The Poppy Mystery Tales Series

When Emily's boyfriend walks out, she is devastated. As she is puzzling over what to do with the rest of her life, she is surprised to learn that her great aunt has died, leaving Emily her cottage in the picturesque Wiltshire village of Ashton Mead. This inheritance comes with a condition – Emily must take care of her great aunt's pet. Not knowing what to expect, Emily sets off for the village. In the village, she soon makes friends with and meets other residents of the village where she decides to settle. All is going well...until her unknown pet arrives.

Emily has settled in the picturesque village of Ashton Mead where she lives with her puppy, Poppy. Life is finally going well for Emily. She has a cottage of her own, a job she likes and friends. Then she stumbles on the body of a woman who apparently drowned in the river. The other villagers suspect foul play and are quick to blame Richard, Emily's next-door neighbour and a newcomer to the village. Emily finds it hard to believe her friendly neighbour could be a cold-hearted murderer. When she meets his attractive son, Adam, her feelings become more complicated.

Emily is living happily in the quaint village of Ashton Mead, where every household is friendly – with one exception. Unlike the other villagers, Silas Strang and his mother are rude and aggressive. The other residents of Ashton Mead live in fear of upsetting the Strangs. When Silas attacks Emily's beloved dog, she decides it is time to confront the bully. Shortly after she threatens Silas, he is murdered. To Emily's dismay, the police regard her as a suspect. The only way she can prove her innocence is by discovering the real killer and proving their guilt.