No Farm, No Foul (Farmer's Daughter Mystery #1) by Peg Cochran

You all know I love a new series. Something about first parts is so exciting. They are rich in detail and characters, and represent meeting a new set of friends. It hasn't been that long since I shared a new series by Peg Cochran, The Cranberry Cove mysteries, and now I am very excited to say she has another new series, No Farm, No Foul (Farmer's Daughter Mystery #1) by Peg Cochran.

From the back of the book:

First in the Farmer’s Daughter mystery series set on a picturesque farm in Michigan, where Shelby McDonald runs a popular lifestyle and cooking blog, from the national bestselling author of the Cranberry Cove Mysteries.

On her blog, The Farmer’s Daughter, Shelby McDonald is growing her audience as she posts recipes, gardening tips, and her experiences raising two kids and running Love Blossom Farm in the small western Michigan town of Lovett.

Working the farm is demanding but peaceful—until that peace is shattered when the minister’s wife is murdered on Shelby’s property during a fund-raiser for a local church. But the manure really hits the fan when Shelby’s good friend veterinarian Kelly Thacker emerges as the prime suspect. Shelby decides to dig in and find the murderer by herself. As more suspects crop up, she’ll have to move fast—before someone else buys the farm.

My thoughts:

I absolutely adored the setting of this story. I've never spent any length of time on a farm, even though I live in rural Kansas. The detail and richness made it easy to see what daily life was like for Shelby. As a single mother I also like the realism of the relationships she had with her children, they were spot on what it was like. There were a lot of new faces, since it was a first part, but it was easy to keep up, and so many of them hold great promise to develop in later installments.

The mystery was fun and there were a lot of suspects, twists and leads to think about. I really did have the suspect on my radar but I had settled on someone else, so I guess I must admit I didn't figure it out. It had a lovely pacing and a cozy feeling. I will look forward to seeing where the relationships go and how Shelby adjusts to the always changing challenges of being a mom, a farmer, and a blogger.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.