Publication October 25, 2022
"I'm home." Seriously, that sense of being home was what immediately struck me as I read. I've loved this series from book one and it just seems to get better with each new book. I enjoyed that rather then simply give a recounting of past events in the characters' lives, author Julia Henry ties each in to what is going on in their current lives, whether an ongoing concern or catching us up on the bird sanctuary project or Alden Park development, all vital to past events in their lives. That makes the story come alive and, quite frankly, makes it all seem all the more real. I mean, dang it, why can't I buzz over and ask Lilly for gardening advice. She (and the rest) genuinely seem like people you know or want to know. Thus, the sense of home I get when making a virtual visit to Lilly, her friends, and their lovely home in Goosebush, MA.
Perhaps it's that feeling of simply visiting ol' friends that kept me from realizing until about chapter 15 that although a great deal was going on, there hadn't been a murder yet. Given that I'm a sucker for character centered books with a dose of history, that's probably not surprising. Visiting the cemetery with Lilly seemed like a natural thing to do and recalling my ol' home town cemetery with it's intriguing histories and grave sites, it seemed natural. A long-time resident like Lilly, whose family was so much a part of the town's history, would notice that something wasn't right. What is going on?
Lilly's sense that something is askew quickly ties in with some other reports, including when one friend's visiting relative reports an unknown body in what should be an empty family plot. What is going on? Even the seemingly unrelated work on a park designed by Lilly's dear friend Roddy seems to be somehow connected. Is the funeral home involved? The cemetery's recent caretaker was, uh, abruptly retired recently, but rumors of plots suddenly being available where none should be, for a high cost, mind you, and Lilly's discovery inside her family vault are worrisome. Even more so is what is found outside, the body of funeral home owner Whitney Dunne-Bradford sprawled against the lovely carved bench outside the vault, clutching a broken headstone. Heck, in this town, even that bench has an intriguing history but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own.
I honestly don't want to give away too much of the plot aside from the fact that there are multiple suspects who'd wish Whitney dead but there is so much more. Like, hey, did you know they use salt urns for sea burial? Or, yikes, that many tombs don't have inside door-handles to detour grave robbery? Wouldn't you hate to not know that and close that door securely behind you? And, what the heck does all this have to do with the sudden death of Stan's father, Buzz? Did Stan decide to rid himself of the burden his money-hungry father had become? Why was Stan angry with Whitney? What happened to the good top soil ordered for Alden Park? Why are they wondering if it went to the cemetery? Will Lilly's house guest ever find the perfect home of his own? How sweet is it that Lilly unthinkingly shares a sandwich with friend and neighbor Roddy? They are both such lovely, caring people that it's a delight to watch their connection as it evolves.
Bottom line, you don't have to be a gardener to love this series, I've been known far more as a black thumb than a green one, but if you love multi-dimensional and aged characters who work and come together smoothly, you will love this book. If you're seriously into gardening, so much the better. You might even pick up a few tricks from Lilly and the group not to mention the excellent gardening tips included at the end. Cozy mystery fans will also probably applaud that Bash, the young police chief, seems to trust and appreciate Lilly's abilities at figuring things out, too, which I enjoyed..
Thank you, thank you, thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to hang out with Lilly and her friends. Love the community and how they all come together for the common good.
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