Into the Fire

Here we go with Book 9 in the Cozy Mystery series (A Juniper Grove Mystery): Garden of Death by Karin Kaufman. If you want characters you can truly enjoy, a mystery that has multiple snarky suspects, a three-gal group of amateur sleuths who've added one male since its origin, and a couple of mature romances that bloom much like the gorgeous flora and fauna throughout this series, then spend just a few hours reading Karin's Juniper Grove mysteries. You'll come away with a smile and the satisfaction of having participated in a small town atmosphere with a rugged no-nonsense police chief and his sometimes high-strung mystery writer girlfriend who adores him. 

Rachel Stowe accompanies her neighbor and friend Julia Foster to the home and garden of this year's winner of the Juniper Grove Annual Garden Design Show. Julia was asked to help judge the entries for the first time, and she's having a grand time at the winner's garden party although she's well aware that all of the entrants and the other judges harbor snobbish attitudes and aren't opposed to insulting one another. The winning hosts feature Holly's Sweets (Rachel's and Julia's favorite bakery owner, neighbor, and fellow sleuth), scrumptious fruit tarts of which Rachel has sampled several. The winning husband's job has been a 3 minute slot on a weekly Denver gardening show, but apparently his bizarre facial tics resulted in viewers' complaints, causing him to be expendable. At the garden party he's privately informed of his replacement.

When one of the judges suddenly flails about insisting there's a bee in her bonnet, few come to her aid until she drops dead.

In Garden of Death the investigation moves along quickly in this segment of the series adding personal drama for the lovestruck Rachel. More murder, a poisonous and/or medicinal plant, and a good looking red-haired woman all add to emotional stress for Rachel as her crew keeps tallying up the information on the suspects until Rachel and Chief Gilroy arrive at the same conclusion and end it all on just the right note.

Father, you've gifted Karin in multiple ways. She's a wonderful writer, and I ask that you keep inspiring her over and over again. May she continue to be blessed in your provision and abundance and may you keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.