The Garden Club Murder by Amy Patricia Meade is the second book in the “Tish Tarragon” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Severn House Publishers, coming September 1, 2019.

Literary caterer Letitia ‘Tish’ Tarragon is preparing her English Secret Garden-themed luncheon for Coleton Creek’s annual garden club awards, but when she is taken on a tour of some of the top contenders with the garden club’s president, Jim Ainsley, Tish is surprised at how seriously the residents take the awards – and how desperate they are to win.

Wealthy, retired businessman Sloane Shackleford has won the coveted best garden category five years in a row, but he and his Bichon Frise, Biscuit, are universally despised. When Sloane’s bludgeoned body is discovered in his pristine garden, Tish soon learns that he was disliked for reasons that go beyond his green fingers. Have the hotly contested awards brought out a competitive and murderous streak in one of the residents?

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There is no sophomore slump for this author as I enjoyed the latest foray with Tish, Jules and their friends. Catering a job at the senior residence for their garden contest brings about a bevy of eclectic characters who vie for the coveted best garden trophy. One person stands in their way and when he is found murdered the adventure begins for Tish who is not investigating this crime.

This was an enjoyable and lighthearted whodunit that I quickly embraced as I had to know how this was all going to end. The author did a great job in setting up the premise with plenty of suspects and clues that were planted throughout.

With a tightly woven narrative, a bounty of visual descriptors, and engaging dialogue, this multi-plot and emotionally-driven tale kept me immersed in all aspects as the author intended. And that double-twist at the end, wow, I did not see that one coming. Bravo. Bravo. Everyone played a pivotal role in how well this story was being told and the minor plot gave strength to the camaraderie that exists between Tish, Jules and MJ.

This is one of my favorite new series and I can’t wait to see where the gang cooks up next in this delightfully charming series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.