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A Flower Shop Mystery #18
Moss Hysteria
Abby and Marco’s new neighborhood isn’t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Florist Grump and A Root Awakening.
Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine—their new subdivision—seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns.
But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco’s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren’t convinced.
Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother’s slick new boyfriend, and Abby’s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine’s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds...and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets.
Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine—their new subdivision—seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns.
But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco’s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren’t convinced.
Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother’s slick new boyfriend, and Abby’s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine’s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds...and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
About the author
Kate Collins
56 books931 followersIndiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 16, 2020
I liked this book better than some of the others in the series. It didn't have a slow start. There was not a lot of romance, all credit to author Kate Collins.
As the case of the day unfolded, our heroine, Abigail Knight Salvare, found her week planned for her by others. Informal gatherings, questioning of suspects, looking after the business, dealing with the loss of her car.
There was much to do for Abby. I thought this book deserved 5 stars instead of 3, not because it's jaw-droppingly good, but because it does the simple things simply. That's why I read this book in 3 days. It could have been two.
As the case of the day unfolded, our heroine, Abigail Knight Salvare, found her week planned for her by others. Informal gatherings, questioning of suspects, looking after the business, dealing with the loss of her car.
There was much to do for Abby. I thought this book deserved 5 stars instead of 3, not because it's jaw-droppingly good, but because it does the simple things simply. That's why I read this book in 3 days. It could have been two.
April 8, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Abby and Marco Salvare are getting all moved in to their new Brandywine home. The neighbors is the subdivision show up at their door with food and invitations to join their book clubs, Their next door neighbor, Theda, has been quite helpful since they started construction. Theda is 60ish and seems to know all about the area and the neighbors. While taking Abby, Marco and of course their dog Seedy on a stroll through the neighborhood they find themselves near the pond that backs up to their lots. Seedy’s snifter is working overtime and he tugs them right over to body floating in the mossy water. Not again! At least the police and the Salvares have worked together before. The problem is the police think their helpful neighbor is the murderer, seems she has a history with the dead man. But Abby’s gut is telling her they are barking up the wrong tree. She is out to dig up the real killer and learn a lot more about her new neighbors.
I love this series. A trip to Bloomers or Down the Hatch is like meeting up with old friends. Abby, Lottie, Grace and Rosa will pull together a fabulous floral arrangement all while you enjoy a cup of tea and a scone. Need something a little harder to drink and a bigger bite to eat, head down the street to Down the Hatch and Marco, Rafe and Gert will serve you up the perfect meal.
Of course, we also have to check in on Abby’s parents, her mom is working on a new project. Marco’s mom is giving him fits because she has a new gentleman friend and Marco just doesn’t like the man. Abby even asks Jillian for help decorating their new home.
Then we meet the new characters. The residents of the Brandywine subdivision and the construction workers and land developer or as I like to call them “the suspects”.
Kate Collins never disappoints. Each new story is as good or better than the last. After 18 books this series is still as fresh as a daisy and going strong. The characters are always genuine, the have flaws and strengths. Some are a little quirkier than others. They all blend together nicely to draw us in to their stories. She gave us another strong mystery to follow which leads to a very exciting ending. Even Marco was doubting Abby’s gut, but she stuck to her convictions.
Awesome characters, a beautiful setting, and a fantastic and well written plot make this a must read!
Abby and Marco Salvare are getting all moved in to their new Brandywine home. The neighbors is the subdivision show up at their door with food and invitations to join their book clubs, Their next door neighbor, Theda, has been quite helpful since they started construction. Theda is 60ish and seems to know all about the area and the neighbors. While taking Abby, Marco and of course their dog Seedy on a stroll through the neighborhood they find themselves near the pond that backs up to their lots. Seedy’s snifter is working overtime and he tugs them right over to body floating in the mossy water. Not again! At least the police and the Salvares have worked together before. The problem is the police think their helpful neighbor is the murderer, seems she has a history with the dead man. But Abby’s gut is telling her they are barking up the wrong tree. She is out to dig up the real killer and learn a lot more about her new neighbors.
I love this series. A trip to Bloomers or Down the Hatch is like meeting up with old friends. Abby, Lottie, Grace and Rosa will pull together a fabulous floral arrangement all while you enjoy a cup of tea and a scone. Need something a little harder to drink and a bigger bite to eat, head down the street to Down the Hatch and Marco, Rafe and Gert will serve you up the perfect meal.
Of course, we also have to check in on Abby’s parents, her mom is working on a new project. Marco’s mom is giving him fits because she has a new gentleman friend and Marco just doesn’t like the man. Abby even asks Jillian for help decorating their new home.
Then we meet the new characters. The residents of the Brandywine subdivision and the construction workers and land developer or as I like to call them “the suspects”.
Kate Collins never disappoints. Each new story is as good or better than the last. After 18 books this series is still as fresh as a daisy and going strong. The characters are always genuine, the have flaws and strengths. Some are a little quirkier than others. They all blend together nicely to draw us in to their stories. She gave us another strong mystery to follow which leads to a very exciting ending. Even Marco was doubting Abby’s gut, but she stuck to her convictions.
Awesome characters, a beautiful setting, and a fantastic and well written plot make this a must read!
April 5, 2016
Moss Hysteria is the eighteenth book in the A Flower Shop Mystery series.
I love this series, it's still as fun and as enjoyable as in book 1.
Finally, Abby and Marco's dream house is complete and they are busy unpacking when their neighbor Theda asks if they want to walk around the neighborhood. As they are approaching the pond behind their houses, Theda is telling Abby of the problem with moss and how the developer doesn't seem to do anything about it. As she kicks at some of the moss she sees a body floating close by. The body is identified as Dirk Singletary, and it is soon learned that Theda might have been the last one to have seen him alive. Abby and Marco can't help but to investigate what happened, literally in their backyard.
They soon find that Dirk and his foreman, Rye Bishop, have their disagreements in the past. Dirk has also been accused of stealing valuables from the homeowner while he was in their homes doing warranty work. Plus it is rumored that he has been romantically involved with more than one of the women in the development. Also, Theda had been a suspect in the death of her husband years before.
For Abby at Bloomers, she is still a little unsure if the hiring of Rosa was a good thing, or is it jealousy that she has fit in so well. Rosa and Lottie are working on a floral display to enter in the contest that Abby had won the previous year. But Grace is around with her quotes to keep everything running smoothly.
For things on the lighter side. Marco's mother seems to have a new boyfriend that Marco is happy about. He doesn't seem to want to provide much about his past and they think that she is dating a gigolo. And with everything that is going on, Abby doesn't have time to really furnish their home, so she asks her cousin, Jillian to select furniture and furnishings. Jillian is in her element and provided me with a lot chuckles.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
I love this series, it's still as fun and as enjoyable as in book 1.
Finally, Abby and Marco's dream house is complete and they are busy unpacking when their neighbor Theda asks if they want to walk around the neighborhood. As they are approaching the pond behind their houses, Theda is telling Abby of the problem with moss and how the developer doesn't seem to do anything about it. As she kicks at some of the moss she sees a body floating close by. The body is identified as Dirk Singletary, and it is soon learned that Theda might have been the last one to have seen him alive. Abby and Marco can't help but to investigate what happened, literally in their backyard.
They soon find that Dirk and his foreman, Rye Bishop, have their disagreements in the past. Dirk has also been accused of stealing valuables from the homeowner while he was in their homes doing warranty work. Plus it is rumored that he has been romantically involved with more than one of the women in the development. Also, Theda had been a suspect in the death of her husband years before.
For Abby at Bloomers, she is still a little unsure if the hiring of Rosa was a good thing, or is it jealousy that she has fit in so well. Rosa and Lottie are working on a floral display to enter in the contest that Abby had won the previous year. But Grace is around with her quotes to keep everything running smoothly.
For things on the lighter side. Marco's mother seems to have a new boyfriend that Marco is happy about. He doesn't seem to want to provide much about his past and they think that she is dating a gigolo. And with everything that is going on, Abby doesn't have time to really furnish their home, so she asks her cousin, Jillian to select furniture and furnishings. Jillian is in her element and provided me with a lot chuckles.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
January 27, 2018
Moss Hysteria by Kate Collins is the 18th book in the Flower Shop Mystery series. Abby and Marco move into their new house only to discover the body of the construction superintendent floating in the nearby pond. Another fun addition to the series. We get to meet the new neighbours and Abby adopts a rescue cat who is instrumental in saving her life. It is nice to meet up with all the usual characters. An enjoyable and entertaining book.
April 1, 2018
I will admit, I read this one purely for the title.
July 18, 2019
Abby and Marco are my favorite crime fighting duo. It's been so fun watching them grow together and they are still growing. Love how the murder and mayhem has followed them to their new neighborhood, what a way to get to know your new neighbors - by interviewing them about a murder! While I had no idea who was actually guilty, I did predict that they would be adopting a cat by the end of the book. I really enjoy the writing style and characters in these books.
April 1, 2020
Abby and Marco have moved into their new home. When a neighbor takes them for a get to know walk around the neighborhood, they find a dead body in the pond. And the neighbor that was walking with them is the prime suspect. But there is no shortage of other suspects, and Marco and Abby investigate.
There are several side stories to this central mystery. Abby and Rosa's relationship, Marco's mom venturing out into the dating field, and a floral competition. There's no shortage of strange neighbors, including the neighborhood 'loose woman'.
What keeps me from 4 stars (and I really enjoy this series) was Abby's keeping information from Marco because she could not believe that their neighbor was guilty. She fixated on a single suspect. She also broke confidences because she was sleep deprived. I found that the strain in the relationship with Rosa from book 17 continues into this book. I felt Abby was being immature and whiney. I had my limit with this in this book.
Cousin Jillian was actually a likable character in this book. In fact, Jillian might have saved the day.
I did not figure out who did it...everyone seemed to have a motive. It all came together in the end.
So, I still like the series, and will continue the series, but I liked this entry in the series a little less than prior books.
There are several side stories to this central mystery. Abby and Rosa's relationship, Marco's mom venturing out into the dating field, and a floral competition. There's no shortage of strange neighbors, including the neighborhood 'loose woman'.
What keeps me from 4 stars (and I really enjoy this series) was Abby's keeping information from Marco because she could not believe that their neighbor was guilty. She fixated on a single suspect. She also broke confidences because she was sleep deprived. I found that the strain in the relationship with Rosa from book 17 continues into this book. I felt Abby was being immature and whiney. I had my limit with this in this book.
Cousin Jillian was actually a likable character in this book. In fact, Jillian might have saved the day.
I did not figure out who did it...everyone seemed to have a motive. It all came together in the end.
So, I still like the series, and will continue the series, but I liked this entry in the series a little less than prior books.
March 18, 2017
This is one of my all time favorite series. Abby and Marco have evolved so much over 18 books. I never get tired of reading about them. I was happy to see them settling into their new house and married life. Of course murder and mayhem are never far behind. The author did a wonderful job of introducing a whole new cast of characters as well as further developing the cast we all read know and love. As always there are a lot of laugh out loud moments. I also enjoyed reading the details of a few of the designs Abby came up with. It made me want to run out and get some fresh flowers. Not to mention, I want Jillian to decorate my house. Fast paced, action packed, and an all around brilliant mystery.
Read
April 6, 2020Abby and Marco are excited to be moving into their new house. They are in a beautiful neighborhood called Brandywine and it seems like it's straight out of a movie set. Everyone's yards are perfectly groomed and neighbors are often dropping by with casseroles, baked goods and multiple book club invitations. Things almost seem too good to be true until their next door neighbor takes them on a tour of the subdivision and they happen to stumble upon a dead body in the nearby pond. Abby and Marco quickly start their own investigation and slowly start to uncover lots of secrets surrounding their new area.
I always look forward to catching up with this series. It was kind of refreshing to step outside of the flower shop and have the majority of the story take place in Marco and Abby's new neighborhood. We got to meet their new neighbors right along with them which perfectly set up the mystery because there were plenty of characters to develop. It was fun watching them settle in together and determine their joined styles. I actually loved Jillian in this book!!! I also love the addition of Seedy's new best friend. We still had several scenes take place at Bloomers which I always enjoylook forward to. I love watching Abby go through the process of creating her arrangements and listening to her describe the different flowers. The storyline with Alfie and Francesca was great. I hope he sticks around and we can learn a bit more about him.
I only have a couple complaints. I surprisingly really missed Abby's mom and her crazy creations. She made an appearance, but the comic relief of her additions to the shop were not included. Hope they returns in the next book. I also got annoyed with Abby a few times. Her jealousy or self doubt was a tad too much throughout the book. I'm use to Abby being really confident so to see her struggle was out of character. I thought she had already resolved her issues with Rosa so it was strange to see her deal with those emotions all over again. Other than that, the book was really good. Great setting and the mystery was engaging and kept me guessing. I'll be anxious to read the next book.
I always look forward to catching up with this series. It was kind of refreshing to step outside of the flower shop and have the majority of the story take place in Marco and Abby's new neighborhood. We got to meet their new neighbors right along with them which perfectly set up the mystery because there were plenty of characters to develop. It was fun watching them settle in together and determine their joined styles. I actually loved Jillian in this book!!! I also love the addition of Seedy's new best friend. We still had several scenes take place at Bloomers which I always enjoylook forward to. I love watching Abby go through the process of creating her arrangements and listening to her describe the different flowers. The storyline with Alfie and Francesca was great. I hope he sticks around and we can learn a bit more about him.
I only have a couple complaints. I surprisingly really missed Abby's mom and her crazy creations. She made an appearance, but the comic relief of her additions to the shop were not included. Hope they returns in the next book. I also got annoyed with Abby a few times. Her jealousy or self doubt was a tad too much throughout the book. I'm use to Abby being really confident so to see her struggle was out of character. I thought she had already resolved her issues with Rosa so it was strange to see her deal with those emotions all over again. Other than that, the book was really good. Great setting and the mystery was engaging and kept me guessing. I'll be anxious to read the next book.
December 28, 2016
With this book I'm fully up-to-date on this series! That would usually be a bummer but right now I'm a bit miffed at Abby Knight Salvare for not opening her mouth and saying what's on her mind -- to anyone. While Abby spoke her mind before the end of this book, this is a trait that seems to have replaced the always-doubting-her-relationship-status issues that finally resolved now that Abby's married. Honestly, I'm not sure which trait I like less.
As for this book otherwise, I very much like the setting for the latest murder for Abby to stumble upon: her new neighborhood. Through her investigations we got to know her new neighbors just as she did; I liked that. She and Marco weren't quite as in sync during their investigation as is usually the case, but in a big contrast to past books, Abby and her cousin Jillian were not only on good terms, but seemed to actually enjoy spending time together! Perhaps motherhood has mellowed Jillian? Nah, couldn't be. More likely it was because Jillian was thinking of Abby as a decorating client but only time will tell.
As for this book otherwise, I very much like the setting for the latest murder for Abby to stumble upon: her new neighborhood. Through her investigations we got to know her new neighbors just as she did; I liked that. She and Marco weren't quite as in sync during their investigation as is usually the case, but in a big contrast to past books, Abby and her cousin Jillian were not only on good terms, but seemed to actually enjoy spending time together! Perhaps motherhood has mellowed Jillian? Nah, couldn't be. More likely it was because Jillian was thinking of Abby as a decorating client but only time will tell.
March 29, 2016
Abby and Marcos are finally moving in to their new home, located in the beautiful subdivision known as Brandywine. Even though the house is sparsely furnished and their are boxes to be unpacked, Abby is quite content to settle into her role as Mrs. Salvare.
The other residents of Brandywine are quite unique and a simple walk around the new subdivision leads Abby, Marcos and their new neighbor Theda into the direct path of a dead body.
As usual, Abby is all set to investigate, but Marcos has other things on his mind, including his mother's new beau.
Join Abby and the gang for another new adventure is this fun series.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The other residents of Brandywine are quite unique and a simple walk around the new subdivision leads Abby, Marcos and their new neighbor Theda into the direct path of a dead body.
As usual, Abby is all set to investigate, but Marcos has other things on his mind, including his mother's new beau.
Join Abby and the gang for another new adventure is this fun series.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
July 12, 2021
This is only my second book from this series but Abby comes off like a major grump - whiny and juvenile. I so wanted to love this character but it's a forgetful commute read. 5 pages of how Abby is falling asleep - pretty much sums up the book. Her inability to speak up and the way she hides things that could affect the investigation, she's a rubbish investigator on the whole. I'll probably still stick to the series because the setting is pretty, the surrounding characters are likeable, the pace is decent and the neat bow in the end is satisfying. I would have liked more of a showdown with Mitzy after all that anger/annoyance buildup but that's just my drama queen calling.
March 18, 2018
18th in the series.
Hysteria is right - Abby comes across as a Whiny disorganized jealous brat at times in this book which really irritated me as I liked her in the other books I have read in the series.
Saying that, it’s a good mystery story with nice plot twists and turns and a usual dramatic interesting ending.
Hysteria is right - Abby comes across as a Whiny disorganized jealous brat at times in this book which really irritated me as I liked her in the other books I have read in the series.
Saying that, it’s a good mystery story with nice plot twists and turns and a usual dramatic interesting ending.
July 4, 2016
I liked it. At first I thought it was getting predictable, but nope, a good read to the end
May 4, 2016
Oh what fun it was to read the new adventures of Abby and Marco in their new subdivision. Besides the murder and chaos of decorating her new house, Abby was on a roll. A great book. Loved it.
February 14, 2017
This series is starting to get a little stale for me, and Abby is becoming quite unlikable with her petty jealousy of Rosa.
May 29, 2022
This was a quick afternoon and evening read. Abby and Marco are at last in their new house in the Brandywine subdivision. It's a place with friendly neighbors and at least one who wants to take Marco to bed. Fear not, he's not interested. But the subdivision holds danger and fear in addition to its friendships. they find a body in a pond, and the cops are sure Abby's elderly female neighbor is guilty. Neither Abby nor Marco believe that, and it's up to them to prove the cops wrong. Abby nearly dies before the author reveals the final solution.
The subplots are fun here as well for the most part. I'm tired of reading about Abby's insecurities, but Marco's mom has a mysterious new man, and Abby's pampered cousin insists on decorating the couple's new house.
The subplots are fun here as well for the most part. I'm tired of reading about Abby's insecurities, but Marco's mom has a mysterious new man, and Abby's pampered cousin insists on decorating the couple's new house.
May 1, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mo...
Moss Hysteria
A Flower Shop Mystery, #18
By Kate Collins
ISBN13: 9780451473448
Author website: http://www.katecollinsbooks.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Abby and Marco’s new neighborhood isn’t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the New York Times best-selling author of Florist Grump and A Root Awakening.
Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine—their new subdivision—seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns.
But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco’s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren’t convinced.
Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother’s slick new boyfriend, and Abby’s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine’s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds…and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets.
Review:
I always love visiting Abby Knight and her husband Marco. In Moss Hysteria the newly married couple is finally moving into their own home. Their new home is located in the subdivision of Brandywine. It seems idyllic with manicured lawns, beautiful homes and wonderful neighbors. Or so they think. The unpacking is overwhelming and they need new furniture. With no time to decorate themselves, Abby is taking a big chance and letting her cousin Jillian handle the tough job. Jillian is always a hoot to read about and this book is no different. Among all the craziness, Marco’s mother has a new boyfriend and he is not up to her protective son’s standards. As if the regular crazy world of Abby and Marco was not enough and the adding hectic schedule with the new move, a body is found floating in a pond that happens to be next to their favorite new neighbor’s yard. Now the police think she has the motive and the opportunity to do the deed. Of course Abby and Marco have to investigate.
Although Abby really likes her neighbor Theda, she soon finds out she was a suspect in the death of her husband years ago. And she may have been the last one to see the dead man Dirk Singletary. Then they find out that Dirk and his foreman, Rye Bishop, did not like each other very much and had been having disagreements. Abby is forced to go to two different book clubs with two very different attitudes. She thinks a few of the ladies could also be suspects. With several people on their list of possible murders, not only are they busy trying to find the murderer, but they are not sure their new subdivision is as wonderful as they first thought. And let’s not forget that Marco’s mother is going away with her new boyfriend that may not be what he seems to be. Also, Abby is not happy with how well her new employee Rosa is fitting in with everyone, including her own mother. Her mother is not even dropping off her “artwork” at the shop.
“The Flower Shop Mystery” series is a wonderful and long-lived one. The first two books have even been made into movies. That is a testament to how well loved this series is. The characters are well-developed and enjoyable. The storylines are always entertaining. Author Kate Collins is amazing and her writing style is a pleasure to read. Moss Hysteria is the 18th installment in this fabulous series and there is no slowing down with these characters. The marriage of Abby and Marco and their relationship has only gotten better and better. The fact that they work together as private investigators makes everything seem more plausible. Yes, they still find trouble and get in predicaments, but they are not over the top. The mystery and body appear early in the book and the pace never lets up.
Moss Hysteria may be the 18th in this wonderful series, but it still delivers the punch and action that all the others have done. The storyline is entertaining and well written. The mystery and suspects are believable and suspenseful. This installment grabs the reader and never let’s go. This is a series that has real staying power. I love reading about Abby, Marco and the gang and all of their adventures. Not just the mystery part either, but also their family life. Even if you have never read one of the fabulous reads in this series you will have no trouble enjoying this one. Author Kate Collins is wonderful as always. This is a pleasure read, one that keeps the reader involved and excited to find the answers. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a stellar mystery, with characters that will become family. Abby has grown and I love the fact that once again the author has portrayed her as a real person with real faults and quirks. You cannot get much better than visiting the “Flower Shop Mystery” series and this 18th installment is a bouquet of fabulousness.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review *
Moss Hysteria
A Flower Shop Mystery, #18
By Kate Collins
ISBN13: 9780451473448
Author website: http://www.katecollinsbooks.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Abby and Marco’s new neighborhood isn’t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the New York Times best-selling author of Florist Grump and A Root Awakening.
Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine—their new subdivision—seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns.
But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco’s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren’t convinced.
Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother’s slick new boyfriend, and Abby’s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine’s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds…and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets.
Review:
I always love visiting Abby Knight and her husband Marco. In Moss Hysteria the newly married couple is finally moving into their own home. Their new home is located in the subdivision of Brandywine. It seems idyllic with manicured lawns, beautiful homes and wonderful neighbors. Or so they think. The unpacking is overwhelming and they need new furniture. With no time to decorate themselves, Abby is taking a big chance and letting her cousin Jillian handle the tough job. Jillian is always a hoot to read about and this book is no different. Among all the craziness, Marco’s mother has a new boyfriend and he is not up to her protective son’s standards. As if the regular crazy world of Abby and Marco was not enough and the adding hectic schedule with the new move, a body is found floating in a pond that happens to be next to their favorite new neighbor’s yard. Now the police think she has the motive and the opportunity to do the deed. Of course Abby and Marco have to investigate.
Although Abby really likes her neighbor Theda, she soon finds out she was a suspect in the death of her husband years ago. And she may have been the last one to see the dead man Dirk Singletary. Then they find out that Dirk and his foreman, Rye Bishop, did not like each other very much and had been having disagreements. Abby is forced to go to two different book clubs with two very different attitudes. She thinks a few of the ladies could also be suspects. With several people on their list of possible murders, not only are they busy trying to find the murderer, but they are not sure their new subdivision is as wonderful as they first thought. And let’s not forget that Marco’s mother is going away with her new boyfriend that may not be what he seems to be. Also, Abby is not happy with how well her new employee Rosa is fitting in with everyone, including her own mother. Her mother is not even dropping off her “artwork” at the shop.
“The Flower Shop Mystery” series is a wonderful and long-lived one. The first two books have even been made into movies. That is a testament to how well loved this series is. The characters are well-developed and enjoyable. The storylines are always entertaining. Author Kate Collins is amazing and her writing style is a pleasure to read. Moss Hysteria is the 18th installment in this fabulous series and there is no slowing down with these characters. The marriage of Abby and Marco and their relationship has only gotten better and better. The fact that they work together as private investigators makes everything seem more plausible. Yes, they still find trouble and get in predicaments, but they are not over the top. The mystery and body appear early in the book and the pace never lets up.
Moss Hysteria may be the 18th in this wonderful series, but it still delivers the punch and action that all the others have done. The storyline is entertaining and well written. The mystery and suspects are believable and suspenseful. This installment grabs the reader and never let’s go. This is a series that has real staying power. I love reading about Abby, Marco and the gang and all of their adventures. Not just the mystery part either, but also their family life. Even if you have never read one of the fabulous reads in this series you will have no trouble enjoying this one. Author Kate Collins is wonderful as always. This is a pleasure read, one that keeps the reader involved and excited to find the answers. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a stellar mystery, with characters that will become family. Abby has grown and I love the fact that once again the author has portrayed her as a real person with real faults and quirks. You cannot get much better than visiting the “Flower Shop Mystery” series and this 18th installment is a bouquet of fabulousness.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review *
January 27, 2021
Marco and Abby are finally in their very own house! Everything is going great... until they find a body while out walking with their neighbor, Theda. A unique cast of characters makes this an interesting read. Now if only Abby can get the green-eyed monster of jealousy to behave, she'll be on easy street!
April 26, 2022
This is another good entry in the Abby Knight Flower Shop Mystery series. In this story Abby and her husband have just moved into their new home, when they and their neighbor find a dead man floating in the pond at the back of the property. The police think that the neighbor may be the culprit, but Abby believes she is innocent, and so embarks on a quest to find the real killer.
June 28, 2017
This series has an interesting way of including characters into the current mystery. The setting is upstate Indiana and a conclusion to story that allows reader to plan for the next book. copy right 2016
July 28, 2023
Abby and Marc finally move into their new house, but when a dead body is found in the pond behind their yard they jump into action to find the killer. Is it the older woman next door, or the sex pot who lives down the street? Enjoyed reading this one. Looking forward to the next book.
June 4, 2024
This was such a fun series. I enjoy learning about flowers . It is a re read for me as I enjoyed the entire series . The characters are smart and likable. The sleuthing always a good read. A sweet cozy series from long ago that can be enjoyed over and over.
May 20, 2019
Love this series..
May 24, 2019
A fine read for an evening or two. A well-done cozy mystery, 18th in a series.
July 1, 2019
I checked it out of the library solely because of the title! Hysterical!
April 10, 2020
A fun read. Good story line. Solid ending.
May 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Abby and Marco were in rare form. Lots happening.
July 20, 2020
A fun, easy read which is all I have time for these days.
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August 12, 2020(E-Lib) This was a fun read. I'm jealous that Jillian was able to create the perfect living room for Abby; I want a personal stylist. I'm glad that Abby and Rosa are starting to get along better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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