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Christie’s Flower Shoppe #1
Killer Flowers: A Cozy Mystery
Christie O'Mara is thrilled to finally be living her dream of running her own flower shop. With her grandmother's legacy guiding her, she sets out to create beautiful floral arrangements and unique gifts for the small town she calls home. But little does she know that her grand opening will be overshadowed by a decades-old murder mystery.While preparing the shop for its first day of business, Christie stumbles upon a long-lost note hidden within an antique desk. The cryptic message hints at a connection to a murder that took place in the same small town years ago. Intrigued, she begins to dig deeper, hoping to unravel the truth behind the mysterious note while also juggling the demands of her newfound business.Just as she starts to make progress, Christie receives devastating one of her special "flowers with a message" bouquets has been delivered to a customer who is found dead shortly thereafter. Suddenly, her business is under scrutiny, and Christie finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Determined to clear her name and prove the innocence of her Killer Flowers, she embarks on a quest for the truth with the help of her beloved Aunt Doris and shop cat, Stormy.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
124 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Peterson
14 books151 followersPJ Peterson started writing stories and poems in elementary school. She was selected as the class librarian in 5th grade, editor of the school newspaper in 6th grade, and again in 7th grade. She hasn't stopped writing or reading since.
Retired from her first career as an Internal medicine physician, she now enjoys writing stories that combine mystery and travel (until COVID-19 hit, that is). Her original protagonist, Julia Fairchild, MD, is vicariously based on a younger version of herself.
She promised her adult child that she was never
as reckless as Julia sometimes comes across.
She published the first title BLIND FISH DON'T TALK in the Julia Fairchild Mystery series in October 2018. The second mystery, REMBRANDT RIDES A BIKE, was published in January 2021; PICKLED PINK IN PARIS was published in August 2021.
Retired from her first career as an Internal medicine physician, she now enjoys writing stories that combine mystery and travel (until COVID-19 hit, that is). Her original protagonist, Julia Fairchild, MD, is vicariously based on a younger version of herself.
She promised her adult child that she was never
as reckless as Julia sometimes comes across.
She published the first title BLIND FISH DON'T TALK in the Julia Fairchild Mystery series in October 2018. The second mystery, REMBRANDT RIDES A BIKE, was published in January 2021; PICKLED PINK IN PARIS was published in August 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 23, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and P.J. Peterson for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always one who enjoys the ‘cozy mystery’ work of P.J. Peterson, I gladly accepted an ARC of her latest book. In what looks to be the debut of a new series, Peterson creates a great mystery that has all the elements for success. After taking over her grandmother’s flower shop, Christie O’Mara finds herself in the middle of a mystery, a long-ago penned note about murder. Things become more mysterious when a secretive man orders a bouquet of flowers, the recipient of whom soon dies. With some police involvement and a great deal of amateur sleuthing, Christie makes a name for herself, while adding to Peterson’s abilities as a writing. Grab some cocoa and warm cookies for this book, as it is as cozy as they come.
Christie O'Mara has had some life spills before finally realising her dreams of owning the family flower shop. Taking over the reins of her grandmother’s venture, Christie is eager to make a name for herself in the community. While she cannot wait to show off her new ideas, the grand opening is clouded by a murder mystery decades in the making. A note appears in a long-forgotten desk, which is cryptic, but points to something from the past.
The note discusses innocence in a murder that gripped the community, but there is little to trace the sender or recipient. While she is intrigued there is too much to do, so Christie turns her focus to the flowers at hand. Soon, a mysterious male caller places an order for some flowers ‘with a meaning’ which baffles Christie, but she is there to serve.
After the flower delivery leads the police to her shop, Christie is slightly concerned. It appears the receiver of the lovely bouquet was found dead the next day. While no one is pointing the finger at Christie or her flowers, the oddity of the order cannot be ignored. Christie remains on edge when other orders come in the from the same man, collected by a go-between, and delivered before tragedy strikes again. With the police eager to track things, Christie is concerned that her shop is being used as a quasi-front for murder.
All the while, Christie finds herself digging deeper into the note she has and who might be involved. She narrows it down to a murder at a bar and a group of younger men, as well as a woman who captured the attention of one man accused of the crime. The trouble is, said young woman disappeared soon after events involved the police. Could this woman be involved in something nefarious? Christie will have to probe a little deeper, which brings her closer to one of the great legal minds in town, and a spark of something appears to be building.
While Christie finds herself in the middle of two investigations, the one involving the police has her worried, especially when damage occurs late one night. She must find out who the mystery man is and hope the police can apprehend him, if the deaths of the flower recipients are not simply coincidental. All this as the flower shop begins to bloom and Christie’s dreams are finally coming to fruition. Peterson pens a great piece that is as cozy as it is entertaining. I cannot wait to see where things are headed with this series.
I have yet to read a book by P.J. Peterson that I did not enjoy. Her ability to tell a tale and keep things cozy has left me always eager to grab the next book she publishes. With a strong narrative base, Peterson is able to weave a story without all the violence, sex, and bloodshed that seem to be appearing all throughout the genre. Peterson provides a clear pathway to success and leaves the reader with a great deal of satisfaction as they follow along to see if they can also crack the mystery wide open.
A new series means a number of new characters to handle, which Peterson does with ease. Christie O’Mara is central, but there are many who help flavour the piece and offer their perspectives, all building on the larger themes of the story. Peterson is able to do this without getting too gritty or leaving the reader wondering what is to come. I enjoy her character creation and development, though she has surely left a great del for the reader to ponder until the next book in the series emerges,
Plot development is key, when the story is short and wants to make an impact. The ability that P.J. Paterson has to make plot twists and development matter is not lost on the attentive reader. I can only hope that more books in the series will build on the foundation that occur with this debut. Peterson has a stellar career in other professions, but her time as an author is surely deserving of a bouquet, particularly for this piece.
Kudos, Madam Peterson, for another success.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always one who enjoys the ‘cozy mystery’ work of P.J. Peterson, I gladly accepted an ARC of her latest book. In what looks to be the debut of a new series, Peterson creates a great mystery that has all the elements for success. After taking over her grandmother’s flower shop, Christie O’Mara finds herself in the middle of a mystery, a long-ago penned note about murder. Things become more mysterious when a secretive man orders a bouquet of flowers, the recipient of whom soon dies. With some police involvement and a great deal of amateur sleuthing, Christie makes a name for herself, while adding to Peterson’s abilities as a writing. Grab some cocoa and warm cookies for this book, as it is as cozy as they come.
Christie O'Mara has had some life spills before finally realising her dreams of owning the family flower shop. Taking over the reins of her grandmother’s venture, Christie is eager to make a name for herself in the community. While she cannot wait to show off her new ideas, the grand opening is clouded by a murder mystery decades in the making. A note appears in a long-forgotten desk, which is cryptic, but points to something from the past.
The note discusses innocence in a murder that gripped the community, but there is little to trace the sender or recipient. While she is intrigued there is too much to do, so Christie turns her focus to the flowers at hand. Soon, a mysterious male caller places an order for some flowers ‘with a meaning’ which baffles Christie, but she is there to serve.
After the flower delivery leads the police to her shop, Christie is slightly concerned. It appears the receiver of the lovely bouquet was found dead the next day. While no one is pointing the finger at Christie or her flowers, the oddity of the order cannot be ignored. Christie remains on edge when other orders come in the from the same man, collected by a go-between, and delivered before tragedy strikes again. With the police eager to track things, Christie is concerned that her shop is being used as a quasi-front for murder.
All the while, Christie finds herself digging deeper into the note she has and who might be involved. She narrows it down to a murder at a bar and a group of younger men, as well as a woman who captured the attention of one man accused of the crime. The trouble is, said young woman disappeared soon after events involved the police. Could this woman be involved in something nefarious? Christie will have to probe a little deeper, which brings her closer to one of the great legal minds in town, and a spark of something appears to be building.
While Christie finds herself in the middle of two investigations, the one involving the police has her worried, especially when damage occurs late one night. She must find out who the mystery man is and hope the police can apprehend him, if the deaths of the flower recipients are not simply coincidental. All this as the flower shop begins to bloom and Christie’s dreams are finally coming to fruition. Peterson pens a great piece that is as cozy as it is entertaining. I cannot wait to see where things are headed with this series.
I have yet to read a book by P.J. Peterson that I did not enjoy. Her ability to tell a tale and keep things cozy has left me always eager to grab the next book she publishes. With a strong narrative base, Peterson is able to weave a story without all the violence, sex, and bloodshed that seem to be appearing all throughout the genre. Peterson provides a clear pathway to success and leaves the reader with a great deal of satisfaction as they follow along to see if they can also crack the mystery wide open.
A new series means a number of new characters to handle, which Peterson does with ease. Christie O’Mara is central, but there are many who help flavour the piece and offer their perspectives, all building on the larger themes of the story. Peterson is able to do this without getting too gritty or leaving the reader wondering what is to come. I enjoy her character creation and development, though she has surely left a great del for the reader to ponder until the next book in the series emerges,
Plot development is key, when the story is short and wants to make an impact. The ability that P.J. Paterson has to make plot twists and development matter is not lost on the attentive reader. I can only hope that more books in the series will build on the foundation that occur with this debut. Peterson has a stellar career in other professions, but her time as an author is surely deserving of a bouquet, particularly for this piece.
Kudos, Madam Peterson, for another success.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 2, 2024
Loved it
I loved this book and read it in one sitting.
The flower shop sounds wonderful and Christie and her Aunt Doris are great characters.
A vintage desk with a hidden letter leads Christie to investigate the disappearance of a few witnesses involved in a murder case from years ago.
I loved the mystery, and using the flowers as a way to kill was well done.
I loved this book and read it in one sitting.
The flower shop sounds wonderful and Christie and her Aunt Doris are great characters.
A vintage desk with a hidden letter leads Christie to investigate the disappearance of a few witnesses involved in a murder case from years ago.
I loved the mystery, and using the flowers as a way to kill was well done.
Read
October 16, 2024DNF @ 10%
March 27, 2024
Killer Flowers: A Christie's Flower Shoppe Mystery by PJ Peterson
The story moves at a steady pace with likable characters an interesting plot (that) had me guessing until the end. The perfect mix of family, friends, mystery, secrets revealed and a few plot twists.
Overall I enjoyed Killer Flowers: A Christie's Flower Shoppe Mystery I look forward to more by PJ Petersen. I highly recommend to those who enjoy (cozy) murder mysteries.
The story moves at a steady pace with likable characters an interesting plot (that) had me guessing until the end. The perfect mix of family, friends, mystery, secrets revealed and a few plot twists.
Overall I enjoyed Killer Flowers: A Christie's Flower Shoppe Mystery I look forward to more by PJ Petersen. I highly recommend to those who enjoy (cozy) murder mysteries.
October 3, 2024
It was a cute, cozy little Hallmark-esc fall read.
Incredibly repetitive. I had to check a few times to make sure I didn’t accidentally go back 3 chapters because I was literally reading the same sentence for the 5th time. The dialogue was written poorly and seemed very rushed.
I had to re-read the police chief explaining who was involved in the murders at minimum 10 times before giving up and accepting I’m just going to be confused.
Incredibly repetitive. I had to check a few times to make sure I didn’t accidentally go back 3 chapters because I was literally reading the same sentence for the 5th time. The dialogue was written poorly and seemed very rushed.
I had to re-read the police chief explaining who was involved in the murders at minimum 10 times before giving up and accepting I’m just going to be confused.
Read
November 24, 2024I started reading this a few months ago and stopped at about 35%. Picked it up a few days ago and continued reading to 60% and quit. It has the plot device that I hate where the female lead character tries to solve a murder mystery (even an old cold case) and gets in the way of everybody and everything. She's stirring up a lot of trouble and I didn't want to read any more!
Amazon synopsis:
After ten years in the big city, accountant Christie O'Mara is back in her hometown — and thrilled to take over her deceased grandmother's Flower Shoppe, known for its hidden floral “messages”.
But while preparing for opening day, Christie finds a note that hints at a decades-old murder, taped to the underside of an antique desk drawer. Even ditzy Aunt Doris has no idea what it could mean — and she knows everyone and everythingin town.
When a man is poisoned by a Flower Shoppe bouquet with a “be careful” message, the police chief turns up on Christie’s doorstep with tricky questions. But he may be the least of her worries.
Someone knows what happened forty years ago. And they’re laying the past to rest — one victim at a time.
Amazon synopsis:
After ten years in the big city, accountant Christie O'Mara is back in her hometown — and thrilled to take over her deceased grandmother's Flower Shoppe, known for its hidden floral “messages”.
But while preparing for opening day, Christie finds a note that hints at a decades-old murder, taped to the underside of an antique desk drawer. Even ditzy Aunt Doris has no idea what it could mean — and she knows everyone and everythingin town.
When a man is poisoned by a Flower Shoppe bouquet with a “be careful” message, the police chief turns up on Christie’s doorstep with tricky questions. But he may be the least of her worries.
Someone knows what happened forty years ago. And they’re laying the past to rest — one victim at a time.
February 15, 2024
I couldn’t stop reading this once I started it and finished it in basically one sitting if moving around the house counts, lol. I really liked Christie, Anita and Aunt Doris’s characters a lot, and who wouldn’t love that Jason! It got to a point at the end where my Kindle went to low power white on black screen (I’d usually charge it and read on the app on my phone), but I had to keep reading with no interruptions!
The end was so exciting and I was like Christie and dying to know who the heck was really guilty! (And if I was right). I did have a feeling about whodunit after what seemed like a well-placed clue came, but I was still open to the rabbit holes and exploring other suspects. I can’t wait for the next book and hope it’ll be in KU to borrow!
The end was so exciting and I was like Christie and dying to know who the heck was really guilty! (And if I was right). I did have a feeling about whodunit after what seemed like a well-placed clue came, but I was still open to the rabbit holes and exploring other suspects. I can’t wait for the next book and hope it’ll be in KU to borrow!
December 17, 2023
Killer On The Loose
Christie O'Mara is thrilled to finally be living her dream of running her own flower shop. With her grandmother's legacy guiding her, she sets out to create beautiful floral arrangements and unique gifts for the small town she calls home. But little does she know that her grand opening will be overshadowed.
There is a killer on the loose. It all started with a forty year old case. The culprit is a well known kid who was the son of the deputy sheriff. He was never charged.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Christie O'Mara is thrilled to finally be living her dream of running her own flower shop. With her grandmother's legacy guiding her, she sets out to create beautiful floral arrangements and unique gifts for the small town she calls home. But little does she know that her grand opening will be overshadowed.
There is a killer on the loose. It all started with a forty year old case. The culprit is a well known kid who was the son of the deputy sheriff. He was never charged.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
December 21, 2023
Killer Flowers is book #1 in the Christie's Flower Shoppe Cozy Mystery series by PJ Peterson.
Christie O'Mara has taken over her grandmother’s flower shop and is working with her Aunt Doris. She finds an old note and begins investigating to find who wrote it which opens up an old murder and someone wants it to remain in the past.
I like Christie, her friends, and family. Christie, Anita, and Jason make a good investigative team. I also like that Christie was letting the police know what was going on. I like how the mystery wrapped up and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Christie O'Mara has taken over her grandmother’s flower shop and is working with her Aunt Doris. She finds an old note and begins investigating to find who wrote it which opens up an old murder and someone wants it to remain in the past.
I like Christie, her friends, and family. Christie, Anita, and Jason make a good investigative team. I also like that Christie was letting the police know what was going on. I like how the mystery wrapped up and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2025
All I ask in a story is a beginning, an end, and explanations of what is going on throughout the tale. I can see why so many "authors" are going the Indie route, because main line publishers would never touch their stories. Now, I am NOT saying all indie authors are the same, not at all! I just have had the misfortune to try reading a few stories only to be disappointed. Anyway, this was a fun tale, a puzzling mystery, a killer who got away with murder half a lifetime ago, and a sleuth who avoided danger, mostly, and a wise Sheriff who listened to her and caught the killers, yep, more than one. I definitely recommend this book.
October 20, 2024
DNF. I really tried to finish this book, I really did. The characters were shallow, the plot was shallow, and so many things were unrealistic. Like I’m sorry, you cant just get your mom who volunteers at a hospital to get information on the cause of death of someone. Volunteers wouldn’t have access to that information and disclosing it would be illegal.
Anyways, this book put me back into a reading slump again. Time to pull myself out.
Anyways, this book put me back into a reading slump again. Time to pull myself out.
January 5, 2024
While cleaning an old writing desk Cassie finds an envelope taped to the bottom of a drawer. Then all kind of things are happening. I enjoyed reading this book. A good story, well written, nice characters. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
April 11, 2024
This book is so fun. It's my idea of a perfect cozy mystery. The characters are just right - interesting and fun to get to know. The story is very good, and the writing is great. I felt like I was right there living the adventure with the main characters. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
April 14, 2024
Killer Flowers
What a great story - Killer Flowers twists and turns while trying to solve the mystery of
how and why people are dying after receiving floral arrangements ordered
by a mystery man but has an HEA ending - recommend this book and Author
What a great story - Killer Flowers twists and turns while trying to solve the mystery of
how and why people are dying after receiving floral arrangements ordered
by a mystery man but has an HEA ending - recommend this book and Author
June 2, 2024
flowers and murder
Who would have known opening a flower shop and finding an old desk would cause so many problems. A fun filled mystery filled with mysteries. Looking forward to the next one. Keep reading.
Who would have known opening a flower shop and finding an old desk would cause so many problems. A fun filled mystery filled with mysteries. Looking forward to the next one. Keep reading.
December 3, 2024
A nice surprise
This book came to me by way of Kindle Unlimited and I really enjoyed it. The characters were original and believable, the plot was original and the ending surprising. I would gladly read another in this series.
This book came to me by way of Kindle Unlimited and I really enjoyed it. The characters were original and believable, the plot was original and the ending surprising. I would gladly read another in this series.
January 6, 2025
Easy read
I enjoyed the character of Christie . She's logical and a bit of a bull dog. That is to say when she gets her teeth into something she doesn't let go. Its nice she's reconnected with a couple of old friends. I look forward to more adventures with her.
I enjoyed the character of Christie . She's logical and a bit of a bull dog. That is to say when she gets her teeth into something she doesn't let go. Its nice she's reconnected with a couple of old friends. I look forward to more adventures with her.
March 12, 2025
More than a little hokey, but still quite a pleasant read. There were unlikely coincidences and the author does not seem to be up on technology. She had to turn on the security cameras every time she wanted to take a picture of "Mr Jones".
November 2, 2023
It's not the flowers that kills but what is in the envelopes!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
February 3, 2024
Who killed them using the flowers and why??? Forty years ago, pregnancy and being gay were killing offences, weren't they??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
March 17, 2024
Curious
This was a very enjoyable book. The characters were interesting and the plot kept twisting around. The romance was low key and might even cause a renewal love story.
This was a very enjoyable book. The characters were interesting and the plot kept twisting around. The romance was low key and might even cause a renewal love story.
May 9, 2024
Great little cozy.
Good bedtime reading.
Good bedtime reading.
November 11, 2024
3.25/5 ⭐️
January 20, 2025
It was a decent book but I felt like it was lacking in action. The end felt like it was intentionally dragged out and the love interest never fully develops
May 6, 2025
Fun read
Cute story about a young woman who inherits her grandmother' s flower shop and turns up a mystery opening day.
Cute story about a young woman who inherits her grandmother' s flower shop and turns up a mystery opening day.
September 27, 2025
A mystery from the past
After moving back to her hometown, surprises keep popping up. A murder took place many years ago. A man was murdered and the cause was flowers. Someone tries to cover up this dark secret at the same time.
After moving back to her hometown, surprises keep popping up. A murder took place many years ago. A man was murdered and the cause was flowers. Someone tries to cover up this dark secret at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews