What do you think?
Bought-the-Farm Mystery #8
Don't Rock the Goat
Spring has sprung in Clover Grove and Ivy is expecting baby goats... and old ghosts.
When rescuers drop off a trio of pregnant goats at Runaway Farm they also deliver the promise of renewal and fun. Instead, the arrival of a ghost from Ivy’s past coincides with another murder in quaint Clover Grove. Learning about goat midwifery becomes the least of her problems. An ornery pickpocket goat makes a good addition to the crime-solving “farm family.” Will that be enough to outplay a heartless killer before the onslaught of kids arrives? Or will someone else die as the menagerie grows?
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals, cozy mysteries and funny, spunky aspiring sleuths.
When rescuers drop off a trio of pregnant goats at Runaway Farm they also deliver the promise of renewal and fun. Instead, the arrival of a ghost from Ivy’s past coincides with another murder in quaint Clover Grove. Learning about goat midwifery becomes the least of her problems. An ornery pickpocket goat makes a good addition to the crime-solving “farm family.” Will that be enough to outplay a heartless killer before the onslaught of kids arrives? Or will someone else die as the menagerie grows?
The next book in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery Series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of animals, cozy mysteries and funny, spunky aspiring sleuths.
293 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 27, 2021
This is the 8th book of the series.Cori and gang from Rescue Mafia (a animal rescuing team) give Ivy 3 more goats and they are pregnant to her in her Runaway Farm Inn. Ivy told Cori that she does not know how to help them birth. But her 80 year old friends Edna and Gertie the are helping. Ivy reconnected with her father Calvin but at first she really does not want to see him. Calvin was not a part of her life but with her 3 sisters and cop brother Asher. Their dad Calvin had a brief relationship with them. In Runaway Farm there were guests that were looking for ansestery together all 5 of them. Come to find out Daphne was there and she was Ivy dad ex girlfriend. Ivy mother Dalihia started talking to her but she was clueless that Daphane even dated their dad. Come to find out Daphne was murdered in her home and the police (except Asher and Kellen Ivy boyfriend cop) think that Dahliah did it.I really do love these series. Keats The Birdie Collie and Percy the Marmalade cat have the show in this series. It is wonderful how Ivy connects with all her animals farm a dog and cat. In each story in the series Ellen tell you how whatever farm animal that is a topic (like in 8th book it is about Big Mama a pregnant goat) have always a clue as to why they are upset and Ivy Keats and Percy find out what the clues are. I defiantly recommend these books
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed learning about Ivy's family and community history, and as always, I loved the animal/human interactions.
March 25, 2023
Ivy Galloway is horrified when the Rescue Mafia bring three nanny goats about to produce kids any day now! Ivy knows nothing about goat midwifery and doesn't have much time to spend with them with a new group of guests arriving at the same moment. Good thing Gertie and Edna have experience with delivering kids- one animal and one human. If the guest thing doesn't work out, Ivy and Jilly can always make soaps and lotions from the goat milk. One more thing to add to their to-do lists! Even more horrifying is a pushy P.I. who claims Ivy's dad has come to town and needs money. The P.I. seems to think Ivy can get money from Hannah and would be willing to give it to Calvin. Ivy won't dignify that man with the name of "Dad" and she certainly doesn't want anything to do with him, but when one of the inn guests ends up dead, Ivy's dad, as her former boyfriend, becomes the #1 suspect! Since the murder happened in Dorset Hills, Kellan and Asher are off the case. It's up to Ivy to snoop around and find the time to reconnect with long lost relatives. She knows family has to be earned and family is what you make it. Is she ready to allow the male Galloways in?
One more great entry in this fun series. I got sucked in right away and couldn't put the book down. Before I knew it, it was 1:30 AM! I never guessed who the murderer was. I was excited about the genealogy theme and how Ivy's family history becomes a part of that. It was interesting to learn more about Ivy's family and their past. I love all the beautiful insights into family and what makes a family. I did not love how this book, especially at the end, sets up for the next one. It makes it hard to skip around and I only have a few days of KU left!
I love the quirky characters in this series so much. Ivy's big heart, Jilly's sweet personality and ride or die best friend mentality are great. Kellan has become such a sweetheart. He truly loves Ivy even if he doesn't get the obsession with her animals. He has some lovely things to say. I appreciate his dedication to his job and how he doesn't necessarily see the law as black and white. He loves Ivy and wants her to be safe but has stopped short of making her stop her investigations. Dahlia may be selfish at times, crazy, and a drama queen but she truly loves her kids and would do anything for them. She actually makes a good sleuthing partner. She keeps calm under pressure and being a native of Clover Grove, knows some of the secrets of the town that come in handy during an investigation. We get to know Poppy a little better and what makes her tick. There's a reason she's so rebellious. I think having a purpose has been good for her and she's maturing. Poor Asher didn't get the brains of the family. He never realized what havoc getting in touch with his father would wreak, let alone the impact of NOT sharing that information with his sisters and mother!
As always, the animal characters are the real stars. Here we meet Big Mama, an ornery goat fond of picking pockets and eating hats. Ivy tries her hardest to get to know Big Mama and help the goat overcome her anxieties so she can give birth safely in peace.
The new humans aren't as lovely as the new animals but some of them are fine. Walt Watford, the head of the Hill Country Genealogy Society is obsessed with genealogy. He's a little too passionate and seems fond of pushing his hobby on those who don't necessarily wish to pursue it, like Ivy. He also seems to loathe people who leave the hobby before they finish. It's a never ending job! There is no finish! There's only one other man in the society, Finn Donnelly, who is a little creepy with a macabre sense of humor. He delights in shocking people. Overall, the women are OK. Joanne Crayton, Kathleen Nair and Brenda Steyer don't have much personality but they seem nice enough. Daphne Newell from Dorset Hills is kind of a cheap Dahlia clone. While Dahlia looks good on little money, Daphne looks not so good with a lot of money. I think she was a wealthy dilettante not really into her family history as much as some of the others. She seemed to have poor taste in men because the local gossip grapevine linked her to Calvin Galloway, Ivy's deadbeat dad! Daphne didn't deserve to be murdered just for having poor taste in men! Ivy determines that the women of the HCGS were jealous of Daphe's style and Finn was envious of her money. Daphne's money seemed to be running out. Did she help Calvin and now she's mixed up in whatever it is?
Jim Moss, private investigator, is a pushy sort. He doesn't like hearing "no" and would do anything on behalf of his client. Who is his client and how far would he go? Would he stoop to murder? I think he would. He's certainly shifty enough. Who is Calvin Galloway really and what's his story? He's a complex man with a tragic backstory. While the Galloway girls are fierce like their mother, we see that Asher is more like his father. I think all the brains came from Dahlia while Calvin didn't have a lot of education or life experience when they wed. He also doesn't have enough common sense to stay out of trouble. His story surprises Ivy and makes her rethink some of what she always believed about her dad. Could Calvin commit murder to get the money he owes? I highly doubt it. He seems like a good person. He works with animals though so Keats may be prejudiced or smelling the other animals confusing his sense of right and wrong. I think Ivy should give him a chance based on what everyone else has to say about him and depending on what he has to say for himself.
Calvin's mother's brother, Sterling Fable, seems to know a lot about the Galloway family drama in spite of wanting to stay out of it. I'm not sure I like him. He's kind of a male version of Gertie but I love Gertie. Sterling seems crustier and more anti-social. Gertie is fierce and a fighter. She's funny and she and Edna make the best team.
The saga of the Swansons and the hidden gold continues! This Frank Swanson was a clever, crafty criminal who never got caught. He lured the other farmers into his web and ensnared them for generations. Ivy's family was mixed up in all that too, which Hazel explains everyone did what they had to do because times were tough. Still, is that an excuse? Bootlegging I can see but what else did Frank do? We've been told he was not a nice person. Is there still gold on his land? Or Gertie's? Or the old Galloway place?
Chief Coots from Dorset Hills is more slow and methodical than Kellan. He's old school but seems trustworthy. I think he's right in taking Kellan and Asher off the case. First, it's not Kellan's jurisdiction and second, Asher is too close to the suspect. However, Kellan understands that sometimes you get more out of a suspect just standing around listening to what they have to say. He's learning from Ivy. Kellan is so intensely curious that he can't help be involved in this one even if it is unofficially!
On to the next!
One more great entry in this fun series. I got sucked in right away and couldn't put the book down. Before I knew it, it was 1:30 AM! I never guessed who the murderer was. I was excited about the genealogy theme and how Ivy's family history becomes a part of that. It was interesting to learn more about Ivy's family and their past. I love all the beautiful insights into family and what makes a family. I did not love how this book, especially at the end, sets up for the next one. It makes it hard to skip around and I only have a few days of KU left!
I love the quirky characters in this series so much. Ivy's big heart, Jilly's sweet personality and ride or die best friend mentality are great. Kellan has become such a sweetheart. He truly loves Ivy even if he doesn't get the obsession with her animals. He has some lovely things to say. I appreciate his dedication to his job and how he doesn't necessarily see the law as black and white. He loves Ivy and wants her to be safe but has stopped short of making her stop her investigations. Dahlia may be selfish at times, crazy, and a drama queen but she truly loves her kids and would do anything for them. She actually makes a good sleuthing partner. She keeps calm under pressure and being a native of Clover Grove, knows some of the secrets of the town that come in handy during an investigation. We get to know Poppy a little better and what makes her tick. There's a reason she's so rebellious. I think having a purpose has been good for her and she's maturing. Poor Asher didn't get the brains of the family. He never realized what havoc getting in touch with his father would wreak, let alone the impact of NOT sharing that information with his sisters and mother!
As always, the animal characters are the real stars. Here we meet Big Mama, an ornery goat fond of picking pockets and eating hats. Ivy tries her hardest to get to know Big Mama and help the goat overcome her anxieties so she can give birth safely in peace.
The new humans aren't as lovely as the new animals but some of them are fine. Walt Watford, the head of the Hill Country Genealogy Society is obsessed with genealogy. He's a little too passionate and seems fond of pushing his hobby on those who don't necessarily wish to pursue it, like Ivy. He also seems to loathe people who leave the hobby before they finish. It's a never ending job! There is no finish! There's only one other man in the society, Finn Donnelly, who is a little creepy with a macabre sense of humor. He delights in shocking people. Overall, the women are OK. Joanne Crayton, Kathleen Nair and Brenda Steyer don't have much personality but they seem nice enough. Daphne Newell from Dorset Hills is kind of a cheap Dahlia clone. While Dahlia looks good on little money, Daphne looks not so good with a lot of money. I think she was a wealthy dilettante not really into her family history as much as some of the others. She seemed to have poor taste in men because the local gossip grapevine linked her to Calvin Galloway, Ivy's deadbeat dad! Daphne didn't deserve to be murdered just for having poor taste in men! Ivy determines that the women of the HCGS were jealous of Daphe's style and Finn was envious of her money. Daphne's money seemed to be running out. Did she help Calvin and now she's mixed up in whatever it is?
Jim Moss, private investigator, is a pushy sort. He doesn't like hearing "no" and would do anything on behalf of his client. Who is his client and how far would he go? Would he stoop to murder? I think he would. He's certainly shifty enough. Who is Calvin Galloway really and what's his story? He's a complex man with a tragic backstory. While the Galloway girls are fierce like their mother, we see that Asher is more like his father. I think all the brains came from Dahlia while Calvin didn't have a lot of education or life experience when they wed. He also doesn't have enough common sense to stay out of trouble. His story surprises Ivy and makes her rethink some of what she always believed about her dad. Could Calvin commit murder to get the money he owes? I highly doubt it. He seems like a good person. He works with animals though so Keats may be prejudiced or smelling the other animals confusing his sense of right and wrong. I think Ivy should give him a chance based on what everyone else has to say about him and depending on what he has to say for himself.
Calvin's mother's brother, Sterling Fable, seems to know a lot about the Galloway family drama in spite of wanting to stay out of it. I'm not sure I like him. He's kind of a male version of Gertie but I love Gertie. Sterling seems crustier and more anti-social. Gertie is fierce and a fighter. She's funny and she and Edna make the best team.
The saga of the Swansons and the hidden gold continues! This Frank Swanson was a clever, crafty criminal who never got caught. He lured the other farmers into his web and ensnared them for generations. Ivy's family was mixed up in all that too, which Hazel explains everyone did what they had to do because times were tough. Still, is that an excuse? Bootlegging I can see but what else did Frank do? We've been told he was not a nice person. Is there still gold on his land? Or Gertie's? Or the old Galloway place?
Chief Coots from Dorset Hills is more slow and methodical than Kellan. He's old school but seems trustworthy. I think he's right in taking Kellan and Asher off the case. First, it's not Kellan's jurisdiction and second, Asher is too close to the suspect. However, Kellan understands that sometimes you get more out of a suspect just standing around listening to what they have to say. He's learning from Ivy. Kellan is so intensely curious that he can't help be involved in this one even if it is unofficially!
On to the next!
March 30, 2021
Such a great addition to this series! A few new characters from Ivy's family tree make an appearance, and I hope they'll return in future titles, in particular Polly & Champ.
March 20, 2021
This is the eighth book in the Bought the Farm mystery series and they just keep getting better. I look forward to each book to see what Ivy, Keats, Edna, and the others will get into next. Mama Goat is the newest animal added to the mix. I just love all of these characters and animals. Thankfully, the murder doesn’t happen at the farm this time, but it is one of Ivy’s guests. Grab your copy and see how this mystery is solved and get ready to finally meet a character that’s only been talked about before. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised to end up hoping to read more about this character in future books.
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.
November 23, 2022
Good
After a delivery by the Rescue Mafia, Ivy has kids (of the goat persuasion) to worry about.
Then there is the worry surrounding her father, who is back in town, and the ex-girlfriend of his who ends up dead!
All kinds of secrets come out of the woodwork in this book, and we learn a lot about Ivy’s heritage.
As always with this series, this is a charming and enjoyable cosy read. Keats is in good form, and Big Mama, the sassy new goat, has the moves! Ivy’s menagerie is growing, but then, so are the possibilities for Runaway Farm. Her relationship with Kellen is still snail paced, but seems strong, and she gets to develop some better relationships with her family.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, where the animals are the biggest stars!
After a delivery by the Rescue Mafia, Ivy has kids (of the goat persuasion) to worry about.
Then there is the worry surrounding her father, who is back in town, and the ex-girlfriend of his who ends up dead!
All kinds of secrets come out of the woodwork in this book, and we learn a lot about Ivy’s heritage.
As always with this series, this is a charming and enjoyable cosy read. Keats is in good form, and Big Mama, the sassy new goat, has the moves! Ivy’s menagerie is growing, but then, so are the possibilities for Runaway Farm. Her relationship with Kellen is still snail paced, but seems strong, and she gets to develop some better relationships with her family.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, where the animals are the biggest stars!
March 22, 2021
Ivy is on the case again when one of her guests is found murdered. As she tiptoes around Kellan and the Dorset Hills’ sheriff, an unlikely cohort helps her make a fast getaway. Ivy is constantly putting herself in dangerous situations and she keeps her friends busy rescuing her time and time again. Keats and Percy are, of course, there with her through every adventure.
While Ivy is pretty efficient in speaking dog and cat, she now has to learn to speak goat thanks to the Rescue Mafia.
While some unexpected family comes to town, there are new adventures in the next book that I’m already looking forward to.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
While Ivy is pretty efficient in speaking dog and cat, she now has to learn to speak goat thanks to the Rescue Mafia.
While some unexpected family comes to town, there are new adventures in the next book that I’m already looking forward to.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
June 30, 2021
,over, loved, loved this book!
Actually deserves an 8 out of 8-Star rating! I do believe this is Ellen Riggs' best book to date. The writing is excellent, the mystery, a mystery to the end, and growing family history opening up is really an added bonus. As always, all Ivy's madcap friends are a joy, and Ivy's continuing growth and courage nothing short of wonderful. All that's left to say? I want friends like Ivy and Jilly, and a dog like Keats. I have my cat, Neo, who's equal to Percy any day. Read the book, you'll love it, guaranteed!
Actually deserves an 8 out of 8-Star rating! I do believe this is Ellen Riggs' best book to date. The writing is excellent, the mystery, a mystery to the end, and growing family history opening up is really an added bonus. As always, all Ivy's madcap friends are a joy, and Ivy's continuing growth and courage nothing short of wonderful. All that's left to say? I want friends like Ivy and Jilly, and a dog like Keats. I have my cat, Neo, who's equal to Percy any day. Read the book, you'll love it, guaranteed!
March 11, 2021
Once again Ivy gets involved in a murder! A guest who was part of a genealogy group manages to get herself killed after she went back home! This guest had had a fling with Calvin, Ivy’s father, who is also back in town. To add to all this The Rescue Squad had arrived with 3 pregnant goats & the biggest one had an attitude which Ivy manages to calm. By the end of the book, all the goats have had their kids & the murderer has been arrested! This is a good, fun read.
March 15, 2021
Another fun read by author Riggs. The craziness just keeps on rolling. Ivy's farm now has 3 ornery, cantankerous goats. One a pregnant mama. The Farm is hosting a genealogy group, there is a death and Ivy is back in the midst. With Jillian, Edna, Gertie, Keats and Percy helping. This is one fun series. One I hope will never stop. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
July 2, 2022
Baby goats!! What could be cuter!!!!
Well to be truthful I don't think anything is cuter than puppies but baby goats are a close second. Three mama goats are each expecting and the thinking is they will all have at least twins. Just what Ivy needs in the middle of a murder investigation! And her long lost father, whose back in town after 3 decades is the # 1 suspect. How will she handle this? Read this excellent book to find out. Highly recommended.
Well to be truthful I don't think anything is cuter than puppies but baby goats are a close second. Three mama goats are each expecting and the thinking is they will all have at least twins. Just what Ivy needs in the middle of a murder investigation! And her long lost father, whose back in town after 3 decades is the # 1 suspect. How will she handle this? Read this excellent book to find out. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2023
Excellent Cozy Mystery
When some adorable, hyperactive goats join the growing menagerie, high jinks ensue. But it’s not all fun and games. Not when people keep dying unexpectedly in quaint Clover Grove.
This is an interesting cozy mystery. From the baby goats to the treasure I couldn't have been more excited.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
When some adorable, hyperactive goats join the growing menagerie, high jinks ensue. But it’s not all fun and games. Not when people keep dying unexpectedly in quaint Clover Grove.
This is an interesting cozy mystery. From the baby goats to the treasure I couldn't have been more excited.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
March 22, 2021
In Don't Rock the Goat, Ivy is once again up to her neck in animals and murder. The Rescue Mafia drops off some pregnant goats, a guest is murdered - although not at the farm, and a ghost from the past surfaces. It is non stop action in this well written mystery that I could not put down. How will Ivy and the gang resolve all of this? You will not be disappointed in this action packed mystery.
March 26, 2021
This is a highly entertaining book full of mystery and puzzles to solve, both of the human and animal kind! A book to love and laugh along with and as is usual Keats and Percy shine again, but have competition in the form of goats. All this and so much more combine to give the book a great ending. So worth reading.
March 31, 2021
This series just keeps getting better! the Rescue Mafia drops off three pregnant goats and the fun begins! Add to that the arrival of a man Ivy refuses the acknowledge as her father and another murder in town. Goat midwifery is now the least of her problems.
More riddles, more “treasure hunting” and more danger for Ivy. Several good mysteries and a great conclusion.
More riddles, more “treasure hunting” and more danger for Ivy. Several good mysteries and a great conclusion.
Read
April 24, 2021Good story line. I enjoy the farm mystery theme that runs thru out this series. I love how most of the characters not only talk to the various animals but indicate the understanding between the species. That is what makes this series work for me. I do the same thing with my pets and it is nice to know that other animal lovers do the same thing. Enjoyed the plot line of this book.
May 24, 2024
Enjoyable as always for this series. I thought the mystery and resolution was a little less interesting than in the previous books. The family story, which appeared to be what she was focused on this time, was okay but not nearly as good as I'd hoped for. However, the goat named "Big Mama" made up the difference. Loved her!
April 10, 2021
Always enjoyable Ivy and the gang! We are finally introduced to the Papa of the Galloway clan and intrigue pursues his entrance. I was laughing a great many times and specially with the octogenarians that have had there characters blossomed in the last few books. I can hardly wait for next book!!
June 17, 2021
Family pains, no pun intended
A perfect cozy mystery with animals ☺️. Great stew of all the things that make life prickly. It's not to read over and over, but I wanted to find out how it ended.
A perfect cozy mystery with animals ☺️. Great stew of all the things that make life prickly. It's not to read over and over, but I wanted to find out how it ended.
November 2, 2021
Wonderful series
This is the tenth book I’ve read in this series. Every story was riveting and I couldn’t put it down. I have immediately gone to the next one. If you are an animal lover, you’ll love these stories.
This is the tenth book I’ve read in this series. Every story was riveting and I couldn’t put it down. I have immediately gone to the next one. If you are an animal lover, you’ll love these stories.
November 14, 2021
Bought the Farm Cozy: Don’t Rock the Goat
Another fun and adventurous story by Ellen Riggs. The rescue mafia drops off three pregnant goats. Ivy and Kellan help big mama deliver four girl goats. Ivy might be making goats milk soap.
Another fun and adventurous story by Ellen Riggs. The rescue mafia drops off three pregnant goats. Ivy and Kellan help big mama deliver four girl goats. Ivy might be making goats milk soap.
November 29, 2021
Who killed Daphne and why??? I have been tracking our family trees for something like fifty years and never found what these people did!!! If all the talking to the animals wasn’t enough, their answering was!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
February 28, 2023
The goats in this story have tons of energy and keep them really busy. Pregnant goats have Ivy worried about needing to delivery the babies but that becomes the least of the things she is worried about. She and Kellan are drawing closer as they continue to face all the challenges.
September 1, 2025
Soo good. I always wondered when dad would make an appearance.
Things are escalating as more animals keep showing up. Now her father is back also.
What is so wonderful about this story is finding out about Ivy's family history.
Things are escalating as more animals keep showing up. Now her father is back also.
What is so wonderful about this story is finding out about Ivy's family history.
March 26, 2021
Loved it!
This book continues to keep Ivy and her friends busy. I hated to put it down. I'm looking forward to Big Mama in future books.
This book continues to keep Ivy and her friends busy. I hated to put it down. I'm looking forward to Big Mama in future books.
March 28, 2021
Never a dull moment in Clover Grove
Ivy, Keats and the gang are at their best in another well crafted story. Keats and Percy steal the show!
Ivy, Keats and the gang are at their best in another well crafted story. Keats and Percy steal the show!
Read
April 5, 2021Truly Loved it
Truly Loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Love all her books and have them all
Truly Loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Love all her books and have them all
April 18, 2021
Another great story from Ellen Riggs
Loved this book as much as the others. Great story. Love the new animals and babies. Don't Rock the Goat!!!
Loved this book as much as the others. Great story. Love the new animals and babies. Don't Rock the Goat!!!
June 7, 2021
Ivy and Keats met their match with the head butting goats. Read the story and see what I am talking about.
June 10, 2021
Riggs and her cast of characters never disappoint! If you like fast-paced mysteries with lovable characters, you'll enjoy this book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews