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A Flower Shop Mystery #17
Florist Grump
From the New York Times bestselling author of A Root Awakening, feisty florist Abby Knight is back with another knotty murder to solve in the next Flower Shop Mystery...
Life in Bloom
Stopping to smell the roses should be a must for flower shop owner Abby Knight, but stress has turned her into a major grump. While their house is under construction, Abby and her new husband, Marco, are living with her parents, who are driving her nuts. Not to mention that everyone has babies on the brain, with her cousin Jillian’s bundle of joy popping up in every conversation, and Marco’s mother dropping hints that she expects a new sprout from Abby and her son—as soon as possible!
But things get even thornier after a flashy former banker pushes up daisies. With a beloved window washer the prime suspect in the murder, other New Chapel shop owners rally around Abby and Marco to prove his innocence. With Abby’s energy wilting, she has to be on high alert—or she and Marco may not live to see their new home…
Life in Bloom
Stopping to smell the roses should be a must for flower shop owner Abby Knight, but stress has turned her into a major grump. While their house is under construction, Abby and her new husband, Marco, are living with her parents, who are driving her nuts. Not to mention that everyone has babies on the brain, with her cousin Jillian’s bundle of joy popping up in every conversation, and Marco’s mother dropping hints that she expects a new sprout from Abby and her son—as soon as possible!
But things get even thornier after a flashy former banker pushes up daisies. With a beloved window washer the prime suspect in the murder, other New Chapel shop owners rally around Abby and Marco to prove his innocence. With Abby’s energy wilting, she has to be on high alert—or she and Marco may not live to see their new home…
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
60 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Kate Collins
66 books950 followersIndiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 4, 2020
The story took its time to truly start. Florist Gump's first half made me think it's easy to write a fan fiction of this series. The other half made me change my mind on that subject.
As soon as the author began to write meaningfully, the pace picked up. Although I did predict the murderer's identity within minutes of reading about him, it's still a work of a talented writer. Some of her ending chapters are positively Dickensian in their construct.
I can't anoint this book with 5 stars. Not after the sluggish start which made me think of ditching the book. That was an ordeal a blazing second half would have made me forget in my younger days. But not this version of me.
As soon as the author began to write meaningfully, the pace picked up. Although I did predict the murderer's identity within minutes of reading about him, it's still a work of a talented writer. Some of her ending chapters are positively Dickensian in their construct.
I can't anoint this book with 5 stars. Not after the sluggish start which made me think of ditching the book. That was an ordeal a blazing second half would have made me forget in my younger days. But not this version of me.
October 26, 2015
FLORIST GRUMP is a shining example of why the Flower Shop Mystery series by Kate Collins has been optioned for a movie! In a bouquet of sixteen already breathtaking blooms, the addition of blossom number seventeen has filled in this arrangement beautifully.
A perfectly well plotted and fun mystery, FLORIST GRUMP is the newest installment in the Flower Shop series which follows protagonist Abby Knight and her floral business, Bloomers Flower Shop. Now married to Marco Salvare, building a new home, and being a partner in the Salvare Detective Agency with her husband, Abby has a full to overflowing life. But author Kate Collins handles all aspects of her lead character’s life brilliantly.
This book is one of the best in the series to date, which is really saying something considering how marvelous the first sixteen books are. Ms. Collins never ceases to amaze me with how she can keep new plots in this long running series as fresh as the flowers in Abby’s shop. Yet she does it without ever losing the integrity of her series. Truly the sign of a talented, gifted writer.
If you’re a mystery fan, you really need to give the Flower Shop Mystery series a try. You’re going to love it. And if you already follow the series, you are in for a story that will fill all your senses!
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for an excerpt from MOSS HYSTERIA, the April 2016 release in the Flower Shop Mystery series!
A perfectly well plotted and fun mystery, FLORIST GRUMP is the newest installment in the Flower Shop series which follows protagonist Abby Knight and her floral business, Bloomers Flower Shop. Now married to Marco Salvare, building a new home, and being a partner in the Salvare Detective Agency with her husband, Abby has a full to overflowing life. But author Kate Collins handles all aspects of her lead character’s life brilliantly.
This book is one of the best in the series to date, which is really saying something considering how marvelous the first sixteen books are. Ms. Collins never ceases to amaze me with how she can keep new plots in this long running series as fresh as the flowers in Abby’s shop. Yet she does it without ever losing the integrity of her series. Truly the sign of a talented, gifted writer.
If you’re a mystery fan, you really need to give the Flower Shop Mystery series a try. You’re going to love it. And if you already follow the series, you are in for a story that will fill all your senses!
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for an excerpt from MOSS HYSTERIA, the April 2016 release in the Flower Shop Mystery series!
April 30, 2019
3.5 stars. While I love this series I haven't been loving Abby's attitude in the last couple of books but I think she's turning it around. I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me guessing right up to the reveal. I do like the characters in this series and Marco and Abby are so cute together.
October 6, 2015
Florist Grump is the seventeenth book in the A Flower Shop Mystery series.
I really love this series. Well written stories, with fascinating characters that you just want to sit down and visit with.
Abby and Marco have been married for seven months and have loved every day and they are having their dream house built. That's the plus side, on the down side, they living at Abby's parents' home till their house is completed. Now Abby loves her parents, but it is difficult to move back into their and your room is still decorated like it was when you were a teen. To say nothing about privacy. Marco is doing his best to keep her focused.
One morning, Abby and Seedy, her rescue dog, were on their way to the Old World Deli to get breakfast sandwiches for everyone at Bloomer's, Abby's florist shop. On the way back to Bloomer Abby sees some commotion by the courthouse, but just figures that they are setting up for the press conference that's going to start soon, but as she nears Bloomers she notice another crowd and a couple police cars and Detective Reilly talking to Marco. She learns from them that a deceased man has been found sitting on the steps of the courthouse with his head in his hands, apparently having been strangled. As the police begin to investigate, they are drawn to suspect a man named Jingles. Jingles is an extremely quiet man and earns a living by cleaning the windows of the shops downtown. It seems the two had worked together and Jingles has lost his business because of the dead man. But Jingles doesn't want to share with anyone his past and will make Abby and Marco investigation that much harder.
Fortunately Abby has a wonderful staff at Bloomer's so that allows Abby to have more time to investigate. Grace is there to serve her tasty scones and to brew a delicious pot of tea and of course to offer the perfect quote to fit any situation. Lottie, who had previously owned the florist shop understands what needs to be done and when and how. And the newest employee Rosa Marin. Rosa tends to be rather outspoken, but she does an excellent job with flower arrangements and sometimes Abby might think too good a job. Abby is lucky to have such a hard working team and she knows it. And Jillian!!! Well Jillian's is back and she now has a beautiful daughter, Harper Abagail Lynne Osborne or just Halo.
So looking forward to my next visit to the quaint town of New Chapel.
I really love this series. Well written stories, with fascinating characters that you just want to sit down and visit with.
Abby and Marco have been married for seven months and have loved every day and they are having their dream house built. That's the plus side, on the down side, they living at Abby's parents' home till their house is completed. Now Abby loves her parents, but it is difficult to move back into their and your room is still decorated like it was when you were a teen. To say nothing about privacy. Marco is doing his best to keep her focused.
One morning, Abby and Seedy, her rescue dog, were on their way to the Old World Deli to get breakfast sandwiches for everyone at Bloomer's, Abby's florist shop. On the way back to Bloomer Abby sees some commotion by the courthouse, but just figures that they are setting up for the press conference that's going to start soon, but as she nears Bloomers she notice another crowd and a couple police cars and Detective Reilly talking to Marco. She learns from them that a deceased man has been found sitting on the steps of the courthouse with his head in his hands, apparently having been strangled. As the police begin to investigate, they are drawn to suspect a man named Jingles. Jingles is an extremely quiet man and earns a living by cleaning the windows of the shops downtown. It seems the two had worked together and Jingles has lost his business because of the dead man. But Jingles doesn't want to share with anyone his past and will make Abby and Marco investigation that much harder.
Fortunately Abby has a wonderful staff at Bloomer's so that allows Abby to have more time to investigate. Grace is there to serve her tasty scones and to brew a delicious pot of tea and of course to offer the perfect quote to fit any situation. Lottie, who had previously owned the florist shop understands what needs to be done and when and how. And the newest employee Rosa Marin. Rosa tends to be rather outspoken, but she does an excellent job with flower arrangements and sometimes Abby might think too good a job. Abby is lucky to have such a hard working team and she knows it. And Jillian!!! Well Jillian's is back and she now has a beautiful daughter, Harper Abagail Lynne Osborne or just Halo.
So looking forward to my next visit to the quaint town of New Chapel.
December 29, 2015
For the 17th book in the series, Kate Collins is still inventing fresh ways to die, plot twists that work, and cute characters. I’m really impressed that she has kept the series moving along and has not lost any of the cuteness from her older books. The only one who was PMSing all book was Abby – the main character. The title was completely fitting for the heroine, but she came across as so unlikable in this book, that I’m not entirely sure if I’m going to race out to read the next installment this April.
What I loved: Rosa is a great addition to the flower shop and will be a fantastic character in future books, if Abby can just get over herself for 10 minutes.
What I didn’t love: Like I said before – Abby was such a witch with a B in this tale. I get it – you’re overwhelmed with work, having to live with your parents for a few months, blah blah blah. Not once in the entire novel, did Abby ask for a break or to have a little time for herrself or anything. Instead, she just internally vented like a sullen, spoiled teenager and rolled her eyes through the entire adventure. Maybe its time she learned that she needs to say what she needs instead of making everyone read her mind.
What I learned: There are so many sides to people – you just have to take the time to get to know them to see them.
Overall Grade: C
www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder
October 26, 2015
Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None/Negligible
Violent Content: Moderate
I've never 'seen' Abby in her present state of mind, though I can relate to a some of her reasoning for it. As the title says, she's a grump. There are personal and professional things Abby has to work out, and I'm confident that once this case is wrapped up, she'll find the balance she needs on all fronts.
Usually we see Jillian and Maureen (Abby's mother) in a more humorous light, this time it's as though they are in more somber places. With a couple of exceptions, everyone seems to be a bit more somber, perhaps feeding off of Abby's mood?
Suspects continue to baffle Abby and Marco as they try to clear a beloved citizen, Jingles's name. He has a few secrets that need to be exposed in order to unravel the whys and so forth of the murder, which he naturally would rather not be revealed.
As always I find the entire cast and setting of this series to be diverse and engaging. Nothing about this series is ever boring. Collins is a must read author, period.
Enjoy,
-- CONNIE
All books reviewed by Once Upon a Romance are furnished by the publisher or publicist for a fair and honest review.
March 11, 2017
Florist Grump by Kate Collins is the 17th book in the Flower Shop Mystery series. Abby and Marco are hired to help clear Jingles, the window washer, who is accused of the murder of a banker. Abby's grumpy and childish behaviour spoilt the book for me, which was otherwise interesting. Her behaviour was mean and hurtful and very unlike her usual self. It was nice to catch up with everyone but it was not one of the better books in the series.
July 17, 2020
This is my first Kate Collins book and I absolutely loved it. Even though she was difficult at times I really enjoyed the story progression and ending. I cannot wait to read more
October 30, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Abby Knight Salvare is one grumpy florist these days but frankly I can see her point. Moving into your parents house as an adult no matter how temporary can cause some major drama. You’re an adult and have lived on your own and suddenly your parents are treating like a teenager wanting to know what time you will be home and tracking you down when you stay out until what they consider is too late. When you are investigating a murder that can have dire consequences. Jillian is not handling motherhood well and she expects Abby to drop everything and help. Pretty hard to do when Bloomers is so busy they may have to hire more help, Down the Hatch is packed almost every night and Salvare Detective Agency has a new case. Abby’s mom also has a new project that she wants Abby to help her with. If I was Abby I would be grumpy too and probably pulling my hair out.
So much happens in this story and I enjoyed every minute of it. Kate Collins has rolled up her sleeves and has topped herself. This series has always been one of my true favorites. I anxiously await each new story and I am always delighted with the story. This one is my new favorite in the series.
We have watched Abby and Marco’s love blossom and now they are married and will soon have a brand new home. The talk about babies has already begun but not by Abby and Marco but all their friends and family. These characters are some of the best in the cozy mystery world right now. They are all people I wish I could meet in real life.
Ms. Collins also creates fantastic and believable story-lines. The subplots flow flawlessly amid the main plot. Again she has given readers a book they will bot be able to stop reading once they start. The problem is I didn’t want the story to end. It seems my visits to New Chapel are just way too short. Thankfully Moss Hysteria comes out April 5, 2016. That’s not too long to wait :) well it is but that’s the way it has to be.
Abby Knight Salvare is one grumpy florist these days but frankly I can see her point. Moving into your parents house as an adult no matter how temporary can cause some major drama. You’re an adult and have lived on your own and suddenly your parents are treating like a teenager wanting to know what time you will be home and tracking you down when you stay out until what they consider is too late. When you are investigating a murder that can have dire consequences. Jillian is not handling motherhood well and she expects Abby to drop everything and help. Pretty hard to do when Bloomers is so busy they may have to hire more help, Down the Hatch is packed almost every night and Salvare Detective Agency has a new case. Abby’s mom also has a new project that she wants Abby to help her with. If I was Abby I would be grumpy too and probably pulling my hair out.
So much happens in this story and I enjoyed every minute of it. Kate Collins has rolled up her sleeves and has topped herself. This series has always been one of my true favorites. I anxiously await each new story and I am always delighted with the story. This one is my new favorite in the series.
We have watched Abby and Marco’s love blossom and now they are married and will soon have a brand new home. The talk about babies has already begun but not by Abby and Marco but all their friends and family. These characters are some of the best in the cozy mystery world right now. They are all people I wish I could meet in real life.
Ms. Collins also creates fantastic and believable story-lines. The subplots flow flawlessly amid the main plot. Again she has given readers a book they will bot be able to stop reading once they start. The problem is I didn’t want the story to end. It seems my visits to New Chapel are just way too short. Thankfully Moss Hysteria comes out April 5, 2016. That’s not too long to wait :) well it is but that’s the way it has to be.
March 13, 2020
Another interesting entry in the Flower Shop series. Abby is overwhelmed and grumpy, living with her parents while her and Marco's home is being finished. She has no time to herself and is impatient with everyone (except Marco). When she finds a dead body in the bushes while she and the dog are off to get breakfast, well...she wants to investigate but doesn't have time, which builds more conflict for her.
I like how Abby has continued to evolve in this series. Her impatience and frustration with her folks is well written, and very plausible. Mom is now writing books, not creating art, and this new passion creates a fun twist at the end of the book.
There's a new cast of characters; some you think are good might not be, and some you think are bad might not be. Or might be. It's a good read.
I like how Abby has continued to evolve in this series. Her impatience and frustration with her folks is well written, and very plausible. Mom is now writing books, not creating art, and this new passion creates a fun twist at the end of the book.
There's a new cast of characters; some you think are good might not be, and some you think are bad might not be. Or might be. It's a good read.
November 6, 2015
Well, what can I say. This is one of my absolute favorite series and whenever a new book comes out it is automatically on my buy and TBR list. That is because Kate Collins never disappoints. This is the 17th installment in the series and she keeps finding new mysteries for Abby and her now husband Marco to solve. This is a well written story that has a great pace. Kate Collins writes wonderful characters that have wit, warmth, humor, and are written with emotion. All of the characters in this series are authentic and likable. You would think that with this being the 17th book in the series that the characters would be fully developed, but in this story Kate Collins finds a way to show us another side of Abby. This time it is a look at the parent/child relationship and how it can be viewed differently by each party and as a result sometimes become strained. In addition, we also get to see Abby's mom, Mo, grow in her artistic endeavors in a way that is a bit unexpected, at least to me, but very appropriate. The reader is also treated to the backstory of one of the secondary characters, Jingles, the window washer. The mystery was engaging and there were plenty of times when I changed my mind about who I thought the killer would turn out to be.
If you are not already a fan of Kate Collins and this series, I would encourage you to pick up one of her books because I can promise you that you will become a fan. I read it over the course of two evenings, and I have to admit went to work tired one morning because I read too far into the evening. If you are already a huge fan, like me, make sure you pick up a copy of this book because you will not be disappointed.
If you are not already a fan of Kate Collins and this series, I would encourage you to pick up one of her books because I can promise you that you will become a fan. I read it over the course of two evenings, and I have to admit went to work tired one morning because I read too far into the evening. If you are already a huge fan, like me, make sure you pick up a copy of this book because you will not be disappointed.
October 11, 2015
Abby Knight Salvare is the owner of Bloomers Flower Shop and business is booming, but Abby has a lot on her plate and she's been cranky lately. She, her husband Marco and their dog Seedy are temporarily living in Abby's parents house while their house is being built. Every little thing is getting on Abby's nerves, including her workers Grace and Lottie, who suggest Abby offer their part time help Rosa a full time position. Marco and Abby are partners in a detective agency and when a banker is murdered and a well liked window washer named Jingles is accused of the murder, Abby and Marco take the case to try and prove Jingles innocence. Abby knows she's swamped at work and hates the fact that Marco is going to have to do the investigating on his own, because she loves working on cases with him. Abby finally gives in and reluctantly hires Rosa full time knowing it's best for her flower shop. The list of suspects grows when it comes to light that the banker did a lot of things that made him many enemies. When a water main breaks and the streets are closed until it gets fixed, Abby is able to help Marco question suspects. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I love this series and I highly recommend it. Kate Collins never disappoints!
December 20, 2015
Abby and Marco are living with her parents while their new house is being built. Occupying her old bedroom in her childhood home has turned Abby into a sulking, grouchy teenager, and her attitude is noticed by all. Abby's Mom pesters her nonstop about the new book she is writing, but Abby mostly ignores her texts. Marco tries to be supportive, but he too can see Abby is being unreasonable at times. Work is busy, she is short-handed, and stressed-out to the max. When the local window washer on the town square is accused of murder, merchants pool together and hire Marco and Abby to prove him innocent, only adding more to Abby's plate. Marco agrees to do most of the work, but Abby can't keep her nose out of it, regardless of what she says.
I enjoyed this latest installment, but it happened to be my least favorite of all. I loved the story line about solving Jingles case, but Abby's rude and annoying behavior seemed over the top and put a damper on the book as a whole, at least in my opinion. With all her crankiness, I really expected to find out she was pregnant near the end of the book, and I could've given her a little leeway for that. But it was not to be, and so my impression of the book remains the same.
I enjoyed this latest installment, but it happened to be my least favorite of all. I loved the story line about solving Jingles case, but Abby's rude and annoying behavior seemed over the top and put a damper on the book as a whole, at least in my opinion. With all her crankiness, I really expected to find out she was pregnant near the end of the book, and I could've given her a little leeway for that. But it was not to be, and so my impression of the book remains the same.
January 29, 2016
I really do like the mystery aspect of this series but Abby has always kind of made me want to smack her. This particular installment that feeling is ten times worse. She came off as a petulant little brat. I get that moving back in with your parents, especially after you're married, is a bit...stressful. However, if I were Marco, or pretty much anyone in her circle, I would have told her to grow up, put on her big girl pants and quit acting like a spoiled brat.
That being said, I liked the mystery aspect of the book. I always like the way the list of suspects is compiled and they are systematically eliminated until the big reveal. You have the same opportunity as Abby to eliminate the suspects and figure out whodunit along with her. I have read some mysteries where the murderer is some peripheral character that you never really see until the end. I will continue to read the series and put up with Abby's annoying behavior.
That being said, I liked the mystery aspect of the book. I always like the way the list of suspects is compiled and they are systematically eliminated until the big reveal. You have the same opportunity as Abby to eliminate the suspects and figure out whodunit along with her. I have read some mysteries where the murderer is some peripheral character that you never really see until the end. I will continue to read the series and put up with Abby's annoying behavior.
December 2, 2016
I am so so very glad that I requested this book via interlibrary loan. It was the absolutely perfect book to be reading yesterday while feeling ill. At this point I find reading about Abby calming and reassuring -- yes, even when she's in the middle of a murder investigation. I'm very much enjoying reading about Abby at this point in her life and relationship with Marco -- there's far less self-doubt and shenanigans -- even though her life is, of course, less than perfect or settled.
I wish I could just pick up the next book in the series tomorrow -- that's how much I enjoyed this book. Sadly, the way interlibrary loan works, I'll need to wait a week or three.
I wish I could just pick up the next book in the series tomorrow -- that's how much I enjoyed this book. Sadly, the way interlibrary loan works, I'll need to wait a week or three.
March 5, 2016
I've been a fan of the series since the beginning. Yes, Abby has had issues with dealing with people properly in the past books (her mother, mother in law and cousin), but her reactions (or lack thereof) were acceptable. WTF happened here? She is over the top and plain old stupid. It's all about Abby. Grump doesn't begin to cover her bitchiness. I kept expecting an explanation. Nope.
If this was the first book I had read, I wouldn't continue with the series. I'll give Moss Hysteria a try when it comes out, but as usual, I'll get it from my library.
If this was the first book I had read, I wouldn't continue with the series. I'll give Moss Hysteria a try when it comes out, but as usual, I'll get it from my library.
February 27, 2016
Of course, it's hard for Abby and her husband Marco to live with her parents while their new house is being built. But although she's busy with her growing florist business and her work with her husband's detective agency, she really has no excuse for acting like a bratty teenager. She even resents her new employee (for being too good at her job). And she takes reckless chances when the friendly local window-washer is accused of murdering the town's new bank vice-president.
March 12, 2016
Liked this series for the longest time, but this is my last one. Abby came across as a petulant child in this one instead of trying to make the best of the short-term situation she was in. The one before this one wasn't that great either. Onto a new series!
May 27, 2022
I read this with mixed reactions. It ends wonderfully, and because of the ending, it's easy to forgive the beginning and middle. But there's a lot of privileged shrillness between the front cover and the family dinner where Abby comes to herself and gets a grip.
A town banker is dead, and it's clear when they find him on the steps of the fictional courthouse that someone murdered him. A wobbly chain of evidence leads back to a guy the townspeople know as Jingles. He's an older bloke who washes windows for retail and other businesses in the town square, and he has a solid reputation of being a peacemaker and a helper. He's the guy who volunteers even for the hard stuff. The cops think he is their guy; local merchants say, "not so fast." It's up to an overstressed Abby and her new husband to investigate the case and find the real murderer. I didn't see that coming until the reveal, by the way. There are lots of misleading rabbit holes down which you could have gone.
Abby and Marco live with her parents until a construction company finishes their home. Granted, it's never easy to be the adult child and back in your old house where you grew up. But Abby seems particularly selfish about that in this book. It's all about little Abby and how inconvenienced she is by being forced back into the home of her nativity. Even Marco recognizes she's probably pushing things too far and tries to convince her to mellow out. She's stressed by events at work; she really doesn't want to take on the investigation of this murder, but the local merchants express such confidence in her particularly she feels obligated to press forward with it. Worse still, it feels like her aging parents treat her like she's still a child. All of this adds up to create within her a deep unsettled unhappiness. But just as the mystery has a solution, the unhappiness does as well, and it is as unconventional a solution as you can imagine. It's worth reading to get to that point.
A town banker is dead, and it's clear when they find him on the steps of the fictional courthouse that someone murdered him. A wobbly chain of evidence leads back to a guy the townspeople know as Jingles. He's an older bloke who washes windows for retail and other businesses in the town square, and he has a solid reputation of being a peacemaker and a helper. He's the guy who volunteers even for the hard stuff. The cops think he is their guy; local merchants say, "not so fast." It's up to an overstressed Abby and her new husband to investigate the case and find the real murderer. I didn't see that coming until the reveal, by the way. There are lots of misleading rabbit holes down which you could have gone.
Abby and Marco live with her parents until a construction company finishes their home. Granted, it's never easy to be the adult child and back in your old house where you grew up. But Abby seems particularly selfish about that in this book. It's all about little Abby and how inconvenienced she is by being forced back into the home of her nativity. Even Marco recognizes she's probably pushing things too far and tries to convince her to mellow out. She's stressed by events at work; she really doesn't want to take on the investigation of this murder, but the local merchants express such confidence in her particularly she feels obligated to press forward with it. Worse still, it feels like her aging parents treat her like she's still a child. All of this adds up to create within her a deep unsettled unhappiness. But just as the mystery has a solution, the unhappiness does as well, and it is as unconventional a solution as you can imagine. It's worth reading to get to that point.
March 4, 2019
frustrating but heartwarming this one
definitely Florist Grump. I have to admit i was frustrated with Abby throughout this book. But she is young and has life lessons to learn, yes she flunked out of law school and was dumped by her fiance because of flunking law school and she is trying to keep her business afloat. Well now she has her own business her own life she is happily married to the man of her dreams yet she seems to not see the light and love of those who love her her family she's torn by their constant need of her and its playing her last nerve. I was quite frustrated but i cried in the end.
A definite MUST READ #FlowershopMystery
definitely Florist Grump. I have to admit i was frustrated with Abby throughout this book. But she is young and has life lessons to learn, yes she flunked out of law school and was dumped by her fiance because of flunking law school and she is trying to keep her business afloat. Well now she has her own business her own life she is happily married to the man of her dreams yet she seems to not see the light and love of those who love her her family she's torn by their constant need of her and its playing her last nerve. I was quite frustrated but i cried in the end.
A definite MUST READ #FlowershopMystery
October 27, 2018
This is the 17th in the series and the first time reading this author for me. The main characters are Marco and Abby and they are trying to figure out who killed Dallas Stone. Abby is going through a lot of changes and she is not dealing with it all very well. Watching her try to figure out who the killer is and how to deal with everyone around her that loves her and wants her help is quite a story. She does manage to figure it out and it almost kills her . Looking forward to more of her adventures.
December 31, 2024
Have enjoyed this series overall, but agree with other reviewers that Collins might have taken the book's title a bit far. Protagonist Abby isn't just grumpy in this book. She acts like a childish twit, to put it nicely.
It also struck me while reading this that my overall love of cozy mysteries is waning. While I've always been drawn to the small town settings that are a hallmark of a good cozy, I can't help but think the settings are increasingly unrealistic. And I'm just not able to suspend disbelief as I used to be able to do.
Good series, but not my favorite installment for sure
It also struck me while reading this that my overall love of cozy mysteries is waning. While I've always been drawn to the small town settings that are a hallmark of a good cozy, I can't help but think the settings are increasingly unrealistic. And I'm just not able to suspend disbelief as I used to be able to do.
Good series, but not my favorite installment for sure
December 23, 2020
Maybe I would've liked this book better if I had read previous installments in the series. As it was, I never became attached to the protagonist, who struck me as a grump as the title suggests. I was curious about the who and why and how of the murder, but I found the solution to that lacking in depth or real explanation. Not sure I would have finished the book if I weren't looking to count it for a couple challenges and it hadn't come from my late friend FURBALL.
January 25, 2021
Gotta admit, the Murder Mystery part of the book was great- lots to think over, discover, and piece together... but Abby just made me mad! She is so self-absorbed and clueless, BUUUUUT, it fits with the story! Just goes to show you how well Kate Collins wrote her character, because I just wanted to slap Abby, a LOT!
June 8, 2020
Kate is over worked over stressed and living with her parents. Waiting for her and Marco s new home to be finished and trying to prove the innocent of the town s favorite window washer is taking its toll. I love this series.
May 6, 2022
All grown up Nancy Drew has a flower shop is married to a hunk who has an eatery. A banker turns up dead so she and hubs go through a number of mindless questions before her disobedient rescue dog leads here to the lair of a baddie from the movie 'Kick Azz'. Lame. Pass on this.
July 1, 2017
Love Flower Shop Mysteries ! This one made me cry @ the end a good cry but still!!
August 29, 2018
The end had me tearing up a little.😂 on another note... I want to punch Rosa. Grace and Lottie wonder why Abby’s jealous it’s because they don’t really give her much attention anymore!
July 29, 2018
Another great flower shop mystery. The title totally fit Abby's attitude. I also liked getting to see her friend Nikki again.
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