Poinsettias and Peril: A Magnolia Bluff Holiday Cozy Mystery

by EVE LILLY

Murder never looked so merry.When the town’s most dazzling night turns deadly, the truth won’t stay wrapped for long.

The Magnolia Bluff Resort’s Christmas gala was meant to sparkle—garlands, music, and poinsettias in every corner. But when prominent philanthropist Gerald Whitaker collapses during the holiday toast, the night of celebration turns into one of chaos.

Whispers swirl around Roy Dawson, the resort’s gruff maintenance manager with a temper as short as a strand of faulty lights, and Clara Whitaker, Gerald’s estranged daughter whose sudden return to town has everyone talking.

For florist Emery Winslow, the season of giving takes a darker turn. With the Magnolia Circle’s help—and Maisie’s nose for trouble—she must unravel the tinsel of lies before another light goes out.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Magnolia Bluff’s Christmas gala. Garlands poinsettias and more galore. But when prominent philanthropist Gerald Walker drops dead there’s more than sadness there’s dread! This needs to be put to bed this case and quick. Good job there’s a sleuth nearby with more than an alibi ,she’s got the Magnolias has Emily Winslow and her quick wit which as actually prerequisite and good ole Maisie too you know ,to sniff out the clues so away we go. Excellent writing as ever Eve Lilly that’s first rate and not at all silly except where it’s meant to be . You’ll soon see …

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time around tragedy strikes at the fundraising gala for the Resort. Is it accidental due to a lightning strike at the wrong moment or is it something else entirely? This was a fun mystery to unravel. I enjoyed it very much and was surprised by who the murderer was as I had narrowed it down to two entirely different suspects. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poinsettias and Peril is a fascinating, small town, cozy mystery. This was a very clever murder and at first it was ruled an accident. I loved watching Emery, Maisie and the Magnolia Circle as they searched for the murderer. It would take lots of puzzling, noticing all the little things and more before justice would be served. Several suspects, a red herring or two and a surprising solution made this well plotted book impossible to put down!

[G. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book, by Eve Lilly complete. This is a good series and you should get the books so you can walk with Em on her adventures in her Flower shop and when she is solving a murder. Her group of friends help her along with the investigations as well as her dog.
Em gets down deep in the investigations until she knows without a doubt who the killer is. Happy reading.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poinsettia and Peril

Emery Winslow returns t ino Magnolia Bluff to take over the flower Shop and encounters a resort in trouble, an estranged daughter and murder. Join her as she solves another murder with her lifelong friends and her dog Maisie