Chicken Culprit
A Backyard Farming Mystery Series
by Vikki Walton
Chicken Culprit: Backyard Farming Mystery Series
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Colorado
Morewellson, LTD
Print Length: 251 pages
Digital ASIN: B079SS1C4S
My Review
There are many things I enjoy about cozies. I like meeting all of the quirky characters. The stories are usually set in small towns. I live in one and can relate. And the mysteries, while mostly murders, aren’t gruesome.
Anne Freemont hasn’t even had time to settle into the old Victorian she just purchased before she’s tangled up in the murder of her neighbor. While not a suspect herself, a young woman she’s become friends with is the main suspect and begs her to help clear her name. Having no idea how to go about it, the town rallies and they all put on their sleuthing caps.
I easily connected with Anne. Moving from a bustling city to a small town takes getting used to. Everyone knows each other’s business and don’t hesitate to butt into hers. When her new friend, Kandi, is arrested for murder and asks her for help, I found it a fresh angle that she has no idea where to start. Most cozies have the character diving in enthusiastically, having some ideas on how to go about it. Anne has none. Luckily, she has a secret that helps her.
The friendship between Anne and Kandi is a fun one. Years separate them but they have a lot of common interests. Kandi’s use of the work like in every other sentence drives Anne nuts but they soon find it a source of amusement.
The small town of Carolan Springs is filled with a slew of interesting characters. How they welcomed Anne into their midst was comical and heart warming. Anne recognizes that being a newcomer might help her in her investigation as she might notices things that the residents, being so familiar with each other, might not. A fresh set of eyes and ears you might say.
The mystery is a tough one. I usually spot a few bread crumbs, but didn’t catch one this time. When the author finally reveals what happened, I was caught completely by surprise. Never saw it coming.
And I really liked the ending. Some might think it was sappy, but I thought it was precious.
~~~~~
Synopsis
Finally healing after her heart-breaking divorce, Anne Freemont is ready to put the painful past behind her.
Discovering an old Victorian for sale in the small mountain town of Carolan Springs may be just what she needs. The beauty of Colorado beckons, so Anne heads west to start her new life.
Yet, before Anne’s completely settled in, her neighbor is found dead in his compost pile. What’s worse is that Anne’s quirky young neighbor, Kandi Jenkins, could be the killer. When Kandi begs for her help, Anne feels she has no choice but to help the young woman.
However, she finds herself quickly at odds with the local sheriff. And while she uncovers more of the community’s secrets, she’s also exploring her awakening feelings for Sam Powers, the town’s deputy coroner.
Once Anne starts looking at who could be the real killer, the suspect list keeps getting longer and longer. It seems that Carolan Springs is a place of many secrets. But who would want to murder Ralph and who’s willing to kill again to keep their secret?
~~~~~
About Author Vikki Walton
.
Vikki Walton is a suburban homesteader aka the Havensteader. She has chickens, gardens, and bees and is a certified permaculture designer. She’s also the author of nonfiction books. She loves to travel, is a global house and pet sitter and when not out in the garden or hiking in beautiful Colorado, is plotting her next mystery.
Author Links:
Website / Author on Facebook / Facebook
Purchase Link : Amazon
~~~~~
~~~~~
Follow The Tour
April 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 16 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE
April 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – REVIEW
April 17 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 17 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 17 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
April 18 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
April 18 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
April 18 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
April 19 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – REVIEW
April 19 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 19 – Jane Reads – REVIEW
April 19 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
April 20 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW
April 20 – Varietats – REVIEW
April 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
April 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 21 – fundinmental – REVIEW
April 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
April 22 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
April 22 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER GUEST POST
~~~~~
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways go HERE.
I’m in! Oh, I do hope the chicken doesn’t get it LOL I mean, I know I eat them, but seeing the axe that close is a bit to ‘real’ for this X vegetarian lol 😉 Happy Friday!!!xxx
Run chicken run! LOL This was a cute cozy:) No animals were harmed either.
Love the cover.
So do I. Sure makes you wonder what’s happening:)
Another fun title. Love it!
I love the fun titles for cozies:)
Thanks for the review Laura. Much appreciated. Best, Vikki
I had fun with this one. I could have written a huge review. Had to cut it down to size. LOL
This sounds like my kind of read. I really liked the description of the book, adding to my TBR list.
It starts out fun and doesn’t let up. I loved how she was welcomed and how she adjusted to her new life.
oh the mc went from city to country life, I can def identify with that, lovely review
I can relate too. I’ve lived in a small town for over 30 years now. It’s culture shock when I visit places like Atlanta. LOL
Well that’s quite the welcome to the neighborhood. lol Kinda fun when you can’t figure out the mystery 🙂
It is fun when the mystery isn’t easily solved. Once it’s revealed, it’s quite the surprise:)
I want backyard chickens, so I am always a sucker for a book cover with a chicken on it. Although I hope that hatchet isn’t for the chicken’s neck. Ha ha. XD
I’ve always been fond of chickens. Used to have some years ago. Now, I just like to read about them. It’s easier. LOL
I really enjoyed this one too! I agree on the ending. I don’t mind an ending that has a bit of sappiness if I’ve enjoyed the book enough. I’m looking forward to the next book.
That ending was a surprise and quite fun:)
Is it chicken for dinner? lol
sherry @ fundinmental
I hope not for this one! LOL