Review: The Gardener’s Plot by Deborah J. Benoit

About the Book

Genre

Cozy Mystery

Format

E-ARC

Publisher

Minotaur Books

Release Date

November 5, 2024

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A woman helps set up a community garden in the Berkshires, only to find a body in one of the plot's on opening day.

After life threw Maggie Walker a few curveballs, she’s happy to be back in the small, Berkshires town where she spent so much time as a child. Marlowe holds many memories for her, and now it also offers a fresh start. Maggie has always loved gardening, so it’s only natural to sign on to help Violet Bloom set up a community garden.

When opening day arrives, Violet is nowhere to be found, and the gardeners are restless. Things go from bad to worse when Maggie finds a boot buried in one of the plots… and there’s a body attached to it. Suddenly, the police are looking for a killer and they keep asking questions about Violet. Maggie doesn’t believe her friend could do this, and she’s going to dig up the dirt needed to prove it.

The Gardener’s Plot takes readers to the heart of the Berkshires and introduces amateur sleuth Maggie Walker in Deborah J. Benoit’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut.

My Review

Maggie Walker is starting her life over.  After the death of her husband, almost ex-husband, she moves back to her hometown in the Berkshires.  She loves gardening and gets the perfect job of setting up a community garden.  She will assist Violet Bloom in this project.  Opening day arrives, but Violet doesn’t.  Maggie has no choice but to step in and take charge until Violet gets here.  

Things take a nasty turn when Maggie finds a dead body buried in one of the garden plots.  When Violet still doesn’t return, the police turn their eyes on Maggie.  They wonder if she could be behind these horrible events.  Meanwhile, Maggie’s concern is for Violet.  She hopes nothing has happened to her and that she shows up soon.  

This is the first book in a brand-new cozy mystery series.  The characters are well written with Maggie and her best friend Sally being my favorites.  The supporting characters are good, but I’d like to get to know them a little better.

The plot moved along at a steady pace.  There were many suspects, and the storyline kept you guessing.  I had my suspicions but ultimately, I guessed wrong.  I’m looking forward to another entry into this series and another visit to the Berkshires.

For reading challenges:

Craving for the Cozies Reading Challenge 2024

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.