Till Death Do Us Pot: A Flower Shop Mystery Fall Novella

A Flower Shop Mystery #19.4

by Kate Collins

Planting Seeds of Doubt

In the final novella of the Seasons series, NY Times bestselling author Kate Collins brings the beloved characters from New Chapel back to the page like never before.

Fall has arrived in New Chapel, Indiana, and life has never been better for local florist Abby Knight Salvare and her handsome private eye husband, Marco, until a missing person’s case puts our two hometown heroes at odds, showing signs of stress in an otherwise perfect marriage.

Town busybody Sylvie Freeman is certain that her twin brother has gone missing, although everyone in her family is convinced that Sylvie has officially gone off her rocker. She has hired Team Salvare to investigate, leading them into a mystery much bigger than either one could have imagined.

Tara Knight looks up to her crime-solving Aunt Abby – with the same red hair, short stature, and freckled cheeks – the two could be mistaken for sisters, but when a journalism assignment leads Tara into dangerous territory, her amateur sleuthing skills will be put to the ultimate test.

Follow Abby and her young niece, Tara, as they walk the fine line between truth and fiction. Keep up with Marco’s investigation as it unravels before his eyes, and watch carefully as the intrepid Team Salvare piece together a mystery that may have them understand the true meaning of the vow . . . till death do us part.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2020

About the author

Indiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.

3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!

Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.

Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Collins and the Flower Shop Mystery series was one of my first introductions to the cozy mystery genre and it holds a special place in my heart. I love these characters and it has been a real treat to watch Abby and Marco grow and developed in their relationship and in their life. This novella was a wonderful addition to the series. I really enjoyed how Ms. Collins worked Abby's niece Tara into the story. I can picture a spin-off series featuring her as she gets older - maybe post-college. There are seemingly two mysteries in this story but Ms. Collins is able to expertly wind them together for a climactic conclusion. If you are a fan of this series, you won't want to miss the chance to catch up with the characters and be entertained as Abby and Marco solve another mystery. Oh, and you need to see what Maureen is up to with her crafting and the unintended results.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this novella and hated that the chapters were interrupted by “new” chapters within the chapter with the names of the characters like Tara, Abbey, Marco etc. It felt like the book was written by different people (thus the names) and then clobbered together to make a novella. The story line was pretty good and that’s what saved it for me but most definitely not the style I got used to from this author. If the author is running out if ideas for this series then maybe it’s time to put an end to it and start on something new.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one

I’m going to miss this series. I love Marco and Abby. They have such a great relationship. I enjoyed Tara being in this one more and the whole Rear Window vibe.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love the novellas in the Flower Shop Mystery series, but this one wasn't my favorite. I didn't like the changing frequent changes in point of view between Abby and her niece Tara. Abby is helping her husband Marco with a missing person's case and her niece Tara is suspicious that a murder took place in a classmate's home.

The missing person's case about a man whose wife says is on a fishing trip but his sister suspects foul play. However, just as I would get interested in that story, it would go back to the teen-aged Tara's investigation. The "Tara" chapters would be perfect for a young adult novel but weren't that interesting to me. Eventually, the plot takes an interesting turn and the story gets a lot better.

As always, I enjoyed the scenes of Abby working in her flower shop as well as seeing what a great couple Abby and Marco are. I love this series and the way the story ended, but wish I could have enjoyed the first part of this novella as much as the last part.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another good mystery in the Flower Shop Mystery series. In this one, Abby's niece sees a neighbor doing something nefarious - moving what she thinks is a woman's dead body into a shed in the middle of the night. Abby thinks she is over-reacting at first, but then realizes the girl really did see something bad. At the same time, Abby and Marco are trying to solve the mystery of a missing man, never suspecting that the two things might be connected.

[Dawn Halverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most wonderful things about a novella is the fact that I can read it quickly and move onto the next item in my “to be read” pile. With one of Kate Collins’ A Flower Shop Series novellas, I not only get my quick read but I also get an engaging mystery with some of my favorite cozy characters. Back in New Chapel, Indiana, Abby and Marco have just started on a new missing person’s case, and Abby’s niece, Tara, believes she has witnessed her neighbor hiding a dead body. As each case develops, Team Salvare find themselves uncharacteristically out of sync as they sift through the clues of both mysteries. Add in Abby’s quirky and loveable co-workers from her flower shop, her drama queen of a cousin, and artist wanna-be mother, “Mad Mo,” this is a delightful story from start to finish. I really enjoyed how both mysteries were woven together through the story and especially enjoyed Abby’s niece, Tara, as a main character. Tara is a mini-me Abby with her tenacious spirit, stubbornness, and impulsivity, so it was a real eye-opener for Abby to see the parallel between her struggle to keep Tara safe without being too controlling and Marco’s same challenge when Abby puts herself in harms way. This entire series is wonderful, and I can’t wait to get back to New Chapel to visit Abby and the gang again in the next book.

I received an electronic version of the novella from the author and decided to write a review after reading it although I was under no obligation to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear, Abby has rubbed off onto her niece, Tara!!! Tara sees suspicious activity while looking out her bedroom window. As her mind goes into overdrive - much like Abby - she thinks that she sees her neighbor dragging a oversized bundle to the shed, and now she suspects that he has murdered his wife. Meanwhile, Abby and Marco are hired by a woman to find her missing brother - who employees and family members say that he's just off on a fishing trip.

Abby finally agrees to help Tara, since Abby thinks nothing will come of it and she's in charge since Tara's parents are out of town.

Will Abby and Marco find the missing brother? Is Tara impulsive like her aunt? Will she give up her crazy idea or get herself in hot water???

Pick up this entertaining addition to the Flower Shop mystery series - you'll be glad you did.

I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Till Death Do Us Pot is the latest A Flower Shop Mystery and it was so much fun to read!

Tara Knight has always been one of my favorite characters in the series. As the series progresses youve experienced her growing up into a teenager. This novella really takes it to the next level and you see how much she truly is like her Aunt Abby. Between studying for school, crushing on a boy, and watching the neighbors out her bedroom window, she is one busy young woman.

Abby and Marco are on a case while still both being incredibly busy. When they find themselves following a new development at the same time, but separately, can they put on the show they need to to get answers, or will other pieces of information about themselves come to light?

Till Death Do Us Pot is a quick, fun read! It alternates points of view between Tara and Abby and I literally couldn't put it down!

I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

We are back with the unshakeable duo of Abby and Marco, with the addition of Abby's tenacious niece Tara. While the private eye couple get pulled into a missing person's case, Tara gets embroiled in her own neighborhood mystery that she is determined to solve.

What I really enjoy about this series is the characters, the quirkiness, and the playful but solid relationship between our star duo. This novella is short but sweet, and it shows the importance of following your intuition and trusting the people you love.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story! Marco and Abby are phenomenal, and I love that Abby's niece Tara had a pivotal role in this book. This was a fast paced, page turner that kept me glued to the pages. I couldn't stop reading this book, because I needed to know what happened, how, and why. I have to say this is definitely one of the best books in this series, and I hope there are more books in store! I have received a free copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the Flower Shop Mysteries, but I just loved the way this story was told from two points of view, and how everything came full circle. While there wasn't quite as much of the Abby\Marco dynamic that I like so much, this novella was a quick and satisfying read. I really enjoyed spending some time with the Bloomers crew as well. A short but fun book!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads.

This was a cute, easy read. The changing POV throughout chapters was a bit disorienting at the start, but it didn’t affect the story or pace.

Loved the little twist too. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, light read. Three books from this mystery book series have been turned into Hallmark movies.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one. I'm sad, I'm running out of the books in this series.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby's niece, Tara, gets involved in a "Rear Window" mystery.

[MaryAnn Bettilyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was good but it was short

[Angela Go · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun novella and mystery in the Flower Shop mystery series. Recommend for those who enjoy cozy mysteries.

[Monique Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Winter coming up.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery. I liked the different perspectives of Abby and Tara.

[Lamia Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It was an entertaining story, and I liked how Tara was more involved. She changes the dynamics. Looking forward to the next one.

[Lauren Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great seasonal novella!!

[Libby]

(E-Lib) Despite the consistent mis-use of "I vs. me" in this book, it was a cute, quick read. I wonder if I was the only one who thought Rosa was taking Jillian's clothing donations when she showed up in an outfit with her big sunglasses?

[Drebbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Knight Salvare is already busy running Bloomer’s, her flower shop, but is thrilled that she and her Private Eye husband Marco have another case to investigate. Although his wife says he has merely gone fishing, Sylvie Freeman is convinced that her twin brother is missing and asks Abby and Marco to investigate. In the meantime, Tara, Abby’s teenage niece, is doing some investigating of her own – she is convinced her neighbor has killed his wife and is hiding the body in a shed in his backyard. Tara drags Abby into her investigation but is she dragging her into danger?

“Till Death Do Us Pot” is another nice entry in Kate Collins’ Flower Shop cozy mystery series. Although this is a novella, it feels like a full length novel. All the favorite characters are here – Abby, Marco, Grace, Lottie, Jillian, Abby’s mother (Collins does a delightful twist on Maureen’s latest art creation), and Tara. It is nice to see Tara play a big part in this story – she is a teenage version of Abby with her inquisitiveness and penchant for getting into trouble – I hope this continues in future entries in the series. As for the two mysteries in the book, Collins does a great job with both of them. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, eager to find out what would happen next - truthfully, if I had been reading a print edition instead of a Kindle, I would have flipped through the pages to get a glimpse of who the killer was! When I did get to the end of the book I was satisfied – there was just the right amount of tension and danger as the killer was revealed - well done by Collins!