Step into the cozy, quirky world of the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series, where murder mysteries bloom alongside farmyard shenanigans! Written by Ellen Riggs, this heartwarming cozy mystery series follows Ivy Galloway, a former HR executive turned hobby farmer, as she solves crimes in the charming town of Clover Grove. With her brilliant border collie, Keats, by her side, Ivy tackles clever killers, quirky locals, and a menagerie of rescue animals, all while proving that farm life is anything but quiet.
Perfect for fans of lighthearted whodunits, the series blends humor, heart, and a touch of romance, making it an irresistible escape for animal lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. Ready to dig into a world where paws and clues lead to justice? Let’s explore the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series!
How A Bought-the-Farm Mystery Began
Ellen Riggs, a Toronto-born author with a lifelong love for animals and storytelling, crafted the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series to combine her passions. Inspired by literary giants like James Herriot, Riggs dreamed of weaving tales filled with lovable creatures and engaging plots. After earning degrees in Journalism and English Literature, she honed her craft, co-authoring young adult novels before launching this solo cozy mystery venture in 2020. The series was born from Riggs’ fascination with hobby farming and her desire to create a heroine, Ivy Galloway, who trades corporate life for rural adventures, only to find herself solving murders with her canine sidekick.
The Heart of A Bought-the-Farm Mystery
The series kicks off with A Dog with Two Tales (2020), a prequel novella introducing Ivy’s daring rescue of Keats and her move to Runaway Farm. In Dogcatcher in the Rye (2020), the first full novel, Ivy discovers a corpse on her farm, sparking her sleuthing journey to clear her name. Dark Side of the Moo (2020) sees a guest meet a grim fate in a cow stall, with Ivy and Keats sniffing out the truth. Later, For Love or Bunny (2022) weaves wedding chaos, a bunny invasion, and a murder into a delightful caper. With 16 books and counting, the series keeps readers hooked with fresh mysteries.
Set in the idyllic yet surprisingly perilous Clover Grove, the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series shines through its themes of community, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Riggs’ witty prose and vivid descriptions bring the farm to life, from mischievous alpacas to a sassy parrot named Duncan. The mysteries are cleverly plotted, offering just enough clues to keep readers guessing without being predictable. A slow-burn romance between Ivy and police chief Kellan Harper adds a sprinkle of charm, while the quirky cast—human and animal alike—ensures every page brims with personality.
Why A Bought-the-Farm Mystery Resonates
The A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, enchanting readers with its blend of humor, heart, and clever sleuthing. Fans rave about the laugh-out-loud antics of Keats and Percy, the mischievous marmalade tabby, with reviews praising Riggs’ ability to craft heartwarming stories that feel like a visit to old friends. The series’ focus on animal rescue resonates deeply with pet lovers, while its lighthearted tone offers a welcome escape from everyday chaos. As one Amazon reviewer noted, these books are “a simple little escape to a beautiful farm and inn where the mysteries keep me guessing to the end.”
With high ratings on Goodreads (averaging 4.5–4.7 across boxed sets) and a growing fanbase, the series continues to thrive, proving that Ivy and Keats’ adventures are more than just a fleeting romp in the countryside. Riggs’ knack for balancing humor and suspense ensures the series remains fresh, even after a dozen-plus books.
- First Published: 2020
- Number of Books: 16 (as of 2024)
- Setting: Clover Grove, a fictional rural town
- Key Characters: Ivy Galloway, Keats, Jilly Blackwood, Kellan Harper
Ready to trade city stress for farm-fresh mysteries? Grab Dogcatcher in the Rye and dive into the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series, where Ivy and Keats prove that when it comes to solving crimes, teamwork makes the dream work!