Review: Fruit Of All Evil By Paige Shelton

Series: A Farmers' Market Mystery (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425240223

Becca Robbins sells her farm-made jams and preserves at the local farmers' market to make a living. But when a local lovely decides to tie the knot at the same market, someone else decides to make a killing-and only Becca has the down-home know-how to shut the lid on a canny killer.

My Thoughts:

 In this second installment of the Farmer's Market Mystery Series from Paige Shelton, Baily's Farmer's Market is buzzing with wedding plans....and murder! Becca's friend and fellow market vendor, Linda, plans to marry Drew Forsythe before he has to ship out on his next top secret military expedition but those plans are soon put on hold when Drew's mother is found murdered in her home. Becca, determined to fulfill her wedding role as Linda's Matron of Honor, suddenly finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation as well. Will Becca be able to solve the murder and still plan a wedding before Drew has to leave town? Will all these wedding preparations deepen Becca's relationship with Ian? And why is the local Bank sending out so many foreclosure notices? Filled with endearing characters and unexpected twists and turns throughout, Paige Shelton has once again created a delightful Farmer's Market mystery! Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the series and I look forward to visiting Baily's again in the near future. FOUR stars.

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.