I love cozy mysteries featuring gardening of any sort,
but even more so when the gardening or farming is organic
so I couldn't resist A MUDDIED MURDER. A MUDDIED MURDER
is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery series
and features Megan Sawyer, a lawyer who has returned home
with plans to turn the family farm into an organic farm.
Unfortunately, Simon Duvall, the local zoning
commissioner, keeps finding problems with both the farm
and the café Megan wants to open. Worse yet, Simon is
later found murdered in Megan's barn, and now Megan and
her grandmother are caught up in the investigation. Megan
is distracted by the secrets her grandmother is hiding,
but she knows she isn't a killer. Can Megan uncover who
the real culprit is or will Megan become a victim
herself?
Books like A MUDDIED MURDER always motivate me to get
back outside and start gardening again! Wendy Tyson does
a marvelous job at capturing the love Megan has for
growing healthy, organic foods, and I absolutely love the
glimpses we get into both her victories and her
struggles. In fact, this very thing is part of what makes
Megan such a great heroine—she's down to earth and
could
easily be your next door neighbor. Her love for her
family, despite their foibles, is heartwarming and I look
forward to learning more of the family secrets as the
Greenhouse Mystery series progresses.
In fact, all of the characters have a remarkable depth
considering A MUDDIED MURDER is the first book in the
Greenhouse Mystery series. Denver Finn, the local
veterinarian is particularly intriguing especially when
he shares some of his own personal history with Megan. I
particularly love that Denver tries to help a local
veteran traumatized by his experience in Afghanistan. We
get a glimpse into the darker issues that haunt veterans,
such as PTSD and alcoholism, through this minor
character. However, I have to admit my heart was
completely stolen by the scenes between Brian Porter and
his dog, Sarge, as the love they share seeps through the
pages.
A MUDDIED MURDER is a phenomenal start to what looks to
be a promising mystery series. Wendy Tyson packs a lot
into this mystery as we get well developed characters,
excellent world building, and one darned good mystery! I
look forward to seeing how Megan's organic farm and café
fare in future books as I'm definitely cheering for their
success!
When Megan Sawyer gives up her big-city law career to care for her grandmother and run the family’s organic farm and café, she expects to find peace and tranquility in her scenic hometown of Winsome, Pennsylvania. Instead, her goat goes missing, rain muddies her fields, the town denies her business permits, and her family’s Colonial-era farm sucks up the remains of her savings. Just when she thinks she’s reached the bottom of the rain barrel, Megan and the town’s hunky veterinarian discover the local zoning commissioner’s battered body in her barn. Now Megan is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation—and she’s the chief suspect. Can Megan dig through small-town secrets, local politics, and old grievances in time to find a killer before that killer strikes again?
Wendy Tyson did a phenomenal job with this first book in her new series. The characters were all developed and the story was flawless. I never wished for more information to make the story flow as it was perfect. Partly through the book I felt as though these likeable characters could actually be real people that I would definitely be glad to know. The organic farming aspect is something so fresh and timely and I can hardly wait to read future stories. I am hooked on this series as I think everyone will be after reading it.
Cynthia Blain (Cynthia Blain 10:05am August 10, 2016)