Death and Daisies: A Magic Garden Mystery

Amanda Flower

Nov 2018 · A Magic Garden Mystery Book 2 · Crooked Lane Books

About this ebook

National bestselling author: Florist Fiona Knox left behind her gloomy life for a magical garden in Scotland, but a murder on her shop’s opening day spells doom

Fiona Knox thought she was pulling her life back together when she inherited her godfather’s cottage in Duncreigan, Scotland—complete with a magical walled garden. But the erstwhile Tennessee flower shop owner promptly found herself puddle boot-deep in danger when she found a dead body among the glimmering blossoms. One police investigation and a handsome Chief Inspector names Neil Craig later and Fiona’s life is getting back on a steady—though bewitched—track. Her sister Isla has just moved in with her, and the grand opening of her new spellbound venture, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop in Aberdeenshire, is imminent.

But dark, ensorcelled clouds are gathering to douse Fiona’s newly sunny outlook. First, imperious parish minister Quaid MacCullen makes it undeniably clear that he would be happy to send Fiona back to Tennessee. Then, a horrific lightning storm, rife with terrible omen, threatens to tear apart the elderly cottage and sends Fi and Isla cowering under their beds. The storm passes, but then, Fi is called away from the Climbing Rose’s opening soiree when Kipling, the tiny village’s weak-kneed volunteer police chief, finds a dead body on the beach.

The body proves difficult to identify, but Kipling is certain it’s that of the parish minister. Which makes Fiona, MacCullen’s new nemesis, a suspect. And what’s worse, Isla has seemed bewitched as of late...did she do something unspeakable to protect her sister? The last thing Fiona wanted to do was play detective again. But now, the rosy future she’d envisioned is going to seed, and if she and Craig can’t clear her name, her idyllic life will wilt away. 
 
Perfect for readers of Paige Shelton and Sheila Connolly, Death and Daises is the second floral Magic Garden Mystery by national bestselling author Amanda Flower.

Ratings and reviews

Book 2 in this series and the main character Fiona is getting settled into her new life along with her sister Isla who has popped in to spend the summer with her. Surprise! We're told that in Book 1, Fiona was considered a suspect after finding a dead body in the garden of the property she inherited. As a result, she got to know the Chief Inspector (Neil Craig) pretty darn well. When the most adamant adversary she has turns up dead the day of her flower shop opening, she's pretty motivated to make sure she's not considered a suspect again. There were actually two mysteries going on in this story. One, I caught onto right away. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be part of the intrigue as the main mystery but I didn't really feel that it was. The main mystery kept me guessing pretty well. I did guess who the guilty party was pretty early but it was written well-enough that I kept second guessing myself. I definitely didn't figure out the why of it. In addition to this, we had a LOT of character growth and developing relationships of all kinds. Some were expected as one settles into a new area but others really surprised me. I appreciated how the relationship between the sisters was treated and how it was as natural in its evolution as the rest of the relationships. I enjoyed how Fiona was very self-aware and confident in some ways while vulnerable and at a loss in others. It made her more realistic. I also really appreciated the way that the different cultures played across the story. I definitely would recommend this for someone looking for a cozy that's slightly different. Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Flower, and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the chance to read this book and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.

DEATH AND DAISES by Amanda Flower This takes place in Scotland and one thinks of magic, and elves. For Fiona, it’s now home, and the little cottage, and soon her flower shop. Till mishap happens, and the parish minister who was vocal in wanting her to leave, is dead. With interest in the Chief Inspector Craig, she helps with the investigation. Her books are rich in description of the places, and people, giving us the feeling we are there. Always an enjoyable read, and look for more by her. A series, can be read separately. Given ARC by Net.Galley and Crooked Lane Books for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Death and Daisies by Amanda Flowers returns us to Bellewick, Scotland. Fiona Knox has been busy getting her new flower shop, Climbing Rose Flower Shop ready to open with the aid of her sister, Isla. Isla showed up at the beginning of the summer after she graduated from college and has yet to return home. She has been acting cagey recently and spending a great deal of time texting. The day before the grand opening, Minister Quaid MacCullen stops in and once again expresses his dislike for Fiona. He recently barred Fiona from attending church by blocking the door and stating he did not want her corrupting the villagers (what a charmer). That night a terrible storm hits the area and thankfully blows back out to sea by morning. Fiona’s shop opening is a success until Kipling, the villages volunteer police chief, stumbles in crying murder and then promptly faints. Kipling stumbled upon the reverend’s body on the beach. Chief Inspector Neil Craig rushes away to secure the scene and a curious Fiona is not far behind him. It is well known in the village that MacCullen disliked Fiona which puts her at the top of the suspect list. Fiona has just started to set down roots and has no intention of letting her new life go to seed. The only way to stop the speculation is to sniff out the killer with a little help from the magical garden at Duncreigan. While Death and Daisies is the second book in A Magic Garden Mystery series, it can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included in this tale. I thought the book was well-written with steady pacing throughout. Amanda Flower has an engaging, conversational writing style that drew me into the story and it kept my attention until the very last page. I like the characters and they are nicely developed. We are still getting to know Fiona (it is only the second book), and she learns some new information about herself in Death and Daisies. Hamish is such a sweetie and we learned something new about him that makes him even more endearing. I am not a fan of Fiona’s sister, Isla. I am hoping we will see her mature and become less self-centered. The village sounds quaint with friendly residents except for the minister. The murder of Reverend Quaid MacCullen is expected since he is such a nasty character. There are several suspects, misdirection and good clues. I wish the mystery had been more of a challenge. However, I still enjoyed reading this beguiling narrative (I knew who now I wanted to know why). I especially enjoy the addition of the magic from the garden, the stone and the fox. It enhances the overall story as well as the mystery. I like that new details are revealed in each book. Carver Finley, a historian, has taken an interest in the garden, and I believe he will be a formidable foe for Fiona. Death and Daisies is an enchanting cozy mystery with a charming village, friendly characters, a hint of romance, adorable little critters, magical assistance, and a murder mystery.

About the author

Amanda Flower, a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is a librarian in Northeast Ohio. This is her second Magic Garden mystery.