There's nothing like the Stoneybrook farmers market in summer. Fresh flowers, organic veggies, delicious jams ... and a dead body. When an outsider turns up murdered, all of the evidence points to his rival, Stoneybrook's beloved florist.
Unable to believe a pillar of their community could be guilty of such a heinous crime, Hadley dives head-first into the investigation. Sure, she's busy looking for a new house, running her business, and dealing with her ex--who's back in town--but Hadley is determined to find the truth before the wrong man goes to jail.
from Food in Jars creator, Marisa McClellan, included: peach lavender jam and honey-sweetened peach chutney!
Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
Hadley gets involved in another murder when a stalwart citizen is accused of killing another vendor in a creative way at the summer farmer’s market in Stoneybrook. The dead guy is an “outsider” (from Cascade Ridge, a whole 20 miles away) and is a professional competitor to the suspect, the town’s florist. While this is going on, Hadley is also searching for a new home, dealing with her manipulative ex, running her fledgling jam business, and figuring out just what is going on between her bff and her twin brother, the deputy.
Minuses: Still too much use of “smirk” (I counted at least nine appearances) and way too much description of Hadley picking or chipping off her nail polish. We get it, that’s what she does when she’s nervous, but I don’t need to be reminded of that a minimum of six times.
Pluses: Nice character development, the sub-mystery of what is happening between Hadley’s brother and her bff, the resolution to the crime, Hadley’s standing up to her ex, and some excellent descriptions of the town and the inhabitants. The author describes Hadley’s Realtor as smelling like “potpourri and baby powder had an evil love child” and I could just smell that smell, the kind of thing that worms its way into your sinuses and won’t let go. Describing Tyler, Hadley’s possible love interest, the author writes “Tyler’s good nature, devastating grin, and the ability to smooth talk the wrinkles out of a rhino made it almost impossible not to like him.” This gave me an appreciation for Tyler that I didn't have in the first book.
I would not recommend this series for binge-reading (constant repetition of smirking and nail polish issues would make me extra stabby), but it is a pleasant read with likeable character, and plots that hold my interest throughout each book. It’s a good book for the treadmill or elliptical – interesting enough to make gym time fly by, but not so gripping as to cause me to faceplant or fall off when I get so involved I forget what I’m doing. Not a re-read for me either, but I will read more in the series as I come across them.
I really enjoyed visiting Stoneybrook again with Hadley, Suze and Paul. A smoothly pace plot with enough twists to keep a reader guessing and a small town filled with some wonderful characters. Friendship, a little relationship angst and a murder all made for an afternoon of reading delight.
5 Star review A Fresh Kill (Stoneybrook Mystery #2) by Eryn Scott
Audio Review:
I loved this book from start to finish. It is a cozy mystery and one that I found thoroughly entertaining.
The narrator did a fabulous job and certainly kept me entertained. This was a a book filled with secrets and lies. The intrigue and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story.
There are many twists, turns and surprises in A Fresh Kill as Hadley and her band of friends follow the clues and I have to say that I was taken by surprise on a couple of occasions. I cannot wait for more in this series.
This sequel was better than the first book! I loved seeing the trio solve a new murder and thought the crime itself was pretty unique. I enjoyed learning more about Stoneybrook’s rival town and the people inside of it. Once again, I really enjoyed the addition of Marisa McClellan’s recipes at the end of the book! Jennifer did another amazing performance. She had my attention throughout the whole story and brought every character to life! *I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I love this town. A flower shop Murder mystery around the small town and farmers market. Hadley looks to move out of the house she shared with her exhusband. Some drama with Susan and Paul and of course Luke. Can’t wait for the next one.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait to start book three. What I like is the characters and the way that they play off of each other, they all have a special bond and this comes through nicely in the story. The mystery was good and I liked all the clues that were dropped, I nearly had it all worked out and thought the murder although not unique was very clever and well thought out. Stoneybrook farmers market is looking to the future and in doing so has allowed a seller from a rival town to sell his flowers there for the first time. Before the vendors have even unpacked there vans of jams, art, pottery and even flowers he is found dead inside his own van. Hadley doesn't believe anyone in her town could possible be the killer so goes undercoverwith her best friend Suze in the next village with the perfect cover of looking for a new home. Can the pair find a killer or a new home? With bees proving to be the killer the pair will have to stick together if they don't want to get stung. Back in there home town things are getting complicated with all the evidence pointing to there florist and friend. Hadley's own brother might not have any choice but to arrest him. Hadley's ex husband is also back and stirring up trouble and starting fights. This is one fight that might just have a sting in its tail. I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job of bringing the characters to life with very unique voices.
And we are back in Stoneybrook for some more fun murder and mayhem! This time the Stoneybrook Farmer's Market is the scene of the crime. Complicating matters, Hadley has to find a place to live in less than a month, and, to top it all off, her ex is back in town. What is a girl to do? Why, solve the crime, of course!
I haven't read all that many cozy mysteries, compared to other genres, for some odd reason that even I'm not aware of, but when I find a good series I enjoy them immensely. Eryn Scott's charming A Stoneyborook Mystery series is definitely one of them. I enjoyed A Fresh Kill just as much, if not a little more, than the first book. Seriously, Hallmark, these books would make a great mystery movie series...
I finished the audiobook pretty quickly, carrying my phone around with me pretty much everywhere so I could sneak a few minutes here and there. And when I wasn't listening I was trying to puzzle out the killer's identity and motive. I did partly figure it out early on and then got distracted for awhile before the final reveal proved my first guess mostly correct.
As I mentioned above, I listen to A Fresh Kill in audio. And, as with the previous book, I was pleased with the production quality. The narrator is an excellent choice for Hadley and her chipper presentation really brings Eryn Scott's story to life.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
One of my favorite parts about Eryn Scott's mysteries is the way she builds her big reveal. It always throws me into a "of course they were a part of it" but not in a shock and awe kind of way, more of a looking back all the clues totally showed that way.
This mystery does give away plot from book one, so if you haven't read it, don't start here!
Hadley, Paul and Suze are at it again, as they solve their next murder case together. I love how Paul knows his limitations as a law man, and doesn't talk down to Hadley and Suze for wanting to help. The girls def. know how to work small town drama.
We get a lot more answers to Hadley's personal life, and watch her make some big life changes that are going to set her on a new adventure away from all the memories of Tyler.
The town of course, is drama as ever, which is fantastic. I feel like I know all of these people, and love how their individual quirks scream at you from the page. I also enjoyed getting more insight to the town over, and how it compares to Stoneybrook.
You'll love this series if you enjoy small town gossip fueled mystery solving woman, and cats. All of the kitties. It's okay to be a cat lady.
A Fresh Kill is the second fun book in Eryn Scott's A Stoneybrook Mystery series. The characters are very likable and the mystery kept me guessing for the most part. Hadley James is recently divorced and has a jam business. Her friend Size is an artist and they both have tables at the local farmers market. A florist from another town ends up dead and Hadley's twin brother Paul is the Deputy Sheriff on the case. Hadley, Paul, Suze and their other friend Luke work together to solve the case. Hadley decides to sell her current house that she lived in with her ex husband Tyler. Tyler shows up in town and causes some problems. Hadley and Luke are both looking for new houses so their realtor throws them together on occasion which adds some humor. Hadley is a good main character with common sense and a sense of humor. I suspected the culprit but wasn't sure. The ending was good and Hadley wasn't in peril which made it even more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to more books in the series! #AFresgKill. #AStoneybrookMystery #KristophersonPress #ErynScott
Another great read. She has put her house on the market and now has to find somewhere else. But her business still needs tending and when she discovers a dead body, bees and honey in a parked van at the weekly market the three get sleuthing again. What secrets are hidden in the florists past? Motives and suspects abound and the three have to act swiftly to stop the wrong person being arrested. Meanwhile to make even more waves the house hunting has hit a major snag (she can't find anything that feels right), her ex's family keep giving her daggers and her ex rolls into town. Will she make up with him, will she discover feelings for his BFF or will she keep her solo status. A plot that has been used before but with a fresh slant. Just wish all these cozies didn't have recipes. What about us knitters and crofters?
Once again I find myself myself back in the cozy little town of Stoneybrook nestled in the Pacific Cascades, and that setting is one of the reasons I fell in love with the series. There's a delightful farmers-market to boot! In this story, it's the market's season opening, but with a twist... this will be the first time a vendor from outside the area will be allowed to open a booth. True to form, the town gossips are all prepped and ready for the market's newest vendor, who unfortunately, seems to be a no-show... or is he? Hadley and her twin brother are ready to dive into the towns most recent sticky death... Grab this audio book for yourself, and enjoy Jennifer Jill Araya's great performance as she narrates this tale. You may even find yourself salivating for the peach chutney, and luckily, the recipe is included!
Can be read as a standalone but we already have some background of Stoneybrook and a good idea of who all the main characters are from book one. I enjoyed A Crafty Crime, but I think I liked this one better. The mystery in this one was a little bit more intriguing and I really wasn't expecting the culprit to be who it turned out to be. Less predictable than the first book, but is another well written solid cozy mystery that is a great addition to this adorable series. Loved that we get to know the characters better as well as their pasts.
The narration was just as fabulous in this book as it was in book 1. The narrator is consistent for the series thus far and has represented Hadley, the town, and the story well. Great narration made this another quick afternoon listen and I can't wait to hear more in the future.
I love the Stoneybrook mysteries! Hadley is a great heroine, and it was fun getting to know her a little better in this second book in the series.
Eryn Scott does a great job of infusing her mystery books with humor, friendship, and must a touch of romance. I am definitely hoping we get more Luke and Hadley as the series continues.
The mystery in A Fresh Kill has just enough suspects and clues to keep you guessing for most of the book. The dynamic trio of Hadley, her twin brother Paul, and her best friend Suze are the right team to try to uncover the killer of a florist from a nearby town.
I know there is at least one more book in the series and I can't wait to read it!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
The second in this delightful cozy mystery series set in Stoneybrook, with local jam maker Hadley, her twin, deputy Sheriff Paul, and their school friends Suzanne and Luke as the main characters who get involved solving the murders.
In this book, a florist from nearby larger town, Cascade Ridge takes a stall at the local farmers market, however he's in competition with local florist Leo, and once he's found dead in his van, all fingers point to Leo and Barry, local beekeeper. It's up to the team to sort this out and keep their friends out of jail.
As well as the murder, Hadley sells the house she shared with her ex husband Tyler, when he turns up, has she made the right decision?
Lovely story and I can't wait to start the 3rd book in this series.
Hadley is making progress with her dream and her regular appearance at the farmer's market in Stoneybrook is fueling it. She's put her house on the market and is ready to look for another place. She's done with her ex, and even though she still has feelings for him, she knows it's time to move on. Then violence comes to the farmer's market and a florist is killed with a bee! Who would want to kill a florist in such a manner? Paul is on the case, but somehow Hadley can't help but investigate with her best friend. They end up uncovering facts that finally help Paul catch the person truly responsible for the murder.
I really love this series. I love that the story picks up right where it left off. I adore the characters of the small town.
I was trying super hard to figure out the culprit before the story got there. I had an oh no moment before it was revealed. I really didn't like that.
Ty is a selfish jerk. I loved that Luke put him in his place. I really want Luke and Hadley together. Do I have to read the whole series to get that? C'mon!
I'd like Paul and Suze together too. I don't get what the secret is though. It makes me wonder if I should let go of that.
The new kitten story was adorable. I'm not sure any two cats have become friends in that manner, but I loved it just the same.
I love reading cozy mysteries especially when the author tells the story so well that you feel like one of the townies. That is exactly how I feel about this story. This story is just as entertaining as the first book of the series. I have found a new favorite author!
I do not enjoy reviews that include spoilers. I can only assure you that if you love reading classics cozies, this one will not disappoint.
If you enjoy new recipes to add to your collection, the following recipes are included in this book: 1) Honey-Sweetened Peach Chutney 2) Peach Lavender Jam Both recipes created by Marisa McClellan, creator of Food in Jars.
Likeable characters, fine locale, and a well-conceived mystery
This is such a charming series! First, there are the twins, sheriff's deputy Paul and recently divorced jam shop owner and part-time amateur crimesolver Hadley. Then there's Hadley's lifelong bestie and sleuthing cohort Suze. Luke is the wild card: former friend/turned adversary and current sometime ally and enigma. The backstory and current status of these relationships are evolving nicely. The small-town setting and sensibilities are a fine counterpoint to murder and mayhem, the mystery engages the reader, and the resolution makes sense with the clues provided. Recommended for everyone who appreciates a light, cozy diversion!
After reading A Crafty Crime and A Fresh Kill, I can tell that I am going to continue to enjoy spending time in Stoneybrook with Hadley, Suzanne, Paul, and Luke. Stoneybrook is a small town located in northwestern Washington. Charlie Lloyd is a florist from nearby Cascade Ridge who is allowed to have a floral booth at the Stoneybrook Farmer's Market. Unfortunately before he can sell anything, Hadley discovers him dead in his truck. The amateur sleuths get to work to solve another murder. Making things more uncomfortable for Hadley, her ex, Tyler shows up in Stoneybrook. Eryn Scott has written likable characters who are interesting and entertaining. This is a fun cozy mystery series.
This is my second book finished of Eryn Scott's. It does not disappoint! I can't wait to get started on the next in the series! Eryn develops her stories well with lots of clues and leads... I find them hard to put down! A well-written series with likeable characters and shady characters make this a page-turner. Eryn's books actually have me carrying my Kindle with me at all times! I also enjoy a book based in the beautiful Pacific NW with lots of mention of our Cascade Mountains and rivers. A pleasure to read.
A really good series. Best friends and family are the basis of this series. Twins Paul and Hadley seem to be investigating another murder. Who would kill a florist? Many are suspects but which one is the culprit? It takes a lot of digging before the clues start to align into a pattern. To make things even more complicated Had’s ex returns to town and messes with her head. You will have to read this book to see how it ends. You will really enjoy this cozy mystery.
Another great book from Eyrn Scott. This is the second book in the Stoneybrook mystery and I truly enjoyed. I found that all the characters were believable and likable. I was hooked from the very beginning and until the end. This is a cozy mystery- no foul language and no gore. It kept me guessing about who was the murderer until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
After listening to the first two books in this series I am entirely addicted and can't wait for books 3 and 4 to become available on Audible. The mystery was was well written and had me guessing. I really love the slow burn romance that runs through the series. Luke is a charming character and I love seeing the little glimpses into the bond he and Hadley had as childhood friends. It's makes for a lovely, feel good read.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. Hadley James is the main character surrounded by her cast of family and friends. Her twin brother, Paul who is a deputy, is soon embroiled in solving the death of a competing florist from the next town over. Little side stories are taking on a life throughout the book and just add to the interest of this well written cozy mystery.
I'm loving this series! The characters have depth and back stories in enjoying learning about. The town sounds so idyllic; I love the small businesses and local support. It just feels like such a lovely place to be transported to in a book. The descriptions of nature are beautiful. I think this is the epitome of what a cozy mystery book should be. I'm enjoying the progression of relationships and can't wait to see what comes next.