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Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery #8
Fruit, Flower & Flames
When a long-shuttered business opens after years of neglect, Amanda and the townspeople of Ravenwood Cove are thrilled. What they didn't expect were lies, secrets, destruction, and a shocking murder.
Just back from her honeymoon, Amanda's suddenly right in the middle of trouble, with the clues pointing toward one of her best friends, and a murderer on the loose!
Mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy in it), clean language. Eighth book in the Ravenwood Cove series.
Just back from her honeymoon, Amanda's suddenly right in the middle of trouble, with the clues pointing toward one of her best friends, and a murderer on the loose!
Mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy in it), clean language. Eighth book in the Ravenwood Cove series.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2017
474 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn L. Dean
71 books152 followersUSA Today Bestselling author
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 16, 2020
Fruit, Flower & Flames, the 8th book in the Ravenwood Cozy Mystery series written by Carolyn L. Dean, was published just last year. I had purchased all the remaining books in her series around Christmas but just got around to finishing them this week. Now she's published books 9 and 10... which I'll be reading at some point. Kudos to her for growing a fine series of short, light and easy-to-digest mystery and small-town-happenings books where it's more about the characters than the plots.
In this caper, Lisa announces she's dating the son of a wealthy family who's returned to Ravenwood Cove after abandoning the town years ago when their business went bust. It all seems to fast and shady for most of the friendly inhabitants, but Amanda wants to support her bestie. With more free time on her hands, as James, her new husband, is out of town, Amanda befriends the family only to watch a tragic fire impact them. But when someone turns up dead and it's definitely arson, what's the real scoop? Throw in some friendly flower competition, renovations from a new contractor, and some lingering doubts about who to trust, and you've got a fun little read.
I'm enjoying the development in the series. I wish they were about 20% longer just to give us a bit more meat to pull apart when trying to decide the culprit, but I always enjoy the banter and camaraderie of the various families and friends. While not the best in the series, it's got a good story and brings new people to the town. Dean is successful in moving the plot along while continuing to build a town we'd all like to visit -- minus the rather large amount of murders that happen in a single place, of course.
In this caper, Lisa announces she's dating the son of a wealthy family who's returned to Ravenwood Cove after abandoning the town years ago when their business went bust. It all seems to fast and shady for most of the friendly inhabitants, but Amanda wants to support her bestie. With more free time on her hands, as James, her new husband, is out of town, Amanda befriends the family only to watch a tragic fire impact them. But when someone turns up dead and it's definitely arson, what's the real scoop? Throw in some friendly flower competition, renovations from a new contractor, and some lingering doubts about who to trust, and you've got a fun little read.
I'm enjoying the development in the series. I wish they were about 20% longer just to give us a bit more meat to pull apart when trying to decide the culprit, but I always enjoy the banter and camaraderie of the various families and friends. While not the best in the series, it's got a good story and brings new people to the town. Dean is successful in moving the plot along while continuing to build a town we'd all like to visit -- minus the rather large amount of murders that happen in a single place, of course.
August 12, 2021
Proofing Needed
My pet peeve revolves around sentences that don't make sense. i hate having to stop and reread things trying to make sense of the thought
My pet peeve revolves around sentences that don't make sense. i hate having to stop and reread things trying to make sense of the thought
October 25, 2022
Grammar
Typically the editing in these stories is proficient. This was not so with this story. Examples: Amanda is on the beach burying her orbs and seashells when she is approached by police chief George Ortiz. The scene is not concluded when George is pulling something out of his desk??? How can he be on the beach pulling something out of his desk? Also, at the end of the story Amanda is going for a run on the beach. She is reading an email from Sam Lovegood thanking her for her help... this should be written in the past tense. She is reflecting on the email. The email sentence is in present tense. Glad Amanda is keeping her family name. Concerned, however, that James is going to become authoritarian. I felt that near the end when he is talking about Amanda's detecting. Early books consider them detecting partners. Seems the marriage has changed James view on that
Typically the editing in these stories is proficient. This was not so with this story. Examples: Amanda is on the beach burying her orbs and seashells when she is approached by police chief George Ortiz. The scene is not concluded when George is pulling something out of his desk??? How can he be on the beach pulling something out of his desk? Also, at the end of the story Amanda is going for a run on the beach. She is reading an email from Sam Lovegood thanking her for her help... this should be written in the past tense. She is reflecting on the email. The email sentence is in present tense. Glad Amanda is keeping her family name. Concerned, however, that James is going to become authoritarian. I felt that near the end when he is talking about Amanda's detecting. Early books consider them detecting partners. Seems the marriage has changed James view on that
November 12, 2017
Another Great Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery!
“Fruit, Flower and Flames”, the 6th Mystery in the Ravenwood Cove series is very suspenseful and well-written. The reader does not see the plot twists coming! I enjoyed seeing the character and relationship development between Amanda and James. As they adjust to living together, they learn more about each other. It is very realistic, and while not instantly “and they lived happily ever after”, it does seem like they have good communication skills which will help them be a good team! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
“Fruit, Flower and Flames”, the 6th Mystery in the Ravenwood Cove series is very suspenseful and well-written. The reader does not see the plot twists coming! I enjoyed seeing the character and relationship development between Amanda and James. As they adjust to living together, they learn more about each other. It is very realistic, and while not instantly “and they lived happily ever after”, it does seem like they have good communication skills which will help them be a good team! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
January 16, 2018
Love your books!
Your descriptions make me want to move to the coast and open a bed and breakfast, but alas Salem is home for now. I only gave this book four stars due to an error in about the middle of chapter twelve. Amanda is at the beach hiding her secret treasures when George shows up and they begin to discuss the case, then George sits down at his desk, at the beach? Otherwise as with all the previous books, worth the read. Looking forward to the next book, and maybe someday finding my own Ravenwood.
Your descriptions make me want to move to the coast and open a bed and breakfast, but alas Salem is home for now. I only gave this book four stars due to an error in about the middle of chapter twelve. Amanda is at the beach hiding her secret treasures when George shows up and they begin to discuss the case, then George sits down at his desk, at the beach? Otherwise as with all the previous books, worth the read. Looking forward to the next book, and maybe someday finding my own Ravenwood.
June 4, 2018
Lies, lies and more lies
A good read and a solid cozy but just missed that great mark. When plans are made to reopen the cannery, there are mixed feelings in town. A lot of people lost everything when it closed in the first place but there again the new jobs would be welcomed. However when there is a fire and the patriarch's body is found, more questions start to be asked. Was his son wrongly arrested? What did the foreign worker have to do with anything? The plot was okay but the ending (although although surprise) could have done with more drama and build up.
A good read and a solid cozy but just missed that great mark. When plans are made to reopen the cannery, there are mixed feelings in town. A lot of people lost everything when it closed in the first place but there again the new jobs would be welcomed. However when there is a fire and the patriarch's body is found, more questions start to be asked. Was his son wrongly arrested? What did the foreign worker have to do with anything? The plot was okay but the ending (although although surprise) could have done with more drama and build up.
November 5, 2017
Enjoy the characters and recipes
This book was written in a big hurry apparently. Many, many errors and confusing parts such as when Amanda is walking on the beach with the police chief and then he is "looking at her from behind his desk".??? Just a lot of proofreading errors in this particular book. But I still enjoy reading these stories. Good, quick reads with great characters.
This book was written in a big hurry apparently. Many, many errors and confusing parts such as when Amanda is walking on the beach with the police chief and then he is "looking at her from behind his desk".??? Just a lot of proofreading errors in this particular book. But I still enjoy reading these stories. Good, quick reads with great characters.
November 13, 2017
Fabulous Mystery
I look forward to each new adventure in Amanda’s life. This book is extra special because now she & James are married & looking forward to their future together. There’s just that right blend of emotion, action, & edge in Fruit, Flower, & Flames. Reading this entire series is a pleasure. Btw, I loved James’ surprise at the ending. Don’t deprive yourself of reading this!
I look forward to each new adventure in Amanda’s life. This book is extra special because now she & James are married & looking forward to their future together. There’s just that right blend of emotion, action, & edge in Fruit, Flower, & Flames. Reading this entire series is a pleasure. Btw, I loved James’ surprise at the ending. Don’t deprive yourself of reading this!
March 12, 2025
More like a 3.5. I agree there are some editing issues in this one - which has been unusual for the series so far but did impact the overall review. The series plots have maintained quite a few similar characteristics, and I just don't understand why cozy base stories have to have a murder in them. There are other crimes you know. That said, I do enjoy the setting of the stories and the characters. It will be interesting to see what James and Amanda do with his Anniversary present.
September 23, 2025
Very good
The Cannery is getting ready to start back up. The business had been shut down for awhile. Amanda decides to go introduce herself to the owners.
Lisa is interested in Devon. His father is the one opening the business back up.
There is a fire and a body. There could be a few suspects.
James has to be gone for awhile and he is not happy when he gets back and finds out that once again Amanda solves the puzzle.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
The Cannery is getting ready to start back up. The business had been shut down for awhile. Amanda decides to go introduce herself to the owners.
Lisa is interested in Devon. His father is the one opening the business back up.
There is a fire and a body. There could be a few suspects.
James has to be gone for awhile and he is not happy when he gets back and finds out that once again Amanda solves the puzzle.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
November 10, 2017
I cannery tell a lie!
I have read all of the Ravenwood Cove Mysteries and the more I read these stories...the more I am addicted to them. It seems to be about real people, at least people I have met. The characters are great and well developed. I can't wait for the next book!
I have read all of the Ravenwood Cove Mysteries and the more I read these stories...the more I am addicted to them. It seems to be about real people, at least people I have met. The characters are great and well developed. I can't wait for the next book!
September 27, 2018
Love this little town
Love the town and characters in this series. Some nice plots and most i could figure out right along with Amanda. What bugs me is the amount of line edits needed. It won't bug everyone but it drives me nuts. Needs a better editor, but don't let that keep you from the great story.
Love the town and characters in this series. Some nice plots and most i could figure out right along with Amanda. What bugs me is the amount of line edits needed. It won't bug everyone but it drives me nuts. Needs a better editor, but don't let that keep you from the great story.
October 22, 2019
Good addition
I really like this series. It is not at all violent. The writing is easy to read and the books are very short. You can read them anywhere and finish it right away. The stories areself contained but it really helps to read from the very first one. I love Oscar. :-) I love cats so of course I do.gw
I really like this series. It is not at all violent. The writing is easy to read and the books are very short. You can read them anywhere and finish it right away. The stories areself contained but it really helps to read from the very first one. I love Oscar. :-) I love cats so of course I do.gw
March 28, 2022
The Cannery
The Ravenwood Cannery is being fixed up to open again by Arnold. Lisa is dating Devon his son. James is called to go out of town on a case. They discover Devon is already married. Someone set fire to Cannery and Arnold is found dead in his office at the Cannery. Amanda and Lisa try to figure out who killed Arnold and set fire at Cannery.
The Ravenwood Cannery is being fixed up to open again by Arnold. Lisa is dating Devon his son. James is called to go out of town on a case. They discover Devon is already married. Someone set fire to Cannery and Arnold is found dead in his office at the Cannery. Amanda and Lisa try to figure out who killed Arnold and set fire at Cannery.
April 9, 2022
I'm enjoying the series except for the name changes, the missing words, the extra words and the plot errors. Much more proofreading needed.
But after saying all that, the characters are engaging….I especially love Mrs. Granger, the location is delightful and I would love to visit some of the stores on Main Street.
But after saying all that, the characters are engaging….I especially love Mrs. Granger, the location is delightful and I would love to visit some of the stores on Main Street.
August 11, 2022
Amanda and James return to Ravenwood Cove after their Honeymoon to find the Cannery being renovated, however there's a fire and a body is found which means there's a murderer out there.
This is a series of short, easy to read, cosy mystery series set in a small seaside town in USA. Each book is a standalone mystery, however the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
This is a series of short, easy to read, cosy mystery series set in a small seaside town in USA. Each book is a standalone mystery, however the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
I love these books
This series is so heart filled yet many twists and turns. Once i start I can't stop. James and Amanda leave you feeling as if they are your friends and you would love them to be your neighbors. Amanda always finds the clues and they sometimes hit her all of a sudden. If you.love a good series to continue growing with the story this isnit
This series is so heart filled yet many twists and turns. Once i start I can't stop. James and Amanda leave you feeling as if they are your friends and you would love them to be your neighbors. Amanda always finds the clues and they sometimes hit her all of a sudden. If you.love a good series to continue growing with the story this isnit
October 30, 2017
Good plot.
Thanks for writing this series, and like your town and characters very much. I find your grammar and sentences clumsy or just wrong. Hope you will find some help with this. Love your plots too.
Thanks for writing this series, and like your town and characters very much. I find your grammar and sentences clumsy or just wrong. Hope you will find some help with this. Love your plots too.
November 6, 2017
Great cozy mystery
I enjoyed this clean mystery. It has realistic, relatable characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. I loved learning about the coastal town. Will definitely read more.
I enjoyed this clean mystery. It has realistic, relatable characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. I loved learning about the coastal town. Will definitely read more.
November 7, 2017
Very enjoyable cozy mystery series
This is the 6th installment in Carolyn Dean's series about a small town on the Oregon coast. The characters are interesting, the plot moves quickly along. It is perfect for a lazy afternoon.
This is the 6th installment in Carolyn Dean's series about a small town on the Oregon coast. The characters are interesting, the plot moves quickly along. It is perfect for a lazy afternoon.
November 25, 2017
I love this series!
This is a great cozy mystery that always gives you a great murder mystery mixed with small town happenings and a bit of romance. The writing is well done and I always look forward to the next one.
This is a great cozy mystery that always gives you a great murder mystery mixed with small town happenings and a bit of romance. The writing is well done and I always look forward to the next one.
December 1, 2017
Another Great Cozy
Carolyn Dean brings us another exciting cozy mystery based on Ravenwood Cove.
I loved the mystery, the varied characters and the small town atmosphere.
I recommend this book to those who like cozy mysteries.
Carolyn Dean brings us another exciting cozy mystery based on Ravenwood Cove.
I loved the mystery, the varied characters and the small town atmosphere.
I recommend this book to those who like cozy mysteries.
December 7, 2017
I REALLY REALLY REALLY loved this story! But that’s the last in the series so far :( I’m so sad! What the hell am I gonna read now? I’m sure it won’t top the Ravenwood Cove series! Goodbye till the next book comes out Amanda!
March 15, 2018
Love it
More mystery more James & Amanda I absolutely LOVE the ravenwood cove mysteries. Amanda has a knack for getting involved and definitely solving mysteries! Please write more and I hope soon!!!
More mystery more James & Amanda I absolutely LOVE the ravenwood cove mysteries. Amanda has a knack for getting involved and definitely solving mysteries! Please write more and I hope soon!!!
May 4, 2018
A fun read
All of these books could be made into a television series in the style of "Murder She Wrote" they are clean, entertaining, and not too long. If you like a light, fast read this one is for you.
All of these books could be made into a television series in the style of "Murder She Wrote" they are clean, entertaining, and not too long. If you like a light, fast read this one is for you.
December 30, 2018
Love is blind
Can one of Amanda's friends find true love or will she be left With a broken heart. With Amanda on the case the truth WILL come out.
I have enjoyed reading this series.
Can one of Amanda's friends find true love or will she be left With a broken heart. With Amanda on the case the truth WILL come out.
I have enjoyed reading this series.
December 12, 2021
Review of this book.
Absolutely another stunning story. I loved the way that the story flowed effortlessly. The subtle twists and the way they came together. The ending was a shocker. Keep up the fabulous story writing of this series. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Absolutely another stunning story. I loved the way that the story flowed effortlessly. The subtle twists and the way they came together. The ending was a shocker. Keep up the fabulous story writing of this series. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
November 3, 2022
Fruit, Flower & Flames (8)
There’s really nothing better to write than what a wonderful writer Ms Dean is! I also can’t say enough about the drama and the characters. I totally LOVE these books!
There’s really nothing better to write than what a wonderful writer Ms Dean is! I also can’t say enough about the drama and the characters. I totally LOVE these books!
December 17, 2024
Amanda outsmarts the police again
Books are getting very repeticios. And its strange how Amanda is always a few steps ahead of James. I also found lots of mistakes in this book. You are getting very careless. ! You need to proof read.
Books are getting very repeticios. And its strange how Amanda is always a few steps ahead of James. I also found lots of mistakes in this book. You are getting very careless. ! You need to proof read.
November 6, 2017
really enjoyed the book, can't wait until the next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews