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Washington Whodunit #5
Gore in the Garden
Congressional staffer and amateur sleuth Kit Marshall hopes to reconnect with her hippie-turned-techie brother, but the reunion gets complicated when the body of a high-ranking government official is found at the United States Botanic Garden. Solving the crime becomes a family affair as Kit and her posse set out to identify the killer and unravel the complicated motive behind the murder.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Colleen J. Shogan
9 books632 followersColleen Shogan has been reading mysteries since the age of six. She conceived of the plot of “Stabbing in the Senate” one morning while taking a walk in her suburban Washington, D.C. neighborhood. Her Washington Whodunit series is published by Camel Press, with "Stabbing in the Senate" making its debut in 2015. In April 2016, "Stabbing in the Senate" won first place in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for the Mystery Category. Her sequel was "Homicide in the House" followed by "Calamity at the Continental Club."
A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American politics at Yale, George Mason University, Georgetown, and Penn. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate and as the Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service. She's now a senior executive at the Library of Congress, working on terrific programs such as the National Book Festival. Colleen lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan.
Photo credit: Glen Fuhrmeister, GF Photography
A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American politics at Yale, George Mason University, Georgetown, and Penn. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate and as the Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service. She's now a senior executive at the Library of Congress, working on terrific programs such as the National Book Festival. Colleen lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan.
Photo credit: Glen Fuhrmeister, GF Photography
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 20, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Kit Marshall attends a reception with her boss, Congresswoman Maeve Dixon, best friend Meg, hubby Doug, and her brother Sebastian, at the United States Botanic Garden, just in time to witness the corpse flower bloom. As the group leaves the Garden Meg makes a quick stop to the bathroom. Her screams alert them back into the building where they find the Architect of the Capitol dead. Kit is quickly pegged to be the liaison between the police and Congress and conduct her own investigation. She also has to run interference when her brother becomes part of protests on the hill, reduce conflicts between her staff, and keep on top of her real job as Chief of Staff Dixon. All this plus she has to stay one step ahead of the killer or she will be their next victim.
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This is another fabulous addition to this series. I loved the way the corpse flower played into the story. The University of Wisconsin had one and whenever it bloomed it was big news around here.
All the characters I have come to love return, including Kit’s pepperoni loving pup. We also meet Kit’s brother that was too busy along with her parents to attend Kit and Doug’s wedding. I have to say Kit is more forgiving than I would be but then again there is a murderer on the loose. I enjoyed that Doug is now working close enough that he can assist her in her investigation.
Because of Ms. Shogan’s experience, she gives what feels like a believable picture of life behind the scenes in a Congressperson’s office. With the current climate in Washington politics, a book like this is very current but not as divisive. The murder is Kit’s main focus and other things on her plate are the staff’s summer picnic, their love lives and trying to keep her brother out of trouble and may even stay in D.C. Shogan brings all the subplots together seamlessly and the story maintains a great flow until we get near the end, then the pace spikes as the killer is revealed. I was holding my breath for more than a few moments.
The author did an excellent job of describing Kit’s surroundings. It has been a long time since I have been to Washington and she introduced a few new sites I didn’t know existed but her words took me right where I needed to be.
While taking place in a big town, Colleen keeps things pretty cozy. Engaging characters, a captivating story, set in an awesome place, will have readers rapidly flipping the pages. The twists are exquisite and our protag has guts, knows how to think on her feet and doesn’t back down.
I highly recommend this entire series, but each book can be read on its own.
Kit Marshall attends a reception with her boss, Congresswoman Maeve Dixon, best friend Meg, hubby Doug, and her brother Sebastian, at the United States Botanic Garden, just in time to witness the corpse flower bloom. As the group leaves the Garden Meg makes a quick stop to the bathroom. Her screams alert them back into the building where they find the Architect of the Capitol dead. Kit is quickly pegged to be the liaison between the police and Congress and conduct her own investigation. She also has to run interference when her brother becomes part of protests on the hill, reduce conflicts between her staff, and keep on top of her real job as Chief of Staff Dixon. All this plus she has to stay one step ahead of the killer or she will be their next victim.
________________________
This is another fabulous addition to this series. I loved the way the corpse flower played into the story. The University of Wisconsin had one and whenever it bloomed it was big news around here.
All the characters I have come to love return, including Kit’s pepperoni loving pup. We also meet Kit’s brother that was too busy along with her parents to attend Kit and Doug’s wedding. I have to say Kit is more forgiving than I would be but then again there is a murderer on the loose. I enjoyed that Doug is now working close enough that he can assist her in her investigation.
Because of Ms. Shogan’s experience, she gives what feels like a believable picture of life behind the scenes in a Congressperson’s office. With the current climate in Washington politics, a book like this is very current but not as divisive. The murder is Kit’s main focus and other things on her plate are the staff’s summer picnic, their love lives and trying to keep her brother out of trouble and may even stay in D.C. Shogan brings all the subplots together seamlessly and the story maintains a great flow until we get near the end, then the pace spikes as the killer is revealed. I was holding my breath for more than a few moments.
The author did an excellent job of describing Kit’s surroundings. It has been a long time since I have been to Washington and she introduced a few new sites I didn’t know existed but her words took me right where I needed to be.
While taking place in a big town, Colleen keeps things pretty cozy. Engaging characters, a captivating story, set in an awesome place, will have readers rapidly flipping the pages. The twists are exquisite and our protag has guts, knows how to think on her feet and doesn’t back down.
I highly recommend this entire series, but each book can be read on its own.
July 21, 2019
A few years ago, I read the second book in this series and I really enjoyed it, not sure why it has taken me this long to get back to this series. A lot has happened in the last couple of books, but it didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this story. Kit Marshall is the chief of staff for Congresswoman, Maeve Dixon. Kit, her friend and co-worker Meg, her husband Doug, and her brother Sebastian attended a reception at the United States Botanic Garden to witness the blooming of the corpse flower. Kit's boss is on the committee that oversees the garden. As they are leaving the Garden, Meg runs back inside to the washroom. When her loud screams are heard, they run back into the building where they find the Architect of the Capitol dead. Kit, having solved several murders in the past, is voluntold to act as liaison between the police and her boss as well as to conduct her own investigation. There are a lot of others things happening in her life, specifically dealing with her brother who becomes part of a couple of protests that target Congresswoman Dixon's office, there are conflicts between some staffers in her office and Meg's love life that all take up some of her time. As her investigation continues, Kit needs to stay ahead of the killer or she might become the next victim.
Colleen Shogan worked on Capital Hill in the past and her knowledge really adds to this story. Learning about tunnels, statues, and buildings I did not know about as well as the various positions and hierarchy, all blend in with the fiction to give this a very realistic yet entertaining vibe. I enjoyed the characters in this story, both main and secondary. Kit is a great protagonist, smart, friendly, diplomatic yet also fun and loving. I loved her dog Clarence, he was quite a character. He plays quite and important role in the story. Kit has a whole team to help her solve this murder. She uses Meg, Doug and Trevor, an old friend who also works on Capital Hill. They all pull together to figure out who the murderer was. With plenty of suspects and a few red herrings, Kit had her work cut out for her. The story was very well-written with all the sub-plots coming together nicely at the end. This is a great whodunnit that will have you guessing until the end. I definitely recommend this Capital Hill Cozy Mystery especially if you like a bit more meat to your cozy. I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Colleen Shogan worked on Capital Hill in the past and her knowledge really adds to this story. Learning about tunnels, statues, and buildings I did not know about as well as the various positions and hierarchy, all blend in with the fiction to give this a very realistic yet entertaining vibe. I enjoyed the characters in this story, both main and secondary. Kit is a great protagonist, smart, friendly, diplomatic yet also fun and loving. I loved her dog Clarence, he was quite a character. He plays quite and important role in the story. Kit has a whole team to help her solve this murder. She uses Meg, Doug and Trevor, an old friend who also works on Capital Hill. They all pull together to figure out who the murderer was. With plenty of suspects and a few red herrings, Kit had her work cut out for her. The story was very well-written with all the sub-plots coming together nicely at the end. This is a great whodunnit that will have you guessing until the end. I definitely recommend this Capital Hill Cozy Mystery especially if you like a bit more meat to your cozy. I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 23, 2019
Cozy mystery fans who like strong settings will love this book. I learn something new about Washington, DC, every time I read a new release in the series—this time the Botanical Garden. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and I enjoyed meeting Kit’s brother. He added a new element of fun to the sleuthing gang!
September 9, 2019
4 stars
“Gore in the Garden” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 5 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that feature Kit Marshall, Congresswoman Dixon’s chief of staff. An exclusive opportunity to see the rare blooming of the plant known as the corpse flower becomes all too apropos when Kit’s best friend and fellow staff member discovers a body. This time, even more of the family gets involved in the investigation as Kit’s husband, brother, and dog all become embroiled in the case.
This fun cozy mystery truly gives an insider view of Washington D.C. and the machinations of some of its denizens. As usual, Kit tries to navigate the delicate pathway between appeasing those in power, refraining from antagonizing anyone who could become (or already is) an important player, and maintaining a harmonious personal life while solving a murder mystery. Although I appreciate the authenticity of the details that permeate the story, at times I felt a bit overwhelmed by them and would rather have had a bit more connection to the characters. I like that Kit is growing in confidence, although I was a bit surprised that the detective who she is always thrown into contact with during the course of her investigations has evidently given up and welcomes her interference, ahem, assistance. Despite the widespread influence of the players in this environment, this still has the small town feel of a cozy mystery, and I was happy to read another tale from this series. Those who are unfamiliar with the series may want to read one or two (or four) of the previous stories to get a bit more oriented, but you can probably get by reading this as a stand-alone story. I look forward to seeing what other complicated situations Kit gets into in the future, as well as learning about other obscure locations in the nation’s capital.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Gore in the Garden” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 5 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that feature Kit Marshall, Congresswoman Dixon’s chief of staff. An exclusive opportunity to see the rare blooming of the plant known as the corpse flower becomes all too apropos when Kit’s best friend and fellow staff member discovers a body. This time, even more of the family gets involved in the investigation as Kit’s husband, brother, and dog all become embroiled in the case.
This fun cozy mystery truly gives an insider view of Washington D.C. and the machinations of some of its denizens. As usual, Kit tries to navigate the delicate pathway between appeasing those in power, refraining from antagonizing anyone who could become (or already is) an important player, and maintaining a harmonious personal life while solving a murder mystery. Although I appreciate the authenticity of the details that permeate the story, at times I felt a bit overwhelmed by them and would rather have had a bit more connection to the characters. I like that Kit is growing in confidence, although I was a bit surprised that the detective who she is always thrown into contact with during the course of her investigations has evidently given up and welcomes her interference, ahem, assistance. Despite the widespread influence of the players in this environment, this still has the small town feel of a cozy mystery, and I was happy to read another tale from this series. Those who are unfamiliar with the series may want to read one or two (or four) of the previous stories to get a bit more oriented, but you can probably get by reading this as a stand-alone story. I look forward to seeing what other complicated situations Kit gets into in the future, as well as learning about other obscure locations in the nation’s capital.
A copy of this title was provided for review
January 29, 2026
Not good lol lots of mistakes and the vocabulary used didn’t match the characters and was used repeatedly. Story wasn’t very exciting either, no action.
September 30, 2019
---4.5 Stars---
Another exciting, intriguing, and enjoyable read in the Washington Whodunit Cozy Mystery Book Series!!!
This is the third book I’ve read in this book series. I previously read, reviewed, and blogged about Colleen’s third book in this series, “Calamity at the Continental Club,” a couple years ago and Colleen’s fourth book in the series, “K Street Killing,” last year so I was very excited to read her latest installment in the series, “Gore in the Garden.”
I really enjoyed teaming up with Kit again and solving another mystery!
Kit has become one of my favorite amateur sleuths!!!
Again, I really liked the main characters! I was so excited to see the whole crew back together! I enjoyed Kit, her husband Doug, their adorable dog Clarence, her BFF Meg, her boss Congresswoman Maeve Dixon, and her interesting hippie younger brother Sebastian that creates some interesting and uncomfortable situations for her lol!! I really get so invested in characters sometimes – especially in a book series, so it’s great to see them happy and still all together! Also, the supporting characters were well-developed and amply played off the main cast.
This book has a creative story line, intriguing plot points, excellent mystery structured scenarios, fantastic writing style, well-developed characters, and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!
Without giving too much away, there is a scene in the book at the United States Botanic Garden in D.C. where the characters are gathered at an event and are awaiting a special viewing of the blooming of a corpse flower. Now, the author does a great job at describing the details, however, I was very intrigued and just had to Google this flower. Very interesting! I read a couple articles and watched a few YouTube videos that showed that actual blooming which apparently it takes this flower 7-10 years to bloom!!! And it’s named a corpse flower because it actually smells like decomp right as it’s about to bloom. I LOVE books that teach me new things and this book not only educated me about this really intriguing flower, but it sparked my curiosity to even take it one step further and research it online! Now I actually want to find a garden and attend such a viewing!
Again, I loved the D.C. backdrop in this book series that continued into this fifth book as the author shows her D.C. roots by throwing in so many references throughout the book since the book does take place there. I have been to D.C. a few times and loved it. So, I really enjoy when I read a book from there that the real D.C. is found in the pages – and it sure was!
There are some very predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This is the fifth book in the Washington Whodunit Book Series. Although, this book is part of a book series, it can absolutely be read on its own as a standalone. As you can see, I started in the middle of the series, with book three, four, and now five and haven’t got lost yet lol!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, and enjoyable cozy mystery book.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Another exciting, intriguing, and enjoyable read in the Washington Whodunit Cozy Mystery Book Series!!!
This is the third book I’ve read in this book series. I previously read, reviewed, and blogged about Colleen’s third book in this series, “Calamity at the Continental Club,” a couple years ago and Colleen’s fourth book in the series, “K Street Killing,” last year so I was very excited to read her latest installment in the series, “Gore in the Garden.”
I really enjoyed teaming up with Kit again and solving another mystery!
Kit has become one of my favorite amateur sleuths!!!
Again, I really liked the main characters! I was so excited to see the whole crew back together! I enjoyed Kit, her husband Doug, their adorable dog Clarence, her BFF Meg, her boss Congresswoman Maeve Dixon, and her interesting hippie younger brother Sebastian that creates some interesting and uncomfortable situations for her lol!! I really get so invested in characters sometimes – especially in a book series, so it’s great to see them happy and still all together! Also, the supporting characters were well-developed and amply played off the main cast.
This book has a creative story line, intriguing plot points, excellent mystery structured scenarios, fantastic writing style, well-developed characters, and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!
Without giving too much away, there is a scene in the book at the United States Botanic Garden in D.C. where the characters are gathered at an event and are awaiting a special viewing of the blooming of a corpse flower. Now, the author does a great job at describing the details, however, I was very intrigued and just had to Google this flower. Very interesting! I read a couple articles and watched a few YouTube videos that showed that actual blooming which apparently it takes this flower 7-10 years to bloom!!! And it’s named a corpse flower because it actually smells like decomp right as it’s about to bloom. I LOVE books that teach me new things and this book not only educated me about this really intriguing flower, but it sparked my curiosity to even take it one step further and research it online! Now I actually want to find a garden and attend such a viewing!
Again, I loved the D.C. backdrop in this book series that continued into this fifth book as the author shows her D.C. roots by throwing in so many references throughout the book since the book does take place there. I have been to D.C. a few times and loved it. So, I really enjoy when I read a book from there that the real D.C. is found in the pages – and it sure was!
There are some very predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This is the fifth book in the Washington Whodunit Book Series. Although, this book is part of a book series, it can absolutely be read on its own as a standalone. As you can see, I started in the middle of the series, with book three, four, and now five and haven’t got lost yet lol!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, and enjoyable cozy mystery book.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
September 29, 2019
You know I have “giggled” a little about Colleen Shogan’s series being a political cozy. It just struck me odd when I realized that was the subject in the first one I read. But you know what? It works. This is Book 5 of a series titled “A Washington Whodunit”. It’s the third book in the series I have reviewed. I’ve enjoyed everyone of them. Oddly enough this book gives a somewhat clear picture of what is probably the give and take of Washington DC politics. While I don’t like it, I do realize the reality of it. The politics don’t take away one bit from the cute mystery and the characters involved.
I have gotten to know Shogan’s characters and to like them. I said in a previous review that I felt maybe I didn’t have enough background on them. It’s most certainly not true here. In fact I know enough about them to get their humor, their oddities, and the jokes involved between them. I think I enjoyed Kit’s brother being involved a little this time. It gave a little lighter picture to the story. The give and take between them added a little humor.
There was one thing very different in this story, almost a character theme or a dialog change. I think the change was a good thing. It made it more readable for me and quite possibly made the story a little more grown up. Shogan made her characters have their quirks which is a very necessary part of writing to define them. But this time each habit, each mannerism, was more of a perspective type of description. Just like in real life; you recognize certain things about your friend. You laugh about them but it’s just their way; not really a bad thing.
I know I’m not verbalizing this very clearly. It seemed in the earlier books as if Shogan dwelt on certain habits of specific characters too often, almost making the character seem silly; maybe in an attempt to define them. But now, those same silly habits or even the annoying ones (we all have them) are just “asides”, cute funny things in passing. It makes the book a little more serious while still making it a light, fun book to read.
I have gotten to know Shogan’s characters and to like them. I said in a previous review that I felt maybe I didn’t have enough background on them. It’s most certainly not true here. In fact I know enough about them to get their humor, their oddities, and the jokes involved between them. I think I enjoyed Kit’s brother being involved a little this time. It gave a little lighter picture to the story. The give and take between them added a little humor.
There was one thing very different in this story, almost a character theme or a dialog change. I think the change was a good thing. It made it more readable for me and quite possibly made the story a little more grown up. Shogan made her characters have their quirks which is a very necessary part of writing to define them. But this time each habit, each mannerism, was more of a perspective type of description. Just like in real life; you recognize certain things about your friend. You laugh about them but it’s just their way; not really a bad thing.
I know I’m not verbalizing this very clearly. It seemed in the earlier books as if Shogan dwelt on certain habits of specific characters too often, almost making the character seem silly; maybe in an attempt to define them. But now, those same silly habits or even the annoying ones (we all have them) are just “asides”, cute funny things in passing. It makes the book a little more serious while still making it a light, fun book to read.
September 20, 2019
Gore in the Garden is my first experience with Colleen J. Shogan’s writing. I believe this fifth installment from the Washington Whodunit series can be read as a stand alone. I was able to jump right in and read it without feeling as though I have missed some information that was in the previous books. I thought this was a great and fun read. I found myself giggling at times and I was enthralled in the mystery. I was definitely surprised at the “whodunit”.
I give Gore in the Garden five plus stars. I would love to read the other books from the Washington Whodunit series. I look forward to more by Colleen J Shogan in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Gore in the Garden five plus stars. I would love to read the other books from the Washington Whodunit series. I look forward to more by Colleen J Shogan in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
July 25, 2019
Another edge of your seat Cozy. Colleen Shogan continues in
book 5 of the series to give the reader a page turning Cozy Murder Mystery.
In this installment Shogan adds a new character to the mix in
Kit's brother Sebastian.
There are some great sub characters that add to the story.
Giving up on keeping Kit from getting into trouble with investigating her husband Doug's joins her and helps out with the sleuthing...deciding it's better to be a part of the investigation and keeping Kit out of harms way.
This is a fun and intriguing series. I have enjoyed each of the books I have read in this series.
I received a complimentary copy.
book 5 of the series to give the reader a page turning Cozy Murder Mystery.
In this installment Shogan adds a new character to the mix in
Kit's brother Sebastian.
There are some great sub characters that add to the story.
Giving up on keeping Kit from getting into trouble with investigating her husband Doug's joins her and helps out with the sleuthing...deciding it's better to be a part of the investigation and keeping Kit out of harms way.
This is a fun and intriguing series. I have enjoyed each of the books I have read in this series.
I received a complimentary copy.
September 16, 2019
This was my first Washington Whodunnit, and I enjoyed it. I loved the connection between Kit and Doug, and how they supported each other. The crime itself was interesting one, and the story had plenty of twists and surprises to keep the reader guessing. I found the political bits and pieces a bit tedious but it did not take away from the story. I recommend this book.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
September 3, 2019
An entertaining series that is full of adventure and excitement. I really enjoy Kit and the behind the curtain look she gives us into the world of a congressional staffer in Washington, DC. I know I can always count on a well-written page turner when I pick up this series and this book was no exception. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy a good mystery.
December 8, 2022
bad. not a fan.
The dialogue is awful. It's so repetitive.
Why is this woman soling murders when that's not her job.
Also, American government jargon is soooooooooo boring.
bleh
At least 200 pages too long.
The dialogue is awful. It's so repetitive.
Why is this woman soling murders when that's not her job.
Also, American government jargon is soooooooooo boring.
bleh
At least 200 pages too long.
October 23, 2024
Unrealistic. Predictable. Who would actually ask a non fbi or police detective to try and solve a murder? Why would she involve so many of the people close to her and put them all in danger? It just didn't make sense.
July 16, 2019
Excellent book, read it in 3 hours, Could not put it down. Love Colleen's books, Cant wait for more.
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June 1, 2021Categories
Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Washington Whodunit
Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Washington Whodunit
May 29, 2023
Audio - I remember hearing about this plant. A fun series for those who know Washington DC.
September 9, 2024
For me, the book was set at a very slow pace. However, the author still included detail when it mattered, so I was never lost. The pace does speed up a bit towards the end.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews