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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #17
Mouse of Ill Repute
This mouse is anything but quiet… and she may hold the key to a Halloween crime.
Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not.
Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house has slowed her down but now she’s ready to grab life by the tail. Meeting Ivy gives her a ticket out into the world, where a crime has rocked the quaint community.
Halloween thrills turn from fun to fatal all too quickly. Ivy and friends, old and new, will need to work their way through a labyrinth of clues to stay one step ahead of a killer on this unforgettably haunting holiday.
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals and funny, spunky amateur sleuths.
Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not.
Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house has slowed her down but now she’s ready to grab life by the tail. Meeting Ivy gives her a ticket out into the world, where a crime has rocked the quaint community.
Halloween thrills turn from fun to fatal all too quickly. Ivy and friends, old and new, will need to work their way through a labyrinth of clues to stay one step ahead of a killer on this unforgettably haunting holiday.
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals and funny, spunky amateur sleuths.
- GenresCozy MysteryFiction
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
218 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 27, 2023
Great book
This is another great book in the Bought the Farm series by Ellen Riggs. I can't wait for the next book.
This is another great book in the Bought the Farm series by Ellen Riggs. I can't wait for the next book.
July 20, 2024
Ivy, Jilly, friends and pets head to Thistledown for the Rescue Mafia's Halloween dog adoption fundraising event. In spite of hating Halloween, Ivy would do anything to help rescue, even assist with a haunted house. When a contestant in the competition, Olive, offers up her newly purchased home because she thinks it is literally haunted, Ivy is certain there must be a logical explanation. An exterminator didn't find any critters but unfortunately for Olive, Percy finds old bones in the pumpkin patch! IS her house haunted after all or is there a logical explanation? With Asher taking the lead in the case, Ivy is determined to figure this one out and help whatever critters or ghosts move along and silently assist her big brother. Olive, meanwhile, is eager to return the house because the bones were not disclosed on the sales agreement! The realtor for the previous owners won't budge and Olive is deeply upset. With the help of a little mouse, Ivy uncovers a clue that may lead to the identity of the bones and answers to a long held mystery. A theft, an argument and murder in present day may or may not be tied to those old bones and the long ago mystery.
I really enjoyed catching up with Ivy and everyone even though this adventure took them off the farm. It's an unconventional story with the main mystery being the bones and the murder not happening until 75% into the book. It wasn't too hard to figure out who the present day murderer was but the identity of the bones was a surprise and not what I was thinking. This story only hints at the paranormal and even though Ivy calls in Janelle and Bixby to be sure, there's no sign of any ghosts, thank goodness. I happen to like Halloween (not the creepy stuff though) and liked the atmosphere of this book. I did miss the farm animals but there's plenty of Keats and Percy plus a new friend, and Keats's sister Frost to keep me satisfied.
I just love Ivy! I relate to her love for animals and her deep bond with Keats is very special. She makes a new animal companion friend, proving her bond isn't just with Keats. She can actually understand all animals as she tries to help them. While Jilly is a ride or die friend and can show a steely resolve when needed, she's uneasy because she hates Halloween. Her family has been labeled with the term "witch" in a derogatory way and even though they do seem to have a streak of magical powers, Jilly chooses to ignore it and be normal since the magic skipped her. The others embrace their weirdness and let their freak flags fly! Edna is a hoot and Gertie is right there with her as Edna's ride or die (plus Gertie's trusty rifle, Minnie).
Asher is smarter than he looks and of course Kellan is a phone call away and he knows Ivy too well! It must be hard to have your fiancé be not only the police chief and your big brother's boss but also your brother's BFF and your high school boyfriend! Ivy can't get away with anything but she certainly tries. Asher must clue in Officer Wiebe because Wiebe may be wet behind the ears but he's no fool.
Ivy has a new ride or die friend, Thelma Tilrow, Thistledown’s librarian. She's an older woman, near retirement age but tough as nails. Like Edna and Gertie, she seems to age in reverse. She's capable of handling adventures with Ivy and Keats. She's a little caustic and gruff, like Edna, but a good friend. I do love Cori and relate a lot to her but she's so dramatic! She's going way overboard. While I do appreciate and understand wanting to place the dogs in good homes, her rules are way beyond strict and making people jump through hoops- almost literally - just to adopt a dog is ridiculous, especially since some of the contestants are older. Good thing Bridget's more equable temperament and her beloved Beau even out Cori and choose good homes for the dogs or I don't think any of them would be adopted.
We meet some new characters here that may or may not be friendly. Olive and Kestra Redding are sisters who could not be more different. They were raised apart and have different feelings about it. It sounds like they each think the grass was greener on the other side of the fence. Kestra is impulsive, hot headed and open. She's too perky and Cori doesn't like that. Cori also doesn't like Olive too much because Olive is divorced, insecure and not yet stable. Olive is stressed out because the house she bought for a steal seems to be too good to be true. Of course there are bones in the pumpkin patch! Of course it's haunted! Olive is terrified and on edge. I don't blame her for being freaked out by bones but the haunting has a logical explanation I'm sure. Nigel Byrd is another rescue contestant. He's quiet, mild mannered and seems nice. He may have a crush on Olive. I think I can guess his profession. He gives off a certain vibe. Millicent the mouse is absolutely adorable and very sweet. Ivy really bonds with her, much to the chagrin of Kellan!
In the not so friendly category is Glennis Tanner, a real estate mogul whose family founded Thistledown. She's sneaky and she's a shark. She won't allow Olive to return the house. She claims her clients had no knowledge of the noises in the attic let alone bones in the yard. I'm not sure she's telling the truth since she sold the house for them for a song. That doesn't sound like something someone so high powered would do. Olive's agent, Paige Ogilvy, seems a little nicer, although she copies Glennis's look which is creepy. Paige stands up for Olive and tries to get Olive out of the sale. While the two agents are at loggerheads professionally, they may be friends or in cahoots personally. The same goes for Blenda Mushing, the so-called psychic. She's rude, horrible and mean to Ivy and friends. She doesn't improve upon getting to know her better and she may be personally friendly or in cahoots with the real estate agents. I think they have a deal. They sell old houses low to unsuspecting clients and then when the old bones of the house make noises and unsettle the new owners, Blenda swoops in with her sage and smudging and crystals, for a profit, of course. I'm thinking the three of them have some kind of a deal. There's no way two haunted houses were sold in a short period of time! Glennis's clients, the Sprockets, high tailed it out of town ASAP but now they're back for Halloween. They seems shifty to me, especially him. She, at least, is open if not entirely honest. They're very good customers of Blenda's so I suspect they DID know about the "haunting."
The bones may belong to a Eliza Ormiston and Alonzo Pyle, Thistledown's own Romeo & Juliet. Their families were at odds forever and the young couple eloped and disappeared without a trace. I think the husband killed his wife and then disappeared. He made it look like they eloped together and she was still alive afterwards. Or Eliza's father killed them. He was a stern man and mayor but no one think he was a killer because he appeared to be grieving. Alonzo Pyle, Sr. on the other hand, ran the post office and general store but also the crime.
Vikki Tickle. A local party planner, just happens to be Eliza's sister and still living near Thistledown. She's a great character! A real character in every sense. She loves animals, embraces eccentricity and has a lively, intelligent brain she continues to try to use even after her body has started to break down. She loved her older sister and always wondered what happened to Eliza and therefore is eager to help with the investigation. While Ivy and Jilly think Vikki is their kind of people, I'm not sure I totally trust her.
This was another fun mystery. It may or may not set up a future adventure or spin-off series but it doesn't end on a cliffhanger making me want to read the next one right now but I already started it so... I'm totally addicted to this series.
I really enjoyed catching up with Ivy and everyone even though this adventure took them off the farm. It's an unconventional story with the main mystery being the bones and the murder not happening until 75% into the book. It wasn't too hard to figure out who the present day murderer was but the identity of the bones was a surprise and not what I was thinking. This story only hints at the paranormal and even though Ivy calls in Janelle and Bixby to be sure, there's no sign of any ghosts, thank goodness. I happen to like Halloween (not the creepy stuff though) and liked the atmosphere of this book. I did miss the farm animals but there's plenty of Keats and Percy plus a new friend, and Keats's sister Frost to keep me satisfied.
I just love Ivy! I relate to her love for animals and her deep bond with Keats is very special. She makes a new animal companion friend, proving her bond isn't just with Keats. She can actually understand all animals as she tries to help them. While Jilly is a ride or die friend and can show a steely resolve when needed, she's uneasy because she hates Halloween. Her family has been labeled with the term "witch" in a derogatory way and even though they do seem to have a streak of magical powers, Jilly chooses to ignore it and be normal since the magic skipped her. The others embrace their weirdness and let their freak flags fly! Edna is a hoot and Gertie is right there with her as Edna's ride or die (plus Gertie's trusty rifle, Minnie).
Asher is smarter than he looks and of course Kellan is a phone call away and he knows Ivy too well! It must be hard to have your fiancé be not only the police chief and your big brother's boss but also your brother's BFF and your high school boyfriend! Ivy can't get away with anything but she certainly tries. Asher must clue in Officer Wiebe because Wiebe may be wet behind the ears but he's no fool.
Ivy has a new ride or die friend, Thelma Tilrow, Thistledown’s librarian. She's an older woman, near retirement age but tough as nails. Like Edna and Gertie, she seems to age in reverse. She's capable of handling adventures with Ivy and Keats. She's a little caustic and gruff, like Edna, but a good friend. I do love Cori and relate a lot to her but she's so dramatic! She's going way overboard. While I do appreciate and understand wanting to place the dogs in good homes, her rules are way beyond strict and making people jump through hoops- almost literally - just to adopt a dog is ridiculous, especially since some of the contestants are older. Good thing Bridget's more equable temperament and her beloved Beau even out Cori and choose good homes for the dogs or I don't think any of them would be adopted.
We meet some new characters here that may or may not be friendly. Olive and Kestra Redding are sisters who could not be more different. They were raised apart and have different feelings about it. It sounds like they each think the grass was greener on the other side of the fence. Kestra is impulsive, hot headed and open. She's too perky and Cori doesn't like that. Cori also doesn't like Olive too much because Olive is divorced, insecure and not yet stable. Olive is stressed out because the house she bought for a steal seems to be too good to be true. Of course there are bones in the pumpkin patch! Of course it's haunted! Olive is terrified and on edge. I don't blame her for being freaked out by bones but the haunting has a logical explanation I'm sure. Nigel Byrd is another rescue contestant. He's quiet, mild mannered and seems nice. He may have a crush on Olive. I think I can guess his profession. He gives off a certain vibe. Millicent the mouse is absolutely adorable and very sweet. Ivy really bonds with her, much to the chagrin of Kellan!
In the not so friendly category is Glennis Tanner, a real estate mogul whose family founded Thistledown. She's sneaky and she's a shark. She won't allow Olive to return the house. She claims her clients had no knowledge of the noises in the attic let alone bones in the yard. I'm not sure she's telling the truth since she sold the house for them for a song. That doesn't sound like something someone so high powered would do. Olive's agent, Paige Ogilvy, seems a little nicer, although she copies Glennis's look which is creepy. Paige stands up for Olive and tries to get Olive out of the sale. While the two agents are at loggerheads professionally, they may be friends or in cahoots personally. The same goes for Blenda Mushing, the so-called psychic. She's rude, horrible and mean to Ivy and friends. She doesn't improve upon getting to know her better and she may be personally friendly or in cahoots with the real estate agents. I think they have a deal. They sell old houses low to unsuspecting clients and then when the old bones of the house make noises and unsettle the new owners, Blenda swoops in with her sage and smudging and crystals, for a profit, of course. I'm thinking the three of them have some kind of a deal. There's no way two haunted houses were sold in a short period of time! Glennis's clients, the Sprockets, high tailed it out of town ASAP but now they're back for Halloween. They seems shifty to me, especially him. She, at least, is open if not entirely honest. They're very good customers of Blenda's so I suspect they DID know about the "haunting."
The bones may belong to a Eliza Ormiston and Alonzo Pyle, Thistledown's own Romeo & Juliet. Their families were at odds forever and the young couple eloped and disappeared without a trace. I think the husband killed his wife and then disappeared. He made it look like they eloped together and she was still alive afterwards. Or Eliza's father killed them. He was a stern man and mayor but no one think he was a killer because he appeared to be grieving. Alonzo Pyle, Sr. on the other hand, ran the post office and general store but also the crime.
Vikki Tickle. A local party planner, just happens to be Eliza's sister and still living near Thistledown. She's a great character! A real character in every sense. She loves animals, embraces eccentricity and has a lively, intelligent brain she continues to try to use even after her body has started to break down. She loved her older sister and always wondered what happened to Eliza and therefore is eager to help with the investigation. While Ivy and Jilly think Vikki is their kind of people, I'm not sure I totally trust her.
This was another fun mystery. It may or may not set up a future adventure or spin-off series but it doesn't end on a cliffhanger making me want to read the next one right now but I already started it so... I'm totally addicted to this series.
October 23, 2023
I love this series. This book is wonderful. Millicent the mouse is delightful! There were some new people too. I can't wait for the next one! Ellen Riggs is a very talented author!
Amazon synopsis:
Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze, and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not.
Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house has slowed her down but now she’s ready to grab life by the tail. Meeting Ivy gives her a ticket out into the world, where a crime has rocked the quaint community.
Halloween thrills turn from fun to fatal all too quickly. Ivy and friends, old and new, will need to work their way through a labyrinth of clues to stay one step ahead of a killer on this unforgettably haunting holiday.
Amazon synopsis:
Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze, and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not.
Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house has slowed her down but now she’s ready to grab life by the tail. Meeting Ivy gives her a ticket out into the world, where a crime has rocked the quaint community.
Halloween thrills turn from fun to fatal all too quickly. Ivy and friends, old and new, will need to work their way through a labyrinth of clues to stay one step ahead of a killer on this unforgettably haunting holiday.
October 22, 2023
Interesting Mystery
This mouse is anything but quiet… and she may hold the key to a Halloween crime. Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not. Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house.
A mouse is the new critter in her menagerie. It's amazing what a mouse can do.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This mouse is anything but quiet… and she may hold the key to a Halloween crime. Hobby farmer and sleuth Ivy Galloway isn’t a huge fan of Halloween but a themed rescue event in Thistledown might just change her mind. What’s not to love about a costume party, a corn husk maze and a haunted house? The skeletons are all fake… until they’re not. Millicent is a mouse on a mission. Being trapped in a reputedly haunted house.
A mouse is the new critter in her menagerie. It's amazing what a mouse can do.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 27, 2023
Just in time for Halloween!
Ellen Riggs has surprised her readers with yet another wonderful mystery set in the beautiful hill country. If you've ready any of the Bought-the-Farm books before, you'll really enjoy this one! Ivy and her friends are trying to run a Halloween fundraiser for the Dogtown based rescue group that has been instrumental in relocating so many maligned animals to Runaway farm. While working the various events planned as a part of the fundraiser, Ivy and friends get sucked into solving a couple of mysteries by, of all things, a mouse. Get the book. Its a really great read.
Ellen Riggs has surprised her readers with yet another wonderful mystery set in the beautiful hill country. If you've ready any of the Bought-the-Farm books before, you'll really enjoy this one! Ivy and her friends are trying to run a Halloween fundraiser for the Dogtown based rescue group that has been instrumental in relocating so many maligned animals to Runaway farm. While working the various events planned as a part of the fundraiser, Ivy and friends get sucked into solving a couple of mysteries by, of all things, a mouse. Get the book. Its a really great read.
October 21, 2023
Bodies, Bats and Burglaries
I enjoyed every word of this crazy, caustic Halloween adventure. Ivy meets the Millicent the Magnificant while putting to rest roumors of ghosts haunting Olive's new fixer-upper house. That's after Percey discovered a body in the pumpkin patch. Ivy and Jilly get even more involved as they escort prospective owners of a rescue dog through a series of tests and try to gigure out the mystery without getting into trouble with Asher and Kellan..
I enjoyed every word of this crazy, caustic Halloween adventure. Ivy meets the Millicent the Magnificant while putting to rest roumors of ghosts haunting Olive's new fixer-upper house. That's after Percey discovered a body in the pumpkin patch. Ivy and Jilly get even more involved as they escort prospective owners of a rescue dog through a series of tests and try to gigure out the mystery without getting into trouble with Asher and Kellan..
October 21, 2023
I loved it!
This book was such a wonderful surprise by my favorite author. The very talented Ellen Riggs published this book as a surprise to her readers and I couldn't be happier. This book is an exciting adventure with Ivy, Keats and Percy. Along with Jilly, new comer Millicent, a giant lizard, and a gorilla.
This book was such a wonderful surprise by my favorite author. The very talented Ellen Riggs published this book as a surprise to her readers and I couldn't be happier. This book is an exciting adventure with Ivy, Keats and Percy. Along with Jilly, new comer Millicent, a giant lizard, and a gorilla.
March 31, 2024
Mouse of Ill Repute is Halloween cozy mystery with a unique twist! Ivy and her group of friends, family and animals will have their hands full this Halloween with skeletons, witches, bats, black cats, murder and Millicent the Mouse. It is always a treat to be back at Runaway Far(m). I never figure out the villain, but I love the adventure!
January 12, 2025
Although this book is well written I think I may be over the idea that Ivy Galloway is being helped in solving mysteries by somehow almost omniscient animals. Millicent the mouse is the latest to provide many of the timely clues that help her solve the case when some bones are found in a pumpkin patch right before halloween.
October 22, 2023
Another hit!
This was a great installment to the series. I love the whole gang and I was enthralled with a couple of the new character’s. You can’t go wrong with this series, each book is a wonderful treat.
This was a great installment to the series. I love the whole gang and I was enthralled with a couple of the new character’s. You can’t go wrong with this series, each book is a wonderful treat.
October 23, 2023
Series just keeps getting better
I love this series and the books just keep getting better and better. I’m totally addicted. The human characters are wonderful and the animal characters are even better.
I love this series and the books just keep getting better and better. I’m totally addicted. The human characters are wonderful and the animal characters are even better.
October 23, 2023
Another winner
Another winner from author Ellen Riggs. This is a fun Halloween story. All the same characters and plenty of new ones. There is plenty of mystery and the plot twists and turns until it was impossible for me to choose the killer. A must read.
Another winner from author Ellen Riggs. This is a fun Halloween story. All the same characters and plenty of new ones. There is plenty of mystery and the plot twists and turns until it was impossible for me to choose the killer. A must read.
October 27, 2023
A fun read
They are in a neighboring town to celebrate Halloween. They are setting up different events for everyone to enjoy. During the corn maze everything falls apart. There is a murder, they rescue a mouse and find bones in th pumpkin patch.
They are in a neighboring town to celebrate Halloween. They are setting up different events for everyone to enjoy. During the corn maze everything falls apart. There is a murder, they rescue a mouse and find bones in th pumpkin patch.
November 1, 2023
Who woulda thunk it - a tiny creature with a big heart, and a big job to do in this wonderful mystery! Don't miss this absolutely charming character (the mouse, I mean) in this series which continues to amaze with its imagination.
November 3, 2023
A Halloween not to be remembered
Lots happening in Thistledown and of course Ivy, Jilly, Keats, Percy, Edna and Gertie are in the thick of it. Four Unattached feet from long ago begin the mystery and another murder occurs later in the story. Well written and fun to read.
Lots happening in Thistledown and of course Ivy, Jilly, Keats, Percy, Edna and Gertie are in the thick of it. Four Unattached feet from long ago begin the mystery and another murder occurs later in the story. Well written and fun to read.
November 16, 2023
love this series
I eagerly await the next installment and love the characters and animals. It does not hurt that I had an orange male cat and a soft and shiny black cat. These books are fun.
I eagerly await the next installment and love the characters and animals. It does not hurt that I had an orange male cat and a soft and shiny black cat. These books are fun.
February 19, 2024
wow! More great animals added to the mix
This is particularly interesting because the creatures are surprising, to say the least. I found this “tail” quite good, enjoying it immensely.
This is particularly interesting because the creatures are surprising, to say the least. I found this “tail” quite good, enjoying it immensely.
March 28, 2024
Music Ill Repute bought the farm book 17
Mouse for real with a story to tell Ivy along with her bat friends. More historical crime revealed and lots of deceit and old and new murder.
Mouse for real with a story to tell Ivy along with her bat friends. More historical crime revealed and lots of deceit and old and new murder.
April 28, 2024
I love to read Ellen Riggs’ books. There’s always a murder or two to try and solve. However not so gruesome to cause nightmares The friendships she writes about are offbeat but so endearing and often cause giggles.
August 29, 2024
This is a fun cross over with the Dog Town characters. I also loved the quick glimpse we get of Jilly's cousin, Janelle. Amazing what a little mouse can do and how feelings towards it change. This is certainly a rousing adventure with so many of the characters that I have come to love!
February 26, 2025
If you love animals, read the whole series
Not so much twisty mystery but thats ok. You'll love the dogs, cats, mouse, bats and humans ... Lots of new, fun characters. The ones who were not so fun are dead or in jail. Yay!
Not so much twisty mystery but thats ok. You'll love the dogs, cats, mouse, bats and humans ... Lots of new, fun characters. The ones who were not so fun are dead or in jail. Yay!
October 19, 2023
Who killed Belinda Mushing and why??? legacies??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
October 22, 2023
Another winner
A great addition to the Bought the farm collection. Plenty of twists and turns and lots of Keats and Percy
A great addition to the Bought the farm collection. Plenty of twists and turns and lots of Keats and Percy
October 23, 2023
Another great mystery solved by animals
The addition of Millicent and her bat friends was spectacular! If you love animals then this series is for you!
The addition of Millicent and her bat friends was spectacular! If you love animals then this series is for you!
October 26, 2023
Again loved all the series. Will also love if an animal lover.
October 29, 2023
Still reading
I love being able to finish one book and then go to the next one , but it's so hard when you come to the last book. Fortunately it's on to the next one now.
I love being able to finish one book and then go to the next one , but it's so hard when you come to the last book. Fortunately it's on to the next one now.
November 10, 2023
Loved it. Great read!!
November 19, 2023
Great fun
Another great romp. I have always loved authors who connected people with animals. Ellen Riggs fits very nicely into that group.
Another great romp. I have always loved authors who connected people with animals. Ellen Riggs fits very nicely into that group.
November 29, 2023
Always great
These stories are always a great read, love the characters, human and animals.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
These stories are always a great read, love the characters, human and animals.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 23, 2024
Makes me think twice about animals I considered ‘pests,’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews