I KNEW IT!! I identified the killer before Anne did, but I was shocked when he secret got out of the bag and it was all because a chicken who would not stay out of a neighbor's garden!! NOW, I CAN'T WAIT TO READ BOOK 2! ( )

This is such a nice book. It's been a while since I read a good mystery that didn't have a trusted character turning out to be some creepy psychopath. I'm a farm girl, so I enjoyed the homesteading, the chickens, the fresh veggies, the home-made foods, and especially the close-knit family-like community. I liked the characters, especially Sherrif Carson. I think I liked him a tad more than popcorn-fragrant Sam Powers. Sherrif Carson's cold demeanour and self-satisfied smirk are what make him attractive. I want to know more about him!

There were some really sad moments, mostly connected with the pasts of some of the townspeople. And the end was just so sweet, I actually teared up. I think I felt it more keenly because we get to see a little of what Anne had to go through with her dumb husband, may he slip into a compost pile. I can't believe what a jerk he is.

One thing that I really, really liked was that things, in the end, turn out such that you're still left with this feeling that good people do exist and that you can let your guard down. Normally, after reading a mystery, I feel like I can never trust anyone again. But this time, I felt safe. I felt that life is good, that the world is not all bad and dangerous, and that things like true love, friendship, and great communities still exist. I'm really happy that I read this book.

There are a few minor errors in the book, and initially, the number of "like" that Kandi says in one sentence is very annoying. However, once you get to know her, you kinda learn to accept that as a part of who she is and it is less irritating. I really enjoyed reading this and I finished it in one sitting. I shall be reading the 2nd book soon. ( )

What a wonderful story. Set in Colorado, it felt like a Beatrice Potter story in the beginning. Then switched gears and then again. I don't want to ruin anything or give away the story because I really enjoyed every word. I love the main character Anne who is very down to earth, and Kandi who is so sweet. A suspected murder turns these small Colorado towns people into detectives and almost everyone is a suspect. I was left guessing until the very end. The extra closure at the end is very, very touching. I also didn't see that coming. I highly recommend this book! I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy in exchange for my opinion. A fun mystery read. Had me playing the guessing game of who dunit the whole time. ( )

Chicken Culprit is a great read that isn't too heavy. Yes, there is murder, and it also includes some mention of heavy subjects, but it's not so dark that you feel heavy and overwhelmed. Anne Fremont has left her old life behind for a fresh start in a small town in Colorado. Her first day she meets a few neighbors; within days one will be dead and another accused of his murder. All evidence seems to point to an open and shut case, but Anne feels compelled to dig out the truth. This book was the perfect read for the after-the-holidays, something that takes you away to another place that doesn't weigh you down. ( )

I enjoyed Walton's style of writing quite a bit but certain plot elements seemed a mite contrived. Since the book is a cozy I guess that isn't surprising but I hope in future books the plot measures up better to Walton's considerable writing chops. ( )