Lindy worked on her family's farm, growing pecan trees. She has been trying for several years to save the trees and is also trying to grow some new forms of pecan trees. Everyone in her family has something to do with the farm.

One day Lindy is at her grandma's bakery, known for its pecan pies. In walks someone that the family is not happy at all to see, her Uncle Amos. He has been away from the family for several years. Amos claims he has something to show Lindy's mom. Before Amos can show her mom, he is found dead. Not only is he dead but the plants that Lindy has been testing come up missing.

Everyone in Lindy's family is shocked to find out that Amos is dead. Not that any of them liked him, but after all he is family. While the police are investigating the murder, they arrest Lindy's brother Justin. Lindy and her grandma know Justin had nothing to do with the murder, and they're out to find the real killer.

Elizabeth Lee's book, A TOUGH NUT TO KILL, took a twist I did not see coming. A TOUGH NUT TO KILL is the kind of story I like to sink my teeth into. It held my interest because until almost the end, I had no idea who the killer was. If I read a book and before I am half way though it, I can figure it out. I lose interest fast. This was not the case with A TOUGH NUT TO KILL, the first in the Nut House Mystery series, and it held my attention all the way though.