by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Moss Hysteria, along with a link to purchase it from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to support KRL, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
One day. Bloomers Flower Shop Abigail Knight Salvare and her husband Marco are able to spend one day in the Brandywine subdivision before discovering a body. While her record of stumbling across corpses and becoming involved in their investigations led to the formation of a private investigation business with Marco, she had hoped that their move into their new home would have bucked the trend. Instead, the discovery of the subdivision’s deceased superintendent Dirk Singletary has Abby campaigning to investigate on behalf of their neighbor Theda Coros, who had last argued with him over moss removal.
It turns out that Dirk was not beloved among the Brandywine residents, as he had built a reputation for shoddy work, womanizing, and thievery. Abby begins her inquires by participating in two book clubs whose meetings are as different as the members. The Brandywine Babes Book Club favor gossip over reading, and their cougar leader Mitzi Kole immediately garners Abby’s animosity due to Mitzi’s predatory attentions towards Marco. In contrast, the down-to-earth Books and Bottles book club members actually discuss their literary reads, but their disinterest in sharing the local scuttlebutt proves to be just as frustrating for Abby.
After an interrogation goes miserably awry due to her lack of sleep, Abby attempts to focus on her flower shop business and the arrangements that give her such joy. Even that distraction is proving elusive as a result of her new employee Rosa Marisol Katarina Marin’s perfectly helpful contributions that only manage to make Abby feel replaced. Home isn’t proving to be much of a refuge either, as Abby’s indecisiveness in decorating is as challenging as Marco’s affinity towards anything in black with a built-in cup holder. For the first time, Abby is feeling let down by her instincts and reluctant to trust the skills that have always supported her before.
Now that the Flower Shop mysteries are being made into movies for the Hallmark Channel, interest will only increase for these charming and very deftly written novels. While readers new to the series will be able to jump right in, longtime fans will appreciate how this eighteenth! in the series allows characters to grow and evolve. We’ve seen Abby slowly transform, beginning as a recent law school dropout and progressing into a new business owner who dates, marries, and builds a home. Side characters similarly have been allowed to change, as Jillian is no longer the spoiled, often irritating shallow cousin. She is now, in fact, a talented interior designer who has perhaps found her area of professional expertise.
Abby continues to face challenges in her personal and professional lives, but she always has the support of her loving family and friends. This stellar mystery investigation has a surplus of twists and motives that will charm readers who can’t help but sympathize with such a clever, vulnerable, and admirable heroine.
To enter to win a copy of Moss Hysteria, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “moss,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 30, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section.
You can use this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & the indie bookstore.
I got hooked on this series by watching the Hallmark Channel series. I’m starting at the beginning and am thrilled that I have so many wonderful reading adventures awaiting my attention. I have even thought I might enjoy a little patio garden…
Thanks, Cynthia and KRL…
This is a great series and I really want to read the latest Flower Shop Mystery. Thanks for a chance.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Moss Hysteria sounds like a great cozy mystery. Thank you for the chance to win.
myrifraf (at) gmail (dot) com
I’ve been looking at this book for awhile. It’s definitely a must read for me. Thankyou for the opportunity! Jill Broussard; minishoes@msn.com
This series is wonderful – would love to read another — please!!
I am so looking forward to a great read. Thanks for a chance to get it sooner rather than later
I “discovered” this series by watching Hallmark. I want to start reading the books and I’d love to win this one! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999@gmail.com
Just saw part of an interview with Brook Shields talking about how she loves doing this series. I have liked the series since the first book. What a terrific review. annettena@yahoo.com
This is the series that introduced me to cozies! The stories and characters are terrific. I’m also enjoying the movies on Hallmark!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I have read and loved this series from the beginning. This was an informative and great review. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love this series! I have a few more books to read to catch up to this one!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Can’t wait to read it! I’ve loved the series.
This is such a wonderful series! I have been enjoying reading and watching this series for a while now. Thank you for the chance. breannaherron at iCloud dot com
I have really enjoyed both shows I’ve seen on Hallmark. I know I would love the books!
jawdance@yahoo.com
We have a winner!