The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit

 

First Line: Of all the people I didn't want to run into, the person at the top of that list just happened to be in line in front of me at the Grocery Mart.

 

Heading home to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts spells a fresh start for Maggie Walker. She loves gardening and has become an enthusiastic partner with local Violet Bloom in a community garden project.  

When Maggie shows up for opening day, the gardeners who signed up are pacing outside the gate and very restless. Violet never showed up. Things go from bad to worse when Maggie finds a boot buried in one of the plots... and the boot has a foot attached to it.

Suddenly, Maggie's missing friend is the prime suspect in a murder, and she has her work cut out for her to find her friend and prove Violet's innocence.

~

The Gardener's Plot may be crippled somewhat by a few tired cozy mystery cliches (the high school enemy, the hunky detective, the cheating ex-husband, and an amateur sleuth who thinks she's ten feet tall and bulletproof). Still, I'm smart enough to realize that what may make my eyes roll back in my head can be exactly what other readers are looking for.

Although I did start this review with a grumble, Benoit's book is an enjoyable read. I like Maggie Walker's attachment to her friends, her persistence, and her love of gardening. There's also a good, solid cast of locals who should provide plenty of fodder for future stories. There may be plenty of formula in The Gardener's Plot, but it's a good formula that should make for a long, healthy growing season.

 

The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit

eISBN: 9781250334985

Minotaur Books © 2024

eBook, 336 pages

 

Cozy Mystery

Rating: B

Source: Net Galley