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A Georgia Peach Mystery #1
Peaches and Scream
To help run the family peach farm during her parents’ absence, Nola Harper returns to her childhood home of Cays Mill, Georgia, and soon discovers that things back at the farm aren’t exactly peachy. A poor harvest and rising costs are threatening to ruin the Harpers’ livelihood, and small-town gossip is spreading like blight thanks to Nola’s juicy reputation as a wild teenager way back when. But Nola really finds herself in the pits when she stumbles upon a local businessman murdered among the peach trees.
With suspicions and family tensions heating up faster than a cobbler in the oven, this sweet Georgia peach will have to prune through a list of murder suspects—before she too becomes ripe for the killer’s picking…
INCLUDES RECIPES
With suspicions and family tensions heating up faster than a cobbler in the oven, this sweet Georgia peach will have to prune through a list of murder suspects—before she too becomes ripe for the killer’s picking…
INCLUDES RECIPES
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
64 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
About the author
Susan Furlong
31 books834 followersSusan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.
To learn more about her writing, visit her website at www.susanfurlong.com
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Writing as: Susan Furlong/Lucy Arlington
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
March 13, 2017
A very good first book in a series. Strong main character, very likeable townspeople, good mystery. Enjoyed the unusual setting of the peach farm. The Georgia Belle rules that lead off each chapter were a kick. A lot of positives here. I'd say the one thing that bugged me is the tendency to repeat facts. Looking forward to the next one!
June 10, 2015
Cozy readers, you are in for a sweet peach of a treat with this first book in the new Georgia Peach Mystery series. Author Susan Furlong has created a wonderful series with colorful characters, and a mystery that will keep you entranced until the very last page.
Protagonist Nola Mae Harper is a perfectly imperfect character which makes her so relatable. Poor Nola, she’s back home after traveling the world and before she can even adjust, she finds a body. While of course Nola takes part in the investigation (what good cozy heroine wouldn’t?), Ms. Furlong didn’t write Nola being a know it all. She stumbled with finding the truth like anyone inexperienced would.
The cast of supporting characters is like a bushel of peaches…some sweet, some bitter, and some hiding behind too much fuzz. ;-) Buy all are juicy to read and make for a perfect blend.
The writing in this story is crisp and clear. The words flow as surely as the author’s pen must have over the paper she wrote one (or her fingers on the keyboard). It will be so hard for you to not read PEACHES AND SCREAM in one sitting. Yeah, it’s that hard to put down.
Oh, and each chapter starts with a delightful Georgia Belle fac. I wanted to go through the book and read them all at once!
PEACHES AND SCREAM is no doubt one of the top new cozies of 2015. Well done Ms. Furlong. Brava!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for mouthwatering peach recipes, and a sneak peek of Georgia Peach book 2, REST IN PEACH!
Protagonist Nola Mae Harper is a perfectly imperfect character which makes her so relatable. Poor Nola, she’s back home after traveling the world and before she can even adjust, she finds a body. While of course Nola takes part in the investigation (what good cozy heroine wouldn’t?), Ms. Furlong didn’t write Nola being a know it all. She stumbled with finding the truth like anyone inexperienced would.
The cast of supporting characters is like a bushel of peaches…some sweet, some bitter, and some hiding behind too much fuzz. ;-) Buy all are juicy to read and make for a perfect blend.
The writing in this story is crisp and clear. The words flow as surely as the author’s pen must have over the paper she wrote one (or her fingers on the keyboard). It will be so hard for you to not read PEACHES AND SCREAM in one sitting. Yeah, it’s that hard to put down.
Oh, and each chapter starts with a delightful Georgia Belle fac. I wanted to go through the book and read them all at once!
PEACHES AND SCREAM is no doubt one of the top new cozies of 2015. Well done Ms. Furlong. Brava!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for mouthwatering peach recipes, and a sneak peek of Georgia Peach book 2, REST IN PEACH!
August 29, 2019
4.50 stars - rated heavy pg13 (see reasons below)
Well bless my grits-loving heart, I just love this author's style! She captures the small-town, Southern flavor and charm just right. I can hear some of these same phrases twanging right out of my North Carolina Daddy's mouth. And I can totally envision one of my "Former Miss Georgia Peach" sorority sisters living in this two-stoplight town called Cays Mill, the "pit of the Peach State"! This book is a hoot and a half! I snorted with laughter every other page or so just because of some of the sayings and customs.
Each chapter begins with a "Georgia Belle Fact". Here are a few of my favorites of those "Facts", and other book quotes:
**"In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol' boring Yankee-like salutation."
**"Down here we can tell how classy a woman is by the height of her hair and the thinness of her brow."
**"Sweating is for our sweet tea glasses, we Southern Belles glisten."
**"'I asked for a dirt bike for Christmas once. .... My folks thought it'd be too dangerous. .... They got me a really nice shotgun instead.'" (yeah boy!!!)
**"A place where a 'cat fight' at the debutante ball is possibly better material for the front page news than a local murder."
**"'Yes, here in the South, we love a good funeral.'"
**"...when word of this got out, it'd spur a casserole-baking frenzy." (I wonder, is it only in the South that you find such a thing as "casserole-snubbing"??)
Even if you eliminate the dead body under the peach tree, it can still stand up as a quirky, small-town story. Boy howdy, I liked this fun mystery. Oh, wait. Did I neglect to mention before that this is a "cozy mystery"?? Well, it is. And although I am an unseasoned mystery reader, I thought it was quite good. And, naturally, it was all resolved with ~~~ I can't wait to read book two in this series.
(This book is "clean", but not necessarily "wholesome". There's no bad language or sex. But, it's really not appropriate for a younger, or sensitive, reader since there is some innuendo, and more mature situations are alluded to. There is some sipping on sweet peach tea that's "probably laced with something a bit stronger", most likely peach whiskey. There was also one "Thank you, sweet Jesus", that was an exclamation and not really gratitude to the Lord. My rating would've been much higher, had the book been completely wholesome, I would love to bump it up to 5 stars.)
Well bless my grits-loving heart, I just love this author's style! She captures the small-town, Southern flavor and charm just right. I can hear some of these same phrases twanging right out of my North Carolina Daddy's mouth. And I can totally envision one of my "Former Miss Georgia Peach" sorority sisters living in this two-stoplight town called Cays Mill, the "pit of the Peach State"! This book is a hoot and a half! I snorted with laughter every other page or so just because of some of the sayings and customs.
Each chapter begins with a "Georgia Belle Fact". Here are a few of my favorites of those "Facts", and other book quotes:
**"In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol' boring Yankee-like salutation."
**"Down here we can tell how classy a woman is by the height of her hair and the thinness of her brow."
**"Sweating is for our sweet tea glasses, we Southern Belles glisten."
**"'I asked for a dirt bike for Christmas once. .... My folks thought it'd be too dangerous. .... They got me a really nice shotgun instead.'" (yeah boy!!!)
**"A place where a 'cat fight' at the debutante ball is possibly better material for the front page news than a local murder."
**"'Yes, here in the South, we love a good funeral.'"
**"...when word of this got out, it'd spur a casserole-baking frenzy." (I wonder, is it only in the South that you find such a thing as "casserole-snubbing"??)
Even if you eliminate the dead body under the peach tree, it can still stand up as a quirky, small-town story. Boy howdy, I liked this fun mystery. Oh, wait. Did I neglect to mention before that this is a "cozy mystery"?? Well, it is. And although I am an unseasoned mystery reader, I thought it was quite good. And, naturally, it was all resolved with ~~~ I can't wait to read book two in this series.
(This book is "clean", but not necessarily "wholesome". There's no bad language or sex. But, it's really not appropriate for a younger, or sensitive, reader since there is some innuendo, and more mature situations are alluded to. There is some sipping on sweet peach tea that's "probably laced with something a bit stronger", most likely peach whiskey. There was also one "Thank you, sweet Jesus", that was an exclamation and not really gratitude to the Lord. My rating would've been much higher, had the book been completely wholesome, I would love to bump it up to 5 stars.)
June 16, 2017
This is the first book in the Georgia peach series. Nola Mae Harper is back home for her parents anniversary party and to take care of their peach farm while they are away on a cruise. As soon ad her parents leave, Nola starts the clean up from the party and finds one of the guests dead, having been strangled with her sisters scarf. Since her brother in law was the last person to have the scarf he becomes the prime suspect. Nola believes he is innocent so she and her lawyer brother start working to clear his name. She balances the case with her families failing peach farm. Nola stricks up a deal with her neighbor so she can get a few things fixed around the farm. She decides to start selling peach products to bring in more revenue for the farm.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters. I loved Nolas friends and the dynamics between the characters. The peach recipes at the end sound good. I might be trying a few. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters. I loved Nolas friends and the dynamics between the characters. The peach recipes at the end sound good. I might be trying a few. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
November 6, 2017
You will be craving to try all of the peach recipes mentioned throughout the book. I was thrilled that some of them are included at the conclusion (my favorite part of culinary cozies!) This was a fun beginning to an entertaining new series. I loved the feel of the Southern community and the quirky very likeable town characters. The small town setting fuels the gossip mill and you quickly get drawn into the lives of the Harper family. The gossip also keeps you guessing as it throws in many red herrings along the way. I like how as the story progresses, we also get bits and pieces of insight into Nola and her past. One of my favorite additions to the book is the “Georgia Belle Facts” that start each chapter. They are fun tidbits to live by or to at least make you chuckle. I enjoyed this book so much I am starting book two, Rest in Peach, right away. I can’t wait to find out how Nola's plans to revitalize her parent's peach farm progress. I’m glad peach season is right around the corner!
August 27, 2021
Book 1 Nola Mae has been traipsing through country to country for 15 years Humantarian. Originzation. They decided to put her on desk cleark so she decided to come home. Nola Mae momma and daddy were having a 50th wedding anniversary and going on a trip ( where she their momma won a trip for her peach chutney recipe National Condiments Competition) and Nola Mae was going to help there at the farm. Ida ( Nola Mae sister) was planning it ( with Peach theme) Nola Mae got home and everyone was waiting for her. Hattie and Cade ( brother and sister friends) Nola Mae 2 best friends from childhood was looking forward to seeing her. Ida husband was Hollis was getting drunk at anniversary party. He snatched Ida scarf off of her and they were laughing and Ida was trying to get it. Well then this man Ben that Hollis had a contracting deal with got himself killed at party. So Hollis was the main suspect. This 1 book in series was ok. I might try to read 2 one. I like the characters in this book. But the story line was so so.
July 7, 2015
Nola Mae Harper is returning to her home town of Cays Mill, Georgia, and her family’s peach farm to help run it while her parents take a three week cruise. However, she’s hardly arrived when she finds the body of the owner of the local lumber mill in the peach orchard. Worse yet, her brother-in-law is arrest for the crime. She and her siblings quickly close ranks and try to clear his name. But can they do it?
This may be a debut, but the town and the residents came to life for me right away. Nola and her family are wonderfully strong characters I can’t wait to visit again. Plus I loved their family bond. The plot was great with a steady pace an ending that surprised me. Truly, a sweet debut.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This may be a debut, but the town and the residents came to life for me right away. Nola and her family are wonderfully strong characters I can’t wait to visit again. Plus I loved their family bond. The plot was great with a steady pace an ending that surprised me. Truly, a sweet debut.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 29, 2023
2.5 stars - I liked the southern setting of this book - the Georgia peach farm, the quirky characters with all their southern sayings, etc. I also thought the final twist was interesting, though not really surprising. However, I really feel like the book drug on. I just lost interest about halfway through the book. I could recommend this one to people who have read and enjoyed a lot of cozies, but it's definitely pretty average in comparison to some others I've read.
July 20, 2017
Nice start to the Georgia Peach Mystery series by author Susan Furlong. Nola Harper has returned back home after traveling the world as a humanitarian, only to discover murder in her family's peach orchard the morning after her arrival. Her drunken brother-in-law is the main suspect, and Nola must work with friends and family to clear his name before her very pregnant sister gives birth. Fast-paced, and many delicious recipes included as well. A+
July 6, 2017
Loved this smooth paced mystery
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Anything set in the south interests me to begin with. The characters were fun and likeable, and I loved how Nola came up with a great new way to help the farm finances. I'm looking forward to finding out how Daddy and Mama take to this idea. And Roscoe sounded so cute that I wish he would be able to stay. The take down was pretty awesome by the way.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Anything set in the south interests me to begin with. The characters were fun and likeable, and I loved how Nola came up with a great new way to help the farm finances. I'm looking forward to finding out how Daddy and Mama take to this idea. And Roscoe sounded so cute that I wish he would be able to stay. The take down was pretty awesome by the way.
March 23, 2025
Enjoying cozy mystery
December 22, 2018
This was a really fun book to read.
I love mysteries but I especially love fun mysteries. I Can’t wait to read her next book. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be about. Ordering now.
I love mysteries but I especially love fun mysteries. I Can’t wait to read her next book. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be about. Ordering now.
August 8, 2017
Wasn't a fan of Peaches and Scream, mostly because I didn't understand/care about the Southern Belles life.
I enjoyed how Peaches and Scream was about a Peach farm, which is something that I haven't read in the cozy mystery genre. The Southern Belles tips at the beginning of each chapter was a neat concept, however I didn't like how the characters would repeat the tip in the chapter.
The biggest negatives for me was the characters and the relationship between the characters. The main character seemed a bit distant from her siblings and it was hard to picture their relationship. One minor character pointed out how close the siblings were, which I found was the total opposite.
The mystery was good, however I just wasn't a fan of the novel.
I enjoyed how Peaches and Scream was about a Peach farm, which is something that I haven't read in the cozy mystery genre. The Southern Belles tips at the beginning of each chapter was a neat concept, however I didn't like how the characters would repeat the tip in the chapter.
The biggest negatives for me was the characters and the relationship between the characters. The main character seemed a bit distant from her siblings and it was hard to picture their relationship. One minor character pointed out how close the siblings were, which I found was the total opposite.
The mystery was good, however I just wasn't a fan of the novel.
February 13, 2020
This is a book I have wanted to read for awhile, but when I saw that it was available on audio, I jumped at the chance. I love peaches and all that can be made from them. I also love Georgia having visited many places in that state. Add all that in with a cozy mystery, and I am going to read this one. Nola has returned home to Cays Mill, Georgia to help run the farm while her parents travel for their anniversary. What her family doesn't know is that Nola no longer has her great job traveling the world. When someone is found dead in the orchard following the anniversary party, and Nola's brother-in-law is the main suspect, she decides she needs to figure out who the real murderer is.
I enjoyed this story. There were a lot of characters that were introduced, some I liked, some not so much. I really like their neighbour and hope he will be in other books in this series. Nola is a great character. Not only is she smart and intuitive, but she is loyal, caring, helpful and willing to try something new to save the farm and orchard. I love the way she interacts with others, it is easy to see why she is liked. The story had some slow spots where I found myself thinking about other things, but overall, this was a well paced, well developed and interesting cozy mystery. There were enough suspects, a few twists and a humorous take down that I loved. I will be continuing with this series. The narration was performed by Tiffany Morgan. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I do enjoy her southern accents. She gave a distinct voice to many of the characters in the story. An enjoyable presentation with just the right expression. I would have appreciated a bit faster pacing though. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this audiobook upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed this story. There were a lot of characters that were introduced, some I liked, some not so much. I really like their neighbour and hope he will be in other books in this series. Nola is a great character. Not only is she smart and intuitive, but she is loyal, caring, helpful and willing to try something new to save the farm and orchard. I love the way she interacts with others, it is easy to see why she is liked. The story had some slow spots where I found myself thinking about other things, but overall, this was a well paced, well developed and interesting cozy mystery. There were enough suspects, a few twists and a humorous take down that I loved. I will be continuing with this series. The narration was performed by Tiffany Morgan. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I do enjoy her southern accents. She gave a distinct voice to many of the characters in the story. An enjoyable presentation with just the right expression. I would have appreciated a bit faster pacing though. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this audiobook upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
February 24, 2020
Nola Mae Harper has returned home to care
for the Harper Peach Farm in Cays Mill, Georgia.
Her mother won a cruise with one of her tasty
recipes.
Nola has been working helping people in
underdeveloped countries throughout the world.
What surprises her the most is that she was
never told about her own family’s problems that
threaten to affect the farm.
After a town send off at the farm, her parents
leave for their cruise while Nola begins to clean
up the after party on the farm. Then she finds
the unexpected....a Dead Body....the man was
strangled....with a scarf that Ida (Nola’s married
sister) had been wearing until the husband took
it from Ida.
Soon afterwards Hollis, Ida’s husband is arrested
for murder. Now Nola and her brother, Ray who
is lawyer must prove his innocence.
The reader will meet a towns full of descriptive,
interesting and creative small town characters.
All the supporting characters add to the flavor
of the story plus Roscoe, the fur baby who will
break the case open.
Come along with Nola as she helps discover
the murder, get the farm in a better working
order, comes up with a plan to save the farm
plus gets to welcome a new nephew into the
family.
Each chapter begins with a Georgia Belle Fact
to which all Southern Belle’s adhere.
for the Harper Peach Farm in Cays Mill, Georgia.
Her mother won a cruise with one of her tasty
recipes.
Nola has been working helping people in
underdeveloped countries throughout the world.
What surprises her the most is that she was
never told about her own family’s problems that
threaten to affect the farm.
After a town send off at the farm, her parents
leave for their cruise while Nola begins to clean
up the after party on the farm. Then she finds
the unexpected....a Dead Body....the man was
strangled....with a scarf that Ida (Nola’s married
sister) had been wearing until the husband took
it from Ida.
Soon afterwards Hollis, Ida’s husband is arrested
for murder. Now Nola and her brother, Ray who
is lawyer must prove his innocence.
The reader will meet a towns full of descriptive,
interesting and creative small town characters.
All the supporting characters add to the flavor
of the story plus Roscoe, the fur baby who will
break the case open.
Come along with Nola as she helps discover
the murder, get the farm in a better working
order, comes up with a plan to save the farm
plus gets to welcome a new nephew into the
family.
Each chapter begins with a Georgia Belle Fact
to which all Southern Belle’s adhere.
July 2, 2015
Peaches and Scream is the first book in the A Georgia Peach Mystery series
I found this to be a very nice beginning to an interesting new series. Be sure to read the chapter headings for fun Georgia Belle facts. I found them to be very amusing and informative.
Nola Mae Harper has returned home to Cays Mill, GA to help manage the family peach farm while her parents are on a dream cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary. She is arriving just as the final touches are being made for the Bon Voyage for her parents. Ida Jean, Nola Mae's sister, has outdone herself with a well received party. The next morning Nola Mae goes out to where the party was to begin cleaning up the area, as she is walking through the field, she begins to notice that the irrigation lines need to have repairs made to them. Then she comes upon the body of Ben Wakefield. Apparently Wakefield has been strangled with a scarf that belongs to the sister and the last that she had seen the scarf was in the pocket of Hollis, Ida Jean's husband. Based on past events Hollis is not one of her favorite people, but wants to clear his name for the sake of her sister and the children.
As Nola Mae begins to look into the life of Wakefield, she finds that there are a number of suspects. The wife who wants revenge for her husbands affairs, the girlfriend that he might he might want to divorce his for and an environmentalist that wants to save the trees that Wakefield has been harvesting.
Then on the home front, Nola Mae soon finds out that the family orchard business in having money problems. Between her searching for the murder she must also find some way to turn the orchard back into a going concern.
This book has a wonderful and believable cast of characters. As with so many small towns it has its own “gossip central”, that only adds to the enjoyment of this book.
Will definitely be watching for the next book in this enjoyable new series.
I found this to be a very nice beginning to an interesting new series. Be sure to read the chapter headings for fun Georgia Belle facts. I found them to be very amusing and informative.
Nola Mae Harper has returned home to Cays Mill, GA to help manage the family peach farm while her parents are on a dream cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary. She is arriving just as the final touches are being made for the Bon Voyage for her parents. Ida Jean, Nola Mae's sister, has outdone herself with a well received party. The next morning Nola Mae goes out to where the party was to begin cleaning up the area, as she is walking through the field, she begins to notice that the irrigation lines need to have repairs made to them. Then she comes upon the body of Ben Wakefield. Apparently Wakefield has been strangled with a scarf that belongs to the sister and the last that she had seen the scarf was in the pocket of Hollis, Ida Jean's husband. Based on past events Hollis is not one of her favorite people, but wants to clear his name for the sake of her sister and the children.
As Nola Mae begins to look into the life of Wakefield, she finds that there are a number of suspects. The wife who wants revenge for her husbands affairs, the girlfriend that he might he might want to divorce his for and an environmentalist that wants to save the trees that Wakefield has been harvesting.
Then on the home front, Nola Mae soon finds out that the family orchard business in having money problems. Between her searching for the murder she must also find some way to turn the orchard back into a going concern.
This book has a wonderful and believable cast of characters. As with so many small towns it has its own “gossip central”, that only adds to the enjoyment of this book.
Will definitely be watching for the next book in this enjoyable new series.
July 12, 2015
This is the first book in a new series and I certainly hope it’s not the last.
In this first installment, you will meet the Harper family and their friends. The Harpers are peach farmers in the state of Georgia and are about to celebrate 50 years of marriage. When their daughter Nola comes home for the celebration, she stumbles on to a murder victim in the peach orchard on the night of the celebration. With her parents gone for a much deserved vacation, won by her mother’s winning peach recipe, Nola takes on trying to prove that her brother-in-law is not the murderer and also running the family farm. What you get is a book full of snakes who want the murder victim, the local lumber mill owner, dead and just as many reasons why,
Susan Furlong, writes in a way that you feel like you are in the book. You can feel the emotions from the characters. I even though I smelled peach cobbler at one point. It is funny, sad and suspenseful. I am anxiously waiting for the next one to come out.
In this first installment, you will meet the Harper family and their friends. The Harpers are peach farmers in the state of Georgia and are about to celebrate 50 years of marriage. When their daughter Nola comes home for the celebration, she stumbles on to a murder victim in the peach orchard on the night of the celebration. With her parents gone for a much deserved vacation, won by her mother’s winning peach recipe, Nola takes on trying to prove that her brother-in-law is not the murderer and also running the family farm. What you get is a book full of snakes who want the murder victim, the local lumber mill owner, dead and just as many reasons why,
Susan Furlong, writes in a way that you feel like you are in the book. You can feel the emotions from the characters. I even though I smelled peach cobbler at one point. It is funny, sad and suspenseful. I am anxiously waiting for the next one to come out.
February 4, 2017
This was a great example of what a cozy mystery should be. I really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the next book in the series. Which I will hopefully have my hands on soon!
January 23, 2021
This was recommended to me. I have read & liked her other series "bone gap".
I did it on audio & while the narrator was good, b/c of the thick southern accent it was a little hard to understand at times. also, I normally listen to my audiobooks at a faster speed so I can finish them during my work day but I wasn't able to w/this one b/c of the accent.
I liked that she interwove her theme of peaches (as GA is known for) throughout the story. (ie. title, cover design, mentions, peach orchard business, etc..) I was also glad when there was an HEA for one of the characters. I liked him & didn't want something bad to happen to him.
and as with all first books in a series, it moves slow as it sets up the location & characters.
the mystery was ok. lots of suspects to choose from which kept me guessing.
I liked the lead character Nola. she was easily relatable. And 2 possible handsome men for the romance. I'm curious to see how that plot points plays out.
my big negative is that Nola consistently refers to leaving her hometown shortly after she suffered a bad incident but she didn't explain until the end. I hate it when writers drag that type of detail out. Just tell us & move the story along. But I will say I was surprised by what the secret turned out to be. I wasn't expecting that.
Overall while I wasn't awed by this, I did enjoy it. It was a good recommend and I will continue w/the series.
I did it on audio & while the narrator was good, b/c of the thick southern accent it was a little hard to understand at times. also, I normally listen to my audiobooks at a faster speed so I can finish them during my work day but I wasn't able to w/this one b/c of the accent.
I liked that she interwove her theme of peaches (as GA is known for) throughout the story. (ie. title, cover design, mentions, peach orchard business, etc..) I was also glad when there was an HEA for one of the characters. I liked him & didn't want something bad to happen to him.
and as with all first books in a series, it moves slow as it sets up the location & characters.
the mystery was ok. lots of suspects to choose from which kept me guessing.
I liked the lead character Nola. she was easily relatable. And 2 possible handsome men for the romance. I'm curious to see how that plot points plays out.
my big negative is that Nola consistently refers to leaving her hometown shortly after she suffered a bad incident but she didn't explain until the end. I hate it when writers drag that type of detail out. Just tell us & move the story along. But I will say I was surprised by what the secret turned out to be. I wasn't expecting that.
Overall while I wasn't awed by this, I did enjoy it. It was a good recommend and I will continue w/the series.
July 15, 2017
Delightful read! The author kept you guessing and when you thought you knew... you were wrong. There is a delightful pup in this book you will fall in love with! Makes me want one. The ending pulled on my heart so much I just cried and cried. Lovely read.
July 4, 2018
Pretty good first book in series
June 24, 2019
I enjoyed this new to me author and the southern setting. I also want to try a couple of the peach recipes that are included. Now I'm on the search for the 2nd book min this series....
December 28, 2020
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery!!!
January 20, 2021
Such a smooth and easy read! The Georgia belle facts at the beginning of each chapter adds to the southern charm. I loved everything about this book, especially the reveal at the end. I was a little worried at first but it ended on a good note!
July 7, 2018
Good start to a new series.
What I enjoyed:
* The characters are likeable and interesting
* The MC is sensible and had a pretty interesting job before coming back home
* The puppy, Roscoe, was adorable
What could have been better:
* Looks like there is a possible love triangle and I hate those
* Hollis sounds like a total jerk. I know they kept saying how much he loved his children, but that doesn't keep him from being a complete a$$hole.
*
What I enjoyed:
* The characters are likeable and interesting
* The MC is sensible and had a pretty interesting job before coming back home
* The puppy, Roscoe, was adorable
What could have been better:
* Looks like there is a possible love triangle and I hate those
* Hollis sounds like a total jerk. I know they kept saying how much he loved his children, but that doesn't keep him from being a complete a$$hole.
*
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We meet the Harper Family in this first Georgia Peach Mystery. Nola Harper left town several years ago and has a very rewarding job helping people in underdeveloped countries. She doesn’t return home very often but her parents have won an exciting trip and have asked her to come home and watch over the family business while they are away. Her brother Ray is a successful lawyer and just doesn’t have the time and her sister is due to have her 3rd child very soon and can’t take care of things on the farm. When she finds out that her parents have been hiding their financial troubles she decides to figure out a way to save the family’s legacy.
As if things weren’t bad enough the morning after Nola’s parents leave she finds the body of a local business man in the orchard. Things are definitely not peachy at the Harper’s homestead. When she finds out her brother-in-law is the main suspect Nola knows she has her hands full. Can she solve a murder and get the farm moving in the right direction before her parents get back? She has to try!
This is an awesome debut. This bushel of characters is diverse and interesting. Seeing Nola reconnect with all the people from her past was fun to read. I truly enjoyed that her best friends in high school quickly become her best friends again. One may like to be a little more than friends but we will have to wait and see. I also enjoyed the way Nola didn’t just barge into the investigation. The sheriff is more than happy to let her brother-in-law rot in jail so Nola just does a little poking around and keeps her ears open. She is new to sleuthing so she does take some things a bit too far but somebody has to find the real killer.
In addiction to this fine mystery each chapter starts with a Georgia Belle Fact – “#027 – In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol’ boring Yankee salutation.” There are yummy recipes too!
Susan is off to a delicious start with this series! Cozy lovers you will love this story and all its Southern charm!
We meet the Harper Family in this first Georgia Peach Mystery. Nola Harper left town several years ago and has a very rewarding job helping people in underdeveloped countries. She doesn’t return home very often but her parents have won an exciting trip and have asked her to come home and watch over the family business while they are away. Her brother Ray is a successful lawyer and just doesn’t have the time and her sister is due to have her 3rd child very soon and can’t take care of things on the farm. When she finds out that her parents have been hiding their financial troubles she decides to figure out a way to save the family’s legacy.
As if things weren’t bad enough the morning after Nola’s parents leave she finds the body of a local business man in the orchard. Things are definitely not peachy at the Harper’s homestead. When she finds out her brother-in-law is the main suspect Nola knows she has her hands full. Can she solve a murder and get the farm moving in the right direction before her parents get back? She has to try!
This is an awesome debut. This bushel of characters is diverse and interesting. Seeing Nola reconnect with all the people from her past was fun to read. I truly enjoyed that her best friends in high school quickly become her best friends again. One may like to be a little more than friends but we will have to wait and see. I also enjoyed the way Nola didn’t just barge into the investigation. The sheriff is more than happy to let her brother-in-law rot in jail so Nola just does a little poking around and keeps her ears open. She is new to sleuthing so she does take some things a bit too far but somebody has to find the real killer.
In addiction to this fine mystery each chapter starts with a Georgia Belle Fact – “#027 – In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol’ boring Yankee salutation.” There are yummy recipes too!
Susan is off to a delicious start with this series! Cozy lovers you will love this story and all its Southern charm!
May 25, 2015
Fantastic book! I read it all in one day, I couldn't put it down. Great characters, and great setting. Nola Mae returns to her home in Georgia, where the family peach farm is, to run things for her parents as they go on their second honeymoon. Its fun to see her reconnect with all of her old friends, and her family. Her sister has planned a fun celebration for her parents before they head out on their cruise. As Nola is cleaning up the next morning, she stumbles across the body of a local businessman propped against a tree in the peach orchard. He also has her sisters scarf tied around his neck. Unfortunately, Nolas brother in law Hollis is taken in for questioning for the murder. Nola decides to help investigate, for her poor sisters sake. The good news is her brother is investigating also. Lots of twists and turns in this book! There was one thing that happened that made me sad ( I cant say what it was), but then by the end it all worked out!! I was so excited! Don't miss this book, you will not be disappointed! It is a great start to a brand new series.
August 19, 2016
Può qualcuno scegliere di leggere una serie di cozy mysteries perché il tema di base è un frutto che gli piace molto, la pesca? Io posso... Anche se inizialmente sono rimasta bloccata dal fatto che fosse ambientata in Georgia: confesso di non amare particolarmente gli stati meridionali degli USA... Poi, approfittando del prezzo particolarmente ribassato, ho acquistato i due ebooks usciti di questa serie. Ottimo acquisto. La protagonista mi piace molto, forse perché non è proprio la tipica ragazza del sud; inoltre per anni ha lavorato in un'organizzazione umanitaria e solo questo le fa acquistare molti punti. La trama gialla è ben congeniata, con tanti colpevoli possibili, e varie svolte lungo la storia. Insomma, 4 stelle piene e grande soddisfazione da parte mia per aver voluto dare una possibilità a questa serie.
March 3, 2016
Good first book in this new series. Good characters, the heroine is a strong, stand-up type. Nice locale and a well thought mystery. I wasn't sure "whodunit" until the big reveal. Looking forward to the next one! RECOMMEND!
August 18, 2025
Peaches and Scream by Susan Furlong (2015)
Georgia Peach Mystery #1
ii+290-page Kindle Ebook 1-266
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Praise for Peaches and Scream, Series Bibliography, Acknowledgments, Epigraphs, Map, Fictional Small-Town near Macon, Georgia; Family Orchard, Homecoming Trope, Family Dynamics, Festival, Bassett Hound, Kids, Reporter, Community, Salon, Siblings, Infidelity, Recipes - 5 all Peach Related, Excerpt from Rest in Peach
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for illicit behavior
Songs for the soundtrack: "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by The Georgia Satellites, "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga, "Purple Rain" by Prince
Books and Authors mentioned: Ellery Adams, Sheila Connolly, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton [based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, The Parent Trap by David Swift [based on] Das doppelte Lottchen (The Double Lottie) by Erich Kästner published in English as Lottie and Lisa, as Lisa and Lottie and as The Parent Trap
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🍑🥧🥃
My thoughts: 🔖Page 39 of 290 Chapter 4 - I had to look up slum orphan, I was planning on reading all 3 books, but now I'm not so sure. There's a lot of window dressing in the writing. On the bright side, the murder was quick.
🔖59 Chapter 6 - It's okay, I think I would enjoy it more if I finished my Kristan Higgins book. I think that story is keeping me partially engaged in this one. It's a bit all over the place and I have no clue who did it, but I don't like the BIL so I don't care if he gets charged, not that I want him convicted but he could use some jail time, I'm not certain he's innocent anyway.
🔖121 Chapter 11 - Meh at this point.
🔖245 Chapter 20 - I'm over her alluding to why she left town. I see a triangle coming, and she went from nothing to so obvious but acting oblivious I expected her to be in danger several times. Now it seems to be over too soon, so I'm expecting a herring or something.
The ending wasn't too bad but the middle was a drag for me, so I will end my journey with this series here.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I could see this being a hit with some cozy fans, but it just wasn't for me. If someone is looking for a quick cozy trilogy set in the south or food centered with recipes, I would consider recommending this series.
Georgia Peach Mystery
1. Peaches and Scream (2015)
2. Rest in Peach (2016)
3. War and Peach (2017)
Memorable Quotes: Georgia Belle Fact #027: In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol’ boring Yankee-like salutation.
If I had to describe Georgia, I’d say it was like a handmade quilt, tossed out all lumpy-like over the bed. The northern part of the state would be the biggest bumps, where the Appalachian hills offered a beautiful blue hue and the winding rivers ran through like errant stitching. Then came the Piedmont, with big cities like Atlanta and Columbus acting as the nubby knots holding the fabric and the batting in place. Next, the Fall Line, where the rivers made a showy descent like colorful fabric bargellos, cascading over rocks and flowing to the smooth coastal planes where scenic towns like Savannah provided a decorative binding, sealing the quilt’s overall beauty. My family’s little block of the fabric was located on the Fall Line, where the northern rivers dumped their sandy deposits, making soil conditions just right for growing peaches, which my family had done for as many generations as I could count.
Most of my time was spent doing things like roaming field sites in search of water supplies, teaching English to slum orphans and searching rubble for earthquake survivors—strictly jeans and T-shirt type of stuff. I was out of practice when it came to dressing up.
Georgia Belle Fact #004: Sisters are like two different flowers from the same garden. But Georgia Belle roots are always connected—try to uproot one and you’ll have the other to contend with, too.
Georgia Peach Mystery #1
ii+290-page Kindle Ebook 1-266
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Praise for Peaches and Scream, Series Bibliography, Acknowledgments, Epigraphs, Map, Fictional Small-Town near Macon, Georgia; Family Orchard, Homecoming Trope, Family Dynamics, Festival, Bassett Hound, Kids, Reporter, Community, Salon, Siblings, Infidelity, Recipes - 5 all Peach Related, Excerpt from Rest in Peach
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for illicit behavior
Songs for the soundtrack: "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by The Georgia Satellites, "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga, "Purple Rain" by Prince
Books and Authors mentioned: Ellery Adams, Sheila Connolly, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton [based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, The Parent Trap by David Swift [based on] Das doppelte Lottchen (The Double Lottie) by Erich Kästner published in English as Lottie and Lisa, as Lisa and Lottie and as The Parent Trap
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🍑🥧🥃
My thoughts: 🔖Page 39 of 290 Chapter 4 - I had to look up slum orphan, I was planning on reading all 3 books, but now I'm not so sure. There's a lot of window dressing in the writing. On the bright side, the murder was quick.
🔖59 Chapter 6 - It's okay, I think I would enjoy it more if I finished my Kristan Higgins book. I think that story is keeping me partially engaged in this one. It's a bit all over the place and I have no clue who did it, but I don't like the BIL so I don't care if he gets charged, not that I want him convicted but he could use some jail time, I'm not certain he's innocent anyway.
🔖121 Chapter 11 - Meh at this point.
🔖245 Chapter 20 - I'm over her alluding to why she left town. I see a triangle coming, and she went from nothing to so obvious but acting oblivious I expected her to be in danger several times. Now it seems to be over too soon, so I'm expecting a herring or something.
The ending wasn't too bad but the middle was a drag for me, so I will end my journey with this series here.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I could see this being a hit with some cozy fans, but it just wasn't for me. If someone is looking for a quick cozy trilogy set in the south or food centered with recipes, I would consider recommending this series.
Georgia Peach Mystery
1. Peaches and Scream (2015)
2. Rest in Peach (2016)
3. War and Peach (2017)
Memorable Quotes: Georgia Belle Fact #027: In the South, we greet one another with bits of juicy gossip, not some ol’ boring Yankee-like salutation.
If I had to describe Georgia, I’d say it was like a handmade quilt, tossed out all lumpy-like over the bed. The northern part of the state would be the biggest bumps, where the Appalachian hills offered a beautiful blue hue and the winding rivers ran through like errant stitching. Then came the Piedmont, with big cities like Atlanta and Columbus acting as the nubby knots holding the fabric and the batting in place. Next, the Fall Line, where the rivers made a showy descent like colorful fabric bargellos, cascading over rocks and flowing to the smooth coastal planes where scenic towns like Savannah provided a decorative binding, sealing the quilt’s overall beauty. My family’s little block of the fabric was located on the Fall Line, where the northern rivers dumped their sandy deposits, making soil conditions just right for growing peaches, which my family had done for as many generations as I could count.
Most of my time was spent doing things like roaming field sites in search of water supplies, teaching English to slum orphans and searching rubble for earthquake survivors—strictly jeans and T-shirt type of stuff. I was out of practice when it came to dressing up.
Georgia Belle Fact #004: Sisters are like two different flowers from the same garden. But Georgia Belle roots are always connected—try to uproot one and you’ll have the other to contend with, too.
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