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Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery #3
Floral Depravity
In the latest Bridal Bouquet Shop mystery, florist Audrey Bloom creates an arrangement for a one-of-a-kind wedding, but ends up pruning a one-of-a-kind criminal…
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
24 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Allen
4 books113 followersBeverly Allen is the author of Bloom and Doom, For Whom the Bluebell Tolls, and Floral Depravity, three books in the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. Beverly is a pseudonym of Barbara Early, chosen because when she says “Barb Early” too quickly or in a noisy room, people hear “Beverly” anyway. She resides in Western New York state with her ever-patient husband and four naughty but adorable cats.
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October 11, 2015
Business is blooming, I mean booming at the Rose In Bloom Flower Shop and it just got busier. Co-owner, Audrey, is tasked with putting together the wedding bouquet for Ramble, Virginia’s elite couple. They want a themed wedding. A Middle Age wedding. It’s going to be a huge event, with everyone required to dress in authentic attire.
I’d like to say the wedding went off without a hitch, but sadly, I can’t. There’s this nasty scene when the doves are released and a hawk swoops in. Then, the groom’s father collapses and is pronounced dead at the hospital. Some say stroke, but it turns out to be death by poisoning.
There are too many suspects to name so the sheriff impulsively deputizes Audrey, enlisting her aid.
It’s a prickly time for Audrey. She just bought her late grandmother’s old cottage and the roof is literally falling in. She’s juggling two beaus, one long distance, who turns up at the wedding, and one local guy who’s working at the encampment. And now she’s donning her sleuthing hat, dodging road apples and blood thirsty mosquitos.
I learned some new trivia in this cozy. Did you know, in the Middle Ages, they used men’s urine to get the yellow dye for their clothing? “Shudders!” Makes you glad you live in this century, doesn’t it?
Ever wonder where the title sheriff came from. In the Middle ages each shire would have a reeve. Shire-reeve became sheriff.
It was fun getting to know Audrey and all of the characters in the small town of Ramble, Virginia.
When Audrey bought her grandmother’s neglected cottage, despite her friends many warnings, I just knew there would be some funny misadventures once she moved in.
It was also fun to learn the meaning behind the different flowers. It’s not just the type of flower, but the color that has different meanings. I now know I bought innapropriate flowers for some occasions. Good thing no one knew.
Learning about life in the Middle Ages was fascinating but I was convinced quickly that I wouldn’t want to live in those times. Too hard.
There are lots of colorful characters, even the ones not involved in the wedding. A love triangle but not really a love triangle. And a surprise villain. I didn’t have a clue who was behind the murder or why.
A sweet romance, lots of chuckles and surprises, and a tangled mystery. One I recommend to cozy fans.
I received this book for my honest review.
I’d like to say the wedding went off without a hitch, but sadly, I can’t. There’s this nasty scene when the doves are released and a hawk swoops in. Then, the groom’s father collapses and is pronounced dead at the hospital. Some say stroke, but it turns out to be death by poisoning.
There are too many suspects to name so the sheriff impulsively deputizes Audrey, enlisting her aid.
It’s a prickly time for Audrey. She just bought her late grandmother’s old cottage and the roof is literally falling in. She’s juggling two beaus, one long distance, who turns up at the wedding, and one local guy who’s working at the encampment. And now she’s donning her sleuthing hat, dodging road apples and blood thirsty mosquitos.
I learned some new trivia in this cozy. Did you know, in the Middle Ages, they used men’s urine to get the yellow dye for their clothing? “Shudders!” Makes you glad you live in this century, doesn’t it?
Ever wonder where the title sheriff came from. In the Middle ages each shire would have a reeve. Shire-reeve became sheriff.
It was fun getting to know Audrey and all of the characters in the small town of Ramble, Virginia.
When Audrey bought her grandmother’s neglected cottage, despite her friends many warnings, I just knew there would be some funny misadventures once she moved in.
It was also fun to learn the meaning behind the different flowers. It’s not just the type of flower, but the color that has different meanings. I now know I bought innapropriate flowers for some occasions. Good thing no one knew.
Learning about life in the Middle Ages was fascinating but I was convinced quickly that I wouldn’t want to live in those times. Too hard.
There are lots of colorful characters, even the ones not involved in the wedding. A love triangle but not really a love triangle. And a surprise villain. I didn’t have a clue who was behind the murder or why.
A sweet romance, lots of chuckles and surprises, and a tangled mystery. One I recommend to cozy fans.
I received this book for my honest review.
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Kathleen Randolph, the owner of the Ashbury Inn, is helping her daughter, Andrea, plan a very unique wedding. They are getting married during a medieval festival held somewhere way out in the woods. Not only does Audrey have to create the perfect bouquet but she needs to deliver it and all the other flowers to the site. She also has been ordered by Kathleen to stay for the wedding. This means an overnight camp-out in the woods with very little comfort. Those organizing and attending have very strict rules about what can be brought into the camp. No modern conveniences, things have to be as close as possible to the way they back in medieval times. That also includes the clothing worn, so Audrey has to find a costume.
There were a few bumps along the way but Audrey arrives and the ceremony takes place but then tragedy strikes when the bride takes a tumble and the father of the groom tumbles as well. Andrea is helped up and she is fine but the groom’s father, Barry Brooks, is not so lucky. Audrey was hoping her bit of nursing knowledge could help him until the ambulance arrived but the man is soon pronounced dead. The sheriff puts Kane Bixby, police chief of Ramble, in charge of the case and shocks Bixby by deputizing Audrey. Then the real fun…I mean investigation, begins.
So much happens in this story and there are a lot of characters to keep track of but Beverly Allen twines it all together like a beautiful bouquet. The pace is pretty quick as all the players seem to travel between the campsite and town. Audrey and Bixby go back and forth and forth and back several times as they try to dig up clues to catch the killer and eliminate suspects.
There are also some interesting subplots too including one with Audrey, baker Nick and her ex-Brad who just happens to be at the festival too, one with Audrey and the Friar, and Liv’s baby due at any time.
I have enjoyed all three books in this series but this one is my favorite so far. Allen really kicked things up a notch. I do suggest reading this books in order to fully get to know and appreciate these sensational characters and the town of Ramble, Virginia.
Kathleen Randolph, the owner of the Ashbury Inn, is helping her daughter, Andrea, plan a very unique wedding. They are getting married during a medieval festival held somewhere way out in the woods. Not only does Audrey have to create the perfect bouquet but she needs to deliver it and all the other flowers to the site. She also has been ordered by Kathleen to stay for the wedding. This means an overnight camp-out in the woods with very little comfort. Those organizing and attending have very strict rules about what can be brought into the camp. No modern conveniences, things have to be as close as possible to the way they back in medieval times. That also includes the clothing worn, so Audrey has to find a costume.
There were a few bumps along the way but Audrey arrives and the ceremony takes place but then tragedy strikes when the bride takes a tumble and the father of the groom tumbles as well. Andrea is helped up and she is fine but the groom’s father, Barry Brooks, is not so lucky. Audrey was hoping her bit of nursing knowledge could help him until the ambulance arrived but the man is soon pronounced dead. The sheriff puts Kane Bixby, police chief of Ramble, in charge of the case and shocks Bixby by deputizing Audrey. Then the real fun…I mean investigation, begins.
So much happens in this story and there are a lot of characters to keep track of but Beverly Allen twines it all together like a beautiful bouquet. The pace is pretty quick as all the players seem to travel between the campsite and town. Audrey and Bixby go back and forth and forth and back several times as they try to dig up clues to catch the killer and eliminate suspects.
There are also some interesting subplots too including one with Audrey, baker Nick and her ex-Brad who just happens to be at the festival too, one with Audrey and the Friar, and Liv’s baby due at any time.
I have enjoyed all three books in this series but this one is my favorite so far. Allen really kicked things up a notch. I do suggest reading this books in order to fully get to know and appreciate these sensational characters and the town of Ramble, Virginia.
November 23, 2022
Book 3 in the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery. This story had such a fun setting! I really love the cast and got rather stumped trying to solve this case.
The majority of this story takes place outside of the floral shop and into a Renaissance style encampment. I recently attended the Tx Ren Fest so it was easy to imagine the costumes, roles, and atmosphere that the participants fully submerse themselves in creating. It was the perfect setting to introduce new characters and add a touch of humor as you tried to piece together the clues to the murder.
The mystery completed captivated me and kept me guessing until close to the reveal. The victim was easily despised by many creating a good list of plausible suspects. Again the woods and what was used added an interesting twist to the case.
The cast has always been fantastic. Audrey was a fun lead. She was funny, snarky and believable as an amateur deputy. I loved her scene with the baby and how she explained the meaning behind her floral name. Liv cracked me up. She was the perfect headstrong sidekick. Nick has always been a wonderful love interest. He was very thoughtful through this story. I also enjoyed getting to know Audrey's wayward father too.
I'm sad that this is the final book in a short run series. I enjoyed all three books and really liked how it incorporated the Language of Flowers in each story. I think there was definitely more character development that could have come ... especially after this last sweet ending.
The majority of this story takes place outside of the floral shop and into a Renaissance style encampment. I recently attended the Tx Ren Fest so it was easy to imagine the costumes, roles, and atmosphere that the participants fully submerse themselves in creating. It was the perfect setting to introduce new characters and add a touch of humor as you tried to piece together the clues to the murder.
The mystery completed captivated me and kept me guessing until close to the reveal. The victim was easily despised by many creating a good list of plausible suspects. Again the woods and what was used added an interesting twist to the case.
The cast has always been fantastic. Audrey was a fun lead. She was funny, snarky and believable as an amateur deputy. I loved her scene with the baby and how she explained the meaning behind her floral name. Liv cracked me up. She was the perfect headstrong sidekick. Nick has always been a wonderful love interest. He was very thoughtful through this story. I also enjoyed getting to know Audrey's wayward father too.
I'm sad that this is the final book in a short run series. I enjoyed all three books and really liked how it incorporated the Language of Flowers in each story. I think there was definitely more character development that could have come ... especially after this last sweet ending.
August 10, 2017
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October 6, 2015
Floral Depravity is the third book in the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery series.
It's a busy time for Audrey Bloom, co-owner of the Rose In Bloom floral shop, meeting with Kathleen Randolph, who has the Ashbury Inn in Ramble and her daughter Andrea. Andrea has chosen to be wed at a gathering of medieval enthusiasts at a farm outside of town.
Just as the Friar finishes with wedding the wedding vows, the groom's father, Barry Brooks, grasps his throat and collapses. Audrey, having had a couple years of nursing classes, goes to his side to see if there is anything she can do till medical personnel can arrive. Brooks dies and after doing some research on the sly, Audrey feels certain that it was Monkshood that killed Brooks.
Bixby is assigned the case even though it is not his area and the other sheriff “deputizes” Audrey. Bixby would rather not have her involved, but past experience tells him she might be useful. It doesn't take long to have a long list of suspects. Brooks was a “womanizer” and just one of his past flings might have wanted him dead.
Most all of the characters from the previous books are back once again. Nick, the baker, is back and their relationship is holding steady, even though Brad, Audrey former boyfriend is at the encampment filming for a documentary. Liv is nearing full-term and her baby is expected anytime and try as Audrey might, not to involve Liv, she does. And it looks like Audrey has reached a decision on who she wants to commit to.
Another delightful story about the little community of Ramble. Will be watching for the next book in this great series.
It's a busy time for Audrey Bloom, co-owner of the Rose In Bloom floral shop, meeting with Kathleen Randolph, who has the Ashbury Inn in Ramble and her daughter Andrea. Andrea has chosen to be wed at a gathering of medieval enthusiasts at a farm outside of town.
Just as the Friar finishes with wedding the wedding vows, the groom's father, Barry Brooks, grasps his throat and collapses. Audrey, having had a couple years of nursing classes, goes to his side to see if there is anything she can do till medical personnel can arrive. Brooks dies and after doing some research on the sly, Audrey feels certain that it was Monkshood that killed Brooks.
Bixby is assigned the case even though it is not his area and the other sheriff “deputizes” Audrey. Bixby would rather not have her involved, but past experience tells him she might be useful. It doesn't take long to have a long list of suspects. Brooks was a “womanizer” and just one of his past flings might have wanted him dead.
Most all of the characters from the previous books are back once again. Nick, the baker, is back and their relationship is holding steady, even though Brad, Audrey former boyfriend is at the encampment filming for a documentary. Liv is nearing full-term and her baby is expected anytime and try as Audrey might, not to involve Liv, she does. And it looks like Audrey has reached a decision on who she wants to commit to.
Another delightful story about the little community of Ramble. Will be watching for the next book in this great series.
October 6, 2015
FLORAL DEPRAVITY is the most beautiful bloom in an already stunning garden.
The Bridal Bouquet Mystery series became a favorite of mine when the first book, BLOOM AND DOOM was first released. I’m thrilled to see it is on its third installment and I eagerly look forward to even more!
Author Beverly Allen has managed to once again pen a story of the highest caliber. She blends mystery, humor, and charmingly fun characters together to form the perfect bouquet for her readers to enjoy.
The murder in FLORAL DEPRAVITY has more suspects than a rose has thorns. Ms. Allen kept the questions coming and the suspense building right up until the surprising reveal. Series lead, Audrey, also as a secondary storyline to deal with. It was great seeing how she dealt with both situations.
Without giving anything away, one of my favorite exchanges in FLORAL DEPRAVITY went as follows. “…But how did you know I was in trouble?” “Are you kidding? I saw you ride off on a horse.” That honestly made me laugh out loud. I was seriously cracking up.
Brava, Beverly Allen. This series just keeping getting better! 5 stars are just not sufficient. I give you a dozen long stemmed stars for this wonderful story!
The Bridal Bouquet Mystery series became a favorite of mine when the first book, BLOOM AND DOOM was first released. I’m thrilled to see it is on its third installment and I eagerly look forward to even more!
Author Beverly Allen has managed to once again pen a story of the highest caliber. She blends mystery, humor, and charmingly fun characters together to form the perfect bouquet for her readers to enjoy.
The murder in FLORAL DEPRAVITY has more suspects than a rose has thorns. Ms. Allen kept the questions coming and the suspense building right up until the surprising reveal. Series lead, Audrey, also as a secondary storyline to deal with. It was great seeing how she dealt with both situations.
Without giving anything away, one of my favorite exchanges in FLORAL DEPRAVITY went as follows. “…But how did you know I was in trouble?” “Are you kidding? I saw you ride off on a horse.” That honestly made me laugh out loud. I was seriously cracking up.
Brava, Beverly Allen. This series just keeping getting better! 5 stars are just not sufficient. I give you a dozen long stemmed stars for this wonderful story!
November 25, 2015
In book three of A Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery series, Audrey Bloom, her cousin Liv Meyer, and some of the shop staff, find themselves in the middle of an authentic medieval encampment providing flowers for a rather odd wedding. Audrey is shocked and angered when her long-missing father appears there, in the middle of nowhere, disguised as a friar, and marries the couple! Then, someone dies, and Nick, Audrey's beau, is the number one suspect. Like a wreath of flowers, author Beverly Allen entwines an intricate story filled with enough deceit and diversions to fill a cozy mystery fan's desire. Enjoyable reading!
November 7, 2018
As of now,2018, this is the final book in this series so lots of wrap ups for the main characters and their family and friends. The book concerns Audrey doing the flowers for a medieval wedding. While at the camp of the group Audrey sees her long lost father. There is a murder of the father of the groom who had many enemies. The book was a quick easy read. Sorry there are no more books in the series.
May 30, 2017
3.5 stars.
July 14, 2024
Why do smart wanna-be women detectives always seem to own book stores or bakeries or flower shops?
October 26, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fl...
Floral Depravity
A Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery #3
By Beverly Allen
ISBN13: 9780425264997
www.beverlyallenmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Floral Depravity, the strong third installment in the Bridal Bouquet Mystery series, is blossoming with fun.
Audrey Bloom and her cousin Liz are the local florists in Ramble, Virginia, and Audrey has established quite a reputation as a bridal bouquet designer. She is proud to say that no wedding where the bride carried her flowers down the aisle has ended in divorce. She attributes her success to knowing the language of flowers and thus painstakingly chooses just the right meanings for each wedding. Her latest bride Andra has planned an authentic medieval wedding at the area’s rustic encampment with everyone required to wear period clothing and maintain customs of the time. Despite some inconveniences getting everything to the location on time and finding an appropriate costume, the wedding goes off without a hitch. That is, until the father of the groom, Barry Brooks, collapses and dies just as the ceremony concludes. With her extensive knowledge of plants, and some nursing training, Audrey quickly decides that Barry was poisoned. The sheriff is occupied with wildfires in the area so he deputizes the police chief and Audrey to work on the case.
In addition to her new investigative responsibilities, Audrey has a lot of other things on her plate. Liz is very pregnant, and several of their part-time employees are staying at the encampment to earn school credit. She has just purchased what was once her grandmother’s cottage, but the roof is falling down around her. And, she is trying to figure out which suitor is the one for her. And, the wedding “friar” turns out to be her estranged father. Nope, she is not stressed at all.
Beverly Allen writes from Audrey’s perspective and has formed a relatable, likable protagonist. She is smart and practical with a fun wit. Like everyone, she does carry some emotional baggage, but she continues to work through it with each passing book. I particularly like her dealings with her father and hope he makes more appearances in the future. And, thank you, Ms. Allen, for tidying up the love triangle. I am excited to see what the future holds for Audrey and her love.
The mystery itself is solid and kept me guessing throughout. I did suspect the killer’s identity about midway through but then second-guessed myself until the end. Each suspect Audrey investigated had a better motive than the one before, and I thought the interweaving of their stories was clever. The medieval aspects provided some of the more humorous moments, and I learned quite of bit of trivia about the period that I do not think were covered in history class. Also, I found the information about the meaning of flowers to be fascinating. I wonder why we do not utilize this Victorian custom much in the twenty-first century.
I really enjoyed my time with Audrey and the gang and look forward to more visits to Ramble, VA, and more dead bodies. I recommend Floral Depravity to any cozy mystery fan.
Floral Depravity
A Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery #3
By Beverly Allen
ISBN13: 9780425264997
www.beverlyallenmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Floral Depravity, the strong third installment in the Bridal Bouquet Mystery series, is blossoming with fun.
Audrey Bloom and her cousin Liz are the local florists in Ramble, Virginia, and Audrey has established quite a reputation as a bridal bouquet designer. She is proud to say that no wedding where the bride carried her flowers down the aisle has ended in divorce. She attributes her success to knowing the language of flowers and thus painstakingly chooses just the right meanings for each wedding. Her latest bride Andra has planned an authentic medieval wedding at the area’s rustic encampment with everyone required to wear period clothing and maintain customs of the time. Despite some inconveniences getting everything to the location on time and finding an appropriate costume, the wedding goes off without a hitch. That is, until the father of the groom, Barry Brooks, collapses and dies just as the ceremony concludes. With her extensive knowledge of plants, and some nursing training, Audrey quickly decides that Barry was poisoned. The sheriff is occupied with wildfires in the area so he deputizes the police chief and Audrey to work on the case.
In addition to her new investigative responsibilities, Audrey has a lot of other things on her plate. Liz is very pregnant, and several of their part-time employees are staying at the encampment to earn school credit. She has just purchased what was once her grandmother’s cottage, but the roof is falling down around her. And, she is trying to figure out which suitor is the one for her. And, the wedding “friar” turns out to be her estranged father. Nope, she is not stressed at all.
Beverly Allen writes from Audrey’s perspective and has formed a relatable, likable protagonist. She is smart and practical with a fun wit. Like everyone, she does carry some emotional baggage, but she continues to work through it with each passing book. I particularly like her dealings with her father and hope he makes more appearances in the future. And, thank you, Ms. Allen, for tidying up the love triangle. I am excited to see what the future holds for Audrey and her love.
The mystery itself is solid and kept me guessing throughout. I did suspect the killer’s identity about midway through but then second-guessed myself until the end. Each suspect Audrey investigated had a better motive than the one before, and I thought the interweaving of their stories was clever. The medieval aspects provided some of the more humorous moments, and I learned quite of bit of trivia about the period that I do not think were covered in history class. Also, I found the information about the meaning of flowers to be fascinating. I wonder why we do not utilize this Victorian custom much in the twenty-first century.
I really enjoyed my time with Audrey and the gang and look forward to more visits to Ramble, VA, and more dead bodies. I recommend Floral Depravity to any cozy mystery fan.
May 14, 2016
Full disclosure: I’m not fan of the cozy mystery as a genre. I’ve read a handful of these books, but they just aren’t for me. I read this particular cozy only because I won a copy of it in a Goodreads giveaway last year. The series follows Audrey Bloom, co-owner of a floral shop in small-town Virginia. In this installment (book #3), Audrey finds herself at the wedding of one of her clients, when the father of the bride drops dead from an apparent poisoning. Adding to the drama, Audrey finds out that her long absent father was in attendance at the wedding and may have had motive to kill. Unfortunately, this book did not improve my opinion of the cozy mystery. Although I tried to suspend my belief in reality enough to accommodate the many far-fetched scenarios described in this book, I just couldn’t, and instead found myself repeatedly rolling my eyes. Beyond that, the characters were bland and tended speak in little more than platitudes. As for the mystery itself—I think I had it figured out in the first 50 pages, and I tend to think I’m pretty dense about figuring out the “who done it” in such stories. All that being said, if you actually like cozy mysteries…you may still like this one. It seemed to be a pretty typical of the genre.
October 8, 2015
When Audrey Bloom is asked to provide the flowers for a medieval wedding, she embraces the challenge of finding meaningful flowers that are also historically accurate. But when the father of the groom dies right after the ceremony, Audrey finds herself facing another challenge – tracking down the killer.
I loved the first two in the series, and this one is no exception. The story is fast paced. I had an inkling where things were going, but I wasn’t completely sure until we reached the end. The characters are wonderful, although I do wish we’d seen more of a few of the supporting players. The medieval setting provided some great humor along the way as well. The pages flew by all too quickly as they always do.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I loved the first two in the series, and this one is no exception. The story is fast paced. I had an inkling where things were going, but I wasn’t completely sure until we reached the end. The characters are wonderful, although I do wish we’d seen more of a few of the supporting players. The medieval setting provided some great humor along the way as well. The pages flew by all too quickly as they always do.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 6, 2015
Flat characters and a meandering plot were the biggest problems with this one. It didn't help that there were points in the writing where a sentence that didn't seem to have any relation to what was going on just inserted itself into the action.
I ended up skimming the last 15 or so pages and meh. I won't be back.
I ended up skimming the last 15 or so pages and meh. I won't be back.
November 3, 2015
A good read and mystery, but I found out I'm not interested in Renaissance role playing!! Don't get it at all. Good ending to this one. We'll see where it goes! Recommend!
July 20, 2016
Another good installment. I like this series a lot .
February 28, 2021
"I crossed by arms and waited. Grandma Mae always said that women had no greater weapon than well-timed silence."
Floral Depravity did not disappoint. Allen went particularly campy with this one (no cozy pun intended) but I really didn't mind. The recurring characters were just as lovable as ever. It's adorable that Audrey spends all this effort trying to artificially fabricate this relationship between her and her father, when she seems to be subconsciously developing a genuine kind of paternal bond with Bixby.
The book does get overly dramatic at times, but it's not that strange considering the genre. The leading lady of my heart Mrs. Simmons wasn't in this one. We later find out why.
Speaking of...
I do have a small grudge about the last couple pages of the series (this is assuming it's over). It didn't bother me enough to rate this book anything less than five stars, but it did bum me out a little. That being probably the biggest plot contrivance in the history of plot contrivances:
Anyway. Again, it didn't make me dislike the book in any way. It just felt like an easy way out.
I'll really miss Audrey and the Rose in Bloom gang. I would definitely read more from the author.
Floral Depravity did not disappoint. Allen went particularly campy with this one (no cozy pun intended) but I really didn't mind. The recurring characters were just as lovable as ever. It's adorable that Audrey spends all this effort trying to artificially fabricate this relationship between her and her father, when she seems to be subconsciously developing a genuine kind of paternal bond with Bixby.
The book does get overly dramatic at times, but it's not that strange considering the genre. The leading lady of my heart Mrs. Simmons wasn't in this one. We later find out why.
Speaking of...
I do have a small grudge about the last couple pages of the series (this is assuming it's over). It didn't bother me enough to rate this book anything less than five stars, but it did bum me out a little. That being probably the biggest plot contrivance in the history of plot contrivances:
Anyway. Again, it didn't make me dislike the book in any way. It just felt like an easy way out.
I'll really miss Audrey and the Rose in Bloom gang. I would definitely read more from the author.
December 30, 2018
A Medieval encampment takes place in the nearby woods and of course there is a murder. Unlike Renaissance Faires “We don’t just play at the Middle Ages. We live like we are in the Middle Ages.” Made me realize that those giant Turkey Legs are a New World food….
The cleverness and intricacy of the central mystery have gotten better as the series progressed. And the sheriff gives a spot-on plausible reason for working with Audrey that would make sense in the real world.
Since this is the last in the series, the author wraps up all the minor story lines – her father, her relationships, her home, her family. And they all wrap up in a reasonable and satisfying manner.
Interesting tidbit: girls used to hide Bachelor’s Buttons in their clothing and the bachelors were tasked with finding them. Who knew flowers could be so much fun ?
Favorite quote:
“No society can be truly good without the influence of chocolate. I think that’s in the Bible.”
Words to ponder:
“The same soil can grow weeds or beautiful flowers. It depends on what you plant, what you water and tend to. You are so much more than the soil from which you came.”
The cleverness and intricacy of the central mystery have gotten better as the series progressed. And the sheriff gives a spot-on plausible reason for working with Audrey that would make sense in the real world.
Since this is the last in the series, the author wraps up all the minor story lines – her father, her relationships, her home, her family. And they all wrap up in a reasonable and satisfying manner.
Interesting tidbit: girls used to hide Bachelor’s Buttons in their clothing and the bachelors were tasked with finding them. Who knew flowers could be so much fun ?
Favorite quote:
“No society can be truly good without the influence of chocolate. I think that’s in the Bible.”
Words to ponder:
“The same soil can grow weeds or beautiful flowers. It depends on what you plant, what you water and tend to. You are so much more than the soil from which you came.”
May 23, 2025
Audrey Bloom finds herself doing the flowers for a couple at a medieval themed wedding. Unfortunately a death occurs after the nuptials and Audrey is deputized to assist in finding the murderer.
In addition to the murder, Audrey’s long lost father also happens to be at the wedding, with his own secrets.
Add in her very pregnant cousin co-worker, two potential suitors, a money pit of a house, and two cats, Audrey has her hands full.
This is the third and final book of the Bridal Bouquet Shop series. It’s such a sweet series with fun characters. My only complaint is I wish there were more books.
In addition to the murder, Audrey’s long lost father also happens to be at the wedding, with his own secrets.
Add in her very pregnant cousin co-worker, two potential suitors, a money pit of a house, and two cats, Audrey has her hands full.
This is the third and final book of the Bridal Bouquet Shop series. It’s such a sweet series with fun characters. My only complaint is I wish there were more books.
February 2, 2020
I’m a little sad that this is the last book of the series as I think the premise had potential for more books. I appreciate that the author wrapped up the story, even though I would have liked more time for development. The conclusion does fit and it’s better than being left with nothing as a conclusion. Also enjoyed the setting of medieval re-enactment camp, that was different.
April 28, 2023
Allen create an interesting cast of characters. All are interested in in finding the killer of a Pharmaceutical rep. All occurs around the death of a CEO Of pharmaceutical rep Richard who runs out to be the fired: father/daughter reunion with Dad as a suspect.
June 3, 2017
a wedding, a medieval re-enactment, a murder, a long-lost father...... a fun read
July 6, 2017
Good book. Last of the trilogy- wish there were more!
September 18, 2017
enjoyed learning about the inside workings of a Medieval fair on top of the mystery involved with the Rose in Bloom flower shop characters.
October 1, 2017
Loved it! Even though I guessed who's the killer about half way through, I couldn't figure out why ;)
Ending was so sweet as well. Too bad there won't be any more books in the series... :(
Ending was so sweet as well. Too bad there won't be any more books in the series... :(
March 13, 2018
It was ok. At least Audrey did actully do some sleuthing. But I thought Liv was a bit obnoxious and infantile....
February 25, 2020
This is there last in the series & well with it 👍
May 29, 2021
Great book, fun fresh story.
April 5, 2024
Between 3.5-4 ⭐️
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