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A Flower Shop Mystery #14
Seed No Evil
It’s finally time to say, “I do!” As long as I can keep my mom
out of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony....
Someone’s Biting Mad.
Abby Knight’s wedding is in less than two weeks, and everything is going wrong. The cooler in her flower shop is leaking, her neck has swollen to unnatural proportions, her groom is acting distant, and she still doesn’t know where she’s actually getting married!
But things go from bad to worse when the director of her favorite charity, Protecting Animal Rights, is murdered, and Abby’s mother becomes the main suspect. Abby’s wedding worries will have to wait until she—along with her fiance, Marco, and an adorable mutt named Seedy—can nose out who wanted the animal activist put to sleep. But they’ll have to sort through the long list of suspects quickly, or her mom may be tossed in the slammer before Abby tosses the bouquet....
out of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony....
Someone’s Biting Mad.
Abby Knight’s wedding is in less than two weeks, and everything is going wrong. The cooler in her flower shop is leaking, her neck has swollen to unnatural proportions, her groom is acting distant, and she still doesn’t know where she’s actually getting married!
But things go from bad to worse when the director of her favorite charity, Protecting Animal Rights, is murdered, and Abby’s mother becomes the main suspect. Abby’s wedding worries will have to wait until she—along with her fiance, Marco, and an adorable mutt named Seedy—can nose out who wanted the animal activist put to sleep. But they’ll have to sort through the long list of suspects quickly, or her mom may be tossed in the slammer before Abby tosses the bouquet....
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
73 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Kate Collins
66 books951 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 93 reviews
January 16, 2016
It’s finally time to say, “I do!” As long as I can keep my mom
out of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony….
With her wedding just 2 weeks away the last thing Abby Knight needs is for anything else to go wrong. The cooler in her shop is leaking all over the floor and she knows it will be an expensive part that needs to be fixed, her glands are swollen and it looks like she is getting a rash, her preggers cousin is “rehearsing her pregnancy”, Marco is acting distant and the actual place to hold the ceremony is still up in the air. Enough already!!!
But then Abby’s mother finds a dead body. Abby was so excited when her mother started working at the animal shelter. It gave her something to do besides create the “masterpieces” Abby had to try to sell in her store. Why did she have to be the one to find the director of the Protecting Animal Rights charity killed suspiciously in one of the cages? The woman trying to save animals from being euthanized has someone put her lights out permanently and Abby’s mother is the main suspect.
Abby just doesn’t have time for this, but she and Marco are going to find the real killer so her mother can be at their wedding, wherever it takes place, and not behind bars!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is one of the best cozy mystery series being published today!!
I love everything about this series. It has a strong cast of characters and it is set in a place that could be my hometown or many hometowns throughout the country. I can see myself having my morning tea with Grace at Blossoms while Abby is in the back filling orders, lunch at Down The Hatch and bumping into Francesca, Lottie and even Jillian while out running my own errands. I can even see myself at the animal shelter rescuing a puppy or kitten. I have done it several times in the past. I may even adopt a very special canine like Seedy. He is a very important part of this story.
Kate Collins writes these characters in such a way that they can’t but help work your way right into your heart. She puts them in what could be very real situations with all the twists and turns necessary to root out the real culprit making the pages just fly.
Snappy dialogue, a clever mystery, the perfect amount of humor and a wonderfully happy ending. I have called more than one book my favorite of this series. To Catch a Leaf was my favorite book out of almost 200 that I read in 2011, but Collins has topped herself with this one. This is definitely the best one!! yet……
If this series is new to you the author does give you enough depth to be able to read this one as a stand alone but I recommend you start at the beginning. These books are like a beautiful fragrant floral bouquet and each stem deserves to be thoroughly enjoyed one at a time.
out of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony….
With her wedding just 2 weeks away the last thing Abby Knight needs is for anything else to go wrong. The cooler in her shop is leaking all over the floor and she knows it will be an expensive part that needs to be fixed, her glands are swollen and it looks like she is getting a rash, her preggers cousin is “rehearsing her pregnancy”, Marco is acting distant and the actual place to hold the ceremony is still up in the air. Enough already!!!
But then Abby’s mother finds a dead body. Abby was so excited when her mother started working at the animal shelter. It gave her something to do besides create the “masterpieces” Abby had to try to sell in her store. Why did she have to be the one to find the director of the Protecting Animal Rights charity killed suspiciously in one of the cages? The woman trying to save animals from being euthanized has someone put her lights out permanently and Abby’s mother is the main suspect.
Abby just doesn’t have time for this, but she and Marco are going to find the real killer so her mother can be at their wedding, wherever it takes place, and not behind bars!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is one of the best cozy mystery series being published today!!
I love everything about this series. It has a strong cast of characters and it is set in a place that could be my hometown or many hometowns throughout the country. I can see myself having my morning tea with Grace at Blossoms while Abby is in the back filling orders, lunch at Down The Hatch and bumping into Francesca, Lottie and even Jillian while out running my own errands. I can even see myself at the animal shelter rescuing a puppy or kitten. I have done it several times in the past. I may even adopt a very special canine like Seedy. He is a very important part of this story.
Kate Collins writes these characters in such a way that they can’t but help work your way right into your heart. She puts them in what could be very real situations with all the twists and turns necessary to root out the real culprit making the pages just fly.
Snappy dialogue, a clever mystery, the perfect amount of humor and a wonderfully happy ending. I have called more than one book my favorite of this series. To Catch a Leaf was my favorite book out of almost 200 that I read in 2011, but Collins has topped herself with this one. This is definitely the best one!! yet……
If this series is new to you the author does give you enough depth to be able to read this one as a stand alone but I recommend you start at the beginning. These books are like a beautiful fragrant floral bouquet and each stem deserves to be thoroughly enjoyed one at a time.
May 3, 2014
It is a shame, that for the wedding day of Abby, this book is not up to par. The series has always been hit and miss for me. Sometimes they gain 4 or 5 stars. Other times they usually score two. I simply don't know how it so spectacularly fails to capture my admiration. Many of the followers of the series tend to find the books equally good. This time, I can pinpoint why I didn't buy into the story. It was not until after halfway through the book that something serious happened to the heroine. The author tried to create interest by making Abby sick, or having her coffee machine break down. Trifles! Anyway, I connected to Abby in the very first book, when she had problems and was in danger. Added to that, the mystery she and her beau were trying to solve here wasn't that good. I'll still read the latest book though. I'm not ready to give up on this series.
July 7, 2013
Seed No Evil is the 14th book in this wonderful series by Kate Collins.
I always enjoy going back to New Chapel and visiting with my friends at the flower shop. Things are rather hectic this time, as Abby and Marco's wedding is less than two weeks away. When Abby gets a call from her mother saying that she is at the police department and needs a ride home, Abby is wondering if her wedding would go on.
Abby's mom was working alone at the animal shelter when she finds one the full time staff dead from an apparent dog attack. Abby and Marco get to work interviewing all of the employees at the shelter to find out who the killer is, so that Maureen can get out of the crosshairs of the police. Bev, the deceased, had any number of people that would like to see her dead. As the old saying goes: time is of the essence. The family wants murderer found before the wedding, so that dark cloud isn't following them.
From all the series that I read, I think as far as a well told story and an interesting cast of characters, this is the best. I been following Abby and Marco from the beginning and Collins has done a great job of bringing the relationship to the point of their impending marriage. Of course Grace and Lottie are there to run the shop when Abby is interviewing possible suspects. And yes, Grace comes up with some of her expected quotes. Tara, Abby's niece is back to provide a some humor to the story. Last. but not least, the zany Jillian is here with her own style of hilarious times. Jillian is two months pregnant and one can't help but laugh as she rehearses for the upcoming birth of her baby.
Another wonderful story from an excellent story teller.
Looking forward to book 12 to see what will be happening with Mr. and Mrs. Marco Salvare.
I always enjoy going back to New Chapel and visiting with my friends at the flower shop. Things are rather hectic this time, as Abby and Marco's wedding is less than two weeks away. When Abby gets a call from her mother saying that she is at the police department and needs a ride home, Abby is wondering if her wedding would go on.
Abby's mom was working alone at the animal shelter when she finds one the full time staff dead from an apparent dog attack. Abby and Marco get to work interviewing all of the employees at the shelter to find out who the killer is, so that Maureen can get out of the crosshairs of the police. Bev, the deceased, had any number of people that would like to see her dead. As the old saying goes: time is of the essence. The family wants murderer found before the wedding, so that dark cloud isn't following them.
From all the series that I read, I think as far as a well told story and an interesting cast of characters, this is the best. I been following Abby and Marco from the beginning and Collins has done a great job of bringing the relationship to the point of their impending marriage. Of course Grace and Lottie are there to run the shop when Abby is interviewing possible suspects. And yes, Grace comes up with some of her expected quotes. Tara, Abby's niece is back to provide a some humor to the story. Last. but not least, the zany Jillian is here with her own style of hilarious times. Jillian is two months pregnant and one can't help but laugh as she rehearses for the upcoming birth of her baby.
Another wonderful story from an excellent story teller.
Looking forward to book 12 to see what will be happening with Mr. and Mrs. Marco Salvare.
August 12, 2013
What could be lovelier than living in a beautifully quaint small town and owning your own Flower Shop? But wait, there is even more to embellish Abby Knight's peaceful and beautiful life; the oh-so-handsome Marco Salvare, local P.I. and business owner who just happens to be Abby's fiance. With only two weeks to the wedding and a sudden horrible death where Abby's mother volunteers at an animal shelter, dark clouds seem to threaten this awaited union. But what can be accomplished in two weeks with her mother a prime suspect as the person who found the body? Is it murder?
Business is down, Marco seems distracted, and all Abby's wedding plans seem to be thwarted. Kate Collins devoted time and space to character input rather than direct and perhaps misplaced action, centered as it was around the problems threatening Abby's family, her wedding and her happiness. Not that action was missing, Abby and Marco work well together on the investigation. I enjoyed the book, it was different, more personal as we see new facets to family members. Full of verve, the families combine talents to perform a miracle and pull off the wedding. The book drew me in for the people as much as for the mystery, and it definitely was a difficult case.
The book actually involved more plotting, character development and humor as cousin Jillian "practices" the stages of pregnancy. The end result is both sad and happy and the book is certainly satisfying with a warm feeling regardless of the nature of the crime. I look forward to the next instalment with Abby and the romantic Marco as a married couple. Will it affect their relationship? It remains to be seen.
Business is down, Marco seems distracted, and all Abby's wedding plans seem to be thwarted. Kate Collins devoted time and space to character input rather than direct and perhaps misplaced action, centered as it was around the problems threatening Abby's family, her wedding and her happiness. Not that action was missing, Abby and Marco work well together on the investigation. I enjoyed the book, it was different, more personal as we see new facets to family members. Full of verve, the families combine talents to perform a miracle and pull off the wedding. The book drew me in for the people as much as for the mystery, and it definitely was a difficult case.
The book actually involved more plotting, character development and humor as cousin Jillian "practices" the stages of pregnancy. The end result is both sad and happy and the book is certainly satisfying with a warm feeling regardless of the nature of the crime. I look forward to the next instalment with Abby and the romantic Marco as a married couple. Will it affect their relationship? It remains to be seen.
June 17, 2021
I don't remember how I came across this series, but I'm so glad I did. I love getting tied into characters and families and hometowns. This book certainly did not disappoint.
August 24, 2023
Love love love
September 3, 2013
I hate to say what I am going to but really I have to. This is the 14th book in a series of books. There is a 15th planned. Ok fine but honestly when will the story EVER end!!! I am to that point...I have loved these books and look forward to when they come out but after this one I may wait a bit before I jump to buy it. The reason? First off these books take place in a small town or it is described as a small town. So far there have been 14 murders and the main character has gotten involved in all of them by helping to solve them. THANKFULLY in this book she finally married Marco and I love how it happens and it has been a long time coming but honestly it really could be over...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2013
I didn't like this book as much as others in the series. The character of Abby was very annoying in it. It had a similar vibe to the book where she staged the protest against the dairy farm, and when she gets on her high horse she's not a likeable character. Curious to see how the series will play out now that she is married, since there are so few cozies with a married female lead.
May 15, 2017
Loved, Loved, Loved this book!! Marco and Abby get better with each book! They work well together as PI's and in real life too. Marco went above and beyond what I thought he should do for Abby to make their wedding perfect. The mystery was good too. Can't wait to see what's in store for these two next!
March 4, 2019
i love Abby Knight a heroine a true champion for animal and human rights!!! A MUST read #FlowershopMystery
Abby Knight's wedding is 2 weeks away and ofcourse everything is going wrong. Her stores cooler is leaking, she's developing swollen glands and the director of PAR - Protecting Animal Rights is found murdered and by someone really really close to her ... her mother.
Everything is now on hold because this is her mother sweet, adorable, animal rights activist, kindergarten teacher Maureen Knight being made the prime suspect and Abby WILL NOT let that happen. A lot of suspects point in the direction of the murder so Abby and Marco have to work overtime on this one its her mother after all! Along the way Abby finds herself a cat person being drawn to Seedy a mutt at the shelter who well now they want to turn it to a high risk kill shelter simply because of funds and Seedy is the 1st on the list.
Abby cannot let all this happen on her watch. I love her a heroine a true champion for animal and human rights!!!
A MUST read #FlowershopMystery
Abby Knight's wedding is 2 weeks away and ofcourse everything is going wrong. Her stores cooler is leaking, she's developing swollen glands and the director of PAR - Protecting Animal Rights is found murdered and by someone really really close to her ... her mother.
Everything is now on hold because this is her mother sweet, adorable, animal rights activist, kindergarten teacher Maureen Knight being made the prime suspect and Abby WILL NOT let that happen. A lot of suspects point in the direction of the murder so Abby and Marco have to work overtime on this one its her mother after all! Along the way Abby finds herself a cat person being drawn to Seedy a mutt at the shelter who well now they want to turn it to a high risk kill shelter simply because of funds and Seedy is the 1st on the list.
Abby cannot let all this happen on her watch. I love her a heroine a true champion for animal and human rights!!!
A MUST read #FlowershopMystery
March 3, 2018
A 3 1/2 star read -- I haven't read these books in order, so this one was good to get because it helped me understand a few things in later books. I liked these books better in the beginning, and don't feel like they improve in terms of character growth. Some of the mystery/stories are better than others, a bit hit or miss. Still, cozy series aren't really known for character growth and in-depth understanding of what makes a character tick. I find myself less drawn to our heroine/protagonist and more so to her supporting cast - mother, cousin, colleagues, etc. -- as they become more interesting and Abby becomes less so.
Would still recommend this series, but it's not a series I'd reread.
Would still recommend this series, but it's not a series I'd reread.
May 17, 2022
I didn't see the end of this coming, but there were places here that made me wonder why. Abby breaks out in a rash, and I don't quite figure why that's in here. But hey, I got through it.
Someone kills an animal shelter employee, and since the last person to see her alive was Abby's mom, that's who the cops focus on as a suspect. It's crucial that Abby and her private investigator boyfriend figure out who the real killer is. Abby and the perfect Marco will marry at the end of the book, and it's always a good idea if your mom isn't a jailbird on your wedding day.
Someone kills an animal shelter employee, and since the last person to see her alive was Abby's mom, that's who the cops focus on as a suspect. It's crucial that Abby and her private investigator boyfriend figure out who the real killer is. Abby and the perfect Marco will marry at the end of the book, and it's always a good idea if your mom isn't a jailbird on your wedding day.
January 19, 2021
Abby and Marco are getting ready to tie the knot, so of course, there's a murder! Abby's mom Maureen 'Mad Mo' Knight is a volunteer at the local PAR Animal Shelter, and discovers the director dead. For Abby, there is so much to do before her wedding, and so many things going wrong! I'm really happy she and Marco are getting married, but I'm not really happy about the outcome of the murder *sadface*
April 13, 2025
I’m still enjoying the development and growth of the characters in this series. While this wasn’t my favorite mystery, I enjoyed the more personal aspects of this story than I have in other books. This was definitely the most wholesome and enjoyable book yet in terms of the side plot! My new favorite of the series so far!
June 2, 2017
Finally after taking a year's break since I read the last book I started this one. It's about time that the wedding happened, and I loved the fact that they got to keep Seedy. I plan to read the next book soon.
August 23, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so much fun. I already bought another one of the books in this series and plan to read all of them. Anyone who liked The Best Doggone Bakery will thoroughly enjoy this book. A very cute dog is involved.
Read
December 18, 2020I like this series when I am looking for a fun, lighthearted read. But I must be more invested in the characters than I thought I was, because I got a little teary eyed on this one. Or maybe it's my hormones out of whack.
June 14, 2023
Don't have much to say about this one; it was pretty clear from the beginning whodunnit. I will say I liked that Abby isn't in actual danger, but the quote by millionaire Richard De Vos made me vomit in my mouth a little. Like her books, hate the Republican references.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2017
Just one word : Wow!
January 19, 2018
What Marco did at the end aweee😭😭😭 I’m crying right now😂👏👏
January 21, 2018
Super easy crime series to read. Light hearted with a little suspense.
February 13, 2019
Kind of a sad ending
A sad ending to the mystery anyway. The story ended with the wedding. Why would anybody try to drum up extra work just days before their wedding?
A sad ending to the mystery anyway. The story ended with the wedding. Why would anybody try to drum up extra work just days before their wedding?
April 22, 2021
At least Jillian didn't turn Abby into a Bridezilla
August 25, 2021
This book started out a little slow for me but once it took off I totally enjoyed it.
August 28, 2022
A favorite series of mine. Love the characters, the storyline and the writing. Great series.
October 22, 2022
I wont spoil but keep tissues at the ready :O
March 7, 2023
Another good one in this series. I'm sure enjoying them.
July 2, 2023
Another great mystery. I love these characters and I love their story.
May 26, 2024
3.5⭐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews