Mysterious Saturday Review: Oak and Dagger

 * Book 3 in the White House Gardener Mystery Series  *

Casey's responsible for the planting of a tree. When the President digs into the ground, he hits pipes, which causes a ruckus. Casey's held responsible, but she knows that the schematics were stolen.

They weren't the only papers stolen. Frida's accused Gordon of stealing papers from her office - papers that might proof the location of a treasure lost when the British burned down the White House in the 1812 War. Dolley Madison made plans for Thomas Jefferson's treasure moments before she evacuated the building.

When Casey finds Gordon face down in a pond, she rushes to help him. She doesn't realize that paces away lies Frida dead.  The evidence against Gordon mounts up and while he's in coma, there's not many to come to his rescue. Casey knows that she must do everything in her power to save the man who's become like father to her. 

My Thoughts: I'm such a fan of this series.  I love how this starts out with an historical moment and how it was such a significant part of the book. I loved the time with the President and his family, especially the twins.  I was not a fan of the First Lady's sister, but she did provide some comic relief.  I loved the moments with the puppy, Milo and how he played a role in solving the mystery. I loved how this book took us further into Casey and Jack's relationship.  I felt terrible for Casey as she struggled with trying to prove Gordon's innocence but I liked how her father figure needed her help while her real father appeared back into her life. I loved learning more about her past. A fabulous addition to the series and I can't wait to see where this series will go next! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Scarlet Pepper

 * 2nd in the White House Gardner Mystery, read my review for Flowerbed of State *

Casey's busy getting the organic garden ready for the big event with the First Lady and local schools. Someone doesn't want this event to run smoothly.

First, there's tons of new changes including a new celebrity guest who just might want to take over Casey's job.  Next a reporter's been writing about the garden, claiming it's not organic. When he ends up murdered, in a garden, Casey becomes a suspect. Third, someone's been tapering with gardens. At first, Casey think it's a practical joke. But there's no one on staff that would take a joke that far.

Can Casey solve the murder and host the perfect garden party?

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love how Casey isn't perfect and I'm so curious about her past. I like how it her parents resurface and cause tension in her life. I like the tension causes her to push and pull Jack from her.  I love the romantic moments between her and Jack.


While I don't garden, I like reading about what they're doing in the garden, whether it's with volunteers, or the weeding, or the planting. I find it enjoyable. 


I like the various White House staff - even the prickly ones.  I adore Milo. 


I'm looking forward to many more of this series!


Cover Thoughts: Perfect!


Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Flowerbed of State

Just before her presentation to the First Lady making gardens Casey tempts fate by pulling a few weeds in the flower beds. Before she knows it, she is lying face down in the mud and doesn't remember much of the attack.

When a man comes over, she attacks him with her home-made pepper spray. Unfortunately, Jake Turner's part of the elite branch of Secret Service. After securing Casey, they are enroute to the White House for a debriefing when the uncover a body of a young woman

She's involved with the big bank deal going on at White House. Casey's co-worker admits to dating her. He begs Casey to help figure out the murderer. Casey's willing to help, but she doesn't have many details from the attack. Still she does her best to put two and two together. What information she doesn't have, she digs up.


My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the gardening aspect at the White House. I loved the relationship between Casey and her housemate. I Loved the relationship between Casey and Jake - it was snark, sarcastic, full of tension, and has the potential to turn into an amazing romance. I loved learning more about the White House. The puppy was an adorable touch. My heart pounded through all the danger scenes. A wonderful start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.


Cover Thoughts: I really like the cover, especially the damaged flowers.


Source: Inter-Library Loan


Fun Cross Over: I had a giggle when Casey mentioned the White House Chef as it made me think of White House Chef mysteries (starting with State of the Onion)