Murder by Yew (edition 2009)

If you are a fan of the classic style of the mystery greats you will find yourself right at home. Unlike most stories you will not find that you have figured out most of the details of "who did it" before you are half way through it. You will be drawn right into trying to fit the clues into the puzzle with Edna. Edna is a very relatable character who has not been given any special traits or skills necessary to solve a crime. She could be you or me. Mary, her would be side kick, a bit of a hoot, is the perfect contrast to Edna's more serious nature. All of the characters are crafted with normal human behavior, whether it be good or bad. The plot is simple and believable, not entangling the reader in complicated unbelievable twists and turns. The knowledge of the various uses of the plants is intriguing and adds a touch of allure. Once you get started you will not want to put it down. ( )

Suzanne Young is an author to watch, if this first novel is any indication. She has created a warm, charming and feisty heroine in amateur herbalist Edna Davies, and the Rhode Island setting provides the perfect backdrop for the novel. Full of twists and turns, this book is hard to put down and leads to a satisfying conclusion. A very enjoyable read and a welcome addition to the mystery genre. ( )