The Begonia Killer

Third Chance Enterprises #3

by Jeff Bond

You know Molly McGill from her death-defying escapes in Anarchy of the Mice , book one of the Third Chance Enterprises series. Now ride along for her first standalone caper, The Begonia Killer .

When Martha Dodson hires McGill Investigators to look into an odd neighbor, Molly feels optimistic about the case — right up until Martha reveals her theory that Kent Kirkland, the neighbor, is holding two boys hostage in his papered-over upstairs bedroom.

Martha’s husband thinks she needs a hobby. Detective Art Judd, who Molly visits on her client’s behalf, sees no evidence worthy of devoting police resources.

But Molly feels a kinship with the Yancy Park housewife and bone-deep concern for the missing boys.

She forges ahead with the investigation, navigating her own headstrong kids, an unlikely romance with Detective Judd, and a suspect in Kent Kirkland every bit as terrifying as the supervillains she’s battled before alongside Quaid Rafferty and Durwood Oak Jones.

The Begonia Killer is not your grandparents’ cozy mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2020

About the author

Jeff Bond is an American author of popular fiction. His books have earned multiple starred reviews from Kirkus and BlueInk and been featured in The New York Review of Books. His 2020 release, The Pinebox Vendetta, received a gold medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards. A Kansas native and Yale graduate, he now lives in Michigan with his wife and two daughters. (Who share his Kindle account, as you might guess from peeking at his bookshelf.)

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Begonia Killer is nominally the third book in the Third Chance Enterprises series, but is more like a spin-off from The Anarchy of The Mice, with Molly now centre stage, as Quaid and Durwood don’t feature here, although they are mentioned. There would also be no problem reading this as a stand-alone. This one is more like a cosy - but without the formulaic plots that normally go with that genre, and has a little romance thrown in - so not my usual cup of tea, but Molly is a very likeable heroine, and I enjoyed this low-key PI mystery. I beta-read this by arrangement with the author.

Molly McGill is a New Jersey-based single mother, just about managing to keep it together raising kids while working as a private investigator, and keeping her opinionated grandmother quiet about her love-life - or lack of. Hired by an elderly woman concerned about the behaviour of her uptight neighbour, Kent Kirkland, Molly is initially sceptical of her client’s suspicion that he is responsible for the disappearance of two local boys, but agrees to look into it anyway. The police aren’t interested in the possible crime - although the hunky lead Detective is certainly interested in Molly - so she determines to find another way to get inside Kirkland’s house. Could this meticulously neat gardener really be a kidnapper?

I’ve read everything that Jeff Bond has published, and each book is from a different genre, so you never quite know what to expect. This one will probably appeal more to female readers - we get plenty about Molly’s domestic circumstances, including her precocious gaming-addict six-year old daughter and awkward early-teen son, an entertaining Bunco party (I had to google what that was!), and her flirtation with the mustachioed lawman. She’s patient but no pushover, and her empathy for her client, the possible victims, their families and the witnesses she interviews make her an appealing protagonist even when she’s making mistakes. I also found myself actually feeling sorry for the villain, which is unusual in a crime story.

This is a quick read, somewhere between a long novella and a short novel, and it’s all told from Molly’s perspective. The cover is the same retro-pulp style as the two previous books in the series, which I’m still unsure about, but I do like the bright pink colour. It’s well written and paced, I thought the dialogue was great, and there was a good amount of humour - especially from Grannie the live-in relationship commentator! There were enough procedural elements to get a feel for Molly’s profession, enough action to keep things entertaining and a satisfying ending. I look forward to continuing this series.

Thanks to Jeff Bond & NetGalley for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. The Begonia Killer is published on June 1st.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mystery with a female private detective looking into a claim by a woman that she thinks two missing boys are being held captive by someone in the neighborhood. Not quite a cozy but close, it focuses a lot on Molly McGill’s domestic situation and how she balances her P.I. business. She gets involved in a few crazy stunts but overall a satisfying story.

It quickly becomes obvious from the numerous mentions of other adventures that this is not a stand-alone even if it might not quite be a direct follower in the Third Chance Enterprise series as is indicated. I haven’t read the others and could understand this quite fine. I am intrigued by the mentions of the other books that seem pretty wild, world-saving adventures. Jeff Bond is quite the versatile writer.

I like the pulp fiction type cover but I don’t think it really matches the story inside.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was attracted to the book by it's cover first and when I read an excerpt for the book tour, I knew I had to read this book.

Molly McGill, our protagonist, is a single mother of two, while running a one-woman investigation business. She clearly needs to take on as many cases as she can handle and so when Martha Dodson comes to her with her concerns about her meticulous garner neighbour, Molly takes on the case despite her initial scepticism. With the police department showing no interest in her target, Molly had hoped for some cooperation from Detective Art Judd, but without it, she needs to find her own way around. With two missing boys' lives on the line, Molly needs to step up her game if she is to solve this case.

The Begonia Killer, as a story turned out to be much more than what I had expected from the cover, blurb and excerpt. I enjoyed getting acquainted with Molly McGill. The author provides us with enough details of both her personal and professional life to be able to really get to know her. As a mother to a 6 year old and a 14 year old, Molly has plenty on her plate. Add her investigative business, that can get downright dangerous, and a curious grandma to the mix, one has to admire Molly's grit. The author has managed to maintain a good pace despite providing so much additional information on Molly's personal situation. It was easy to stay involved and keep turning the pages as there was enough drama and action with a hint of humour in the story. As for the plot, it was quite simple and peppered with enough twists to keep the readers engaged if not guessing. The character development of the antagonist did surprise me quite a bit and certainly one of the more shining qualities of the book.

Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting a Bond book is an experience full of anticipation. I know there will be an odd plot, crazy adventures and quirky characters. How will he do it this time?

This novel involves one of those nosy neighbors every villain fears. You know, that old lady down the street who who suspects nearly every house she can see contains secrets. Is she crazy or is she the answer to a terrible crime?

I like Molly's dogged determination to see this case to its end, whatever that might be, even as she tries to raise her kids and still earn a living. I like the danger and suspense. I like the quirky characters. Bond has once again provided a novel that is surprising and entertaining, though short.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like I've waited forever to read the first Third Chance Enterprises to focus on Molly McGill, a single mom who is also a private investigator. Originally scheduled for November 2020 release, it was worth the wait.

Martha Dodson is certain that her neighbor is responsible for the disappearance of two young boys. Hiring Molly McGill, she presents her reasons for suspecting the man, and Molly goes to work. An interview with police detective Art Judd is disheartening, but Molly keeps investigating.

THE BEGONIA KILLER isn't so much a whodunnit as it is a "did-they-or-did-they-not-do-it." And author Jeff Bond keeps readers guessing as clues are discovered and details revealed.

Fans of the Third Chance Enterprises series have reason to rejoice as well, with the back matter announcement of the fourth book in the series, ASTROPLANE, featuring Quaid Rafferty. I can't wait!

Highly recommended!

I received an eARC from the author through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.

[Joseph Bainbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review:

This short crime novel from Jeff Bonds was utterly engaging.

Focusing on single mom and private investigator, Molly McGill, a character first introduced in the initial entry in the Third Chance Enterprises series, this fast-paced standalone caper is full of colourful characters and honest humour. And just the right amount of winsome romance.

A master of suspense, Jeff Bonds keeps you on your toes throughout this expeditious adventure, and the bingeable prose allowed me to finish it in a single sitting. And within the span of only a couple hundred pages, Bonds cleverly creates a character so genuine and relatable that it feels as if we've known her for years.

Molly McGill is a protagonist for the ages, and I hope we hear more about this propitious P.I.

[debmar50 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay

Good writing style, okay characters and good story. Part of a series and has many references to the 'past'. Which sounds intriguing as well as the excerpt, futuristic? Not much chemistry between the couple. Not much sleuthing to get to the deduction. I feel that you don't get a sense of the main character w/o reading the previous books. Not my type of reading.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, fast read.

A lady, hired a woman who said she was a private investigator. She did the work, but was not licensed by the state. She, and a Detective, started looking for two missing boys. They were much closer, than anyone realized, except the lady who hired her.

[Jill Ruhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Begonia Killer

This was a well written story with good character development and mystery appeal. I enjoyed experiencing the journey. I look forward to reading more Jeff Bond books.

[Tuba Sarosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Begonia Killer" by Jeff Bond offers a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader interested until the very end. Every nook and cranny of the tale is brimming with suspense, and Molly's strong character is a refreshing break from the typical male detective novel. Molly is hired to investigate the supposed abduction of two children. What follows is an unexpected route of discovery, including a surprise romance prospect in the investigator she seeks help from.

Jeff Bond's not-so-typical and intriguing writing style has piqued my interest, and I plan to read more of his work.

[James W · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Begonia Killer,’ by Jeff Bond, is yet another solid addition to the prolific author’s ongoing catalog of work.

Molly McGill, first introduced in Bond’s ‘Anarchy of the Mice,’ is back, and this time she’s taken on a case involving a pair of kidnapped boys. The single-mother by day, P.I. by night, McGill is contacted by Martha Dodson, an elderly woman who’s all but convinced that her neighbor is up to no good. While the local police and even Martha’s husband have all dismissed her claims, a cash-strapped McGill decides to take the case anyway.

What follows is a compelling, page-turner mystery complete with a series of unexpected twists. For all of her experience juggling the various aspects of her life, McGill’s latest case challenges her in ways she never could’ve expected.

Envisioned as the third installment to his ‘Third Chance Enterprises’ series, Bond’s latest book is only loosely connected to his previous work (which is perhaps better viewed as an anthology series). This time around, ‘The Begonia Killer’ is less a hard-boiled P.I. procedural and more a cozy mystery. While a bit of a departure from his previous work, the character-driven plot driving much of this story is a welcome change of pace for the genre-pushing author.

From the throw-back pulp artwork adorning the cover to the numerous homages sprinkled throughout the text, Bond has clearly established a style, and boy, does it work. Be it the witty dialogue, three-dimensional characters, or the vivid settings, ‘The Begonia Killer’ easily ranks up there as one of Bond’s best titles to date. While an argument could be made for a few more chapters–the book blurs the line between novel and novella–the story contains three definable acts and an ending that more than satisfies. (I suppose I’d always rather have an author err on the side of concise rather than adding pages for word-counts sake–and given the backlog of titles at this point, the necessary backstory has already been established).

If you’ve read any of Jeff Bond’s previous work, then this is a no-brainer, but for the uninitiated, ‘The Begonia Killer’ makes for a perfect entry point into Jeff Bond's catalog.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

The narration was good, but the dialogue (especially from the 6 year old) was unbelievable. The writing was anti-fat and anti-OCD, it was a mystery entirely devoid of twists, and was all together fairly lazy.

[Raghav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve come across some of Jeff Bond’s books time and again but refrained from picking them up simply because they were too long (300 pages plus) for me at the time. However, the covers were always why his books, especially the Third Chance Enterprises series, caught my eye. There’s this rustic, amateurish, yet hipster vibe about the covers that I really like.

So, when I stumbled upon The Begonia Killer, a mystery well under the 300-page mark, I figured it was finally time to read Jeff Bond. Even though it is third in the Third Chance Enterprise series (third time lucky, Jeff!), the book reads perfectly fine as a standalone.

Primarily a story about two missing boys, there are references to previous cases, which work perfectly as flashbacks, helping build the personality of the main lead rather than interfering with the plot.

Moreover, you can always read the blurb of the previous two books (as I did) and get an idea of what happened with the protagonist, Molly, earlier.

The story of The Begonia Killer is fast-paced and keeps moving from one incident to another. Molly is a brilliant character, a single mom who is flawed, human, relatable, and very much likable.

What I absolutely love about the book is how Jeff plays around with the reader. The Begonia Killer comes across as predictable when you start reading. Especially if you enjoy mysteries. It is, however, anything but that!

Jeff’s story has some cliched characters; a cop not interested in knowing about the missing boys, a nosy neighbour that starts the investigation, and shady personalities who are more than likely to be the culprits. But with red herrings aplenty, something new, exciting, and unprecedented comes up in every chapter.

The Begonia Killer is a thrilling read that has elements of a cosy mystery. Highly enjoyable; I look forward to reading more from Jeff Bond.

Note: I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're looking for a versatile author who displays expertise in his craft over a variety of genres, the name's Bond... Jeff Bond. To date, Bond has penned a traditional thriller, a techno-terrorism book, a political drama, a global domination plot, a Western mystery, and more.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of his work, and this book delivers in spades. This one is perhaps the smallest in scale from his other books, but this is no slight. Afterall, it's really hard to top the stakes of The Anarchy of the Mice or Blackquest 40.

Jeff has continued his Third Chance Enterprises saga with an entry focused specifically on Molly, the lone female of the trio. In this book, Molly is enlisted by her elderly neighbor to investigate the so-called Begonia Killer, who is suspected of kidnapping some missing boys. Throughout the book, we also learn more about Molly's personal and family life.

As with all of Jeff's books, he has spun quite the tale. The book is fast-paced and intriguing to read it in a single sitting, but can be stretched out over a few days. I think one thing that is most amazing is that Molly seems like a believable female lead. Male authors often have a hard time writing female characters and Bond definitely does her justice.

While this book is part of the Third Chance Enterprises series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend reading Anarchy of the Mice before this one to fully grasp some of the references.

Jeff's first book was titled The Winner Maker, and it appears that this title could be applied to the author himself. If you're looking for a good small-town mystery, with some personal touches along the way, look no further than The Begonia Killer... and keep an eye on your neighbors.

ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. She’s no Durwood Oak Jones, but I could hang out with Molly McGill… and get in way too much trouble!

Martha Dodson believes her secretive neighbor may be holding two young boys hostage in his home. However, like law enforcement, Molly feels she has an over-active imagination.

But Martha does raise a few good points, and Molly is not happy about the way the woman has been blown off and dismissed. While doubtful, she agrees to look into the situation.

And just like that, Molly McGill Investigators is on the case. Not having a private investigator’s license is a minor detail that’s never deterred Molly. The single mom has bills to pay!

Her first foray into the case finds Molly inside the home of Kent Kirkland, Martha Dodson’s stodgy neighbor, and suspected child kidnapper. The madcap antics she goes through to get from the front door to the upstairs checking for signs of the boys are straight slapstick comedy… but she does get that far and finds no proof to bolster her case.

But still.

The case becomes a part of Molly’s chaotic life which includes a precocious six-year-old who constantly steals her cellphone, a teenager who has all the answers, a riotous grandmother who has all the questions AND answers, and a burgeoning love affair with a police detective that keeps her off-balance.

Tenacious and impulsive, Molly is a great investigator and a great character to cheer on. Martha continues to supply Molly with info that leads her to dig deeper and get closer to danger, but what’s a little danger for someone who helped save the world from anarchist hackers?

Molly McGill is a force to be reckoned with and a perfect addition to the Third Chance Enterprises series that leaves me wondering how to get more of this series out of the author! HA!

Enjoy!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if the synopsis talks about “Anarchy of the Mice” this is the first Jeff Bond book I read. It won’t surely be the last as I loved his style of writing, the storytelling and the quirky characters.
This is not the usual cozy mystery as there’s not a single cozy mystery I read that could somehow relate to this story.
It’s quirky, fast paced and full of twists and turns and I read it in one setting as it’s quite a page turner.
There’s plenty of humor and I laughed a lot reading Grandma antics or some parts of Molly investigation.
Even if it’s the third in a series and there are some references to previous stories it can be read as a stand alone. The references to the previous stories boosted my curiosity and i will surely read them.
Even if it’s a humorous story the mystery is solid and I kept turning pages trying to understand if Kent Kirkland, the supposed villain, was innocent or not and what happened to the boys.
I was kept guessing and I loved the solution.
There’s some romance but it never takes the front seat. It’s nice and sweet.
Molly is an interesting and relatable characters: she was involved in some sort of world-saving adventures but she’s just investiganti (and trying to live her life) in this story.
A strong woman who feels for other women as she can see the sadness in their life.
The characters are quirky, fleshed out and likeable and the author did an excellent job at character development.
I would be happy to read other stories featuring Molly, Detective Jud and Grandma (she’s my favorite character)
I loved this story and I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Jeff Bond books, Netgalley and Partners in Crime for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Mrs Rj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series but this wasn't a problem at all (although having enjoyed this one I shall go back and find them out!). This was a book that I read over a weekend break and it was perfect, it is light, fun and still with some decent twists and turns. I enjoyed having a female detective and Molly made me smile along with her family's antics. Having been asked to investigate the disappearance of two boys by an elderly lady, who has her suspicions of who is the guilty party, Molly steps in and the detective work begins.

It is quite short and full of action so I did read through quite quickly. I did wonder if there could have been times when the pace could have been slowed and a little more background added, but this may be where I was noticing the lack of reading the previous two books. The characters are good, although some of the events did stretch the realms of the possible at times. Molly in Kirkland's house was entertaining but lacked the believability I would have enjoyed perhaps a little more.

All in all though, a really enjoyable read, albeit a light one. Great for holidays and relaxing, with just the right balance of strong story line and humour sprinkled along the way, Now I am off to hunt down the first two books in the series!

[Salimah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's confident and competent prose establishes the voice of the novel--his first-person narrator, Molly McGill--on the first page. I know that The Begonia Killer is part of a series, so Molly McGill has lived and breathed in other stories and there were likely more details about her past revealed in those, but even without the benefit of reading those, I felt I understood her. The first scene between her and her client subtly conveyed several critical insights into the private investigator and I was ready to go along for the ride with her.

The pulp fiction cover was what initially drew me to the book and set my expectations for something a little more hard-boiled. Where I think this ultimately landed was somewhere between a cozy mystery and a dimestore detective novel. Tonally, I enjoyed this middle-ground, and despite having to suspend disbelief on one or two plot points, I was intrigued by the central mystery and the culprit's ultimate rationale (we read these books as much for the why as for the who).

I wish that mystery had been solved less abruptly. Additionally, the principal love interest wasn't developed nearly enough for me to find it credible, interesting, or rootable. I wasn't opposed to the pairing, but I don't think it had been earned by the last page.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bond brings back his character of Molly McGill from his The Third Chance Enterprises series in this new standalone, The Begonia Killer. Molly McGill is a single mom who balances her time between raising her 2 children and working as a private investigator. Not having a private investigator certificate is only a small setback. McGill Investigators' newest client is housewife Martha Dodson, who asks Molly to look into her strange neighbor, Kent Kirkland. Martha suspects that Kirkland is holding 2 young boys in his home. Frustrated that the police refuses to take Martha's claims seriously, Molly digs further into the case with the few bits of information she receives from Martha. Meanwhile Molly tries to keep her personal and work life separate at her burgeoning romance with detective Art Judd. Molly's unconventional investigation methods will keep readers entertained. The humor that Bond sprinkles throughout the novel keeps this cozy mystery light and fun. With its cast of quirky characters (Molly's grandmother is my personal favorite) and uncomplicated plot, this standalone makes for a perfect beach read.

[CL Ngwe-Nwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light-Hearted, Fast-Paced, and Very Enjoyable!

This week, the murder mystery bug bit me and I fell on this fast-paced P.I. Mystery. Although it is part of a series, “The Begonia Killer” by Jeff Bond can be read as a standalone novel and still be just as enjoyable for anyone with a sweet tooth for murder mystery novels. I would know coz I dug in without going back to read previous books in the series.
Moly McGill is a private investigator who uses unconventional methods to investigate cases assigned to her. In this novel, she has set out to resolve a kidnapping; and somehow in the course of a rather complex investigation, she finds herself engulfed in a romantic situation.
The plot holds zero complexity but the story pulls you right in with so many twists and memorable moments. Jeff Bond’s writing is quite vivid but fun and light-hearted. If you are in the mood for something fast-paced, fun, and well-written, I bet you will enjoy this little page-turner.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The police think she’s nuts. Molly is beginning to wonder. Will Molly keep investigating or will she tell Martha there’s nothing left to investigate? But she does need the income from the case to keep the bills paid.

Martha manages to dig up some information that could be helpful. Molly keeps working at it, but she could be putting herself in danger. She and Martha have tried to get the police interested with no luck.

But Detective Judd does get interested in Molly. Will this eventually help Molly solve the case?

This book was not as intense as Anarchy of the Mice, but still kept me hooked. I didn’t really want this book to end. I’m looking forward to the next Molly book. I’d like to see more of the Durwood Oak Jones character.

You might also enjoy Dear Durwood, The Pinebox Vendetta and The Winner Maker by Jeff Bond.

***Book provided without charge by PICT.***

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Begonia Killer, A McGill Investigators Novel by Jeff Bond. This is a marvelous mystery and I can’t wait to read another book by Jeff Bond. Martha Dodson saw her neighbor, Kent Kirkland, madly cutting his begonias with shears. She saw his garage apartment windows covered with paper, and decided that Kent had kidnapped two boys, Calvin and Jhonny. Since the police will not help her, she hires an investigator, Molly McGill. Jeff Bond weaves this story masterfully. Molly looks for clues and she talks to the police detective, Art Judd. The story has a great pace, I did not think the story got slow or bogged down. The characters are well developed and realistic. This is an outstanding mystery with a believable ending. I am looking forward to reading another book by Jeff Bond. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Angie Blocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to read the first two books in this series and that was okay! I do however plan to read them. I was not lost at all as this is a standalone book. I absolutely fell in love with Molly McGill! She had me laughing out loud in many parts of the book during her investigation. Martha was a pretty awesome character as well. I feel Bond did an amazing job writing this book. I felt connected to the characters. I could easily visualize them and I could hear their voices in my head. I connected most with Molly as she is a mother and also seems to be pretty impulsive. I loved her “interview” with Kent Kirkland. She is quite the actor! I also really loved that the author ended the book the way he did. There were no unanswered questions.
☆☆☆☆☆/5 stars from me! I did not want to put this one down!

[Caitlynn Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Begonia Killer” is a quick-paced detective mystery that follows private investigator, Molly McGill, as she works to determine if the man she was hired to look into is just a quirky neighbor or a kidnapper of two missing young boys. While she initially doesn’t think there is much credibility to this case, Molly’s unconventional methods send her down a path of discovery that she doesn’t expect, including a surprising romantic prospect in a detective she seeks assistance from. While there was not a huge amount of character development in the short read, I enjoyed that it was so fast paced while still giving us a glimpse of characters we know from previous Jeff Bond works. If you have not read other books around Third Chance Enterprises, it certainly can work as a standalone for anyone interested in a swift, mystery tale.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Begonia Killer was a pleasure to read. It's fast-paced without an overly complex plot, but it pulls you in and holds you until you've devoured the book! It's a straightforward detective story with a brilliant protagonist and many memorable moments.

The Begonia Killer is the third installment in the series by Jeff Bond. However, you can easily pick this book up and read it as a standalone book. The plot doesn't focus on the previous books, and the few mentioned references are not too significant.
The writing is descriptive and detailed and holds your attention with few errors.

I highly recommend giving this book a read if you enjoy your mysteries. It's a relatively short read but is full of mystery and intrigue with a light drizzling of romance. It's the perfect read for a rainy afternoon.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Third Chance Enterprises series is a quick, easy read that I enjoyed. Following a quasi-private investigator as she follows clues/tips given to her by her neighbor about the strange man down the street.

It all starts with the brutal destruction of Begonias in a garden and tumbles into the case of two missing boys possibly kidnapped by the flower murderer. The book was a good cozy mystery that moved a fast pace that I finished in one sitting.

Bond created a story that kept me entertained and I enjoyed the overall lightheartedness of the book but also had a good mystery to solve.

Thanks to PICT & Netgalley for the ARC.

[Donna Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lately I have been in a murder mystery mood, so my reading has been dedicated to the genre.

Picking up this book was like meeting a new friend. I have not read any of Bond’s books prior this one, but I will be. It is rare that a book manages to surprise me but some of the twists in this were fantastic and I was kept guessing. The main character Molly has a strong, distinctive voice and I was impressed by how defined she and other characters were within the novel were.

Bond has a very clear writing style, and it complemented the genre wonderfully. I will be picking up more of his books in the future.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a funny and fun mystery to read. Molly McGill, investigator is called by a woman who is sure her quirky neighbor has two boys hidden at his house. How does she know this? Because she saw him get angry at his begonias and viciously slaughter them, hacking them to death. Of course Molly has to go meet this guy and gets into house under the ruse of a gardening expert. While she is trying to search she creates more and more incidents that cause her to stay while he is trying to get her out of the house. This was the funniest part and I found myself laughing out loud. This is the first book I’ve read by Jeff Bond, but will be searching out others by him.

[Emma Leadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the description of The Begonia Killer, down to "[It's] not your grandparents’ cozy mystery" and the pulpy, edgy cover.

Although it's part of a series, The Begonia Killer is described as a standalone and very much is.

It hit the spot for me: fast-paced, compelling characters and rather than trying to prove the innocence of a suspect, proving why he's guilty.

I don't know I'd read the others in the series as they seem more fantastical and science-fiction based, and whilst I love those genres, I like the idea of knowing Molly McGill exactly how she's portrayed here.

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a digital ARC on Netgalley.

[Martin L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, action-packed, down to earth: I read this book in one go - partly because of the length, but mostly because it was a page turner with its sometimes hilarious, other times scary twists. The kid that constantly stole the investigator's phone was a funny addition that made the characters more real. Just like in real life, the book proved that no matter how important your task is, there are always distractions and obstacles to shift through (even if you are trying to chase down a potential kidnapper).