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The Aspen Notch Mysteries #2
The Garden Shop Mystery
Sue Jaworski prepares to open her new garden shop in Aspen Notch—but someone poses a threat, in more ways than one…
Sue’s plan to use the historic log cabin on her property as a garden shop has locals excited. They fondly remember the town founder’s original home as Clara’s candy store. When Sue unearths the old recipes, she decides to sell the candies in Butterflies and Blooms. After someone notifies the health department, Sue must prove that Clara’s taffies didn’t cause the mysterious foodborne illness in Aspen Notch.
That’s not Sue’s only problem. Mischief and vandalism escalate in her first week of business. Sue’s husband, police chief Alan Jaworski, is convinced that the incidents are childish pranks until he finds her unconscious in the shop. Sue believes that someone is trying to force her to close Butterflies and Blooms. But why?
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, small town charm, a touch of history, and a woman sleuth who has an uncanny ability to make connections, you’ll love Kathleen McKee’s second book of the Aspen Notch Mystery Series. Join Sue for her latest adventure in The Garden Shop Mystery.
Sue’s plan to use the historic log cabin on her property as a garden shop has locals excited. They fondly remember the town founder’s original home as Clara’s candy store. When Sue unearths the old recipes, she decides to sell the candies in Butterflies and Blooms. After someone notifies the health department, Sue must prove that Clara’s taffies didn’t cause the mysterious foodborne illness in Aspen Notch.
That’s not Sue’s only problem. Mischief and vandalism escalate in her first week of business. Sue’s husband, police chief Alan Jaworski, is convinced that the incidents are childish pranks until he finds her unconscious in the shop. Sue believes that someone is trying to force her to close Butterflies and Blooms. But why?
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, small town charm, a touch of history, and a woman sleuth who has an uncanny ability to make connections, you’ll love Kathleen McKee’s second book of the Aspen Notch Mystery Series. Join Sue for her latest adventure in The Garden Shop Mystery.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
212 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2020
274 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McKee
28 books74 followersKathleen McKee is a retired educator and registered dietitian who enjoys crafting stories that are uplifting and moving. Regardless of genre, she likes to include a touch of romance and mystery, with narratives that bring the characters to life.
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2022
Sue decides to make a garden center in the cabin after encouragement from her friend Evelyn and support from Alan. Everyone in town wants Sue to include candy from the recipes Clara Whitman left but Sue isn't sure there's room for candy in a garden center. Enter Barb who volunteers to make the recipes and bring them to the cabin so they can sell them. Everything is fine until people get sick and blames the candy for it. That along with vandalism to the store ends up causing the store to be closed down till the health inspector decides if it really was the candy that got everyone sick. The vandalism escalates, someone dies and there are more suspects than answers. Alan and Sue aren't sure they're ever going to find the killer and after a lot of interesting twists, turns and plot changes with the occasional red herring thrown in is the truth discovered. Meanwhile throughout the story the history and family tree of Abe Whitman [the founding father so to speak of Aspen Notch] is slowly completed. Lots of action going on throughout the story and if you love a good mystery, you are definitely going to want to read this book.
June 4, 2021
I seldom find a good, page turning mystery without a dead body being discovered, but this is one. The characters are likeable and feel like real people. There's enough narrative to help set the various scenes, but not so much that it's boring. The plot keeps you reading and progresses at a comfortable pace. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for an easy, interesting read.
January 26, 2026
Picking up several months after the conclusion of the first book in the series, The Garden Shop Mystery opens by bringing listeners up to speed on Sue and Alan’s life as they’ve settled into their home in Aspen Notch. Sue is moving forward with her dream to open a garden shop in “Abe’s Cabin,” the outbuilding located on their property. While it’s a lot of work, she’s enjoying the process; however a newly elected town official is working to keep the shop from opening, and after it does open, vandalism and other issues cause the store to close for days.
The Garden Shop Mystery is just that… a mystery over who is trying to sabotage the shop or if it’s all just a series of terrible pranks. While the book was slow going as I listened to all of the pitfalls and successes of Sue’s endeavor, I realized I liked that the story didn’t center on a murder. Too many cozies fall in to the trap of creating a town filled with dead bodies. There are only so many murders a small town can handle before it becomes ridiculous.
The Aspen Notch Mystery series features real characters that have everyday concerns. I love that Sue and Alan are a bit older, yet still active. This is a second marriage for both Sue and Alan, and I like that we see them learn each other’s quirks and habits. That said, they’ve been together a year and still fall into the same traps when it comes to communication. Sue often reacts without thinking, especially when she’s frustrated with Alan’s perceived lack of concern. It’s okay for a bit, but she ends up acting like a petulant child who doesn’t get her way. And Alan tends to try and control Sue’s handling of a situation, belittling her concerns and actions. While I praise the author for creating solid, real characters, I want to see them learn and mature as the series progresses, and I don’t see that yet in this book.
There is also a scene in the book that shocked me and left a bad taste in my mouth. At one point when Sue is frustrated over her situation and unclear on how to proceed, she states that she doesn’t know where to start. Her best friend Evelyn makes a comment about Custer not knowing where to start when he was told to round up the Native Americans. I was just floored at how insensitive this comparison is. It came out of nowhere and is in horribly poor taste.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Sue. Jones performs with a deeper feminine voice, suitable for the 60-something Sue. She alters a marginal amount for gender, deepening her voice for males. There isn’t a lot of variation between characters of the same gender, but enough to distinguish who was talking. Overall it’s a good performance.
In the end, The Garden Shop Mystery is a good mystery. While I do appreciate that the story and characters are grounded in reality, I want to see the characters learn from their actions, especially Sue, who went a bit overboard in this story. I’ll give the next book a try, but if I don’t see improvement, I may be leaving Aspen Notch behind.
My Ratings:
Story: B-/C+
Narration: B+
Originally posted on That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
The Garden Shop Mystery is just that… a mystery over who is trying to sabotage the shop or if it’s all just a series of terrible pranks. While the book was slow going as I listened to all of the pitfalls and successes of Sue’s endeavor, I realized I liked that the story didn’t center on a murder. Too many cozies fall in to the trap of creating a town filled with dead bodies. There are only so many murders a small town can handle before it becomes ridiculous.
The Aspen Notch Mystery series features real characters that have everyday concerns. I love that Sue and Alan are a bit older, yet still active. This is a second marriage for both Sue and Alan, and I like that we see them learn each other’s quirks and habits. That said, they’ve been together a year and still fall into the same traps when it comes to communication. Sue often reacts without thinking, especially when she’s frustrated with Alan’s perceived lack of concern. It’s okay for a bit, but she ends up acting like a petulant child who doesn’t get her way. And Alan tends to try and control Sue’s handling of a situation, belittling her concerns and actions. While I praise the author for creating solid, real characters, I want to see them learn and mature as the series progresses, and I don’t see that yet in this book.
There is also a scene in the book that shocked me and left a bad taste in my mouth. At one point when Sue is frustrated over her situation and unclear on how to proceed, she states that she doesn’t know where to start. Her best friend Evelyn makes a comment about Custer not knowing where to start when he was told to round up the Native Americans. I was just floored at how insensitive this comparison is. It came out of nowhere and is in horribly poor taste.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Sue. Jones performs with a deeper feminine voice, suitable for the 60-something Sue. She alters a marginal amount for gender, deepening her voice for males. There isn’t a lot of variation between characters of the same gender, but enough to distinguish who was talking. Overall it’s a good performance.
In the end, The Garden Shop Mystery is a good mystery. While I do appreciate that the story and characters are grounded in reality, I want to see the characters learn from their actions, especially Sue, who went a bit overboard in this story. I’ll give the next book a try, but if I don’t see improvement, I may be leaving Aspen Notch behind.
My Ratings:
Story: B-/C+
Narration: B+
Originally posted on That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
June 3, 2020
I was charmed by Kathleen McKee's latest, The Garden Shop Mystery. After reading the prequel, I was on the edge of my seat to see what trouble protagonist Sue would get into next! As Sue settles into her new community, I especially enjoyed reading about her evolving female friendships and the support that these relationships gave her in developing her new business. The escalating mischief at the newly opened garden shop kept me turning the pages, devouring the book in the span of a day! McKee is a riveting, wholesome storyteller who paints such a clear picture that I could practically taste the vanilla saltwater taffy.
December 13, 2020
I enjoy Kathleen McKee's Aspen Notch Mysteries very much. Her characters are well written, writing the best - just very enjoyable reads.
June 11, 2023
This was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed so I thought I would check it out. It is time to bring my review to Goodreads.
Premise: Sue wants to own a garden shop, and the locals are excited to finally have one in their town. While putting the place together she comes across some old recipes. She decides to sell the candies. This creates a whole new series of problems, including vandalism. What's up in her town?
Cozy mystery. Small town charm. Woman sleuth. Likable characters. Easy read.
Premise: Sue wants to own a garden shop, and the locals are excited to finally have one in their town. While putting the place together she comes across some old recipes. She decides to sell the candies. This creates a whole new series of problems, including vandalism. What's up in her town?
Cozy mystery. Small town charm. Woman sleuth. Likable characters. Easy read.
October 22, 2025
These Books Keep Getting Better
These books aren’t your regular murder / death books. MS McKee has blended a likable storyline with the misadventure of some of the residents. My only complaint would be with the husband in the story…he’s way too obtuse to be a lawman. I understand the play by
But sometimes I want to shake his character, lolol…still much an enjoyable story and characters.
These books aren’t your regular murder / death books. MS McKee has blended a likable storyline with the misadventure of some of the residents. My only complaint would be with the husband in the story…he’s way too obtuse to be a lawman. I understand the play by
But sometimes I want to shake his character, lolol…still much an enjoyable story and characters.
June 30, 2020
This book was a wonderful mystery with relatable characters. I loved the historical element too. Made me want to learn more of my own family history. She describes the scenes with so much detail that it’s easy to envision the settings. I was imaging the cabin with all the garden items, plants, tools, and had me craving taffy! It was an enjoyable read!
June 19, 2025
Enjoyable series
Sue has opened her garden shop in the cabin on their property, but several acts of vandalism and even some serious incidents make the continuation of the shop questionable. Several people in town have gotten sick with high potassium levels, and finding out what caused is another mystery. I hope to continue the series.
Sue has opened her garden shop in the cabin on their property, but several acts of vandalism and even some serious incidents make the continuation of the shop questionable. Several people in town have gotten sick with high potassium levels, and finding out what caused is another mystery. I hope to continue the series.
January 26, 2026
surprised by one incident
There were so many side stories that wove into the main one. I’m glad they settled the issues about the candy. Sue is a very forgiving woman. Alan can be a suspicious jerk toward his wife sometimes. I will read the next book in the series. Please always keep Sophie safe.
There were so many side stories that wove into the main one. I’m glad they settled the issues about the candy. Sue is a very forgiving woman. Alan can be a suspicious jerk toward his wife sometimes. I will read the next book in the series. Please always keep Sophie safe.
August 4, 2025
A Must Read
Kathleen McKee is now at the top of the list of my favorite authors. Looking forward to the future novels
Kathleen McKee is now at the top of the list of my favorite authors. Looking forward to the future novels
August 22, 2025
Great series
Great characters, interesting storyline and good writing. Also very well edited highly recommend. Just a good easy read that you will enjoy.
Great characters, interesting storyline and good writing. Also very well edited highly recommend. Just a good easy read that you will enjoy.
April 17, 2022
I got a bit lost with all the genealogy but enjoyed the book
A couple of things bothered me in this book. I thought Sue was petulant with her anger toward Alan, especially on the steps of their neighbors and not cognizant of the difficulty she put him in. And her reaction to the health inspector closing the shop was too much. Anyone, it seems to me, would want to do that till the problem was found. The turnaround of the neighbors at the end might have been unrealistic. Although Sue points out that she has her flaws as we all do, a little more insight into whet seems to me to be her self serving behavior, would have been nice. Otherwise, I enjoyed the interactions with Sues new friends and the mystery. I kept trying to figure out where the potassium came from even when I wasn’t reading. So the book did engage me!
A couple of things bothered me in this book. I thought Sue was petulant with her anger toward Alan, especially on the steps of their neighbors and not cognizant of the difficulty she put him in. And her reaction to the health inspector closing the shop was too much. Anyone, it seems to me, would want to do that till the problem was found. The turnaround of the neighbors at the end might have been unrealistic. Although Sue points out that she has her flaws as we all do, a little more insight into whet seems to me to be her self serving behavior, would have been nice. Otherwise, I enjoyed the interactions with Sues new friends and the mystery. I kept trying to figure out where the potassium came from even when I wasn’t reading. So the book did engage me!
June 9, 2020
Another delightful read from Kathleen McKee
The Garden Shop Mystery unfolds like the blossoms of a rose. Layer by layer Sue discovers the motives and the culprits behind the series of unusual events that accompanies the opening of her flower shop. One of my favorite things about the author’s books are the details of the every day life of the characters. This gives a richness and a fullness that makes the story interesting and believable. Read and enjoy! Well done Kathleen McKee.
The Garden Shop Mystery unfolds like the blossoms of a rose. Layer by layer Sue discovers the motives and the culprits behind the series of unusual events that accompanies the opening of her flower shop. One of my favorite things about the author’s books are the details of the every day life of the characters. This gives a richness and a fullness that makes the story interesting and believable. Read and enjoy! Well done Kathleen McKee.
January 17, 2022
My first visit to Aspen Notch and I enjoyed my visit. I also liked meeting all the characters in the small town. Eventually, all the damage and vandalism caused to Sue's 'Butterflies and Blooms' shop in old Abe Whitman's cabin was finally sorted out. The culprit brought to book in a cosy way. A very cosy crime but also very readable. On the down side, I did find it laboured a little in places but that said, I would read others in the Aspen Notch series.
May 3, 2023
The Garden Shop Mystery is a great continuation of The Aspen Notch Mysteries. Sue has opened her garden shop in What was Claire’s candy store, but someone isn’t happy about it. Alan is stil acting Chief of Polce for Aspen Notch, and fully supports Sue’s endeavor. I love the new characters and the continued development of some from the first book. The mystery is developed throughout the story and has a surprise ending. I look forward to the next book.
March 30, 2024
This book is full of surprises and I enjoyed the read
August 2, 2025
Good book. Not a virtual voice narration fan though.
September 5, 2025
Good read.
Loved the book it was serious and also funny as well as having a mystery and true friendship love how you put it all together.
Loved the book it was serious and also funny as well as having a mystery and true friendship love how you put it all together.
September 30, 2025
Another great story in the series. Am already well into A Cameo Appearance …
January 14, 2026
Fun story
Cute story with a mystery in which no one dies, but the clues keep coming. Could have benefit red from a better editor, but is a fun read, nevertheless.
Cute story with a mystery in which no one dies, but the clues keep coming. Could have benefit red from a better editor, but is a fun read, nevertheless.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews