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Roses are beautiful but beware the thorns…When eight strangers turn up at a beautiful hotel in the Cotswolds in England for a weekend of flower arranging, they’re thinking of making their own arrangements for dinner parties, gifts and even weddings. But even as the rose’s blooms hide its sharp thorns, so the relaxing weekend hides dark forces. Jealousy, fear, and hatred lurk beneath the surface.

Peony Bellefleur, who owns Bewitching Blooms in the picture-postcard pretty village of Willow Waters is teaching the flower arranging classes. Peony’s a witch and this weekend coincides with the full moon. She’ll be gathering with her coven for a full moon ceremony while the mysterious and gorgeous Lord Fitzlupin, aka Alex her werewolf boyfriend, gets locked into his dungeon until the full moon passes.

Peony’s looking forward to a weekend sharing her love of flowers when murder enters the arrangement. Can she solve the crime before the killer strikes again?

Game of Thorns is book 5 in The Village Flower Shop series of paranormal cozy mysteries. Each book can be read alone. There’s no sex, swearing, violence or gore, just good clean murderous fun.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

130 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Warren

361 books1,887 followers
Nancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels.

She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.

Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,783 reviews154 followers
March 2, 2025
Game of Thorns is book 5 in the Village Flower Shop Mystery series by Nancy Warren.

Peony and Imogen are having a rose decorating workshop that brings an eclectic group of people together. I loved the description of all the flowers, I felt like I could smell them through the page.

Unfortunately, there is a murder, and there is no shortage of suspects.

I really enjoyed the buildup to the murder and reading the back story of all the people involved.

I really love how Peony and Alex's romance has moved along, it is such a wonderful part of the story, left me swooning.

This is such an incredible mystery with just enough romance.

Highly recommend this cozy mystery! It is absolutely fantastic!
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
April 3, 2025
Wilted Love

Peony Bellefleur and her florist assistant, Imogen, are having a weekend floral arranging class at the Tudor Rose in Willow Waters.
A mother and her engaged daughter are there along with a famous tennis star, Tamsin Mortimer and her husband as a group. While simple rose arranging is the plan, the mother insists on learning to make her daughter's bridal bouquet. Verify doesn't seem to be enthusiastic. But when Tamsin is found dead and rumours of an affair between her and Verify's fiancé start circulating, another story comes to light. Tamsin had a stalker who caused her to quit her tennis career. With a plethora of suspects will the police just pick the easiest suspect? Peony, Char and their coven are determined to make sure the right person pays for the murder.
Nancy Warren continues her winning streak with this series.
Actually I've never read any of her series that weren't well plotted and had the most interesting paranormal characters. From vampires in Oxford to witches in Ireland and Cornwall, there's always shenanigans and murders. Also, there's always justice. Do yourself a great favour and look at her other paranormal series. You won't be disappointed!
When Tamsin,
Profile Image for Linniegayl.
1,367 reviews32 followers
May 21, 2025
This was a fun entry in this paranormal series, centering around a murder that occurs while Peony and her assistant are running a flower arranging workshop. Numerous people -- including many of the workshop participants -- have a motive for the murder. I've enjoyed seeing the development of the relationships in the series, and look forward to the next. It looks like we might have a new villager from the workshop.
Profile Image for Liz.
23 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2025
This is Ms. Warren’s 5th installment of the Village Flower Shop Series and she does not disappoint.

Peony Bellefleur is teaching a flower arranging class with her assistant Imogene. 8 students turn up at the local historic hotel in the Cotswolds for the 2 day class.

Interesting dynamic of all the students and rumored misdeeds. The night of the full moon is the first night of class. Peony and her coven have a full moon ceremony and Peony’s mother has an odd message from the spirit world that makes Peony restless. Day 2 of the class dawns bright and dreary all at the same time. The death of one of the students over night. Does Peony’s mother’s omen from beyond carry weight?

As the story unfolds, Ms. Warren has you guessing as to who is the guilty party. Can you figure it out before the end?

This is book 5 in a series but does not mean you have to read in any certain order, it’s more fun if you do but not always necessary. I was fortunate to be able to read this via an ARC and was not paid for this opinion. I would read Ms. Warren’s books regardless. Highly recommend checking out this series and all of her other books for great reads.
Profile Image for Katja &#x1f1e7;&#x1f1ea;.
88 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
This is book 5 in the wonderful Village Flower shop mystery series of Nancy Warren, and I loved it!

Nancy Warren has the ability to create characters that end up feeling like family. And when a new book comes out in one of her ongoing series, it feels like a family reunion but with the bonus of a pleasant mystery that needs to be solved!

This time Peony will have to solve quite the mystery murder, one you wouldn’t expect in such a wonderful setting and certainly not at a flower workshop weekend! But Peony being the resourceful witch she is, and having an awesome team of friends, family and familiars at her side, she will bring the truth to light!

I really enjoyed this story, I laughed a lot with Norman the parrot familiar of Char! I think he deserves at least one story specifically about him! I certainly would read it!

Game of Thorns was a delight to read and I can’t wait to read what Nancy Warren has next for us to read in one of her charming and entertaining cozy magical mystery series!
Profile Image for Helena Korin.
Author 8 books10 followers
March 21, 2025
Peony Bellefleur is looking forward to an enjoyable weekend giving a flower arranging workshop at the Tudor Rose, a luxurious inn in the English Cotswolds. She is pleased to discover that two of her
students are mothers wishing to make bouquets for their daughters' upcoming weddings. But it soon becomes clear that all is not well with one of the brides-to-be. The mother seems more keen on the wedding plans than the bride herself and the groom-to-be is frequently absent. Peony is on a date with Lord FitzLupin when they notice a lovers' spat at the next table. The man suddenly storms out of the restaurant. When the abandoned woman turns up in Peony's class and the next day is found murdered, it points to a lovers' triangle. As Peony and FitzLupin follow leads on their own, the full moon brings out FitzLupin's werewolf persona, so he cannot stay by Peony's side. He worries about her safety...But of course a witch has powers of her own. A good read!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,858 reviews20 followers
April 6, 2025
good

Peony and Imogen are giving a flower arranging workshop at the Tudor Rose hotel. Neither of them expect one of the attendees to end up murdered…

Featuring a few Willow Waters regulars, fortunately NOT in the hot seat this time, the usual characters are present, including Jessie Rae with some portentous mutterings from her spirits, and Alex despite the fact that this event occurs on the full moon.
It’s an enjoyable cosy, and quick read, with the mystery being very much a solvable one, since little clues are sprinkled throughout, along with a few red herrings.
It’s not a standalone story though, the characters are part of an ongoing thing that means some of the previous stories are referenced throughout the book, and one or two relationships have advanced, so I do recommend that you read the other books first. That being said, it’s an entertaining read, and armchair detectives as well as cosy paranormal mystery lovers will enjoy it.
Profile Image for bella.
442 reviews28 followers
March 23, 2025
I’m completely up-to-date with Nancyy Warren‘s backlist and I was so excited for a new release. It was wonderful to take a trip back to the Cotswold’s for the next book in the Flower Shop mysteries.

Peony Bellefleur is looking forward to her first flower arranging course. A weekend of peace and tranquillity and flower arranging what could go wrong? However, when one of the attendees turns up dead, Peony and her friends set about to investigate another murder.

I love this one. The mystery was really great and I had a hard time guessing who did it. For most of the story I thought it was one of the suspects, but I was completely wrong.

Beyond the mystery I like seeing Peony and Alex‘s relationship develop and that’s probably my most favourite part of this series.

This is a super fun witchy mystery and if quirky familiars are your thing you’re sure to enjoy it.
404 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2025
I just love this series!

While all the books in this series work fine as standalones and you won't be lost, they are so much fun read as a series. This time Peony is teaching a floral arrangement class at a beautiful hotel near her home of Willow Waters in the picturesque Cotswold's. And the majority of the flowers used are roses. Heavenly! Until one of the students is murdered. Between an obsessive stalker, a jealous husband, and a devious mother, can Peony solve the case before there is another victim? Oh, and there is a full moon, so the coven has a full moon ceremony complete with a cryptic warning. And Peony's boyfriend is locked in his dungeon because, well, full moon. What else could go wrong? This was a very enjoyable read.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,318 reviews38 followers
May 3, 2025
Paranormal cozy that is done so well! Peony and friends are back in action with a flower arranging course, their lives and their magic, but someone has nefarious intent when a dead body shows up on the scene once again! Well-developed characters and relationships make these books a must read, but the creative crafting of the intriguing mystery will have you staying up late into the night to finish the book or in my case the audio! The narration of the audio has made this series one of my must listen series and I'm thrilled every time a new book is available. Unfortunately, that means I am back to waiting for the author to weave a new story for me to devour so I am impatiently stalking the author online to see when the next book will be coming!!!
379 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2025
A lovely day in a gorgeous setting using beautiful flowers to create a bouquet of happiness.
And then, a night that ends in betrayal and death.

MC Peony is excited to teach others how to arrange flowers into a pleasing display.

Unfortunately, she soon realizes that beneath the seemingly pleasant surface lurks desperation and deceit.

Another terrific story in the series focusing on relationships, with some couples grounded by supportive and intimate partnerships while others chose to sacrifice closeness to pursue selfish gain.

Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
1,413 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2025
Peony Bellefleur owns a flower shop in the Cotswolds. The upcoming weekend is a flower workshop at a local posh hotel. The group includes a few of the locals and some prestigious guests. The weekend goes well as the students engage - except for a retired tennis player and perhaps the bride-to-be and her mother. Unfortunately one of the students is missing the next morning. And thus begins the sleuthing. This is another outstanding book in this series. I enjoyed the growth of the friends and their relationships. Peony’s skills as a witch and a detective are developing. It’s wonderful to be back in Willow Waters again.
Profile Image for Lcr.
905 reviews7 followers
March 23, 2025
Game of Thorns is the fifth book in the fabulous ‘Village Flower Shop Mysteries’. It can be read as a stand-alone and you do not have to read the previous books to enjoy this one.

Peony Bellefleur is a witch who owns the Bewitching Blooms flower shop in Willow Waters. She is holding her first flower arranging course which unfortunately does not go according to plan. The regular characters are as always delightful and the new ones are a perfect mix of personalities suspects. This is a gentle cosy with a hint of magic and a lot of charm.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to all fans of this genre and to anyone looking for an interesting easy read.
4,139 reviews21 followers
April 3, 2025
Game of Thorns by Nancy Warren is another great cozy mystery in the Village Flower Shop Mysteries Series. The picture-perfect area of Cotswolds is not turning out to be quite so charming. Peony Bellefleur is conducting a flower arranging class that surprisingly includes the murder of one of the students. Not what had been planned at all.

Peony and friends manage to teach about flower arranging and solve a murder mystery. A wonderful clean cozy mystery that will give your dreams of flowers, not nightmares of gore. Then there is a touch of romance for Peony with Alex. Of course I love the flowers of Bewitching Blooms too. An easy escapism read for all who like to solve a mystery.
87 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2025
Sleepy Willow Waters in the Cotswold, England is not so sleepy. When a murder is committed we have multiple suspects. Could it be the jealous husband who just learned his wife was having an affair? Maybe the person who was about to be married while carrying on the affair and didn’t want to be exposed? There is also the mother of the bride who will keep the secret to ensure the marriage takes place. We also have to consider the love struck stalker who has already served jail time for his obsession. Has Peony lost some of her powers. Her spells don’t seem to be working at full power.

Profile Image for D.
16 reviews
October 30, 2025
Aa always enjoyable, but one caveat

I enjoy all of Nancy's work that I have read. She creates every character with feeling and introduces complexities naturally. But this volume had me unsettled from the very beginning as APPARENTLY and without any explanation a huge jump has occurred in Peony's relationship with Alex. I actually checked to see if I had mistakenly skipped a volume. But, a good story, and really nice growth for a few characters!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,640 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2025
cryptic clues and a naughty parrot

Each time I read one of these I want to run down to my local cozy flower shop and grab a bouquet. (When I figure out where it is)
So I was sad that person was the victim. I enjoyed learning more about Frederick also. In this series the village residents really fill out the vibe of the story without being a cliche.
40 reviews
April 9, 2025
Fun Backdrop for a Good Mystery

Peony's flower arrangement workshop introduces a whole new crop of interesting characters that get involved in a murder with plenty of intriguing plot twists. I also enjoyed Peony's witchcraft and the progression of her love life with Lord Fitzlupin.
14 reviews
April 24, 2025
Another Thrilling Read

My goodness I had no idea until the very last chapter who was the culprit! So many red herrings and more intrigue as well. Yet another brilliant book in this fantastic series. I cannot wait for the next one and to follow all the characters I feel I know now. Well deserved five stars from me.
Profile Image for Rhona Connor.
336 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2025
A jolly good book

In this book Peony and Imogen are looking forward to a flower arranging course at the Tudor Rose. But as ever a murder occurs and it's up to Peony, her beau Alex, Char, and some help from Norman that the case gets solved.
This series began quietly, but is growing on me. I hope to read more of Peony and Alex's story.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Paola.
242 reviews
May 13, 2025
I just love Nancy Warren's books and this one was no exception. This is a lovely series and I hope the next book is in the works. Definitely wasn't expecting the killer to be who it was. I also thought the victim could've been another person or the actual one it ended up being. Looking forward to more of Nancy's books.
6 reviews
April 5, 2025
Always a fun read

Nancy Warren has a gift. She is able to weave a story with enough complexity to keep your interest, enough mystery to turn the page, and romance without being trite. over sexed! Keep going
883 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2025
Another excellent addition to this lovely series set in the Cotswolds. Peony and her flower shop assistant Imogen run a weekend flower arranging class. Peony can sense undercurrents and on the first evening, when one of the guests was killed she knew she was right.
Profile Image for Shannon.
108 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2025
Nancy knocks another one out of the park!

Peony and her band of quirky and wonderful friends always make for an exciting story. Always perfectly written and with just the right amount of intrigue!
Profile Image for Linnette Parris.
1,529 reviews12 followers
April 15, 2025
Twisted Relationships

A crime so devious and conflicting evidence lead officers astray. Lots of clues, a well solved crime and oh the lovely flowers. I love the people and wish I could visit the village. A very good book.
Profile Image for Rhonda Lother.
261 reviews
April 15, 2025
I feel like I waited forever for this book! I love this series, and this volume did not disappoint. I was grateful for the subtle reminders of who's who, as it has been a while since the last book. I love the characters, the setting--all of it!
Profile Image for April Cothern.
200 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2025
Beautiful

I just love all of this series. So beautifully written. And its just enough romance without being a romance. I definitely look forward to reading more of this series and more from this author.
6 reviews
April 25, 2025
Fun characters

A fun read with a lot of different characters to lead you to the conclusion. For those who have followed the series, the maturation of the relationships is interesting to follow.
96 reviews
April 28, 2025
Love it

I have read all the books that go with this one. You just love the people in her books and cat and bird. From the first page to the last there is always something going on


Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
963 reviews
May 8, 2025
Game of Thorns

Peony is teaching a class and is excited, with this new part of the business that can bring a new dimension to it, all goes well until it doesn’t and the mystery “

Beloved characters come back to be part of the action, in this awesome story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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