Great book. Enjoyed the story. very much. Edith Maxwell is a great author and I love everything she writes.

I so wanted to love this series. Being a farmers daughter, growing up on a farm and still living on that farm I know what farm life is all about. Sadly this book does not even come close to anything like a working farm. Cam is nothing more than a little hobby farmer. I have never in my life known any farmer to just stop when they get tired. Or to think the day starts after 8 am and then has stopped long before sunset. Really this book is nothing close to being similar in farm life. I can tell the author and editors know nothing about how a farm actually works.

I did enjoy the romance between Cam and Pete. I enjoyed the mystery. But I did not enjoy all of this enough to keep this series on my watch list or waste any additional money purchasing other books in the future.

This series just was not my cup of tea; I didn't like the main character or the supporting characters. What should have been a great premise just falls flat and tepid and I felt like I had wasted my time by the time I was done with this one.

Not my favorite installment of the series but still a good mystery overall. The characters weren't as engaging this time around (I felt no sympathy for Cam's mother when she was accused) and I would have liked to read more about her farming. All in all an entertaining read.

How can you not enjoy a book about Co-Ops and organic farming along with a corpse are two. Each character has developed with each book. The plot and mysteries are more solid and the writer gives a colorful view of the town and the people that you can relate to just about anyone of them

The fifth book in the series is a definite page-turner. I had no trouble following along even though I did not know there were others in this series. Cam Flaherty is a well-developed protagonist, and the plot draws you in immediately with a murder. Cam's parents are visiting, and they are just as much a part of this book as Cam and just as pertinent. These characters are so memorable that I'm giving this five stars. Cozy mystery fans need to grab their copy.

Mulch Ado about Murder

by Edith Maxwell

The Local Foods Mystery Series is set in the small Attic Hill Organic Farm in New England with owner Cam Flaherty as the main character. In Mulch Ado about Murder, Cam (short for Cameron) tries to deliver some basil and lettuce seedlings to Nicole Kingsbury at her new hydroponic greenhouse. She is blocked by a group of protestors which includes her visiting mother. The bigger surprise, however, awaits Cam inside the greenhouse where she finds Nicole in a different state than she expected. This discovery sets in motion a series of events that spiral out of control mystifying Cam, the state police, including her boyfriend detective Pete, and local law enforcement.

There is a backdrop of Cam’s relationship to her parents that is integral to the mystery rather than a distraction for the reader. Cam has never had a close relationship with her parents, both anthropology professors. During their visit, Cam finds herself drawing closer to her father, but puzzled by her mother’s continued reticence about the past.

The reader is given critical information as Cam discovers it and so is able to try to solve the mystery along with her. There is action as well as sleuthing and the mystery ends on a satisfactory note. It was quite an enjoyable read.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: 1. There are some recipes at the end of the book reflecting foods that Cam’s father prepared or that the characters enjoyed at local restaurants in the story.
2. #5 in the Local Foods Mystery Series, but I enjoyed it as a standalone.

Publication: May 30, 2017—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

A breeze picked up, fluffing the leaves on the old oak behind the barn like a teenager fixing her hair. A cloud blotted out the slanting sunlight. Cam sniffed. Let it be rain coming. Let it be rain.

The gentle spray from the watering wands arched over the table to wet the infant plants. Watering was definitely meditative for Cam. Watching the spray calmed and cleaned her jangled thoughts. Smelling the wet soil reassured her that life continues, that despite the apparent murder of a fellow grower, the cycle of growth was universal and never-ending.

“You can’t believe how good that smells,” Cam said. What it smelled like was her childhood. Every night her father would make them both toast before bed. Their similar tall, thin frames gave them similar appetites, what Albert used to call Hollow Leg Syndrome.

It's springtime in Massachusetts, and organic farmer Cam Flaherty is receiving an unexpected and rare visit from her parents whom she's never had a "traditional" relationship with. But life goes on, and Cam has duties; so she leaves her father to help out at the farm while she makes a delivery to Nicole Kingsbury, with whom she has contracted to provide her with seedlings for her hydroponic farming.

When she arrives at Nicole's, she doesn't expect to see a line of protesters condemning her operation, and she certainly doesn't expect to see her mother in the group. Trying her best to ignore them, she enters the greenhouse and calls out to Nicole. But it's apparently deserted so she decides to leave the flats and also text her a message stating she's done so. But when she hits 'send' she hears the distinct ping of a cell phone, and goes to investigate. Unfortunately, what she comes across is Nicole's body, slumped over a vat of the slurry she used to feed the plants. Shaken, Cam calls the police.

After being questioned and released, she returns home to tell her father that her mother is also being questioned and will return later. But since her mother Deb admits she went in to speak with Nicole, it unfortunately puts her in the area of being a suspect, and Cam isn't pleased. She also isn't pleased that her boyfriend, Detective Pete Pappas, removes himself from the case and to make matters worse, until they figure out what happened to Nicole, he can't spend any time with her.

But as the case progresses, it turns out that it wasn't an accident but possible homicide, and Cam is convinced her mother is hiding something both from her and the police. While she's positive her mother didn't kill Nicole, it's obvious she's not telling everything.

What makes it harder is that Cam's parents are not ones for demonstrations of affection; neither parent has ever given her the indication that they even cared much about her but even so, she loves her mother and believes in her innocence, and will do whatever it takes to keep her out of prison, even if it puts her own life in danger...

I found this book not only to be a very good mystery, but it also gives us a lot of insight into Cam's parents and her (at times) tenuous relationship with them. When it begins it appears that her parents arriving during prime planting season is more of a hindrance and inconvenience, but as the days go on, the relationship between them changes and grows. Regrettably, it's taken a murder to effect that change.

Cam, although strong and independent, seems unsure where her parents are concerned; it's as if she's walking on eggshells around her mother, while her bond strengthens with her father who, surprisingly, while at first seems to be a disaster at the farm eventually becomes quite a help to her. It takes a bit more however, for her relationship with her mother to truly connect and become closer. This, in my opinion, is the true crux of the book; not only trying to help solve a murder (even if the police don't want her help) while forging a new relationship with, and understanding her mother. It is a delight to watch the changes between them.

As to the murder itself (and we know it must be), I found it to be quite a treat indeed to have several red herrings thrown in, only to find that my initial thoughts came full circle. But unfortunately I can't tell you what those thoughts were, or it gives away the ending. Ah, well...suffice it to say that around nearly every corner we have Cam trying her best to keep the farm up and running, her parents entertained properly, and search for clues whenever she gets the chance. This is one busy woman.

When the murderer is revealed and the reason for it discovered, we understand all too well the machinations, while thinking how easy it is for some people to do evil. This is the fifth book in the series, and is an easy read and well written. It can be read as a stand alone, but if you haven't read any others in the series I suggest you do so, because they're all quite as fun as this one. Highly recommended.

Thankyou for letting me review this book. . Having not read any of the other books by this author I missed the introduction of the main characters but saying all that I really enjoyed this book .I found the story line interesting about organic farming, I enjoyed all the twist it gave I had an inkling who the killer could be but not why . I am looking forward for her next book to come out .

This was a perfect book to read this time of year. I sort of consider my own garden organic, simply because I run out of time between weeding, watering and work to add any time for pest or disease control! I am pretty sure I have purchased tomatoes that were marked hydroponic, but have never given much thought to the rivalry between that and those who do organic farming. Or how that could naturally lead to murder! Cam Flaherty's parents were a great visiting addition to this book and it was nice to see how their grown-up relationship matured through out the story. Her dad William turns out to be a great asset many areas, including sleuthing and chickens! Cam's CSA model was interesting too. I really liked the idea of people getting to volunteer at the farm where the food will come from--a win win for both sides, as Cam gets some free labor out of it!

Mulch Ado About Murder is the fifth book in the Local Foods mystery series. Organic farmer Cam Flaherty is busy getting her seedlings planted during a dry spring., and she doesn't expect her academic parents, William and Deb. to stop by for a surprise visit. Cam is supporting Nicole Kingsbury who is the proud owner of the town’s new hydroponic greenhouse. To Cam’s surprise, her mother embarrasses her by organizing a series of loud public protests against Nicole’s operation. When Cam finds Nicole dead near a vat of hydroponic slurry, she is involved in another murder. Cam's boyfriend Detective Pete Pappas has to step aside to avoid any conflict in the investigation. Suspects include Nicole's embittered ex‑husband Rubin, a mystery man whose affair ruined the couple's marriage, and Cam’s own mother. Cam's father has a knack for sleuthing and helps Cam to question the suspects. Can they work together to solve the murder and to clear Deb?

This was a fun and easy read and is another excellent entry in the Local Foods mystery series.

I received this book for free from Netgalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is book 5 in the local foods mystery series. I do recommend the entire series as a excellent cozy series however this book does stand alone.
In this next in series our protagonist Cam is hard at work at planting on the farm and hosting a visit from her parents. Her Mother becomes involved in a protest which ruffles feathers in many local people Cam finds a local farmers murdered and she is shocked to find out her Mother is a suspect. Cam is determined to solve the murder and clear her Mother's good name. Cam is a very smart skilled protagonist and is masterful at finding suspects with the help of her boyfriend a police detective.
I adore this series and enjoy the rich characters and the description of the farm. Its truly a delightful cozy series with all the right elements to please every cozy reader. The sleuth is very well crafted and the clues kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this wonderful book which did not influence my review.

Mulch Ado About Murder by Edith Maxwell is book five in the Local Foods Mystery series. I have not read any of the previous books in this series. At the very beginning, I was confused by all of the characters. I was able to sort everyone out though. Cam is busy with planting on her farm and a visit from her often absent parents. Her own mother is protesting the new hydroponic farm when Cam arrives to deliver seedlings. When the new farm's owner is found murdered, Cam's mother is one of the prime suspects. I really enjoyed the characters and the farm setting in this book. Cam's father is the perfect match to her mother's personality. I look forward to more from this series as well as reading previous books.

Cam is worried about rain on her organic farm, and then her wandering parents show up. Before long Cam finds the body of a hydroponic gardening in the greenhouse. Complicating matters is the crowd of protestors at the green house - including her mother and some of her volunteers. Turns out Cam's mother knew the victim in the past and is hiding that information from the police.

When Nicole's ex-husband or soon-to-be-ex husband Rudin Kingsbury shows up claiming he did not want a divorce from her, Cam worries more about her mother. It appears the suspect list is narrowing. With the help of her father, Cam tracks down the murderer. I always enjoy Edith Maxwell's books and I liked this one, but I felt there were some unresolved issues at the end of the book.

I always enjoy Edith Maxwell's books and I liked this one, but I felt there were some unresolved issues at the end of the book.

Wow, this murder was epic! Sorry, but the award for best “finding the body” scene goes to this book. I was drawn instantly to the story and didn’t come up for air till the end.

Edith Maxwell gives organic and farm fresh fans a series that they can really sink their teeth into. The fifth book in this stupendous series was the best yet. Cam has a tough case to solve in this mystery with a variety of colorful suspects. Edith gives the readers twists, turns and the ability to have a great list full of why’s, and who’s. I really enjoyed the element of suspense in this one, it was just the right level for the book. Cam has been keeping me company each year, even before my blog’s beginning. She is such a delightful character that I am always want to know more.

This mystery is a great summer read. So come curl up with the book, and maybe a bowl of fruit.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Spring is such a busy time for a farmer. The last thing Cam needs is a surprise visit from her parents. O.K. that’s not the last thing she needs, the last thing she needs is to get wrapped up in another murder. But that is just what she does. When she arrives at the new hydroponic greenhouse to drop off some seedlings she finds the owner Nicole Kingsbury dead in a vat of slurry. Because of the group protesting outside the greenhouse she has plenty of witnesses to provide an alibi for the time she arrives. Unfortunately that doesn’t work for her mom, who happens to be one of the protesters. There are plenty of other suspects too but her mom is hiding something. To keep her mom out of jail she is going to be assisting the local police including her boyfriend Detective Pete Pappas.

What I really like about these stories is that Cam does the her sleuthing but she quickly tells the police anything she finds even if they don’t always appreciate her help. This time her dad even lends a hand.

Edith Maxwell has created such a vibrant cast of characters. Cam has really grown into her role as a farmer. I love that she has a group of volunteers that help with the chores and receive produce for their labors. They span all ages from teenagers to senior citizens.

Of course, I have heard of organic farming but hydroponic farming is brand new to me. The author educates the reader in the course of the story. I found the process very interesting.

The story is well written with important seeds sprinkled throughout getting us closer and closer to finding the killer. The family dynamic that grows between Cam and her parents was just as engaging as the murder mystery. The author gives us suspense and drama peppered with humor and also gives us several heartwarming moments too. Cam and Pete’s relationship has to take a little break because of the investigation but its strength shines in the way they handle the separation.

This is a strong addition for this series. A perfect summer read. And there are recipes in the back of the book too. Yes, it can be read as a stand alone. PICK yours up today!

Sorry I could not get to read this one due to college exams.

My copy of this one didn't download - but I've read the sample from Amazon and I'm really annoyed that I missed out on it because the set up seems right up my street and the opening to the mystery is really good.

“Mulch Ado About Murder” earn 5/5 Plump Organic Tomatoes!

I am new to Edith Maxwell’s Local Foods series, so this fifth book in the series was the perfect introduction: Organic farming with murder? Who knew farming could be more than strenuous, but deadly? I didn’t feel that I was left out of the back story and character connections having not read the previous four books, although I am excited to do so. The story was still exciting with a bit of humor and family entanglements, and kept me engaged. With California’s drought just now easing and a few family members as long time farmers, the trials and tribulations were well addressed for Cam as she struggles with her farming needs and no rain in sight. I found Edith’s characters, my favorite Cameron Flaherty, to be well developed and fun, not juvenile. The connection Cam has with her father evolves well, but to me it is unique; most main characters don’t team up with a parent to investigate the murder d’jour. The setting of Westbury, Massachusetts (Massachusetts, a wonderful place to visit) and details surrounding organic farming and hydroponics play out in the background along with recipes highlighting vegetables at the back of the book: Cam’s Dad’s Roasted Garlic spread for lunch sandwiches, Cam’s favorite Kale and Couscous Salad, Cam’s Mom’s favorite Brown Rice Veggie Risotto, and Jake’s Swedish Cheesecake (Ostkaka). I highly recommend this book, or hold off and start from the beginning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 5 in the series. While I have read all the books in the series, I think Ms. Maxwell writes well enough that this could be read as a stand alone book.

I loved this book. Cam once again finds a body, and this time her mother is a person of interest! I enjoyed getting to know Cam's parents, and learning a bit more about Cam through her interactions with them.

The story was fast moving, interesting and fun. I love the background of Cam's farm and her CSA. (I apparently have a black thumb when it comes to veggies, so it's nice to read about someone who can grow them, haha.).