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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #6
Twas the Bite Before Christmas
A caroling donkey arrives in Clover Grove before Christmas with tidings of a new murder.
Stray rescue animals are business as usual for hobby farmer Ivy, and her sheepdog, Keats. Misfits blend seamlessly into the menagerie and the more the merrier.
When a mouthy, grieving donkey demands room at the inn right before Christmas, however, Ivy bites off more than she can chew. He’s got a message that’s far from festive and he won’t stop singing the blues till she figures out his secret.
Someone in town won't live to see another Christmas, and Ivy, Keats and the crime-solving crew will need to work fast if there’s any hope of making their first country yuletide bright. Or even making it out alive.
Can they show this sad donkey the true meaning of Christmas while taking down a killer?
Stray rescue animals are business as usual for hobby farmer Ivy, and her sheepdog, Keats. Misfits blend seamlessly into the menagerie and the more the merrier.
When a mouthy, grieving donkey demands room at the inn right before Christmas, however, Ivy bites off more than she can chew. He’s got a message that’s far from festive and he won’t stop singing the blues till she figures out his secret.
Someone in town won't live to see another Christmas, and Ivy, Keats and the crime-solving crew will need to work fast if there’s any hope of making their first country yuletide bright. Or even making it out alive.
Can they show this sad donkey the true meaning of Christmas while taking down a killer?
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
492 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 28, 2020
This series is always a favorite! Each title gets better, and I love the characters (two & four-legged both) a little more. I would highly recommend this entire series to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery!
March 9, 2023
It's Christmas in Clover Grove and Ivy and Jilly are looking forward to decking the halls and celebrating with their found family, including the animals. And no the unnamed emu hasn't found a home yet, but it's OK because Hannah Pemberton sent money to help keep the farm running for a little while longer. Nothing can dampen Ivy's spirit... except a foreboding that someone else is going to die. When Mayor Martingale insists on making Clover Grove the Christmas rival to Dorset Hills, Ivy and her family are on board to help. Until the mayor forces Ivy to join the choir and Dahlia insists on joining too when she can't carry a tune. The mayor also forces Ivy to host her family for the holidays, even the bratty teen girl who spells trouble. There's no trouble like murder though and when a singing donkey becomes attached to Ivy, she's determined to figure out her story and help him. Her search leads to Vinnie Swenson's farm, a sad place for animals. It's a sad place for Ivy too as she discovers Vinnie face down in the water trough on the manure-encrusted floor of his ramshackle barn. Whoever did it let his livestock loose and Ivy needs to find them before they freeze to death. She won't give up on her new companion, Bocelli. Then the choir master drops dead after she's heard threatening him and Edna takes over, there's little time for investigating. When Ivy finds a lead at the Sunny Acres retirement homes, Edna insists on coming with to investigate. Can Ivy solve this one before someone tries to kill her again? Will Kellan figure it out in time for Christmas?
This series is such a hoot. I love spending time with the Runaway Farm animals and the Clover Grove people. The plot seems pretty simple but some late twists and turns drive the story in a different direction. It was enough to keep me up late reading and I never guessed whodunit. I had a big smile on my face the whole time. The Christmas charm was so well done. I felt like I was there. The geography doesn't sound like New England though.
It was great spending time with everyone again. Ivy is so sweet and caring towards all the animals. Her bond with Bocelli is adorable. If only she could figure out what he's trying to say! Donkey requires some getting used to. Keats and Percy are now as tight as Ivy and Jilly and nearly as inseparable. Keats is a working farm dog but Percy enjoys a nice cozy lap now and again. It's hilarious how they are so mischievous around Kellan, even Keats, and Kellan just doesn't see it. He doesn't realize they're teasing him. He loves Ivy and he's getting used to the animals too. His comments about children sounded spot-on but I'm not sure animals can be treated in the same way. Maybe Keats because he understands Ivy but Percy? Kellan is very sweet and lovely in this book and now I'm totally into this relationship. Jilly and Asher are very much in love and a little too mushy for me.
Edna is a hoot. She's deep into this survivalist movement but she seems to truly care about Ivy and even the animals. They've grown on her and she's grown on Ivy. There's no one else in this series I'd want at my back during a zombie apocalypse but maybe not driving through the bush. We're getting to know Ivy's family a lot better. Dahlia is a firecracker. She's a fiercely devoted mother and will do anything to protect her children from any hurt or slight. Yet she's also very selfish and egotistical. She can't see the effect she has on people. Daisy seems happier now she has a job outside the home and can put her cleaning obsession to good use. Poppy is still a troublemaker but Ivy notes her sister has toned it down a bit. Asher's sense of humor is coming out and apparently he gets it from their father! Yes, the girls get some major bombshells dropped on them regarding their long-absent father! I was shocked myself. I need to know more!
There are a few newcomers in this story. The mayor finally comes out to do her job. Mayor Meryl Martindale sounds like she's arrogant and wants Clover Grove to rival Dorset Hills instead of being its own quaint town. She tries to steal Ivy and Jilly's thunder for starting the cultural revival movement and forces Ivy to do things Ivy doesn't want to do. I think this woman is about to be murdered or is a murderer. I wouldn't put it past her to kill someone for the sake of her own image or the town's image. Same thing in her mind. Her brother, Bill Stout, and his family come to stay at Runaway Farm. Bill doesn't sound super pleasant and his wife is horrible to their teenage daughter. Bronwyn, 13, seems like a major brat but Ivy and Edna recognize a kindred spirit in her - a rebel trying to break free. They're both good with her and good to her. Her transformation is great and I hope she can stay true to herself and not let her witchy mother's comments get her down.
Vincent Swenson, a farmer, was not very good to his animals. He never fed them enough, didn't groom them or care for them the way Ivy cares for her animals. Yet he resorted to stealing any animal that wandered onto his property. He was bad news and the law was bribed to look the other way or afraid. Someone killed him and someone let his animals out. Was it the Rescue Mafia? I don't think they'd resort to murder or being so obvious about stealing livestock.
Felix Milloy, an old wannabe boyfriend of Edna's has returned to town. He's the new choirmaster and while he seems to know what he's doing to run a professional choir, this is just a bunch of amateurs from Clover Grove. He's too hard on them and pushes Dahlia into losing her temper. He was heard insulting her and threatening Ivy. Still, I don't think either murdered him. He was clearly poisoned. He was bad news back in his day, always in trouble with the law. He was engaged in a longtime feud between his father and a Vinnie's father that got ugly at times and may have now resulted in murder. Did it have something to do with the lost buried treasure they fought over?
Gertie Rhodes is an elderly woman of Edna's generation and just as crusty and feisty. She's a survivor and determined to stay on her isolated farm even in the face of danger. I love how Ivy can see through people's exterior, Gertie included. Gertie is just scared and alone so she has to be tough. She tries to run off people who search for buried treasure on her farm but will she stop at shooting people or did she try something else? I hope she's not the killer because I rather like her. She's not as caustic as Edna.
There are several treasure hunters in town. One is possibly Beverly Roxton, the small animal vet's wife. She's nasty and never has anything nice to say. She's rude to Ivy, downright cruel to her father-in-law and doesn't seem to like animals. Why on earth did Cliff marry her? He seems so nice, jolly and kind. Beverly is ambitious, money-hungry and doesn't like the Galloways much for some reason. Her ego and Dahlia's can not exist on the same plane I guess. Dahlia's old nemeses, the Langman sisters, turn up again as suspects. They're certainly treasure hunters and after the escapade with the dancer, they probably need money. Gold coins would be a dream come true and they've shown they will resort to any underhanded methods to get what they want. They don't like Keats and he doesn't like them but Percy tolerates them. Maybe Percy isn't as perceptive as Keats?
At the Sunny Acres Retirement Villa, Ivy meets a few new people. Dr. Roxton, Sr. was the town vet for many years before his son took over. The elderly man now has dementia and nothing he says makes sense. His daughter-in-law belittles him, demeans him and doesn't have any empathy at all. I agree with Ivy that his brain is in there somewhere and he's trying to express himself and it comes out unintelligible. I'm betting he holds the key to the mystery. If only Ivy could speak his language too. Martha Kinkaid is Ivy's newest senior friend. She has fond memories of the farm when she came to visit the animals. Ivy is determined Martha get to the farm for some more visits and more memories. Martha provides a lot of good background information on the old timers. She has a long memory. Another kind senior Ivy befriends in Clarence Dayton. A friend of the Rescue Mafia, his grandfather was the town's original animal rescuer, rescuing circus animals back in his day until that nasty Frank Swenson made threats and had the animals removed. How heartbreaking for both humans and animals. It gives Clarence a strong motive for murder but he's elderly and a friend of the Mafia. I don't think they'd call him a friend if he resorted to killing animal abusers.
I have no idea who the murderer is but I think they did the town a favor. If Ivy can't solve the murder, she can't figure out what's wrong with her new pal Bocelli and I suspect the mayor would come down hard on her AND Kellan. I can't wait to return to Clover Grove!
This series is such a hoot. I love spending time with the Runaway Farm animals and the Clover Grove people. The plot seems pretty simple but some late twists and turns drive the story in a different direction. It was enough to keep me up late reading and I never guessed whodunit. I had a big smile on my face the whole time. The Christmas charm was so well done. I felt like I was there. The geography doesn't sound like New England though.
It was great spending time with everyone again. Ivy is so sweet and caring towards all the animals. Her bond with Bocelli is adorable. If only she could figure out what he's trying to say! Donkey requires some getting used to. Keats and Percy are now as tight as Ivy and Jilly and nearly as inseparable. Keats is a working farm dog but Percy enjoys a nice cozy lap now and again. It's hilarious how they are so mischievous around Kellan, even Keats, and Kellan just doesn't see it. He doesn't realize they're teasing him. He loves Ivy and he's getting used to the animals too. His comments about children sounded spot-on but I'm not sure animals can be treated in the same way. Maybe Keats because he understands Ivy but Percy? Kellan is very sweet and lovely in this book and now I'm totally into this relationship. Jilly and Asher are very much in love and a little too mushy for me.
Edna is a hoot. She's deep into this survivalist movement but she seems to truly care about Ivy and even the animals. They've grown on her and she's grown on Ivy. There's no one else in this series I'd want at my back during a zombie apocalypse but maybe not driving through the bush. We're getting to know Ivy's family a lot better. Dahlia is a firecracker. She's a fiercely devoted mother and will do anything to protect her children from any hurt or slight. Yet she's also very selfish and egotistical. She can't see the effect she has on people. Daisy seems happier now she has a job outside the home and can put her cleaning obsession to good use. Poppy is still a troublemaker but Ivy notes her sister has toned it down a bit. Asher's sense of humor is coming out and apparently he gets it from their father! Yes, the girls get some major bombshells dropped on them regarding their long-absent father! I was shocked myself. I need to know more!
There are a few newcomers in this story. The mayor finally comes out to do her job. Mayor Meryl Martindale sounds like she's arrogant and wants Clover Grove to rival Dorset Hills instead of being its own quaint town. She tries to steal Ivy and Jilly's thunder for starting the cultural revival movement and forces Ivy to do things Ivy doesn't want to do. I think this woman is about to be murdered or is a murderer. I wouldn't put it past her to kill someone for the sake of her own image or the town's image. Same thing in her mind. Her brother, Bill Stout, and his family come to stay at Runaway Farm. Bill doesn't sound super pleasant and his wife is horrible to their teenage daughter. Bronwyn, 13, seems like a major brat but Ivy and Edna recognize a kindred spirit in her - a rebel trying to break free. They're both good with her and good to her. Her transformation is great and I hope she can stay true to herself and not let her witchy mother's comments get her down.
Vincent Swenson, a farmer, was not very good to his animals. He never fed them enough, didn't groom them or care for them the way Ivy cares for her animals. Yet he resorted to stealing any animal that wandered onto his property. He was bad news and the law was bribed to look the other way or afraid. Someone killed him and someone let his animals out. Was it the Rescue Mafia? I don't think they'd resort to murder or being so obvious about stealing livestock.
Felix Milloy, an old wannabe boyfriend of Edna's has returned to town. He's the new choirmaster and while he seems to know what he's doing to run a professional choir, this is just a bunch of amateurs from Clover Grove. He's too hard on them and pushes Dahlia into losing her temper. He was heard insulting her and threatening Ivy. Still, I don't think either murdered him. He was clearly poisoned. He was bad news back in his day, always in trouble with the law. He was engaged in a longtime feud between his father and a Vinnie's father that got ugly at times and may have now resulted in murder. Did it have something to do with the lost buried treasure they fought over?
Gertie Rhodes is an elderly woman of Edna's generation and just as crusty and feisty. She's a survivor and determined to stay on her isolated farm even in the face of danger. I love how Ivy can see through people's exterior, Gertie included. Gertie is just scared and alone so she has to be tough. She tries to run off people who search for buried treasure on her farm but will she stop at shooting people or did she try something else? I hope she's not the killer because I rather like her. She's not as caustic as Edna.
There are several treasure hunters in town. One is possibly Beverly Roxton, the small animal vet's wife. She's nasty and never has anything nice to say. She's rude to Ivy, downright cruel to her father-in-law and doesn't seem to like animals. Why on earth did Cliff marry her? He seems so nice, jolly and kind. Beverly is ambitious, money-hungry and doesn't like the Galloways much for some reason. Her ego and Dahlia's can not exist on the same plane I guess. Dahlia's old nemeses, the Langman sisters, turn up again as suspects. They're certainly treasure hunters and after the escapade with the dancer, they probably need money. Gold coins would be a dream come true and they've shown they will resort to any underhanded methods to get what they want. They don't like Keats and he doesn't like them but Percy tolerates them. Maybe Percy isn't as perceptive as Keats?
At the Sunny Acres Retirement Villa, Ivy meets a few new people. Dr. Roxton, Sr. was the town vet for many years before his son took over. The elderly man now has dementia and nothing he says makes sense. His daughter-in-law belittles him, demeans him and doesn't have any empathy at all. I agree with Ivy that his brain is in there somewhere and he's trying to express himself and it comes out unintelligible. I'm betting he holds the key to the mystery. If only Ivy could speak his language too. Martha Kinkaid is Ivy's newest senior friend. She has fond memories of the farm when she came to visit the animals. Ivy is determined Martha get to the farm for some more visits and more memories. Martha provides a lot of good background information on the old timers. She has a long memory. Another kind senior Ivy befriends in Clarence Dayton. A friend of the Rescue Mafia, his grandfather was the town's original animal rescuer, rescuing circus animals back in his day until that nasty Frank Swenson made threats and had the animals removed. How heartbreaking for both humans and animals. It gives Clarence a strong motive for murder but he's elderly and a friend of the Mafia. I don't think they'd call him a friend if he resorted to killing animal abusers.
I have no idea who the murderer is but I think they did the town a favor. If Ivy can't solve the murder, she can't figure out what's wrong with her new pal Bocelli and I suspect the mayor would come down hard on her AND Kellan. I can't wait to return to Clover Grove!
April 12, 2021
Ivy, Keats The blue eye and the brown eye bordie collie and Percy the marmalade cat and some new creatures are added to Runaway Farm.T!he 6th book is Christmas time. First Christmas tree lights for over 40 years are is going to be celebrated again. The mayor Meryle wanted carolers so Ivy and her family except her brother Asher volunteered . And some other people too.Felix was a old man that Edna (Ivy neighbor) knew was The constructor. The first session in the chorus there was a donkey there when they were doing a Christmas song but he only would brag when Ivy would sing. The donkey was poorly. Ivy felt like the donkey wanted to tell her something. Ivy and Jilly and Edna found the owner but he was dead. But the donkey was still depressed. So Ivy and Kellan ( ivy cop boyfriend) try to find out why. The Mafia (Cori the ringleader of a animal sanctuary of sorts ) always to to help find animals homes and they have Ivy animals to rescue. This one has 2 murders in it. There is a Secret Santa that is going around poisoning people with boxes of gingerbread cookies. I love all the cool animals in this book. There are emus llamas a pig and goats. And there keeps on building with a whole lot of different animals
December 15, 2024
Book 6 of this fun cozy mystery series. Features a double murder and a singing donkey. With a festive Merry Christmas holiday feeling. Same characters human and furry to enjoy.
November 19, 2020
This was a wonderful laugh-out-loud comedy with all of the animals’ hijinks. Ms. Riggs’ description of Keats and Percy’s attacks were hysterical. I love the way they work together to put someone in their place. However, they’re pretty good all on their own. Keats’ stern look took the vet’s receptionist down a peg or two and Percy was the best living fur hat ever. Then you have the braying and screeching donkey, Bocelli, that had me wincing and laughing at the same time.
The Rescue Mafia made some great appearances and Cori was in her element. Edna has turned from the old lady who yelled at everyone, to the old lady that still yells at everyone while preparing for the zombie apocalypse while being the best friend you never knew you wanted.
There was a very heartwarming, aww moment at the end, followed immediately by a hilarious prank by Keats and Percy. Kellan really should stay more alert around those two.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
The Rescue Mafia made some great appearances and Cori was in her element. Edna has turned from the old lady who yelled at everyone, to the old lady that still yells at everyone while preparing for the zombie apocalypse while being the best friend you never knew you wanted.
There was a very heartwarming, aww moment at the end, followed immediately by a hilarious prank by Keats and Percy. Kellan really should stay more alert around those two.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
November 22, 2020
I’m so glad I gave this series a try. I normally don’t read mysteries without a heavy dose of romance. Don’t get me wrong there is some romance in this series, but it’s mainly about the solving of the murder in each book, sometimes more than one. I absolutely love all of the Gallways, Jilly, Kellan aka Chief Hottie, Keats, Percy, and the other animals. If you enjoy reading about murders and seeing if you can figure out who it is before the reveal, I highly recommend this series. Sometimes I’m right, but not usually. I was hoping the murderer was someone different in this book because I didn’t care for this character. Grab your copy and see if you know who I’m referring to.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 11, 2021
This is my favorite read of the series!
I have enjoyed each of the stories in this series so very much, but this story is my favorite. I would love to share specific information, but I don’t give up spoilers in my reviews. If you want an exciting, entertaining, and engaging story to read on a lazy weekend, then I highly recommend this book. It’s more than an average whodunit; it has romance, drama, and a healthy dose of comedy mixed in with all the red herrings of the mystery story. It’s a clean, well-written story penned by a gifted storyteller who is able to repeatedly elicit emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other from one chapter to the next. A great read!
Recipe included: Mandy’s Killer Gingerbread
I have enjoyed each of the stories in this series so very much, but this story is my favorite. I would love to share specific information, but I don’t give up spoilers in my reviews. If you want an exciting, entertaining, and engaging story to read on a lazy weekend, then I highly recommend this book. It’s more than an average whodunit; it has romance, drama, and a healthy dose of comedy mixed in with all the red herrings of the mystery story. It’s a clean, well-written story penned by a gifted storyteller who is able to repeatedly elicit emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other from one chapter to the next. A great read!
Recipe included: Mandy’s Killer Gingerbread
February 19, 2023
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
✅ gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
✅ gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
November 22, 2020
Twas the Bite Before Christmas is an awesome Christmas mystery. I have fallen in love with Ivy, Jilly, Kellan, Ivy's entire dysfunctional family, Edna, Keats, Percy and the other fifty plus animals at Runaway Farm! This book is the best one so far - and they all are great. This book has a depressed donkey and murder just before Christmas. Can Ivy and her crew get this solved in time to have a merry Christmas or will the killer still be at large? You do noot want to miss the fun chaos and animal shenanigans in the well written mystery.
December 1, 2020
Loved this book! This series gets better with each book!
Ivy continues to collect stray misfit rescue animals. this time it's a noisy donkey who seems to be grieving for somebody or something he's lost. And just before Christmas too!
Ivy and her sheepdog Keats try to understand the message from the donkey while juggling Christmas preparations and ultimately two murders. Ivy and the donkey become the stars of the newly formed town Christmas choir and he won’t stop singing until she figures out his secret!
Ivy continues to collect stray misfit rescue animals. this time it's a noisy donkey who seems to be grieving for somebody or something he's lost. And just before Christmas too!
Ivy and her sheepdog Keats try to understand the message from the donkey while juggling Christmas preparations and ultimately two murders. Ivy and the donkey become the stars of the newly formed town Christmas choir and he won’t stop singing until she figures out his secret!
December 7, 2020
Great Christmas story!
Wonderful continuation of series about an executive who retires to own a farm that houses and collects stray animals. This latest is about a singing donkey who tries to tell of his friend who wasn't rescued with all the other animals abandoned on his farm.
Lots of laughs with her fellow sleuths Keats the border collie and Percy the cat. And serious moments as the reality of rescuing all 40 abused animals sinks in.
Enjoyable read. Riggs gets better and better!!
Wonderful continuation of series about an executive who retires to own a farm that houses and collects stray animals. This latest is about a singing donkey who tries to tell of his friend who wasn't rescued with all the other animals abandoned on his farm.
Lots of laughs with her fellow sleuths Keats the border collie and Percy the cat. And serious moments as the reality of rescuing all 40 abused animals sinks in.
Enjoyable read. Riggs gets better and better!!
June 29, 2022
A singing donkey!! I luv it!!!!
Why does a donkey break into song when ever Ivy sings? Is it trying to tell her something? When It's owner, (neglectful owner, at that) is found dead, Ivy thinks it's grieving for him but why? He almost starved it to death! But could it be grieving for another animal, one they missed when they rounded up all the animals that had been released when he died? How will they ever find one animal in the snowy hills? For all the answers read this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
Why does a donkey break into song when ever Ivy sings? Is it trying to tell her something? When It's owner, (neglectful owner, at that) is found dead, Ivy thinks it's grieving for him but why? He almost starved it to death! But could it be grieving for another animal, one they missed when they rounded up all the animals that had been released when he died? How will they ever find one animal in the snowy hills? For all the answers read this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
February 14, 2023
When a mouthy, grieving donkey demands room at the inn right before Christmas, however, Ivy bites off more than she can chew. He’s got a message that’s far from festive and he won’t stop singing the blues till she figures out his secret. Someone in town won't live to see another Christmas, and Ivy, Keats and the crime-solving crew will need to work fast if there’s any hope of making their first country yuletide bright. Or even making it out alive.
This is a good cozy mystery. Rife with treachery and murder this book is just as good as you can take.
This is a good cozy mystery. Rife with treachery and murder this book is just as good as you can take.
November 24, 2020
With 2 mad as bats octogenarians and more mouths to feed at the farm this book starts off with a Big Bang. Pure delight for animal lovers of every kind, for romance lovers of the clean sweet kind and for sleuths to sort thru clues to find a killer. I thought the new characters added even more variety and amusement and depth to this story, it is beautifully written, smooth and fast paced it gives excellent reading pleasure.
March 8, 2024
What's new to say? If you like this sort of thing, or if you like the others, you'll love this one. It's a gentle cozy with a huge cast of characters that, somehow, the author manages to make distinct. Everyone is unique and full of personality, and most are people you wouldn't mind reading more about in an aside. And there's even some character development.
She also introduces some great new animals, including a Singing Donkey.
She also introduces some great new animals, including a Singing Donkey.
September 1, 2025
Christmas is coming and Clover Grove is outgoing itself.
While at choir practice, a donkey shows up and seems to have attached itself to Ivy.
While trying to find the donkey's owner, they find him face down.
The choir director ends up flat on his back. Here they go again.
While investigating, Ivy knows the donkey is depressed. They finally figure out he is missing his friend. They just have to find it. Along with finding a killer before Christmas.
While at choir practice, a donkey shows up and seems to have attached itself to Ivy.
While trying to find the donkey's owner, they find him face down.
The choir director ends up flat on his back. Here they go again.
While investigating, Ivy knows the donkey is depressed. They finally figure out he is missing his friend. They just have to find it. Along with finding a killer before Christmas.
December 3, 2020
An Early Christmas Gift to Myself
I am so glad that I found this wonderful cozy series. I love her
quirky family and neighbors, and the many opinionated animals. This particular book begins a few days before Christmas. Get ready for carolling, a braying donkey, and lots of gingerbread, recipe included.
I am so glad that I found this wonderful cozy series. I love her
quirky family and neighbors, and the many opinionated animals. This particular book begins a few days before Christmas. Get ready for carolling, a braying donkey, and lots of gingerbread, recipe included.
December 9, 2020
I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I laughed through it it is is so funny yet the mystery through is just GREAT!!! I couldn’t figure it out ahead of time. I LOVE the characters’ interactions - SO CUTE AND FUNNY!!! This is THE BEST of the series!!!!’ It is a book I want to keep to read again!!!! I ADORE the animals interactions with the humans and each other!! This book is just AWESOME!!!!
December 17, 2020
Best one yet!
Ellen Riggs has approached this series with a whole new fresh energy. Not only do we meet and empathize with a donkey-such a sweet story- but we become even more appreciative of Edna and her many talents. I love the way we keep meeting new and varied characters as well as the ones we’ve come to know and love.
Ellen Riggs has approached this series with a whole new fresh energy. Not only do we meet and empathize with a donkey-such a sweet story- but we become even more appreciative of Edna and her many talents. I love the way we keep meeting new and varied characters as well as the ones we’ve come to know and love.
March 1, 2021
Great read!
Another great story with Ivy and the gang. The donkey and Ivy singing is great and the descriptions of her mom singing made me laugh. This one kept me guessing all the way through and I felt the killer was out of left field and a surprise. I was hoping for someone else to get rid of them, but nope. Once again I am left wanting my own Keats.
Another great story with Ivy and the gang. The donkey and Ivy singing is great and the descriptions of her mom singing made me laugh. This one kept me guessing all the way through and I felt the killer was out of left field and a surprise. I was hoping for someone else to get rid of them, but nope. Once again I am left wanting my own Keats.
March 22, 2021
I really enjoy these books. I find though that I have shut my inner critic off but as I am reading these for pleasure that it’s good. I love Ivy and Keats and wish that I had a friend like Jilly. These stories are very well written very little gore and mild romance. Clean language. The perfect blend for this old prude
October 14, 2021
I love this series. The characters, both human and animal, have grown in each book. The plots are well very well developed and all the main characters are great. I have just found Ivy recently and have the good fortune to read through the series one after the other. Everything you want in a good book is here and I can feel myself smiling as I read each one. I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
November 4, 2021
Bought the Farm Cozy #6: ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas
This book kept me laughing all the way through. Ivy and her crew have to sing in the towns choir. All is well until a donkey shows up behind Ivy. Every time Ivy sings the donkey sings loudly. They become a spectacle and every one loves it. Ivy needs to find out why the donkey is sad which causes all kinds of adventures.
This book kept me laughing all the way through. Ivy and her crew have to sing in the towns choir. All is well until a donkey shows up behind Ivy. Every time Ivy sings the donkey sings loudly. They become a spectacle and every one loves it. Ivy needs to find out why the donkey is sad which causes all kinds of adventures.
November 22, 2022
Good
A cosy Christmas read, this one features a singing donkey, and another mystery for Ivy and her wonder-dog Keats to solve.
Seasonal mayhem involving Edna, Jilly, and of course Ivy’s family, plus some guests at the Inn, come together to create a fun filled festive tale (Ivy even wears… a *dress*!)
An enjoyable Christmas story for cosy mystery and dog fans.
A cosy Christmas read, this one features a singing donkey, and another mystery for Ivy and her wonder-dog Keats to solve.
Seasonal mayhem involving Edna, Jilly, and of course Ivy’s family, plus some guests at the Inn, come together to create a fun filled festive tale (Ivy even wears… a *dress*!)
An enjoyable Christmas story for cosy mystery and dog fans.
July 14, 2023
Ivy and the Menagerie
Ivy has a great farm that is a safe place for animals in need. After she rescues a donkey from a nearby farm she gets involved with several murders, several attempted murders, including herself, and searches for who the killer is. All the while taking care of her family and singing Christmas carols with the donkey.
Ivy has a great farm that is a safe place for animals in need. After she rescues a donkey from a nearby farm she gets involved with several murders, several attempted murders, including herself, and searches for who the killer is. All the while taking care of her family and singing Christmas carols with the donkey.
December 2, 2024
Sing It Loud, Sing It Long
Christmas is approaching quickly and the Mayor brings a choir director back to town to bring music to the city. When Ivy finds a dead man on a neighboring farm, the hunt is on. Rescuing the abused animals on the farm brings a new donkey to the mix. A great group of quirky animals and characters. Fun series.
Christmas is approaching quickly and the Mayor brings a choir director back to town to bring music to the city. When Ivy finds a dead man on a neighboring farm, the hunt is on. Rescuing the abused animals on the farm brings a new donkey to the mix. A great group of quirky animals and characters. Fun series.
August 19, 2025
Crazy Mystery
Crazy murder mystery, filled with crazier characters, in even crazier situations. Completely guessed wrong on the killer. I can only take so much of the crazy, especially Ivy’s mother, which I remembered about halfway through, but I love the animals…it’s a toss up.
Crazy murder mystery, filled with crazier characters, in even crazier situations. Completely guessed wrong on the killer. I can only take so much of the crazy, especially Ivy’s mother, which I remembered about halfway through, but I love the animals…it’s a toss up.
November 30, 2020
Absolutely, positively a wonderful book
Luv, luv,luv this series, the characters are wonderful both the good and the bad. BUT the animals truly make it. Read it, I can hardly wait for the next one ( a whole month from now).
Luv, luv,luv this series, the characters are wonderful both the good and the bad. BUT the animals truly make it. Read it, I can hardly wait for the next one ( a whole month from now).
December 3, 2020
Fun
Fun mystery with lots of unique characters! Our heroine has a deep love for rescue animals.There is a little romance a treasure hunt, history and many twists and turns. I truly enjoyed the caroling with animal accompanying. Fun adventures.
Fun mystery with lots of unique characters! Our heroine has a deep love for rescue animals.There is a little romance a treasure hunt, history and many twists and turns. I truly enjoyed the caroling with animal accompanying. Fun adventures.
December 6, 2020
Punning and Cunning!
New characters unfold easily in Clover Grove because of their shared history.
Murder victim(s) are unsavory so it doesn't hurt my senses. You'll know what I mean when you read "Twas the Bite Before Chriatmas".
New characters unfold easily in Clover Grove because of their shared history.
Murder victim(s) are unsavory so it doesn't hurt my senses. You'll know what I mean when you read "Twas the Bite Before Chriatmas".
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