Murder in Bloom

The Gardener Mysteries #3

by Rosie Sandler

Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?

It's an invitation Steph can't refuse when she's handpicked to compete at the prestigious National Trust property Coleton Fishacre. With the country's top garden designers as rivals and a stunning historic estate for inspiration, it feels like a dream come true.

But things quickly turn thorny when the youngest competitor falls mysteriously ill and Steph suspects foul play. Her fears are confirmed when a scream echoes through the gardens, leading her to the horrific sight of a dead body at the foot of the cliff.

With her trusty dog Mouse by her side, Steph's determined not to let the culprit slip through the cracks. Uncovering the truth in a garden full of suspects is no easy task, but Steph must trim away the lies before the murderer prunes the competition - for good!

For fans of Richard Coles, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, and Fiona Leitch, a delightfully witty and gripping cosy crime novel where the stakes are high, the gardens are lush, and murder is always in season.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Gardening

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read and enjoyed book two in the series so I was already familiar with the main characters.

Steph Williams is a gardening consultant. She is very excited to be invited to compete in a garden design competition at a National Trust property named Compton Fishacre. While the competitors are working on their planned displays one gardener is poisoned, one is murdered and another has their work trashed. Not a happy place to be and Steph sets herself to discover who is responsible.

This was a light, easy and enjoyable book to read. There were many good characters but the best has to be Mouse, Steph's big, beautiful dog. He plays a major role and is a real star. I will happily read any more books which may come along in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[SnarkyMoggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily reviewing this book. The thoughts in the review are my own, and have not been influenced by the author, the publisher or by Net Galley.

This is a warm hug. The book version of 'Rosemary & Thyme' and I love that TV Series. So, when I saw this an ARC copy I knew I had to grab it. This may only have one Main Character, instead of two, but Steph and her dog Mouse is more than enough to carry this book. When I picked it up, I didn't realise that reading the previous two books would give me more content, but I didn't feel completely out out of the loop. And reading this has convinced me that I will be buying the previous two books because I love this book so much.

This is a murder mystery within the Gardening World. It revolves around a competition Steph is involved in and the complex lives of not only the other gardeners but also the judges. Steph is extremely good about finding out more about everyone, and all of these little titbits either prove extremely important, or, else a very effective red-hearing. I love how I kept guessing, though I was leaning towards who was the 'baddie' in this book early on. I won't say exactly what they were guilty of though, or, if I was right,, because I think that it will spoil part of the book.

This is a great book to read. I finished it within two days (damn work for getting in the way) and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I loved the world created by the author, I loved Steph, and all of the characters. They may not be thoroughly fleshed out, but there was enough to understand why they did what they did and who turned out to be the 'baddie'. I wouldn't take away any Stars away for that, because it's the same with 'Rosemary & Thyme'. And I didn't feel as though it detracted it in any way.

4 Stars!

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series and I am glad to say that I enjoyed this one very much as well [hallelujah; I needed a good mystery], and I seriously hope that the author continues with them for a long time. ;-)

Steph [and of course, the beloved Mouse] has been invited to compete in a prestigious garden show at a gorgeous National Trust property [it was fun to learn that this is an actual place in England and boy I wish I could visit there] and she is so excited as winning would bring her some much needed positive attention [because apparently finding dead bodies/solving murders isn't the flex people think it is LOL].
Steph dives in th her usual high-energy and is striving to ignore the increasing drama [WHO knew that gardening could be so fraught with...DRAMA!! ]that is erupting around her [including a serious poisoning], but when she is she is thrust in the middle of a search that ends in murder, she knows she has to pull out all the stops to help find the killer before they all are...pushing daisies [BWHAHAHAHAHAH!!! So so so sorry, I just couldn't help it!!].

Such a great read in a great series and if you love gardening and really good British mysteries [and an absolutely fantastic doggo], then this book/series is 100% for you!

I was invited to read/review this by the publisher, Embla Books, and I thank them, Rosie Sandler, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kushnuma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, Rosie Sandler and Embla Books for this ARC.

Murder in Bloom is book 3 in The Gardener Series.

Steph has been invited to participate in a National Trust garden design competition with five other prestigious people. But when there's a poisoning and a murder, it's upto Steph and her sidekick Mouse to solve it.

I enjoyed this mystery very much as there was a lot going on. There were loads of new characters but it was easy to remember them all and some of them were quite likeable too. We also learn more about Steph's birth mother.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder In Bloom is the third in the Gardeners Mysteries with Steph and Mouse, and is another enjoyable mystery from Rosie Sandler.
A quick and easy read, I finished this in one sitting and really liked the style of writing again from Rosie.
The designing of the gardens and the passion from Steph and Gertrude for the plants and gardens really came through the storyline as the mystery developed.
The intrigue cleverly plotted with secrets between the characters, their histories intricately woven as we learnt more as the competition heated up.
As in the first two books in the series, the thread of Steph’s missing ex is continued in Murder In Bloom and provides another mystery for Steph to ponder as she continues to rebuild her life.

[Julinda Hopkins]

Did not finish

[Shay Redwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, cozy way to start my spring break! Cute little series so far.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

the set up had a lot of potential but the whole reveal came about way too quickly

[Cat Lehning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much gardening not enough murder

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every book I read I'm this series goes down by one star, even though they're engaging with fantastic characters. But overall I'm enjoying them less because some of the issues I overlooked in the first one haven't changed.

Each book has so many characters that too many things get wrapped up in the epilogue. I also feel a disjointedness between the mystery and the main character's personal life - her parents and brother are usually removed from the mystery both by being far away and also having no involvement, and the vague love interest she had in the first two books was casually dropped in favor of a new character who is indistinguishable from the other.

I honestly think this series would work better for me if it had a stationary main character with a recurring cast other than her family. That way the family could be more present and involved, and the author could better use her skill at making well rounded and engaging characters. I'd be delighted to see more of any of these people, but three books in and the only recurring ones are her family, who I like but don't care much about. Mostly because they're so uninvolved in the mystery that they don't get a chance to grow.

I'll probably be back for the next book, but I foresee the same problems.

[Chenyu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2/5

I liked the previous books in the series, but this one was pretty disappointing. The mystery felt weak, and the final showdown with the culprit seemed thrown together at the last minute. There wasn’t much action in their interaction, which made it feel underwhelming. I wish the culprit had been someone less obvious with a stronger motive. The victim didn’t even die until near the end, so the reveal felt rushed with barely any buildup or connection. The final plot twist fell flat, and there was no continuation of the leads about her husband’s mysterious disappearance. Overall, kinda felt like a filler book in the series.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steph Williams and Mouse (with Mr. Rabbit, of course!) are on their way to the National Trust property Colton Fishacre. Steph's been invited to participate in a competition there, along with the country's other top garden designers.

Steph also has received a communication from her birth mother, and is both eager and nervous, as she'll be meeting the woman in London after the weeklong competition concludes.

The night before the competition, Steph meets the other gardeners, and notices jealousies and tensions amongst them. Steph also begins to realize that though most are well known and successful, winning this small and seemingly insignificant competition is crucial for each person's professional progress, including Steph, who would like to expand her client base.

Once the competition starts, things begin going off the rails, with one gardener blowing his top at Steph, another succumbing to a stomach complaint that Steph is suspicious about. The sniping amongst the competitors escalates, even while each gardener's design for their plot is taking shape, and one of the judges, an icon in the British gardening world, provides constructive feedback in her plainspoken way.

When a murder occurs, Steph and the others are devastated, while the detective in charge solicits Steph's insight, based on her help with other cases. This was a refreshing change, as in previous entries Steph felt like the lone person seeing nefarious actions around her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment, and once started, could not put it down. Steph felt more confident, and open to moving forward with her life. This was exemplified by her deciding to meet with her birth mother, which was a nice development in this series. As well, Steph's few, meaningful conversations with her adoptive mother, reassuring her of her intentions and feelings about her adoptive parents and family.

Mouse again proves himself to be adorable, and the best dog ever! I love how he loves to watch shark videos, carries Mr. Rabbit around, and defends Steph.

On a more ominous note, the ending left me worried for where Steph ends up next, and what she finds out, or might find out, about her missing ex. Looking forward to that!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murder in Bloom is the third gardener cozy mystery featuring Steph Williams by Rosie Sandler. Due out 21st Jan 2025 from Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 300 pages and will be available in audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, whilst this book is not currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, the other books in the series are available on KU.

This is a well written, eminently readable, action driven cozy murder mystery. It's got a sympathetic amateur sleuth who's a gardener to the rich and privileged in the main role, a varied selection of quirky-to-downright-dislikable suspects, murder, and lots of fun facts about gardening and plants. It's abundantly clear that the author is a keen horticulturalist or employs a stable of fact checkers/researchers.

The setup mechanic of the series is appealing and fresh; each new book will be set in a new place with the same main character in new gardening situations and with new mysteries to figure out.

Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or a nice weekend binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Bloom by Rosie Sandler is the fourth in her Garden Mystery series. Featuring Steph Williams. This time she is in a competition sponsored by the National Trust. There is prize money as well as plenty of publicity, both of which she could use. She is one of six, the others being better known than she, but not necessarily better gardeners. On the first morning she is introduced to her volunteer, Gertrude, who seems to be as invested as she is. They begin laying out the garden and a get much further than Steph had hoped. The next day she had a small digger being delivered so she could dig out her pond, and at Sonny’s one of the judges, her spiral pathway, so that the chips wouldn’t make a mess everywhere. There were ups and downs. The nursery delivered an extra tree which she planted, not realizing it was meant for another gardener. But, that got solved, not without some accusations, but quickly.

Of course, there is a murder. Of course, Steph and her dog, Mouse, found the body. The frightening thing was that the murderer was probably one of them. Another of the gardeners had already been poisoned, but was recovering. Steph is a good character: a daughter, a sister, a wife to a man who had been missing for a while. She got along well with the other gardeners, mostly, and the staff, and she was having the time of her life. The mystery was a good one, only one solid clue, which again, Mouse came up with. The other characters, although temporary, had rounded out personalities and featured in the story prominently. It was an all-around good read.

I was invited to read Murder in Bloom by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #RosieSandler #MurderInBloom

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Bloom the 3rd book in The Gardener Mystery series by Rosie Sandler. It follows Steph, a gardener for hire as she travels from project tot project across England with her trusty dog, This book is set around a garden design competition. Putting Steph up against a few other top gardeners from the UK. There's a lot at stake for these gardeners, with the exposure and financial gains, so when competitors are sabotaged and a controversial judge is killed there is suspicion all around. Lots of motive and opportunity to keep the reader guessing.
The author spends a lot of time setting the scene, building the characters and describing the setting. There is also a lot of focus on the garden design, maybe more background than a typical cozy mystery, but I still found it interesting. It does allow you to really immerse yourself in the story. There is also more background about Steph, her past and her heritage that continues to build her character and connects the reader to her. The murder itself does not happen for quite a few chapters, so some of the reveal or "wrap up" does seem abrupt. I was kept guessing and there were enough red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I really enjoy this series, it's something a bit different for the cozy genre and I can't wait for the next one.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Bloom is the third book in The Gardener Mysteries series; Steph is heading for Devon from her previous job in Derbyshire (Book 2). She will participate in a show garden competition at a National Trust property. It is a prestigious event, and Steph hopes to gain new customers through media exposure. There is a cast of characters to get to know., These are introduced in the audiobook version I listened to. The strained relationships and the other competitors' need to win the competition soon become apparent to Steph, and then the suspicious events start. I like the main character; she is compassionate, intelligent and has keen observation skills. I like the complex and diverse cast, some of which are suspects, and the many possible motives for crime that they share. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook; the narration is excellent and brings the story to life. I also like the snippets of Steph's family life that are integrated into the story. I have listened to the previous books, but the story is complete and can be read or listened to as a standalone. The unease deepens with each incident, and a lack of trust prevails. I like the garden-orientated setting that makes it a distinctive, cosy mystery. I like the complex relationships between the characters and the likeable amateur sleuth and her lovely dog.
I purchased a copy of this audiobook.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third book in Sandler’s Gardener Mysteries series, readers reunite with Steph and Mouse at the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre where the top gardeners meet to compete for prestigious prizes and be inspired by the historic estate. But when the youngest competitor becomes sick and a dead body appears on the property, Steph must set her gardening tools aside and use her detective skills to discover if foul play was in the mix before the culprit gets away with murder at the garden competition. With a wide variety of suspects and a room of competitive gardeners looking to take home the award, Steph has a lot of work ahead of her and very little time. The characters, particularly Steph and the charming dog sidekick Mouse, are complex and well-developed, and the mystery is also unique and high stakes for this charming and competitive gardening community. The location and competition backdrop is also particularly well done in framing the story and ensuring that everything works together to create intrigue and drama. With its increasing stakes and developing mystery, readers will love the latest book in this excellent cozy mystery series and the new adventures and dangers ahead of Steph and Mouse.

Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the advance copy.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Sandler (2024) MURDER IN BLOOM (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Bonnier Books UK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "MURDER IS IN FULL BLOOM, BUT CAN STEPH AND HER SIDEKICK MOUSE WEED OUT THE KILLER? It's an invitation Steph can't refuse when she's handpicked to compete at the prestigious National Trust property Coleton Fishacre. With the country's top garden designers as rivals and a stunning historic estate for inspiration, it feels like a dream come true. But things quickly turn thorny when the youngest competitor falls mysteriously ill and Steph suspects foul play. Her fears are confirmed when a scream echoes through the gardens, leading her to the horrific sight of a dead body at the foot of the cliff. With her trusty dog Mouse by her side, Steph's determined not to let the culprit slip through the cracks. Uncovering the truth in a garden full of suspects is no easy task, but Steph must trim away the lies before the murderer prunes the competition - for good!
=====
This is a thoroughly enjoyable series to read or to listen to. Sort of horticultural cosy crime.
=====
#RosieSandler #MurderInBloom #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox

[S Mille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, landscaping cozy – perfect for reading on a cold day with a hot cup of tea

Landscaper Steph has been picked to be in the finals of a prestigious competition being held at a National Trust property. She’s honored to be in such distinguished company; doing well will help her growing business. Things quickly go south, however, when one plot is sabotaged and one of her fellow gardeners appears to be poisoned. Soon after, Steph hears a scream late at night, and Mouse leads her to the body of one of the judges at the bottom of a cliff. The judge knew her way around Coleton Fishacre, leading Steph to suspect she was killed. She’s eager to help the police in between working on her landscape plot and dealing with meeting her birth mother.

Some books take a bit for me to warm up to; I was hooked on Murder in Bloom (and Mouse!) by the second page. Steph and Mouse are a good team, and I enjoyed reading about all the plants. This wasn’t the first book in the series, but I didn’t have too much trouble catching up. I look forward to reading future books in the series!

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGallley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Bloom is the 3rd cozy mystery in The Gardener Mysteries by Rosie Sandler about a gardening competition in Great Britain. Steph Williams has entered a prestigious garden design competition at a National Trust Property. Outside of London. She brings her lovable dog Mouse. Things start to get complicated when one of the other competitors gets seriously sick and then another person in the group is found dead. Steph is determined to catch the killer. The characters are likable and I suspected the culprit but wasn’t sure. Steph meets Mike and there is chemistry but the relationship is left up in the air. The story got off to a slow start because each book is in a different location and therefore all new characters. It is written in first person which can be an adjustment for some. The ending wasn’t too suspenseful and it was a pleasant cozy mystery. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Embla Books and I voluntarily leave this review.
.#MirderInBloom
#TheGardenerMysteries. #EmblaBooks #RosieSandler

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder in Bloom” the third instalment in The Gardener Mystery series by Rosie Sandler set across England. This time we are in picturesque Devon. Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?

I enjoyed this story. I really like the bond between Steph and Mouse it just felt real, we all want to think our four legged friends understand us and would protect us from harm. There is a LOT of plant speak in the stories but it won’t distract from the story.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book four!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steph and Mouse, what a team. Steph is participating in a gardening contest at Coleton Fishacre. She has wonderful plans but whether she will be able to finish her vision depends on who killed one of the judges. The deceased is a well loved and respected gardener, which is a pleasant change from the reprehensible cads who often are offed. Mouse and Steph find the body and the local detectives realize that Steph is a good resource.

I was glad that she has Mouse. He is her hero and her best friend. There is also another cute dog, a schnauzer named Chaplin. Put a schnauzer in a book and I am delighted. He finds the clues and he makes sure no harm comes to his human. Good thing too because Steph manages to stumble into some serious trouble before she twigs to the villain. There was lots of gardening information, which sadly went right over my head. It did not take away from the basic plot.

I did enjoy it and give it four purrs and two paws up.

[Jan Fore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder In Bloom
Rosie Sandler
January 21, 2025

Steph Williams is a master gardener. She resides in Derbyshire, England. Beyond her wildest dreams she has been chosen to be a contestant to develop a garden site at the Scout Point in the Coleton Fishacre site in Devon. She and her dog, Mouse pull up to the old estate in her old van filled with provisions for herself and her puppy as well as garden tools and her master plan that she has drawn.
After she arrives, she meets the other contestants and acclimatizes herself to her new home for a couple of weeks.
Murder in Bloom will be published by Embla of Bonnier Books on January 21, 2025. I was able to read Rosie Sandlerś's latest novel via NetGalley. I enjoyed it. It's an interesting English story with a heavy basis on gardening and time spent with her K-9, Mouse. This is a good weekend novel, do enjoy!

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Steph is picked to compete in the Coleton Fishacre Flower Show, a National Trust Property, she is very excited to take part. Not only for the prestige, but hopefully the extra work generated by the publicity.
However, things don't run smoothly and to plan. firstly a competitor's garden is vandalised in the early stages, one competitor is poisoned and ends up in hospital, thankfully making a full recovery due to Steph identifying that she was poisoned and by what.
Then sadly someone is murdered putting everyone on edge as they could be working shoulder to shoulder with a murderer. Steph's observational skills and Mouse's dogged (excuse the pun) determination come to the fore in the search for the murderer, putting them in the murderer's sights.
A nice breezy read.

[Rachel Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook.
I was a bit worried at first as the book started with a cast list - never going to remember listening to that!
But my worries were unfounded, the characters build week and were well written so I know who was who very quickly.
Stef and Mouse are undertaking a garden design and build competition at a Nation Trust property in Devon. She’s up against some known and unknown gardeners - there are seven of them in all. Some are very open about what they’re doing, others hiding their plans - they only have a week. NT provides some volunteers to help.
Things are going well until one person ends up in hospital…. And another ends up at the bottom of a cliff.
Judges and contestants alike are concerned, as are the NT staff…..
Thank goodness for Mouse, I love him ❤️

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steph is invited to take part in a prestigious garden design competition and she can’t believe her luck .
Steph and her trusty sidekick Mouse the dog attend the competition at Coleton Fishacre and of course where Steph is mystery and murder follow .
One competitor falls ill and ends up in hospital and a body is found at the bottom of a cliff.
Steph immediately begins to look for the culprit and her sleuthing puts in her in danger .
This book is an easy and enjoyable read.
The characters are amiable and I like the horticultural narrative.
A different and unique mystery series .
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you frequent Britbox, and find yourself watching cozy murder mysteries or gardening shows, then think of this book as a true combo of them both. Reading Murder in Bloom felt like watching a Christmas special of my favorite British shows, despite it taking place in the summer. I've always loved the gardening aspect of this series, and this book in particular took the plant knowledge and gardening lessons to the next level. I thought all of the characters were really distinct and enjoyable. And as always, Mouse (the best dog), adds the coziest of vibes. I will continue to follow Steph all over England; I hope this series never ends.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rosie Sandler and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Steph and Mouse return in the third book of the gardener mysteries. Steph is invited to compete in a prestigious gardening competition, designing for a national trust property. She finds herself competing alongside some famous names in gardening, and some tough competition, as well as some eager and innovative new designers. As the competition gets underway, the youngest competitor falls ill and Steph suspects foul play. It seems someone has deadly designs on winning. Steph dons her detective hat to discover who is sacrificing others in order to win. #murderinbloom #rosiesandler #thegardenermysteries #netgalley

[Bee Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I suppose this would be a nice cosy mystery if you like that sort of thing, but this wasn’t for me. Probably most likely my own fault for not having any remote interest in gardening, but the writing and the characters are pretty bland and banal, whilst somehow also being weirdly stereotypical and factually incorrect.

I was mildly interested in the dog but found myself g annoyed two chapters in that there was no mention of what kind of dog Mouse is (apart from that he has large jaws- how descriptive). Read on if you like plain writing, overly described characters and gardening!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series. Something about the writing style and the main character is so loveable and familiar. Steph really feels like a friend. This structure is different from the first two books, and the murder happens towards the middle of the book as opposed to closer to the start. The plot is more centred around Steph's life rather than the murder, which I quote enjoyed. Can't wait to read the next- I'm hoping Embler books will publish another as I know it was originally supposed to be a trilogy of books!