As both an avid gardener and Anglophile, this book appealed to me on a number of levels. Throw in the Sussex Manor house, and I couldn’t possibly resist. It’s a good one, surprisingly so. I’ve gradually been moving away from cozy mysteries as they become too much like cloying Hallmark movies, but this one managed to avoid the saccharine and tell nice story. When estate head gardener, Pru Parke discovers a body amongst her carefully tended yews, she finds herself embroiled in yet another murder. The investigating inspector, Christopher Pearse, also happens to be Pru’s love interest ans sparks fly as they team up to unravel the mystery and unmask the murderer.

The Red Book of Primrose House is the second book in the thoroughly entertaining Potting Shed Mystery series. With a perfect blend of gardening, history, romance, and mystery it will keep you turning pages until the satisfying conclusion. Pru Parke has always wanted to live and work in England and explore her British roots. Now in her mid-50’s, she’s finally done it. She’s been hired as head gardener at an eighteenth-century manor house in Sussex to restore the estate to its former glory. It’s a dream, and so is her romance with Inspector Christopher Pearse, although their long-distance relationship is not ideal. Neither is the vandalism – and then murder – that have Pru once again playing detective.

I enjoyed everything about this story, starting with the hatchet on the cover through the very unique prologue that describes the murder in the victim’s voice to the suspense and finally the solution to the mystery that kept me guessing. The characters and plot are well developed. Pru is likable and mature, and her romance with Christopher is sexy and well done.

Very much a 'cozy mystery', so some peril but lacking in gore. I think this book will appeal to a lot of people, who like their mysteries to be gentle and not to much of a thriller, and I did find the Repton part interesting, explaining how his red books were used. I guess proper gardeners will already know that! It was fairly easy to work out the culprit, and I was rather annoyed at Pru at times, but quite enjoyed the read.

I found this mystery to be a bit too cozy for me. I like more suspense and more intrigue. I was a little bored by the end.

If I made a list of series that I had neglected but for the life of me couldn't figure out why than The Potting Shed Mysteries about American born Gardener working in England, Pru Parke, would have been at the top of my list.



This book starts just a little while after the first book ends. Pru has started work at her dream job, head gardener at 18th century Primrose House. The gardens are huge and neglected and the home owners apparently believe in miracles given some of the deadlines they've tasked Pru with but she has a red book from famed landscape designer Humphry Repton to use as a guide. I was unfamiliar with Repton when I started this book but I've done quite a bit of reading since! He's really a fascinating man and an incredible designer.



I really liked Pru in the first mystery but felt even more connected with her in this one. She has some surprising character development where I really felt like I got to know her so much more. As well, I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Christopher grow and really see her on the job in charge of the gardens of Primrose House.



The mystery starts almost from page one even though the murder itself comes much later. There are so many questions raised like just what did her original interaction with Ned mean? Why does Davinia, the owner of Primrose House, seem so on edge - especially where Ned is concerned and just who is behind the acts of vandalism. While I can't say I was shocked by the reveal I was completely entertained from start to finish. I'm already looking forward to catching up with Pru and Christopher and seeing just what trouble Pru ends up in the middle of next!