yes, ‘gardening can be murder,’ says marta mcdowell

I DON’T THINK I’ve read a mystery novel since the “Nancy Drew” books of my long-ago childhood, though I will confess to having watched more than a few who-done-it TV series over the years, most of them from the BBC. But I never noticed how many mystery writers from Edgar Allen Poe to Agatha Christie incorporated elements of the garden into their tales of intrigue.

Marta McDowell picked up on all the clues in their stories, and many others, and put them together in her own latest book, titled “Gardening Can Be Murder” (affiliate link).

In each of her many books, “New York Times” bestselling author Marta McDowell digs into the way that plants have influenced some of our most cherished writers, including Beatrix Potter, Emily Dickinson, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Now she’s focused her latest one on mystery writers, and how they, too, have often drawn influence from the garden and its plants.

Plus: Enter to win a copy of Marta’s new book by commenting in the box near the bottom of the page.

Read along as you listen to the Nov. 20, 2023 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).

‘gardening can be murder,’ with marta mcdowell

Margaret Roach: It’s funny, when I first saw the title of your newest book, “Gardening Can Be Murder,” I thought maybe it referred to the way I feel after a long day of spring or fall cleanup at my advancing age.

Marta McDowell: Well, of course, it means that, too. But yes, and I will say, of all my books, I think this is the first one that Timber has used my exact title, so I really view this as a-

Margaret: Timber Press, your publisher. That’s