Deborah J. Benoit’s debut, The Gardener’s Plot, is a Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award winner. Not only does it introduce an interesting amateur sleuth in the cozy, but it has a gorgeous cover. The story is set in the Berkshires, and gardening is an important part of the story.

After Maggie Walker’s grandmother dies, she bought the family house, and moved back to Marlowe, Massachusetts. She grew up at her grandparents after her parents abandoned her there, and that house always felt like home. Maggie’s ready for a change after her ex-husband’s death. She’s living next door to her best friend, Sally Kendall, and she’s eager to work in her Gramma’s garden.

Gardening has introduced Maggie to others, including Violet Bloom, the director of the new community garden. On opening day, though, Maggie finds a note saying Violet will be late, so Maggie opens the garden, only to find a boot and a foot in one of the plots. Welcome back to Marlowe, Maggie!

Although the police chief is a long-time friend, the Massachusetts State Police are in charge of the investigation. The victim was disliked by many in town, but Maggie’s disturbed by the direction the investigation takes. Why are the police asking questions about Violet instead of looking for a killer? Where is the missing woman?

Maggie might have stayed out of trouble, but she’s concerned about her new friend. She intends to find Violet, even if the police seem interested in her as a killer. Together with Sally, she starts asking a few questions around town, to the displeasure of the state police detective and the chief of police.

The Gardener’s Plot is a solid debut. Maggie and Sally seem to be always in trouble with the police, but they have a valid reason to search for Violet Bloom. They support each other during their search. Cozy readers who are also gardeners will appreciate the descriptions. And, other cozy readers? Well, here’s a line that sums up every cozy mystery; “Never underestimate the power of a small-town grapevine.”

Deborah J. Benoit’s website is https://penpaperplant.com/author/djbwriter/

The Gardener’s Plot by Deborah J. Benoit. Minotaur Books, 2024. ISBN 9781250334978 (hardcover), 336p.


FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal.