A FRESH FICTION PICK! Welcome to Shenandoah Springs, Virginia, the bucolic small town where Brynn MacAlister keeps cows, churns cheeses—and is sharper than the ripest cheddar when it comes tosolving mysteries . . . With a foster cow in her corral and a new calf on the way, Brynn MacAlister has a lot on her plate. Especially since her micro-dairy farm is hosting the first annual cheesemakers … contest at this year’s summer fair. A relative newcomer, Brynn’s hoping the contest becomes a tradition, bonding her even more strongly to the community. But when a mysterious tractor accident looks suspiciously like murder, Brynn suspects someone is up to no-gouda . . . Some folks say the lead suspect was just defending his underage daughter from a suitor more mature than a vintage provolone, but Brynn isn’t buying it. Especially when another dead body turns up and Brynn’s top cheesemaker falls under suspicion. It’s enough to make a girl bluer than her best Stilton. But not enough to stop Brynn from getting to the bottom of things. What she discovers is the small town harbors some pretty unsavory characters. And the closer Brynn gets to the killer, the deeper she gets into danger . . . Praise for Mollie Cox Bryan’s mysteries “A playful charmer!” —Woman’s World on No Charm Intended “Scrapbookers and hobby cozy fans will enjoy this delightful holiday escape.”—Library Journal on A Crafty Christmas “A font of ingenuity . . . superb entertainment.”—Mystery Scene magazine on Scrapbook of SecretsIncludes Udder-ly Delicious Recipes!
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Goodnight Moo is the 2nd book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series written by Mollie Cox Bryan. I became acquainted with the series through a blog tour company that I regularly follow, and I read the first book in this series last year. When this one became available via NetGalley, I definitely wanted to continue with the series. If you enjoy cozies, farm settings, and learning about cheese-making, then this one is for you.
In the last book, Brynn inherited her grandmother’s farm in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. She moved there, solved a crime, and situated herself as a committed community member. Her family lives out of state, but in this one, sister Becky visits after Brynn gets a concussion at a local fair. A tractor driver runs over a teenager who’d been dating his daughter. Then another person is shot and killed. At first, one person is arrested, then it appears like Brynn’s right-hand man, Wes, is guilty. It doesn’t help that the town is a bit racist; Wes is Pakistani, and because of his skin color, everyone assumes he’s guilty. Another person is assaulted while Wes is in jail, and then a string of credit card thefts begin to happen. What’s going on here?!?
This is a fun series. The relationship between Becky and Brynn is quite strong. I like the balance they bring to one another, and I hope Becky comes back again soon. It’s nice to have family around, and I wonder whether their parents will visit in a future book. I also really enjoy the farm setting… especially the 3 cows, plus Jewel, a new one Brynn is fostering. Last time, one of the cows had lost its calf during birth. This time, another cow is pregnant. How will they all get along? The side stories are quite endearing, and I enjoy that there isn’t a big amount of romance. While I do like those types of books too, the absence makes this series stand out from the others.
It’s light, straightforward, and uncomplicated, in terms of the cast. The mystery is full of twists. Even I had a hard time guessing… often assuming it was one person before changing my mind. By 2/3 thru, I guessed whom it was, but I will admit, I wanted it to be someone else. This person annoyed me in how (s)he treated Brynn, and as a result, I wanted to see him/her thrown in jail. In the end, I came around a little bit, but not a whole lot. Seeing the backdrop in this story compared to what’s happening in real life across America these days was enlightening. Though the book is definitely not political or focused on racism, there’s enough to make you nod your head that the author is doing her part to show what’s wrong in society. Big kudos to her for weaving this piece in the story in a minor but important way.
I look forward to the third in the series, and I hope Brynn begins to take care of more animals than cows. Maybe we’ll even get to see some vegetable planting in the future. While I love all the focus on cheese, it makes me too hungry sometimes. A very fun series to start with… and I see potential here. Looking forward to the next one to pop even more so I can give it 5 stars! We’re getting much closer in this second installment. Thanks for a fun afternoon’s read.
Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan the 2nd instalment in the “A Buttermilk Creek Mystery” series. I really enjoy this series and have bought the first book in paperback and will buy this one when it comes out.
I love the main character Brynn and her cows, plus Freckles and Romeo. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a few days. I still love the setting of Shenandoah Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but in this story it touches on racism and how it affected Wes, nowhere seems to be immune to some forms of it it seems.
With Brynn getting hurt, her sister Becky makes an appearance and it was nice to see their relationship evolve , part of me was hoping that Becky would decide to move out to the farm and help Brynn.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I suspected the killer but not till the very end .
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
This such a fun series! I really like Brynn and her friends. I love that the setting is on a farm. I really like learning about cheesmaking through Brynn. I also like reading about Brynn’s cows. The mystery was well written with many twists. This is the second book in the series.
I received a digital arc from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.
The plot of “Goodnight Moo” was thought provoking. An unusual murder weapon was used that I’d never read about before. It certainly made it more difficult to prove motive, and opportunity, for sure! I adore all the animal characters—the cows, the dog, and the cat—they all have parts in the story that add to the home, hearth, and family aspect. A couple of times, I bogged down and temporarily lost interest in the plot; however, I soon picked up the pace again and enjoyed the final outcome. I enjoyed the humor, too! Love those cows! Recipes provided after the story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I was so enchanted by the first book in this series that when the opportunity arose for me to read Goodnight Moo, the second book in the series, I couldn’t say no. This second book lives up to the promise of the first. Brynn and the rest of the cast, including her “girls” are back for another adventure. This one also hits close to home as her protege, Wes, is accused of murder, and Brynn herself is injured causing a bit of frustration in her investigating. I love the relationships in this book. This time around we get to meet Brynn’s sister Becky, who comes to help take care of her following her injury. The sibling relationship is fun and natural. Having an older sister myself whom I’m close too, I love when the sibling relationship is positive. I’m also enjoying the budding relationship between Brynn and Wes. Their friendship is strong and Brynn is enjoying being able to mentor him and have someone help with the business. The secondary cast of characters from the first book makes a return appearance, including Brynn’s cows – which get an addition. I think it’s lovely that the cows, like so many other animals in cozy mysteries are part of the cast of characters.
The mystery is well done. It was interesting to see how Ms. Bryan connected all of the incidents happening in town together at the end. I will admit, I was convinced I knew the identity of the killer and was feeling a bit cocky until the person’s identity was revealed. Once again, I wandered down the wrong cheese curd path to an incorrect conclusion.
This is a quick fun read. While not political, the author does address issues of racism in this book and how it affected Wes. It is done with subtlety and does not overpower the story, nor is it the main point. However, reading the book against the current environment in this country I give the author credit for weaving it into the story.
I will most definitely be returning to Buttermilk Creek to see what is in store for Brynn in her future.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Brynn MacAlister lives on her microdairy in Shenandoah Springs, Virginia where she makes cheese from the milk produced by her cows. Her assistant, Wes, also lives on the farm and supplies Brynn and her friends with delicious farm to table meals.
When a tractor accident leaves a summer farmhand dead a community leader finds himself accused of murder. At the same time the fair is about to begin and Brynn has organized a cheese contest to showcase the cheesemakers in the area. Before the fair begins another summer hand is found dead. Wes unfortunately finds the man in a barn and is immediately the main suspect.
This book is packed with action and suspects. The characters continue to develop as the story goes on and they are well-rounded. The setting is in a valley and sounds lovely. The plot moved at a good pace and kept me engaged as I read. I recommend this book (and the first book in the series).
More secrets about this little town come to light in the second Buttermilk Creek story. Some characters I still don’t like even though they have a tragic history and some characters I still love. I have a romance or two that I would not mind seeing happen but I will have to wait and see. Not sure what could happen next maybe a ex showing up and getting killed or something. There again I just have to wait and see.
A wonderful small town mystery set in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I loved the characters and the descriptions of the cows and the community. Brynn is a great main character along with Wes her employee and friend and I also enjoyed the many secondary characters including Willow, Schuyler, Tillie and Becky. There is a county fair taking place in town which all of the characters are involved in in some way which adds to the story. The cheese making is an interesting addition to the story as well. This is a well put together mystery that keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. I also liked the recipes that were included at the end of the book. I see many more adventures in Brynn’s future.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan is the 2nd tale in A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Christmas Cow Bells. Goodnight Moo is not quite what I expected. I was expecting a lighthearted cozy mystery and I thought this one a little more serious. I found the book to be a little on the slow side. We see what it takes for Brynn to run her farm day in and out. She gets up early to take care of her cows, do farm chores, and make cheese. Brynn is lucky to have Wes as an assistant. He is a great chef and baker who is becoming a creative cheesemaker as well. There is a wonderful community in Shenandoah Springs, Virginia. The residents all seem to know each other and what is going on in their lives. Brynn McAllister has her farm sponsoring the first cheesemaker’s contest at the Shenandoah Springs Annual Fair. As with any new endeavor, things do not run smoothly. The mystery was more complex than those you normally find in cozy mysteries. There are two suspicious deaths. When Wes ends up arrested, Brynn begins asking questions. There was a lack of active investigating. I wanted more action and less Brynn sleeping. While the crime is complex, the solution is quite simple. I also would like a better wrap up of the crime. Brynn’s sister visits and helps her with the case. Brynn has good friends that visit regularly and are there for her when she needs them. I like the diverse cast of characters. The feelings towards Wes were in keeping what is currently occurring in our country. I did find Brynn’s naivete regarding local people’s attitudes surprising. There is plenty of cooking and eating in Goodnight Moo plus cheese sampling. It is interesting learning about the various cheeses and how they are made as well as Highland cows. I was put off by the amount of foul language in the book. I read cozy mysteries because they are normally void of these offending words. Goodnight Moo takes us back to Shenandoah Springs with a cheese competition, a terrifying tractor, cute cows, various victims, crazy computer glitches, and fun at the fair.
Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan, the second in the Buttermilk Creek mystery series, is another entertaining story of Brynn MacAlister and her three cows, Buttercup, Marigold, and Petunia. A fourth cow has come to board, a Highland cow named Jewel who is frighteningly thin as well as depressed, her owner having died, and left her alone. All is well at Buttermilk Farm as Brynn and Wes prepare for the fair and their cheese competition. It all falls apart quickly as Wes gets shot in the middle of the competition and Brynn, upon seeing him lying in a pool of blood, faints, hits her head and is forced to spent the next couple of weeks recovering from a concussion. Not even a concussion, or the arrival of Wes’ father and brother stop her from solving this crime as well as several others that are committed in its wake. It gets complicated, but of course, that doesn’t stop Brynn. All’s well that ends well. That’s what cozies are about.
Goodnight Moo is a wonderful small-town mystery, which takes place in the Shenandoah Valley. It is summer and so is very humid; humidity the reader relives along with the characters in the book, it is portrayed so well. Bryan’s characters are well-rounded and she is handy with the use of red herrings, leading the reads in the wrong direction until almost the very end. This is a very cute series, as cute as murder can be, at any rate. Brynn and Wes are working hard and have a bundle of good friends to help. The community is everything it should be. The plot was a good one, involving much more than was initially assumed and the characters rose to the challenge. The reader need look to further for intrigue, cyber-crime, and much more as this fabulous story unfolds. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Goodnight Moo by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #goodnightmoo
A visit to Shenandoah Springs, Virginia to relieve stress was a great treat even though there’s a killer in town. My mind was on learning more about craft made cheese, seeing how the business was running for Brynn and her assistant, Wes and their plans for the first annual cheesemaker’s contest. Also looking forward to hanging out with the sweet cows,
Too bad Brynn’s plans go south. A death occurs but was it an accident or was it murder? If that wasn’t bad enough, another death occurs, Wes gets shot and Brynn winds up with a concussion and the contest is cancelled. Time to uncover the killer when Wes becomes the prime suspect. With the help of her sister, Becky, Brynn will figure out what led to murder and keep her friends and family safe.
The puzzle was well constructed with plenty of red herrings and twists to keep me guessing and it was nice to meet Becky. She and Brynn make a great team. While the setting is bucolic and the cheese delightful, there is a dark side of racism added to the story proving that no place is immune from it. Having enjoyed this second mystery for Brynn to unravel, I’m really looking forward to the third book in the series. Until then…well I have a real hankering for some good cheese to go with my crackers. Yum.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Brynn MacAlister is happy living in Shenandoah Springs. She has a close group of friends and she has her cows. She’s started a cheeses making business with her apprentice, Wes. She’s excited about having her first competition at the County Fair. Life is perfect until Wes finds a body. Now he’s the prime suspect in the murder of Donny, a summer worker. Brynn is determined to help clear her friend. Unfortunately a concussion sidelined her. I enjoyed Goodnight Moo. Mollie Cox Bryan takes a different approach in this cozy mystery. Brynn needs the help of her sister and her friends. She finds herself involved in more than a murder. There are prejudices that surface and make life difficult for Wes. Brynn and her town, also, face identity theft and hacking problems. These issues added complexity to the story. I enjoyed seeing Brynn with her girls. It was sweet. I liked the characters. They were genuine which made them easy to relate to. I was pulled into the action. Mollie Cox Bryan had other suspects and diversions that distracted me. I didn’t know who the actual culprit was until the very end which is the way I like it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Brynn is a cheesemaker with her small herd of cows. Sounds like a peaceful existence until murder enters the scene with a tractor gone wild, then another person shot. Brynn feels all is tied up to a too-knowledgeable teen-ager, but what’s the real story?
Although this is the second in the series, this is the first book I’ve read. I enjoyed the characters and their families and look forward to future books.
This is the second book in this series. I’m loving it. The setting for the story, the characters, and the story line are all great. The love for animals is awesome. Love “The Girls”!! Brynn is continuing to show herself who she is and find out just what she can do. What fun to watch Brynn and Wes as they grow the cheese business. I can’t wait to go visit with them again in Shenandoah Springs, Virginia. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
small-business, small-town, law-enforcement, murder-investigation, family, friendship, rivalry, cozy-mystery
Cows, handcrafted cheeses, county fairs, small farms, good friends and neighbors, and murder, what could be a more winning combination? (I’m from Wisconsin) The first death is weirdly suspicious, the second is definitely murder but it doesn’t seem logical that they could be linked. Two very unlikely good people are jailed for the crimes but local law, though well intentioned, doesn’t have the resources to do proper due diligence. Enter local cow aficionado and fosterer of a beautiful but grieving Highland cow among others Ms Brynn MacAlister who has a recent history of successful sleuthing. She needs more help from her friends this time because of a very nasty concussion, but no spoilers here.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Goodnight Moo is the second book in A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. I now need to go back and read the first book.
Brynn is obviously still adjusting to her new life in Shenandoah Springs. A small farm with cows and a cheese making business.
When a couple men are killed, Wes who is her assistant becomes the prime suspect.
Brynn decides she needs to find the killer or killers.
I love the location of this series and what’s not to love about cheese. I am in love with those cow, never thought I would say I wanted to a cow to snuggle.
A great cozy mystery just really enjoyed reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan is the second book in this delightful cozy mystery series (A Buttermilk Creek Mystery).
Brynn MacCalister is still adjusting to her new home in Shenandoah Springs, VA where she has a small farm (with an adorable array of cows that are so adorable by the way) and also is solidifying her cheese making business. Of course her life in the small rural town cannot be a simple affair. While attempting to host a cheesemaker’s contest, problems pop up, and mysterious deaths occur that end up not being “natural”. Brynn’s new assistant, Wes, is ensnared into the mix and Brynn is forced to uncover the true culprits so that she can free Wes of suspicion and get back to business.
I enjoy this series. I like the location, the rural setting, and the main business. There are plenty of interesting characters within this community, so there should be no shortage of material for future novels. I also like Brynn as a female character. She is smart, loyal, a good friend, and I think she is stronger and more capable then she even realizes. It will be nice to be able to see that transformation occur for her in the future. I also liked this murder/mystery plot.
A great cozy mystery and a great read. 5/5 stars
I am very sad that Kensington has canceled this series after just two books. I thought it was a good series with a lot of potential to be great.
Even though this series only has two books I would still suggest it to readers of cozy mysteries. Getting to know the cows at Buttermilk Creek is worth the time.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Another fun visit back to the fields of Shenandoah Springs, where the cheese is fresh and the cows are friendly! More than one unexpected death occurs in town and Wes becomes one of the top suspects! Can his family and friends prove he’s not involved or does Wes hold secrets from all of us! Unfortunately Brynn suffers a concussion during a skirmish and her lovely sister comes to visit and help out on the farm. A little down time might just be what Brynn needs, but can she stay out of the murder mystery mix. Once again we get to hang out with the fun citizens of Shenandoah Springs, reminding us that new beginnings can sometimes be the biggest blessings. This is a great book to whisk you away from every day life, filled with great scenery, great friends and wonderful farm life!!
Another enjoyable installment in the Buttermilk Creek cozy mystery series. Set in the Shenandoah Mountains, Brynn MacAlister runs a dairy farm and churns cheese. Brynn has a new rescue cow and is running (what she hopes will be an annual tradition) a cheese maker contest as part of a local summer festival. While a relative newcomer in the town, she has formed relationships with some of the residents. When the husband of one of her new friendships is accused of murder, Brynn doesn’t believe what people are saying about the motive. Another death occurs and her head cheese maker is accused, Brynn starts looking into things and puts herself into danger. This was a nice engaging read from the start with enjoyable characters and a small town setting in the mountains. While this is the second of a series, it can be read as a stand-a-lone without feeling like something is missing. I received an ARC copy of the this book at my request from the author/publisher via NetGalley and this review is left voluntarily and honestly.