What cozy magic was this book written with?! I could not put it down! Murder Takes Root is the second in a series, and can fully be read without reading the first (which I did). Although this book is SLOW (picks up around 40%), it is slow in the most charming, sweet, delightful way possible. There is so much going on that it distracts you from the pace, and I mean that in such a positive way. The FMC, Steph, is juggling a new job, advising her dad with his gardening escapades, keeping in touch with her brother, dealing with her crazy ex, cuddling with her dog Mouse, and solving a murder. There is so much jam packed into this book and I've never really read anything like it. The author did a great job making you truly care for the team of characters (there are a lot!), and I would do anything for sweet old Angus. I saw there was a third book coming out in September and I am eagerly awaiting its publication!

Thanks to Netgalley, Embla books, and the author for this eARC.

#MurderTakesRoot #NetGalley is the second book in The Gardener Mysteries by Rosie Sandler.
As Steph and her dog, Mouse prepare for their next gardening job, she hopes to avoid another murder investigation this time.
Unfortunately, Steph finds herself involved in another murder, this time the victim is a sweet young man, and for some reason, she can't let his death go unsolved.
Working with Lady Clara and her colorful family leads Steph to uncover clues, and slowly she begins to put the pieces together.
This book is wonderful, I enjoyed reading it, especially the parts with Uncle Angus and Mouse's companion, Belle.

Steph is a good character and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Gardener Steph (and her dog Mouse, of course) has been commissioned to restore the historic gardens of Ashford Manor to their former glory. Not that her appointment has put the resident head gardener's nose out of joint...

But the estate is in turmoil when a body is discovered in one of the rooms. The police decide it's suicide, but Steph (knowing the deceased better than they do) knows it's murder.

More than one member of staff is hiding something though...

Excellent - can't wait for the next addition to the series

Murder? Murder takes root...this title is intriguing...a story of murder and mayhem...secrets and lies...deception...trying to discern the ending is not an easy task. This talented author has given us an afternoon of enjoyment while reading this novel. Curl up in a cozy chair...grab a warm blanket...start a blazing fire...get that cup of steaming herbal tea...be transported to the world of the rich and not so rich...garden with the protagonist...all while murder does indeed take root. Thanks Netgalley.