The Scarlet Pepper (White House Gardener Mystery Series #2)

This was a very enjoyable read. Someone is digging up the vegetable garden and leaking information, putting Casey in jeopardy. When a reporter is found dead and Casey starts receiving threatening messages, Casey will have to dig deep to find the culprit. This was a fast-paced, action-packed drama with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. The author did a great job at keeping me in suspense as the story moved forward with spurts from Casey’s traumatic childhood. Gordon, Alyssa and Jack are back in this charming whodunit and I look forward to more exciting adventures with this crew.

Casey Calhoun works at The White House as the assistant gardener. In this installment we are focused on the First Lady’s Kitchen Garden. It hasn’t been classified as an “organic garden” yet, but Casey is using organic procedures as they work toward that goal. There are rumors running rampant in the media about the garden. It is being said that Casey is replacing plants to make it seem that the plants are growing faster than they actually are and that the ground is full of lead making the vegetables grown there dangerous to eat. Casey thinks it is funny that with all the issues the nation is facing the vegetable garden is such a high priority with the press. There definitely is something going on in the garden as red peppers are popping up where green peppers are supposed to be and cabbage is growing where lettuce was planted. Casey is very confused when in addition to the different plants the garden is being vandalized during the night. Then an investigative reporter is found dead with Casey’s name in his notes. She doesn’t haven’t much time to dig into all the details as the first harvest of the garden is right around the corner and it is going to be another big press event. There is much more going than a few garden incidents. Someone seems to think Casey is the key and knows who the killer is, she is having one close call after another. She’d better hurry up and figure out what’s going on or she may find herself planted right between the eggplant and cauliflower. Dollycas’s Thoughts When I reviewed Flowerbed of State I said couldn’t wait for the next Casey Calhoun story and it was well worth the wait. Who knew a little kitchen garden for The White House and a pesky reporter could cause so much trouble? Its got all the makings of a fabulous mystery especially in the hands of this author. I love a strong female protagonist and Casey fits the bill. If the Secret Service Training Sessions don’t make her want to quit her job there is no way a murderer running around the gardens is going to either. She is right in the dirt with this one. I loved it!!!! St. James writes a fast paced cozy mystery with more twists than all the varieties of bell peppers. Toss together a little humor, romance, a pregnant first lady, and some Secret Service Agents with some unpredictable volunteers, an organic garden expert, a few secrets and a dead body and you are in for a bountiful feast for your reading pleasure. This cozy gets my highest recommendation, a perfect escape, and it should be in your in your hot little hands as you prepare your own gardens. Definitely a must “seed” story!!!

the second story in this series does not disappoint. casey the assistant gardener with the white house is experiencing someone destroying her first lady's kitchen garden. that is not all, people are being killed. she tries to ask questions, but then she is threatened. she must try to ind out who and why before they try to hurt her. once you start to read this story you will have a hard time putting it down. can't wait for volume three.

The is the second book in the Casey Calhoun, White House gardener series.  The story line is terrific, and the mystery is mixed in with numerous clues.  The back story of Casey's murdered Mom, and murderer Dad, adds a lot to the emotions of the story.  BUT, the editing is not as good in this second book.  I would love to give this 5 stars because of the characters and story line, but the average editing causes me to go 3 stars on this second outing.  That being said, I'm definitely looking forward to reading book three--OAK AND DAGGER. In this book,  Casey is being plagues by reporters who never seem to get their stories straight, causing Casey to seem like a less than terrific gardener.  Then a mystery murder party plan becomes a reality and Casey was the inventor of the means of the murder.  Unfortunately, one of the main reporters plaguing Casey, is actually found murdered as the murder mystery party was planned. When more intrigue is caused by other pesky, and physically attacked reporters, Casey finds herself caught between being the murder suspect and being a potential murder victim herself.  Because of her past with her parents, she has definite trust issues which interfere with the help others are offering her.  Lots of who's and whys add great interest to this mystery in the White House gardens!! Presidential quotes heading each chapter, and interesting guard ending tips within the story line, add much to the enjoyment of this book also!

This iis the second book from this author regarding the White House Gardens. I wish the gardner Casey was not as submissive as she is, and let others walk over her. Very frustrating. People just don't act this way in the White House. Sorry, very disappointing.

I enjoy both ready mystery novels and gardening. This book included both in a humourous way that was a pleasant way to spend some leisure time. I would purchase other books by Dorhty St. James

This series is not destined to be among my favorites. The main character is seems a bit clueless. Some of the situations are implausible...mostly portraying White House security as weak .

Awesome book love it very timely. Couldn't put it down