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A Magic Garden Mystery #3
Mums and Mayhem
A famous fiddler has been kilt. A magic garden's left to wilt. Does Fiona Knox's father hold the guilt? Will florist Fiona's blood be spilt?
World-famous fiddle player Barley McFee arrives in blustery Bellewick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, for a grand homecoming concert organized by jeweler Bernice Brennan. Fiona Knox, owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop, is starting to regret volunteering to help with the concert. Bernice is an exacting taskmaster, and Fiona has enough tension dealing with her parents, who have traveled from Tennessee to visit Fi and her younger sister, Isla, and to reveal a secret about Fi's birth. But when Barley is found dead in his trailer during the concert's intermission, and his death is shockingly tied to Fiona's father, Fiona discovers there are more secrets surrounding her family than she realized.
Much to the chagrin of handsome Neil Craig, Chief Inspector of the County Aberdeen Police, Fiona delves into the case to clear her father's name. To make matters worse, Fiona learns that Duncreigan, the magical garden that she inherited from her godfather, is dying. At some point during the concert, someone broke into the garden and cut the centuries-old climbing rose--the source of the garden's magic--from the standing stone.
The stakes are higher than ever and Fiona could lose all that she's grown unless she's able to dispel this terrible curse and dig up the truth--fast.
World-famous fiddle player Barley McFee arrives in blustery Bellewick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, for a grand homecoming concert organized by jeweler Bernice Brennan. Fiona Knox, owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop, is starting to regret volunteering to help with the concert. Bernice is an exacting taskmaster, and Fiona has enough tension dealing with her parents, who have traveled from Tennessee to visit Fi and her younger sister, Isla, and to reveal a secret about Fi's birth. But when Barley is found dead in his trailer during the concert's intermission, and his death is shockingly tied to Fiona's father, Fiona discovers there are more secrets surrounding her family than she realized.
Much to the chagrin of handsome Neil Craig, Chief Inspector of the County Aberdeen Police, Fiona delves into the case to clear her father's name. To make matters worse, Fiona learns that Duncreigan, the magical garden that she inherited from her godfather, is dying. At some point during the concert, someone broke into the garden and cut the centuries-old climbing rose--the source of the garden's magic--from the standing stone.
The stakes are higher than ever and Fiona could lose all that she's grown unless she's able to dispel this terrible curse and dig up the truth--fast.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
129 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,945 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 17, 2021
Mums and Mayhem by Amanda Flower is the third book in the cozy A Magic Garden Mystery series. Each book of this cozy mystery series has it’s own mystery to be solved within the book so they could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, the characters personal stories do carry over from book to book for those that read all the books from the beginning.
Readers were introduced to Fiona Knox in the first book of the series when she got a call from a lawyer in Scotland informing her that her godfather had passed and she would be inheriting his estate. Within days of receiving the call Fiona’s fiancé ran off with the cake decorator and her flower shop went out of business so what better to do than hop on the next flight to Scotland and claim her inheritance.
Now Fiona feels like she’s getting her life back on track in Duncreigan, Scotland becoming the caretaker of her godfather’s magical garden and cottage and opening her own shop, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop. But now Fi’s parents have come all the way from Tennessee to visit just in time for a world famous fiddle player, Barley McFee, to end up murdered and Fi quickly finds out that her own father has ties to the famous musician.
Being someone that enjoys all kinds of genres when it comes to reading I really enjoy when authors put a twist on a genre and add in elements of another so the A Magic Garden Mystery series is right up my alley adding in a bit of fantasy to a cozy. I’m also a fan of a couple of Amanda Flower’s other series so I already knew I loved her writing and I continued to do so with this series. This series also takes readers to Scotland so it fits right into my love of virtual travel too and add that in with another fun mystery this is a series that I loved returning to and would continue to do so.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Readers were introduced to Fiona Knox in the first book of the series when she got a call from a lawyer in Scotland informing her that her godfather had passed and she would be inheriting his estate. Within days of receiving the call Fiona’s fiancé ran off with the cake decorator and her flower shop went out of business so what better to do than hop on the next flight to Scotland and claim her inheritance.
Now Fiona feels like she’s getting her life back on track in Duncreigan, Scotland becoming the caretaker of her godfather’s magical garden and cottage and opening her own shop, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop. But now Fi’s parents have come all the way from Tennessee to visit just in time for a world famous fiddle player, Barley McFee, to end up murdered and Fi quickly finds out that her own father has ties to the famous musician.
Being someone that enjoys all kinds of genres when it comes to reading I really enjoy when authors put a twist on a genre and add in elements of another so the A Magic Garden Mystery series is right up my alley adding in a bit of fantasy to a cozy. I’m also a fan of a couple of Amanda Flower’s other series so I already knew I loved her writing and I continued to do so with this series. This series also takes readers to Scotland so it fits right into my love of virtual travel too and add that in with another fun mystery this is a series that I loved returning to and would continue to do so.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 10, 2020
Fiona Knox, owner of Climbing Rose Flower shop and recent resident of Bellewick, Aberdeenshire from America, after her god father willed her Duncreigan and its magical garden, was helping prepare for the fiddle playing concert by a famous Barley McFee, a long-ago resident of Bellewick who hadn’t returned for many years. The town’s occupants were looking forward to the concert and the tourists it would bring to their businesses.
Fiona’s sister Isla lived not far from her and they were both looking forward to their parents arriving from Tennessee. Fiona had recently discovered something about her past, so she was a little nervous. And Fiona’s magical garden had had a visitor – the garden was dying. But it was during intermission, when Barley was meant to be back on stage, that the worst happened. When Fiona discovered the fiddle player was dead in the tour bus, she immediately called Chief Inspector Neil Craig – also her boyfriend – to find the killer.
Could Fiona discover why the magical garden was dying? Could she fix it? And would she be able to discover who had murdered Barley.
Mums and Mayhem is the 3rd in A Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower – with chrysanthemums being the Mums in the title (clever I thought) Fiona loves flowers and her florist shop was filled with the different scents and blooms of a large variety. Her garden back at Duncreigan was also filled with flowers; their calming nature always worked for her. The mystery was light, the characters a mixed bunch. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Fiona’s sister Isla lived not far from her and they were both looking forward to their parents arriving from Tennessee. Fiona had recently discovered something about her past, so she was a little nervous. And Fiona’s magical garden had had a visitor – the garden was dying. But it was during intermission, when Barley was meant to be back on stage, that the worst happened. When Fiona discovered the fiddle player was dead in the tour bus, she immediately called Chief Inspector Neil Craig – also her boyfriend – to find the killer.
Could Fiona discover why the magical garden was dying? Could she fix it? And would she be able to discover who had murdered Barley.
Mums and Mayhem is the 3rd in A Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower – with chrysanthemums being the Mums in the title (clever I thought) Fiona loves flowers and her florist shop was filled with the different scents and blooms of a large variety. Her garden back at Duncreigan was also filled with flowers; their calming nature always worked for her. The mystery was light, the characters a mixed bunch. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2020
A Magic Garden series is one of my favorite cozy mystery. Mums and Mayhem is book #3, but can be read as a stand alone.
Barley McFee, world famous fiddle player returned to Bellewick, Aberdeenshire Scotland for a homecoming concert. He was late to perform and was found dead in his tour bus by Fiona Knox, the new Keeper and owner of the magic garden from Nashville, Tennessee. Who would want the guy dead? If that wasn't bad enough the next morning Fiona discovered her Duncreigan magical garden was dying by an intruder who cut the centuries old climbing rose from the menhir which is the heart of the garden.
This is a nice break from thrillers I often read - a fun and light mystery, scones and chai.
Flower shop/magical garden/Scottish Fold/Scotland.
Barley McFee, world famous fiddle player returned to Bellewick, Aberdeenshire Scotland for a homecoming concert. He was late to perform and was found dead in his tour bus by Fiona Knox, the new Keeper and owner of the magic garden from Nashville, Tennessee. Who would want the guy dead? If that wasn't bad enough the next morning Fiona discovered her Duncreigan magical garden was dying by an intruder who cut the centuries old climbing rose from the menhir which is the heart of the garden.
This is a nice break from thrillers I often read - a fun and light mystery, scones and chai.
Flower shop/magical garden/Scottish Fold/Scotland.
July 31, 2020
Mums & Mayhem is the third book in the Magic Garden Mystery series. I really love this series and look forward to each new book! I like the characters, the setting and the premise of a magical garden passed down in a family.
I enjoyed this newest visit to Bellewick. Fiona Knox finds herself investigating the death of a famous fiddler player to clear her father's name. And, someone breaks into the magic garden, threatening to end its magic. I was glued to every word from start to finish -- there's a lot going on in this story! The plot is engaging and the storyline is perfectly paced. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't muddle up the main plot line. There is also some good character development in this newest story. I can't wait for the next book!! This series never disappoints me!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I enjoyed this newest visit to Bellewick. Fiona Knox finds herself investigating the death of a famous fiddler player to clear her father's name. And, someone breaks into the magic garden, threatening to end its magic. I was glued to every word from start to finish -- there's a lot going on in this story! The plot is engaging and the storyline is perfectly paced. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't muddle up the main plot line. There is also some good character development in this newest story. I can't wait for the next book!! This series never disappoints me!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
July 30, 2020
Mums and Mayhem is a nice addition to A Magic Garden Mystery series. Fiona Knox is from Nashville, Tennessee but moved to Scotland when she inherited her godfather's home and magic garden where she is the keeper of the garden. She also owns a florist in the nearby village of Bellewick, Aberdeenshire and is a member of the merchant's group. The village merchants are hosting a concert featuring Barley McFee, a local man who is now a world famous fiddler. But his murdered body is found during the intermission by Fiona when he failed to return to the stage.
Her boyfriend, Chief Inspector Neil Craig, is already on the scene and quickly starts an investigation but Fiona can't help but get involved as well, especially when she finds out that her father is connected to Barley in some way. The parents of Fiona and her sister Isla, also living in Bellewick, are there for a visit. Their dad is from Scotland and met their mom while at university where she was a visiting student. He becomes a suspect among other people who seem to have a problem with the ambitious fiddler.
We do learn some information about Fiona's connection to her uncle and godfather Ian that her parents have been closemouthed about. Tensions are high between the sisters and parents for a couple of reasons. In addition to the mystery, the garden is dying and Fiona doesn't know what to do.
This series has a fun theme with a great setting and interesting characters. It comes with a mystery with twists and turns, and while not a total surprise killer but one with a surprise reason to me. I recommend this story but reading the series in order would be recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Her boyfriend, Chief Inspector Neil Craig, is already on the scene and quickly starts an investigation but Fiona can't help but get involved as well, especially when she finds out that her father is connected to Barley in some way. The parents of Fiona and her sister Isla, also living in Bellewick, are there for a visit. Their dad is from Scotland and met their mom while at university where she was a visiting student. He becomes a suspect among other people who seem to have a problem with the ambitious fiddler.
We do learn some information about Fiona's connection to her uncle and godfather Ian that her parents have been closemouthed about. Tensions are high between the sisters and parents for a couple of reasons. In addition to the mystery, the garden is dying and Fiona doesn't know what to do.
This series has a fun theme with a great setting and interesting characters. It comes with a mystery with twists and turns, and while not a total surprise killer but one with a surprise reason to me. I recommend this story but reading the series in order would be recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 4, 2020
Which is worse? A visit from your parents who desperately want you and/or your sister to move back home and who have kept the secret of your birthfather from you your whole life or being embroiled in another murder investigation? Actually, worse is having both happen at the same time and toss in that someone has vandalized your not so secret magic garden! I absolutely love this series and this book is by far the best yet! Yes, I say that after each book, but I really do mean it each time! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! Great characters that you connect with and wish they could be your actual friends as well as a charming setting make you hope the next book will come quickly. Although the multi-layered plotting may be the actual meat of the book and keeps you entertained and wanting more, the characters will charm you and keep you wanting more, more, more!!!
July 15, 2020
Fiona Knox, owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop is an American who moved to Scotland to care for her inheritance, a secret garden that is passed down to each generation of caretakers. Unsure why she has been chosen, Fiona has made Scotland her home to find answers, care for the garden and solve a mystery or two. In this edition, a world famous fiddle player has returned to his hometown for a homecoming concert only to be brutally murdered. Fiona's parents also arrive from America and, surprisingly, Fiona discovers that her parents, her deceased godfather and the dead fiddler were once great friends. The more Fiona digs into the murder, the more questions she has about her own past and identity. What she discovers will leave her and the reader shocked.
I absolutely adore this cozy mystery. The villagers are all so cranky and wonderful and Scottish and marvelous and Fiona is a great protagonist.The garden itself is magical but to the point where you will gag on cloying fantasy and paranormal. It's mystical properties are "just right." There's a hint of romance, a well written plot and good character development set in a dear little town. What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery?
Mums and Mayhem is the third in A Magic Garden Mystery series but I read it as a stand alone without any problems. It did, however, make me want to read the first two books: Flowers and Foul Play and Death and Daisies which I readily found at my local library. I heartily recommend all three of these delightful books to you today.
I absolutely adore this cozy mystery. The villagers are all so cranky and wonderful and Scottish and marvelous and Fiona is a great protagonist.The garden itself is magical but to the point where you will gag on cloying fantasy and paranormal. It's mystical properties are "just right." There's a hint of romance, a well written plot and good character development set in a dear little town. What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery?
Mums and Mayhem is the third in A Magic Garden Mystery series but I read it as a stand alone without any problems. It did, however, make me want to read the first two books: Flowers and Foul Play and Death and Daisies which I readily found at my local library. I heartily recommend all three of these delightful books to you today.
January 29, 2020
When I saw this as a Read Now on Netgalley, I eagerly snatched it up! In Mums and Mayhem, Fi has her hands full. Not only is she helping out with a homecoming concert put on by a superstar musician to the small village of Bellewick, but her parents are also in town to visit (and to guilt the girls into returning to run the family farm) and to cap it all off, someone killed the magic garden she's been tasked with keeping!
I really enjoyed the main mystery, who killed superstar fiddler Barley. Plenty of people were angry with Barley but who was angry enough to kill him? Fingers were pointed all in all directions and even Fiona's father is a suspect! In the end, the true killer was a surprise and the exciting ending made for a real page turner.
But it was the magic garden was what sucked me into this series from the beginning; I've been under the spell of magic gardens ever since I read The Secret Garden at the age of 9. It was with a sense of dread when Fiona discovered the garden dying. How could this happen? Who would do such a thing? It wasn't hard to figure out, but the why was was a head scratcher and I wondered why Fiona hadn't noticed the tell tale clue. The reasons for the vandalism were unnecessary. Although there was no legal recourse, I would've asked a few of the old salty dogs at the shipyard to handle the situation for me.
It was good to see Fiona and her parents settle a few issues and come to an understanding. But I have to say, Isla is an annoying woman who acts like a bratty 8 year old and the more annoying she gets, the more Fiona (and her parents) seem to shrug it off. I don't get it. Go home, Isla. Marry a farmer. Go be a problem somewhere else.
Overall, a solid mystery and a very enjoyable read
I really enjoyed the main mystery, who killed superstar fiddler Barley. Plenty of people were angry with Barley but who was angry enough to kill him? Fingers were pointed all in all directions and even Fiona's father is a suspect! In the end, the true killer was a surprise and the exciting ending made for a real page turner.
But it was the magic garden was what sucked me into this series from the beginning; I've been under the spell of magic gardens ever since I read The Secret Garden at the age of 9. It was with a sense of dread when Fiona discovered the garden dying. How could this happen? Who would do such a thing? It wasn't hard to figure out, but the why was was a head scratcher and I wondered why Fiona hadn't noticed the tell tale clue. The reasons for the vandalism were unnecessary. Although there was no legal recourse, I would've asked a few of the old salty dogs at the shipyard to handle the situation for me.
It was good to see Fiona and her parents settle a few issues and come to an understanding. But I have to say, Isla is an annoying woman who acts like a bratty 8 year old and the more annoying she gets, the more Fiona (and her parents) seem to shrug it off. I don't get it. Go home, Isla. Marry a farmer. Go be a problem somewhere else.
Overall, a solid mystery and a very enjoyable read
August 7, 2020
Mums and Mayhem by Amanda Flower is the 3rd A Magic Garden Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not delved into Flowers and Foul Play or Death and Daisies. Fiona Knox is the Keeper of a magical garden at Duncreigan in Bellewick, Scotland. She also recently opened her flower shop, Climbing Rose. Fiona is a smart, friendly, and caring woman who has embraced her new life in Bellewick. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Chief Inspector Neil Craig when not at her shop or working in her garden. Of course, Fiona’s sister, Isla is still in town. She is the flighty sort who acts before she thinks. Isla has fallen in love with Seth MacGregor who has dropped out of medical school and has a gambling problem (every mother’s dream). I believe he changes jobs more often than his socks. Isla’s talkativeness gets Fiona into more than one jam. Mums and Mayhem is a delightful book to read. Great characters, a charming town, and a murder. Barley McFee, a famous fiddler, is performing his Coming Home Concert. This is a big event for their small town. When Barley fails to return from a break, Fiona volunteers to track him down. She soon regrets it when she finds Barley choked to death in his tour bus. I am sure that Fiona would have been digging into the mystery anyway, but when her father becomes a suspect, it is a given. I like that Fiona passes information onto Neil (no holding back). The whodunit was not a challenge to solve, but I still enjoyed following the investigation. There were several viable suspects, good clues, and a red herring. There is good action plus some suspenseful moments. Mums and Mayhem is a busy book. The concert, the parent’s arriving in town, a murder, and then trouble with Fiona’s magical garden. Someone breaks into her garden and cuts the yellow rose blooming on the menhir. This breaks the magical bond and causes the flora to wither and die. Fiona needs to restore the magic to the garden, or it could be gone forever. Hopefully, the little blue-eyed fox can help her out. I liked the humor throughout the book. I laughed out loud on several occasions. The story is well-written, and it has swift pacing. Mums and Mayhem was over way too quickly. I am eager for the next A Magic Garden Mystery. Mums and Mayhem is an enchanting tale with a fine fiddler, elderly enthusiasts, apprehensive parents, a forceful reporter, a friendly fox, a spontaneous sister, and a macabre murder.
December 22, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Secrets on top of secrets are revealed within the pages of Mums and Mayhem.
Fiona’s parents arrive from the States for a visit while she has her hands full with her flower shop, her magic garden, and helping with a concert to welcome back Barley McFee. Barley is a fiddle player known around the world but calls Bellewick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland home. Sadly his concert comes to an abrupt halt when he is found dead. Fiona’s world is rocked when she learns her father is the prime suspect in his death.
To add to her troubles someone broke into her beloved Duncreigan, the magic garden she inherited along with her cottage from her godfather while she was at the concert. She has been entrusted with the garden’s care and some thief has taken the source of the magic and everything is dying.
Will Fiona be able to save her father and her garden? or will the killer come after her next?
I really enjoy these escapes to Scotland and while under dire straights I was happy the garden took more of a leading role in this story than the last. The author’s descriptive writing style clearly paints pictures of the whole area but especially Duncreigan. The turmoil of the dying garden brought tears to my eyes. Something so beautiful and magical struck down was truly heartbreaking. I felt so bad for Fiona.
Speaking of Fiona, she is an incredible protagonist. She continues to find her way in Scotland and learning about the precious gift she has been given. In this book, she has many things thrown at her at once but in the end, she perseveres. The relationship with her sister continues to immerge. They are as different as night and day. Fiona is the responsible one, Isla is more by the seats of her pants. I love the way they banter. Having their parents in town brings a new twist especially because they have a history in this town. Also, Fiona’s relationship with Chief Inspector Neil Craig continues to evolve but with her dad in the hot seat, romance could be pretty difficult.
To bring together all the many facets of this story the author has to be steadfast with a clear plan. Her plotting twists all the plotlines together in a way that grabs the reader right away and holds them in her grasp until the final word. She provides plenty of suspects and plants clues precisely making it so much fun to follow each seed right along with Fiona. I was kept guessing until the very end when all the clues come together to bloom.
Well-crafted characters and an exciting mystery make Mums and Mayhem a compelling cozy. One I thoroughly enjoyed. Mums, mystery, mayhem, and magic make for a marvelous read. A Perfect Escape!
Secrets on top of secrets are revealed within the pages of Mums and Mayhem.
Fiona’s parents arrive from the States for a visit while she has her hands full with her flower shop, her magic garden, and helping with a concert to welcome back Barley McFee. Barley is a fiddle player known around the world but calls Bellewick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland home. Sadly his concert comes to an abrupt halt when he is found dead. Fiona’s world is rocked when she learns her father is the prime suspect in his death.
To add to her troubles someone broke into her beloved Duncreigan, the magic garden she inherited along with her cottage from her godfather while she was at the concert. She has been entrusted with the garden’s care and some thief has taken the source of the magic and everything is dying.
Will Fiona be able to save her father and her garden? or will the killer come after her next?
I really enjoy these escapes to Scotland and while under dire straights I was happy the garden took more of a leading role in this story than the last. The author’s descriptive writing style clearly paints pictures of the whole area but especially Duncreigan. The turmoil of the dying garden brought tears to my eyes. Something so beautiful and magical struck down was truly heartbreaking. I felt so bad for Fiona.
Speaking of Fiona, she is an incredible protagonist. She continues to find her way in Scotland and learning about the precious gift she has been given. In this book, she has many things thrown at her at once but in the end, she perseveres. The relationship with her sister continues to immerge. They are as different as night and day. Fiona is the responsible one, Isla is more by the seats of her pants. I love the way they banter. Having their parents in town brings a new twist especially because they have a history in this town. Also, Fiona’s relationship with Chief Inspector Neil Craig continues to evolve but with her dad in the hot seat, romance could be pretty difficult.
To bring together all the many facets of this story the author has to be steadfast with a clear plan. Her plotting twists all the plotlines together in a way that grabs the reader right away and holds them in her grasp until the final word. She provides plenty of suspects and plants clues precisely making it so much fun to follow each seed right along with Fiona. I was kept guessing until the very end when all the clues come together to bloom.
Well-crafted characters and an exciting mystery make Mums and Mayhem a compelling cozy. One I thoroughly enjoyed. Mums, mystery, mayhem, and magic make for a marvelous read. A Perfect Escape!
February 21, 2020
Mums and Mayhem by Amanda Flower is the third book in her Magic Garden series which is set in the small Aberdeenshire community of Bellewick.
This was an engaging mystery with a few twists and turns and a smoothly paced plot that kept me turning the pages. Ms. Flower introduced us to Fiona and Isla's parents in this one and Fiona's mysterious past was finally explained. I confess that Isla's is a trial for me while reading. She's "over the top" about everything in life and decidedly self-centered. Fiona is smart and dedicated but I was disappointed in her change of heart about the character that vandalized the garden. The reveal regarding the murder was sad but satisfying. I loved the epilogue regarding the garden party and the fox. Perfect!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
This was an engaging mystery with a few twists and turns and a smoothly paced plot that kept me turning the pages. Ms. Flower introduced us to Fiona and Isla's parents in this one and Fiona's mysterious past was finally explained. I confess that Isla's is a trial for me while reading. She's "over the top" about everything in life and decidedly self-centered. Fiona is smart and dedicated but I was disappointed in her change of heart about the character that vandalized the garden. The reveal regarding the murder was sad but satisfying. I loved the epilogue regarding the garden party and the fox. Perfect!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 4, 2020
I really like the storyline & the background, flower shops 🐈cats , Magical Garden’s but this book moved a bit slow for me, I have read previous ones and will read some more but I hope they go a bit quicker ....
May 28, 2020
I am a fan of author Amanda Flower and haven't met a book or series that didn't capture my attention. Mums and Mayhem is the third book in the Magic Garden Mystery series. The Scottish setting is a nice change of pace and one that serves well as the backdrop for the series. Fiona is coming into her own as the keeper of the garden but this time we find her challenged on many fronts. First, there is an emergency with the garden and as the caretaker Fiona feels she is failing. I loved watching her work through figuring out what needed to be done to save the garden. If that wasn't enough, her parents are in town and she has to deal with the questions surrounding her parentage. On top of all that, there is another murder in the village. While this might seem like a lot going on in a book, this author crafts a well plotted, engaging story that draws the reader in and windes up all of the story lines nicely. I enjoyed watching Fiona and her sister Isla come into their own. The sibling relationship is portrayed well, even though they both have very different personalities. The villagers that make up the secondary cast of characters complete the story and always add something to narrative that helps Fiona resolve her problems.
The mystery was well done, and I liked that the victim ties into the past of Fiona's parents and her Uncle Ian. There were several viable suspects with varying motives - including, however briefly, Fiona's father. The mystery was resolved and the killer revealed in a climatic conclusion that left me a bit surprised by the identity of the killer.
This is a wonderful series that has a great setting, terrific characters and just a hint of the paranormal. I am hoping for many more books to come as we watch Fiona blossom into her role as the caretaker of the garden.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery was well done, and I liked that the victim ties into the past of Fiona's parents and her Uncle Ian. There were several viable suspects with varying motives - including, however briefly, Fiona's father. The mystery was resolved and the killer revealed in a climatic conclusion that left me a bit surprised by the identity of the killer.
This is a wonderful series that has a great setting, terrific characters and just a hint of the paranormal. I am hoping for many more books to come as we watch Fiona blossom into her role as the caretaker of the garden.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2020
This is the latest installment of the Magical garden series. Fiona's parents are coming to visit her and her sister, Isla, in Scotland. There is also a concert from a famous fiddle player going on in the village. Not long after he arrives, the fiddle player is found dead in his tour bus. Fiona tries to juggle the murder, her parents visit, and the mystery of her garden. I enjoyed the mystery and how it tied in with Fiona's parents visit. I liked learning more about the garden. We finally get some answers about Fiona's past with. There were a few typos that through me off a couple of times, but the story overall was good.
August 11, 2020
5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
Fiona seems to find herself constantly among two things, flowers and murder. Once again, she is busy providing the mums for the town's concert for Barley McFee and then finds herself discovering him DEAD! She also can't resist poking about and helping to solve these same crimes, much to the dismay of her boyfriend, the Chief Inspector of the County, Neil Craig. Fiona will find this murder far to close to those she loves. Will she solve this one in time to save her loved one from a life of doom? or is she too late?
I love reading about Fiona and especially about Scotland and the magic garden there. I feel like I am actually visiting in Scotland from Amanda Flower's vivid descriptions. It's as if I have taken my own personal little vacation, via this book.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
Fiona seems to find herself constantly among two things, flowers and murder. Once again, she is busy providing the mums for the town's concert for Barley McFee and then finds herself discovering him DEAD! She also can't resist poking about and helping to solve these same crimes, much to the dismay of her boyfriend, the Chief Inspector of the County, Neil Craig. Fiona will find this murder far to close to those she loves. Will she solve this one in time to save her loved one from a life of doom? or is she too late?
I love reading about Fiona and especially about Scotland and the magic garden there. I feel like I am actually visiting in Scotland from Amanda Flower's vivid descriptions. It's as if I have taken my own personal little vacation, via this book.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2020
Mums and Mayhem by Amanda Flower is the 3rd A Magic Garden Mystery. It can be read as a standalone But I recommend reading in order.
This is my favourite series by Amanda Flower, and once again I was pulled in and taken on a wonderful journey to Scotland and the magic of Duncreigan. This series also has a nice hint of the paranormal that runs throughout each story. I don't think it is overpowering and I enjoy how the garden sends Fiona visions on what she needs to solve a mystery.
The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming which added to the mystery. I was surprised at who the murderer was and why they did it.
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished in a couple nights. I hope there will be more books in this series because I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out for a few of the main characters.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of
this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
This is my favourite series by Amanda Flower, and once again I was pulled in and taken on a wonderful journey to Scotland and the magic of Duncreigan. This series also has a nice hint of the paranormal that runs throughout each story. I don't think it is overpowering and I enjoy how the garden sends Fiona visions on what she needs to solve a mystery.
The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming which added to the mystery. I was surprised at who the murderer was and why they did it.
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished in a couple nights. I hope there will be more books in this series because I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out for a few of the main characters.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of
this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 19, 2020
A really fun magical mystery!
My only mistake was in not reading the first two in the series first and I can hardly wait to do so!
The plot was not like any book I've ever read! The characters drew me in quickly and totally! This book and series is one I will continue to read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!
My only mistake was in not reading the first two in the series first and I can hardly wait to do so!
The plot was not like any book I've ever read! The characters drew me in quickly and totally! This book and series is one I will continue to read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!
August 20, 2020
This was just so good! When I got done with it, I didn't want it to end. Fiona and Isla got the dreaded visit from their parents, but despite a murder and some family secrets coming out once and for all, it ended up being a good visit for all of them.
It was nice to get to know Fiona's parents a little bit better and some of her dad's backstory. The side story about the garden helped wrap things up once the killer was caught. I hadn't really guessed who that was. I was mainly just enjoying the story itself and watching it unfold. I absolutely loved the ending and how things turned out. If I say too much, it'll give things away that are more fun if you read them firsthand! I'm enjoying this series more and more as each new book comes out, and I think Uncle Ian was pleased with how Fi was being a responsible Keeper for the magical garden.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
It was nice to get to know Fiona's parents a little bit better and some of her dad's backstory. The side story about the garden helped wrap things up once the killer was caught. I hadn't really guessed who that was. I was mainly just enjoying the story itself and watching it unfold. I absolutely loved the ending and how things turned out. If I say too much, it'll give things away that are more fun if you read them firsthand! I'm enjoying this series more and more as each new book comes out, and I think Uncle Ian was pleased with how Fi was being a responsible Keeper for the magical garden.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
June 28, 2020
When a world-famous fiddler return to Bellewick, Scotland for his homecoming, he and his band have already shown cracks at the seams before he fails to return to the stage for the second set. When Fiona is asked to check on him, she finds him murdered in the touring motorhome. She is determined to find his killer to preserve the safety of her small town. Fiona also is crushed when someone has trespassed onto her property, into the magic garden-cutting from it and causing it to seemingly die. Who would do this to such a beautiful, colorful and protected place?
Amanda Flower is an excellent author and this book was no exception! I read the first book in the series but not the second; it was easy for me to pick right up and get cozy with the characters again. Their parents are visiting and Fiona is wondering whether the visit is to discuss her parentage or if there is more than they are telling her; they are farmers and it is harvest season while they are visiting. The story flows very naturally and at a comfortable pace. While there are a number of suspects in Barley McFee's murders, I didn't feel overwhelmed like in some other books.
I'm not a big fan of paranormal or supernatural elements in a cozy mystery but this series is perfect for my taste. Both sisters have romantic interests with local men and are not looking forward to discussing their futures with their parents. Perhaps this dialogue will continue in the next installment? I will be looking forward to it. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
Amanda Flower is an excellent author and this book was no exception! I read the first book in the series but not the second; it was easy for me to pick right up and get cozy with the characters again. Their parents are visiting and Fiona is wondering whether the visit is to discuss her parentage or if there is more than they are telling her; they are farmers and it is harvest season while they are visiting. The story flows very naturally and at a comfortable pace. While there are a number of suspects in Barley McFee's murders, I didn't feel overwhelmed like in some other books.
I'm not a big fan of paranormal or supernatural elements in a cozy mystery but this series is perfect for my taste. Both sisters have romantic interests with local men and are not looking forward to discussing their futures with their parents. Perhaps this dialogue will continue in the next installment? I will be looking forward to it. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
June 11, 2023
This was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and it was time to read it. The cat on the cover did not look happy, and quite honestly, I wanted to know why!
Apparently, this is 3rd in the series, so I am a little off in knowing the characters who have been around in the first two books.
The setting is lovely - Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
There is a murder, and it needs to be solved, while the parents of the main protagonists are coming to visit to reveal a secret.
Sounds a bit soap opera-ish.
I think I realized early on a couple of things -
1) you need to know who these people are to truly appreciate what is going on.
2) you need to care who these people are to truly appreciate what is going on.
3) you need to be a fan of soap opera style stories.
Cozy. Cute. But not cute enough for me.
Maybe that is why the cat on the cover wasn't so happy? 2.5 stars
Apparently, this is 3rd in the series, so I am a little off in knowing the characters who have been around in the first two books.
The setting is lovely - Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
There is a murder, and it needs to be solved, while the parents of the main protagonists are coming to visit to reveal a secret.
Sounds a bit soap opera-ish.
I think I realized early on a couple of things -
1) you need to know who these people are to truly appreciate what is going on.
2) you need to care who these people are to truly appreciate what is going on.
3) you need to be a fan of soap opera style stories.
Cozy. Cute. But not cute enough for me.
Maybe that is why the cat on the cover wasn't so happy? 2.5 stars
August 25, 2020
Barley McFee, the world famous fiddler, has come to town for a grand homecoming concert that has been put together by local jeweler Bernice Brennan. Fiona volunteered to aid in anyway she can but is now regretting jumping in to help. With her parents in town Fiona already has more than she can handle right now. They've flown all the way from Tennessee to spend time with her and her sister. Fiona soon learns of secrets that surround her birth that her parents have been keeping from her. When Barley is found dead during the concerts intermission she soon learns there are more secrets being kept than she could imagine. Even though she knows she should leave the investigation to the police she can't help but try and figure things out herself. She knows some of her families secrets surround the man's death and she can't just let it all go. Follow Fiona as she tries to bring to light all the secrets that have been kept from her and find a murderer in the process.
March 2, 2020
Mums and Mayhem was a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Fiona's world, in Scotland. In this installment, Fiona has much on her mind. A famous, acclaimed musician from Bellewick returns for a homecoming concert and is murdered. Fiona's family is visiting, and it soon becomes apparent that her parents have ties to this murdered man. As the secrets begin to be revealed, Fiona realizes that it is up to her to clear suspicion that her father might be the murderer. To add to her worries, the magic garden is dying and Fiona doesn't know what to do to help it recover.
I really enjoyed the back drop of the small Scottish village, the magic garden, and Fiona and her friends and family. This is a charming series, and I enjoyed the storyline and mystery in this one. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed the back drop of the small Scottish village, the magic garden, and Fiona and her friends and family. This is a charming series, and I enjoyed the storyline and mystery in this one. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest review.
May 15, 2020
A secret magical garden in Scotland. Those few words alone would intrigue me and when you add the capable hands of Amanda Flower as the author, you know this series is a winner. Fiona has accepted her destiny as guardian of the garden and moved to Scotland from Nashville and even opened a flower shop. Helping organize a concert for a famous fiddler has her busy and coupled with her parents planned visit has her a bit stressed. Seems everyone has secrets. Thoroughly enjoyable with a full palette of relatable and/or interesting characters. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
Mum’s and Mayhem is a great addition to the Magic Garden Mystery series.
I read this story back in June, but with my job taken over my life this year, I haven’t been able to get back to review this book until now. Even though it’s been several months since I read this, I still remember this story vividly and I have to say you don’t read many books that it will come back to you without having to read a few chapters to bring it back to your mind.
This installment has Fonia working hard to clear her dad from the murder and to find out what made her garden die.
Love Fiona and learning more about her and the magic she holds with the garden in each installment.
I read this story back in June, but with my job taken over my life this year, I haven’t been able to get back to review this book until now. Even though it’s been several months since I read this, I still remember this story vividly and I have to say you don’t read many books that it will come back to you without having to read a few chapters to bring it back to your mind.
This installment has Fonia working hard to clear her dad from the murder and to find out what made her garden die.
Love Fiona and learning more about her and the magic she holds with the garden in each installment.
September 22, 2023
I can really only give this two stars because I was invested in Fiona’s world and her magic garden from previous books in the series. The first book is quirky and fun. I don’t remember much about book two. Recently, I realized I hadn’t read book three.
Sadly, it was hard to finish. Mums and Mayhem just didn’t live up to what I had hoped for.
Sadly, it was hard to finish. Mums and Mayhem just didn’t live up to what I had hoped for.
June 26, 2020
From the renowned author Amanda Flower comes the third installment Mums and Mayhem in the “A Magic Garden Mystery” series published by Crooked Lane Books.
Fiona is a likable character who has a passion for flowers and floral design. She also has a magic garden that allows her to receive visions of things to come or events that have already happened. She worries about taking care of the garden, her inheritance from what she thought was her godfather. Image the surprise when she finds out that he was actually her biological father.
There is a torrent of twists and turns throughout this book, Fiona’s parent issues being only one of many more. The characters are colorful, with eccentricities that will both delight and worry readers. However, even with their many flaws, these are characters that readers can identify with and enjoy. The location is a beautifully exotic area of Scotland; you can hear the brogue dripping from the dialogue. I like the idea of the garden being hidden away and the blue-eyed fox being Fiona’s godfather. It gives that unique magical touch readers need. The garden itself feels like an additional character, and it takes on a life and story of its own.
The victim appears to have several enemies, mostly those close to him and old friends, even family. This dynamic makes the story compelling with just the right amount of mystery. The motives have a wide range and make for an enjoyable few hours of speculation and what if’s for the reader. Throwing in another mystery, who tried to destroy the garden, keeps readers engaged throughout the book. When the killer is revealed, it may be a surprise for many but will leave them satisfied with the results.
Mums and Mayhem is a pleasure to read; it is absorbing and thought-provoking. The characters, location, and garden all work to make this a highly provocative book and one I am happy to recommend to readers who love exotic locations, flowers, and lively characters.
Fiona is a likable character who has a passion for flowers and floral design. She also has a magic garden that allows her to receive visions of things to come or events that have already happened. She worries about taking care of the garden, her inheritance from what she thought was her godfather. Image the surprise when she finds out that he was actually her biological father.
There is a torrent of twists and turns throughout this book, Fiona’s parent issues being only one of many more. The characters are colorful, with eccentricities that will both delight and worry readers. However, even with their many flaws, these are characters that readers can identify with and enjoy. The location is a beautifully exotic area of Scotland; you can hear the brogue dripping from the dialogue. I like the idea of the garden being hidden away and the blue-eyed fox being Fiona’s godfather. It gives that unique magical touch readers need. The garden itself feels like an additional character, and it takes on a life and story of its own.
The victim appears to have several enemies, mostly those close to him and old friends, even family. This dynamic makes the story compelling with just the right amount of mystery. The motives have a wide range and make for an enjoyable few hours of speculation and what if’s for the reader. Throwing in another mystery, who tried to destroy the garden, keeps readers engaged throughout the book. When the killer is revealed, it may be a surprise for many but will leave them satisfied with the results.
Mums and Mayhem is a pleasure to read; it is absorbing and thought-provoking. The characters, location, and garden all work to make this a highly provocative book and one I am happy to recommend to readers who love exotic locations, flowers, and lively characters.
August 15, 2020
Fiona has only been in Scotland for seven months. She moved from Nashville after she inherited a magic garden and the ability to see the future from her godfather Ian. After opening her flower shop, Fiona is nominated to the local Merchant Society. The Society is sponsoring a homecoming concert with native son, Barley. Little do they know the concert will bring Mums and Mayhem to their little Scottish village.
Fiona is busy. She is providing the flowers for the concert, mums of course. Her parents are coming to visit—all the way from America. Barley, his band, and their manager have some loud verbal disagreements before he is found murdered. But many of the locals, including Fiona’s father, also have motives to kill Barley. Fiona uses her visions and skills to solve the crime.
I love a unique cozy mystery and this series definitely checks that box. A magical garden in a small Scottish village? Some family drama from the past? Two sweet romances for Fiona and her younger sister, Isla? Yes, please! There is the murder mystery to solve too. When everyone is a possible suspect, there are obviously a lot of red herrings for Fiona, and the reader, to wade through. Mums and Mayhem, the third in the Magic Garden Mystery series, doesn’t disappoint. 4 stars!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Fiona is busy. She is providing the flowers for the concert, mums of course. Her parents are coming to visit—all the way from America. Barley, his band, and their manager have some loud verbal disagreements before he is found murdered. But many of the locals, including Fiona’s father, also have motives to kill Barley. Fiona uses her visions and skills to solve the crime.
I love a unique cozy mystery and this series definitely checks that box. A magical garden in a small Scottish village? Some family drama from the past? Two sweet romances for Fiona and her younger sister, Isla? Yes, please! There is the murder mystery to solve too. When everyone is a possible suspect, there are obviously a lot of red herrings for Fiona, and the reader, to wade through. Mums and Mayhem, the third in the Magic Garden Mystery series, doesn’t disappoint. 4 stars!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2020
I want my very own magical Scottish garden inheritance! Loving this series from the the quaint town to the opinionated critters including the mysterious fox. And the garden!!! This time mayhem comes by way of murder and complicated family ties. Poor Fi -- between her addle-brained, self-centered sister and her one-track-mind mother -- oy! Thankfully she has a swoony Scottish police detective by her side as all the mayhem plays out. Can't wait for the next book!
December 27, 2020
The beginning is a tad over-padded, but it ends well and twists better than Chubby Checker.
Hoping to see more of Maggie in future installments. I think she could add quite a bit to the story, if told right.
Hoping to see more of Maggie in future installments. I think she could add quite a bit to the story, if told right.
January 28, 2020
Another book has bloomed in the Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower.
Mums and Mayhem is book # 3 in this fun series, set in Scotland.
Upon receiving an inheritance from her Uncle Ian, Fiona Knox has had her share of troubles. It seems Fiona has a knack for finding dead bodies, and this time it's famous hometown fiddler Barley McFee.
When Fiona's father is somehow linked to the victim, she has no choice but to insert herself into her boyfriend's investigation. Before long, secrets are revealed and the truth leads to the murderer.
I found myself immersed in the story and anxious to get to the end, so I could see if I was right. I wasn't, Amanda had me stumped.
I look forward to seeing what is next for Fiona and her family.
#MumsandMayhem #NetGalley
Mums and Mayhem is book # 3 in this fun series, set in Scotland.
Upon receiving an inheritance from her Uncle Ian, Fiona Knox has had her share of troubles. It seems Fiona has a knack for finding dead bodies, and this time it's famous hometown fiddler Barley McFee.
When Fiona's father is somehow linked to the victim, she has no choice but to insert herself into her boyfriend's investigation. Before long, secrets are revealed and the truth leads to the murderer.
I found myself immersed in the story and anxious to get to the end, so I could see if I was right. I wasn't, Amanda had me stumped.
I look forward to seeing what is next for Fiona and her family.
#MumsandMayhem #NetGalley
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