Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Review : Nightshade on Elm Street by Kate Collins



Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: November 6th 2012 by Signet
ISBN: 0451238508 (ISBN13: 9780451238504)
edition language:English

From the publisher:

 In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes. The missing woman is also the fiancée of Pryce Osborne, a wet noodle with a big bank account who dumped Abby just before their wedding several years ago. Merely being anywhere near Pryce makes Abby’s insecurities grow like kudzu….

Then a woman’s drowned body surfaces, and Pryce becomes a prime suspect in her death. Unless Abby and Marco can get a killer to come clean, their bridal shower will turn into a complete washout...and Pryce will be exchanging a sunny beach for a prison cell.

My thoughts: Each book in the Flower Shop series is always fun! I like the way Ms. Collins mixes up her characters; some are quirky and a real hoot, some are downright pretentious and some are a lot more lovable and sensible than others. It's a nice balance. 

This mystery started out well and then there was a real twist not too far into the story. I like that when a mystery author throws in something a little unexpected while still maintaining a well paced plot. You know how I insist on there being real suspects with credible motives. Don't worry on that score. Ms. Collins has all those bases covered BUT I did have one quibble with the story. A quibble that costs the rating a 1/2*. I'm not a fan of the plot when the protagonist does what I term "a stupid thing" such as getting an anonymous note telling them to meet at a deserted location at night. No, no no! I want to shout, "Don't go" or "don't be stupid" but yet in this case, Abby went where she was told. Arrrgh.

It did all end well and the big reveal made sense but still I'm giving the book 3.5*. I've read almost every one in the series and they still feel fresh to me. The characters have been allowed to grow and that makes them feel more real to me.


Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by the author, Kate Collins, in exchange for my honest opinion.

8 comments:

  1. I always enjoy the titles on these books but this one has me wondering if Freddy Krueger shows up!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm with you on this one, I too, hate when they are told to meet at a spot, come alone, etc. It is used so often in mysteries.

    I did enjoy your review, good job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would never, never meet someone who sent an anonymous note alone!! That is the worst thing to do! I am glad that these books continue to entice you!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have the first 3 books in this series on my to be read shelf, looking forward to getting started on this series.

    Thanks for the review. =)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have been wanting to read this series for years. I need to get around to it already. Great review!

    Kimberlee
    http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am adding this series to my cozy list! I hate it when they do stupid things too but I can forgive them every now and again!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This sounds like a great cozy series!

    ReplyDelete
  8. fun?...I like fun...
    especially with a dose of murder.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.