I like this series! Charming small town, good cast of secondary characters, an interesting career (in this case organic farming), and a decent murder mystery. I'll be picking up the next book!

This is the second book in this series. The characters are developing nicely, the farm is still a work in process, and Shiloh is dealing with new competition and a murder in the back pasture. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series

Amanda Flower's Put Out to Pasture is book two in her Farm to Table Mysteries series. It features Shiloh Bellamy who has saved her family's farm from financial ruin. Now she must build on her success but the farm is barely afloat despite branching out into organic produce and she has plans for a café to showcase her baking skills. Shiloh holds a festival she names Fall Daze to raise awareness of her organic treats and it's a success until a body is found on the farm under a scarecrow. Her best friend is a suspect so she gets involved in investigating the murder.

Set in Cherry Glen, Michigan, this is a great cozy mystery you shouldn't miss that will keep you guessing. A joy to read, I will be backtracking to book #1, Farm to Trouble as well as looking forward to the next.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Put Out to Pasture

by Amanda Flower


The Mystery

On an October afternoon during the Fall Daze event, Minnie Devani, one of the most irritating women in Cherry Glen, Michigan, is found dead at Bellamy Farm.

The Characters
Shiloh Bellamy moved back home to Cherry Glen, Michigan, and Bellamy Farm to take care of her aging, cantankerous father. The farm is deep in debt and needs a lot of work. Fall Daze is a way for Shiloh to raise much-needed money. Shiloh’s dream is to make Bellamy Farm an organic farm-to-table establishment and Fall Daze is the first tiny step toward that dream.
Part of Fall Daze’s success is due to Shiloh’s best friend, Kristy Brown. Kristy is manager of the Cherry Glen farmer’s market. While speaking to a local television station about the Farmer’s Market, Kristy mentioned Bellamy Farm and the Fall Daze event. In the midst of all the activity, Minnie Devani confronts Kristy about a conversation the two had earlier in the day.
Minnie had rented a booth at the farmer’s market and had fallen six months behind on her rent. To help Minnie pay off the debt, Kristy let Minnie run the market while Kristy was on maternity leave. When Kristy returned to her job, not only was Minnie still six months behind on her booth rent, but she had also stolen six thousand dollars from the market. At Fall Daze, Minnie and Kristy get into a very public argument. Minnie threatens Kristy before leaving the event in a fury.
Minnie’s body is found underneath a scarecrow at the farm, and the scarf Kristy had been wearing is wrapped around Minnie’s neck. In the sheriff’s mind, Kristy is the prime suspect. But Shiloh is convinced her friend is innocent. Minnie was one of the most disliked women in town; plenty of people wanted to silence her.
Shiloh knows it is up to her to prove Kristy’s innocence. The killer doesn’t want Kristy cleared of murder. The killer will kill again to keep their secret and send an innocent woman away for a murder she didn’t commit.

Shiloh knows it is up to her to prove Kristy’s innocence. But the killer doesn’t want Kristy cleared of murder. The killer will kill again to keep their secret and send an innocent woman away for a murder she didn’t commit.

My Thoughts
Put out to Pasture is the second book in the Farm to Table mysteries. I wasn’t sure about this series after the first book, Farm to Trouble, but book two is much better and the series is growing on me. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

Author Information
Website
Publisher’s website
ISBN 9781492699941
Copy provided by #Netgalley #PutOutToPasture

It was good to catch up with Shiloh and her dad again especially during the fall season. Her dad's quickly become my favorite character with Hazel being a close second. That kid is like 11 going on 19 or 20 lol. But boy is her grandma a piece of work. It's just a shame that deliciously handsome Quinn comes with such a cantankerous mom, although Shi always got along well with Quinn's dad, Chief Randy of the Cherry Glen PD.

Sometimes I just felt like knocking some sense into Shi with gorgeous Quinn right there who may or may not be hinting he wants more than friendship. Then another nice looking guy arrived, so she's got a smorgasbord. In all fairness, I've never lost a spouse or fiance, so I can't know the pain or how long it'd take to get to a dating point again, but for fiction's sake, I really hope she picks one soon! And for the record I'm #TeamQuinn. He's cute and he has a kid who's pretty amazing too.

Poor Kristy was the suspect this time, and Shiloh was doing her best to get her bestie out of the limelight and find a real suspect. The showdown was definitely exciting and I absolutely loved what Sully did to help! Funny and awesome at the same time! I hadn't quite seen the whodunit coming although it made total sense and I'd thought about that person at one point. Don't miss this second book in the Farm to Table Mysteries coming out next Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my my own.

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower has Shiloh Bellamy hosting Fall Daze at Bellamy Farm. Shiloh has baked up hundreds of her organic treats to sell to the attendees. Shiloh is surprised at how many people showed up for the event and stay even after the loud argument between Kristy Brown and Minnie Devani (attendees got an extra show). The last of the festival goers are leaving for the day when Shiloh hears a woman screaming. Quinn and Shiloh race over to find Minnie dead at the foot of the scarecrow. Evidence at the scene points to Kristy as the guilty party. Shiloh is quick to dig into the case. She is not about to let her bestie go away for murder. Put Out to Pasture is the second Farm to Table Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read Farm to Trouble. I like Amanda Flower’s engaging writing style. I know when I start one of this author’s books, that I will quickly be drawn into the tale. The characters are delightful. They are warm, friendly, and relatable (there are one or two exceptions). Shiloh Bellamy is working hard to restore Bellamy Farm despite her father’s negative comments and unhelpfulness. I enjoy the descriptions of the Bellamy Farm and the surrounding area. The author’s word imagery brings the scenery to life. The mystery was a fun one to solve. The victim was not well-liked which means there were several good suspects. There is misdirection to distract you from the true killer. The clues are there if pay close attention. The reveal wraps up the whodunit nicely. I thought Amanda Flower created a fun and unique mystery. I just love Shiloh’s little pug. He is a cutie. Shiloh has additional trouble when the other half of Bellamy Farm is sold by the developers to Tanner Birchwood who has the same vision as Shiloh. I am looking forward to Shiloh’s next adventure. Put Out to Pasture is a refreshing tale with a fun fall festival, deep fried delights, a scarecrow crime scene, a framed friend, a precious pug, a new can-do neighbor, and a cunning killer.

I read most of Amanda Flower’s cozy mystery series. Shiloh Bellamy is my least favorite main character from the author’s series. This second book was better than book one, but I’m not sure what it would take to move Shiloh from the bottom of the list.
Shiloh is a reactive character. I suppose that should be part of her charm, but I spend a good portion of the book telling her (in my head) to stop jumping to conclusions and to be more kind to people around her. It interferes with story flow for me. I know this isn’t the feeling of the majority. Truthfully, I expected to like the series more. I am all for the idea behind this series. The combative nature of many of Shiloh’s relationships with those in Cherry Glen detract from the base of an organic farm with a farm to table cafe.
The mystery was inventive, and I didn’t determine the murderer until about the time Shiloh was solidifying her suspicions.
I suspect I will continue to read this series to see if it grows on me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

A cozy mystery set on a family farm with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.

I really love the Amish Candy Shop series, so I had high hopes for this one. And Flower did not disappoint. I wish I had read the first book though it may have helped, but I will be reading the third book for sure,

This is a great cozy mystery that you don't want to miss. It is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. This book was a joy to read, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

After reading and enjoying the first book in the Ananda Flower’s Farm to Table Mysteries, Farm to Trouble, I am happy to say that I enjoyed Put Out to Pasture even more.

The one thing in book one that had me a bit disappointed was not much farming was actually done, but Flower makes sure it happens in Put Out to Pasture. The reader finally gets to see all the improvements as well as gets to read about a festival at the farm. Flower really amps up the descriptions of farm life and the rest of the town, so the reader feels as if they are part of the community.

And talking about community, Flower does a fantastic job with her characters. Giving us many detailed ones, a few kooky ones, and adorable farm animals and pets. We also get to meet her new neighbor who is very attractive and seems to really want to help Shiloh with the farm, but Shiloh does not seem to trust him… so we’ll see if her gut telling her to be wary pays off in future books. We get more cuteness with her pug and the neighbor girl, as well as the girl’s hunky firefighter. Lots of great connections in this book.

As far as the mystery went, I did not see it coming. Looking back it does feel like it may have come out of nowhere who the killer was, but I enjoyed being taken by surprise and the motive rang true enough.
Another great book in the Farm to Table Mysteries, and I’m looking forward to book three.

Put Out to Pasture is book #2 in the Farm to Table series by Amanda Flower.

Shiloh Bellamy is back in Michigan working to save her family farm. She holds a festival to showcase organic food. It is a huge success until a body is found on the farm. Her best friend is a prime suspect so she adds investigating the murder to her long to-do list.

I really like Shiloh and her love for the farm. The town is full of interesting characters and the animals play a big role which is a plus for me. The mystery was interesting and as you learn more about the victim, there are more than just the usual suspects. I recommend this book and am looking forward to see what happens next.

Thank you to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Shiloh's managed to change her family farm business model to organic and she's excited about the fall festival until.....Minnie, a beekeeper (and not nice person) is found under a scarecrow on Shiloh's property, Unfortunately, Minnie was seen arguing with Kristy, Shiloh's BFF, so the Police Chief, Randy Killian, puts her on the top of the suspect list. Cozy readers know that the victims in these novels often have another, darker side but Minnie- Minnie has a dark back story. Shiloh and Kristy are indefatigable investigators and they find the true villain. I like this series (this is only the second one and it will be fine as a standalone) for the setting as well as the characters, which are more well rounded this time out. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.

It can be read as a stand-alone. However, reading the first book would make you understand other characters. I have seen some changes with Shiloh. Also, Quinn seems to be a great guy. My only issue is that he still has some baggage he needs to overcome. Aside from that, I do not get why his parents are so against Shiloh. They are too quick to judge. I think it is best they just remained friends. However, I do love Shiloh’s relationship with the other characters, especially with her best friend, Kristy.

The mystery was compelling, and I had some suspicions of who “dunnit.” However, some characters were also suspicious. Nevertheless, the revelation of the suspect was done well. I cannot wait for the next book, and I hope we get to know more about what was written in that letter.

I give this book 3 stars and recommend this to anyone interested in little town cozy mysteries with some unique characters and pets. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Shiloh Bellamy was raised on the Bellamy farm by her widowed father and her grandmother. After college she became a television producer in California. As the farm began to deteriorate as her father aged, she decided to leave her successful career and return to Michigan to save the family farm.

After paying off many of her father's debts she found herself short on cash. She needed cash to revive the farm. Shiloh decided to have a Fall Festival to earn some cash, with the volunteer help from many of her friends. The first day was more successful than she had imagined it would be. Until a neighbor was strangled with her best friends scarf.

Not one person attended the second day of the Fall Festival. In addition to that, the local sheriff suspected her best friend of the murder. Now she not only had to revive the farm, but had to prove that her best friend did not commit murder.

While part of a series, you could read Put Out to Pasture without reading the first book. But you will miss out on some details, like character growth. Speaking of that, will Doreen finally stop hating on Shiloh so much? And what is it about Chief Randy? Why does he seem to have issues with her?

My favorite relationship in the book is the friendship between Shiloh and Kristy. They were best friends in high school and lost touch when Shiloh moved to California suddenly. After 15 years, Shiloh returns to town, and the two resume their friendship as nothing happened. They both admitted that they were at fault and didn’t work on the friendship while Shiloh was in California. Instead, they put the past in the past and are moving forward.

I had my suspicions as to who the murderer was, but I wasn’t 100% certain because it didn’t quite feel right. Add to the fact that there were four other potential suspects, other than Kristy, that I kept changing my mind throughout the book.

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, I feel you will enjoy reading Put Out to Pasture. The first Amanda Flower book I read was Farm to Trouble, the first book in this series. I have heard many great things about the author and will have to read some of her backlist while I wait for news on book three.

I have read a lot of Amanda Flower mysteries but this one is my favorite. Shiloh has a tough road ahead trying to save the family farm after her elderly father let it go to ruin on top of taking out two mortgages. Then when there is a murder at the farm things became even more complicated.

The characters were very engaging and the mystery had some interesting twists and turns. I am anxious for the next Farm to Table Mystery to see what happens with Oliver and the new neighbor. Thanks to Poisoned Pen and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Shiloh Bellamy left LA and a great job in the film industry to help save the family farm in Michigan cherry country. Her father needs her help as he advances in age. She has some great ideas for organic farming and then on to selling her produce in different venues.
A nice October Friday afternoon, Shiloh and her helpers host Fall Daze, where they have a corn maze, other activities, and food with a huge turnout. Then an unlikable woman, Minnie, is found murdered on Shiloh's property after a public argument with Kristy, Shiloh's friend and director of the Farmers' Market. Police Chief Randy Kilian is sure that Kristy is guilty but then US Marshal Lynn Chuff shows up on the farm the next day. She has been investigating Minnie and informs Shiloh that Minnie is really a bank robber who disappeared years ago. Chief Randy disagrees. There are lots of questions that Shiloh has to find answers to and along the way, lots of suspects to question.
Characters from the first book are present and some new ones as well, including a handsome new neighbor, who purchased the other half of the Bellamy farm. He seems very nice and helpful, but Shiloh hasn't decided about him yet. The mystery in this story is great and I was stumped until the reveal of the killer. The ending left me wondering what would happen next and I look forward to the next book. Amanda Flower always writes a great mystery, and she is a favorite.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I choose to read this book not knowing the author was a winner of Agatha Award and ended up enjoying the lively characters and the mystery. I did not figure out the mystery and was surprised. I t was second in the series but a complete entertaining story on its own. The main character, Shiloh Bellamy, was a L.A. gal come back to Michigan to save her family's farm.

Shiloh Bellamy has saved her family's farm from financial ruin. She organizes a fall festival to drum up business. During the event, the body of a prominent townswoman is discovered underneath a scarecrow in a nearby field. And, all of the evidence points to Shiloh's childhood best friend, Kristy, as the prime suspect. Can Shiloh find the truth before her farm goes belly up, and Kristy gets sent to prison?
This cozy mystery was good. The characters are likeable, and the plot is puzzling. I just felt there needed to be more suspense. I will be interested in reading another story in this series. I received an advanced reader’s copy. This review is my own opinion.