Flowers are beautiful, and their lovely smell can brighten your day. Plenty of flowers can be seen at weddings as well as funerals. But certain flowers can also kill.
Town librarian and amateur detective Olivia Harper finds her skills are once again needed when wealthy Eleanor Montgomery drops dead during Sparrow Haven’s annual Rose Garden Gala. Murder had taken place at this lovely event, casting a dark shadow over it.
Of course, Olivia is definitely curious about who would want to kill Eleanor Montgomery. Some of those she talks to are rather strange, but does being different make them guilty? One of them must be the murderer because Olivia soon discovers that someone has planted something new in her yard, and in her mailbox is a note telling her to quit snooping. Which one of the diverse cast of people she has talked to about this murder is the guilty one? Olivia is getting a bit too close to discovering who murdered Eleanor.
With the help of Ethan, the veterinarian, and Milly, her close friend, she keeps searching for the truth. And, of course, her golden retriever, Barkley, helps her as well. Will they manage to discover who the guilty one is before any of them are killed?
This was an enjoyable story, and I didn’t figure out who the guilty one was until very close to the end. The author did a great job of casting suspicion on several different characters, leaving me uncertain as to who actually killed Eleanor Montgomery. Fatal Blooms is a great addition to the Sparrow Haven Cozy Mysteries series. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. If you would like your own copy of this cozy mystery, I’ve provided an Amazon link below.
Amazon Link: Fatal Blooms
Recommended Reading: Murder at the Lighthouse – a Review
Favorite Sentences:
The glass her delicate hand had clutched had slipped from her grasp and crashed on the ground.
Who knew solving a case together could form such a strong bond so quickly?
Someone had planted an oleander plant at the base of my mailbox.
Intricate wrought iron bars formed its rounded entrance, leading to large gray stone walls which gave the shop a dragon-like appearance.
My mind is a conundrum of rabbit trails.
New Word Learned:
oleander – At two minutes and thirty seconds through the video, oleander is talked about. But the rest of the plants discussed in this video are very interesting (and poisonous) too.
About the Author, Claire Harlow:
I have a deep affection for mysteries that unravel gently, leaving me thrilled, satisfied, and always craving the next adventure.
Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my family, our energetic labrador, and a couple of curious cats. I draw inspiration from life’s simple pleasures – walks in nature, a good book on a rainy day, and knitting cozy comforts.
When I was young, I spent many long afternoons curled up with one of our cats reading Agatha Christie and wishing I could grow up and solve mysteries like Poirot. Now I’m delighted to turn this passion into crafting each book as a personal puzzle for you to unravel.
I’m excited to welcome you to my world of whodunits, and I hope my books spark as much joy and intrigue in you as they do for me.
