Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Is that title not the cutest little play on words? Another great cozy. Who does not love reading about vows, cheese making, and murder? This was a fast and fun read. I cannot wait for the third book.

Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan is the second book in the brand new cozy A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series the murder mystery within will be fully solved within the book so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, there is of course character development that carries over from book to book for those that read from the beginning.

In the first book of the series we met Brynn MacAlister who had just gone through a break up so she packed up and headed to Shenandoah Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains to begin her whole new single life. Brynn was settling into her new home along with her three dairy cows that she treats just like her family as they help her in her new business as a organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker.

Now Brynn has gotten her business going and now plans to host the first annual cheesemakers contest at the annual summer fair. Before that can happen though there is an accident on a local farm when someone gets ran over with a tractor but police are suspicious. Then when another body turns up Brynn finds herself in a unique position when her assistant is a suspect with the evidence pointing his way.

As someone who loves a quirky mystery I couldn’t resist checking out this series when I saw the first book and I did really enjoy it. The main character in this is very likable and I thought it was fun to incorporate cows into the story the way she cares for them. This second book however did feel a little heavy to me for a cozy series with the outcome of the mystery which took away a tad of the lightheartedness I enjoy so I settled at three and a half stars this time around.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The print version of cute and cuddly. The story was good and the characters charming I can't wait to read more.

This is a good mystery with wonderful characters. The setting of a county fair only adds to the fun. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the end. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Brynn MacAlister is gearing up for the first ever cheesemakers’ festival in her town and she has her hands full with all the work involved. Wes Scors, the grandson of her dear and departed friend, Nancy, has been an enormous help to Brynn with running her dairy farm, setting up for the contest, and most importantly, cheesemaking. Unfortunately, a tractor accident leaves a young man dead and now gossip is that the tractor driver, Josh O’Connor, may have murdered the young man over his daughter, Chelsea. Worse yet, ransomware is infecting all the local computers and another death follows the tractor death. Brynn is determined to solve this murder, but she’ll need some help from family and friends to do so.

GOODNIGHT MOO is the second book in the Buttermilk Creek series and can be read on its own merits. However, it’s better appreciated if one has read the first book, CHRISTMAS COW BELLS, because of the story line involving Wes. Mollie Cox Bryan does helpfully provide the back history for readers who like to just dive into a series, but I suspect Brynn’s emotional angst over the situation will have a greater impact on readers who are familiar with the first book.

I love visiting the Shenandoah Valley with Brynn! She’s such a fun character and her loyalty for her friends is admirable. And oh, who can’t help but fall in love with Jewel, the sad orphaned Scottish Highland cow, that Brynn fosters? Brynn’s heart aches for Jewel’s loneliness and sadness and the reader can’t help but feel the same empathy.

Mollie Cox Bryan makes me want to try the various cheeses she describes- and I’m not even a fan of cheese unless it’s on pizza or quesadillas! While I don’t know the first thing about cheesemaking either, Mollie Cox Bryan’s vivid descriptions are both entertaining and informative. And boy, do I love the delicious recipes that Brynn and Wes make with their organic and locally grown products!

GOODNIGHT MOO is an excellent cozy mystery that highlights both the joys and hardships of rural farming communities. I love that Mollie Cox Bryan doesn’t shy away from addressing darker issues like racism, computer hacking, and even the medical impacts of concussions. GOODNIGHT MOO takes some risks within the genre by tackling some tougher issues, but the depth and realism of both the story line and the characters is phenomenal because of it. Bravo, Mollie Cox Bryan, for another well done tale!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

A wonderful small town mystery set in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I loved the characters and the descriptions of the cows and the community. Brynn is a great main character along with Wes her employee and friend and I also enjoyed the many secondary characters including Willow, Schuyler, Tillie and Becky. There is a county fair taking place in town which all of the characters are involved in in some way which adds to the story. The cheesemaking is an interesting addition to the story as well. This is a well put together mystery that keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. I also liked the recipes that were included at the end of the book. I see many more adventures in Brynn's future.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love this series, and this was a fun installment. I love the them of this series, and the mystery was so much fun.

Yikes. This is really not doing it for me, and I refuse to start a brand new year reading something that I dislike. This is a DNF for me at 40%: the dialogue is inane in parts, and I just don’t care for anyone in it.

I am very sad that Kensington has canceled this series after just two books. I thought it was a good series with a lot of potential to be great.

Even though this series only has two books I would still suggest it to readers of cozy mysteries. Getting to know the cows at Buttermilk Creek is worth the time.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

I was happy to return to Buttermilk Creek. It is time for the county fair and Brynn is organizing a cheesemakers' contest. This story has so much going on at times and absolutely nothing during others. The culprit was a bit too obvious, and at times it drove me crazy that the characters just could not grasp what was happening. The supporting characters are strong, and the setting is nice enough to keep me reading further into the series.

When I read the first book of the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series I could not put the book down! It was so intriguing to me from beginning to end. You cannot help but like the main character Brynn the moment you get to know her. Going into book two I had high hopes for it and I definitely was not disappointed. Mollie Cox Bryan does a great job at making it hard to determine who has committed murder throughout both of her books and I think that is why I like it so much! So glad to have found a new cozy series I love!

Brynn MacAlister is a cheese maker and cow lover. She’s also a soft touch for rescued animals, as her veterinarian friend, Schuyler, knows. When a Scottish Highland cow, Jewel, is in need of a foster home, she joins Brynn’s three cows. It’s pretty obvious to all, Jewel’s already home.

Brynn and her helper, Wes, are sponsors for a cheesemaking contest which takes a lot of planning and stress. First there’s no air conditioner, then it’s too cold. The contest isn’t her first concern after an accident with a tractor results in the death of a farm worker. Questions arise—was it an accident or murder? A good friend and neighbor is implicated. Before the community can recover, a second death, definitely murder, happens and hits closer to home for Brynn.

Brynn is working with a handicap. She has a concussion so her memory is a bit scrambled and she tires easily. It’s not in her nature to rely on others, but in this case, she has no choice. Even a walk to the pasture to check on her cows exhausts her. Wes is injured and treated as a suspect by the police and Brynn feels helpless to prove his innocence.

The killings seem to center around a local teenage girl who has a reputation for changing boyfriends faster than gossip can keep up with. Brynn is able to talk to her a couple of times, but the girl is guarded in her answers so no help. Suspects include the cast-off boyfriends, the girl’s father, Brynn’s helper, and a carnie in town for the festival.

Brynn is fitting in with the townspeople and more comfortable with her business. There’s a lot of work to be done yet but with Wes’ help plus her friends, she might be able to pull it off. The series is an enjoyable one, with information about cheesemaking blended into the storyline without distracting from the mystery. And who could resist a Scottish Highland cow, a shorter version of a familiar cow but with long hair and bangs? Readers will want to know what’s next for Brynn, Wes, and of course, Jewel.

Bryan also writes the Cora Crafts mysteries (4, reviewed here) and the Cumberland Creek series (7). Goodnight Moo is the second in the series with Christmas Cow Bells, the first, reviewed here.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I am familiar with this author as her other books are awesome. This was very cute and I enjoyed it very much. A nice, light read for a cold day!

Title: Goodnight Moo
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan

Ch: 51

Pg: 320

Series: A Buttermilk Creek mystery book 2

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Kensington



Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan is the second book in the A Buttermilk Creek mystery series. I enjoyed this one. I loved the small town farm setting and I think this series is one of two series that I've read of a cozy mystery set on a farm. I loved visiting Brynn MacAlister and her cows again.

This cozy mystery let me go to a county fair (in the pages of a book since real county fairs were cancelled this year.) It's great that even in this crazy year we can still travel in the pages of the books. I can't wait for the next book in the series.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan is the 2nd tale in A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Christmas Cow Bells. Goodnight Moo is not quite what I expected. I was expecting a lighthearted cozy mystery and I thought this one a little more serious. I found the book to be a little on the slow side. We see what it takes for Brynn to run her farm day in and out. She gets up early to take care of her cows, do farm chores, and make cheese. Brynn is lucky to have Wes as an assistant. He is a great chef and baker who is becoming a creative cheesemaker as well. There is a wonderful community in Shenandoah Springs, Virginia. The residents all seem to know each other and what is going on in their lives. Brynn McAllister has her farm sponsoring the first cheesemaker’s contest at the Shenandoah Springs Annual Fair. As with any new endeavor, things do not run smoothly. The mystery was more complex than those you normally find in cozy mysteries. There are two suspicious deaths. When Wes ends up arrested, Brynn begins asking questions. There was a lack of active investigating. I wanted more action and less Brynn sleeping. While the crime is complex, the solution is quite simple. I also would like a better wrap up of the crime. Brynn’s sister visits and helps her with the case. Brynn has good friends that visit regularly and are there for her when she needs them. I like the diverse cast of characters. The feelings towards Wes were in keeping what is currently occurring in our country. I did find Brynn’s naivete regarding local people’s attitudes surprising. There is plenty of cooking and eating in Goodnight Moo plus cheese sampling. It is interesting learning about the various cheeses and how they are made as well as Highland cows. I was put off by the amount of foul language in the book. I read cozy mysteries because they are normally void of these offending words. Goodnight Moo takes us back to Shenandoah Springs with a cheese competition, a terrifying tractor, cute cows, various victims, crazy computer glitches, and fun at the fair.

I really liked the story and characters in this book.

Brynn MacAlister has decided to make Shenandoah Springs, Virginia her home. It's time for the annual fair and her micro-dairy farm is hosting the first annual cheesemakers contest.
Just before the fair is to start, two people are killed in this quiet town. A mysterious tractor accident looks suspiciously like murder and her friend/assistant stumbles on a dead body. Of course the police consider him their prime suspect.
Brynn is determined to figure out what's going on. What she discovers is the small town harbors some pretty unsavory characters. And the closer Brynn gets to the killer, the deeper she gets into danger . . .

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Goodnight Moo, the second book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series, is just as charming as the first book Christmas Cow Bells. Its bucolic setting, endearing characters, and intricate mystery make it perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.

After solving her friend’s murder, Brynn is ready for the slower paced life on her farm and cheesemaking. She is excited about the upcoming fair and its first ever cheese contest. The community is in a tizzy when a summer worker is killed by a fellow farmer’s tractor. Surely, it was an accident, right? When Brynn’s assistant Wes stumbles across the body of another summer worker, he becomes the prime suspect. Brynn refuses to believe Wes is guilty and sets her sights on finding the real killer even after she is impeded by an injury. Her investigation highlights the potential dangers of technology and the dark side of man.

Brynn is friendly and curious, and she loves her cows. She has a heart of gold and likes to see the best in people, but she faces some unsettling truths about her community when Wes, who is of Pakistani heritage, must deal with racism. Author Mollie Cox Bryan does a fantastic job handling the subject of prejudice with a deft hand, making it a minor but very important part of the story, without becoming political. Though Bryan could not have predicted the cultural climate in which her book would debut, it is timely and thought provoking.

The mystery is solidly executed with many components that tie together seamlessly by the tale’s end. I thought I knew exactly who the killer was for a good deal of the book, but I was so wrong. With each incident, there are more clues and suspects, with some red herrings, too, to put in order to solve the bigger puzzle. I like how Brynn is still able to do serious sleuthing, despite her injury, with the help of her sister Becky and Wes.

Goodnight Moo is entertaining, light reading with enough of the real world sprinkled in to make readers evaluate their own preconceptions of others. I recommend it to any cozy reader, especially those interested in cheesemaking and cows. I look forward to more time spent with Brynn in future installments in the Buttermilk Creek series.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Even though I haven't read the first book in Mollie Cox Bryan's series about a dairy farm, I still jumped at the opportunity to read this one, Goodnight Moo as I enjoy a well written cozy, and this looked like it fitted the bill perfectly.

Brynn MacAlister runs a micro-dairy farm in a small town in Shenandoah Springs, Virginia. This year her farm is hosting a cheesemakers contest at the summer fair. It will be the first time the cheesemakers event has been included in the festival so Brynn is hoping it will be a roaring success, but then a dead body is found under a tractor and it's believed that a local man was defending his daughter from a suitor. However, Brynn remains to be convinced... especially when another body is found and the finger of suspicion is then pointed at Brynn's apprentice cheesemaker, Wes Scors.

Goodnight Moo was a compelling, charming, fun, cozy read. The cast was quirky and interesting, and protagonist Brynn was spirited, bright, loyal and amusing. The town of Shenandoah Springs was filled with a terrific bunch of folks, and I really liked Wes who was also a baker and also Brynn's sister, Becky who was visiting, as the two sisters seemed to enjoy each other's company. I also adored the farm setting, especially Brynn's 3 cows, Petunia, Buttercup, and Marigold, plus Jewel, the fostered cow.

The mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep my armchair detective cravings satisfied. Whilst the plot was relatively uncomplicated, I still found myself second-guessing and changing my mind. Events moved along at a comfortable pace, and I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and happenings even though I have yet to read book #1. The denouement was a surprise to me and I had a ball reading this highly amusing and entertaining cozy mystery. I'm already looking forward to catching up with Brynn in Buttermilk Creek in the next instalment, as well as grabbing a copy of book #1, Christmas Cow Bells. Overall, a marvellous cozy and a very worthwhile read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I really wanted to like this series. I am still a little torn on how I feel about it. Similarly to the first instalment of the series there are aspects of the book I enjoyed, and others that I found questionable. I terms of content this cozy pushes the envelope a little more. Mentions of sex and drug use that happens "off screen" but still gets mentioned quite a lot. There also seemed to be a bit of "slut shaming" that I found problematic. Although the author made sure to state that the protagonist did not like to judge women for what they did other characters and even sometimes the protagonist engaged in discussions where the "loose morals" of a woman in question were criticized. It just didn't sit well with me and I struggled with that a lot throughout the book.

In terms of storyline the book was enjoyable. It was summer in the Shenandoah Valley and Brynn and her assistant Wes have been busy trying to organize a cheese competition at the local fair as well as advertise the CSA and recruit new members. When a series of strange crimes take place Brynn things the police will have everything under control, until Wes is arrested for the murder of Donny Iver. Brynn knows Wes did not committ this murder and she sets off relying on the help of her friends to solve the case.

Mollie Cox Bryan builds on the town that she built in the first novel of the series. I don't enjoy the supporting characters or the town personally. I do not think I will continue to read and review this series going forward.