Gin Jones

This is book two in the series. It was my first time reading this series and I did not notice it wasn’t the first book until I was done. I need to read the first book now because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I put this on my TBR because I happen to love rhubarb and garlic, though not together. There are two rhubarb recipes in the back that were mentioned in the book. I was happy to see the stewed rhubarb as I never had that. When I read it in the book, I thought I was going to have to google it.
Mabel has come to her aunt’s garlic farm with the intention of selling it. However things did not work out that way as quickly as she hoped. When she discovers the body of a murdered man she finds herself high on the suspect list. Will she be able to prove her innocence? Will she find a buyer for the farm? I liked Mabel. She was different from so many sleuths in the cozy mysteries I have read. Her differences made her interesting to me. I especially liked her observations. I like Rory who becomes her friend and the way she kind of forced her way into Mabel’s life. I think she is good for Mabel. Mabel adopts a cat then finds herself the caretaker of a pregnant cat who belonged to the murder victim. I enjoyed reading about the cats. I found myself engrossed in this mystery which I saw as multilayered. There were a few suspects but I honestly was so interested in the whole story, I can’t tell you if they were easy or difficult to guess at. I was caught up in the farm and the rhubarb. I am going to go look at book one now. I’m intrigued. I think you should read it.
I won a kindle copy of this title in a Goodreads Giveaway. No review was required. I voluntarily reviewed this book based on my enjoyment of it. I appreciate Goodreads, Kensington/Lyrical and the author providing a copy of the book for the giveaway.… (meer)

whodunit, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, wedding-madness, cozy-mystery, family-dynamics, friendship*****

Mabel had been suddenly orphaned at twelve and was more comfortable with her computer work than dealing with interpersonal problems. But she is still in western Massachusetts trying to sell her aunt's garlic farm instead of back home in Maine. She is trying to hire a farm manager, dealing with the nice man she is dating, and had agreed to host a wedding in her lavender field. And the the obnoxious best man falls dead and she has to put up with an incompetent wedding planner and a hostile cop. Let the sleuthing begin! Twisty and full of red herrings! I enjoyed the story a lot and read it in one sitting!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!… (meer)

I was intrigued by the name of the series, "A Garlic Farm Mystery" as I love Italian cooking and especially Italian selections made with garlic. Garlic knots are always the perfect accompaniment to any order of pasta dishes. But as I viewed the title, I realized I didn't have any clue as to how garlic is grown. Reading this cozy seemed a delicious way to explore the topic.

Just like Mabel Skinner I'm much more comfortable at a computer than thinking of working on a farm. Even though Mabel kept telling herself she was taking care of her Aunt Peggy's farm in western Massachusetts to honor her aunt and her reputation of having the "best garlic on the east coast" Mabel's actions are quite impressive.

For feline lovers, there is an adorable cat named "Pixie" but with a very interesting habit. For cooks, there are a few recipes at the end of the mystery.

I certainly learned more than I ever wanted to know about growing and harvesting garlic but in a charming way that can only be found within a cozy mystery. I'm glad I stepped away from my comfort zone to read about a niece stepping away from hers. Although I didn't anticipate continuing to read the series, the next title is "Rhubarb Pie Before You Die" and I love rhubarb pie (even more than garlic).… (meer)

Rhubarb Pie Before You Die by Gin Jones is the 2nd A Garlic Farm Mystery series. It can be read on its own if you have not read Six Cloves Under. I found Rhubarb Pie Before You Die to be easy to read with an interesting cast of characters that includes cats. Mabel is doing her app work as well as keeping the farm running with help from her friends, neighbors, and co-op members. While Mabel likes the nearby town and the friends she has made, she still wishes to return to her regular life. She is thrilled when the local realtor finds a buyer for the farm who assures her that he is going to maintain the farm and is eager to get started. Mabel decides to have her lawyer check out this buyer before signing on the dotted line. The problem is, though, that her lawyer is failing to answer his phone or return her calls. Mabel’s life if further complicated when she stumbles upon the local rhubarb farmer dead in his greenhouse after she had a public altercation with him over grass clippings (they are organic which is desirable for the farmers). Mabel is once again under suspicion which has her donning her sleuthing cap to prove her innocence. I found Rhubarb Pie Before You Die to be lacking in depth and there is too much repetition especially regarding the list of suspects. She calls her lawyer who does not answer, feeds the cats, the one cat meows frequently, and the sale of the farm are some of the repetitive scenes. The mystery was light and can easily be solved by readers. It was interesting to learn about rhubarb and there are recipes at the end. I do like that Mabel is an introvert who prefers to work at night (I am the same way). This gives us a different type of cozy mystery protagonist. For those looking for an escape story (an easy breezy relaxing story), then you will enjoy Rhubarb Pie Before You Die. Rhubarb Pie Before You Die is a lighthearted cozy mystery with clipping chaos, fervent rhubarb farmer, cute cats, a neglectful lawyer, and an eager beaver buyer.… (meer)