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Prairie Crocus #1
A Fresh Beginning & Murder
Book 1 of the Prairie Crocus Cozy Mystery Series.
Clean, wholesome fun (& murder) for all ages!
When Claudia Porter inherits a rundown farmhouse in a quaint prairie town, she hopes it will provide her with the fresh start she so desperately needs. Except then she discovers a body. Before she knows it, she's the prime suspect in a mysterious murder. She's desperate to restore the old fixer upper - and her reputation. All she has to do is try to get along with her notoriously grouchy handyman... and solve a murder. Easy, right?
A fun, casual read with a thirty-something amateur sleuth. Set in a charming rural town on the Canadian prairies, this series has quirky characters, no profanity, and plenty of cats. Each book is a full-length, standalone novel.
Clean, wholesome fun (& murder) for all ages!
When Claudia Porter inherits a rundown farmhouse in a quaint prairie town, she hopes it will provide her with the fresh start she so desperately needs. Except then she discovers a body. Before she knows it, she's the prime suspect in a mysterious murder. She's desperate to restore the old fixer upper - and her reputation. All she has to do is try to get along with her notoriously grouchy handyman... and solve a murder. Easy, right?
A fun, casual read with a thirty-something amateur sleuth. Set in a charming rural town on the Canadian prairies, this series has quirky characters, no profanity, and plenty of cats. Each book is a full-length, standalone novel.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2020
407 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 15, 2022
A very good start to this series. Claudia is a very likable character and I am excited to see what happens next.
August 1, 2020
Murder in a little town on the prairie.
A great story about a fresh start, new friends, renovating a house and a murder. I like it that the murder mystery seems less important than Claudia's new life and her making new friends. Well, her investigations lead her in the middle of the lives around her. And that way she gets to see the good and the bad. So, not only does she find a killer, she also finds some friends. And a Cat.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Claudia's new life in this little town on the prairie!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great story about a fresh start, new friends, renovating a house and a murder. I like it that the murder mystery seems less important than Claudia's new life and her making new friends. Well, her investigations lead her in the middle of the lives around her. And that way she gets to see the good and the bad. So, not only does she find a killer, she also finds some friends. And a Cat.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Claudia's new life in this little town on the prairie!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s entertaining and indeed very cozy.
The setting was vage enough that every reader can build their own little dream town in their heads. The community, on the other hand, was set up very well and detailed. It was fun to get to know them all with Claudia. There were several inhabitants my heart totally went out for.
The recipe at the end is a very nice touch.
I‘m looking forward to future books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The setting was vage enough that every reader can build their own little dream town in their heads. The community, on the other hand, was set up very well and detailed. It was fun to get to know them all with Claudia. There were several inhabitants my heart totally went out for.
The recipe at the end is a very nice touch.
I‘m looking forward to future books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2025
A good mystery. Well worth a read.
August 12, 2025
Perfect cozy mystery set in the Canadian prairie! I loved the characters and the small town setting.
Read
May 14, 2022I was unsure if I wanted to continue reading this book about 1/3 through. I could look over the instances of the town's name changing to the spelling of characters name changing.
The language used to describe many of the female characters was off-putting. I wondered is this Claudia or Miranda's personal opinions seeping in. The descriptions could have/ would have been enough without adding in verbiage like "Frump".
The language used to describe many of the female characters was off-putting. I wondered is this Claudia or Miranda's personal opinions seeping in. The descriptions could have/ would have been enough without adding in verbiage like "Frump".
January 1, 2024
This is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed reading this first in series. Claudia and her sister inherits an old farmhouse which appears as a God-sent to Claudia, offering her a chance of a fresh start after finding out that her boyfriend was married and had been lying to her. However, when she sees her inheritance, a ramshackle, broken down, falling apart farmhouse, she was not so sure. Her sister is prepared to sell it on and have nothing to do with it, but Claudia is nothing but persistent and after some while, things begin to look better. But that was of course, discounting the corpse that was found on her property.
I liked the fact that this author has included several difficult issues in this book and are prepared for her characters to discuss and to find the solution to the problems. She has included alcoholism, peer pressure for young people, affairs, self esteem and others and the comeback Brickett offers is sympathetic, understanding, reassuring as well as practical. I find that a brave move on her part and I applaud her for it. This mystery is well and cleverly written and enjoyable to read.
I liked the fact that this author has included several difficult issues in this book and are prepared for her characters to discuss and to find the solution to the problems. She has included alcoholism, peer pressure for young people, affairs, self esteem and others and the comeback Brickett offers is sympathetic, understanding, reassuring as well as practical. I find that a brave move on her part and I applaud her for it. This mystery is well and cleverly written and enjoyable to read.
January 14, 2022
Brilliant
This is a refreshing cozy mystery set in the exotic and quaint town of Prairie Crocus in Canada. The story is awesome and fast paced without a single dull moment. I love it.
Claudia Porter and her twin Madeline receive a farmhouse in Prairie Crocus as an inheritance from their Great Aunt Alexandra. The farmhouse is in a bad shape and Claudia is disappointed to see a lovely cottage in a pathetic condition. The farmhouse needs a major renovation. Claudia meets Emily Graham, her new neighbor. They become good friends and she recommends Scott Anderson, the town handyman as a go-to person for house remodeling. Claudia is shocked to find empty beer bottles inside the farmhouse and broken door indicating unwanted visits from squatters. She decides to take a look around the property and screams in shock after seeing a stranger fishing by the lake.
After a brief exchange, he goes away. She stumbles upon a dead body and calls the police. Officer Carter Klein arrives at the crime scene and suspects her of committing the crime. She wants to clear her name and steps into investigation. She spends a night with Emily after failing to get an accommodation in the bed and breakfast. She learns from her that the deceased, Ron Pentz, had a business partnership with Clark and they operated a store Go outside that supplied hunting items, fishing materials and so on.
When she is visiting the farm market on Saturday, she also notices a scuffle between Clark and a young guy sporting a blue Mohawk hairstyle. The young guy, Taylor Hain, is an environmental enthusiast and wants this business to be closed. Clark notices one of his guns missing which Officer Klein produces for him to confirm. The officer says that he believes Ron was shot dead from the same gun. This sets Claudia thinking. She discovers that Ron was a cheat and a gambler and embezzled the business funds for gambling. She also meets his widow Gwen who says she was unaware of his misdeeds. Her list of suspects include Taylor who despised Ron's business, Gwen who might have killed him for insurance, Clark who might seek revenge for ruining him.
Her investigation has some interesting and stunning revelations. She fares better as an amateur detective than Officer Klein. She also has a sorry past of her own. Do read this book to find out the real culprit. It has plenty of twists and suspense is well maintained until the end. Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
This is a refreshing cozy mystery set in the exotic and quaint town of Prairie Crocus in Canada. The story is awesome and fast paced without a single dull moment. I love it.
Claudia Porter and her twin Madeline receive a farmhouse in Prairie Crocus as an inheritance from their Great Aunt Alexandra. The farmhouse is in a bad shape and Claudia is disappointed to see a lovely cottage in a pathetic condition. The farmhouse needs a major renovation. Claudia meets Emily Graham, her new neighbor. They become good friends and she recommends Scott Anderson, the town handyman as a go-to person for house remodeling. Claudia is shocked to find empty beer bottles inside the farmhouse and broken door indicating unwanted visits from squatters. She decides to take a look around the property and screams in shock after seeing a stranger fishing by the lake.
After a brief exchange, he goes away. She stumbles upon a dead body and calls the police. Officer Carter Klein arrives at the crime scene and suspects her of committing the crime. She wants to clear her name and steps into investigation. She spends a night with Emily after failing to get an accommodation in the bed and breakfast. She learns from her that the deceased, Ron Pentz, had a business partnership with Clark and they operated a store Go outside that supplied hunting items, fishing materials and so on.
When she is visiting the farm market on Saturday, she also notices a scuffle between Clark and a young guy sporting a blue Mohawk hairstyle. The young guy, Taylor Hain, is an environmental enthusiast and wants this business to be closed. Clark notices one of his guns missing which Officer Klein produces for him to confirm. The officer says that he believes Ron was shot dead from the same gun. This sets Claudia thinking. She discovers that Ron was a cheat and a gambler and embezzled the business funds for gambling. She also meets his widow Gwen who says she was unaware of his misdeeds. Her list of suspects include Taylor who despised Ron's business, Gwen who might have killed him for insurance, Clark who might seek revenge for ruining him.
Her investigation has some interesting and stunning revelations. She fares better as an amateur detective than Officer Klein. She also has a sorry past of her own. Do read this book to find out the real culprit. It has plenty of twists and suspense is well maintained until the end. Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
March 3, 2022
I have to admit that when I first started reading this book, it tended to drift off. I found that when I started really getting into the plot it was a truly good read.
We are introduced to Claudia and her sister Madeline. Both of them have very different lives. Madeline has married into money and it shows. Claudia went on to become a teacher. They inherit an old farmhouse that belonged to their great-aunt. After many years of neglect it is in need of repair. Madeline wants nothing to do with it, but Claudia has faith that she can get it restored to its old beauty. As she is wandering around the property she discovers a dead body. From that moment on it becomes a "Who Done It" story.
Claudia hires Scott Anderson to fix up the house. She then goes out and starts meeting the locals to see if she can uncover who would want to murder the man on her property. She runs into several dead ends, but also makes amazing friendships. Truly a good book if you are into a "Clue" type mystery.
We are introduced to Claudia and her sister Madeline. Both of them have very different lives. Madeline has married into money and it shows. Claudia went on to become a teacher. They inherit an old farmhouse that belonged to their great-aunt. After many years of neglect it is in need of repair. Madeline wants nothing to do with it, but Claudia has faith that she can get it restored to its old beauty. As she is wandering around the property she discovers a dead body. From that moment on it becomes a "Who Done It" story.
Claudia hires Scott Anderson to fix up the house. She then goes out and starts meeting the locals to see if she can uncover who would want to murder the man on her property. She runs into several dead ends, but also makes amazing friendships. Truly a good book if you are into a "Clue" type mystery.
January 6, 2022
After fleeing the city and her job when a romance went wrong Claudia has the double shock of finding her inheritance is much more run down than she had hoped and there was also a dead body in the garden.
After deciding to renovate and finding a local handiman to help Claudia starts to make friends but feels she really needs to find out who killed the man she she found, partly because she was worried about being a suspect but mainly because her curiosity wouldn't let things go.
A lovely cosy mystery with several little distractions from the main story, leading to some locals completely turning things around helping both themselves and also Claudia who finds both a best friend as well as other friends she feels comfortable with and can trust.
A great read if you want a story with no bad language, violence, or sex and set in a rather charming small town setting
Highly enjoyed reading it and would recommend
After deciding to renovate and finding a local handiman to help Claudia starts to make friends but feels she really needs to find out who killed the man she she found, partly because she was worried about being a suspect but mainly because her curiosity wouldn't let things go.
A lovely cosy mystery with several little distractions from the main story, leading to some locals completely turning things around helping both themselves and also Claudia who finds both a best friend as well as other friends she feels comfortable with and can trust.
A great read if you want a story with no bad language, violence, or sex and set in a rather charming small town setting
Highly enjoyed reading it and would recommend
July 21, 2021
When Claudia Porter jointly inherited a farmhouse with her twin sister, she was thrilled at the chance to leave behind a life that had become intolerable. Shocked at the state of the property, she was even more distraught when she found a dead body close by.
It took a while to warm to Claudia but when I did, I found she had some pretty admirable characteristics. As Claudia became more a part of her new community, both she and the people she met began to grow and blossom into living people.
In honesty, part of the problem I had getting into the story was the fact that I had just read a book with a very similar premise. Because I really liked that novel, this one took time to grow on me. But it did and now I'm looking forward to more by this author.
Recommended.
It took a while to warm to Claudia but when I did, I found she had some pretty admirable characteristics. As Claudia became more a part of her new community, both she and the people she met began to grow and blossom into living people.
In honesty, part of the problem I had getting into the story was the fact that I had just read a book with a very similar premise. Because I really liked that novel, this one took time to grow on me. But it did and now I'm looking forward to more by this author.
Recommended.
October 9, 2025
I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did. I would totally recommend for murder mystery lovers! This was a strong start to a series and I cannot wait to read more. Claudia and her sister inherit a farmhouse in a small town but her sister wants nothing to do with it. Claudia is in a transitional period-just quitting a job and an end of a relationship- and is needing a fresh start. Unfortunately, the house is in need of a lot of repairs. Claudia is a very likable and kind character and starts making friends and solving murders! It has a hint of a found family. It was so cozy and cute. I will definitely be continuing.
August 4, 2021
Not a bad start
I liked Claudia a lot. She was sweet, smart, friendly, and compassionate. The mystery was decent but it was uh interesting how she solved it. The death of someone she did not know in a town she just moved to that day. Trying to determine who killed him amongst strangers should have been trickier, but she pretty much bulldozed her way into peoples personal life to get answers. Goodnaturedly mind you, but it worked. What is a woman to do when you find a dead body by your property.
I liked Claudia a lot. She was sweet, smart, friendly, and compassionate. The mystery was decent but it was uh interesting how she solved it. The death of someone she did not know in a town she just moved to that day. Trying to determine who killed him amongst strangers should have been trickier, but she pretty much bulldozed her way into peoples personal life to get answers. Goodnaturedly mind you, but it worked. What is a woman to do when you find a dead body by your property.
January 3, 2022
Starting A New Life
Claudia was reeling after a love relationship went bad. She has cone to a small town to get her grandparents house in shape to sell. Living in a small town is a new experience for her. She is surprised how warm and friendly the people are.; however, she never expected to find a dead body on her property when she first arrives and also discovers he has been murdered. The adventure begins as she tries to solve the mystery and get the run down house back in shape. Very good read.
Claudia was reeling after a love relationship went bad. She has cone to a small town to get her grandparents house in shape to sell. Living in a small town is a new experience for her. She is surprised how warm and friendly the people are.; however, she never expected to find a dead body on her property when she first arrives and also discovers he has been murdered. The adventure begins as she tries to solve the mystery and get the run down house back in shape. Very good read.
February 1, 2022
A wonderful cozy mystery
Claudia visits Prairie Crocus to have a look at a farmhouse that was left to her and her twin sister. Her sister isn't interested in the farmhouse but Claudia is. The house is in a bit of a state and needs a lot of renovation. Claudia goes to look at the gardens and finds a dead body. She also meets a lot of the town's residents and makes friends. She also acquires a cat. She also does a bit of poking around to find the killer. I really enjoyed reading this book, no swearing, gore or sex. A good wholesome read.
Claudia visits Prairie Crocus to have a look at a farmhouse that was left to her and her twin sister. Her sister isn't interested in the farmhouse but Claudia is. The house is in a bit of a state and needs a lot of renovation. Claudia goes to look at the gardens and finds a dead body. She also meets a lot of the town's residents and makes friends. She also acquires a cat. She also does a bit of poking around to find the killer. I really enjoyed reading this book, no swearing, gore or sex. A good wholesome read.
August 4, 2022
run don't walk over to Amazon; this is still free there. i got it for FREE. love that. 9 books in that series. "The Prairie Crocus Cozy Mystery Series". that was a long series name. wow!! any who ... July 15, 2020 is when it came out. Cozy Crafts & Hobbies Mystery. Cozy Culinary Mystery. Cozy Animal Mystery. i love how Amazon has so many "Best Sellers Rank" topics/names whatever u wanna call them. i don't know how authors keep up? so many bits and pieces to know and understand there. small town murder. whodunit?? watch out. can you figure it out. i love that style of read. fun times!!
May 7, 2023
I picked up this e-book for free as a daily deal so I wasn't expecting much but this debut was so adorable.
I loved the setting of the little town and old house needing renovations. There seemed to be quite a metaphorical connection between the rebuilding of the home and the rebuilding of the heroine's life in a new place. I love a cozy mystery with great friendships and Claudia's friendship with Emily has a lot of potential.
This debut has a lot of humour but also addresses some serious topics that I wasn't expecting.
I'm very interested in continuing this series!
I loved the setting of the little town and old house needing renovations. There seemed to be quite a metaphorical connection between the rebuilding of the home and the rebuilding of the heroine's life in a new place. I love a cozy mystery with great friendships and Claudia's friendship with Emily has a lot of potential.
This debut has a lot of humour but also addresses some serious topics that I wasn't expecting.
I'm very interested in continuing this series!
June 22, 2023
Twin sisters Madeline and Claudia Porter inherited a farmhouse in a small town in Prairie Clover from a great aunt who recently passed away. Madeline marries into money and wants nothing to do with the house. Claudia wants to restore the old house. Claudia discovers a man's body near the house and she is the prime suspect in the murder. Claudia meets Emily Graham, Gwen Pentz, Scott Anderson and of course, Mrow the furry black and white cat to help her investigate the murder. I really enjoyed this fantastic cozy mystery novel.
February 26, 2022
Wonderful Novel!
This was my first time reading Miranda Brackett and have to say, I was delighted with this short novel--just what I needed. A neat, heartfelt, and well structured story filled with complex yet loveable characters making their way in a sometimes difficult life. Thoroughly enjoyed the on-going mystery from the beginning through to the very satisfying conclusion.
Definitely planning to read the following novels in this series!
This was my first time reading Miranda Brackett and have to say, I was delighted with this short novel--just what I needed. A neat, heartfelt, and well structured story filled with complex yet loveable characters making their way in a sometimes difficult life. Thoroughly enjoyed the on-going mystery from the beginning through to the very satisfying conclusion.
Definitely planning to read the following novels in this series!
April 15, 2021
Woman moves to small town on the Canadian prairie after inheriting a house. Unsure of her future she decides the house needs sprucing up before deciding to sell it. But she finds a body in the road in front of her house and so begins her adventures as a detective. With the help of the town she helps identify the murderer and helps out a few people along the way.
December 31, 2021
Claudia Porter and her twin sister Madeline inherits a run down farmhouse from their Great-Aunt Alexandra in Prairie town, she hopes it will provide the fresh start it desperately needs. She also plans to fix the place before she puts it up on the market.
Madeline who’s an attorney wants nothing to do with the house because she’s juggling her family and busy career
Madeline who’s an attorney wants nothing to do with the house because she’s juggling her family and busy career
January 27, 2023
Who wants to find a body on your first day in a new town?
What a fun who-done-it! The characters feel real. They make me wish I was part of this amazing group of making friends in a small town. Claudia is smart and sweet. Emily is kind and insightful. With two handsome men in the wind anything can happen, including finding a murderer.
What a fun who-done-it! The characters feel real. They make me wish I was part of this amazing group of making friends in a small town. Claudia is smart and sweet. Emily is kind and insightful. With two handsome men in the wind anything can happen, including finding a murderer.
July 25, 2023
a cozy mystery, just as it should be.
Sometimes a cozy mystery gets too steep and raises blood pressure. This one is written so you get the mystery effect but don’t have to take more blood pressure medicine. The characters are superb and down to earth. Wish more existed in the real world. Keep up the good work, Miranda!!
Sometimes a cozy mystery gets too steep and raises blood pressure. This one is written so you get the mystery effect but don’t have to take more blood pressure medicine. The characters are superb and down to earth. Wish more existed in the real world. Keep up the good work, Miranda!!
July 14, 2021
Good mystery
I enjoyed this mystery. At first I wasn't sure about it so I stopped reading it. I came back and finished and am glad I did. The mystery was very good. I came to like the characters and the town.
I enjoyed this mystery. At first I wasn't sure about it so I stopped reading it. I came back and finished and am glad I did. The mystery was very good. I came to like the characters and the town.
October 10, 2021
A Fresh Beginning &Murder
Enjoyed the characters with their individual flaws along with their growth in overcoming those flaws. Very much enjoyed the lack of explicit sex and offensive language. Nice read.
Enjoyed the characters with their individual flaws along with their growth in overcoming those flaws. Very much enjoyed the lack of explicit sex and offensive language. Nice read.
December 27, 2021
Cozy Mystery
I love this book. Claudia is a fun and interesting character. I loved watching her grow and her compassion is so heartwarming. The mystery was interesting and interwoven perfectly into a character driven story.
I love this book. Claudia is a fun and interesting character. I loved watching her grow and her compassion is so heartwarming. The mystery was interesting and interwoven perfectly into a character driven story.
January 3, 2022
Good read
A cozy romantic murder mystery that kept you guessing. Hope the reno works out and Claudia finds work to let her stay in Prairie Crocus. And will it be with Scott or Carter?
A cozy romantic murder mystery that kept you guessing. Hope the reno works out and Claudia finds work to let her stay in Prairie Crocus. And will it be with Scott or Carter?
January 11, 2022
A fresh Beginning & Murder
Loved this book, it kept my I interest
through out the whole book. wasn't to long it got to the point didn't drag on senselessly lime some. I look forward to reading the next book.
Loved this book, it kept my I interest
through out the whole book. wasn't to long it got to the point didn't drag on senselessly lime some. I look forward to reading the next book.
January 13, 2022
Obviously this book has a murder - I don't think that's a spoiler. I found the theory on which they concluded to frame the murderer to be completely unbelievable.
I was over-invested in the property renos though
I was over-invested in the property renos though
January 23, 2022
A quick read. Almost 5 star worthy but I hate a heroine who gets clues by snooping in other people’s houses while supposedly going to the restroom. In spite of that, I liked the story and will read more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews