Abby Knight is the proud owner of her own flower shop, “Bloomers”. She recently flunked out of law school and was dumped by her rich lawyer fiancée just a few weeks before her wedding. However, despite her recent setbacks, Abby has bought both a used yellow Corvette and “Bloomers” and is trying to make the flower shop a go.
The book opens with Abby in a good mood ready to face another day when someone in a dark SUV backs into her prized Corvette and drives off without leaving any contact information. This hit and run accidents starts a series of events that eventually lead to Abby investigating a murder that may involve a corrupt politician, corrupt policemen, an abusive husband of a friend of her co-worker, illegal sales of drugs and more!
Needless to say, Abby has her hands full sleuthing! Luckily she gets the support of the handsome bar owner just a couple of doors down from her shop, Marco. Marco is an ex-cop so he has some sleuthing chops of his own. He and Abby make quite a team. In addition to Marco, Abby has a contact (and other potential suitor), Greg, who is a lawyer in the District Attorney’s office. So when she needs inside information she has this insider to use.
As some of you already know, normally I’m not crazy about a lot of romance in my Cozies. I prefer the Cozies I read to be heavy on the mystery puzzle to solve and light on the romance (or other extraneous) elements. This Cozy is pretty heavy on the “how will Abby’s love life go” element. But, for some reason, I thought these parts of the book were just fine. They were woven into the mystery story so skillfully that I thought they naturally belonged.
Also, there is a (very) little use of strong language by one of the potential villains in the book. The words he uses seem to fit his character and the circumstances, but for those of you who want absolutely no such language in your Cozies, this is not for you.
Finally, I need to mention that several of the books in this series have been made into Hallmark mystery movies that are shown on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel. Brook Shields portrays Abby in the movies and the plot and characters in the movies bear little resemblance to those of the book. I wouldn’t say either the book or the movies are better Cozy Mysteries, but I’ll leave it up to you to decide. I will say that I enjoyed the movies, and I recommend this book.
And, as a postscript, I’ll mention that a while back I interviewed Kate Collins – you can read the interview here.
P.S. As always, if you are interested in reading some of the other entries about highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Sharon says
“Mum’s the Word” sounds really good. I’ve added it to my to-read list so I don’t forget it. And I’ll have to catch the movie on Hallmark.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I hope you enjoy both!
Barb says
The FLOWER SHOP books are better than the movies
Peach says
I greatly enjoy the Flower Shop Mysteries Series.
I first discovered them after a friend who is a master carpenter damaged my house purposely and there was nothing I could do but accept the loss and move on.
I was so angry I wanted to take revenge. But playing with just the titles of these books, I was able to laugh at the situation.
I would like to nip him in more than just his bud.
He did acts of Violets to my house
That dirty rotten Tendril
You get the idea.
One can not be angry and laugh at the same time. This helped helped me a lot.
Now during the Pandemic I am trying to read the complete series on my Kindle and have this done by the time the Pandemic is over. I love this series I enjoy all the characters I especially love Abby. The movies do not do the books justice. I am glad I read a couple of the series before I watched the movies other wise I may not have read the books. Kate’s humor makes these books delightful at times I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. That’s pretty good living in a nursing home type situation in lock down during the pandemic. We are isolated in our rooms for 2 weeks if some one is diagnosed with Corvid19. Kate if you read our comments thank you. Through your books you have helped me through 2 major crises God Bless you my lady.
MJ says
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and usually recommend them. As I stated in my recommendation last summer I thought I’d ‘tire’ of this series and put off reading the latest release. But not so! Collins keeps each story exciting and fresh. Usually the stories grab you right from the beginning. Kudos to the creative imagination of the author.
I’ve always enjoyed the lively interaction between Abby and Marco. They are partners in their detective agency and always treat each other as equals. Collins also proves that once married, the couple can remain a vibrant part of the story line. It’s a light, smart, compassionate, and absorbing series. 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, I agree that there are a lot of elements to really recommend this series. I haven’t read the whole series yet though – too many books to read, too little time!
Patricia says
I agree Flower shop series is a must read. I do like romance within my cozy and Kate Collins is a wonderful author. Love the interaction between Abby and Marco. Hope Ms. Collins write many more in this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patricia, you’re not the only one with that hope!
Wendy says
I hope they bring these movies back.
Barbara says
Wasn’t this turned into a Hallmark movie with Brook Shields, Mum’s the Word? I really enjoyed the several that she did. I just learned about the books today. I’ll check them out!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, yes, this was the source for the Hallmark movie series you’re thinking of!