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Myrtle Clover Mysteries #23
Doom and Bloom
There's some shady business at the garden club event.
Spring has sprung in Bradley, North Carolina, and the town is buzzing as the local garden club prepares for their annual Festival of Flowers. Octogenarian Myrtle Clover is eager to showcase her exhibit and even convinced her friends Wanda and Miles to enter the competition.
But the festival takes a dark turn when Myrtle stumbles on the body of one of the judges while sneaking a peek at the competition. With the police struggling to solve the crime, Myrtle takes matters into her own hands. Can she and her trusty sidekick solve the murder? Or will more victims get their lives uprooted?
Spring has sprung in Bradley, North Carolina, and the town is buzzing as the local garden club prepares for their annual Festival of Flowers. Octogenarian Myrtle Clover is eager to showcase her exhibit and even convinced her friends Wanda and Miles to enter the competition.
But the festival takes a dark turn when Myrtle stumbles on the body of one of the judges while sneaking a peek at the competition. With the police struggling to solve the crime, Myrtle takes matters into her own hands. Can she and her trusty sidekick solve the murder? Or will more victims get their lives uprooted?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2023
28 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
89 books471 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 24, 2024
Elizabeth Spann Craig’s Doom and Bloom is another entertaining and quick read starring everyone’s favourite octogenarian sleuth. I enjoyed the well-crafted and funny characters. However, I wish the writing was stronger and that the mystery was more interesting and less predictable. This is the twenty-third book in the series and it doesn’t really work well as a standalone.
It is spring in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. The local Garden Club is hosting a flower show. Of course, retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle Clover is attending with her psychic friend Wanda. However, things quickly go rotten when the friends discover the murdered body of the flower show judge Hortense Winston. With several viable suspects including the victim’s ex-husband and a fired landscaper, Myrtle must weed out the murderer before the bodies pile up!
I am a longtime fan of the Myrtle Clover mystery series and I did like this witty and entertaining book. However, the mystery plot is too predictable and choppy to be truly enjoyable. I did like that the mystery started quickly and had some good red herrings and great action. Hortense is a perfectly nasty victim with interesting skeletons in her closet. There are some memorable and viable suspects like Hortense’s recently dumped ex-boyfriend botanist Arthur, her garden club rival Martha, as well as ditzy Emily who supposedly stole Hortense’s beloved flowers.
The big reveal is also pretty exciting. However, the culprit’s motives are not very plausible nor interesting. I also would have liked to see more done with the suspects. Furthermore, while I always love Myrtle’s blatant sleuthing, I want to see new ways for her to snoop and worm her way into the investigation. I also love how poor germaphobic Miles gets roped into helping her. However, this small town is filled with a cast of hilarious and memorable characters and I definitely think it would be interesting to see some of them help more during investigations.
I always enjoy Craig’s mature, easy-to-follow, and deftly humorous writing. The characters are consistently excellently written. However, the book needs a very thorough round of editing because there are some glaring inconsistencies and distractingly choppy transitions. I also find the writing and conversations are a little repetitive.
This is a solid book and I love clever and hilarious Myrtle. However, I really would have liked to see much more effort in this entry.
💐💐💐 out of 5 flower arrangements!
It is spring in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. The local Garden Club is hosting a flower show. Of course, retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle Clover is attending with her psychic friend Wanda. However, things quickly go rotten when the friends discover the murdered body of the flower show judge Hortense Winston. With several viable suspects including the victim’s ex-husband and a fired landscaper, Myrtle must weed out the murderer before the bodies pile up!
I am a longtime fan of the Myrtle Clover mystery series and I did like this witty and entertaining book. However, the mystery plot is too predictable and choppy to be truly enjoyable. I did like that the mystery started quickly and had some good red herrings and great action. Hortense is a perfectly nasty victim with interesting skeletons in her closet. There are some memorable and viable suspects like Hortense’s recently dumped ex-boyfriend botanist Arthur, her garden club rival Martha, as well as ditzy Emily who supposedly stole Hortense’s beloved flowers.
The big reveal is also pretty exciting. However, the culprit’s motives are not very plausible nor interesting. I also would have liked to see more done with the suspects. Furthermore, while I always love Myrtle’s blatant sleuthing, I want to see new ways for her to snoop and worm her way into the investigation. I also love how poor germaphobic Miles gets roped into helping her. However, this small town is filled with a cast of hilarious and memorable characters and I definitely think it would be interesting to see some of them help more during investigations.
I always enjoy Craig’s mature, easy-to-follow, and deftly humorous writing. The characters are consistently excellently written. However, the book needs a very thorough round of editing because there are some glaring inconsistencies and distractingly choppy transitions. I also find the writing and conversations are a little repetitive.
This is a solid book and I love clever and hilarious Myrtle. However, I really would have liked to see much more effort in this entry.
💐💐💐 out of 5 flower arrangements!
December 17, 2023
I have loved this series and its characters in the past, but it has become the same book over and over again, and minimalistic as well. Either something substantial needs to happen, or the series needs to end. Very disappointed in this one.
December 31, 2024
Spring has sprung in Bradley, North Carolina, and the town is buzzing as the local garden club prepares for their annual Festival of Flowers. Octogenarian Myrtle Clover is eager to showcase her exhibit and even convinced her friends Wanda and Miles to enter the competition. But the festival takes a dark turn when Myrtle stumbles on the body of one of the judges while sneaking a peek at the competition. With the police struggling to solve the crime, Myrtle takes matters into her own hands. Can she and her trusty sidekick solve the murder? Or will more victims get their lives uprooted?
[amazon synopsis]
As usual, Myrtle gets Miles involved. Lots of "I know the killer" moments only to be wrong. Very predictable tho.
[amazon synopsis]
As usual, Myrtle gets Miles involved. Lots of "I know the killer" moments only to be wrong. Very predictable tho.
December 25, 2023
Doom and Bloom by Elizabeth Spann Craig is the twenty third installment in this series.
This is one of my favourite series, and I love everything about it.
Main characters, side characters, setting, the mysteries, the humor, it has it all.
This was another interesting mystery, swiftly and well solved by Myrtle.
However, I have to say that I would like to see some changes just to shake things up. It it slightly stuck in a rut and it is become much of the same.
It is a good formula and it gets results but as I said I would like to see something different.
Highly recommended for all cozy lovers, especially those who like somewhat older sleuths.
This is one of my favourite series, and I love everything about it.
Main characters, side characters, setting, the mysteries, the humor, it has it all.
This was another interesting mystery, swiftly and well solved by Myrtle.
However, I have to say that I would like to see some changes just to shake things up. It it slightly stuck in a rut and it is become much of the same.
It is a good formula and it gets results but as I said I would like to see something different.
Highly recommended for all cozy lovers, especially those who like somewhat older sleuths.
May 22, 2024
Really like this one. More balanced, fun, plenty of good and credible suspects, well developed characters. Also, less Erma time, less Dusty and Puddin' nonsense, so fewer irritating passages. And Tomorrow's Promise gets even whackier, if that was possible. Still felt a bit uneven, the murder and the ending sections too quick, the early middle slow. That is, a lot of directions started but not worked through. Fun, and can't wait to read the next.
June 11, 2025
3.5
After a murder ar the flower show, Myrtle and Miles investigate.
All my favourites from that series are featured again and I keep going back exactly for them. The mystery isn’t taxing, I call this series my mushy brain series meaning I read it when I’m under the weather and need something to read that doesn’t ask too much of me in the brain or heart department.
I’ve ordered the next one now, I’ll be reading next time I need a break. I hope it’s evident I love this series.
After a murder ar the flower show, Myrtle and Miles investigate.
All my favourites from that series are featured again and I keep going back exactly for them. The mystery isn’t taxing, I call this series my mushy brain series meaning I read it when I’m under the weather and need something to read that doesn’t ask too much of me in the brain or heart department.
I’ve ordered the next one now, I’ll be reading next time I need a break. I hope it’s evident I love this series.
January 17, 2024
A wonderful cozy mystery
These books are really wonderful. Myrtle Clover is an elderly amateur sleuth and a bit of a busy body. She finds dead bodies a lot. She loves Gnomes which she used against her son, when he upsets her she puts loads of them in her garden facing his house. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be more of them.
These books are really wonderful. Myrtle Clover is an elderly amateur sleuth and a bit of a busy body. She finds dead bodies a lot. She loves Gnomes which she used against her son, when he upsets her she puts loads of them in her garden facing his house. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be more of them.
December 1, 2023
Doom and Bloom
Wonderful addition to the series. Great ending to the book. I have read every book in the Myrtle Clover series. I wish there were more frequent additions to these great stories.
Wonderful addition to the series. Great ending to the book. I have read every book in the Myrtle Clover series. I wish there were more frequent additions to these great stories.
December 28, 2023
I didn't care for the fourth wall break when they talked about funerals, or the fact that the copy I had at first was full of continuity errors that are now apparently fixed, but other than that, it was the usual fun with Myrtle, Miles, and Wanda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
Doesn’t disappoint!
Myrtle is at it again. Red has has managed to get her nerves per usual, and Myrtle has procured a brand new gnome worthy of a solo performance. Read this cute little who-done-it to find out all the flowery details!
Myrtle is at it again. Red has has managed to get her nerves per usual, and Myrtle has procured a brand new gnome worthy of a solo performance. Read this cute little who-done-it to find out all the flowery details!
December 7, 2023
Always fun with Myrtle, Miles and Wanda. This was another great read.
December 7, 2023
best one yet!
I love this series. I look forward to each book. This one is my favorite. I love the relationship between Myrtle, Miles, and Wanda.
I love this series. I look forward to each book. This one is my favorite. I love the relationship between Myrtle, Miles, and Wanda.
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October 10, 2024Absolutely love this book
You really feel at home with the characters
Every book the author has written has been a delightful time ⏲️ pick anyone and enjoy
You really feel at home with the characters
Every book the author has written has been a delightful time ⏲️ pick anyone and enjoy
February 1, 2024
A lovely relaxing read. I've read all the books in this series and they are like a comfort blanket. I love Mertyl, she's so strong and feisty.
January 14, 2024
A flower show that ends in murder doesn’t surprise Myrtle Clover, but that’s just par for the course when you find dead bodies on a regular basis. With the flower show judge dead and no end of suspects, Myrtle and Miles dive into a new investigation. As they interview suspects, they find there is no shortage of motives to kill Hortense. Myrtle and Miles must unravel the mystery before they end up pushing up daisies themselves.
Another wonderful book to add to the Myrtle Clover series, Doom and Bloom is a great read for fans of cozy mysteries, especially if you’re already a fan of Myrtle Clover. Full of Myrtle’s usual sass and wit, this book with enthrall you with a whodunit on par with the rest of the series. Add to that some pivotal development of one of the side characters, this is recommended for sure. If you’re looking for an easy, yet utterly delightful read, this book is for you.
Another wonderful book to add to the Myrtle Clover series, Doom and Bloom is a great read for fans of cozy mysteries, especially if you’re already a fan of Myrtle Clover. Full of Myrtle’s usual sass and wit, this book with enthrall you with a whodunit on par with the rest of the series. Add to that some pivotal development of one of the side characters, this is recommended for sure. If you’re looking for an easy, yet utterly delightful read, this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews