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Port Danby #8
Hyacinths and Homicide
After a busy day providing bouquets and pumpkins for a ten year high school reunion at the posh Chesterton Regency Hotel, Lacey Pinkerton is thrilled to have a nice romantic dinner with her boyfriend, Detective James Briggs. But when the reunion's class bully is thrown from the hotel balcony, Briggs is called to duty. Lacey soon finds herself involved in a complicated murder investigation where the evidence points in every direction and the victim has more than his share of enemies. Book 8 of the Port Danby Cozy Mystery Series. Each book can be read as a standalone but they are best read in order. More in the 1. Marigolds and Murder 2. Carnations and Chaos 3. Mistletoe and Mayhem 4. Roses and Revenge 5. Tulips and Trouble 6. Dahlias and Death 7. Peonies and Poison 8. Hyacinths and Homicide 9. Crocuses and Crime 10. Sunflowers and Sabotage 11. Lavender and Lies 12. Freesias and Foul Play 13. Cornflowers and Corpses 14. Jasmine and Jealousy 15. Shamrocks and Shenanigans 16. TBA Full-length novel ~50,000 words
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2018
215 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 22, 2018
OMG! I LOVED this book. Lacey is such a wonderful character and her detective boyfriend is fun, too. Dialogue is hilarious and the mystery was quite entertaining. Highly recommend!
March 14, 2021
It wouldn't be a holiday in Port Danby without a little murder and mayhem, would it? This time around it's not one, but TWO individuals who were not the most gentlemanly when they were younger. In fact, they were just straight up bullies and they haven't grown out of their bullying ways in the past ten years.
Which means there are plenty of people at the ten year reunion who weren't terribly saddened to see them go. Sure, they might not have wanted them dead-dead, but it couldn't have happened to more deserving people. Which sound super callous, but the peeps involved were kind of jerks.
Of course, their less than stellar personalities doesn't stop Lacey and Briggs from doing what they do best. Which, in case you were wondering, is sniff things out and investigate. GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Which means there are plenty of people at the ten year reunion who weren't terribly saddened to see them go. Sure, they might not have wanted them dead-dead, but it couldn't have happened to more deserving people. Which sound super callous, but the peeps involved were kind of jerks.
Of course, their less than stellar personalities doesn't stop Lacey and Briggs from doing what they do best. Which, in case you were wondering, is sniff things out and investigate. GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 23, 2018
The Port Danby Cozy Mystery series is quickly becoming one of my favorites because of the cleverness of the writing, ambiance of the setting and of course, the characters. This time our favorite hyperosmiac, Pink is preparing hyacinth floral arrangements for an upcoming high school reunion. As usual there is an exciting cast of characters that includes a type A organizer, three major class bullies and other graduates of varying degrees of success. When two of the three bullies are killed, it looks like Detective Briggs and Pink are on the case "sniffing" out the bad guy one smell at a time.
On the home front, Briggs and Pink are getting closer but their dates keep getting interrupted by mayhem. It's a good thing they are both flexible and manage to manuever through the obstacles. Also, Elsie's niece is coming to town and she is remembered as being shy and awkward. However, she wants to be a baker and who better to take her under her tutelage than Elsie. I won't reveal the surprise; but, I will say that Elsie's niece is not exactly how she remembers her and one of the town's residents is taking a special interest in her.
As Briggs and Pink get closer and closer to solving the crimes, their relationship seems to grow more intense. Now, if they could get their pesky pets to cooperate, all will be right with the world. Usually, I have no trouble figuring out who the murderer is in a crime novel; however, I must confess that I was wrong on this one and I was quite delighted. It's always refreshing when an author surprises us! The writing of London Lovett is refreshing and remarkable. As far as I am concerned, she cannot publish these books fast enough.
On the home front, Briggs and Pink are getting closer but their dates keep getting interrupted by mayhem. It's a good thing they are both flexible and manage to manuever through the obstacles. Also, Elsie's niece is coming to town and she is remembered as being shy and awkward. However, she wants to be a baker and who better to take her under her tutelage than Elsie. I won't reveal the surprise; but, I will say that Elsie's niece is not exactly how she remembers her and one of the town's residents is taking a special interest in her.
As Briggs and Pink get closer and closer to solving the crimes, their relationship seems to grow more intense. Now, if they could get their pesky pets to cooperate, all will be right with the world. Usually, I have no trouble figuring out who the murderer is in a crime novel; however, I must confess that I was wrong on this one and I was quite delighted. It's always refreshing when an author surprises us! The writing of London Lovett is refreshing and remarkable. As far as I am concerned, she cannot publish these books fast enough.
October 23, 2023
3.5 stars
It’s Halloween season in Port Danby and the town is just as festive as ever! When a date between Detective Briggs and Lacey Pinkerton is cut short due to a double homicide at a class reunion, they decide to extend their evening and investigate together. With the aid of Samantha, Lacey’s hyper-sensitive nose, the two unravel clues to find the culprit.
A class reunion is being hosted at the local Regency Hotel and three of the classmates who show up were bullies from back in the day, and prove to be bullies still. Some people never change. When two of the three are killed later in the evening, at the same event that Lacey had earlier provided centerpieces for and helped set up, and it takes place in the middle of her date with her detective boyfriend, she joins him in the investigation. Their working and personal relationship both grow through this story and series as a whole and they seem to make a great team.
The Port Danby series has humorous dialogue, quirky characters and the most unique pet in any cozy mystery I’ve read, Kingston the crow. In this story, the combination of the costume-party, seasonal baked items, and pumpkin patch are perfect for the month of October. This crime is a bit more complex than previous stories and not quite as easy to sus out the perpetrator, but it’s also romantic, sweet and seasonally fun.
It’s Halloween season in Port Danby and the town is just as festive as ever! When a date between Detective Briggs and Lacey Pinkerton is cut short due to a double homicide at a class reunion, they decide to extend their evening and investigate together. With the aid of Samantha, Lacey’s hyper-sensitive nose, the two unravel clues to find the culprit.
A class reunion is being hosted at the local Regency Hotel and three of the classmates who show up were bullies from back in the day, and prove to be bullies still. Some people never change. When two of the three are killed later in the evening, at the same event that Lacey had earlier provided centerpieces for and helped set up, and it takes place in the middle of her date with her detective boyfriend, she joins him in the investigation. Their working and personal relationship both grow through this story and series as a whole and they seem to make a great team.
The Port Danby series has humorous dialogue, quirky characters and the most unique pet in any cozy mystery I’ve read, Kingston the crow. In this story, the combination of the costume-party, seasonal baked items, and pumpkin patch are perfect for the month of October. This crime is a bit more complex than previous stories and not quite as easy to sus out the perpetrator, but it’s also romantic, sweet and seasonally fun.
July 14, 2020
Another one that will become a seasonal read, this one during Halloween.
Lacey is making flower arrangement for a high school reunion and when the reunion asks if Lacey can find them some pumpkins Lacey hops in and offers with the knowledge the Dash told her that the market down they way had order to many pumpkins. As Lacey goes to drop of the flowers and pumpkins for the events Lacey runs into some of the early arrivals, some of them are the popular boys and they end up being a bit rude to Lacey and the kitchen staff who are trying to set up the event.
Lacey meet up later with James to go out to eat, but their dinner is interrupted when James get called to a murder scene and it winds up being on of the popular boys.
As Lacey and James start to dig into the mans background they learned he was not a nice guy. We also learn that one of the old classmates had died in a car accident but a Lacey digs farther she wonders if the young lady actually died and that if she did not play a role in the popular boy death as she was the girl she used to pick on; but she is not a lone as everyone seems to have a reason to kill the victim.
Lacey is making flower arrangement for a high school reunion and when the reunion asks if Lacey can find them some pumpkins Lacey hops in and offers with the knowledge the Dash told her that the market down they way had order to many pumpkins. As Lacey goes to drop of the flowers and pumpkins for the events Lacey runs into some of the early arrivals, some of them are the popular boys and they end up being a bit rude to Lacey and the kitchen staff who are trying to set up the event.
Lacey meet up later with James to go out to eat, but their dinner is interrupted when James get called to a murder scene and it winds up being on of the popular boys.
As Lacey and James start to dig into the mans background they learned he was not a nice guy. We also learn that one of the old classmates had died in a car accident but a Lacey digs farther she wonders if the young lady actually died and that if she did not play a role in the popular boy death as she was the girl she used to pick on; but she is not a lone as everyone seems to have a reason to kill the victim.
October 17, 2022
This book was sooo cozy and fast to read, and yes, I know there's murders in it, but still, a very entertaining and soft read for a warm fall day!
Lacey Pinkerton works on the local florist and is asked to do the arrangements for a 10 year school reunion at a fancy hotel.
While bringing the arrangements and getting herself to help doing other things for the reunion, Lacey finds herself also immerged on a murder mystery of the two high school bullies!!
Now it's up to Lacey, her superpowerfull nose Samantha and her detective boyfriend to find out who the murderer is before everyone checks out from the hotel!
The story was full of fall vibes and cozy ambience, with Lacey's flower shop, the bakery with its sweets that makes us craving for some pumpkin muffins, and of course, the sassy crow, Kingston, who definitely gave some funny moments during the story!
Although this is the eighth book on a series, I was still able to read the story with no problem at all, even when there was some little situations mentioned that I would have liked to know more about, none of that affected the story itself and you can also easily read as a standalone!
Of course if you want to know more about Lacey, her nose and how she and Detective Briggs started being a thing, then I suggest to start with the book one!😂 But if you're just looking for a cozy Halloween mystery read, then you found it! The story is around Halloween time, and what better way to spend a fall day than curled up in the sofa, with a hot teacup and a cozy read?
Lacey Pinkerton works on the local florist and is asked to do the arrangements for a 10 year school reunion at a fancy hotel.
While bringing the arrangements and getting herself to help doing other things for the reunion, Lacey finds herself also immerged on a murder mystery of the two high school bullies!!
Now it's up to Lacey, her superpowerfull nose Samantha and her detective boyfriend to find out who the murderer is before everyone checks out from the hotel!
The story was full of fall vibes and cozy ambience, with Lacey's flower shop, the bakery with its sweets that makes us craving for some pumpkin muffins, and of course, the sassy crow, Kingston, who definitely gave some funny moments during the story!
Although this is the eighth book on a series, I was still able to read the story with no problem at all, even when there was some little situations mentioned that I would have liked to know more about, none of that affected the story itself and you can also easily read as a standalone!
Of course if you want to know more about Lacey, her nose and how she and Detective Briggs started being a thing, then I suggest to start with the book one!😂 But if you're just looking for a cozy Halloween mystery read, then you found it! The story is around Halloween time, and what better way to spend a fall day than curled up in the sofa, with a hot teacup and a cozy read?
April 5, 2021
Pink is doing flower arrangements for a class reunion. When she delivers the flowers, she finds the woman who is organizing the reunion has not received the pumpkins she ordered for decoration for the costume party. Having overheard someone remark a local pumpkin patch hasn't been able to sell many pumpkins, Pink offers to go get some for the reunion. She offers to help set up when Detective Briggs calls her to ask if she can go out for supper after he finishes some paperwork. Since he lives near by, it's convenient for her to help until he gets through. She meets the three bullies from the class - they haven't changed a bit, still loud, pushy and obnoxious. She and Briggs go out to eat and she finally gets a ride on his motorcycle. As they finish eating, he gets a call about a death at the hotel where the reunion is being held. Turns out one of the bullies has been pushed off the balcony to his room. And it's not over........
July 14, 2020
I've read all the books in this series so far, although each a standalone story they're all based around the same characters; Lacey 'Pink' Pinkerton, the local florist in Port Danby and part time murder investigator; along with her boyfriend, Detective James Briggs, local Police Detective in the same town.
This book is based around a high school reunion which Lacey is hired to provide the flowers for. Whilst she's there, two of the attendees are murdered, they're part of a group of 3 who, whilst in High School were bullies and not much had changed!
As usual, Lacey is on hand to help James solve the case, using her special secret weapon, Samantha, her super sensitive nose!
Another great read in this delightful series.
This book is based around a high school reunion which Lacey is hired to provide the flowers for. Whilst she's there, two of the attendees are murdered, they're part of a group of 3 who, whilst in High School were bullies and not much had changed!
As usual, Lacey is on hand to help James solve the case, using her special secret weapon, Samantha, her super sensitive nose!
Another great read in this delightful series.
November 18, 2018
Awe addition
More adventures for James and lacey at the local high school reunion in town! Lacey is supplying the flower arrangements later she and James go on a adventurous date (yay) and he gets the call that a death has occurred! Together they work to solve not one but two deaths! I love that their romance is advancing too! A must read and I want more of this great couple please!
More adventures for James and lacey at the local high school reunion in town! Lacey is supplying the flower arrangements later she and James go on a adventurous date (yay) and he gets the call that a death has occurred! Together they work to solve not one but two deaths! I love that their romance is advancing too! A must read and I want more of this great couple please!
January 9, 2019
Having just binged my way through the entire Port Danby series, I can honestly say I had a wonderful trip to this little coastal town and "Pink's Flowers." These books are not great literature, but the characters are fun, the plots are (mostly) believable, and the setting is engaging. I wish the series had a better proofreader - say, someone who knows that simply putting a comma after the word "although" does not turn a clause into a complete sentence. But proofreading aside, this is quite a pleasant detour from the road of heavy reading.
January 20, 2019
Mystery and romance continues!
I have read all of this series! Another good read from the Port Danby series! Enjoying the interaction and the small town atmosphere of her books. Once you get started reading about this small town and its characters you will will be wanting more each time you end a book...... I'm ready for the next adventure!
I have read all of this series! Another good read from the Port Danby series! Enjoying the interaction and the small town atmosphere of her books. Once you get started reading about this small town and its characters you will will be wanting more each time you end a book...... I'm ready for the next adventure!
May 1, 2020
One of the best series I have read. Watch out Stephanie Plum because Lacy Pinkerton is coming on board. Great book, awesome characters. The plot was excellent, taking us into a high school reunion. A definite read!
November 16, 2020
Murder Most Foul
A ten year high school reunion and two murders. Detective Briggs and his girlfriend are on the case, and there are sufficient suspects. This is the first of the series I have read and I look forward to reading earlier books.
A ten year high school reunion and two murders. Detective Briggs and his girlfriend are on the case, and there are sufficient suspects. This is the first of the series I have read and I look forward to reading earlier books.
October 6, 2019
Always good!!! 4/5 stars.
March 10, 2020
I love this series!!! Each book gets better and better!
June 9, 2020
A pretty meh book that could have benefited from a few extra pages. The whole story wrapped up kind of abruptly.
October 31, 2020
Great characters, great story, great writing by London Lovett.
November 5, 2020
Cute cozy mystery
This is a clean cozy mystery. I'm glad I downloaded it. It was a fun fast read. Some books under cozy mystery are not and should not be listed under that genre.
This is a clean cozy mystery. I'm glad I downloaded it. It was a fun fast read. Some books under cozy mystery are not and should not be listed under that genre.
February 3, 2021
Another fun little mystery and a heaping side of romance. I am interested to see how many more mysteries can be solved by smell alone.
March 13, 2021
This was my favorite in the series so far! I loved the relationship between Lacey and Briggs and the closed circle mystery element was very compelling.
November 15, 2021
This book had a bit of romance and a bit of twist. Enjoyed reading as I have with the others in the series. On to Book 8!
August 5, 2023
More like 3.5 stars. Predictable. And I missed Lacey’s interaction with the rest of the townsfolk. But a good bedtime read for a few days that I was really done in.
October 19, 2018
Chesterton Regency Hotel, the sight of the tenth annual high school reunion is in full swing, and Lacey has provided the beautiful hyacinth flower arrangements. Debra, the woman in charge of everything needs the aid of Lacey to get the pumpkins also. Her supplier fell through.
After delivering pumpkins and hyacinths, Lacey has a date with her boyfriend Detective James Briggs. They are having a wonderful time when he is called away to the Chesterton, because there has been a death at the high school reunion! Briggs brings Lacey with him and she is a big help because of her Hyperosmia!
When they get there they see that one of the reunion men has fallen out of his window. He was with another two men who were the biggest bullies in high school! While they are checking this out another of the bullies is discovered dead in his hotel room!
Detective Briggs and Lacey have their work cut out for them! There are a few people who would have loved to exact revenge on these guys so its up to them to find out who!
This book was really good, I sat and read it all and really enjoyed it. Like the other seven books before this one, when read in order you will get to see a lot of the same characters and catch up with what's going on in their lives as well. I have loved each and every one of these books and can't wait for number 9!
Here are the books in correct reading order! Read all of them, you will be glad you did! I gave this book 5 spooky stars!
1. Marigolds and Murder
2. Carnations and Chaos
3. Mistletoe and Mayhem
4. Roses and Revenge
5. Tulips and Trouble
6. Dahlias and Death
7. Peonies and Poison
8. Hyacinths and Homicide
Books 9-14 TBA
After delivering pumpkins and hyacinths, Lacey has a date with her boyfriend Detective James Briggs. They are having a wonderful time when he is called away to the Chesterton, because there has been a death at the high school reunion! Briggs brings Lacey with him and she is a big help because of her Hyperosmia!
When they get there they see that one of the reunion men has fallen out of his window. He was with another two men who were the biggest bullies in high school! While they are checking this out another of the bullies is discovered dead in his hotel room!
Detective Briggs and Lacey have their work cut out for them! There are a few people who would have loved to exact revenge on these guys so its up to them to find out who!
This book was really good, I sat and read it all and really enjoyed it. Like the other seven books before this one, when read in order you will get to see a lot of the same characters and catch up with what's going on in their lives as well. I have loved each and every one of these books and can't wait for number 9!
Here are the books in correct reading order! Read all of them, you will be glad you did! I gave this book 5 spooky stars!
1. Marigolds and Murder
2. Carnations and Chaos
3. Mistletoe and Mayhem
4. Roses and Revenge
5. Tulips and Trouble
6. Dahlias and Death
7. Peonies and Poison
8. Hyacinths and Homicide
Books 9-14 TBA
March 23, 2022
Hyacinths and Homicide is the 8th book in the Port Danby series. This was the second murder that has happened outside if the town. I was starting to wonder when people would start blaming Lacey for the bad luck of the murders.
Mild spoilers down below.
So since Lacey has started dating Briggs the stories haven't had many of the other characters. Lola and Ryder and Elsie were barely in the book and Lester is just mentioned. Also, I've noticed the Mayor isn't in the story as much.
I know there is only so much story going around, but I like those characters. Even if Lola is slightly annoying with being jealous of every pretty girl in town.
There is a twist toward the end that I saw coming about halfway through. Also I kinda knew who the killer was towards the beginning of the mystery.
It's a good book, but not my favorite of the series.
Mild spoilers down below.
So since Lacey has started dating Briggs the stories haven't had many of the other characters. Lola and Ryder and Elsie were barely in the book and Lester is just mentioned. Also, I've noticed the Mayor isn't in the story as much.
I know there is only so much story going around, but I like those characters. Even if Lola is slightly annoying with being jealous of every pretty girl in town.
There is a twist toward the end that I saw coming about halfway through. Also I kinda knew who the killer was towards the beginning of the mystery.
It's a good book, but not my favorite of the series.
October 22, 2018
I'm always excited when there is a new book in this series! Port Danby is full of fun, quirky characters and the series has quickly become a must read favorite of mine. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
February 10, 2019
Wonderful story
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