I love coming back to cranberry cove! What a fun time to be w/ Monica and Greg...it is the 4th of July and they are soon expecting their first child!
Monica is still going to do what she does! When her college roommate's grandmother is murdered she can't help but get involved@
This was another great installment to a great series!
I would recommend this series to all cozy mystery lovers! I would like to thank netgalley, the author Peg Cochran, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

It was less captivating than I would have liked. It was a mild cozy, with no excitement or intrigue. Monica was very unconvincing with her nine-month hold pregnancy running around sleuthing.

Calling all cozy mystery fans! Cranberry Cove, Michigan is a picturesque town located along the Great Lake. Residents of the small town gather along the lakefront for the Fourth of July festivities, including fireworks and a boat race at the country club. Monica and Greg are enjoying the events with Kelly, who was Monica's college roommate. When Kelly's grandmother dies during the celebration, Monica promises Kelly she'll help catch the culprit. The woman didn't die of natural causes - she was poisoned. And it seems like everyone in the family had a reason to want the woman dead, whether to inherit more money, to hide an affair, or even revenge for years of abuse.

I've read every book in the Cranberry Cove series by Peg Cochran, and have enjoyed all of them. The small town is one that I'd love to live in - the downtown area features a bookstore, a candy shop, a crystal/new age shop, and great restaurants. What more could you need? I learn more about cranberry harvesting with each edition (it's actually quite fascinating) and am usually surprised by the plot twists.

Any fan of cozies should check out this series, and especially this book. I always recommend reading a new cozy series in order, but I rarely do. This series is no exception - you don't have to read them in order to enjoy them.

A wonderful exciting new addition to the Cranberry Cove series.

What could be better: the Fourth of July, lazy summer days, and a new bundle of joy on the horizon. Oh yeah and a murder. Is the murder tied to the bones recently found? Read the latest installment to find out.

I’m interested to see how the baby changes Monica and the dynamics of the solving of the crimes. I’m also curious as to the relationship between her brother and future sister-in-law. There is something afoot.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Monica and Greg await the arrival of their baby. Heavily pregnant, Monica’s joy at catching up with an old friend takes a dive when the matriarch of the woman’s family is poisoned while enjoying a family reunion. Monica has no intention of investigating until one of her friends confesses that she is related to the deceased and may benefit from her will. She is certainly not alone in suspects who might benefit from the will. In fact, almost all of the extended family might have cause to wish her to a speedy departure.

There are several good mysteries embedded in the main mystery of who killed Violet. When the killer is revealed, there is a certain amount of sympathy as Violet was not a nice lady. She had some horrific skeletons in the closet as did several other members of the family get-together. I will let you discover the who and the why yourself as it is a tight and engrossing tale. Five purrs and two paws up.

Berried Grievances is a well written cozy mystery. I enjoyed the plot, characters and setting. I recommend this book.

A great cozy mystery by author Peg Cochran .

It’s the Fourth of July and like many families it is a time for family, fun , fireworks and murder . OK maybe for most families not murder .
Monica and Greg are joiningMonica’s former college roommate and her family for the holiday ,when someone decides to kill the matriarch of the family . Was it because of secrets ,lies or money . A great whodunnit ensures .

I have not read the other books in this series ,however, this book can be a standalone novel .

I just reviewed Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran. #BerriedGrievances #NetGalley

Pro:
* They’re having a baby 🙂
* Interesting family of suspects
* Hercule & Mittens
Con:
* Abrupt transitions & prose sections
* It’s hard to get past the basic-level writing and the smack-you-in-the-face clue drops

Thank you to Peg Cochran, Beyond the Page Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Berried Grievances is the 8th book in the Cranberry Cove series by Peg Cochran. I am actually beginning this series with this book. So first off, while it is not necessary to start the series at the beginning, it may not have been best to start at the end. I found it hard to bond with the characters. Having said that, it was a pleasant enough cozy mystery read with all the requisite components: a clever (albiet VERY pregnant) amateur sleuth, small town and a murder with many possible suspects.

Monica Albertson has been invited to a fourth of July celebration with her long ago college roommate, Kelly Cargill. While partaking in the celebrations and watching the fireworks, the matriarch of Kelly’s family, who is 90+, suddenly passes away! To help Kelly be comfortable with this sudden passing, Monica of course offers her help to dig “just a little”

There are many suspects since Violet, the deceased, was a wealthy woman. Naturally the major suspect pool was all of her family members as they had strong motives for wanting Violets wealth. Without getting into specifics (as that truly was half the fun of reading this book), the family members were tenacious in claiming their innocence and pointing fingers.

There is also an old “cold case” which plays into this murder with respect to more than one of the suspects (aka family members), and this played well with adding depth to the story.

I love how attentive Monica’s husband, Greg, is to her needs as a mother to be. You see – Monica is nine months pregnant and with the weather so hot…she is miserable and would just like everyone to stop commenting on “shouldn’t the baby be here by now” or “when are you due, any day now?” Except Kelly, her old college roommate and friend – she seemed to always have nice things to say, even when Monica is a bit self deprecating:

“Don’t you look lovely,” she (Kelly that is) exclaimed when she saw Monica.

“I feel like I’m not walking anymore but rather steering myself.” Monica gave a rueful smile.

“Don’t be silly. You look perfectly graceful even if you do feel that way.”

I had quite the giggle at the fact that someone got a stripper for the baby shower. Definitely a scene that led to many giggles from this reader. I must say – how did Monica have the energy to keep working, sleuthing and incubating the baby at this later stage of her pregnancy? I know I sure could not have done all that she did at nine months. But a mom does what a mom must J

The mystery kept me entertained, as did the family members. As predictable – the mystery of “whodunit” was solved in the end and I had not really come to the definitive conclusion as who the murderer was! Yes – you will have to read the book yourself to find out who was the murderer.

Will I entertain the thought of going back and starting the series from the beginning, I do believe I will when reading time permits? Time will tell. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with interesting characters, a “whodunit” that will make you guess then I suggest you pick up Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran and set aside a few hours to read!

This is a great series and I adored this cozy mystery. This was fast paced and it kept me wanting to read to find out what happens next. .great book!
I just reviewed Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran. #BerriedGrievances #NetGalley
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I enjoy this series and, if possible, it keeps getting better! This eighth book finds Monica and Greg looking forward to the birth of their first child. When Monica's friend Kelly visits during the 4th of July holiday, there's more than fireworks going on - an older relative of Kelly's is murdered in a mystifying manner and Monica once again finds herself a target.

Monica is a relatable character and very "real". I !like the fact that she's older and has come through adversity and stays positive. The supporting characters are fun and keep the book light-hearted. The mystery kept me reading and the food descriptions made me hungry!

I can't wait to read the next book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Berried Grievances: A Cranberry Cove Mystery #8

By: Peg Cochran

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Publish Date: 8 August 2023

Cooking, Food and Wine/ Mystery and Thriller

#BerriedGrievances#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

The Fourth of July always means endless celebrations in Cranberry Cove, and this year Monica and Greg have the added pleasure of spending it with Monica’s college roommate, Kelly Cargill. When they join Kelly and her family to watch the fireworks, it’s all very exciting—until the elderly matriarch of the family dies on the spot. Then evidence comes to light that she was poisoned, and Monica promises to do what she can to catch the culprit.

Just about everyone in Kelly’s family wanted to get their hands on what was sure to be a sizable inheritance. But Monica also discovers that one of them was trying to hide a messy love affair the older woman had discovered, and that the victim’s caretaker may have wanted revenge for enduring years of mistreatment. And just as more secrets surface and the clues begin to fall into place, Monica realizes that as she’s closing in on the killer, the killer is closing in on her . . .

Includes a mouthwatering cookie recipe!

Book Review:

As you can see this is the eighth book in this cozy mystery series. I haven’t read the books before, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. I gave this book 4 stars. I would recommend that you read all the books before so you can know a little background on each of the characters before going into this book. But like most cozy mystery you don’t need to read the ones before because each book is a different story.

In this book Monica is about to her baby and her family is anxiously awaiting the birth. They are frustrated because they want to know the gender of the baby but Monica and Greg, her husband, decided to not find out before the birth.

It is July and a friend of Monica’s from her college days is in town for the fourth of July. Along with her is her family since they use to live in the area. During the fireworks one of the aunts dies. She did so quietly that at first, they thought she just fell asleep since she was in her 80’s. Because of the sudden death there was an autopsy done to determine death. Come to find out she was murdered. Who did it and why?

The author takes you through many twists and turns and I had a great time trying to figure out who done it. I did figure it out just a little before Monica did. Now I have need to go back and read the series before this book so I can learn more about Monica and Greg and the rest of the gang.

An enchanting journey through vividly imagined worlds and compelling characters. This fiction gem weaves a tapestry of emotions, adventure, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's masterful storytelling evokes a powerful connection, making this book an absolute delight to read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating escape into a richly crafted story!

Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran is a journey back to Michigan and to the cranberry farm. Monica Albertson is within a week or two of giving birth and everyone she runs into tells her to take some time off, rest. It is driving her nuts. It is a lovely July night and Greg have gone to the Cranberry Cove Inn to watch fireworks. As the fireworks are ending, her friend’s (Kelly’s) grandmother, who has been dozing, refuses to awaken. Her uncle Ray was immediately accusing toward Edith, Violet’s companion/caregiver, questioning whether she had had her insulin. She had but it didn’t matter now. She was dead. She was elderly and in poor health, but not in eminent threat of death, one would have thought. Immediately the infighting began. It was not pleasant to watch. Greg and Monica left quickly. Within a few days they went to check on their new home, which was under construction. While there, Hercule, their dog was off a ways, digging and barking. What should he come upon but human bones. Now there was a problem. Were these related in any way? Monica resolved not to investigate but what were a few questions herr and there?

Monica and Greg have a good life between Monica’s baking of all things cranberry and Greg’s bookstore in town. They are anxious for their baby to arrive, as are all the members of their extended family. Monica’s mother, Nancy, had not liked Greg at first, but she had come to see what a good match they were. She was going to throw a baby shower if she didn’t start a war with Gina, Monica’s stepmother, who wanted that honor. All the members of the community have become like family to Monica and Greg as well as to the reader. They are basically well-rounded characters with plenty to offer. The history of their property, well, the pond behind it, has grabbed Monica’s interest (as well as the newly discovered bones) and she is off to find out more, speaking to elderly folks as well as ready the newspaper coverage of the accident that happened there long ago. The mystery was a good one, and as so often happens, especially in small towns, deeply rooted in the past. Well written and entertaining book!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Berried Grievances by Beyond the Page Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #PegCochran #BerriedGrievances

Berried Grievances

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ The Fourth of July always means endless celebrations in Cranberry Cove, and this year Monica and Greg have the added pleasure of spending it with Monica’s college roommate, Kelly Cargill. When they join Kelly and her family to watch the fireworks, it’s all very exciting—until the elderly matriarch of the family dies on the spot. Then evidence comes to light that she was poisoned, and Monica promises to do what she can to catch the culprit.”

I loved the mystery in a mystery it seemed like. So many layers makes it fun to read. The characters of the whole town are awesome. I love small towns I always feel like I’m there if they are described right and I felt like I was in Cranberry Cove. Would definitely recommend this series for a cozy mystery.

Berried Grievances is the eighth book in the Cranberry Cove Mystery series by Peg Cochran.

Any day, Monica and Greg are expecting their first child any day. She hopes it won’t be today as she and Greg head to the Cranberry Cove Inn to watch the 4th of July fireworks with Monica’s college roommate, Kelly, and her family.

Kelly’s family consists of elderly aunts Violet and Beatrice; Uncle Ray, who owns a newspaper; Sherry, his second wife; Aston, Violet’s grandson; and Edith, Violet’s companion. After the fireworks end, Violet has apparently fallen asleep, but instead, they find that she has died. It will be learned that Violet was injected with sumatriptan which can cause a heart attack in those with heart disease, which Violet had.

Monica, in her condition, the last thing she wants to do is get involved in an investigation. But still, she would like to provide Kelly’s family with closure quickly. Shortly after beginning her research, Monica realizes that almost all of the family have a reason for wanting Violet dead. Violet is very wealthy, and most of her relatives could use the money they might inherit.

Another mystery Monica solves comes to light when Monica and Greg visit their house under construction. Suddenly their dog, Hercule, takes off running. When they catch up with him, he’s pawing at the ground and uncovers the remains of a skeleton. Ms. Cochran skillfully ties this mystery to Violet and Beatrice.

I’m always looking forward to the next book in this excellent series. The book was well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. I particularly enjoyed Janice and the “old wives she was always offered about pregnancy. The community of Cranberry Cove is well described, and I felt I was following the residents around. There were plenty of red herring that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the killer.

A delicious-sounding recipe is also included in the book.

I’m looking forward to more books in this excellent series.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for an opportunity to read this book. I have been a fan of this series along the way but this was not one of my favorites. While Monica and Greg were at the Fourth of July fireworks event, with her former college roommate's family, when her grandmother passed, and the mystery was somewhat interesting the book dragged. I really felt no emotional connection between any of the characters, even our regulars. It was like a long two week day to day diary about the end of Monica's pregnancy and what she did while sleuthing was crazy and hard to fathom for someone in her condition. Then at the end the author gives readers a slap by leaving out an important piece of information. That was a turn off for me.

Monica and Greg are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Monica's old college friend Kelly Cargill is in town for the 4th of July festivities along with her family. When her aunt Violet ends up dead every family member becomes a suspect due to the large inheritance they would receive. Then if that wasn't enough an old grave is found on the property where Greg and Monica are having their new home built. When some things come to light in that investigation it might involve some of the Cargill family as well. Can Monica help the police solve not only one murder but a possible second on while not going into labor? Lots to figure out. Lots of action with multiple twist and turns.

Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran takes us back to Cranberry Cove where Monica is nine months pregnant when it is so very hot. Everyone keeps asking Monica when her baby will arrive, which she found annoying, and I did as well. Monica is not Kreskin. Greg is so sweet and supportive. He cooks, takes Monica out to eat, and works at his bookstore. I did wonder about Greg attending an estate sale on a Friday evening. I have never seen a yard or estate sale in the evening (just seemed like an odd detail). The mystery was uncomplicated. A relative of Monica’s college roommate dies during the Fourth of July fireworks. The family is stuck in town until the crime is solved. When Kelly, Monica’s friend and former college roommate, asks her to look into the crime, Monica cannot say no (you know she is dying to dive into the case). Monica asks questions, manages to overhear a conversation or two, and happens upon a juicy tidbit. Each new detail helps Monica get closer to identifying the killer. There is a suspenseful reveal and good wrap up at the end. It seemed unfathomable that Monica would do some of the things she did while in her condition. The story moved at a relaxed pace. We get to follow Monica as she goes about her daily life (over a two-week period). There is plenty of cooking, eating, and relaxing. We get to catch up with Mittens and Hercules. I can tell that the author has pets from her descriptions of the animal’s behavior. I was extremely disappointed with the ending. I was surprised that the author ended the story without providing two important details (she should have revealed at least one). Berried Grievances is not my favorite story in A Cranberry Cove Mysteries (as you can tell). Berried Grievances can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as the author provided the needed background information. Berried Grievances is a relaxed cozy mystery with a creative cranberry cookie, sweltering temperatures, a murdered grandmother, a belated baby, an absent tome, and a surprising solution.

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley and Beyond the Page Publishing..

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

The Fourth of July fireworks starts of with a bang. Monica and her husband play host to Monica’s college roommate Kelly. On their arrival they find the elderly patriarch has died and everyone in the family is a suspect since the elderly woman had a sizable fortune.

Who was willing to kill the woman for her money as Monica will dig into the situation. Secrets will be revealed of a love affair that someone was willing to take to the grave.
A well written whodunit that will keep you entertained.