The big steep by Sandra Balzo.
A Maggy Thorsen Mystery Book 14.
Maggy Thorsen's new neighbours, Philip and Vivian Woodward, are forging ahead with their plans for The Big Steep tea shop. Philip's enthusiasm to turn the neglected cottage once owned by Vivian's reclusive grandparents, the Koepplers, into a tea lover's paradise is infectious, but Vivian seems less excited. And when Maggy's sheepdog Frank arrives at Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse bearing a 'gift' he discovered in the Woodwards' compost heap, the tea shop project takes a chilling turn . . .
I really really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover. Beautiful. Great story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 4*.

What did Frank the sheepdog find and bring home to Maggy from her neighbor's compost heap? Could this be the reason Vivian isn't so thrilled with her husband Philiip's plan to turn her grandparents' cottage into a tea shop? No spoilers from me but know that Maggy, despite her patient fiance Jake's caution against it (he's the sheriff) is out to find out what happened. And, she's got her own business, a coffee shop, to run while she does it. Fine as a standalone, this is a good addition to a series that has an intrepid protagonist, a funny dog, and a nice set of friends and associates. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A fast read with enough twists to keep you guessing.

Mysteries and coffeeshops seem to go together. I have been a fan favorite of this series from the start. With well developed characters that have evolved and we think of them as family! Love Frank, the sheepdog. This time the neighbors are having compost problems. Great story line. Thanks #netgalley and #CanongateBooks and #SevernHouse for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Crime Scene Caper…
The fourteenth in the Maggy Thorsen mystery series and Wisconsin coffee shop owner Maggy is about to find herself knee deep in something more than coffee grinds when her sheepdog, Frank, arrives home with a chilling ‘gift’ from the neighbours’ compost heap. It’s not long before a crime scene is declared. Can Maggy get to the truth of the past before more misery strikes? Wholly enjoyable, well plotted mystery with a likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of characters. Fun and as engaging as ever.

Maggy Thorsen’s new neighbours, Philip and Vivian Woodward, are forging ahead with their plans for The Big Steep tea shop. Philip’s enthusiasm to turn the neglected cottage once owned by Vivian’s reclusive grandparents, the Koepplers, into a tea lover’s paradise is infectious, but Vivian seems less excited. And when Maggy's sheepdog Frank arrives at Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse bearing a ‘gift’ he discovered in the Woodwards’ compost heap, the tea shop project takes a chilling turn . . .
As the Woodwards’ backyard becomes a crime scene, a deadly chain of events is set in motion. Can Maggy dig up the truth of what happened at the cottage many years ago before further tragedy strikes?
Overall I enjoyed this book. The mystery was a good puzzle to solve.
#TheBigSteep #NetGalley