A Murder for the Sages - (A Sunflower Café Mystery) by Amy Lillard (Paperback)

About the Book

"The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger's demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy's cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger's, insists that's impossible. When she asks for Sissy's help in unearthing the truth, Sissy's on the case--accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke... The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows--and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger's resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi's brother, Lloyd, who's bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger's land--land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect--it's her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn't solve it quickly, she'll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest..."--

Book Synopsis

Twenty-something advice columnist and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder loves helping out at her Aunt Bethel's Sunflower Café in Yoder, Kansas. It connects her to family, to the close-knit community--and to the suspicious events that always seem to bubble beneath small-town life . . .

The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger's demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy's cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger's, insists that's impossible. When she asks for Sissy's help in unearthing the truth, Sissy's on the case--accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke . . .

The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows--and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger's resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi's brother, Lloyd, who's bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger's land--land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect--it's her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn't solve it quickly, she'll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Amy Lillard's Cozy Mysteries

"Suspects abound in this charming combination of murder and romance." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder of Aspic Proportions

"Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary, though a murder mystery, avoids gruesome details and is anything but sinister; rather it is a delightful exploration of the human spirit, a wise unveiling of the reasons for people's actions, and a celebration and critique of small towns. Plenty of humor, a delightful cast of characters, and a satisfying plot make this first book in Lillard's series a promising harbinger of future Sunflower Café mysteries." --The Banner

"I like the way Amish and non-Amish are mixed in this second book in the series. Sissy is someone you'd like to know although you'd hesitate to get in a car when she's behind the wheel. Bethel has rules to follow but is willing to bend them when necessary. It's surprising how many times it's necessary. For an enjoyable read, visit Amish country with Sissy and Duke." --Kings River Life Magazine on Murder of Aspic Proportions

"A promising new sleuth whose lovable dog and incipient love interest combine nicely with Lillard's trademark Amish lore." --Kirkus Reviews on Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary

"Readers will love unraveling this fun mystery!" --Modern Dog Magazine on Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary

"Kappy King, her word-of-the-day calendar (and the rest of her endearing quirks), her English sidekick Edie (and Edie's special needs brother Jimmy - and their endearing quirks), and hunky detective Jack Jones return with all the wit and warmth readers have come to expect from this series. Lillard's dry sense of humor, engaging characters, and on-point comedic timing are ideal for those looking for a book that makes them smile from the first page to the last." --Hope by the Book on Kappy King and the Pie Kaper

"Kappy and Edie travel by buggy and car all over the valley attending everything from funerals to rock concerts while trying to figure out whether Sally June's death was accident or murder. Plenty of details about the Amish lifestyle and a more complex mystery." --Kirkus Reviews on Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper

"With a hard to solve mystery, two men that are crazy about our main sleuth, and a few older single women meeting for a book club, how could you not love this cozy?" --Fresh Fiction on Murder Between the Pages

"The book club ladies make a winning team in an amusing tale replete with down-home atmosphere and romance." --Kirkus Reviews on A Murder Like No Author

"The likable characters and Edie's slow progress in re-embracing her Amish side will keep fans coming back for more." --Publishers Weekly on Kappy King and the Pie Kaper

"A promising series debut, sometimes humorous, often puzzling, and peopled with believable characters." --Kirkus Reviews on Can't Judge a Book By its Murder

About the Author

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author of over forty novels and novellas, including the Main Street Book Club Mysteries and the Amish Mysteries, as well as Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. Since receiving a Carol Award for her debut novel, Saving Gideon, she has become known for writing sweet stories filled with family values, honest characters, a hometown feel and close-knit communities. She is a member of RWA and ACFW. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at AmyWritesRomance.com.