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Enchanted Garden Mystery #2
Nightshade for Warning
The second Enchanted Garden Mystery from Bailey Cattrell author of the "New York Times" bestselling Magical Bakery Mysteries as Bailey Cates.
Elliana Allbright s custom-made perfume shop and the Enchanted Garden behind it are garnering all sorts of attention lately, but a dead body could bury her in bad publicity...
Elliana s business and personal life are flourishing in her hometown of Poppyville, CA since she opened Scents & Nonsense. She uses her very special skills to craft perfumes that almost magically ease heartache, inspire change, and bring joy and her customers love to relax in the beautiful garden behind her shop along with her corgi, Dash, and her cat, Nabokov. The shop is so popular that a journalist has come to write a feature about Ellie for a national magazine.
But then the journalist is found dead, and suspicion falls on the last person to see him who just happens to be Ellie s brothers girlfriend. So before everything goes to seed, Ellie must rely on her powers observational and otherwise to pick out the real killer from an ever-expanding bouquet of culprits..."
Elliana Allbright s custom-made perfume shop and the Enchanted Garden behind it are garnering all sorts of attention lately, but a dead body could bury her in bad publicity...
Elliana s business and personal life are flourishing in her hometown of Poppyville, CA since she opened Scents & Nonsense. She uses her very special skills to craft perfumes that almost magically ease heartache, inspire change, and bring joy and her customers love to relax in the beautiful garden behind her shop along with her corgi, Dash, and her cat, Nabokov. The shop is so popular that a journalist has come to write a feature about Ellie for a national magazine.
But then the journalist is found dead, and suspicion falls on the last person to see him who just happens to be Ellie s brothers girlfriend. So before everything goes to seed, Ellie must rely on her powers observational and otherwise to pick out the real killer from an ever-expanding bouquet of culprits..."
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 19, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Isn’t that a gorgeous cover? As soon as I saw it and felt the springtime temps here is Wisconsin I knew I had to escape right into this book.
Elliana Allbright is the owner of Scents & Nonsense where she sells items made with special oils she distills from plants in her own garden. The Enchanted Garden is right next to shop and abuts right up to her tiny house. The garden is a relaxing place with spots for people to sit and wind down from the stress in their lives. Ellie may be able to whip up the perfect perfume to ease whatever malady they may be feeling. Ellie’s dog, Dash and shop cat, Nabokov have free rein of the area so they may dish out their own kind of comfort too.
In this installment, Ellie’s tiny home, formerly a garden shed, has gathered some acclaim and a national magazine is sending a reporter and photographer to include her home in an article about the tiny house craze. Ellie bumps into the journalist while she is out having dinner with her brother and his girlfriend. She wasn’t that impressed with the man but tried to be friendly so that his story about her wouldn’t do more harm than good. When she learns the next day he was found dead in his hotel room and that her brother’s girlfriend is the prime suspect she knows she has to dig up the real killer and fast. She has witnessed how the lead detective investigates, in that he doesn’t. She hopes she can persuade his partner and her friend, Detective Lupe Garcia, to work together to solve this case and clear up the whole bloomin’ mess.
The way this author sets the scene is absolutely magical. You can practically smell the flowers blooming in the Ellie’s garden, feel enveloped by a fog that rolls in, and pick a book off the shelf curl up in the chair in Ellie’s living space. It is a place I would love to visit. I have even given serious thought about living in a tiny house myself. That would be fine until the kids and the grandkids want to visit 🙂 then I don’t know what I would do.
We meet some very interesting characters this time and we travel to a very intriguing place. The reporter that was killed has ties to Poppyville and Ellie is going to shake that family tree to see what seeds drop out. This leads her down a very surprising path of twists and secrets. Readers will feel like they are on her shoulder as she does her best to distill the real criminal. It was not an easy task and at first there were many more questions than answers.
This story is so well written and the characters are very engaging. The themes are current and relevant. There is just a hint of magic and humor pops up in all the right places. Bailey Cattrell has treated us all to an enchanting mystery.
Isn’t that a gorgeous cover? As soon as I saw it and felt the springtime temps here is Wisconsin I knew I had to escape right into this book.
Elliana Allbright is the owner of Scents & Nonsense where she sells items made with special oils she distills from plants in her own garden. The Enchanted Garden is right next to shop and abuts right up to her tiny house. The garden is a relaxing place with spots for people to sit and wind down from the stress in their lives. Ellie may be able to whip up the perfect perfume to ease whatever malady they may be feeling. Ellie’s dog, Dash and shop cat, Nabokov have free rein of the area so they may dish out their own kind of comfort too.
In this installment, Ellie’s tiny home, formerly a garden shed, has gathered some acclaim and a national magazine is sending a reporter and photographer to include her home in an article about the tiny house craze. Ellie bumps into the journalist while she is out having dinner with her brother and his girlfriend. She wasn’t that impressed with the man but tried to be friendly so that his story about her wouldn’t do more harm than good. When she learns the next day he was found dead in his hotel room and that her brother’s girlfriend is the prime suspect she knows she has to dig up the real killer and fast. She has witnessed how the lead detective investigates, in that he doesn’t. She hopes she can persuade his partner and her friend, Detective Lupe Garcia, to work together to solve this case and clear up the whole bloomin’ mess.
The way this author sets the scene is absolutely magical. You can practically smell the flowers blooming in the Ellie’s garden, feel enveloped by a fog that rolls in, and pick a book off the shelf curl up in the chair in Ellie’s living space. It is a place I would love to visit. I have even given serious thought about living in a tiny house myself. That would be fine until the kids and the grandkids want to visit 🙂 then I don’t know what I would do.
We meet some very interesting characters this time and we travel to a very intriguing place. The reporter that was killed has ties to Poppyville and Ellie is going to shake that family tree to see what seeds drop out. This leads her down a very surprising path of twists and secrets. Readers will feel like they are on her shoulder as she does her best to distill the real criminal. It was not an easy task and at first there were many more questions than answers.
This story is so well written and the characters are very engaging. The themes are current and relevant. There is just a hint of magic and humor pops up in all the right places. Bailey Cattrell has treated us all to an enchanting mystery.
November 28, 2017
I really enjoy this series. It has so many unique aspects to it that add a touch of wimsey to the cozy genre. The aromatherapy, plant lore, fairy gardens and tiny house living/design explore many current trends making this series feel fresh and current. Ellie is completely likeable, relatable and her unique gift of scent is a magical twist. There is a great supporting cast and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. It is a well plotted mystery with plenty of suspects, motives and unexpected twists with the killer's identity being revealed in a climatic fashion. An all round good read that will leave you longing for spring. I really hope there will be a book three in the future.
October 22, 2019
Another great book by Ms. Cattrell.
September 20, 2018
A very enjoyable cozy mystery!I loved the magical elements and as someone who loves plants and gardening,I wished Ellie's garden was real so I could plan a trip there.I do have to say it wasn't as much of a page turner as the first one but I still really enjoyed it.
May 19, 2017
I didn't love this book as much as I did the first in the series--some of the magic was missing (I assume that it was because the Enchanted Garden wasn't in this story quite as much, or aroma therapy). But it was a good solid smart cozy mystery with wonderful characters!
July 25, 2019
I immensely enjoyed the debut story of this series, 'Daisies For Innocence" when I took a chance on this unknown author to me. So, I was impatiently waiting for the next and it was as good if not better than the first. This cozy just comes together for me and hits several things that I like or of which I am interested: flowers, gardens, dogs, cats, aromatherapy, oils and scents made from flowers and an interesting town, protagonist and colorful reoccurring characters. The heroine who owns a shop, Scents and Nonsense, in a small California town called Poppyville. It's perfect for me. There is a murder mystery, of course, and that is interesting but I don't read cozies for the challenge of 'who done it.' I read series where I have fallen for the characters and their surroundings. I think this is one of my absolute favorites even though it is fairly new and I can hardly wait for number three.
October 31, 2020
Herbalist Ellie Allbright has several passions -- (1) her custom perfume shop, Scents and Nonsense (with its 'Enchanted Garden' in the back), (2) her tiny house, which has landed her an interview with a national magazine, and (3) making sure that her friends, relatives (and herself) aren't charged with murder since the town's leading homicide investigator is friends with her ex-husband and finds everyone associated with Ellie suspicious. This is especially important when her brother's girlfriend becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the journalist sent to interview Ellie about her tiny house.
Honestly, I think that if the town had a good lawyer, Ellie wouldn't have to investigate crimes, since the evidence against her brother's girlfriend in the journalist's poisoning (she had a public fight with him and brought him a sample of her custom herbal tea) barely qualifies as circumstantial evidence. However, that would ruin the story, so it does give Ellie reason and motive to investigate the crime, which she does (fairly brilliantly). This is a really great novel and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Honestly, I think that if the town had a good lawyer, Ellie wouldn't have to investigate crimes, since the evidence against her brother's girlfriend in the journalist's poisoning (she had a public fight with him and brought him a sample of her custom herbal tea) barely qualifies as circumstantial evidence. However, that would ruin the story, so it does give Ellie reason and motive to investigate the crime, which she does (fairly brilliantly). This is a really great novel and I look forward to reading more of the series.
June 2, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ni...
Nightshade for Warning
Enchanted Garden Mystery #2
By Bailey Cattrell
ISBN 9780451476890
cricketmcrael.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The second Enchanted Garden Mystery from Bailey Cattrell author of the “New York Times” bestselling Magical Bakery Mysteries as Bailey Cates.
Elliana Allbright s custom-made perfume shop and the Enchanted Garden behind it are garnering all sorts of attention lately, but a dead body could bury her in bad publicity…
Elliana’s business and personal life are flourishing in her hometown of Poppyville, CA since she opened Scents & Nonsense. She uses her very special skills to craft perfumes that almost magically ease heartache, inspire change, and bring joy and her customers love to relax in the beautiful garden behind her shop along with her corgi, Dash, and her cat, Nabokov. The shop is so popular that a journalist has come to write a feature about Ellie for a national magazine.
But then the journalist is found dead, and suspicion falls on the last person to see him who just happens to be Ellie s brothers girlfriend. So before everything goes to seed, Ellie must rely on her powers observational and otherwise to pick out the real killer from an ever-expanding bouquet of culprits…” (From Goodreads)
Review:
Nightshade for Warning, second in Bailey Cattrell’s Enchanted Garden Mystery series, is enchantingly delightful! It is suspenseful and a celebration of friendship and uniquely gifted individuals. The cover design is as beautifully inviting as that of the first in series. While picturing the plant in question, it also showcases some of the joy of the Enchanted Garden, Ellie’s Corgi, Dash, and the charm of her perfume and more shop.
Ellie’s brother Colby pays a surprise, bringing a lovely young woman with him. Larken has been traveling with Colby in his 70’s Westfalia van for only a short time, and it is evident they are in love. The three go to dinner that evening, but the reservation is not on the books. Never fear, Cynthia, founder of a women’s business group, is having dinner with the man scheduled to interview Ellie the next day. Blake was born and raised in Poppyville but didn’t return after college. The magazine he is with will include an article about Ellie’s house and garden in their upcoming tiny house issue.
Ellie lives in a ‘tiny house’, 320 SF, that was formerly a shed behind her shop, Scents and Nonsense. A local architect prepared the design to upgrade it to her house, with more hidden storage and homey touches than one could imagine. Between her home and the shop is the Enchanted Garden, which she has designed with the help of her friend Thea, a gifted horticulturist. She has planted and lovingly cared for this amazing, peaceful place full of miniature areas that give the illusion that the faeries will soon come out to play. Throughout are herbs and flowers Ellie uses to prepare essential oils for her perfumes and skin preparations. Ellie loves using her gamma’s journal, full of drawings and information about various herbs, other plants and flowers she had raised or studied.
Blake is unhappy that Cynthia invited Ellie, Colby and Larken to join them. Blake is a cynical, bitter man who has no passion for anything environmental unless it earns a favorable amount of cash for him. Larken, serious about one day having a small, organic farm, has a loud disagreement with him and, after calling him out, ran out of the restaurant. The next morning, Blake is found dead in his hotel room, and the murder weapon was in his herbal tea blend. Unfortunately, as a peace offering, Larken had brought him the tea, sans the deadly weapon. As they race against the clock to find the killer before Detective Max Lang throws the book at Larken, Ellie learns there is much more involved than merely an unpleasant man having a tantrum. Such as land that has been in his family for several generations that is valuable to developers, and the journalists whose careers he shredded for his own gain…
Elliana (Ellie) is a wonderful young woman who is happy with her life. She is three-dimensional, someone who would be fun to know with her encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and scents. Her best friend, Astrid, and their friends are hard workers with talents ranging from horticulture to understanding small animals and horses. Ellie and Larken are in many ways alike. If they can keep her out of jail and Colby in town, they would be fabulous friends. I do like most of the characters in this novel! As the pages flew, I grew to like a couple people I wasn’t sure I would. Each character is drawn with care, filling in the colors of their talents throughout.
This cozy couldn’t be written by just anyone. The author has a love and respect for, and extensive knowledge of, plants and their properties. She has gifted us with a detailed, finely executed mystery that works beautifully because of her love of plants and magic, and her talent for putting words and characters in harmony with each other. Things I enjoyed reading about includes herbs and scents, Nabby’s blue moths, the author’s use of weather relating to events, and the characters of Ellie, Lupe, Astrid, Larken, and one more lady who is a surprise. There is a handful of very good suspects, then one by one, they were plucked from the list. The bad guy/ gal is an almost complete surprise. The denouement was exciting and completely satisfying, leaving this reader looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend Nightshade for Warning, especially those who love cozy mysteries and herbology that includes a delightful cast of characters and gorgeous California setting.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Nightshade for Warning
Enchanted Garden Mystery #2
By Bailey Cattrell
ISBN 9780451476890
cricketmcrael.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The second Enchanted Garden Mystery from Bailey Cattrell author of the “New York Times” bestselling Magical Bakery Mysteries as Bailey Cates.
Elliana Allbright s custom-made perfume shop and the Enchanted Garden behind it are garnering all sorts of attention lately, but a dead body could bury her in bad publicity…
Elliana’s business and personal life are flourishing in her hometown of Poppyville, CA since she opened Scents & Nonsense. She uses her very special skills to craft perfumes that almost magically ease heartache, inspire change, and bring joy and her customers love to relax in the beautiful garden behind her shop along with her corgi, Dash, and her cat, Nabokov. The shop is so popular that a journalist has come to write a feature about Ellie for a national magazine.
But then the journalist is found dead, and suspicion falls on the last person to see him who just happens to be Ellie s brothers girlfriend. So before everything goes to seed, Ellie must rely on her powers observational and otherwise to pick out the real killer from an ever-expanding bouquet of culprits…” (From Goodreads)
Review:
Nightshade for Warning, second in Bailey Cattrell’s Enchanted Garden Mystery series, is enchantingly delightful! It is suspenseful and a celebration of friendship and uniquely gifted individuals. The cover design is as beautifully inviting as that of the first in series. While picturing the plant in question, it also showcases some of the joy of the Enchanted Garden, Ellie’s Corgi, Dash, and the charm of her perfume and more shop.
Ellie’s brother Colby pays a surprise, bringing a lovely young woman with him. Larken has been traveling with Colby in his 70’s Westfalia van for only a short time, and it is evident they are in love. The three go to dinner that evening, but the reservation is not on the books. Never fear, Cynthia, founder of a women’s business group, is having dinner with the man scheduled to interview Ellie the next day. Blake was born and raised in Poppyville but didn’t return after college. The magazine he is with will include an article about Ellie’s house and garden in their upcoming tiny house issue.
Ellie lives in a ‘tiny house’, 320 SF, that was formerly a shed behind her shop, Scents and Nonsense. A local architect prepared the design to upgrade it to her house, with more hidden storage and homey touches than one could imagine. Between her home and the shop is the Enchanted Garden, which she has designed with the help of her friend Thea, a gifted horticulturist. She has planted and lovingly cared for this amazing, peaceful place full of miniature areas that give the illusion that the faeries will soon come out to play. Throughout are herbs and flowers Ellie uses to prepare essential oils for her perfumes and skin preparations. Ellie loves using her gamma’s journal, full of drawings and information about various herbs, other plants and flowers she had raised or studied.
Blake is unhappy that Cynthia invited Ellie, Colby and Larken to join them. Blake is a cynical, bitter man who has no passion for anything environmental unless it earns a favorable amount of cash for him. Larken, serious about one day having a small, organic farm, has a loud disagreement with him and, after calling him out, ran out of the restaurant. The next morning, Blake is found dead in his hotel room, and the murder weapon was in his herbal tea blend. Unfortunately, as a peace offering, Larken had brought him the tea, sans the deadly weapon. As they race against the clock to find the killer before Detective Max Lang throws the book at Larken, Ellie learns there is much more involved than merely an unpleasant man having a tantrum. Such as land that has been in his family for several generations that is valuable to developers, and the journalists whose careers he shredded for his own gain…
Elliana (Ellie) is a wonderful young woman who is happy with her life. She is three-dimensional, someone who would be fun to know with her encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and scents. Her best friend, Astrid, and their friends are hard workers with talents ranging from horticulture to understanding small animals and horses. Ellie and Larken are in many ways alike. If they can keep her out of jail and Colby in town, they would be fabulous friends. I do like most of the characters in this novel! As the pages flew, I grew to like a couple people I wasn’t sure I would. Each character is drawn with care, filling in the colors of their talents throughout.
This cozy couldn’t be written by just anyone. The author has a love and respect for, and extensive knowledge of, plants and their properties. She has gifted us with a detailed, finely executed mystery that works beautifully because of her love of plants and magic, and her talent for putting words and characters in harmony with each other. Things I enjoyed reading about includes herbs and scents, Nabby’s blue moths, the author’s use of weather relating to events, and the characters of Ellie, Lupe, Astrid, Larken, and one more lady who is a surprise. There is a handful of very good suspects, then one by one, they were plucked from the list. The bad guy/ gal is an almost complete surprise. The denouement was exciting and completely satisfying, leaving this reader looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend Nightshade for Warning, especially those who love cozy mysteries and herbology that includes a delightful cast of characters and gorgeous California setting.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
May 12, 2025
actual rating: 3/5 stars
this was a fun addition in this series! it is a very typical cozy mystery but with a spring vibe.
this was a fun addition in this series! it is a very typical cozy mystery but with a spring vibe.
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed book two in the Enchanted Garden series just as much as I did the first book. For me it is the perfect cozy: it has a spunky, crime-solving heroine, a decent murder mystery, and a theme - aromatherapy and scents - that interests me and was fun to learn more about.
I like the town of Poppyville. It's residents are all people I believe I would like if I lived there. They are interesting, functional people, many running small businesses, and they are for the most part kind to each other and care about the town. A nice change from some cozies where everyone hates each other.
I also like Ellie for the most part. Occasionally she takes the busybody thing a bit too far, but it is, after all, a cozy mystery, and this is a key component of this type of book, so I forgive her that. She is generally smart and capable and on the ball where the murder investigations are concerned, and she is very competent where her business and her Enchanted Garden are concerned [side note: I wish the Enchanted Garden and Poppyville actually existed, because I would LOVE to see it!]. She also cares very much about her town and the other people in it and helps people out whenever she can. I like that as a feature in any book.
In most cozies there is either a cat or a dog. This series offers one of each who both live with Ellie. There are other animal characters via Ellie's friend Astrid who fosters animals. In this book we meet a teacup pig named Precious, which is just a fun moment in the story that has nothing to do the with plot but is entertaining nonetheless.
The murder and its resolution were interesting and engaging for me. I never try to figure out the murderer before the reveal, so I can't say whether sufficient clues are provided for those who wish to do so, but it all made sense once the solution was explained.
Overall, this series is one of my favourites. I like everything about the setting, focus and characters, and will definitely read future installments of this series. Recommended
I like the town of Poppyville. It's residents are all people I believe I would like if I lived there. They are interesting, functional people, many running small businesses, and they are for the most part kind to each other and care about the town. A nice change from some cozies where everyone hates each other.
I also like Ellie for the most part. Occasionally she takes the busybody thing a bit too far, but it is, after all, a cozy mystery, and this is a key component of this type of book, so I forgive her that. She is generally smart and capable and on the ball where the murder investigations are concerned, and she is very competent where her business and her Enchanted Garden are concerned [side note: I wish the Enchanted Garden and Poppyville actually existed, because I would LOVE to see it!]. She also cares very much about her town and the other people in it and helps people out whenever she can. I like that as a feature in any book.
In most cozies there is either a cat or a dog. This series offers one of each who both live with Ellie. There are other animal characters via Ellie's friend Astrid who fosters animals. In this book we meet a teacup pig named Precious, which is just a fun moment in the story that has nothing to do the with plot but is entertaining nonetheless.
The murder and its resolution were interesting and engaging for me. I never try to figure out the murderer before the reveal, so I can't say whether sufficient clues are provided for those who wish to do so, but it all made sense once the solution was explained.
Overall, this series is one of my favourites. I like everything about the setting, focus and characters, and will definitely read future installments of this series. Recommended
May 22, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series! Great characters and setting. I was surprised by the ending!
June 25, 2022
Lovely charming murder mystery with a touch of magic. And interesting herblore, a cute corgi, a charming cat and an Enchanted Garden 🙂🙂🙂🙂
June 7, 2017
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 2 Story 4
The second in this delightful series brings us back to check in with Elliana, owner of the Scents & Nonsense shop, known for her Enchanted Garden which fuels the aromas in the perfumery, and mixes with Ellie’s special magic to bring healing, happiness and surety to her customers and visitors. Adding to the magic in the shop are Dash and Nabokov, the shop’s dog and cat, with free run of the shop, garden and Ellie’s small garden shed tiny house in back. In this story, the aromatherapy and garden’s magic take a backseat to the ongoing mystery, sparked when Ellie is informed that a national magazine wants to feature her garden shed now house as one of the unique tiny houses that are all the rage. An unexpected visit from her brother and his girlfriend bring Ellie face to face with the very grumpy reporter sent to interview her, as a flare up at dinner the night before starts her worrying. That is compounded when she hears that the man was found dead, her brother’s girlfriend is the chief suspect, and the detective isn’t known for his willingness (or ability) to actually investigate further.
This brings Ellie to ask her friend (and police officer) Lupe to help her investigate the death, and look into the reporter’s family, as she discovered he had ties and family in her little town. Oh what fun and the plethora of suspects, from one twist to another, secrets pop like weeds, one after another until the culprit is revealed. Perhaps missing a touch of the magic of the first book, as Ellie is so very involved in separating fact from fiction, answering the many questions that appear until the murderer is revealed. This is a book, and a series that is best read to be enjoyed: the evocative language and description that Cattrell weaves throughout the story allows for your imagination to take hold as you feel immersed in the story, right alongside the investigation.
That being said, this was an audiobook narrated by Vanessa Daniels, and as you can see with review of Daisies for Innocence, that was not the best experience. In fairness, I like to listen to a few examples of a narrator’s work, hoping to see improvements and growth in performance style. In this book, there were many of the same issues: odd hesitations without purpose that contrasted against those moments where words and sentences are rushed through. In this installment I again had the feeling that this was a chore for the narrator: one to be completed quickly, and then forgotten. While I have yet another title from this narrator in my review queue, I’ll refrain final judgment, but this was not an enjoyable listen for a book that deserved a performance that felt as if the narrator cared to perform.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 2 Story 4
The second in this delightful series brings us back to check in with Elliana, owner of the Scents & Nonsense shop, known for her Enchanted Garden which fuels the aromas in the perfumery, and mixes with Ellie’s special magic to bring healing, happiness and surety to her customers and visitors. Adding to the magic in the shop are Dash and Nabokov, the shop’s dog and cat, with free run of the shop, garden and Ellie’s small garden shed tiny house in back. In this story, the aromatherapy and garden’s magic take a backseat to the ongoing mystery, sparked when Ellie is informed that a national magazine wants to feature her garden shed now house as one of the unique tiny houses that are all the rage. An unexpected visit from her brother and his girlfriend bring Ellie face to face with the very grumpy reporter sent to interview her, as a flare up at dinner the night before starts her worrying. That is compounded when she hears that the man was found dead, her brother’s girlfriend is the chief suspect, and the detective isn’t known for his willingness (or ability) to actually investigate further.
This brings Ellie to ask her friend (and police officer) Lupe to help her investigate the death, and look into the reporter’s family, as she discovered he had ties and family in her little town. Oh what fun and the plethora of suspects, from one twist to another, secrets pop like weeds, one after another until the culprit is revealed. Perhaps missing a touch of the magic of the first book, as Ellie is so very involved in separating fact from fiction, answering the many questions that appear until the murderer is revealed. This is a book, and a series that is best read to be enjoyed: the evocative language and description that Cattrell weaves throughout the story allows for your imagination to take hold as you feel immersed in the story, right alongside the investigation.
That being said, this was an audiobook narrated by Vanessa Daniels, and as you can see with review of Daisies for Innocence, that was not the best experience. In fairness, I like to listen to a few examples of a narrator’s work, hoping to see improvements and growth in performance style. In this book, there were many of the same issues: odd hesitations without purpose that contrasted against those moments where words and sentences are rushed through. In this installment I again had the feeling that this was a chore for the narrator: one to be completed quickly, and then forgotten. While I have yet another title from this narrator in my review queue, I’ll refrain final judgment, but this was not an enjoyable listen for a book that deserved a performance that felt as if the narrator cared to perform.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 24, 2018
After I finished this book, I really wished that I had a Book 3 to read next! The mystery was very good and I especially enjoy the plant lore, Ellie and her family and friends!
August 30, 2021
This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery. Four and a half stars.
Ellie Allbright owns a business making scents for people, and she has a special knack for knowing just what they need to feel better. She lives behind her business in a "tiny house" with an enchanted garden. Her companions include a corgi named Dash and a cat named Nabokov. This could all end up feeling very "twee," but somehow it all works beautifully. I think it works because Ellie, who is almost run down by a car in the story's beginning, flips off the bad driver with the bird. She might have a magical home and business, but she takes no s!&* from anyone.
The one big hiccup in the story is that the person who ends up getting murdered is so irredeemably awful (at least in the beginning) that it feels like a no-brainer that he would end up dead, and he comes across as very one dimensional. But otherwise I was intrigued at who might have done it. I found the town of Poppyville and its residents and visitors equally intriguing. And best of all, the story has a corgi and a cat.
Ellie Allbright owns a business making scents for people, and she has a special knack for knowing just what they need to feel better. She lives behind her business in a "tiny house" with an enchanted garden. Her companions include a corgi named Dash and a cat named Nabokov. This could all end up feeling very "twee," but somehow it all works beautifully. I think it works because Ellie, who is almost run down by a car in the story's beginning, flips off the bad driver with the bird. She might have a magical home and business, but she takes no s!&* from anyone.
The one big hiccup in the story is that the person who ends up getting murdered is so irredeemably awful (at least in the beginning) that it feels like a no-brainer that he would end up dead, and he comes across as very one dimensional. But otherwise I was intrigued at who might have done it. I found the town of Poppyville and its residents and visitors equally intriguing. And best of all, the story has a corgi and a cat.
April 3, 2023
What a joy it is to find a second book who's just as good as the first one!
Then again it's very tough for me to dislike a cozy to being with lmao.
Ellie manages to get herself get thrown into a murder investigation AGAIN while juggling her adorable, magical shop. Again.
This time it's all for her baby brother's sake, whose girlfriend is unfairly accused of a crime she didn't commit. Plus being plagued by useless people even in the police force makes everything tougher, just like irl I guess.
We get to learn more about Ellie's mysterious background, relationships, and surprisingly? A new addition to her family tree.
A delight to read, I'll be on the lookout for the third book right away.
Then again it's very tough for me to dislike a cozy to being with lmao.
Ellie manages to get herself get thrown into a murder investigation AGAIN while juggling her adorable, magical shop. Again.
This time it's all for her baby brother's sake, whose girlfriend is unfairly accused of a crime she didn't commit. Plus being plagued by useless people even in the police force makes everything tougher, just like irl I guess.
We get to learn more about Ellie's mysterious background, relationships, and surprisingly? A new addition to her family tree.
A delight to read, I'll be on the lookout for the third book right away.
January 29, 2022
This was the first one in the series that I've read. Real rating about 3.7. Most of that is due to the information/description of plants, Victorian flower language, aromatherapy, etc. Our Heroine feels she is the only one who can solve the mystery (standard), asks a lot of questions of a lot of people (also standard), questions her romance (ditto) and puts herself in danger(ditto ditto). Pleasant characters. The plot is secondary to these elements and there's a bit of an info dump at the end-- not as bad as some.
I would read another in the series, so that is an endorsement.
There is a cat but he's background material.
I would read another in the series, so that is an endorsement.
There is a cat but he's background material.
May 17, 2017
This week I took my time in finishing Nightshade for warning a second in series by Bailey Cattrell, who I learned is also Bailey Cates. I really enjoyed this mystery. It had lots of elements I thought made it special. I like the magical twist as this is very paranormal lite, but I also loved the idea of the main character Ellie living in a tiny house, with her Corgi and who has an amazing Enchanted Garden set up with lots of little fairy gardens. Ellie is completely likeable, relatable too. She is the older sister to a much younger 1/2 brother and sister, and seems to be the glue that holds her family and her community together. Great supporting cast, twists and turns I could not help but smile about. I also wish I had her keen sense of smell and green thumb. I think you will enjoy this book on its own even if you have not read the first one, not having read the first one I felt like I was right in step in book two. Really good read, great cozy and come on a Corgi as a pet! This is one to read and enjoy!
February 22, 2021
I really enjoy this series! This second book in the series was a lot of fun! I enjoyed visiting with Ellie and her Scents shop. The story was charming and the murder mystery was very good! I love Ellie’s little corgie dog and her shop cat. They are great furry companions. I recommend giving this series a try if you haven’t already 📖📚
May 29, 2017
My favorite contemporary mystery writer - Bailey Cattrell/Bailey Cates/Cricket McRae. Just read her newest, Nightshade for Warning, and, yup, it's terrific -- fantastic writing AND a great plot. Plus: Plants, herbs, tiny houses, friends, and . . . . murder!
June 2, 2018
I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series. In this book, we follow Ellie again as she tries to solve the murder of a reporter who has come to town to interview her about her tiny home and garden. I absolutely love the setting of this book. I love all of the descriptions of the flowers, aromatherapy processes, and all things nature in this series. I especially love the love triangle that is just heating up. The third book in the series comes out this fall, and I can't wait!
October 12, 2019
Love the feature on belladonna aka nightshade! Becoming one of my favourite book series and makes me want to visit Poppyville. Looking forward to more books from Bailey.
April 28, 2023
2.5-3 stars
Wildcrafting, tiny homes, and aromatherapy are strong undercurrents in this cozy mystery, which made for a pleasant light read.
Wildcrafting, tiny homes, and aromatherapy are strong undercurrents in this cozy mystery, which made for a pleasant light read.
April 8, 2024
i can't wait to see where our main charcter goes next and to hear more about her crazy town. especially colby!
May 15, 2024
Another cozy installment in the series... Figured out this one pretty quickly but still enjoyed.
April 19, 2022
Don't know about you all but I'm shipping lupe and elle to be honest
April 30, 2019
Cute series! For some inexplicable reason my dumbass thought the person who did it was someone else. As in I confused two characters (possibly mixed up the names). Not going to give anything away. But one could understand my confusion toward the end . lmao.
Either way, cute mystery.
A thing to note that I did not like....how long distance was discussed. I'm all for the "figuring out what's best for you"....but the casual mention of being away from Ritter and her immediately having doubts and having another interest like not even a month after. .... idk. I get not being sure and being confused... but I'm weird with her hardly trying for Ritter at first. Or if she had suspicions, why not speak up from the jump in fairness to the commitment. It all worked out but I swear if I was about to deal with another love triangle... end rant on that.
Still a cute book and still am enjoying this series and the characters.
Either way, cute mystery.
A thing to note that I did not like....how long distance was discussed. I'm all for the "figuring out what's best for you"....but the casual mention of being away from Ritter and her immediately having doubts and having another interest like not even a month after. .... idk. I get not being sure and being confused... but I'm weird with her hardly trying for Ritter at first. Or if she had suspicions, why not speak up from the jump in fairness to the commitment. It all worked out but I swear if I was about to deal with another love triangle... end rant on that.
Still a cute book and still am enjoying this series and the characters.
October 15, 2025
Cozy mystery, quick read. A little bit of magic realism. Nothing too deep, a little bit dumb. But sometimes I want something a little bit dumb. Just a bit of distraction.
March 14, 2024
Book 2 of the Enchanted Garden Mystery. Bailey Cattrell/ Cates writes paranormal cozies perfectly. They always include a great cast, a compelling mystery and a light touch of enchantment.
What drew me to this series was Ellie’s occupation. She owns a shop called Scents & Nonsense where she makes and sells perfumes and natural products. She has an amazing garden where she sources her plants and distills her own essential oils. She also lives in a charming tiny home. I loved the scenes that took place at these locations and described the process of collecting the delicate oils.
Not only is Ellie a likeable lead, but she was once again surrounded by a great cast. Her bestie Astrid was one of my favs as well as detective Lupe. I was surprised by the intro of a love triangle, but for once I actually really like the new guy! I also enjoyed meeting Bailey’s brother and his sweet girlfriend .. even though she is the main murder suspect.
The mystery was very captivating. I was surprised during the reveal and even more surprised by a shocking twist towards the end of the story involving a new relative. The touch of magic played a part in this land everyone was interested in buying and added some intrigue to the case.
The only downside is this was a short lived series and book 3 will be the final.
What drew me to this series was Ellie’s occupation. She owns a shop called Scents & Nonsense where she makes and sells perfumes and natural products. She has an amazing garden where she sources her plants and distills her own essential oils. She also lives in a charming tiny home. I loved the scenes that took place at these locations and described the process of collecting the delicate oils.
Not only is Ellie a likeable lead, but she was once again surrounded by a great cast. Her bestie Astrid was one of my favs as well as detective Lupe. I was surprised by the intro of a love triangle, but for once I actually really like the new guy! I also enjoyed meeting Bailey’s brother and his sweet girlfriend .. even though she is the main murder suspect.
The mystery was very captivating. I was surprised during the reveal and even more surprised by a shocking twist towards the end of the story involving a new relative. The touch of magic played a part in this land everyone was interested in buying and added some intrigue to the case.
The only downside is this was a short lived series and book 3 will be the final.
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