Kelly Jackson runs a B&B at Redwood Cove and the
Californian town is hosting a wild mushroom festival. What
could possibly go wrong? I had not previously read anything
by Janet Finsilver, but I knew I had to grab this title.
Seems the town has a group of seniors called the Silver
Sentinels who solve mysteries. What have I been missing? I
shall have to search out the previous tales in the Kelly
Jackson Mystery series if they are as good as this one.
MURDER AT THE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL commences by telling us to
avoid handling or eating the toxic fungi, some of which
look like harmless ones. A local caterer has produced
stuffed mushrooms and mushroom quiches. However, this is a
backdrop for disputes over the right to hunt mushrooms with
a dog -- is that cheating in a contest? -- and someone
authoring a book about the locations of regular mushroom
discoveries. Folks who earn by picking and selling don't want
their secrets spilled. But is this reason enough to kill
the book's author? He is found dead on Native tribal land.
As a journalist he had undoubtedly stepped on a few other
toes, as well. Kelly and her friend, property manager Daniel
Stevens from the tribe, look into the matter, finding
illegally logged and sold redwood timber coming into the
equation, too.
Of course, it would not be a cautionary tale about fungi
unless someone got poisoned. Threats, unpleasantness, and
stress follow for poor Kelly. All this and a truffle-
hunting pig named Priscilla. Enjoy the read which is
suitable for mystery fans of any age. Author Janet
Finsilver says that she does not portray graphic violence
or adult scenes. MURDER AT THE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL is fast
moving, intense, and beautifully descriptive of the natural
surroundings in the redwood forest. While there are no
recipes in my copy, anyone who cooks will be able to
recreate some of the delectable meals portrayed... using
certified safe mushrooms, of course. For me, the wild kind
are better enjoyed through photography, leaving them where
they were found.
Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast manager Kelly Jackson is
hosting a cooking class during the week of the Mushroom
Festival to attract guests, not drama. But soon after she
finishes foraging for an edible mushroom species on sacred
Native American land, a local newspaper reporter gets shot
dead at the same site. With suspicions spreading like fungi
in the quaint Northern Californian community over the
culprit’s identity, Kelly and a savvy gang of sleuthing
seniors known as the “Silver Sentinels” must uncover the
truth about the secluded property before a tricky killer
prepares another lethal surprise . . .
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