Life had finally returned to normal for Peggy Lee. The notoriety of her involvement in finding the killer of the man found face down in her flower shop had finally subsided. Peggy looked forward to the simple challenges of running The Potting Shed and teaching part time at the local college. But her dreams of a quiet life are shattered when she witnesses the car driven by her good friend, Park, careen off the overpass and plunge down a steep embankment.

 

Park's death, originally labeled a suicide, becomes the subject of a homicide investigation when Isabel, his devoted mother, accuses her son's widow, Beth, of murdering him for his recently purchased ten million dollar life insurance policy. Peggy's promises to prove her friend's innocence are complicated when a second murder occurs, and all evidence points in Beth's direction. The investigation weaves through a series of twists and turns as Peggy struggles to find the killer and free her friend.

 

Joyce and Jim Lavene have done it again! Fruit of the Poisoned Tree is filled with plot twists and surprises as the story unfolds, taking us right alongside Peggy as she sifts through the clues to unravel the mystery and clear her friend's name. Each chapter begins with a short description of a plant which is then cleverly crafted into the story. Gardening tips , environmental issues, and even dog obedience suggestions all find their way into the story, providing a bit of something for every reader to enjoy while working with Peggy to solve the murders. This book should definitely be on everyone's "must read" list.