Berry the Hatchet
Cranberry Cove #2
Author: Peg Cochran
ISBN13: 9780425274514
Author website: http://www.pegcochran.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis: 
Cranberry farm owner Monica Albertson is once again bogged down in murder in the second Cranberry Cove mystery from national bestselling author Peg Cochran.
The entire town of Cranberry Cove is popping with excitement. Monica Albertson is baking cranberry goodies by the dozen and shopkeepers are decking out their storefronts for the first annual Winter Walk—an event dreamed up by the mayor to bring visitors to the town during a normally dead time of year.
But it’s the mayor who turns up dead during the grand opening ceremony, his lifeless body making its entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh. Monica’s mother and stepmother quickly become the prime suspects when it’s discovered that the mayor was dating both of them, and to make things worse, her half brother Jeff uncovers a clue buried near one of the bogs on Sassamanash Farm. Now it’s up to Monica to find out who really put the mayor on ice.
Review:
The wonderful town of Cranberry Cove is getting ready for Winter Walk. Monica Albertson and her half-brother Jeff are trying to promote their business Sassamamash Farm and the goodies she makes with the harvested cranberries. The town is abuzz with activity and special events. Monica’s mother has even shown up. Which could spell trouble since her step mother also lives in town. Her mother is coming to surprise her new boyfriend who just happens to be mayor and also dating her step mother. When the opening ceremony of the Winter Walk takes place none other than same said mayor makes a spectacular entrance. Well to everyone else that is since he is dead. Author Peg Cochran has a truly entertaining writing style that is filled with humor, mystery, fun, and intrigue. You cannot ask for a lot more in a super cozy!!
Monica and her friends and family are fabulous characters. Monica is such an enjoyable protagonist, intelligent, strong and real. I love her half-brother Jeff and his work ethic and strength, when he could be a weak person. Her step-mother and mother’s interaction are hilarious. The Winter Walk should be a time of celebration and hopefully business for the townsfolk in a time of off season struggles. Tempest Storm, a fellow business owner, wants to perform a ritual with little support from the town and actual opposition from Mayor Preston Crowley. When he winds up dead on the horse drawn sleigh with Tempest’s ceremonial dagger sticking out of his neck, she of course becomes the prime suspect. Monica has to find answers or the whole town may suffer.
Not only is Tempest a suspect, but when knowledge that both Monica’s mother and step-mother were both dating the mayor (unbeknownst to either of them), they also become suspects. Monica has to get to the bottom of the mayor’s murder. (I have to say it seems like the job of mayor in Cranberry cove is a deadly job). Monica is also busy getting baked goods and tempting treats together for their shop and her booth at the Winter Walk. Dealing with her mother, step-mother and trying to spend time with her man of interest Greg take up a ton of her time as well.
I love the characters in this series. Berry the Hatchet is the second installment in the fun “Cranberry Cove Mystery” series. The characters are truly well developed and always entertaining. I enjoy author Peg Cochran’s writing style and storyline. The setting is a pleasure to visit. I so respect the inclusion of Monica’s half-brother Jeff. A veteran that is overcoming a disabling injury and some PTSD and is working hard to make a life for himself running the cranberry farm. It really makes this series even more special. I think even if you had not read the first in this great series you would be able to follow and enjoy this book. I recommend Berry the Hatchet to any reader that is looking for a great new cozy series that has a cast of characters that are not only enjoyable and entertaining, but also full of spunk, strength and fun.
