Mulch Ado About Murder by Edith Maxwell

Edith Maxwell’s “Mulch Ado About Murder” is the fifth book in the Local Foods mystery series and the first I have read. There was no problem coming into the series late in understanding the story. The strength of the book is author’s ability to describe settings. That said, I am very familiar with small towns in agricultural areas of Massachusetts, although less familiar with those north of Boston where this book is set, and may have an easier time imagining the setting. The book makes me want to go check out Rye NH, a minor location in the story. A second strength is the main character, Cam Flaherty, single and independent organic farmer, now working a long-held family farm after taking her life in a new direction. Cam is a modern cozy heroine, with many apparently brief relationships in her past, who is likable but not lovable. I will read the rest of the books to find out if she enters the realm of lovable. The storylines are also modern, involving current immigration patterns and drugs as small elements in the story. However, secondary characters are much too numerous and not well defined. If Cam is intended to have a primary sidekick, it was unclear which character fit this role. And every book in a series does not need to mention every character already introduced in earlier books. I also would have liked to learn more about organic farming or hydroponic farming, of which I know nothing, but perhaps the earlier books supplied more information. The book moves along quickly, with several mention of modes of transportation (driving, riding, biking, walking) that help this along. I read the book in a few hours and my attention did not waver. Definitely a book worth a try for cozy readers and anyone who lives in the area where the fictitious Westbury MA is located (possibly real-life West Newbury?).