Fruit of the Poisoned Tree

I was so excited when I was asked to review the second book by authors Joyce and Jim Lavene from their series, A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery- "Fruit of the Poisoned Tree." Having read and reviewed book one of this series I was all ready hooked on it and couldn't wait to see what trouble our main character Dr. Margaret Lee, or Peggy as we all know her, was getting into this time. Peggy is a middle-aged widowed woman who is a botanist and has exceptional knowledge of plants and the different poisons that they could produce. Peggy's life is full as she gives lectures at a local university and owns her own plant business. Peggy's deceased husband had been a detective and to the dismay of those on the force, Peggy seems to always be involved somehow when a dead body turns up. And despite the police trying desperately to keep her out of the investigation, Peggy and her knowledge always seems to crack the case. I love it. When her friend Park dies in her arms and his wife is accused of not just his murder, but the murder of his mother, Peggy can't help but get involved. A woman has to do what she has to do! The authors do such a fine job in bringing each and every character to life, smoothly bringing them from one book to the next where you never have to play catch-up. The characters are brimming with personality that will make you chuckle out loud or want to give them a right hook. Peggy's antics and down to earth personality just make these books go over the top in reading enjoyment; and who could resist her lovable dog Shakespeare, her love Steve and the colorful people who work for her at her business, The Potting Shed. As in the first, the mystery that must be solved in this second book twists you around until your dizzy trying to figure it out, but why try; it's more enjoyable just to let Peggy do it. I cannot recommend this work highly enough. It has everything, mystery, wonderful characters, sinister plot, humor and even romance. The way the authors merge plant knowledge into the storyline is great! Come on! Does it get much better than this? I am a fan for life; well done Joyce and Jim, keep-um coming! Shirley Johnson Senior Reviewer MidWest Book Review

Peggy Lee and her associates are interesting characters. Peggy is a professor of botany and a buisness owner (garden shop). Her character is well developed and has grown since Pretty Poison. There are no tricks to the plot and the botanical information is plausable. This is just a good, fast-moving detective fiction book. Pleasant readig.