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Darling Deli #12

Garden Vegetable Murder

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Families can be funny…
And sometimes frightening.
Deli owner and amateur sleuth, Moira Darling, has gotten herself into quite a pickle.

A mysterious stalker has her in his sights.

Her hunky boyfriend David steps in to try and save the day, putting them both in peril.

Can the deli owner outwit her stalker?

What hidden secrets about David’s past will come out when she finally meets his family?
Find out the answers to this and more, in this spine-tingling Cozy Mystery!

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2016

74 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Patti Benning

359 books221 followers
https://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...

When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.

​Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.

​Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.

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5 stars
240 (60%)
4 stars
97 (24%)
3 stars
42 (10%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
August 24, 2018
Another great addition to this series. I absolutely love how the background story with Moira, her family and friends develops. The mystery was well paced and kept me guessing - now I just hope that the relationship between Moira and David progress a bit more.
Profile Image for Kay Oliver.
Author 11 books198 followers
January 21, 2023
Moira's car is vandalized after David finds a dead body that seems like a message to him personally. A note was left on her windshield: I've got my eye on you.

A great cozy mystery and addition to the series.
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
July 23, 2016
A fast paced, well plotted murder with entertaining characters and an interesting food background! I enjoyed meeting Moria Darling, owner of Darling's DELIcious Delights deli. Family and friends include grown daughter, Candice and private investigator boyfriend, David. When his current client is found murdered in David's office, things get crazy for Moria. Meeting David's visiting mother is not a totally fun experience and then a vicious vandal strikes her car and home, leaving death threats behind. This is the twelfth book in the series but there was enough background to make this a great adventure. There were no spoilers about previous adventures but enough was said that you will want to go back and read from the first book on. That is what I intend to do. I am also looking forward to reading more new adventures about Moria, her family, pets and friends. I will admit that I have a thing for snarky mothers and mother-in-laws and I hope to see more of David's mom in future books.

I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
6,726 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Moira Darling receives an offer for the deli. A friend and helper of David is murdered. Moira's car 🚗 has flat tires. The windows in her house are shot out. What is going on? Why? Moira on the way home is run off the road David to the rescue. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡💘
Profile Image for Dawn.
570 reviews12 followers
August 5, 2016
David’s involvement in a new case forces him to push his relationship to Moira to the side. He does this in order to protect Moira from harm. Despite David’s lack of interest Moira isn’t hurting for male attention. A stalker is busy sending her threats while a man visiting town can’t seem to stay away from the deli. Amid all of this drama David’s mother is visiting town and seems to have an instant distrust of Moira.
This edition of the Darling Deli series is packed with action. The author does a great job in creating tension between the characters. I really like this series (I say it with every review, I can’t help it).
363 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2016
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**

Hmmm, looks like trouble in paradise for Moira and David. David is ignoring Moira, his mom is definitely not part of the “we love Moira” group, and, yet again, someone seems to be out to get Moira. This one leans slightly darker than previous books since it is missing a bit of the Moira and David parts, but I think I prefer it being not so sweet.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,545 reviews
November 14, 2016
David tries to keep Moira safe after a dead body is found in his office. But is someone stalking Moira? Some guy wants to buy the deli from her and make it into a chain of deli's. Will she sell and could he be the stalker? Read the book to find out the answers.
3,128 reviews14 followers
July 7, 2024
An investor wants to buy Darling Deli for an obscene amount of money and turn it into a national chain. It doesn't make a lot of sense as he has no interest in keeping Moira involved.
Moira gets to meet David's mother - it does not go well. In fairness, at this point Moira's death count has become a bit of an in joke in the series - to know her is to place yourself in danger!
David's latest client is murdered and, no surprise here, Moira has picked up a dangerous stalker.
A stranger in town has piqued Moira's interest and, with David somewhat withdrawn maybe, just maybe, she might be interested.
So, just another days for the deli owner.
“Garden Vegetable Murder”, twelfth in the 'Darling Deli' series, is somewhat darker in tone than the books so far but it remains the cosiest of cosy mysteries.
3 Stars.
16 reviews
June 2, 2021
I don't care for David

Moira deserves someone better than David. He thinks the woman he supposedly loves is in danger, has her tires slashed and her house shot up, and his solution is to keep her in the dark and avoid her?? What a jerk. I like this series but I hope his character gets more likeable.
Profile Image for Anita Burkett.
Author 5 books70 followers
March 26, 2018
Guessing

This was a good clean story and it had me guessing about David. Moira needs to learn to not tell everyone everything. Lol
53 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
5 stars

As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed the work of this talented author and I can’t wait to continue with her series.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,460 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2020
Great

They just keep getting better! The characters come to life in these books. The plot is getting harder and harder to figure out, and it's not given away until the very end. Very much recommended!
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
606 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2016
This is one of my favortie series to read so of course I really liked this book. It was full of all the same things, danger, chaos and food. Although Moira did not find a body or directly put herself in the investigation, she was still in danger and had no way of knowing what was going on. She finally starts to find out more about David's past, and in the last book met his sister. This time she got to meet his mother when she came to visit and she can't help but wonder if his sudden lack of interest is because she doesn't like Moira. She also receives a strange offer from someone to buy the deli and is really confused when David thinks she should take it and move to Florida. Poor Moira and the pets. She is also watching Felix, her daughter's kitten while she and her friend go on vacation. Then there is a strangetr passing through town that Moira finds herself drawn to. All this and no dead body. She is not investigating but still someone finds it necessary to threaten her and she cannot figure out who or why. Maybe she is a trouble maker since trouble just seems to find her. This really was a good book with a great story. Moira has wonderful friends and those close to her always seem ready to help or back her up. The characters are interesting and likable.. The conversations really flow naturally. And the food sounds amazing. There is everything to like about this series and this installment is no different. I really can't wait to see what is in store for this lovely cast of characters and I especially am looking forward to seeing how David and Moira's relationship turns next. When I started this book, I was shocked to see that it was already book 12 in the series, time has flown by!
Profile Image for Lauren D..
176 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2016
I really enjoyed book 12 in the Darling Deli Series. In this book David's mom comes to visit when his sister Karissa has finally decided to settle down in Lake Marion. Moira was happy to meet David's mom but her 3rd degree questions could be a bit much. When one of David's clients ends up dead and Moira received some interesting new about the Deli, it just seemed to be one crazy week for these two. What about Candice, Maverick and Keeva? Well Candice went on a mini vacation with Alison, one of Moria's employees, and as for the two puppies well they are still as lovable as every.

I did enjoy reading this book even though I felt the book was more about the murder and less about the food. I guess I am set in my ways when to Patti Benning focusing on what the soup or salad are for the day. What I liked about this book was the fact that I always saw David as being kind of quiet and he never really talked about his past but in this book we will learn a little bit more. Even when him being distance, Moira finds herself being attracted to a new character. I mean is there any harm is noticing an attractive man, especially when David is being distant? Oh you will just have to wait and see.

I can't wait to read Lucky number 13 as some would say...Another good one Patti. Keep up the good work.
67 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2016
Another excellent addition to the deli series

I can't wait to see what happens next in this fast paced series. I know by now, to begin reading when I have time to finish the book because as soon as I begin to read I can't imagine putting it down until the last word. My advice to anyone beginning to read this book, dinner will burn and if something or someone interrupts, well, bless their hearts. The story comes in installments which are close enough together that you can remember the gist from one to another. The mystery is solved by the end but I have yet to guess "who dunnit" even remotely close which is very refreshing. I love these books and I can't wait to see what is in store for David and Moira. Thank you, Ms. Benning, for writing such entertaining books and I highly recommend other readers to pick up one of your books and immerse themselves in the daily life of the Deli and it's quirky owner/sleuth, Moira.
Profile Image for Penny Marks.
365 reviews13 followers
July 27, 2016
Another great read by Patti Benning! Garden Vegetable Murder is book 12 in the Darling Deli series. I have been addicted to this series from day one. Love all the characters and how each and everyone has grown. It is a place that I would love to visit if it were not fictional and enjoy a morning quiche with coffee or a famous soup and sandwich by Moira.
Things seem to go backwards for Moira. First Candice leaves on vacation, then a complete stranger comes up to her and offers to buy the deli, and one of David's friends is murdered at his office. If all of that isn't enough David seems to be pushing Moira away after she meets his mother. Has Moira done something wrong??? Then she starts getting death threats and has her car vandalized. What is Moira going to do??? Who can she trust?
This book is fast paced action from the start. A must read.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,806 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2016
This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and hair raising happenings. Moira has a stalker and when she reaches outto PI boyfriend, David, he seems a little stand-offish. David is dealing with his own issues and Moira understands but can't feel hurt. Moira also has an unexpected offer that may change things quite significantly.

There is so much going on in this book I had to keep reading. We learn a little more about David''s personal life and past. I enjoy watching the characters grow and learning more about them. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a copy of this manuscript from teh publisher in exchange for an honest reviw.
Profile Image for Star ☔️.
504 reviews
June 24, 2019
Another tasty treat served up by Patti Benning. There is a murder at Moira's boyfriend's office and someone is trying to frighten and harm Moira. David's family is in town, which is putting Moira on edge. We see a different side to David, one that makes Moira feel insecure. I loved all the salad talk of course. The climax is very suspenseful and the ending is very sweet. It put a smile on my face. Great series to pick up if you love light, culinary cozies! The publisher provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Geneva.
678 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2016
Book 12 in the Darling Deli Mystery series is wonderfully written. Read it one evening, truly a page turner, can't put it down book. Boy, Moiria can get into more predicaments, this time she has a stalker, getting her tires slashed, shooting up her bedroom, WOW. Candice, her daughter, is away for a week, and Moira has to check on the store, plus all her other chores at the Deli. Love her animals, glad she bought the new house with a big back yard.

Seriously a Page Turner!


Keep 'em coming Patti! Great reads.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,930 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2016
Revenge a dish better served cold

A killer from David's past returns to seek revenge by targeting people close to him. Moiras is busy with Candace away, checking on the candy store, getting a huge offer to buy her deli, and trying to figure out who's slashing her tires and shooting at her house. A fun read you won't want to miss!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
302 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2016
I don't know what to say

This was a wonderful book. It kept me interested all the way thru. I did figure out the killer but it did not matter because it was late in the book. The characters were really good. The mother Trish was not my favorite but I loved the sister and of course David. This is a lovely small town mystery with wonderful characters who are friendly and loving. Everyone should read this series.
41 reviews
July 23, 2016
Intense and captivating

I don't even know where to begin, this book was so good. There was suspense and secrets and murder, what more could you ask for? Once again Moira finds herself in trouble only to be rescued by her loving boyfriend. It doesn't get any better than that. This book held my attention from page one all the way through to the end. I highly recommend reading this entire series, it's well worth it. Happy reading :)
Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2016
Great read

Oh goodness book 12 if full of twists and turns. Will Moria and David live through this book. Will the deli be sold?. Read on for the answers
Profile Image for Brandi  Martin .
268 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2016
A great addition

Patti Benning does it again. Garden Vegetable Murder us an excellent addition to the series. Moira finds herself in serious trouble and has no idea who us behind it.
David is acting strange and a new man is flirting with Moira. So many things going on you won't put the book down until the last page is read.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,871 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2016
Another great one

I really enjoyed this one. It kept me on pins and needles to whole time wondering what was happening between Moira and David. I hope there are many more books ahead.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Profile Image for Teri.
661 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2016
Moira is approached by a pushy man who wants to buy the deli. David's mom is in town and not real friendly towards her, Candace on vacation and a mystery man all in one week. Crazy busy and then things get crazy. Love this series and ready for more.
Profile Image for CAROL VANATTA.
223 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2016
LIKE A FAVORITE MEAL , I NEVER GET TIRED OF THESE DELI ICIOUS BOOKS.

Both thrilling and satisfying. These stories are ALWAYS in good taste with a dose of humor
for a perfect bedtime story.
CAROL VANATTA
Justcva46@gmail.com
59 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2017
How does she do it?

A star rating for a 10 star book! This author keeps you hooked from the first paragraph!

Book after book she goes strong and lighthearted. I find myself smiling during certain things and actually feel as if I am living it.

I highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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