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Diana Flowers Floriculture Mysteries #1
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake
Flowers, favours, and a cake with a body in it… what a way to start a wedding!
Diana already regrets saying yes to her neighbour’s ridiculous wedding flower demands, but when she discovers a body in the middle of the triple-tier centrepiece… it’s really taking the cake!
The cause of death is found to be murder.
Diana suspects that one of her neighbours may be the killer.
And she already knows that some of them are keeping skeletons in their closets.
Sometimes literally.
Murder would send most people running for the hills, but Diana has a blossoming business to think about.
She needs to get to the bottom of her neighbourhood’s dark past, or her new floriculture business could suffer a blight!
You’ll love this funny British cozy series with its floral inspiration, because everyone loves a fierce female sleuth with a nose for a mystery.
Get it now.
Diana already regrets saying yes to her neighbour’s ridiculous wedding flower demands, but when she discovers a body in the middle of the triple-tier centrepiece… it’s really taking the cake!
The cause of death is found to be murder.
Diana suspects that one of her neighbours may be the killer.
And she already knows that some of them are keeping skeletons in their closets.
Sometimes literally.
Murder would send most people running for the hills, but Diana has a blossoming business to think about.
She needs to get to the bottom of her neighbourhood’s dark past, or her new floriculture business could suffer a blight!
You’ll love this funny British cozy series with its floral inspiration, because everyone loves a fierce female sleuth with a nose for a mystery.
Get it now.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
721 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Loren
98 books125 followersRuby Loren was born and raised in East Sussex, England. She writes cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and stories about rockstars. Her books are designed to take you away to a little slice of a different world, often set in a rural corner of South East England. Full of ideas, she is always busy writing her next bestseller!
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 6, 2018
Flowers for all seasons
A really good read with a plot that could have been brilliant but just failed. Good characters that come alive the more you read about them.
She had quit her job as a chemist when she had inherited land and a rundown cottage. Now she trying to make her dream of being a flower supplier real. Her first wedding is coming up but when she goes to arrange the flowers she finds the best man face down in the wedding cake. With an inept police force she starts trying to piece things together herself. Coming home she finds that someone had broken in nothing was taken but signs that someone was looking for something are evident around the cottage. Finding a skeleton (but no skull) proves that there is something more going on. With tales of doom and gloom from a conspiracy theorist she tries to find out who had gone missing in the locality. A number of young women seem to have disappeared with a trace. When her flowers start to die she considers that maybe the talk of doom and gloom was correct. Can she find out who the skeleton belongs too and who the killer is whilst still keeping her dreams of being a flower supplier alive?
A really good read with a plot that could have been brilliant but just failed. Good characters that come alive the more you read about them.
She had quit her job as a chemist when she had inherited land and a rundown cottage. Now she trying to make her dream of being a flower supplier real. Her first wedding is coming up but when she goes to arrange the flowers she finds the best man face down in the wedding cake. With an inept police force she starts trying to piece things together herself. Coming home she finds that someone had broken in nothing was taken but signs that someone was looking for something are evident around the cottage. Finding a skeleton (but no skull) proves that there is something more going on. With tales of doom and gloom from a conspiracy theorist she tries to find out who had gone missing in the locality. A number of young women seem to have disappeared with a trace. When her flowers start to die she considers that maybe the talk of doom and gloom was correct. Can she find out who the skeleton belongs too and who the killer is whilst still keeping her dreams of being a flower supplier alive?
November 13, 2021
You can always count on Ruby Loren to deliver a well written cosy mystery that has that little bit more!
October 1, 2018
Diana is a former chemical analyst who has discovered a passion for growing flowers. When he has inherited a house and large place of land she can let her dream run wild.
She takes on a wedding for a new neighbor who is very picky and is now accused or muring the best man. Then she confronts a trespasser who is digging on her land who thinks the soil is making everyone crazy.
Who is this man and who really killed the best man?
A quick read and who did it will make you want to keep turning the pages.
She takes on a wedding for a new neighbor who is very picky and is now accused or muring the best man. Then she confronts a trespasser who is digging on her land who thinks the soil is making everyone crazy.
Who is this man and who really killed the best man?
A quick read and who did it will make you want to keep turning the pages.
October 10, 2020
A story about Diana Flowers and her brand new adventure in being a floral supplier. Diana leaves a lucrative career in chemistry to follow her love of flowers. In the process she encounters a skeleton, unusual neighbours, a body in a wedding cake and soil challenges for her flowers. I like Diana's intelligence and logic.
Want to read
August 10, 2025Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes place in June
January 21, 2023
Love the British setting and the gardening theme and I quite like Diana and her canine goofball, Diggory, but there parts of this cozy mystery that didn't work for me. The cozy part was great except for one strange thread to do about the soil quality that didn't need to be there (at least, that's my opinion.) But the mystery -- one 'live' murder and a couple of cold cases -- didn't feel fully developed and ended in an obscure climax that was more ridiculous then climatic. Will give the second book a go before deciding whether to keep on with the series.
January 13, 2020
Promising start to a cozy series. I liked the main character, Diana Flowers, and thought she was interesting. There were quite a few characters in this one, and it took me awhile to keep them all straight. I liked the setting and the storyline held my attention.
September 30, 2018
Diana Flowers has moved into the house she inherited from Jim Holmes. She has made some improvements to the house and has one of the three fields growing her flowers. One of her first customers is to provide wedding flowers for her neighbor, Laura Ripley and her fiance, Ryan Fray. Laura insists on having gardenias and Diana does her best to accommodate the bride-to-be.
As Diana arrives to set up the flowers for the wedding, she discovers Troy Wayland, Ryan's Best Man, lying face down in the wedding cake. Troy had been known as a troublemaker and was also known to have a lot of gambling debts. Since Diana was the one to find the body and the wedding cake was ruined, Laura insists that Diana come up with a replacement cake. Unfortunately, with an odor of bitter almonds around the cake, Diana is convinced that Troy was murdered.
Who killed Troy? Why was he killed? Was it one of Diana's neighbors? Was he really killed over gambling debts? Can Diana figure out what really happened to Troy and why?
This story is a great example of a "Skeletons-in-the-closet" mystery with plenty of suspects. It also has plenty of twists and turns, with a surprise ending that comes out of left field.
As Diana arrives to set up the flowers for the wedding, she discovers Troy Wayland, Ryan's Best Man, lying face down in the wedding cake. Troy had been known as a troublemaker and was also known to have a lot of gambling debts. Since Diana was the one to find the body and the wedding cake was ruined, Laura insists that Diana come up with a replacement cake. Unfortunately, with an odor of bitter almonds around the cake, Diana is convinced that Troy was murdered.
Who killed Troy? Why was he killed? Was it one of Diana's neighbors? Was he really killed over gambling debts? Can Diana figure out what really happened to Troy and why?
This story is a great example of a "Skeletons-in-the-closet" mystery with plenty of suspects. It also has plenty of twists and turns, with a surprise ending that comes out of left field.
April 15, 2020
This was hilarious. I had zero expectations, but I loved the characters, especially the dog and the nutty conspiracy theorist. I'm going to be reading more.
May 27, 2019
The village of Little Larchley in the English
countryside is the new home for Diana
Flowers and her fur ball, Diggory.
Diana has inherited the property. She left
her job as a chemist and will be growing
and selling flowers.
The first big wedding Diana works requires
lots of gardenias. Before the wedding Diana
discovers the body of the best man dead in
the wedding cake.
Who killed the best man? Why was he killed?
The myriad of characters are well created,
very interesting, colorful, quirky and entertaining.
You will enjoy the plot within the plot plus the
humorous situations throughout the story.
This is book # 1 in the Diana Flowers Floriculture
Mystery series.
A good read.
countryside is the new home for Diana
Flowers and her fur ball, Diggory.
Diana has inherited the property. She left
her job as a chemist and will be growing
and selling flowers.
The first big wedding Diana works requires
lots of gardenias. Before the wedding Diana
discovers the body of the best man dead in
the wedding cake.
Who killed the best man? Why was he killed?
The myriad of characters are well created,
very interesting, colorful, quirky and entertaining.
You will enjoy the plot within the plot plus the
humorous situations throughout the story.
This is book # 1 in the Diana Flowers Floriculture
Mystery series.
A good read.
August 6, 2022
A solid 4.5 stars. Diana has inherited a house and some land and in doing so quits her relationship and job in order to pursue her job of cultivating and selling flowers. She meets Fergus a conspiracy theorist or rather “research scientist” who is just great 😂😂 their interactions are hilarious.
The move to the house and starting her business leads to the discovery of a skeleton and a dead body. What’s Diana to do but investigate?? Filled with humor, witty dialogue, and neighborhood secrets, Diana, along with Fergus’ dubious help, sets out to uncover the dark past of the neighborhood and a killer.
The move to the house and starting her business leads to the discovery of a skeleton and a dead body. What’s Diana to do but investigate?? Filled with humor, witty dialogue, and neighborhood secrets, Diana, along with Fergus’ dubious help, sets out to uncover the dark past of the neighborhood and a killer.
February 26, 2022
3.5*
Specifically 3.5 stars as a cosy mystery. If you're looking for something quick, with British charm and the usual cosy mystery set up of a hobby contributing to a large part of the story (even if it doesn't relate to the crime), I would expect you to enjoy this series. It was fun and I liked the skeleton mystery more than the recent death, but I really thought the cursed soil was going to play a larger role than it did.
An easy read, looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
Specifically 3.5 stars as a cosy mystery. If you're looking for something quick, with British charm and the usual cosy mystery set up of a hobby contributing to a large part of the story (even if it doesn't relate to the crime), I would expect you to enjoy this series. It was fun and I liked the skeleton mystery more than the recent death, but I really thought the cursed soil was going to play a larger role than it did.
An easy read, looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
September 25, 2018
Ruby Loren has started another great cozy mystery series! With a cute, but very stubborn dog. With weird, crazy and dangerous (?) new neighbors. With a skeleton in the closet, a body in the cake and 'cute' little worms... But don't worry, there are also lots of beautiful flowers.
I loved it and can't wait to see what happens next to Diana and her flowers and dog!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
I loved it and can't wait to see what happens next to Diana and her flowers and dog!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
October 17, 2020
Cozy mystery
I enjoyed reading this and trying to figure out who was behind everything. Lots of twists to keep you guessing.
I enjoyed reading this and trying to figure out who was behind everything. Lots of twists to keep you guessing.
October 3, 2018
This book follows on from the novella, The Florist and the Funeral, which introduces you to the character of Diana Flowers (Dana) and the author’s new series. Diana returned to her mother’s house when her relationship fell apart. She started to use an allotment that came with the flat she rented, after figuring out she couldn’t live with her mother for long! She worked at a small lab, testing soil samples, which was very handy when she started on her allotment, in the novella.
Book 1 of the Diana Flowers Floriculture Mystery series has Diana now settled in a house, she has inherited, needing renovation and lots of attention, as well as trying to get her flower business up and running in her new location. She has a very demanding neighbour as a new client and is to do the flowers for her wedding, hence the gardenias from the title. Upon setting up her flower displays at the wedding, she comes across a man’s body in the wedding cake and calls the police. The reaction of the bride to be is not quite what one might expect and the dead man had quite a history.
So begins a trail of break-ins, a skeleton and lots of murder suspects, from among her neighbours, to contend with. All while trying to see to her house and the extension of her planting for her new venture, if she is to survive through the winter season. A crackpot trespasser telling her the soil is ‘no good’ and finding her plants to be dying just adds the pressure to the main character. All why she tries to work out who killed the man and how to keep her business going.
Another ‘stonker’ (that means ‘excellent’!) of a book from the author. After the Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries, I had no idea where the author might go next. I love the fact it was to solving cosy mysteries yet again, but this time in a floriculture (gardening, to us normal folk) business, which is just trying to start out and expand its wings. It brought back many happy memories of showing children how to plant and care for plants at a school I worked for and also of my mother and her numerous gardens throughout the years, from each move we made and her obsession with gardening.
The author, Ruby Loren has done it again! A twisted storyline of unexpected accidents and discoveries. Her books are one you don’t want to put down once started, not until you are finished and have worked out who was behind the mystery or murder(s). I will be starting on her other series’, whilst awaiting the next edition in this series. I’m sure it will be as well-loved as her other series’ and I’m always left waiting with bated breath until a new book comes out. I feel fortunate to consider her one of my favourite authors, amongst the varying genres I read from.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. I have also bought a copy, so if there are any revisions, I will always have an updated issue to revisit.
Book 1 of the Diana Flowers Floriculture Mystery series has Diana now settled in a house, she has inherited, needing renovation and lots of attention, as well as trying to get her flower business up and running in her new location. She has a very demanding neighbour as a new client and is to do the flowers for her wedding, hence the gardenias from the title. Upon setting up her flower displays at the wedding, she comes across a man’s body in the wedding cake and calls the police. The reaction of the bride to be is not quite what one might expect and the dead man had quite a history.
So begins a trail of break-ins, a skeleton and lots of murder suspects, from among her neighbours, to contend with. All while trying to see to her house and the extension of her planting for her new venture, if she is to survive through the winter season. A crackpot trespasser telling her the soil is ‘no good’ and finding her plants to be dying just adds the pressure to the main character. All why she tries to work out who killed the man and how to keep her business going.
Another ‘stonker’ (that means ‘excellent’!) of a book from the author. After the Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries, I had no idea where the author might go next. I love the fact it was to solving cosy mysteries yet again, but this time in a floriculture (gardening, to us normal folk) business, which is just trying to start out and expand its wings. It brought back many happy memories of showing children how to plant and care for plants at a school I worked for and also of my mother and her numerous gardens throughout the years, from each move we made and her obsession with gardening.
The author, Ruby Loren has done it again! A twisted storyline of unexpected accidents and discoveries. Her books are one you don’t want to put down once started, not until you are finished and have worked out who was behind the mystery or murder(s). I will be starting on her other series’, whilst awaiting the next edition in this series. I’m sure it will be as well-loved as her other series’ and I’m always left waiting with bated breath until a new book comes out. I feel fortunate to consider her one of my favourite authors, amongst the varying genres I read from.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. I have also bought a copy, so if there are any revisions, I will always have an updated issue to revisit.
October 2, 2018
4.5*
This is a thoroughly enjoyable start to the new series.
Diana is now living in the house left to her by a fellow allotment holder, and is growing flowers on the land around it. All seems to be going well, and her business is thriving.....but is it all too good to be true?
There are strange goings on in the area....burglaries where nothing is taken, trespassers who claim that there is something wrong with the soil, human remains in flower pots, and the body in the wedding cake....
As Diana, and Diggory, her dog, search for both clues and culprits, her flowers suddenly start dying...perhaps Fergus, the trespasser, is right about the soil.
The plot moves along briskly as we are introduced to the local population and suspects multiply.
Throughout there is a thread of wry humour and I look forward to Book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable start to the new series.
Diana is now living in the house left to her by a fellow allotment holder, and is growing flowers on the land around it. All seems to be going well, and her business is thriving.....but is it all too good to be true?
There are strange goings on in the area....burglaries where nothing is taken, trespassers who claim that there is something wrong with the soil, human remains in flower pots, and the body in the wedding cake....
As Diana, and Diggory, her dog, search for both clues and culprits, her flowers suddenly start dying...perhaps Fergus, the trespasser, is right about the soil.
The plot moves along briskly as we are introduced to the local population and suspects multiply.
Throughout there is a thread of wry humour and I look forward to Book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 2, 2018
🌼 Diana, Queen of🌹 Flowers, finds mayhem and murder in her idyllic neighborhood!🌻
September 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍 4.5 stars
As far as murder mysteries go, this one has the classic, Agatha Christie-type build of an ever increasing pool of suspects and motives in a small village setting. I really had no idea who "done" it until the very end! Diana Flowers, chemist and owner of a "budding' fresh flower business, gets drawn in to the murder by her proximity as a supplier to the wedding where the Best Man is found dead and soon finds herself embroiled in an even older murder mystery, all while attempting to get her flower-growing and -selling enterprise in the black.
Author Ruby Loren creates a small hamlet rife with gossip, philandering and jealousy, and some great characters, including Diggory, the heroine's loyal and lazy dog who was a key character in the series prequel. Fergus, a trespasser with wacky New Age theories about the malevolent nature of the neighborhood, is the oddest of them all, but everyone seems equally confident that neighbor Ryan's murdered Best Man had it coming and will not be missed! What with a mysteriously disappearing fiancee, cryptic notes left by Diana's benefactor, and a neighborhood facing almost daily petty crime, there's plenty going on with Diana's meaty brain working to fit the pieces together and discover the culprit.
The story could have been a bit shorter with a few less red herrings, but I enjoyed the mystery and the main character's indomitable spirit as she fights to keep her business afloat while simultaneously working to do right by the murder victims. This one's definitely a cozy mystery; though there is a potentially bloody fight scene towards the end it never turns gory.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍 4.5 stars
As far as murder mysteries go, this one has the classic, Agatha Christie-type build of an ever increasing pool of suspects and motives in a small village setting. I really had no idea who "done" it until the very end! Diana Flowers, chemist and owner of a "budding' fresh flower business, gets drawn in to the murder by her proximity as a supplier to the wedding where the Best Man is found dead and soon finds herself embroiled in an even older murder mystery, all while attempting to get her flower-growing and -selling enterprise in the black.
Author Ruby Loren creates a small hamlet rife with gossip, philandering and jealousy, and some great characters, including Diggory, the heroine's loyal and lazy dog who was a key character in the series prequel. Fergus, a trespasser with wacky New Age theories about the malevolent nature of the neighborhood, is the oddest of them all, but everyone seems equally confident that neighbor Ryan's murdered Best Man had it coming and will not be missed! What with a mysteriously disappearing fiancee, cryptic notes left by Diana's benefactor, and a neighborhood facing almost daily petty crime, there's plenty going on with Diana's meaty brain working to fit the pieces together and discover the culprit.
The story could have been a bit shorter with a few less red herrings, but I enjoyed the mystery and the main character's indomitable spirit as she fights to keep her business afloat while simultaneously working to do right by the murder victims. This one's definitely a cozy mystery; though there is a potentially bloody fight scene towards the end it never turns gory.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Not being a big gardening fan I wasn't sure about this book but I have read some books from the authors other series, so thought I would give it ago. So glad I did because I actually enjoyed it and already have downloaded the next book. Not sure I would have acted the same way as the main character but it certainly made for an entertaining and unusual mystery. There was plenty of suspects and suspicious characters to keep you guessing. It was actually the characters that have me returning to the series because I liked the serious scientific approach provided by Diane and the quirky out there theories from sidekick Fergus. I can see the author having a lot of fun with these characters. The small town feel to the story is a perfect place for these two to investigate, joined by there four legged companions.
Diane wanting to help her new business make a good impression in the village decides to do that she needs to proved the flowers for her neighbours wedding. She regrets that decision after the bridzillia demands more and more and wishes something would go wrong to take the brides attention away from her. She never imagined that a dead man laying the wedding cake would be that distraction. The best man wasn't well liked and the police have lots of guests to accuse. Diane can't help but think it was more than just gambling dets. Especially when she and most of her neighbours fall victim to robberies where the thief doesn't steal anything. What is the thief looking for and is connected to the murder? When Diane makes a startling discovery left behind from the man she inherited the house from, things get more complicated and it's not just her neighbours who are keeping secrets that could crack this case wide open.
I liked the narrator. She helped the story flow by providing some great character voices.
Diane wanting to help her new business make a good impression in the village decides to do that she needs to proved the flowers for her neighbours wedding. She regrets that decision after the bridzillia demands more and more and wishes something would go wrong to take the brides attention away from her. She never imagined that a dead man laying the wedding cake would be that distraction. The best man wasn't well liked and the police have lots of guests to accuse. Diane can't help but think it was more than just gambling dets. Especially when she and most of her neighbours fall victim to robberies where the thief doesn't steal anything. What is the thief looking for and is connected to the murder? When Diane makes a startling discovery left behind from the man she inherited the house from, things get more complicated and it's not just her neighbours who are keeping secrets that could crack this case wide open.
I liked the narrator. She helped the story flow by providing some great character voices.
September 25, 2018
Diana and her dog, Diggory is now living in the home she inherited from the cantankerous Jim Holmes her benefactor and cultivating the land that goes with the home for her flower business. When one of her neighbors hires her to do their wedding, she is a bit leery since the bride is bridezilla and wants what she wants! Her home gets broken into although nothing is taken but things are moved around like the intruder was looking for something they didn't find. Then she sees a trespasser who is a conspiracy theorist about how the dirt in the area is tainted in a weird way. This person, Fergus, although his ideas are strange, is very nice and easy to talk to. When Diana delivers the flowers to the wedding she finds a dead best man face down in the wedding cake. And there is Fergus again acting as best man in the place of the dead man who had a bad reputation. The bride is more concerned with the cake and Diana is tasked with making a wedding cake as fast as possible and she doesn't bake. So many things happen especially when Diana finds what the intruder wanted. Then there is her ex boyfriend and his new pregnant wife move across the street from her and the wife just happens to be the inept police chief's niece. But what does that have to do with the murder of the best man? Then there are the nosy neighbors with secrets of their own. So many threads are woven in such a deft way in this book that you just can't put it down once you begin! The ending is a real surprise! Not only is this a page turner, but there are so many laugh out loud moments and there is Fergus. I can't wait to see what Diana gets into next! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 30, 2018
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake #1 - My favorite series by this author is the Madi Amos Zoo Mysteries, but this is an interesting series so far. The prequel should be read first to get the foundation, The Florist and the Funeral. I like both Fergus and Diana; they're perfectly matched to each other, tin-foil hat optional. The other characters worked in their roles. The story took a little bit to get rolling but it did get interesting and had some good twists. Diggory is a character all of his own. I was disappointed that Di let the nematodes get to her; there's an easy, nonpoisonous fix to get rid of those critters, but there's always a change that works out better in the end as I found with Madi's series.
Included with the story is a free offering of the prequel and a list of edible flowers. I contacted the author to review her book. 4.5*
The Florist and the Funeral #1 - The prequel to the Diana Flowers series. A quickly read, fun story about a chemist, with a high IQ, interested in growing and selling flowers to meet the growing demand. Along the way there's a death, which she solves since she is smarter than the old Lt.
There's quite a bit going on in this novella and the "killer" is a big surprise and not what you expect. Another series that may be the match for Madi's zoo series. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one. 5*
Included with the story is a free offering of the prequel and a list of edible flowers. I contacted the author to review her book. 4.5*
The Florist and the Funeral #1 - The prequel to the Diana Flowers series. A quickly read, fun story about a chemist, with a high IQ, interested in growing and selling flowers to meet the growing demand. Along the way there's a death, which she solves since she is smarter than the old Lt.
There's quite a bit going on in this novella and the "killer" is a big surprise and not what you expect. Another series that may be the match for Madi's zoo series. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one. 5*
September 24, 2018
Diane Flowers has inherited a home and large plot of land to start off her new floral business. She soon takes on the wedding flower planning for one of her neighbor’s but soon regrets it. The bride-to-be is a bit of a bridezilla and on the day of the wedding, Diane finds the best man face down in the middle of the multi-tiered wedding cake. The man has been murdered and because of his nefarious past, most of the neighbors are considered suspects.
While looking for the murderer, Diane uncovers a lot of skeletons in the closet and a real skeleton in a potted urn. All she wanted was to run a floral business, but murders keep falling in her lap. If that wasn’t bad enough, her first love & his new bride just moved in across the street and the bride happens to be the niece of the local police detective. Yes, the one and the same detective that doesn’t seem to like Diane very much.
This is a delightful new series in the Diane Flowers Floricultural mysteries. Diane is a former chemist that has a knack for both flowers and sleuthing. She is fierce, intelligent, witty, and has a contentious relationship with her mother. If you enjoy mysteries that has all the cozy elements; mystery, humor, quirky characters, and a great plotline then you will love this book.
While looking for the murderer, Diane uncovers a lot of skeletons in the closet and a real skeleton in a potted urn. All she wanted was to run a floral business, but murders keep falling in her lap. If that wasn’t bad enough, her first love & his new bride just moved in across the street and the bride happens to be the niece of the local police detective. Yes, the one and the same detective that doesn’t seem to like Diane very much.
This is a delightful new series in the Diane Flowers Floricultural mysteries. Diane is a former chemist that has a knack for both flowers and sleuthing. She is fierce, intelligent, witty, and has a contentious relationship with her mother. If you enjoy mysteries that has all the cozy elements; mystery, humor, quirky characters, and a great plotline then you will love this book.
October 1, 2018
The author was faced with a tough job, following on from the Madigan Amos Zoo mysteries series, which I thought was the best British cosy mystery series. However she has risen to the task admirably. The prequel novella (The Florist and the Funeral) was very good, this first full-length novel is excellent.
I really enjoy the characters that she creates, who are believable and, for the main characters, fully developed, but she also makes some of them wonderfully quirky as well. Together with her descriptions of the locations they form a delightful picture of an English village community.
The plot is also great, it is a mystery which gradually grows and takes shape as more discoveries are made, and there are plenty of potential guilty parties to choose from. There is even a hint of romance for Diana, even though he is rather a conspiracy theorist. Finally I really love the amount of research that Ms Loren obviously does, she genuinely makes the characters sound as though they are experts in their fields. All these elements come together to form a really enjoyable, involving read.
I receive a lot of advance copies of book to review, but I rarely buy the books, however I have gladly made an exception for this one, and I can't wait for the next one to be released.
I really enjoy the characters that she creates, who are believable and, for the main characters, fully developed, but she also makes some of them wonderfully quirky as well. Together with her descriptions of the locations they form a delightful picture of an English village community.
The plot is also great, it is a mystery which gradually grows and takes shape as more discoveries are made, and there are plenty of potential guilty parties to choose from. There is even a hint of romance for Diana, even though he is rather a conspiracy theorist. Finally I really love the amount of research that Ms Loren obviously does, she genuinely makes the characters sound as though they are experts in their fields. All these elements come together to form a really enjoyable, involving read.
I receive a lot of advance copies of book to review, but I rarely buy the books, however I have gladly made an exception for this one, and I can't wait for the next one to be released.
October 5, 2018
A new series in which the central character is Diane Flowers, a respected research chemical analyst who has recently returned to the village she grew up in. The story opens as she has moved into her new house which she inherited, has already dug and prepared one of the fields and is growing flowers to sell at the market. She has also agreed to do a wedding and almost immediately things start to go wrong. First is the brides choice of flowers, gardenias, then there is the body in the wedding cake. All this plus the grisly discovery in her own gphouse and the mystery of the local burglaries in the houses if her and her neighbours in which nothing is taken. The solicitor who took care of the inheritance almost certain types knows more than she is letting on and one of the neighbours definitely does. But who, why, when and how.
I really urge you to try this book, and if you haven't already read the prequel, The Florest and the Funeral which explains how she cones by her house, then do so. A new and different series to other cozy mysteries from a well established writer who has proven she can write excellent books with a difference. Highly recommended.
I really urge you to try this book, and if you haven't already read the prequel, The Florest and the Funeral which explains how she cones by her house, then do so. A new and different series to other cozy mysteries from a well established writer who has proven she can write excellent books with a difference. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2018
This first full book of a new series is written in an assured style that reflects the author's experience in writing mysteries.
Even though we see her from within and so a little less secure, I imagine the main character, Diana Flowers, comes across to others as a no-nonsense person, downright and self-sufficient. Her scientific training along with her independence and determination make her an excellent investigator.
Diana has a truly admirable work ethic and drive to succeed; she's come so far with her flower business in such a short time. At the beginning of the book she is saying a prayer of thanks to the benefactor who bequeathed her the land, but it appears he expected her to deal with some lurking horrors she has no idea about.
With her background, it makes perfect sense that Diana's dubious about the "woo-woo" stuff suggested by the trespasser, but given everything that happens I can't help wondering – could there really be a curse on the land that causes people to behave badly, or do accumulated bad actions affect the land? Perhaps these ideas will be explored in later books.
Even though we see her from within and so a little less secure, I imagine the main character, Diana Flowers, comes across to others as a no-nonsense person, downright and self-sufficient. Her scientific training along with her independence and determination make her an excellent investigator.
Diana has a truly admirable work ethic and drive to succeed; she's come so far with her flower business in such a short time. At the beginning of the book she is saying a prayer of thanks to the benefactor who bequeathed her the land, but it appears he expected her to deal with some lurking horrors she has no idea about.
With her background, it makes perfect sense that Diana's dubious about the "woo-woo" stuff suggested by the trespasser, but given everything that happens I can't help wondering – could there really be a curse on the land that causes people to behave badly, or do accumulated bad actions affect the land? Perhaps these ideas will be explored in later books.
October 3, 2020
This story is one of many from this author with clever book titles that gives a subtle hint to the plot. The heroine has taken the plunge to quit her boring and unfulfilling job as a chemist to embark on an entrepreneurial cut flower business that makes her wonder if she made a terrible mistake after the confronting one obstacle and disappointments at every turn.
The author skillfully accomplishes her storytelling without gory violence or vulgar language. Like all her stories, she describes the characters and setting in detail offering an insight in what’s on their minds with their thoughts, gut instincts, and feelings much like in real life that makes you feel part of the story and helps you to empathise with the characters.
When narrating a story, one needs to describe the events relative to the main theme which this author does effectively and realistically.
As in all crime mysteries there are twists and turns to captivate you but in this gripping tale I found that coming upon one surprise after another is like a “whack a mole” arcade game because one keeps popping up where you least expect it.
The author skillfully accomplishes her storytelling without gory violence or vulgar language. Like all her stories, she describes the characters and setting in detail offering an insight in what’s on their minds with their thoughts, gut instincts, and feelings much like in real life that makes you feel part of the story and helps you to empathise with the characters.
When narrating a story, one needs to describe the events relative to the main theme which this author does effectively and realistically.
As in all crime mysteries there are twists and turns to captivate you but in this gripping tale I found that coming upon one surprise after another is like a “whack a mole” arcade game because one keeps popping up where you least expect it.
October 2, 2018
Diane is all moved into the house Jim left her. Somebody is digging holes in Diane's land. Why? What does he expect to find? Why is there a skelton without a head hidden in a false bottom of one of Jim's pots? And just who is it? Does it belong to one of the girls who have gone missing? Someone is breaking into houses. Are they looking for a skelton?Diane is doing flowers for a wedding and finds the best man dead leaning into the wedding cake. Who killed him? And Why? And wouldn't you just know it! An old boyfriend and his pregnant wife move into the house across the street from Diane. A skeleton head is found in their hedge! An awful lot happening in this little village. Is it something in the water? Maybe something in the soil? Come along with Diane as she tries to find the answers! You'll be glad you did. This story is well thought out and well written. Characters are fleshed out. Mystery, excitement, murder and maybe a love interest?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
January 9, 2025
This author’s Madigan Amos series is among my favorites, so I was happy that this book was just as good as the zoo books are. I like Diana, the MC, and her dog Diggery, but am getting a little tired of the “I’ve just inherited this house” trope that’s popping up in cozy mysteries everywhere. At least this was from someone Diana knew, and the house itself needs work! The jury is still out on the secondary characters, but some of them have promise.
The murder victim here was not well-liked, so the list of potential suspects in his death was quite long, and not many names were crossed off as the investigation continued. The actual killer wasn’t on my list at all, and the reveal was quite a shock. The motive was complicated, but it made sense.
I have the next book from this series in my audiobook collection, but I’ll probably read the next Maddy book before reading another about Diana and friends.
The murder victim here was not well-liked, so the list of potential suspects in his death was quite long, and not many names were crossed off as the investigation continued. The actual killer wasn’t on my list at all, and the reveal was quite a shock. The motive was complicated, but it made sense.
I have the next book from this series in my audiobook collection, but I’ll probably read the next Maddy book before reading another about Diana and friends.
September 27, 2018
Diana now has the fields in which to grow her flowers and start her new business, much to the horror of her mother, who went as far as to get her ex, Diana's father, to come with her to talk some sense into her daughter. With her parents to contend with, a dead body in a wedding cake, a bridezilla to please, an old flame across the road to deal with, a flirty neighbour with a jealous girlfriend, a persistent trespasser who declares her land is contaminated, Diana has her hands full. And what a plot for a new cozy mystery!
Another fun mystery from Ruby Loren. I enjoyed the myriad of possible suspects and reasons for the demise of the best man. I also like how Diana stood up for what she wanted and was delighted at how things turned out between Spencer and her. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
Another fun mystery from Ruby Loren. I enjoyed the myriad of possible suspects and reasons for the demise of the best man. I also like how Diana stood up for what she wanted and was delighted at how things turned out between Spencer and her. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
October 5, 2018
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake by Ruby Loren is another fun, light hearted, cozy mystery in a village setting. It has a good plot and story line and has entertaining and engaging characters.
This is a new series and features Diana Flowers who faces various trials and adversity as she tries to do what she considers right.
It is not often that the reader comes across a gifted story teller. The Author is famous for her Madi Amos Zoo mysteries. She makes it look so easy. Her books just flow with every word in the right place.
The well thought out characters are complex and well defined, the story has unexpected twists and surprises, and the good descriptive writing takes the reader on an interesting journey from the very beginning.
I look forward to the next book in the series. Recommended!
Gifted with a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This is a new series and features Diana Flowers who faces various trials and adversity as she tries to do what she considers right.
It is not often that the reader comes across a gifted story teller. The Author is famous for her Madi Amos Zoo mysteries. She makes it look so easy. Her books just flow with every word in the right place.
The well thought out characters are complex and well defined, the story has unexpected twists and surprises, and the good descriptive writing takes the reader on an interesting journey from the very beginning.
I look forward to the next book in the series. Recommended!
Gifted with a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 7, 2018
Gardenia's And A Grave Mistake, book 1 of author Ruby Loren's newest series - Diana Flowers Floriculture Mysteries, was both entertaining and difficult to solve!
Loren's newest female sleuth Diana Flowers, her loveable furball Diggory find themselves in the midst of mayhem and murder almost from the moment they step on their inherited property in the community of Little Larchley.
A gazillion red herrings to puzzle your mind plus a neighborhood full of potential suspects keeps you guessing until, if like me, you throw your hands in the air and declare, "I have no idea who the killer is!" Trust me I didn't picture that ending even for a moment.
Gardenia's And A Grave Mistake can be read as a stand alone although I would suggest picking up the prequel to the serious - The Florist And The Funeral - so you have a better understanding of Flowers' past.
Loren's newest female sleuth Diana Flowers, her loveable furball Diggory find themselves in the midst of mayhem and murder almost from the moment they step on their inherited property in the community of Little Larchley.
A gazillion red herrings to puzzle your mind plus a neighborhood full of potential suspects keeps you guessing until, if like me, you throw your hands in the air and declare, "I have no idea who the killer is!" Trust me I didn't picture that ending even for a moment.
Gardenia's And A Grave Mistake can be read as a stand alone although I would suggest picking up the prequel to the serious - The Florist And The Funeral - so you have a better understanding of Flowers' past.
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