Step into the charming world of The Leafy Hollow Mysteries, where quaint Canadian villages hide big-city secrets and every garden holds a clue! This delightful cozy mystery series by Rickie Blair follows Verity Hawkes, a reluctant sleuth with a knack for digging up trouble in the picturesque town of Leafy Hollow. Perfect for fans of quirky characters and twisty whodunnits, this series blends humor, heart, and horticulture in a way that keeps readers hooked.
With its small-town charm and laugh-out-loud moments, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries has carved a cozy niche in the mystery genre. Whether you’re a seasoned cozy reader or new to the scene, Verity’s adventures offer a refreshing escape into a world where every clue blooms with possibility.
How The Leafy Hollow Mysteries Began
Rickie Blair, a Canadian author from southern Ontario, drew inspiration for The Leafy Hollow Mysteries from her own rural surroundings—rolling hills, woodlands, and tight-knit communities. Her love for books, sparked by childhood reading and a writerly uncle, led her to craft this lighthearted series. Blair chose the cozy mystery genre for its focus on character-driven puzzles over grisly crime, infusing her stories with humor and local flavor. Launched in 2016 with From Garden to Grave, the series quickly gained traction for its relatable heroine and clever plots.
The Heart of The Leafy Hollow Mysteries
The series kicks off with From Garden to Grave, where Verity Hawkes, a grieving shut-in, leaves her Vancouver apartment to investigate her missing aunt in Leafy Hollow. When a client’s death points to Verity as the culprit, she must unravel the truth among quirky townsfolk like a tipsy carpenter and a vegan baker with secrets. In Digging Up Trouble, Verity’s search for her aunt deepens as a new murder stirs the town, blending gardening tips with sleuthing. A Branch Too Far sees Verity tackling a fatal fall that implicates her best friend’s mother, while The Grave Truth uncovers family secrets tied to her parents’ past.
Themes of resilience, community, and personal growth weave through the series, with Verity evolving from a reclusive widow to a confident landscaper-turned-PI. The lush Leafy Hollow setting, inspired by Ontario’s countryside, grounds the stories in vivid detail—think blooming gardens and gossip-filled bakeries. Blair’s witty prose and knack for red herrings keep the mysteries engaging, while the cozy vibe ensures a comforting read.
Why The Leafy Hollow Mysteries Resonates
The Leafy Hollow Mysteries has won over cozy mystery fans with its blend of humor, heart, and horticultural flair. Readers praise Verity’s relatable struggles and the series’ ability to balance lighthearted fun with compelling puzzles. Its Canadian setting adds a fresh twist to the genre, appealing to those craving a break from typical cozy locales. Blair’s growing fanbase, evident in glowing Goodreads reviews, appreciates the series’ unpredictable plots and endearing cast, making it a hidden gem in cozy fiction.
- Publication Years: 2016–2020
- Number of Books: 8
- Setting: Leafy Hollow, a fictional Canadian village
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Ready to unravel a mystery with a side of small-town charm? Grab From Garden to Grave and dive into The Leafy Hollow Mysteries’ delightful world!