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Cranberry Cove #3
Dead and Berried
It's June in Cranberry Cove, and Monica Albertson's plan to sell cranberry relish to chain stores is taking off. The cranberry bogs are in bloom, and local beekeeper Rick Taylor and his assistant Lori Wenk are bringing in bees to pollinate the blossoms. When a fatal prick fells Lori, the buzz is that Rick is to blame. In trying to clear her friend's name, Monica discovers that more than a few people in Cranberry Cove have felt the power of Lori's venom, and it looks as if this time she may have agitated the hive a bit too much. With the fate of the farm on the line, Monica must get to the bottom of the crime before another victim gets stung.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 2, 2017
84 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Peg Cochran
31 books396 followersMystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.
When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books' stats on Amazon.
A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan. She is the author of the Open Book Series (written as Margaret Loudon), the Murder, She Reported series, the Cranberry Cove Series, the Farmer’s Daughter series, the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, and the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London.)
When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books' stats on Amazon.
A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan. She is the author of the Open Book Series (written as Margaret Loudon), the Murder, She Reported series, the Cranberry Cove Series, the Farmer’s Daughter series, the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, and the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 19, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s all about the bees in this berry of a mystery.
Time to pollinate the blossoms at the Sassamanash Farm so Jeff calls in Rick Taylor, his assistant Lori Wenk and their bees to do the job. Unfortunately Lori gets stung and has a deadly reaction, or did she? She is dead but it looks more like murder than a bee swarm. All eyes turn to their owner Rick, but why would he want his assistant dead? Monica quickly finds the woman had her share of enemies and she knows she needs to clear Rick and the farm’s reputation. But is she going to end up getting stung?
I was excited to see a character named Lori, but that is where our similarities end 🙂 She didn’t deserve to be killed but she sure wasn’t the nicest person.
Monica Albertson is a unique amateur sleuth. She doesn’t work behind Detective Stevens’ back, she assists and turns over any evidence she finds quickly. The work the case together as much as they can.
All the characters in this series are engaging. I still identify strongly with Monica’s brother Jeff. We share a disability of having one arm that is basically useless. When I see his independence and how hard he works it really gives me hope. While my right leg is also useless I still want to try harder to do more things. Jeff is quite an inspiration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast. This time we get to know Nora, the beekeeper’s wife and the main clerk at the the farm’s store better. The Albertson’s also have a new neighbor and the women in town, including Jeff’s mom are all vying for his attention.
The mystery weaves its way through Monica’s life as she strives to keep up with her baking and relish making all while trying to find out who could have killed Lori. We also learn more about cranberries, bees, and ships buried in Lake Michigan. As a resident of neighboring Wisconsin I found the shipwrecks very interesting.
I was amazed that when Monica eliminated almost all the suspects and the one I was leaning toward was actually the killer. That rarely happens.
Peg Cochran’s descriptive voice draws me right in to the happenings in and around Cranberry Cove. I really feel like I have traveled there instead of just read about this town. It’s like a mini Michigan vacation every time I read one of these books. I may have to make an actual trip to the state and check things out. Until then, I will anxiously await the book in this series!
It’s all about the bees in this berry of a mystery.
Time to pollinate the blossoms at the Sassamanash Farm so Jeff calls in Rick Taylor, his assistant Lori Wenk and their bees to do the job. Unfortunately Lori gets stung and has a deadly reaction, or did she? She is dead but it looks more like murder than a bee swarm. All eyes turn to their owner Rick, but why would he want his assistant dead? Monica quickly finds the woman had her share of enemies and she knows she needs to clear Rick and the farm’s reputation. But is she going to end up getting stung?
I was excited to see a character named Lori, but that is where our similarities end 🙂 She didn’t deserve to be killed but she sure wasn’t the nicest person.
Monica Albertson is a unique amateur sleuth. She doesn’t work behind Detective Stevens’ back, she assists and turns over any evidence she finds quickly. The work the case together as much as they can.
All the characters in this series are engaging. I still identify strongly with Monica’s brother Jeff. We share a disability of having one arm that is basically useless. When I see his independence and how hard he works it really gives me hope. While my right leg is also useless I still want to try harder to do more things. Jeff is quite an inspiration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast. This time we get to know Nora, the beekeeper’s wife and the main clerk at the the farm’s store better. The Albertson’s also have a new neighbor and the women in town, including Jeff’s mom are all vying for his attention.
The mystery weaves its way through Monica’s life as she strives to keep up with her baking and relish making all while trying to find out who could have killed Lori. We also learn more about cranberries, bees, and ships buried in Lake Michigan. As a resident of neighboring Wisconsin I found the shipwrecks very interesting.
I was amazed that when Monica eliminated almost all the suspects and the one I was leaning toward was actually the killer. That rarely happens.
Peg Cochran’s descriptive voice draws me right in to the happenings in and around Cranberry Cove. I really feel like I have traveled there instead of just read about this town. It’s like a mini Michigan vacation every time I read one of these books. I may have to make an actual trip to the state and check things out. Until then, I will anxiously await the book in this series!
September 4, 2021
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May 1, 2017
Dead And Berried is the third book in the A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.
Monica Albertson’s side of the business has really blossomed and is kept busy baking muffins and making salsas that she sells in the store and is making available to stores around town. Meanwhile, the bogs are also loaded with blossoms and Jeff has contracted with Rick Taylor to bring in two hives of bees to pollinate the blossoms. What with an approaching storm they decide not to release the bees and everyone leaves. A short time later Monica hears the screams of her assistant, Arline when she goes to see what is the matter, she finds Taylor’s assistant, Lori, dead. Lori has apparently died from bee stings, the main question that is foremost on everyone’s mind is why were the bees released, who released them and where is Lori’s protective gear.
It soon becomes apparent to Monica that there are several people who might have wanted Lori out of the picture and some might even be close to her. Monica continues to search the alibis of the most likely suspects, hoping she doesn’t get stung herself.
Once again the supporting cast of characters are around to provide so light-hearted moments. Even with Gerda VanVelsen in the hospital, her twin Hennie, owners of the Gumdrop shop continues to have a positive outlook. Greg owner of Book ‘Em bookstore is around to try and keep Monica safe. Maybe a little romance might be buzzing around for Monica and Greg. Then there is Monica’s stepmother, Gina. Gina moved to Cranberry Cove in the previous book and has opened an aromatherapy shop. Despite her snobby times and trying to run Monica’s life, she does or says something that will make the reader chuckle
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Monica Albertson’s side of the business has really blossomed and is kept busy baking muffins and making salsas that she sells in the store and is making available to stores around town. Meanwhile, the bogs are also loaded with blossoms and Jeff has contracted with Rick Taylor to bring in two hives of bees to pollinate the blossoms. What with an approaching storm they decide not to release the bees and everyone leaves. A short time later Monica hears the screams of her assistant, Arline when she goes to see what is the matter, she finds Taylor’s assistant, Lori, dead. Lori has apparently died from bee stings, the main question that is foremost on everyone’s mind is why were the bees released, who released them and where is Lori’s protective gear.
It soon becomes apparent to Monica that there are several people who might have wanted Lori out of the picture and some might even be close to her. Monica continues to search the alibis of the most likely suspects, hoping she doesn’t get stung herself.
Once again the supporting cast of characters are around to provide so light-hearted moments. Even with Gerda VanVelsen in the hospital, her twin Hennie, owners of the Gumdrop shop continues to have a positive outlook. Greg owner of Book ‘Em bookstore is around to try and keep Monica safe. Maybe a little romance might be buzzing around for Monica and Greg. Then there is Monica’s stepmother, Gina. Gina moved to Cranberry Cove in the previous book and has opened an aromatherapy shop. Despite her snobby times and trying to run Monica’s life, she does or says something that will make the reader chuckle
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
April 18, 2019
La storia è buona, solo non capisco come la protagonista non abbia capito chi fosse il colpevole non appena è apparso una incongruenza nel suo racconto... Io ho capito subito chi fosse l'omicida, ci è voluto un po' di più a capire il motivo perché gli indizi al riguardo sono stati forniti più avanti nel racconto.
March 16, 2020
I continue to like this series and everything cranberry it has to offer. Nice surprise ending.
December 27, 2020
2 1/2 stars. A solid mystery even though I guessed who it was fairly early on. The clue could easily be overlooked. I didn't like this as much as the others I have read in the series. I'm just didn't connect with the characters as I had before.
September 25, 2017
An enjoyable read though the mystery was not all that mysterious and the ending a bit cliché. I really like Monica, Jeff, Greg, and the Cranberry Cove setting. I look forward to the author's continuing writing and new publisher of this series. Overall, a pleasant cozy mystery.
May 16, 2018
Monica is learning more about the cranberry bog business, even as she bakes and makes cranberry pastries and salsa. She finds out that extra borrowed bees are needed to boost the harvest of the berries, and when a helper to the beekeeper turns up dead with multiple stings, Monica decides to ferret out the killer. Monica has good intentions, but the end result is not without consequences. Much happens in this cozy of life by the cranberry bog. Though this novel could be considered to be a standalone, you’ll appreciate it more if you you read the preceding books in the series. The development of the characters and their growth just adds to the charm of the stories.
March 29, 2018
For me, reading a Peg Cochran cozy mystery is like returning to visit old friends and this book is no exception. Ms. Cochran is so adept at creating quaint towns and then she fills them with fun, quirky, interesting characters while weaving a mystery and sometimes education on the theme throughout the story.
This is the third book in the Cranberry Cove Mystery series and can be read as a stand alone without a reader feeling lost or like they have missed out on something. I love Monica. She is settling into her new life in Cranberry Cove, with the exception of murders occurring on the farm or in her new town. She is a smart and cautious amateur sleuth. She does not try to show up the police, but rather alerts them to any new clues and evidence she finds. I also like the relationship that is developing between her and her half brother Jeff, who owns the farm. The mystery was woven throughout the story and there seemed to be a few suspects who had motive to murder. It turns out the victim was not all that nice. I did suspect the killer about 1/2 way through the story, but it did not affect my enjoyment.....mostly because if you have read any of my reviews I almost never figure out the culprit.
Peg Cochran is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and her books are always a pre-order or automatic buy on release day for me. If you have not read one of her books but are a fan of well written stories, quaint, charming towns, well plotted mysteries and a cast filled with fun, smart, quirky and interesting characters, I would highly recommend you pick up one of her series and give it a try.
This is the third book in the Cranberry Cove Mystery series and can be read as a stand alone without a reader feeling lost or like they have missed out on something. I love Monica. She is settling into her new life in Cranberry Cove, with the exception of murders occurring on the farm or in her new town. She is a smart and cautious amateur sleuth. She does not try to show up the police, but rather alerts them to any new clues and evidence she finds. I also like the relationship that is developing between her and her half brother Jeff, who owns the farm. The mystery was woven throughout the story and there seemed to be a few suspects who had motive to murder. It turns out the victim was not all that nice. I did suspect the killer about 1/2 way through the story, but it did not affect my enjoyment.....mostly because if you have read any of my reviews I almost never figure out the culprit.
Peg Cochran is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and her books are always a pre-order or automatic buy on release day for me. If you have not read one of her books but are a fan of well written stories, quaint, charming towns, well plotted mysteries and a cast filled with fun, smart, quirky and interesting characters, I would highly recommend you pick up one of her series and give it a try.
July 19, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...
Dead and Berried
Cranberry Cove, Book #3
By Peg Cochran
ISBN13: 9780425274552
Author website: http://www.pegcochran.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
It’s hive time for murder in the latest Cranberry Cove mystery from national bestselling author Peg Cochran.
It’s June in Cranberry Cove and Monica Albertson’s plan to sell cranberry relish to chain stores is taking off. The cranberry bogs are in bloom, and local beekeeper Rick Taylor and his assistant Lori Wenk are bringing in bees to pollinate the blossoms. When a fatal prick fells Lori, the buzz is that Rick is to blame.
In trying to clear her friend s name, Monica discovers that more than a few people in Cranberry Cove have felt the power of Lori s venom, and it looks as if this time she may have agitated the hive a bit too much. With the fate of the farm on the line, Monica must get to the bottom of the crime before another victim gets stung.”
Review:
I really enjoy author Peg Cochran’s “Cranberry Cove” mystery series. I love the characters from protagonist Monica Albertson, to her wonderful brother Jeff who is a veteran that still has lingering issues from his time served and also owns Sassamanash Farms which is a cranberry farm. I love the family relationships with them and also their mothers. Yes they have different moms. The town is filled with wonderful personalities that keep the stories entertaining and at times humorous. I delight in the small town live of Cranberry Cove. This latest installment Dead and Berried is the third book in the great series. What a superb twist in the method of murder! You cannot beat the twists and turns of this tangy read that has just enough bite to make you settle in and not put this book down.
Monica has really settled into live in Cranberry Cove and her baked goods and salsas are taking off. And she may have a bit of a romance started as well, good for her. Jeff is as busy as he always is getting things in order with his cranberries. The cranberries are blooming and Jeff decides they may need some help to have produce well. He hires beekeeper Rick Taylor to bring some bees out to help the blossoms really bloom and produce. Rick and his assistant Lori Wenk bring out two hives. They have to wait for the weather and leave. Or so everyone thinks. Lori unfortunately will not be leaving on her own two feet. She is dead.
At first everyone thinks Lori has had a reaction to bee stings. While that seems odd as she should know better, it is accepted. Then things take an even worse turn when murder is suspected. Monica has assisted Detective Stevens before so she is ready to help this time. She learns that maybe Lori was not that nice and some of her meanness was towards Monica’s clerk and her husband, Rick. Monica is not one of those amateur detectives that make you cringe in the stupid actions, she is smart, helpful and thoughtful. I really enjoy how she goes about finding clues and coming to her conclusions. I have to say I had a clue who the killer was, but the reason was still a mystery.
I think Dead and Berried is the best in this tasty and entertaining series. Each one has been better and better and the first was great. I cannot wait for the next release in this series. The characters continue to develop and become more familiar and I love coming to spend some time in Cranberry Cove. They are complex and real and most are people I would love being friends with and having over for dinner (as long as they brought the food, lol). This is a well written and fun read. Peg Cochran writes in a style that makes you comfortable immediately, has you wanting to delve further and further into the book and not put it down. She has Cozy Mystery down to a well-honed recipe that delights and works in so many ways and levels. I love this book and know that cozy readers will as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Dead and Berried
Cranberry Cove, Book #3
By Peg Cochran
ISBN13: 9780425274552
Author website: http://www.pegcochran.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
It’s hive time for murder in the latest Cranberry Cove mystery from national bestselling author Peg Cochran.
It’s June in Cranberry Cove and Monica Albertson’s plan to sell cranberry relish to chain stores is taking off. The cranberry bogs are in bloom, and local beekeeper Rick Taylor and his assistant Lori Wenk are bringing in bees to pollinate the blossoms. When a fatal prick fells Lori, the buzz is that Rick is to blame.
In trying to clear her friend s name, Monica discovers that more than a few people in Cranberry Cove have felt the power of Lori s venom, and it looks as if this time she may have agitated the hive a bit too much. With the fate of the farm on the line, Monica must get to the bottom of the crime before another victim gets stung.”
Review:
I really enjoy author Peg Cochran’s “Cranberry Cove” mystery series. I love the characters from protagonist Monica Albertson, to her wonderful brother Jeff who is a veteran that still has lingering issues from his time served and also owns Sassamanash Farms which is a cranberry farm. I love the family relationships with them and also their mothers. Yes they have different moms. The town is filled with wonderful personalities that keep the stories entertaining and at times humorous. I delight in the small town live of Cranberry Cove. This latest installment Dead and Berried is the third book in the great series. What a superb twist in the method of murder! You cannot beat the twists and turns of this tangy read that has just enough bite to make you settle in and not put this book down.
Monica has really settled into live in Cranberry Cove and her baked goods and salsas are taking off. And she may have a bit of a romance started as well, good for her. Jeff is as busy as he always is getting things in order with his cranberries. The cranberries are blooming and Jeff decides they may need some help to have produce well. He hires beekeeper Rick Taylor to bring some bees out to help the blossoms really bloom and produce. Rick and his assistant Lori Wenk bring out two hives. They have to wait for the weather and leave. Or so everyone thinks. Lori unfortunately will not be leaving on her own two feet. She is dead.
At first everyone thinks Lori has had a reaction to bee stings. While that seems odd as she should know better, it is accepted. Then things take an even worse turn when murder is suspected. Monica has assisted Detective Stevens before so she is ready to help this time. She learns that maybe Lori was not that nice and some of her meanness was towards Monica’s clerk and her husband, Rick. Monica is not one of those amateur detectives that make you cringe in the stupid actions, she is smart, helpful and thoughtful. I really enjoy how she goes about finding clues and coming to her conclusions. I have to say I had a clue who the killer was, but the reason was still a mystery.
I think Dead and Berried is the best in this tasty and entertaining series. Each one has been better and better and the first was great. I cannot wait for the next release in this series. The characters continue to develop and become more familiar and I love coming to spend some time in Cranberry Cove. They are complex and real and most are people I would love being friends with and having over for dinner (as long as they brought the food, lol). This is a well written and fun read. Peg Cochran writes in a style that makes you comfortable immediately, has you wanting to delve further and further into the book and not put it down. She has Cozy Mystery down to a well-honed recipe that delights and works in so many ways and levels. I love this book and know that cozy readers will as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 21, 2017
"Dead and Berried" is a cozy mystery. This is the third book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this one didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous mysteries.
This was a clue-based mystery, and there were enough clues to guess whodunit. The clues were easy for me to spot, so I knew whodunit very early on and further clues only confirmed it. The heroine isn't stupid, but she's a little slow in connecting subtle clues together. I liked that the police also figured out whodunit. The heroine provided them with any solid evidence she discovered, so she was helpful to them. She's also generally a nice person and so didn't go around ruining people's reputations in the course of her investigations (which I appreciate).
There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
This was a clue-based mystery, and there were enough clues to guess whodunit. The clues were easy for me to spot, so I knew whodunit very early on and further clues only confirmed it. The heroine isn't stupid, but she's a little slow in connecting subtle clues together. I liked that the police also figured out whodunit. The heroine provided them with any solid evidence she discovered, so she was helpful to them. She's also generally a nice person and so didn't go around ruining people's reputations in the course of her investigations (which I appreciate).
There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
May 19, 2017
Entertaining read with an excellent blend of intrigue and facts. A well crafted whodunit mystery, which keeps the reading guessing until the very end. As a Michigander, I enjoyed the small town SW Michigan setting. I enjoy reading a story with some interesting facts. Therefore this story does not disappoint - facts about bee pollination, dementia, financial elder abuse, Lake Michigan shipwrecks, and Dutch customs and traditions make this mystery come to life . Peg Cochran does not disappoint in this well edited cozy mystery, which may be read as a stand alone.
June 27, 2021
Monica and Jeff are busy with the farm. Monica is now working on a new salsa. Jeff is going to use bees to help pollinate the cranberry. Unfortunately later Monica finds the new bee assistant dead on their farm. So she meets up with the assistant's mom to find out more about the assistant. The sheriff thinks that Rick who is the bee keeper did it but Monica is sure that he did not. She works with his wife in her bakery along with a college assistant. I like the ending chapter because it comes up with two engagements. One Monica was hoping for and one she did not expect.
August 27, 2017
Dead and Berried (Cranberry Cove #3) brings another murder to Cranberry Cove, Michigan and once again Monica, along with her trusty sidekick and stepmother Gina, must discover the murderer during the annual Flag Day celebration. Nicely written, and I really enjoy this series. I hope there's a fourth installment!
June 2, 2017
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The entire series has been good; getting to know more and more of the townspeople. Love is in the air at Cranberry Cove in this installment; oh, and murder too!
May 26, 2021
Loved the book. It has a good story line.
April 3, 2025
Print Book/Paperback [Carnegie Library]
I need to start this review with this - the narrator for this series on the audiobooks is TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY HORRIBLE. Hideous. Blech. Yuck. There were moments where I had to make myself concentrate on the story because I was totally not listening to what was going on because the narrator was just so horrible.
That said, this was a good story - I love that it is set in Michigan [my second home growing up] and I love that it is set on a cranberry farm [because you know, cranberries] and I do like Monica as a MC. I also like her relationship with her half-brother Jeff and how kind she is with his mom [her stepmom - my own situation growing up with multiple step people {for lack of a better way to put it} ] and how she interacts with the people in her town - it makes the story much more believable.
I knew who the killer was early on, though initially it was a guess, but that grew as I continued reading. I didn't get the why, but I wasn't surprised when I read that either. It didn't ruin the book for me though IN SPITE OF the crappy narrator.
I need to start this review with this - the narrator for this series on the audiobooks is TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY HORRIBLE. Hideous. Blech. Yuck. There were moments where I had to make myself concentrate on the story because I was totally not listening to what was going on because the narrator was just so horrible.
That said, this was a good story - I love that it is set in Michigan [my second home growing up] and I love that it is set on a cranberry farm [because you know, cranberries] and I do like Monica as a MC. I also like her relationship with her half-brother Jeff and how kind she is with his mom [her stepmom - my own situation growing up with multiple step people {for lack of a better way to put it} ] and how she interacts with the people in her town - it makes the story much more believable.
I knew who the killer was early on, though initially it was a guess, but that grew as I continued reading. I didn't get the why, but I wasn't surprised when I read that either. It didn't ruin the book for me though IN SPITE OF the crappy narrator.
April 12, 2020
Monica Albertson moved from Chicago to small-town Cranberry Cove, Michigan to help her brother run his cranberry business. While he works the bogs and caring for the cranberries, she bakes, runs the store and sells their products. She's curious one morning when she sees a load of crates being taken to the bogs, and discovers that they're full of bees who will pollinate the cranberry flowers to give more berries, and that they're owned by beekeeper Rick Taylor.
But later on, her brother tells her to call 911 because he thinks Rick's assistant Lori Wenk is dead. When the police arrive, it's apparent from all of the bee stings on Lori's face that she died from them. Or is it? The police also discover an injection site on her -- and later find out she's been murdered. Now Monica wonders if Rick wanted to rid himself of the woman, who was clinging to him; or his wife Nora, who disliked her, too. Then she finds out more -- that Lori had a habit of trying to file sexual harassment suits when she was rebuffed; and also that she was disliked by several other people. But who wanted her dead? That's a question Monica needs the answer to, if she can get it before the killer finds her first...
This is the third book in the series and I would like to say that they're improving, but they're not. Still, at least they're holding their own, and I have hopes yet that they might improve along the way. The reason I say this is because when the murderer appears, it practically slaps you across the face. The motive for the murder was patently obvious also, without it even being explained toward the end of the book. I honestly couldn't understand why Monica didn't figure it out immediately, with everything the murderer was saying to cement their guilt.
Still, I kept reading since I was already involved in the story and wanted to see where the author was going to take it from there. But because of this, I found that it was of no matter whoever Monica thought the killer was, I already knew; and she never even went in that direction until it was almost too late (because we know she will be walking into danger sooner or later). Therefore, there wasn't much of a mystery for me, because I had already solved it and I just wanted to see what else the book had to offer.
I was surprised at a couple of developments - I really don't like the fact that Gina is being portrayed as man hungry, since at first she seemed to be devastated that she was dumped by her husband, but now she seems desperate to have a man in her life. Gina needs some self-esteem. She needs a therapist, and now.
Then there were a couple of other developments that seemed rushed, since this is only the third book, but it's fine and didn't bother me too much. It was basically the fact that I discovered the truth so early on that I just kept reading in order to finish the book, if for nothing else than to see the murderer explain their actions to Monica. In the end, it was an okay book, and I will probably continue reading the series anyway.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
But later on, her brother tells her to call 911 because he thinks Rick's assistant Lori Wenk is dead. When the police arrive, it's apparent from all of the bee stings on Lori's face that she died from them. Or is it? The police also discover an injection site on her -- and later find out she's been murdered. Now Monica wonders if Rick wanted to rid himself of the woman, who was clinging to him; or his wife Nora, who disliked her, too. Then she finds out more -- that Lori had a habit of trying to file sexual harassment suits when she was rebuffed; and also that she was disliked by several other people. But who wanted her dead? That's a question Monica needs the answer to, if she can get it before the killer finds her first...
This is the third book in the series and I would like to say that they're improving, but they're not. Still, at least they're holding their own, and I have hopes yet that they might improve along the way. The reason I say this is because when the murderer appears, it practically slaps you across the face. The motive for the murder was patently obvious also, without it even being explained toward the end of the book. I honestly couldn't understand why Monica didn't figure it out immediately, with everything the murderer was saying to cement their guilt.
Still, I kept reading since I was already involved in the story and wanted to see where the author was going to take it from there. But because of this, I found that it was of no matter whoever Monica thought the killer was, I already knew; and she never even went in that direction until it was almost too late (because we know she will be walking into danger sooner or later). Therefore, there wasn't much of a mystery for me, because I had already solved it and I just wanted to see what else the book had to offer.
I was surprised at a couple of developments - I really don't like the fact that Gina is being portrayed as man hungry, since at first she seemed to be devastated that she was dumped by her husband, but now she seems desperate to have a man in her life. Gina needs some self-esteem. She needs a therapist, and now.
Then there were a couple of other developments that seemed rushed, since this is only the third book, but it's fine and didn't bother me too much. It was basically the fact that I discovered the truth so early on that I just kept reading in order to finish the book, if for nothing else than to see the murderer explain their actions to Monica. In the end, it was an okay book, and I will probably continue reading the series anyway.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
June 14, 2017
Dead and Berried by Peg Cochran is the third book in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series. Monica Albertson lives on Sassamanash Farm in Cranberry Cove, Michigan and provides baked goods to the farm store on the property. The cranberry bogs are full of blooms, and it is time to pollinate the flowers. Jeff, Monica’s half-brother and owner of the farm, has hired Rick Taylor of Rick’s Bees. Rick and his assistant, Lori Wenk arrive at the farm with the bees, but are unable to release them that day due to the weather (honey bees do not like wet days). Monica is back in the farm kitchen finishing her baking when Jeff comes running in asking for her to call 911. Jeff found Lori on the ground near the bee hives. Bees are swarming near the hives where someone let them out and stirred them up. Lori was stung many times and has passed away. Detective Tammy Stevens arrives and starts asking questions. It appears to be an accidental death until the toxicology report proves otherwise. Rick is at the top of the suspect list and his wife, Nora is distraught (she works at the farm store). Monica begins making inquiries about Lori and discovers that Lori had been stirring up a hornet’s nest of her own. Could this have led to her murder? But what happens when Monica gets too close to discovering the killer’s identity?
Dead and Berried contains good writing, great characters (except Gina), charming small town and a good pace (makes it a pleasure to read). I thought Dead and Berried was an engaging novel that held my attention. I like that Monica does not sneak around behind Detective Stevens back doing her own investigation (I appreciate that there are no nasty cops either). The two work together (share information) to find the killer (such a nice change). Dead and Berried can be read alone (if you really want to). The author provides the necessary background information so a reader will not be lost or confused. I give Dead and Berried 4 out of 5 stars. One issue that I had with this book was the mystery. I could identify the killer early in the story (right after the body was discovered). I wish there had been a good twist (I love it when I do not solve the crime until late in the book or not at all). I liked the information about shipwrecks that occurred in Lake Michigan (a writer has moved to town). I found it fascinating. It was also interesting to discover that cranberry flowers need migratory honey bees (or bumble bees) brought in to help pollinate the flowers. They are not capable of self-fertilization. The one character that I do not like is Gina, Monica’s stepmother. She is a piece of work. I found her extremely annoying and self-centered. I keep hoping the author will decide to make Gina a victim of murder! The ending is sweet and romantic (happy sigh). There are cranberry recipes at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more books in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.
Dead and Berried contains good writing, great characters (except Gina), charming small town and a good pace (makes it a pleasure to read). I thought Dead and Berried was an engaging novel that held my attention. I like that Monica does not sneak around behind Detective Stevens back doing her own investigation (I appreciate that there are no nasty cops either). The two work together (share information) to find the killer (such a nice change). Dead and Berried can be read alone (if you really want to). The author provides the necessary background information so a reader will not be lost or confused. I give Dead and Berried 4 out of 5 stars. One issue that I had with this book was the mystery. I could identify the killer early in the story (right after the body was discovered). I wish there had been a good twist (I love it when I do not solve the crime until late in the book or not at all). I liked the information about shipwrecks that occurred in Lake Michigan (a writer has moved to town). I found it fascinating. It was also interesting to discover that cranberry flowers need migratory honey bees (or bumble bees) brought in to help pollinate the flowers. They are not capable of self-fertilization. The one character that I do not like is Gina, Monica’s stepmother. She is a piece of work. I found her extremely annoying and self-centered. I keep hoping the author will decide to make Gina a victim of murder! The ending is sweet and romantic (happy sigh). There are cranberry recipes at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more books in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.
April 4, 2018
Life is going well for Monica Albertson, who has moved to the small Michigan town of Cranberry Cove to go into the cranberry business with her half brother, Jeff. Jeff is the owner of Sassamanash Farm, and not only produces the fruit but also has a store on the premises to sell a wide variety of yummy food all of which contain—you guessed it—cranberries. Jeff takes care of the crop and Monica bakes and runs the store with the assistance of part-time employees, Nora Taylor and Arline Loomis.
There’s more to producing a successful cranberry crop than Monica (and I) ever realized. For example, cranberry flowers can’t self-fertilize, and fertilization is critical to expand the number of plants. To give them some help, Jeff has rented bees (yes, you read that correctly) under the watchful supervision of local bee-keeper Rick Taylor, Nora’s husband, who arrives with a truckload of honeybees and his assistant, Lori Wenk. It’s obvious to Monica that Lori has a king-size crush on her boss and doesn’t care who knows it, including Rick’s wife. It’s even more obvious that, once a few of the bees are released, Lori’s in the wrong profession, because she’s stung so many times that she immediately dies. Something is definitely wrong, because Rick had decided against releasing the bees because of an approaching rain storm, and the bees don’t like getting wet. Who released the bees? And why? Is it murder? And what a way to die.
The police immediately suspect Nora. They’re also suspicious of Rick, who was uncomfortable with Lori’s advances. But when Monica starts nosing around, she finds Lori had a history of antagonizing people that stretched way back. Monica is determined to find the truth about her death, no matter what the cost.
“Dead and Berried” is a fun mystery that cozy fans will love. The book has true to life characters, a realistic plot, and clever twists and turns that are totally unexpected.
There’s more to producing a successful cranberry crop than Monica (and I) ever realized. For example, cranberry flowers can’t self-fertilize, and fertilization is critical to expand the number of plants. To give them some help, Jeff has rented bees (yes, you read that correctly) under the watchful supervision of local bee-keeper Rick Taylor, Nora’s husband, who arrives with a truckload of honeybees and his assistant, Lori Wenk. It’s obvious to Monica that Lori has a king-size crush on her boss and doesn’t care who knows it, including Rick’s wife. It’s even more obvious that, once a few of the bees are released, Lori’s in the wrong profession, because she’s stung so many times that she immediately dies. Something is definitely wrong, because Rick had decided against releasing the bees because of an approaching rain storm, and the bees don’t like getting wet. Who released the bees? And why? Is it murder? And what a way to die.
The police immediately suspect Nora. They’re also suspicious of Rick, who was uncomfortable with Lori’s advances. But when Monica starts nosing around, she finds Lori had a history of antagonizing people that stretched way back. Monica is determined to find the truth about her death, no matter what the cost.
“Dead and Berried” is a fun mystery that cozy fans will love. The book has true to life characters, a realistic plot, and clever twists and turns that are totally unexpected.
January 4, 2020
Spoiler warning below.
I enjoy mysteries but usually stick to Golden Age authors because the mysteries are clever and entertaining without being disguised horror porn, which I feel many of our modern mysteries are. Modern “cozy mysteries” often leave me frustrated- as Dead and Berried did. Once you accept the conceit that a small town has a per capital murder rate equal to a big city, you can accept that an average citizen might take it upon themselves to be the neighborhood watcher. By a further flight of fancy, you can see that an overworked single mother detective might randomly confide in such a citizen - despite such confidence being highly unprofessional.
But the book’s protagonist was so agonizing to read about in her stupidity. The victim was murdered by an injection of ricin - this is not something available at your local corner store! And the ricin was injected into the victim’s thigh - apparently without the victim knowing it because the victim was up and walking around until she dropped dead. So the murderer is obviously someone who has access to a rare and restricted poison or had the ability to distill such a poison. And the murderer is probably someone very close to the victim since they were able to inject her in the thigh without her knowledge. Honestly, there was only 1 character who fit that description- both detectives - the paid and the amateur- should have seen that immediately instead of focusing on the dumb boyfriend who probably couldn’t spell ricin.
I enjoy mysteries but usually stick to Golden Age authors because the mysteries are clever and entertaining without being disguised horror porn, which I feel many of our modern mysteries are. Modern “cozy mysteries” often leave me frustrated- as Dead and Berried did. Once you accept the conceit that a small town has a per capital murder rate equal to a big city, you can accept that an average citizen might take it upon themselves to be the neighborhood watcher. By a further flight of fancy, you can see that an overworked single mother detective might randomly confide in such a citizen - despite such confidence being highly unprofessional.
But the book’s protagonist was so agonizing to read about in her stupidity. The victim was murdered by an injection of ricin - this is not something available at your local corner store! And the ricin was injected into the victim’s thigh - apparently without the victim knowing it because the victim was up and walking around until she dropped dead. So the murderer is obviously someone who has access to a rare and restricted poison or had the ability to distill such a poison. And the murderer is probably someone very close to the victim since they were able to inject her in the thigh without her knowledge. Honestly, there was only 1 character who fit that description- both detectives - the paid and the amateur- should have seen that immediately instead of focusing on the dumb boyfriend who probably couldn’t spell ricin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2020
Monica Albertson moved to Cranberry Cove to help her half-brother, Jeff with his cranberry farm. She has her own little cottage and a cute kitten named, Mittens. She bakes cranberry goods for their small farm shop and also makes cranberry salsa to sell to chain stores. Since the cranberry bogs are in bloom, Jeff rents bees from Rick Taylor to help in pollinating the blossoms. Rick's wife, Nora works in their farm store on Sassamanash Farm. Rick's assistant, Lori seems to have a crush on her boss and also can't seem to keep her hands off him. Rick leaves and shortly after that, Jeff finds Lori dead near the bee hives with quite a few stings on her face. Detective Stevens tells Monica that Lori did not die from the bee stings, but had been injected with ricin. Monica does not think that Rick or Nora Taylor killed Lori, so she begins investigating on her own trying to find who might have had the motive to kill Lori. She learns that Lori was not too nice of a person and there could have been quite a few people who had the motive, but perhaps not the means. Monica and her step-mother, Gina almost lose their lives when Monica finally figures out who the killer is and that person wants them dead.
May 14, 2017
In this latest episode (to date) we find the Cranberry Cove Farm busily getting ready for the upcoming season. We also get to enjoy the foods and activities of 'Flag Day' honoring the Dutch settlers in Michigan.
Monica Albertson, sister of Jeff, is adjusting to baking delicacies for the Farm's store. Cranberry muffins, cookies, and scones as well as yummy sounding breads, jams, and salsas are featured.
Cranberries need to be Bee pollinated as do another hundred or so crops. Thus, Jeff has to introduce rented bees to the bogs. Cranberries are slightly bitter and local native bees prefer other nectars. It is all going well until the Bee keeper's assistant, Lori is stung to death, or was it murder?
This cozy is filled with information and ship wrecks, as well as human natures being shown.
The ending was what I thought it was going to be, however, there was a twist at the very end that I truly enjoyed. Good read.
Monica Albertson, sister of Jeff, is adjusting to baking delicacies for the Farm's store. Cranberry muffins, cookies, and scones as well as yummy sounding breads, jams, and salsas are featured.
Cranberries need to be Bee pollinated as do another hundred or so crops. Thus, Jeff has to introduce rented bees to the bogs. Cranberries are slightly bitter and local native bees prefer other nectars. It is all going well until the Bee keeper's assistant, Lori is stung to death, or was it murder?
This cozy is filled with information and ship wrecks, as well as human natures being shown.
The ending was what I thought it was going to be, however, there was a twist at the very end that I truly enjoyed. Good read.
March 30, 2021
What looks like an accidental death at the cranberry farm is anything but that. Lori, a beekeeping assistant, is found dead with bee stings all over her face. But she knows what type of equipment to wear - she even owns the equipment - since she works with bees for a living.
Monica Albertson is concerned about the death. It doesn't look good for her brother's farm, and the husband of one of Monica's employees may even be implicated in the death. She's convinced he didn't do it so she begins digging around to uncover some clues. The murdered woman had a few enemies - she had a history of hitting on men who were already married.
I love the setting of this series - it's on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. I can practically feel the cool wind and temperature drop at night when reading. I adore Monica, I like her boyfriend, and I even like her brother (though he's sometimes rather grouchy). I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Monica Albertson is concerned about the death. It doesn't look good for her brother's farm, and the husband of one of Monica's employees may even be implicated in the death. She's convinced he didn't do it so she begins digging around to uncover some clues. The murdered woman had a few enemies - she had a history of hitting on men who were already married.
I love the setting of this series - it's on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. I can practically feel the cool wind and temperature drop at night when reading. I adore Monica, I like her boyfriend, and I even like her brother (though he's sometimes rather grouchy). I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
May 8, 2023
This series is growing on me with each book. I like the small town setting and I’ve learned quite a bit about cranberry farming – and expect to learn more as the series progresses.
I like the primary characters, Monica and her brother Jeff, and most of the surrounding cast. I like the way they work together and help each other, and they seem like people I would enjoy spending time with.
As the story continued, we learned that the murder victim wasn’t a very nice person, so a lot of people had reason to want her dead. The murder was carried out in a very unique manner, which eliminated some of the suspects right off the bat. I like that Monica didn’t try to solve the murder on her own but instead took everything she learned to the police. My list of possible killers kept shrinking, and the actual murderer was still on my list, so I count that as a win :)
I look forward to reading the next book in this series and another visit with Monica, Jeff, Greg and the rest.
I like the primary characters, Monica and her brother Jeff, and most of the surrounding cast. I like the way they work together and help each other, and they seem like people I would enjoy spending time with.
As the story continued, we learned that the murder victim wasn’t a very nice person, so a lot of people had reason to want her dead. The murder was carried out in a very unique manner, which eliminated some of the suspects right off the bat. I like that Monica didn’t try to solve the murder on her own but instead took everything she learned to the police. My list of possible killers kept shrinking, and the actual murderer was still on my list, so I count that as a win :)
I look forward to reading the next book in this series and another visit with Monica, Jeff, Greg and the rest.
October 2, 2025
Monica Albertson is thrilled with the way her new farm kitchen is working and how delightfully the farm store is selling. Add a grocery store carrying her cranberry salsa and she's got all she can handle. Her brother Jeff is similarly thriving in the cranberry bogs. After a shipment of bees is dropped off to Sassamanash farm to fertilize the cranberry flowers, the beekeeper's assistant Lori Wenk is found dead--stung numerous times. Monica and Jeff are pulled into another murder investigation; but it seems numerous people might have a bone to pick with the deceased. Unraveling the mystery of the bees and who might wish to permanently sting Lori Wenk is more than a little sticky.
This book would have been a five-star read except for one character who was absolutely heinous--the stepmom Gina was a self-obsessed, man-crazy (and WAY too old for it), obstinate butt-inner who should most definitely be the next to go! I almost stopped reading she annoyed me so much.
This book would have been a five-star read except for one character who was absolutely heinous--the stepmom Gina was a self-obsessed, man-crazy (and WAY too old for it), obstinate butt-inner who should most definitely be the next to go! I almost stopped reading she annoyed me so much.
May 17, 2017
Monica is working hard to make baked good to sell in the farm store and relish to sell to a grocery store in her new industrial farm kitchen. meanwhile her brother Jeff is working the cranberry farm which includes bringing in bees from a bee farm to pollinate the cranberry bogs. The bee keeper's assistant is found dead with an angry swarm of bees near by and stings to her face. With so much on her plate, Monica still finds time to ask the right questions and try to find the killer before everyone in town thinks the farm is jinxed.
I really enjoyed learning so much about the cranberries pollination and other facts related to running a cranberry farm. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed learning so much about the cranberries pollination and other facts related to running a cranberry farm. I look forward to the next book in this series.
June 1, 2017
I love the newest installment in Peg Cochran's Cranberry Cove cozy mystery series. It is the best yet. The characters are like my friends, well most of them that is. Very well written and the mystery is fun and entertaining. What a great method of murder too, lol. Well almost that is. I love Monica and her brother Jeff and the wonderful relationship they have. I really enjoy that Monica is not one of those crazy amateurs that are always getting themselves in trouble. Instead she works with her local police and is smart and intelligent in her detecting. This is one seriously enjoyable read. You are going to love it. I cannot wait for the next in this super series.
I was given a copy by the publisher with no expectations. My views are an honest review and my own.
I was given a copy by the publisher with no expectations. My views are an honest review and my own.
May 28, 2017
I generally don't like to read a series out of order, but the description on this one, happily, lured me in. So, can this title stand alone? Yes. Will I now want to go back and catch up with Books 1 & 2? Yes.
Bees, cranberries, baked goods and recipes, and dagnabbit, now I want to MAKE said recipes even though my summer clothes,are already too small! Looking forward to more in this series.
Review based on ARC from NetGalley. There were some minor editorial issues (miraculous morphing of dinner from lamb to fish to lamb) that I sent as a Publisher's note via NetGalley, but they didn't take away from a fun read.
Bees, cranberries, baked goods and recipes, and dagnabbit, now I want to MAKE said recipes even though my summer clothes,are already too small! Looking forward to more in this series.
Review based on ARC from NetGalley. There were some minor editorial issues (miraculous morphing of dinner from lamb to fish to lamb) that I sent as a Publisher's note via NetGalley, but they didn't take away from a fun read.
January 18, 2020
Local beekeeper Rick Taylor and his assistant Lori Wenk deliver bees to the cranberry bogs to pollinate the flowers. Despite the fact that Rick decides not to release the bees that day, later Monica discovers a swarm of bees over Lori's dead body. Did she release the bees? Where is her beekeeper gear, especially the hat and veil? Did she die from an allergic reaction? Rick and his wife, who works in the store at the cranberry bog are both suspects in what turns out to be a murder. Can Monica sort out what really happened and why?
Around the Year in 52 Books - a book you can read in one day
Around the Year in 52 Books - a book you can read in one day
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