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Customer Reviews
I'll admit I'm a little biased, because I wrote this book! This is the second novel in the Silver Springs Mysteries. If you haven't read the first, Murder At The Summer Cheese Festival, I'd recommend starting there, but this one can still be read as a standalone! If you like meaningful friendships, character growth, intriguing secrets, plot twists, satisfying endings, and excellent food...you might like reading this one.
I liked this one even more than the first book. Laura Evans has truly found her rhythm in Silver Springs, gaining confidence and a stronger connection with the community around her.
This time, she's not the newbie; folks trust her, Inspector Ramirez gives her real leeway, and tips flow in like harvest bounty. Teaming up with Evelyn and Jasmine to save Izzy from a murder rap? Pure gold. The fall setting at Goldenleaf Apple Farm had me craving pie while piecing together clues about Vernon Reed's bung hammer demise. It’s the kind of small-town setup that cozy mystery fans crave with the tight-knit community, seasonal charm, and just enough darkness to stir the cider.
The pacing stumbles a bit in the middle while all the clues and information are being collected, but the setup ultimately pays off. The ending is clean, realistic, and satisfying, tying together the mystery with a resolution that feels true to the characters. That ending on Laura's personal front? A sweet, heartfelt bow that left me smiling.
Overall, this cozy mystery nails the balance of heartwarming friendships, autumnal charm, and twisty whodunit without spilling into melodrama.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong community ties, likable characters, and a clever sleuth, this one’s a win. I was invested in Laura’s growth and the story’s clever unraveling of clues.
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A Little About My New Series
In The Green Mountain State Lakeside Region...
You’ll find Silver Springs, Maplewood County: home to delicious foods, a thriving arts and crafts scene, a welcoming community, and…murder?
It’s just as well Laura Evans and the Maplewood Crafters Club are on the case…
The Setting: Silver Springs
Nestled among the Green Mountains, Silver Springs' downtown is lined historic buildings. In the center of it all is the General Store, filling the air with the scent of delicious regional specialties and locally roasted coffee.
This community thrives on small but meaningful rituals: club meetings, regulars claiming their favorite tables at local eateries, and neighbors greeting each other by name as they stroll through Moss Ridge Nature Preserve. Winding country roads lead deeper into the mountains of the surrounding Maplewood County.
FAQs: Everything You Want To Know
What Can You Expect From The Silver Springs Mysteries?
Set in a picturesque, charming New England small town.
No explicit content, graphic violence, or profanity.
Low angst: feel-good stories with the right kind of drama.
Delicious food, made and shared in delightful company.
Full of crafting, cozy moments, and comforting rituals.
Characters you’ll love, living realistic and authentic lives.
Meet The Characters
Laura Evans (Protagonist)
Intuitive and warm, this copper-haired, freckle-faced newcomer hoped for a simple life managing the General Store’s café, but her curiosity keeps pulling her into intriguing mysteries...
Laura’s best asset is exceptional her people skills from her 15-year Boston restaurant management career: knowing when a complicated order reveals more than preferences, or when a casual comment might be the key to an entire case.
Other Key Characters
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Evelyn Chan: Laura’s landlady, a retired medical practice manager, provides wisdom and strategic support during investigations with her exceptional memory, warm manner, and sense of humor.
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Jasmine Williams: A witty, friendly soul who works with Laura at the Silver Springs General Store. Her knack for the overlooked details complements Laura’s intuitive investigating style.
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Detective Seargeant Ramirez: Former college ice hockey captain turned police officer with a strong sense of justice. Though skeptical of Laura, she still becomes a valuable ally.
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Monty & Oscar: Proper, particular Monty and affectionate, excitable Oscar, are Evelyn’s seven-year-old feline brothers who witness the investigative meetings.
Here’s What Some Readers Say About The Series...
★★★★★
"Enjoyable read, interesting characters. Kept me guessing until the end."
— Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.
★★★★★
"Wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie's writing is sharp yet comforting, with the right amount of humor and heart. I laughed, I guessed (wrong), and I didn't want it to end. If you love cozy mysteries with food, fun, and murder—this is one book you need."
— Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.
★★★★★
"I live in New England and Morgan's wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The scene-setting made it easy to imagine yourself in the locations. It was an enjoyable treat for the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures. The mystery is fun as clues are uncovered by the amateur sleuths. Highly recommended for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries."
— S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.
★★★★★
"A treat for my mystery-loving heart and my cheese-loving brain. Laura Evans made for an intriguing amateur sleuth…a newcomer with heart, grit, and a growing sense of belonging in her quirky town. It hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and enough danger to make you keep the lights on."
— Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy, thriller, paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.
★★★★★
"Laura was a great protagonist and I can relate to wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued. The author nailed what it was like to live in a small town. Plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs, and I am excited to see where people take me next!"
— Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger, reviewer, Pennsylvanian.
★★★★★
"I was able to play armchair detective. Everything feels real and believable. And the characters are the kind you pass while walking down the street. The research that went into this – I'm convinced after reading this book I could make cheese."
— Sarah Wittle, childrens/young adult book blogger, reviewer, primary school librarian, mystery and thriller reader.
★★★★★
"Murder mystery, small town setting and Cheese – three of my favourite things in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime. I got an education in all things cheese! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes. I felt instantly at home in Silver Springs. A shoe-in for all cosy mystery lovers!"
— Nikki Brook, book blogger, reviewer, book publicist, Glaswegian, chronic pain warrior, history, mythology, romance, thriller, suspense, mystery, and scifi reader.
★★★★★
"A likeable protagonist who is learning about the town along with the reader also helps the reader relate well to the story. If you like cozy mysteries, this should definitely do the trick."
— BigAl, founder of BigAl's Books & Pals and The IndieView, former contributor to Indies Unlimited, blogger, book reviewer, non-fiction author, and grandfather of four.
★★★★★
"A vivid sense of place that feels idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book's biggest strengths: all distinct personalities contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle...will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings."
— Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.
★★★★★
"A cheese-festival mystery? Fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry. Silver Springs delivers a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this is worth picking up."
— Isabell, blogger, book reviewer, thirty-something, postcrosser, rock music fan, traveler, baker, motorsports fan, cinephile, bilingual, German.
★★★★★
"Laura makes unexpected friendships and is part of a group where her quirks are accepted and encouraged. The plot and characters are fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully."
— Lori Van Buren, contributor to Novels Alive, former contributor to Romancing The Book, book reviewer, direct support professional, New York Stater.
★★★★★
"The story has a quick pace, the characters are well developed. I found the crew at the café to be quirky and would love to sit in on a staff meeting. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you would like this book."
— Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.
★★★★★
"A culinary feast for the imagination, from the menus to the varieties of cheese available. This mystery is well written, and I did not suspect the killer until the name was revealed. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for Laura and the gang."
— Leslie, book lover, reviewer, reader of cozies, romance, chick lit, and mystery/thriller.
★★★★★
"Left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. There was never a dull moment. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry."
— Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.
★★★★★
"A well-written cosy mystery, which follows all the rules of such mysteries and is a comfortable read. I didn't guess who the murderer was…relying instead on the author to reveal who did what and why in their own good time, leaving none of those pesky loose ends. If you enjoy whodunnits…I recommend it."
— Georgia Rose, romantic suspense and thriller writer, publishing mentor, Alliance Of Independent Authors member, worked with horses, lives in Cambridgeshire.
★★★★★
"An easy read with a likable protagonist surrounded by mouth-watering food descriptions. Laura's…desire to do well by those who have helped her out is admirable and endearing. The ending wraps everything up nicely with a…fun reveal. Includes recipes that complement the tale. I found this to be a nice touch."
— Heather L. Barksdale, indie author, book reviewer, blogger, historical fiction and mystery reader, Floridian, world traveler.
★★★★★
"Laura is a likeable protagonist and the mystery is not as predictable as Hallmark movies often are. A who-done-it about small-town life and artisanal cheese, but also about starting over and found family. A fun and easy read."
— Carol G., audiobook enjoyer, library patron, reader of non-fiction, contemporary, literary, mystery, and romance, arts & crafts enthusiast, puzzler, grandmother, Canadian.
★★★★★
"Enjoyable read, interesting characters. Kept me guessing until the end."
— Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.
★★★★★
"Wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie's writing is sharp yet comforting, with the right amount of humor and heart. I laughed, I guessed (wrong), and I didn't want it to end. If you love cozy mysteries with food, fun, and murder—this is one book you need."
— Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.
★★★★★
"I live in New England and Morgan's wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The scene-setting made it easy to imagine yourself in the locations. It was an enjoyable treat for the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures. The mystery is fun as clues are uncovered by the amateur sleuths. Highly recommended for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries."
— S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.
★★★★★
"A treat for my mystery-loving heart and my cheese-loving brain. Laura Evans made for an intriguing amateur sleuth…a newcomer with heart, grit, and a growing sense of belonging in her quirky town. It hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and enough danger to make you keep the lights on."
— Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy, thriller, paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.
★★★★★
"Laura was a great protagonist and I can relate to wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued. The author nailed what it was like to live in a small town. Plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs, and I am excited to see where people take me next!"
— Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger, reviewer, Pennsylvanian.
★★★★★
"I was able to play armchair detective. Everything feels real and believable. And the characters are the kind you pass while walking down the street. The research that went into this – I'm convinced after reading this book I could make cheese."
— Sarah Wittle, childrens/young adult book blogger, reviewer, primary school librarian, mystery and thriller reader.
★★★★★
"Murder mystery, small town setting and Cheese – three of my favourite things in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime. I got an education in all things cheese! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes. I felt instantly at home in Silver Springs. A shoe-in for all cosy mystery lovers!"
— Nikki Brook, book blogger, reviewer, book publicist, Glaswegian, chronic pain warrior, history, mythology, romance, thriller, suspense, mystery, and scifi reader.
★★★★★
"A likeable protagonist who is learning about the town along with the reader also helps the reader relate well to the story. If you like cozy mysteries, this should definitely do the trick."
— BigAl, founder of BigAl's Books & Pals and The IndieView, former contributor to Indies Unlimited, blogger, book reviewer, non-fiction author, and grandfather of four.
★★★★★
"A vivid sense of place that feels idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book's biggest strengths: all distinct personalities contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle...will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings."
— Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.
★★★★★
"A cheese-festival mystery? Fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry. Silver Springs delivers a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this is worth picking up."
— Isabell, blogger, book reviewer, thirty-something, postcrosser, rock music fan, traveler, baker, motorsports fan, cinephile, bilingual, German.
★★★★★
"Laura makes unexpected friendships and is part of a group where her quirks are accepted and encouraged. The plot and characters are fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully."
— Lori Van Buren, contributor to Novels Alive, former contributor to Romancing The Book, book reviewer, direct support professional, New York Stater.
★★★★★
"The story has a quick pace, the characters are well developed. I found the crew at the café to be quirky and would love to sit in on a staff meeting. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you would like this book."
— Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.
★★★★★
"A culinary feast for the imagination, from the menus to the varieties of cheese available. This mystery is well written, and I did not suspect the killer until the name was revealed. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for Laura and the gang."
— Leslie, book lover, reviewer, reader of cozies, romance, chick lit, and mystery/thriller.
★★★★★
"Left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. There was never a dull moment. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry."
— Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.
★★★★★
"A well-written cosy mystery, which follows all the rules of such mysteries and is a comfortable read. I didn't guess who the murderer was…relying instead on the author to reveal who did what and why in their own good time, leaving none of those pesky loose ends. If you enjoy whodunnits…I recommend it."
— Georgia Rose, romantic suspense and thriller writer, publishing mentor, Alliance Of Independent Authors member, worked with horses, lives in Cambridgeshire.
★★★★★
"An easy read with a likable protagonist surrounded by mouth-watering food descriptions. Laura's…desire to do well by those who have helped her out is admirable and endearing. The ending wraps everything up nicely with a…fun reveal. Includes recipes that complement the tale. I found this to be a nice touch."
— Heather L. Barksdale, indie author, book reviewer, blogger, historical fiction and mystery reader, Floridian, world traveler.
★★★★★
"Laura is a likeable protagonist and the mystery is not as predictable as Hallmark movies often are. A who-done-it about small-town life and artisanal cheese, but also about starting over and found family. A fun and easy read."
— Carol G., audiobook enjoyer, library patron, reader of non-fiction, contemporary, literary, mystery, and romance, arts & crafts enthusiast, puzzler, grandmother, Canadian.
Jodie Morgan — Author & Knitting/Crochet Blogger
About Jodie Morgan
Jodie is an author and knitting/crochet blogger. Her books welcome readers to the charming Silver Springs Mysteries in Vermont, filled with intriguing puzzles, memorable characters, and the satisfying solutions cozy mystery readers love.
When she’s not writing you’ll find her reading, savoring a coffee (with cream, always!) or working on a knitting or crochet project.
About Jodie Morgan
Jodie Morgan — Author & Knitting/Crochet Blogger
Jodie is an author and knitting/crochet blogger. Her books welcome readers to the charming Silver Springs Mysteries in Vermont, filled with intriguing puzzles, memorable characters, and the satisfying solutions cozy mystery readers love.
When she’s not writing you’ll find her reading, savoring a coffee (with cream, always!) or working on a knitting or crochet project.