Review: Farm Fresh Murder By Paige Shelton

Series: A Farmers' Market Mystery (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Pub Date: April 6, 2010
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425233871

First in the Farmer's Market Mystery Series.

Becca Robins leads a simple life, making jams and preserves on her very own farm. But when there's a murder in her quaint little town, she puts herself in the line of fire to defend her friend's innocence-and goes from making jam to being in one.

My Thoughts:

Life at Bailey's Farmer's Market is about to change when a local peach grower is found murdered and one of the old-timers tops the list of suspects. But local berry farmer and jam maker, Becca Robinson is convinced that her friend and market mentor, Abner, may be a cranky old man at times and a bit secretive, but he is no murderer. Filled with captivating characters and plenty of red herrings throughout, this first installment of the Farmer's Market Mystery series is simply a very enjoyable read! I absolutely love the setting and concept for this series, and of course the inclusion of recipes makes for a sweet added bonus. Paige Shelton has created an outstanding cozy mystery with so many twists and turns that I was left guessing until the very end. Becca's character is very well-developed and although a bit tenacious and bold, she comes across the pages as very real... and very likable. Of course, as an avid jam maker and home canning enthusiast myself, I may be a bit biased but I found this to be a perfect cozy read...a country setting, farmers, fresh fruits and vegetables, canning recipes, and of course a murder..what more could you ask for? Certainly one of the best cozy mysteries that I have read yet and I can't wait to read the next installment in this wonderfully fresh series and once again meet up with the farmers at Bailey's. FOUR stars.