Floral Depravity
(A Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (October 6, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425264997
E-Book ASIN: B00SI027LY
My Review
Business is blooming, I mean booming at the Rose In Bloom Flower Shop and it just got busier. Co-owner, Audrey, is tasked with putting together the wedding bouquet for Ramble, Virginia’s elite couple. They want a themed wedding. A Middle Age wedding. It’s going to be a huge event, with everyone required to dress in authentic attire.
I’d like to say the wedding went off without a hitch, but sadly, I can’t. There’s this nasty scene when the doves are released and a hawk swoops in. Then, the groom’s father collapses and is pronounced dead at the hospital. Some say stroke, but it turns out to be death by poisoning.
There are too many suspects to name so the sheriff impulsively deputizes Audrey, enlisting her aid.
It’s a prickly time for Audrey. She just bought her late grandmother’s old cottage and the roof is literally falling in. She’s juggling two beaus, one long distance, who turns up at the wedding, and one local guy who’s working at the encampment. And now she’s donning her sleuthing hat, dodging road apples and blood thirsty mosquitos.
I learned some new trivia in this cozy. Did you know, in the Middle Ages, they used men’s urine to get the yellow dye for their clothing? “Shudders!” Makes you glad you live in this century, doesn’t it?
Ever wonder where the title sheriff came from. In the Middle ages each shire would have a reeve. Shire-reeve became sheriff.
It was fun getting to know Audrey and all of the characters in the small town of Ramble, Virginia.
When Audrey bought her grandmother’s neglected cottage, despite her friends many warnings, I just knew there would be some funny misadventures once she moved in.
It was also fun to learn the meaning behind the different flowers. It’s not just the type of flower, but the color that has different meanings. I now know I bought innapropriate flowers for some occasions. Good thing no one knew.
Learning about life in the Middle Ages was fascinating but I was convinced quickly that I wouldn’t want to live in those times. Too hard.
There are lots of colorful characters, even the ones not involved in the wedding. A love triangle but not really a love triangle. And a surprise villain. I didn’t have a clue who was behind the murder or why.
A sweet romance, lots of chuckles and surprises, and a tangled mystery. One I recommend to cozy fans.
4 Stars
Synopsis
In the latest Bridal Bouquet Shop mystery, florist Audrey Bloom creates an arrangement for a one-of-a-kind wedding, but ends up pruning a one-of-a-kind criminal…
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…
Author Beverly Allen
Beverly Allen writes cozy mysteries with a healthy dose of comedy and sometimes a splash of romance. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, crafts, home-improvement projects, and spending time with her family and four naughty, but adorable cats. She grew up and still lives, in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY.
Author Links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
Purchase Links
Amazon
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