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Lost Cause

Review – Nipped in the Bud

March 17, 2011 By The Suspense Zone

Paige Turner returned to her hometown after receiving her degree in landscaping, and opened her own shop, The Garden Gate. She also hosts KALM’s radio broadcast, Through the Garden Gate, with her producer friend, Lisa Winkle.

Paige won her first landscaping job of sprucing up the city park in time for the Pickle Fest, fencing off the area. Returning to the site, she engages in an argument with the city manager, Bud Pickleman, about the lack of a proper security fence. She screamed at Bud in a menacing way about his interference at the site. The following day, Bud was found dead in a mound of mulch at Paige’s landscaping site. Police Chief Mitch Lawson, an old classmate with a grudge, is out to handcuff and jail her for Bud’s murder. She hires Attorney Adam Hayes to defend her, find the real killer, and keep her out of jail.

Not only is this a good murder mystery, with a great plot and plenty of suspects, Susan throws in a quirky, humorous radio show at the beginning of each chapter to offset the seriousness of the murder investigation. The call-ins have a rare, slap-stick comedy. A unique way to downplay the tension.

The suspicious behaviors, multiple arguments, and grudges will have you guessing who the murderer is. Almost everyone seems to be suspect in some way. The plot kept me interested through the whole book. The essence of romantic tension brings another element of delight while all the while trying to solve the murder. Definitely a fun read! Way to go, Susan!

This book was provided by Susan Sleeman in exchange for my honest review.

Nipped in the Bud (Hometown Mysteries)
Nipped in the Bud (Hometown Mysteries)
by Susan Sleeman

     

    Review – Nipped in the Bud
    Reviewed by Linda Wagner
    Definitely a fun read! Way to go, Susan!
    Paige Turner returned to her hometown after receiving her degree in landscaping, and opened her own shop, The Garden Gate. She also hosts KALM’s radio broadcast, Through the Garden Gate, with her producer friend, Lisa Winkle.

    Paige won her first landscaping job of sprucing up the city park in time for the Pickle Fest, fencing off the area. Returning to the site, she engages in an argument with the city manager, Bud Pickleman, about the lack of a proper security fence. She screamed at Bud in a menacing way about his interference at the site. The following day, Bud was found dead in a mound of mulch at Paige’s landscaping site. Police Chief Mitch Lawson, an old classmate with a grudge, is out to handcuff and jail her for Bud’s murder. She hires Attorney Adam Hayes to defend her, find the real killer, and keep her out of jail.

    Not only is this a good murder mystery, with a great plot and plenty of suspects, Susan throws in a quirky, humorous radio show at the beginning of each chapter to offset the seriousness of the murder investigation. The call-ins have a rare, slap-stick comedy. A unique way to downplay the tension.

    The suspicious behaviors, multiple arguments, and grudges will have you guessing who the murderer is. Almost everyone seems to be suspect in some way. The plot kept me interested through the whole book. The essence of romantic tension brings another element of delight while all the while trying to solve the murder. Definitely a fun read! Way to go, Susan!

    This book was provided by Susan Sleeman in exchange for my honest review.

     

    Reviewer Info

    Linda Wagner

    Linda Wagner
    I’m Linda Wagner, and I have been married to my sweetie for 40 years.  We have one son who lives in the area. I’ve been an avid reader since I learned how to read.
    [ Read full bio ]

    About Susan Sleeman

    Susan Sleeman writes the kind of romantic suspense that makes you double-check the locks—and maybe fall a little for the hero. …

    [ Read full bio ]

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    INTERVIEWS
    December 25, 2011
    March 13, 2011

     

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