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Farm to Table Mysteries #4
Crime and Cherry Pits
Head back to snowy Michigan just in time for the annual cherry pit spitting contest. It's all fun and games until the local drama professor chokes on more than just his pride.
Shiloh Bellamy can hardly believe it—for the first time in her family farm's seventy-year history, she has managed to score a highly-coveted booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan. It's a huge win in her master plan to bring the rundown farm back to life… and the fact that her coup has sent her next-door neighbor and organic farming competitor into fits of jealousy doesn't hurt, either. But the festive atmosphere at the farm market takes a dark turn when a man entered in the famous cherry pit-spitting competition chokes and dies right in front of Shiloh, who is standing near the sidelines as a spectator.
When the death turns out to be more suspicious than a cherry pit down the wrong pipe, Shiloh finds herself under local law enforcement's microscope—she has developed something of a reputation for being unwittingly involved in local murders. And when they discover her cousin Stacey had been secretly dating the man in question—and that he was married to someone else—Shiloh begins to worry that everything she has worked so hard to accomplish with her family's farm is about to be taken away. It will take all her investigative skills, a tenuous friendship (or is it something more?) with the local sheriff, and some help from Shiloh's trusty pug, Huckleberry, to prove the cops are barking up the wrong cherry tree and put the real killer behind bars for good.
Shiloh Bellamy can hardly believe it—for the first time in her family farm's seventy-year history, she has managed to score a highly-coveted booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan. It's a huge win in her master plan to bring the rundown farm back to life… and the fact that her coup has sent her next-door neighbor and organic farming competitor into fits of jealousy doesn't hurt, either. But the festive atmosphere at the farm market takes a dark turn when a man entered in the famous cherry pit-spitting competition chokes and dies right in front of Shiloh, who is standing near the sidelines as a spectator.
When the death turns out to be more suspicious than a cherry pit down the wrong pipe, Shiloh finds herself under local law enforcement's microscope—she has developed something of a reputation for being unwittingly involved in local murders. And when they discover her cousin Stacey had been secretly dating the man in question—and that he was married to someone else—Shiloh begins to worry that everything she has worked so hard to accomplish with her family's farm is about to be taken away. It will take all her investigative skills, a tenuous friendship (or is it something more?) with the local sheriff, and some help from Shiloh's trusty pug, Huckleberry, to prove the cops are barking up the wrong cherry tree and put the real killer behind bars for good.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2024
About the author
Amanda Flower
64 books2,982 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
February 22, 2024
Crime and Cherry Pits is the fourth book in Amanda Flower’s Farm to Table series. I thought the mystery its self was very good but the editing needs more work. I liked that I was unable to guess whodunnit and in fact I was shocked by who it was. I think this is what makes a mystery really good.
Surprises at the ending of the book. It was an easy read and a page turner. The cover is a real eye catcher. The characters were all great.
Our Sleuth, Shiloh Bellamy puts her self in a dangerous position once again. She seems to be the sleuth with nine lives. She also makes a decision about her romantic life. You won’t want to miss this book. Things at Bellamy Farm are moving ahead into the future and you don’t want to be left behind.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. Crime and Cherry Pits could be read as a stand alone but characters are carried over to this book from the previous books of the series. I would recommend the books be read in order because it makes a better reading experience. This book is scheduled for release on 2/20/24
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#CrimeandCherryPits #NetGalley
Surprises at the ending of the book. It was an easy read and a page turner. The cover is a real eye catcher. The characters were all great.
Our Sleuth, Shiloh Bellamy puts her self in a dangerous position once again. She seems to be the sleuth with nine lives. She also makes a decision about her romantic life. You won’t want to miss this book. Things at Bellamy Farm are moving ahead into the future and you don’t want to be left behind.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. Crime and Cherry Pits could be read as a stand alone but characters are carried over to this book from the previous books of the series. I would recommend the books be read in order because it makes a better reading experience. This book is scheduled for release on 2/20/24
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#CrimeandCherryPits #NetGalley
February 15, 2024
This book greets you with a cheery cover and a promise of savory cherry goodies to eat and drink. Protagonist, Shiloh Bellamy resides in the North Woods of Michigan on an organic farm with a cherry orchard. She sells baked goods plus all kinds of cherry infused products. Her pug, Huckleberry, is her constant companion, and he’s a cutie! She lives with her gruff Dad, and he is at odds with her cousin, Stacey, over some stocks inherited from their Grandma Bellamy. It’s also Cherry Festival time, and the first time Shiloh’s had a booth there. It’s important for her sales to be successful so she has money for the organic farm’s expansion. With Stacey’s constant belligerence, and a sudden murder, Shiloh’s up to her ears in danger!
The murder mystery is entertaining! There are characters to like, and those to definitely dislike! Quinn, a onetime beau of Shiloh’s, has become a pain in the patoot, and just aggravated me to all get out! His daughter, Hazel, is a sweetie. Sheriff Milan Penbrook is a gentleman and a great love connection for Shiloh. I hope this series continues with more stories, in the future. I highly recommend!
I honestly reviewed an unedited, digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.
The murder mystery is entertaining! There are characters to like, and those to definitely dislike! Quinn, a onetime beau of Shiloh’s, has become a pain in the patoot, and just aggravated me to all get out! His daughter, Hazel, is a sweetie. Sheriff Milan Penbrook is a gentleman and a great love connection for Shiloh. I hope this series continues with more stories, in the future. I highly recommend!
I honestly reviewed an unedited, digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2024
I'm a fan of this author and I enjoyed Crime and Cherry Pits very much.
Shiloh is excited to be part of the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan.
While working hard to get her farm up and running successfully, Shiloh needs her father to share his inheritance with her cousin, but her father is refusing.
Shiloh's cousin becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, and she asks for her help.
Soon Shiloh and her adorable pug Huckleberry find themselves sniffing out clues and getting into trouble.
This is a typical cozy mystery, light hearted and fun, and I did not figure out whodunit in advance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Shiloh is excited to be part of the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan.
While working hard to get her farm up and running successfully, Shiloh needs her father to share his inheritance with her cousin, but her father is refusing.
Shiloh's cousin becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, and she asks for her help.
Soon Shiloh and her adorable pug Huckleberry find themselves sniffing out clues and getting into trouble.
This is a typical cozy mystery, light hearted and fun, and I did not figure out whodunit in advance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
February 26, 2024
Crime and Chery Pits is the fourth book in the Farm to Table Mysteries series by Amanda Flower and can be read as a standalone but since we get to know the characters in the previous books, you might want to read them before you dive into this one for a bigger comprehension.
This is a murder mystery that’s quite entertaining and we have characters to love and to hate throughout the story. The action takes us away from the farm to a big cherry festival and then we are presented with a love triangle in our story. I read it in one sitting, and it was the perfect cozy read on a rainy day. With the murderer happening in a festival, there were so many possible suspects, and it made such an intriguing story.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, like I was missing some pages to it, but overall, it was such a great story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery to cuddle with a blanket and a cup of tea. This series has great characters, and this book has a few twists and turns that will keep you hooked to it until the end.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
This is a murder mystery that’s quite entertaining and we have characters to love and to hate throughout the story. The action takes us away from the farm to a big cherry festival and then we are presented with a love triangle in our story. I read it in one sitting, and it was the perfect cozy read on a rainy day. With the murderer happening in a festival, there were so many possible suspects, and it made such an intriguing story.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, like I was missing some pages to it, but overall, it was such a great story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery to cuddle with a blanket and a cup of tea. This series has great characters, and this book has a few twists and turns that will keep you hooked to it until the end.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
March 7, 2024
4.5 stars
Excellent cozy mystery series with an interesting locale (organic cherry farm in Michigan) and engaging and relatable characters. After returning to Michigan from her TV producing career in Hollywood to save the family farm, Shiloh Bellamy has found herself at the center of a number of murder investigations. It's not that she doesn't have her hands full already with an aging father not dealing comfortably with aging and health issues, a family feud over an inheritance and just trying to make the farm profitable. While honored by her farm's acceptance as a vendor at the cherry festival, she's struggling to keep the booth stocked with fresh cherry baked goods. No time to get involved with an investigation except that her cousin just may be the prime suspect. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent cozy mystery series with an interesting locale (organic cherry farm in Michigan) and engaging and relatable characters. After returning to Michigan from her TV producing career in Hollywood to save the family farm, Shiloh Bellamy has found herself at the center of a number of murder investigations. It's not that she doesn't have her hands full already with an aging father not dealing comfortably with aging and health issues, a family feud over an inheritance and just trying to make the farm profitable. While honored by her farm's acceptance as a vendor at the cherry festival, she's struggling to keep the booth stocked with fresh cherry baked goods. No time to get involved with an investigation except that her cousin just may be the prime suspect. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Shiloh Bellamy has been working so hard on her family farm and now she is being rewarded. Bellamy Farm for the first time in its long seventy-year history has been selected to have a booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City. She knows this is a big deal and plans to make the most of it. So she decided to spend the money to have a custom booth made. The new booth was shaped like a giant berry basket overflowing with cherries. It is sure to capture people's attention.
In addition to all the booths, there were bands and plays on the stage and fun contests like a cherry pit-spitting competition. Shiloh was able to step away from the booth to watch the people spit those pits, but one man appeared to choke on his. Shiloh rushes to help him but she is too late. It turns out the man wasn't choking on the pit. The death is deemed suspicious and Shiloh is right in the middle of the investigation. Her reputation for butting into cases has reached Traverse City but when she learns her cousin Stacey was dating the man in secret because he was still married she knows she has to do something. So she and her lovable pug Huckleberry are on the case. Can she solve the crime and keep things going at the farm and the festival? Maybe with the help of her friends, she can because she is not ready to have everything she worked so hard for go up in dust.
___
Shiloh truly had her hands full in Crime and Cherry Pits. Her days were filled with taking care of the farm and orchard, baking tasty cherry treats to serve at the festival, working at the festival, trying to get her cousin Stacey on board with the plans for her grandmother's stocks, and now trying to solve a murder.
Shiloh always tries to do what's right for everyone but her relationship with her father is rocky. Her cousin is a whiny brat with high expectations. She is close to single dad Quinn and his daughter Hazel. Hazel spends a lot of time with Shiloh when Quinn is working as an EMT/firefighter. He clearly has feelings for Shiloh but has decided they can only be friends. She is also becoming very good friends with Sheriff Milan Penbrook which drives Quinn a little crazy. Her right-hand woman/farm director, Chesney is all in on helping make Bellamy Farms everything Shiloh dreams it can be and they make a wonderful team. All these characters are well-crafted and grow in different ways in each story. I truly wanted to smack Quinn a few times though. Stacey is a pain as well.
I found the mystery very intriguing and the way the victim died interesting. Happening at a huge festival left the suspect pool wide open. Shiloh was on high alert trying to clear Stacey and find other viable suspects. She is also distracted by some scary things happening at the farm. Things do take a drastic turn for our amateur sleuth but it doesn't keep her from snooping when she appears to be in the right place but quickly sees it's at the wrong time. I enjoyed the way the reveal and takedown happened and then took a moment to pat myself on the back for solving the crime before it was revealed.
The Epilogue left me with a smile on my face. The future looks pretty bright for Shiloh and Belamy Farms. That is until Shiloh finds herself involved in a little murder and mayhem again.
Crime and Cherry Pits was an entertaining lighthearted mystery with appealing characters for the most part. I am keen to see what Ms. Flower has planned for Shiloh next.
Shiloh Bellamy has been working so hard on her family farm and now she is being rewarded. Bellamy Farm for the first time in its long seventy-year history has been selected to have a booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City. She knows this is a big deal and plans to make the most of it. So she decided to spend the money to have a custom booth made. The new booth was shaped like a giant berry basket overflowing with cherries. It is sure to capture people's attention.
In addition to all the booths, there were bands and plays on the stage and fun contests like a cherry pit-spitting competition. Shiloh was able to step away from the booth to watch the people spit those pits, but one man appeared to choke on his. Shiloh rushes to help him but she is too late. It turns out the man wasn't choking on the pit. The death is deemed suspicious and Shiloh is right in the middle of the investigation. Her reputation for butting into cases has reached Traverse City but when she learns her cousin Stacey was dating the man in secret because he was still married she knows she has to do something. So she and her lovable pug Huckleberry are on the case. Can she solve the crime and keep things going at the farm and the festival? Maybe with the help of her friends, she can because she is not ready to have everything she worked so hard for go up in dust.
___
Shiloh truly had her hands full in Crime and Cherry Pits. Her days were filled with taking care of the farm and orchard, baking tasty cherry treats to serve at the festival, working at the festival, trying to get her cousin Stacey on board with the plans for her grandmother's stocks, and now trying to solve a murder.
Shiloh always tries to do what's right for everyone but her relationship with her father is rocky. Her cousin is a whiny brat with high expectations. She is close to single dad Quinn and his daughter Hazel. Hazel spends a lot of time with Shiloh when Quinn is working as an EMT/firefighter. He clearly has feelings for Shiloh but has decided they can only be friends. She is also becoming very good friends with Sheriff Milan Penbrook which drives Quinn a little crazy. Her right-hand woman/farm director, Chesney is all in on helping make Bellamy Farms everything Shiloh dreams it can be and they make a wonderful team. All these characters are well-crafted and grow in different ways in each story. I truly wanted to smack Quinn a few times though. Stacey is a pain as well.
I found the mystery very intriguing and the way the victim died interesting. Happening at a huge festival left the suspect pool wide open. Shiloh was on high alert trying to clear Stacey and find other viable suspects. She is also distracted by some scary things happening at the farm. Things do take a drastic turn for our amateur sleuth but it doesn't keep her from snooping when she appears to be in the right place but quickly sees it's at the wrong time. I enjoyed the way the reveal and takedown happened and then took a moment to pat myself on the back for solving the crime before it was revealed.
The Epilogue left me with a smile on my face. The future looks pretty bright for Shiloh and Belamy Farms. That is until Shiloh finds herself involved in a little murder and mayhem again.
Crime and Cherry Pits was an entertaining lighthearted mystery with appealing characters for the most part. I am keen to see what Ms. Flower has planned for Shiloh next.
February 11, 2024
I really enjoy series set on farms so I have a soft spot for this one. I like Shiloh but she is a bit of a pushover. This girl may be smart and hardworking but she needs to learn to say no. I really dislike how her cousin Stacey and father treat her, they are not nice people. That all being said, most of this story takes place away from the farm at the Cherry Festival in nearby Travers City. Bellamy Farms has been very lucky to gain a spot at a very prestigious festival and this is good news for all Shiloh has been working toward. Unfortunately at one of the Festival events, Shiloh steps in to try and save someone she thinks is choking only to have the police find out that he was poisoned and Shiloh's cousin Stacey is the primary suspect. Since Stacey and Shiloh are still at odds over their grandmother's inheritance Shiloh knows she needs to clear her cousin so things can be worked out. The mystery here was very good and I did not have it figured out till the very end. I hope in the next book Shiloh can find a little happiness, things were definitely looking up at books end. Thank you to #NetGalley and #PoisonPenPress for the opportunity to read early!
February 8, 2024
I really enjoy series set on farms so I have a soft spot for this one. I like Shiloh but she is a bit of a pushover. This girl may be smart and hardworking but she needs to learn to say no. I really dislike how her cousin Stacey and father treat her, they are not nice people. That all being said, most of this story takes place away from the farm at the Cherry Festival in nearby Travers City. Bellamy Farms has been very lucky to gain a spot at a very prestigious festival and this is good news for all Shiloh has been working toward. Unfortunately at one of the Festival events, Shiloh steps in to try and save someone she thinks is choking only to have the police find out that he was poisoned and Shiloh's cousin Stacey is the primary suspect. Since Stacey and Shiloh are still at odds over their grandmother's inheritance Shiloh knows she needs to clear her cousin so things can be worked out. The mystery here was very good and I did not have it figured out till the very end. I hope in the next book Shiloh can find a little happiness, things were definitely looking up at books end. Thank you to #NetGalley and #PoisonPenPress for the opportunity to read early!
March 27, 2024
TITLE: CRIME AND CHERRY PITS
SERIES: Farm to Table Mysteries
AUTHOR: AMANDA FLOWER
PUB DATE: 02.20.2024 Now Available
REVIEW: A pug, a rundown farm, and a cherry pit death all comes down as Shiloh an organic farmer is doing her best to save her farm and save herself from being the prime suspect of a murder. I enjoyed being in snowy Michigan for a change in pace in this cozy mystery with a very likable sleuth.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY: Any of Ellie Alexander, Carlene O’Connor or Ellery Adams’ books.
SERIES: Farm to Table Mysteries
AUTHOR: AMANDA FLOWER
PUB DATE: 02.20.2024 Now Available
REVIEW: A pug, a rundown farm, and a cherry pit death all comes down as Shiloh an organic farmer is doing her best to save her farm and save herself from being the prime suspect of a murder. I enjoyed being in snowy Michigan for a change in pace in this cozy mystery with a very likable sleuth.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY: Any of Ellie Alexander, Carlene O’Connor or Ellery Adams’ books.
February 8, 2024
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of CRIME AND CHERRY PITS (Book 4 of the Farm to Table mystery series) by Amanda Flower in exchange for an honest review. Shiloh Bellamy has risked much by investing a significant amount of time and money in her booth at the Traverse City Cherry Farm Market. Since Shiloh discovered the missing part of her inheritance, Shiloh’s cousin Stacey has become hostile, so Shiloh didn’t expect a ring-side seat to Stacey’s breakup with her latest beau. Stacey’s now ex-boyfriend, the cheating cad, contends in the festival’s pit spitting contest and chokes on the cherry stone. When the death turns out to be more nefarious than natural, Stacey solicits Shiloh to save her from suspicion by solving the slaying. With high hopes for mending the relationship rift between herself and her cousin, Shiloh juggles her festival responsibilities with sleuthing and embarks upon a plan of action that will endanger more than her checkbook and her reputation.
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring farms, organic produce, festivals, events, pudgy pooches, churlish chickens, and risks of business.
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring farms, organic produce, festivals, events, pudgy pooches, churlish chickens, and risks of business.
October 2, 2025
These are easy books to read. A palette cleanser of sorts, in cherry of course!
February 8, 2024
This was a cute, cozy mystery. Despite being predictable, it was a fun read! Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy!
February 26, 2024
For the first time ever, Shiloh has managed to snag a highly-coveted booth at the Cherry Farm Market in nearby Traverse City, Michigan. When a man dies during the cherry pit spitting competition – a festival highlight – and the death is found to be murder, Shiloh’s cousin Stacey is at the top of the police’s suspect list. To clear her cousin’s name and to find the actual killer, Shiloh conducts her own investigation.
This is the fourth book in this series, which I have enjoyed since the very first book. That’s not surprising, though, as I have yet to be disappointed by a book from this author. I like Shiloh and her determination to make the family farm a success, and most of the recurring characters who are her family, friends and neighbors, although some of them really bother me. As nasty as her cousin has been to her so far in this series, it’s surprising that she would put this much effort into solving the murder, but she does. As usual, I love Huckleberry, Shiloh’s little pug, who steals the scene many times. I laughed to myself when he barked at Shiloh’s high heels – an opinion I share :)
At first, the murder victim seems like a nice, if eccentric, guy, but as more information is gathered, it turns out he wasn’t such a great guy after all. In addition to Stacey, there are quite a few people on the suspect list. I had a suspicion about one of them but wasn’t certain about it until it was revealed in the book. Given that character, the motive was predictable.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the fourth book in this series, which I have enjoyed since the very first book. That’s not surprising, though, as I have yet to be disappointed by a book from this author. I like Shiloh and her determination to make the family farm a success, and most of the recurring characters who are her family, friends and neighbors, although some of them really bother me. As nasty as her cousin has been to her so far in this series, it’s surprising that she would put this much effort into solving the murder, but she does. As usual, I love Huckleberry, Shiloh’s little pug, who steals the scene many times. I laughed to myself when he barked at Shiloh’s high heels – an opinion I share :)
At first, the murder victim seems like a nice, if eccentric, guy, but as more information is gathered, it turns out he wasn’t such a great guy after all. In addition to Stacey, there are quite a few people on the suspect list. I had a suspicion about one of them but wasn’t certain about it until it was revealed in the book. Given that character, the motive was predictable.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 22, 2025
More escapades with Shiloh Bellamy as she sells cherries and home baked goods from her organic cherry farm, at a festival in town. A drama professor from the college dies during a cherry pit spitting contest, which does seem contrived, but fits the theme. I'm sure anyone could choke on a cherry stone. Shiloh's sister is suspected of having a hand in the occurrence. Even though the sisters aren't all that cordial, both of them independent ladies, Shiloh knows she has to investigate and find the real culprit, if there is one. As she's moved back to town from the film world, she knows something about drama.
We get a look at how long may be too long to wait for a change in life, and how older people can sometimes just give up trying and let the younger generation do the work. While students do not have it as easy as we'd like to imagine.
This book would read well as a standalone, better as part of the series about Shiloh and her cute pug dog Huckleberry.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
We get a look at how long may be too long to wait for a change in life, and how older people can sometimes just give up trying and let the younger generation do the work. While students do not have it as easy as we'd like to imagine.
This book would read well as a standalone, better as part of the series about Shiloh and her cute pug dog Huckleberry.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
March 6, 2024
This fourth installment in the Farm to Table Mysteries series was an utter delight. Shiloh Bellamy has managed to secure a coveted booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan. This booth has the power to boost the family farm into the spotlight and allow Shiloh to start paying off the family debts. Everything's looking up... if it wasn't for the feud happening between Shiloh and her cousin Stacey over their grandmother's stocks. And the fact that her next-door neighbor wants to take over her farm. Oh and the dead man that is connected to her family and could ruin all of her hard-earned plans. Everything is great!
The only reason I didn't give this title five stars is because there were some typos that threw me out of the story. I have read many of Amanda Flower's books and loved every single one of them. She covers such varied topics, yet it is apparent through her writing that she is a diligent researcher.
- Stephanie, Information Services Librarian
The only reason I didn't give this title five stars is because there were some typos that threw me out of the story. I have read many of Amanda Flower's books and loved every single one of them. She covers such varied topics, yet it is apparent through her writing that she is a diligent researcher.
- Stephanie, Information Services Librarian
April 7, 2024
"Crime and Cherry Pits (Farm to Table Mysteries #4)" by Amanda Flower was a very Cherry and a little 4th of July themed cozy mystery. The cherry theme went a tiny bit into the innuendo commentary a couple of time, but so barely that I had to remind myself I probably only went there because I have a teenager at home.
With the mystery part, I don't know if I missed something, or it just wasn't there but I honestly didn't have any real idea for who the culprit might be. I had one suspect but mostly a cliche type suspect not a genuine one. It wasn't them.
With the mystery part, I don't know if I missed something, or it just wasn't there but I honestly didn't have any real idea for who the culprit might be. I had one suspect but mostly a cliche type suspect not a genuine one. It wasn't them.
February 21, 2024
“Crime and Cherry Pits” is the well done fourth book in Amanda Flower’s Farm to Table cozy mystery series. In this book Shiloh Bellamy is thrilled that she has been picked to have a booth at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan and she is determined to make the booth a success. Her hopes are soon dashed when a man dies during a cherry pit-spitting competition and her cousin Stacey is one of the suspects in his murder. Stacey wants Shiloh to clear her name and Shiloh, eager to keep peace in the family, agrees but will her sleuthing put her in danger?
For the most part I really enjoyed “Crime and Cherry Pits”. While most of this book takes place at the Cherry Festival, I still enjoyed reading about Shiloh’s farm and all the work she has done on it as well as the various animals in her life including her beloved pug Huckleberry. I also loved reading about the Cherry Festival and all the events going on there including the play her father performs in. The mystery is well done and plotted with plenty of suspects, a nice sense of danger at times, and more than a few twists and turns. The one thing I don’t like about this book (and series) is the way Shiloh’s father and cousin treat her – for someone who is strong enough to rescue the family farm from financial ruin she can be a bit of a wimp at times, letting the two walk all over her. Finally, the ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt to me, almost like a chapter was missing. Still, all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
For the most part I really enjoyed “Crime and Cherry Pits”. While most of this book takes place at the Cherry Festival, I still enjoyed reading about Shiloh’s farm and all the work she has done on it as well as the various animals in her life including her beloved pug Huckleberry. I also loved reading about the Cherry Festival and all the events going on there including the play her father performs in. The mystery is well done and plotted with plenty of suspects, a nice sense of danger at times, and more than a few twists and turns. The one thing I don’t like about this book (and series) is the way Shiloh’s father and cousin treat her – for someone who is strong enough to rescue the family farm from financial ruin she can be a bit of a wimp at times, letting the two walk all over her. Finally, the ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt to me, almost like a chapter was missing. Still, all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 4, 2024
Amanda Flower is a prolific cozy mystery writer. Crime and Cherry Pits is the first of her mysteries that II have read, although it is the fourth in her Farm to Table Mysteries series. The book came to me from the publisher, and I read it as an accompaniment to Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Both books are based in Traverse City, Michigan, and both are about cherry farms.
Although the book refers to the other mysteries Shiloh Bellamy has solved, the reader can delve into Shiloh’s newest event—a booth at Traverse City’s annual Cherry Festival—without being involved in the other mysteries. She has just returned to the Traverse City area to redevelop her family’s cherry farm, and the most fun parts of the book are the farm scenes.
Cherries and cherry pits are the overarching theme of the book. Shiloh has created a very successful booth at the cherry festival, selling cherries, pastries, and soap with cherries as a major ingredient. During the first day of the festival, a local drama professor and actor in the production taking place as part of the festival is killed during a cherry-spitting competition. Shiloh sets out to solve the mystery, trying to clear the name of her sister, Stacey, who has had an affair with the professor.
There’s not too much more to say about Crime and Cherry Pits. It’s quick and innocuous—easy to read a few chapters at a time, and won’t disturb your sleep too much. What I admired most is that Amanda Flower has found a delightful niche for herself with her cozy mysteries, and it was fun to read about an area of Michigan I know well.
Although the book refers to the other mysteries Shiloh Bellamy has solved, the reader can delve into Shiloh’s newest event—a booth at Traverse City’s annual Cherry Festival—without being involved in the other mysteries. She has just returned to the Traverse City area to redevelop her family’s cherry farm, and the most fun parts of the book are the farm scenes.
Cherries and cherry pits are the overarching theme of the book. Shiloh has created a very successful booth at the cherry festival, selling cherries, pastries, and soap with cherries as a major ingredient. During the first day of the festival, a local drama professor and actor in the production taking place as part of the festival is killed during a cherry-spitting competition. Shiloh sets out to solve the mystery, trying to clear the name of her sister, Stacey, who has had an affair with the professor.
There’s not too much more to say about Crime and Cherry Pits. It’s quick and innocuous—easy to read a few chapters at a time, and won’t disturb your sleep too much. What I admired most is that Amanda Flower has found a delightful niche for herself with her cozy mysteries, and it was fun to read about an area of Michigan I know well.
February 13, 2024
A great cozy mystery. Reads a bit slower than the others in the series, but still aa wonderful read.
Shiloh has secured a coveted booth at the Cherry Festival and things are looking up. She is working out her grandmothers will with her cousin, hoping for a quick settlement. Unfortunately while enjoying a competition, one of the competitors apparently chokes, and dies, and when fingers start pointing to Shi's cousin, she can't help but investigate. Lots of motives, opportunities, and suspects, but will she find the right one before she gets hurt?
Fun series. I love the building relationship that came through. Glad she finally made her choice!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Shiloh has secured a coveted booth at the Cherry Festival and things are looking up. She is working out her grandmothers will with her cousin, hoping for a quick settlement. Unfortunately while enjoying a competition, one of the competitors apparently chokes, and dies, and when fingers start pointing to Shi's cousin, she can't help but investigate. Lots of motives, opportunities, and suspects, but will she find the right one before she gets hurt?
Fun series. I love the building relationship that came through. Glad she finally made her choice!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2025
Shiloh is trying to bring her decrepit farm back to life, and has a successful turn of events to help her: she is invited to have a booth at the coveted Cherry Farm Market. She is delighted with that opportunity, but what she does not expect is to have to solve the murder of a contestant in a cherry-spitting contest. Things get even more complicated when she discovers that her cousin ws secretly dating the man, who just happened to be already married. This is another good entry in the Farm to Table mystery series.
August 9, 2025
Best characters in a cozy! This series just keeps getting better and better! The plot of this story will have you on the edge of your seat and just when you think you know "who did it," you'll find yourself facing another red herring! I love that the setting is an organic cherry farm and that the author realistically shows how hard farming is while keeping the story light and hopeful! The character interactions are truly why you will want to keep coming back for more! I really can't wait to see how several relationships continue to unfurl in the next book! If you like a well crafted cozy mystery that will keep you guessing and turning pages, then this is the series to start. I do recommend starting with the first book in the series as you'll get hours more entertainment, but you'll also get much needed backstory filled in on the many characters that star in each book!
February 9, 2024
Rural farm/festival cozy
Shiloh works hard to bring the family farm back to life, doing everything she can think of to conserve her money and turn a profit. Family issues aside and there are many, her organic farm is slowly turning the corner with all her hard work and the help of friends.
When she tries to help a choking man, she finds out his death was no accident and is determined to solve it.
Ms. Flowers pens an engaging cozy with a bit of romance, family drama and lots of intrigue.
I highly recommend for any lover of good cozies.
I received a NetGalley arc gratis and offer my opinion in the same
Shiloh works hard to bring the family farm back to life, doing everything she can think of to conserve her money and turn a profit. Family issues aside and there are many, her organic farm is slowly turning the corner with all her hard work and the help of friends.
When she tries to help a choking man, she finds out his death was no accident and is determined to solve it.
Ms. Flowers pens an engaging cozy with a bit of romance, family drama and lots of intrigue.
I highly recommend for any lover of good cozies.
I received a NetGalley arc gratis and offer my opinion in the same
February 13, 2024
I enjoyed being in Traverse City for all of the cherry related activities. Shiloh really gets herself in bad situations as she tries to discover who is behind the murder. My favorite characters were Huckleberry and Hazel.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
January 16, 2026
I don’t usually give five star reviews but this story kept me guessing until the end. This takes place on the 4th of July, in nearby Traverse City and Shiloh has been invited to set up a booth at the Cherry Festival. One of the opening events is a cherry pit spitting contest and Shiloh and Hazel have a front row seat. What could go wrong?
Plenty !
Plenty !
February 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and publisher. This is another great series by Amanda Flower.. Looking forward to the next book Shiloh has been accepted to have her booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City. While there she sees her cousin Stacy and finds out she has been seeing leading actor who seems to be still married.before the day is done, Shiloh becomes entangled in another murder and this time she’s trying to prove Stacy is innocent.
June 23, 2024
Not awful, but pretty cheesy. Didn’t get really good until about 85% through the book
September 29, 2025
Ironically this is the second book I read that involves cherries and a cherry spitting contest. The main character’s family farm is selected to participate in the largest cherry festival in their part of Michigan. She’s offering cherries along with various products made from cherries.
Unfortunately someone dies after eating a cherry to spit the pit. This turns out to be the theater person from the local college. There are more than enough suspects and I was surprised when the culprit was revealed.
Besides the main character trying to solve the death, she is involved in a disagreement with her cousin who believes she is entitled to half the fortune their grandmother hid. Although the main character found the fortune, her father belies he is entitled to all of it. Hopefully this will be resolved in the next book in the series.
There’s also a love triangle to add further drama.
Unfortunately someone dies after eating a cherry to spit the pit. This turns out to be the theater person from the local college. There are more than enough suspects and I was surprised when the culprit was revealed.
Besides the main character trying to solve the death, she is involved in a disagreement with her cousin who believes she is entitled to half the fortune their grandmother hid. Although the main character found the fortune, her father belies he is entitled to all of it. Hopefully this will be resolved in the next book in the series.
There’s also a love triangle to add further drama.
March 10, 2026
i loved this
January 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower was a cute, but unsatisfying, read, with a standout character in the little pug Huckleberry. No, he’s not a main character and we don’t hear his thoughts but I fell in love with the little furball. The other characters in the book, from our MC, Shiloh, her farm worker and friend, Chesney, her love interest(s), Quinn and Milan, and pseudo surrogate daughter, Hazel, were all fine but not memorable. On the side of characters I greatly disliked are Shiloh’s family, her cousin and her father (really, I hated them, without much provocation).
Taking place during the cherry fair in Michigan, I thought the writing was alright but the plot meandered a bit. Part of a series, you don’t need to read the previous books to get into this, but I did hope this would build up Shiloh and some of the other characters’ personalities further. The story was basic and I think adding more nuance to Shiloh and those around her would have helped. The bones to do that are definitely there, I hope this series takes the plunge in the next book. I also felt the ending and wrap up were too sudden and without any clues, which was unsatisfying.
If you want steady reading without any major curveballs or having to think too much, you’ll enjoy this. Huckleberry is absolutely adorable and parts of the story were cute, but this was very middle of the road otherwise and could easily be remedied, which is frustrating to this reader.
Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower was a cute, but unsatisfying, read, with a standout character in the little pug Huckleberry. No, he’s not a main character and we don’t hear his thoughts but I fell in love with the little furball. The other characters in the book, from our MC, Shiloh, her farm worker and friend, Chesney, her love interest(s), Quinn and Milan, and pseudo surrogate daughter, Hazel, were all fine but not memorable. On the side of characters I greatly disliked are Shiloh’s family, her cousin and her father (really, I hated them, without much provocation).
Taking place during the cherry fair in Michigan, I thought the writing was alright but the plot meandered a bit. Part of a series, you don’t need to read the previous books to get into this, but I did hope this would build up Shiloh and some of the other characters’ personalities further. The story was basic and I think adding more nuance to Shiloh and those around her would have helped. The bones to do that are definitely there, I hope this series takes the plunge in the next book. I also felt the ending and wrap up were too sudden and without any clues, which was unsatisfying.
If you want steady reading without any major curveballs or having to think too much, you’ll enjoy this. Huckleberry is absolutely adorable and parts of the story were cute, but this was very middle of the road otherwise and could easily be remedied, which is frustrating to this reader.
January 14, 2024
My first experience with this series and author. I found this to be a pretty typical cozy mystery. The Michigan setting is nice as is the cherry festival turned crime scene. Readers get what they expect: an amateur sleuth who is starting a new life back with her family roots. Overall a quick, enjoyable read.
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