SOLVED. Adult Mystery. Rich widow in early 70s is murdered. Suspect is her ex-con gardener (30-something) who she was in love with. Read around 1979-1984. Spoilers ahead. [s]

[Merle]

Book opens after the murder of well-to-do widow in her early 70s. Prime suspect is her 30-something ex-con gardener. A male friend of her own age (executor/lawyer?) finds her diary in which she talks about her feelings for her young gardener. Spoiler- The murder was committed by the jealous wife of the gardener who suspected her husband was in love with his employer.
I read this between 1979 & 1984. It could be older. I think I may have chosen it from a Library display of older titles. The author was a woman and I have the impression that she may also have written some children's books, but I may be wrong about that.

[Kris]

Merle, I added some details to the header/topic title at the top of the page, so your book might be recognized from that description alone. Many members only read the headers.

You can update it by clicking the small "edit" link after the header. This only works on the full Desktop website - not the Mobile website or app. (On the Mobile website, click the "Desktop version" link at the bottom of the page.)

[Merle]

Kris wrote: "Merle, I added some details to the header/topic title at the top of the page, so your book might be recognized from that description alone. Many members only read the headers.

You can update it by..."


Thank you, Kris.

[Kris]

You're welcome.

[Merle]

In Her Garden
After reading some book-finding info referenced on Goodreads, I was able to find the title using NovelList Plus through my local library's web page. For years I have associated the book with Rumor Godden, but could never find it on any list of her books. Turns out it was written by her older sister, Jon Godden. Isn't it odd how one book will linger on in your memory while hundreds more are completely forgotten?

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Merle. Thanks for the update.