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Backyard Farming Mystery #2
Cordial Killing
Anne's excited about the opening of the Brandywine Inn. Along with partners, Kandi and Hope, the bed-and-breakfast also provides herbal classes for guests. As soon as their first guests arrive, it's clear there's bad blood between them. When Anne finds a threatening note, it's clear someone is out for revenge. In addition, to dealing with her guests, is there a ghost lurking in the house? When a guest is found dead and a blizzard threatens the Inn, will it trap them all with a killer and no way out?
206 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2018
187 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Walton
24 books469 followersVikki Walton is the best-selling author of the cozy mystery series, A Backyard Farming series. She is also the author of the Taylor Texas series, and Viviane's Adventures series.
In addition to writing cozy mysteries, she is the author of nonfiction books.
Vikki loves spending time either in her garden or visiting gardens on her travels. She loves animals so you'll usually find some animals in most of her stories.
Vikki currently lives in the beautiful state of Colorado.
You can sign up to receive updates and news about new releases, book deals, and giveaways through https://vikkiwalton.com
You can also find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VikkiWaltonA...
In addition to writing cozy mysteries, she is the author of nonfiction books.
Vikki loves spending time either in her garden or visiting gardens on her travels. She loves animals so you'll usually find some animals in most of her stories.
Vikki currently lives in the beautiful state of Colorado.
You can sign up to receive updates and news about new releases, book deals, and giveaways through https://vikkiwalton.com
You can also find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VikkiWaltonA...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 8, 2020
If ever there were a reason to pick a book purely on title alone, this would be at the top of my list. There are so many meanings, but anything with an actual cordial recipe is one I must sample. Earlier this year, I read the first book, Chicken Culprit, in Vikki Walton's series, A Backyard Farming Mystery, and chatted with the author afterward. I enjoyed the book and looked forward to seeing what else would happen in this fun Colorado town. Walton's second book, Cordial Killing, is better than the first, and is something I'd recommend to cozy fans and mystery lovers.
I did not grow up on a farm nor do I know much about all the things you can do in your own backyard to grow things. Of course we had a vegetable garden and lots of flowers and trees, but this series makes the whole concept quite cool! In this second book, a charming house is converted into a bed and breakfast. It's opening weekend, but Hope, Anne, and Kandi could never have suspected a second murder would occur in their small hometown. Four women and a doctor descend upon them for a weekend getaway, but they haven't all seen one another in many years. Former doctors and lovers only end up with one thing in common -- someone's gonna be killed and it's definitely related to someone's hurt feelings from medical school. But trying to weed through all the clues is what makes reading it such fun. Throw in a ghost, a runaway, a vape, and a few secret affairs, you know it's gonna get dicey!
From the get-go, I saw great improvement between the first and the second book. While part of it is due to an author having more freedom after the initial book in a series, there's also a lovely jump in writing style, character development, and story execution. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this one. At first, I thought... they're all named Elizabeth Taylor (inside joke -- you have to read to understand it) and I'm gonna lose track of who is who. But by a third into the story, the personalities are clear and the scenes are dramatic. It's easy to stay on track and connected with the story and suspects.
Walton weaves a good balance between the main mystery and side stories. As we see the lives of the three b&b owners move on after the murder in the first book, we learn more about their pasts, their needs, and their friendships. Anne, as the main character, is someone I'd like to meet and know. Hope is a great doctor and has perfect life advice. Kandi, while sometimes bordering on the obnoxious, is intended to be that way. I suspect Walton's planning a nice growth arc for her, which makes seeing the changes all that more valuable. I disliked her in the first books, I'm waffling in this second book, and I can only guess what will happen in the third one. But I will definitely be reading it because Walton's created a fun series with lots of room for expansion, intrigue, and clever action. Take advantage of this series as it's early on so you can stay abreast as each new book is launched. You might also learn some great recipes, techniques, and skills.
I did not grow up on a farm nor do I know much about all the things you can do in your own backyard to grow things. Of course we had a vegetable garden and lots of flowers and trees, but this series makes the whole concept quite cool! In this second book, a charming house is converted into a bed and breakfast. It's opening weekend, but Hope, Anne, and Kandi could never have suspected a second murder would occur in their small hometown. Four women and a doctor descend upon them for a weekend getaway, but they haven't all seen one another in many years. Former doctors and lovers only end up with one thing in common -- someone's gonna be killed and it's definitely related to someone's hurt feelings from medical school. But trying to weed through all the clues is what makes reading it such fun. Throw in a ghost, a runaway, a vape, and a few secret affairs, you know it's gonna get dicey!
From the get-go, I saw great improvement between the first and the second book. While part of it is due to an author having more freedom after the initial book in a series, there's also a lovely jump in writing style, character development, and story execution. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this one. At first, I thought... they're all named Elizabeth Taylor (inside joke -- you have to read to understand it) and I'm gonna lose track of who is who. But by a third into the story, the personalities are clear and the scenes are dramatic. It's easy to stay on track and connected with the story and suspects.
Walton weaves a good balance between the main mystery and side stories. As we see the lives of the three b&b owners move on after the murder in the first book, we learn more about their pasts, their needs, and their friendships. Anne, as the main character, is someone I'd like to meet and know. Hope is a great doctor and has perfect life advice. Kandi, while sometimes bordering on the obnoxious, is intended to be that way. I suspect Walton's planning a nice growth arc for her, which makes seeing the changes all that more valuable. I disliked her in the first books, I'm waffling in this second book, and I can only guess what will happen in the third one. But I will definitely be reading it because Walton's created a fun series with lots of room for expansion, intrigue, and clever action. Take advantage of this series as it's early on so you can stay abreast as each new book is launched. You might also learn some great recipes, techniques, and skills.
August 19, 2020
Nice enjoyable cosy mystery
Anne, Kandi and Hope were great characters. Their bed and breakfast was a great idea and I liked the start of the story. The guests of the bed and breakfast were all surprising. And the way they were etched, I enjoyed reading about the back story of every single guest.
Though it came in the middle of the book, the first murder was expected, considering the history that the guests of the Bed and Breakfast, have wit each other.
The mystery was a little guessable, but the description and the chemistry between the characters especially between Anne and the Sheriff was enjoyable.
Liked the cute, cosy mystery.
Anne, Kandi and Hope were great characters. Their bed and breakfast was a great idea and I liked the start of the story. The guests of the bed and breakfast were all surprising. And the way they were etched, I enjoyed reading about the back story of every single guest.
Though it came in the middle of the book, the first murder was expected, considering the history that the guests of the Bed and Breakfast, have wit each other.
The mystery was a little guessable, but the description and the chemistry between the characters especially between Anne and the Sheriff was enjoyable.
Liked the cute, cosy mystery.
August 23, 2020
Not so Grand Opening
It is the Grand Opening weekend at the Brandywine Inn B&B. The first guests have arrived and there are signs of discord.
A good book with excellent characters and subplots. The main plot was a little cloudy and hard to distinguish. I had trouble becoming one with the story until the last three chapters. The conclusion was strong and unexpected.
This is book two of the series and although each book is a stand alone I feel that I needed the background of Book one to fully appreciate Book two.
It is the Grand Opening weekend at the Brandywine Inn B&B. The first guests have arrived and there are signs of discord.
A good book with excellent characters and subplots. The main plot was a little cloudy and hard to distinguish. I had trouble becoming one with the story until the last three chapters. The conclusion was strong and unexpected.
This is book two of the series and although each book is a stand alone I feel that I needed the background of Book one to fully appreciate Book two.
November 11, 2018
Cordial Killings is the second book in The Backyard Farming series by Vikki Walton. As a cozy mystery set in a bed and breakfast, I was looking forward to reading this book during the colder weather with a warm drink and a fire going. The setting is perfect for a cozy, and Walton doesn't disappoint with descriptions of the food and drinks that the characters often partake. However, I wanted more description of the setting. A picturesque backdrop of Colorado Rockies in the winter, the blanket of glistening snow, the way freshly fallen snow coats tree branches...these are the beauties of winter that could have been played up. In addition, I would have loved more details on the decor of the rooms in the bed and breakfast. The layout of the house is described, but I feel that more details would have given it even more of that cozy feeling I'm looking for when I dive into this type of book.
The characters who run the bed and breakfast, Anne, Kandi, and Hope, are sweet--the type of ladies you would want for friends. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for all the guests, a group of middle-aged women who were college friends and are reuniting for a weekend of learning how to make tonics, tinctures, and tisanes. The old friends (or frenemies?) are aptly and cutely called the Elizabeth Taylors, named Taylor, Liz, Lil, and Beth. The weekend is supposed to be for ladies only, but when Beth arrives with husband Edward, a womanizing cardiologist with more than one type of heart trouble, tensions build in the group, and old wounds open and fester.
I kept waiting for the first death, but it wasn't until I was halfway through the book. I would have liked less banter between the women and for this important action step to occur much sooner, perhaps about twenty percent of the way into the story. While the bad blood between the group is important backstory and plays into the plot, I think the story needs to move quicker in the beginning to get to the point of a cozy mystery: solving a murder or suspected murder.
Another death follows shortly, and from there, the pace really picks up. I was pleased with how the rest of the story flowed and played out. I admit I suspected the killer and turned out to be right, but as the sheriff and Anne interview the different guests, motives for each are presented and well thought-out. The ending was satisfying.
This was an easy, enjoyable read--a good book if you're looking for something fun and not too serious.
The characters who run the bed and breakfast, Anne, Kandi, and Hope, are sweet--the type of ladies you would want for friends. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for all the guests, a group of middle-aged women who were college friends and are reuniting for a weekend of learning how to make tonics, tinctures, and tisanes. The old friends (or frenemies?) are aptly and cutely called the Elizabeth Taylors, named Taylor, Liz, Lil, and Beth. The weekend is supposed to be for ladies only, but when Beth arrives with husband Edward, a womanizing cardiologist with more than one type of heart trouble, tensions build in the group, and old wounds open and fester.
I kept waiting for the first death, but it wasn't until I was halfway through the book. I would have liked less banter between the women and for this important action step to occur much sooner, perhaps about twenty percent of the way into the story. While the bad blood between the group is important backstory and plays into the plot, I think the story needs to move quicker in the beginning to get to the point of a cozy mystery: solving a murder or suspected murder.
Another death follows shortly, and from there, the pace really picks up. I was pleased with how the rest of the story flowed and played out. I admit I suspected the killer and turned out to be right, but as the sheriff and Anne interview the different guests, motives for each are presented and well thought-out. The ending was satisfying.
This was an easy, enjoyable read--a good book if you're looking for something fun and not too serious.
December 2, 2018
If you opened up a bed and breakfast and your first guests were trouble, would you keep going like nothing is wrong or would you quickly refund their money and send them on their way? How would it affect the outlook of your business? Would you be ready to try again right away or give up? Walton has an intriguing cozy mystery that will leave readers suspicious of everyone until the very end.
Anne, Hope, and Kandi are all excited to open their new bed and breakfast, Brandywine Inn. As they greet their first guests, it is apparent that the five guests know each other and are less then pleased with the reunion which means trouble for the three owners. Fearful that the grand opening may not be a successful one, they agree to see what happens and hope for the best. They find out that the guests had all been friends at one point in time, so the three women cross their fingers and hope that this stay can restore their friendship. They couldn’t have predicted a death that could quite frankly…not be an accident. The first death was easy to blame on a heart attack, but the second death from Cordial? That starts to raise suspicion and make everyone fearful. With the snow storm coming through their area, no one is able to leave and their may now be a killer among them.
Walton’s story is compelling with its rising mystery and lovable characters. The story has a few grammatical errors, but this should not hinder enjoyment of the novel. Walton is creative and original with her scenes and the plot, making the characters fun, mysterious, and credible. This is the second book in the Backyard Farming Mysteries; however, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you may want to pick this series up.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the author and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating to Cordial Killing by Vikki Walton.
Anne, Hope, and Kandi are all excited to open their new bed and breakfast, Brandywine Inn. As they greet their first guests, it is apparent that the five guests know each other and are less then pleased with the reunion which means trouble for the three owners. Fearful that the grand opening may not be a successful one, they agree to see what happens and hope for the best. They find out that the guests had all been friends at one point in time, so the three women cross their fingers and hope that this stay can restore their friendship. They couldn’t have predicted a death that could quite frankly…not be an accident. The first death was easy to blame on a heart attack, but the second death from Cordial? That starts to raise suspicion and make everyone fearful. With the snow storm coming through their area, no one is able to leave and their may now be a killer among them.
Walton’s story is compelling with its rising mystery and lovable characters. The story has a few grammatical errors, but this should not hinder enjoyment of the novel. Walton is creative and original with her scenes and the plot, making the characters fun, mysterious, and credible. This is the second book in the Backyard Farming Mysteries; however, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you may want to pick this series up.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the author and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating to Cordial Killing by Vikki Walton.
November 8, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Full post at odbookreviews.com/cordial-killing
In Short:
This is a great cozy mystery for fans of a good amateur sleuth murder mystery! I loved how it had a wonderful Scooby-Doo element to it with creepy things happening around the house, all while a very real human threat lurks. Overall I really enjoyed the book and solving the crime. I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy this genre and I would read more by this author.
Pros:
This was a very enjoyable and well written book. I loved that this was a mystery with actual clues so you could follow along in solving it. I actually figured out who it was as soon as the body was discovered but this in no way ruined the experience for me. I still didn’t know the ‘why’ and as the story progressed evidence popped up only confirming my suspicions more and more. There were some twists along the way and mysterious occurrences that all lead up to a thrilling ending.
The cast of characters was great, and even though three of them shared the same name I had no problem telling them apart thanks to their nicknames, and unique personalities and voices. When I saw the cast list in the beginning of the book I was nervous I was going to have a hard time keeping track of everyone but that didn’t end up being the case at all. The group of old friends visiting the B&B had an interesting backstory and everyone seemed to have their own secrets. I found the three owners of the B&B to be really likable and it made me want to read more of their stories.
Cons:
I have no notable issues with this book.
In Short:
This is a great cozy mystery for fans of a good amateur sleuth murder mystery! I loved how it had a wonderful Scooby-Doo element to it with creepy things happening around the house, all while a very real human threat lurks. Overall I really enjoyed the book and solving the crime. I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy this genre and I would read more by this author.
Pros:
This was a very enjoyable and well written book. I loved that this was a mystery with actual clues so you could follow along in solving it. I actually figured out who it was as soon as the body was discovered but this in no way ruined the experience for me. I still didn’t know the ‘why’ and as the story progressed evidence popped up only confirming my suspicions more and more. There were some twists along the way and mysterious occurrences that all lead up to a thrilling ending.
The cast of characters was great, and even though three of them shared the same name I had no problem telling them apart thanks to their nicknames, and unique personalities and voices. When I saw the cast list in the beginning of the book I was nervous I was going to have a hard time keeping track of everyone but that didn’t end up being the case at all. The group of old friends visiting the B&B had an interesting backstory and everyone seemed to have their own secrets. I found the three owners of the B&B to be really likable and it made me want to read more of their stories.
Cons:
I have no notable issues with this book.
August 5, 2019
This is an odd sequel to Chicken Culprit. I don’t see it following the first book logically. 😐
Set a year or so after the events of the first book, Anne and Kandi decide to open a B and B where Ralph’s house used to be, under the name ‘Bradywine Inn’.
Hope is given a much larger role in this story compared to the first book. She is also a joint owner of the Bradywine Inn.
In there opening weekend, a few odd guests arrive. This is where we are introduced to new characters for this book. Edward, Beth, Liz, Lil, Taylor, Marie and Spencer join this story.
Turns out the first five names above have a past which can easily cause problems for the gang. As well as this, they keep hearing noises in the Inn which is spooking them. However, when two of the guests die unexceptionally, things turn from bad to worse....
Anne puts her detective hat back on to solve the mystery with Carlson. I feel like there is a slight romance building with these two. This may be built upon in the final book in the series (currently).
When they discover the truth, they are held hostage. However, all is well in the end. Spencer is hired to be a ‘Bear?’. That’s the end.
Tbh, all the new characters really do let the book down. The whole mystery is so dumb and boring. Spencer is the only character that will return for the third book, which makes all the other characters redundant. The only way this book gets a three is the development of already established characters.
Anne and Kandi’s relationship is fantastic and is so real after the first book. I can’t wait to see what will happen next for this crazy mystery gang!
3/5 Stars
Quick Note: I hope all the main characters get the romance they seem to be building in the next book!
Set a year or so after the events of the first book, Anne and Kandi decide to open a B and B where Ralph’s house used to be, under the name ‘Bradywine Inn’.
Hope is given a much larger role in this story compared to the first book. She is also a joint owner of the Bradywine Inn.
In there opening weekend, a few odd guests arrive. This is where we are introduced to new characters for this book. Edward, Beth, Liz, Lil, Taylor, Marie and Spencer join this story.
Turns out the first five names above have a past which can easily cause problems for the gang. As well as this, they keep hearing noises in the Inn which is spooking them. However, when two of the guests die unexceptionally, things turn from bad to worse....
Anne puts her detective hat back on to solve the mystery with Carlson. I feel like there is a slight romance building with these two. This may be built upon in the final book in the series (currently).
When they discover the truth, they are held hostage. However, all is well in the end. Spencer is hired to be a ‘Bear?’. That’s the end.
Tbh, all the new characters really do let the book down. The whole mystery is so dumb and boring. Spencer is the only character that will return for the third book, which makes all the other characters redundant. The only way this book gets a three is the development of already established characters.
Anne and Kandi’s relationship is fantastic and is so real after the first book. I can’t wait to see what will happen next for this crazy mystery gang!
3/5 Stars
Quick Note: I hope all the main characters get the romance they seem to be building in the next book!
January 10, 2019
Why I chose this book:
You may recall that I was invited to participate in a blog tour some time ago for this book. Since I love reading cozy mysteries, I was excited to participate, and I received a review copy in conjunction with that blog tour.
Review
Anne, Kandi, and Hope are confronted with two murdered guests during their bed-and-breakfast's opening weekend.
Cordial Killing is the second book in a series, but reading the first is not a requirement. The premise of this series is that three friends have become business partners, running a bed-and-breakfast that offers classes on herbal remedies and gardening. Events from the first book are referred to with enough detail to bring new readers up to speed. This second book takes place on the opening weekend of the bed-and-breakfast, the Brandywine Inn.
Four former college friends, as well as one husband, reunite at the inn after many years without contact. The husband, it turns out, has a history with more than one of the friends, and this causes strife amongst those four guests. Soon after their arrival, the husband is found dead, presumably from a heart attack, then a second individual dies, clearly from poison. Next everyone, innkeepers and guests and the sheriff, are all trapped in the inn as a storm rages and power cuts out! Exciting! They gather 'round the fire in blankets as the snow comes down (I read this cuddled up in a blanket by the fireplace myself), and it's quite the cozy mystery! I don't want to get into too much detail, or I would spoil the mystery, but I will say that the killer was a surprise, though in retrospect I could see it.
Overall, it was a fun, quick, exciting, and suspenseful read. The writing is smooth, the characters likable, and the mystery well-planned. If you have read the first, then I'd recommend the second. If you haven't read either, then I might suggest starting with the first, as I wish I had done. (I haven't read the first yet myself.)
You may recall that I was invited to participate in a blog tour some time ago for this book. Since I love reading cozy mysteries, I was excited to participate, and I received a review copy in conjunction with that blog tour.
Review
Anne, Kandi, and Hope are confronted with two murdered guests during their bed-and-breakfast's opening weekend.
Cordial Killing is the second book in a series, but reading the first is not a requirement. The premise of this series is that three friends have become business partners, running a bed-and-breakfast that offers classes on herbal remedies and gardening. Events from the first book are referred to with enough detail to bring new readers up to speed. This second book takes place on the opening weekend of the bed-and-breakfast, the Brandywine Inn.
Four former college friends, as well as one husband, reunite at the inn after many years without contact. The husband, it turns out, has a history with more than one of the friends, and this causes strife amongst those four guests. Soon after their arrival, the husband is found dead, presumably from a heart attack, then a second individual dies, clearly from poison. Next everyone, innkeepers and guests and the sheriff, are all trapped in the inn as a storm rages and power cuts out! Exciting! They gather 'round the fire in blankets as the snow comes down (I read this cuddled up in a blanket by the fireplace myself), and it's quite the cozy mystery! I don't want to get into too much detail, or I would spoil the mystery, but I will say that the killer was a surprise, though in retrospect I could see it.
Overall, it was a fun, quick, exciting, and suspenseful read. The writing is smooth, the characters likable, and the mystery well-planned. If you have read the first, then I'd recommend the second. If you haven't read either, then I might suggest starting with the first, as I wish I had done. (I haven't read the first yet myself.)
January 31, 2019
"Cordial Killing" picks up after the first book "Chicken Culprit". The main character Anne and her daughter Kandi, pick up their lives after the first mystery book and go into business together with the town doctor. With their first customers comes the next mystery to solve. I felt the very beginning that explains the charachters gave away a little bit to much about the new and existing charachters in the story. Yet, that may be important for a person who didn't read the first book. I was able to guess who the culprit was and about the noises in the house sooner than the first book. I enjoyed the cozy quick read story and getting to know the new charachters. I hope to see Taylor in the next one. As corny as her character seems sometimes, she's still pretty accurate y'all. Although, she makes me wish I had more quick draw catch phrases. I look forward to a third book. I received this book in exchange for my opinion. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I would have given it 5 if I had not figured out the mystery until the last few chapters. It's just got the perfect amount of suspense and scary mystery for me. I appreciate the authors ability to write a mystery with out any gore. I have been able to read Vikki Waltons books anytime of day without nightmares, and find them hard to stop once I have started.
March 12, 2023
Anne and her friends are excited for the opening of their new B&B – a themed weekend with lessons in herbs and the making of an award-winning cordial. But when the guests arrive, it turns out that the four ladies are old acquaintances, not all on the best of terms with each other, and the sole husband who has tagged along means something to more than one of them.
With a suspicious death, strange sounds in the old building, and a blizzard stranding them all together, it’s up to Anne to figure out what’s really going on.
This book follows on from Chicken Culprit, which I enjoyed as an easy read. The characters were appealing enough to make me want to read more about them, and I’m glad I did. While guessing the identity of the victim is straightforward, the murderer is more of a fun challenge. The twists and turns in the various relationships kept me guessing, and the only thing that didn’t work well for me was their names – all variations on Elizabeth. I got the reason for this, but keeping them straight in my head until I was well into the book was a bit harder work than I wanted.
As a charming way to spend a bit of time, I can recommend this series for those who enjoy cosy mysteries in a small-town setting, with a bit of murder on the side.
With a suspicious death, strange sounds in the old building, and a blizzard stranding them all together, it’s up to Anne to figure out what’s really going on.
This book follows on from Chicken Culprit, which I enjoyed as an easy read. The characters were appealing enough to make me want to read more about them, and I’m glad I did. While guessing the identity of the victim is straightforward, the murderer is more of a fun challenge. The twists and turns in the various relationships kept me guessing, and the only thing that didn’t work well for me was their names – all variations on Elizabeth. I got the reason for this, but keeping them straight in my head until I was well into the book was a bit harder work than I wanted.
As a charming way to spend a bit of time, I can recommend this series for those who enjoy cosy mysteries in a small-town setting, with a bit of murder on the side.
January 3, 2019
Vikki Walton does it again! We return to Carolan Springs, Colorado to find Anne Fremont settling in nicely and in a business partnership with her adopted daughter and the town doctor. They have opened a B&B next door to Anne they have named the Brandywine Inn. Their aim is to offer not only the usual Bed and Breakfast fare, but also host private weekend classes in various homesteading and herbalism classes. Their opening weekend does not turn out as they have hoped, however, with the death of a guest. We follow the twists and turns of the friendship of the remaining guests as Anne and Sheriff Carson attempt to discover the murderer before someone else gets killed!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, Chicken Culprit. Ms. Walton gets a little more serious in this book, making me feel a little more apprehension with the second murder. I enjoy the way she writes, and how knowledgeable she is in the seeming secondary plot subjects, such as the making of elderberry cordial and the medicinal properties of elderberries. I look forward to more books in the series!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, Chicken Culprit. Ms. Walton gets a little more serious in this book, making me feel a little more apprehension with the second murder. I enjoy the way she writes, and how knowledgeable she is in the seeming secondary plot subjects, such as the making of elderberry cordial and the medicinal properties of elderberries. I look forward to more books in the series!
February 12, 2019
Hippocratic oaths be d.....!
Awesome. A really great plot showing that resentments can last for years before action is taken. Okay a couple of small proofing errors and slightly misleading information about Oxford but all in all a wonderful read. The characters have really come into their own with this second book and can't wait to read the next.
The Inn is now ready for their first guests but things might not go as planned as the first three (a couple and an old friend) seem to have been arguing on the way their with the wife arriving in tears. Whilst the second two women seemed to have a shock factor effect on the couple. Threats, a ghost, two murders and a history spanning years which has been twisted into a need to get even. Can they sort who and why the murders have taken place? Why are there strange noises in the Inn? What is the creature lurking about?
Awesome. A really great plot showing that resentments can last for years before action is taken. Okay a couple of small proofing errors and slightly misleading information about Oxford but all in all a wonderful read. The characters have really come into their own with this second book and can't wait to read the next.
The Inn is now ready for their first guests but things might not go as planned as the first three (a couple and an old friend) seem to have been arguing on the way their with the wife arriving in tears. Whilst the second two women seemed to have a shock factor effect on the couple. Threats, a ghost, two murders and a history spanning years which has been twisted into a need to get even. Can they sort who and why the murders have taken place? Why are there strange noises in the Inn? What is the creature lurking about?
April 22, 2022
Bears, Blizzards and Bumps in the Night
This is book 2 in the series and picks up where the first story left off. A bed and breakfast now stands in what had been Ralph's home. Anne, Hope and Landing are the Innkeeper's of this lovely establishment and have just opened the doors to their first guests!! Four old college friends and a husband have chosen the Brandywine Inn for a long over due reunion...but this do not go as planned. When the husband suffers a deadly heart attack, suspicions run high as to what caused this tragic death. Another death soon followed and there was no doubt there was a murderer amongst them! Plus...doors were slamming, footsteps could be heard in the hallways yet there was no one there. Had Ralph returned from the grave???
I'm really enjoying this series and would recommend it to anyone looking for a low violence cozy series!
This is book 2 in the series and picks up where the first story left off. A bed and breakfast now stands in what had been Ralph's home. Anne, Hope and Landing are the Innkeeper's of this lovely establishment and have just opened the doors to their first guests!! Four old college friends and a husband have chosen the Brandywine Inn for a long over due reunion...but this do not go as planned. When the husband suffers a deadly heart attack, suspicions run high as to what caused this tragic death. Another death soon followed and there was no doubt there was a murderer amongst them! Plus...doors were slamming, footsteps could be heard in the hallways yet there was no one there. Had Ralph returned from the grave???
I'm really enjoying this series and would recommend it to anyone looking for a low violence cozy series!
April 26, 2019
Truly good cozy
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Another excellent offering from author Vikki Walton! The Backyard Farming Mysteries are fast becoming one of my favorite series. The writing is detailed, but not bogged down with minutiae. The humor is good without being "like" overdone. The characters are well developed. The dialogue is natural and believable. The conclusion is tied up very well. I like that each book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend that you read them in order to get the best of the book. There is character & place carry over. Would I recommend this book? YES! Cozy mystery readers should enjoy, and learn things, by reading these books. Enjoy.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Another excellent offering from author Vikki Walton! The Backyard Farming Mysteries are fast becoming one of my favorite series. The writing is detailed, but not bogged down with minutiae. The humor is good without being "like" overdone. The characters are well developed. The dialogue is natural and believable. The conclusion is tied up very well. I like that each book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend that you read them in order to get the best of the book. There is character & place carry over. Would I recommend this book? YES! Cozy mystery readers should enjoy, and learn things, by reading these books. Enjoy.
January 3, 2026
I was familiar with the residents of Carolan Springs, Connecticut after reading and enjoying Chicken Culprit. A lot is going on in the second book, Cordial Killing. After the death of Ralph Rogers, friends Anne Freemont, Hope Boswell, and Kandi Jenkins have turned his old house into the Brandywine Inn. There seems to be some animosity among their first guests, however--a group of friends who met in college many years ago. After a suspicious death at the inn, the trio of ladies and Sheriff Carson interview the guests in order to piece together clues and solve the case. This book continues where the first book left off, letting the reader get to know the major characters better. Are there romances ahead for Anne and Kandi? I look forward to finding out.
February 6, 2019
Not my cup of tea
I didn’t like Anne. She irritated me. She was too schoolmarmish. She gave me the feeling that she thought she was better than others. And being a bit snarky is okay, but too snarky is just plain old mean.
Kandi said ‘like’ too much. (Quote as an example of what I mean: “Did I, like, scare you?”) She kept doing it and doing it and there was no escaping it. And the extra emphasis on the word that was continually written in italics was too much for me. So that irritated me as well.
Furthermore, the characters weren’t developed enough. I guess the mystery itself was okay, but the characters make this a no from me.
I didn’t like Anne. She irritated me. She was too schoolmarmish. She gave me the feeling that she thought she was better than others. And being a bit snarky is okay, but too snarky is just plain old mean.
Kandi said ‘like’ too much. (Quote as an example of what I mean: “Did I, like, scare you?”) She kept doing it and doing it and there was no escaping it. And the extra emphasis on the word that was continually written in italics was too much for me. So that irritated me as well.
Furthermore, the characters weren’t developed enough. I guess the mystery itself was okay, but the characters make this a no from me.
March 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Backyard Farming Mystery. Again, there were a few minor errors that slightly affected my reading experience, although, in no way, did they take away the pleasure of reading this well-written book.
The storyline here was similar to An Unwanted Guest, but since both books were written/published in the same year, I can hardly say who copied who. In this book, it's obvious that the five guests have bad blood between them, whereas, in An Unwanted Guest, the connection between the guests is not obvious or easily discerned. However, in both books, there is more than one murder, there is a snowstorm that results in a blackout and the guests being forced to stay at the inn, and the murderer is an insane, manipulative woman who thinks she's bested everyone and whose name begins with the letter "L".
This book is far more interesting though, especially with the way the four female guests are connected to the male murder victim. And of course, there's the attractive Sherif Carson. I do like him so. I want to read the next book and see what happens between him and Anne.
The storyline here was similar to An Unwanted Guest, but since both books were written/published in the same year, I can hardly say who copied who. In this book, it's obvious that the five guests have bad blood between them, whereas, in An Unwanted Guest, the connection between the guests is not obvious or easily discerned. However, in both books, there is more than one murder, there is a snowstorm that results in a blackout and the guests being forced to stay at the inn, and the murderer is an insane, manipulative woman who thinks she's bested everyone and whose name begins with the letter "L".
This book is far more interesting though, especially with the way the four female guests are connected to the male murder victim. And of course, there's the attractive Sherif Carson. I do like him so. I want to read the next book and see what happens between him and Anne.
December 8, 2018
A nice mystery with a little twist at the end. I enjoyed this story and I liked the characters. I had a little trouble at the beginning keeping the characters straight, but once I got to know them, I really enjoyed the story. The B&B has it's opening weekend and trouble starts when the guests start arriving. When a guest is found dead and then a member of the community is poisoned, Anne really feels a need to investigate. Then they have to deal with spooky noises, a ghost and a snow storm. Will they all survive?
December 20, 2018
The book made for good reading. One thing that grated on my nerves was Kandi's inability to put a sentence together without the word "like" in it. I did not realize that she originated in California where that is common. In any case, I know I could never live with someone like that. It's bad enough having to read it, but to hear it all day long. ARGH!!! Other than that, I found it a super read and look forward to reading the next book in this series. (With the hope that it won't be overrun with "likes")
November 26, 2020
A bit confusing
I enjoy the light read but this one was confusing. First of all the characters who had a form of the name Elizabeth. One was Beth, one Liz, and one was Lil. It was hard to keep them straight. Then there were two young men in the story Stewart and Spencer. For the love of pancakes, be a bit more creative and use names that are not so close. I am reading the next book in the series but if the trend continues I am afraid I'm done.
I enjoy the light read but this one was confusing. First of all the characters who had a form of the name Elizabeth. One was Beth, one Liz, and one was Lil. It was hard to keep them straight. Then there were two young men in the story Stewart and Spencer. For the love of pancakes, be a bit more creative and use names that are not so close. I am reading the next book in the series but if the trend continues I am afraid I'm done.
December 14, 2018
Good Clean Fun
Not quite as zany as its predecessor, but still amusing, Cordial Killing is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Please, if you haven't already done so, read the first book in the series before this one, so you will know what's going on.
As usual, Walton gives a fine story.
Recommended for all readers of good cozies.
Not quite as zany as its predecessor, but still amusing, Cordial Killing is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Please, if you haven't already done so, read the first book in the series before this one, so you will know what's going on.
As usual, Walton gives a fine story.
Recommended for all readers of good cozies.
March 7, 2021
Clean mystery.
Interesting people and circumstances. The new inn, run by friends and neighbors, had a challenging opening weekend. All the guests knew each other and there was plenty of ill will. Betrayal, murder and a "ghost" kept it interesting. Love the town and characters, but book has more than a few typos. Recommend.
Interesting people and circumstances. The new inn, run by friends and neighbors, had a challenging opening weekend. All the guests knew each other and there was plenty of ill will. Betrayal, murder and a "ghost" kept it interesting. Love the town and characters, but book has more than a few typos. Recommend.
December 7, 2018
This is a page turner, a fun cozy murder mystery. Love the title and how it fits the plot. You learn to make an elderberry cordial and someone is killed. There are ghost like happenings and four suspects. A fun whodunit. Would recommend this to all who like cozy mysteries.
December 8, 2018
I love a good cozy and I especially like when one keeps you guessing. This one did exactly that and more. I loved the fictional setting and the great characters that ran the B and B. all in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes a great whodunit.
December 10, 2018
Totally enjoyable
A very fun and great group of characters with interesting twists to the story. I so enjoyed the first book in the series and this 2nd one didn’t disappoint either. Can’t wait to see the next ones!!!
A very fun and great group of characters with interesting twists to the story. I so enjoyed the first book in the series and this 2nd one didn’t disappoint either. Can’t wait to see the next ones!!!
May 13, 2019
Intriguing mystery, and we'll formed characters. Can t wait to see how Anne's and the sheriffs
Romance progresses. I really enjoyed this book. I never would have guessed who the real killer was. The mention of the herbs and spices made this mystery more interesting
Romance progresses. I really enjoyed this book. I never would have guessed who the real killer was. The mention of the herbs and spices made this mystery more interesting
November 23, 2020
Friendships
You never truly know who your friends are. Your true friend sometime cause you the most pain. Murder causes you to rethink your life and your friends. Can't wait to read the next book. I have a new author.
You never truly know who your friends are. Your true friend sometime cause you the most pain. Murder causes you to rethink your life and your friends. Can't wait to read the next book. I have a new author.
May 23, 2021
Nice follow up to the first book in this series. Cute cozy series about small town life in Colorado. Death, mysterious noises and a blizzard make for the perfect storm. Look forward to the next book in this series.
May 9, 2022
Friends or Frenemies
I'm loving this series, set in Colorado, about Anne Freemont, who at age 44, is trying to rebuild her life after a bitter divorce, but the bodies keep stacking up.
I'm loving this series, set in Colorado, about Anne Freemont, who at age 44, is trying to rebuild her life after a bitter divorce, but the bodies keep stacking up.
January 10, 2023
A Good read.
An enjoyable story about a boarding house that opens with guests for the first time. It has very good characters, who seemed believable and authentic. It was very funny at times, in spite of a murderer on the loose.
An enjoyable story about a boarding house that opens with guests for the first time. It has very good characters, who seemed believable and authentic. It was very funny at times, in spite of a murderer on the loose.
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