Even though the murders in this book don't take place at the organic farm and spa Dana works for, she still manages to get involved in a murder investigation. While she is working a booth at Blossom Valley's Green Living Festival, Dana runs into Wendy, an old friend from high school. Wendy is soon after found murdered. Although Dana wasn't the one to discover the body, she still takes an interest in the investigation.

I really enjoyed GREEN LIVING CAN BE DEADLY. It's great to catch up with familiar characters. Thankfully, O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa's odious manager, Gordon, endeavores to try a different management style in this book and wasn't as obnoxious as he is normally. Dana's boyfriend, Jason, seems more protective and not enthusiastic for her to get involved in another murder investigation. I was worried at first that he might take it too far and the concern would come out sounding more like control. I think by the end of the book it does sound more like concern, and he has more or less accepted that aspect of Dana. I still like him by the end of the book and hope their relationship will continue. I like Gretchen, the new spa employee and enjoyed the facial mask recipe in the back of the book.

The mystery itself kept me guessing, and I found it very enjoyable. I like that Dana, as a detective, acts the way I could imagine myself acting. Her actions are not outlandish or in any way too wacky to be believed. Though GREEN LIVING CAN BE DEADLY is a cozy mystery, some scenes are full of suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat. I very much look forward to more in the Blossom Valley Mystery series by Staci McLaughlin!

Book Summary