Murder in the Arboretum

Cold Creek Mysteries, Book 2

By: Christa Nardi

Narrated by: Alyssa Baumann

A dead body shattered the calm of the arboretum.

Another murder in small town Cold Creek has tensions rising. Clive Johnson, the groundskeeper at Cold Creek College, is a convenient scapegoat for a police chief when he has the bad luck of finding the body. Although Clive helps the students on scholarship and claims innocence, he’s not helping himself. Convinced Chief Barney Pfeiffe has it all wrong, Sheridan Hendley sets out to help prove Clive's innocence. Her curiosity and questions place her in danger.

It’s soon obvious not everyone is pleased by her enthusiastic search for the truth. More troubling, it’s not clear who she can trust besides her best friend Kim and Detective Brett McMann. As problems escalate, Brett decides it’s time for self-defense training for the women at the college, especially Sheridan.

This is the second of the Cold Creek Cozy mysteries. Join Sheridan and her friends as they reveal the killer and prove Clive’s innocence.

©2014 Christa Nardi (P)2025 Christa Nardi

Poignant Mystery

I enjoyed book 2 of the "Cold Creek Mysteries" as much as the first one. Sheridan Hendley was drawn into a murder investigation because her students convinced her that the man who found the murdered body could not be the culprit, even though the local sheriff had arrested him. I was entertained by Sheridan and her friends. I liked trying to figure out the mystery by the clues dropped throughout the text. Alyssa Baumann's narration was fine, and she kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Fantastic, Engrossing, and Engaging Mystery

If you find the body, it goes without saying, you’re the guilty party, right? I mean everybody knows that, just ask Chief Pfeiffe! Unless Sheridan Hendley can sift though the lack of evidence, AND dodge the real culprits and their shifty, shady pals, landscaper Clive Johnson will be on a one way train to railroaded! Fast moving, filled with delightful, fully developed characters, and a plot that had me, and HELD me, from beginning to end, “Murder in the Arboretum” is a brilliantly written, and beautifully narrated cozy delight! I loved the smooth flow of the story, and I loved the way the plot developed, how it drew me in and had me wondering how the heck Sheridan was going to resolve this one! All of the characters, both beloved series regulars, and the nefarious making a guest appearance for this story, are extremely well developed, and the surprising twist with one (no spoilers - you’re jaw will drop just like mine did when you get there) really got me! It was so unexpected and … it … was … brilliant! The dialogue is extremely realistic - I feel like an eavesdropper as I listen, like I am overhearing REAL conversations! I also love how after the reveal everything is so nicely wrapped up and explained, with nothing left unanswered! The narration is clear, concise, and consistent, brilliantly bringing the story and characters to life! All of these elements combine to make “Murder in the Arboretum” a five star listen across the board! I loved it!

Great cozy book in a great series

Murder in the Arboretum is the 2nd in the Cold Creek mystery series by Christa Nardi. A body is found in Cold Creek College’s arboretum and one of the groundskeepers is charged with the murder. Professor Sheridan Hendley is sure that Clive is innocent and sets out to prove it. Her search for justice uncovers a lot of wrongdoing, but unfortunately brings her into severe danger. The story is well written and the main characters are relatable and likable. The narration by Alyssa Baumann is wonderful. She brings the characters and story to life.

Outstanding Cozy

Murder in the Arboretum is book 2 in the Cold Creek Mystery by Christa Nardi. I thought that this mystery had many layers with several characters that built and flowed throughout the book. Sheridan does not believe that Clive killed Justin and although the Police Chief is ready to throw Clive under the bus, Sheridan and her friends are working to save him. This series has a wonderful group of core characters with interesting characters specific to the story. Alyssa Baumann gives an enjoyable performance in her narration. This sweet little College has many unsavory things happening, but, it has 1 murder to many!

Money talks

This one has a lot of meat to it. A lot of substance and suspense and drama. This raised my hackles the more I listened to it. Some very chilling moments that had my stomach tied up in knots. I can't believe how many people got a pass and weren't looked into deeper. The wheels of justice were exceedingly slow. Money, privilege, arrogance and greed interfered with justice , but it did prevail in the end. I was incensed at the way an innocent victim (Sheridan) was almost treated like a criminal. Smh. Excellent mystery I'd recommend. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life.