Review: A well-plotted read that was hard to put down!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 6, 2014
Pru Parke feels much more at home in London than she ever did in Dallas, TX.  She is looking for a position as a head gardener at one of the many small historic gardens that are scattered throughout England. So far, all the positions she has applied have turned her down.  The lease on her sublet is drawing to a close and she needs to find a job and a place to live fast.  To pay her bills, Pru has been working a number of small gardening jobs around London.Vernona Wilson needs Pru to come spruce up her backyard in time for her luncheon in two days.  Pru heads to the Wilson house and discusses what can be done in that short a time period. They might even be able to give the old shack in the corner a fresh coat of paint.  The next day finds Pru cutting down the ivy.  There is a lot of it – almost completely covering the door into the shack.  She peaks inside and decides to see if there is a foundation under the shack.  Pru is planning for the possibility of a barbeque being installed to replace shack. She doesn’t find a foundation but tiles.  Could they be from the time the Romans lived there? Pru informs Vernona of her find.  Vernona know her husband will be pleased – he is an amateur archaeologist. The next day brings Pru back and she notices that the door to the shed is not closed.  Positive she had closed it - she goes over and takes a look inside.  The shouting she hears causes her to trip and land on something lumpy.  It turns out to be a body.  Mr Wilson soon identifies the body as Jeremy Pendergast – a member of his archaeology group.  Pru had better be careful finding the murderer – you never know what you will dig up!Things to ponder: Why did Jeremy go back to the shack? Why is Malcolm Crisp so interested in the murder? Could the Wilson’s former gardener be related to Pru?  What did the thief hope to find in Pru’s handbag?It is such a pleasure to find a new to me author and a brand new series.  Having it set in London was an extra bonus.  I love the main character and how she just up and transplanted herself to another country. This was a very enjoyable read and that made it so hard to put down.  It is well plotted and I loved all the twists and turns the story took.  It was fun reading all the rejection letters that Pru received - they are placed at the beginning of different chapters. I am looking forward to reading more about Pru and her gardening exploits.  So if you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you should be reading The Garden Plot.FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.