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Myrtle Grove Garden Club Mystery #7
'Tis the Season for Murder
As Jesse Camden and her business partner Connie Oliver unload a truckload of antiques during an early evening snowfall, they are distracted by the half-deflated, blow-up Santa in the front yard of the Gilded Lily. They don’t have a blow-up Santa decoration, and if they did, they’d never put it in that corner of the yard. But when they get closer, they discover a much more pressing problem—Santa’s not a decoration.
Luckily, Sheriff Joe Tyler is on hand to take over the investigation, leaving Jesse and the Garden Club free to pursue a five-year-old disappearance as a favor to a friend. What no one expects is for the whole Garden Club to be snowed in together while the search for a missing college girl yields more questions than answers and leads to a trail of questionable deaths reaching back for years.
As Jesse’s missing person case threatens to collide with Sheriff Tyler’s murder investigation, she begins to fear that they are looking for the same killer. While a snowstorm rages, Jesse and the gang pour through clues made of memories and rumor seeking a killer before their Christmas is lost to the shadows of the past.
Luckily, Sheriff Joe Tyler is on hand to take over the investigation, leaving Jesse and the Garden Club free to pursue a five-year-old disappearance as a favor to a friend. What no one expects is for the whole Garden Club to be snowed in together while the search for a missing college girl yields more questions than answers and leads to a trail of questionable deaths reaching back for years.
As Jesse’s missing person case threatens to collide with Sheriff Tyler’s murder investigation, she begins to fear that they are looking for the same killer. While a snowstorm rages, Jesse and the gang pour through clues made of memories and rumor seeking a killer before their Christmas is lost to the shadows of the past.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2020
211 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 7, 2025
I would have given the case itself three stars, as it was an interesting one, that kept giving surprises.
But sadly, once more there weren’t just many spelling mistakes, there was also a lot of repetition and some holes or mistakes in the plot that are just sloppy work. People forgetting things that were stated earlier on (and certainly not forgetting what they told), people not making connections that are glaring into your face (seriously, do authors really think we forget a name just because it was mentioned a few pages ago?), a desperate brother not taking the time to read through his missing sister’s file (seriously?!?!), but the things we know repeated over and over again, with too many unnecessary speculations or steps back.
And nowhere near enough Joe. So two stars it is.
There hasn’t been a new book in a while in this series. I would still read on, but I can also well live with this being the last one. The stakes in this case were pretty high and Jesse and Joe are in a good place with their relationship. So a happy ending enough.
But sadly, once more there weren’t just many spelling mistakes, there was also a lot of repetition and some holes or mistakes in the plot that are just sloppy work. People forgetting things that were stated earlier on (and certainly not forgetting what they told), people not making connections that are glaring into your face (seriously, do authors really think we forget a name just because it was mentioned a few pages ago?), a desperate brother not taking the time to read through his missing sister’s file (seriously?!?!), but the things we know repeated over and over again, with too many unnecessary speculations or steps back.
And nowhere near enough Joe. So two stars it is.
There hasn’t been a new book in a while in this series. I would still read on, but I can also well live with this being the last one. The stakes in this case were pretty high and Jesse and Joe are in a good place with their relationship. So a happy ending enough.
January 9, 2022
This novel has a very intriquing and convoluted plot. I like the characters, although there were many characters involved in the story. The biggest criticism I would have is that the direction and sequence of the many crimes were very complicated, and were described in detail multiple times. So many times, in fact that I skipped over those parts numerous times simply to cut down on the time spent reading them. The author is great with conversation, but tends to bring in too much minutiae which tends to muddy the descriptive landscape. For instance, the reader doesn't need a complete description of each item served for a meal, or how many cups of tea each person had with their morning muffin. I will commend the author on the descriptions which were well written, however the depth of them was at times overwhelming.
I don' t wish to appear over critical of this author, as I do think it was very well done and all in all, this was an enjoyable read.
I don' t wish to appear over critical of this author, as I do think it was very well done and all in all, this was an enjoyable read.
December 28, 2021
This is the 7th in the series. The main characters are Jesse and her garden club.. A major attorney calls on Jesse to see if they can find out what happened to his sister, Angel who disappeared 5 years ago. Before they can even start they find a dead body dressed like Santa in the yard. While Sheriff Joe is investigating they find another body across the street. The sheriff tells them to pack a bag and sends them to Vivian's mansion for a day or so. It is surprising how much they, the garden club, can find out in just a few hours. Now it looks like someone might be trying to kill them all before they can find out anything else. Can they figure this out and who is out to get them in time ?
July 28, 2022
Somebody killed Santa. What Jesse thought was an deflated blowup lawn ornament turned out to be a dead body. How does she keep finding corpses in small town Oklahoma?
The Myrtle Grove Garden Club is in business. Two murders plus a cold case bring the investigators together in one house. All they need are their laptops and great sleuthing. The usual gang is back, plus somebody new--with a hint of a romance between him and one of the "gardeners".
The immediate murders should take precedence, according to Sheriff Joe, but the 5-year-old cold case intrigues Jesse too much to leave alone. A charming setting, especially for Christmas, delightful characters, and unique twists make this an enjoyable read.
The Myrtle Grove Garden Club is in business. Two murders plus a cold case bring the investigators together in one house. All they need are their laptops and great sleuthing. The usual gang is back, plus somebody new--with a hint of a romance between him and one of the "gardeners".
The immediate murders should take precedence, according to Sheriff Joe, but the 5-year-old cold case intrigues Jesse too much to leave alone. A charming setting, especially for Christmas, delightful characters, and unique twists make this an enjoyable read.
October 28, 2020
What a wonderful read this book was!!! Catching up with Jesse, Joe, and the whole garden club as they delved into 2 mysteries - past and present. I especially appreciate how the relationship is developing between Jesse and Joe with each changing and maturing in regards to how they interact with one another. It’s quite refreshing to see actual communication between a couple and a desire to be better and not just a hunker down mentality of ‘this is how I am, you’re just going to have to deal with it.’ A challenging mystery with many moving parts and side trails which kept me guessing and frequently changing my mind. LOVE this series!!
April 20, 2022
One of Loulou's best! I laughed so hard. I thought "Murder Most Thorny" was my favorite of hers, because it's a little more gritty and suspenseful, but I've come to realize what I treasure most about Loulou Harrington's writing is her characters and their interactions. I love all of them. My best advice, just read and enjoy the ride. This one is Christmas themed, and manages to be holiday-positive and bright without being smarmy or overly sentimental. I just love Jesse and Vivian and Sophia and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.
November 2, 2020
Myrtle Grove Garden Club is what the ladies call their Murder investigation group.
These ladies are a tight group of co-workers/friends that just seem to fall in to the middle of a homicide time after time. What a wonderful caring bunch, who seem to gather and put together what is needed. Finally the Sheriff is more accepting of them and their help. What a interesting but gentle murder mystery.
These ladies are a tight group of co-workers/friends that just seem to fall in to the middle of a homicide time after time. What a wonderful caring bunch, who seem to gather and put together what is needed. Finally the Sheriff is more accepting of them and their help. What a interesting but gentle murder mystery.
July 27, 2021
Excellent murder mystery with a complex plot, twists, and characters. The ladies of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club put their skills and wits together to research past crimes and occurrences that are overlooked by law enforcement. Their stubborn tenacity leads them to uncover crimes of the past that can be linked to the current murder. Ms. Harrington spins a complex plot, writes vivid settings and creates characters that the reader can relate to.
November 8, 2020
This whole series.
I have loved all of the books in this series, but this one was my favorite. Maybe because I came upon it by accident, even though I've been following you. The characters are incredible, and it's great to see how they're aging and growing. I hate to leave them. I hope you're writing fast.
I have loved all of the books in this series, but this one was my favorite. Maybe because I came upon it by accident, even though I've been following you. The characters are incredible, and it's great to see how they're aging and growing. I hate to leave them. I hope you're writing fast.
December 16, 2021
Great read, Christmas or not!
What does a five year disappearance and current murders have in common? The Garden Society, in a delightfully humorous way, search for answers along with the sheriff's department. Kept me guessing and interested until the end. Nice break from the usual more sentimental Christmas stories.
What does a five year disappearance and current murders have in common? The Garden Society, in a delightfully humorous way, search for answers along with the sheriff's department. Kept me guessing and interested until the end. Nice break from the usual more sentimental Christmas stories.
December 26, 2021
Good Cozy Murder mystery
I enjoyed this book; it reminds me of how much l like good, clean detective murder stories. You can see how much friendship, family days on Holidays are great with loved ones! I haven’t read this author before but I will look for more books in the series! This was # 7.
I enjoyed this book; it reminds me of how much l like good, clean detective murder stories. You can see how much friendship, family days on Holidays are great with loved ones! I haven’t read this author before but I will look for more books in the series! This was # 7.
December 31, 2021
A bit of a slow start as the characters were being introduced, but it quickly turned into a stay-up-late page-turner. I loved the mystery(s) which linked past crimes with the present and kept me guessing until the very end. I look forward to reading more from this author and more about the "garden club" gals.
May 15, 2022
Oklahoma!
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and even though the names of the towns may not be real, I still live reading about my home state. This book doesn't disappoint at all and I think it's pretty sweet how the gardening club solves the murders in the books. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Good clean mystery.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and even though the names of the towns may not be real, I still live reading about my home state. This book doesn't disappoint at all and I think it's pretty sweet how the gardening club solves the murders in the books. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Good clean mystery.
March 19, 2024
Jesse and her cohorts are getting ready for Christmas. The front yard decorations seem to have had an extra item added, but on further investigation, Joe decides that he has to change from helpful furniture removalist to Sheriff.
Of course, it's just the start of the mayhem that surrounds the group at the Gilded LilyTea house and antique shops.
Of course, it's just the start of the mayhem that surrounds the group at the Gilded LilyTea house and antique shops.
November 12, 2020
Love this series more please
I have enjoyed every book in this series and looking forward to more. Different and interesting characters, especially Jesse and Joe.
Great mystery plots.
I have enjoyed every book in this series and looking forward to more. Different and interesting characters, especially Jesse and Joe.
Great mystery plots.
November 21, 2020
I simply adore cozy mysteries and this series is one of my favorites. I consider myself a member of the "Garden Club" as we solve the who done it. Books that bounce back and forth in time are not my favorite but this author did the flashback parts seamlessly. A terrific little read.
December 10, 2020
Who killed Santa?
Another winner. A dead Santa outside the Gilded Lily and an old missing person case lead the Myrtle Grove Garden Club down a twisty and speculative path while snowbound.
Another winner. A dead Santa outside the Gilded Lily and an old missing person case lead the Myrtle Grove Garden Club down a twisty and speculative path while snowbound.
January 24, 2021
Really like this series
The Myrtle Grove Garden Club series is my go-to between the more intense books of my preference. Book 7 was a tad convoluted, thus my 4 stars rather than 5 stars.
The Myrtle Grove Garden Club series is my go-to between the more intense books of my preference. Book 7 was a tad convoluted, thus my 4 stars rather than 5 stars.
February 24, 2021
Great book and series.
I really like the characters in this book. I like their interactions. The plots are all intriguing and they tell you now they figure things out. There is romance but subtle so it doesn't get in the way of the story.
I really like the characters in this book. I like their interactions. The plots are all intriguing and they tell you now they figure things out. There is romance but subtle so it doesn't get in the way of the story.
March 17, 2021
Omg...what a great read.
Book 7, I love reading mode than one book that have the same characters. You feel as if you are a part of the family the author has created! May there be a book 8 and on! Awesome writing Ms. Harrington!
Book 7, I love reading mode than one book that have the same characters. You feel as if you are a part of the family the author has created! May there be a book 8 and on! Awesome writing Ms. Harrington!
July 19, 2021
Christmas mystery
I was surprised by this story. I thought that it would be about gardening,but was pleasantly mistaken.This was a great mystery from beginning to end and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys...
I was surprised by this story. I thought that it would be about gardening,but was pleasantly mistaken.This was a great mystery from beginning to end and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys...
Read
August 1, 2021Wow! Another great entry in the Myrtle Grove Garden Club series. Several “accidents” or murders that turn out to be related to something that happened one summer. Questions are answered and some of the past is laid to rest all in time for Christmas.
August 14, 2021
I would love to get this book for Christmas.
This book skilfully combines a modern non death with previous murders. The members of the garden club seem to be loosely related by marriage or by work. But can they find out who stabbed or shot Santa on the tea room's back lawn?
This book skilfully combines a modern non death with previous murders. The members of the garden club seem to be loosely related by marriage or by work. But can they find out who stabbed or shot Santa on the tea room's back lawn?
Read
December 16, 2021Great read!
With well developed characters and a complex, clever plot, this is a real winner. I chose it as my holiday read but I highly recommend it for any season. Definitely a worthwhile read!
With well developed characters and a complex, clever plot, this is a real winner. I chose it as my holiday read but I highly recommend it for any season. Definitely a worthwhile read!
December 24, 2021
Christmas mystery
I really liked that around every corner the plot thickened and twisted. I also very much enjoyed the conclusion. This is my first read in the Myrtle Grove Garden Club and I loved the cast of characters. I need to go back to the beginning now. 😃
I really liked that around every corner the plot thickened and twisted. I also very much enjoyed the conclusion. This is my first read in the Myrtle Grove Garden Club and I loved the cast of characters. I need to go back to the beginning now. 😃
June 10, 2022
Great storyline but needed more proofreading
Sometimes the names are confused and one of the names of other people in the story are used when another person's name should have been used. Just more proofreading. Otherwise I enjoyed this book.
Sometimes the names are confused and one of the names of other people in the story are used when another person's name should have been used. Just more proofreading. Otherwise I enjoyed this book.
January 18, 2023
Unconventional Christmas murder mystery
Having read several of the other books in the series I expected this one to maybe be a bit soft because it was set at Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be an excellent investigations into murders, present and past.
Having read several of the other books in the series I expected this one to maybe be a bit soft because it was set at Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be an excellent investigations into murders, present and past.
January 23, 2024
Great mystery thriller
This story was so convoluted and had so many twists that kept you engaged until the end. This story had many levels to it. Very complicated but interesting. Great thriller!
This story was so convoluted and had so many twists that kept you engaged until the end. This story had many levels to it. Very complicated but interesting. Great thriller!
February 20, 2024
God Read
This is the 7th book in the Myrtle Grove Garden Club mysteries and it was even better than the first one which hooked me on the series. Characters you'd like to know and a small town you wish you could visit.
This is the 7th book in the Myrtle Grove Garden Club mysteries and it was even better than the first one which hooked me on the series. Characters you'd like to know and a small town you wish you could visit.
November 12, 2020
‘Tis the season for murder
I loved the close knit family of characters. An interesting book story a great read. I intend to continue to read ore in this series
I loved the close knit family of characters. An interesting book story a great read. I intend to continue to read ore in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews