The first book in the series kept me reading because of a sub-plot that involved the escape of a truckload of exotic animals and the hilarity that ensued afterward. I also liked the idea of an MC who was independently wealthy but didn't live in luxury, instead developing a business whose profits would support charities. It was different.

Unfortunately, these things weren't enough to carry the second book for me: no more exotic animals running amok, but an incredibly irritating, controlling sister and a ridiculously malicious deputy in charge of the investigation. The author may have intended his poor-sport antics to be amusing, but they just came off as stalker-like to me.

The mystery was good though - all credit to Ms. Crockett - I was certain the killer was someone else and didn't see the real one coming.

Still, won't be continuing with this one. ( )

Dani gets into more trouble as we learn a lot more about small town NH living. The characters have evolved and changed as the series moves along and Dani seems to be ready for a change herself. The opening of book 1 has her faking a migraine to find a little alone time from her family but this book seems to be changing some of her opinions.

Ready for book 3 the final in the series so far, I hope the author continues with the series sometime in the near future. ( )

Dani's maple syrup business is fairly successful, but she knows that others in the area are not as fortunate, so she has decided to put together a cooperative that will help everyone get the best prices on their supplies. But everyone is evidently not happy with coop, as one morning while she is having breakfast at the Stack Shack, someone keys the trunk of her MG and writes the word "no coop" and draws a line through it. Then a couple other produces have also had vandalism on their sites. Jill and Dean had inherited a smaller operation and Dean has been known to want to sell, but his sister wants to hold on to the family land. How badly does he want to sell? But there is also the crusty old Frank Lemieux, who has been very vocal opposing the coop. When Dani goes to confront him one day, she instead finds him dead in his sugar building.

She now has to rethink her suspects. Dani wishes that Lowell, the sheriff wasn't on a cruise and could be in Sugar Grove helping with the investigation, as Mitch, who is filling in for him, seems more interested in giving her senseless tickets, rather than investigating Frank's murder and the vandalism in the area.

Most all the characters from the first book are back, but most of the family members played a lesser part in this book. And Graham continues to curl Dani's toes.

Delicious recipes are also included in the book.

Looking forward to the next book in the series. ( )

Maple Mayhem A Sugar Grove Mystery by Jessie Crockett is a good cozy mystery set in Sugar Grove where Maple Syrup is what most people harvest. Dani and her family have been in the maple sugar business for generations and Dani is taking it one step further by trying to start a coop between all the growers to make it more economical for all of them. When someone starts sabotaging those who are joining the coop and then one of the biggest and loudest protesters of the coop is found dead Dani has to find out who is causing all the damage and who killed Frank before someone else is hurt and the coop falls apart.

Dani is a petite, spunky woman who loves her family and the maple syrup business. She reminds me of a woman I know who never backs down from a good battle and is a smart hard worker. Dani knows what she wants and works to get it even when obstacles, like someone vandalizing the coop members and even murder, are in her way. I love the close knit family and the small community setting too. It is written in a way that you almost can picture yourself right there in the town.

The book was good just a little slow at first. Wish that it had gotten to the murder sooner but once it did it picked up. The ending was somewhat of a surprise and the murderer was not who I thought it would be. If you like a good cozy with some twists in the plot then you might want to read this one. Has some good recipes too.

This is the second book in this series but it can be read easily without ever reading the first book without feeling lost.
If you want more info about the author and her books check out her website at

www.jessiecrockett.com ( )

http://www.girllostinabook.com/2015/01/review-maple-mayhem-by-jessie-crockett.ht... ( )