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Garden Gate Mystery #1
Nipped in the Bud
Prepare to attend the Pickle Fest in Serendipity, Oregon, along with Paige Turner and Adam Hayes. But first you must help them unravel the mystery of how the city manager wound up dead in a mound of mulch in the city park that Paige was hired to landscape. Can Adam’s knowledge of the law keep her out of jail and win her love?
243 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2010
31 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sleeman
134 books811 followersSUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 8, 2015
I had read a Love Inspired/suspense novel by this author and was glad to receive a review copy of Nipped in the Bud. The cover of the book looked intriguing, fun and so did the premiums.
Susan Sleeman has a colorful array of characters that make things interesting in this small town where everyone knows your name and your business too! Paige Turner hosts a gardening radio show and has the strangest people call in to get their gardening questions answered. She does her best to answer their wacky requests.
Paige's boss at the radio show starts running taped programs of her show and calls it the "Best of Through the Garden Gate" show while the town tried to figure out who killed Bud and why. Paige is there number one suspect. She had a huge argument with Bud the day before they found his body, and of course, news travels fast by word of mouth in that little town. Who was the real killer?
The reader gets to know Paige better through these pre-recorded radio shows; there are excerpts from them at the beginning of each chapter. They cracked me up! This sets the tone for the chapter, and the caller’s with their serious gardening questions for example…
“…you mentioned the stunning flowers you can get from bulbs, and it sounded like an easy way to garden.”
“That’s right…once you plant them at their optimum depth, pretty much the only work they require for beautiful flowers year after year is a little fertilizer and dividing them when they get large.”
“…I brought every kind of bulb I could think of and so far, no flowers at all.”
“Really, I’m surprised. What type of bulbs, have you tried?”
“Forty watt all the way up to one hundred twenty. Even tried the new compact fluorescents, with no success.”
Is that funny or what? Not only does this author have a talent for writing, a passion for gardening that shines through the entire book, she also has a great sense of humor. Paige grew up in this small town, moved away and came back. Mitch, the sheriff, has a beef with her from the past and would love to see her arrested. This story gives a whole new meaning to “innocent until proven guilty”.
Seems the whole town thinks Paige is guilty except for Lisa, her best friend and Adam Hayes, her handsome attorney. How can she prove her innocence when she had no alibi? Her best friend and lawyer tell her to let go and let God help her in this, but how could she? Give up control? They say God can work things out better than she can? Really?
Paige says, “Control of my day (life) was priority to me, and I didn’t react well when things didn’t go as planned…If I trust God, it will be easier?...I’m not ready to give up control just yet. I’ll think about it, try it even, but I’m not going to give in just like that.”
Have you thought this? Susan shows how God is so patient with us! Grin! I enjoyed this cozy mystery with Mr. T, Paige’s crazy talking bird, Lisa, her mothering best friend, Adam Hayes her very cute gentlemen and Christian attorney, and Paige herself, a radio host who is trying to get her landscaping business off the ground. This story brought a smile to my face and warm feelings in my heart!! Susan had me guessing 'who done-it?' right up until the end! This book is the thing you need on a snowy day. Turn off the TV, get this book and sit by the fire. Susan will give you hours of entertainment and fun! I highly recommend it!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Susan Sleeman has a colorful array of characters that make things interesting in this small town where everyone knows your name and your business too! Paige Turner hosts a gardening radio show and has the strangest people call in to get their gardening questions answered. She does her best to answer their wacky requests.
Paige's boss at the radio show starts running taped programs of her show and calls it the "Best of Through the Garden Gate" show while the town tried to figure out who killed Bud and why. Paige is there number one suspect. She had a huge argument with Bud the day before they found his body, and of course, news travels fast by word of mouth in that little town. Who was the real killer?
The reader gets to know Paige better through these pre-recorded radio shows; there are excerpts from them at the beginning of each chapter. They cracked me up! This sets the tone for the chapter, and the caller’s with their serious gardening questions for example…
“…you mentioned the stunning flowers you can get from bulbs, and it sounded like an easy way to garden.”
“That’s right…once you plant them at their optimum depth, pretty much the only work they require for beautiful flowers year after year is a little fertilizer and dividing them when they get large.”
“…I brought every kind of bulb I could think of and so far, no flowers at all.”
“Really, I’m surprised. What type of bulbs, have you tried?”
“Forty watt all the way up to one hundred twenty. Even tried the new compact fluorescents, with no success.”
Is that funny or what? Not only does this author have a talent for writing, a passion for gardening that shines through the entire book, she also has a great sense of humor. Paige grew up in this small town, moved away and came back. Mitch, the sheriff, has a beef with her from the past and would love to see her arrested. This story gives a whole new meaning to “innocent until proven guilty”.
Seems the whole town thinks Paige is guilty except for Lisa, her best friend and Adam Hayes, her handsome attorney. How can she prove her innocence when she had no alibi? Her best friend and lawyer tell her to let go and let God help her in this, but how could she? Give up control? They say God can work things out better than she can? Really?
Paige says, “Control of my day (life) was priority to me, and I didn’t react well when things didn’t go as planned…If I trust God, it will be easier?...I’m not ready to give up control just yet. I’ll think about it, try it even, but I’m not going to give in just like that.”
Have you thought this? Susan shows how God is so patient with us! Grin! I enjoyed this cozy mystery with Mr. T, Paige’s crazy talking bird, Lisa, her mothering best friend, Adam Hayes her very cute gentlemen and Christian attorney, and Paige herself, a radio host who is trying to get her landscaping business off the ground. This story brought a smile to my face and warm feelings in my heart!! Susan had me guessing 'who done-it?' right up until the end! This book is the thing you need on a snowy day. Turn off the TV, get this book and sit by the fire. Susan will give you hours of entertainment and fun! I highly recommend it!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
dnf
January 3, 2015I reached the halfway mark with this and couldn't stand it any more. The main character is an idiot, and the cutesy intros to each chapter made me feel like I was trapped at the kitchen table while my Mum told endless corny jokes. (Love you, Mum)The plot was shallow, the characters were shallow and the writing was shallow. And I was so hopeful. Never mind, onto the next book.
July 9, 2011
Clean mystery but not my favorite. Hard to relate to the main character. Kind of obnoxious.
September 9, 2020
I liked the murder mystery, and I loved the radio call-ins at the beginning of each chapter. Hard to believe people could be that stupid, but they were hilarious. I just couldn’t warm up to the heroine, Paige. Blamed for the murder, she tried to solve it herself, but was so pushy and brash, questioning other suspects. And the romance was too fast. I liked some of the quirky townspeople, and may read the next book to see if Paige mellows out any.
January 4, 2021
This was a nice little mystery and fast read. It should have a 3 1/2 star rating from me.
If you go with your gut on this one you should have the killer figured out before you are half way through it.
The Author wrapped everything up nice and neat in the last couple of chapters.
If you want an easy read, maybe for traveling and one you really don't need to think much about, I'd recommend it.
If you go with your gut on this one you should have the killer figured out before you are half way through it.
The Author wrapped everything up nice and neat in the last couple of chapters.
If you want an easy read, maybe for traveling and one you really don't need to think much about, I'd recommend it.
June 7, 2019
Cute mystery with lots of silly puns. Not too serious or gory. A nice light read. (that I accidentally read twice)
November 16, 2022
Loved the quirky gardening tips !
July 25, 2024
Very fun mystery. Bud Picklemen is killed, there is one suspect. She’s innocent and has a list of suspects she works through to get the killer. All fun interesting people.
September 10, 2012
This is the first book by Susan Sleeman that I’ve read, and you can bet, it won’t be the last. The author had me in the first paragraph.With a heroine name like Paige Turner, I knew it would be a book of quirky characters, and I was not disappointed. We get glimpses of Paige’s crazy radio program, Through the Garden Gate, throughout the book, where callers with names such as Weed Whacker, Bamboozled, Chirpy, and Fit to be Tied, phoned in gardening dilemmas for Paige to solve. The humorous exchanges will have you laughing out loud.
Paige had been awarded her first landscaping contract, renovating the local park in preparation for the town’s annual Pickle Fest. However, the city manager, Bud Pickelmann seems to have it in for her, and was not going to make it easy for her. Shortly after an altercation with Bud in the park, Paige finds his lifeless body stowed on her job under a pile of mulch. The story turns into a real, honest-to-goodness whodunnit.
Police chief, Mitch Lawson, who has carried a grudge against her since childhood, quickly determines that Paige must be the perpetrator, but without sufficient evidence, he cannot arrest her—yet. Faced with probable incarceration within days, Paige has no choice but to become her own investigator.With her attitude of self-sufficiency and driven to clear her good name, she goes about town gathering information about who would have a motive to murder Bud Pickelmann.
The city manager is a known wheeler-dealer, whose self-satisfying incentive is money. It soon becomes apparent that there are many people who may have a motive to extinguish this intolerable man, but who has the capacity to kill?
Enter good-looking Christian lawyer, Adam Hayes, who agrees to represent her. Adam is tempted to cross the attorney-client line and pursue a personal relationship with Paige, but he is too much of an ethical professional and gentleman to go there, much to Paige’s dismay. Refusing to accept Adam’s help as a private investigator, Paige comes uncomfortably close to impending arrest until she uncovers an unexpected clue— and danger.
This book is full of humor and suspense, with a subtle Christian message. I highly recommend it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going out to find another Susan Sleeman book
Paige had been awarded her first landscaping contract, renovating the local park in preparation for the town’s annual Pickle Fest. However, the city manager, Bud Pickelmann seems to have it in for her, and was not going to make it easy for her. Shortly after an altercation with Bud in the park, Paige finds his lifeless body stowed on her job under a pile of mulch. The story turns into a real, honest-to-goodness whodunnit.
Police chief, Mitch Lawson, who has carried a grudge against her since childhood, quickly determines that Paige must be the perpetrator, but without sufficient evidence, he cannot arrest her—yet. Faced with probable incarceration within days, Paige has no choice but to become her own investigator.With her attitude of self-sufficiency and driven to clear her good name, she goes about town gathering information about who would have a motive to murder Bud Pickelmann.
The city manager is a known wheeler-dealer, whose self-satisfying incentive is money. It soon becomes apparent that there are many people who may have a motive to extinguish this intolerable man, but who has the capacity to kill?
Enter good-looking Christian lawyer, Adam Hayes, who agrees to represent her. Adam is tempted to cross the attorney-client line and pursue a personal relationship with Paige, but he is too much of an ethical professional and gentleman to go there, much to Paige’s dismay. Refusing to accept Adam’s help as a private investigator, Paige comes uncomfortably close to impending arrest until she uncovers an unexpected clue— and danger.
This book is full of humor and suspense, with a subtle Christian message. I highly recommend it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going out to find another Susan Sleeman book
October 27, 2010
Title: NIPPED IN THE BUD
Author: Susan Sleeman
Publisher: Barbour Books
October 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60260-573-2
Genre: Inspiration/cozy mystery
Paige Turner is a gardening expert who hosts her own radio show, runs a nursery, and has placed a successful bid on the city’s gardening projects. However, she runs into trouble with a disgruntled city employee starts harassing her the first day on the job.
When Bud is later found dead, buried under Paige’s pile of mulch, with her shovel identified as the murder weapon, Paige suddenly finds herself a “Person of Interest” with the police with no alibi.
Paige’s best friend, Lisa, is married to a lawyer who knows a criminal lawyer, and she brings Adam in to represent Paige. Bet despite the strong attraction between Adam and Paige, it may not be enough to keep Paige from being convicted. Will Paige be able to find the real killer in time?
NIPPED IN THE BUD is a cozy mystery. I’m so glad to know that Barbour has not completely discontinued their cozy mystery line, they just discontinued mass-market portion of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading NIPPED IN THE BUD and laughed out loud at portions of it, especially the excerpts from the radio show. She had some really wacky callers. Paige is a very aggressive, confident heroine that even made her best friend uncomfortable at times, but definitely helped to keep the pages turning (no pun intended) as I never knew what she would say next. I also didn’t guess who the real killer was until right before it was revealed.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery that will keep you laughing and guessing, then make sure you pick up NIPPED IN THE BUD. Available at www.amazon.com or any of your favorite booksellers. $10.99. 243 pages.
Author: Susan Sleeman
Publisher: Barbour Books
October 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60260-573-2
Genre: Inspiration/cozy mystery
Paige Turner is a gardening expert who hosts her own radio show, runs a nursery, and has placed a successful bid on the city’s gardening projects. However, she runs into trouble with a disgruntled city employee starts harassing her the first day on the job.
When Bud is later found dead, buried under Paige’s pile of mulch, with her shovel identified as the murder weapon, Paige suddenly finds herself a “Person of Interest” with the police with no alibi.
Paige’s best friend, Lisa, is married to a lawyer who knows a criminal lawyer, and she brings Adam in to represent Paige. Bet despite the strong attraction between Adam and Paige, it may not be enough to keep Paige from being convicted. Will Paige be able to find the real killer in time?
NIPPED IN THE BUD is a cozy mystery. I’m so glad to know that Barbour has not completely discontinued their cozy mystery line, they just discontinued mass-market portion of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading NIPPED IN THE BUD and laughed out loud at portions of it, especially the excerpts from the radio show. She had some really wacky callers. Paige is a very aggressive, confident heroine that even made her best friend uncomfortable at times, but definitely helped to keep the pages turning (no pun intended) as I never knew what she would say next. I also didn’t guess who the real killer was until right before it was revealed.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery that will keep you laughing and guessing, then make sure you pick up NIPPED IN THE BUD. Available at www.amazon.com or any of your favorite booksellers. $10.99. 243 pages.
October 10, 2010
Nipped in the Bud
Susan Sleeman
2010
Hometown Mysteries from Barbour
Fiction/Mystery/Suspense
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Nipped in the Bud is a fun novel that you will not want to put down, Susan Sleeman has captured a quirky character in Paige Turner, a landscaper, who seems to attract even more quirky listeners to her radio show. Each chapter begins with the transcript of a call from her radio show, which will have you in stitches laughing.
Paige Turner, a local girl come home from the big city, is the owner of a landscaping business, and also the host of a radio program. Finally landing a big contract with the city, for the upcoming Picklefest, Paige is thwarted by the city manager Bud Picklemann, who seems determined to get her fired. Loosing her temper, and threatening him, Paige never dreams it will come back to haunt her within hours, when Bud is found dead in her work area. The local police chief seems to have it in for her, holding a grudge against her over something from their high school days. Paige has to find out who killed Bud, before she is sent to jail. Her handsome young lawyer seems to distract her with his good looks, but more than that, he is determined to hire a professional investigator, which angers Paige.
An exciting book you will want to finish quickly you do not want to miss this book. Susan Sleeman has once again shown that she is a gifted author. 243 pages US $10.99 4 stars.
Learn more about Susan Sleeman at her website. Also check out the contest she is hosting at The Suspense Zone.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Susan Sleeman
2010
Hometown Mysteries from Barbour
Fiction/Mystery/Suspense
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Nipped in the Bud is a fun novel that you will not want to put down, Susan Sleeman has captured a quirky character in Paige Turner, a landscaper, who seems to attract even more quirky listeners to her radio show. Each chapter begins with the transcript of a call from her radio show, which will have you in stitches laughing.
Paige Turner, a local girl come home from the big city, is the owner of a landscaping business, and also the host of a radio program. Finally landing a big contract with the city, for the upcoming Picklefest, Paige is thwarted by the city manager Bud Picklemann, who seems determined to get her fired. Loosing her temper, and threatening him, Paige never dreams it will come back to haunt her within hours, when Bud is found dead in her work area. The local police chief seems to have it in for her, holding a grudge against her over something from their high school days. Paige has to find out who killed Bud, before she is sent to jail. Her handsome young lawyer seems to distract her with his good looks, but more than that, he is determined to hire a professional investigator, which angers Paige.
An exciting book you will want to finish quickly you do not want to miss this book. Susan Sleeman has once again shown that she is a gifted author. 243 pages US $10.99 4 stars.
Learn more about Susan Sleeman at her website. Also check out the contest she is hosting at The Suspense Zone.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
November 29, 2010
Paige Turner returned to her hometown after receiving her degree in landscaping, and opened her own shop, The Garden Gate. She also hosts KALM’s radio broadcast, Through the Garden Gate, with her producer friend, Lisa Winkle.
Paige won her first landscaping job of sprucing up the city park in time for the Pickle Fest, fencing off the area. Returning to the site, she engages in an argument with the city manager, Bud Pickleman, about the lack of a proper security fence. She screamed at Bud in a menacing way about his interference at the site. The following day, Bud was found dead in a mound of mulch at Paige’s landscaping site. Police Chief Mitch Lawson, an old classmate with a grudge, is out to handcuff and jail her for Bud’s murder. She hires Attorney Adam Hayes to defend her, find the real killer, and keep her out of jail.
Not only is this a good murder mystery, with a great plot and plenty of suspects, Susan throws in a quirky, humorous radio show at the beginning of each chapter to offset the seriousness of the murder investigation. The call-ins have a rare, slap-stick comedy. A unique way to downplay the tension.
The suspicious behaviors, multiple arguments, and grudges will have you guessing who the murderer is. Almost everyone seems to be suspect in some way. The plot kept me interested through the whole book. The essence of romantic tension brings another element of delight while all the while trying to solve the murder. Definitely a fun read! Way to go, Susan!
This book was provided by Susan Sleeman in exchange for my honest review.
Paige won her first landscaping job of sprucing up the city park in time for the Pickle Fest, fencing off the area. Returning to the site, she engages in an argument with the city manager, Bud Pickleman, about the lack of a proper security fence. She screamed at Bud in a menacing way about his interference at the site. The following day, Bud was found dead in a mound of mulch at Paige’s landscaping site. Police Chief Mitch Lawson, an old classmate with a grudge, is out to handcuff and jail her for Bud’s murder. She hires Attorney Adam Hayes to defend her, find the real killer, and keep her out of jail.
Not only is this a good murder mystery, with a great plot and plenty of suspects, Susan throws in a quirky, humorous radio show at the beginning of each chapter to offset the seriousness of the murder investigation. The call-ins have a rare, slap-stick comedy. A unique way to downplay the tension.
The suspicious behaviors, multiple arguments, and grudges will have you guessing who the murderer is. Almost everyone seems to be suspect in some way. The plot kept me interested through the whole book. The essence of romantic tension brings another element of delight while all the while trying to solve the murder. Definitely a fun read! Way to go, Susan!
This book was provided by Susan Sleeman in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2011
Cute book. Mystery thrown in with some humor. I was in the hospital to have some surgery and took this book with me. When I couldn't sleep I sat up and finished this book. So yes, it really held my interest! I liked the little snippets at the beginning of each chapter that told some humerous story about a caller who misunderstood their advice they were given. At first I thought they were kind of corny, then as I read more I was laughing at the ridiculous ideas she was able to come with for misunderstood gardening tips.
There is romance and mystery in this book in addition to the humor so I really thought it was pretty good.
Here is the copy from the back of the book. Sorry I didn't write more, I'm not the best at writing reviews, especially when on pain medication! ~ : )
Prepare to attend the Pickle Fest in Serendipity, Oregon, along with Paige Turner and Adam Hayes. But first you must help them unravel the mystery of how the city manager wound up dead in a mound of mulch in the city park that Paige was hired to landscape. Can Adam’s knowledge of the law keep her out of jail and win her love?
There is romance and mystery in this book in addition to the humor so I really thought it was pretty good.
Here is the copy from the back of the book. Sorry I didn't write more, I'm not the best at writing reviews, especially when on pain medication! ~ : )
Prepare to attend the Pickle Fest in Serendipity, Oregon, along with Paige Turner and Adam Hayes. But first you must help them unravel the mystery of how the city manager wound up dead in a mound of mulch in the city park that Paige was hired to landscape. Can Adam’s knowledge of the law keep her out of jail and win her love?
June 27, 2013
Paige Turner is a landscaper that is thrilled to land a contract fixing up the park for the upcoming Pickle Fest in Serendipity, Oregon. But when she finds the mayor dead in a pile of her mulch in the park, she becomes the primary suspect in his murder. Her friends hire lawyer Adam Hayes to keep her out of jail and aid her in solving the case before it's too late. With no alibi, Paige sees no way out out except to find the killer herself. Is it the pharmacist who has something to hide about their former mayor? Or is it the librarian with a secret in her past? Or does the wife have any reason to make herself a widow?
This mystery was quite the amusing one, what with the name of Paige Turner and the Pickle Festival. I was quite bemused with the opening paragraph in each chapter, and the news station Paige gives gardening advice on is always getting the strangest callers. At first, I couldn't seem to get into the story. The beginning paragraphs confused me more than interested me, and the story felt as if it was moving slow as molasses. But somewhere before the half-way mark, it finally captured my attention and kept me all the way to the end. A good read, and a good mystery.
This mystery was quite the amusing one, what with the name of Paige Turner and the Pickle Festival. I was quite bemused with the opening paragraph in each chapter, and the news station Paige gives gardening advice on is always getting the strangest callers. At first, I couldn't seem to get into the story. The beginning paragraphs confused me more than interested me, and the story felt as if it was moving slow as molasses. But somewhere before the half-way mark, it finally captured my attention and kept me all the way to the end. A good read, and a good mystery.
August 5, 2016
Although Susan Sleeman’s whodunit novel Nipped in the Bud doesn’t hold too many mysteries, it is still a quick and enjoyable read for a lazy Saturday afternoon. At times, Paige Turner’s desperation for a guy annoyed me, but it makes her very blunt as she says things most of us wouldn’t dream of saying. Sometimes, I couldn’t decide whether to blush or laugh. I also think the romance between Paige and Adam comes on too fast. I would have liked the “attraction stage” to have lasted longer, but Paige isn’t one to beat around the bush.
Each chapter starts with “the best of Through the Garden…” These are supposed to be excerpts of the craziest calls Paige received at her radio show. Several times, I had to chuckle at these and the conundrums some of the callers got themselves into.
While Nipped in the Bud won’t make it to the top of my list, I did have a good time reading it. This is the kind of novel for someone looking for an easy, one-sitting read.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Each chapter starts with “the best of Through the Garden…” These are supposed to be excerpts of the craziest calls Paige received at her radio show. Several times, I had to chuckle at these and the conundrums some of the callers got themselves into.
While Nipped in the Bud won’t make it to the top of my list, I did have a good time reading it. This is the kind of novel for someone looking for an easy, one-sitting read.
Review copy provided by publisher.
March 29, 2011
Reviewed at: Library of Lights
Date reviewed: 19th Feb 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=145
I can't seems to get enough of the books from the 'Hometown Mysteries' series. This is the second book that I've read in the series. The first one I've read was 'Missing Mabel' by Nancy Melh.
I absolutely love Nipped In The Bud by Susan Sleeman. It's intriguing, ironic as well as breathtaking. I love the romance that buds in the story. It did not overshadow the mystery in the story.
If I were to rate this book, I'd give it a 4. I recommend this book to those who loves a good mystery-romance kinda books.
I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for this book, and i was not compensated in any way for writing this review.
Date reviewed: 19th Feb 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=145
I can't seems to get enough of the books from the 'Hometown Mysteries' series. This is the second book that I've read in the series. The first one I've read was 'Missing Mabel' by Nancy Melh.
I absolutely love Nipped In The Bud by Susan Sleeman. It's intriguing, ironic as well as breathtaking. I love the romance that buds in the story. It did not overshadow the mystery in the story.
If I were to rate this book, I'd give it a 4. I recommend this book to those who loves a good mystery-romance kinda books.
I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for this book, and i was not compensated in any way for writing this review.
June 1, 2012
Paige Turner (yes, really) is the host of a radio gardening show and is trying to run her own landscaping business in the small town of Serendipity. When she uncovers the body of a man she was last seen arguing with, things don’t look good for her.
It seems everyone, apart from her best friend Lisa, and her employee Hazel, think she’s guilty, which isn’t helped by the local sheriff who has his own axe to grind over something that happened in the past. Paige sets out to discover the dead man’s secrets and clear her name before her imminent arrest, with some hilarious results.
Nipped in the Bud is peopled with finely-drawn and humorous characters, not least the ones we hear at the beginning of each chapter who ring into the radio show with some very off-the-wall gardening questions! There’s a bit of a romance going too between Paige and her attorney Adam, along with the mystery. And the denouement is superb. Love it.
It seems everyone, apart from her best friend Lisa, and her employee Hazel, think she’s guilty, which isn’t helped by the local sheriff who has his own axe to grind over something that happened in the past. Paige sets out to discover the dead man’s secrets and clear her name before her imminent arrest, with some hilarious results.
Nipped in the Bud is peopled with finely-drawn and humorous characters, not least the ones we hear at the beginning of each chapter who ring into the radio show with some very off-the-wall gardening questions! There’s a bit of a romance going too between Paige and her attorney Adam, along with the mystery. And the denouement is superb. Love it.
August 3, 2016
This is a fun book with a quirky lead female named Paige Turner. She has a flower shop/landscaping business and also hosts a radio show for people to call in with their gardening questions. Paige compares all the people she comes across to some type of plant or flower. The conversations she has with the callers on her radio show are hysterical - laugh-out-loud funny. Paige gets her first town landscaping job and is accused of murder when a local ends up dead at the park apparently killed by her shovel. Paige's best friend's husband calls a friend of his, who is an attorney. There is an instant attraction between Paige and the attorney, which can complicate things. Although there is a murder to be solved, there is plenty of humor, a cast of characters and a hint of romance. A fun read for a rainy day.
December 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this story, which is a humorous murder mystery, as unusual as that sounds. Paige Turner (probably the best book character name ever!) owns a gardening shop and has a weekly radio show where callers can ask their garden questions. When a local man turns up dead in a mulch pile where Paige was working, she's the number one suspect. With the help of attorney Adam Hayes, Paige must track down what really happened and keep herself out of jail.
Each chapter starts with an excerpt from the radio show. The clueless callers just cracked me up. If you enjoy light-hearted clean reads with a little bit of mystery, I'd highly recommend this book.
Each chapter starts with an excerpt from the radio show. The clueless callers just cracked me up. If you enjoy light-hearted clean reads with a little bit of mystery, I'd highly recommend this book.
February 19, 2013
Cute and corny. This is an easy read. It had a few surprises in the mystery of who really killed City Manager Bud Pickleman. Told from the viewpoint of Paige Turner (Yes, the names are corny too)a landscaper who speaks aloud many of the thoughts in her head. This is a rain day near the fireplace kind of read that makes you laugh.
I found the constant plant descriptions at times distracting. The snippets of her radio show at the beginning of each chapter made the action drag for me. The ending was fun and satisfying.
I found the constant plant descriptions at times distracting. The snippets of her radio show at the beginning of each chapter made the action drag for me. The ending was fun and satisfying.
April 18, 2011
I won this book from First Reads.
It was a cute, quick and easy read. Entertaining, though I felt that it ended too suddenly. At times I felt that Susan Sleeman was trying to be too funny; Paige's name (Paige Turner) and the fact that each chapter started with an excerpt from Paige's radio show (can the caller's really be that bad?!?) to name a few. Overall though, Paige was a cute and likeable character and the book made for a fun read. I enjoyed it.
It was a cute, quick and easy read. Entertaining, though I felt that it ended too suddenly. At times I felt that Susan Sleeman was trying to be too funny; Paige's name (Paige Turner) and the fact that each chapter started with an excerpt from Paige's radio show (can the caller's really be that bad?!?) to name a few. Overall though, Paige was a cute and likeable character and the book made for a fun read. I enjoyed it.
April 5, 2011
i really liked this book it was a little romance and alot of mystery. it was a page turner trying to figure who killed bud.
Paige Turner is a radio talk show host talking about gardning she also has a store called the gardning gate. she and her best friend was at the park doing a project for the city. until Paige found the body and everyone thought she killed him.
all in all it was a good story.
Paige Turner is a radio talk show host talking about gardning she also has a store called the gardning gate. she and her best friend was at the park doing a project for the city. until Paige found the body and everyone thought she killed him.
all in all it was a good story.
April 13, 2012
I'm usually NOT a huge fan of Christian fiction, they tend to be a bit on the sappy side, heavy on the religiousness of the hero/heroin's faith, all the while skimping on the story. That said, this book surprised me. I didn't even figure out the author was Christian until nearly the end of the first chapter. The book only really just lightly touched on the character's faith, and stayed totally faithful to the plot. Perhaps a little rushed towards the end, but over all an enjoyable read!
April 17, 2012
Slightly entertaining but the whole investigation felt awkward, the romance was worse (could it *be* more obvious?) and the way two of the main characters kept throwing God in to conversations made it feel even more artificial. And then, after all that, the ending took about 3 pages! I actually think the best bits were the intros to each chapter, fake extracts from the show where callers totally misunderstood some gardening concept in a hilarious manner.
May 2, 2012
I don't normally read mystery or suspense novels and really enjoyed this one. I liked the characters and the drama behind it although I was a little disappointed with the ending - somehow had predicted it and would have wished for more fireworks with the romance. But, otherwise beautifully written - loved all the interesting bits about gardening and the humour scattered throughout the book.
September 14, 2012
This is a gardening gem! If you like gardens, flowers or clever jokes-- this book is for you! Its murder, mystery and romance all combined to leave you wondering "who done it"? It's written on a personal basis and you get involved in the characters. If you have ever lived in a small town, or have wanted to live in a small town-- give this book a chance!
February 15, 2017
Christian fiction. Cute story, I liked the exerpts of Paige Turner's (her mother was a librarian) radio show. The setting in Oregon and gardening helped to keep me interested. The end of the story was a little abrupt and undeveloped compared to the rest of the plot. Overall, a cute story.
April 12, 2012
A quick fun read. A liittle too much slushy-misguide romance for my taste (not bodice ripper stuff just long looks into each others eyes). Then I read the Christian Mystery part and it made more sense. Still a cute little story with lots of humor.
March 15, 2013
Landscaper and radio host Paige Turner is accused of murder when a body turns up in the compost she is using for a job. I hadn’t realized when I picked up the book that there was a Christian message, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
October 21, 2024
Though I liked the plot, I found the characters too silly to be believed and didn't care about them. I did want to know who killed Bud so I stuck with it, and it was a very easy read, but I thought the writing was terrible. The romance was not believable at all.
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