Blooms, Bitterness, & Betrayal: A Totally Unputdownable Cozy Mystery

by Hope Quinn, Wendy Fletcher (Editor)

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While catering the garden tour, Stella witnesses the founder of the event collapses dead amongst her prized flowers. Rex knew something was wrong before she ever showed signs, and he doesn't stop nudging his human in the right direction until he's sure she's gotten the message. With Rose and Claire digging in as well, they work with Det. Ben to piece together the mystery. These characters continue to develop from the initial figures in the 1st series book. Maude has ties to this case that have haunted her for 20 years, and she's not the only one. She is the one they're sure is innocent though. With suspects ranging from rival garden owner, to volunteers , to even her personal assistant, the gang will have to pull from history and the present alike to tease out the solution. Stella is methodical, though sometimes impetuous in her actions, which keeps Ben on constant alert. (UGH, those two need to figure it out... 3 years!?). Richard, of course is ever present, though rather tame in comparison to previous shenanigans. A great cast of characters and a mystery I enjoyed watching them piece together (even if I guessed the perpetrator long before the reveal).

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the time for the annual Garden Tour in Willowberry. Café owner Stella Ray is catering and with her intelligent, intuitive, clue finding bulldog Rex she is read for the tour to begin. But, when one of the tour hosts drops dead, the tour is put on hold and of course, Stella and Rex, along with Rose and Cara Stella's Cousin are into investigating. Although Sheriff Ben isn't happy they're involved, he does work with them in his way. Finding so many potential suspects, the case takes us on a roller coaster trying to figure it all out. This is a great addition to the Stella Ray & Rex cozy mystery series and I highly recommend it! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of A Stella Ray & Rex Cozy Mystery. While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

'If Stella gets too close to the truth, she may find herself right where the victim ended up…silenced.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and complex and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella Ray and her staff are doing the catering for the annual Garden Tour when the head of the group Vivienne gets ready to do a demonstration puts on her garden gloves and falls down dead. It appears that she had enough enemies that Stella, her cousin Cara, and Ben the police chief had their work cut out for them to find who did the deed. There had been quite a bit of unhappy people around her for the last 20 years and there is a lot of information to sort though to find the most likely person. With the help of Rex, Stella's dog, they talk to the suspects, sort the information, and make the arrest.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[theenchantedalibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute, cozy mystery. I love these characters so much. Rex is so adorable and yet so smart. I love the way all of the characters interact and have such intertwined lives. The small town vibes are so fun and it really makes for an enjoyable read. The only reason I gave this three stars is to me the writing isn’t phenomenal. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, the style just isn’t my favorite. That being said, the plot and characters make these books worth it for me. While the plots are pretty predictable, there is always so much more to it than you think. I love how complex these stories are. Overall, this book was a very cozy read! Thank you so much to Hope Quinn for this arc!

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blooms, Bitterness & Betrayal is a Superb story and series about Stella Ray a Cafe Owner and her very clever special, sleuthing dog Rex. Stella and Rose were catering for the Annual Garden Tour when the owner of the first garden collapses. Ben Morgan comes to investigate and is assisted by Stella, Rex, Rose and Cara Stella's Cousin a Reporter. But what will they uncover and can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery that was hard to put down. I enjoyed the diverse characters and where this story took place. I also enjoyed the authors writing style. I always enjoy a furry sidekick as well. There were many secrets and suspects that start to unravel through this book and I love trying to guess who the culprit is, but of course I didn’t get it right which is fine because then it’s not predictable. Great cozy mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GinaB. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story with Stella Ray & her dog Rex! Stella’s catering the Garden Tour when someone no one liked dies in her own rose garden. The Committee logic of life is for the living, deposits aren’t refundable & Vivienne would’ve hated the disruption of the tour meant the Garden Tour would continue. Stella, Rex & the fun crew (Cara, Rose & Richard) go to work to help Ben solve whodunnit. I received this great cozy mystery as an ARC from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.

[Michael Lartey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with intrigue, this thrilling novel centers on how a sleuthful caterer and her clairvoyant dog go to great lengths to unravel the mystery behind the death of Willowbury’s most popular horticulturist. I love how this book lacks profanity, and also how Stella Ray’s dog Rex is regarded with so much respect. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and do not mind reading it again! I recommend this book to both teenage and adult readers who love engaging thrillers that involve sleuthful dogs.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery ~ well thought out charachters and an interesting plot line. The author uses an unusual format and it makes for a very clean and well structured read ~ I liked that! There are little moments scattered throughout the book which are quite charming involving Margaret and a gentleman. Rex is awesome As he evaluates people and situations ~ looking forward to the next mystery which is briefly hinted at in the closing.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was sweet, funny, and sad.
Stella is the caterer for an event that has been going on for years: A terrible thing happens in front of everyone, no one
predicts this to happen. No one touches anything until the police, and paramedics are on the scene.
Stella and Rex of course will find who did this. She’s told not to get involved by Ben the Sheriff.
Must read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another murder for Stella and Rex to "help" investigate alongside Ben, the local police officer. Rex has definite views and opinions lol! A great read, and I had great sympathies for the culprit too.

[Beverley Ammeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one afternoon it was so good I couldn’t put it down. Stella and Rex, her faithful dog, make a great pair of detectives. If your looking for a cozy afternoon mystery, with a little murder, than this is definitely the book for you.