Murder Most Fowl

Tried out this book since it was on promotion/sale. This was the first book I've read by the author, and was encouraged by the positive reviews. Pros: Story was decent, the writing was mostly fluent and smooth, almost no grammatical errors or typos. Cons I was thinking between 1-2 stars, but finally settled on 1 when I remember how annoyed I was at this book. I'm not familiar with the author previous works, but i do not appreciate the utter preachiness and repetitive messages from the book. The author seemingly preaches how good organic or good-old fashioned farming is, and demonises environmental groups based on certain actions. The actions of this group e.g. to release chickens from the coop was repeated ad nauseam and used to paint all of them as silly and childish. The murdered farmer was stated numerous times how hardworking and kind-hearted he is on working on his farm. That he is such an honest farmer that did farming the old-fashioned way and treated all the animals and plants right. The main protagonist, who does organic farming was written like an ad to show how superior, amazing, organic farming etc. The part that irritated me the most was when *potential spoiler* the main character's chicken coop was broken into and released (again, highlighting how childish and silly they are). The main character then told this to other character on so many separate occasions, and the other characters then chiming in "Oh that's terrible, yes how silly they are. No they are doing it wrong". These was written at least 3 times, like I get it already. I do support sustainable and healthy farming, but this book just irritated me to no end with how ham-fisted the message was delivered. I managed to persevere and finish the book just to wrap up the mystery (was just ok). In the end, this book felt like a screeching PSA on organic farming and militant environmental groups, with a pinch of mystery thrown in.

Murder Most Fowl by Edith Maxwell is the fourth book in A Local Foods Mystery series. It is March in Westbury. Cameron “Cam” Flaherty owns Attic Hill Farm. She used to visit her Great Uncle Albert and Great Aunt Marie when she was younger at Attic Hill Farm. When Albert was ready to retire (he now lives in a local assisted living facility), he offered the farm to Cam. She is two years into the three-year organic farm certification. Spring is a busy time on the farm. Cam is planting new seedlings, pruning trees, and taking care of a new batch of baby chicks. Then she hears that neighbor, Wayne Laitinen had his farm vandalized by a local animal rights group called ARF (Animal Rights Front). They painted a saying on the side of his barn in red paint and opened up his barn where his chickens live (he is a chicken farmer). Thankfully, the chickens know to stay inside where it is warm. Wayne is also having trouble with a neighbor. Judith Patterson wants to buy some of Wayne’s land for a stable (her daughter is wild about horses). Unfortunately for Judith, Wayne does not wish to sell. On Sunday, Wayne is found dead at his breakfast table. Cam’s fiancé, Detective Peter Pappas is assigned the case. He knows Cam will not keep her nose out of the investigation (she just cannot help herself). Will Cam be able to find the killer and avoid getting herself in the line of fire? In addition, Cam has to contend with ARF (unfortunate acronym). They visited her farm during the night and set loose her baby chicks (into the cold barn) as well as vandalism to the barn (red paint). Will they be able to find the culprit (ringleader) behind ARF before he does more damage? Is the same person responsible for Wayne’s death? You will have to read Murder Most Fowl to find out! Murder Most Fowl was an enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are appealing, friendly, and likeable. The information provided about the farm is interesting and engaging (planting seedlings, farm animals, perils of foxes on chickens, composting). Murder Most Fowl is easy to read and can be finished in just a few hours. The mystery was easy to solve (pay attention to the small clues), but Ms. Maxwell did a good job at misdirection (she had me doubting myself). After I read about the murder (unique method of killing), I decided upon the killer and wrote it down. When the killer was revealed, I was right (can you tell I enjoy puzzles). Though the writer could have taken it into two other directions (her misdirection). There is one sad part with the baby chicks (poor little things). I give Murder Most Fowl 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading the next book in A Local Foods Mystery series. I received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Fowl from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.