Book Review & Giveaway: The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club: The Widow Murderess by Bill Cusano

For the second book in Bill Cusano's The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club series, readers travel back to the 1800s, to see how Elicra, Deborah, and their family are faring a year after Chester Cranberry's horrific murder. 

The Widow Murderess, titled for the name given to Elicra Cranberry by a town of people, most of whom consider her guilty of murdering her philandering husband, takes a step back in time by focusing on the fallout of Chester Cranberry's murder. The local store owner cuts off her credit; her family is targeted in other ways; and those who feel she should not have inherited Cranberry Farm are determined to punish all of them in an effort to get them to leave. However, they have underestimated Elicra and Deborah's resolve and don't understand the secrets of her shed and the goings on there. 

Historical mysteries are some of my favorites. The first book, The Ghost and the Key, traveled from past to present. The Widow Murderess, however, stays planted in the past to give the reader some backstory, introduce new characters, and get a fuller picture of the recurring characters we already know. It is good to see two strong women supporting each other and their family as they endure being ostracised by their community while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others. Like the first book, it is told in the present tense and is filled with a plethora of details. Thankfully, the story is strong, but I glossed over the extra details while reading. Some trimming back would serve to strengthen a solid story. 

Looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G2216827
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ 4610 Publishing
• Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 25, 2025
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5.5 MB
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 343 pages

I purchased a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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

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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This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Bill Cusano. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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