Death at Daffodil Inn

Cinnamon Falls #2

by R.L. Killmore

A budding new romance. A dead body. Who can you trust? Filled with twists, tension and undeniable chemistry, Death at Daffodil Inn is a must-read Cinnamon Falls mystery. Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars and the Dream Harbor series.

Spring has arrived in Cinnamon Falls, and the annual Daffodil Jubilee, hosted by the town's charming Daffodil Inn, is in full swing.

Morgan Taylor, who is reluctantly helping her parents host the event, wishes she could be spending the day celebrating with her best friend Nia or daydreaming about Will, the dangerously hot single dad she can’t get out of her head.

As the Jubilee draws to a close with the twilight Petals and Promises dance, Morgan finds herself swept into the moment she’s long dreamed of when Will asks her to dance.

But it’s not long before the lustful evening air is shattered by a bloodcurdling scream. A guest is found dead at the centre of the inn’s garden maze, and whispers ripple through the Murder.

With the town threatening to close the Daffodil Inn for good, Morgan must solve the mystery before her family are forced to leave and gratefully accepts Will’s offer to help.

Can they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will their search for answers only end in heartbreak?

Tropes
* Single dad
* Amateur sleuth
* Love triangle
* Flawed victim
* Who hurt you?
* Small town setting

400 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

R.L. Killmore is the pseudonym for US-based author Necole Ryse. Necole has been writing since she was four years old, when she triumphantly wrote her ABC's on the hood of her grandmother's brand new Volvo. When she's not writing, she's weeping into a stack of unfinished manuscripts, abandoning exercise regimens, scolding innocent children in libraries, or listening to other people's conversations.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

ARC Review

Picking back up in the second book of the Cinnamon Falls mystery with a new murder to solve. I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book, while one of the twists was predictable the characters in this were a lot more enjoyable to read. Angel was such a good standout character and it was so good making her the key to unlocking what happened.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

[Jenny E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

En helt okej fortsättning i serien. Denna gång var jag lite mer med på att allt inte är vad man tror än första gången.

Betyg 2,5 av 5

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Daffodil Inn captures all the charm and idyllic small-town atmosphere that made book one in the Cinnamon Falls series so enjoyable. Honestly despite its murder rate, I'd move to Cinnamon Falls!

This time, the focus shifts to Morgan - Nia’s best friend - whose story I was already keen to read after she piqued my interest in the first book.

Spring is in bloom in Cinnamon Falls and it's the annual Daffodil Jubilee. Morgan is reluctantly helping her parents run the Daffodil Inn, all while trying (and failing) not to daydream about Will, the attractive single dad she can’t get out of her head. When a guest is found dead in the inn’s garden maze, the festivities turn deadly, and Morgan finds herself drawn into a mystery that could jeopardise her family’s future.

The romance here is sweet and heartfelt. But my favorite relationship was between Will and his daughter, Angel - utterly heartwarming and very relatable.

It was also nice seeing Nia and Jesse appear on the periphery while allowing Morgan to fully step into the spotlight.

The mystery itself is fairly predictable, but still enjoyable, and the pacing keeps things moving nicely alongside the romance.

Tropes included:
🧍‍♂️Single dad
🔍 Amateur sleuth
🔪 Flawed victim
💖Friends to lovers
🏡Small-town setting

Overall, Death at Daffodil Inn is a cosy, comforting mystery filled with charm, romance, and springtime vibes - perfect for fans of small-town whodunits with heart.

Will I read book 3? Absolutely!

Although this book can be read as a standalone, I’d highly recommend starting with book one for the full series experience.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good and enjoyable read.

The story blends murder, small-town corruption, and a touch of romance - a combination that keeps the pages turning.

One of the highlights for me was the portrayal of Will as a single dad doing his absolute best to raise his daughter, Angel, into a good person. Their relationship felt genuine and heartfelt. I also appreciated the dynamic between Will and his ex (Angel’s mom), those interactions added emotional depth and realism to the story.

Morgan continues to shine as a character. She’s independent and intelligent. I would happily read more about her and see how she grows in future books.

However, the ending didn’t fully work for me. It felt very rushed and somewhat messy in the details, especially during the main confrontation scene when the killer is arrested. Small details matter in a mystery, and the sequence involving the surprise hit with a long piece of wood just before a gunshot (aimed near the head) felt unrealistic and slightly spoiled the impact of the finale. A stronger, more carefully constructed resolution would have elevated the entire book.

That said, the final show scene did make me laugh - it was a fun and lighter moment to close things out.

While I personally enjoyed Book 1 more, I would still pick up Book 3 to see where the story goes next. Despite my issues with the ending, it was an entertaining read overall.

If you love:
✔️ Small-town mysteries
✔️ Family dynamics
✔️ Strong female leads
✔️ A mix of murder and romance

…this one is worth adding to your TBR.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring in Cinnamon Falls should be all about blossoms, romance, and the gentle hum of small-town life—but R. L. Kilmore reminds us that even the prettiest settings can hide shadows. Death at Daffodil Inn draws us into the annual Daffodil Jubilee, where Morgan Taylor is reluctantly helping her parents host the festivities. Between daydreams of Will—the dangerously magnetic single dad—and the swirl of community celebrations, Morgan’s life feels poised on the edge of something new.

That edge sharpens when a scream cuts through the Petals and Promises dance, and a body is discovered in the inn’s garden maze. Suddenly, the warmth of spring collides with the chill of murder.

Kilmore crafts a cosy mystery that blooms with tension, romance, and small-town charm. The chemistry between Morgan and Will is undeniable, adding heart to the suspense, while the Jubilee setting brims with atmosphere—petals, promises, and secrets entwined. Twists unfold with perfect pacing, making this a story you’ll want to devour in one sitting (as I did!).

Fans of Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars, and the Dream Harbor series will find themselves enchanted by Cinnamon Falls. It’s witty, heartfelt, and just sinister enough to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

With thanks to RL Kilmore, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[octojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Simon & Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

Firstly, it was such a pleasure to receive this as my first piece of bookmail ever. Maybe for sentimental value this book now has a special place in my heart, but I will still be fair in my thoughts (don’t worry).

Death at Daffodil Inn is book two in the Cinnamon Fall series by R.L. Killmore. This is a small town, cozy mystery series where murders keep interrupting the idyllic neighbourhood’s peace!

Going into this, I worried that I should’ve picked up the first book beforehand. But actually, despite some of the repeated characters and lore being a little lot on me, I don’t think prior knowledge was necessary at all.

I thought that the characters in this one were nicely layered, especially our mmc Will who had such a lovely relationship with his daughter. The exploration of his past gave his character such depth, and the fact he runs a gardening club for troubled boys was such a cute addition 🥹

Overall, I think some of the plot points were a bit predictable and rushed, but otherwise, I think that’s the cozy elements and murder mystery were nicely balanced. It’s the kind of book that will sprinkle creepy suspense throughout without giving you nightmares (my cup of tea completely).

My overwhelming final thought is that I think this should be adapted into a tv series, like NOW!!! ⭐️

[Michelle Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ (Please Goodreads, bring your rating system in line with reality).

I was lucky enough to have ARC read book one in the Cinnamon Falls Mystery series and was excited to be blessed once again with an early copy of Death at Daffodil Inn.

This series is gearing up to be my new favourite cosy mystery series. I want to move to Cinnamon Falls, but I just hope I wouldn't end up being the victim in R. L. Killmore's next installment.

Killmore's writing is a joy and effortless, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the story.

The 'Whodunnit' element of this book wasn't particularly difficult to work out, but I didn't mind that, because this was a character led read. This was more about the growing connection between two people, the impact our family has even when they believe they are doing what is best for us, it's about roots and heritage, and not being afraid to stand up for what is right.

A wonderful read and I will for sure be keeping an eye out for book three in this series.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to R. L. Killmore and Netgalley, for allowing me an early copy of Death at Daffodil Inn.
All views expressed within this review have been freely provided and are my own.

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinnamon Falls feels like the kind of town you’d move to for fresh pastries and friendly faces… and then immediately realise the murder rate is slightly concerning.

Death at Daffodil Inn is the second book in the Cinnamon Falls Mystery series and this time we follow Morgan. I loved getting inside her head, she’s relatable, a little chaotic, and impossible not to root for. Between helping at the family inn, dodging her very obvious feelings for a certain single dad, and trying to solve a murder before it ruins everything, the vibes were immaculate.

The annual Daffodil Jubilee setting was cosy core perfection, blooming flowers, town traditions, and just enough secrets lurking beneath the sunshine. The romance is soft and sweet, the small town charm is peak comfort reading, and the mystery kept me turning pages even when I thought I’d figured it out. Bonus points for the wholesome father-daughter moments that absolutely melted me.

If you like your mysteries warm, charming, and sprinkled with romance, add this one to your TBR ASAP. And yes… I’m already ready for book three.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in a small town setting, community and a cosy budding romance - plus an adorable little girl and her (heartthrob ofc) dad just wanting to make her smile again. They’re the bullet points you need to know and it was all it took for me to make the decision to pick up the book.

That and I really enjoyed the first one and they’re easy to read. It’s a steady developer (perhaps a tad bit too long for me. I think it could have been wrapped up quicker but then again, by the end when it was all starting to come together, I raced through the last 40%!).

I love the community feel and the characters were easy to get behind. It was entertaining and a well-woven story and I look forward to ‘The Berry Bakery Murder’ to follow this one!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for the Daffodil Jubilee at the Daffodil Inn in Cinnamon Falls. Morgan helps her parents wherever she can, kind of still fighting for her mothers approval. At the same time she hopes to finally kick of some romance with Will.
Everything goes according to plan until they hear a scream during the Jubilee. A guest is found dead in the maze. She was murdered and the police need to investigate.
Suddenly, everything is on the line. A shady investor wants to buy the Inn, a murder needs to found. Morgan does everything she can while stumbling across some romantic hiccups with Will.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It’s cozy, a little romantic (could be more) and a little mysterious. I would have loved to learn a little more about Will‘s backstory, not just some hints of a strange past but besides that I loved it.

[Heather Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first of this gentle murder mystery series and the second was equally enjoyable.

This time the story centres around Daffodil Inn where the annual Daffodil Festival is held and organised by Morgan Taylor’s family. During the festivities a body is found in the maze and a murder investigation is launched.

Evelyn - the murder - is not greatly liked by the community but Morgan and Will - whose daughter befriended her - are determined to find her killer.

As she investigates, Morgan also needs to find a way to preserve the Inn from a local property developer and see if her romantic interest in Will can be kindled.

A gentle tale - tense at times but romantic and charming.

[Val Millard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan Taylor has gone home to the Daffodil Inn in Cinammon Falls to help her parents with their annual Jubilee and daffodil festival, their major event in the year. One of her pupils is staying at the Inn as well with her dad Will, a landscape gardener.
Evelyn used to own the Inn and comes back every year to stay for the Jubilee, She has made friends with Will’s young daughter and takes her out to local shops and diners..
Will has created a new maze for this years event, unfortunately it’s the scene of a murder as the evening dance is getting underway.
This is the second book in the Cinnamon Falls mysteries that manage murder and romance at the same time.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a bookseller, we are granted some books on Libro right before they are released. I was so happy to see this one pop up, as I thoroughly enjoyed the original Cinnamon Falls book.

If you’ve read the first one, you will be delighted to see a few familiar characters. However, you don’t need to have read it to enjoy this book.

Sweet, small town, cozy mystery and a little slow burn light romance. Interesting mystery with some good twists and turns.

If you need a light fun read, definitely go make yourself a hot chocolate, grab a fluffy blanket and find a comfortable spot on your couch and read this book!

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woohoo, this was a great read. It's a small-town book but instead of being all sappy romance, there's a little bit of romance with a lot of cosy murder.

The story centres around Morgan and her family's inn and we start when someone is found unalive at their annual daffodil festival.

Morgan needs to solve the mystery and sort out her love life.

I can't wait for the next installment of Cinnamon Falls.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book did not do it for me. I loved the first book in the series, despite some red flags in de MMC, but this book's MC's just felt off. Will has issues he hasn't worked through, and blames his ex experiencing things he himself also suffers from, and Morgan can't seem to be able to be her own person. There was 0 chemistry, because they didn't even know each other other than seeing each other around school. The mystery part was great though.

[Sophiesreadingbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute cosy mystery, the perfect palette cleanse after some dark thriller reads.

A whodunnit case for a small village to solve. Everyone in cinnamon falls can’t believe another case has happened so soon in their quiet little village.

It has mystery, secrets, unaliving and even some romance thrown in there. This is the second in the series and it didn’t disappoint. A wholesome read.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The newest edition of cinnamon falls welcomes new characters, new crimes & a fun agatha christy ‘who dunnit’ vibe with a spring/summer twist !

I love that there’s a book in the ‘romantic crime’ market that has only POC characters. The story telling is easy to follow, and the ending was , albeit predictable, satisfying.

I’m excited for the next one :)

[Halley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Will is a dream guy, bad boy turned good, doting single dad all round good guy. I didn’t trust Cameron from the get go.

Super easy read that will keep you hooked
Cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

31/01/26 For the record, it's definitely been published, as I read it on kindle unlimited!

[Sian Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Daffodil Inn is the second in the Cinnamon Falls series, and like the first one, this is another amateur sleuth kind of story with a romance thrown in for good measure. I love these kind of small town murder mysteries and small town romances, so to have them together in one book makes for a good read for me.

Morgan's parents run the Daffodil Inn where the annual spring festival is held. Her parents have dedicated their lives to running the inn, so when a guest, the former owner of the inn, is found murdered in the maze in the middle and Morgan is in the middle of what is about to turn into a romantic tryst with single dad, Will, everything is turned on its head. The quirky cast characters work together to solve the murder, but with plenty of problems thrown at them along the way.

It was good, I enjoyed the story as a whole and adored some of the characters - Angel, especially, was a gem! But the writing in areas was somewhat clunky. The story flowed but wasn't as strong as the first in the series, A Cinnamon Falls Mystery, for me.

The romance storyline was fun, but I did feel somewhat that we were thrown slightly into the middle of things - it felt like there was a bit of background that I was missing, even though I'd read the book before. Maybe I'm wrong and it was just a rushed heated moment at the beginning, but it didn’t ruin the romance for me, it just made it feel slightly less grounded than the mystery plot.

The small town vibes were excellent. I loved following the characters as they uncovered clues throughout the town to track down what had really happened. In general, the characters were excellent - I loved their background stories, such as Will running a gardening club to keep young people in line. Characters were never flat and always had little quirks and their own shining personalites - you can really picture this town and how its people work.

I enjoyed it and will look forward to the next book, The Berry Bakery Murder.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow amazing read loved the first book so couldn’t wait to read this I’m a massive romance/thriller reader so these are perfect for me

Death At Daffodil Inn is centred around the annual Daffodil Jubilee and Morgan is helping parents but there’s a murder can her and hot single dad she dreams about solve the Mystery loved there chemistry and as always R.L. Killmore writing a page turner that kept me up late to finish it can’t wait for the next book The Berry Bakery Murder