Pretty Poison

Pretty Poison - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat 'The man was face down in one of her attractive wicker baskets filled with anemone bulbs. It was part of the autumn scene she'd created, complete with scarecrow and pumpkins. He'd obviously fallen forward, dragging the scarecrow from its perch on the oak rocking chair. The straw figure looked forlorn, lying half under the man's weight like some bizarre teddy bear.' Peggy Lee is the owner of the Potting Shed and when she walks into her shop to find a man face down in one of her arrangements she's beyond words. Part of her wanted to turn around and run, screaming for help. But after being a cop's wife for years as well as a researcher, she pushes her emotions aside and does the right thing. She calls the police. To Peggy's relief, the Detective that took the call was her deceased husband's partner, Al McDonald. He had been her husband's partner for twenty years and there wasn't a man alive she trusted more. But his questions, as well as hers, was who is this man with his face hidden in the plant, how did he get in a shop that was locked up and what happened to him. It definitely wasn't an accident. There was blood on the shovel that he had been hit over the head with. One question was answered as soon as the body was turned over. It was Mark Warner, one of the wealthiest men in Charlotte. Peggy had seen him around the shop lately with a woman and the woman wasn't his wife. Could she have killed him in a rage of jealousy? Maybe he decided to break up with his new girlfriend and she struck out in rage. Some speculated that it might be the homeless man who hung around the shop. There were as many reasons for his murder as there were suspects and Peggy was determined to find the killer. I became hooked with the Peggy Lee series after reading A Corpus for Yew. There are a total of five books in this series and I intend to read them all, starting next with Fruit of the Poisoned Tree. The Peggy Lee series has to be one of the most light hearted murder mysteries I've ever read. The situations Peggy finds herself in will make you laugh as well as keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to solve the mystery. Joyce and Jim Lavene, I really hope you will continue the Peggy series. And please don't forget to write in Shakespeare the Great Dane rescued by Peggy.

Peggy Lee is widowed and now owns The Potting Shed, a local garden shop. Her husband was a police detective. She also teaches part-time at the local university. She is a botanist. She arrives at her shop only to find a dead man. How did he get inside her locked shop? Who is he and who killed him? And why here? These are some of the many questions she wants answered. He is Mark Warner, a very wealthy man. The police arrest a local homeless man for the murder because he had his shoes and belongings. Peggy does not believe he killed him. In the meantime, Peggy is adopted by an enormous Great Dane. The only good thing is that she and the veterinarian seem to hit it off. Her son is not too sure about the dog or veterinarian, and he definitely disapproves of her trying to discover the identity of the real killer. She starts stirring thing up by interviewing the various women in Mark's life. Peggy starts digging up secrets that someone doesn't want known. She puts herself in danger to try to uncover the truth. This is the first in a great new series. I can't wait to read the next. Peggy is such a wonderfully crafted character. The students she employs really add to the story. I loved the Great Dane and the veterinarian, too. The story is well developed and runs along at a good pace. It is a wonderful cozy that you will find hard to put down. The only bad thing is that it will be over too soon! I highly recommend this book. Please check out my website: www.mysteryloverscorner.com

This was a wonderful debut novel for a great new series! Peggy is a fun character and the plot was enjoyable. Definitely a mystery to "cozy" up with!

We are introduced at the beginning of this read to Peggy Lee, widow of John who was a police detective before he gave his life for the cause. Peggy Lee owns a garden shop and has plunged into learning all she can about her beloved plants. She is a middle-aged vibrant woman with much to give to others and her knowledge of poisonous plants is about to be put to good use in this outstanding mystery read. Peggy finds the body of a Mr.Mark Warner in her shop one morning upon arriving for work. The fact that she knows the man and that his body was found in her shop puts Peggy in a very hard position and plunges her into a quest to solve the murder. This is not appreciated by the detectives that are working on this case; however in time they will change their tune. Peggy, who has been content to live without a man in her life suddenly is thrown into the path of Steve, a local veterinarian. Despite him being a little younger than Peggy, the instant attraction to each other cannot be denied; yet Peggy fights the feelings she has long buried; but her struggle will be futile. We are taken on an enjoyable roller coaster ride as Peggy, Steve and her workers at the garden shop begin their investigation work to solve this murder. To add some spice, another woman dies in the same way in another city and Peggy is sure the two cases are related. I don't want to give away the reason these poor souls died, but it certainly is not as it first appeared. A nice touch that the authors add at the beginning of each chapter is information about different plants. A perfect addition to the read, that blends well with the story. The authors introduce many colorful characters that add complete realism to this read.They interweave relationship turmoil's that top the cake with a little cream and also you are given a nice slice of humor in the form of a canine named, Shakespeare. I believe the fact that Peggy is a middle-aged woman caused me to enjoy this read all the more. Not the norm for many mystery novels; this shows that adventure certainly can knock on the door at any age; and wisdom that comes with maturity can make a difference. I liked that. I have come to respect the writing of Joyce and Jim Lavene. I know I am always going to be engrossed in any book they write. They amaze me with their ability to write in so many different genres with such expertise, and this work is yet another reminder of that fact. I can truly say I loved this book and was sorry when it ended. And for a reviewer that is something we don't say very often. Adventure, romance, humor and mystery. This is truly a read that you do not want to miss. I carry the characters with me and look forward to Peggy's next adventure with great anticipation. Well done! Shirley Johnson

I'll let Harriet tell you about this book, I'll simply say I hope there will be others to follow, as it was a terrific first book! Well written, a fun read!