What do you think?
Rate this book
Port Danby #12
Freesias and Foul Play
Port Danby residents, including grumpy Mayor Price, are giddy with the prospect of a live theater show in town. Everyone dons their best outfits for opening night of The Wizard of Oz but when the lead actress is found dead, an exciting night out morphs into a full blown murder mystery. The traveling theater group has brought many new faces to town and finding the killer proves tricky. Despite a head cold, Lacey's super nose is on the case.
Book 12 of the Port Danby Cozy Mystery series
Book 12 of the Port Danby Cozy Mystery series
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2020
117 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 18, 2020
Another fun book in the series
I love the Port Danby series and Freesias and Foul Play lived up to all the other books. Good interaction between the characters and an intriguing mystery had me flying through the book. I read it in one sitting. I'm now looking forward to number 13.
I love the Port Danby series and Freesias and Foul Play lived up to all the other books. Good interaction between the characters and an intriguing mystery had me flying through the book. I read it in one sitting. I'm now looking forward to number 13.
June 13, 2020
This one is more 3.5 stars. I liked this one better than the last because I felt the last one her mind was in a different series. This one felt more like a Port Danby book.
There will be minor spoilers below. Nothing pertaining to the murder, but some small things about the people around town.
So we start out with Lacey having a cold. There's a play in town and it's about to be opening night. And everyone is giving her the home remedies.
Ryan has been offered a short term job to study medicinal plants in I think South America.
And Les is still fighting his new diet.
I'll start with the Hawksworth murders. This book actually has that with a great leap forward. I love this part of the story and it's one of the things I really liked in this book. My only thing is why Mayor Price is so against her looking too far into it. And why he'd be so mean to a small business owner in his town. I don't even know how he got elected as Mayor.
Nothing from the Hawksworth story took off a star. I want more depth to Mayor Price, but he's not really been in many of the books lately.
I knew who the murderer was pretty early on, but I didn't mind because unlike some of the other murders where this happened the gathering of evidence was fun.
It was a good mystery.
I like that Lacey is helping more by sluthing and not just her nose when it works. This one it did work out well.
There is a major spoiler down in here so beware.
What I didn't like.
It's one thing but it's big. When the series started Lacey was helping by making some connections with her nose and helping with just logic-ing out a lot of the stuff and Briggs would be right there with her with interviews and making his own. He wasn't a bumbling detective and an amateur coming in to show him up.
Lately and it really showed in this one that Briggs is taking a back seat in his part. Wouldn't he ask anyone in the theater troupe if there were rivals?
I know Lacey's expanded part is she's more conversational and isn't the police, but it's a simple question that he would have asked.
Lacey can snoop and evesdrop Briggs can't, so I don't get why he can't actually ask the good questions.
Another small thing that really took the .5 stars off is Lacey confronting the killer at the end. The person wasn't going to leave and she knew the motive so why put herself in danger? It wasn't needed. Ramp up the tension with Briggs being in another town and opening night is about to start, but why confront someone when you don't have to and since she's not a cop anything the killer says isn't going to help because she's not had her rights read and she doesn't have to tell the police what she says and then it's hearsay- and won't hold up in court.
There will be minor spoilers below. Nothing pertaining to the murder, but some small things about the people around town.
So we start out with Lacey having a cold. There's a play in town and it's about to be opening night. And everyone is giving her the home remedies.
Ryan has been offered a short term job to study medicinal plants in I think South America.
And Les is still fighting his new diet.
I'll start with the Hawksworth murders. This book actually has that with a great leap forward. I love this part of the story and it's one of the things I really liked in this book. My only thing is why Mayor Price is so against her looking too far into it. And why he'd be so mean to a small business owner in his town. I don't even know how he got elected as Mayor.
Nothing from the Hawksworth story took off a star. I want more depth to Mayor Price, but he's not really been in many of the books lately.
I knew who the murderer was pretty early on, but I didn't mind because unlike some of the other murders where this happened the gathering of evidence was fun.
It was a good mystery.
I like that Lacey is helping more by sluthing and not just her nose when it works. This one it did work out well.
There is a major spoiler down in here so beware.
What I didn't like.
It's one thing but it's big. When the series started Lacey was helping by making some connections with her nose and helping with just logic-ing out a lot of the stuff and Briggs would be right there with her with interviews and making his own. He wasn't a bumbling detective and an amateur coming in to show him up.
Lately and it really showed in this one that Briggs is taking a back seat in his part. Wouldn't he ask anyone in the theater troupe if there were rivals?
I know Lacey's expanded part is she's more conversational and isn't the police, but it's a simple question that he would have asked.
Lacey can snoop and evesdrop Briggs can't, so I don't get why he can't actually ask the good questions.
Another small thing that really took the .5 stars off is Lacey confronting the killer at the end. The person wasn't going to leave and she knew the motive so why put herself in danger? It wasn't needed. Ramp up the tension with Briggs being in another town and opening night is about to start, but why confront someone when you don't have to and since she's not a cop anything the killer says isn't going to help because she's not had her rights read and she doesn't have to tell the police what she says and then it's hearsay- and won't hold up in court.
July 31, 2020
Oh we are of to find the murder, the murder in Oz.
Mom and I just keep falling more and more in love with this series and this book does nothing to stop that love, in fact it only lends it self to growing that love more and more.
Lacey has cold; but that doe snot keep our girl down. She still has time to deal with Ryder leaving and Lola having a bit of a breakdown over it. Lacey starts out by going through obituaries records in Port Danby, which happen to be in the Mayors Office. Lacey finds what seems to be the death certificate for Jane baby, but does not have the same luck when it comes to running into Mayor Price. Thank the stars that the Mayor's mind is taken off Lacey by the traveling players, who are in town via the Mayor's request to but on a production of the Wizard of Oz. As Lacey tries to fight a cold and get ready to have a date night with Brigg's which includes going to opening night, Lacey see's some soap opera drama going on between the actors. The Scarecrow seems to be dating a Munchkin a yet has not problem getting close to Dorothy; yet Dorothy has not problem getting cozy with the Tin Man, who himself seems to be a flirt; but just before the show goes on Dorothy is found dead with house dropped down on her. Briggs and Lacey are on the case yet poor Samantha is having to fight the common cold well doing her job.
Mom and I just keep falling more and more in love with this series and this book does nothing to stop that love, in fact it only lends it self to growing that love more and more.
Lacey has cold; but that doe snot keep our girl down. She still has time to deal with Ryder leaving and Lola having a bit of a breakdown over it. Lacey starts out by going through obituaries records in Port Danby, which happen to be in the Mayors Office. Lacey finds what seems to be the death certificate for Jane baby, but does not have the same luck when it comes to running into Mayor Price. Thank the stars that the Mayor's mind is taken off Lacey by the traveling players, who are in town via the Mayor's request to but on a production of the Wizard of Oz. As Lacey tries to fight a cold and get ready to have a date night with Brigg's which includes going to opening night, Lacey see's some soap opera drama going on between the actors. The Scarecrow seems to be dating a Munchkin a yet has not problem getting close to Dorothy; yet Dorothy has not problem getting cozy with the Tin Man, who himself seems to be a flirt; but just before the show goes on Dorothy is found dead with house dropped down on her. Briggs and Lacey are on the case yet poor Samantha is having to fight the common cold well doing her job.
June 11, 2021
A bout with a head cold leaves Lacey's nose working at less than optimal ability. Which is a bit of a road bump when a cast member from the traveling theater group is found dead on opening night. While Lacey's nose is still able to suss out some clues, neither she nor it are quite as quick as they normally would be.
On the plus side, Lacey doesn't let her pesky head cold slow her down. She's still in the middle of the investigation. On the down side, her investigation has her crossing paths with the odious mayor on more than one occasion. Although, to be fair, one of those occasions was when she was doing some side investigating on the Hawksworth murders. (And BOY does Mayor Price get himself into a tizzy whenever he hears about her looking into it. Methinks something sordid is being covered up.)
A little case of murder, a nose (and florist) not working quite as well as usual, an assistant who might be leaving Lacey soon, and a rousing case of pelican rescue. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
On the plus side, Lacey doesn't let her pesky head cold slow her down. She's still in the middle of the investigation. On the down side, her investigation has her crossing paths with the odious mayor on more than one occasion. Although, to be fair, one of those occasions was when she was doing some side investigating on the Hawksworth murders. (And BOY does Mayor Price get himself into a tizzy whenever he hears about her looking into it. Methinks something sordid is being covered up.)
A little case of murder, a nose (and florist) not working quite as well as usual, an assistant who might be leaving Lacey soon, and a rousing case of pelican rescue. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 24, 2020
The latest in this lovely series set in Port Danby, with Lacey, 'Pink' the local florist and James, the local police detective making a good team solving the murders which occur all too frequently in the small coastal town. Lacey has a skill very rarely found, an extreme sense of smell, which has led to many murderers being caught. Then there's Kingston, Lacey's tame crow and Nevermore, her cat; and Bear, James' dog who bring laughter into the storyline.
A touring theatre company arrives in town to put on Wizard of Oz, of course, things can't go smoothly and when one of the cast ends up dead, James and Lacey have to find the killer.
Lacey also has her own investigation going on, the century old murders at the local mansion, which may, or may not have anything to do with the current mayors ancestors. She makes progress, only to find the mayor is not best pleased!
I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the next book.....
A touring theatre company arrives in town to put on Wizard of Oz, of course, things can't go smoothly and when one of the cast ends up dead, James and Lacey have to find the killer.
Lacey also has her own investigation going on, the century old murders at the local mansion, which may, or may not have anything to do with the current mayors ancestors. She makes progress, only to find the mayor is not best pleased!
I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the next book.....
January 10, 2021
Feesias and foul play is book be number 12 in the Port Danby Cozy mystery series.
This time we read about a traveling play of the Wizard of Oz coming to Port Danby. The only problem is that the lead character Dorothy was strangled shortly before the opening night performance.
Lacey and Detective Briggs ask the cast questions but don't really know if the cast is lying or not as they were all actors so who knows if they were telling the truth or acting as if they were upset about the death even of they did it?
Was it a cast member or somebody from Port Danby that killed Dorothy?
This time we read about a traveling play of the Wizard of Oz coming to Port Danby. The only problem is that the lead character Dorothy was strangled shortly before the opening night performance.
Lacey and Detective Briggs ask the cast questions but don't really know if the cast is lying or not as they were all actors so who knows if they were telling the truth or acting as if they were upset about the death even of they did it?
Was it a cast member or somebody from Port Danby that killed Dorothy?
May 10, 2020
Very fun read
Very fun, good town, characters, interesting, believable plot. One of my favorite series. Can’t wait for the next one.
If you like cozy mysteries this one is for you
Very fun, good town, characters, interesting, believable plot. One of my favorite series. Can’t wait for the next one.
If you like cozy mysteries this one is for you
May 11, 2020
This book 12 in the Port Danby Cozy Mystery series did not disappoint. I have read the entire series so far and I am looking forward to number 13. I always enjoy myself totally when reading London Lovett's series.
April 1, 2021
I have loved every book in this series and each one including this one make me love it even more.
Each new book becomes my new favorite. Love the characters and setting and always something exciting happening along with a little romance.
Each new book becomes my new favorite. Love the characters and setting and always something exciting happening along with a little romance.
March 17, 2020
Great book
This was another great book in a series of great books by London Lovett. Can not wait for the next book.
This was another great book in a series of great books by London Lovett. Can not wait for the next book.
March 18, 2020
Love this series
This series keeps getting better. The writing flows, characters are engaging and the storyline is interesting. Please keep them coming.
This series keeps getting better. The writing flows, characters are engaging and the storyline is interesting. Please keep them coming.
March 28, 2020
Cute cozy. 4/5 stars.
April 2, 2020
As usual
It's so much fun to read these. Kinda figure out the culprit but Lacey's way of doing things is too funny.
I love all of London's books.
It's so much fun to read these. Kinda figure out the culprit but Lacey's way of doing things is too funny.
I love all of London's books.
May 6, 2020
Loved it.
June 4, 2020
My favourite cozy series. Wonderful likeable characters. Interesting plots always. Love the town it's set in.
July 24, 2020
Another great book. The Wizard of Oz play reproduction gave a whole different twist to the story. Once again this is another outstanding read in the story.
March 11, 2021
I enjoyed the book, but the mystery was so obvious that it should have been solved within hte first 15 chapters.
July 17, 2021
Just another book in this fun series Generally able to figure out “who done it” yet still enjoyable reads. I call them “my hot tub books” since they are relaxing reads while I enjoy my spa.
August 1, 2021
This series is getting boring.
There is not much mystery ,not a lot happening.
Nor even the romance has romance .
There is not much mystery ,not a lot happening.
Nor even the romance has romance .
January 17, 2022
This one was pretty involved. Many characters, many motives and many options. Pleasure to read.
July 23, 2023
Your an amazing writer
I am on my 12 book in the series of Port Danby murder mysteries, and I am enjoying them thoroughly. I can't wait to read more of your writings.
I am on my 12 book in the series of Port Danby murder mysteries, and I am enjoying them thoroughly. I can't wait to read more of your writings.
March 18, 2020
As with the first 11 Port Danby Cozy Mysteries, Freesias and Foul Play was a great read. Join Lacey(Pink) and Detective Briggs as they find out what is going on with the theater troupe that has come to town to put on the play, The Wizard of Oz.
Lacey has a bad cold but she and Briggs still go to the opening of the play, only to find out along with the whole town dressed in their best to be halted by the murder of one of the actresses! Between this and a few run ins with Mayor Price over her investigating the Hawksworth Manor Murders, this book will remain one of my top favorites.
There is murder, a bunch of new people walking around the streets of Port Danby and an upset Lola and Ryder, looking for answers of how to handle a long distance romance. There is also a lot of angst between the people in the theater group, because they are worried they have been living with a killer! Read on and see how it turns out! you will love it.
Although Freesias and Foul Play canc be read as a stand alone it is so good to read this series from the beginning;
1. Marigolds and Murder
2. Carnations and Chaos
3. Mistletoe and Murder
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. TBA
I gave this book 5 stars and look forward to more by London Lovett!
Lacey has a bad cold but she and Briggs still go to the opening of the play, only to find out along with the whole town dressed in their best to be halted by the murder of one of the actresses! Between this and a few run ins with Mayor Price over her investigating the Hawksworth Manor Murders, this book will remain one of my top favorites.
There is murder, a bunch of new people walking around the streets of Port Danby and an upset Lola and Ryder, looking for answers of how to handle a long distance romance. There is also a lot of angst between the people in the theater group, because they are worried they have been living with a killer! Read on and see how it turns out! you will love it.
Although Freesias and Foul Play canc be read as a stand alone it is so good to read this series from the beginning;
1. Marigolds and Murder
2. Carnations and Chaos
3. Mistletoe and Murder
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. TBA
I gave this book 5 stars and look forward to more by London Lovett!
October 4, 2020
Lacey Pinkerton and her trusty nose is at it again in “Freesias and Foul Play.” This time a traveling theater group is in Port Danby to perform The Wizard of Oz. The mayor is excited as well as the residents of this charming town.
As everyone anxiously awaits opening night, Ryder has some news about his career that has the potential to send his girlfriend into a tailspin. Lacey has developed a cold but refuses to stay home. The actors from the troupe are exploring the town and Lacey gets an upfront and personal view of some of the behind the scene drama. Then, the leading actress playing Dorothy is found murdered on opening night. Now, Lacey and her boyfriend, Detective Briggs is on the case. Additionally, Lacey has uncovered some new clues on the Hawksworth’s murders.
Once again the plot is full of colorful characters, lots of mystery and intrigue and just plain old fun! If you haven’t visited Port Danby through the pages of London Lovett’s books you are in for a wonderful treat.
As everyone anxiously awaits opening night, Ryder has some news about his career that has the potential to send his girlfriend into a tailspin. Lacey has developed a cold but refuses to stay home. The actors from the troupe are exploring the town and Lacey gets an upfront and personal view of some of the behind the scene drama. Then, the leading actress playing Dorothy is found murdered on opening night. Now, Lacey and her boyfriend, Detective Briggs is on the case. Additionally, Lacey has uncovered some new clues on the Hawksworth’s murders.
Once again the plot is full of colorful characters, lots of mystery and intrigue and just plain old fun! If you haven’t visited Port Danby through the pages of London Lovett’s books you are in for a wonderful treat.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews