The Garden Plot by Marty Wingate (4 stars) -- Review & Giveaway

About The Garden Plot

Publisher: Alibi (May 6, 2014)
Sold by: Random House LLC 

In an entirely appealing mystery debut, Marty Wingate introduces readers to a curious Texas ex-pat whose English gardening expertise on occasion leads her to unearth murderous goings-on.

Pru Parke always dreamed of living in England. And after the Dallas native follows an impulse and moves to London, she can’t imagine ever leaving—though she has yet to find a plum position as a head gardener. Now, as the sublet on her flat nears its end, the threat of forced departure looms. Determined to stay in her beloved adopted country, Pru takes small, private gardening jobs throughout the city.

On one such gig in Chelsea, she makes an extraordinary find. Digging in the soil of a potting shed, Pru uncovers an ancient Roman mosaic. But enthusiasm over her discovery is soon dampened when, two days later, she finds in the same spot a man’s bludgeoned corpse. As the London police swarm her worksite, ever inquisitive Pru can’t quite manage to distance herself from the investigation—much to the dismay of stern Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse. It seems that, much as he tries, even handsome DCI Pearse can’t keep Pru safe from a brutal killer who thinks she’s already dug up too much.

Advance praise for The Garden Plot

 “Marty Wingate plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice to satisfy any hungry mystery reader.”—Mary Daheim, bestselling author of The Alpine Yeoman

“Classy, clever and utterly charming . . . Brew a pot of tea and settle in with this immensely enjoyable mystery.”—Rosemary Harris, author of Pushing Up Daisies and The Bitches of Brooklyn

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review

Pru has always dreamed of living in England; she's given herself one year to make her dreams come true--get hired as a gardener for an estate--or go back home to Texas. Although she gets odd jobs here and there, the job she needs to make it a go remains elusive.

Then, one day, she happens upon a dead body, and she can't help but get involved. Christopher, the Detective Chief Inspector assigned to the case, is intrigued by her. With each new detail, she gets closer to the truth and they get closer to each other. Will she get herself in too deep?

I love the way this book was set up. It wasn't just about a murder mystery; it was about a woman fighting for what she believes in. Pru gets multiple rejections, but she doesn't take the easy way out (a job waiting for her in Texas). Her tenacity is further exposed when she gets involved in the murder investigation. Even when her safety is threatened, she pushes for answers. 

In addition to a captivating mystery, there's a sweet romance between Pru and Christopher; an element which tied it all together for me. Although I found the story slow to start, it quickly picked up speed. 

I highly recommend The Garden Plot to mystery fans, especially ones who appreciate a strong main character and some romance. 

Rating: 4 stars

Giveaway

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About Marty Wingate

Marty Wingate is a regular contributor to Country Gardens as well as other magazines. She also leads gardening tours throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and North America. The Garden Plot is her first novel. More Potting Shed mysteries are planned.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on The Garden Plot blog tour page.