The Deadly Garden: A Driftwood Cove Mystery

by Robin Stephanie

In the charming coastal town of Driftwood Cove, Massachusetts, Violet Primrose’s garden is the talk of the town. Her garden is known around town for its vibrant beauty, potent medicinal herbs, and a few plants best left alone. But when local artist Dorian Drake is found dead, poisoned by something unmistakably grown in Violet’s greenhouse, she suddenly finds herself accused of murder.

With suspicion creeping in like ivy, Violet must dig deep to clear her name. She turns to her closest Arthur, a marine biologist with a curious mind and a calm demeanor, and Chris, a sharp-witted high school student with a talent for uncovering the unexpected. As the unlikely trio unearths secrets buried deep in Driftwood Cove, they begin to realize that the real killer might be hiding in plain sight.

Filled with coastal charm, quirky characters, and a mystery that will keep you guessing, The Deadly Garden is a cozy whodunit perfect for fans of small towns, slow burns, and gardens that grow more than just flowers.

364 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2025

About the author

Robin Stephanie was born and raised in Massachusetts, where the changing seasons, small-town charm, and historic landscapes sparked her imagination from an early age. Though she holds a degree in business management, storytelling has always been her true passion. After years of running a successful lifestyle blog, Robin decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a novelist.

Her debut cozy mystery is a blend of wit, warmth, and a dash of suspense—just the way she likes her books. Robin’s stories are often set in quaint towns that feel like home, with characters you’d want to have coffee with (or solve a mystery alongside).

When she’s not plotting her next mystery or reading one, you can find her exploring new places with her husband, laughing over group texts with her three grown children, or doting on her fluffy white Pomeranian, Marshmallow—who thinks she’s the star of the show (and she might be right).

Robin believes it’s never too late to chase a dream, especially one that involves a good cup of coffee, a twisty plot, and the joy of getting lost in a great story.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a devoted follower of the author’s work for many years, from her early days as a brilliant blogger, I was absolutely ecstatic to be one of the first to read and review The Deadly Garden. My expectations were already sky-high, knowing her incredible talent for storytelling, yet she managed to surpass them in every conceivable way. This novel is an absolute triumph and a perfect five-star read.

The story whisks you away to the charming coastal town of Driftwood Cove, Massachusetts, a place brimming with quirky characters and seaside allure. At its heart is Violet Primrose, whose renowned garden is a local treasure, famous for its vibrant beauty and potent herbs. But the town's idyllic peace is shattered when local artist Dorian Drake is found dead, poisoned by a rare plant cultivated only in Violet’s greenhouse. Suddenly, the beloved gardener finds herself the prime suspect in a shocking murder.

The author has a truly magical way with words, bringing the story to life with such vivid detail that I could almost smell the salty air and fragrant blossoms. Her prose is captivating, and the pacing is flawless. I found myself completely engrossed, promising "just one more chapter" only to be drawn further into the narrative, turning pages late into the night, desperate to know what would happen next. Violet is a wonderfully crafted protagonist, and her alliance with the brilliant marine biologist, Arthur, and the sharp-witted high schooler, Chris, creates a delightful investigative trio you can’t help but root for.

The Deadly Garden is a masterfully plotted mystery, a classic whodunit filled with clever red herrings and buried secrets that will keep you guessing until the final, satisfying reveal. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and small-town settings. A spectacular five-star debut that is both charming and thrilling!

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Primrose lives in a small town where she is a bit of an outcast to some due to growing poisonous plants in her garden, in addition to herbs. When a friend is poisoned using a plant from Violet's garden, she becomes a suspect. To clear her name, Violet starts looking into the crime. I love the author's vividly descriptive writing style. Her words painted beautiful scenes to envision. The writer went back and forth between using present tense and past tense which I was not a fan of. It felt off to me.
The mystery surrounding why the friend was murdered was outside the usual tropes, which I appreciated, it felt original. The story telling was done well. A lot of likeable and unlikable characters, as any good book will have. The unveiling of the culprit was really good. Without spoiling it, I will just say it dragged on longer than I felt it should have, almost to the point of annoyance.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think the vivid imagery the author provides was amazing. Everything was beautifully described and it was serene and peaceful reading these flowery descriptions of nature.

[Robin Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored The Deadly Garden! From the first chapter, I was pulled into the quaint seaside town of Driftwood Cove and instantly fell in love with Violet Primrose — a lovable, quirky amateur sleuth who just wanted to garden and work at the local bookstore… until murder came knocking.

The mystery had the perfect mix of cozy intrigue and clever twists, and I found myself trying to solve the case right alongside Violet and her charming group of friends (and maybe swooning a little over Detective Silas Grant).

The setting is atmospheric, the characters are endearing, and the writing has that warm, witty tone that makes you feel like you’re part of the town. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with strong female leads, small-town charm, and secrets buried just beneath the surface — The Deadly Garden is a must-read.

Can’t wait for the next book in the Driftwood Cove Mysteries! 🌊🔍🌼

[Marinal Elwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deadly Garden was such a cozy and clever read, I loved the seaside setting of Driftwood Coveit felt so alive with its charm and gossip. Violet is such a relatable heroine, caught up in a murder mystery she never asked for, and I enjoyed how Arthur and Chris balanced her out with their smarts and quirks. The mystery kept me guessing, and the garden element added such a unique twist. If you like small-town vibes, colorful characters, and whodunits that keep you turning pages, this one’s a gem

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The plot was very good and I really didn’t know who the murderer was until it was revealed. The 3 main characters did a great job following to clues and I enjoyed the local stage. It was a good cozy mystery for end of summer.

There were a few developmental issues, repetitive actions, timeline continuity issues, more descriptive than necessary. But for a first time writer that can all be fixed with a really good editor.

[Nedrah D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deadly Gardens was such a cozy mystery! The small-town coastal setting of Driftwood Cove gave it that perfect mix of charm and intrigue. I loved the coastal Massachusetts setting - it felt authentic and added so much atmosphere. For those looking for that cozy New England vibe with a little mystery, this ones a great pick!