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.