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A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery #4
Gone But Not for Garden
New York Times bestselling author Kate Collins pairs Abby Knight, her sleuth from her Hallmark Channel Flower Shop Mysteries, with Athena Spencer, a single mom from a big Greek-American family, as they investigate a crime of fashion in the idyllic town of Sequoia, Michigan…
Athena Spencer works with her big Greek-American family (whom she also anonymously blogs about) at their garden center near Lake Michigan. She's also gained a reputation for crime-solving--and that's what brings flower-shop owner and fellow sleuth Abby Knight Salvare to her door …
Abby has come from Indiana to this Lake Michigan town to help her cousin, Jillian, who was emceeing a local fashion show and now stands accused of murdering one of the models. Some of Sequoia's most prominent citizens were there on the catwalk, so there's increasing pressure to have the next event be a perp walk.
The clueless Jillian is in jail after ignoring orders not to leave town, and she isn't happy—orange is not her color. Along with her handsome PI partner, Case, Athena starts making inquiries, while tiptoeing around the wives of the town's mayor and police chief. In the meantime, the two detectives are becoming fast friends. After all, in addition to homicide, Abby and Athena share an interest in horticulture—though right now the only thing they're growing is their list of suspects …
Athena Spencer works with her big Greek-American family (whom she also anonymously blogs about) at their garden center near Lake Michigan. She's also gained a reputation for crime-solving--and that's what brings flower-shop owner and fellow sleuth Abby Knight Salvare to her door …
Abby has come from Indiana to this Lake Michigan town to help her cousin, Jillian, who was emceeing a local fashion show and now stands accused of murdering one of the models. Some of Sequoia's most prominent citizens were there on the catwalk, so there's increasing pressure to have the next event be a perp walk.
The clueless Jillian is in jail after ignoring orders not to leave town, and she isn't happy—orange is not her color. Along with her handsome PI partner, Case, Athena starts making inquiries, while tiptoeing around the wives of the town's mayor and police chief. In the meantime, the two detectives are becoming fast friends. After all, in addition to homicide, Abby and Athena share an interest in horticulture—though right now the only thing they're growing is their list of suspects …
420 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2023
49 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Kate Collins
66 books950 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 89 reviews
January 19, 2023
The murder victim in this entertaining book is a prominent local figure who is participating as a model in a fund-raising event. When her name is called for her turn on the cat walk no one appears and eventually her body is found backstage.
Main characters in the story are Athena and Case who have just set up the Greene Street Detective Agency. They are assisted by Abbey and Marco, also P.I.s, who are friends of the main suspect. There is a huge cast of characters mainly because Athena is part of a very large Greek family and all of its members are larger than life.
The mystery is solid, the investigation is done well and there is plenty of fun to be had along the way. I am interested now in looking for the three books prior to this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Main characters in the story are Athena and Case who have just set up the Greene Street Detective Agency. They are assisted by Abbey and Marco, also P.I.s, who are friends of the main suspect. There is a huge cast of characters mainly because Athena is part of a very large Greek family and all of its members are larger than life.
The mystery is solid, the investigation is done well and there is plenty of fun to be had along the way. I am interested now in looking for the three books prior to this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 10, 2022
Gone But Not For Garden is the 4th of A Goddess of Greene Street Mystery. It takes place in the tourist town of Sequoia, Michigan. Athena Spencer is the main character. She works for her father at Spencer's Garden Center as well part owner of The Greene Street Detective Agency with her boyfriend and partner, Case Donnelly. Lila Talbot is their silent partner.
Jullian Osborne is at the charity show run by Fran Decker owner of Fabulous Fashions. She is overseeing the models needs including water which she puts in the dressing rooms for each model. Carly Blackburn a divorced PTA President, Hope Louvain, wife of the police chief and Eleni Sloan, the mayor's wife are all modeling the clothes. The mayor, Charles Sloan makes a small speech as he is up for re-election. Jullian is the emcee and describes the clothes as the models walk down the runway. When Carly is called she does not show up and when they go back stage and look for her they find her dead in her dressing room. The police are called. They suspect Jillian as she put the water out. They found poison in her water. Jullian is held on suspicion of murder but against the police order she leaves town and is arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. They found poison in Carly's water which is later described s
Abby Knight Salvare owner of Bloomers Flower Shop comes to the detective agency to ask for Athena's help in finding her cousin a lawyer as well as work with her to find the real killer. She and her husband Marco are PI's and own their own detective agency.
Athena comes from a large, close Greek family. She has a son, Nicholas who is 10. They all live at their family's house. Athena has three sisters, Maia, Selene and Delphi who is also dating Bob Maguire who is an officer at the Sequoia Police Department.
There is so much that goes on that it would be hard for to put on paper so I will leave this up to the reader to discover. There is backstabbing, deception and mystery that leads to an exciting climax of who killed Carly and why.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
Jullian Osborne is at the charity show run by Fran Decker owner of Fabulous Fashions. She is overseeing the models needs including water which she puts in the dressing rooms for each model. Carly Blackburn a divorced PTA President, Hope Louvain, wife of the police chief and Eleni Sloan, the mayor's wife are all modeling the clothes. The mayor, Charles Sloan makes a small speech as he is up for re-election. Jullian is the emcee and describes the clothes as the models walk down the runway. When Carly is called she does not show up and when they go back stage and look for her they find her dead in her dressing room. The police are called. They suspect Jillian as she put the water out. They found poison in her water. Jullian is held on suspicion of murder but against the police order she leaves town and is arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. They found poison in Carly's water which is later described s
Abby Knight Salvare owner of Bloomers Flower Shop comes to the detective agency to ask for Athena's help in finding her cousin a lawyer as well as work with her to find the real killer. She and her husband Marco are PI's and own their own detective agency.
Athena comes from a large, close Greek family. She has a son, Nicholas who is 10. They all live at their family's house. Athena has three sisters, Maia, Selene and Delphi who is also dating Bob Maguire who is an officer at the Sequoia Police Department.
There is so much that goes on that it would be hard for to put on paper so I will leave this up to the reader to discover. There is backstabbing, deception and mystery that leads to an exciting climax of who killed Carly and why.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
April 1, 2023
The latest Goddess of Greene St is fantastic! Teaming up Athena w/ her other popular series (Flower shop) MC Abby is done perfectly!
Athena and Case are getting their PI business up and running. They take the case helping out Abby's cousin Jillian who is in town to emcee a fashion show...where one of the models is poisoned.
As usual Athena's family had me laughing out loud!
I recommend this series to all cozy mystery lovers!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Kate Collins, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
Athena and Case are getting their PI business up and running. They take the case helping out Abby's cousin Jillian who is in town to emcee a fashion show...where one of the models is poisoned.
As usual Athena's family had me laughing out loud!
I recommend this series to all cozy mystery lovers!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Kate Collins, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
January 6, 2023
Review coming soon.
November 3, 2022
I was thrilled that Gone But Not For Garden included a few of my favorite characters from this authors other popular cozy mystery series.
Athena is a great character, and when Abby Knight Salvare suddenly showed up, I knew this book was going to be fantastic!
Athena and her partner Chase are slowly getting their detective agency up and running, and when Abby reaches out to them for help, they can't refuse.
Abby's cousin Jillian is accused of murder, and Abby enlists Athena and Chase to help.
This story is well done with an easy melding of the characters, and I hope this will continue in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#GoneButNotForGarden #NetGalley
Athena is a great character, and when Abby Knight Salvare suddenly showed up, I knew this book was going to be fantastic!
Athena and her partner Chase are slowly getting their detective agency up and running, and when Abby reaches out to them for help, they can't refuse.
Abby's cousin Jillian is accused of murder, and Abby enlists Athena and Chase to help.
This story is well done with an easy melding of the characters, and I hope this will continue in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#GoneButNotForGarden #NetGalley
January 22, 2023
Gone but not for Garden is a fun crossover between two cozy mystery series by Kate Collins. Athena Spencer has just opened a private detective agency with Case Donnelly in Sequoia, Michigan. Athena also works at her family's garden center while raising her son, Nicholas. This is the fourth outing for Athena and her large Greek family, but the first I've read.
Athena is surprised when she gets a visit from Abby Knight Salvare from Bloomers Flower Shop in New Chapel, Indiana. Abby and her husband Marco have a detective agency back in Indiana but requests help from Athena when Abby's cousin Jillian is the prime suspect in a murder there in Michigan. I'm a fan of the Flower Shop Mystery series, so it's always fun spending time with Abby.
Marco and Case are involved in the murder investigation, but it's mainly up to Athena and Abby to find the real killer and prove Jillian's innocence. Abby needs Athena's knowledge of the local residents to find other suspects, but otherwise, she is clearly the one taking the lead in the investigation. I don't know if she is like this in other books in the Goddess of Greene Street series or if she feels insecure next Abby who has more sleuthing experience, but Athena lacks self-confidence and seems out of her depth during much of the investigation. Athena isn't my favorite main character even though I enjoyed the banter between her and her sisters. (Her bossy mother, who I found irritating, is a different story!)
The book has a cute ending, with the two women getting help from an unexpected source during a dramatic showdown at the end. I enjoyed the book, but am not sure if I will read more books with just Athena. However, I remain a fan of Abby Knight Salvare and of author Kate Collins!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
Athena is surprised when she gets a visit from Abby Knight Salvare from Bloomers Flower Shop in New Chapel, Indiana. Abby and her husband Marco have a detective agency back in Indiana but requests help from Athena when Abby's cousin Jillian is the prime suspect in a murder there in Michigan. I'm a fan of the Flower Shop Mystery series, so it's always fun spending time with Abby.
Marco and Case are involved in the murder investigation, but it's mainly up to Athena and Abby to find the real killer and prove Jillian's innocence. Abby needs Athena's knowledge of the local residents to find other suspects, but otherwise, she is clearly the one taking the lead in the investigation. I don't know if she is like this in other books in the Goddess of Greene Street series or if she feels insecure next Abby who has more sleuthing experience, but Athena lacks self-confidence and seems out of her depth during much of the investigation. Athena isn't my favorite main character even though I enjoyed the banter between her and her sisters. (Her bossy mother, who I found irritating, is a different story!)
The book has a cute ending, with the two women getting help from an unexpected source during a dramatic showdown at the end. I enjoyed the book, but am not sure if I will read more books with just Athena. However, I remain a fan of Abby Knight Salvare and of author Kate Collins!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
March 18, 2023
Fans of Kate Collins’s Goddess of Greene Street and Flower Shop mystery series will be delighted to find that Athena Spencer and Abby Knight Salvare are combining forces to solve a compelling, action-filled mystery in Gone but not for Garden.
When Jillian Osborne, the emcee of the Sequoia Small Business Association’s fashion show, is arrested in connection with the backstage murder of one of the show’s models, it’s her cousin Abby to the rescue. Abby arrives at the Spencer’s Garden Center seeking Athena’s help in clearing Jillian’s name. Athena, who in addition to working at the family’s garden center also runs the Greene Street Detective Agency with her partner Case, readily agrees, eager to make this the agency’s first official assignment. Together, Athena and Abby face ever-increasing danger as they decipher a series of clues and red herrings and navigate small-town politics as they prepare to unmask a killer.
I really enjoy this series. Athena and Case make exceptionally good partners, and Athena’s Greek family is both charming and hilarious. And the blog she writes (unbeknownst to her family) as “Goddess Anon” is always on point and amusing. And to the extent this novel relies on those elements, it is a smashing success. While I initially was excited about the addition of Abby, for me, the partnership didn’t quite hit the mark. I ended up missing Athena’s easy camaraderie with Case, who took a definite backseat in the book. The constant switching between Athena’s and Abby’s viewpoints was distracting, and I believe the story would have been even stronger if Abby were more of a secondary character. It is Athena’s series after all.
That said, Kate Collins is a fantastic writer and Gone but not for Garden is an entertaining and engaging read. I look forward to the next entry in the series.
Note: I received an ARC of Gone but not for Garden from NetGalley, and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
When Jillian Osborne, the emcee of the Sequoia Small Business Association’s fashion show, is arrested in connection with the backstage murder of one of the show’s models, it’s her cousin Abby to the rescue. Abby arrives at the Spencer’s Garden Center seeking Athena’s help in clearing Jillian’s name. Athena, who in addition to working at the family’s garden center also runs the Greene Street Detective Agency with her partner Case, readily agrees, eager to make this the agency’s first official assignment. Together, Athena and Abby face ever-increasing danger as they decipher a series of clues and red herrings and navigate small-town politics as they prepare to unmask a killer.
I really enjoy this series. Athena and Case make exceptionally good partners, and Athena’s Greek family is both charming and hilarious. And the blog she writes (unbeknownst to her family) as “Goddess Anon” is always on point and amusing. And to the extent this novel relies on those elements, it is a smashing success. While I initially was excited about the addition of Abby, for me, the partnership didn’t quite hit the mark. I ended up missing Athena’s easy camaraderie with Case, who took a definite backseat in the book. The constant switching between Athena’s and Abby’s viewpoints was distracting, and I believe the story would have been even stronger if Abby were more of a secondary character. It is Athena’s series after all.
That said, Kate Collins is a fantastic writer and Gone but not for Garden is an entertaining and engaging read. I look forward to the next entry in the series.
Note: I received an ARC of Gone but not for Garden from NetGalley, and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
January 31, 2023
Abby has made a trip from her home to Lake Michigan to aid her cousin Jillian who is set to emcee a fashion show. When a model is found murdered and her cousin is the main suspect Abby knows she has to get involved. It doesn't help that most of the people walking in the show are well known and respected in the town. Jillian ends up in jail for not following instructions about not leaving town making Abby realize she needs to move quickly. In steps Athena and her partner Case to help. The two begin to ask questions trying to fit all the pieces together while at the same time trying to stay off the police chiefs radar. When another murder is committed it's more imperative than ever to figure things out. Follow along as Abby and Athena become fast friends and join their investigative skills in hopes of clearing Jillian's name.
January 27, 2023
I loved this book! I will admit I read the first book in the series, but need to catch up on the books in between. Well the author did an amazing job of making it so easy to jump right into this book. What I love most about this book was how unique it was that Athena started the series as an amateur sleuth while working at her family's garden store...and now she's made it official! She had her beau Case are private detectives and it's such a contrast from the more amateur style of cozy detecting; less of a snooping vibe and more of a methodical way of investigating, but still such a cozy feel. And Athena still has her blog (which I love) and works at her family's garden center. I was quite surprised by the reveals and how it all shook out and loved all the added big Greek family elements! I can't wait to read more.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC, I am happy to give my honest thoughts.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC, I am happy to give my honest thoughts.
January 18, 2023
Athena and her large, crazy, quirky, noisy, nosy Greek family are back for adventure #4 in Gone But Not For Garden, a worthy addition to the Goddess of Green St. Mystery Series. A lot has happened in a short time since we first met these folks: murder, murder, murder, a wedding gone wrong, a fundraiser disaster, and all with Athena pretty much in the middle, snooping around and putting herself in danger. Case (that cute, mysterious guy from out of town that Athena teamed up with in the first book) came back and got his PI license. Since Athena has gained a reputation for crime-solving through her snooping – oops, sleuthing – anyway, Athena and Case decide to make investigating official and have partnered to open a PI business together. There might be a little “other” partnering going on, too!
A death at a local fashion show brings our favorite character from author Kate Collins’ bestselling Flower Shop Mysteries series to town. Who else could it be but Abby Knight? Abby’s whiny, entitled, clueless cousin Jillian (who could forget her??) is in jail as a – the main – suspect. Abby has heard about Athena’s crime-solving success and comes to Michigan from Indiana to ask Athena and Case to investigate since they know the local area and have had such success in the past.
When Athena starts making inquiries, knowing the locals might not be such a good thing after all. She’s forced to tiptoe around the wives of the town’s mayor and police chief and deal with insinuations that she is being disloyal to the Greek community. The plot moves quickly. Suspects are plentiful, but you have to put on your thinking cap.
Just as we would hope and expect, Abby and Athena hit it off. But there’s no time for a blooming friendship; there is a mystery to solve and a murderer to find. It's fun to be back in Michigan with Athena and all these unforgettable characters. She is still writing that blog – has to stop from becoming any crazier, right? Her father has figured out she is “Anonymous” but is keeping her secret, since that blog is the first thing her family turns to every morning. They love it. Her sisters are as endearing and irritating as ever, her mother keeps pushing her way into Athena’s life, and Pappoús and Yiayiá are still adorable, if also still stubborn. Nicolas – now firmly Nico – loves this big family of grandparents and aunts and people who care about him. And then there’s Case. Slowly, slowly but seems to be something there. Sweet. Abby Knight is a joyful bonus.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing an advance copy of Gone But Not For Garden via NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions are my own. It was a delightful read and I cannot wait for the next installment.
A death at a local fashion show brings our favorite character from author Kate Collins’ bestselling Flower Shop Mysteries series to town. Who else could it be but Abby Knight? Abby’s whiny, entitled, clueless cousin Jillian (who could forget her??) is in jail as a – the main – suspect. Abby has heard about Athena’s crime-solving success and comes to Michigan from Indiana to ask Athena and Case to investigate since they know the local area and have had such success in the past.
When Athena starts making inquiries, knowing the locals might not be such a good thing after all. She’s forced to tiptoe around the wives of the town’s mayor and police chief and deal with insinuations that she is being disloyal to the Greek community. The plot moves quickly. Suspects are plentiful, but you have to put on your thinking cap.
Just as we would hope and expect, Abby and Athena hit it off. But there’s no time for a blooming friendship; there is a mystery to solve and a murderer to find. It's fun to be back in Michigan with Athena and all these unforgettable characters. She is still writing that blog – has to stop from becoming any crazier, right? Her father has figured out she is “Anonymous” but is keeping her secret, since that blog is the first thing her family turns to every morning. They love it. Her sisters are as endearing and irritating as ever, her mother keeps pushing her way into Athena’s life, and Pappoús and Yiayiá are still adorable, if also still stubborn. Nicolas – now firmly Nico – loves this big family of grandparents and aunts and people who care about him. And then there’s Case. Slowly, slowly but seems to be something there. Sweet. Abby Knight is a joyful bonus.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing an advance copy of Gone But Not For Garden via NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions are my own. It was a delightful read and I cannot wait for the next installment.
March 21, 2023
Gone But Not for Garden by Kate Collins is the fourth book in the Goddess of Greene Street cozy mysteries, and another good read in the series.
As always, Collins characters are written so well and I always look forward to seeing what her large Greek family is up to. We also get a crossover with some of the characters from Collins Flower Shop mysteries, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I’ve read about nine books in the series and really enjoy Abby, Marco, and Jillian, but I didn’t like how Athena interacted with Abby. Athena is always such a strong character, but she was like a wilting flower when she was around Abby, constantly deferring to her and acting like she’s never investigated a murder before. But then when she’s with her boyfriend she does a complete switch-up and is back to knowing what to do and delegating tasks.
But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Delphi is still amusing with her psychic abilities, Nico and Oscar, the raccoon, have some fun scenes, and I didn’t figure out the killer until Athena did.
All in all, another great book in the series!
As always, Collins characters are written so well and I always look forward to seeing what her large Greek family is up to. We also get a crossover with some of the characters from Collins Flower Shop mysteries, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I’ve read about nine books in the series and really enjoy Abby, Marco, and Jillian, but I didn’t like how Athena interacted with Abby. Athena is always such a strong character, but she was like a wilting flower when she was around Abby, constantly deferring to her and acting like she’s never investigated a murder before. But then when she’s with her boyfriend she does a complete switch-up and is back to knowing what to do and delegating tasks.
But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Delphi is still amusing with her psychic abilities, Nico and Oscar, the raccoon, have some fun scenes, and I didn’t figure out the killer until Athena did.
All in all, another great book in the series!
April 19, 2023
The fourth book in the “Goddess of Greene Street Mystery” series, Gone But Not For Garden, makes a fashion show look absolutely intriguing. When a PI, Abby, shows up and enlists Athena in a new investigation, her work at the garden center gets put on the back burner. With a prime suspect, Abby’s cousin, Jillian, doesn’t help her case by defying law enforcement, alongside several members of the local law faction families as potential killers; Athena, Case, and Abby have their work cut out for them.
The garden center didn’t play as big of a role in this story as I would have liked, but it was there from time to time. Athena’s family plays a part in all the action and adds fun and laughter to the mix. I really like Abby; I hope she stays around as a character once in a while. Suspects are concentrated on those who were at the fashion show and took part; this makes it easy to track them but not so easy to figure out who the killer is. Evidence is subtle, and readers may miss some clues. There is plenty of action throughout the story. Relationships of the past become more defined, and the future looks bright for the characters and the series.
Once the killer is found, it doesn’t take Abby and Athena long to corner them and achieve justice. Readers will love Abby almost as much as they love the other characters in this series. I think many readers, like me, would love to spend a day at the garden center and their home just to watch and listen to the interactions between the family members and experience the love that they obviously have for one another. This is what makes this series special and keeps readers coming back for more.
The garden center didn’t play as big of a role in this story as I would have liked, but it was there from time to time. Athena’s family plays a part in all the action and adds fun and laughter to the mix. I really like Abby; I hope she stays around as a character once in a while. Suspects are concentrated on those who were at the fashion show and took part; this makes it easy to track them but not so easy to figure out who the killer is. Evidence is subtle, and readers may miss some clues. There is plenty of action throughout the story. Relationships of the past become more defined, and the future looks bright for the characters and the series.
Once the killer is found, it doesn’t take Abby and Athena long to corner them and achieve justice. Readers will love Abby almost as much as they love the other characters in this series. I think many readers, like me, would love to spend a day at the garden center and their home just to watch and listen to the interactions between the family members and experience the love that they obviously have for one another. This is what makes this series special and keeps readers coming back for more.
January 29, 2023
Gone But Not For Garden is a fun 4th novel, brimming with disorder in the mystery series by Kate Collins, featuring single mum Athena Spencer. Protagonist Athena, smart and caring, is great as is her boisterous Greek family. Athena is very busy as a blogger, garden centre manager and private detective. There is humour by the bucket-load and the opening chapters drew me into the story capturing my attention immediately. I was never bored as there was so much going on and the mystery itself was well thought out with enough misdirection to puzzle over the perpetrator's identity and motive. With oodles of mouthwatering food references, there was plenty to keep the reader entertained. The book has a natural, steady pace and I was totally engrossed right through to the reveal.
Reading Gone But Not For Garden was a great way to while away a few hours and I am now looking to read the first novel in the series as well as eagerly awaiting the fifth instalment. A highly recommended, quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Reading Gone But Not For Garden was a great way to while away a few hours and I am now looking to read the first novel in the series as well as eagerly awaiting the fifth instalment. A highly recommended, quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 19, 2022
A "dream duo" - Abby Knight Salavare and Athenia Spencer are on the case when Abby's flighty cousin Jillian is arrested for murdering a model ,at a fashion show, In the cozy lakeside town of Sequoia, Michigan. While Jillian can be a handful, Abby and Athenia know she's not a murderer. So, the hunt begins for a murderer who is willing to kill again to keep their secrets buried.
I love "crossovers" and this is a great one. You don't need to know the backgrounds of the characters as the author skillfully introduces them in the book. Both women are smart and though they have different sleuthing styles, they make a formidable team. Throw in Athenia's "anonymous" daily blog, her loving, loud and fun family, her gorgeous sleuthing partner Case and the surprising hero, Oscar the baby raccoon and you have a mystery that keeps you guessing and grinning!
I hope the "dream duo" gets together again!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love "crossovers" and this is a great one. You don't need to know the backgrounds of the characters as the author skillfully introduces them in the book. Both women are smart and though they have different sleuthing styles, they make a formidable team. Throw in Athenia's "anonymous" daily blog, her loving, loud and fun family, her gorgeous sleuthing partner Case and the surprising hero, Oscar the baby raccoon and you have a mystery that keeps you guessing and grinning!
I hope the "dream duo" gets together again!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 5, 2023
When her cousin Jillian is arrested for killing one of the models at a fashion show, where she is the emcee, Abby Knight Salvare enlists the help of Case and Athena from the Greene Street Detective Agency to figure out who actually was the murderer. With very little to go on Abby, Athena, and Case start by interviewing everyone who had access to the backstage.
Carly Blackburn was the model who was killed. Hope Louvain, wife of the police chief was an award winning teacher and also a model at the fashion show, and Eleni Sloan, wife of the mayor and a model at the fashion show.
As Abby and Athena begin their interviews they are hampered by a lot of pushback and threats.
As always with a Kate Collins cozy mystery there are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing until the last chapters. The minor characters are witty and the family dinners are entertaining. Even Abby's mother shows.up with a hand made present for Athena.
I enjoyed this book and these new characters by Kate Collins. The "lessons" in the Greek culture and family make up are great.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. This review contains my thoughts and impressions.
#Athena #Case #Abby #Marco #Jillian #KensingtonPublishing #cozymystery #KateCollins #NetGalley
Carly Blackburn was the model who was killed. Hope Louvain, wife of the police chief was an award winning teacher and also a model at the fashion show, and Eleni Sloan, wife of the mayor and a model at the fashion show.
As Abby and Athena begin their interviews they are hampered by a lot of pushback and threats.
As always with a Kate Collins cozy mystery there are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing until the last chapters. The minor characters are witty and the family dinners are entertaining. Even Abby's mother shows.up with a hand made present for Athena.
I enjoyed this book and these new characters by Kate Collins. The "lessons" in the Greek culture and family make up are great.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. This review contains my thoughts and impressions.
#Athena #Case #Abby #Marco #Jillian #KensingtonPublishing #cozymystery #KateCollins #NetGalley
September 17, 2023
I experienced a near instant dislike of Athena and her family. The first chapter opens a day after the events of the previous book. I haven’t read that, but it seems Athena solved a murder and the murderer tried to kill her. And the very next day she’s back at work!
Yipes. Rather than surprise her at work with a party and cake couldn’t the family give her a couple of days off to process those events? And save the hurray-for-our-hero cake for family dinner that evening? Okay, later it turns out that her mom and dad suggests to Athena to take some time off and it’s Athena that thinks she’s fine.
At work - a family run garden center - Athena is approached by Abby Knight, a fellow amateur sleuth turned private investigator, to help in a murder case that involves her cousin. The cousin was emcee at a fashion show where one of the models ended up dead. Cause of death: poison in a water bottle. The cousin is currently held in jail because she handled the water bottles and failed to follow police directions. That is: left town when told not to leave town.
As a side note: getting tired of that cliché. If police don’t want people to leave town, they should arrest them outright. If the police don’t arrest them, people can go where they want to. Including to their hometown 90 minutes away.
I read on, but my instant dislike seems to have made me prejudiced. While I was hoping to find some things likeable about the characters - always looking out for a new favourite series - I found another thing to dislike at every turn.
Athena reflects on her previous investigations - spoiling the reader on some earlier books in the process. It appears that Athena and Case’s modus operandi is to throw around accusations until they hit target. That’s not an investigation. That’s grounds for a slander lawsuit.
Abby Knight is no better. She manages to intimidate a hotel manager with the words: “[I am] a paying customer with an active Yelp account.” That hotel must have seriously few Yelp reviews if one review could spoil their rating. I also found her manipulation of a witness less than charming. “I’m a private investigator. It is my business.” O RLY? No one is required to talk just because someone else asks them. Private investigators are regular citizens. They do not have police power.
Abby does get riled up rather easily by people who say yellow is not her colour or insult her intelligence. There’s no need for her to impress these people, so why does she care about their opinions? It should be water off a duck’s back to her.
The side characters, the other potential suspects, are an interesting bunch of characters. They made the mystery interesting. Athena’s family not so much. Her sisters Selene and Maia are just filler. Her sister Delphi acts about ten years younger than she is. Athena is sceptical of Delphi’s coffee ground readings - hurray for that - but starts to take them more seriously when it suits her investigation. Delphi did a reading of Abby and saw she was being followed and the letters M and S. Athena immediately thinks of one of her suspects. A sceptic would have pointed out those are the initials of Abby’s husband Marco Salvare.
Anyway, Athena solves the case when the murderer drops by unannounced. There’s something about the murderer that doesn’t make sense: why would they continue to work in a place that wreaks havoc on their allergies? They seemed to be in a position where they had other options.
And because this book has left me in a mood to nitpick:
Athena tries to be as clever as Jessica Fletcher - catching someone out in a mistake - but her memory is not as good as Jessica’s. She asks the mayor’s security guard if he knows anything about a note left at her office. He replies he wasn't on Greene Street. Athena finds this suspect because she never mentioned where her office was. No, but the mayor did the previous day when he introduced her and Case as the owners of the Greene Street Detective Agency. The security guard could have remembered that.
There also were a few instance of technology fail. Case has removed the doors from his jeep. Yet, after leaving the fair he unlocks the doors of his jeep and Athena even holds open a door. Which is it? Doors or no doors?
Athena is scroll through a list of questions on her iPad and suddenly her screen goes blank. She is puzzled for a moment and then remembers she hasn’t charged it. My iPad always warns if there’s less than 10% battery charge. Why doesn’t hers?
Long review short: I did not find a new favourite series, but I can scratch two series off my ever growing to read list.
Yipes. Rather than surprise her at work with a party and cake couldn’t the family give her a couple of days off to process those events? And save the hurray-for-our-hero cake for family dinner that evening? Okay, later it turns out that her mom and dad suggests to Athena to take some time off and it’s Athena that thinks she’s fine.
At work - a family run garden center - Athena is approached by Abby Knight, a fellow amateur sleuth turned private investigator, to help in a murder case that involves her cousin. The cousin was emcee at a fashion show where one of the models ended up dead. Cause of death: poison in a water bottle. The cousin is currently held in jail because she handled the water bottles and failed to follow police directions. That is: left town when told not to leave town.
As a side note: getting tired of that cliché. If police don’t want people to leave town, they should arrest them outright. If the police don’t arrest them, people can go where they want to. Including to their hometown 90 minutes away.
I read on, but my instant dislike seems to have made me prejudiced. While I was hoping to find some things likeable about the characters - always looking out for a new favourite series - I found another thing to dislike at every turn.
Athena reflects on her previous investigations - spoiling the reader on some earlier books in the process. It appears that Athena and Case’s modus operandi is to throw around accusations until they hit target. That’s not an investigation. That’s grounds for a slander lawsuit.
Abby Knight is no better. She manages to intimidate a hotel manager with the words: “[I am] a paying customer with an active Yelp account.” That hotel must have seriously few Yelp reviews if one review could spoil their rating. I also found her manipulation of a witness less than charming. “I’m a private investigator. It is my business.” O RLY? No one is required to talk just because someone else asks them. Private investigators are regular citizens. They do not have police power.
Abby does get riled up rather easily by people who say yellow is not her colour or insult her intelligence. There’s no need for her to impress these people, so why does she care about their opinions? It should be water off a duck’s back to her.
The side characters, the other potential suspects, are an interesting bunch of characters. They made the mystery interesting. Athena’s family not so much. Her sisters Selene and Maia are just filler. Her sister Delphi acts about ten years younger than she is. Athena is sceptical of Delphi’s coffee ground readings - hurray for that - but starts to take them more seriously when it suits her investigation. Delphi did a reading of Abby and saw she was being followed and the letters M and S. Athena immediately thinks of one of her suspects. A sceptic would have pointed out those are the initials of Abby’s husband Marco Salvare.
Anyway, Athena solves the case when the murderer drops by unannounced. There’s something about the murderer that doesn’t make sense: why would they continue to work in a place that wreaks havoc on their allergies? They seemed to be in a position where they had other options.
And because this book has left me in a mood to nitpick:
Athena tries to be as clever as Jessica Fletcher - catching someone out in a mistake - but her memory is not as good as Jessica’s. She asks the mayor’s security guard if he knows anything about a note left at her office. He replies he wasn't on Greene Street. Athena finds this suspect because she never mentioned where her office was. No, but the mayor did the previous day when he introduced her and Case as the owners of the Greene Street Detective Agency. The security guard could have remembered that.
There also were a few instance of technology fail. Case has removed the doors from his jeep. Yet, after leaving the fair he unlocks the doors of his jeep and Athena even holds open a door. Which is it? Doors or no doors?
Athena is scroll through a list of questions on her iPad and suddenly her screen goes blank. She is puzzled for a moment and then remembers she hasn’t charged it. My iPad always warns if there’s less than 10% battery charge. Why doesn’t hers?
Long review short: I did not find a new favourite series, but I can scratch two series off my ever growing to read list.
January 24, 2023
It was so much fun to see both this author's main characters actually working on case together as Abby Salvare came to get Athena and Case's help clearing her cousin of murder. What a crazy case with lots of secrets coming to light.
I could so commiserate with Athena about going to fairs! I'm definitely not a fan and don't like those crowds either lol, but she did what she had to for family and for the case at hand. Speaking of Case, I liked how close Athena and Case were now. They seemed to be in a nice, comfortable spot in their relationship but I could tell Athena wasn't too wild about PDA. But she did get to see how cute Marco and Abby were together and probably kinda wished that for her and Case.
That was some showdown but Abby and Athena proved themselves totally capable. I hadn't really settled on a whodunit, so I just let the girls and Case take the lead lol. Little Oscar the raccoon did get to play a role in the showdown, and now Athena was grateful that Nico had taught the little guy how to play ball. Abby and Jillian got a big, happy Greek sendoff when they left, but I'd love to see these two ladies work together again. Even Lila was on her A-game this time, so it was definitely a team effort to solve the case.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I could so commiserate with Athena about going to fairs! I'm definitely not a fan and don't like those crowds either lol, but she did what she had to for family and for the case at hand. Speaking of Case, I liked how close Athena and Case were now. They seemed to be in a nice, comfortable spot in their relationship but I could tell Athena wasn't too wild about PDA. But she did get to see how cute Marco and Abby were together and probably kinda wished that for her and Case.
That was some showdown but Abby and Athena proved themselves totally capable. I hadn't really settled on a whodunit, so I just let the girls and Case take the lead lol. Little Oscar the raccoon did get to play a role in the showdown, and now Athena was grateful that Nico had taught the little guy how to play ball. Abby and Jillian got a big, happy Greek sendoff when they left, but I'd love to see these two ladies work together again. Even Lila was on her A-game this time, so it was definitely a team effort to solve the case.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
January 30, 2023
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books and thus all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is sadly my first Kate Collins book and book 4 in the Goddess of Greene St Mystery. I would recommend that you read the first book in the series as I got confused along the way. The book follows ever busy single mum Athena who is also an avid gardener , a blogger (she low-key blogs about her family) and is a crime solving sleuth like every hero in a cozy. Her already busy life is interrupted when a fellow 'sleuth' a term I use lightly shows up at her doorstep in need of her help. It was a different way of tackling a cozy mystery and I enjoyed the setting, the characters and of course can it be a cozy with no romance?
Actual rating:3.5/5
This is sadly my first Kate Collins book and book 4 in the Goddess of Greene St Mystery. I would recommend that you read the first book in the series as I got confused along the way. The book follows ever busy single mum Athena who is also an avid gardener , a blogger (she low-key blogs about her family) and is a crime solving sleuth like every hero in a cozy. Her already busy life is interrupted when a fellow 'sleuth' a term I use lightly shows up at her doorstep in need of her help. It was a different way of tackling a cozy mystery and I enjoyed the setting, the characters and of course can it be a cozy with no romance?
Actual rating:3.5/5
February 15, 2023
Very entertaining! I loved the crossover from the flower shop books, which I have yet to read, but Abby and Marco seem like a really fun, smart couple. I'm excited to read their series, too.
November 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It’s a lot of fun. The characters are engaging and the setting is great. I was surprised by who the killer is. The takedown is suspenseful. #GoneButNotForGarden #NetGalley
November 17, 2022
I had been a fan of Collins' Flower Shop mysteries since the beginning of the series and had fallen in love with her sleuth, Abby Knight Salvare, and her handsome boyfriend turned husband, Marco. When Collins started writing The Goddess of Greene Street mysteries, I knew I had to give them a try. I'm so glad I did because the writing, plot and characters are just as well written and lovable as the Flower Shop series I had come to love!
What is unique about this fourth book in The Goddess of Greene St. series is that it's a crossover in every sense of the word. This latest mystery teams up two of my favorite amateur sleuths, Abby and Athena! Athena Spencer's fictional hometown of Sequoia, Michigan is hosting a fund-raising fashion show with Abby's fashionable, yet sometimes ditzy, cousin Jillian as the MC. When one of the models turns up dead, Jillian is singled out as a prime suspect. Knowing that her cousin would never hurt a fly, Abby heads up north seeking out the detectives at the newly formed agency, The Greene St. Detective Agency. Athena Spencer and her partner and boyfriend, Case Donnelly, join forces with Abby to get to the bottom of the murder and clear Jillian as suspect number one!
With a soon-to-be-retiring police detective wanting to wrap up the case quickly, time is not on their side! Athena and Case have the advantage of knowing the area and the people in the small, lakeside town and they quickly uncover that more than one person involved with the fashion show has motive to want the victim out of the picture. Included in the mix are both the mayor's wife and the wife of the chief of police. This will require some finesse and careful questioning on the part of our beloved detectives! Abby lends her expertise to Athena and Case as they follow the leads and question everyone linked to the victim. Marco even makes a brief appearance! As the four close in on the real killer, they'll need to have each other's backs to come out alive and bring the killer to justice!
I loved this crossover mystery that merges the talents of two of my favorite sleuths! Although out of her hometown, Abby brings her spunk and passion for justice along with her to Sequoia and it was fun to see her and Athena become fast friends using their strengths to help one another navigate the case. Abby and Marco have more solved cases under their belts, but Athena and Case shine as well in this fourth book making it clear that they're just getting started! All in all, this is a clever way to please readers of both series and also introduce readers of Greene St. to the Flower Shop series as well.
What is unique about this fourth book in The Goddess of Greene St. series is that it's a crossover in every sense of the word. This latest mystery teams up two of my favorite amateur sleuths, Abby and Athena! Athena Spencer's fictional hometown of Sequoia, Michigan is hosting a fund-raising fashion show with Abby's fashionable, yet sometimes ditzy, cousin Jillian as the MC. When one of the models turns up dead, Jillian is singled out as a prime suspect. Knowing that her cousin would never hurt a fly, Abby heads up north seeking out the detectives at the newly formed agency, The Greene St. Detective Agency. Athena Spencer and her partner and boyfriend, Case Donnelly, join forces with Abby to get to the bottom of the murder and clear Jillian as suspect number one!
With a soon-to-be-retiring police detective wanting to wrap up the case quickly, time is not on their side! Athena and Case have the advantage of knowing the area and the people in the small, lakeside town and they quickly uncover that more than one person involved with the fashion show has motive to want the victim out of the picture. Included in the mix are both the mayor's wife and the wife of the chief of police. This will require some finesse and careful questioning on the part of our beloved detectives! Abby lends her expertise to Athena and Case as they follow the leads and question everyone linked to the victim. Marco even makes a brief appearance! As the four close in on the real killer, they'll need to have each other's backs to come out alive and bring the killer to justice!
I loved this crossover mystery that merges the talents of two of my favorite sleuths! Although out of her hometown, Abby brings her spunk and passion for justice along with her to Sequoia and it was fun to see her and Athena become fast friends using their strengths to help one another navigate the case. Abby and Marco have more solved cases under their belts, but Athena and Case shine as well in this fourth book making it clear that they're just getting started! All in all, this is a clever way to please readers of both series and also introduce readers of Greene St. to the Flower Shop series as well.
January 24, 2023
Gone But Not For Garden
A Goddess Of Greene St., Book #4
Kate Collins
5 Stars
Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Kate Collins pairs Abby Knight, her sleuth from her Hallmark Channel Flower Shop Mysteries, with Athena Spencer, a single mom from a big Greek-American family, as they investigate a crime of fashion in the idyllic town of Sequoia, Michigan…
Athena Spencer works with her big Greek-American family (whom she also anonymously blogs about) at their garden center near Lake Michigan. She’s also gained a reputation for crime-solving—and that’s what brings flower-shop owner and fellow sleuth Abby Knight Salvare to her door . . .
Abby has come from Indiana to this Lake Michigan town to help her cousin, Jillian, who was emceeing a local fashion show and now stands accused of murdering one of the models. Some of Sequoia’s most prominent citizens were there on the catwalk, so there’s increasing pressure to have the next event be a perp walk.
The clueless Jillian is in jail after ignoring orders not to leave town, and she isn’t happy—orange is not her color. Along with her handsome PI partner, Case, Athena starts making inquiries, while tiptoeing around the wives of the town’s mayor and police chief. In the meantime, the two detectives are becoming fast friends. After all, in addition to homicide, Abby and Athena share an interest in horticulture—though right now the only thing they’re growing is their list of suspects . . .
(Amazon)
Review:
Athena has her hands full with the nursery, her blog, her boyfriend and their detective agency. She meets another private eye that wants her help clearing her cousin from a murder rap. The two join forces and try to figure out who the murderer is. It was really interesting watching Athena and Abby working together, I enjoyed it.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions kept me on my toes throughout the book. There were lots of people to suspect and plenty of clues to consider. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I look forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Goddess Of Greene St., Book #4
Kate Collins
5 Stars
Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Kate Collins pairs Abby Knight, her sleuth from her Hallmark Channel Flower Shop Mysteries, with Athena Spencer, a single mom from a big Greek-American family, as they investigate a crime of fashion in the idyllic town of Sequoia, Michigan…
Athena Spencer works with her big Greek-American family (whom she also anonymously blogs about) at their garden center near Lake Michigan. She’s also gained a reputation for crime-solving—and that’s what brings flower-shop owner and fellow sleuth Abby Knight Salvare to her door . . .
Abby has come from Indiana to this Lake Michigan town to help her cousin, Jillian, who was emceeing a local fashion show and now stands accused of murdering one of the models. Some of Sequoia’s most prominent citizens were there on the catwalk, so there’s increasing pressure to have the next event be a perp walk.
The clueless Jillian is in jail after ignoring orders not to leave town, and she isn’t happy—orange is not her color. Along with her handsome PI partner, Case, Athena starts making inquiries, while tiptoeing around the wives of the town’s mayor and police chief. In the meantime, the two detectives are becoming fast friends. After all, in addition to homicide, Abby and Athena share an interest in horticulture—though right now the only thing they’re growing is their list of suspects . . .
(Amazon)
Review:
Athena has her hands full with the nursery, her blog, her boyfriend and their detective agency. She meets another private eye that wants her help clearing her cousin from a murder rap. The two join forces and try to figure out who the murderer is. It was really interesting watching Athena and Abby working together, I enjoyed it.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions kept me on my toes throughout the book. There were lots of people to suspect and plenty of clues to consider. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I look forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
February 21, 2023
Athena Spencer works at her family's garden center while raising her son, Nicholas. She also, after solving a few murders, has a new PI agency with her partner and love interest, Case Donnelly. Their latest case involves the death of a local model, who was found dead in her dressing room. The main suspect is a woman named Jillian, who happens to be the cousin of another PI.
Abby Knight Salvare, who owns a flower shop and a PI agency with her husband Marco, is is town asking for Athena's help in finding a killer. She's going to stay as long as it takes to find out the truth. Unfortunately, two of the other suspects are the wives of top officials in Sequoia, and they aren't happy to be on the hotseat. But it's up to the three to figure out what happened and why, and they aren't giving up until Jillian is a free woman -- even if it puts their own lives in danger...
This is the fourth book in the series and I have read them all. I was surprised to see a "cross-over" in this book, but I enjoyed it immensely. Abby is the protagonist of the author's Flower Shop Mysteries, and a successful sleuth in her own right. In this book, we have the two women joining forces, and Athena gets to see how Abby goes about conducting her own investigation. While Athena isn't as assertive as Abby, she's learning from the seasoned veteran, and the two women together are formidable indeed.
It turns out there are even more suspects in the wings, and eventually they get help from an unexpected source (a person I would like to see more of in future books); and while Case is working on another case out of town, the two women are much on their own. Between working the case, Athena also has her other duties to take care of, and of course, spend time with her son. (Just reading about it all makes me exhausted!).
There is plenty going on here, along with a county fair, her sister Delphi keeping secrets, and, of course, her mother trying to set up another one of her daughters in a relationship. It all makes for an entertaining read that's intriguing and full of fun, and when the ending comes and the killer is revealed, it's a bit of a surprise; also surprising (but great) the climax itself. This book is probably my favorite of the series so far, and I heartily look forward to the next one. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Abby Knight Salvare, who owns a flower shop and a PI agency with her husband Marco, is is town asking for Athena's help in finding a killer. She's going to stay as long as it takes to find out the truth. Unfortunately, two of the other suspects are the wives of top officials in Sequoia, and they aren't happy to be on the hotseat. But it's up to the three to figure out what happened and why, and they aren't giving up until Jillian is a free woman -- even if it puts their own lives in danger...
This is the fourth book in the series and I have read them all. I was surprised to see a "cross-over" in this book, but I enjoyed it immensely. Abby is the protagonist of the author's Flower Shop Mysteries, and a successful sleuth in her own right. In this book, we have the two women joining forces, and Athena gets to see how Abby goes about conducting her own investigation. While Athena isn't as assertive as Abby, she's learning from the seasoned veteran, and the two women together are formidable indeed.
It turns out there are even more suspects in the wings, and eventually they get help from an unexpected source (a person I would like to see more of in future books); and while Case is working on another case out of town, the two women are much on their own. Between working the case, Athena also has her other duties to take care of, and of course, spend time with her son. (Just reading about it all makes me exhausted!).
There is plenty going on here, along with a county fair, her sister Delphi keeping secrets, and, of course, her mother trying to set up another one of her daughters in a relationship. It all makes for an entertaining read that's intriguing and full of fun, and when the ending comes and the killer is revealed, it's a bit of a surprise; also surprising (but great) the climax itself. This book is probably my favorite of the series so far, and I heartily look forward to the next one. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
January 7, 2023
Gone But Not for Garden is the fourth installment in the A Goddess of Greene Street Mystery series set in Sequoia, Michigan and featuring Athena Spencer, manager of her family's garden center and co-owner of the Greene Street Detective Agency with boyfriend Case Donnelly. Athena's parents are trying to get her to step back a little from the garden center and turn the reins over to her younger sister Delphi. But, Delphi is easily distracted and more interested in her visions than running the family business.
Jillian Osborne, a fashion consultant from New Chapel, Indiana has come to emcee the the Small Business Association Fashion Show coordinated by Fran Decker of Fabulous Fashions. Three prominent citizens are modeling in the show: Carly Blackburn, PTA president, Hope Louvain, the Police Chief's wife and Eleni Sloan, the Mayor's wife. When Eleni is called to the stage and doesn't come to take her walk, the reason is apparent when she's discovered dead in her dressing room. Unfortunately, Jillian becomes the prime suspect as she was the one to disperse the water bottles, one of which was filled with poison.
Jillian's cousin Abby Knight Salvare arrives in town and seeks out Athena and Case to find the real killer. Athena and Abby quickly discover that Carly was involved in more than the PTA and there were multiple people that would like to see her out of the picture.
It was fun to have the author merge Abby, the main character in the Flower Shop series with Athena. A great way to showcase the investigative techniques of both women and their significant others. It's always great to spend time with Athena's family and marvel that she still manages to keep her identity as blogger Goddess Anon a secret. An enjoyable afternoon read and I hope that we see the foursome back together again.
I received an advanced copy of Gone But Not for Garden from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing Corp. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Jillian Osborne, a fashion consultant from New Chapel, Indiana has come to emcee the the Small Business Association Fashion Show coordinated by Fran Decker of Fabulous Fashions. Three prominent citizens are modeling in the show: Carly Blackburn, PTA president, Hope Louvain, the Police Chief's wife and Eleni Sloan, the Mayor's wife. When Eleni is called to the stage and doesn't come to take her walk, the reason is apparent when she's discovered dead in her dressing room. Unfortunately, Jillian becomes the prime suspect as she was the one to disperse the water bottles, one of which was filled with poison.
Jillian's cousin Abby Knight Salvare arrives in town and seeks out Athena and Case to find the real killer. Athena and Abby quickly discover that Carly was involved in more than the PTA and there were multiple people that would like to see her out of the picture.
It was fun to have the author merge Abby, the main character in the Flower Shop series with Athena. A great way to showcase the investigative techniques of both women and their significant others. It's always great to spend time with Athena's family and marvel that she still manages to keep her identity as blogger Goddess Anon a secret. An enjoyable afternoon read and I hope that we see the foursome back together again.
I received an advanced copy of Gone But Not for Garden from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing Corp. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
January 28, 2023
Kate Collins wrote nineteen full length mysteries featuring Abby Knight - along with her husband in later books. Now Abby has come to Athena Spencer, aka The Goddess of Greene Street, and her partner in their PI business, Case. Abby's cousin was arrested in connection with a murder on Athena's turf and who better to help clear her name but Athena and Case. Turns out Athena and Abby make a very good investigative team.
Not only does Athena know the lay of the land, she also knows much about the various relationships of the VIPs involved....like the mayor's wife, etc. In order to unmask the killer they can't just dive in, they have to be very careful. Add to the situation? Athena's large, loving and very colorful Greek family. Athena will not only have to listen to all of their opinions and advice but she has her job as the garden center bookkeeper and being mother to her young son. It's a lot to juggle but, if anyone can take on the challenge, it's Athena.
Besides the well written puzzle to confound the reader, the characters are well developed. One more addition to each book is the resident juvenile raccoon, Oscar, who lives in the back acre of the garden center. What's not to love about this series?
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Not only does Athena know the lay of the land, she also knows much about the various relationships of the VIPs involved....like the mayor's wife, etc. In order to unmask the killer they can't just dive in, they have to be very careful. Add to the situation? Athena's large, loving and very colorful Greek family. Athena will not only have to listen to all of their opinions and advice but she has her job as the garden center bookkeeper and being mother to her young son. It's a lot to juggle but, if anyone can take on the challenge, it's Athena.
Besides the well written puzzle to confound the reader, the characters are well developed. One more addition to each book is the resident juvenile raccoon, Oscar, who lives in the back acre of the garden center. What's not to love about this series?
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: From the first book, I have enjoyed the Goddess of Greene Street series. Athena, and her quirky family are always entertaining and the way she juggles her work, her son and her blog, that only her father knows she writes, is impressive. Now she has added a detective agency with her hunky beau Chase. Against all odds, shortly after opening, they end up with more than one job. While Chase is away working on the second one, Athena joins forces with another female PI, Abby. It seems Abby’s cousin is in the wrong place at the wrong time when a model of the fashion show she is emc’ing is poisoned, Jill is the prime suspect.
The detective in charge is happy to pick the lowest hanging fruit since he is one case from retirement and the two other most likely suspects happen to be the wives of the two most powerful men in town. To say that she and Abby are facing an uphill battle does not begin to cover it. Not stopped by brick walls, the ladies manage to ruffle some serious feathers and things begin to get risky. But Athena finally puts the pieces together. Will she survive the night after she does.
Good mystery, lots of twists and turns and great character with whom the reader can become invested. Five purrs and two paws up.
The detective in charge is happy to pick the lowest hanging fruit since he is one case from retirement and the two other most likely suspects happen to be the wives of the two most powerful men in town. To say that she and Abby are facing an uphill battle does not begin to cover it. Not stopped by brick walls, the ladies manage to ruffle some serious feathers and things begin to get risky. But Athena finally puts the pieces together. Will she survive the night after she does.
Good mystery, lots of twists and turns and great character with whom the reader can become invested. Five purrs and two paws up.
January 24, 2023
Gone But Not For Garden is the latest book in the delightful Goddess of Greene St. cozy mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but it's always much more enjoyable to read them in order. If you're jumping into the series here, you will absolutely get enough background info weaved into the book to help you get to know the characters and setting. If you're a fan of Kate Collins's Flower Shop Mystery series, you'll recognize Athena and Case's newest client, Abby Knight. In Gone But Not For Garden, Abby asks for their help when her cousin is accused of murder.
As with the prior books, Athena is still working in her family's garden center, writing the goddess anon blog (which her family love and have no clue it's Athena), doing mom stuff, and working as a private investigator. Her mom is convinced that Athena will run herself into the ground and begs her to do less. I don't think doing less is in Athena's vocabulary...However, she does agree to take Nico to the fair along with Case, just to convince her family that she knows how to take a break. Let's see how that works out.
I love the eclectic mix of characters in Gone But Not For Garden. Her big Greek family consists of many amusing characters as well. I found myself laughing aloud several times during the book, especially when she's with her sister Delphi. If you like baklava, and who doesn't, you'll be craving some by the end of this book! In fact, you'll just be hungry in general from the fair food talk, breakfasts at her grandparents' restaurant, and dinners at her parents' house!
Gone But Not For Garden will charm you with its wonderful characters, and it will puzzle you with a murder mystery filled with suspects. I give it 5 stars and can't wait for the next!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
As with the prior books, Athena is still working in her family's garden center, writing the goddess anon blog (which her family love and have no clue it's Athena), doing mom stuff, and working as a private investigator. Her mom is convinced that Athena will run herself into the ground and begs her to do less. I don't think doing less is in Athena's vocabulary...However, she does agree to take Nico to the fair along with Case, just to convince her family that she knows how to take a break. Let's see how that works out.
I love the eclectic mix of characters in Gone But Not For Garden. Her big Greek family consists of many amusing characters as well. I found myself laughing aloud several times during the book, especially when she's with her sister Delphi. If you like baklava, and who doesn't, you'll be craving some by the end of this book! In fact, you'll just be hungry in general from the fair food talk, breakfasts at her grandparents' restaurant, and dinners at her parents' house!
Gone But Not For Garden will charm you with its wonderful characters, and it will puzzle you with a murder mystery filled with suspects. I give it 5 stars and can't wait for the next!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 3, 2023
A truly enjoyable cozy mystery.
Athena Spencer and Case Donnelly team with Abby and Marco Salvare (Kate Collin's earlier series; "Flower Shop Mysteries"). *****SPOILER ALERT*****Abby's cousin, Jillian Knight Osborne has been charged with murder! This team young detectives work tirelessly and are exposed to grave danger when trying to clear her name!
The only disappointing aspect of the novel is that the reader isn't exposed to many of Jillian's antics as much as had happened in the "Flower Shop Mysteries." However, that can be easily excused; Jillian had bigger problems than she usually had; she was in jail for a crime!*****END OF SPOILER ALERT*****
Also, a return to Athena's large Greek family is always enjoyable! Her meddling mama, her sensitive and/or secretive sisters, her likeable son with his pet raccoon, her large extended family, and her wise hardworking dad are folks who readers would be glad to meet once more.
In recent years, I've missed Abby, Marco and the rest of the gang from this series. I don't know if the series is out-of-print; hope not. But, if so, I hope they return again to work with Athena and Chase.
Athena Spencer and Case Donnelly team with Abby and Marco Salvare (Kate Collin's earlier series; "Flower Shop Mysteries"). *****SPOILER ALERT*****Abby's cousin, Jillian Knight Osborne has been charged with murder! This team young detectives work tirelessly and are exposed to grave danger when trying to clear her name!
The only disappointing aspect of the novel is that the reader isn't exposed to many of Jillian's antics as much as had happened in the "Flower Shop Mysteries." However, that can be easily excused; Jillian had bigger problems than she usually had; she was in jail for a crime!*****END OF SPOILER ALERT*****
Also, a return to Athena's large Greek family is always enjoyable! Her meddling mama, her sensitive and/or secretive sisters, her likeable son with his pet raccoon, her large extended family, and her wise hardworking dad are folks who readers would be glad to meet once more.
In recent years, I've missed Abby, Marco and the rest of the gang from this series. I don't know if the series is out-of-print; hope not. But, if so, I hope they return again to work with Athena and Chase.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
Athena and Case partner with another PI in this mystery. Abby, the out-of-town PI, is trying to prove that her cousin is innocent of the murder she is accused of committing. Abby needs Athena’s help because she knows all the hometown players. Abby is the more experienced PI, and together, they make a pretty good team. They will need all their skill and a bit of luck to solve this one without getting hurt - or worse - themselves. Set in Michigan, the heart of these stories is Athena’s Greek family with all its love and interference and support that surround and sometimes overwhelms her. The characters are larger than life, the mysteries are intriguing, and the stories are sprinkled with humor with just enough suspense thrown in to make it gripping. This well written series is certainly one that cozy mystery readers will thoroughly enjoy.
November 9, 2022
This is the fourth book in this highly entertaining cozy mystery series. Althena Spencer comes from a big Greek family and works in her parents garden center in Sequoia. Michigan. She also works with her boyfriend Case in their newly opened detective agency. A model is murdered during a fashion show and Jillian, the emcee, is arrested for her murder, Jillian's cousin, Abby Knight Salvare, comes from Indiana to hire Althena and Case to join forces with her to find the real killer. There are plenty of suspects, including the wives of the mayor and police chief. as well as the victims ex-husband. I love the colorful characters in Althena's family. This book had a solid plot and was a fun quick read that kept me guessing until the end.
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