Death at the Day Lily Café by Wendy Sand Eckel is the second book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series. Rosalie is finally opening the café of her dreams. It is time for the Grand Opening of the Day Lily Café. The café will use local and organic ingredients including those from Barclay Meadows (Rosalie's farm) run by Tyler Wells. Rosalie is enjoying her opening when Doris Bird (owns Birdie's Shoes) comes in very upset. Her sister, Lori has been accused of murdering her husband, Carl James. Doris knows her sister is innocent and would like Rosalie's help (because she has already solved one murder since coming to Cardigan). Rosalie knows she really does not have the time, but she cannot resist helping a friend in need (Doris has been a good friend to Rosalie). Sheriff Joe Wilgus really seems to have it in for Lori and is determined to arrest for the murder. What does the sheriff have against Lori? Rosalie starts looking in to Carl James' movements before he passed away and she finds out that CJ (as most people called him) was not well liked. The suspect list is getting longer instead of shorter when Rosalie discovers why CJ was laid off from his latest construction project. When Rosalie's daughter, Annie ends up getting hurt, Rosalie knows she needs to solve this case pronto. Rosalie is going to need to dig deep to eradicate this weed from the town.
Death at the Day Lily Café is a fun and easy to read cozy mystery. I was entertained by the characters, the setting, the writing, and the mysteries (two in one book). The mysteries can be solved, but I had a good time following Rosalie and the clues. I especially liked Janice Tilghman who is starting to experience menopause symptoms. Janice's comments had me laughing (I know how the poor woman feels). While this is the second book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The writer does a very good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first book without it being boring or redundant. I give Death at the Day Lily Café 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is, of course, a little romance (and jealousy) in the novel, but it was not over the top or in your face (not the main focus). The ending is sweet and romantic. There are recipes included at the end of the book for items mentioned during Death at the Day Lily Café. I will definitely be reading the next book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Death at the Day Lily Café from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Death at the Day Lily Café is a fun and easy to read cozy mystery. I was entertained by the characters, the setting, the writing, and the mysteries (two in one book). The mysteries can be solved, but I had a good time following Rosalie and the clues. I especially liked Janice Tilghman who is starting to experience menopause symptoms. Janice's comments had me laughing (I know how the poor woman feels). While this is the second book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The writer does a very good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first book without it being boring or redundant. I give Death at the Day Lily Café 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is, of course, a little romance (and jealousy) in the novel, but it was not over the top or in your face (not the main focus). The ending is sweet and romantic. There are recipes included at the end of the book for items mentioned during Death at the Day Lily Café. I will definitely be reading the next book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Death at the Day Lily Café from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Death at the Day Lily Cafe (Rosalie Hart, Bk 2) on + 707 more book reviews
Dollycas's Thoughts
A couple of months ago received an offer to review this book. I took one look at the cover and knew I had to read this story. I also knew I had to invite the author to visit here for Cozy Wednesday. I was delighted when she accepted. I had not read the first book in the series but I threw that rule of mine right out the window too, but now I plan to go back and read it. Let me tell you why.
Rosalie Hart is one of those characters you root for to succeed. She had an ex-husband that cheated on her and she divorces him and moves to her aunt's farmhouse in Maryland. The first book covers that and from the synopsis much more.
In this installment she opens the Day Lily Café serving organic fruits, vegetables and eggs from her organic farm. Opening day has arrived and instead of worrying about her restaurant her friend, Doris Bird, rushes in and begs Rosalie for her help. Doris' sister Lori is the prime suspect in a murder. A murder she most certainly didn't commit, but the dead man was Lori's husband and she did have motive, means and opportunity. So all Rosalie's friends pitch in both at the café and the investigation especially when Rosalie's daughter Annie ends up in danger.
There is a strong feeling of friendship between these characters woven throughout the entire story. Some are still getting to know each other, just like us readers. Sometimes Rosalie's questions are little off putting but you know she means well. She needs to know parts of their other's histories not only to eliminate them as suspects but also because she wants to get to know them better. There is plenty of room for growth in each and every character in future stories.
The murder takes place away from the café and Rosalie is not the one to actually find the body which is very different in this genre. I liked this change, clues and the investigation are seen from a different perspective. The author also touches on subjects not usually found in cozy mysteries giving it a more edgy feel.
The author is very descriptive in her writing from what people are wearing, to what food they are eating. She also sets the scene very well. The Day Lily Café sounds like and from the cover looks like an amazing place.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, I really liked the ending. A great little preview of what can be coming in book #3. If you haven't read Murder at Barclay Meadow, start there and then you will be ready to rush right into this one.
A couple of months ago received an offer to review this book. I took one look at the cover and knew I had to read this story. I also knew I had to invite the author to visit here for Cozy Wednesday. I was delighted when she accepted. I had not read the first book in the series but I threw that rule of mine right out the window too, but now I plan to go back and read it. Let me tell you why.
Rosalie Hart is one of those characters you root for to succeed. She had an ex-husband that cheated on her and she divorces him and moves to her aunt's farmhouse in Maryland. The first book covers that and from the synopsis much more.
In this installment she opens the Day Lily Café serving organic fruits, vegetables and eggs from her organic farm. Opening day has arrived and instead of worrying about her restaurant her friend, Doris Bird, rushes in and begs Rosalie for her help. Doris' sister Lori is the prime suspect in a murder. A murder she most certainly didn't commit, but the dead man was Lori's husband and she did have motive, means and opportunity. So all Rosalie's friends pitch in both at the café and the investigation especially when Rosalie's daughter Annie ends up in danger.
There is a strong feeling of friendship between these characters woven throughout the entire story. Some are still getting to know each other, just like us readers. Sometimes Rosalie's questions are little off putting but you know she means well. She needs to know parts of their other's histories not only to eliminate them as suspects but also because she wants to get to know them better. There is plenty of room for growth in each and every character in future stories.
The murder takes place away from the café and Rosalie is not the one to actually find the body which is very different in this genre. I liked this change, clues and the investigation are seen from a different perspective. The author also touches on subjects not usually found in cozy mysteries giving it a more edgy feel.
The author is very descriptive in her writing from what people are wearing, to what food they are eating. She also sets the scene very well. The Day Lily Café sounds like and from the cover looks like an amazing place.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, I really liked the ending. A great little preview of what can be coming in book #3. If you haven't read Murder at Barclay Meadow, start there and then you will be ready to rush right into this one.
