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Shady Acres Mystery #1
Beware the Orchids
Who said flowers weren't dangerous?
Ditched at the altar, Shelby Hart tosses down her bouquet, quits her job, and accepts a position as gardener and event coordinator at an upscale retirement community. Her first day on the job results with a dead body in the greenhouse under the potted orchids and with her as the prime suspect!
Why can’t Shelby find a job that doesn’t include out-of-control children or murder? She isn’t equipped to find a killer…or is she?
Toss in a handsome handyman, quirky characters, and a flirtatious grandma and the fun never stops.
This humorous small town cozy mystery is sure to please fans who enjoy a good laugh and a fun mystery.
Readers who enjoy Christy Barritt, H.Y. Hanna, and Amy Vansant will enjoy the Shady Acres series by a best-selling and award-winning author.
Kindle ebook tags: amateur sleuth mysteries, job employment mystery, women’s humorous fiction, cozy mysteries kindle ebook, cozy mystery in Arkansas, cozy mystery in Ozarks, multi-generational mystery, mother daughter grandmother cozy mystery series, romance mystery and suspense
Ditched at the altar, Shelby Hart tosses down her bouquet, quits her job, and accepts a position as gardener and event coordinator at an upscale retirement community. Her first day on the job results with a dead body in the greenhouse under the potted orchids and with her as the prime suspect!
Why can’t Shelby find a job that doesn’t include out-of-control children or murder? She isn’t equipped to find a killer…or is she?
Toss in a handsome handyman, quirky characters, and a flirtatious grandma and the fun never stops.
This humorous small town cozy mystery is sure to please fans who enjoy a good laugh and a fun mystery.
Readers who enjoy Christy Barritt, H.Y. Hanna, and Amy Vansant will enjoy the Shady Acres series by a best-selling and award-winning author.
Kindle ebook tags: amateur sleuth mysteries, job employment mystery, women’s humorous fiction, cozy mysteries kindle ebook, cozy mystery in Arkansas, cozy mystery in Ozarks, multi-generational mystery, mother daughter grandmother cozy mystery series, romance mystery and suspense
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
241 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Hickey
463 books325 followersWebsite at www.cynthiahickey.com
Also www.forgetmenotromances.com
Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She had several historical romances release through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. You can find her on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, two cats, three box turtles, and two Sulcata tortoises. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.
Also www.forgetmenotromances.com
Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She had several historical romances release through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. You can find her on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, two cats, three box turtles, and two Sulcata tortoises. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 3, 2017
Dressed in her wedding gown at the church, Shelby Hart receives a text message from her groom. He’s calling off the wedding. Shelby immediately quits her teaching job. No way is she going to continue teaching there since her now former fiance is the school’s principal. She’s determined to make a new life for herself far away from her ex.
First thing on her list is to get a new job. She gets one at a local retirement community center. She not only is the new gardener and event planner, but she gets a place to live too. To make things even more interesting, her grandmother decides to get an apartment there too.
Shelby loves gardening, but her first day on the job brings more than she bargained for when she discovers one of the residents dead in the greenhouse. It doesn’t take long to learn it is murder.
There are numerous suspects. Shelby doesn’t trust the police to do the job, so she lends a helping hand in the investigation. Along with her grandmother and her friends, Shelby sets out to find a killer.
The first book in the Shady Acres Mysteries had me guessing through the entire book. There were so many suspects to choose from and I must have picked each one at one time or another. I didn’t guess the real killer, which is a good thing. It made the whole adventure even better. The author mixes mystery, humor and romance into one fun story. She, also, gives us a heroine who is entertaining and will leave you smiling.
This is a quick read to start this series on a good note. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one.
First thing on her list is to get a new job. She gets one at a local retirement community center. She not only is the new gardener and event planner, but she gets a place to live too. To make things even more interesting, her grandmother decides to get an apartment there too.
Shelby loves gardening, but her first day on the job brings more than she bargained for when she discovers one of the residents dead in the greenhouse. It doesn’t take long to learn it is murder.
There are numerous suspects. Shelby doesn’t trust the police to do the job, so she lends a helping hand in the investigation. Along with her grandmother and her friends, Shelby sets out to find a killer.
The first book in the Shady Acres Mysteries had me guessing through the entire book. There were so many suspects to choose from and I must have picked each one at one time or another. I didn’t guess the real killer, which is a good thing. It made the whole adventure even better. The author mixes mystery, humor and romance into one fun story. She, also, gives us a heroine who is entertaining and will leave you smiling.
This is a quick read to start this series on a good note. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one.
February 21, 2020
Cute little mystery! When Shelby's fiancee leaves her standing at the alter she quits her job and takes a job gardening at a retirement village. But when dead bodies start turning up she knows she has to solve who is causing the untimely deaths and why.
August 22, 2017
Who said retirement villages are boring.
I waited a few days to review this book.
The story is a cute idea. Girl left at the altar by a guy she didn't really want to marry.
So she finds a new job and shakes up her life. Applies and gets her dream job. Being a gardener. It's at an upscale retirement village and she can do as she wants to improve the village. Good idea, right?
My problem with the book is how it is written. The whole time I was reading it I kept wondering if this was written in haste, written by a young writer or maybe meant for a junior high school reader.
The wording seems almost childish at times. So I'm a little confused about who it's written for.
A lot of continuity problems. Days or weeks or months, I got confused on the timing and why grandma had to move into the retirement community on the same day Shelby starts her job, and her best friend comes to spend the week two days after she starts makes me wonder if Shelby is going to be a character who will fade away and disappear. And grandma will take over. Or if Shelby is going to be one of those silly women who can't think on her own.
Believe it or not I do like the characters and hope they do get more depth. Maybe Shelby will grow a back bone in the next book. I hope so. I'm going to give this series a chance because I think it's one I could really like.
I waited a few days to review this book.
The story is a cute idea. Girl left at the altar by a guy she didn't really want to marry.
So she finds a new job and shakes up her life. Applies and gets her dream job. Being a gardener. It's at an upscale retirement village and she can do as she wants to improve the village. Good idea, right?
My problem with the book is how it is written. The whole time I was reading it I kept wondering if this was written in haste, written by a young writer or maybe meant for a junior high school reader.
The wording seems almost childish at times. So I'm a little confused about who it's written for.
A lot of continuity problems. Days or weeks or months, I got confused on the timing and why grandma had to move into the retirement community on the same day Shelby starts her job, and her best friend comes to spend the week two days after she starts makes me wonder if Shelby is going to be a character who will fade away and disappear. And grandma will take over. Or if Shelby is going to be one of those silly women who can't think on her own.
Believe it or not I do like the characters and hope they do get more depth. Maybe Shelby will grow a back bone in the next book. I hope so. I'm going to give this series a chance because I think it's one I could really like.
December 29, 2017
This was such a fun cozy mystery. It had everything I liked. An intimate setting, Shady Acres Retirement Community.
A gal down on her luck, Shelby Hart, lands her dream job after an embarrassing break up. She’s adorable. I like that she had matching rubber boots for her outfits. She says just because her job gets her dirty doesn’t mean she can’t look good.
Diverse and colorful characters. Shelby’s best friend Cheryl. She’s very statuesque. Shelby could stand in her shadow. Her dedication to friendship is fierce yet she’s still kind of girly. Shelby’s mom is more demure. And then there’s grandma. She’s not slowing down with age. She’s just getting started. Three generations of feisty women who gave me the giggles.
Can’t forget the love interest, handsome Heath. He enjoys teasing Shelby. Knows she’s fresh out of a break up and willing to bide his time.
And then there’s the mystery. What’s a mystery without a murder or two. Nothing gory but it is a bit vicious. Wouldn’t expect it from our senior citizens. It took me most of the book to finally decide who I thought it was. Then the fun part, reading on to see if I was right.
I had fun with the folks at Shady Acres and look forward to visiting again soon.
This is the perfect weekend read for cozy fans. Not too long or too short. Just right for an afternoon of fun.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
A gal down on her luck, Shelby Hart, lands her dream job after an embarrassing break up. She’s adorable. I like that she had matching rubber boots for her outfits. She says just because her job gets her dirty doesn’t mean she can’t look good.
Diverse and colorful characters. Shelby’s best friend Cheryl. She’s very statuesque. Shelby could stand in her shadow. Her dedication to friendship is fierce yet she’s still kind of girly. Shelby’s mom is more demure. And then there’s grandma. She’s not slowing down with age. She’s just getting started. Three generations of feisty women who gave me the giggles.
Can’t forget the love interest, handsome Heath. He enjoys teasing Shelby. Knows she’s fresh out of a break up and willing to bide his time.
And then there’s the mystery. What’s a mystery without a murder or two. Nothing gory but it is a bit vicious. Wouldn’t expect it from our senior citizens. It took me most of the book to finally decide who I thought it was. Then the fun part, reading on to see if I was right.
I had fun with the folks at Shady Acres and look forward to visiting again soon.
This is the perfect weekend read for cozy fans. Not too long or too short. Just right for an afternoon of fun.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
September 30, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
February 6, 2016
Love, love, love this new book in a new series.
I love cozy mysteries and it kept me engaged from the first word.
The quirky characters are hilarious set amidst the Shady Acres Retirement Center.
Never let it be said, that Seniors lead a quite, sedate life.
We have the main character Shelby,the tiny gardener /event coordinator that dresses in cute clothes and matching rain boots with wild dark hair, contrasted by her best friend Cheryl, the Amazon, a school teacher.
She is joined by her Grandmother,Ida a 65 year old over perfumed red head , who tries to be a Lucille Ball look alike. Her granddaughter affectionately says she's a mixture of Taboo and cigarette smoke.
Then there is the hunky Heath, a Chris Hensworth look-alike, who is the handyman .
These four characters all join together to solve the mystery and entertain us with their antics.
I love cozy mysteries and it kept me engaged from the first word.
The quirky characters are hilarious set amidst the Shady Acres Retirement Center.
Never let it be said, that Seniors lead a quite, sedate life.
We have the main character Shelby,the tiny gardener /event coordinator that dresses in cute clothes and matching rain boots with wild dark hair, contrasted by her best friend Cheryl, the Amazon, a school teacher.
She is joined by her Grandmother,Ida a 65 year old over perfumed red head , who tries to be a Lucille Ball look alike. Her granddaughter affectionately says she's a mixture of Taboo and cigarette smoke.
Then there is the hunky Heath, a Chris Hensworth look-alike, who is the handyman .
These four characters all join together to solve the mystery and entertain us with their antics.
July 26, 2016
This is such a great read!! From the moment you read the first line until you read the last, you will be entertained! The lively cast of zany characters that live at the Shady Acres retirement community are a little out of control until Alice the manager makes the smart move to hire Shelby as their new gardener/event coordinator. Shelby has no experience with elderly people but she's been a 3rd Grade teacher for several years so what could she not be prepared for?? Murder? Mayhem? Suspicion? Love?!?! Look forward to meeting the fun cast of characters Shelby, Alice, Heath (hunky handyman), Shelby's Grandma Ida Grayson, Shelby's Mom Sue Ellen, Officer Dan Lawrence, Cheryl (Shelby's BFF) and Maybelle who the mystery is centered around. You won't be disappointed!
Special thanks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
Such a fun cozy mystery. Loved all the characters. Easy read from start to finish. Love the retirement aspect, normally cozies are bakeries or bookstores this was refreshing. I read a lot of cozies and this is going on my top list.
Shaddy Acres is a quaint retirement village that has a new gardener, Shelby Jenkins. She was left at the alter, left her job as a teacher and has started over. Well sorta, her grandmother has decided to move to Shaddy Acres too. She is a hoot! Love how frisky of a character she is and how dynamic of a part of the story line. Of course in the first day of working Shelby is not only in the middle of one murder but two and she has caught the eye of the hunky handyman.
All of these characters are fun and full of energy. Look forward to book two in the series.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Shaddy Acres is a quaint retirement village that has a new gardener, Shelby Jenkins. She was left at the alter, left her job as a teacher and has started over. Well sorta, her grandmother has decided to move to Shaddy Acres too. She is a hoot! Love how frisky of a character she is and how dynamic of a part of the story line. Of course in the first day of working Shelby is not only in the middle of one murder but two and she has caught the eye of the hunky handyman.
All of these characters are fun and full of energy. Look forward to book two in the series.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
What a darling read and mystery Beware the Orchids is! The characters are a hoot with the setting at a retirement village! Dead people start popping up all over and the authorities don't seem to be closing in on the killer. Shelby Hart, in a new position at Shady Acres after her fiancee jilted her at the altar, decides she can solve the mystery. She finds the handyman could be helpful and what a hunk he is! Escapades galore occur in ending the deaths that have everyone on their last nerve. Who knows who is safe and who is part of the murdering?
I received a copy of Beware the Orchids from The BookClub Network and the author. I have given my honest review in exchange.
I received a copy of Beware the Orchids from The BookClub Network and the author. I have given my honest review in exchange.
September 28, 2016
Cute, fun mystery. I look forward to reading the next two in the series!
November 6, 2017
Beware the Orchids by Cynthia Hickey is the first book in the Shady Acres Mystery series. Shelby Jenkins is jilted at the altar and starts her new life as a gardener and events coordinator at Shady Acres retirement community. Just after her arrival she comes across the body of one of the residents poisoned in the greenhouse. A nice, light-hearted book, although a bit far-fetched and not very believable. Shelby acted more like a little girl rather than a grown woman, and this was reflected in her choice of clothing and gardening accessories and her sleuthing. It was an interesting and quick read but just okay for me.
July 11, 2016
I love reading cozy mysteries. They are fun, action packed and always filled with quaint and funny characters. The theme is always surrounded by a business. I loved the retirement center that the author wrote about. It was filled with feisty women, gossips, loners and older men looking to have a little romance. The place was busy, and sounded like a great place to live.
Shady Acres Retirement Center is Shelby's new place to work. After being jilted at the altar, she had to find a new place far away from her old life. What better place than a retirement center . Her job is to take care of the plants, flowers and head up the activities for the residents. I absolutely loved the outfits she wore everyday. I could picture her rain boots with cute designs that were perfectly matched to her outfit. Her grandmother decides to take up residence at the retirement place . The grandmother is such a fun character. She is there to have a good time and maybe find a new beau. She is spunky and full of life. I would love to hang out with her. Oh the troubles we would get into would be hilarious .
When there is a murder at the retirement center, everyone starts pointing fingers at each other. Who would kill someone at a place where elderly people lived? There were really no kind words spoken of the dead person. What a shame they were not well liked. The way the person was murdered was a brilliant and refreshing change from the usual stabbing or being shot that other books have. Shelby somehow appoints herself to solve the mystery. Perhaps it may be because the handsome handyman was a suspect. She did seem to have a sparkle in her eye when she looked at him. The story is fun, entertaining and unpredictable at times. It sure had me laughing and it really is a nice story written with flair and entertainment. I cannot wait for the next Shady Acres book in this laugh out loud zany series.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Shady Acres Retirement Center is Shelby's new place to work. After being jilted at the altar, she had to find a new place far away from her old life. What better place than a retirement center . Her job is to take care of the plants, flowers and head up the activities for the residents. I absolutely loved the outfits she wore everyday. I could picture her rain boots with cute designs that were perfectly matched to her outfit. Her grandmother decides to take up residence at the retirement place . The grandmother is such a fun character. She is there to have a good time and maybe find a new beau. She is spunky and full of life. I would love to hang out with her. Oh the troubles we would get into would be hilarious .
When there is a murder at the retirement center, everyone starts pointing fingers at each other. Who would kill someone at a place where elderly people lived? There were really no kind words spoken of the dead person. What a shame they were not well liked. The way the person was murdered was a brilliant and refreshing change from the usual stabbing or being shot that other books have. Shelby somehow appoints herself to solve the mystery. Perhaps it may be because the handsome handyman was a suspect. She did seem to have a sparkle in her eye when she looked at him. The story is fun, entertaining and unpredictable at times. It sure had me laughing and it really is a nice story written with flair and entertainment. I cannot wait for the next Shady Acres book in this laugh out loud zany series.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Read
July 22, 2020And I thought....
It's so fun to get at book 1! Beware The Orchids is a 5 star
start to the Shady Acres Mystery Series.
I was intrigued from the start right on through to the end.
And the author even included an excerpt of book 2! (see below)
When Shelby our main character is literally left at the alter by the smuck Donald who was also her boss. She resigns her job via text message. Not wasting any time she applies for a position at
Shady Acres and starts a new life as gardener and activities directer at the senior community.
Shelby is just delightful. From the cute dresses and gardening boots and gloves to just her sweet spirit. She is just super sweet.
Before she has a chance to settle in her vivacious Granny Ida decides to move in too. Which happens to be a good thing.
Granny Ida helps Shelby get past the Donald fiasco and betrayal.
Granny Ida has a lot to say about Donald.
And when they meet the handsome handyman Heath Granny Ida let's Shelby know she needs to get past Donald and move on . . .
“Oh, pooh. Donald was nothing more than a trial run that went bad. He was a rusty old Chevy. Heath is a Mercedes.” Ida is charming and witty. (I had a chance to interview her and ask a few questions. See below.)
Along with Granny and Donald Shelby is helped to investigate a murder with her best friend Cheryl.
There is no shortage of interesting characters from Birdie who
asks Shelby to find out who murdered her friend. To Alice the community manager might be bi-polar and is the police detectives niece.
Granny Ida wastes no time getting romantically involved with
'Teddy' the detective.
For this reader Beware The Orchids is a 5 star start to a new series.
I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I am anxiously waiting to see whats in store in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
It's so fun to get at book 1! Beware The Orchids is a 5 star
start to the Shady Acres Mystery Series.
I was intrigued from the start right on through to the end.
And the author even included an excerpt of book 2! (see below)
When Shelby our main character is literally left at the alter by the smuck Donald who was also her boss. She resigns her job via text message. Not wasting any time she applies for a position at
Shady Acres and starts a new life as gardener and activities directer at the senior community.
Shelby is just delightful. From the cute dresses and gardening boots and gloves to just her sweet spirit. She is just super sweet.
Before she has a chance to settle in her vivacious Granny Ida decides to move in too. Which happens to be a good thing.
Granny Ida helps Shelby get past the Donald fiasco and betrayal.
Granny Ida has a lot to say about Donald.
And when they meet the handsome handyman Heath Granny Ida let's Shelby know she needs to get past Donald and move on . . .
“Oh, pooh. Donald was nothing more than a trial run that went bad. He was a rusty old Chevy. Heath is a Mercedes.” Ida is charming and witty. (I had a chance to interview her and ask a few questions. See below.)
Along with Granny and Donald Shelby is helped to investigate a murder with her best friend Cheryl.
There is no shortage of interesting characters from Birdie who
asks Shelby to find out who murdered her friend. To Alice the community manager might be bi-polar and is the police detectives niece.
Granny Ida wastes no time getting romantically involved with
'Teddy' the detective.
For this reader Beware The Orchids is a 5 star start to a new series.
I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I am anxiously waiting to see whats in store in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
August 6, 2016
"Beware The Orchids," by Cynthia Hickey, is a lighthearted, easy to read, mystery. The main characters fun and quirky! The story is clean and quick reading. Perfect for an afternoon at the beach.
Shelby, a young woman seeking change, starting a new job, finds a dead body. Because of her find, she quickly becomes a suspect. She is determined to prove to the police that she didn't do it, therefore, she sets out to find the killer. Shelby's grandmother, a wine drinking, man hunting, active senior citizen, also gets herself involved in the search for the murderer. Together with some new and old friends, these gals go on the hunt, questioning and searching. They often create chaos and make themselves some enemies, as well as some friends.
I enjoyed reading Beware The Orchids. I especially liked the grandmother, mother, daughter relationship. Hickey did a nice job of showing the strength of a family unit supporting and loving each other. Another thing I loved was the very first outfit Shelby is wearing when we meet her is the cover photo!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Shelby, a young woman seeking change, starting a new job, finds a dead body. Because of her find, she quickly becomes a suspect. She is determined to prove to the police that she didn't do it, therefore, she sets out to find the killer. Shelby's grandmother, a wine drinking, man hunting, active senior citizen, also gets herself involved in the search for the murderer. Together with some new and old friends, these gals go on the hunt, questioning and searching. They often create chaos and make themselves some enemies, as well as some friends.
I enjoyed reading Beware The Orchids. I especially liked the grandmother, mother, daughter relationship. Hickey did a nice job of showing the strength of a family unit supporting and loving each other. Another thing I loved was the very first outfit Shelby is wearing when we meet her is the cover photo!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2017
This was my first time reading a novel by Cynthia Hickey. I can't wait to read the rest in this series. This was a cute clean mystery. It has best friends solving a murder mystery together along with a spunky, outspoken grandmother. I look forward to finding out what happens between Shelby and Heath as the series continues.
April 13, 2018
Loved it
Really enjoyed this book. For me a good book is one were i wonder what the characters are doing, I find myself thinking about the book when I'm not reading it. That's how I was with this one.
Really enjoyed this book. For me a good book is one were i wonder what the characters are doing, I find myself thinking about the book when I'm not reading it. That's how I was with this one.
May 21, 2017
Fun read
This was a fun read. Looking forward to more. The characters were uncomplicated. This is a perfect bedtime read. Won't keep you awake but fun to read anyway
This was a fun read. Looking forward to more. The characters were uncomplicated. This is a perfect bedtime read. Won't keep you awake but fun to read anyway
November 21, 2019
Adventure
Adventure and mystery and murderous senior citizens in a retirement community. What a way to keep YOUNG. Great story and characters
Adventure and mystery and murderous senior citizens in a retirement community. What a way to keep YOUNG. Great story and characters
June 6, 2020
Great fun book
Really enjoyed this book! It's a great storyline with fun characters! I already bought the other books in the series!
Really enjoyed this book! It's a great storyline with fun characters! I already bought the other books in the series!
May 27, 2017
Things are bad for Shelby when her fiance leaves her standing at the alter. She quits her teaching job (since he is the school principal) and gets a job as gardener/social convenor at a retirement community - sight unseen. She loves the job much more than she ever did teaching. She expected her life to be nice and quiet with a job tending the gardens and entertaining the seniors but when she found one of them dead in her greenhouse, her life wasn't quiet and calm after all. Add her zany grandmother coming to live there and a handyman who makes her tingle and you know this is going to be a fun story.
Since Shelby found the body, she is a prime suspect. To clear her name, she wants to find the real killer, so starts her own investigation, with the help of her grandmother and her friend, Cheryl, who is visiting for a week.
The characters are so funny you've just got to love them. Grandma is especially fun. She is old enough to live at Shady Acres but acts like a woman half her age. She starts dating the police officer investigating the murder and is constantly trying to get information out of him about it. As the investigation continues, another body is found. It's getting dangerous for these unskilled investigators.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery with fun characters. The retirement village had lots going on all the time - aside from looking for a murderer.
Since Shelby found the body, she is a prime suspect. To clear her name, she wants to find the real killer, so starts her own investigation, with the help of her grandmother and her friend, Cheryl, who is visiting for a week.
The characters are so funny you've just got to love them. Grandma is especially fun. She is old enough to live at Shady Acres but acts like a woman half her age. She starts dating the police officer investigating the murder and is constantly trying to get information out of him about it. As the investigation continues, another body is found. It's getting dangerous for these unskilled investigators.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery with fun characters. The retirement village had lots going on all the time - aside from looking for a murderer.
August 1, 2019
Keystone Kops meets Rosemary and Thyme
A good read. Okay a bit Inspector Clouseau and a bit of a farce but lighthearted entertainment all the same. A nice plot with an obvious culprit but the blundering of our heroine makes up for it. Great zany characters from the pixie like dainty heroine to the handsome, hunky hero.
When she is left at the alter, the first thing she does is resign her teachers position and find a new job. A gardener/entertainment organiser at a retirement community. Her first day has her Grandmother coming to the community as a new resident, meeting the handsome handyman and the woman in charge. Finding a dead body in the greenhouse was not on the list of her duties but the residents are split over her death. Murder or accident. Now with her Grandmother, her BFF and the handyman they try to find the killer and clear themselves from suspicion. Take a snoop, secrets, a murder, buried files and attacks and plant in fertile soil. Who is the real killer and why?
A good read. Okay a bit Inspector Clouseau and a bit of a farce but lighthearted entertainment all the same. A nice plot with an obvious culprit but the blundering of our heroine makes up for it. Great zany characters from the pixie like dainty heroine to the handsome, hunky hero.
When she is left at the alter, the first thing she does is resign her teachers position and find a new job. A gardener/entertainment organiser at a retirement community. Her first day has her Grandmother coming to the community as a new resident, meeting the handsome handyman and the woman in charge. Finding a dead body in the greenhouse was not on the list of her duties but the residents are split over her death. Murder or accident. Now with her Grandmother, her BFF and the handyman they try to find the killer and clear themselves from suspicion. Take a snoop, secrets, a murder, buried files and attacks and plant in fertile soil. Who is the real killer and why?
September 19, 2017
This series shows a lot of potential. I liked the characters and the setting. There is a little bit of attraction tension going on between Shelby and the hunky handyman. Too bad their boss also has eyes for him. The seniors in this home do not sit idly by and let life just happen.
It should be fun to see what happens as Shelby feels more comfortable in her role and the center changes to a more exclusive residence.
It should be fun to see what happens as Shelby feels more comfortable in her role and the center changes to a more exclusive residence.
March 25, 2021
I received a free paperback of this book from the author. The Shady Acres Mystery series is set in the Shady Acres retirement community where Shelby Hart begins her new career as the gardener/ events coordinator. Shelby and her new friend, Heath, are very busy finding clues to a recent murder case on the property. If you are a lover of Hallmark movies, this is similar to Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
May 28, 2017
A young woman takes a job at a retirement community to do the gardening and be the social director. The first resident she meets, she later finds dead in her greenhouse. What's a girl to do? Solve the murder at the request of another resident who feels the police won't be able to get anyone to talk to them. So she does.
May 24, 2017
A simple cozy mystery
This is a good cozy mystery, but it drags at times. I like for my mysteries to be more exciting.
This is a good cozy mystery, but it drags at times. I like for my mysteries to be more exciting.
March 29, 2023
It was okay.
February 23, 2024
Great read, full of the quirky interesting characters one can expect from this author.
September 24, 2017
What a fun start to a new series! This cozy was a super fast read full of a zany and quirky cast of characters that had me laughing out loud quite a few times. I like the basis of this series, how can it not be fun with a whole building of senior citizens running amok? I look forward to reading more of this series to see the characters grow and see what crazy things they get themselves into next.
October 8, 2016
Some people will absolutely love this story; sadly, I didn’t
Beware the Orchids is a cozy mystery by Cynthia Hickey. Two weeks after being stood up at the altar, Shelby Hart starts a new job as gardener and event planner at a retirement home. Her first day on the job, Shelby discovers a dead body, her grandma moves to the facility, and she meets handyman Heath McLeroy.
Likes: I love mystery and suspense stories, and that part of this book appealed to me. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. The retirement home setting was unusual, and I liked the unique personalities of the residents. Shelby had a good relationship with both her mom and grandma. I did laugh out loud a couple of times.
Dislikes: Some of the humor I just didn’t understand, but plenty was based on sexual innuendos which surprised me. I also expected a Christian element in the story, but I don’t recall any Christian themes at all. Even attending church on Sunday wasn’t mentioned, or I missed it. There were some inconsistencies in the story such as the smell of cigarette smoke on her grandma was familiar, yet later Shelby says she wasn’t aware her grandma smoked. There were also some grammatical issues such as missing quotation marks which was mostly just distracting. Shelby showed a lot of interest Heath, some kissing and hand holding, when she had known him less than a week (best I could tell) and only two weeks prior to that she was at the church to marry the man she had dated for five years.
The book didn’t hold my interest enough to make me want to read more in this series. It isn’t a bad story, though, so I can’t say I absolutely wouldn’t recommend it. Just keep the above things in mind.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Beware the Orchids is a cozy mystery by Cynthia Hickey. Two weeks after being stood up at the altar, Shelby Hart starts a new job as gardener and event planner at a retirement home. Her first day on the job, Shelby discovers a dead body, her grandma moves to the facility, and she meets handyman Heath McLeroy.
Likes: I love mystery and suspense stories, and that part of this book appealed to me. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. The retirement home setting was unusual, and I liked the unique personalities of the residents. Shelby had a good relationship with both her mom and grandma. I did laugh out loud a couple of times.
Dislikes: Some of the humor I just didn’t understand, but plenty was based on sexual innuendos which surprised me. I also expected a Christian element in the story, but I don’t recall any Christian themes at all. Even attending church on Sunday wasn’t mentioned, or I missed it. There were some inconsistencies in the story such as the smell of cigarette smoke on her grandma was familiar, yet later Shelby says she wasn’t aware her grandma smoked. There were also some grammatical issues such as missing quotation marks which was mostly just distracting. Shelby showed a lot of interest Heath, some kissing and hand holding, when she had known him less than a week (best I could tell) and only two weeks prior to that she was at the church to marry the man she had dated for five years.
The book didn’t hold my interest enough to make me want to read more in this series. It isn’t a bad story, though, so I can’t say I absolutely wouldn’t recommend it. Just keep the above things in mind.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2017
This was a delightful, fun read and I'm looking forward to others in the series!
Our main characters, Shelby, Heath, and Ida, Shelby's grandmother, are great! I love each of them. Shelby's a little impulsive, but while she doesn't listen to the police and stay out of the investigation, she doesn't seem to be too impulsive and get herself into danger. Yes, things happen to her and her friends. Yes, she ends up almost being smoked and burned alive, but she takes precautions where she can. I much prefer her type of heroine than the ones that go off and deliberately ignore the danger they're putting themselves in.
The only thing was that the characters didn't seem that well-rounded and developed. I'm hoping that's something that will be fixed as the series goes on.
The setting descriptions were great. I can be a hard nut to please in this area. There's a fine line between too much description and not enough. Thankfully, Ms. Hickey gracefully balances on that line. I was able to imagine Shady Acres vividly but I liked that not every detail was filled in for me. I like being able to use my imagination when reading.
The plot line moved along mostly at a steady pace. There were a couple of spots in the middle where it seemed to bog down a little bit, but not so badly that I resorted to skimming instead of reading.
All in all, I'd say this is a good start to the series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Our main characters, Shelby, Heath, and Ida, Shelby's grandmother, are great! I love each of them. Shelby's a little impulsive, but while she doesn't listen to the police and stay out of the investigation, she doesn't seem to be too impulsive and get herself into danger. Yes, things happen to her and her friends. Yes, she ends up almost being smoked and burned alive, but she takes precautions where she can. I much prefer her type of heroine than the ones that go off and deliberately ignore the danger they're putting themselves in.
The only thing was that the characters didn't seem that well-rounded and developed. I'm hoping that's something that will be fixed as the series goes on.
The setting descriptions were great. I can be a hard nut to please in this area. There's a fine line between too much description and not enough. Thankfully, Ms. Hickey gracefully balances on that line. I was able to imagine Shady Acres vividly but I liked that not every detail was filled in for me. I like being able to use my imagination when reading.
The plot line moved along mostly at a steady pace. There were a couple of spots in the middle where it seemed to bog down a little bit, but not so badly that I resorted to skimming instead of reading.
All in all, I'd say this is a good start to the series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
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