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The English Cottage Garden Mysteries #5
Fronds and Enemies
Spring has come at last with cheerful daffodils and plump crocus blooms, and Poppy is hoping that the new season will magically resurrect the cottage garden nursery she's inherited. But with her stock failing to grow and a mysterious "peeping Tom" stalking the village, she's got her gardening gloves full... and that's even before her visit to the local doctor ends with her stumbling on a dead body!
Then her friend and neighbour - crime author Nick Forrest - suddenly finds himself the top suspect, and a missing garden gnome is the only lead in the case. Determined to find the real killer, Poppy sets out to do some horticultural sleuthing - helped by eccentric old inventor Bertie and a posse of nosy villagers. All she finds, however, are more questions. Was the murder simply a "crime of passion" or was it something more sinister? Is there a link to the recent spate of creepy lingerie thefts in the village? And could the naughty ginger tomcat Oren be the key to solving the mystery?
As she grapples with spindly seedlings and cryptic clues, Poppy discovers that even a sleepy English village can be a hotbed of deceit and death...
Then her friend and neighbour - crime author Nick Forrest - suddenly finds himself the top suspect, and a missing garden gnome is the only lead in the case. Determined to find the real killer, Poppy sets out to do some horticultural sleuthing - helped by eccentric old inventor Bertie and a posse of nosy villagers. All she finds, however, are more questions. Was the murder simply a "crime of passion" or was it something more sinister? Is there a link to the recent spate of creepy lingerie thefts in the village? And could the naughty ginger tomcat Oren be the key to solving the mystery?
As she grapples with spindly seedlings and cryptic clues, Poppy discovers that even a sleepy English village can be a hotbed of deceit and death...
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2021
438 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
66 books1,089 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 8, 2025
Book five in this series and Poppy does not seem to be making much progress with her gardening business. In fact things get worse when she puts her seedlings out in the sun and then leaves them over night. Of course there is a frost and she ends up with blackened, nearly dead plants. A miracle will have to happen before Poppy can make money out of this particular business.
Still much more important is the latest murder for which Nick is blamed. Then there is the pile of underwear discovered under Nick's bed, including garments which have been stolen from washing lines. Just wait until you find out the guilty party there! All very lighthearted and very amusing.
Just what will Poppy, Oren, Nick and Bertie get up to next. I cannot wait to find out.
Still much more important is the latest murder for which Nick is blamed. Then there is the pile of underwear discovered under Nick's bed, including garments which have been stolen from washing lines. Just wait until you find out the guilty party there! All very lighthearted and very amusing.
Just what will Poppy, Oren, Nick and Bertie get up to next. I cannot wait to find out.
May 12, 2021
This one kept me guessing until the murderer was revealed. That usually doesn't happen.
December 6, 2023
Poppy is a bit slow putting things together, but still highly enjoyable!
April 12, 2021
I received a free copy form the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I've been enjoying this garden themed cozy mystery series so far, but this book just didn't quite work for me unfortunately. This is partly because of my reading mood probably. This series has a bit of that frivolous and a funny if slightly ridiculous vibe, which in the right mood can make for a funny and lighthearted read, but in my current mood it just fell flat.
In Fronds and Enemies main character Poppy decides to pay the local doctor a visit when a nasty scratch on her arm won't go away, while there she sees some interesting characters and events. The next morning she realizes she lost her locket and returns to see if it's at the doctor's office, instead she stumbles upon the dead body of the practice manager. And she gets involved into another mystery.
For some reason this mystery just didn't grab my attention. With the doctor who was hurt because he lost his practice manager, his wife who didn't like the practice manager and then there are other suspicious character who might've wanted her death. Then the way Poppy gets involved which was just so full of coincidences. Almost every clue she finds by accident, the body she finds by an unfortunate coincidence, she solves the mystery by happenstance. Poppy wasn't very proactive in solving this mystery and she wasn't really invested till later on. Then there is this slightly weird side plotline with bras going missing. This book just lacked the charm of the previous books for me.
I like the garden theme and was sad there wasn't as much gardening going on. Poppy tries to sell plants at her garden nursery and I was excited to see her really start her business now that it's spring. There are a few fun scenes involving her plants and selling them, but most of the book didn't really focus on it. Then Poppy is having some trouble growing her plants and I was annoying when she made a not so smart decision regarding them and the solution to her troubles turned out to be basically a magical solution. Which doesn't make sense as there is no magic in this book.
To summarize: Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. With my current mood instead of a funny and lighthearted mystery this book just fell flat. The mystery didn't grab me and I was disappointed how Poppy finds most of the clues by accident or coincidence. That's also how she solves the mystery, not because she figured it out, but due a happenstance. I would've liked to see more of the gardening theme, there are some fun garden related scenes, but there are very few. And I would've liked she solved her troubles due to her own smarts, not by some sort of magic solution. I hope I'll enjoy the next book in the series more.
I've been enjoying this garden themed cozy mystery series so far, but this book just didn't quite work for me unfortunately. This is partly because of my reading mood probably. This series has a bit of that frivolous and a funny if slightly ridiculous vibe, which in the right mood can make for a funny and lighthearted read, but in my current mood it just fell flat.
In Fronds and Enemies main character Poppy decides to pay the local doctor a visit when a nasty scratch on her arm won't go away, while there she sees some interesting characters and events. The next morning she realizes she lost her locket and returns to see if it's at the doctor's office, instead she stumbles upon the dead body of the practice manager. And she gets involved into another mystery.
For some reason this mystery just didn't grab my attention. With the doctor who was hurt because he lost his practice manager, his wife who didn't like the practice manager and then there are other suspicious character who might've wanted her death. Then the way Poppy gets involved which was just so full of coincidences. Almost every clue she finds by accident, the body she finds by an unfortunate coincidence, she solves the mystery by happenstance. Poppy wasn't very proactive in solving this mystery and she wasn't really invested till later on. Then there is this slightly weird side plotline with bras going missing. This book just lacked the charm of the previous books for me.
I like the garden theme and was sad there wasn't as much gardening going on. Poppy tries to sell plants at her garden nursery and I was excited to see her really start her business now that it's spring. There are a few fun scenes involving her plants and selling them, but most of the book didn't really focus on it. Then Poppy is having some trouble growing her plants and I was annoying when she made a not so smart decision regarding them and the solution to her troubles turned out to be basically a magical solution. Which doesn't make sense as there is no magic in this book.
To summarize: Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. With my current mood instead of a funny and lighthearted mystery this book just fell flat. The mystery didn't grab me and I was disappointed how Poppy finds most of the clues by accident or coincidence. That's also how she solves the mystery, not because she figured it out, but due a happenstance. I would've liked to see more of the gardening theme, there are some fun garden related scenes, but there are very few. And I would've liked she solved her troubles due to her own smarts, not by some sort of magic solution. I hope I'll enjoy the next book in the series more.
January 11, 2023
Earns 5+/5 Garden Gnomes…Engaging, Clever Favorite!
Bloomin’ Fun! In one of my favorite series, an English Cottage Garden Mystery, H.Y. Hanna has penned a well-developed and cleverly titled fifth mystery, “Fronds and Enemies.” With a Neighborhood Watch fanatic, missing undergarments, an “Auricula” club, and a couple of murders, it is a delightful mystery, fun challenge for any amateur detective, and an “Oh, wow!” ending and tying up of some of the book’s loose ends. Poppy struggles to get enough inventory to make a success of her garden nursery, and dealing with a rash, hazard of working around thorny flora, she is told to drop everything and visit the village GP. There she meets some interesting people, gets up close and personal with a toddler, and hears loads of gossip about the handsome Dr. Seymour, who she finds is also an avid gardener and president of the local Oxfordshire Auricula Club. His wife, however, is quiet brash and demanding, and very critical about her husband’s young practice manager Yvonne. So, when Poppy, retracing her steps to locate a lost necklace, happens upon the bludgeoned body of the young Yvonne, it seems a “cut and dry” investigation. But nothing is easy peasy in the Cotswolds with peeping Toms, snooping Sallys, inventive miracle grow, and even Nick Forest, Poppy’s hunky neighbor, has his own tangles with the tabloid press and local law enforcement. Of course, when you choose to engage in H.Y. Hanna’s fantastic work with the audio version, you are in for a marvelous treat with the voice artistry of Pearl Hewitt doing the narration. Her pleasant narration includes variations on British dialects that portray well tone and emotions, age and gender, feline machinations, and various delightful, quirky, and sinister personalities. All in all…entertaining, compelling, a few giggles for fun, and an entertaining, above and beyond narration!
Bloomin’ Fun! In one of my favorite series, an English Cottage Garden Mystery, H.Y. Hanna has penned a well-developed and cleverly titled fifth mystery, “Fronds and Enemies.” With a Neighborhood Watch fanatic, missing undergarments, an “Auricula” club, and a couple of murders, it is a delightful mystery, fun challenge for any amateur detective, and an “Oh, wow!” ending and tying up of some of the book’s loose ends. Poppy struggles to get enough inventory to make a success of her garden nursery, and dealing with a rash, hazard of working around thorny flora, she is told to drop everything and visit the village GP. There she meets some interesting people, gets up close and personal with a toddler, and hears loads of gossip about the handsome Dr. Seymour, who she finds is also an avid gardener and president of the local Oxfordshire Auricula Club. His wife, however, is quiet brash and demanding, and very critical about her husband’s young practice manager Yvonne. So, when Poppy, retracing her steps to locate a lost necklace, happens upon the bludgeoned body of the young Yvonne, it seems a “cut and dry” investigation. But nothing is easy peasy in the Cotswolds with peeping Toms, snooping Sallys, inventive miracle grow, and even Nick Forest, Poppy’s hunky neighbor, has his own tangles with the tabloid press and local law enforcement. Of course, when you choose to engage in H.Y. Hanna’s fantastic work with the audio version, you are in for a marvelous treat with the voice artistry of Pearl Hewitt doing the narration. Her pleasant narration includes variations on British dialects that portray well tone and emotions, age and gender, feline machinations, and various delightful, quirky, and sinister personalities. All in all…entertaining, compelling, a few giggles for fun, and an entertaining, above and beyond narration!
April 14, 2021
Bwahahaha -- Orin the cheeky cat is up to more cat-jinks in this latest English Cottage Garden Mysteries book. It's just as zany and funny and mystery-addled as the first four books. I've become quite attached to Poppy and Orin and the way they always stumble into the middle of a mystery. Love the gardening details and the English village setting too. I listened to the audible edition narrated by Pearl Hewitt who does an amazing job with all the character voices...especially the feline dialect. :-)
February 12, 2022
Spring is arriving..
Again I visited Bunnington, Oxfordshire and enjoyed the company of Poppy and her friends.
As Poppy tries hard to get her seedlings and plug plants ready for spring sales, it's obvious she still hasn't gotten the hang of gardening. There also seems to be a sex pervert, according to Mrs. Busselton, stealing women's bras from the washing line.
And when her neighbor and author, Nick Forrest, is accused and then the murder of a young woman happens Poppy wants to find the culprit.
Are the 2 crimes committed by the same person? Or does Bunnington have 2 have 2 master criminals roaming the streets?
Of course Bertie has a cure for Poppy's plants but with Bertie's inventions is it safe to try?
I have to admit I missed Oren and Einstein not being as prominent as usual but it didn't take away from the story.
Again I visited Bunnington, Oxfordshire and enjoyed the company of Poppy and her friends.
As Poppy tries hard to get her seedlings and plug plants ready for spring sales, it's obvious she still hasn't gotten the hang of gardening. There also seems to be a sex pervert, according to Mrs. Busselton, stealing women's bras from the washing line.
And when her neighbor and author, Nick Forrest, is accused and then the murder of a young woman happens Poppy wants to find the culprit.
Are the 2 crimes committed by the same person? Or does Bunnington have 2 have 2 master criminals roaming the streets?
Of course Bertie has a cure for Poppy's plants but with Bertie's inventions is it safe to try?
I have to admit I missed Oren and Einstein not being as prominent as usual but it didn't take away from the story.
June 27, 2021
I love spending time with these characters!
July 30, 2022
Stumped me...
Fun read and I didn't guess the killer!
That doesn't happen very often.
This has been a fun series too.
Fun read and I didn't guess the killer!
That doesn't happen very often.
This has been a fun series too.
July 20, 2023
Another fun book in the series with a bit of jealousy and murder in this episode. Still enjoying the series.
June 16, 2021
This was a fun read. Poppy gets herself into some interesting situations but she is an endearing character. It is funny how she misses some obvious clues and then suddenly puts all the pieces together. The sub- characters, including the cat, really make these books fun.
June 22, 2021
Not as good as the previous books in the series. Loved the cat as always. But finding too many tired stereotypes in the characters, who mostly appear to be gossiping busybodies. And does anyone really use the term ‘spinster’ in this day and age? This spinster was only in her 50s, but still lonely and sad. I do love the professor too, but the results of his magic potion were just ridiculous.
I’ll read the next book of course, but hope that the supporting characters reflect life today rather than mid-last-century.
I’ll read the next book of course, but hope that the supporting characters reflect life today rather than mid-last-century.
January 3, 2024
Okay but I need the next book asap after that reveal.
March 28, 2021
I loved this book. I have really been enjoying The English Cottage Garden Mysteries, as it is so unusual for a book to be set in England and the author really gives you a sense of what village life is like. However I think this is my favourite book so far and that is mainly because Oren (the cat) plays such a big part in the story, all of H.Y Hanna books contains animals but Oren has certainly stolen my heart with all his high jinx and mischief making, it makes me miss my cat. The mystery was good and I was torn between two suspects as to who the actual killer was, although I did get to one of the motives a lot quicker than Poppy did. The other thing I like about the series is the inexperience of Poppy as a garden, where as every other cozy mystery is set around a coffee shops or food, to find one that introduced you to the love of gardening is fun, even if you only like to sit in the garden and read the book or listen to the audio book version.
When Poppy scratches her arm on a rose bush she has no idea that a quick visit to the doctors surgery means that she finds herself involved in another murder investigation. The doctor's practice manager is found dead the day after and with gossip of a stalker roaming the village it is not long before the police descend on mass to the quiet little town. Poppy's friend and contact on the police force is taken off the case when the evidence starts to point to there mutual friend and Poppy's neighbour, the crime write and expert Nick. Knowing that Nick isn't involved Poppy and eccentric Bertie run there own investigation to clear his name. But just who is the killer and will they be able to find them before the killer feels the need to strike again?
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
When Poppy scratches her arm on a rose bush she has no idea that a quick visit to the doctors surgery means that she finds herself involved in another murder investigation. The doctor's practice manager is found dead the day after and with gossip of a stalker roaming the village it is not long before the police descend on mass to the quiet little town. Poppy's friend and contact on the police force is taken off the case when the evidence starts to point to there mutual friend and Poppy's neighbour, the crime write and expert Nick. Knowing that Nick isn't involved Poppy and eccentric Bertie run there own investigation to clear his name. But just who is the killer and will they be able to find them before the killer feels the need to strike again?
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
If you want a fast paced, cozy murder mystery with a lot of laughs along the way then this is the series for you and this is a great addition to this series! I laughed so hard while trying to figure out the murderer. Poppy is worrying about her nursery. Where her seedlings for sale look very anemic and not too many tourists coming to buy, she is trying to find what to do. Add to that the town busybody going around town saying there is a despicable peeping tom going around stealing women's bras and she and her group are on the case you have to laugh. And of course you have the sly, incredible ginger cat, Oren who is always up to something. But then when the town's handsome GP's practice manager Yvonne is found dead and rumors start to fly about his bossy, manipulative wife and the doctor himself, the nosy body decides it must be the peeping tom who is the murderer and points to Poppy's next door neighbor, Nick the writer of murder mysteries since he is so in tune with murder. When he allows a search of his house, they find all the missing bras from the town and take him down to the police station under suspicion of murder. No evidence other than the bras under his bed which he swears he has no idea about. So of course, Poppy has to get involved in solving the murder to help her neighbor she is sure is innocent. Add to the cast of characters Yvonne's jealous boyfriend, a secretive accountant and a second murder and you have twists, turns and surprises and Birdie the eccentric inventor and father of the author who always wants to help with his inventions. This is a fun series and definitely worth reading and wanting more! Poppy is a great character. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 2, 2021
The fifth installment in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries by H. Y. Hanna is Fronds and Enemies, another charming and engaging cozy set in the English countryside.
Main character Poppy gets entangled into a mess when her next door neighbor Nick, mystery writer, gets accused of stealing female lingerie. At the same time doctor's receptionist gets killed and some secrets come to life that get many people in a state.
This is one of my favorite series, that has many things I like. Beautiful setting, some lovely characters and solid mysteries.
I like that there are several recurring protagonists who add to the charm of these stories. They are well drown out and develop constantly.
I wish that Poppy's and Nick's relationship would develop further.
I also find it very frustrating how lax Poppy is regarding her business. While she constantly worries about going bankrupt it takes her days to look up some basic information about flowers propagation methods so she can resolve the problems she has. It is simply ridiculous.
I also feel that we don't know all that much about the main character, what she likes and dislikes, what she does for fun, if she really likes Nick and so on. She somehow seems bland and uninteresting apart from solving murders where she shines.
All in all a gentle series with loveable characters and good mysteries.
Main character Poppy gets entangled into a mess when her next door neighbor Nick, mystery writer, gets accused of stealing female lingerie. At the same time doctor's receptionist gets killed and some secrets come to life that get many people in a state.
This is one of my favorite series, that has many things I like. Beautiful setting, some lovely characters and solid mysteries.
I like that there are several recurring protagonists who add to the charm of these stories. They are well drown out and develop constantly.
I wish that Poppy's and Nick's relationship would develop further.
I also find it very frustrating how lax Poppy is regarding her business. While she constantly worries about going bankrupt it takes her days to look up some basic information about flowers propagation methods so she can resolve the problems she has. It is simply ridiculous.
I also feel that we don't know all that much about the main character, what she likes and dislikes, what she does for fun, if she really likes Nick and so on. She somehow seems bland and uninteresting apart from solving murders where she shines.
All in all a gentle series with loveable characters and good mysteries.
April 9, 2021
This one was not as good as the prior ones. The story rambled on and there was minimal character development other than Poppy and Nick. Poppy needs to get her fanny in gear, market her business and stop whining!
Spring has come at last with cheerful daffodils and plump crocus blooms, and Poppy is hoping that the new season will magically resurrect the cottage garden nursery she's inherited. But with her stock failing to grow and a mysterious "peeping Tom" stalking the village, she's got her gardening gloves full... and that's even before her visit to the local doctor ends with her stumbling on a dead body! Then her friend and neighbour - crime author Nick Forrest - suddenly finds himself the top suspect, and a missing garden gnome is the only lead in the case. Determined to find the real killer, Poppy sets out to do some horticultural sleuthing - helped by eccentric old inventor Bertie and a posse of nosy villagers. All she finds, however, are more questions. Was the murder simply a "crime of passion" or was it something more sinister? Is there a link to the recent spate of creepy lingerie thefts in the village? And could the naughty ginger tomcat Oren be the key to solving the mystery?
As she grapples with spindly seedlings and cryptic clues, Poppy discovers that even a sleepy English village can be a hotbed of deceit and death...
Spring has come at last with cheerful daffodils and plump crocus blooms, and Poppy is hoping that the new season will magically resurrect the cottage garden nursery she's inherited. But with her stock failing to grow and a mysterious "peeping Tom" stalking the village, she's got her gardening gloves full... and that's even before her visit to the local doctor ends with her stumbling on a dead body! Then her friend and neighbour - crime author Nick Forrest - suddenly finds himself the top suspect, and a missing garden gnome is the only lead in the case. Determined to find the real killer, Poppy sets out to do some horticultural sleuthing - helped by eccentric old inventor Bertie and a posse of nosy villagers. All she finds, however, are more questions. Was the murder simply a "crime of passion" or was it something more sinister? Is there a link to the recent spate of creepy lingerie thefts in the village? And could the naughty ginger tomcat Oren be the key to solving the mystery?
As she grapples with spindly seedlings and cryptic clues, Poppy discovers that even a sleepy English village can be a hotbed of deceit and death...
March 28, 2021
This is Book 5 of the English Cottage Gardens Mystery Series. Poppy is once again at the center of a murder, and this time it's not one, but two murders. Her writer friend and neighbor Nick Forrest has been accused of being a pervert for stealing the brassieres of the women in town. He declares he's innocent but all the missing brassieres are found under his bed! Who has done this, and was it done specifically to frame Nick? Since the police think he's already a criminal, it follows that he is also accused of murder. We all know that Nick is not the murderer (this is not a spoiler since he's an important recurring character), so Poppy sets out to prove his innocence and find the real killer. But out of all the people in their small town, who could have committed the murders? The accountant, the doctor, the boyfriend, the vet, the spinster, the young mother, or one of the other colorful characters? This is a fun novel in the continuing English Cottage Garden series.
March 30, 2021
I have to say that I love both cozies and British cozies, so this series is right up my alley. It has fun characters getting into all sorts of mischief and one cat who can find trouble in the most innocent of places.
The residents of the village have their own sort of trouble they get into, and they manage to get it all together in the end, but oh, how they get there. They will make you smile and laugh aloud.
H Y Hanna writes several cozy series, and they are all wonderful. They can be read in any order, but reading them in order allows you to see how the characters progress as they go from book to book.
These cozies will provide you with lots of enjoyment, I guarantee. Curl up in your favorite reading spot and enjoy. I can't wait for the next book to be available.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
The residents of the village have their own sort of trouble they get into, and they manage to get it all together in the end, but oh, how they get there. They will make you smile and laugh aloud.
H Y Hanna writes several cozy series, and they are all wonderful. They can be read in any order, but reading them in order allows you to see how the characters progress as they go from book to book.
These cozies will provide you with lots of enjoyment, I guarantee. Curl up in your favorite reading spot and enjoy. I can't wait for the next book to be available.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
June 30, 2021
It's spring in the village and Poppy is trying to get her garden business growing. Meanwhile, there's talk of a mysterious "peeping Tom" who's stealing things from the clotheslines. But things get really bad when Poppy discovers the body of a woman who's been murdered. When Poppy's friend and neighbor is arrested, she decides to do some investigating of her own to find the real killer.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. In fact, it's one of my favorites. The book's well-written with fabulous characters and the various relationships are done well. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout, not wanting to put the book down. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. In fact, it's one of my favorites. The book's well-written with fabulous characters and the various relationships are done well. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout, not wanting to put the book down. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
March 28, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this new addition to the series. Poppy gets involved in trying to hunt down a murderer, the mad Professor is creating more wacky inventions, her neighbour, Nick, is as grumpy as ever, Einstein the dog is as excitable as ever and as for Nick's cat, Oren...? Well, what a naughty feline he is...! I can't even begin to tell you exactly what Oren gets up to, but goodness me he really is very mischievous indeed this time (even more so than normal...!). This book is so well written, that I was 100% certain I knew whodunnit...! Wrong!! I love a good red herring and this was really up there for me. Looking forward to the next in the series now.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
I love this series and Fronds and Enemies doesn’t disappoint. What I love most about H.Y.Hanna’s books is the pace that is set, there is no padding the story out as many authors do, and that makes it an enjoyable read, with something interesting on every page.
As always there are lots of red herrings, I thought I had guessed who the murderer was, I was wrong. Fortunately Poppy’s amateur sleuthing is more successful. The book is full of humour; Oren the cat is entertaining as always, and being very mischievous. Bertie the mad inventor has a few tricks up his sleeve, and some interesting facts about plants make it a delight to read.
If you like to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea or coffee and a good book, this is the one for you.
As always there are lots of red herrings, I thought I had guessed who the murderer was, I was wrong. Fortunately Poppy’s amateur sleuthing is more successful. The book is full of humour; Oren the cat is entertaining as always, and being very mischievous. Bertie the mad inventor has a few tricks up his sleeve, and some interesting facts about plants make it a delight to read.
If you like to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea or coffee and a good book, this is the one for you.
April 23, 2021
Poppy is having her normal growing pains learning how to run a garden nursery.
When she goes to the GP for an infected scratch, she overhears all the gossip surrounding the GP, his office manager, and his wife.
When she goes back the next day as she lost her locket, she finds the body of the office manager and a very distressed doctor.
Of course, through no fault of her own, she gets involved in the investigation when her author neighbor is arrested for the crime.
Another good story from Miss Hanna with developed characters, a bit of humor, and a good bit of misdirection.
I had fun putting my abilities against the characters in the book, and found myself surprised when the murderer was revealed.
When she goes to the GP for an infected scratch, she overhears all the gossip surrounding the GP, his office manager, and his wife.
When she goes back the next day as she lost her locket, she finds the body of the office manager and a very distressed doctor.
Of course, through no fault of her own, she gets involved in the investigation when her author neighbor is arrested for the crime.
Another good story from Miss Hanna with developed characters, a bit of humor, and a good bit of misdirection.
I had fun putting my abilities against the characters in the book, and found myself surprised when the murderer was revealed.
November 7, 2024
It’s Poppy’s first spring in Oxfordshire, and she’s eager to get her cottage garden up and running, but her efforts don’t seem to be successful. The seedlings she’d purchased aren’t growing, and she wonders if she’s cut out to run a business. When the scratches she gets from rose bush thorns become infected, she goes to the local doctor, a handsome older man. The receptionist is pretty and curvaceous, and while Poppy is in the exam room, the doctor’s disagreeable wife appears, berating him for working late. The next morning Poppy realizes her favorite necklace is missing and she retraces her steps to the doctor’s office, only to find the receptionist has been murdered. This story was full of red herrings, and the murderer was a total surprise.
May 4, 2021
I love reading about Poppy and her trials of getting her garden to grow. On top of killing plants, she finds herself in the middle of another murder. As she goes about trying to find out exactly what has happened, she runs across some interesting characters as well as ones we are familiar with. I love seeing what Oren is up to and how he wants everything "now" He would be a fun cat to have, even if he is a bit naughty at times. I can't wait to see what everyone will be up to next, especially as Poppy continues to run the nursery and find out more about her family.
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
May 9, 2021
2.5 stars.
Poppy made a huge gardening mistake that I'm sure many of us hobby gardeners have made as well. The reason for my rating, however, is the fact that she continues to be saved by either her neighbor's cat, another person, or a combination of the two. I actually liked how she was able to As it is, I'm looking forward to the next installment. Maybe the author could throw a nice young man into the mix as well. A genuinely sweet (albeit sometimes silly) girl like Poppy deserves to have someone who actively adores her. :)
Poppy made a huge gardening mistake that I'm sure many of us hobby gardeners have made as well. The reason for my rating, however, is the fact that she continues to be saved by either her neighbor's cat, another person, or a combination of the two. I actually liked how she was able to As it is, I'm looking forward to the next installment. Maybe the author could throw a nice young man into the mix as well. A genuinely sweet (albeit sometimes silly) girl like Poppy deserves to have someone who actively adores her. :)
October 25, 2022
Fronds and Enemies (English Cottage Garden Mysteries ~ Book 5) (The English Cottage Garden Mysteries) , my twenty-second read from author H.Y. Hanna & the fifth book in her new English Cottage Garden Series. An enjoyable cozy mystery. Cozy Mystery/romance, captivating primary character, what other blurbs can I use to describe these books? Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 4, 2021
The 5th book in this series is truly the best one yet 😊
The plot twists and turns marvellously, it was such fun to guess who dunnit (and I didn‘t get it right 🤪)! Also, I loved how the quintessential side plots of Oren the cat, and Bertie the eccentric inventor, wove into the story - the balance of funny and realistic was on point!
It is a light-hearted and fun read, and helps to dispel the doom and gloom of quarantine or any rainy day for that matter.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot twists and turns marvellously, it was such fun to guess who dunnit (and I didn‘t get it right 🤪)! Also, I loved how the quintessential side plots of Oren the cat, and Bertie the eccentric inventor, wove into the story - the balance of funny and realistic was on point!
It is a light-hearted and fun read, and helps to dispel the doom and gloom of quarantine or any rainy day for that matter.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
May 30, 2021
I am a real fan of H.Y. Hanna and didn't think she could improve on the wonderful Oxford Tearoom series, however I think this series is even better. I love the characters in this series and they all blend so well.
What I really enjoy is how Poppy doesn't presume to know more than the police or interfere too much, which a lot of cosy mysteries do, which I often find annoying. She just seems to stumble into trouble, not unlike the mischievous cat Orien.
This series is such a delight to read and I highly recommend them.
What I really enjoy is how Poppy doesn't presume to know more than the police or interfere too much, which a lot of cosy mysteries do, which I often find annoying. She just seems to stumble into trouble, not unlike the mischievous cat Orien.
This series is such a delight to read and I highly recommend them.
February 16, 2023
Fronds and Enemies: Poppy visits the local doctor, and when she returns the next day to search for her missing locket, she finds the office manager’s dead body. Seems like Bunnington is in the middle of a crime wave (aside from all the recent murders), with the village watch on the prowl for a peeping Tom who is stealing bras off laundry lines. And Nick is the prime suspect!
This is the funniest book so far. The whole plot with the missing bras and the local gossips really tickled me. And this book had two murders, so that was exciting. I think this is my favorite of the English Cottage Garden Mystery series, actually. Every book is fun, don’t get me wrong, but I had a great time with this one.
Kiss watch: Nick makes dinner for Poppy! They sort of share a moment! No kiss though!!!
This is the funniest book so far. The whole plot with the missing bras and the local gossips really tickled me. And this book had two murders, so that was exciting. I think this is my favorite of the English Cottage Garden Mystery series, actually. Every book is fun, don’t get me wrong, but I had a great time with this one.
Kiss watch: Nick makes dinner for Poppy! They sort of share a moment! No kiss though!!!
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