Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran

 Berried Grievances

Book Summary

Family fireworks lead to murder in the new Cranberry Cove Mystery from USA Today bestselling author Peg Cochran!

The Fourth of July always means endless celebrations in Cranberry Cove, and this year Monica and Greg have the added pleasure of spending it with Monica’s college roommate, Kelly Cargill. When they join Kelly and her family to watch the fireworks, it’s all very exciting—until the elderly matriarch of the family dies on the spot. Then evidence comes to light that she was poisoned, and Monica promises to do what she can to catch the culprit.

Just about everyone in Kelly’s family wanted to get their hands on what was sure to be a sizable inheritance. But Monica also discovers that one of them was trying to hide a messy love affair the older woman had discovered, and that the victim’s caretaker may have wanted revenge for enduring years of mistreatment. And just as more secrets surface and the clues begin to fall into place, Monica realizes that as she’s closing in on the killer, the killer is closing in on her . . .

Includes a mouthwatering cookie recipe!

My Thoughts

Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran takes us back to Cranberry Cove where Monica is nine months pregnant when it is so very hot.  Everyone keeps asking Monica when her baby will arrive, which she found annoying, and I did as well.  Monica is not Kreskin.  Greg is so sweet and supportive.  He cooks, takes Monica out to eat, and works at his bookstore.  I did wonder about Greg attending an estate sale on a Friday evening.  I have never seen a yard or estate sale in the evening (just seemed like an odd detail).   The mystery was uncomplicated.  A relative of Monica’s college roommate dies during the Fourth of July fireworks.  The family is stuck in town until the crime is solved.  When Kelly, Monica’s friend and former college roommate, asks her to look into the crime, Monica cannot say no (you know she is dying to dive into the case).  Monica asks questions, manages to overhear a conversation or two, and happens upon a juicy tidbit.  Each new detail helps Monica get closer to identifying the killer.  There is a suspenseful reveal and good wrap up at the end.   It seemed unfathomable that Monica would do some of the things she did while in her condition. 

The story moved at a relaxed pace.   We get to follow Monica as she goes about her daily life (over a two-week period).  There is plenty of cooking, eating, and relaxing.  We get to catch up with Mittens and Hercules.  I can tell that the author has pets from her descriptions of the animal’s behavior.  I was extremely disappointed with the ending. I was surprised that the author ended the story without providing two important details (she should have revealed at least one).  Berried Grievances is not my favorite story in A Cranberry Cove Mysteries (as you can tell).  Berried Grievances can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as the author provided the needed background information. Berried Grievances is a relaxed cozy mystery with a creative cranberry cookie, sweltering temperatures, a murdered grandmother, a belated baby, an absent tome, and a surprising solution. 

Berried Grievances is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other seven A Cranberry Cove Mysteries here.  You can find Peg Cochran's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers.  It is the third A Lakeside Library Mystery.  I am off to work in my bedroom.  My room along with my closet is a disorganized mess.  I am trying to do a little bit each day (I will be glad when it is orderly).  The heat and humidity have caused fibromyalgia flare ups which means I get less done each day (increased pain and tiredness). I will be glad when fall weather arrives.  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Berry the Evidence by Peg Cochran

 Berry the Evidence

Book Summary

An unscrupulous realtor pays the ultimate closing costs in the new Cranberry Cove Mystery from USA Today bestselling author Peg Cochran!

Autumn is settling in on Cranberry Cove, but things are starting to heat up when Monica’s stepmother shows up at her back door gripped by panic. Gasping out an explanation, she tells Monica she’d been dozing in her realtor’s car when he was shot dead. Refusing to alert the police for fear that the killer will target her next—or that the police will consider her their prime suspect—Monica’s stepmother goes mute, and Monica decides to track down the culprit herself to clear her name and keep her safe.

Frozen Cranberry Bog

Finding the killer won’t be so easy, though, as the victim had run afoul of buyers, sellers, and even other realtors at one time or another, and it seems that nearly everyone in the small town had a reason to want him dead. Even more puzzling is that the deeper Monica digs into the background and final days of the victim, the more the clues point to her stepmother. Then a second body is found, and Monica realizes she’s going up against a devious killer who will stop at nothing to put everyone involved out of commission . . .

Includes a mouthwatering muffin recipe!

My Thoughts

Berry the Evidence by Peg Cochran is the seventh A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  Each book can be read as a standalone.  I have enjoyed reading the series in order because it allowed me to see the changes that have occurred in Monica’s life.  Monica is happily married to Greg, and she is expecting their first child.  She has hired a new baker to replace Kit Turner who will be running the new café in Greg’s bookstore Book ‘Em.  Monica’s mother is in town and helping her in the farm kitchen (making delectable cranberry muffins, salsa, cookies, and other goodies).  Monica is surprised when Gina burst into her home.  Gina was with her realtor, Richard “Rip” Taylor in his Jaguar waiting to see if they received a response to her bid on a home.  She fell asleep in the car and when she awakened the realtor was dead.  Instead of calling the police, Gina panicked and ran.  Gina refuses to contact the police.  She is afraid they will suspect her or worries the killer will come after her.  Monica is left with no choice but to dive into the case.  There is humor scattered throughout the story.   I like Peg Cochran’s writing style.  I find it light and friendly.  The characters are developed and relatable.  There are some quirky characters like Gina. 

The mystery took us on a journey around Cranberry Cove.  We follow Monica as she works to uncover who killed Rip and why.   She soon learns that Rip was not a good guy which opens up the suspect list.  There are clues to help the reader solve the crime. It depends on your sleuthing level on whether you solve early or are surprised by the killer’s identity.  The reveal was suspenseful with a smidgin of humor.  The story ends with the opening of the café in Book ‘Em.  I had to laugh at Monica’s reaction that people in town knew about her pregnancy.  I do not know how she expected it to stay a secret after telling certain people.  Readers are left with a few unanswered questions, but we will have to wait for the next installment to get the answers (will Greg and Monica have a boy or girl, will Monica’s mother stay in town, will Monica’s new employee work out).  We also have Jeff and Laura’s wedding to look forward to as well as the building of Greg and Monica’s new home.  I enjoyed my time in Cranberry Cove and I look forward to reading the next installment.  Berry the Evidence is a cute cozy with a meddling mother, pregnancy sleepiness, lovable fur babies, tasty cranberry treats, a stepmom problem, a murdered realtor, a candle get together, and a cozy new café.  

Berry the Evidence is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other six A Cranberry Cove Mysteries here.  You can follow Peg Cochran on Amazon to receive an email when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart which comes out Tuesday, September 27.  I am off to see if I can find some space to store more Halloween inflatables (I cannot help myself).  I also have begun obtaining the ones for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have an 11' tall archway in red and white with nutcrackers for Christmas.  I have not decided what I will have through the arch (maybe Santa in his sleigh).  I really wish my yard was bigger.  My ideas are bigger than the space I have available.  I am hoping that when I begin decorating and the neighbors stop by to comment (they always do) that I might convince them to decorate (I have plenty of inflatables and other items--zombie hands for example).  I hope that you have a fun day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn m qualifying purchase.

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran

 

Book Summary

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran has Monica Albertson baking cranberry treats while her brother is busy harvesting the cranberries.  Jeff tells Monica that they are going to appear on What’s Up West Michigan with Betsy DeJong.  They will film the harvest with Jeff explaining the process and Monica will give a tour of the farm store explaining the products the offer for sale including her baked goods.  Despite Jeff’s nervousness, the filming goes well.  Later that day, Betsy is found dead in a ditch near the farm.  One of Jeff’s employees ends up at the top of the suspect list. Monica does not believe the man committed the crime and sets out to prove it. 

My Thoughts

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran is the sixth novel in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some good stories.  I thought Berried Motives was well-written with developed, relatable characters.  The story moves along at a good pace.  The mystery was nicely done with multiple suspects along with misdirection.  Monica actively questions people in her quest to clear Jeff’s employee off the suspect list.  There are good clues to help readers solve the whodunit and the mystery was nicely wrapped up at the end.  I had a good time following the investigation and solving the crime.  It was interesting learning about cranberry harvesting.  It is a fascinating process.  The ending was happy and heartwarming.  There are recipes at the end for some of the items Monica made.  I enjoyed reading Berried Motives and I look forward to the next A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  Berried Motives is an engaging cozy mystery with cranberry bogs, a happy hound, scrumptious salsa, a departed reporter, a suspicious senatorial candidate, and a healthy harvest.

Berried Motives can be purchased from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.  You can find Peg Cochran's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be featuring Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson next time.  It is the second A Tompkin's Mill Novel.  I hope all of you have a fulfilling day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran

Welcome!  I hope everyone is managing to stay safe and sane during this pandemic.  The Sisters Grimm by Menna van Praag releases on March 31.  I received a hard copy this week and I find it riveting so far.  If you like books by Sarah Addison Allen, you will enjoy Menna van Praag.  Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is also out on March 31 along with Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters, Dead in the Doorway by Diane Kelly and A Fatal Yarn by Peggy Ehrhart.

My Summary

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran has Monica and Greg snuggling in front of the fire on a cold, snowy night in Cranberry Cove.  There is a knock at the door.  Monica answers to find a nervous, confused woman who says that someone is trying to kill her.  Greg and Monica settle her in for the night (not what I would do, but go with it since it is fiction).  Dana is suffering from amnesia after an auto accident where she believes someone was chasing her.  The next morning, Dana remembers a home with a red door.  Monica helps her find the correct house and inside they find Dana’s sister, Marta dead.  Since Marta suffered from a heart condition, the ME is quick to rule her death as natural.  As time passes, Dana finds evidence that Marta may have been killed and requests Monica’s assistance.  When not whipping up cranberry delights for the farm shop, Monica searches for information.  Monica involves Detective Stevens when the clues begin to add up to murder.  Who would have wanted to kill the reclusive Marta?

My Thoughts

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran is the fifth A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  New readers will have no problem reading this story.  We get to return to the cozy town of Cranberry Cove with its charming shops and friendly citizens.  Monica and Greg are newlyweds who live a cottage on Sassamanash Farm.  Monica creates baked treats featuring cranberries which are sold in the farm store plus does the accounting for the farm and Greg owns Book ‘Em in town which sells used plus new books.  It is after nine p.m. on a winter night when someone knocks on their door.  Dana Bakker’s car skidded off the road after she escaped from the hospital.  She believes someone is trying to kill her, but Dana is unable to recall more details.  Dana was in the hospital from where she hit a tree and is now suffering from amnesia.  She recalls a house with a red door (a common thing in Cranberry Cove).  Monica takes her hunting for the red doored house and they find a dilapidated farmhouse with Dana’s sister dead inside.  At first blush, it looks like the woman died of natural causes.  Soon evidence points to murder. I thought the whodunit was straightforward and can easily be solved early in the book.  Dana’s amnesia does not slow down our amateur sleuth.  There are less than a handful of suspects for Monica to consider.  There are good clues along with misdirection.  I kept hoping the author would throw in a twist to surprise me at the end (one can dream).  I did enjoy the action-packed reveal scene at the end and the clever way the guilty party is captured.  There is further intrigue when Jeff considers selling Sassamanash Farm to pay for an experimental surgery on his arm.  The town is up in arms and someone leaves threats at the farm and has notes delivered to Monica.  There are warm, cozy moments in the story between Monica and Greg (newlyweds are lovey dovey).  Kit, Monica’s assistant, is having some relationship and housing issues, another farm employee has happy news, plenty of baking with mouthwatering descriptions plus time spent with friends and family.  Gina provides some lighthearted moments with her search for Mister Right.  There are recipes at the end of the book.  Berried in the Past is a warmhearted cozy mystery with a body in a bed, auto accident amnesia, cranberry cookery, troubling threats, a determined developer, nuzzling newlyweds and a mysterious murder. 

Berried in the Past will be out on March 24.  It is available in ebook and paperback from Amazon*. You can find the other four books in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I wanted to explain why information from the summary is repeated in "My Thoughts" paragraph.  The summary of the book is only posted here on my blog while the paragraph on my thoughts is posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and other similar places.  I am showcasing Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey tomorrow.  Before I depart, I want to leave you with a book joke.  What is a flea's favorite book?  The Itch Hike's Guide to the Galaxy! I never claimed they were good jokes!  Remember to keep a safe distance from others if you go out, wash your hands when you return home (I change my clothes too--just to be on the safe side since I do want to keep my mother safe), and clean your phone (and e-reader if you take it with you like I do).  Take care of yourself, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.