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A Garden Squad Mystery #3
Digging Up the Remains
A festive fall is in full swing in Goosebush, Massachusetts, but when a snoopy reporter is felled by foul play, it’s up to Lilly and her Garden Squad to spook out a killer . . .
Between hosting a haunted house on her lawn, serving on the town’s 400th Anniversary Planning Committee, and prepping for the Fall Festival’s 10k fundraiser, Lilly’s hands are full. She doesn’t have time for prickly newspaper reporter Tyler Crane, who’s been creeping around town, looking for dirt on Goosebush’s most notable families . . . until he’s found dead on the race route moments before the start.
An unfortunate accident? Or did Tyler unearth a secret that someone in Goosebush is willing to kill to keep? By planting nasty rumors and cultivating fear, Tyler sowed a fair share of ill will during his brief time in town. Weeding through the suspects will be thorny, but Lilly and her Garden Squad are determined to root out the autumnal assassin before the Fall Festival flops . . .
Between hosting a haunted house on her lawn, serving on the town’s 400th Anniversary Planning Committee, and prepping for the Fall Festival’s 10k fundraiser, Lilly’s hands are full. She doesn’t have time for prickly newspaper reporter Tyler Crane, who’s been creeping around town, looking for dirt on Goosebush’s most notable families . . . until he’s found dead on the race route moments before the start.
An unfortunate accident? Or did Tyler unearth a secret that someone in Goosebush is willing to kill to keep? By planting nasty rumors and cultivating fear, Tyler sowed a fair share of ill will during his brief time in town. Weeding through the suspects will be thorny, but Lilly and her Garden Squad are determined to root out the autumnal assassin before the Fall Festival flops . . .
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
74 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 19, 2020
Newest Adventure Details:
Where: Goosebush, Massachusetts
Who: Lilly and gang
Fall is my favorite season...so it was icing on the cake to learn I would be visiting Massachusetts this time of year! Meeting Lilly and Delia was a real treat. It was shaping up to be a heck of a trip: Halloween preparation, 10k fall run, town's 400th Anniversary Planning, and midnight gardening strikes...gees these women never slow down. During the fall run a new resident of the town, reporter, and harasser extraordinaire Tyler Crane is found dead on the race route. Seems he had been digging up a lot of dirt (sorry...ya’ll know I can't resist the pun) ...on the residents of Goosebush...and someone wanted him silenced. Lilly, Delia and I are determined to find out the truth�.
My thoughts:
This was my first time reading this series and...I loved it! I really enjoyed the fall/Halloween theme, the beautiful historical town setting...but even more so the characters. I loved Lilly and Delia’s relationship, the garden squad, the lumberyard, the wheel...ESPECIALLY the Star Cafe (a bookstore/coffee counter/restaurant/bar/theater) heaven on earth to me! Very unrealistic, but the good news is... this is fiction. It just sounds like a magical place with lots of great people in the community. I really liked that the mc was an older sensible woman! The author did a great job w/ the mystery...I love that I was guessing till the very end (nice/denial way of saying I never solved the mystery lol). The gardening tips were awesome...I need all the help I can get...thanks Julia! I can’t wait to go back and start from the beginning to check out all the prior shenanigans of the garden squad!
For more book fun subscribe to my blog @:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Julia Henry, and the publisher for this opportunity.
Where: Goosebush, Massachusetts
Who: Lilly and gang
Fall is my favorite season...so it was icing on the cake to learn I would be visiting Massachusetts this time of year! Meeting Lilly and Delia was a real treat. It was shaping up to be a heck of a trip: Halloween preparation, 10k fall run, town's 400th Anniversary Planning, and midnight gardening strikes...gees these women never slow down. During the fall run a new resident of the town, reporter, and harasser extraordinaire Tyler Crane is found dead on the race route. Seems he had been digging up a lot of dirt (sorry...ya’ll know I can't resist the pun) ...on the residents of Goosebush...and someone wanted him silenced. Lilly, Delia and I are determined to find out the truth�.
My thoughts:
This was my first time reading this series and...I loved it! I really enjoyed the fall/Halloween theme, the beautiful historical town setting...but even more so the characters. I loved Lilly and Delia’s relationship, the garden squad, the lumberyard, the wheel...ESPECIALLY the Star Cafe (a bookstore/coffee counter/restaurant/bar/theater) heaven on earth to me! Very unrealistic, but the good news is... this is fiction. It just sounds like a magical place with lots of great people in the community. I really liked that the mc was an older sensible woman! The author did a great job w/ the mystery...I love that I was guessing till the very end (nice/denial way of saying I never solved the mystery lol). The gardening tips were awesome...I need all the help I can get...thanks Julia! I can’t wait to go back and start from the beginning to check out all the prior shenanigans of the garden squad!
For more book fun subscribe to my blog @:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Julia Henry, and the publisher for this opportunity.
August 25, 2020
I quite enjoyed this one. Not particularly "Halloween" themed, which bummed me out a bit. But the mystery held my interest. The characters were intriguing and likable, and it stood up well as a standalone. 👍👍
August 21, 2020
Fall has arrived in Goosebush, Massachusetts, and Lilly Jayne is busy with the two weekend fall festival. Kicking things off is a 10K through town. Lilly and her friends Delia and Roddy are making sure the path is clear before the race starts when the find the body of reporter Tyler Crane partially buried in a pile of leaves. Tyler hasn’t been in town long, but he’s made several people upset as he has dug to uncover family secrets. He was teasing new stories coming soon. Was one of those the reason he was murdered?
I really enjoyed getting to visit these characters again. Lilly leads a large and diverse cast of characters, and they are all charming. They are also distinct, so it is easy to keep them all straight. The book reintroduces us to the characters and town while introducing Tyler and the suspects. The pacing is a bit off early on, but the time is being put to good use as it sets up the mystery. Once Tyler is found dead, we are off with suspects as strong as the main characters and many secrets for Lilly and the others to uncover before we reach the climax. Meanwhile, we get some advancement in storylines introduced in earlier books. I suspect we’ve got some seeds that will bloom in future books here as well. I wish I could garden as well as the characters in this series, but I can dream while I read these fun mysteries.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at .
I really enjoyed getting to visit these characters again. Lilly leads a large and diverse cast of characters, and they are all charming. They are also distinct, so it is easy to keep them all straight. The book reintroduces us to the characters and town while introducing Tyler and the suspects. The pacing is a bit off early on, but the time is being put to good use as it sets up the mystery. Once Tyler is found dead, we are off with suspects as strong as the main characters and many secrets for Lilly and the others to uncover before we reach the climax. Meanwhile, we get some advancement in storylines introduced in earlier books. I suspect we’ve got some seeds that will bloom in future books here as well. I wish I could garden as well as the characters in this series, but I can dream while I read these fun mysteries.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at .
July 15, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s fall in Goosebush, Massachusetts and Lilly Jayne has her fingers in everything. She is on the town’s 400th Anniversary Planning Committee and the Fall Festival is just days away. Lily will have a haunted house in her yard and she has been tasked with keeping a part of the 10K run trail clear of leaves. She is also being hounded by Tyler Crane, a newspaper reporter with no ethics. He’s been digging up dirt on longtime members of the community and has been teasing what he has uncovered across his social media accounts.
Lilly, Delia, and Roddy return to give the 10K path one more sweep when Roddy discovers a body under a pile of leaves. Tyler Crane won’t be bothering anyone anymore. Did he fall? or did the man push someone too far? It’s time for the Garden Squad to get busy and find out. If there is a killer in their midst they need to dig up evidence to plant them behind bars as soon as possible.
I was excited to get back to Goosebush to catch up with Lily and her friends. They are all about doing what is best for their town and it’s usually done in a fun way. The Garden Squad and their midnight beautification projects are just so neat and I loved that they have inspired others to do some late-night projects of their own. We are also introduced to a couple of new characters in this story that are unique. All of Ms. Henry’s characters continue to evolve and grow as this series continues. They are genuine and true to life and distinguishable. Oh, and there’s a new feline character that is just what Lily and Delia needed.
I really enjoy the way the author describes each scene. Lily’s garden is her pride and joy and I can picture it vividly. Roddy’s garden needs a lot of work and he is willing to put in the time with Lily’s help to get everything just right. The town is set up like a wheel with Ernie Garden Center at one spoke and The Star Cafe on another, and the police station is on the circle too, along with other businesses. There is also a park set for a special renovation nearby. We also get a peek at some house renovations that have and will continue from one book to the next.
Then there is the little-used path where the body is found. I felt like I was right there on the scene, looking for any clues or evidence with Delia and Lilly. The squad all comes together to compare notes and follow each twist and turn. There were more suspects than I first imagined. It was fun to follow along with them and it was exciting to be there when the jig was up and the guilty party was revealed, and boy was I surprised. But the showdown wasn’t done, there was a really stressful situation to get through and the chief of police Bash Haywood trusted others to help him handle that situation. That says a lot about this community.
One thing I have noticed since I started reading this series is that I get all kinds of ideas for my own gardens. I appreciate the gardening tips included in the back of the book and I share them with my partner-in-planting husband.
Digging Up The Remains is a well-plotted, well-written cozy mystery that features characters I would love to be able to jump into the book and interact with. Goosebush is so welcoming and always has something fun going on. I am looking forward to digging into Wreathing Havoc soon.
It’s fall in Goosebush, Massachusetts and Lilly Jayne has her fingers in everything. She is on the town’s 400th Anniversary Planning Committee and the Fall Festival is just days away. Lily will have a haunted house in her yard and she has been tasked with keeping a part of the 10K run trail clear of leaves. She is also being hounded by Tyler Crane, a newspaper reporter with no ethics. He’s been digging up dirt on longtime members of the community and has been teasing what he has uncovered across his social media accounts.
Lilly, Delia, and Roddy return to give the 10K path one more sweep when Roddy discovers a body under a pile of leaves. Tyler Crane won’t be bothering anyone anymore. Did he fall? or did the man push someone too far? It’s time for the Garden Squad to get busy and find out. If there is a killer in their midst they need to dig up evidence to plant them behind bars as soon as possible.
I was excited to get back to Goosebush to catch up with Lily and her friends. They are all about doing what is best for their town and it’s usually done in a fun way. The Garden Squad and their midnight beautification projects are just so neat and I loved that they have inspired others to do some late-night projects of their own. We are also introduced to a couple of new characters in this story that are unique. All of Ms. Henry’s characters continue to evolve and grow as this series continues. They are genuine and true to life and distinguishable. Oh, and there’s a new feline character that is just what Lily and Delia needed.
I really enjoy the way the author describes each scene. Lily’s garden is her pride and joy and I can picture it vividly. Roddy’s garden needs a lot of work and he is willing to put in the time with Lily’s help to get everything just right. The town is set up like a wheel with Ernie Garden Center at one spoke and The Star Cafe on another, and the police station is on the circle too, along with other businesses. There is also a park set for a special renovation nearby. We also get a peek at some house renovations that have and will continue from one book to the next.
Then there is the little-used path where the body is found. I felt like I was right there on the scene, looking for any clues or evidence with Delia and Lilly. The squad all comes together to compare notes and follow each twist and turn. There were more suspects than I first imagined. It was fun to follow along with them and it was exciting to be there when the jig was up and the guilty party was revealed, and boy was I surprised. But the showdown wasn’t done, there was a really stressful situation to get through and the chief of police Bash Haywood trusted others to help him handle that situation. That says a lot about this community.
One thing I have noticed since I started reading this series is that I get all kinds of ideas for my own gardens. I appreciate the gardening tips included in the back of the book and I share them with my partner-in-planting husband.
Digging Up The Remains is a well-plotted, well-written cozy mystery that features characters I would love to be able to jump into the book and interact with. Goosebush is so welcoming and always has something fun going on. I am looking forward to digging into Wreathing Havoc soon.
July 14, 2021
I think this is my favorite in the series so far! Maybe because it takes place in fall and that's my fave or maybe the characters are just growing on me. I liked how they used modern day technology to post stuff on a timer. It made it interesting to learn more secrets as the book went on with the person already dead. Glad that character got taken out 🤣🤣 Or rather both of them! Now I'm ready to read the one I received to review. I hope I like it like I did this one!
November 1, 2021
3.5/5
This was a super fun cozy mystery about a town that's getting ready to celebrate Halloween. Lilly is busy dealing with a bunch of town events, but that doesn't stop the town gossip from trying to accost her. But when Tyler is found dead on the 10k race trail, things may be derailed.
I really enjoyed that this book centers an elderly woman as the protagonist. As much as I love teenagers and young adult narrators, Lilly was just so much fun! She doesn't take any shit and she's seen quite a bit during her life. The murder mystery was done really well and it kept me guessing the whole time. Also Lilly ends up adopting an abandoned cat and it was the sweetest thing ever!
This was a super fun cozy mystery about a town that's getting ready to celebrate Halloween. Lilly is busy dealing with a bunch of town events, but that doesn't stop the town gossip from trying to accost her. But when Tyler is found dead on the 10k race trail, things may be derailed.
I really enjoyed that this book centers an elderly woman as the protagonist. As much as I love teenagers and young adult narrators, Lilly was just so much fun! She doesn't take any shit and she's seen quite a bit during her life. The murder mystery was done really well and it kept me guessing the whole time. Also Lilly ends up adopting an abandoned cat and it was the sweetest thing ever!
December 5, 2020
Digging Up The Remains is the 3rd book in the Garden Squad cozy mystery series set in the small town of Goosebush, Massachusetts. As the town is getting ready for Halloween and the Fall Festival the nasty reporter who has been harassing everyone in town is found dead under a pile of leaves.
The main character, Lilly, and her Garden Squad friends naturally are interested in finding the killer as the reporter had been blackmailing or attempting to blackmail a lot of people. A lot of the investigation is discussion among friends and scouring through the reporter's social media activity, so a lot of cell phones.
I would have liked a little more excitement in the later half of the book. Also I wouldn't describe Lilly as an intentional sleuth. She is really just a caring person who is involved with the town and its residents. The Garden Squad goes around town under the cover of dark kindly and anonymously beautifying the town. So of course they are not going to let a killer run loose.
The writer does a great job of giving you a sense of small town life. I immediately felt that when starting. Goosebush feels like a real town with active and generally well meaning residents. There seems to always be a lot going on and continues to go on even when we're not reading.
There is also a tolerance and acceptance for all types of people, including ones who don't always agree with the majority. Instead of casting them to the side, maybe get to know them and find out they are not so bad. And maybe people can change too.
The main character, Lilly, and her Garden Squad friends naturally are interested in finding the killer as the reporter had been blackmailing or attempting to blackmail a lot of people. A lot of the investigation is discussion among friends and scouring through the reporter's social media activity, so a lot of cell phones.
I would have liked a little more excitement in the later half of the book. Also I wouldn't describe Lilly as an intentional sleuth. She is really just a caring person who is involved with the town and its residents. The Garden Squad goes around town under the cover of dark kindly and anonymously beautifying the town. So of course they are not going to let a killer run loose.
The writer does a great job of giving you a sense of small town life. I immediately felt that when starting. Goosebush feels like a real town with active and generally well meaning residents. There seems to always be a lot going on and continues to go on even when we're not reading.
There is also a tolerance and acceptance for all types of people, including ones who don't always agree with the majority. Instead of casting them to the side, maybe get to know them and find out they are not so bad. And maybe people can change too.
August 25, 2020
This is the third book in the Garden Squad series set in Goosebush, Massachusetts. The town is preparing for the Fall Festival and the 400th anniversary of the township. A pesky reporter/vlogger tries to dig up dirt on members of the founding fathers and ends up dead. Lilly and the Garden Squad step up to find the murderer.
I love the descriptions of the old houses in town, particularly Lilly's. The town sounds like a quaint New England town that i would like to visit. The townspeople are well written. I like that Lilly is a woman of a certain age yet is still very active in her community. I like Delia for her perseverance and her kind heart. The addition of a stray kitten rounded out the story. I was particularly fond of Luna as I also have a rescue by that name.
The victim was not very well liked and there were multiple suspects in his demise. The plot was good and I discovered the murderer along with Lilly.
I would love to have someplace like the Star Cafe in my hometown. Who wouldn't love a bookstore, coffee shop, bar, restaurant and entertainment venue combination?
I skipped over a book in this series and now need to go back and read it to catch up on the happenings in Goosebush.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the descriptions of the old houses in town, particularly Lilly's. The town sounds like a quaint New England town that i would like to visit. The townspeople are well written. I like that Lilly is a woman of a certain age yet is still very active in her community. I like Delia for her perseverance and her kind heart. The addition of a stray kitten rounded out the story. I was particularly fond of Luna as I also have a rescue by that name.
The victim was not very well liked and there were multiple suspects in his demise. The plot was good and I discovered the murderer along with Lilly.
I would love to have someplace like the Star Cafe in my hometown. Who wouldn't love a bookstore, coffee shop, bar, restaurant and entertainment venue combination?
I skipped over a book in this series and now need to go back and read it to catch up on the happenings in Goosebush.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2020
Halloween is the perfect setting for the latest Garden Squad mystery! The town of Goosebush, Maine is preparing for their Halloween festival and 10k run. However, when trouble-making reporter Tyler Crane is murdered, the decorative coffins become much too real! Lilly and the Garden Squad must figure out whose "story" Tyler was going to tell before the murderer strikes again and lives are destroyed.
Lilly and Delia are the perfect crime solving partners and each has her own strength she brings to the table. I love the supporting characters in the "Garden Squad" and their friendship and lives enhance the series. Any of the characters could have their own series! The Garden Squad series is like visiting with old friends. The book kept me engaged and I loved the descriptions of the sea and lush gardens and I fell in love with the newest addition to the family!
I'm wondering what mystery the Squad will solve next!
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lilly and Delia are the perfect crime solving partners and each has her own strength she brings to the table. I love the supporting characters in the "Garden Squad" and their friendship and lives enhance the series. Any of the characters could have their own series! The Garden Squad series is like visiting with old friends. The book kept me engaged and I loved the descriptions of the sea and lush gardens and I fell in love with the newest addition to the family!
I'm wondering what mystery the Squad will solve next!
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2020
This is the 3rd book in A Garden Squad Mystery. I love Halloween and gardening so I couldn't wait to read this book.
Halloween is on it's way and Lilly is working in her garden while Delia is working on several projects. They are getting ready for the Halloween festivals and the 10k run. There is a newcomer to Goosebush, Maine a reporter Tyler Crane, and he is making people mad stirring up trouble digging up secrets on the town residents, and someone is upset enough to kill him.
Lilly and the Garden Squad investigate to find the out whose secrets was worth killing for. They need to find the reporter's phone to see what kind of information he had on everyone and from there they can stop the downloading of information on the computer and find themselves a killer.
I loved how Lilly and her friends went about gathering clues no high stress just going along. It's just a relaxing place to be I can't wait to visit again.
I loved this book I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Halloween is on it's way and Lilly is working in her garden while Delia is working on several projects. They are getting ready for the Halloween festivals and the 10k run. There is a newcomer to Goosebush, Maine a reporter Tyler Crane, and he is making people mad stirring up trouble digging up secrets on the town residents, and someone is upset enough to kill him.
Lilly and the Garden Squad investigate to find the out whose secrets was worth killing for. They need to find the reporter's phone to see what kind of information he had on everyone and from there they can stop the downloading of information on the computer and find themselves a killer.
I loved how Lilly and her friends went about gathering clues no high stress just going along. It's just a relaxing place to be I can't wait to visit again.
I loved this book I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
August 12, 2020
I have really liked these books - the first one was a real surprise and I have been really excited to dive into each one that has come out since. I really like Lilly and Deliah and Roddy and their crew of friends [I am particularly fond of Ernie - what a lovely character] and all the escapades that they all get up to along with solving murders. I love The Star [EVERY town should have a place like this; I know I'd barely live at home if we had one where I live] and how welcoming it is to everyone [even creeps like Tyler Crane] and how its the hub of the town. And I love all the gardening stuff as I am unfortunately, cursed with a black thumb, but I love plants and flowers and gardens, so this is the best of all the worlds.
That said...this book really kind of fell flat for me. I felt that a lot of it just wasn't fleshed out enough and we are left hanging with much of the story. I would have liked a little more backstory of some of the characters, a little more fleshing out of the story and a much better reveal [like, WHY WHY WHY this person was really the murderer - it was very anticlimactic in my opinion]. I felt like there was just too much going on and not enough time and pages to try and flesh them out to make a full story. Which was really disappointing as this was one book I was truly looking forward to. I was very happy to spend time with all of them, but even Lilly felt flat in this one and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. It will not stop me from reading more of course; I am way to invested in these characters now to just give up after one tepid story, but I do hope that the next one is back on track with the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said...this book really kind of fell flat for me. I felt that a lot of it just wasn't fleshed out enough and we are left hanging with much of the story. I would have liked a little more backstory of some of the characters, a little more fleshing out of the story and a much better reveal [like, WHY WHY WHY this person was really the murderer - it was very anticlimactic in my opinion]. I felt like there was just too much going on and not enough time and pages to try and flesh them out to make a full story. Which was really disappointing as this was one book I was truly looking forward to. I was very happy to spend time with all of them, but even Lilly felt flat in this one and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. It will not stop me from reading more of course; I am way to invested in these characters now to just give up after one tepid story, but I do hope that the next one is back on track with the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
Digging Up The Remains is the third book in the A Garden Squad Mystery series.
Halloween is coming up in a few days, and Lilly and Delia are busy planning a haunted house at Lilly’s home and putting the finishing touches for the Fall Festival’s 10k fundraiser.
Lilly and Delia head out about an hour before the 10k begins to make sure the course is free of leaves. They come upon an area the needs raking and sweeping. As they are finishing up, they find the body of Tyler Crane. Tyler had been an up and coming journalist but had recently started a blog where he would dig up dirt on prominent people and post these to the blog he uses. Tyler had claimed five residents of Goosebush to have their “secrets� exposed, one of those is Lilly. She’s not overly concerned that it would be told, just wishes that it not be made public. Lilly and Delia set out, along with the help of the Garden Squad, to find the killer and to stop any more postings. Soon, the police will be asking Delia to help dig into how posts are still be made with Tyler dead.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and very believable. I particularly like Lilly and Delia. Despite the age difference, they work very well together. The Garden Squad members are engaging in that they each different areas of expertise and are so eager to help each other.
The book also contains helpful gardening tips.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this informative series.
Halloween is coming up in a few days, and Lilly and Delia are busy planning a haunted house at Lilly’s home and putting the finishing touches for the Fall Festival’s 10k fundraiser.
Lilly and Delia head out about an hour before the 10k begins to make sure the course is free of leaves. They come upon an area the needs raking and sweeping. As they are finishing up, they find the body of Tyler Crane. Tyler had been an up and coming journalist but had recently started a blog where he would dig up dirt on prominent people and post these to the blog he uses. Tyler had claimed five residents of Goosebush to have their “secrets� exposed, one of those is Lilly. She’s not overly concerned that it would be told, just wishes that it not be made public. Lilly and Delia set out, along with the help of the Garden Squad, to find the killer and to stop any more postings. Soon, the police will be asking Delia to help dig into how posts are still be made with Tyler dead.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and very believable. I particularly like Lilly and Delia. Despite the age difference, they work very well together. The Garden Squad members are engaging in that they each different areas of expertise and are so eager to help each other.
The book also contains helpful gardening tips.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this informative series.
October 31, 2020
Note: I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving this one two stars because I'm sure this series would appeal to a certain type of reader; it just wasn't my cup of tea. So if you're really into gardening and neighborhood planning committees, this book is for you! Also, the main sleuth is a retired senior who is living a life that just bores me to tears, so the connection just wasn't there.
I got about 60% through this book until I DNFed. I'm sure the mystery is fine; there's plenty of suspects and characters and town secrets galore. I do like the idea of facebook stories appearing on a murder victim's page from beyond the grave. No tears were shed over the ruthless reporter who was determined to ruin lives and tarnish the town's reputation. What were his motives? Why did he hate the townsfolk so much? Guess I'll never find out. Oh well, there were more books in my Nook calling out my name.
So yeah, if you're a cozy fan who loves gardening and other senior citizen activities, check this one out. I should note that there really isn't Halloween-theme happening, despite what you see on that cute cover. If you're looking for a more Halloweenie cozy, skip this one.
I'm giving this one two stars because I'm sure this series would appeal to a certain type of reader; it just wasn't my cup of tea. So if you're really into gardening and neighborhood planning committees, this book is for you! Also, the main sleuth is a retired senior who is living a life that just bores me to tears, so the connection just wasn't there.
I got about 60% through this book until I DNFed. I'm sure the mystery is fine; there's plenty of suspects and characters and town secrets galore. I do like the idea of facebook stories appearing on a murder victim's page from beyond the grave. No tears were shed over the ruthless reporter who was determined to ruin lives and tarnish the town's reputation. What were his motives? Why did he hate the townsfolk so much? Guess I'll never find out. Oh well, there were more books in my Nook calling out my name.
So yeah, if you're a cozy fan who loves gardening and other senior citizen activities, check this one out. I should note that there really isn't Halloween-theme happening, despite what you see on that cute cover. If you're looking for a more Halloweenie cozy, skip this one.
September 30, 2021
I am enjoying The Garden Squad Mystery series. I am so glad I stuck with it, as each book gets better as we get to know the characters and their stories. In this book, it is the Fall Festival in Goosebush and Lilly and her friends are all on the planning committee. The first big event is the 10K run. What Lilly and the committee don't need is newcomer Tyler Crane, a reporter who is trying to dig up dirt on the local residents to post to his online blog and magazine. The morning of the run, while doublechecking the route to make sure there are no slippery leaves or other hazards, his body is found along a section of the trail, covered with leaves. With so many of Lilly's friends being possible suspects, the Garden Squad begins an investigation into the murder.
I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Goosebush and the townspeople. Lilly is the defacto leader of the Garden Squad and the rest of the group are very different, yet similar. We have business people, old and young and new residents that add to the wonderful town. In this book we meet Tyler and a few suspects which added new blood to the series. The book starts a bit slow leading up to the murder, but once the investigation begins the pace speeds up. There are a lot of suspects in this one from Lilly to some of the new characters due to the fact that Tyler was trying to blackmail and coerce many people to give him dirt on others. The investigation includes a lot of trolling social media and pulls in some secrets about other people. Lilly and the Garden Squad stumble on evidence and it seems everyone is willing to talk to them. The reveal is not dangerous or especially climactic, but it brings the story to a nice conclusion. There is a lot of talk about gardens and planting in this book and I just wish The Garden Squad would visit me and do something with my gardens. If you enjoy stories about small towns, older characters and a mystery, then pick up this book. Once again, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington. I am becoming used to her voice and those that she gives to the various characters. She reads with expression and emotion and added to my enjoyment of this story.
I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Goosebush and the townspeople. Lilly is the defacto leader of the Garden Squad and the rest of the group are very different, yet similar. We have business people, old and young and new residents that add to the wonderful town. In this book we meet Tyler and a few suspects which added new blood to the series. The book starts a bit slow leading up to the murder, but once the investigation begins the pace speeds up. There are a lot of suspects in this one from Lilly to some of the new characters due to the fact that Tyler was trying to blackmail and coerce many people to give him dirt on others. The investigation includes a lot of trolling social media and pulls in some secrets about other people. Lilly and the Garden Squad stumble on evidence and it seems everyone is willing to talk to them. The reveal is not dangerous or especially climactic, but it brings the story to a nice conclusion. There is a lot of talk about gardens and planting in this book and I just wish The Garden Squad would visit me and do something with my gardens. If you enjoy stories about small towns, older characters and a mystery, then pick up this book. Once again, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington. I am becoming used to her voice and those that she gives to the various characters. She reads with expression and emotion and added to my enjoyment of this story.
August 26, 2020
Fall is in full swing in 'Digging Up The Remains' book 3 in the Garden Squad mystery series by Julia Henry. The book spans the last few weeks in October and ends on the big day itself - Halloween, so if you're looking for a good seasonal read - you found it! This is a series that 'grows' on you with each new book. Filled with a Fall Festival, Spooky 10k race, and tons of small town secrets threatened to be exposed by a social media savvy reporter - who turns up dead - this book will keep your interest the whole way through.
Once again we're given a whole host of suspects and the real culprit is hidden pretty well. The biggest question is - how is the victim still speaking beyond the grave?? As a millennial I really appreciated the use and mention of modern technology throughout the book, particularly social media. Other than cell phones - I've noticed that this is still largely avoided even in newer cozies, but the author really went for it, and I think it makes for a more clever and complicated mystery - thus strengthening it.
One aspect of this series that I really like is the character Delia Greenway. It's not directly mentioned but Delia has a sort of social anxiety that's referred to quite often - so I think she might have Asperger's. Even though the disorder's not acknowledged with by its actual name I like the mental diversity that the author is striving for. I personally have loved ones with this condition and normalizing it is a step in the right direction.
**I won an ARC in a giveaway of this this book directly from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Lillian (Lilly) Rose Jayne (age 65)
Best friend/ Sidekick: Tamara O'Connor (in her 60s) and Delia Greenway (in her late 20s)
Physical Description: White female, active, short silver hair, color clothes, hats, and earrings
Location: Goosebush, Massachusetts
Time of Year: October - Fall Festival - Halloween
Business: Retired, Gardener, part of community groups, town politics, and the Garden Squad
Pet: Tortoise-colored kitten named Luna, a rescue
Love Interest: Alan McMillan (husband, deceased)
Family: None
Cussing? No
Diversity? Yes! There is a whole host of diverse characters depicted in non-stereotypical ways.
Once again we're given a whole host of suspects and the real culprit is hidden pretty well. The biggest question is - how is the victim still speaking beyond the grave?? As a millennial I really appreciated the use and mention of modern technology throughout the book, particularly social media. Other than cell phones - I've noticed that this is still largely avoided even in newer cozies, but the author really went for it, and I think it makes for a more clever and complicated mystery - thus strengthening it.
One aspect of this series that I really like is the character Delia Greenway. It's not directly mentioned but Delia has a sort of social anxiety that's referred to quite often - so I think she might have Asperger's. Even though the disorder's not acknowledged with by its actual name I like the mental diversity that the author is striving for. I personally have loved ones with this condition and normalizing it is a step in the right direction.
**I won an ARC in a giveaway of this this book directly from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Lillian (Lilly) Rose Jayne (age 65)
Best friend/ Sidekick: Tamara O'Connor (in her 60s) and Delia Greenway (in her late 20s)
Physical Description: White female, active, short silver hair, color clothes, hats, and earrings
Location: Goosebush, Massachusetts
Time of Year: October - Fall Festival - Halloween
Business: Retired, Gardener, part of community groups, town politics, and the Garden Squad
Pet: Tortoise-colored kitten named Luna, a rescue
Love Interest: Alan McMillan (husband, deceased)
Family: None
Cussing? No
Diversity? Yes! There is a whole host of diverse characters depicted in non-stereotypical ways.
May 20, 2020
Digging up the Remains is the third installment in the A Garden Squad Mystery series featuring Lilly Jayne and her housemate Delia Greenway, set in the small town of Goosebush, Massachusetts. The annual Fall Festival is on the horizon and it has turned from a one weekend event into two weeks of activities including a 10K run and culminating in a Halloween stroll.
Serving on the Planning Committee, Lilly has also become the target of new to town reporter, Tyler Crane. It seems that Tyler has been digging up dirt by going through the town archives and is now threatening to unveil the buried secrets of several prominent townspeople. When Lilly discovers Tyler's body covered in leaves nobody seems to be heartbroken.
Teaming up with the other members of the Garden Squad including her neighbor Roddy Lyden and Ernie Johnson the owner of Bits, Bolts and Bulbs, Lilly and Delia set out to uncover a killer. A fast moving plot, the return of series regulars and a new furry addition to Windward keep the pages turning. Readers are introduced to new characters that will most likely be featured in future additions to the series, and learning that Lilly and Delia are going to have temporary house guests will leave you looking forward to the next adventures of the Garden Squad.
I received an advanced copy of Digging Up the Remains from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Serving on the Planning Committee, Lilly has also become the target of new to town reporter, Tyler Crane. It seems that Tyler has been digging up dirt by going through the town archives and is now threatening to unveil the buried secrets of several prominent townspeople. When Lilly discovers Tyler's body covered in leaves nobody seems to be heartbroken.
Teaming up with the other members of the Garden Squad including her neighbor Roddy Lyden and Ernie Johnson the owner of Bits, Bolts and Bulbs, Lilly and Delia set out to uncover a killer. A fast moving plot, the return of series regulars and a new furry addition to Windward keep the pages turning. Readers are introduced to new characters that will most likely be featured in future additions to the series, and learning that Lilly and Delia are going to have temporary house guests will leave you looking forward to the next adventures of the Garden Squad.
I received an advanced copy of Digging Up the Remains from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 31, 2020
Autumn & Halloween have come to Goosebush, Mass. & the Garden Squad have their work cut out for them planning fall festivals, the towns 400th anniversary, a 10K run & a haunted house on Lilly’s front yard. Not to mention deal with Tyler Crane, a reporter who’s new to town & threatening to reveal town members secrets. When Tyler is found dead along the track minutes before the race is to begin, the Garden Squad will have to come together again to solve the mystery.
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I enjoyed the book very much. I’ve spent the last week reading the first two books in the series to get to this one & it’s been such a pleasure being caught up in such a charming world. I love all the Garden Squad members & the town of Goosebush. The author has created a wonderful world to read about & the mysteries are well thought out & never too easy to solve. This has quickly become a favourite series of mine to read. This is a great addiction to the series, I love the autumn setting. This book is about people’s pasts, secrets & a reporter threatening to reveal them. I’m definitely recommending it but sadly after reading all three books in quick succession, I’ll have to wait for the next instalment.
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A big thanks to Netgalley & Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for a review.
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I enjoyed the book very much. I’ve spent the last week reading the first two books in the series to get to this one & it’s been such a pleasure being caught up in such a charming world. I love all the Garden Squad members & the town of Goosebush. The author has created a wonderful world to read about & the mysteries are well thought out & never too easy to solve. This has quickly become a favourite series of mine to read. This is a great addiction to the series, I love the autumn setting. This book is about people’s pasts, secrets & a reporter threatening to reveal them. I’m definitely recommending it but sadly after reading all three books in quick succession, I’ll have to wait for the next instalment.
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A big thanks to Netgalley & Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for a review.
August 24, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the A Garden Squad mystery series by Julia Henry.
As the fall festival commences, a reporter/blogger has come to town with blackmail on his mind and, of course, he ends up dead with a whole slew of suspects in his wake. Lucy meets this blogger and immediately is on to his game but his reign of fear branched out pretty far into the community and thus making everyone a suspect for his murder.
I really enjoyed this one. The community was fun and I liked so many of them. Kinda like going home and seeing all the old friends you have missed for so long. The mystery was compelling and the character’s just resonated with me so much.
This is definitely a series I want to follow. I think I still need to read book one in this lovely series. I gotta get on that soon! Give this one a go!
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the third book in the A Garden Squad mystery series by Julia Henry.
As the fall festival commences, a reporter/blogger has come to town with blackmail on his mind and, of course, he ends up dead with a whole slew of suspects in his wake. Lucy meets this blogger and immediately is on to his game but his reign of fear branched out pretty far into the community and thus making everyone a suspect for his murder.
I really enjoyed this one. The community was fun and I liked so many of them. Kinda like going home and seeing all the old friends you have missed for so long. The mystery was compelling and the character’s just resonated with me so much.
This is definitely a series I want to follow. I think I still need to read book one in this lovely series. I gotta get on that soon! Give this one a go!
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 28, 2020
I read this slower than I normally read books of this series, but I still liked it. I love this group of night gardeners, mostly because they seem clear eyed, they don't take too many stupid risks and seem intelligent. And they have a cop in the group, whom they respect and who respects them. They also touch upon forgotten and brushed aside histories, and instead of inserting social justice talking points like a sore thumb, the books end up making them a natural part of the plot. I like that.
I love Delia, she's my favorite. And even though I think it would be trying to be her friend, it would be rewarding too. The cast is diverse, and three books in, it's just part of Goosebush. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I love Delia, she's my favorite. And even though I think it would be trying to be her friend, it would be rewarding too. The cast is diverse, and three books in, it's just part of Goosebush. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 22, 2020
I really enjoy this series. Lilly is a great character, caring but not sickly sweet, she is sort of the conscious of the town, the stern but loving Grandmother. Anyway with her friends she is working to make Goosebush a better place for all, when a young "newsman" without a care for anyone starts digging up dirt and hurting innocent people she won't stand for it but before anything can be done he is murdered. An interesting story, the wrap up could have been a little more complete, but I look forward to a return trip to Goosebush!
May 8, 2020
The Garden Squad is back in this exciting addition to the series.
Digging Up the Remains is the perfect title for this whirlwind adventure by Julia Henry.
Lillie and Delia are getting ready for the Fall Festival and things take a tragic turn when a reporter is found dead, under a pile of leaves.
No one seems too upset about the death of the unscrupulous reporter, but when it turns out to be murder, the suspect list grows longer by the minute.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fun series.
Digging Up the Remains is the perfect title for this whirlwind adventure by Julia Henry.
Lillie and Delia are getting ready for the Fall Festival and things take a tragic turn when a reporter is found dead, under a pile of leaves.
No one seems too upset about the death of the unscrupulous reporter, but when it turns out to be murder, the suspect list grows longer by the minute.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fun series.
August 22, 2020
I loved this series and loved this instalment. It's highly enjoyable and engrossing.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters and the solid mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me guessing.
It's well plotted and the solution came as a surprise.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters and the solid mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me guessing.
It's well plotted and the solution came as a surprise.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
September 18, 2023
I’m really liking this series. The main character works with others to solve the mystery she isn’t overly suspicious. There is no annoying, love triangle, even though they’re kind of is, I’m not sure how to explain it.
It doesn’t get in the way of the story and I think because she’s not actively dating either of the men, it helps that it just feel like it’s more like friendship
It doesn’t get in the way of the story and I think because she’s not actively dating either of the men, it helps that it just feel like it’s more like friendship
September 7, 2020
Julia Henry has created a town where we would enjoy residing,
and she has introduced characters we love visiting.
As always, the mystery is intriguing and unique,
and it is a thrill to return to Goosebush!
and she has introduced characters we love visiting.
As always, the mystery is intriguing and unique,
and it is a thrill to return to Goosebush!
November 23, 2020
Another great book
July 4, 2020
This is a fun cozy mystery that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone or part of the series. I missed the second book in the series; I had no issues picking up this one. I love Halloween themed cozies, so I was excited to read this one. Roommates, Lilly and Delia, are the perfect duo to host a Halloween event. The setting of the historical small town is charming; the author paints a beautiful picture with her description. The mystery is engaging with the twists and turns and well place misdirections. I look forward to more in this series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
July 6, 2020
DIGGING UP THE REMAINS is the third book in the Garden Squad Mystery. Julia Henry has created a modern type Jessica Fletcher with her character Lilly Jayne. What's wonderfully unique is that senior citizen Lilly is roommates with Delia, nearly forty years apart in age. It's a friendship that works well. The rest of the cast spans the ages. I can't say I found any ethnic diversity though and to be honest, that may very well reflect some posh suburbs accurately. Henry does include older gay characters which is something audiences are ready for.
In their odd couple relationship, Delia would be the Felix Unger; but Lilly isn't Oscar Madison. Neither of them would be considered messy or unkempt. Delia is a thorough researcher with a knack for organizing data. She's part of the historical society and like, Lilly, frequently ends up volunteering her time to help others. Lilly is the gardening expert. Every plant in her environment is planned carefully. Plus, she loves talking to them. She's busier during her retirement as a widow than she was married with a job.
The overall premise of Digging Up the Remains is about secrets. Family secrets. Personal secrets. Even gardening secrets. There's an excellent examination of how traditional journalism has died in favor of careless, soundbite-driven, high traffic live feeds of the "average" person looking for Likes and fame. Tyler is that kind of opportunist. The once well-respected journalist turned to raking up small town gossip.
Lilly's "secret" that Tyler digs up doesn't seem unusual or scandalous to me at all. It was that she took a few of her families' ashes and put them in a memorial garden in her yard. The rest were scattered. That seems rather normal to me, but the residents of Goosebush, Massachusetts seem to find it newsworthy enough to gawk at Lilly's gate. Being Halloween time, it probably bolstered people's macabre curiosities. There are other secrets that Tyler and others like Delia have discovered that are truly game-changers. Others are deeply personal like a domestic abuse situation, bigamy, and a fatal car wreck.
Though Lilly is the main character, it's Delia who begins and ends the thread about one of the family secrets that could change Goosebush's history. I even had to wonder if Delia's penchant for accuracy, thoroughness, and precision in research was an expression of autism. It's never stated, but would be interesting to add some extra depth to her tireless personality.
This whole premise of a guerilla gardening squad is charming. I have known a couple "yarn-bombers" in my day. This squad goes out in the middle of the night to beautify a place in need. In Digging Up the Remains, the chosen venue is a local business. That's another area that Henry covers exceptionally well. She makes a point of her characters appreciating local pride and having clean and attractive places of business and homes, while mocking the monstrosities of suburban McMansions that seem far too large for their lots. It's totally anti big business. Lilly makes a quip about one of her neighbor's houses being decorated like several historical eras vomited up their worst decor.
I found the dialog formal. It could be how the upper middle class actually speak. The pacing was perfect. About ten percent in, we have Lilly pulled into action when the victim threatens her. Besides the past cases of possible murders that Delia investigates, the murder front and center of this book is about quarter way through it. Things are close to climax when there's a huge reveal with ten percent to go; and the climax is halfway between that and the end. After the story, Henry includes a couple pages of gardening tips. I appreciate the love for composting and using coffee grounds though I have never tried it myself. It sounds like a great way to recycle and reuse what you have.
Rating: 5 stars
In their odd couple relationship, Delia would be the Felix Unger; but Lilly isn't Oscar Madison. Neither of them would be considered messy or unkempt. Delia is a thorough researcher with a knack for organizing data. She's part of the historical society and like, Lilly, frequently ends up volunteering her time to help others. Lilly is the gardening expert. Every plant in her environment is planned carefully. Plus, she loves talking to them. She's busier during her retirement as a widow than she was married with a job.
The overall premise of Digging Up the Remains is about secrets. Family secrets. Personal secrets. Even gardening secrets. There's an excellent examination of how traditional journalism has died in favor of careless, soundbite-driven, high traffic live feeds of the "average" person looking for Likes and fame. Tyler is that kind of opportunist. The once well-respected journalist turned to raking up small town gossip.
Lilly's "secret" that Tyler digs up doesn't seem unusual or scandalous to me at all. It was that she took a few of her families' ashes and put them in a memorial garden in her yard. The rest were scattered. That seems rather normal to me, but the residents of Goosebush, Massachusetts seem to find it newsworthy enough to gawk at Lilly's gate. Being Halloween time, it probably bolstered people's macabre curiosities. There are other secrets that Tyler and others like Delia have discovered that are truly game-changers. Others are deeply personal like a domestic abuse situation, bigamy, and a fatal car wreck.
Though Lilly is the main character, it's Delia who begins and ends the thread about one of the family secrets that could change Goosebush's history. I even had to wonder if Delia's penchant for accuracy, thoroughness, and precision in research was an expression of autism. It's never stated, but would be interesting to add some extra depth to her tireless personality.
This whole premise of a guerilla gardening squad is charming. I have known a couple "yarn-bombers" in my day. This squad goes out in the middle of the night to beautify a place in need. In Digging Up the Remains, the chosen venue is a local business. That's another area that Henry covers exceptionally well. She makes a point of her characters appreciating local pride and having clean and attractive places of business and homes, while mocking the monstrosities of suburban McMansions that seem far too large for their lots. It's totally anti big business. Lilly makes a quip about one of her neighbor's houses being decorated like several historical eras vomited up their worst decor.
I found the dialog formal. It could be how the upper middle class actually speak. The pacing was perfect. About ten percent in, we have Lilly pulled into action when the victim threatens her. Besides the past cases of possible murders that Delia investigates, the murder front and center of this book is about quarter way through it. Things are close to climax when there's a huge reveal with ten percent to go; and the climax is halfway between that and the end. After the story, Henry includes a couple pages of gardening tips. I appreciate the love for composting and using coffee grounds though I have never tried it myself. It sounds like a great way to recycle and reuse what you have.
Rating: 5 stars
September 29, 2020
DIGGING UP THE REMAINS by Julia Henry is the third book in the A Garden Squad Mystery series. It’s the delightful story of Lilly Jayne and the Garden Squad as they prepare for the two-week long festive fall in Goosebush, Massachusetts.
When nosy reporter, Tyler Crane starts ruffling feather while digging up dirt and uncovering secrets for his post, he has more than one local resident irate with him making threatening remarks and making displays of rage towards him. Tyler’s attempts of blackmail even extended to Lilly Jayne.
When during preparation for the 10K event with Lilly Jayne and Delia Greenwood (Lilly’s house companion and great friend despite the age difference), Roddy Lyden (Lilly’s neighbor and friend) found the body of Tyler Crane hidden amongst a pile of leaves. The list of suspects is long and varied. Although Police Chief Bash Haywood was notified immediately and he’s quite capable, Lilly Jayne knows that he would need and greatly appreciate any help she could furnish so she puts out feelers to the Garden Squad to keep their eyes and ears open and to document what they could through photos.
Although there is a murder to solve, time does not stand still and the fall festival events need to continue on its course. With the race behind them, they can concentrate on making the event a success like the contest for the design of the Alden Park, the Halloween Stroll, and the haunted house to be displayed on the front lawn at Windward, Lilly’s home.
They’ve been unable to locate Tyler’s phone, which seems to be preset to post hints to the dirt he’s uncovered. Can they find it before more secrets are revealed hurting the people he held ransom with his blackmailing threats? Were they the reason he was murdered? Can they mark off suspects fast enough as their alibies check out to find the guilty party before more harm is done? Are some secret worth killing over? Or was it just an act of temporary rage?
Julia Henry has managed to not only include the fall season in this delightful cozy mystery putting us in the fall state of mind, but she also makes us fall in love with the characters that live in Goosebush all the more. Who wouldn’t love a neighbor or friend like Lilly Jayne!
DIGGING UP THE REMAINS is a wonderful book that those that love cozy mysteries or just a great book will love any time of the year. It has definitely put me in the frame of mind of great anticipation of all things fall � cooler weather, gorgeous fall colors, costumes, and great friends gathering for fun and parties. Highly recommend this author, this series and this book - all one of the three will give you great enjoyment! I will most definitely be looking forward to book number four in this series and more adventures with Lilly Jayne as well as more books by Julia Henry.
When nosy reporter, Tyler Crane starts ruffling feather while digging up dirt and uncovering secrets for his post, he has more than one local resident irate with him making threatening remarks and making displays of rage towards him. Tyler’s attempts of blackmail even extended to Lilly Jayne.
When during preparation for the 10K event with Lilly Jayne and Delia Greenwood (Lilly’s house companion and great friend despite the age difference), Roddy Lyden (Lilly’s neighbor and friend) found the body of Tyler Crane hidden amongst a pile of leaves. The list of suspects is long and varied. Although Police Chief Bash Haywood was notified immediately and he’s quite capable, Lilly Jayne knows that he would need and greatly appreciate any help she could furnish so she puts out feelers to the Garden Squad to keep their eyes and ears open and to document what they could through photos.
Although there is a murder to solve, time does not stand still and the fall festival events need to continue on its course. With the race behind them, they can concentrate on making the event a success like the contest for the design of the Alden Park, the Halloween Stroll, and the haunted house to be displayed on the front lawn at Windward, Lilly’s home.
They’ve been unable to locate Tyler’s phone, which seems to be preset to post hints to the dirt he’s uncovered. Can they find it before more secrets are revealed hurting the people he held ransom with his blackmailing threats? Were they the reason he was murdered? Can they mark off suspects fast enough as their alibies check out to find the guilty party before more harm is done? Are some secret worth killing over? Or was it just an act of temporary rage?
Julia Henry has managed to not only include the fall season in this delightful cozy mystery putting us in the fall state of mind, but she also makes us fall in love with the characters that live in Goosebush all the more. Who wouldn’t love a neighbor or friend like Lilly Jayne!
DIGGING UP THE REMAINS is a wonderful book that those that love cozy mysteries or just a great book will love any time of the year. It has definitely put me in the frame of mind of great anticipation of all things fall � cooler weather, gorgeous fall colors, costumes, and great friends gathering for fun and parties. Highly recommend this author, this series and this book - all one of the three will give you great enjoyment! I will most definitely be looking forward to book number four in this series and more adventures with Lilly Jayne as well as more books by Julia Henry.
July 30, 2020
"Digging Up the Remains" by Julia Henry is a very fitting title for a tale about digging deep into the mysteries of the people living in Goosebush and the lengths someone will go to keep their secrets. Set in a small, touristy town among a close-knit community, Lilly and Delia are busy preparing a haunted house on their lawn, and volunteering for the Fall Festival 10K fundraiser and murder was definitely not on the list.
When Tyler Crane is found dead, Lilly and Delia jump at the chance to help the police uncover who did it, despite the fact Tyler was a journalist who had a way of uncovering stories people didn't want to share through unjust methods. As these two women plan for events as a means of bringing the community close together in through celebration, they must also question who had the motive to kill Tyler Crane and which resident of Goosebush is capable of murder.
Henry delivers a fascinating novel about the various ways people tell stories and the lasting impact they have once they are out in the world. Every character in this novel has stories to share, some good and some bad, and many of which they'd like to keep private. Henry creates an incredibly interesting backstory for every person in this novel, which makes the suspect list high but the characters incredibly likable and the stories they have are a huge part of their charm. Henry emphasizes the importance of these stories by contrasting the ways in which Tyler forced people to give him the information he wanted and Lilly, a kind and gentle soul who never rushes to judge a person for their actions and always looks for understanding and love as a way of healing and forgiving.
Tyler, though despicable, was an intriguing character throughout the novel and someone I'd love to have learned about a little more. The fact he went from this great journalist who wrote and shared these amazing stories and gained a huge following, to someone who didn't care about hurting others to make headlines suggests there is so much more to his character. There is a gap between the person he was to the person he became in this story that would've been an interesting tale to read.
Nevertheless, I absolutely adored this story. A murder during Halloween season, events that must go on, and a passion to improve and spread the love for small-town Goosebush. A little murder is just another dose of chaos for the residents of Goosebush.
Highly recommended! Look for this novel, expected to be published on August 25th, 2020.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was incredibly delighted to dive into the beautiful and vivid story of Lilly, Delia, and their friends!
When Tyler Crane is found dead, Lilly and Delia jump at the chance to help the police uncover who did it, despite the fact Tyler was a journalist who had a way of uncovering stories people didn't want to share through unjust methods. As these two women plan for events as a means of bringing the community close together in through celebration, they must also question who had the motive to kill Tyler Crane and which resident of Goosebush is capable of murder.
Henry delivers a fascinating novel about the various ways people tell stories and the lasting impact they have once they are out in the world. Every character in this novel has stories to share, some good and some bad, and many of which they'd like to keep private. Henry creates an incredibly interesting backstory for every person in this novel, which makes the suspect list high but the characters incredibly likable and the stories they have are a huge part of their charm. Henry emphasizes the importance of these stories by contrasting the ways in which Tyler forced people to give him the information he wanted and Lilly, a kind and gentle soul who never rushes to judge a person for their actions and always looks for understanding and love as a way of healing and forgiving.
Tyler, though despicable, was an intriguing character throughout the novel and someone I'd love to have learned about a little more. The fact he went from this great journalist who wrote and shared these amazing stories and gained a huge following, to someone who didn't care about hurting others to make headlines suggests there is so much more to his character. There is a gap between the person he was to the person he became in this story that would've been an interesting tale to read.
Nevertheless, I absolutely adored this story. A murder during Halloween season, events that must go on, and a passion to improve and spread the love for small-town Goosebush. A little murder is just another dose of chaos for the residents of Goosebush.
Highly recommended! Look for this novel, expected to be published on August 25th, 2020.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was incredibly delighted to dive into the beautiful and vivid story of Lilly, Delia, and their friends!
May 6, 2024
After several years spent in seclusion while mourning the death of her beloved husband, Lilly Jayne has fully immersed herself in the civic life of her small town of Goosebush, Massachusetts. Goosebush is celebrating its 400th anniversary and the town is planning many celebratory activities--maybe too many. The first upcoming event is a 5k run whose route passes by many of the beautiful homes in the community. Right before the run is scheduled to begin, the dead body of a muckraking journalist is found on the path covered with leaves. The journalist had come to town to uncover and salaciously report on the "secrets" of the town. He had been posting teasers to five big stories and attempting to blackmail the objects of the stories--including Lilly--to get additional information. Clearly, all the subjects of his stories are possible suspects in his murder. Since Goosebush is a small, close-knit community, Lilly knows all the suspects and is determined to steer the police in the right direction.
Of course, Lilly is not sleuthing on her own. One of the joys of this series is the friend group that works together to improve their community and to see that the guilty are brought to justice. There is Lilly and her husband's former protegée Delia, who now lives with Lilly; Lilly's childhood friend realtor Tamara and her high school coach husband Warwick; Ernie who runs the local garden center; and Lilly's new neighbor (and future love interest?) Roddy. This is a fairly large cast of characters, but each of them has a very distinct personality and skill set. The coziness of this series come from the love that each of them has for the other.
My other favorite aspect of this series is how the friends are cleaning up the town which had started to suffer from neglect. In each book, they have a secret gardening project and now other secret gardeners have also started to take on projects. There is also an ongoing subplot about the efforts to rebuild a local park and the 150 year old skeletons found during the excavation. The mystery here centers around the journalist's murder and Lilly and her friends slowly work through the various suspects, their motives and opportunities to carry out the crime. In the end, the resolution was an unusual one which was quite enjoyable. This has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I look forward to #4.
Of course, J
Of course, Lilly is not sleuthing on her own. One of the joys of this series is the friend group that works together to improve their community and to see that the guilty are brought to justice. There is Lilly and her husband's former protegée Delia, who now lives with Lilly; Lilly's childhood friend realtor Tamara and her high school coach husband Warwick; Ernie who runs the local garden center; and Lilly's new neighbor (and future love interest?) Roddy. This is a fairly large cast of characters, but each of them has a very distinct personality and skill set. The coziness of this series come from the love that each of them has for the other.
My other favorite aspect of this series is how the friends are cleaning up the town which had started to suffer from neglect. In each book, they have a secret gardening project and now other secret gardeners have also started to take on projects. There is also an ongoing subplot about the efforts to rebuild a local park and the 150 year old skeletons found during the excavation. The mystery here centers around the journalist's murder and Lilly and her friends slowly work through the various suspects, their motives and opportunities to carry out the crime. In the end, the resolution was an unusual one which was quite enjoyable. This has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I look forward to #4.
Of course, J
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