Marriage Is Pure Murder

A Blossom Valley Mystery #6

by Staci McLaughlin

Wedding bells are ringing at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in California’s postcard-perfect Blossom Valley. The entire staff is pitching in to send one of their own down the aisle. But no one knew the nuptials could turn up so many secrets—or that marriage and murder could go hand in hand . . .

Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn’t dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana’s happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead—and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany’s killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she’ll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, “I do”—or she’ll be trading in her wedding dress for prison stripes . . .

Praise for The Blossom Valley Mysteries!

“Cleverly plotted…Plenty of suspects and potential motives keep readers guessing until the very end!” —RT Book Reviews on Green Living Can Be Deadly

“A fun, light read.” —Library Journal on Going Organic Can Kill You

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Romance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2017

About the author

Staci McLaughlin was a technical writer in Silicon Valley for eight years before becoming a freelance writer. She is currently a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of the LadyKillers, a group of thirteen writers who alternate posting daily blogs at www.theladykillers.typepad.com, as well as blogging on her own web site.

Her first book, Going Organic Can Kill You, was released July, 2012, by Kensington. The second book in the series, All Natural Murder, was released February 5, 2013.

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the six book of this pleasing Blossom Valley series. I find it is easy to read and a good relaxer. This is the sixth book and can be read as a standalone, I plan on going back and read the rest of the series. The characters have become friends. I want to know about Wilber, the pig. His use in the story was outstanding.
Dana Lewis is planning on marrying Jason Forrester in a week. The wedding will take place at the O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa. There is a difficulty with the flowers. Dana is checking it out and discovers the body of the florist in the shop. The suspects are numerous and include Dana. She promised Jason she will leave the investigation to the police. However, Dana soon herself looking into the matter as the events preceding a wedding occur. Will Dana managed to clear her name before her marriage? The Recipes for the reception are included in the book. I recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER is pure cozy reading delightfulness.

Six books into the Blossom Valley Mysteries, and author Staci McLaughlin is still producing a tasty read. Like the other books I’ve read in this series so far (trying to catch up on the ones I have missed), MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER starts off fast and funny, with the promise of being a wonderful read. It kept that promise.

This series is loaded with a host of truly entertaining main characters who become more fleshed out with every book. I can tell you for certain you are going to have at least three favorites by the end of this story.

Staci McLaughlin did an exceptional job with MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER. The mystery was a strong one with more than enough suspects to keep it interesting, and to make me determined to solve it before the reveal. And the parts of the story leading up to Dana’s impending wedding were fun with all the preparation talk. And Wilbur! Well, his antics alone will cause you to laugh out loud. Add to that a happy and satisfying ending and you have a cozy mystery you will be happy you read.

Remember to take a look at the back of the book for Tips and Recipes from the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid cozy whodunit.
I have not read the previous books in the series but I was able to enjoy this one.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the series! Dana is finally going to marry Jason and is in the home stretch of the wedding preparations when the florist is killed and she is a suspect. Now on top of her regular job duties at the farm, the wedding preps and dealing with her sister she has to figure out who would've had a motive to kill the florist. Seems there was more going on behind the scenes than anyone really knew and suspects abound. You will just have to read to find out if Dana is cleared in time to say "I do" or she will be wearing a literal "ball and chain".

I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage Is Pure Murder is the sixth installment in the A Blossom Valley Mystery series featuring Dana Lewis, PR and Marketing Director at the O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa in Blossom Valley, CA. The day of her wedding to reporter Jason Forrester is fast approaching and Dana is trying to tie up the few last minute details.

Dana has an appointment with Don't Dilly Dahlia flower shop owner Bethany Lancaster to go over the flowers to be used in her bouquet. Thinking the decision is made she is worried when Bethany calls her later that afternoon to say that she can't get some of the flowers from her suppliers and wants Dana to come back again. When Dana arrives at the floral shop she discovers Bethany shot to death in the back room. It's no surprise when Dana herself becomes a suspect in the woman's murder accused of becoming a Bridezilla.

In her efforts to clear her name in time for her nuptials, Dana soon discovers that the victim had a long list of enemies that included Bethany's daughter Violet. Detective Palmer is keeping his findings close to the chest, not even sharing details with Jason, and despite his warnings to Dana to keep her nose clean she soon finds herself embroiled in a web of blackmail and deceit.

With many familiar faces returning; Dana's mother Dorothy, Farm owner Esther O'Connell, chef Zennia, manager Gordon Stewart and Dana's little sister Ashlee, this series will have you smiling from the first page until the last. O'Connell Organic Farm is the perfect locale and I recommend that everyone have a Wilbur.

I received an advanced copy of Marriage is Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage is Pure Murder is the 6th book in the Blossom Valley mystery series. I have not read the previous books in this series but I never felt confused or like I was missing any information. The author did a wonderful job at providing background information on the characters so you know who everyone is and how they are connected to each other. The characters are very well developed and likable. I especially liked Dana and Jason. This book had the perfect mix of suspense, mystery, and humor. I had a hard time putting the book down so I could get other things done. I was drawn in from the very beginning and was wrapped up and invested in the story until the very end. The mystery was very well written and left me with plenty of suspects to choose from. I loved the parts of the book that took place at the farm. I enjoyed reading about the setting and the different employees that work there - Esther, Gordon, Zennia, and Gretchen - they were all enjoyable characters. I also enjoyed the recipes and the helpful tip included at the back of the book. I will most definitely be going back to read the previous books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Marriage Is Pure Murder - Blossom Valley Mystery Book 6
Author: Staci McLaughlin
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 5-30-2017
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Sub-Genre: Women Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Suspense, Amateur Sleuths
ISBN: 9780758294920
ASIN: B01LJKQFH6
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars


Wedding bells are ringing at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in California’s postcard-perfect Blossom Valley. The entire staff is pitching in to send one of their own down the aisle. But no one knew the nuptials could turn up so many secrets—or that marriage and murder could go hand in hand . . .


Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn’t dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana’s happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead—and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany’s killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she’ll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, “I do”—or she’ll be trading in her wedding dress for prison stripes . . .


Staci McLaughlin as usual has managed to come up with a new way of presenting a cozy type murder mystery with enough uniqueness to keep you wondering where she continues to come up with her ideas. The characters are well developed and believable. The plot is laid out so that it flows smoothly and quickly. As always I am thrilled to read any new offering by Ms. McLaughlin. I look forward to book 7 in the series


My rating of "Marriage Is Pure Murder - Blossom Valley Mystery Book 6" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LJKQFH6/...

B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marr...

Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Marria...

Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...

Indigo Link: Down For Maintenance

Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/marr...

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage is Pure Murder by Staci McLaughlin is the sixth book in A Blossom Valley Mystery series. It is early November and Dana Lewis is getting ready for her wedding to Jason Forrester at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in Blossom Valley. Dana is visiting the florist, Bethany Lancaster at the Don’t Dilly-Dahlia Flower Shop to go over the final details. Bethany seems to know particulars about Dana’s life that she did not share with her and the florist probes for more information. Later that day Dana receives a call from Bethany. One of the flowers Dana wanted for the wedding is no longer available, and Bethany needs Dana to stop by after work to pick a replacement. Dana arrives at the flower shop to find the lights out and the door locked. She goes around back and finds the alley door unlocked. Dana enters to find Bethany on the floor with blood pooling around her head. Detective Palmer is assigned the case, and he considers Dana a suspect (based on very flimsy evidence). Dana wants this matter cleared up before her wedding. She starts asking questions about Bethany and discovers that she was a blackmailer. Bethany used people’s secrets to her advantage. That certainly opens up the suspect pool. But one person had more to lose than any of the others. Will Dana make it to her wedding or will it turn into a funeral?

Marriage is Pure Murder is nicely written and has a good pace which makes for an easy to read cozy mystery. The mystery was slightly more complex than those in previous books in this series (which appealed to me). I liked how one little detail gave away the killer’s identity to Dana in the book. The ending is sweet and will provide readers with a laugh. I give Marriage is Pure Murder 3.5 out of 5 stars. I do wish that there had been more substance (depth) and less time devoted to Wilbur and food descriptions. I was curious as to the name of Dana’s mother. It was not mentioned once throughout the book. I found Dana’s sister, Ashlee to be infantile, selfish and annoying (I really did not like her). I sincerely hope that we see less of her in future novels. Marriage is Pure Murder is a cute, lighthearted story that will appeal to many readers.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funny thing about kindle books is that I can never tell how thick they are and I was surprised to see that this book finished out at 350 pages, it read so fast and easy that it seemed much shorter.

As usual I find myself coming into a well established series with no previous experience (such is the life of a book blogger) and I was happy to see that it didn’t matter a bit. This book read well as a stand alone. The people in Dana’s life and in this small town seem like old friends even though I haven’t been along for the whole ride. The only issue I had was that a lot of faith was put into the investigator’s assumption of Dana’s innocence based on previous encounters, when there wasn’t much of a relationship between the two in this story for the reader to agree or disagree with the characters’ opinions.

Being practically accused of murder only days before your most special day has to be frustrating, but Dana handles herself well and solving other minor mysteries along the way just seems par for the course for her. Not to mention keeping up with all the last minute details of home spun wedding.

As always in a Cozy, I don’t look to the mystery to keep me entertained. It is the price of admission, but the reason I stay is pure story and characters and this story had plenty of both. I adored the dynamic between the sisters and loved getting smacked by the subtly of the relationship. Just at the point I was ready to write off Ashlee as a poorly written character more teen than her described almost thirty, the author manages to make clear the insecurities that would sure to be rife in the sisters' changing relationship. Watching my nieces over the years, that particular scene hit home.

All in all this was a fun read and I am sure to keep returning to Blossom Valley. I am curious if Dana will ever see that she can market Wilbur as a de facto therapist at the spa. He could at least do a “Dear Wilbur” Column in the blog dispensing sage advice along side Dana’s tips and recipes, which are delightful, I might add.

5 stars

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness Marriage Is Pure Murder was charmingly delightful. If the cover doesn't just 'get you' read on!

I couldn't help but wonder where I've been! Getting in at book 6 was simple. I didn't even really realize there were more books until I got ready to write this review. Now I want to read them all!

This is definitely one you can jump into book 6 without feeling confused from having missed the others. The author does a wonderful job of telling a story and pulling the reader in all the way to the end..

The characters are delightfully fun. Some are quirky, some are a bit mysterious. Some are cranky.

I enjoyed following Dana's whirlwind ride to the alter.
Discovering a body just days before her wedding and then becoming a suspect or person of interest isn't a great start to wedding week. Especially when the deceased is the florist!

The town of Blossom Valley is delightful. Even though more than of few of it's residents just might be the culprit!

Among the suspects are the victim's daughter that takes over running the floral shoppe. The ice cream shoppe owner who is acting way too mysterious and wants to buy the floral shoppe to expand.

And the list grows larger when Dana discovers that the deceased has a habit of being snoopy and tends to blackmail a few of her customers.

This was a super fun cozy mystery to read. The were numerous characters that I would love to interview and maybe sit down to share a cup of coffee.

Or maybe it would be more fun to have a chat with Wilbur the pig. He saves the day I wish I could tell you more but...you'll have to read the book!

Marriage Is Pure Murder gets a big thumbs up form this reader!
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours and
Net Galley.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quite impressed with this cozy mystery. I loved the small town atmosphere and wanted to go to the ice cream shop and taste every flavor there. The author really did a great job of making her characters real and interesting. I found Dana the main character to be very smart and I loved reading about her job. Who wouldn't want to work at an organic farm and spa?

What I like the most about this book is how the mystery is well written with subtle hints of who the killer might be. There were a few funny moments but not so silly that the characters start to become boring. I loved how the story moved along at a good pace with details that were not overwhelming. The book has several characters but not so many that the reader gets lost in trying to remember them all.

I was quite intrigued by the wedding that Dana was planning. It was going to be a great day for her and her soon to be husband Jason. I liked that Jason was protective of Dana when she decides to do a bit of detective work. How could she not, since she seems to be a suspect? The victim was not liked by some of the people in the town. She had a habit of finding out secrets about people and using that to her advantage. I at first was so clear who the killer was, but was pleasantly surprised by who it turned out to be. The ending is good and has a great scene that involves some mud throwing in a way. It definitely was fun to read and I'm happy to say a very well written ending to a story that I loved.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour . The review is my own opinion.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is the sixth book in the Blossom Valley Mystery series written by Staci McLaughlin. Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn't dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana's happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead--and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany's killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she'll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, "I do" This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delicious story that you can't put down! I couldn't stop reading, the characters were reliable and charming, it was reading a story from somewhere you knew!

A florist can not have many enemies, can she? Because Beattrice seems a sweet woman until we discover her hobby and dark secret! From now on, I will think twice of what I tell to my florist and never buy two times at the same shop!
I liked Dana's character, the wedding is not something to be crazy for her, she wants everyone to be happy and have a sweet moment with friends and family, so she prefers to centre her energies searching for a killer instead of planning her wedding, point for her!
Dana's friends and fiancée are charming, funny and make the book more real, I am sure you will love them too.
I was a little disappointed with the ending, I was expecting more dark secrets... or maybe that would be too much...!
This is a book I recommend if you like to have a good time while you are reading a mystery, it's the sixth book of the Blossom Valley Mystery, but you can read it as standalone.
Do you have a favourite flower shop? Do you trust them?

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in returm for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, I have read a lot of really great books that I might otherwise not have bothered with. After really getting into the boo, I realized that I really liked it. There didn't seem to be that many characters but that was fine. The characters are described and developed well, and I really liked how Dana, the main character, investigates. Sad to say that I was not that observant, it I had really paid attention, I would have realized there were clues for me to have figured it out but the writrer did a great job of me guessing until the end. It seems that I have read a few books involving weddings recently and this was one of them. The best surprise of all though, was that there were recipes included at the end. Overall, this was a really good book and I enjoyed it. It was unique and had a pig, but I really liked the writer's style. It was easy to see the possibilities of more books involving the characters in this one.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one is planning a wedding there really is no time to investigate a murder... that is unless you feel the police are looking at you as a person of interest.
Marketing and PR expert Dana Lewis is marrying the love of her life in only a few days.
She is making the final arrangements just as her sister, Ashlee, is already moving a new roommate into Dana's bedroom.
This is a well thought out cozy murder mystery amongst the details of an impending wedding. I enjoyed the supporting cast and family who, against their better judgement, help Dana discover clues.
Several community members have motive and seem to be acting oddly.
Besides clearing her own name, Dana wants to protect her mother from becoming too friendly with a potential killer.

I read this as a stand alone but like the characters and setting. I will check out other books in this series.
I received a copy via Netgalley to review.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana's good day came to a sudden stop. She left work at the O'Connell Organic Farm & Spa to meet with the florist for her upcoming wedding, and thought everything was set when she went back to work. But that was not to be.
A phone call about her need to pick out different flowers sent her back after work...to find the florist's body in the back room.
Someone insinuated they had argued, so Dana was being looked at as a suspect. She would no chance being arrested, so with the help of her mother, she investigated on her own. Multiple suspects are checked out before being ruled out... the reasons as varied as the people.
Dana finally realizes who the killer is just as the killer realizes she figured it out. The attempt on her life is a distinctive scene.
A fun read.
I requested and received an advance copy for my honest opinion.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of the murder was well done. The book eased into the murder, not rushing or having the instant death like others have. I enjoy both styles but this seems to really fit the book, and characters. Dana was not an eager sleuth, but let’s be honest this is her sixth mystery and she was focused on getting married! Do you blame her? She handled her wedding hiccups and the murder better than the reader would have, not losing her cool. The ending was delightful. And though we could end with a sixth book, I am hoping for another mystery.

Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - rounded up
This was a cute cozy! I liked the two main characters and also enjoyed Dana's relationship with her mom and co-workers. The mystery was good and Dana was able to fit investigating in while working and finalizing her wedding plans. I didn't care for Dana's younger sister. She was so immature for her age and that took me out of the moment many times. Since Dana and Jason's wedding is part of the story, fans of the story will want to read this. (It's the first I've read in the series, but I still enjoyed it.)

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana Lewis is looking forward to her upcoming wedding. Things are going well but she needs to make a last minute change in flower choices. Instead, when she shows up at the florist she finds the owner dead in the back room. Dana can't help but start asking questions and comes up with a short suspect list including a man that is interested in dating her mom.

This cozy mystery is an easy read with realistic characters. It is book 6 in A Blossom Valley Mystery series.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read the previous books in this series but that didn't matter- I enjoyed this cozy with a great setting and fun characters. Poor Dana! How dreadful to have your big day ruined by the murder of someone you thought was a friend and then to find yourself a suspect. All those secrets! The mystery here isn't too complex and the writing is breezy so you'll sail through this entertaining novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I'm going to look for more from McLaughlin!

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****

This was the first book in this series that I've read and I enjoyed it. Although I was parachuting into an existing series, for the most part I didn't feel lost or confused. I liked the plot and the mystery although Dana does verge on the too stupid to live at times. But in the main this was great fun and I'd be happy to read more from this series.

[Patricia Gligor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Marriage Is Pure Murder" by Staci McLaughlin is another great Blossom Valley mystery! I've read the entire series to date and I'm always thrilled to see a new book being released. The characters, especially the main character, Dana Lewis, are likeable and well-developed. So much so that I feel as if I know them. Great characters, an intriguing plot and a unique setting all serve to make this a book you won't want to miss.

[Melissa Castor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana Lewis is approaching her wedding day in this latest book. When she goes to meet with the florist to find a replacement flower for her bouquet, she finds the woman murdered. Now Dana sets out to clear her name and catch a murderer so that she can get married. This is a wonderful series and I hope it continues.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant cozy series. Flower shop and ice cream store feature heavily in the story. Two of my favorite things. Enough possible suspects to keep one guessing. Loved Wilbur. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun cozy that I enjoyed ! There were many things going and that was what made the book good. This was a hit to the outfield for Staci!

[Miranda Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...

[Sai · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad, a light read, simple mystery story

[Karla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really my type of read. Perused this one to gain some insight. Light-hearted and passes time if your bored and have time to kill.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, kept me entertained from first page to last. Plus, there is Wilbur, love that pig.