Review: Cozying up to a cozy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 8, 2012
Peggy Lee is a personable middle-aged woman, happily married to a veterinarian. Professionally trained as a botanist, she operates a garden shop, conducts experiments in her basement, and consults as a forensic botanist with the local police department and medical examiner. She lives in a big house in a small town reminiscent of Mayberry where no one seems to swear and most of the residents are friendly. You would hardly expect crime in a place like this, but it does occur, and Peggy becomes involved.A man dies from a poison derived from a flowering plant and police ask Peggy to help solve the crime. She receives a mysterious message that another murder will occur. She encounters a rude neighbor who wants purchase her home and business. Someone tries to break into her home. A medical examiner's assistant is angry after being passed over for the ME's job. Peggy receives a mysterious note. Two more victims die from poisoning. The victims' names share similarities to Peggy's family names. Why? What's the murder motive? Is Peggy's family in danger? If these events and questions interest you, you'll probably enjoy this novel.It's a fun read, about a generally agreeable cast of characters, with the exception of the murderer. In addition to the murder mystery, the authors include a bonus at the end in the form of a garden journal with useful gardening advice, and some cooking recipes. What more could you ask for?Highly recommended to Cozy fans.