Botanist and teacher Dr. Peggy Lee is back in an
outstanding who-done-it. After speaking at a conference
about the possible benefits of tobacco, Peggy runs into an
old friend outside her hotel. Although the two are on
opposite sides of environmental issues, Peggy and Park have
a history, and she's concerned at how unwell he looks. When
Park is killed in a car accident, Peggy fears there may be
more to his death. When another death soon follows and
Park's wife Beth is arrested, Peggy's detective instincts
kick in, and she's determined to find the real killer
before the wrong person is convicted.
Peggy is helped in her investigation by several friends and
co-workers. Readers will enjoy the antics of her adopted
dog, Shakespeare. Her romance with vet-next-door Steve is
going strong, and she and her son continue to work on
getting their relationship back on a more even keel. Even
Nightflyer is back, challenging Peggy at chess and with
cryptic clues.
I love the world of Dr. Peggy Lee! The Lavenes have a
wonderful way of drawing their readers into the world of
well-rounded and sympathetic characters. The plot of FRUIT
OF THE POISONED TREE is well-crafted with a satisfying end
that will leave readers wanting more!
Everyone suspects Park Lamonte's wife killed him for the
ten-million-dollar insurance policy. But Peggy, of The
Potting Shed, has a growing suspicion there's more to the
story-and sets out to dig up the truth.