Peggy finds plant material and phytoplankton on the victim Gerald Capshaw that seems inconsistent with the body of water he was found in. Similarly, when she is called to a young woman’s home the next day, she finds duckweed on Marsha Haltry’s body found drowned in her pool. Peggy also finds the same phytoplankton she found in Gerry’s lungs in Marsha’s, both laced with traces of a poison that just doesn’t make sense. 

Mrs. Capshaw accuses Ruth of being Gerry’s lover, a fact that Ruth does not deny, though she claims their affair ended many years before his death, making Ruth the number one suspect in Gerry’s death.  Peggy does not believe her friend committed murder and is off and running, this time in an official capacity, once again hot on the trail of a murderer.   

In the meantime, Peggy has plenty going on in her personal life.  Her store is facing stiff competition from the newly opened Smith & Hawkins, her right-hand man Sam is trying to decide whether he wants to continue in medical school or stay with Peggy and expand the landscaping business. A broken water pipe that nearly destroys the store helps Peggy redefine her business and gives her a chance to start fresh. 

Widowed two years ago, Peggy is also struggling with her burgeoning relationship with veterinarian Steve. While she is very much in love with him, she is very reluctant to admit to her friends and family, including son Paul, that the two are sleeping together. Peggy spends a bit too much time for a middle-aged woman worrying about this, being that she was raised with Southern sensibilities, something that wears thin quickly. 

Peggy’s Internet friend, Nightflyer, who used to work with Peggy’s deceased husband, is back for more cyber-chess, and offers to meet Peggy to reveal his identity. She prepares for the meeting as giddily as if it were a first date, a little out of character for the woman who professes to be wildly in love with Steve. A last minute emergency prevents Peggy from making the meeting and Nightflyer’s identity remains a mystery as he must go back into hiding.   

A dependable cozy with the ever-popular gardening theme, Perfect Poison offers a lot of botanical information and interesting facts about plants. Peggy is a likable heroine, save her hang-up about unmarried sex, and has more credibility now that she works in an official capacity with the police.  Readers will be steered in the right direction toward the conclusion, though they may not be entirely satisfied with it.  There are some changes in store for Peggy’s business and Nightflyer is still left mostly unidentified (Peggy does learn his first name is Daniel), leaving a sense of anticipation for when his identity is finally revealed.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry