IN FARM’S WAY, written by Amanda Flower, is the third book in her “Farm to Table” mystery series. This book can also be read as a standalone. Shiloh Bellamy, the 29-year-old protagonist, moves back home to Cherry Glen, Michigan after living in LA as a television producer of true crime shows. She co-owns Bellamy Farm with her father, Sully, and returns home to take care of him. Shiloh brings her father to the Lake Skegemog Ice-Fishing Derby to fish with family friend, Quinn Killian, and Quinn’s 12-year-old daughter, Hazel. A dead man is found beneath the ice. Who is he? How did he get there? What caused his death? Shiloh, accompanied by her cute, boot-wearing pug, Hucklebery, unravels the mystery.

The setting is charming and the characters are believable. Shilo and Quinn each have interesting back-stories, and I would like to read more about them in future books.

Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review the e-arc of IN FARM’S WAY.

In Farm's Way is the third installment in Amanda Flower's Farm to Table Mysteries series, and I appreciated the fact that it could be read as a stand alone, since I hadn't read the first two titles before picking this one up. The reader follows Shiloh Bellamy, a former Los Angeles producer who has recently returned to her hometown to help run the ailing family farm. Of course, Shiloh manages to stumble upon a murder while helping her father get settled at the county's beloved ice fishing derby, and she's determined to see justice served. The only problems? Her best friend's husband is the prime suspect in the case, and the local law enforcement is determined to keep her nose out of the investigation.

I have to say that this was my first experience with an Amanda Flower cozy, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed her characterization, her atmospheric setting, and her writing style that had me engaged right from the opening pages. The protagonist being a former LA producer was an interesting and original plot point for a cozy mystery, and I hope the farm itself will play a bigger role in future stories to come. I love the notion of this potentially being about a farm being certified organic, and the endless possibilities that may follow.

I also don't want to spoil anything, but the romance has my interest peaked, and I'm looking forward to seeing which direction the author is going to take this in the next installment.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and thought it was a pretty good cozy mystery. However, I didn't end up rating it quite as high as I'd initially intended, because I thought the mystery part of the story, unfortunately, ended up being a tad lacking. There wasn't enough build up to determine who the culprit was beforehand, and the ending was way more rushed than it needed to be. The climax ended up disappointing me, and I wanted a bit more from the mystery resolution than I ended up getting.

I still have high hopes for next title however, as I truly did enjoy the rest of the story.

Final Rating: 3/5.

Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

This was an ARC by NetGalley. I love Amanda Flower’s cozy mysteries. This was is a 3rd in the Farm to Table Mystery. Bellamy Farms is a family farm run by Shiloh and her Dad. Shiloh finds a body in the ice during an ice fishing derby her Dad was participating in. A local beer brewer is dead. Shiloh investigates because her friends husband is a suspect. She knows he didn’t do it. She learns more about the people in the brewery business and navigates a new possible love with the local sheriff.
The characters in this story were so well written and I loved all of them even grumpy Dad.
The mystery was good as well I didn’t guess who the killer was until it was revealed.
Overall, this book is 4 stars. I would recommend this book!

Very fun wintery read! Excellent mystery that was fun to watch unfold. Would highly recommend this to seasonal readers of cozy mysteries.

I have enjoyed all books I have read by Amanda Flower. She brings us another great one in the Farm to Table Mysteries.

Once again we meet up with Shiloh Bellamy. She is trying to get her farm certified to become an organic farm. Unfortunately, the person she was hoping to partner with is found dead by her dog.

Once again she becomes involved in trying to find the killer, as a friend has become one of the prime suspects and she knows he would never be capable of killing anyone. There are many suspects that show up in the book along with many motives. The characters and pets in this are very enjoyable to get to know.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next ones.

Having read the other books in Amanda Flower's Farm to Table series, I was excited to receive an ARC for the third book and I really enjoyed where the mystery went.

Shiloh is back, hard at work at trying to to keep Bellamy Farm afloat. She's managing her (still) rather cantankerous father, trying to figure out where her relationship with Quinn is going (or not going), working through some feelings with Stacey, and still keeping the farm afloat. However, things seem to be moving in a positive direction for Shiloh and she's slowly figuring it all out. Until she finds another body. Oops.

I enjoyed the mystery and the setting for the book, as well as how the author wove in more of the long term storyline. I think the characters are really starting to grow and some of the new face introduced definitely change it up. (Could Shiloh have a real ally now?) Another fun read with a funny setting from Amanda Flower.

In Farm's Way by Amanda Flower is book #3 in the Farm To Table Mysteries series. The Lake Skegemog Ice Fishing Derby is underway and amateur detective Shiloh Bellamy is on site to assist her friend Kristi Brown in the Cherry Glen Booth. First she drops her father off with friends so he can participate in the ice fishing contest. Shiloh and her Pug Huckleberry are returning to shore when Huck leads Shiloh to a body in the ice. Shiloh was determined to not get involved until her friend Kristi's husband Kent was taken in by the sheriff for questioning. I really enjoyed how Shiloh ferreted out good clues by having supposedly impromptu conversations. She finds out so much significant information this way. There are a few surprises unrelated to the murder mystery that occur during the story that added to my enjoyment of the book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

IN FARM’S WAY is the third story in Amanda Flowers ‘Farm to Table’ cozy series. It features protagonist Shiloh Bellamy, a former TV producer, who’s moved to Michigan to care for her grumpy dad, and take care of his farm. Shiloh has the cutest pug named Huckleberry who goes everywhere with her, but can’t stand his snow boots! As the story begins, Sully (Dad) has entered an Ice Fishing Derby with his friend, Quinn and his 12-year old daughter, Hazel. They’re set up on the ice in their shanty with hooks in the water when Huck spies a strange sight under the frozen water—a dead body! Unfortunately, once the body is identified, Shiloh’s best friend’s husband may be in hot water as he’s a top suspect.

Craftily plotted around a trending topic—cherry flavored beer—this story is cute, funny, informative, home-to-hearth, and an ideal cozy mystery because of all those features, and more. Author Flowers does an excellent job of setting up suspicious acting suspects who could be the culprit, yet lead to false trails. I was completely fooled until right before the author reveal she dropped a clue that made me realize who the killer was. The killer confession and capture is great! I highly recommend this story, and the two previous stories in the series. Enjoy!

I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.

Setting the Scene: Shiloh Bellamy is working several angles to resurrect her family farm, beginning with getting an organic certification and then looking to partner a deal with an organic brewers association. The work is hard and the competition considerable. Add to that the death of the president of the association and Shiloh certainly has her work cut out for her. When her best friend's husband becomes the number one suspect in the murder, Shiloh finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation and at odds with firefighter Quinn Killian

What I thought: I love Amanda Flower's books, but this series has me struggling. The highlights are Huckleberry, Shiloh's "city-slicker" pug, and his struggle with doggie snow boots, Hazel's precociousness, and the introduction of an interesting sheriff. Other than that, the continuing angst between the characters is tiring, at best. I can see no reason for Shiloh to even stay at the farm given the attitudes of her father, her cousin, and Quinn's mother, to name a few, and her own inability/refusal to stand up for herself is disappointing. By the third book in the series, I would expect there to be some improvement in relationships, but not so. Even Shiloh's relationship, or lack thereof, with Quinn is so mired in their respective pasts it is stagnant. All of this overshadows the actual mystery and provides none of the congenial camaraderie I look for in my cozy series. However, the book closes with what may be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel - a renewed hope for the farm and the interesting Sheriff Milan Penbrook. I will read the next book in this series because of my respect for Ms. Flowers, but I will need to see some great strides to continue further.

This is a nice addition to the series, and it could be read as a standalone cozy mystery. The characters are realistic and enjoyable, and the storyline is engaging. It's fun to sleuth along with the characters. It's nice to see some familiar characters. I look forward to future books in the series.

I'm hardly an unbiased reviewer as I automatically gravitate to anything Amanda Flower has written, sure I'll love it. I even follow her on Facebook as she shares bits and pieces of her own real farm life with fans. There's more, of course. She writes a good story, yes, but I find myself as drawn to them for the characters and relationships that evolve as I am the mystery. 
 
Heck, main character Shiloh Bellamy even has a fun, relatable bond with her dog. Huckleberry, a personality all onto himself, that's for sure. I found myself chuckling at his antics, glancing at my own "Don't even think about trying to get me into that" dog, as Huckleberry clearly expressed his disdain for his winter doggie coat and booties when forced to wear them to venture outside. Let's just say, my Daisy dog is not a fan of dress-up, either, even if she does live in Alaska. 
 
While it's Shiloh's close relationship to her friend Kristy, whose husband is a prime suspect in the murder of brewery owner Wallace Fields, probably the most intriguing is her long time friendship, sometimes almost romantic relationship with EMT Quinn. Past friendship and tragedy seem to both draw them together and apart. And, uh-oh, there's a new romantic interest on the horizon. I'm torn. I like them both, not to mention the bond Shiloh has forged with Quinn's daughter, so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. 
 
But, back to the murder. Who killed Wallace Fields? How did he wind up, gulp, under the ice where the Lake Skegemog Ice Fishing Derby was being held? Ice that will hold up under the sort of weight that event would generate is thick. Did Wallace really rig the contest for a new cherry flavored brew? Where did Jason get his brewing talent? Could the MOBA, Michigan Organic Beer Association, somehow be involved? Why are some of its members saying that few are sad to hear of Wallace's passing? Do you know how much goes into creating a new brew? Why is Quinn's father unhappy that the sheriff has been called in to head the investigation? Is Shiloh's father an accident waiting to happen? Why does Quinn.... oh, nope. No more teasers. Read the book. You can't go wrong with an Amanda Flower series. 

 Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me to the ice fishing derby. Living in Alaska, I even knew what was involved before reading.

Thank NetGalley. I have enjoyed every Amanda Flower book or ebook I can get my hands on. This did not disappoint. The characters are quirky enough to be enjoyable. I cannot wait for the next book.

What a great cozy mystery! Loved the characters, the plot was captivating, and a truly enjoyed even the animals in the story.
Shiloh's friend Kristy asks her to help look into the death of the brewery owner when her husband jumps to the top of the suspect list. Of course the Sherif is not thrilled that she is poking her nose in again.
Lots of suspects, motives a plenty, and a sprinkle of a love triangle. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of IN FARM'S WAY: An Organic Cozy Mystery (Farm to Table Mysteries Book 3), by Amanda Flower, in exchange for an honest review. Shiloh Bellamy is still working on making repairs to her family farm, hunting for her grandmother's lost treasure, and trying in vain to deepen her relationship with her father. As part of her efforts to develop community contacts to benefit her business, Shiloh has volunteered to work a booth at the annual fishing derby where her father is participating in the senior category. When a prominent citizen is fished out of the frozen lake, the husband of Shiloh's best friend finds himself in the chilly position of chief suspect. Once again, Shiloh is drawn into sleuthing out a killer to exonerate an innocent accused.

I liked this book. I recommend the series to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, farms, small towns, and homecomings.

I’m sure I’m not the only one, but, for me, once the weather starts to get colder, I’m even more drawn to cozy mysteries than I am the rest of the year. IN FARM’S WAY is the perfect read for this chilly time of year, as both the setting at the action have a distinctly frozen feel.

Shiloh’s pug, Huckleberry, is getting his own winter shoes. There are owl walks, a treasure hunt, and an ice-fishing competition that leads to Shiloh stumbling over -yet another- dead body. There’s lots of interesting things going on in this instalment from the revamped cinema to an organic beer contest.

I really like the way this series pulls in element’s I’d otherwise know nothing about, such as the cherry farm and the ice-fishing. Seeing Shiloh’s struggles with the farm and working to make it profitable is really interesting, as are her shifting relationships with the various side-characters.

The romance in this instalment is a little less prominent than most cozies, but actually liked that. Seeing Shiloh work or bicker with other characters like her cousin or assistant, were just as much fun.

A delightfully cozy winter read.

Always enjoy Amanda Flower's books.

The setting is Michigan in winter. Part of the appeal is the description of the season; the wind, snow and ice are almost another character in the book.

A body is discovered under the ice during an ice fishing competition.

Shiloh, the main charater is drawn into the investigation, as her best friend's husband is a suspect. Both Carl (the suspect) and the victim are part of the burgeoning craft beer industry.

Shiloh has returned to her home town, and is trying to run an organic farm. She, too, is trying to see if she can grow crops that can be integrated in this new industry.

I enjoyed that Shiloh deals with real life issues; reconnecting with an aging parent, a bossy cousin who runs a vintage movie house and trying to run a sucessful farm. She is still trying to integrate with her community after a long absence away.

The mystery was well done, with a number of suspects, and other off beat characters.

There is a hint of romance, and is well integrated in the story.

I recommned a cup of hot chocolate while reading, to relax and stay warm while envisioning the cold days of a Michigan winter!

I

Digging deep into the brewery owner’s life, Shiloh finds that there are plenty of people who wanted him dead and begins sifting out clues to find the person responsible in this well-written and fast-paced whodunit. The mystery was nicely executed with scenes of working on her farm, helping her dad, helping her friends, and trying to solve a murder with help from a variety of people. In between all of this, there is ice-fishing, a possible suitor and plenty of quirkiness to keep me entertained and engaged. This was a fun book to read and with that ending, I can’t wait for the next book in this delightfully endearing series. As always, I enjoy my time spent in Cherry Glen with Shiloh and Huckleberry.

I enjoyed this book overall, but not as much as I had hoped. It wasn’t quite what I expected from the description. I expected there to be more about fishing and farming than there was, but it was still an entertaining story. I didn’t like that the climax seemed to be cut short. Right in the middle of the action scene where the killer is revealed the chapter ends. Then the epilogue picks up several weeks later, and while it did explain what happened after that chapter ended, I found it to be annoying and not as enjoyable as it could have been. Based off of my experience with this book, I probably won’t go back and read the first book, but I might give the next book a chance.

I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.

Shiloh Bellamy is looking forward to a quiet winter on her family farm in Cherry Glen, Michigan. She's solved several murders since returning home from LA and winter is a quiet time for hibernation with a little ice fishing competition thrown in to keep things from getting too boring... right? Wrong.

When local brewery owner, Wallace Fields, pops up under the ice on a local lake, Shi's BFF Kristy's husband Kent is suspect #1. Kent worked part-time as a bartender for Fields and when he was passed over for a job as brewmaster it would seem he had a great motive for bumping off his boss. But Shi knows Kent could never kill another person and when Kristy asks Shi to look into the murder she can't say no.

I love the setting of this series. It's got everything I like, fun main character with quirky friends and an interesting past, rural community, interesting sites like a brew pub in an old granary and an old theater that's in the process of being renovated and revitalized. There's also a handsome love interest in Quinn, who was best friends with Shi's former beau Logan, whose death sent Shiloh to California 15 years earlier. In this book we see Quinn once again failing to commit and a handsome sheriff stepping in to take his place.

Great new entry in a fun series. Definitely something to add to your TBR list.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Shiloh Bellamy has been invited by her friend Kristy to a party at a brewery in their town of Cherry Glen. The brewery—Fields Brewing Company—belongs to man named Wallace Fields. Kristy is the director of the Cherry Glen Farmers’ Market.

Before moving to her hometown of Cherry Glen, Shiloh had worked in LA as a television producer.

Shiloh’s hoping to secure a new partnership with Fields Brewery and it’s organic brewers association.

The Lake Skegemog Ice Fishing Derby 🎣 is set to take place the following day. Cherry Glen has a booth to share information with fishermen at the derby.

Setting up a the town’s booth was Kristy’s idea. She thinks it would be a great opportunity to showcase all that the town had to offer such as the brewing company, a local theater, boutiques and shops, aardvark lastly, the farmers’ market that runs April to October.

For the night’s event there’ll be an announcement of the brewery’s new specialty beer. There’s a tasting after which everyone votes to see which one wins. The winner receives five thousand dollars and the opportunity to work full time as a brewmaster in Fields Brewing Company.

Kristy’s husband Kent, who’s a high school teacher is among the contestants who entered into the competition. Kent also works part time as a bartender in Wallace’s brewery.

The next day while fishing on the derby with her father and friends, Shiloh discovers the body of a man floating under the ice. Was it an accident or was he murdered?

Sheriff Milan Penbrook from the Antrim Sheriff’s Department is called in to investigate. Turns out Kristy’s husband Kent might have been the last person to see Wallace alive, which might make him a suspect. Not to mention Kent was passed over for a promotion by Wallace when he didn’t win the beer contest 🍺

Earlier Wallace had asked Kent to accompany him to Ballden to pick a spot for the brewery’s booth.

When Shiloh learns Kent might likely be a suspect, she sets off in her own to find suspects she could hand to the sheriff and possibly clear Kent’s name. Of course with her sidekick her pug Huckleberry.

Well wrapped mystery filled with interesting characters. The book concludes with Shiloh’s farm tips and her suet recipe.

I’ve always enjoyed Amanda Fowler’s books and this one is no exception for me. 4.5 stars.

Highly recommend.

Thank you to Amanda Fowler, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the arc of this book