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Port Danby #9
Crocuses and Crime
The new year is off to a smooth start. Pink's Flowers is doing well and Lacey is growing even closer to her wonderful boyfriend, Detective James Briggs. But when a local man is killed, one of Lacey's dearest friends is implicated in the murder. Briggs has asked her to step away from the case but Lacey is determined to find the real killer. Will her meddling cause irreparable damage to their relationship? Lacey must risk everything, including her heart, to find the truth.Book 9 of the Port Danby Cozy Mystery series. 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
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2019
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170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 18, 2024
3.25 stars
Crocuses and Crime is the 9th book in the Port Danby series, and though I love this series, this particular story was my least favorite. Crocuses and Crime is set in wintery months of January and follows a grumbly, grumpy man who complains about the work that was done on his boat by Dash, as well as how everyone wants money from him. He later ends up dead and all signs point to Dash, Lacey’s neighbor and friend. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with Lacey and she resents Briggs’ lingering hostilities toward Dash from the past, and his obvious lingering jealousy over his Lacey’s friendship with him. When he bans Lacey from the case due to her bias and antagonism, she is irate and a rift forms between them.
This story seems more about Lacey and Briggs’ relationship, or relationship woes, as the case may be, than about the mystery which was clearly secondary. Their dispute seems trivial and unreasonable and I thought Lacey was juvenile in her dealings with Briggs.
Dash being accused of murder seemed far-fetched and a little unbelievable, but more importantly, it could have been handled by Briggs in a much more rational manner. Their lack of clear communication and quick tempers was frustrating.
The latter portion of the story, when it focused more on the mystery and things began to unfold, was much more interesting and engaging. Overall, Crocuses and Crime is not my favorite in the series, but it was still enjoyable and a nice addition to the series as a whole.
Crocuses and Crime is the 9th book in the Port Danby series, and though I love this series, this particular story was my least favorite. Crocuses and Crime is set in wintery months of January and follows a grumbly, grumpy man who complains about the work that was done on his boat by Dash, as well as how everyone wants money from him. He later ends up dead and all signs point to Dash, Lacey’s neighbor and friend. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with Lacey and she resents Briggs’ lingering hostilities toward Dash from the past, and his obvious lingering jealousy over his Lacey’s friendship with him. When he bans Lacey from the case due to her bias and antagonism, she is irate and a rift forms between them.
This story seems more about Lacey and Briggs’ relationship, or relationship woes, as the case may be, than about the mystery which was clearly secondary. Their dispute seems trivial and unreasonable and I thought Lacey was juvenile in her dealings with Briggs.
Dash being accused of murder seemed far-fetched and a little unbelievable, but more importantly, it could have been handled by Briggs in a much more rational manner. Their lack of clear communication and quick tempers was frustrating.
The latter portion of the story, when it focused more on the mystery and things began to unfold, was much more interesting and engaging. Overall, Crocuses and Crime is not my favorite in the series, but it was still enjoyable and a nice addition to the series as a whole.
January 18, 2019
This is book 9 of the Port Danby Cozy Mystery series, and just when I thought I couldn't love these books more than I already did, this new one is so spectacular, I have to take back my thoughts-this book is brilliant!
One of the things I have come to love about these books are all the wonderful characters, their roles in this series. In particular Detective Briggs and Lacey (Pink), all their neighbors, and Dash, Pink's neighbor and an old friend of Det. Briggs way back when they were in high school, but who share no friendship now!
Det. Briggs and Lacey have finally started going out together and she is a big help to him when he is trying to solve a murder, she can smell so well she can find clues where no one else can. Just when she is feeling that they belong together, something happens which will test their relationship just when they have fallen in love.
One of the town's citizens has been arrested for murder, and it causes a rift between the Det. and Pink. Things are said that are hard to forget and they quit talking to each other. Det. Briggs also tells Pink she can't help solve this murder, which was the wrong thing to say!
Go on this adventure and see what happens. I can promise you that; there is a lot of angst between some of the characters, a lot of snooping happens that could compromise the safety of Pink, and the case, Kingston the crow starts hanging out at the seawall watching how the seagulls live, which causes concern, and Pink has to dogsit, but her cat does not mind! I loved how this book ended and can't wait for the next one.
These books should be read in order so you get the full benefit of the town and inhabitants, and what life is like in Port Danby! I gave this book 5 wonderful stars! The following is the correct reading for this series, so don't miss out!
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. TBA
One of the things I have come to love about these books are all the wonderful characters, their roles in this series. In particular Detective Briggs and Lacey (Pink), all their neighbors, and Dash, Pink's neighbor and an old friend of Det. Briggs way back when they were in high school, but who share no friendship now!
Det. Briggs and Lacey have finally started going out together and she is a big help to him when he is trying to solve a murder, she can smell so well she can find clues where no one else can. Just when she is feeling that they belong together, something happens which will test their relationship just when they have fallen in love.
One of the town's citizens has been arrested for murder, and it causes a rift between the Det. and Pink. Things are said that are hard to forget and they quit talking to each other. Det. Briggs also tells Pink she can't help solve this murder, which was the wrong thing to say!
Go on this adventure and see what happens. I can promise you that; there is a lot of angst between some of the characters, a lot of snooping happens that could compromise the safety of Pink, and the case, Kingston the crow starts hanging out at the seawall watching how the seagulls live, which causes concern, and Pink has to dogsit, but her cat does not mind! I loved how this book ended and can't wait for the next one.
These books should be read in order so you get the full benefit of the town and inhabitants, and what life is like in Port Danby! I gave this book 5 wonderful stars! The following is the correct reading for this series, so don't miss out!
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. TBA
March 1, 2019
The Port Danby Cozy Mystery series has quickly risen to the top of my list as one of my favorites. "Crocuses and Crime" is an prime example of one of the reasons why. This time Lacey finds herself smack dab in the middle of her closest friend's personal problems. Elsie the baker and her brother Les are still knee deep in the throes of competition, Dash appears to be giving Britney the cold shoulder and no one understands why, Ryder and Lola are constantly misunderstanding each other and Kingston, is infatuated with seagulls. Then, a boat owner, Theodore Hall, has a feud with Dash over repairs. After many in the town witness their very public argument, the man is found dead on his boat the next day.
One bright spot in all of the drama is that the relationship between Briggs and Lacey is going strong; well, that is until a murder interrupts the romantic bliss and the prime suspect is the only person on earth that can blast a hole in their happiness the size of a crater. Yep, you got it, Dash is under suspicion of murder and Lacey cannot help but wonder if Briggs is using his personal dislike of the man to fuel a vendetta. Of course, Briggs is wondering if Lacey has alternative motives for supporting Dash. My, my, my what a tangled mess!
This installment has our crime fighting duo on the outs and working alone to solve the crimes around Port Danby. The question is can they really do it alone or are they stronger as a pair? Considering Lacey's propensity for getting herself into trouble, she should never work alone. All I can say is I truly enjoy the relationship between James Briggs and Lacey Pinkerton and would never want to see them split for good. Ms. Lovett has a wonderful gift of weaving a good tale with brevity. It keeps me wanting more and waiting on future installments. Ms. Lovett, you are an evil woman. Thank goodness the books come out within a few months or I would go bonkers.
One bright spot in all of the drama is that the relationship between Briggs and Lacey is going strong; well, that is until a murder interrupts the romantic bliss and the prime suspect is the only person on earth that can blast a hole in their happiness the size of a crater. Yep, you got it, Dash is under suspicion of murder and Lacey cannot help but wonder if Briggs is using his personal dislike of the man to fuel a vendetta. Of course, Briggs is wondering if Lacey has alternative motives for supporting Dash. My, my, my what a tangled mess!
This installment has our crime fighting duo on the outs and working alone to solve the crimes around Port Danby. The question is can they really do it alone or are they stronger as a pair? Considering Lacey's propensity for getting herself into trouble, she should never work alone. All I can say is I truly enjoy the relationship between James Briggs and Lacey Pinkerton and would never want to see them split for good. Ms. Lovett has a wonderful gift of weaving a good tale with brevity. It keeps me wanting more and waiting on future installments. Ms. Lovett, you are an evil woman. Thank goodness the books come out within a few months or I would go bonkers.
July 14, 2020
It is the ultimate clash of James and Dash. Sadly Lacey is caught in the cross hairs.
Lacey starts the day by being the relationship guru for everyone, yet when Lacey and James go to a crime scene and find out that man killed was last sense having an argument with Dash. James and Lacey have to investigate Dash. Lacey is positive they will find nothing, but they find the murder weapon and Dash's work clothes covered in blood, Lacey is sure Dash didn't due it, but James says he has to arrest Dash or he is not doing his job well, but Lacey wonders if James it to close to the case which he intern tells her she is to close to the case and asks her to back off, which leads to Lacey and James having their first fight and Lacey having to solve the mystery all by her self.
Lacey starts by tracking down every where the dead man was last scene and going through his personal life which includes is ex-wife and the laundry mat that she works for.
This book is a bit different because Lacey does not have James, and it does make her realize how nice it is to have the police on your side when solving a murder. She even has to slip into the evidence room to smell Dashes work clothes to look for clues.
This one was also weird because Lacey does not really get to use "Samantha" until more midway through which strangely enough mom noticed quite significantly.
Lacey starts the day by being the relationship guru for everyone, yet when Lacey and James go to a crime scene and find out that man killed was last sense having an argument with Dash. James and Lacey have to investigate Dash. Lacey is positive they will find nothing, but they find the murder weapon and Dash's work clothes covered in blood, Lacey is sure Dash didn't due it, but James says he has to arrest Dash or he is not doing his job well, but Lacey wonders if James it to close to the case which he intern tells her she is to close to the case and asks her to back off, which leads to Lacey and James having their first fight and Lacey having to solve the mystery all by her self.
Lacey starts by tracking down every where the dead man was last scene and going through his personal life which includes is ex-wife and the laundry mat that she works for.
This book is a bit different because Lacey does not have James, and it does make her realize how nice it is to have the police on your side when solving a murder. She even has to slip into the evidence room to smell Dashes work clothes to look for clues.
This one was also weird because Lacey does not really get to use "Samantha" until more midway through which strangely enough mom noticed quite significantly.
March 14, 2021
The latest murder investigation in Port Danby hits a little too close to home for both Lacey and Briggs when Lacey's next door neighbor (and Briggs's long-time frenemy) is the one who looks like he committed it. Briggs (quite rightly) pulls Lacey from the investigation and she's none too happy with that which puts a strain on their budding relationship.
Lacey also absolutely doesn't listen and does her best to try to figure out who actually did the deed since she's 100% sure it wasn't Dash. That, as you might expect, puts her in the crosshairs of some very bad people. As it turns out, people who kill other people don't like when nosy residents come snooping around.
While I'm not enamored of Lacey and Briggs being on the outs, I did understand where both of them were coming from. Lacey's friendship with Dash made her emotionally compromised in regards to the investigation, but she also didn't trust the new investigator who was put on the case to give it his all after Briggs removed himself from the investigation. It was messy and things were said, but the bad guy was caught in the end. And that's what I'm here for.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Lacey also absolutely doesn't listen and does her best to try to figure out who actually did the deed since she's 100% sure it wasn't Dash. That, as you might expect, puts her in the crosshairs of some very bad people. As it turns out, people who kill other people don't like when nosy residents come snooping around.
While I'm not enamored of Lacey and Briggs being on the outs, I did understand where both of them were coming from. Lacey's friendship with Dash made her emotionally compromised in regards to the investigation, but she also didn't trust the new investigator who was put on the case to give it his all after Briggs removed himself from the investigation. It was messy and things were said, but the bad guy was caught in the end. And that's what I'm here for.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 10, 2019
I hate to give this one three stars because I love this series. Honestly, I do and I am almost done with all the books that are out and that makes me sad.
There are light spoilers down below 1 major one because I will name the suspect- it's established in the first few chapters.
I liked the Hawksworth's mystery more in this one. The last few books it was more of an afterthought and this one it seemed like it was part of the story. I think I know where they are going with it, but I'm not sure it could be a red harring.
Why the book is 3 stars for me:
Dash is accused of murdering one of his clients and it causes problems with Lacey and James. If it caused tension and they acted like adults in their first few fights I wouldn't have minded, but they didn't and it was just a drag to get through because they have the same fight like 3 times.
Also, Dash's relationship with Brittany is on the rocks and James's jealousy is understandable, but it's not like he didn't know Lacey was still friends with him and defend him when he's accused of murder. He acting like Lacey wouldn't defend Dash. He also has issues with keys, which didn't make sense because Briggs has a dog.
Lacey also lashes out a little like a teenager when she doesn't have to and she is petty at one point and is regretful immediately after, but it still happens. It felt like they needed the relationship stuff to happen to slow down the investigation since Lacey is taken off the case because of her friendship with Dash.
They do redeem it at the end a bit when Lacey refuses to let Hilda make Briggs Jealous to get them to mend fences. I HATE HATE HATE that Thrope.
The relationship stuff was one star off and the other was because I figured out everything about halfway through and was just waiting for the story to catch up. I won't say more because that would lead to more spoilers and I don't want to do that.
There are light spoilers down below 1 major one because I will name the suspect- it's established in the first few chapters.
I liked the Hawksworth's mystery more in this one. The last few books it was more of an afterthought and this one it seemed like it was part of the story. I think I know where they are going with it, but I'm not sure it could be a red harring.
Why the book is 3 stars for me:
Dash is accused of murdering one of his clients and it causes problems with Lacey and James. If it caused tension and they acted like adults in their first few fights I wouldn't have minded, but they didn't and it was just a drag to get through because they have the same fight like 3 times.
Also, Dash's relationship with Brittany is on the rocks and James's jealousy is understandable, but it's not like he didn't know Lacey was still friends with him and defend him when he's accused of murder. He acting like Lacey wouldn't defend Dash. He also has issues with keys, which didn't make sense because Briggs has a dog.
Lacey also lashes out a little like a teenager when she doesn't have to and she is petty at one point and is regretful immediately after, but it still happens. It felt like they needed the relationship stuff to happen to slow down the investigation since Lacey is taken off the case because of her friendship with Dash.
They do redeem it at the end a bit when Lacey refuses to let Hilda make Briggs Jealous to get them to mend fences. I HATE HATE HATE that Thrope.
The relationship stuff was one star off and the other was because I figured out everything about halfway through and was just waiting for the story to catch up. I won't say more because that would lead to more spoilers and I don't want to do that.
July 26, 2021
I do enjoy these. Lacey's cat Nevermore and raven Kingston are always entertaining, as is Detective Briggs dog Bear. There has been a murder on the docks, and it was done with Dash's wrench and his coverall has blood on it. Lacey is determined that Dash did not commit the murder. Briggs, with his past history with Dash, doesn't really think he did it, but the evidence is compelling. Lacey and Dash both accuse him of not being impartial. Lacey and Briggs have a serious argument over this case and come close to shattering their relationship. Lacey continues her research on the old murder case in the house up the street from her and possibly finds another clue - although she's not sure what it means. She also continues checking for clues to prove Dash's innocence - which gets her in serious trouble.
July 14, 2020
Lacey and James are enjoying being a couple and spending time together, but is this a case too far for them and has the time come for them to part ways?
James has always been annoyed at Laceys friendship with her neighbour and his ex school friend Dash, when Dash is accused of murder, Lacey has to help prove his innocence, but this time, will her relationship with James survive, come to that, will she survive?
I've loved every book in this series, I think this is one of the best storylines. Well worth a read, although all are standalone stories, the same characters appear so I believe the books are best read in order.
James has always been annoyed at Laceys friendship with her neighbour and his ex school friend Dash, when Dash is accused of murder, Lacey has to help prove his innocence, but this time, will her relationship with James survive, come to that, will she survive?
I've loved every book in this series, I think this is one of the best storylines. Well worth a read, although all are standalone stories, the same characters appear so I believe the books are best read in order.
July 23, 2019
Loved it
Wonderful edition to this series! A must reAd to keep up with James and lacey! Dash a friend of lacey and a former friend but later for of James gets arrested as a suspect in a murder lacey has to get involved to help her friend out while James tAkes himself off of the case because he's too close! Lacey gets in trouble but you have to read to see how it ends!!!
Wonderful edition to this series! A must reAd to keep up with James and lacey! Dash a friend of lacey and a former friend but later for of James gets arrested as a suspect in a murder lacey has to get involved to help her friend out while James tAkes himself off of the case because he's too close! Lacey gets in trouble but you have to read to see how it ends!!!
January 29, 2019
I love every book in this series. The characters are so easily identifiable and their interactions are so realistic. An interesting and enjoyable story all the way to the end! I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series!
January 12, 2021
Another solid Port Danby mystery. I really liked how the stakes were raised in this one with the mystery.
I'm still not sold on Detective Briggs and his machismo when it comes to Dash. I'm ready to put that to bed. It would be nice for those two men to become friends.
I'm still not sold on Detective Briggs and his machismo when it comes to Dash. I'm ready to put that to bed. It would be nice for those two men to become friends.
October 20, 2022
Another fun read
Having read the series from the beginning, I find I’m very fond of the main characters, and invested in their stories. I also enjoy that we get one of Elsie’s recipes at the end of the book!
Having read the series from the beginning, I find I’m very fond of the main characters, and invested in their stories. I also enjoy that we get one of Elsie’s recipes at the end of the book!
November 2, 2022
I still like Dash more than Detective Briggs. Briggs is too Jealous for my taste about her friendship. It would be different if she became friends with him after she found out about her boyfriends history with Dash, but That's not how it was
August 9, 2023
Three stars because I like the series but this particular book was poor all around. Lacey makes silly decisions, misses obvious clues and acts irrationally. The plot was obvious, too. Plus it was loaded with copy errors 😔
March 6, 2019
A cute cozy mystery. I enjoy this series when I need a break from big, emotionally involved reads.
January 12, 2020
Another great read. 4/5 stars.
May 27, 2020
Love the book! Romance, mystery and lots of suspense!!
June 6, 2020
Oh oh, the first big argument... she found out whodunnit nonetheless:)
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed this installment of the series. The crime was interesting and the plot was twisting.
May 9, 2021
Harder time getting into this one. Still enjoyed it and love the series.
November 30, 2021
Although I have enjoyed this series, it is getting a bit weary following the same formula every book.
May 29, 2024
Lacey and James were annoying in this book.
February 12, 2019
Loved the book and was sad to see the last of the series for now. Hoping there are many more to come.. I love reading about Pink's adventures and her crazy but loveable friends and neighbors.
June 8, 2020
Just love this series. Lacey and James have their first fight and the emotion coming from it flies off the pages. I've read all the books in this series and each one gets better and better. I can't wait to start book ten later on.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews