A White House Gardener Mystery, by Dorothy St. James, Berkley Prime Crime, May 2011
Twists and turns abound in this action-packed cozy. The story begins when the newest White House gardener finds herself face down in a muddy Lafayette Square flowerbed with a fast-growing lump on her head. Cassandra “Casey” Calhoun has only been at the White House for three months and already trouble finds her wherever she goes. Only this time she may have been an unknowing witness to murder. She only has a few days to find the connection between the victim and a potential threat against the president. Was it a crime of passion? Or did the victim discover something illegal during her audit of some very high-profile banks?
From her first altercation in Lafayette Square to the end of her investigation, Casey does all she can to put the pieces together and track down the killer of her coworker's girlfriend. Her much-practiced self-defense techniques and a good deal of spunk help her save the day...and her life. Along the way Casey is distracted by two good-looking men, one a hunky trained fighter in fatigues and the other a charismatic banker in tailored suits, and one excitable pup. I didn't guess who the murderer was until the very end. Hopefully you won't either.
*The next book in the series, The Scarlet Pepper, comes out in April 2012.
PROTAGONIST: Upper 30s, new White House assistant gardener
CRITTERS: Milo, a goldendoodle puppy
ACTION: Lots plus struggles, but no chases
LOVE INTERESTS: Two men, two personalities, tough decision?
ROMANCE: Slightly Warm - hugs, cheek kisses, air kisses
QUIRKINESS: Unique characters, not same ole', same ole'
COLLOQUIALISMS: Southern girl memories
INTERESTING TIDBITS: Facts about White House rose garden, Tidal Basin cherry trees, war chemicals used for backyard gardening
FUN FACTOR: Lighthearted, some slapstick moments
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MAY LIKE: White House Chef Mysteries by Julie Hyzy
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