I was given the opportunity to read the ARC of A.F. Cosentino’s novella, Planting Seeds. I was initially drawn to the story by its whimsical cover. Rendered in old-fashioned sepia tones, it features a watering can with vines climbing gracefully from its spout. Based on the cover, I expected a cozy mystery.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. Maybe I should have noticed the dead squirrel lying on top of the watering can.
This is no cozy mystery. In fact, there is nothing cozy about it, and there is no mystery surrounding the identity of the villain. Instead, Planting Seeds is a fast-paced thriller/horror novella that took me on a wild ride, and I loved every minute of it.
The pacing is relentless, with almost nonstop action that builds steadily toward a final confrontation you know is coming—but that doesn’t make it any less satisfying. While a few of the supporting characters felt somewhat two-dimensional, the main characters were well developed and carried the story with ease.
If you’re looking for a quick, adrenaline-fueled thriller that keeps its foot on the gas from beginning to end, Planting Seeds delivers. I gave it 4 stars.
Water for Camels 