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A Flower Shop Mystery #8
Evil in Carnations
What do you do when your best friend and roommate can't relate to your relationship bliss? I tried to help her get back her mojo...but I didn't know her first date would turn out to have cold feet - literally.
THE DATING SCENE CAN BE A KILLER.
Determined to help her roommate, Nikki, out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby's list, Jonas Treat - aka Treat the Cheat - and figures one date with him can't hurt. Her lack of good judgement catches up with her when Jonas is found dead - and evidence points to Nikki as his killer.
To clear Nikki's name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But just when Nikki's situation looks dire and Abby needs Marco most, his rambunctious extended family descends, turning Abby's hectic life into a disaster zone. Abby's patience is seriously wilting, but with a killer on the loose, she can't throw in the trowel. She's determined to dig herself out of this mess - before someone buries her instead.
THE DATING SCENE CAN BE A KILLER.
Determined to help her roommate, Nikki, out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby's list, Jonas Treat - aka Treat the Cheat - and figures one date with him can't hurt. Her lack of good judgement catches up with her when Jonas is found dead - and evidence points to Nikki as his killer.
To clear Nikki's name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But just when Nikki's situation looks dire and Abby needs Marco most, his rambunctious extended family descends, turning Abby's hectic life into a disaster zone. Abby's patience is seriously wilting, but with a killer on the loose, she can't throw in the trowel. She's determined to dig herself out of this mess - before someone buries her instead.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2009
41 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Kate Collins
66 books950 followersIndiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 3, 2016
I started reading this series as a result of crippling boredom late one night last year. I was going through my library's Overdrive online library and the first book in this series popped up. It was late, and I'd heard of this series, so I figured I'd try it. The first book was entirely unremarkable, I'm not going to lie, but I gave the second book a try, and it was remarkable, I loved it! The rest of the series (with the exception of one book) was also simply amazing. But for some reason I haven't read a book in this series for almost a year. I'm glad to say that I've remedied that now!
For the first third or so of this book I found Abby to be exceedingly childish. She was doing what I absolutely cannot stand an MC to do; begging to investigate. However, after the first third of the book Abby no longer begged, and she became so much more tolerable. The other characters were also great, and I loved the hilarious personal twist in Abby and Marco's relationship.
The mystery was well plotted. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end, and the mystery tied up wonderfully. The secondary plotline involving Abby and Marco was also great! I really want more of this plotline and sincerely hope we have more of their families in the future books.
Overall this was a very good book, there's an enormous chance that I will be reading the next one. Recommend!
For the first third or so of this book I found Abby to be exceedingly childish. She was doing what I absolutely cannot stand an MC to do; begging to investigate. However, after the first third of the book Abby no longer begged, and she became so much more tolerable. The other characters were also great, and I loved the hilarious personal twist in Abby and Marco's relationship.
The mystery was well plotted. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end, and the mystery tied up wonderfully. The secondary plotline involving Abby and Marco was also great! I really want more of this plotline and sincerely hope we have more of their families in the future books.
Overall this was a very good book, there's an enormous chance that I will be reading the next one. Recommend!
April 16, 2010
The 8th Book in the Flower Shop Mystery series and another fun read. IN this one Abby's roommate and best friend Nikki breaks up with her boyfriend so Abby convinces her to go Speed Dating. Nikki meets a man there who she likes and goes out on a date with him - and hours later he is found dead. Abby once again has to go sleuthing to prove the innocence of someone she loves.
I found this book just a little less enjoyable than the other books. It felt like almost everyone in Abby's life was complaining and whiny. Nikki was defensive and depressed - understandable I guess what with the murder charge and all - but still. And Abbey's family (as well as Marco) were irritating. The end part with the missunderstanding - Seriously? Gack.
Still - my whining aside - I still devoured this book and it was overall a really fun read.
I found this book just a little less enjoyable than the other books. It felt like almost everyone in Abby's life was complaining and whiny. Nikki was defensive and depressed - understandable I guess what with the murder charge and all - but still. And Abbey's family (as well as Marco) were irritating. The end part with the missunderstanding - Seriously? Gack.
Still - my whining aside - I still devoured this book and it was overall a really fun read.
March 8, 2016
Another faithful entry to the Hall of Shame. This series is racking up one point ratings before you could say disappointment. The biggest con against this book is that there's nothing to discuss after reading it. There can be no room for analysis because not one thing is up for debate in this cookie cutter story - I don't obviously mean this in a good way. The new participants in this sordid tale didn't get any depth ascribed to them and the recurrent ones barely get a mention. This may be a good time to take a break from this series. I badly need a change of scenery.
January 20, 2011
Of all of the Flower Shop Mystery books, this is my least favourite thus far (although I still enjoyed it).
Abby's roommate (and longtime friend), Nikki meets Jonas Treat at a speed dating event. Although Abby has a steady boyfriend, she tags along to keep Nikki company and server as an advisor. Although Abby is turned off by Jonas and tries to stear Nikki away from him, Nikki is immediately smitten. Despite the rules, Nikki exchanges contact information with Jonas, and they arrange a date soon after the speed dating event. Unfortunately, Jonas ends up dead the night of his date with Nikki. Nikki is, of course, the last person on record to see him alive.
The investigation soon focuses on Nikki, and Abby wants to swing into action. She is convinced that Nikki could never kill anyone, and she wants to help with the investigation. However, Nikki's attorney (who Abby interned for when she was in law school) is equally determined that Abby stay out of the investigation because she is biased. So Abby's boyfriend Marco is put in charge of the investigation. But, of course, Abby can't help but worm her way into the investigation through the back door.
What I found lacking in this plot was that it took so long to find an alternate suspect. It also took a very long time for Abby to start investigating (even unofficially). This is the eighth book in the series, so it was obvious that Abby WOULD get involved in the investigation one way or another. And whether Nikki committed the murder, it's rare that a murder mystery would have only one suspect, so there HAD to be at least one other suspect, if only the red herring! Once these two things got going, the pacing was great and the book was the page-turner that I've come to expect from Collins.
It's nice to see Abby and Marco trying to negotiate their relationship, and it's also nice to see a female character with her own business who has concerns about the balance between career and domesticity.
While I say that this book is my least favourite in the series, it's worth noting that I still liked the book, and am eager to read the next book in the series.
Abby's roommate (and longtime friend), Nikki meets Jonas Treat at a speed dating event. Although Abby has a steady boyfriend, she tags along to keep Nikki company and server as an advisor. Although Abby is turned off by Jonas and tries to stear Nikki away from him, Nikki is immediately smitten. Despite the rules, Nikki exchanges contact information with Jonas, and they arrange a date soon after the speed dating event. Unfortunately, Jonas ends up dead the night of his date with Nikki. Nikki is, of course, the last person on record to see him alive.
The investigation soon focuses on Nikki, and Abby wants to swing into action. She is convinced that Nikki could never kill anyone, and she wants to help with the investigation. However, Nikki's attorney (who Abby interned for when she was in law school) is equally determined that Abby stay out of the investigation because she is biased. So Abby's boyfriend Marco is put in charge of the investigation. But, of course, Abby can't help but worm her way into the investigation through the back door.
What I found lacking in this plot was that it took so long to find an alternate suspect. It also took a very long time for Abby to start investigating (even unofficially). This is the eighth book in the series, so it was obvious that Abby WOULD get involved in the investigation one way or another. And whether Nikki committed the murder, it's rare that a murder mystery would have only one suspect, so there HAD to be at least one other suspect, if only the red herring! Once these two things got going, the pacing was great and the book was the page-turner that I've come to expect from Collins.
It's nice to see Abby and Marco trying to negotiate their relationship, and it's also nice to see a female character with her own business who has concerns about the balance between career and domesticity.
While I say that this book is my least favourite in the series, it's worth noting that I still liked the book, and am eager to read the next book in the series.
February 3, 2020
I am a big fan of this series, and #8 in the series did not disappoint.
Abby's friend and roomi Nikki is accused of murder. Abby knows she did not and could not do it, but Marco, who is investigating, wants Abby to stay out of it. As if Abby could. Abby's investigation (and keeping secrets) also leads to a huge misunderstanding at the end of the story.
Cousin Jillian is featured as well in this story and continues to add humor in this well written series. Visiting with Abby at Bloomers is like visiting an old friend. These are easy reads but capture your interest. I'll be continuing the series.
Abby's friend and roomi Nikki is accused of murder. Abby knows she did not and could not do it, but Marco, who is investigating, wants Abby to stay out of it. As if Abby could. Abby's investigation (and keeping secrets) also leads to a huge misunderstanding at the end of the story.
Cousin Jillian is featured as well in this story and continues to add humor in this well written series. Visiting with Abby at Bloomers is like visiting an old friend. These are easy reads but capture your interest. I'll be continuing the series.
March 14, 2009
Abby Knight is back for the eighth book of the series. Abby and Marco are trying to mend their relationship and decide to sneak to Key West for a weekend getaway. Abby empathizes with Nikki, her roommate, because her boyfriend just ended their relationship. To help heal Nikki’s broken heart, Abby decides to attend a speed dating event with Nikki. Much to Abby’s chagrin, Nikki chooses the one guy that Abby did not like. Breaking the “no contact” rule, Nikki exchanges phone numbers with Jonas Treat and agrees to go out with him, all the while keeping this a secret from Abby.
When Abby returns from her weekend with Marco, Nikki gets arrested for homicide. Abby agrees to help Nikki, however Nikki repeatedly sabotages the case by not being forthcoming with Abby. Soon Abby begins to doubt Nikki’s innocence and questions how well does she really know her best friend.
While trying to figure out who killed Jonas, Abby is also trying to keep her weekend getaway a secret from her family, especially her mother. If her family knew about Key West, they would assume she and Marco were getting serious. . .which meant marriage. Abby is aware of her feelings for Marco, however she’s not sure if she’s ready for marriage.
Although the killer is easy to spot, this book is a great addition to the series. While it centers around solving the murder, the reader learns more about Abby’s relationship with Marco. One can’t help but to wonder what the future holds for them.
4.5/5
When Abby returns from her weekend with Marco, Nikki gets arrested for homicide. Abby agrees to help Nikki, however Nikki repeatedly sabotages the case by not being forthcoming with Abby. Soon Abby begins to doubt Nikki’s innocence and questions how well does she really know her best friend.
While trying to figure out who killed Jonas, Abby is also trying to keep her weekend getaway a secret from her family, especially her mother. If her family knew about Key West, they would assume she and Marco were getting serious. . .which meant marriage. Abby is aware of her feelings for Marco, however she’s not sure if she’s ready for marriage.
Although the killer is easy to spot, this book is a great addition to the series. While it centers around solving the murder, the reader learns more about Abby’s relationship with Marco. One can’t help but to wonder what the future holds for them.
4.5/5
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: The dating scene can be a killer...
Determined to help her roommate Nikki out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course, Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby?s list, Jonas Treat?a.k.a. ?Treat the Cheat??and figures just one date with him couldn?t hurt. But then Jonas is found dead?and evidence points to Nikki as his killer.
To clear Nikki?s name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But Marco?s rambunctious extended family turns Abby?s hectic life into a disaster zone. With her patience seriously wilting, and a killer on the loose, Abby is determined to dig herself out of this mess?before someone buries her instead...
REVIEW: This is the second Flower Shop Mystery that I have read. I found Abby the main character quite whiny and bothersome in the first of the series. I actually liked this book much better. Her character was better developed with fiestiness and inquisitiveness and her relationship with Marco was more interesting. The author included some quirky characters who definitely add flavor to the storyline as well as enough twists and turns to keep the reader's interest. The ending was definitely a suprise, and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
Determined to help her roommate Nikki out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course, Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby?s list, Jonas Treat?a.k.a. ?Treat the Cheat??and figures just one date with him couldn?t hurt. But then Jonas is found dead?and evidence points to Nikki as his killer.
To clear Nikki?s name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But Marco?s rambunctious extended family turns Abby?s hectic life into a disaster zone. With her patience seriously wilting, and a killer on the loose, Abby is determined to dig herself out of this mess?before someone buries her instead...
REVIEW: This is the second Flower Shop Mystery that I have read. I found Abby the main character quite whiny and bothersome in the first of the series. I actually liked this book much better. Her character was better developed with fiestiness and inquisitiveness and her relationship with Marco was more interesting. The author included some quirky characters who definitely add flavor to the storyline as well as enough twists and turns to keep the reader's interest. The ending was definitely a suprise, and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
February 4, 2009
I don't have much time to read for fun, but I've read all the books in this series. I enjoy them because I like characters whose company I enjoy, I like humor along with the mystery to solve, and I can read them quickly. I also enjoy a romantic sub-plot, and these have the right amount of that without giving "too much information." In EIC, I understand why Abby did what she did (getting Nikki involved in the speed-dating), but her good intentions don't mean much when things go really badly. I personally think speed-dating might be fun (if I were single!) but surely caution and discernment would be needed.
March 28, 2009
This is the first I've read by this author; I like her using a florist as her heroine. Not bad, not bad at all.
May 22, 2009
I am now caught up with the Flower Shop Mysteries. They are such fun and a great escape from stressors.
June 1, 2009
Cllins is getting more interesting with her latest books. Fun read!
June 8, 2009
LOVE Abby Knight. Great, mindless reading.
August 22, 2009
Enjoyed the story and would read more by this author.
August 20, 2009
Good book
April 25, 2022
Abby Knight's roommate, Nikki, isn't happy with her latest breakup. She's dipping deep into the ice cream carton, and she's lying around listlessly. Abby is sure speed dating is the answer for Nikki, and Abby agrees to accompany her friend on the speed date to help her choose.
Jonas is that hotshot guy with the fancy car. He's way full of himself, and Abby's sure he would mistreat her friend if the two ever got together. But Nikki is smitten, and she breaks the rules and gives him her contact information.
A few days later, Jonas is dead, and Nikki's DNA and prints are all over the model home he took her to after their first date. No, they didn't sleep together; he had her home at a decent hour. But she got in her car and drove around missing her old boyfriend for hours, and that's when Jonas died. the cops are sure they have their killer; Abby's sure they don't. It's up to Abby and her snazzy boyfriend to clear Nikki if they can. Meanwhile, Marco and Abby's families are up to their noses in miscommunications and misunderstandings that turn humorous in places.
Jonas is that hotshot guy with the fancy car. He's way full of himself, and Abby's sure he would mistreat her friend if the two ever got together. But Nikki is smitten, and she breaks the rules and gives him her contact information.
A few days later, Jonas is dead, and Nikki's DNA and prints are all over the model home he took her to after their first date. No, they didn't sleep together; he had her home at a decent hour. But she got in her car and drove around missing her old boyfriend for hours, and that's when Jonas died. the cops are sure they have their killer; Abby's sure they don't. It's up to Abby and her snazzy boyfriend to clear Nikki if they can. Meanwhile, Marco and Abby's families are up to their noses in miscommunications and misunderstandings that turn humorous in places.
March 4, 2019
I'm totally obsessed
Abby Knight is determined to help her best friend Nikki find a date. So much so she is willing to go along with her to a speed dating for support and to weed out the ones not suitable. Abby finds a suitor for Nikki but Nikki has her eye on the town player. A few days later said town player is found dead and against Abby's advice Nikki went out on a date with him the very night he was found dead. Now Nikki has become the prime suspect. So along with her boyfriend Marco Salvare Abby and him set off to prove Nikki's innocence and to steer the DA towards other potential suspects.
I'm so obsessed with #FlowerShopMystery books I order several at a time because I just read t through them so quickly. Abby Knight is my hero!!! She's my kind of heroin for justice. A definite MUST read!!!
Abby Knight is determined to help her best friend Nikki find a date. So much so she is willing to go along with her to a speed dating for support and to weed out the ones not suitable. Abby finds a suitor for Nikki but Nikki has her eye on the town player. A few days later said town player is found dead and against Abby's advice Nikki went out on a date with him the very night he was found dead. Now Nikki has become the prime suspect. So along with her boyfriend Marco Salvare Abby and him set off to prove Nikki's innocence and to steer the DA towards other potential suspects.
I'm so obsessed with #FlowerShopMystery books I order several at a time because I just read t through them so quickly. Abby Knight is my hero!!! She's my kind of heroin for justice. A definite MUST read!!!
June 9, 2022
I was on the fence about this series for a while but as I get farther into it I'm enjoying it more and more. There's a lot of investigating in this book and the clues are stacking up both for Abby and for those around her. Not only are she and Marco solving a crime to keep Niki out of hot water, but Abby's friends and relatives are putting the pieces together as well. There are some really fun characters in this book and interesting settings, from a speed dating event to another local family farm lost to developers. This book moved very quickly and was hard to put down.
July 9, 2018
This is a cute installment in the Flower Shop Mystery series. In this story, Abby's roommate and best friend Nikki is suspected of murdering a man she met at a speed dating event. Though Abby's reasons for attending the event seemed sketchy (I don't know if someone who wasn't looking for a relationship would really be allowed at one), she and Nikki met some very strange characters there. Though I was able to figure out the murderer rather early in the story, the quirky antics kept me interested and engaged.
March 23, 2023
As always, there were some funny lines in this book. Not sure where the author came up with the name 'Jonas Treat'; kind of weird. I was really hoping Nikki would end up going out with Aiden from the speed dating event in the last chapter but instead she was going on a date with the Asst DA (the guy from high school). It ends with both Abby and Marco's family thinking they are engaged. Wonder how this will turn out...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
For the first little bit of this book, I found Abby to be kind of childish when she was begging to be apart of the investigation. Once she was apart of the investigation though, I loved the story. The mystery was well done and I didn’t suspect the killer until they were revealed. I also really enjoyed the relationship development between Abby and Marco in this book. Overall, a very good read! My new favorite of the series!
January 6, 2021
Abby & Marco are back on track... but it looks like things are derailing for Nikki! Abby refuses to let her best friend be railroaded into jail, so she gets Dave Hammond on her side. Marco is asked to investigate, so of course Abby has to do her own sleuthing too! A great whodunit, that gets your brain firing on all cylinders.
May 23, 2020
A good book in a fun series. I found the resolution of the mystery a little disappointing and Abby’s roommate acts like a real drip throughout. But Abby is so charming and I loved Jillian’s antics. I’ll definitely be reading more.
June 27, 2021
I enjoy the Flower Shop Mystery series, and this entry is a good one. Abby has to help her roommate, who has been accused of murder, with a lot of circumstantial evidence pointing to her guilt. The story is a good , fast-moving cozy mystery that fans will like.
July 10, 2018
This is a light hearted series and I have really been enjoying it. I interested to watch where Abby is going from here.
July 16, 2019
Fun series
September 22, 2022
Hard to put down as usual. I love the witty conversations, the sweet "romance" and that I never seem to get who the killer is :O I always THINK I do, but I never.. lol
February 9, 2023
I liked this cautionary tale about the craziness womanizing men leave in their wake. Another great mystery for the series.
March 2, 2023
Another good one. Loved the ending.
July 13, 2023
Another good one.
September 28, 2023
While it was good, I found it not too be that intense. Maybe cause I’m just used to this authors writing? I didn’t except the killer to be the phyico that it was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews