Best-Laid Plants

A Potting Shed Mystery

By: Marty Wingate

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Pru and her husband, former Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse, are long overdue for a getaway. So when Pru is invited to redesign an Arts and Crafts garden in the picturesque Cotswolds, she and Christopher jump at the chance. Unfortunately, their B&B is more ramshackle than charming, and the once thriving garden, with its lovely Thyme Walk, has fallen into heartbreaking neglect. With the garden's owner and designer, Batsford Bede, under the weather, Pru tackles the renovation alone. But just as she's starting to make headway, she stumbles upon Batsford's body in the garden - dead and pinned beneath one of his limestone statues.

With such a small police force in the area, Christopher is called upon to lead the investigation. Pru can't imagine anyone murdering Batsford Bede, a gentle man who preferred to spend his time in quiet contemplation, surrounded by nature. But as her work on the garden turns up one ominous clue after another, Pru discovers that the scenery is more dangerous than she or Christopher could have anticipated.

©2017 Marty Wingate (P)2017 Tantor

Another Hit About English Gardens & Murder

The one and only thing I have in common with anything in this book is I live in Texas where Pru is from. I don’t have a green thumb or any knowledge about plants, but I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. I do however like a good hot tea, but only in the morning most days. I can envision ell of the lovely gardens and beautiful houses. The characters have become as real as old friends. The storyline always keeps me guessing as to who dunnit.

Murder in an English manor 4/5

Ms Marty Wingate, I have read all your Potting Shed Mysteries to date and feel that I'm welcome back home to each new addition. This is the best one yet. Applause.
Waiting on # 7.

Ms. Erin Bennet thank you for your efforts. Your British accents help make me feel back in England, and your ability to switch to that Texan twang of Pru's, just makes it all more visible. Congratulations.

The story takes you back into the life of Pru (Texas gardener extraordinaire), and husband Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse, go on a job and vacation mix. Pru looking forward to another English garden to get her hands into, and husband as backup. Even though it starts with a simple beginning, things go wrong. But that is where the entertainment lies--in all the little things that keep adding up. There is an death that is abruptly thrown in to stir things up, and when they we go into detective mode we know we are in 3rd gear. Nosy Texan meets inquisitive Brits in the country side--who will figure it out first. Pleasurable sleuthing creates for great entertainment.

Worth the listen, worth the credit

Great listen/read--try all of Marty Wingate's other 5 books first. I can personally tell you the story develops with each new book, developing into a great cozy mystery.

Bit predictable

The story was good, but it was predictable. You do notneed to listen to intently to determine “who done it.”

Wingate is getting too predictable

I realize these books are cozy mysteries and are full of fluff, but the murderer has been obvious early on in the last two books. There really is not much mystery to the story. However, as a southerner who used to live in England, I enjoy the descriptions of the countryside and the language difference. I like that characters from previous books are revisited. I love the examples of all the different ways to family.

If you are looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing, this is not the series for you. But if you want an easy listen to pass the time, this is a good option.

A little disapointed

I have enjoyed this series but was a bit disappointed with this book. It wasn't a terrible listen but I didn't think story line not as good as previous books.