Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Book Review & Giveaway: The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club: The Ghost and The Key by Bill Cusano

The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club by Bill Cusano Banner

Bill Cusano introduces readers to The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club with his debut novel, The Ghost and the Key

Our story opens in 1832, with Elcria Cranberry and Deborah Townsend, two women who clearly had motive to murder Elcria's husband, Chester H. Cranberry. But who truly committed the heinous act remains a mystery 192 years later. 

In the current day, Cranberry family matriarch Mildred dreams of the day her granddaughter Maggie inherits Cranberry Farm, but when Maggie gets engaged to Sam Castleby, son of a developer, Mildred worries what that might mean for her family's beloved farm. And when a descendant of Chester's illegitimate child uncovers evidence about his murder, Mildred will need all the support she can muster to fend off a challenge to claim the title of Cranberry Farm. Can the ghost of Elcria help her solve a family mystery and reveal the secret history of the Ladies Garden Club of Old Cranberry?

For fans of cozy mysteries with unique and engaging characters, The Ghost and the Key will certainly fit the bill. From Mildred to Aunt Sylvie to Jacqueline Hudson and more, this book is filled with fun and eccentric characters. Having two characters with M names and two with E names was a bit confusing at times, but the author does include a "Cast of Characters" page to help you keep it all straight. 

The Ghost and the Key is told in present tense, which I find challenging as a reader and a writer. It's not my first choice,  but Cusano makes it work. Though I felt there were extraneous details an editor could tighten up, this was an enjoyable mystery from beginning to end. 

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F7CVTVFJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ 4610 Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 15, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8992542608
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.76 x 9 inches

I received a copy of this book from the author through Partners in Crime Tours. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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1 comment:

Thank you for your comments and loyal readership.