Flowerbed of State by Dorothy St. James

Casey Calhoun is an assistant gardener at the White House. The First Lady brought her in to make gardening at the White House more organic. While preparing the grounds for the annual Easter Egg Roll she is creating her plan to present to the Grounds Committee regarding her new organic ideas.

Weeding one of the park's gardens, she is attacked from behind and ends up face down in the garden. She notices some broken limbs on a tree while explaining what happened to a Secret Service Agent. She goes over to investigate and discovers a dead woman stuffed into a trash can.

She begins looking into the case and trying to discover the killer. Can she do so without putting herself in danger and not losing her job?

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun, light cozy read. I have lived in D.C., so I love mysteries set around and in the White House. I hope there will be many more escapades with Casey Calhoun. She's a very likeable character and the other characters make for a believable story. The author did a great job of plotting and setting the scene.

I highly recommend this book!

Retirement Homes are Murder by Mike Befeler

I really enjoyed this book. I don't know why I didn't read it sooner! I can't wait to read the other two in this series. The main character wakes up and doesn't know where he is. Turns out he moved into a retirement home the day before. He has short-term memory loss every time he sleeps. It's hilarious. The author did a fabulous job setting up this book. The characters are fabulous. HIGHLY recommend!!!! Let me know what you think if you read this book.

Some cozies I've read

Here are some great cozies I read recently:

Dying to be Thin by Kathryn Lilley

This is the first book in this series and the first I'd read. I will be reading more! It's a great series. I really liked Kate, the protagonist. The author did a great job with the plot and creating believable characters and a story-line to interest readers. Highly Recommend!

Murder, She Wrote A Question of Murder by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain

This is one of my favorite series. Having seen the TV show, I can picture the story as I read it. This one was set at a writers' conference. Lots of fun and great characters. Highly Recommend!

Murder on the Menu by Miranda Bliss

I always enjoy culinary cozy mysteries. This series is a lot of fun. Annie and Eve have joined Jim, Annie's on-again, off-again boyfriend, in running his new restaurant. As long as Annie doesn't have to cook, it's safe. Whenever they're involved in murder, you can expect a lot to happen. I really enjoy this series and plan to read more! Highly Recommend!

One Grave Less by Beverly Connor

While this is NOT a cozy, this is one of my favorite series. I find myself unable to stop reading. She writes a series with lots of action and twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I love the characters and the setting. Can't wait to read more!!!! Highly Recommend!

Dipped, Stripped, and Dead by Elise Hyatt

This is the first in a new cozy series. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more. The protagonist refinishes furniture. I liked the characters and thought the author did a good job plotting the mystery. Recommend and can't wait to read more.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy

LOVE this series set at the White House. It's another great culinary cozy series. The protagonist is the head chef at the White House. In this book, there is some competition for her job. There's another a new first family. This one has children. I devour these books and can't wait for the next one. Highly Recommend!

Vi Agra Falls by Mary Daheim

This is another favorite cozy series. Judith and her cousin Rennie are always getting themselves into trouble. This book centers around Judith's husband Joe's first wife Vivian. She's moved into their neighborhood and has turned it upside down. Always enjoy these books. Highly Recommend!

Malice in Miniature by Margaret Grace

This is another favorite cozy series! I am always intrigued by all the miniatures that are created. I wish I had the patience and time. Enjoy reading about it, though. Great characters and always well plotted out! Can't wait to read the next one! Highly Recommend!

Dawn