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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #11
Tweet Revenge
A songbird holds the key to a mystery that’s foiled lesser sleuths than Ivy and Keats. An antique birdcage attracts a winged visitor singing sad songs of small-town wrongs. Ivy and Jilly follow a colorful feathered friend to uncover a mysterious stash of love letters. While planning for Jilly’s upcoming wedding, they commit to finding the lovelorn couple, stumbling from one crisis to another as villains old and new try to foil them in their mission. Will they be able to figure out the story behind the bird’s gorgeous tune before it flies… and someone else dies? The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals and funny, spunky amateur sleuths.
258 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 1, 2022
Book 11. An Antique Auction was coming the Animal Mafia ( Animal Mafia is a hard core animal rescue ) Remi was hosting. Ivy was going to donate a birdcage that some people wanted to steal. Including the Langmen sisters. There was a bird unique beautiful bird that flew in the cage and just sat there. In book 10 when the ailing Imo gene was dying she saw the bird and told everyone it was her deceased husband Carl. Well then some woman that was a client of Ivy Vernie was telling Ivy off. So the search was one after Ivy found her dead. The whole crew was back to find out the mystery. Keats,the border collie, Percy ,the marmalade cat, even The new bird Picasso. This was a fun book in this series. Alot of drag out fighting. I have read all Ellen Rigs series in this books. I can't wait for book 12
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
“Tweet Revenge” is another wonderful installment of the Bought-the-Farm series. The talented Ellen Riggs has done it again with a lot of intrigue and of course laugh-out-loud moments with Ivy, Jilly, Keats, and Percy.
We get to meet some new characters in this book along with catching up on our favorites.
I’m already eager for the next book to come out.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
We get to meet some new characters in this book along with catching up on our favorites.
I’m already eager for the next book to come out.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
February 21, 2022
This series is always a favorite of mine, and I'm always happy revisiting Runaway Farm with Ivy, Keats, Percy, Jilly & the rest of the gang. This is a solid mystery with wonderful characters - some new, some old, some two-legged, some four, and even some winged. There's a heaviness weighing over Clover Grove though that I expect may be resolved in some of the upcoming titles. I look forward to continuing!
February 24, 2022
Reading a new book in this series feels like hanging out with old friends!
March 21, 2026
Un po' più sotto tono dei precedenti, speriamo nei prossimi volumi la storia riacquisti ritmo
March 31, 2023
A mysterious bird leads Ivy to a hidden cache of secret love letters and an engagement ring telling a tragic tale of former lovers separated by family. Jilly is busy wedding planning and trying to drum up business for the inn. She thinks an upcoming rescue fundraiser is just the place to network. Along the way, Ivy has to stop for some blue pumpkins grown using fertilizer made from manure from her farm. Vernie Cobbler is particular about who buys her produce but she does allow Ivy to buy some - AND take away some priceless paintings to auction before the Langman sisters and other vultures come steal them. When Ivy returns, Vena is dead- murdered, probably for the paintings. Ivy promises to stay out of this one. She's busy trying to find the owner of the love letters and return them. Her discovery may lead to yet another dark chapter from Clover Grove's past.
This story wasn't as good as the previous one. It meanders a bit in the beginning before the murder mystery happens and contains a little more "woo woo" stuff. I missed the novella that leads into this one but Ivy recaps enough so I got the picture. I also didn't read any of Janelle's spin-off books so I missed a bit there. It seems like the witch gene may have skipped Jilly but hit Ivy instead. There aren't any more adorable farm animals to love this time. The whodunit comes out of thin air and there's hints that some kind of big trouble is brewing and no one knows who is behind it or when the storm will hit. Kellan claims that's the reason he returned to Hill Country. (Clover Grove specifically for Ivy).
Ivy and Kellan's relationship continues to grow. I appreciate that. He's showing a sense of humor and he does appreciate Keats and Percy even if they tease him and don't love Kellan and Ivy together. Ivy's bond with Keats will never waver and something happens here that shows her devotion to him over her human friends. Asher is a little less likable here. Edna is REALLY unlikable. It was fun and funny when she was prepping for a zombie apocalypse but prepping for a real life event in public with other people is not so funny. I don't appreciate AT ALL what she did without thinking about the consequences. She seems to show remorse though which is an improvement. Her feud with Dahlia is funny and I'm less horrified by Dahlia's new business than her daughters are. Her choice in clients leads a lot to be desired. I think she still loves Calvin and her pride was hurt when he left. She can't forgive him YET but I think she might, eventually. He seems like a simple but kind man. Asher takes after Calvin while the girls are independent spitfires like their mother.
I especially like the transformation of Mandy. While she's trying to make amends for her grandmother, now she's out from her grandmother's thumb, she's free to be herself. Mandy is kind but still timid. Ivy is working on Mandy to find true love. Mandy has come a long way but she's still a work in progress. Ivy's great uncle Sterling is funny. He has given up on a chance at love but it's not too late for a family. It seems family has found him whether he wants one or not. He may be a cranky recluse but I think he's a softie at heart. Ivy learns some surprising news which makes her question (again) her mother's stories. Dottie, the librarian/archivist, is also a work in progress. She's not so nasty anymore and is more open to allowing research and sharing the forgotten stories of the past.
Vernie Cobbler is another crusty old lady who can out shoot even Gertie. She has a friendly rivalry with the other two ladies. Vernie loves produce. Her produce sales finance her home and independence but it's also her passion. She wants every vegetable to go to a good home. Her other passion is painting. Vernie is a moderately talented painter who does art on the side. She also seems to love animals, cats more than dogs and loathes treasure hunters like the Langman sisters.
The Langman sisters go too far this time. Heddy and Kaye know no boundaries. They hint only they know the provenance of the birdcage Ivy was given to auction but that doesn't mean it belongs to them. Why do they want it so badly? Who is going to buy an antique birdcage? The lengths they go through to get it shows there's more to it than meets the eye. Did they kill Vernie to get what they wanted? Oh I hope so!
Beverly Roxton also seems like she's up to no good. She's still nasty, in spite of the separation from her kind husband. She seems to loathe animals as much as her husband loves them. She also still hates Ivy. Gwen Quinn, Ivy's onetime employee and accessory to attempted murder, is also not very friendly. She doesn't show any remorse for what she did or any compassion for Ivy. Two of the former Bridge Biddies are hanging out with Dahlia as well. Uh-oh! What has she gotten herself into? Is she trying to avenge Ivy or are they going to avenge themselves by hurting Dahlia? Annamae Muir is hanging out with Edna. She doesn't seem like the survivalist type. She's timid and not a very good shot.
Silkie and Satin Carnegie are identical twins and a little creepy. They don't seem to get along very well and are competitive. One more set of sisters is the Agnew sisters from Crow's Landing. They're new in town and not very pleasant. They've thrown in their lot with Edna so I guess that's not surprising. One has to be tough to survive.
In the past, we learn about yet another crime family- the Harlows. They were a nasty lot- father and sons. Like others in Hill Country in their day, they pushed marriage for the sale of alliances and not love. Was one of the boys in love with a woman from an "unsuitable" family?
The newest animal is Picasso, the Painted Bunting, a southern bird flitting around leading Ivy to clues and helping others as well. This mysterious bird is a little too "woo woo" for me and he's a free wild bird. Therefore, he doesn't have the same appeal as Ivy's livestock and pets. Vernie had a Pommeranian, Pommy, but he's returned to the Rescue Mafia pretty quickly before we get to know him.
I stayed up until 2 AM skimming and speed reading this. I'm trying to make my way through this series before 4/4. Which one should I choose next AFTER bunnies? I have to read about bunnies and Jilly's wedding.
This story wasn't as good as the previous one. It meanders a bit in the beginning before the murder mystery happens and contains a little more "woo woo" stuff. I missed the novella that leads into this one but Ivy recaps enough so I got the picture. I also didn't read any of Janelle's spin-off books so I missed a bit there. It seems like the witch gene may have skipped Jilly but hit Ivy instead. There aren't any more adorable farm animals to love this time. The whodunit comes out of thin air and there's hints that some kind of big trouble is brewing and no one knows who is behind it or when the storm will hit. Kellan claims that's the reason he returned to Hill Country. (Clover Grove specifically for Ivy).
Ivy and Kellan's relationship continues to grow. I appreciate that. He's showing a sense of humor and he does appreciate Keats and Percy even if they tease him and don't love Kellan and Ivy together. Ivy's bond with Keats will never waver and something happens here that shows her devotion to him over her human friends. Asher is a little less likable here. Edna is REALLY unlikable. It was fun and funny when she was prepping for a zombie apocalypse but prepping for a real life event in public with other people is not so funny. I don't appreciate AT ALL what she did without thinking about the consequences. She seems to show remorse though which is an improvement. Her feud with Dahlia is funny and I'm less horrified by Dahlia's new business than her daughters are. Her choice in clients leads a lot to be desired. I think she still loves Calvin and her pride was hurt when he left. She can't forgive him YET but I think she might, eventually. He seems like a simple but kind man. Asher takes after Calvin while the girls are independent spitfires like their mother.
I especially like the transformation of Mandy. While she's trying to make amends for her grandmother, now she's out from her grandmother's thumb, she's free to be herself. Mandy is kind but still timid. Ivy is working on Mandy to find true love. Mandy has come a long way but she's still a work in progress. Ivy's great uncle Sterling is funny. He has given up on a chance at love but it's not too late for a family. It seems family has found him whether he wants one or not. He may be a cranky recluse but I think he's a softie at heart. Ivy learns some surprising news which makes her question (again) her mother's stories. Dottie, the librarian/archivist, is also a work in progress. She's not so nasty anymore and is more open to allowing research and sharing the forgotten stories of the past.
Vernie Cobbler is another crusty old lady who can out shoot even Gertie. She has a friendly rivalry with the other two ladies. Vernie loves produce. Her produce sales finance her home and independence but it's also her passion. She wants every vegetable to go to a good home. Her other passion is painting. Vernie is a moderately talented painter who does art on the side. She also seems to love animals, cats more than dogs and loathes treasure hunters like the Langman sisters.
The Langman sisters go too far this time. Heddy and Kaye know no boundaries. They hint only they know the provenance of the birdcage Ivy was given to auction but that doesn't mean it belongs to them. Why do they want it so badly? Who is going to buy an antique birdcage? The lengths they go through to get it shows there's more to it than meets the eye. Did they kill Vernie to get what they wanted? Oh I hope so!
Beverly Roxton also seems like she's up to no good. She's still nasty, in spite of the separation from her kind husband. She seems to loathe animals as much as her husband loves them. She also still hates Ivy. Gwen Quinn, Ivy's onetime employee and accessory to attempted murder, is also not very friendly. She doesn't show any remorse for what she did or any compassion for Ivy. Two of the former Bridge Biddies are hanging out with Dahlia as well. Uh-oh! What has she gotten herself into? Is she trying to avenge Ivy or are they going to avenge themselves by hurting Dahlia? Annamae Muir is hanging out with Edna. She doesn't seem like the survivalist type. She's timid and not a very good shot.
Silkie and Satin Carnegie are identical twins and a little creepy. They don't seem to get along very well and are competitive. One more set of sisters is the Agnew sisters from Crow's Landing. They're new in town and not very pleasant. They've thrown in their lot with Edna so I guess that's not surprising. One has to be tough to survive.
In the past, we learn about yet another crime family- the Harlows. They were a nasty lot- father and sons. Like others in Hill Country in their day, they pushed marriage for the sale of alliances and not love. Was one of the boys in love with a woman from an "unsuitable" family?
The newest animal is Picasso, the Painted Bunting, a southern bird flitting around leading Ivy to clues and helping others as well. This mysterious bird is a little too "woo woo" for me and he's a free wild bird. Therefore, he doesn't have the same appeal as Ivy's livestock and pets. Vernie had a Pommeranian, Pommy, but he's returned to the Rescue Mafia pretty quickly before we get to know him.
I stayed up until 2 AM skimming and speed reading this. I'm trying to make my way through this series before 4/4. Which one should I choose next AFTER bunnies? I have to read about bunnies and Jilly's wedding.
February 17, 2022
It's been nearly a year since Ivy took over Runaway Farm. Jilly's wedding is not far off, and an auction for rescue services is just the place to donate an antique bird cage. But a painted bunting (seen in the previous book) flies into it, and then leads Ivy and Jilly into the back swampy area to an old barn, where they discover a metal box (thanks to Percy) and its key (thanks to the bird). Of course, they can't help investigating the mysterious love letters it contains! The Langmans, of course, are trying to steal the birdcage; Edna and Gertie are signing folks up for a prepper course; and a large pumpkin kills a local farmer. All these elements and more are woven together with the humor and good writing I have come to expect of this author. And – there's a humdinger of an ending! You won't be disappointed. – I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
March 19, 2022
This series is so wonderful! Each book has a new plot twist, more connections between characters and usually some new and interesting characters. I thought we were going to get o Asher and Jilly's wedding on this book - but not. However, we are close!
Amazon synopsis:
A songbird holds the key to a mystery that’s foiled lesser sleuths than this sheepdog Sherlock.
An antique birdcage attracts a winged visitor singing sad songs of small-town wrongs.
Ivy and Jilly follow a colorful feathered friend to uncover a mysterious stash of love letters. While planning for Jilly’s upcoming wedding, they commit to finding the lovelorn couple, stumbling from one crisis to another as villains old and new try to foil them in their mission.
Will they be able to figure out the story behind the bird’s gorgeous tune before it flies… and someone else dies?
Amazon synopsis:
A songbird holds the key to a mystery that’s foiled lesser sleuths than this sheepdog Sherlock.
An antique birdcage attracts a winged visitor singing sad songs of small-town wrongs.
Ivy and Jilly follow a colorful feathered friend to uncover a mysterious stash of love letters. While planning for Jilly’s upcoming wedding, they commit to finding the lovelorn couple, stumbling from one crisis to another as villains old and new try to foil them in their mission.
Will they be able to figure out the story behind the bird’s gorgeous tune before it flies… and someone else dies?
November 26, 2022
good
When a bird leads Ivy, Keats, and Jilly to some hidden love letters, the sheepdog Sherlock is on the case trying to find out who they belonged too.
It’s not long before Ivy finds another body, and even though she’s leaving THAT mystery to Kellan, Keats has other ideas.
Some cute interactions between Ivy and Kellan, with some fun furry and feathered antics to round it out. Even though this ranks on the cosy side of mystery, there are some dark underpinnings in hill country, and these seem to be coming to light.
It’s all good though, Keats narrowly missed being the star in this book, because Picasso stole the spotlight; that being said, for the dog loving mystery reader, this is a thoroughly entertaining story and well worth a read!
When a bird leads Ivy, Keats, and Jilly to some hidden love letters, the sheepdog Sherlock is on the case trying to find out who they belonged too.
It’s not long before Ivy finds another body, and even though she’s leaving THAT mystery to Kellan, Keats has other ideas.
Some cute interactions between Ivy and Kellan, with some fun furry and feathered antics to round it out. Even though this ranks on the cosy side of mystery, there are some dark underpinnings in hill country, and these seem to be coming to light.
It’s all good though, Keats narrowly missed being the star in this book, because Picasso stole the spotlight; that being said, for the dog loving mystery reader, this is a thoroughly entertaining story and well worth a read!
January 31, 2022
I love, loved this book. There is a murder in this book and I was glad that it wasn't at Runaway Far(m). Poor Ivy is being blamed for all the murders that have happened since she came back home, as it is. The author's description of the painted hunting was so good, that I was able to give the bird justice in my mind's eye.
Kellan asks Ivy to stay out of the murder investigation and she is abiding his request. But, she gets involved without even trying. If you want to know how Ivy accomplished this, read the book when it releases and find out for yourself.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
Kellan asks Ivy to stay out of the murder investigation and she is abiding his request. But, she gets involved without even trying. If you want to know how Ivy accomplished this, read the book when it releases and find out for yourself.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
February 1, 2022
Once again a very enjoyable read. Tweet comes from a painted bunting that Ivy has called Picasso. This bird leads her, along with Keats & Percy, to an ancient barn where there is a small box which Percy is able to get to & the key which Picasso gives to her. The box contains several love letters & an engagement ring. It is rather a sad story. Naturally someone gets murdered but Ivy is concentrating more on the letters. All gets sorted out in the end.
February 13, 2022
Another thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully written book in Ms Riggs' "Bought the Farm" series.
We are treated to glimpses of the usual farm animals, but bright, new-to-us Picasso along with Keats, Percy, Jill, and Ivy are front and center in this story.
A malevolence is seeping into the town as old wrongs are coming to light and our intrepid farm girl charges in to make things right.
I'm a lucky reader who received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
We are treated to glimpses of the usual farm animals, but bright, new-to-us Picasso along with Keats, Percy, Jill, and Ivy are front and center in this story.
A malevolence is seeping into the town as old wrongs are coming to light and our intrepid farm girl charges in to make things right.
I'm a lucky reader who received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 13, 2022
In Tweet Revenger, a painted bunting (a colorful bird) leads Ivy, Keats and Percy to a bundle of love letters and a tragic love story. Ivy determines to try to return the letters. Her path is never straight forward. A murder occurs. With too many suspects, will Ivy discover the murderer - and live to tell the tail? Some of her usual support team is not so supportive this time. This well written mystery kept me up until I reached the end.
February 25, 2022
Picasso, Percy, and Keats, the Treasure Hunting Trio
I love the parts that the animals play in these stories. And, I love the way the humans respect the intuition of the animals. Ivey, Keats, and Percy work as a well trained team. Is it any wonder that they're always so successful? Apparently, the crime families in the hills were run the same as the city crime syndicates. Very entertaining and action filled read.
I love the parts that the animals play in these stories. And, I love the way the humans respect the intuition of the animals. Ivey, Keats, and Percy work as a well trained team. Is it any wonder that they're always so successful? Apparently, the crime families in the hills were run the same as the city crime syndicates. Very entertaining and action filled read.
February 19, 2023
Mysterious and Poignant
A songbird holds the key to a mystery that’s foiled lesser sleuths than this sheepdog Sherlock.
This is a mysterious and poignant story. A woman is killed for a painting that she refuses to give up.
Ivy starts investigating some old letters and a ring that once belonged to lovers.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A songbird holds the key to a mystery that’s foiled lesser sleuths than this sheepdog Sherlock.
This is a mysterious and poignant story. A woman is killed for a painting that she refuses to give up.
Ivy starts investigating some old letters and a ring that once belonged to lovers.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
Still loving this series but Ivy's mother is really getting on my nerves and my feelings kind of exploded in this one. The woman has been given way too much leeway and all her children are enabling her. They need to get a collective backbone! Gah! Otherwise, love the rescue farm setting and the way Ivy connects with the animals. There's also a foreshadowing of ominous things to come for the town and it's guaranteed that Ivy is going to be in the middle of all that and I can't wait!
February 22, 2022
Great book with lots of suspeny
I always love the books in this series. The characters are great and I love the animals being a farmer too. The suspense was well written and I enjoyed the relationship s.
I always love the books in this series. The characters are great and I love the animals being a farmer too. The suspense was well written and I enjoyed the relationship s.
March 24, 2022
I love the bought the farm series!
I want Keats for myself ha ivy Keats and Percy along with the rest of the gang do it again! I never tire of the variety of animals that help solve mysteries!
I want Keats for myself ha ivy Keats and Percy along with the rest of the gang do it again! I never tire of the variety of animals that help solve mysteries!
April 10, 2022
emme
Ivy and the gang are in the thick of it again. Edna is gearing up for zombies and Ivy’s mom is gearing up the single women in town for rotational dating. Never a dull moment in Clover Grove.
Ivy and the gang are in the thick of it again. Edna is gearing up for zombies and Ivy’s mom is gearing up the single women in town for rotational dating. Never a dull moment in Clover Grove.
February 23, 2022
Truly Loved it
Truly Loved it and Laughed when the overalls came down, couldn't put the ebook down. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
Truly Loved it and Laughed when the overalls came down, couldn't put the ebook down. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
February 24, 2022
great read!! Ivy has lots of things to distract her this time around but still gets the job done. Kellan is always there to the round up. Fun and easy to read always enjoyed
February 27, 2022
Another 5 star story
Ellen delivers again! Things are staring to heat up in Clover Grove. Once more Ivy and the boys have their hands full with a double mystery to solve.
Ellen delivers again! Things are staring to heat up in Clover Grove. Once more Ivy and the boys have their hands full with a double mystery to solve.
March 6, 2022
Another great addition to the Bought the Farm series! If you love cozy mysteries, animals, and quirky characters, coupled with excellent writing, investigate this series.
May 23, 2022
This series never fails to be enjoyable.
June 26, 2022
I enjoy these easy to read cozy mysteries. They are especially refreshing after finishing a book that is much more complex.
December 13, 2022
so cute
The series is progressing nicely. The animals seemed to have been written better this book than in previous ones in my opinion.
The series is progressing nicely. The animals seemed to have been written better this book than in previous ones in my opinion.
February 13, 2023
Great book
This is another great book in the Bought the Farm series by Ellen Riggs. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is another great book in the Bought the Farm series by Ellen Riggs. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 28, 2023
An antique bird cage again has attention. What secrets does it hold? Ivy struggles to try to understand this beautiful bird as it leads her to answers she didn't know she needed.
October 19, 2023
Mystery and laughs
I can't stress enough how good this series is. It's a good thing I'm retired so my work doesn't interfere with my reading!
I can't stress enough how good this series is. It's a good thing I'm retired so my work doesn't interfere with my reading!
September 9, 2024
Runaway with adventure
These mysteries are too hard to put down. Great story lines and the characters are wonderful. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
These mysteries are too hard to put down. Great story lines and the characters are wonderful. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews