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Allison Barton #1
The Darkest Flower
You’ll never believe the terrible things being said about the perfect president of the PTA.
Attempted murder? Inexplicable accident? Either way, a PTA mom struggled for her life in an elementary school cafeteria, poisoned by a wolfsbane-laced smoothie at the fifth-grade graduation party. Now all eyes are on the accused, the victim, and a woman hired to look deeper.
Ambitious defense attorney and single mother Allison Barton is anxious to escape the shadow of the low-down dog of a marquee partner carrying their renowned Virginia law firm. A win for her high-profile new client will give Allison the career she deserves. And PTA president Kira Grant certainly appears innocent—except for the toxic bloom in her backyard and perhaps a bit of a malicious streak. But no one said the innocent had to be likable—or entirely honest. Besides, with an image as carefully cultivated as her garden, Kira would be insane to risk everything on something as outrageous as the attempted murder of one of her closest friends.
What about those in Kira’s orbit, a sunny suburb of moms behaving badly? What do they really know about Kira? What does Kira know about them? For Allison, the answers are getting darker every day.
Attempted murder? Inexplicable accident? Either way, a PTA mom struggled for her life in an elementary school cafeteria, poisoned by a wolfsbane-laced smoothie at the fifth-grade graduation party. Now all eyes are on the accused, the victim, and a woman hired to look deeper.
Ambitious defense attorney and single mother Allison Barton is anxious to escape the shadow of the low-down dog of a marquee partner carrying their renowned Virginia law firm. A win for her high-profile new client will give Allison the career she deserves. And PTA president Kira Grant certainly appears innocent—except for the toxic bloom in her backyard and perhaps a bit of a malicious streak. But no one said the innocent had to be likable—or entirely honest. Besides, with an image as carefully cultivated as her garden, Kira would be insane to risk everything on something as outrageous as the attempted murder of one of her closest friends.
What about those in Kira’s orbit, a sunny suburb of moms behaving badly? What do they really know about Kira? What does Kira know about them? For Allison, the answers are getting darker every day.
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First published June 1, 2021
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About the author
Kristin Wright
5 books244 followersKristin lives in Virginia with her husband, two sons, and two beagles (one silly, one Machiavellian). She's a native of the Detroit area, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and has practiced law in many fields, including big firm litigation, criminal defense, personal injury, local government, and divorce and custody. She writes before work and behind the wheel of her car in the parking lots of many youth sport practices.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
June 5, 2021
“Because I’d always been scrupulously honest with myself, I checked my privilege. Yes, it was still there...I had all the privilege and had no plans to give any of it up.”
Those are words of the charming Kira Grant. Kira is a witch with a capital ‘B’, and she knows it. That doesn’t make her a potential murderer...does it?
Some people seem to think so.
Kira is a rich and spoiled PTA mom who’s used to getting her way. At a school event, one of the other PTA moms is poisoned with wolfsbane, a deadly plant. Kira was the one handing out the disgusting smoothies (one containing the poison). She also happens to have wolfsbane growing in her perfect garden. Despite the fact that Kira is close to the poisoned victim, she is arrested for attempted murder and quickly released on bail.
Enter Allison Barton, a broke defense attorney and single mom whom Kira hires to represent her in court. This kind of scandalous story could really boost her career if she handles it right and gets Kira acquitted.
However, the more she digs into the case and learns the backgrounds of those involved, she can’t help but wonder who is really innocent and who is really guilty.
This was my Amazon First Reads choice for May. The majority of the time, I never end up reading the book I picked. I’m glad I chose to read this one.
It is an absolute HOOT!
Kira is a despicable woman regardless of whether she’s a possible poisoner or not. She’s mean and nasty, and has terrible thoughts. It is also SO AMUSING to read about her. She’s definitely the kind of unlikeable character that is wickedly entertaining.
On the other hand, Allison is awesome! She’s a hard worker who tries to her best while raising her daughter, and has a conscience and a heart. She understandably can’t stand Kira, and it was fun having them go back and forth with each other.
I was appalled by Kira, but the journey from start to finish was a fun one with plenty of mystery and some welcome surprises.
It looks like this is the start of a series featuring Allison Barton, and I’m looking forward to her next case.
Available now from Thomas & Mercer.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Those are words of the charming Kira Grant. Kira is a witch with a capital ‘B’, and she knows it. That doesn’t make her a potential murderer...does it?
Some people seem to think so.
Kira is a rich and spoiled PTA mom who’s used to getting her way. At a school event, one of the other PTA moms is poisoned with wolfsbane, a deadly plant. Kira was the one handing out the disgusting smoothies (one containing the poison). She also happens to have wolfsbane growing in her perfect garden. Despite the fact that Kira is close to the poisoned victim, she is arrested for attempted murder and quickly released on bail.
Enter Allison Barton, a broke defense attorney and single mom whom Kira hires to represent her in court. This kind of scandalous story could really boost her career if she handles it right and gets Kira acquitted.
However, the more she digs into the case and learns the backgrounds of those involved, she can’t help but wonder who is really innocent and who is really guilty.
This was my Amazon First Reads choice for May. The majority of the time, I never end up reading the book I picked. I’m glad I chose to read this one.
It is an absolute HOOT!
Kira is a despicable woman regardless of whether she’s a possible poisoner or not. She’s mean and nasty, and has terrible thoughts. It is also SO AMUSING to read about her. She’s definitely the kind of unlikeable character that is wickedly entertaining.
On the other hand, Allison is awesome! She’s a hard worker who tries to her best while raising her daughter, and has a conscience and a heart. She understandably can’t stand Kira, and it was fun having them go back and forth with each other.
I was appalled by Kira, but the journey from start to finish was a fun one with plenty of mystery and some welcome surprises.
It looks like this is the start of a series featuring Allison Barton, and I’m looking forward to her next case.
Available now from Thomas & Mercer.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
September 1, 2021
The Darkest Flower by Kristin Wright is a 2021 Thomas & Mercer publication.
When Kira Grant, a PTA president, is accused of trying to poison one of the other mothers, she hires Allison Barton to defend her.
Kira has always lived a life of privilege and has no earthly idea what it is like to struggle. Be that as it may, she’s convinced her husband is having an affair, is in denial about her daughter’s dyslexia, and truly believes she is right about everything.
Then Kira is accused of murder- and faces some true adversity in her life for a change- but she’s so sure of herself and so convinced she knows better than Allison, she tries to micro- manage, manipulate and control the entire investigation. She gives Allison fits – but Allison is far more formidable than she’s been credited with.
The problem is, the deeper Allison digs the more suspects she turns up- and the possible motives are beyond twisted!! But the fact remains:
Someone tried to commit murder-right there in front of a bunch of school children, any of whom could have been an accidental casualty in the plot, and Allison will stop at nothing to discover the truth…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love legal thrillers, but I seldom find one anymore that combines much courtroom action with the investigation angles. This book not only balanced the two, but gave the genre a big quirky breath of fresh air.
This book was pure entertainment. It’s easy to read, fast-paced, though some of the characterizations are nearly cartoonish at times- except for Allison- who plays a more stereotypical role-but is our true protagonist- despite Kira’s flamboyant personality nearly drowning her out much of the time.
While the book has a few mixed reviews, I thought it was unique, perhaps a bit satirical- or darkly humorous, though I wasn’t quite sure that was what the author intended.
If you don’t take it too seriously, you might be able to enjoy it just for the pure fun of it. There’s a nice little twist at the end, too. Others have claimed to have seen it coming a mile off- but as jaded as I am- I didn’t figure it all the way out. Then, once the truth was revealed, I realized the story was maybe a bit darker than I’d give it credit for.
This is yet another book I’ve read this past month that was a little out the box- and it is another book that might not be suited for everyone- but I enjoyed it well enough.
3.5 stars
When Kira Grant, a PTA president, is accused of trying to poison one of the other mothers, she hires Allison Barton to defend her.
Kira has always lived a life of privilege and has no earthly idea what it is like to struggle. Be that as it may, she’s convinced her husband is having an affair, is in denial about her daughter’s dyslexia, and truly believes she is right about everything.
Then Kira is accused of murder- and faces some true adversity in her life for a change- but she’s so sure of herself and so convinced she knows better than Allison, she tries to micro- manage, manipulate and control the entire investigation. She gives Allison fits – but Allison is far more formidable than she’s been credited with.
The problem is, the deeper Allison digs the more suspects she turns up- and the possible motives are beyond twisted!! But the fact remains:
Someone tried to commit murder-right there in front of a bunch of school children, any of whom could have been an accidental casualty in the plot, and Allison will stop at nothing to discover the truth…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love legal thrillers, but I seldom find one anymore that combines much courtroom action with the investigation angles. This book not only balanced the two, but gave the genre a big quirky breath of fresh air.
This book was pure entertainment. It’s easy to read, fast-paced, though some of the characterizations are nearly cartoonish at times- except for Allison- who plays a more stereotypical role-but is our true protagonist- despite Kira’s flamboyant personality nearly drowning her out much of the time.
While the book has a few mixed reviews, I thought it was unique, perhaps a bit satirical- or darkly humorous, though I wasn’t quite sure that was what the author intended.
If you don’t take it too seriously, you might be able to enjoy it just for the pure fun of it. There’s a nice little twist at the end, too. Others have claimed to have seen it coming a mile off- but as jaded as I am- I didn’t figure it all the way out. Then, once the truth was revealed, I realized the story was maybe a bit darker than I’d give it credit for.
This is yet another book I’ve read this past month that was a little out the box- and it is another book that might not be suited for everyone- but I enjoyed it well enough.
3.5 stars
July 17, 2021
Society has rules. People expect certain performances from good girls, and I’d always made sure to get a standing ovation for mine.
The Darkest Flower (Allison Barton, #1)
by Kristin Wright
Review to follow.
My review:
This book is told from the viewpoint of two women. Kira is one. Allison is the other.
Allison is an attorney. She is representing Kira who is accused of attempted murder.
Kira, according to the police tried to kill a fellow PTA mom during a school event. Just your average every day soccer mom!
The problem is Allison does not entirely believe her client is innocent though Kira insists she is.
The two women take turns with the narration of the story.
Allison feels she must win this case-it is her only chance to make a name for herself so she can get out of the clutches of her lecherous boss and start her own practice.
So-you might be surprised to read that I liked this book even though my rating is fairly low. I think the characters are well developed. The book had both wit and mystery and was deeply disturbing on a visceral level.
Why did I give it a rating of two?
To answer this question, requires the use of spoilers. So, if you have not read this book and want to, I ask that you stop reading this review. Because there is no way to discus my rating without giving away major plot points. If you have read this far, I will say in terms of being able to draw one in, I recommend it. But I became less satisfied as the book went on and that is really all I can say without spoilers.
NOW-Spoilers:
I had a few MAJOR issues here.
Number one is the ending. Here's the problem-there isn't one.
I do not know what happened but-I actually thought I was missing a page. It ends with no resolution to almost anything.
I like abstract endings sometimes in my books. This is not abstract. It just ends-out of nowhere.
It does say book one so perhaps this is a series? I honestly do not know. I saw another review where someone said it might just be that Allison gets a different case and the her story goes on but not Kira's.
This would make no sense to me because the whole thing feels unfinished. I am honestly baffled. I did not want to rate this a two but have no idea if part two is an actual sequel or not. I just-it was very odd.
Issue two. Through the book, it feels like we are building toward something. Maybe we are building toward a giant confrontation. But it never happens. It was so unsatisfying after so much of the book was actually so good.
Issue three-and the most important-I could. not. stand. Allison.
The thing is-I do not think the author wanted us to dislike Allison but I did.Who on earth would pick her career over letting someone potentially kill children?
It does not matter if the evidence cannot be used at trial. It does not matter if it would hurt Allie's career. She just lets the woman-walk.
Adding to all this is the fact that from what I could tell Allison does not even like being an attorney. She seems to hate it. I cannot think of anything positive she said about her career choice and she came across as deeply burnt out on the profession and very tired.
And she WHINED! I cannot believe I was so turned off to her as I was but there you go. Allison complains about seemingly everything. If her boss is such a pig, why does she not even attempt to look for another job? Why not report this guy for sexual harrassment?
And then when she attempts to warn the mother and says that if anyone asks she will deny she said it, that was it for me.
She is now putting innocent children in danger and what for? For a job she hates? To make a name for herself? She lets a monster out on the streets who almost killed a child and may kill more. Man, did I dislike this lady.
So, that is why I gave the low rating. Oh-also we do not ever find out-anything. Why is Kira reported to child services? Who made the report? Does Kira kill her husband or does he take the kids and get out of town? What HAPPENS?
This was a book that was fun but also really disturbing and filled with loathsome characters. I'd give it a four until the last part which brought my rating down to a two. I'll change my rating if there is ever a sequel and I read it and find out what in the world happened.
The Darkest Flower (Allison Barton, #1)
by Kristin Wright
Review to follow.
My review:
This book is told from the viewpoint of two women. Kira is one. Allison is the other.
Allison is an attorney. She is representing Kira who is accused of attempted murder.
Kira, according to the police tried to kill a fellow PTA mom during a school event. Just your average every day soccer mom!
The problem is Allison does not entirely believe her client is innocent though Kira insists she is.
The two women take turns with the narration of the story.
Allison feels she must win this case-it is her only chance to make a name for herself so she can get out of the clutches of her lecherous boss and start her own practice.
So-you might be surprised to read that I liked this book even though my rating is fairly low. I think the characters are well developed. The book had both wit and mystery and was deeply disturbing on a visceral level.
Why did I give it a rating of two?
To answer this question, requires the use of spoilers. So, if you have not read this book and want to, I ask that you stop reading this review. Because there is no way to discus my rating without giving away major plot points. If you have read this far, I will say in terms of being able to draw one in, I recommend it. But I became less satisfied as the book went on and that is really all I can say without spoilers.
NOW-Spoilers:
I had a few MAJOR issues here.
Number one is the ending. Here's the problem-there isn't one.
I do not know what happened but-I actually thought I was missing a page. It ends with no resolution to almost anything.
I like abstract endings sometimes in my books. This is not abstract. It just ends-out of nowhere.
It does say book one so perhaps this is a series? I honestly do not know. I saw another review where someone said it might just be that Allison gets a different case and the her story goes on but not Kira's.
This would make no sense to me because the whole thing feels unfinished. I am honestly baffled. I did not want to rate this a two but have no idea if part two is an actual sequel or not. I just-it was very odd.
Issue two. Through the book, it feels like we are building toward something. Maybe we are building toward a giant confrontation. But it never happens. It was so unsatisfying after so much of the book was actually so good.
Issue three-and the most important-I could. not. stand. Allison.
The thing is-I do not think the author wanted us to dislike Allison but I did.Who on earth would pick her career over letting someone potentially kill children?
It does not matter if the evidence cannot be used at trial. It does not matter if it would hurt Allie's career. She just lets the woman-walk.
Adding to all this is the fact that from what I could tell Allison does not even like being an attorney. She seems to hate it. I cannot think of anything positive she said about her career choice and she came across as deeply burnt out on the profession and very tired.
And she WHINED! I cannot believe I was so turned off to her as I was but there you go. Allison complains about seemingly everything. If her boss is such a pig, why does she not even attempt to look for another job? Why not report this guy for sexual harrassment?
And then when she attempts to warn the mother and says that if anyone asks she will deny she said it, that was it for me.
She is now putting innocent children in danger and what for? For a job she hates? To make a name for herself? She lets a monster out on the streets who almost killed a child and may kill more. Man, did I dislike this lady.
So, that is why I gave the low rating. Oh-also we do not ever find out-anything. Why is Kira reported to child services? Who made the report? Does Kira kill her husband or does he take the kids and get out of town? What HAPPENS?
This was a book that was fun but also really disturbing and filled with loathsome characters. I'd give it a four until the last part which brought my rating down to a two. I'll change my rating if there is ever a sequel and I read it and find out what in the world happened.
May 24, 2021
I picked this book as an Amazon First Reads for May, and I am glad I did. This is a quick and fun ride, featuring mean girl Kira, who is accused of poisoning a fellow PTA mom, and Allison, her small-town lawyer. It's a good mix of a mystery, legal drama, and beach read all at once. The chapters alternate between the POVs of Kira and Allison.
None of these characters was super likeable, though Allison has the makings to be if she would just stand up for herself against her horrible boss. There were a few tertiary characters that might have committed the crime instead of Kira, and I thought the author did a good job at characterizing them in a way that I could really feel the dynamic between them.
I definitely did not see the twist at the end coming, even though I thought I had figured it all out. It was deliciously dark and I enjoyed it. I am glad to see there is another book coming out featuring Allison, as I'd like to see where her story goes, and I hope she develops the backbone she clearly has in the courtroom when dealing with her boss.
Overall, fun read, and I'd recommend it to those who like mysteries as well as lightweight legal thrillers.
None of these characters was super likeable, though Allison has the makings to be if she would just stand up for herself against her horrible boss. There were a few tertiary characters that might have committed the crime instead of Kira, and I thought the author did a good job at characterizing them in a way that I could really feel the dynamic between them.
I definitely did not see the twist at the end coming, even though I thought I had figured it all out. It was deliciously dark and I enjoyed it. I am glad to see there is another book coming out featuring Allison, as I'd like to see where her story goes, and I hope she develops the backbone she clearly has in the courtroom when dealing with her boss.
Overall, fun read, and I'd recommend it to those who like mysteries as well as lightweight legal thrillers.
February 20, 2024
3.75⭐ This was so entertaining to read due to one of the Povs being off the charts wilddd.
August 3, 2023
I loved the snarky characters and mysterious storyline. Looking forward to Book 2.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
May 7, 2021
This novel is told from two perspectives: Kira Grant, who is an arrogant, wealthy suburban wife and mother with daddy issues and Allison Barton, who is a lawyer working for a misogynist and has very little back bone. Kira has been arrested for attempted murder by way of poisoning and Allison represents her.
I enjoyed this book until about the 30 or 40% mark and then all I could do was roll my eyes.
The characterization is superficial and ignorant. The description gets way too detailed which bogs the story down. The love story between the two lawyers is pathetic and annoying--stop acting like junior high kids and be adults for crying out loud! Kira Grant makes very little sense, especially at the end. Another thing that is totally illogical is the case itself--I'm sorry, but the cops suck and so do the lawyers; it's totally unrealistic.
I enjoyed this book until about the 30 or 40% mark and then all I could do was roll my eyes.
The characterization is superficial and ignorant. The description gets way too detailed which bogs the story down. The love story between the two lawyers is pathetic and annoying--stop acting like junior high kids and be adults for crying out loud! Kira Grant makes very little sense, especially at the end. Another thing that is totally illogical is the case itself--I'm sorry, but the cops suck and so do the lawyers; it's totally unrealistic.
May 1, 2021
This is Big Little Lies if Cersei Lannister was heading the cast of malicious, impeccably groomed housewives. An addictive page turner with a twist you won't see coming!
This book is told from two perspectives: the defendant, Kira, who is a rich, terrifically amoral housewife (though innocent of the crime, as the reader knows from the start) and her much nicer lawyer, who's also a single mom with a crush on the handsome and disarming opposing council. I'm not usually into antiheroes or antiheroines, but Kira was morbidly fascinating to watch, especially since she had so many taboo thoughts (and actions). She was so evil, but so believable, that it was kind of horrifying and tons of fun to see things from her perspective.
The mystery unfolded at a perfect pace so you're always finding out more clues but they just made you thirst for more. And the romantic subplot between the lawyers had me tearing through pages-even without much screen time, I wanted them to get together SO BAD. Especially when I saw how good he was with the lawyer's little daughter.
An engrossing read that makes me hope for more legal thrillers from this author!
(review from early reader copy)
This book is told from two perspectives: the defendant, Kira, who is a rich, terrifically amoral housewife (though innocent of the crime, as the reader knows from the start) and her much nicer lawyer, who's also a single mom with a crush on the handsome and disarming opposing council. I'm not usually into antiheroes or antiheroines, but Kira was morbidly fascinating to watch, especially since she had so many taboo thoughts (and actions). She was so evil, but so believable, that it was kind of horrifying and tons of fun to see things from her perspective.
The mystery unfolded at a perfect pace so you're always finding out more clues but they just made you thirst for more. And the romantic subplot between the lawyers had me tearing through pages-even without much screen time, I wanted them to get together SO BAD. Especially when I saw how good he was with the lawyer's little daughter.
An engrossing read that makes me hope for more legal thrillers from this author!
(review from early reader copy)
November 28, 2021
Alison Barton, single mom and defense lawyer, is looking for the case that will make her career. Nearby, a mother is poisoned and nearly dies at a PTA event with children. Kira Grant, the accused, could be the case she is looking for but is it worth it?
I would consider this book more of a mystery, than a thriller. If you want on the edge of your seat action, this is not the book for you. If you want a good mystery that will keep you wondering with interesting, and one slightly despicable, characters, you will enjoy this one. Yes, there was an obligatory romance, but it didn't overtake the rest of the book.
I enjoyed Allison's character and am looking forward to the next book in the series, currently due out April 2022.
At the time of this review, the book was on Kindle Unlimited.
I would consider this book more of a mystery, than a thriller. If you want on the edge of your seat action, this is not the book for you. If you want a good mystery that will keep you wondering with interesting, and one slightly despicable, characters, you will enjoy this one. Yes, there was an obligatory romance, but it didn't overtake the rest of the book.
I enjoyed Allison's character and am looking forward to the next book in the series, currently due out April 2022.
At the time of this review, the book was on Kindle Unlimited.
December 23, 2020
Impressive and intoxicating. The women inhabiting this story are bold, clever, complex, and deliciously thorny—quick to show you what they're capable of if you dare underestimate them. This book is a dark delight and Kristin B. Wright is an author I'll be closely watching.
December 29, 2021
The Darkest Flower is such a twisty delicious thriller featuring Kira, a horrifying but fascinating anti-hero who will make you laugh at the same time she makes you shudder, like only the most layered villains can. Woven through the toxic mix of monstrously hilarious commentary are subtle questions about society, victimhood, and what lines a mother might understandably cross for her children. The everywoman voice of Kira's lawyer, Allison, serves as a moral center to the novel. Juggling her own issues of parenting, a budding romance, and the male toxicity of her profession, Allison has her own battles to wage, all while defending the larger than life presence of a client who may or may not be innocent, but who definitely pushes the boundaries on the acceptable. It's a compelling read that will keep readers flipping pages to find out what Kira might have done .... and what she'll do next.
May 11, 2021
The Darkest Flower was my selection for Prime First Reads for May. Obviously I made the wrong choice. Normally I like the books but I wanted to try out a new author. I won't be reading any more. The writing was choppy, almost amateurish. The plot was ... interesting but... to put it simply, I never believed the plot, the legal proceedings were ridiculous even though the author was/is an attorney, and none of the characters appealed to me at all, not even a little bit. If they all had been poisoned I'm not sure anyone would have cared.
June 26, 2021
Kira is the President of the PTA and is totally committed to her children and their success so of course she would never try to poison her best friend at a school event with the particular poison coming from a plant growing in her very on backyard! Ridiculous right?!? This is a fun, addictive story and I really enjoyed the characters and writing style. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 14, 2022
Reading through other reviews I had low expectations but what a FAB book! I really liked this book so much! The characters are unique, interesting and so layered & twisted. The Darkest Flower is a great book so much that I had to go hunting and see if the next book was available on NetGalley or Amazon. I'm amazed at the characters especially Allison Barton & Kira Grant. Sooooo interesting! Kira definitely made a mark on my mind, what an incredible character! Kristin definitely got it right with her characters! I found myself turning pages late into the night. Allison as a lawyer was so good, so methodical, so smart, so amazing! I think I have a new favorite character who's NOT a cop! The plot was ingenious and so twisted I was hooked on it & wanted to see it unravel with no respect for my body's need for sleep and rest. It was unique and had me guessing till the very end. However, the ending with respect to the characters fates felt vague and didn't bring me closure but I see what the author did there and I will most definitely will be picking up the next book to see what happens to Allison. But most of all I WANT to know Kira's fate! Will you consider bringing her back again in a future book again please?
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer & Kristin Wright for an arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer & Kristin Wright for an arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
As a former PTA mom, I can say I did a lot, a lot for my kids as they were growing up. But this book shows us how there are lines that can get crossed by parents with the best (?) intentions. Great read. Yep, hard to put down!
December 17, 2020
An outstanding book! The author is a master at creating fully realized characters who leap off the page as real people. Kira is the most interesting of those characters, an extraordinarily manipulative, status-obsessed PTA mom whose love for her child leads to questionable decisions. Think Cersei from Games of Thrones if she were married to a dentist and sought elite college admission for her children rather than control of the Iron Throne.
The plot twists and turns to unexpected places. Without getting into any spoilers, it kept me guessing right up until the end, while never seeming forced or contrived. The author is also a lawyer, and her portrayal of the legal process seems authentic.
One potential issue for some readers will be the dual point of view. The book’s chapters alternate between the perspective of Kira, the accused, and Allison, her lawyer. This style may not work for every reader. However, it is well-executed in the Darkest Flower and, in my opinion, enhances the character development. I don’t always like dual point of view, but it worked for me in this book.
I had trouble putting the book down from the very first page, so I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a page-turner!
The plot twists and turns to unexpected places. Without getting into any spoilers, it kept me guessing right up until the end, while never seeming forced or contrived. The author is also a lawyer, and her portrayal of the legal process seems authentic.
One potential issue for some readers will be the dual point of view. The book’s chapters alternate between the perspective of Kira, the accused, and Allison, her lawyer. This style may not work for every reader. However, it is well-executed in the Darkest Flower and, in my opinion, enhances the character development. I don’t always like dual point of view, but it worked for me in this book.
I had trouble putting the book down from the very first page, so I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a page-turner!
May 14, 2021
Normally, when I despise a POV character with all the fiery passion of ten thousand blazing suns, that doesn't bode well for the book. But this book is so well-written, so deliciously good at characterization and getting into their heads and bringing you all the little twists and turns while still keeping things in reserve to end with a bang, it actually adds to the experience - this book wouldn't be anywhere near as good if Kira wasn't so delightfully awful she loops back around to being a fun and engaging POV. As a real person, I'd want to throttle her and then some, but as a character, I'm obsessed. The blurb does specifically say Kira's supposed to be unlikable, and boy does it ever deliver.
I genuinely couldn't stop reading, and was sad when real life said I had to. It's gripping from start to finish, the characters are enthralling and feel so real I had to shake myself a few times to remember I was reading a work of fiction, and the case is so thoroughly complex each new development had me fighting not to gasp or shriek out loud. Easily my favorite book this year, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one, both to see Allison's next adventure, and hopefully for some updates on what happens to the side cast afterwards? Please?
December 7, 2020
Kristin Wright absolutely blossoms with her second book! The Darkest Flower has it all -- the darkest humor, the most delicious villain (or is she the villain!?), a heroine to root for as she roots out evil in the suburbs, and just the right hint of romance. I loved it and can't wait for Wright's next book, which is sure to thrill!
*I read an early copy of this book.
*I read an early copy of this book.
May 17, 2021
Mommy Law & Justice
Review of the Thomas & Mercer Kindle ARC eBook edition (to be released June 1, 2021)
Photograph of Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolf's-bane, leopard's bane, mousebane, women's bane, devil's helmet, queen of poisons, or blue rocket, sourced from Wikipedia
I had originally expected The Darkest Flower to be something along a cozier line than it turned out to be. Dueling mommies at a junior school PTA don't usually conjure up visions of noir and back-stabbing. There is an overabundance of plot points about minor age children and parents in crisis and nefarious goings on in junior school, so that you might want to step back if those themes don't attract you. Cynicism about the law also might be a turnoff for some, as in the quoted example from the text above. The defendant is especially repellant as you are allowed to dip into her thoughts in the back and forth chapters that toggle between her and the lawyer.
Still, the ending revelation was quite diabolical and the lawyer's method of obtaining justice was well handled (I'm being intentionally vague here to avoid spoilers) so this was an impressive start for first time novelist Kristin Wright. Her lawyer, Allison Barton, will return in The Darkest Web (expected April 2022).
The Darkest Flower. was one of the 9 possible selections in the 5th month of the Amazon First Reads program which offered 1 free Advance Reading Copy (ARC) selection to Prime members in Canada (2 copies in the USA).
Review of the Thomas & Mercer Kindle ARC eBook edition (to be released June 1, 2021)
The courtroom tainted everything and everyone who entered. We’d all go straight to hell together. There’d be a line for entry longer than the ones at Disney for Space Mountain. Despair at the awfulness of everyone overwhelmed me.
Photograph of Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolf's-bane, leopard's bane, mousebane, women's bane, devil's helmet, queen of poisons, or blue rocket, sourced from Wikipedia
I had originally expected The Darkest Flower to be something along a cozier line than it turned out to be. Dueling mommies at a junior school PTA don't usually conjure up visions of noir and back-stabbing. There is an overabundance of plot points about minor age children and parents in crisis and nefarious goings on in junior school, so that you might want to step back if those themes don't attract you. Cynicism about the law also might be a turnoff for some, as in the quoted example from the text above. The defendant is especially repellant as you are allowed to dip into her thoughts in the back and forth chapters that toggle between her and the lawyer.
Still, the ending revelation was quite diabolical and the lawyer's method of obtaining justice was well handled (I'm being intentionally vague here to avoid spoilers) so this was an impressive start for first time novelist Kristin Wright. Her lawyer, Allison Barton, will return in The Darkest Web (expected April 2022).
The Darkest Flower. was one of the 9 possible selections in the 5th month of the Amazon First Reads program which offered 1 free Advance Reading Copy (ARC) selection to Prime members in Canada (2 copies in the USA).
January 24, 2023
Tha Darkest Flower by Krisitn Wright is a legal mystery thriller set in a small town in Virginia with a majorly domestic setting.
When Kira Grant is accused of poisoning another parent at a PTA event, lawyer Allison Barton is hired as her defendant and this is supposed to be a big case for her career wise. The poison used was wolfsbane that Kira had grown plenty in her own garden and although she is a bitch....does that make her a murderer?
I was first of all very very uncomfortable with sharing my name with such a horrible character tbh lol, Kira was entitled and a bitch throughout, there is no doubt about it. I however really liked the other main character Allison Barton. She was professional and diligent and a good mom too. Kira was the exact opposite of this imo. Her unrealistic expectations towards her kids, the need to be seen and hailed as a supermom, her attitude towards everyone surrounding her - her whole personality in general was off putting and problematic.
The setting of a small suburban town where everyone knows everyone and parents are deeply involved in their children's lives as can be seen with these PTA moms intrigued me honestly and I was horrified at the same time by the length these parents would go to to secure a future for their children while they are still in elementary school! It shocked me to the core.
The ending was spectacular with what Kira was left with at the end and I was relieved as well as kind of glad that she atleast had to face some kind of repercussion for her actions although it was in no way an adequate amount of punishment.
I connected well with this author's writing style and am interested in reading more of her works.
4 stars.
When Kira Grant is accused of poisoning another parent at a PTA event, lawyer Allison Barton is hired as her defendant and this is supposed to be a big case for her career wise. The poison used was wolfsbane that Kira had grown plenty in her own garden and although she is a bitch....does that make her a murderer?
I was first of all very very uncomfortable with sharing my name with such a horrible character tbh lol, Kira was entitled and a bitch throughout, there is no doubt about it. I however really liked the other main character Allison Barton. She was professional and diligent and a good mom too. Kira was the exact opposite of this imo. Her unrealistic expectations towards her kids, the need to be seen and hailed as a supermom, her attitude towards everyone surrounding her - her whole personality in general was off putting and problematic.
The setting of a small suburban town where everyone knows everyone and parents are deeply involved in their children's lives as can be seen with these PTA moms intrigued me honestly and I was horrified at the same time by the length these parents would go to to secure a future for their children while they are still in elementary school! It shocked me to the core.
The ending was spectacular with what Kira was left with at the end and I was relieved as well as kind of glad that she atleast had to face some kind of repercussion for her actions although it was in no way an adequate amount of punishment.
I connected well with this author's writing style and am interested in reading more of her works.
4 stars.
September 23, 2021
Back in law school, they told us we’d be helping people. They didn’t mention that we would, more often than not, dislike the people we were helping.
Everything is going well at an end of school PTA event for the "graduating" students when suddenly a mother drops to the floor after drinking a smoothie laced with monkshood, also known as wolfsbane. Her friend who had just handed the smoothie to her, Kira Grant, soon becomes a suspect. But Kira has no motive to poison her friend, even if the poison in the cup came from a plant she grows in her yard.
Allison Barton is hired to defend Kira Grant. Allison is a single mother working for a well-known but sleazy lawyer, but a high profile case like this is her chance to make a name for herself and break free.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this legal drama. While the character of Kira Grant isn't especially likable (think of the dreadful people on those "real housewives" shows), Kristin Wright made her briefly sympathetic to me when you see her devotion to her children and her love of gardening. And the different parts of the story - from the early investigation thru the trial - made it often difficult to put down, and I finished it much quicker than I had expected. And while I didn't think the ending was all that surprising, there was a slight twist that made it interesting. Overall, a fun escapist read.
Everything is going well at an end of school PTA event for the "graduating" students when suddenly a mother drops to the floor after drinking a smoothie laced with monkshood, also known as wolfsbane. Her friend who had just handed the smoothie to her, Kira Grant, soon becomes a suspect. But Kira has no motive to poison her friend, even if the poison in the cup came from a plant she grows in her yard.
Allison Barton is hired to defend Kira Grant. Allison is a single mother working for a well-known but sleazy lawyer, but a high profile case like this is her chance to make a name for herself and break free.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this legal drama. While the character of Kira Grant isn't especially likable (think of the dreadful people on those "real housewives" shows), Kristin Wright made her briefly sympathetic to me when you see her devotion to her children and her love of gardening. And the different parts of the story - from the early investigation thru the trial - made it often difficult to put down, and I finished it much quicker than I had expected. And while I didn't think the ending was all that surprising, there was a slight twist that made it interesting. Overall, a fun escapist read.
May 5, 2022
Impressive and intoxicating. The women in this story are bold, clever, complex, and deliciously thorny—quick to show you what they're capable of, if you dare underestimate them. This book is a dark delight and Kristin B. Wright is an author I'll be closely watching.
The character development is off the charts for Kira. She's an all time favorite, for sure.
The character development is off the charts for Kira. She's an all time favorite, for sure.
January 22, 2021
Oh, wow. An absolutely fantastic read. Wright gives us deliciously layered main characters, plenty of twists and turns, and an inability to sleep until you get to the end. :-) I'm so glad I got an ARC of this book, and can't wait to see what Wright comes up with next.
May 5, 2021
My review disappeared and I’m recovering from hand surgery. I could barely write one review, I can’t do a second one.
December 20, 2022
Just finished reading this book and I am so conflicted. I loved it and sorta hate that I loved it. I feel like I shouldn’t share that I enjoyed this particular story and found it so entertaining and the audiobook only enhanced it.
My, my, my! I wish I could just read a story and enjoy it for what it is, but as a Black woman some stories just aren’t fiction; they transfer to the harsh realities of life and hit home. This just hit so different and I was immediately reminded of the REAL life tragedy of Tamla Horsford.
I wish I could shut my brain off from reality, but this is life. Anyway, I’ll just say that I love legal thrillers, horribly rotten characters, heavy suspense, and shocking revelations. This book was full of it. I will quickly be moving on to the next book in the series.
Ugh 🙄
My, my, my! I wish I could just read a story and enjoy it for what it is, but as a Black woman some stories just aren’t fiction; they transfer to the harsh realities of life and hit home. This just hit so different and I was immediately reminded of the REAL life tragedy of Tamla Horsford.
I wish I could shut my brain off from reality, but this is life. Anyway, I’ll just say that I love legal thrillers, horribly rotten characters, heavy suspense, and shocking revelations. This book was full of it. I will quickly be moving on to the next book in the series.
Ugh 🙄
July 3, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ Fun, quirky read that’s even funnier if you know someone with kids, or who’s on the PTA 🤣
June 17, 2021
Review to come!
May 7, 2021
Terrific story!
May 30, 2021
So many of my prime reads have been duds lately, yet this one was fantastic. I’m so glad I read it and it’s likely I am going to continue the series. I knew who the wannabe-killer was, But I didn’t know the how or why. Turns out I also didn’t know the who - as in who the victim was supposed to be. Great read.
See my review on my blog: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
See my review on my blog: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
May 14, 2021
4.5*** (rounded up, because I enjoyed it!)
After reading some of the reviews on this book, I expected to go in to a predictable, somewhat fluffy story. I was pleasantly surprised on how well this book was written in regards to both the legal aspects and the depth of the characters. I definitely finished this book feeling like I knew who these people were - even if I didn't think particularly highly of them.
Another thing I really appreciated - I've read many books where the author clearly picks a setting from a map and just runs with it. I am from southern Virginia originally, so the way these folks acted... it was SPOT ON. Virginia is part of the south, but people don't realize how deeply south parts can be - especially in the setting of this novel. People are so sweet to your face but can be downright nasty behind your back. The author really nailed this aspect.
After reading some of the reviews on this book, I expected to go in to a predictable, somewhat fluffy story. I was pleasantly surprised on how well this book was written in regards to both the legal aspects and the depth of the characters. I definitely finished this book feeling like I knew who these people were - even if I didn't think particularly highly of them.
Another thing I really appreciated - I've read many books where the author clearly picks a setting from a map and just runs with it. I am from southern Virginia originally, so the way these folks acted... it was SPOT ON. Virginia is part of the south, but people don't realize how deeply south parts can be - especially in the setting of this novel. People are so sweet to your face but can be downright nasty behind your back. The author really nailed this aspect.
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