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Book Reviews of The Scarlet Pepper (White House Gardener, Bk 2)

The Scarlet Pepper (White House Gardener, Bk 2)
The Scarlet Pepper - White House Gardener, Bk 2
Author: Dorothy St. James
PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780425247044
ISBN-10: 042524704X
Publication Date: 4/3/2012
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 22

3.8 stars, based on 22 ratings
Publisher: Berkley
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

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dollycas avatar reviewed The Scarlet Pepper (White House Gardener, Bk 2) on + 712 more book reviews
Casey Calhoun works at The White House as the assistant gardener. In this installment we are focused on the First Ladys Kitchen Garden. It hasnt been classified as an organic garden yet, but Casey is using organic procedures as they work toward that goal. There are rumors running rampant in the media about the garden. It is being said that Casey is replacing plants to make it seem that the plants are growing faster than they actually are and that the ground is full of lead making the vegetables grown there dangerous to eat. Casey thinks it is funny that with all the issues the nation is facing the vegetable garden is such a high priority with the press.

There definitely is something going on in the garden as red peppers are popping up where green peppers are supposed to be and cabbage is growing where lettuce was planted. Casey is very confused when in addition to the different plants the garden is being vandalized during the night.

Then an investigative reporter is found dead with Caseys name in his notes. She doesnt havent much time to dig into all the details as the first harvest of the garden is right around the corner and it is going to be another big press event. There is much more going than a few garden incidents. Someone seems to think Casey is the key and knows who the killer is, she is having one close call after another. Shed better hurry up and figure out whats going on or she may find herself planted right between the eggplant and cauliflower.

Dollycass Thoughts

When I reviewed Flowerbed of State I said couldnt wait for the next Casey Calhoun story and it was well worth the wait. Who knew a little kitchen garden for The White House and a pesky reporter could cause so much trouble? Its got all the makings of a fabulous mystery especially in the hands of this author.

I love a strong female protagonist and Casey fits the bill. If the Secret Service Training Sessions dont make her want to quit her job there is no way a murderer running around the gardens is going to either. She is right in the dirt with this one. I loved it!!!!

St. James writes a fast paced cozy mystery with more twists than all the varieties of bell peppers. Toss together a little humor, romance, a pregnant first lady, and some Secret Service Agents with some unpredictable volunteers, an organic garden expert, a few secrets and a dead body and you are in for a bountiful feast for your reading pleasure.

This cozy gets my highest recommendation, a perfect escape, and it should be in your in your hot little hands as you prepare your own gardens. Definitely a must seed story!!!