Murder Most Fowl

Happy Memorial Day!  It is a day dedicated to those men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country.  My father served in the Navy (he told some interesting tales).  Every holiday I know I will hear from my daughter about dinner (I may be the world's pickiest eater but I am a good cook)!  Sure enough I get a text message this morning (I discovered it when I woke up) asking what I will be cooking for dinner (not that this is the only time I hear from her).  Predictability is a good thing!

Murder Most Fowl by Edith Maxwell is the fourth book in A Local Foods Mystery series.  It is March in Westbury.  Cameron “Cam” Flaherty owns Attic Hill Farm.  She used to visit her Great Uncle Albert and Great Aunt Marie when she was younger at Attic Hill Farm. When Albert was ready to retire (he now lives in a local assisted living facility), he offered the farm to Cam.  She is two years into the three-year organic farm certification.  Spring is a busy time on the farm.  Cam is planting new seedlings, pruning trees, and taking care of a new batch of baby chicks.  Then she hears that neighbor, Wayne Laitinen had his farm vandalized by a local animal rights group called ARF (Animal Rights Front).  They painted a saying on the side of his barn in red paint and opened up his barn where his chickens live (he is a chicken farmer).  Thankfully, the chickens know to stay inside where it is warm.  Wayne is also having trouble with a neighbor.  Judith Patterson wants to buy some of Wayne’s land for a stable (her daughter is wild about horses).  Unfortunately for Judith, Wayne does not wish to sell.  On Sunday, Wayne is found dead at his breakfast table.  Cam’s fiancé, Detective Peter Pappas is assigned the case.  He knows Cam will not keep her nose out of the investigation (she just cannot help herself).  Will Cam be able to find the killer and avoid getting herself in the line of fire?  In addition, Cam has to contend with ARF (unfortunate acronym).  They visited her farm during the night and set loose her baby chicks (into the cold barn and a fox on the prowl) as well as vandalism to the barn (red paint).  Will they be able to find the culprit (ringleader) behind ARF before he does more damage?  Is the same person responsible for Wayne’s death?  You will have to read Murder Most Fowl to find out!

Murder Most Fowl was an enjoyable cozy mystery.  The characters are appealing, friendly, and likeable.  The information provided about the farm is interesting and engaging (planting seedlings, farm animals, perils of foxes on chickens, composting).  Murder Most Fowl is easy to read and can be finished in just a few hours.  The mystery was easy to solve (pay attention to the small clues), but Ms. Maxwell did a good job at misdirection (she had me doubting myself).  After I read about the murder (unique method of killing), I decided upon the killer and wrote it down. When the killer was revealed, I was right (can you tell I enjoy puzzles).  Though the writer could have taken it into two other directions (her misdirection).  There is one sad part with the baby chicks (poor little things).  I give Murder Most Fowl 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I look forward to reading the next book in A Local Foods Mystery series.  Murder Most Fowl will be out on Tuesday, May 31!

The other novels in A Local Foods Mystery series are A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die, 'Til Dirt Do Us Part, Farmed and Dangerous, I received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Fowl from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am off to make some noodles.  My mother wanted homemade chicken and noodles today (from scratch--no store bought noodles). I am currently reading Eclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford.  I hope all of you have a fun and relaxing day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

P.S.--today is my nephew, Carsyn's eighth birthday!  Isn't he a cutie?  Carsyn is a special young boy!