Steph Williams has landed her dream gardening job working for the wealthy, gated community of Beaulieu Heights. With her beloved dog Mouse for company, she's quite content to be left alone to tackle the weeds and tend the flowers. There might be one resident who keeps a locked shed to which Steph is forbidden access, and secret feuds she happens to overhear, but it's none of her business. That is, until she's called in front of the neighbourhood committee, accused of blackmailing the residents with notes disclosing their darkest secrets. Now, she's swapping gardening gloves for a detective's notebook, with just ten days to clear her name and save her job. This is the first in which I hope will be a long running series. Steph is a fun new character and so is her dog. Maybe not terribly original but it was a really fun read nonetheless.

This is book 1 in a new cozy series, The Gardener. I cannot wait for book 2. Steph has landed the gardening position of her dreams. A gated community outside London, well away from her ex husband and all his drama. Her dog Mouse has free run of all the estates and returns one evening with a child’s shoe. When Steph is accused of blackmailing her new employers, she starts investigating and finds lots of gossip to go around and lots of secrets. Steph is a down to earth character that has me loving her life.

Steph Williams arrives at her new dream job as gardener of Beaulieu Estates, a gated community. She’s accompanied by her large dog Mouse, an adorable, opinionated, and protective fellow.

Steph is eager to get started; her finances were destroyed by her now ex-husband, who bankrupted them and their business, and cheated on her.

Each large home in the community has its own security gate, and large garden; Steph has her work cut out for her, as each garden has its own needs and design, and temperamental, snooty owners to deal with.

Though she enjoys the work, she’s less enthused by the various small confessions and secrets various people at each house divulge to her. She’s downright horrified when the head of the community's management committee haul her before them and accuse her of blackmail. Then they give her ten days to clear her name or she’s out.

Steph begins interviewing each family, and gradually learns what each is hiding from others, as well as the identity of the blackmailer. During this period, both Mouse and she are attacked, her adopted father suffers a health scare, which brings Steph and her adopted mother back together after a difference of opinion about Steph’s desire to meet her birth parents.

This is a good start to a cozy mystery series. Steph proves to be an engaging main character. She has the occasional tendency to blurt out thoughts, she finds great calm in the repetitive tasks in garden maintenance, and though shaken by the committee’s accusations, she manages to gain the families’ trust and solve the case.

Mouse was utterly adorable and stole every scene he was in, whether watching animal documentaries on tv, playing with Mr. Rabbit, or refusing to stir himself on rainy days. I look forward to reading about more of his antics, and Steph's endeavours solving more mysteries.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Seeds Of Murder is the first book in the Gardener Mysteries series by British author, Rosie Sandler. Even though some of the residents are demanding, a bit snooty and entitled, thirty-one-year-old gardener and tree surgeon, Steph Williams feels she’s lucked into the perfect job at Beaulieu Heights: five residences of varying descriptions, fully staffed to serve the families they house, she spends a day a week on each of their gardens, and Mouse, her big shaggy dog, welcomed by most.

Some of the gardens are more challenging than others, and it’s quickly clear that the previous gardener’s work was, at best, erratic. It seems that, rather to her dismay, Steph has the sort of face and demeanour that invites confidences: within the week, a flakey teen and a talented artist have shared secrets, and she wonders “how many confidences one person can absorb before they explode, secrets bursting from them like the seeds from Himalayan Balsam”.

Before she has been there very long, Mouse has alarmed at the woods behind her cottage, where she discovers a set of footprints. Mouse also brings her some puzzling items he has dug up: a child’s shoe, then another, a stuffed rabbit, and a piece of faded cloth, apparently belonging to a child about whose death everyone is circumspect.

While most of the staff make sure she is well and deliciously fed, some of her employers have strange requests and restrictions about where she might enter, and with one husband, Steph needs to exert her physical strength to curb his lecherous conduct. The behaviour of a teenaged son towards the teen girls on the estate is also disturbing.

Steph also has to deal with a constant stream of calls and texts from the ex-husband who bankrupted her business. She’s not sure if the first threatening note is from him. Then, expensive statues begin to go missing; and others on the estate receive threatening notes: Steph somehow becomes the prime suspect, and has a limited time to prove her innocence and keep her job.

In this gated community, between the families and staff, there is a large cast and it helps to take notes to keep track of them, and their various lies and secrets. There are copious mentions of plants, something that is bound to appeal to gardeners; there are one or two plot holes and in some aspects of the story the author’s fingerprints are apparent, but these can be forgiven for a twisty plot and appealing protagonists, including the dog.

The story plays out against a background of the mystery of Steph’s birth parents, something likely to be the subject of further instalments, of which there are two so far: Murder Takes Root and Murder In Bloom. And Steph’s departure from Beaulieu Heights is presaged by the job offer she receives in the Epilogue, looking like she’ll be off to Derbyshire. An enjoyable cosy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Embla Books.

A wealthy gated community is the setting for gardener Steph William's new job. She has escaped a nightmare marriage and is grateful for a fresh start. However, with forbidden territories and taboo sheds in each of the residents' gardens, all is not as it seems. Steph's sidekick is a large , lovable dog called Mouse. Mouse loves to run free and forage as she works. When he returns with a muddy shoe and then a muddy rabbit toy, the residents remain closed. The discoveries are shrouded in mystery. Soon, each of the residents receives a threatening note, including Steph, but as the new arrival, Step is dragged before the committee and threatened with dismissal if she cannot clear her name within ten days. The police is not an option as the residents hold secrets and skeletons they don't want revealed. Steph becomes an amateur sleuth as she starts digging around for clues. She disturbs more than just a freshly unearthed grave. This cosy murder mystery keeps you reading until the big final reveal! Absolutely enthralling reading. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Rev Richard Coles, and Alexander McCall Smith. #seedsofmurder #rosiesandler #embla #gardenermystery #cosymurdermystery #crime #amateursleuth #bookone

This one is the first in a new series and, as uninterested as I am in actual gardening, I can't wait to read more. Steph Williams is the new gardener for an exclusive gated community and spends her days working on the extensive grounds....except for the upper paddock (where she quickly finds what appears to be an unmarked grave) and the locked enclosures. The wealthy homeowners are all keeping secrets and have decided that she's the one who is blackmailing them all. She has no idea what's going on behind closed doors, but she's got to figure it out fast if she wants to save her dream job. The characters and mystery are intriguing and the setting is absolutely fantastic.

"Seeds of Murder" by Rosie Sandler is the thrilling first installment in "The Gardener Mysteries" series. This cozy crime mystery combines gardening and suspense in an engaging and gripping narrative. The well-crafted characters and intricate plot keep readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate a world of secrets, murder, and green thumbs.

Sandler's storytelling is both charming and enigmatic, making for an enjoyable read that appeals to fans of cozy mysteries. The book's unique blend of horticulture and crime adds a refreshing twist to the genre, providing an entertaining and satisfying reading experience. "Seeds of Murder" is a promising start to what looks to be a delightful series for mystery enthusiasts and gardening aficionados alike.

Seeds of Murder is the first book in a new semi-cozy gardener mystery series by Rosie Sandler. Released 31st Aug 2023 by Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 259 pages and is 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a well written, eminently readable, action driven cozy murder mystery. It's got a sympathetic amateur sleuth who's a gardener to the rich and privileged in the main role, a varied selection of quirky-to-downright-dislikable suspects, murder, blackmail, and lots of fun facts about gardening and plants. It's abundantly clear that the author is a keen horticulturalist or employs a stable of fact checkers/researchers.

It's not flawless, the setup of Steph as amateur sleuth will test readers' suspension of disbelief to the breaking point (she's accused of sending blackmail notes to the residents of her gated community and is given a week to clear her name and find the real culprit or she's out on her ear, courtesy of the Homeowners' association from hades). The police aren't to be called in because... the blackmail hits too close to home. Despite the sometimes less-than-subtle plot machinations, the dialogue flows well and the denouement and resolution are well constructed, if a bit over the top.

I liked the nuts and bolts setup of the series; it appears each new book will be set in a new place with the same lead character in new gardening situations and with new mysteries to figure out.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

"Seeds of Murder" by Rosie Sandler is a fresh take on a cozy mystery. There's no gore or heavy violence, yet it's not as "hallmarky" as the typical cozy. Set just outside London, England in a wealthy enclave and following Steph Williams the newel hired grounds garnender as she gets settled at her new job/residence.
She and her adorable dog Mouse, quickly get drawn into the complicated and somewhat problematic world of the rich clients she works for. There are many mysteries to uncover surrounding them and the recent thefts and unusual happenings on this supposed gated community.
Steph is a wonderful sleuth and hero, we get to learn about her past and there are her own mysteries which will likely be uncovered further in future books. Lots of fun secondary characters with the residents, other staff and Steph's family round out the cast.
The main mystery starts when Steph starts receiving threatening notes and the owners of the homes in the enclave receive blackmailing letters. Steph is under suspicion and she must clear her own name to stay on with her job.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in two quick sittings. I can't wait to be back in the garden with Steph.

"Seeds of Murder" by Rosie Sandler is a breath of fresh air in the cozy mystery genre. This captivating book combines the tranquil world of gardening with an intriguing amateur sleuthing adventure, delivering a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

At the heart of the story is Steph Williams, a landscape gardener who has landed her dream job in the exclusive Beaulieu Heights community. With her faithful companion, Mouse the dog, by her side, Steph hopes to find solace among the flowers and shrubs. However, her peaceful existence takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the prime suspect in a blackmail case, accused of sending anonymous notes that threaten to unveil residents' deepest secrets.

What sets this book apart is the character of Steph herself. She is a relatable and endearing protagonist whose unwavering dedication to her job and her four-legged friend Mouse instantly captures the reader's heart. Sandler crafts Steph's character with depth and complexity, making her much more than just an amateur detective. Steph's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a character worth rooting for.

The supporting cast of characters in Beaulieu Heights is equally well-crafted, each with their own idiosyncrasies, hidden agendas, and motivations. The dynamics and interactions among the residents add layers to the mystery, creating an engaging web of possibilities that keeps readers guessing about the blackmailer's identity. Steph's relationships, both harmonious and contentious, add richness and texture to the narrative.

A standout feature of the book is the seamless integration of gardening knowledge and horticultural details into the story. Sandler's expertise in gardening shines through, as she vividly paints the beauty and intricacies of gardening without overwhelming readers with technical terminology. This infusion of gardening wisdom adds a refreshing and distinctive dimension to the narrative.

The central mystery itself is expertly crafted, with multiple layers and unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. Sandler masterfully guides readers through a maze of secrets, motives, and potential suspects, maintaining a perfect balance between suspense and lightheartedness. The result is an engaging and enjoyable reading experience that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Beyond the immediate mystery, "Seeds of Murder" also hints at an overarching enigma involving Steph's past and her ex-husband. This subplot adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, leaving readers eager for future developments in the series and making this book a promising beginning to what looks like an exciting cozy crime series.

In conclusion, "Seeds of Murder" stands out as a unique and enchanting cozy mystery that blends gardening expertise with suspenseful storytelling. Rosie Sandler's debut in the Gardener Mysteries series promises a captivating journey for readers who appreciate a distinctive and horticulturally flavored mystery.

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler is a charming and engaging cosy mystery that combines elements of gardening, suspense, and amateur sleuthing. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and horticultural details, the book offers an enjoyable reading experience for fans of the genre.

The story revolves around Steph Williams, a landscape gardener who lands her dream job working in the exclusive gated community of Beaulieu Heights. Alongside her loyal canine companion, Mouse, Steph immerses herself in the world of gardening, hoping to find solace in the greenery and solitude of her new job. However, her tranquil life takes a sharp turn when she is accused of blackmailing the residents by sending anonymous notes threatening to reveal their secrets.

The novel shines in its portrayal of Steph, a likable and relatable protagonist. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to her job and her beloved dog make her a character readers can root for. Sandler delves into Steph's backstory, providing depth and complexity to her character, making her more than just an amateur detective.

The supporting cast of characters in Beaulieu Heights is equally well-drawn, each with their quirks, secrets, and motives. The interactions and dynamics among the residents add layers to the mystery, keeping readers guessing about who might be the blackmailer. The relationships Steph forms with the residents, both positive and contentious, contribute to the story's appeal.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the seamless integration of gardening details and horticultural knowledge into the narrative. Sandler's expertise in the subject shines through, and she effectively conveys the beauty and intricacies of gardening without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon. This adds a unique and refreshing dimension to the story.

The mystery itself is well-constructed, with multiple layers and twists that keep the reader engaged. Sandler skilfully navigates the reader through a web of secrets, motives, and potential suspects. She strikes a balance between suspense and light-heartedness, creating an enjoyable reading experience that doesn't take itself too seriously.

While Seeds of Murder primarily focuses on solving the mystery of the blackmail notes, it also hints at an overarching mystery involving Steph's past and her ex-husband. This subplot adds depth to the narrative and leaves room for future developments in the series, making readers eager for the next instalment.

Not often I get to read a book in which the main character has the same first name as me, so how could I resist?!

Seeds of Murder is a cosy mystery – Book 1 in a planned Gardener Mysteries series – and features landscape gardener Steph and her dog Mouse playing amateur sleuths as they try to work out who is blackmailing residents in the closed community they have moved to work in. And her job is on the line if she can’t uncover the culprit within the committee’s arbitrary deadline.

Although the story is written as a first-person account from Steph herself, the author manages to cleverly keep information under wraps until it becomes relevant to the storyline – a really tricky feat without making it seem contrived, but Rosie Sandler nails it here!

There is more than one mystery for Steph (and readers) to uncover, as Mouse’s discovery of a stray shoe seems to set of an avalanche of secrets, including garden art thefts and a disturbing visit from someone in Steph’s past (which appears to be a longer-running storyline, as this mystery is ongoing at the end of the book). This mixture of suspense with more everyday information about gardening and landscaping really grew on me 😉 and definitely made me want to read more and find out what happens next.

I found the set-up of Steph’s gardening job a little unusual, as was her overall treatment by the residents and members of the community committee, but these oddities just added to the mystery potential and made me wonder what other secrets might be lurking behind the rosebushes, locked sheds and secret gardens!

Green-fingered cosy mystery fans will enjoy this series starter and will look forward to seeing what these ‘Seeds’ bloom into!

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

What a fabuloud new mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and how hard Steph worked to solve this mystery and prove her own innocence. This was different from most normal cozies I read. Normally it's a pretty standard- small town protagonist, someone is found dead, MC solves the crime, often before the police can, or with the help of the police. This mystery was had more of a Stepford vibe, with several rich families living in an elite community, all keeping secrets from one another. The murder/death was not the focus, but instead the MC was accused of theft and leaving threatening blackmail notes for the resident. She had to prove her innocence with in 5 days or risk losing her job, which was the head gardener in their elite community.

I was inititally a smidge hesitant because of the present tense writing, but after a few chapters, I barely noticed. There is an ongoing mystery which involved Steph's ex-husband that I hope will be followed up on in a later book.

My thanks to Embla Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Seeds of Murder’ by Rosie Sandler.

This is Book 1 of The Gardener Mysteries, a new series of semi-cosies. Its lead character and narrator is Steph Williams, who is starting her dream job as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, an exclusive community comprised of five mansions complete with butlers, cooks, and maids. Plus, five wealthy families with various levels of entitlement. Each of the properties has her attention for one day a week.

It’s a well paid position complete with on-site accommodation in the form of a quaint gardener’s cottage. Her canine companion is Mouse, a large black shaggy mongrel. Steph also has a past in the form of an ex-husband, who left her in a precarious financial situation.

Rosie Sandler takes a slow burn approach to her mystery establishing Steph and her routine with plenty of gardening details. Meanwhile, her new employers insist on sharing their secrets with Steph despite her attempts to focus only on her tasks at hand.

However, the residents begin to receive notes containing their secrets with suggestions that blackmail will follow. As the notes were received after Steph’s arrival, suspicion falls on her. She is called in front of the residents’ committee and accused. She argues her case and is granted ten days to clear her name and identify the real blackmailer. If not, she will be sacked with no references. No pressure then.

This proved a good introduction to this series as well as an intriguing mystery. I especially adored Mouse. It seems that faithful doggies are an important requisite for cosy mysteries, whether historical or contemporary.

While I am not a gardener, it was clear that Rosie Sandler has plenty of knowledge about the subject and was able to convey details to readers, whether they are gardening enthusiasts or not. I was rather relieved to read in ‘about the author’ that “Rosie’s own garden is a bit on the wild side”. Mine too! Her excuse is that “this encourages hedgehogs and other wildlife”. My excuse too and indeed it’s quite valid as the natural style of garden is good for pollinating insects and wildlife.

The novel opens with a map of Beaulieu Heights that provides a simple drawing of each property with the house name and family members listed underneath. This proved a useful reference.

Overall, I found the ‘Seeds of Murder’ an enjoyable and engaging mystery and look forward to future books in the series. The next, ‘Murder Takes Root’, is due for publication in January 2024.

Rosie Sandler can wait and know what she’s talking about when she writes about gardening.
Either she’s an expert garden designer/keen gardener or she did a lot of research as the descriptions and the parts about gardening made me wish I could visit those places and work with Steph in one of those projects.
That said she can write and is an excellent storytelling. She delivers a story featuring quirky and intriguing characters. Steph is both strong and sweet, a clever woman in love with her work and ready to fight.
Mouse the dog is lovely, and I loved Fiona the painter and Simone.
There’s a lot of character development and I had a lot of fun in reading about these group of high society people.
There’s some of the spirit of the Golden Age: the best author wrote complex and entertaining whodunit, but they also wrote sharp and merciless description of the high society and its members.
The mystery is solid, there’s a lot going on and the twists surprised me. I had fun in trying to guess the culprit and enjoyed the story.
I can’t wait to read the next story, another garden and another mystery
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Embla Books and Compulsive Readers for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler is the start of a new series and a good one it looks to be. The protagonist is Steph Williams who has a gangly, but well-behaved dog named Mouse. She has changed the way she uses her name. All are legitimate parts of it but she is using different pieces, all down to her ex-husband, Ben, who made their names so notorious that she had shed hers. She is a gardener, reporting for her first day at work to a conclave of five mansions, all behind a fence with a guard, but otherwise unrelated. They are completely different as are the needs of their gardens and their owners. This is not a murder mystery as such although the son of one of the homes died years earlier and is buried on the grounds. As far as Steph can see, the previous gardener didn’t do much as there is much over growth and pruning and trimming to do. She hops right in. Not too far down the road, a blackmailer appears and all fingers seem to point toward Steph. It is both intriguing and confusing. Steph works her way through it and the minor mysteries lending themselves to blackmail. It was interesting and different.

Steph is a good character. She is lucky to have this job because she can take her dog wither most days and they are living in a lovely cottage on the grounds. The inhabitants of the houses are varied and full of personalities. There are some children, although the youngest is sixteen and a bit of a handful. Everyone has secrets and the secrets here lose their power as Steph convinces the people involved to tell theirs to the people involved, mostly their mates. It is a closely woven story, well plotted and interesting. Steph is worried for her job when they tell her to root out the blackmailer in ten days or move along. No police. She dives right in and does some interesting stooping. It was a good book: a great start to a new series. Read it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Seeds of Murder by Embla Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #RosieSandler #SeedsOfMurder

This cosy mystery is an engaging read. Steph is a likeable main character and I absolutely loved the descriptions of the different gardens. It was also interesting reading about the lives of such wealthy families with their household staff and huge properties. I found the way Steph was told to find the blackmailer to be a bit too unrealistic, and surely the police should have been involved at some point? So only 4 stars, not 5. I will definitely look out for the next volume in Steph’s adventures though!

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler – Interesting Mix of Gardening and Mystery

After reading the description of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, I wanted to give this British novel a try. I was hoping it would be reminiscent of Rosemary & Thyme, a nice mix of gardening and mystery.

Steph Williams needs a job and hopes to be hired as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, a small wealthy estate in England. Wherever Steph goes, her faithful companion Mouse goes too. To say that the residents are quirky is an understatement. Some are more welcoming than others. It seems that all the homeowners have their secrets. But would any of them be willing to break the law to protect their secrets? To steal, blackmail, or even commit murder? Just as Steph is getting a handle on the various gardens, she receives a threatening note. To make things worse, the residents have accused Steph of blackmail. How in the world will she clear her name, much less keep her job?

It took me a little while to get used to the first-person writing style and the British terms. But once I did, I enjoyed reading this book. I liked Steph and her dog Mouse. Loved reading the descriptions of the gardens, about plants and the work to be done. I could almost visualize the settings. The people in Beaulieu Heights, both residents and workers, were an interesting group. A few were friendly and some you would want to avoid. Steph was a very likable character, as was her dog.

The residents of Beaulieu Heights were an interest mix. Though very wealthy and seemingly in need of nothing, their lives were a bit of trainwreck. I liked some of the friendships that Steph developed with both the residents and staff members. I enjoyed Steph’s relationship with her brother and parents. There were lots of weeds to dig through to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did not guess who the bad guy was.

There were a few moments that I found touching. Like the kindness and encouragement of a few people when Steph stood wrongly accused. Or the support and love from her brother and dad. The progress in her relationship with her mom.

Not going to give away the ending. But I would have liked to have seen justice. One mystery not wrapped up is what happened to Steph’s ex-husband who seemed to disappear.

There is some profanity in the book, as well as revealing sexual immorality that some of the characters had been involved with. Thankfully, it did not go into graphic detail.

I enjoyed reading this mystery Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. It was a change of pace from my regular reading. If you enjoy mysteries and gardening, you might enjoy this novel.

I would like to thank Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

I love getting in at the start of a new series!

Steph Williams is extremely happy to have landed a new job as gardener in a gated community; With her own cottage to live in along with her dog Mouse, she has a varied work week with all the different gardens - and their owners - to deal with. It's all going well until she finds herself hauled in front of the neighbourhood committee accused of blackmail. Determined to clear her name, she is given 10 days to do so - but will that be enough?

I took to the main character in this novel right away, and I think it will make a cracking series. I got a bit confused with the layout of the houses - wasn't sure they were always where the were before but I'll put that down to me. With more going on than just the blackmail note, this kept me reading to the very end. A well-plotted mystery, definitely worth reading and, for me, 4.5*. I look forward to the next one!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

3.5 stars
This is a fun and intriguing mystery. I loved the descriptions of the gardens and really enjoyed how Steph was able to share her knowledge and experience in such a wonderful setting. Each of the characters had an interesting story and the mystery for Steph to solve was cleverly linked.