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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, lots of interesting characters. I was kept guessing until the very end.”
— Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, and non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.
★★★★★
“Murder At The Summer Cheese Festival by Jodie Morgan is the kind of cozy mystery that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie Morgan's writing is sharp yet comforting, with just 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 just a touch of murder—this is one book you absolutely need on your shelf.”
— Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, and fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.
★★★★★
“I live in New England in the vicinity of Boston and Morgan's wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The attention to detail in the scene-setting was expertly aided by Jodie Morgan's descriptive turn of phrase, making it very easy to imagine yourself in the locations she is describing, tasting the food and breathing in the fragrances. I loved how deliciously tasty this book was! It really was an enjoyable treat for all the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures described – all adding to the coziness of the novel. The murder mystery is a lot of fun as clues are uncovered bit by bit by the amateur sleuths. This book is highly recommended by me for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries.”
— S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, and biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.
★★★★★
“This cozy mystery was a treat for both 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. The idea that home isn't where you come from, but where you're truly seen and valued, is so true and close to heart. As a cozy mystery, it hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and just enough danger to make you keep the lights on a little longer.”
— Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy thriller, and paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.
★★★★★
“Laura was a great protagonist and I can totally relate to the feeling of wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued throughout the entire book. The author really nailed what it was like to live in a small town. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs with open arms, and I am really excited to see where people of this town take me next!”
— Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, and YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger and reviewer, Pennsylvanian.
★★★★★
“This is the sort of book where 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, also real and believable. The research that went into this book was unbelievable – I'm convinced that 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 all in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime from the off. I got an education in all things cheese – no bad thing for me! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes and...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.
★★★★★
“Bustling stalls, artisan cheese boards, and community traditions create a vivid sense of place that feels both idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book’s biggest strengths: neighbors, shopkeepers, and festival organizers all have distinct personalities that contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled, making the book ideal for readers who want intrigue without graphic darkness. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle, and the pleasure of seeing order restored. This is the kind of mystery that will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings.”
— Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, and Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.
★★★★★
“A cheese-festival mystery? It felt fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read before. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry more than just once. Silver Springs delivers that atmosphere beautifully...a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. I didn't guess the murderer until the reveal, which is always a win for me. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this book is absolutely 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 fully realized and fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully in Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival.”
— 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, I believe you would like this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.”
— Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.
★★★★★
“The book is 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 honestly couldn’t figure out who it might be since there were many with a motive to want him dead. This book is well written, and 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.
★★★★★
“Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival was a wonderfully cozy mystery that just left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. Cozy mysteries sometimes get a little boring towards the middle, but there was never a dull moment in this book. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations, but here we are. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry quite often.”
— Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.
★★★★★
"Enjoyable read, lots of interesting characters. I was kept guessing until the very end."
— Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, and non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.
★★★★★
"Murder At The Summer Cheese Festival by Jodie Morgan is the kind of cozy mystery that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie Morgan's writing is sharp yet comforting, with just 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 just a touch of murder—this is one book you absolutely need on your shelf."
— Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, and fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.
★★★★★
“I live in New England in the vicinity of Boston and Morgan’s wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The attention to detail in the scene-setting was expertly aided by Jodie Morgan’s descriptive turn of phrase, making it very easy to imagine yourself in the locations she is describing, tasting the food and breathing in the fragrances. I loved how deliciously tasty this book was! It really was an enjoyable treat for all the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures described – all adding to the coziness of the novel. The murder mystery is a lot of fun as clues are uncovered bit by bit by the amateur sleuths. This book is highly recommended by me for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries.”
— S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, and biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.
★★★★★
"This cozy mystery was a treat for both 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. The idea that home isn't where you come from, but where you're truly seen and valued, is so true and close to heart. As a cozy mystery, it hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and just enough danger to make you keep the lights on a little longer."
— Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy thriller, and paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.
★★★★★
"Laura was a great protagonist and I can totally relate to the feeling of wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued throughout the entire book. The author really nailed what it was like to live in a small town. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs with open arms, and I am really excited to see where people of this town take me next!"
— Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, and YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger and reviewer, Pennsylvanian.
★★★★★
“This is the sort of book where 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, also real and believable. The research that went into this book was unbelievable – I'm convinced that 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 all in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime from the off. I got an education in all things cheese – no bad thing for me! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes and...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.
★★★★★
“Bustling stalls, artisan cheese boards, and community traditions create a vivid sense of place that feels both idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book’s biggest strengths: neighbors, shopkeepers, and festival organizers all have distinct personalities that contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled, making the book ideal for readers who want intrigue without graphic darkness. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle, and the pleasure of seeing order restored. This is the kind of mystery that will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings.”
— Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, and Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.
★★★★★
“A cheese-festival mystery? It felt fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read before. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry more than just once. Silver Springs delivers that atmosphere beautifully...a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. I didn't guess the murderer until the reveal, which is always a win for me. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this book is absolutely 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 fully realized and fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully in Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival.”
— 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, I believe you would like this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.”
— Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.
★★★★★
“The book is 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 honestly couldn’t figure out who it might be since there were many with a motive to want him dead. This book is well written, and 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.
★★★★★
“Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival was a wonderfully cozy mystery that just left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. Cozy mysteries sometimes get a little boring towards the middle, but there was never a dull moment in this book. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations, but here we are. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry quite often.”
— Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.
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.