Ribbons and Ruin

Summer has come to Meadow Creek, Kansas, and Clarkson Crowder is finally settling into life at Crowder Family Farm. When her grandmother suggests entering the Crawford County Fair's apple competition, Clarkson figures it's the perfect chance to enjoy some small-town fun—complete with blue ribbons, prize cattle, and her loyal dog Diddly's attempts to herd everything in sight. But when a beloved livestock judge collapses moments after announcing the winners, Clarkson suspects there's something far more sinister than summer heat behind his sudden death.

The world of competitive livestock showing isn't as folksy as it appears. Behind the blue ribbons and proud smiles lurk bitter rivalries, old grudges, and secrets worth killing for. With Sheriff Patterson dismissing the death as natural causes and evidence disappearing as quickly as the fair's cotton candy, Clarkson finds herself asking questions that someone desperately wants to stay buried. As she digs deeper into the tight-knit community of ranchers and fair officials, she discovers that in a town where everyone knows everyone's business, the most dangerous secrets are the ones hiding in plain sight.

From her grandmother Bea's razor-sharp memory to best friend Nora's talent for gathering gossip at her pie booth, Clarkson will need all the help she can get to unmask a killer before the fair closes and the truth vanishes for good. The second installment in the Harvest of Clues Mysteries serves up another delightful blend of rural charm, witty banter, and clever sleuthing that will keep cozy mystery fans guessing until the very last page.