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The English Cottage Garden Mysteries #6
Too Mulch to Handle
Summer has arrived at Hollyhock Cottage and romance is in the air. The roses are about to bloom, the garden nursery is filled with fragrance and colour—and Poppy is going on her first proper "date" in a long time. Despite her qualms about mixing business with pleasure, she's accepted an invitation to dinner from a charming pesticide salesman and is looking forward to a night of flirting and fun. Instead, the evening ends with a chilling murder—it seems that insects weren't the only ones who found her handsome date toxic company!
Now, the hunt is on for a clever killer with a deadly knowledge of poisons. Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
Meanwhile, Poppy is grappling with problems at the cottage garden too, from mysterious pests attacking her roses to disgruntled customers leaving in droves—not to mention a runaway slug leading her on a merry chase! Then there's Oren, the cheeky ginger tomcat, poking his paws where they don't belong. But when a threatening note arrives, Poppy realises that cats aren't the only ones killed by curiosity. Can she solve the mystery and live to prune another day?
Now, the hunt is on for a clever killer with a deadly knowledge of poisons. Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
Meanwhile, Poppy is grappling with problems at the cottage garden too, from mysterious pests attacking her roses to disgruntled customers leaving in droves—not to mention a runaway slug leading her on a merry chase! Then there's Oren, the cheeky ginger tomcat, poking his paws where they don't belong. But when a threatening note arrives, Poppy realises that cats aren't the only ones killed by curiosity. Can she solve the mystery and live to prune another day?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2022
333 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
66 books1,089 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 28, 2023
Book six in the series and Poppy still has not learned much about gardening! Nevertheless she is organising an open week for her cottage garden only to find her plants have been struck by a mystery disease. Can she make them look good again before the visitors start arriving?
Things get worse when she goes on a date and the guy dies before they even get to the restaurant. Finding out whodunnit makes for an excellent mystery and there are plenty of suspects. As usual the best character in the book is Oren the ginger cat. Just like Muesli in one of Hanna's other series he always steals every scene he is in.
Nice easy reading. I look forward to each book in the series.
Things get worse when she goes on a date and the guy dies before they even get to the restaurant. Finding out whodunnit makes for an excellent mystery and there are plenty of suspects. As usual the best character in the book is Oren the ginger cat. Just like Muesli in one of Hanna's other series he always steals every scene he is in.
Nice easy reading. I look forward to each book in the series.
June 29, 2022
Too Mulch to Handle Earns 5+/5 Rose Worries…Engaging Cozy Gem!
Poppy is determined to do her grandmother proud and reenergize the garden business she inherited. She’d held off doing any large events giving herself time to build some local interest with residents and horticulture groups, but she thinks the time is right to hold an “Open Week” event in the hopes of expanding her customer base. But, her prize roses had a different idea. She’s shocked to find them oddly languishing, infected by something she’s unable to determine. Poppy shelves her aversion to mega stores and heads out to seek some expert advice. It’s crowded, for sure, and expensive, definitely, and witnessing an angry woman berating Andrew, a young sales rep, over the pesticide he’s selling is off putting. However, she falls prey to the young man’s pitch, good looks, and his personal interest in her, but soon regrets her purchase after the same woman attacks her, “You murderer!” Well, that’s just what the police might say. After accepting a date with Andrew, he ends up dead, and the alibi she was stuck in the bathroom when it happened is not well received. Wrong time, wrong place…again!
Bloomin’ Brilliant! H.Y. Hanna has planted herself in the top spot for my favorite 2022 reads. Despite being four years in our time, it’s only been a year in Poppy’s with so many changes: her mother’s passed away, her previously unknown grandmother soon after, she inherits a cottage and gardening business in the countryside, and too many suspicious deaths have her tangled in knots. But, I’m waiting for a romantic twist; there’s been a few teases, but nothing has taken root. In this story, one pops up, but with tragic consequences which compel her to find answers, some related to an agro-chemical company, and her trusty friend in blue is ready to listen to Poppy’s theories and discoveries. However, one detective would rather hang the conviction on her or at least lock her for interfering. It is all delightful meeting some fascinating characters, learning more gardening tips, and cringing when Poppy again is in peril. Romance? In my opinion, Poppy needs to aim her heart closer to home. H.Y. Hanna’s clever, engaging murder mystery, humorous antics with the absent-minded professor, and interference by a pushy ginger Tom cat kept me swiping the page. Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Poppy is determined to do her grandmother proud and reenergize the garden business she inherited. She’d held off doing any large events giving herself time to build some local interest with residents and horticulture groups, but she thinks the time is right to hold an “Open Week” event in the hopes of expanding her customer base. But, her prize roses had a different idea. She’s shocked to find them oddly languishing, infected by something she’s unable to determine. Poppy shelves her aversion to mega stores and heads out to seek some expert advice. It’s crowded, for sure, and expensive, definitely, and witnessing an angry woman berating Andrew, a young sales rep, over the pesticide he’s selling is off putting. However, she falls prey to the young man’s pitch, good looks, and his personal interest in her, but soon regrets her purchase after the same woman attacks her, “You murderer!” Well, that’s just what the police might say. After accepting a date with Andrew, he ends up dead, and the alibi she was stuck in the bathroom when it happened is not well received. Wrong time, wrong place…again!
Bloomin’ Brilliant! H.Y. Hanna has planted herself in the top spot for my favorite 2022 reads. Despite being four years in our time, it’s only been a year in Poppy’s with so many changes: her mother’s passed away, her previously unknown grandmother soon after, she inherits a cottage and gardening business in the countryside, and too many suspicious deaths have her tangled in knots. But, I’m waiting for a romantic twist; there’s been a few teases, but nothing has taken root. In this story, one pops up, but with tragic consequences which compel her to find answers, some related to an agro-chemical company, and her trusty friend in blue is ready to listen to Poppy’s theories and discoveries. However, one detective would rather hang the conviction on her or at least lock her for interfering. It is all delightful meeting some fascinating characters, learning more gardening tips, and cringing when Poppy again is in peril. Romance? In my opinion, Poppy needs to aim her heart closer to home. H.Y. Hanna’s clever, engaging murder mystery, humorous antics with the absent-minded professor, and interference by a pushy ginger Tom cat kept me swiping the page. Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 21, 2024
Love this series but this installment was kinda weak. That weird rescue scene where Poppy heard music made no sense, and I was hoping to learn more about the locket after the big reveal in book 5. Just patiently waiting for the next one.
July 19, 2022
The English Cottage Garden series is my favorite of H Y Hanna. I was happy to see another book in this series. Poppy finds her date dead in the garden. Was it an accident? Was it murder? There is certainly no shortage of suspects – all of his co-workers at the pesticide company would like to see him dead. In particular, the assistant to the CEO of the company and the co-worker at the desk next to him. There is a very aggressive anti-pesticide woman, an ex-girlfriend and even Poppy herself. I highly recommend this book. You will be hooked from the first page!
I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
July 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I really love the fact that I spent most of the book trying to work out how the poison was delivered, I never did guess the right answer. I did at least know who the killer was and was a little bit surprised that Poppy didn't work it out until it was nearly to late. That isn't to say there aren't plenty of suspects with motives because there are a number and it is a case of working out who had the best opportunity. This made for a good mystery. This is book six in the series and and like all the previous books it contains a good mystery, with light hearted humour, love able pets and quirky characters. The characters are the reason I love when the author releases a new book in this series because you never know what they are going to get up to next, from the crazy inventor living next door to the grumpy writer with the demanding cat. Poppy is a great main character and although I am not a keen gardener I love learning along with her as she grows her little cottage garden and the trails and problems associated with it, it also makes a great reason for a mystery.
With the summer months fast approaching Poppy thought her small garden businesses can finally take off and plans to hold a grand opening party. When she discovers a problem with her prize roses she rushes of to the big garden center to buy some pesticide to take care of the problem. Instead she ends up getting shouted at by an eco-warrior for killing the planet and a date with the sells rep. The date doesn't go well when he dies before they even make it to the restaurant. At the police station the following morning she learns her date was poisoned and with her police detective friend called away to the big city on a case, Poppy decides that in order to find out what happen to her date she will have to find out herself. Before she can eliminate any suspects first she will have to work out how he was poisoned. Can Poppy catch a killer and save her roses?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With the summer months fast approaching Poppy thought her small garden businesses can finally take off and plans to hold a grand opening party. When she discovers a problem with her prize roses she rushes of to the big garden center to buy some pesticide to take care of the problem. Instead she ends up getting shouted at by an eco-warrior for killing the planet and a date with the sells rep. The date doesn't go well when he dies before they even make it to the restaurant. At the police station the following morning she learns her date was poisoned and with her police detective friend called away to the big city on a case, Poppy decides that in order to find out what happen to her date she will have to find out herself. Before she can eliminate any suspects first she will have to work out how he was poisoned. Can Poppy catch a killer and save her roses?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 2, 2022
H.Y. Hanna.
Her books tend to have a message. This one’s seems to be: if we, as consumers, want things to change, we have to change what we are consuming. Until we choose to drive policy with our dollars, purchase with power, if you will, most companies may not see the value in making changes. If they can get away with business as usual, they often will.
What do we want companies to do? What must they sell? Are they minimizing their footprint?
When companies lose profits to others, they will adapt to what the conscious consumer wants, or risk going out of business.
Even small amounts of chemicals, over time, can be problematic. Is there a way to make natural, organic, sustainable products that are convenient?
Poppy doesn’t mind the extra work. It aligns with her values. It feels good to be kind, gentle, to those living in her garden. All life has its purpose.
Poppy knows that she may not be able to compete with larger gardening centers; by book’s end, she has stopped trying. This book is her turning point. She has learned so much in a year’s time. She is more confident. She has a better idea the type of center she wants to run. Her Open Day is part of that. Her friends are her family. So is her community. She invites in stallholders, musicians, people selling their wares; Mrs. Peabody “happily’ presides over the Refreshments stall (coffee, cake, tea, and scones), there’s a stall selling herb-scented candles, another selling an assortment of pottery; there’s face painting, music, cupcakes designed to look like flowerpots. She’s bursting with ideas and can’t wait to see them unfold.
And, when Bill Campana of Campana AgroChemicals offers her his line with no upfront costs, her decision is an easy one. Natural products. Organic products. A wholesome space for all those who enter or call it their home.
Poppy consciously creates a space she feels good in. She has found a way to make the center her’s.
Like all those at her Open Day, that is something to celebrate:)
Her books tend to have a message. This one’s seems to be: if we, as consumers, want things to change, we have to change what we are consuming. Until we choose to drive policy with our dollars, purchase with power, if you will, most companies may not see the value in making changes. If they can get away with business as usual, they often will.
What do we want companies to do? What must they sell? Are they minimizing their footprint?
When companies lose profits to others, they will adapt to what the conscious consumer wants, or risk going out of business.
Even small amounts of chemicals, over time, can be problematic. Is there a way to make natural, organic, sustainable products that are convenient?
Poppy doesn’t mind the extra work. It aligns with her values. It feels good to be kind, gentle, to those living in her garden. All life has its purpose.
Poppy knows that she may not be able to compete with larger gardening centers; by book’s end, she has stopped trying. This book is her turning point. She has learned so much in a year’s time. She is more confident. She has a better idea the type of center she wants to run. Her Open Day is part of that. Her friends are her family. So is her community. She invites in stallholders, musicians, people selling their wares; Mrs. Peabody “happily’ presides over the Refreshments stall (coffee, cake, tea, and scones), there’s a stall selling herb-scented candles, another selling an assortment of pottery; there’s face painting, music, cupcakes designed to look like flowerpots. She’s bursting with ideas and can’t wait to see them unfold.
And, when Bill Campana of Campana AgroChemicals offers her his line with no upfront costs, her decision is an easy one. Natural products. Organic products. A wholesome space for all those who enter or call it their home.
Poppy consciously creates a space she feels good in. She has found a way to make the center her’s.
Like all those at her Open Day, that is something to celebrate:)
August 7, 2022
This is the 6th book in the English Cottage Garden series and it is terrific. Poppy, for the first time, she is going to have an open event where her gardens will be the most beautiful and sales of her plants will be plenty, she hopes! But, as she walks down the path along the roses, she sees that they are drooping, leaves are dying and this could be disastrous. This takes her to the big garden center looking for something that would kill off whatever is destroying her roses. She sees the poor salesman being confronted by an over the top woman who is screaming at him about how the chemicals are going to destroy the earth! Poppy feels sorry for the salesman and he introduces himself to her, and who not only sells her the pesticide, but asks her out on a date. His name is Thales and stepping outside her comfort zone, Poppy accepts the date and will meet him at the pesticide company where he works. While walking out of the store with the pesticide, she is confronted by the same over the top woman. When Poppy gets to the company, the salesman shows her around and introduces her to the big boss of the company and his PA who gets ink on his shirt. When he and Poppy stop at his house before dinner so he can change his shirt, she gets locked in is bathroom while he takes a bag of mulch out to the patio. When she gets out of the bathroom she sees him dead on the patio and now everything goes crazy from here. There seem to be many suspects as to who may have murdered him and we are taken from a competing salesperson, an ex-girlfriend to the crazy lady she met saw at the store, but why? With lots of twists and turns and red-herrings, Poppy decides to investigate and even enlists her crazy scientist neighbor, Bertie. This is a fun, fast paced read with some laughs along the way! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions here are strictly my own.
July 6, 2022
Stopped at 74% but wanted to end it much sooner - kept hoping it would get better. I am so tired of books where the main character (usually female) tries to solve a crime by committing a crime, such as breaking and entering. Done with it!
Amazon synopsis:
Summer has arrived at Hollyhock Cottage and romance is in the air. The roses are about to bloom, the garden nursery is filled with fragrance and colour—and Poppy is going on her first proper "date" in a long time. Despite her qualms about mixing business with pleasure, she's accepted an invitation to dinner from a charming pesticide salesman and is looking forward to a night of flirting and fun. Instead, the evening ends with a chilling murder—it seems that insects weren't the only ones who found her handsome date toxic company!
Now, the hunt is on for a clever killer with a deadly knowledge of poisons. Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
Meanwhile, Poppy is grappling with problems at the cottage garden too, from mysterious pests attacking her roses to disgruntled customers leaving in droves—not to mention a runaway slug leading her on a merry chase! Then there's Oren, the cheeky ginger tomcat, poking his paws where they don't belong. But when a threatening note arrives, Poppy realises that cats aren't the only ones killed by curiosity. Can she solve the mystery and live to prune another day?
Amazon synopsis:
Summer has arrived at Hollyhock Cottage and romance is in the air. The roses are about to bloom, the garden nursery is filled with fragrance and colour—and Poppy is going on her first proper "date" in a long time. Despite her qualms about mixing business with pleasure, she's accepted an invitation to dinner from a charming pesticide salesman and is looking forward to a night of flirting and fun. Instead, the evening ends with a chilling murder—it seems that insects weren't the only ones who found her handsome date toxic company!
Now, the hunt is on for a clever killer with a deadly knowledge of poisons. Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
Meanwhile, Poppy is grappling with problems at the cottage garden too, from mysterious pests attacking her roses to disgruntled customers leaving in droves—not to mention a runaway slug leading her on a merry chase! Then there's Oren, the cheeky ginger tomcat, poking his paws where they don't belong. But when a threatening note arrives, Poppy realises that cats aren't the only ones killed by curiosity. Can she solve the mystery and live to prune another day?
February 25, 2023
As always, I loved this book. HY Hanna never fails to keep me guessing till the very end. No spoilers. I was sure, totally confident, that I had solved the murder. Of course, I was wrong. I'm always wrong with Hanna's books. There was only thing that didn't work for me and that was Thalis' charisma. Poppy went on about how likable he was despite his defects and how she didn't feel any bad feelings toward him. I always knew she was too good a person.
Spoilers about Thalis' personality ahead.
I didn't like Thalis at all. I mean, he asks her out for dinner and then instantly goes into salesmen stuff with giving her his business' brochures to leave for her customers to take. She arrives to go to dinner and instead he takes her on a tour of the business and tries to wrangle her into being a distributor. Then instead of going to dinner again, he tries to sell her on their mulch. He admits to stealing. He's completely inconsiderate of his ex-girlfriend's gift to him. He's an outright aggressive jerk to Nina and Sydney and is fine with spreading rumors that could damage Nina's reputation. And yet Poppy's not really bothered by any of this? She says he's the type who's so charismatic that he can get away with anything. Yeah, no. She's just a soft-hearted sucker. Which is odd because she doesn't get taken in by any of the other less than desirable guys who've shown up in the book. He must be her type of attractiveness. Except she can see he doesn't hold a candle to Nick. Piffle. Why bother with a creep like Thalis when Nick's right there?
Spoilers about Thalis' personality ahead.
I didn't like Thalis at all. I mean, he asks her out for dinner and then instantly goes into salesmen stuff with giving her his business' brochures to leave for her customers to take. She arrives to go to dinner and instead he takes her on a tour of the business and tries to wrangle her into being a distributor. Then instead of going to dinner again, he tries to sell her on their mulch. He admits to stealing. He's completely inconsiderate of his ex-girlfriend's gift to him. He's an outright aggressive jerk to Nina and Sydney and is fine with spreading rumors that could damage Nina's reputation. And yet Poppy's not really bothered by any of this? She says he's the type who's so charismatic that he can get away with anything. Yeah, no. She's just a soft-hearted sucker. Which is odd because she doesn't get taken in by any of the other less than desirable guys who've shown up in the book. He must be her type of attractiveness. Except she can see he doesn't hold a candle to Nick. Piffle. Why bother with a creep like Thalis when Nick's right there?
June 30, 2022
This is the 6th book in H.Y. Hanna's English Cottage Garden Mysteries and once again there is a murder to solve and Poppy is right in the middle of it. She is very busy growing her business, which she inherited from her grandmother, and she hasn't had time for a social life. So when a good looking young salesman asks her for a date, her first date in a long time, she expects to have a good time. What she does not expect is that during the date, she will be involved in a murder, and even worse, that she will be considered a suspect. Poor Poppy, after this experience I wouldn't blame her if she doesn't want to date anyone again. There is a lot going on in this story, suspects are coming out of the woodwork, her plants are being sabotaged, and she has to solve a murder.
The author is juggling three cozy mystery series, all of which take place more or less in the same area around Oxford, and each one has a continuing story behind the scenes, but you can read each series separately. All three series have an adorable cat as one of the characters, to cause mischief and sometimes to help solve a murder. If you like this series I recommend that you read the "Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series", and the "Bewitched by Chocolate Series" (this one is a paranormal series). I'm addicted to all three, and I can't wait for the next book in each of her series.
The author is juggling three cozy mystery series, all of which take place more or less in the same area around Oxford, and each one has a continuing story behind the scenes, but you can read each series separately. All three series have an adorable cat as one of the characters, to cause mischief and sometimes to help solve a murder. If you like this series I recommend that you read the "Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series", and the "Bewitched by Chocolate Series" (this one is a paranormal series). I'm addicted to all three, and I can't wait for the next book in each of her series.
November 7, 2023
When Poppy’s roses look near death just before her Open Day fete, she goes to the local garden center to find help. She meets a charming pesticide salesman who not only sells her his “do all” product but asks her on her first date in forever. Unfortunately, murder interrupts the date before they even get to dinner. Her friend, Detective Suzanne, is out of town, leaving an unpleasant, incompetent officer in charge, so Poppy investigates. The plot revolves around the local garden chemical company where the victim worked, with several locals accusing them of harming the environment and those who used the products. Was the murder a case of ecoterrorism or something more personal? In addition to a satisfying plot resolution and interesting characters, the environmental questions make the reader think. The conflict between expedient gardening using pesticides and a more holistic, natural method is written in a subtle way that shows that while there are people on both sides with very strong opinions, there are pros and cons of both approaches. I think this is the best book in the series yet and highly recommend it if you like a good cozy mystery that is a thoughtful, satisfying read.
June 30, 2022
I really enjoy the “English Cottage Garden Mysteries”, book six in the series doesn’t disappoint. Having read all the previous books, it is lovely to see how Poppy and the nursery she inherited from her Grandmother are developing; in fact an open day at the nursery is on the cards, but first Poppy has to sort out what is happening with her roses, and that involves a visit to a large garden centre, a meeting with a handsome pesticide salesman Thales who flirts with her and asks her out on a date. A date, that ends with a murder.
Bertie the “Mad scientist” is able to give Poppy information about poisons and for once is in the right place at the right time.
Oren the cat is up to his usual tricks causing havoc with Solly the slug.
There are some breadcrumbs for future books, the picture that Poppy discovered in the locket she inherited from her mother, and Nick her handsome neighbour unexpectantly giving her a gift.
Bertie the “Mad scientist” is able to give Poppy information about poisons and for once is in the right place at the right time.
Oren the cat is up to his usual tricks causing havoc with Solly the slug.
There are some breadcrumbs for future books, the picture that Poppy discovered in the locket she inherited from her mother, and Nick her handsome neighbour unexpectantly giving her a gift.
July 15, 2022
Poppy has another murder to solve in this sixth book in the series. She has a little bit of help from Bertie in his own eccentric way although he didn't feature overly much in this book.
I really loved how well researched this book was about pesticides, chemical reactions and the environment. The author uses her research to propel the story forward rather than as a means to preach about the benefits of organic gardening.
Some of the clues along the way were very obvious as were all the suspects and their motivations however it was still a mystery to me how the poison was administered. The mystery concluded in a very suspenseful way and I couldn't put the book down at this stage.
I like the relationship between Nick and Poppy but after six books I really think it's time for their friendship to move on. Nick barely appears in this episode. I need to see them pair up properly to solve a crime and hopefully build up the chemistry between them.
I really loved how well researched this book was about pesticides, chemical reactions and the environment. The author uses her research to propel the story forward rather than as a means to preach about the benefits of organic gardening.
Some of the clues along the way were very obvious as were all the suspects and their motivations however it was still a mystery to me how the poison was administered. The mystery concluded in a very suspenseful way and I couldn't put the book down at this stage.
I like the relationship between Nick and Poppy but after six books I really think it's time for their friendship to move on. Nick barely appears in this episode. I need to see them pair up properly to solve a crime and hopefully build up the chemistry between them.
November 6, 2023
Poppy Lancaster wasn’t looking for trouble when she inspected her roses and found an unidentifiable problem.
Nor when she went to the mega garden center to get a pesticide and found the charming salesman in confrontation with a local ecology-minded gardener.
Nor when she accepted a dinner invitation with the charming salesman and found him face down in the dirt.
But when D.I. Whitaker assigned her incompetent sergeant to investigate the murder, Poppy had no choice but do some sleuthing on her own. She found plenty of suspects with motive and opportunity.
And she found trouble—someone doesn’t want Poppy digging out the truth.
H.Y. Hanna has a gift for creating believable characters and marvelous plots as is skillfully demonstrated in Too Mulch to Handle.
This is Poppy’s sixth foray into crime solving. Hanna succinctly provides enough backstory that a newcomer to the series doesn’t feel lost and put the book down but a long-time reader doesn’t roll her (or his) eyes in frustration about being spoon-fed summaries of previous stories.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Nor when she went to the mega garden center to get a pesticide and found the charming salesman in confrontation with a local ecology-minded gardener.
Nor when she accepted a dinner invitation with the charming salesman and found him face down in the dirt.
But when D.I. Whitaker assigned her incompetent sergeant to investigate the murder, Poppy had no choice but do some sleuthing on her own. She found plenty of suspects with motive and opportunity.
And she found trouble—someone doesn’t want Poppy digging out the truth.
H.Y. Hanna has a gift for creating believable characters and marvelous plots as is skillfully demonstrated in Too Mulch to Handle.
This is Poppy’s sixth foray into crime solving. Hanna succinctly provides enough backstory that a newcomer to the series doesn’t feel lost and put the book down but a long-time reader doesn’t roll her (or his) eyes in frustration about being spoon-fed summaries of previous stories.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 25, 2023
Gardening is supposed to be a stress-reducing activity until Poppy finds something is killing her late Grandmother's roses, and just before the planned opening of the gardens. Poppy doesn't know what to do, and despite trying to stay true to her Grandmother's organic practices, she goes to the local gardening center, where she meets a handsome but slick young salesman. They seem to make a connection, and he convinces her to try a "safe" chemical that is guaranteed to take care of her rose problem. She encounters an older woman outside the center who informs her she'll commit murder if she decides to use the spray she purchased. Poppy isn't sure if the woman is being over-dramatic or just simply a radical protestor.
When the young salesman stops by her garden the next morning, she is surprised and flattered to find out he wants to take her out to dinner. She meets him at the office, and he shows her around. It seems the young man is not well-liked by most of his co-workers. He tells Poppy he needs to get some mulch for his home garden. Imagine Poppy's surprise when, after going inside his home to freshen up, she returns outside to find him dead! Join Poppy and an interesting cast of characters as they try to figure out if this is a case of murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entry to the Garden Mystery series. H. Y. Hanna's characters are very genuine and well-developed. I look forward to being reacquainted with those I've met before and meeting new ones in each book of the series. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
When the young salesman stops by her garden the next morning, she is surprised and flattered to find out he wants to take her out to dinner. She meets him at the office, and he shows her around. It seems the young man is not well-liked by most of his co-workers. He tells Poppy he needs to get some mulch for his home garden. Imagine Poppy's surprise when, after going inside his home to freshen up, she returns outside to find him dead! Join Poppy and an interesting cast of characters as they try to figure out if this is a case of murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entry to the Garden Mystery series. H. Y. Hanna's characters are very genuine and well-developed. I look forward to being reacquainted with those I've met before and meeting new ones in each book of the series. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
July 20, 2022
Poor Poppy is trying so had to get Hollyhock Cottage's garden back to normal, but it is just not happening. She is still trying to figure out what is happening with her roses and dealing with the pests in her garden. She tries out several thing including getting help from her neighbor and the local big garden center.
She is also trying to improve her social life. She meets someone on her trip to the garden center, but unfortunately her date does not go a planned. She is now involved in another murder and needs all the help she can get to find out the reason and who the murderer is.
I really enjoy the characters in this series especially Poppy and the big loveable cat Oren.
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
She is also trying to improve her social life. She meets someone on her trip to the garden center, but unfortunately her date does not go a planned. She is now involved in another murder and needs all the help she can get to find out the reason and who the murderer is.
I really enjoy the characters in this series especially Poppy and the big loveable cat Oren.
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
July 27, 2022
I gotta say, this book felt slightly different than the others before - looking more closely at the bottom of my reader, I realized, why: two of my favorite (and regular) characters only enter the plot after nearly one third of the book is already over. Maybe this has been like this before, but it really stood out to me… but, mind you, it‘s neither good nor bad - just means, in this case, that we get to spend more time with Poppy and her newer acquaintances.
It was a very enjoyable read, and really helped me spend my time in quarantine in a way that felt good and fun. The English Cottage Garden Mysteries truly has made it onto my „must read“ list of series, and I‘m looking forward to its next installment! Make a cup of tea and yourself comfortable, and enjoy!
It was a very enjoyable read, and really helped me spend my time in quarantine in a way that felt good and fun. The English Cottage Garden Mysteries truly has made it onto my „must read“ list of series, and I‘m looking forward to its next installment! Make a cup of tea and yourself comfortable, and enjoy!
August 12, 2022
It's summer and things are busy at Hollyhock Cottage. When Poppy meets a charming pesticide salesman, she agrees to a date, but instead of a night of fun, the evening ends with a death that turns out to be murder. Poppy is drawn into the investigation looking for a killer with a knowledge of poison.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. I love the characters as they're well-rounded with in-depth relationships. And Oren, the cat, is so much fun! This book was a little slow in places for my taste, but overall, it was a quick, fun, and engaging read. I also enjoy learning about gardening with each book. I am looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order to get the most benefit.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. I love the characters as they're well-rounded with in-depth relationships. And Oren, the cat, is so much fun! This book was a little slow in places for my taste, but overall, it was a quick, fun, and engaging read. I also enjoy learning about gardening with each book. I am looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order to get the most benefit.
February 18, 2023
Too Mulch to Handle: Poppy agrees to a date with a charming/annoying sales rep she meets at the local garden center. Unfortunately, he dies before they can even get to dinner, and Poppy once again discovers a dead body.
This is the last book in the series (so far?), so I have some sort of wrap-up thoughts. I really like the English Cottage Garden Mystery series. It is cozy, I’ve learned some gardening tips, and Poppy is so darn likeable and easy to root for, even though she is a terrible judge of character. What I love is that she just keeps trying. She is good at getting people to talk to her and spill secrets, but she is awful and figuring out who is doing murders. She is always wrong! And yet she is not discouraged in the least. She keeps being wrong and almost getting murdered herself, but she just keeps it pushing. She is all of us who suck at solving mysteries but keep reading them. One of these day I’ll get one right!
Kiss watch: Poppy kisses Nick on the cheek! I’ll take what I can get, I guess. I really hope this series keeps going though and we see more kissing!
This is the last book in the series (so far?), so I have some sort of wrap-up thoughts. I really like the English Cottage Garden Mystery series. It is cozy, I’ve learned some gardening tips, and Poppy is so darn likeable and easy to root for, even though she is a terrible judge of character. What I love is that she just keeps trying. She is good at getting people to talk to her and spill secrets, but she is awful and figuring out who is doing murders. She is always wrong! And yet she is not discouraged in the least. She keeps being wrong and almost getting murdered herself, but she just keeps it pushing. She is all of us who suck at solving mysteries but keep reading them. One of these day I’ll get one right!
Kiss watch: Poppy kisses Nick on the cheek! I’ll take what I can get, I guess. I really hope this series keeps going though and we see more kissing!
July 3, 2022
The owner of a local Cottage Garden agrees to a date with a pesticide salesman. At his house, she needs to use the loo, and when she comes out, she finds him lying dead in the garden. She decides to help the police solve his murder and the clever twists and turns that journey talks before the murderer is found will leave you in much suspense! Crazy characters in this ongoing series include a "mad" scientist, a well known local thriller author, a mischevious cat, and an attractive police detective. The book was a delightful read! A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
H.Y.Hanna just keeps the clever and delightful mysteries coming... again we meet Poppy trying to get her grandmother's flower and plant stand up and running. The descriptions are wonderful and I can picture the little cottage and the small greenhouse in the garden with all the pots on counters as Poppy tries to build up her inventory and sell the flowers and plantings to the townspeople. Just watch out because someone in her path always winds up dead. Then she and the handsome neighbor, who just happens to be a mystery writer and his ex, a detective in town are on the case, finding the real culprit. A great summer read! So glad I am getting to preview all these books.
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October 27, 2022Too Mulch to Handle (English Cottage Garden Mysteries ~ Book 6) (The English Cottage Garden Mysteries), my twenty-third read from author H.Y. Hanna & the sixth book in her new English Cottage Garden Series. 7-hours 12-minutes/246-pages of an enjoyable cozy mystery. Cozy Mystery/romance, captivating primary character, what other blurbs can I use to describe these books? Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 10, 2023
A Unexpected Culprit
Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
This is a great story of murder, mystery and love.
Poppy is relentless in her quest to find the murderer.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Luckily, Poppy can count on her "mad scientist" neighbour Bertie to help her sort the cyanides from the cycads, and she soon finds that her sleepy English village is crawling with suspects. There are hostile colleagues with scores to settle and jilted ex-girlfriends with points to prove... but was the murder connected to the victim's job? Or was the motive more personal?
This is a great story of murder, mystery and love.
Poppy is relentless in her quest to find the murderer.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 5, 2022
It was nice to visit the garden again with Poppy and the gang. There were lots of red herrings and finding out who the real culprit was was fun. I'm still kind of annoyed at how slowly things are moving between the MC and her possible love interest, but then again this is a cozy for a reason. Overall this was a solid installment of the series. There's no high literature here but lots of fun to be had.
July 8, 2022
I love this series so much! It's such a fun escape. HY Hannah is an excellent author. Her books just come to life. It always feels like I am in the English countryside right along with the characters.
This is an excellent book! The characters just jump off the page. The mystery is really well done. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent book! The characters just jump off the page. The mystery is really well done. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2022
Another wonderful cozy in this series from H Y Hanna. I enjoyed this cozy because when you read it, you feel like you are visiting old friends. It has lots of plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end.
I highly recommend all of the series from this author. They will not disappoint in any way.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
I highly recommend all of the series from this author. They will not disappoint in any way.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 6, 2022
Wonderful story. Poppy is becoming a person who has endured the troubles that have befell her with grace and a lot of spunk. Poppy is maturing fast as she faces obstacle after obstacle. Stepping out with a young man, who she just met leads to a lot of complications. Can she save her roses and herself from a deadly demise? You will love this story, and the series. Ms. Hanna has a gift for telling stories, and I love reading her books. A must add to your TBR pile.
September 15, 2022
Such a good series! The main character of Poppy is such an endearing young woman: smart, friendly, kindhearted & a little shy. Trying to build up a business when you know absolutely nothing about doing it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. But Poppy is succeeding. This book is a wonderful addition to the series. It shows how Poppy is growing into a confident gardener and trying to build her personal life also.
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed the book. The method of murder, unique. The characters are very believable. Poppy is struggling with problems in her gardens. This leads her to seek advice at a large garden center and an introduction to chemical products. I was a bit put off by the ranting of Maggie about pesticides, even though I agree with the sentiments. I missed Nick in the story.
July 4, 2022
Great edition to this series. As usual Poppy gets herself embroiled in another murder case. It was fun reading how she went about trying to solve the case.
Part of the book brought me back to my college days in environmental science.
Can't wait for the next book in this series, any of Ms. Hanna's series actually. They all are fun and entertaining.
Part of the book brought me back to my college days in environmental science.
Can't wait for the next book in this series, any of Ms. Hanna's series actually. They all are fun and entertaining.
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