The Budding Detective

by Ginger Ellington

Fans of small-town sleuths, smart women, and canine sidekicks will love this fresh take on the classic cozy mystery!

Grace Thompson thought her biggest challenge this spring would be keeping up with floral orders for the annual Bloomsville Flower Festival. But when she opens her shop’s storage room and finds a dead man lying among the tulip crates, everything changes. Suddenly, the town is buzzing with suspicion, and Grace’s once-wholesome reputation is under fire.

Refusing to wilt under pressure, Grace teams up with her best friend Chloe, an eccentric forensic specialist who thrives on puzzles and late-night theories. As the two dig deeper, they uncover secrets buried beneath Bloomsville’s sunny exterior—secrets that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

With Rosie the Westie always one paw ahead and tensions blooming faster than peonies, Grace is about to prove that solving a murder might just be her real calling.

A cozy mystery full of humor, heart—and one dog determined to steal the show.

Note for returning This newly expanded edition of The Budding Detective includes additional scenes, deepened character moments, and a fuller mystery experience based on early reader feedback. Whether you're revisiting Grace’s first case or discovering it for the first time, welcome back to Bloomsville!

Genres: Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2024

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely delightful series . An origin story ,we discover how .Grace and her flower shop,seems to be suddenly embroiled in mystery pursuits when a man is found cead in her basement where she keeps her flowers cool. A dead man atop of her Tulip’s crate when she opens up her storage room ,is not great ,it fills her with doom no end . Just as well she has her forensic specialists friend on hand to lend a hand and join her sleuthing in the pursuit of truth. But what a to do and no mistake and she’s got her reputation at stake .The whole town is on their guard and under suspicion she finds herself and her blooms are suddenly left wilting on their shelf. Digging deep while not getting much sleep ,the two discover Bloomsville is keeping secrets buried beneath the surface of the town . With her trusty sidekick Rosie by her side too . She finds that there’s nothing she can do but dive right in to the mystery and history to find the answers that she does seek or lose her good rep running streak. A brilliant prequel to a wonderful series that is both light and breezy and mystery teaser to boot and some of these scenes are a hoot . Ginger Ellington can weave a good tale as well as Rosie wags her tail. It’s a great series that does appease . Don’t stop now ,some more please.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got the first book free with bookfunnel, I planned to buy the set if I liked it. I did not like it. By 20% in I really didn't want to continue, but I try to finish what I start, so I pushed through. It did not improve.

Very poorly written and just incredibly boring. The author never learned "show don't tell." Every character was flat. I usually enjoy a "whodunnit" and figuring out the mystery before the MC does, but I just didn't care.

We bounce between Chloe and Grace's POV, but sometimes a random paragraph is written in third person. Either that, or they are thinking of themselves by name and describing themselves in odd ways. Very inconsistent. Sometimes "them" when it should have been "us." I can't even imagine how much worse it was when the chapters weren't marked with the name of who's POV we were supposed to be following.

I honestly feel bad giving such a low score and review, but I feel this is objectively bad. Maybe with better editing to remove the 3rd person stuff, it would improve a little. I'm not sure how much it would help though. Hopefully the sequel's are better, but I will not be finding out.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a delightful, cozy mystery set in the picturesque seaside town of Bloomsville.

The plot is engaging and more layered than a lasagne, offering enough twists to keep readers guessing.

The balance between lighthearted humour and suspense is masterful, with Rosie’s antics and the charm of Bloomsville adding warmth to the darker mystery.

Grace’s journey from reluctant amateur sleuth to determined investigator is both relatable and inspiring, while Chloe’s wit provides a dynamic contrast.

Ellington’s writing style is vivid and inviting, bringing the town and its colourful residents to life.

However, some aspects of the resolution feel a little rushed, and secondary characters like Victor and Sarah could use more depth. Common problems in shorter fiction.

Overall, The Budding Detective is a charming blend of humour, heart, and intrigue.

Fans of cozy mysteries and small-town drama will find this a satisfying read.

Recommended for those who enjoy powerful characters and a plot filled with secrets and surprises.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced cozy murder mystery introducing a new series with an array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters including with a four legged companion. Although there are two heroines Grace and Chloe well ok three including Rosie that four legged companion of Grace's I mentioned , found themselves working fast and furious to unravel why a dead body turned up in Grace's flower shop before more bodies would found Including theirs and though you'll find the characters draw you into this cozy it's the plot full of secrets unfolding, betrayals discovered, and more .Clues leading to unexpected suspects drawing you in further keeping you turning page after page until you've reached the exciting conclusion. Acquire " The Budding Detective " A Grace Thompson Mystery " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat

[Kat Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I love the cute cover art for this one. This is the first time I’ve read work by Ms. Ellington and I can really see potential. There are twists and turns to keep you interested in the unexpected murder in small town Bloomsville. I would offer one suggestion however. I personally found it to be a bit confusing jumping between the dialogue of the characters. Trying to decide which character was actually doing the talking that is. Perhaps naming the character in the chapter title might help with that, but perhaps not. Ms. Ellington’s writing is fun and engaging and this should develop/progress into a cute, addictive series. (Ex. Chapter 4. Chloe - Mysterious Connections) Just meant as a consideration,
not a criticism.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a very good short story to start the series. The main characters are Grace Thompson, her dog Rosie plus Chloe Sutton who is a forensic analyst. Grace was getting ready for the annual Spring Fllower Festival and went into her storage area to get more flowers and stuff when she found a dead man's body on the floor in there. The Sheriff in the town has never handled a murder investigations so he is try to make Grace think that she was responible for the murder but Chloe who is experience in solving murder investigation is trying to solve the mystery with Grace help. There are lots of twist and turn while they are trying to solve the murder. If you enjoy a good murder mystery you will love this book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun, fast paced new cozy mystery that has great potential with great characters in Grace Thompson, owner of a flower shop in the town of Bloomsville, her Westie Rosie and her best friend, Chloe Sutton , a forensic analyst. Grace had her hands full getting ready for the Annual Spring Flower Festival when she discovers the body of a man in her store room. With so many whispers and suspicions and Grace being a suspect, she, Chloe and clue finding Rosie are on the case. She has to prove her innocence and get people coming back to her shop. This is a fun first book in this new series and I look forward to seeing what comes next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tammy Johnson-brazeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It was confusing at times, but the plot was good.
You take the owner of a flower shop that caters to dogs (Grace), a cupcakes owner/baker (Tom), a forensics expert (Chloe), and finally, Rosie the dog.
Then add an attempted murder and a few other unlawful things, and you get a book you don't want to put down..
I found the book good, confusing at times with the POVs, but I managed to get through it without any trouble, actually it was really had to put down.
I was given this book from Ginger Ellington for a HONEST and unbiased review.
I believe this is a must by for anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery.
One other thing, I would buy this book because of the cover alone.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Budding Detective: The Origin Story….” by Ginger Ellington is a cute and fast-paced read. This book gives the origin of the Grace Thompson mystery series. I liked the characters and I am interested in reading more books in the series.

I give this book 3.5 stars as I feel it needed more editing. In Chapter 1 there are 3 errors in the same section. While the words used are correctly spelled words, the words are not correct. For example, the book shows “quite” when I believe it should be “quiet”.

I recommend this book to cozy readers.

I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the authors and publisher for the opportunity.

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Grace Thompson finds a dead body in her shop, Petals & Paws, she has no idea who he is or why he’s lying dead in her storeroom. When her friend, Chloe, a forensic specialist arrives for a visit, Grace is thrilled to know she is not alone with a body. After calling the sheriff, they find a note telling them to stay out of things they don’t understand. That is all Chloe needed to see before she tells Grace that the two of them are now investigating and will find the killer themselves. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Budding Detective by Ginger Ellington is the first book in this series and it is well worth reading especially is you enjoy clean cozy mysteries. The plot and characters are well developed and there is a dog! I received an advance copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. This is a quick read that will keep you guessing whodunit until the very end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Enjoy

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that I enjoyed reading. I love the cover art. There is an unexpected murder in small town Bloomsville and there were enough twists and turns to hold my interest. Grace feels an obligation to solve the murder as it happened in her flower shop. It is a quick read that kept me guessing throughout the story.I received a copy of the book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thieves will Always Try to Hide the Truth

Grace, Chloe, and Rosie all work together to find who is trying to ruin Grace's reputation and frame her for the murder of a man they find in her storage room. Ginger does an excellent job of twisting and unveiling who the real culprits and their accomplices are. When the bad guys try to intimidate and scare her, it makes her even more determined to find the answers. An all around awesome book well deserving of five stars.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery, bad luck for good guy

Chloe seems to be the handy one, but Grace knows who is who, and Rosie has the nose. A good team, though a dangerous undertaking. When a dead body is found in the storage room, Grace with the help of her visiting friend Chloe set out to find who killed him and left him at Grace's flower shop to frame her. With the aid of local folks and relatives of the deceased, they'll piece together a larger issue in town, but also catch a killer.

[Chanover55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace owns a flower shop in Bloomville. Her friend Chloe, has come to visit her. She and Grace's dog Rosie find a dead body in the backroom of her shop one morning, and so the mystery begins. Who killed him & why lead to some frightening discoveries. Chloe is an independent investigator with police all over the country so she has the know how, Grace is just wanting to find the bad guys & put them away. I couldn't put this down; loved it!

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another "new to me" author, and so far, I do like how she writes. The characters are relatable and intelligent. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who the murdered man was, found in Grace's flower shop and why he was killed. The answers were hard won and the killers caught. I definitely recommend this story.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a very cute and charming novella with an entertaining story. It was a quick and easy read, that was a fun mystery story. I would have liked for it to be a little longer and for characters to be developed a little bit more. But it peaked my curiosity about what other stories might be told in this mystery series.

[Morgan Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

got this in a giveaway from goodreads and as excited it was a quick book full of mystery. but the shift of change in the point of view often really threw me off. i did like the pace of the book for the most part, but at small moments, it felt a little rushed. i am excited, however, for this series to go on and see how it plays out

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about a small town and a mystery. This book had it all. And of course Rosie was in the middle of of it all. There were several choices for characters that could have done the murder. I actually got it right this time. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and do recommend it.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new series very much. Ginger is a new author to me and I found her writing style very entertaining. I especially loved the hint of the next book. Looking forward to it very much.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Budding Detective

A cute beginning to a new series involving a young woman, her forensic friend and her West Highland white terrier clue sniffing Rosie. An easy and quick read to brighten your day.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Cozy

I enjoyed this entertaining story of Grace and her friend Chloe investigating a murder. Grace's clever dog, Rosie, is key to solving the murder. This is an easy to read and enjoyable cozy that I recommend.

I received the book for free and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Budding Detective: Origin story for Grace Thompson mystery series

A florist finds a body in her store room, and her and her friend along with a remarkable dog, get involved to clear her name.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lots of interesting complex and quirky characters. Fast paced unpredictable story with lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem making this a real page turner and a must read! Cannot wait for more!

[Robyn Dandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, great characters!

I liked how the storyline went smoothly and I loved all the characters. I read this in a day because I had to know the outcome. Thank you for an enjoyable read!

[Rick Farlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie, the sleuth dog, is the real star of this story. It’s an entertaining storyline that probably needs more character development.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun short story with a cute, clever dog.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short cozy mystery from a new author. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by the author

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two intrepid friends, and a feisty little dog, investigate how and why a dead body turns at Grace’s store.

[Lisa Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a great start to a series