Though I found the White House gardener Casey Calhoun a little off centered when it comes to solving mysteries, she clearly is a dedicated gardener in this cozy series, devoted to excellence in tending the vegetables in the First Lady's organic garden.
Casey thinks she has discovered the killers of two reporters in the White House Press Corps. She then tries to find out who is sabotaging the vegetables in the White House garden, and soon discovers the secrets of a female reporter who narrowly escapes death in a hit and run. Casey tries to put all the facts together, putting her own life in danger.
Far from being the crafty sleuth, however, Casey seems to fall into the solution to the crimes by accident.
An enjoyable cozy if you don't mind being exasperated with the main character at times. I enjoyed reading about the White House garden itself, the Secret Service personnel, and the press corps, assuming that the details are true to life - their duties, methods of work, volunteers at the White House, etc.
Title: The Scarlet Pepper by Dorothy St. James
Published: April 3, 2012 by Berkley
Series: A White House Gardener Mystery #2
Genre: cozy, mystery
Objective rating: 4/5
I received a complimentary review copy of this book.
Click on Greensleeves to hear Zen Garden Music.
You book review is nice. It would be awesome, if you tied in a musical theme since you're playing the 4M hop. Have you considered this?
ReplyDeleteGlad You Came-One Direction-Eyes Open-Fine By Me-I Kissed You Goodnight
Added! Thanks, Cathy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review - and the music you shared is so beautiful and calming... :) Thanks so much for sharing and playing along! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I Grow Up I'll Feel Like A Rock Star, and with A Little Want To, Some Days You Gotta Dance Under These Stars
I have this book on my TBR pile. I plan on reading it sometime in May.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like this cozy. It sounds as if it's got some good elements to it, and aside from being angry at the main character sometimes (which happens to me a lot, surprisingly!) I am betting that I would like this one!
ReplyDeletePerfect! I have been looking for music that would be great to play at dinner. I am really going to be looking in on this. Thanks so much sharing.
ReplyDeleteDanielle @ Royalegacy
Terrific review! And the music is a lovely addition. I love the idea of an organic vegetable garden at the White House.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good book to read.
ReplyDeleteThe music=bliss.
~Naila Moon
http://yaknowstuff.blogspot.com/2012/04/mondays-music-move-meapril-30-2012.html
Very interesting book and thanks for sharing your music with us.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your week!
I haven't read a cozy mystery in awhile, i'll have to check out these books.
ReplyDeleteXmasdolly: Couldn't figure out how to get that entire linky list on my blog. Tried a couple times but it didn't work!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a good cozy, but I'm not a fan of exasperating main characters :)
ReplyDelete