This well written cozy mystery is the first in a series of four novels featuring landscape designer Rachel O'Connor. It has been awhile since I've read a 'cozy' mystery and this one was a delight.

Rachel and her Guatemalan laborer Julio have a job restoring the grounds of an old hotel on the banks of the Columbia River in the scenic Willamette Valley, Oregon. The problem is that the owner, Henry Bassinger, hasn't paid her in awhile and has been acting increasingly strange. Surely he is too young for Alzheimers? When he suffers from a fatal fall, the duo have to leave the job, but Rachel is determined to find out the circumstances of her client's death.

Rachel has a big new job on - designing the huge yard of a doctor. She and her assistant Julio are hard at work when she remembers that she has to pick her mother up from the train. The doctor offers to go in her stead so that she can complete her work doing up his yard for his granddaughter's wedding. When he returns the two seem awfully chummy... the next thing you know, Rachel's mother and Rachel's client, the good doctor are engaged to be married!

Rachel is still reeling from what she thinks is her mother's rash decision when she meets up with her own first love that she hasn't seen since high school. Jeff Price is back in town and is a new member of the town's police force. He is looking into the death of Henry Bassinger. Much to Jeff's disapproval, Rachel continues her own investigations, much to her own peril...

"Devil's trumpet" was a very enjoyable 'cozy' mystery. With vivid description and engaging characters, it was humorous and well-plotted without being 'cutesy'. The plot explores various family dynamics as well as touching on the subjects of landscape design and jazz music. Not deep by any means, this light mystery was a joy to read. I have already purchased the second in the series "Deadly nightshade", and plan to read it just as soon as my review commitments allow.