Farm to Trouble is the first book in a new series by prolific author Amanda Flower. Released 23rd Feb 2021 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 288 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I'm a huge sucker for cozies. Bonus points for pets (cats or dogs, I'm not picky), baked goods, knitting, book clubs, and I don't mind the occasional obligatory hunky sheriff/detective love interest. This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. Underdog heroine/amateur sleuth lead character moves back to her small-town home from "the big city", complicated history with the local hunky lawman, an adorable pug sidekick (awww), and a few other appealing plot features which might be a little standard, but that's why we devour cozy mysteries.
This one is pretty well written, with good characterizations and pacing. The book's written in first person point of view which could have been a little distracting, but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment - the author is quite adept at her craft. There are a scant few places where the dialogue was a bit rough, but again, nothing that killed my suspension of disbelief or lessened my enjoyment.
The language is clean, the crimes are (mostly) bloodless, and there's a romance subplot but nothing sexually graphic. There are some minor plot elements leading to the next book, but no major cliffhangers. It's a safe and fun read.
Four stars. Recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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