Review: Outstanding debut for British cozy fans
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 29, 2014
American Pru Parke leaves her home in Texas and relocates in London to live out her dream of being a gardener in England. She has given herself one year to find a permanent position and although she has the skills and the training has so far only been able to find temporary gardening jobs. While on a job for Vernona and Harry Wilson, Pru makes an exciting discovery in a potting shed, but then later literally stumbles across a dead body in the same shed. The handsome DCI Christopher Pearse wants to keep Pru involved in the investigation. Does he dislike her meddling or is he just trying to keep her safe? Either way, Pru keeps ending up right in the middle of things. She seems to be finding plenty of danger, but unfortunately no solid job leads and may have to leave her new home.“The Garden Plot” is an outstanding debut that fans of British cozy mysteries will love. Pru is a very likeable main character and although some of her decisions are impulsive and unwise, especially for someone fifty years old, she doesn’t behave as the typical American in England, perhaps because her mother was English. She is intelligent and very knowledgeable about the gardens in England, which seems to help her fit in. The author clearly has a love for flowers and English gardens and that comes through in this novel. The mystery is interesting and keeps your interest throughout the book. The supporting characters range from mysteries, to kind, to offbeat and quirky, but add interest to the book even when not completely believable.I enjoyed Pru’s friendship with Jo and I especially liked the chemistry between Inspector Pearse and Pru. They are definitely a couple to root for! I did become frustrated with Pru’s stubborn insistence in keeping to her self-imposed one year deadline for finding a permanent gardening position. She did have small jobs and a variety of clients and everything else about her new life in England was everything she dreamed of. It seemed silly that she is so willing to give up everything and move back to Texas with her tail between her legs. Luckily, the book has a nice ending and it appears a sequel is coming out later this year and I look forward to finding out what happens next for Pru. Readers who enjoy Agatha Christie, Hazel Holt, or Dorothy St. James will enjoy this charming cozy mystery.I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Alibi Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.