café owner. Good for her! I like her a lot and she's come a long way since the first mystery.
That leaves us with the dance troupe. They all LOVED Jose and would follow him anywhere. Maybe there was no love lost between Collin, of of the only men, and Jose though. Collin and Jose had a professional rivalry going back a few years and maybe personal too. Perhaps Collin was tired of the women throwing themselves at Jose and wanted more attention? Perhaps he let his anger and jealousy get the better of him and he killed Jose. Arlene is the jealous type. She nearly (probably on purpose) kicked Dahlia. She's snooty and smug and looks down on Clover Grove and the inhabitants. She's not too bright and disparages the animals with snide comments. Did she kill Jose for leaving her and her sophisticated (Ivy's been there - it's not) town? Stacia wants the troupe together again. I don't see a motive for killing Jose but perhaps an argument got out of hand? She's rude and doesn't even think about Ivy's property. All Stacia wants to do is dance. Maeve is also a little snooty and tone deaf. James has motive to kill Jose- Jose stole his girlfriend. Yet James seems pragmatic and OK with how things turned out. Is he putting on a front for Ivy so he doesn't fall under suspicion?
I look forward to returning to Clover Grove but I hope Ivy parks her judgment in the truck. This series is so charming and fun otherwise.
July 31, 2025
Gli omici tornano di casa a Runaway Farm, ma a questo giro i sospetti ricadono sulla dolce alpaca danzante e la mamma di Ivy.
È una storia leggermente più sotto tono rispetto alle altre, sarà perché ivy ha promesso a Kellan di comunicargli tutto quello che scopre, ma c'è stata poca azione ma molto dialoghi e molti sospetti.
È comunque una storia molto valida, speriamo che nel prossimo volume si riprenda un po'.
L'affascinante Joe insegnante di danza classica viene trovato morto nel recinto dei così detti teppisti (lama, alpaca e asini), proprio dopo la prima sera di raduno coi suoi vecchi amici e compagni di ballo.
Si scopre bene presto che fosse in realtà un impostore che riusciva a convincere le donne ad investire tutti i loro guadagni nei suoi progetti promettendo grosse ricompense ma cambiando poi città molto velocemente intascandosi i soldi e lasciando dietro di sé una serie infinita di debiti. In realtà lascia dietro di sé anche una serie di fedelissime, l'assassino sarà tra loro?
È una storia leggermente più sotto tono rispetto alle altre, sarà perché ivy ha promesso a Kellan di comunicargli tutto quello che scopre, ma c'è stata poca azione ma molto dialoghi e molti sospetti.
È comunque una storia molto valida, speriamo che nel prossimo volume si riprenda un po'.
L'affascinante Joe insegnante di danza classica viene trovato morto nel recinto dei così detti teppisti (lama, alpaca e asini), proprio dopo la prima sera di raduno coi suoi vecchi amici e compagni di ballo.
Si scopre bene presto che fosse in realtà un impostore che riusciva a convincere le donne ad investire tutti i loro guadagni nei suoi progetti promettendo grosse ricompense ma cambiando poi città molto velocemente intascandosi i soldi e lasciando dietro di sé una serie infinita di debiti. In realtà lascia dietro di sé anche una serie di fedelissime, l'assassino sarà tra loro?
March 23, 2022
Alpaca Lies
Bought-The-Farm Mystery, Book #5
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Can a dancing alpaca waltz her way out of a murder allegation and go toe-to-toe with the real killer?
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
The crime is just the beginning for innkeeper, hobby farmer and amateur sleuth, Ivy Galloway, and her brilliant sheepdog, Keats. As things get wild and woolly around town, her talented team tangos for their very lives. Can they figure out all the steps before the killer strikes again?
Laugh out loud with the heartwarming and suspenseful Bought-the-Farm cozy mystery series for animal lovers. (Goodreads)
Review:
Ivy and Jilly have taken time off from their farm duties to go and watch Ivy’s mom dance recital with a ballroom dance instructor. Ivy’s mom and Jose, the instructor, are very elegant and graceful. But when jose is killed later, her mom is without a partner and accused of the murder. Now Ivy and the gang will have to figure out who the killer is before her mom has her last curtain call. The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoy all of the characters in this book and how they interact.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it kept me engaged in the book from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and you really have to be on your game to figure out who the culprit is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read the next one.
Bought-The-Farm Mystery, Book #5
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Can a dancing alpaca waltz her way out of a murder allegation and go toe-to-toe with the real killer?
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
The crime is just the beginning for innkeeper, hobby farmer and amateur sleuth, Ivy Galloway, and her brilliant sheepdog, Keats. As things get wild and woolly around town, her talented team tangos for their very lives. Can they figure out all the steps before the killer strikes again?
Laugh out loud with the heartwarming and suspenseful Bought-the-Farm cozy mystery series for animal lovers. (Goodreads)
Review:
Ivy and Jilly have taken time off from their farm duties to go and watch Ivy’s mom dance recital with a ballroom dance instructor. Ivy’s mom and Jose, the instructor, are very elegant and graceful. But when jose is killed later, her mom is without a partner and accused of the murder. Now Ivy and the gang will have to figure out who the killer is before her mom has her last curtain call. The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoy all of the characters in this book and how they interact.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it kept me engaged in the book from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and you really have to be on your game to figure out who the culprit is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read the next one.
September 11, 2025
This is a fun cozy mystery. It takes place on Runaway Farm where a ballroom dance teacher is found dead in the pasture in front of the alpaca. Did the alpaca kill him as everyone in the town suspects? Or is there something more going on?
This can be read as a stand alone book.
This can be read as a stand alone book.
December 10, 2024
I love this series. Cultural revitalization attracts a scam artist and his death has a long list of suspects. More development of the original characters while introducing new ones. The alpaca is still adjusting while a new rescue is added to the family. A fun series that will have you hooked and wanting more.
November 21, 2022
Good
Back on Runaway Farm with Ivy, Keats the sheepdog, Jilly, and the animal gang, Ivy is hosting an event for her mother and the dance instructor. Everything seems lovely, right up until the dance instructor is found dead near the dancing alpaca!
Ivy decides she needs to help her boyfriend, police chief Killian, find out who murderer the man, before her farm and her mother get blamed!
Poor Ivy and Jilly are definitely having a run of bad luck on Runaway Farm, but the super-sleuth Keats is on the job!
An enjoyable read, Keats is at his charming best, this time with the helpful (if somewhat antagonistic) aid of Percy the cat. It was amusing to see Killian finally getting used to the furry fiends, and nice to see Edna almost (but not really) mellowing somewhat.
The mystery is definitely cosy, the setting apparently smells awful, but sounds awfully pretty, and the animals make for a winning combination.
Snuggle up for a comfy, cosy read with a cast of quirky characters.
NOTE: this is not a standalone story, but set in the shared world of the author’s mystery series… which means this book builds on the books that precede it in the series, and reference those events a lot. In addition, there are cameo appearances by characters from the Dog Town series, though it is not necessary to have read those books first!
Back on Runaway Farm with Ivy, Keats the sheepdog, Jilly, and the animal gang, Ivy is hosting an event for her mother and the dance instructor. Everything seems lovely, right up until the dance instructor is found dead near the dancing alpaca!
Ivy decides she needs to help her boyfriend, police chief Killian, find out who murderer the man, before her farm and her mother get blamed!
Poor Ivy and Jilly are definitely having a run of bad luck on Runaway Farm, but the super-sleuth Keats is on the job!
An enjoyable read, Keats is at his charming best, this time with the helpful (if somewhat antagonistic) aid of Percy the cat. It was amusing to see Killian finally getting used to the furry fiends, and nice to see Edna almost (but not really) mellowing somewhat.
The mystery is definitely cosy, the setting apparently smells awful, but sounds awfully pretty, and the animals make for a winning combination.
Snuggle up for a comfy, cosy read with a cast of quirky characters.
NOTE: this is not a standalone story, but set in the shared world of the author’s mystery series… which means this book builds on the books that precede it in the series, and reference those events a lot. In addition, there are cameo appearances by characters from the Dog Town series, though it is not necessary to have read those books first!
December 27, 2020
The dancing alpaca steals the show!
This is such a fun series to read. The rescue animals on Runaway Farm are always up to something that is worth a few giggles and laughs. And let’s not forget the humans do their part too. I can always count on Ivy’s mother and Cori with her mostly black glove for providing a bit of humor. The victim in this story was someone who brought out serious emotions in people, from love to hate. He made enough frenemies and enemies that it was hard to pinpoint the murderer.
This is a clean, entertaining, humorous, and just all-around great read. Each time I read a book from this series; it seems as though I am catching up with old friends. I would love to be a part of the Rescue Mafia. I admire their dedication to protecting and rehabilitating animals rescued from bad situations. If you enjoy a story that will entertain you for hours and even amidst the backdrop of murder and mayhem give you warm fuzzy feelings, then this is a book you will want to pick up.
Recipes included:
1. Jilly’s Fall-in-Love Beef Stroganoff
2. Cousin Leslie’s Holiday Potato Puff
This is such a fun series to read. The rescue animals on Runaway Farm are always up to something that is worth a few giggles and laughs. And let’s not forget the humans do their part too. I can always count on Ivy’s mother and Cori with her mostly black glove for providing a bit of humor. The victim in this story was someone who brought out serious emotions in people, from love to hate. He made enough frenemies and enemies that it was hard to pinpoint the murderer.
This is a clean, entertaining, humorous, and just all-around great read. Each time I read a book from this series; it seems as though I am catching up with old friends. I would love to be a part of the Rescue Mafia. I admire their dedication to protecting and rehabilitating animals rescued from bad situations. If you enjoy a story that will entertain you for hours and even amidst the backdrop of murder and mayhem give you warm fuzzy feelings, then this is a book you will want to pick up.
Recipes included:
1. Jilly’s Fall-in-Love Beef Stroganoff
2. Cousin Leslie’s Holiday Potato Puff
October 14, 2020
This was another great story in the Bought-the-Farm series. Ivy’s mother has a new beau in her revolving dating group and he is quite the dancer. He’s also a swindler and takes money from quite a few ladies in town. So when he turns up dead in Ivy’s barn, it’s up to her to solve his murder and take the blame off her alpaca, donkeys, and llamas.
Percy and Keats are double teaming Kellan, but Percy comes out on top with his antics. He develops quite the habit of sitting on Kellan’s shoulder like a parrot.
Between Keats’ and Percy’s shenanigans against Kellan and the Rescue Mafia showing up with a rescued emu, the laughs just kept coming. Oh, and don’t forget Percy riding Drama Llama like a bucking bronco! I laughed so hard I cried!
I also enjoyed the sweet romance that is progressing between Ivy and Kellan. It’s heartwarming to hear that even though some of her antics annoy him, he likes her just the way she is. Manure-covered overalls and all.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Percy and Keats are double teaming Kellan, but Percy comes out on top with his antics. He develops quite the habit of sitting on Kellan’s shoulder like a parrot.
Between Keats’ and Percy’s shenanigans against Kellan and the Rescue Mafia showing up with a rescued emu, the laughs just kept coming. Oh, and don’t forget Percy riding Drama Llama like a bucking bronco! I laughed so hard I cried!
I also enjoyed the sweet romance that is progressing between Ivy and Kellan. It’s heartwarming to hear that even though some of her antics annoy him, he likes her just the way she is. Manure-covered overalls and all.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
October 10, 2020
I’m loving the Bought-the-Farm mystery series and Alpaca Lies is no exception. I love it when I don’t guess who the murderer is and I was surprised with this one. Don’t get me wrong, I love figuring out who did it before the end, but I love being wrong too. Runaway Farm is no stranger to murder and night is book the unfortunate victim is Jose, the dance instructor. Ivy’s mom Dahlia was taken with Jose, but then so were a lot of other women. Grab your copy of this entertaining read and see if you can figure out the murderer before the end. I just love all of these characters, along with all the animals, especially Keats and Percy. If you love a good mystery set in a wonderful small town, you can’t go wrong with this series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 21, 2020
What a joy! What a farm! What a cast of characters!
From the 1st page I was pulled in, and not released until the end. Of course there's murder; of course Ivy is in the midst of it, and this time she's not alone in the sleuthing. I've never lived in a really small town, but Clover Grove , and its cast of memorable characters make me wish I had. I love the animals! Keats is brilliant as always, and Percy is proving a purrrfect buddy. And Alvina, oh Alvina, I truly adore her. I don't know how Ellen Riggs manages to keep writing such wondsrful stories; Each seems better than the last. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a mystery with great characters, wonderful animals and more suspects than you can count.
From the 1st page I was pulled in, and not released until the end. Of course there's murder; of course Ivy is in the midst of it, and this time she's not alone in the sleuthing. I've never lived in a really small town, but Clover Grove , and its cast of memorable characters make me wish I had. I love the animals! Keats is brilliant as always, and Percy is proving a purrrfect buddy. And Alvina, oh Alvina, I truly adore her. I don't know how Ellen Riggs manages to keep writing such wondsrful stories; Each seems better than the last. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a mystery with great characters, wonderful animals and more suspects than you can count.
January 16, 2021
Ivy, Keats, and Percy are back to solve another murder. Once again a murder of a guest has occurred at Runaway Farm. The police would have found the text the victim received luring him outside right before his murder but they never did. Not very realistic. I have no idea why the murderer wanted to kill Ivy when she hadn't even looked at that person as a suspect. And it is stale that once again she was attacked while she was out at night caring for the animals. I've read the first 5 books but I don't think I'm going to read any more. It is too formulaic. Every ending is basically the same scenario. The series has a lot of potential but has never really lived up to it.
January 25, 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
🔲 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
April 7, 2025
Ivy can't seem to catch a break getting her B&B going. Just when things look to be settling down, and culture is coming to Clover Grove, the new dance teacher is found dead the pen with Alvina, the dancing Alpaca. And even worse, it looks like once again the Galloway family is right in the middle of the suspect pool.
Read along to see if Ivy, along with the help Detective Keats and Percy (the smartest dog and cat team this side of Tom and Jerry) and her boyfriend, the police chief, is able to clear their names, find the actual murderer, and get Runaway Farm going as a hospitality center and not just the center of murder.
Read along to see if Ivy, along with the help Detective Keats and Percy (the smartest dog and cat team this side of Tom and Jerry) and her boyfriend, the police chief, is able to clear their names, find the actual murderer, and get Runaway Farm going as a hospitality center and not just the center of murder.
October 11, 2020
This series gets better and better with every book that comes out. I love the relationship between Kellan and Percy. Alvina is so adorable. The story was so descriptive that I was thinking how I would love to visit Runaway Farm and dance with Alvina. But I was brought back to reality and realized.that Alvina was just a character in the book. I read the book in one sitting because I kept wanting to find out what happened next.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
February 14, 2023
A Dancing Alpaca
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
It was a fine Alpaca and a Llama. The culprit is a jealous husband who doesn't believe in his wives fidelity.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Alvina, the alpaca, is the most popular rescue animal at Runaway Farm. Her passion for dancing with handsome men has created a cult-like following.
When an equally popular ballroom dance instructor brings his troupe to stay in Clover Grove, it starts a craze that ends in a well-choreographed murder.
It was a fine Alpaca and a Llama. The culprit is a jealous husband who doesn't believe in his wives fidelity.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
Gotta love the pun-y titles in this cozy mystery series and this is one of the best! As is our dancing alpaca star along with a quirky mix of rescue animals Ivy has brought to her rescue farm. Such a great setting for a mystery series -- even if the murder count is ever increasing. Ivy and friends (both two and four legged) are faced with yet another nefarious crime that hits a bit too close to home. The mystery is solid, the investigation intriguing and the teasing banter between Ivy and her man is sweet perfection. Love this series so much!
October 11, 2020
Absolutely love this wonderful, quirky, laugh out loud , crazy series. Love blue/ brown eyed Keats, Percy is one in a million. I can just see Asher dance with Alvina. And now there's an emu. The human characters are just as lovely and wonderful. Cannot wait to read more. This series can never end. Each book is not put down until finished then comes the wait for more. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
November 22, 2021
Charming Story
I'm giving this 5 stars because this author just nails the genre of "cozy mystery series". I enjoy the humor and the wacky situations Ivy gets into. The supporting characters are quirky and vivid and the supporting animal characters are delightful, spiteful, and occasionally frightful. The mysteries are solid, the romance, heartwarming, and you never know what will happen next.
I'm giving this 5 stars because this author just nails the genre of "cozy mystery series". I enjoy the humor and the wacky situations Ivy gets into. The supporting characters are quirky and vivid and the supporting animal characters are delightful, spiteful, and occasionally frightful. The mysteries are solid, the romance, heartwarming, and you never know what will happen next.
October 12, 2020
This is such an enjoyable series. Alvina the alpaca loves to dance. So a dance troupe with the male leader, who is a big head (to put it politely!) insists on being filmed with her. Ivy isn’t really happy about it, but, business is needed at the farm. Naturally someone dies &of course Ivy has to try & solve it all. It’s good that the Dog Town characters are more involved in this book.
October 17, 2020
A wonderful addition to the Bought the Farm series. I loved catching up with Ivy, Kellan, Jilly, Keats, Percy and the whole gang. Each book in the series has seen Ivy settle in to the farm more and more. If only those nagging murders would quit. I enjoyed the mystery and also learning a bit more of Dahlia's story. As always, I’m eagerly anticipating the next release.
October 18, 2020
What a great read!! It was character interaction of Ivy and family Kellan the animals! I found myself chuckling as I read. I just thoroughly enjoyed this! I liked all the other books too, but this one seemed more revealing? The characters themselves, though last book had Kellan and Ivy developing their relationship, it seemed Ivy and sisters, mother for sure and Edna!! Keep them coming please!!
Read
April 8, 2021Dance until you drop...dead.
An over amorous dance instructor with a nasty habit of fleecing his female patrons is found dead in Ivy's llama pen after a night of drinking and dancing with his troupe at Ivy's Runaway Farm Inn.
It's up to Ivy and Keats along with Edna's help to find the killer.
An over amorous dance instructor with a nasty habit of fleecing his female patrons is found dead in Ivy's llama pen after a night of drinking and dancing with his troupe at Ivy's Runaway Farm Inn.
It's up to Ivy and Keats along with Edna's help to find the killer.
May 21, 2021
Dancing with an Angel
Dancing, escapism , and an oh so smooth instructor take the ladies of Clover Grove on an exciting whirl around the town. Mom gets in trouble and it's Ivey, Keats, Percy and Edna to the rescue. It's very entertaining and the interactions of the animals make it unique. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Dancing, escapism , and an oh so smooth instructor take the ladies of Clover Grove on an exciting whirl around the town. Mom gets in trouble and it's Ivey, Keats, Percy and Edna to the rescue. It's very entertaining and the interactions of the animals make it unique. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 21, 2021
Farm Mystery 5
It’s going to be hard to get enough words out on the page about this story! I love stories about life, love, family, and community! Living in a small town and on a farm too made thankful a large family with 6 kids and parents that worked hard so we could all have a good life! This story definitely is a depiction of good living!!!
It’s going to be hard to get enough words out on the page about this story! I love stories about life, love, family, and community! Living in a small town and on a farm too made thankful a large family with 6 kids and parents that worked hard so we could all have a good life! This story definitely is a depiction of good living!!!
November 3, 2021
Alpaca Lies: Bought the Farm Cozy#5
Love the animals on the Farm especially Keats and Percy. Another murder on Runaway Farm and Ivy can’t help herself from investigating. Chief of Police Kellan tries to reign in Ivy his girlfriend but that doesn’t stop her. The middle of this story was boring with all the interviews The last two chapters were back to excellent.
Love the animals on the Farm especially Keats and Percy. Another murder on Runaway Farm and Ivy can’t help herself from investigating. Chief of Police Kellan tries to reign in Ivy his girlfriend but that doesn’t stop her. The middle of this story was boring with all the interviews The last two chapters were back to excellent.
December 5, 2022
another excellent mystery with lots of Keats action
However, Ellen cheated this time, she did not share with us the clue till the end so no working out the murderer this time. So pleased that Keats and Percy are an unbeatable team and Edna is a real treasure. Getting better every book. Go Ivy
However, Ellen cheated this time, she did not share with us the clue till the end so no working out the murderer this time. So pleased that Keats and Percy are an unbeatable team and Edna is a real treasure. Getting better every book. Go Ivy
February 6, 2024
A different kind of read
I love animals which is why I decided to give these books a try. They are really good, with just the right mix I of mystery, humor, and information on the story. I've read 5 so far, loved each one, and recommend this series or others from this author. You will not be disappointed!
I love animals which is why I decided to give these books a try. They are really good, with just the right mix I of mystery, humor, and information on the story. I've read 5 so far, loved each one, and recommend this series or others from this author. You will not be disappointed!
February 20, 2024
Do alpaca really dance? No matter, it's fun to imagine it and just go with all the unlikely but amusing events in this story. Her budget for coincidences has got to be out of this planet.
But if you can stand the coincidences, unlikely animal behavior, and highly unusual human behaviors, this series is rather lovely. I'm loving it, anyway.
But if you can stand the coincidences, unlikely animal behavior, and highly unusual human behaviors, this series is rather lovely. I'm loving it, anyway.
October 16, 2020
This is a good story with complex believable characters in a place where friendships are strengthened and crimes are solved together. Romance blossoms despite and because of alpaca spit. A totally clean awesome book
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