Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: November 1st 2011 by Signet
ISBN0451235231 (ISBN13: 9780451235237)
series: A Flower Shop Mystery #12
All is looking rosy for flowershop owner, Abby Knight; she just announced her engagement to the hunky Marco, owner of Down the Hatch bar and grill and her flowershop, Bloomers, is finally showing a profit. Yep! Life is definitely good . . . . . until she hits the cat or at least thought she did. This mysterious kitty will play a large part in the story.
When Grace Bingham, Abby's assistant, receives a considerable inheritance from her friend, the wealthy Constance Newport, she is flabbergasted that Grace would be so generous. The inheritance becomes a burden when it is determined that Constance did not just fall down the cellar stairs, she was pushed and Grace was the last person to be seen at Constance's house. The generous inheritance becomes a viable motive in the eyes of the law.
Of course, Abby and Marco, who have been known to solve a few murder cases around town, are determined to help Grace out by finding the real killer. This is not what Abby had in mind for her spare time as she is in the midst of wedding planning and trying to subdue her future mother-in-law's lavish wedding plans. Digging into Constance's family is a head trip in itself. What a dysfunctional bunch they turn out to be; they all have their own agenda and it's not exactly legal or moral. This investigation is not going to be a bed of roses, that's for sure!
A huge part of the fun with this series is the characters. Kate Collins comes up with some terrific characters that the reader can easily envision. Abby's mother is a hoot and always good for some laughs. I see a lot of promise with Francesca, Marco's mother. This new character is so believeable and so much fun, I just hope she becomes a recurring character.
Although this is # 12 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, if you are interested in seeing how Abby becomes the owner of Bloomers and the progression of her relationship with Marco, I would suggest you start with the first in this fun series. 4****
To read more about Kate and her books, please visit her website or on the flowershop facebook page.
A flower shop, an inheritance, and a dysfunctional family? I am in! It sounds like this book has a lot of interesting things going for it, and the elements that you have described make it seem like it's a must read for me. Thanks for the very awesome and thoughtful review. I enjoyed reading it and seeing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really cute and I think I'd like to read the series - just tell me it isn't another Stephanie Plum-like series. I gave up on that after book 8.
ReplyDeleteI've never read a mystery that involves a flower shop. Sounds fun. Thanks for stopping by today.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely NOT a Stephanie Plum like series!!
ReplyDeleteOh good ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like fun. Thanks for the advice to start form the beginning.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteOne of my very favorite cozy series - and, yes, Abby's mother is a hoot!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun book, even though I haven't see this series before, Where have I been? I'm glad you are enjoying the series, may have to add it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteYou keep adding to my cozy list of series that I want to read!! I would most certainly start at the beginning with this one!!
ReplyDeletenumber 12? sure, you say it can standalone, but what if I love it and then just have to read the others? huh, what then?
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this series. Looks like my procrastination means I have 12 books to read now. Thanks for reminding me of this fun series.
ReplyDeleteMargot, be careful! Just a warning -- people tell me the series is addictive. I've always loved getting into a series with great characters (reminds me of a fav sitcom) so that's what I write. But isn't it fun to know there are so many books waiting to be read? I'm working on #13 now: NIGHT SHADE ON ELM STREET.
ReplyDeleteI seriously need to open a flower shop or something and start solving small town murders!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this serious before, but it sounds like a cute fun read!
ReplyDeleteVery nice review! I love cozies and this looks like a good one. Book #12? I have some catching up to do. :)
ReplyDelete