Esther Bennett has lived in Oak's Rest for over a decade, working at the Calliope Inn where she has risen through the ranks until, six months earlier, she became the manager. Her new job is all she ever dreamed of apart from the odd difficulties including something damaging some of the guests cars in the Inn's parking lot and, the bain of her life, the unpleasant, rigid, and pedantic, health inspector, Faris Holliday! An unexpected visit from her nemesis happening just before the Makers and Merchants Festival, which she is hosting for the first time, isn't ideal, and when she discovers a dead body, it throws everything into chaos! When Esther realises she and one of her close friends are considered persons of interest, she begins her own investigation even though she's not really sure what on earth she's doing!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Gate Wind Press, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book one in a new series can be a bit of a gamble, but this was a good read. I liked Esther immediately and wanted her to succeed. She has some loyal friends to get to know as well as an interesting back story. I will definitely be on the lookout for the second book in this series.

Esther Bennett has landed her dream job as the manager of the Calliope Inn, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities that she didn't bargain for. In the midst of planning for the local, small town, Makers and Merchants fair; she must also juggle demanding guests, dinners with her estranged family, and the local health inspector's unwelcome visit. But when someone ends up dead, she'll also need to try out her amateur sleuthing skills to catch a murderer before the wrong person is blamed.

This is an extremely character driven cozy mystery especially throughout the first half. I have to admit that it suffered from the first in a series setting things up syndrome just a bit. However, it's saving grace is that the characters here are super likable, and the small town setting complete with the central spot of the inn is delightful. The mystery did pick up in the second half, and while some of it was predictable for this type of story, I am convinced that cozy mystery fans will find it an enjoyable read as it tics all the boxes for that genre.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read, and I would definitely continue with the series. There's a lot of room for both character growth and to explore more of the town here, and the possibilities for mysteries are endless.

In Foul Play in the Foliage, Ruthie East whisks us away to the charming lake town of Oak’s Rest, where autumn leaves aren’t the only things falling. Esther Bennett, newly minted manager of the Calliope Inn, thought she’d traded her high-pressure past for a slice of quiet, small-town bliss. But cozy throws and crackling fireplaces quickly give way to a body near the town square—and suddenly Esther’s juggling murder suspects alongside decorative gourds.

East writes with warmth and wit, crafting characters that feel like familiar neighbours you’d happily gossip with over cider. Esther is refreshingly relatable: independent, determined, and just messy enough to make things fun. Her clashes with pillow-obsessed guests and picture-perfect family members add delightful friction to a narrative already brimming with autumnal charm.

The mystery is light enough to keep things cozy, but clever enough to keep you guessing. Throw in a feline sidekick named Sesame, a makers’ festival packed with eccentric vendors, and a town bursting with personality—and you've got the perfect start to a character-driven series.

Grab a blanket, a biscuit, and settle in. This book is a treat.

With thanks to Ruthie East, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

#FoulPlayInTheFoliage #NetGalley is a fun cozy mystery set in Oak's Rest, a small town in New York.
Esther is excited to be managing Calliope Inn, but the upcoming Makers and Merchants Festival is stressing her out.
Esther left her fast paced life a while ago, much to her mother's disappointment. She is happy with her life, but the constant criticism from her mother is wearing her down.
When Esther is summoned to dinner at her family home, she has no idea her mother is insisting it become a weekly event. Even Esther's sister tries to back out, but no excuses allowed.
A dead body is the last thing Esther needs, but she's determined to make this festival a hit, even if it means chasing down the killer herself.
This is a cute cozy mystery and I'm hoping there will be more books in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.