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Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries #1
A Fatal Arrangement
Kaylee Bleu loves flowers and has been a part of her whole life. She heads back to the village of Turtle Cove, WA to her grandmothers house. Her grandmother wants to sell her flower shop and cottage to Kaylee.She visits Orcas Island and finds that the death of her grandfather 5 yrs. before was murder and no accident.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Gayle Roper
81 books90 followersGayle Roper rejoices every day that she gets to be a writer because she's in love with story. Even on the days that words rebel and have to be coerced onto the paper, there is nothing else she'd rather do. When readers like her work, it's like God says, "See? I knew what you were wired to do." When her books win awards like the Carol Award (Caught Redhanded) or the RITA Award (Autumn Dreams), the Holt Medallion (The Decision, Caught in a Bind, Autumn Dreams) or the Reviewer's Choice (The Decision), it's icing on the cake. And she gets to teach others how to write at conferences too. She spends a lot of time smiling. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and is the best-selling author of Hide & Seek and more than forty other books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 10, 2022
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the first book in the Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries series. I loved the characters and the setting of this book. This was a great start to a new Cozy Mystery series, and I loved getting to know these characters. I loved Bear in this book. I did guess the twist before it was revealed, but I still enjoyed reading it being revealed. I loved the mystery in this book, and I cannot wait to read more books from this series.
May 23, 2026
1.5/2 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Mystery (with possible murder)
I’ve read Guideposts mysteries for years, but while I had heard of a similar company—Annie’s Fiction—I hadn’t read any of them until this book. Guideposts is Christian books while Annie’s Fiction is just Clean Fiction. Definitely comparable in terms of the multi-authored series set-up, writing styles, and mostly the general content, but there are some that apparently have murder or possible murder. This book hints to a possible murder and at first, I assumed the rest of the series would continue with the possibility of foul play in Kaylee’s grandfather’s suspicious death, but that plot point is actually wrapped up by the end of the book. I would also add that this book had more pop culture references than a Guidepost mystery—not a ton, thankfully, but definitely more overall. It fell short compared to the majority of the Guideposts mysteries I’ve read. I think it was the murder element as while I can usually justify reading a Christian murder mystery because there’s faith content and justice prevails, a clean fiction book with no faith elements but having murder(s) discovered, just feels like I’m being entertained by murder—a sad topic with the unnecessary loss of a life.
Side note: what are the odds that I would read two books back-to-back with the love interest’s name is Reese?
I did find the main character, Kaylee, annoying at different parts of the book. Such as when she kept something from the police due to a promise—um, girl, contact the person you made the promise to ASAP and explain the situation? Keeping important information from the police is probably my second’s biggest pet peeve in mysteries/suspense books. (The first would be when the main couple share a kiss in the same room as a dead body. This book didn’t have that, at least.) She is forty years old so I honestly expected her to know better. 😅
There were a more than a few weak moments with the mystery at the end that seemed out of left field and some of the side characters were a bit annoying—mainly Lorie and the ridiculous reason for her husband leaving her (talk about a lack of communication!). The ending result of the mystery and how it went down all felt far-fetched. (I’d like to know what brand are Kaylee’s clippers because I’ve never had a pair that sharp.) I think the concept of the plot was there to interest me with all the flower mentions, but I was disappointed by this book overall. I was expecting more from it. Because I own some of the next books in the series, I will try out one or two more, though, just because it might be the author’s writing style and flair for dramatics that wasn’t my thing.
Main Content-
Religious/Spiritual-
A handful of mentions of churches, church going, & priests; A couple mentions of praying; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of God’s blessing on a marriage; A mention of a character in a book wondering where is God when experiencing a war.
A side character has a geranium that “tells the future” and shares “bad omen[s]” by having droopy leaves or loosing petals.
A comment about it being time for the FMC to “find” herself.
Mentions of fantasy books with magic, evil magicians, spells, and dragons; A mention of fairies living in flowers.
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘gosh’ and ‘stupid’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm/
Kaylee takes something from a house without permission (which ends up being a good idea) and having to keep a secret from the police about it.
A mother disapproves of her future son-in-law and hopes their divorce comes quickly.
Negative + Dangerous situations-
Being grabbed/attacked, threatened with death and poisonous plants, stabbing someone, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences).
A dog is threatened with harm and death by a villain & also kicked by the villain.
All about & many mentions of deaths, grief (including for a spouse, up to a few sentences), possible foul play/murder, & murderers (which Kaylee is concerned that her grandfather could have been murdered; *Major Spoilers*).
Mentions of poisonous plants, deaths connected to them, & symptoms of consuming them (up to a few sentences); Mentions of criminals, crimes, break-ins, vandalism, thefts, stealing, & stolen items (including Kaylee remembering stealing a candy bar from the grocery store when she was little); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of hunting & bullets; A few mentions of wars & fighting; A couple mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of hitting a deer with a car; A mention of the legend of a suicide (Judas from the Bible).
Other-
It's implied a woman has two personalities: her actual self and her author-persona; It’s said that one “appeared” after being referred to as the other name.
Some pop culture references: Stephen King, John Grisham, Shirley Temple, Meryl Streep, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Cold Sassy Tree’.
Romance/Sexual-
1 cheek kiss.
Flutters, Shivers/Zings, & Nearness (up to a few sentences); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Noticing (up to a few sentences).
A side-character’s husband left her years prior, but they never officially divorced; *Spoilers* .
A grandmother comments about the possibility of being with a much younger guy (implying that if her heart wasn’t still with her late husband, she would have be interested in a handsome young man); The same grandmother finds comfort in the fact her husband didn’t leave her for some “young chick” or to go live with a second family over her.
Kaylee feels less-than when seeing another girl’s appearance, long legs, and amazing figure.
Mentions of kissing & couples kissing; Mentions of dating, dates, girlfriends/boyfriends, & exes; A mention of sordid romance books.
I’ve read Guideposts mysteries for years, but while I had heard of a similar company—Annie’s Fiction—I hadn’t read any of them until this book. Guideposts is Christian books while Annie’s Fiction is just Clean Fiction. Definitely comparable in terms of the multi-authored series set-up, writing styles, and mostly the general content, but there are some that apparently have murder or possible murder. This book hints to a possible murder and at first, I assumed the rest of the series would continue with the possibility of foul play in Kaylee’s grandfather’s suspicious death, but that plot point is actually wrapped up by the end of the book. I would also add that this book had more pop culture references than a Guidepost mystery—not a ton, thankfully, but definitely more overall. It fell short compared to the majority of the Guideposts mysteries I’ve read. I think it was the murder element as while I can usually justify reading a Christian murder mystery because there’s faith content and justice prevails, a clean fiction book with no faith elements but having murder(s) discovered, just feels like I’m being entertained by murder—a sad topic with the unnecessary loss of a life.
Side note: what are the odds that I would read two books back-to-back with the love interest’s name is Reese?
I did find the main character, Kaylee, annoying at different parts of the book. Such as when she kept something from the police due to a promise—um, girl, contact the person you made the promise to ASAP and explain the situation? Keeping important information from the police is probably my second’s biggest pet peeve in mysteries/suspense books. (The first would be when the main couple share a kiss in the same room as a dead body. This book didn’t have that, at least.) She is forty years old so I honestly expected her to know better. 😅
There were a more than a few weak moments with the mystery at the end that seemed out of left field and some of the side characters were a bit annoying—mainly Lorie and the ridiculous reason for her husband leaving her (talk about a lack of communication!). The ending result of the mystery and how it went down all felt far-fetched. (I’d like to know what brand are Kaylee’s clippers because I’ve never had a pair that sharp.) I think the concept of the plot was there to interest me with all the flower mentions, but I was disappointed by this book overall. I was expecting more from it. Because I own some of the next books in the series, I will try out one or two more, though, just because it might be the author’s writing style and flair for dramatics that wasn’t my thing.
Main Content-
Religious/Spiritual-
A handful of mentions of churches, church going, & priests; A couple mentions of praying; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of God’s blessing on a marriage; A mention of a character in a book wondering where is God when experiencing a war.
A side character has a geranium that “tells the future” and shares “bad omen[s]” by having droopy leaves or loosing petals.
A comment about it being time for the FMC to “find” herself.
Mentions of fantasy books with magic, evil magicians, spells, and dragons; A mention of fairies living in flowers.
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘gosh’ and ‘stupid’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm/
Kaylee takes something from a house without permission (which ends up being a good idea) and having to keep a secret from the police about it.
A mother disapproves of her future son-in-law and hopes their divorce comes quickly.
Negative + Dangerous situations-
Being grabbed/attacked, threatened with death and poisonous plants, stabbing someone, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences).
A dog is threatened with harm and death by a villain & also kicked by the villain.
All about & many mentions of deaths, grief (including for a spouse, up to a few sentences), possible foul play/murder, & murderers (which Kaylee is concerned that her grandfather could have been murdered; *Major Spoilers*).
Mentions of poisonous plants, deaths connected to them, & symptoms of consuming them (up to a few sentences); Mentions of criminals, crimes, break-ins, vandalism, thefts, stealing, & stolen items (including Kaylee remembering stealing a candy bar from the grocery store when she was little); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of hunting & bullets; A few mentions of wars & fighting; A couple mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of hitting a deer with a car; A mention of the legend of a suicide (Judas from the Bible).
Other-
It's implied a woman has two personalities: her actual self and her author-persona; It’s said that one “appeared” after being referred to as the other name.
Some pop culture references: Stephen King, John Grisham, Shirley Temple, Meryl Streep, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Cold Sassy Tree’.
Romance/Sexual-
1 cheek kiss.
Flutters, Shivers/Zings, & Nearness (up to a few sentences); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Noticing (up to a few sentences).
A side-character’s husband left her years prior, but they never officially divorced; *Spoilers* .
A grandmother comments about the possibility of being with a much younger guy (implying that if her heart wasn’t still with her late husband, she would have be interested in a handsome young man); The same grandmother finds comfort in the fact her husband didn’t leave her for some “young chick” or to go live with a second family over her.
Kaylee feels less-than when seeing another girl’s appearance, long legs, and amazing figure.
Mentions of kissing & couples kissing; Mentions of dating, dates, girlfriends/boyfriends, & exes; A mention of sordid romance books.
January 21, 2018
Delightful new cozy mystery. Great characters that are well developed, good flow and interesting mystery. I will post my full review soon.
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2026I'll come back to this one
May 19, 2020
A short and sweet book, first in the series. Looking forward to the next one and maybe then the rest?
November 20, 2018
I must say that Annie's Attic is producing some wonderful cozy mysteries! I became an instant fan of the Castleton Manor Library series, and this first volume of the Victorian Mansion Flowershop Mysteries, has made me a fan of this series as well. The characters are well drawn and realistic, in that they are not all goody two shoes, likable. The main character, Kayle is a believable heroine, as is her companion, Bear. I fell in love with the Petal Pushers and Turtle Cove. A well thought out and executed mystery. Well done Ms. Roper!
May 5, 2018
i enjoyed reading this new series from Annie's Fiction series. I am from WA state, and its interesting reading about some of the areas they mention. I liked the characters and am looking forward to more stories about Kaylee, who just bought her grandmas flower shop and cottage on Orcas Island. the Petal Pushers are her new friends, and the members of the local flower club. Kaylee helps her Grandma find the killer of her grandfather, and his friend, the local well known author.
February 25, 2025
I literally only purchased this series because of Bear, the dachshund. Come to find it’s a mystery in Washington, a genre I enjoy and the state I was born. Fun, easy reading, has touches of Hallmark-esque plot lines but twists and grows in endearing qualities, escaping any cliches or predictability.
Also Bear is a dachshund and I have dachshunds. So there’s that too.
Also Bear is a dachshund and I have dachshunds. So there’s that too.
November 20, 2019
In this excellent cozy mystery, Kaylee has just taken over her grandmother's flower shop in Turtle Cove, Washington. There have been two mysterious happenings: the unexplained disappearance of her grandfather years earlier after his boat was found floating without him in it, and the fatal fall of a local and well-loved author. When Kaylee starts receiving threats, she knows she needs to investigate to find out what really happened. Thrown into the mix, though, is an impromptu wedding that the pushy mother wants to have in Kaylee's and her grandmother's backyard, complete with a snobby groom and a spoiled rotten bride, and for which Kaylee and her grandmother have to suddenly create flowers and bouquets. The story is really good, reads quickly, and is quite satisfying. I look forward to more stories from this author.
May 19, 2026
It is a cozy mystery, but it is so incredibly poorly written. It is an incredibly fast read. It makes me happy, because these are my mom's books, and it is nice to read what she read, but WOW, I am a snob, and I have a much higher expectation for reading than she did. I have another 19 to go for this series - wish me luck!
Hopefully, the characters will at least grow on me, if nothing else. Each book is written by a different author, so that also shows some promise.
Hopefully, the characters will at least grow on me, if nothing else. Each book is written by a different author, so that also shows some promise.
July 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The characters were believable with a good ratio of distasteful and likable. The mystery was well spun with a good balance of clues without giving up too much too soon. The bond between family and friends, their interactions made for a strong , warm community that left you wanting to be part of.
February 10, 2023
I enjoyed this first in a series I just discovered. The author did something new, not having a murder occur but focusing on old ones. The setting starts to take shape in my mind and the cast of characters begins to develop. You figure out how the murder most likely is pretty early on but there is satisfaction in knowing you were right.
I can't wait to get the next one!
I can't wait to get the next one!
April 30, 2024
My grandma gave me this series. And she definitely knew I’d like it. A cozy small town mystery series. Some of my favorite kind of books for sure. Wish I’d read them when she was still here🫶. 4 stars and a great beginning to a series I’m sure I’ll love.
January 17, 2025
Excellent start to the Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries series. Great setting, strong supporting characters, and smart main character. It is a rare thing, in my experience, for the first book to be more than so-so. This one makes me want to read on.
February 25, 2025
An easy read mystery, which I didn't figure out. A young woman moves to an island off the coast of Seattle to buy her grandmother's home and floral shop. While there she becomes wrapped up in the mystery of what really happened to her grandfather. A good and easy read.
March 31, 2026
Great beginning!
A truly tangled web of relationships and emotions. With a little dog named Bear to provide love and loyalty the tale leads to a great end as the bad guy gets his just desserts—no spoilers here!!
A truly tangled web of relationships and emotions. With a little dog named Bear to provide love and loyalty the tale leads to a great end as the bad guy gets his just desserts—no spoilers here!!
May 26, 2019
Fun story with a mystery set in a flower shop! I found myself entertained by the mystery, the dramatic authors and book signing hoopla!
August 31, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down. Cannot wait to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2022
Easy to read and enjoyable.
October 7, 2023
loved this book! I read it prior to my visit to Mackinac Island, it set the mood perfectly! It's a wonderfully cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more from this series!
March 17, 2025
Nice little mystery. People are pleasant and there is no swearing or sex in the book, just a mystery to be solved. Enjoyable short read.
May 14, 2025
Short and enjoyable cozy mystery. Good character development and clean which is what I prefer. I’ll keep reading any I find in the series.
March 9, 2026
Plants can be deadly
First time reading this author. Recommend reading this book. A great start to a new series. Looking forward to reading book two.
First time reading this author. Recommend reading this book. A great start to a new series. Looking forward to reading book two.
April 12, 2026
I really liked this first book in the series. Good protagonist and characters.
April 6, 2024
I love cozy mysteries! I am glad to have found another series.
September 2, 2020
This book was so lovely! It was exactly what I was hoping for when I ordered it. I am a true fan of Kaylee's and how could I not love her dog Bear. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and see what the Petals are up to next!
Read
December 5, 2021Love this series. Good short book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews