How do I get roped into these things? It’s true, February and March are garden show months, not garden months. Who wants to be digging in the dirt when it’s cold? Even if I bundled up the ground is usually still frozen here in the northeast.
That’s why I agreed when Babe Chinnery asked me to help a pal of hers exhibit his garden sculptures at The Big Apple Flower Show. Besides, it was a chance to attend the show, spend some time in New York, see a few old friends and get a reality check. I’ve been living in Springfield for close to four years and most of the time I love it, but sometimes I miss the excitement of the big city, the anonymity — the food! Although I’d never say that to Babe who owns the Paradise Diner where I spend more time than I probably should. Did I miss it enough to move back?
I’d stay at my friend Lucy’s. Lucy Cavanaugh is a lot like the girl I was before I chucked it all and moved north. She’s hard-working, wise-cracking and adventurous — and she has a killer wardrobe. I guess the first three are still true for me, but these days I’m more likely to be wearing painter’s pants bought at the hardware store than the slinky red dress I borrowed from her for the flower show’s gala opening night.
I didn’t have a date. Things have been slow for me in that department. Not that I mind. Starting a small business takes a lot of energy and by the time I get home all I want to do is wolf down a quickie dinner and climb into bed. But when I do get back on the horse, (and that’s a hint as to who my date might be) dang, I’m gonna get a red dress. How did I get to be thirty-something without realizing the power of one simple article of clothing? Everywhere I went in that dress I ..uh…made friends.
Doing another small favor was the thing that got me in trouble this time. Jealousies, rivalries, big hopes, big dreams mixed in with horticultural sabotage, beheaded gnomes, pesticide, herbicide – and homicide. When the garden gloves come off this show turns into a real Slugfest!
You can read more about Paula in SLUGFEST, the fourth book in the “Dirty Business” mystery series. The first book in the series is Pushing Up Daisies.
** Thanks to the Rosemary, I have one (1) copy of SLUGFEST to give away. Contest open to residents of the US only. Contest ends June 4. Leave a valid-email address with your comment. Book will be shipped directly from the author. **
Meet the author
Rosemary Harris was born in Brooklyn, New York, and now splits her time between Manhattan’s East Side and Fairfield County, Connecticut. After careers in book retailing, direct marketing, and television she turned to writing.
Like Paula Holliday, the heroine of her Dirty Business mystery series, Rosemary is a master gardener. She is past president of Sisters in Crime’s New England Chapter and Mystery Writers of America’s New York Chapter. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and CAPA (Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association.)With her husband and through the generosity of many friends, she has helped to build a library in central Tanzania. She blogs at www.jungleredwriters.com.
Visit her at www.rosemaryharris.com and Like her on Facebook.
Rosemary’s books are available at retail and online booksellers.
another new to me series, would love to read this
jplungas at gmail dot com
I have not read any in this series and it sounds great.
I read the book (and enjoyed it muchly) by taking it from our local library. I’d dearly love to own it also.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
This is one series I’ve kept up with and thoroughly enjoy it. The characters can be quirky at times but that keeps it interesting. I recommend it!
This is a wonderful series and I was horrified this morning to discover I can’t find my copy of Slugfest. Here’s hoping…..
mary-fairchild@sbcglobal.net
I love this series and am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
I’m not much of a gardener but I love this series!!!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I haven’t explored this series yet. Sounds great even though I like to garden without the slugs!
Looking forward to reading this one..I’m on the second book in the series.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and Carol would that we could ALL garden without slugs. After all the rain we’ve had in CT, I feel like a serial killer, going out every day to squash more of them! I had a lot of fun writing this book, partly because I’ve been a volunteer at the Philadelphia Flower Show for the past 10 years and I’ve seen a lot of fun, behind the scenes stuff. No murders, happily…
I actually have tomatoes in the garden this year, so I’m in the growing mode. This sounds like a good read as I enjoy garden shows and New York. I’ll look for the other books as well. Thanks.
judydee22002 at yahoo dot com
Thank you for the chance to win this book.
This looks like a good book. I would enjoy winning this book
Sounds interesting!
Mcphersonjudy@comcast.net
Love Rosemary’s books. Another great addition to the series
I grew up in an area that had huge garden slugs—remember my mom salting them—ICK. But this title made me homesick anyway. I would love to read the book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sue, i haven’t tried salt on the slugs. Tried beer once thinking at least they’d die happy but it was pretty disgusting. Judy, i have one tomato so far, about the size of an olive. i have no sun so i have no business planting tomatoes, but I keep trying!
Of course, I put my praise for the series in the wrong place. I do love the books, I learn about gardening. And I can tell you , salt takes a slug to slug heaven.
I love gardening and admire Rosemary’s work! Would love to read this one next…Chrystle
my TBR list is getting mighty long!!!!!
oh please enter me for this giveaway!!!
thank you!!
cyn209 at juno dot com
I have’nt read any of her books, but it sounds wonderful. Besides, I love gardening! Thank you for the chance to win.
TerryParrish 2010 @ hotmail (dot) com
Sounds like a great book.
This is a new-to-me author and series. Sounds fun.
contest is closed