Lilacs and Larceny: A Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery Book 6

A Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery #6

by L.C. Turner

Hold onto your seats for an art heist that rocks Hunter's Hollow!

Not exactly an art aficionado, Presley finds herself thrust into a high-stakes game when a masterpiece valued at a jaw-dropping $200,000 vanishes from an auction to raise money for the newly opened historical society. Suddenly, the town is a hotbed for art theft, and Presley is dead set on uncovering the crafty culprits behind the crime. In a race against time, she plunges into the shadowy world of thieves and secrets, determined to unmask the daring perpetrators and save the town from becoming a canvas for criminal masterminds.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2024

About the author

As a child, L.C. thought she would either be a truck driver (thanks to Jerry Reed in Smokey and the Bandit) or work at Taco Bell (her favorite restaurant as a child). As she grew older, she realized her talents lay in other areas, and for the last several years has been a college professor teaching business and English.

Through all her career choices, she has continued to have a passion for writing stemming from childhood, where, as an only child, she developed a vivid imagination.

She is proud of her vast experiences in life from barrel racing, to being on the dance team for a semi-pro basketball team, to being a mom of 2 amazing kids.

She decided to follow her dream as an author in 2009 and has worked her way up to having 5 fans (maybe 6 now). She often tells her family and friends that no one is safe from his or her ventures slipping into her books. She lives in Indiana with her husband, kids and two very spoiled dogs.

L.C. previously published her cozy mysteries under Laina Turner.

To find out more information about L.C. and her books, check out her website at http://www.lainaturner.com/

Join my newsletter and get a FREE Book Promotions and Poisons - https://laina-turner-media.ck.page/0b...

FOLLOW ME

Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-c-t...

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth book in the series that is a fantastic and fun addition. In this book, Presley Sands left her life in Chicago to take over her mother's flower shop in Hunter's Hollow. She and her best friend, Katy are going to the gala opening of the town's Historical Society building which was renovated by Harmony Jenkins. Their husbands are to meet them there. And to help with some funding, Harmony decided an auction of various art pieces would be just the thing. Just as Harmony was showing the pieces to be auctioned, the last painting by a local artist, Sebastian Thornwood, was stolen. Turns out it was a very expensive piece appraised around $175,000. And so Presley is determined to investigate. This is a page turner and just when you think you figured out the puzzle, you taken in a totally different direction. And the characters are so well developed, you feel you've known them a long time. Of course being the 6th book in the series if you've followed the series, you will get to know the main characters as well as Presley's intuitive dog Bella and her pet duck, Topknot! I highly recommend this book as it can be read as a standalone, but I really highly recommend the entire series. It is fun and keeps you turning pages and guessing! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here ate strictly my own.

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilacs and Larceny by LC Turner marks the sixth installment in the captivating Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy mystery series. Having immersed myself in its pages, I'm now eager to delve into the preceding five books. This particular installment holds a special place in my heart, and for good reason—it's truly exceptional.

Presley Sands, the owner of Petal Pushers Flower Shop, and Mayor Cooper's wife, is paying a visit to Hunter’s Hollow Historical Society with her best friend, Katy for its grand opening. But a rude shock awaits everyone, as one of the most expensive paintings by a popular local artist worth $200,000, goes missing from an auction.

Is it the work of an art theft ring or someone local involved? Presley is determined to unravel the elusive perpetrators behind the thefts. With time ticking away, she delves deep into the clandestine realm of secrets and deception, resolved to expose the cunning culprits and safeguard the town from further art-related troubles.

It's a clean, charming cozy mystery with a unique twist in the climax that I didn't expect. Wonderful book and a must read for the cozy mystery lovers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully comical and endearing cozy mystery with plenty of mayhem and mystery full of familiar characters from this series and even a blossoming romance or two to draw you in. Although this is a mystery so there's a schemer that's causing trouble hidden in plain so sight the plot will have captivated trying to pick up on the suttle clues and not so suttle motives there are a few suspects to keep in mind. Once I began reading this delightful cozy I had to see it through to the unexpected and climatic end without putting it down reading page after tantalizing page not just for the mystery but its colorful, quirky and charming characters Presley the heroine spends time getting to know and play matchmaker with. Acquire " Lilacs and Larceny " book six in ( A Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery) so that you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley has taken over her mom’s flower shop Petal Pushers, she and her friend Katy are attending opening of the historical society. Presleys husband Mayor Cooper along with Katys boyfriend policeman Willie meet them there.
Harmony Jenkins completely redid the house that houses historical society. During the Grand opening a very expensive painting worth $175,000 or more that was to be auctioned off was stolen. Presley is looking not only for the thief but also the painting A very well written book. Very e notable read. Had a hard time putting it down
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an enjoyable addition to this series! Presley and Cooper may have traded in their hectic lives in Chicago for a slower pace of living back in their hometown of Hunter’s Hollow, but mystery and mayhem have followed them! This time around there is an art theft at the grand opening of the newly established Hunter’s Hollow Historical Society and Presley’s insatiable curiosity pushes her to figure out why that particular painting was stolen and who could have been responsible. Longtime Presley fans will really enjoy this latest visit to Hunter’s Hollow! It’s never too late for new readers to jump into this entertaining series because each book contains a complete story!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley is an interesting character. The antics and predicaments she gets herself involved in is hilarious. How she manages to undercover, discover, and solve a case without major issues is amazing. The story wouldn’t be complete without the help of Bella and Topknot. What an enjoyable series. The plot and characters were well-written, making you feel like you are friends. This was a perfect cozy mystery with just the perfect amount of humor, mystery, intrigue, and adventure that will keep any reader completely engaged. I highly recommend the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doreen Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley Sands, owner of Petal Pushers Flower Shop attends the opening of the Hunters Hollow Historical Society, with her friend Katy. During the auction of artwork, it was discovered that a highly coveted piece of artwork, by a prestigious local artist, has been stolen.
What is it that makes this painting of lilacs so valuable and why is the artist a recluse? Presley uses her people skills to solve the mystery of the missing painting.
Haven read all of the Presley Thurman Mysteries, reading this book was like catching up with an old friend. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one. I received a free copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley is back in Hunters Hollow where she now owns Petal Pushers, obviously a flower shop! When her friend Harmony buys, restores and arranges an art auction to finance her latest project, the Historical Society, and the $200,000 famous painting of lilacs donated by the reclusive Sebastian Thornwood, goes missing, Presley doesn’t trust the Sheriff to track down the culprit. So she, along with Bella, her English mastiff and Top Knot, her duck, and her friends decide to investigate on their own. It’s a rousing good time as they track down the clues and a few red herrings! I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley Sands is running Petal Pushers Flower Shop, which used to be her mother’s until she retired. Things are going well. Hunter’s Hollow Historical Society is having an auction to raise money for the Historical Society. During the unveiling of the items for auction, it is discovered that the most expensive piece has been stolen.
This is a clean, well written mystery with plenty of suspects. Could it be somebody local, or is it the work of an art thief ring? What is with the mysterious rose drawing? Enjoy this fun mystery along with Presley, her friends, and her pet dog and duck.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter's Hollow has a new historical society in a gorgeously renovated home. There's going to be an art auction to benefit said society, Presley is just thrilled she gets to dress up for a change! Unfortunately someone has stolen the prize piece of the auction. Now Presley has to figure out what happened which leads to some other mysteries and maybe a little romance.
Of course Topknot and Bella are present and helping Presley on her adventures.

I received this book as an ARC copy for my voluntary and honest review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presley, the owner of the local florist shop and part-time sleuth, is excited to attend a fund-raising auction that will benefit the new historical society. However, someone has swiped the main display dealing the auction a difficult blow. It's up to Presley and her gang of human and non-human helpers to sleuth out the truth and find the missing treasure. This is a fun, cozy mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and entertained.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

After leaving Chicago, Presley & her husband, Cooper, are making a life in Hunters Hollow. She has taken over her Mother's flower shop & her husband is the mayor. As they attend a gala at the new Historical Society, an expensive painting that was donated for the auction is stolen. Presley,of course,has to help with the investigation. Along the way, she meets several interesting characters that could be the thief. The characters are delightful in this book, even Presley's pet dog, Bella & her pet duck, Topknot. This is a fun read that won't disappoint.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley Sands is back to investigate when art worth $200000 is stolen in an heist of an auction that’s to raise monies for the historical society her and her friend go to. Can the Flower shop owner and sleuth find the culprit in this race against time crime…. Brilliant work as always by the prolific pen of L C Turner . Certainly a page turner read with good character depth and development and narrative is easygoing along with the splendid descriptors . I was forwarded the book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own thoughts .

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew lilacs were worth grand larceny at the towns opening fundraiser for the historical society’s debut.
Fun and believable characters, best friends, along with a 200 pound mastiff and her bestie who happens to be a duck work together to solve the latest crime in their small community.
You feel like you’re a part of the story with these comfortable characters.
I could not put this book down.
I Love this series. Each one gets better and better.
Laina writes in a tell it like it is fashion.

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter's Hollow is opening a Historical Society and the highlights of the grand opening is the auction of local artists paintings.


One painting has an estimated value of c $175.000 and because the artist is a recluse and refuse to sell his paintings it is even more valuable.


When the most desired and expensive painting is stolen at the evening of the big event, it puts all sorts of pressure on the new owner and Presley had to step in to help.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The newly established Historical Society is having a big gala and the draw is an auction for works of art. However, shockingly, the most valuable piece has been stolen. Presley uses her contacts and her inquisitive ways to narrow down the possible suspects and then triggers the event that solves the theft. She also helps to end the loneliness of the reclusive artist.

Very quick reading, fun cozy mystery.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley is determined to find out who stole a painting at the opening of the Historical Society. This is just a fun and cozy read with an unusual pet. I like the writing style and the characters. Even tough this is the book six in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I like this story so much that I'm going to start reading the other books too.
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. Presley is at the opening of the new Hunter’s Hollow Historical Society. When it is time for the auction of various art works,t he most valuable one has been stolen. Presley decides she has to help Harmony, the owner of the grand old house the Historical Society is in. She really gets involved in finding out about art thieves & has a big negative feeling with one person. Then at the second auction, things come to a head & all is revealed.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating cozy

A delightful, easy to read and enjoy cozy with Presley investigating the theft of a valuable painting. A great book of friendship, comradery and determination to help find the thief. The clever dog and pet duck were a bonus and kept me entertained with their antics. I recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was more about food than anything else. It seemed like if you take out the parts at Betty’s then half the book would be gone. Most of the book drags along. Which is surprising since the other two Presley books I read didn’t. There is no chemistry between Presley and her husband. Kisses on the cheek? The only real emotions expressed are for her dog and duck. The mystery was okay and had me wanting to read tot he end to find out whodunnit.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter’s Hollow is home to a new historical society. Presley isn’t sure that her small town needed this but the displays look great. There’s an art auction today to fundraise for the society. Unfortunately, someone has stolen the very expensive painting. A local artist who is a recluse has donated a painting that is in high demand in the art world. Now Presley and her cohorts have to find the thieves. This was a fun foray into a new set of characters for me. I enjoyed it and will look for more.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley's at it again, at least it's not a dead body this time. A famous painting disappears from a charity auction. Who stole it and why? The artist became a recluse after heartbreak. There's lots of suspects but the reason is shocking. Will she solve the case before the cops? What happens when she learns about the long lost love? Can she play matchmaker too?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining read by L.C. Turner!

This is the second book I have read by L.C. Turner and I enjoyed reading this story just as much as I enjoyed the other one I read. Even though this is the first book I read in the series, I had no problems keeping up with the plot. I really enjoyed how Presley gets involved with both her community and her friends and tries to help out where she can. I highly recommend this cozy mystery!

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read that put me in mind of the Hallmark Mystery movies. Well-written with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The 6th of the Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery series, but I hadn’t read any of the others and was able to enjoy without feeling like I’d missed anything. Definitely plan to check out the others in the series. I received this book as an ARC reader, and this is my voluntary review.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There actually wasn't a death this time! The characters are becoming beloved to me, including Bella the Mastiff, and Topnotch the duck. In this story a very valuable painting was stolen and Presley decided to help the Historical Society find out who could have done it. The plot is easily followed. The answers were found and even on old flame couple were able to get back together to talk. I definitely recommend this book.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presley is one busy bee. She seems to have her finger in many pies at one time. Besides the flower business, her amateur sleuthing skills are close to the mark. I enjoyed following possible clues and suspects, but I had no idea whodunit. This was exceptionally clever and kept me interested and turning pages.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A purloined painting

A high value painting goes missing days before it is to be auctioned. Presley is determined to find the thief and probes into the origin of the painting and the artist. A page turner with a lot of twists. I like Presley's pet dog and pet duck who are hilarious. The cover of the book is appealing.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pressley in now the owner of her mom's flower shop.
She along with her husband, best friend, and her fiancé attend a charity auction in which a painting that is the major draw is stolen.
Pressley sets out to find not only the thief but also the painting.

I read this story as an Advanced Readers Copy

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the humor. Presley gets involved in the stolen painting. Bella and Topknot-her dog and duck are also a very popular duo with their own antics. Sebastian Thornwood, the artist of the stolen painting also shows that he can very personable. I didn’t figure out who actually stole the painting until almost the end. L C Turner is a true storyteller.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining quick read cozy mystery. Presley is a very likeable character, an amateur slueth, determined to find the thief of an expensive picture. I always enjoy a good mystery which does not involve a murder. This is part of a series but the book is enjoyable as a standalone.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.