What do you think?
Rate this book
Bought-the-Farm Mystery #1-3
Bought the Farm Mysteries Books 1-3
“Outstanding series! I tucked into these books and found a whole new set of friends. I couldn’t wait to read what the next book held and I was NEVER disappointed. Well written, entertaining and fun.” ~ Amazon reviewer
Sweet life on the farm… it could get someone killed.When a disillusioned big city exec buys a hobby farm in her hometown, she plans to launch a cozy inn among adorable animals. The only hitch? In quaint Clover Grove, the good life comes with a side order of mayhem, mystery and murder.
Ivy Galloway’s border collie is a certified canine genius. When she rescued Keats, the dog helped her put a killer behind bars, and when murder comes to Runaway Farm, he’s ready to do the same again. This dog loves a job and his eerily accurate intuition leads Ivy into some strange and dangerous places.
The chief of police, AKA Chief Hottie, asks Ivy to play it safer, but these amateur sleuths aren’t easily deterred. With Keats’ sheepdog savvy and Ivy’s decades of experience in human resources, they become a skilled crime-solving team, alongside an inquisitive cat, eccentric animals and quirky friends.
No matter how much dirt they dig up, one thing is certain… Ivy and Keats will keep rescuing each other all over again.
More than 700 pages of pure cozy fun that will make you laugh and keep you guessing right to the very end!
This collection contains the following
Dogcatcher in the Weeks before the inn launches at Runaway Farm, a body turns up in the rye field. Ivy was the last person to clash with the victim, putting her at the top of the suspect list. Can newfound sleuthing skills help Ivy and her brilliant sheepdog stop a killer… before they’re targeted next?
Dark Side of the Ivy was glad to leave corporate life behind, but now her former HR team is holding a retreat at her hobby farm and inn. When a guest turns up dead in a cow stall, Ivy and Keats try to find the bad apple on the HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good.
A Streak of Bad More trouble hatches when a prominent local gains heavenly wings near Runaway Farm during a bridge club getaway. With everyone in a flap, can Ivy & Keats fly under the radar long enough to catch the killer?
Praise for the Bought-the-Farm Series:
“I absolutely loved this!! I hate myself for reading it so quickly but I couldn't put it down. Love, love, love this series. Don't ever want it to end.”
“Fantastic!!! The books make me laugh and smile and touch my heart. I love the characters and LOVE the animals! This is a series you and your friends will laugh about over lunch for pure enjoyment. Try one and I bet you will read all of them.”
Sweet life on the farm… it could get someone killed.When a disillusioned big city exec buys a hobby farm in her hometown, she plans to launch a cozy inn among adorable animals. The only hitch? In quaint Clover Grove, the good life comes with a side order of mayhem, mystery and murder.
Ivy Galloway’s border collie is a certified canine genius. When she rescued Keats, the dog helped her put a killer behind bars, and when murder comes to Runaway Farm, he’s ready to do the same again. This dog loves a job and his eerily accurate intuition leads Ivy into some strange and dangerous places.
The chief of police, AKA Chief Hottie, asks Ivy to play it safer, but these amateur sleuths aren’t easily deterred. With Keats’ sheepdog savvy and Ivy’s decades of experience in human resources, they become a skilled crime-solving team, alongside an inquisitive cat, eccentric animals and quirky friends.
No matter how much dirt they dig up, one thing is certain… Ivy and Keats will keep rescuing each other all over again.
More than 700 pages of pure cozy fun that will make you laugh and keep you guessing right to the very end!
This collection contains the following
Dogcatcher in the Weeks before the inn launches at Runaway Farm, a body turns up in the rye field. Ivy was the last person to clash with the victim, putting her at the top of the suspect list. Can newfound sleuthing skills help Ivy and her brilliant sheepdog stop a killer… before they’re targeted next?
Dark Side of the Ivy was glad to leave corporate life behind, but now her former HR team is holding a retreat at her hobby farm and inn. When a guest turns up dead in a cow stall, Ivy and Keats try to find the bad apple on the HR team before the killer strikes again and Ivy is downsized… for good.
A Streak of Bad More trouble hatches when a prominent local gains heavenly wings near Runaway Farm during a bridge club getaway. With everyone in a flap, can Ivy & Keats fly under the radar long enough to catch the killer?
Praise for the Bought-the-Farm Series:
“I absolutely loved this!! I hate myself for reading it so quickly but I couldn't put it down. Love, love, love this series. Don't ever want it to end.”
“Fantastic!!! The books make me laugh and smile and touch my heart. I love the characters and LOVE the animals! This is a series you and your friends will laugh about over lunch for pure enjoyment. Try one and I bet you will read all of them.”
748 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 7, 2024
Not winning me over.
The dog is super smart and the best dog - as all dogs are. The characters I'm slower to warm too.
Hit the author's judgement and while minor it stopped me wanting to read on, as sometimes things do.
She's at the store and a man walks in who has tattoos, she doesn't like tattoos. That's fine, you don't have to. He's polite, friendly towards the shop woman. But she continues to judge.
From there he becomes 'the Scorpion' because it's normal for adults in a small town -his name is Graham- to have such titles. I'm expecting him to roll down the street on a huge bike knocking bins over. I'd guess red herring, would prefer love interest. Just gave me that clicky unwelcoming vibe.
The victim isn't dead yet. But clear who it'll be and good idea who'll do it. It's the kind of predictable that's not fun to read. A flick to the end showed I was right.
The dog is super smart and the best dog - as all dogs are. The characters I'm slower to warm too.
Hit the author's judgement and while minor it stopped me wanting to read on, as sometimes things do.
She's at the store and a man walks in who has tattoos, she doesn't like tattoos. That's fine, you don't have to. He's polite, friendly towards the shop woman. But she continues to judge.
From there he becomes 'the Scorpion' because it's normal for adults in a small town -his name is Graham- to have such titles. I'm expecting him to roll down the street on a huge bike knocking bins over. I'd guess red herring, would prefer love interest. Just gave me that clicky unwelcoming vibe.
The victim isn't dead yet. But clear who it'll be and good idea who'll do it. It's the kind of predictable that's not fun to read. A flick to the end showed I was right.
May 7, 2026
This is a real bargain and treat! Ellen Riggs has written a charming and amazing series with her Bought-The-Farm cozy mysteries. This 3 book boxed set is a great way to get you hooked on a series you will love and want to read and re-read over and over again. It will introduce you to Ivy and her pets, Keats, her special collie, and Percy , her cat with an interesting method of announcing a death. Then there are the various members of Ivy's posse, Jilly, her best friend and others who join the posse as the series progresses.
Once you get hooked on this series, you will definitely be happy to learn that there are another 21 books in this series that you will be excited to read as well! So you'll be doing yourself a huge favor by picking up this 3 book set while it's on sale for just 99 cents.
Once you get hooked on this series, you will definitely be happy to learn that there are another 21 books in this series that you will be excited to read as well! So you'll be doing yourself a huge favor by picking up this 3 book set while it's on sale for just 99 cents.
May 3, 2021
I love these awesome mysteries at Runaway Far (The m is missing from Farm!). Ivy and Jilly plus all the animals are just wonderful. Ivy barely has time to run her B&B because she seems to always be tripping over bodies - often on her farm. The animals are quite personable. There are always too many suspects and I can never guess the murderer. For me, that makes a successful mystery. I can never put these well written books down. If you have not yet paid a visit to Runaway Farm, now is the time to do it!
June 16, 2021
Enjoyable
She bought a farm after corporate life wore her down, is trying hard to start a B&B, and every time she has guests there’s a murder. Ivy does a good job of sleuthing, much to the chagrin of the handsome chief of police. Characters are a hoot, and the killers are the last ones you’d expect. Family and friends don’t think her business is sustainable with all the bad publicity. I’m not sure how sustainable a series can be when it’s all so predictable. If you’re looking for light and easy, though, I think you’ll enjoy this set.
She bought a farm after corporate life wore her down, is trying hard to start a B&B, and every time she has guests there’s a murder. Ivy does a good job of sleuthing, much to the chagrin of the handsome chief of police. Characters are a hoot, and the killers are the last ones you’d expect. Family and friends don’t think her business is sustainable with all the bad publicity. I’m not sure how sustainable a series can be when it’s all so predictable. If you’re looking for light and easy, though, I think you’ll enjoy this set.
May 19, 2026
26-28, 29, 30 This box set contains 3 novels
26- 28 Dog catcher In The Rye; I am enjoying this series with Ivy, Keats, and all the friends and community. I love the interaction between Ivy and Keats. Depending on the dog, a type of communication can be established. I enjoyed the plot and twists. Glad there is no swearing, detailed intimate descriptions or descriptive murdered corpses. I feel as if I am one of the townspeople, like Edna, but I do not have to use binoculars to check out the activity. Finished May 18, 2026
26-29 The Dark Side of Moo. This episode was even better than the first novel. One of the impressions seared into my brain is the character running around in a too small pair of swim trunks. You have to read to find out what I mean. :-) Finished May 21 2026
26-30 A Streak of Bad Cluck. Great episode. If you like cozy mysteries, this book is in the cards for you to read. Finished May 23, 2026
26- 28 Dog catcher In The Rye; I am enjoying this series with Ivy, Keats, and all the friends and community. I love the interaction between Ivy and Keats. Depending on the dog, a type of communication can be established. I enjoyed the plot and twists. Glad there is no swearing, detailed intimate descriptions or descriptive murdered corpses. I feel as if I am one of the townspeople, like Edna, but I do not have to use binoculars to check out the activity. Finished May 18, 2026
26-29 The Dark Side of Moo. This episode was even better than the first novel. One of the impressions seared into my brain is the character running around in a too small pair of swim trunks. You have to read to find out what I mean. :-) Finished May 21 2026
26-30 A Streak of Bad Cluck. Great episode. If you like cozy mysteries, this book is in the cards for you to read. Finished May 23, 2026
May 22, 2021
I absolutely love this series. It has excitement - usually a murder, as well as humor and wonderful and warm characters you really get to love. The animals nearly steal the show, especially Keats with his mumble-talk (yes, I have heard a dog actually do that) and the zany neighbors, friends and family are always there to help out. Simply put, I have a warm feeling anticipating the next book on my list, and also after reading it. I can't ask for more!
June 3, 2021
Amusing and Dramatic tales.
Three books about Ivy, who moved back to Clover Grove to run Runaway Farm , which had been sold to her at a bargain price. Her dog, Keats, is almost human in his abilities and he keeps Ivy safe and secure. Jenny, a friend, joins her to open an inn, as a talented cook.
There are murders in the books with Keats and Jenny helping to solve them. The characters are believable and intriguing, with their interactions enriching the stories.
Three books about Ivy, who moved back to Clover Grove to run Runaway Farm , which had been sold to her at a bargain price. Her dog, Keats, is almost human in his abilities and he keeps Ivy safe and secure. Jenny, a friend, joins her to open an inn, as a talented cook.
There are murders in the books with Keats and Jenny helping to solve them. The characters are believable and intriguing, with their interactions enriching the stories.
February 12, 2023
Another great read from this author
This was and made the "Bridge Biddies" a sinister edge and had Edna hide her jewels in an unexpected place that took Ivy down a path to victory. Author Ellen Riggs is truly awesome. She puts the animals in the forefront and the people on a mission to solve a murder. I loved the way she made the story flow.
This was and made the "Bridge Biddies" a sinister edge and had Edna hide her jewels in an unexpected place that took Ivy down a path to victory. Author Ellen Riggs is truly awesome. She puts the animals in the forefront and the people on a mission to solve a murder. I loved the way she made the story flow.
May 30, 2021
Mysteries murder, mayhem in Clover Grove
Our family route farmer sleuthing is at again with plenty of help gromMets her canine & her favorite up Kellan. Who catches whom in the Madcap world of Runaway Farm and Inn.
Our family route farmer sleuthing is at again with plenty of help gromMets her canine & her favorite up Kellan. Who catches whom in the Madcap world of Runaway Farm and Inn.
June 1, 2021
Great Series
This series is wonderful. There are great characters, but the real stars are the animals, especially Keats, the dog. If you love animals and interesting plots, you'll enjoy this series.
This series is wonderful. There are great characters, but the real stars are the animals, especially Keats, the dog. If you love animals and interesting plots, you'll enjoy this series.
June 7, 2021
I have read all of these books and can honestly attest that if you haven't read them, you don't know what you're missing. If you love animals, you're going to love this series. It has animals galore. Read this series and see for yourself!
August 19, 2021
Wonderfully cozy, great characters and just enough suspense to make it fun
I just finished the first three books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I just finished the first three books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 22, 2024
great fun
The border collie acts practically like a sidekick. The heroine is settling into her farming persona while meeting the local town characters. Her sharp brains eventually intuit the villainous deeds. Lots of conversational brilliance.
The border collie acts practically like a sidekick. The heroine is settling into her farming persona while meeting the local town characters. Her sharp brains eventually intuit the villainous deeds. Lots of conversational brilliance.
February 17, 2024
I have read only the first of the series. It's not pulling me into the second
book . I will probably go back to read the rest later but this one didn't pull on my heart strings since there are so many really great books that will come before.
book . I will probably go back to read the rest later but this one didn't pull on my heart strings since there are so many really great books that will come before.
June 5, 2024
FARM ANIMALS IN ACTION BRING DELIGHTFUL READING!
The reader will not be disappointed after reading this series! Keats, the hero dog, joins forces with his owner and solves crimes. I thoroughly enjoyed these books!
The reader will not be disappointed after reading this series! Keats, the hero dog, joins forces with his owner and solves crimes. I thoroughly enjoyed these books!
May 2, 2025
A fun read!!
When I first picked this series to read I thought "Oh no! A romance novel!" It didn't take long to grab me though. It was lighthearted but plenty of mystery and adventure. A good, relaxing story.
When I first picked this series to read I thought "Oh no! A romance novel!" It didn't take long to grab me though. It was lighthearted but plenty of mystery and adventure. A good, relaxing story.
July 23, 2021
Great 3 book series
I am hoping there is more because I love Keats. This book has it all…mystery, laughs and intrigue. Cant wait to read more.
I am hoping there is more because I love Keats. This book has it all…mystery, laughs and intrigue. Cant wait to read more.
August 15, 2021
Bought the Farm
Good book.This book is well written and and easy read. It is a fun escape from the troubles of the day
Good book.This book is well written and and easy read. It is a fun escape from the troubles of the day
September 10, 2021
These books were great. I really enjoyed them.
November 7, 2021
Love the series
I have read individual books in the series but enjoy reading then in order sequentially. Make future reads more easily understood.m
I have read individual books in the series but enjoy reading then in order sequentially. Make future reads more easily understood.m
November 30, 2021
Story was good, but I only read the sample. Actually thought I was getting the 3 books, but only 5 chapters of the forts book.
January 6, 2024
IHad to read all
Most fun reads in a long while. Mystery was enough that I couldn't figure out who done it😊 will definitely buy next in series. Hooked on the characters.
Most fun reads in a long while. Mystery was enough that I couldn't figure out who done it😊 will definitely buy next in series. Hooked on the characters.
June 3, 2025
If you’re looking for a kind hearted murder mystery with some quirky characters then I’d highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2021
Definitely Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews