Abigail Mackenzie is one tough lady! She is attending a vow renewal ceremony of her friend Paola and her husband when he actually hits on Abby and is confronted by one of his flings sisters. At the after party Abby goes looking for the head chef to deliver a load of honey when she finds Paola and her husband shot. Paola is still alive, but barely. Abby wants to know who would've shot them and why. Abby also starts to realize she is suffering from PTSD. The tough part is wondering if they are still in danger when yet another body turns up. In the midst of all this, is the holiday season and knowing how these murders will affect tourists and the town's economy.

I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.

A Hive of Homicides by Meera Lester is the first book I've read in the Henny Penny Farmette Mystery series.

I'm absolutely hooked. I loved Abigail Mackenzie and the small town and other colorful characters make it an exciting story.
Preparing for her friend Paola's wedding vow renewal leaves Abby feeling torn. She loves her friend, but her husband Jake is is known for his affairs and Abby doesn't want to see her friend hurt by his actions.

What happens next spurs Abby to nose around and ask questions, and before long finds herself face to face with a cold blooded killer.

I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

The latest in Meera Lester's Henny Penny Farmette Mystery Series is superb from start to finish! Abigail Mackenzie is realistically portrayed with feelings and issues that are recognizable in the human condition, all wrapped up with a suspenseful mystery. I loved Abby's growth and development in 'A Hive of Homicides' and am anxiously awaiting the next offering!

Abby Mackenzie, a former police officer turned farmer, is attending a vow renewal ceremony of a good friend, Paola, followed by a celebration dinner at the Country Schoolhouse Winery where Paola's brother, Emilio, is the chef. Abby is shattered when she goes outside the restaurant and basically witnesses Paola's husband, Jake, shot point blank, and Paola left barely clinging to life. Abby begins to delve into questioning employees and people who knew the shooting victims while trying not to step on the investigating officers toes. Soon Abby realizes there have been illegal activities going on behind the scenes of the Winery.

A HIVE OF HOMICIDES is an absorbing mystery touching on dug addiction, fear, greed, and the harm that can spread from those affected with these problems. The surplus of characters who journey through the story providing evidence and clues are a diverse and interesting cast. The author, Ms. Lester, does a great job walking the protagonist, Abby, through the steps of seeking professional help for her anxiety symptoms after she finds her friend near death and her husband murdered. The story tension really ratchets up near the end as a crazy, high on drugs, firebug maniac, threatens many things Abby holds dear, including her dog, Sugar, and her own life. Lucas, Abby's romantic interest is also in the storyline. In between chapters, there are interesting bits of farming tips and facts, and recipes to enjoy! This story is a great addition to the Henny Penny Farmette series. I look forward to reading the next book.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy from NetGalley and Kensington.

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One of the things I live best about reading is the opportunity to learn about so many new and different things. This book, in addition to being a compelling mystery, gave me a real appreciation for how hard farmers work and how much it takes to live that lifestyle. Abigail MacKenzie was a police officer until she was injured in the line of duty and she now runs a farmette in Las Floras, where she also dabbles in investigative work. She attends the vow renewal ceremony of her friend Paola and her husband Jake when, after the ceremony, Jake is found dead with Paola injured alongside him. Abigail puts her detective skills to work in order find the guilty party. The book is written in a pleasant conversational style with interesting characters, plenty of suspects and a farm setting which will make all of us who get our food from the grocery store think about how much work went into producing it.