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A Flower House Mystery #3
Fatal Flowers
Fatal Flowers is the third in a colorful cozy mystery series from Jess Dylan, set in the Flower House—where you’re as likely to find a killer as a chrysanthemum.
As Aerieville, Tennessee’s Flower House finally gains in popularity, Sierra Ravenswood finds herself feeling ready for new challenges. Luckily, the shop has grabbed the attention of the mayor’s daughter, and bride-to-be, Marissa Lakely. Sierra is thrilled, and nervous, to land her most important job providing flowers for the biggest wedding Aerieville has ever seen.
Fortunately, Marissa bucks all stereotypes and is far from a bridezilla—but her wedding planner, Taz Banyan, has apparently taken on the role for himself. He’s uptight, intense, and a little intimidating. But Taz aside, everything seems to be under control...until Sierra makes a startling discovery in the great the wedding planner, lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, in very bad shape. In fact, he survives only long enough to "It was the snake." As Granny Mae would say, seeing a snake is rarely a good sign, and this was clearly no exception.
With the town on edge and the wedding up in the air, Sierra refuses to stop asking questions in her determination to put an end to this latest danger—so both Aerieville and the Flower House can flourish once more.
As Aerieville, Tennessee’s Flower House finally gains in popularity, Sierra Ravenswood finds herself feeling ready for new challenges. Luckily, the shop has grabbed the attention of the mayor’s daughter, and bride-to-be, Marissa Lakely. Sierra is thrilled, and nervous, to land her most important job providing flowers for the biggest wedding Aerieville has ever seen.
Fortunately, Marissa bucks all stereotypes and is far from a bridezilla—but her wedding planner, Taz Banyan, has apparently taken on the role for himself. He’s uptight, intense, and a little intimidating. But Taz aside, everything seems to be under control...until Sierra makes a startling discovery in the great the wedding planner, lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, in very bad shape. In fact, he survives only long enough to "It was the snake." As Granny Mae would say, seeing a snake is rarely a good sign, and this was clearly no exception.
With the town on edge and the wedding up in the air, Sierra refuses to stop asking questions in her determination to put an end to this latest danger—so both Aerieville and the Flower House can flourish once more.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
8 people are currently reading
2829 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 3, 2022
This is the third book in the Flower House Mystery series. Sierra Ravenswood moved back to her hometown of Aerieville, Tennessee, after a failed singing career in Nashville. She worked part-time at a flower shop in high school and upon returning, resumed her old job. However, she is completely taken aback when her boss Felix goes off geocaching and sells her the shop for one dollar. From there we follow Sierra as she tries to once again find her footing in her community and make her new business a success. In this installment, she has landed her biggest job yet: wedding florist for the mayor's daughter. When the nightmare of a wedding planner, Taz, is murdered during a vendors meeting at the mayor's house, everyone involved in the wedding becomes a suspect. Sierra is determined to get to the bottom of things, especially when someone, possibly the killer, starts stalking her.
I adore this series. The small tightly knitted community setting, the heartwarming relationships between Sierra and her friends and family, and of course, the mysteries have made this one of my favorite cozy series. I think this is my favorite of the three books for two reasons: I love cozies that are centered around weddings, and two, I was completely stumped by who the killer could be. This was a first for me as I was able to correctly guess the killer's identity in the first two books.
All in all, a good addition to the series. I enjoyed Deena and Sierra's friendship in this installment and it was nice seeing more of Sierra's grandmother. I hope she will play a bigger role in a future murder mystery, with her herbs and superstitions.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I adore this series. The small tightly knitted community setting, the heartwarming relationships between Sierra and her friends and family, and of course, the mysteries have made this one of my favorite cozy series. I think this is my favorite of the three books for two reasons: I love cozies that are centered around weddings, and two, I was completely stumped by who the killer could be. This was a first for me as I was able to correctly guess the killer's identity in the first two books.
All in all, a good addition to the series. I enjoyed Deena and Sierra's friendship in this installment and it was nice seeing more of Sierra's grandmother. I hope she will play a bigger role in a future murder mystery, with her herbs and superstitions.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2022
This was my first time reading a cozy by Jess Dylan. I thought the mystery was edge of seat a time or two and parts of the book was scary. It most certainly was unpredictable and tragic. I didn’t read book one or two before reading this book. The author filled in some of the past happenings in the series so I wasn’t lost or confused and was able to follow along in the story. The characters were a mixture of personalities and each one added to the mystery. There were plenty of suspects and I was completely fooled because from the very beginning I thought I knew whodunnit. I have always loved the State of Tennessee and The Smoky Mountains and there couldn’t be a better location for this Cozy mystery .
Sierra Ravenswood is the main character in this book. She recently bought the flower shop business from a friend who semi-retired. Her best friend and employee Deena runs the flower shop cafe. Calvin Fox is a Botany Professor who has taken a leave from teaching and has a romantic attraction to Sierra. He works at the flower shop’s green houses and lives at the apartment over the shop. When Sierra gets hired to provide floral arrangements for the mayor’s daughter Marissa Lakely’s wedding she gets more than she bargained for when she meets the wedding planner Taz Banyan. He is rude and arrogant and treats Sierra as though she is below him. Far below him ! Seems Taz caused the former Florist to quit just two weeks before the wedding. Now Sierra seems to have stepped into a hornet’s nest and as far as the other vendors go Sierra started out on the wrong foot just by showing up for her first vendor’s meeting with Taz. Things definitely don’t get any better when Sierra finds Taz wounded from a stabbing. The wedding planner tries to tell Sierra who stabbed him just before he dies . Did he really say snake?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author. This book is scheduled to be released on 5/24/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#FatalFlowers#NetGalley
Sierra Ravenswood is the main character in this book. She recently bought the flower shop business from a friend who semi-retired. Her best friend and employee Deena runs the flower shop cafe. Calvin Fox is a Botany Professor who has taken a leave from teaching and has a romantic attraction to Sierra. He works at the flower shop’s green houses and lives at the apartment over the shop. When Sierra gets hired to provide floral arrangements for the mayor’s daughter Marissa Lakely’s wedding she gets more than she bargained for when she meets the wedding planner Taz Banyan. He is rude and arrogant and treats Sierra as though she is below him. Far below him ! Seems Taz caused the former Florist to quit just two weeks before the wedding. Now Sierra seems to have stepped into a hornet’s nest and as far as the other vendors go Sierra started out on the wrong foot just by showing up for her first vendor’s meeting with Taz. Things definitely don’t get any better when Sierra finds Taz wounded from a stabbing. The wedding planner tries to tell Sierra who stabbed him just before he dies . Did he really say snake?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author. This book is scheduled to be released on 5/24/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#FatalFlowers#NetGalley
May 24, 2022
I enjoyed this new addition to A Flower House Mystery series with all the twists, turns, and action with a murder mystery to solve, set in Aerieville, Tennessee. Sierra Ravenswood, owner of the Flower House Florist is excited to get a new job, a large local wedding floral job for the mayor's daughter. Only problem is it's in two weeks. However, money is not an issue. When the vendor group meets, there is undercurrents of hostility between the other vendors who all know each other. The wedding planner is one obnoxious person that all seem to have problems with and when Sierra finds him dead in the mayor's mansion during the meeting, she is thrust into solving his murder. This mystery had lots of suspects and motives and is more complicated than it appears. It is a fun read and enjoyable mystery plot to unravel as Sierra and friends work to solve it. As a side note, she and Calvin, the botany professor living in the upstairs of the floral shop, are dancing around their relationship, if they are dating or friends? I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy cozy mysteries, especially set in the Smoky Mountains with a floral shop for a backdrop.
I received a complimentary ARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 15, 2022
Sierra is asked to create the floral displays at an upcoming wedding, for the mayor's daughter. From the beginning, it seemed the bride wasn't exactly thrilled to get married, and the wedding planner was nuts!
Sierra gets involved, and when she finds herself involved in another murder investigation, she can't help but wonder who is out to sabotage the whole thing.
This was a fun addition to the series and the characters are beginning to grow in their roles.
I enjoy the relationship with Sierra and Calvin, but it seems to be forced, so hopefully that changes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Sierra gets involved, and when she finds herself involved in another murder investigation, she can't help but wonder who is out to sabotage the whole thing.
This was a fun addition to the series and the characters are beginning to grow in their roles.
I enjoy the relationship with Sierra and Calvin, but it seems to be forced, so hopefully that changes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
May 14, 2022
Fatal Flowers by Jess Dylan is the third book in The Flower House Mysteries. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. I wanted to give this series one more chance. I found the pacing to be varied throughout the book. Frequently the pacing was gentle as Sierra went about her days (working, time with friends, walking the dog, breakfast with parents, chatting with her grandmother, thinking about Calvin, spending time with Calvin). I have mixed feelings about Sierra. I wish she was less wishy washy. I am amazed her business is making any money with her business practices (her website is not updated, went to meeting without portfolio, and does not have updated pictures of flower arrangements readily available on phone are a couple of examples). Some of the other vendors thought she was naïve, but it is more the matter of Sierra not putting enough thought into matters (too many brain cells occupied with thoughts of Calvin). I like Deena, Sierra’s employee and friend. She is a good friend who stands by Sierra. There is humdrum dialogue and activities. The murder of the wedding planner is straightforward. There are a handful of suspects that include the other vendors for the wedding. I wanted more questioning and investigating (less of the namby pamby approach). At a bakery, Sierra had the perfect opportunity to speak with the owner (the woman was in her office with no way to avoid Sierra). Instead of knocking on the office door, Sierra decides to sit in the café and wait for the woman to come out (so she can keep avoiding her). I wanted to yell at Sierra to get her act together. There are some incidents, but the emotions are lacking to make them feel scary or dangerous. Instead of fury (or anger), Sierra is more “oh my, what am I to do.” The killer is easy to identify long before the reveal. I felt that more time is spent on Sierra and Calvin’s romance than on the mystery. At times, it felt that I was reading a romance instead of a cozy mystery. I wanted the murder to have a tie in to flowers. I felt that this was a missed opportunity. I did like learning about edible flowers and seeing them used in the tasty treats served in the flower themed café. Fatal Flowers has all the elements of a cozy mystery: quaint small town, friendly residents, a charming shop (flower shop), a murder, and an amateur sleuth. I just feel the story (the whole series) needs to be livelier with a more complex crime. I read the book, but I did not get into the story. I just kept wondering if the story would ever end. While Fatal Flowers was not for me, I suggest you obtain a sample to judge for yourself. Fatal Flowers is pretty as a posy with a puffed-up wedding planner, creative cookies, a soothing spa, a missing automobile, an alarming motorcycle, a mystifying murder, a warm mother-of-the-bride, and an interfering florist.
August 12, 2022
Great !
May 17, 2022
Read the first in the series, missed the second and picked up this one. Sorry I did because the character I thought could develop turned into to someone too stupid to live. Sierra Ravenswood plunges head long into the possible murder of a wedding planner. After being run off the road and pushed In front of a car, Sierra still feels the need to investigate by herself or wander through the woods alone. It’s only a matter of time until she meets the killer all alone. TSTL
May 5, 2022
It seems I’m definitely in the minority, but I found out protagonist Sierra a bit annoying and it really took away from my enjoyment. She’s very headstrong and impulsive, but in a way that irked me instead of endeared herself to me. It was also a tad annoying that she kept jumping to conclusions and assuming things.
March 20, 2022
Offered a tremendous amount of money to provide the flowers at the wedding of the daughter of the wealthiest couple in town, at a historic home, no less, Sierra is unable to turn it down. Only after accepting does she find out that, one, the wedding is only two weeks away, two, the original florist quit under mysterious circumstances, and, three, that the wedding planner is not just difficult to work with but downright obnoxious. Is it any surprise he winds up dead?
I found the mystery intriguing although, quite frankly, I found myself frequently rolling my eyes at Sierra. She does have a darling corgi, Gus, however, so dog-lover that I am, especially corgis, I cut her some slack. I wasn't sure that was a good idea, however, as she indulged her tendency to speak without thinking and ask questions that might draw attention to herself as a threat, and, sigh, wander off alone. Even after being shoved in front of a moving car, the next thing we know she's off for a walk in the woods. Yet, she's smart and caring, so she was hard to dislike, even when her actions might frustrate my more cautious self.
Not sharing any more of the plot, sorry. You'll have to read it to discover what or who she encountered in the woods. Who is Calvin and why is he off on a seeming treasure hunt? What does the mysterious Felix have to do with anything? What happened to the original florist? Even more important, where is the missing bride-to-be? Why doesn't the mayor's wife, the mother-of-the-bride, want to report the break-in and fire? Could the van with the image of a rattlesnake on it be connected to the murder? What's going on with Sierra's brother Rocky and her friend Deena? Why won't the former florist readily talk with Sierra? Why do the police want Sierra to take a lie detector test? Was the spa visit worth it when someone steals her car? What scares Sierra our of her home? Will her temper get her in trouble? Will Gus be a help or just in the way? Why are there.....oh, never mind. You get my drift. There is a great deal going on and it's difficult to sort out the important facts from the red herrings. I know I didn't figure it out, so it's one of those that keep you guessing. Great set up at the end, too, that has me thinking I'll be on the look out for the next book in the series.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me spend some time visiting Sierra and her friends, not to mention cute Gus. Sitting her in snowy Alaska, I'm ready to stop and smell the flowers
I found the mystery intriguing although, quite frankly, I found myself frequently rolling my eyes at Sierra. She does have a darling corgi, Gus, however, so dog-lover that I am, especially corgis, I cut her some slack. I wasn't sure that was a good idea, however, as she indulged her tendency to speak without thinking and ask questions that might draw attention to herself as a threat, and, sigh, wander off alone. Even after being shoved in front of a moving car, the next thing we know she's off for a walk in the woods. Yet, she's smart and caring, so she was hard to dislike, even when her actions might frustrate my more cautious self.
Not sharing any more of the plot, sorry. You'll have to read it to discover what or who she encountered in the woods. Who is Calvin and why is he off on a seeming treasure hunt? What does the mysterious Felix have to do with anything? What happened to the original florist? Even more important, where is the missing bride-to-be? Why doesn't the mayor's wife, the mother-of-the-bride, want to report the break-in and fire? Could the van with the image of a rattlesnake on it be connected to the murder? What's going on with Sierra's brother Rocky and her friend Deena? Why won't the former florist readily talk with Sierra? Why do the police want Sierra to take a lie detector test? Was the spa visit worth it when someone steals her car? What scares Sierra our of her home? Will her temper get her in trouble? Will Gus be a help or just in the way? Why are there.....oh, never mind. You get my drift. There is a great deal going on and it's difficult to sort out the important facts from the red herrings. I know I didn't figure it out, so it's one of those that keep you guessing. Great set up at the end, too, that has me thinking I'll be on the look out for the next book in the series.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me spend some time visiting Sierra and her friends, not to mention cute Gus. Sitting her in snowy Alaska, I'm ready to stop and smell the flowers
August 4, 2022
FATAL FLOWERS by Jess Dylan is everything a cozy should be. Great mystery with some light danger, fun town, terrific cast of supporting characters (I love granny!), an energetic pet, and a sprinkle of romance. I loved the small-town Appalachian setting and the fantastic flower shop. The wedding planning backdrop allowed for a multitude of good suspects and interesting characters. Will 100% read more in this series!
April 13, 2022
An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery. It kept me turning the pages. It is not necessary to have read the previous ones in the series to enjoy this one. I read the first, but somehow missed the second one. I do look forward to the further adventures of our clever floral designer and amateur sleuth. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
May 26, 2025
excellent cozy mystery with a clever murder to solve. I really enjoyed the main characters, and the Corgi, Gus. I’m sad this was the last story to the series as I felt there was more great stories to be told. I highly recommend!
May 8, 2022
***Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I chose to read this book on my own and all opinions expressed in this review are solely my own. ***
Fatal Flowers is an exciting new cozy mystery from author Jess Dylan about musician-turned-florist/amateur sleuth Sierra Ravenswood.
Sierra is hired as a florist for a high profile local wedding, but the proceedings quickly turn deadly!
This is a fast paced drama with intriguing characters, with many suspects and Sierra's own gang of helpers, including her friends, neighbours and family members
Set in the Appalachian mountains, the setting for the book is scenic and colourful. The plot is lively with an exciting denouement!
Highly recommend!
Fatal Flowers is an exciting new cozy mystery from author Jess Dylan about musician-turned-florist/amateur sleuth Sierra Ravenswood.
Sierra is hired as a florist for a high profile local wedding, but the proceedings quickly turn deadly!
This is a fast paced drama with intriguing characters, with many suspects and Sierra's own gang of helpers, including her friends, neighbours and family members
Set in the Appalachian mountains, the setting for the book is scenic and colourful. The plot is lively with an exciting denouement!
Highly recommend!
April 30, 2022
Genre: cozy mystery
Series: Flower House mysteries, book 3
Pub date: 5/24/22
In one sentence: Florist Sierra is supplying flowers for the mayor's daughter's wedding - until the wedding planner is killed and her role switches to that of sleuth.
This is the first book I've read in the Flower House series, and I enjoyed it a lot! It worked well as a standalone - I had fun getting to know Sierra and the Flower House team.
The wedding provided plenty of drama, and of course I loved all the flower descriptions. The plot was fairly intricate for a cozy with plenty of nefarious activity afoot, and it all wrapped up well at the end. I will definitely read another in the series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Series: Flower House mysteries, book 3
Pub date: 5/24/22
In one sentence: Florist Sierra is supplying flowers for the mayor's daughter's wedding - until the wedding planner is killed and her role switches to that of sleuth.
This is the first book I've read in the Flower House series, and I enjoyed it a lot! It worked well as a standalone - I had fun getting to know Sierra and the Flower House team.
The wedding provided plenty of drama, and of course I loved all the flower descriptions. The plot was fairly intricate for a cozy with plenty of nefarious activity afoot, and it all wrapped up well at the end. I will definitely read another in the series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2022
This is my favorite book in the Flower Shop series to date. Not only did I find Sierra less grating, but the mystery was also intriguing. While I thought that the murderer in book 2 was too obvious, this one managed to stump me and had me considering every option— except the correct one. I also liked the evolving relationships. While I previously found some of the supporting characters somewhat forgettable, they were involved well in the the story.
I would definitely read a next in series for both the stories that are developing and for the mystery.
I would definitely read a next in series for both the stories that are developing and for the mystery.
May 5, 2022
Fatal Flowers is the 3rd book in the Flower House mystery series by Jess Dylan. Sierra Ravenswood, owner of Flower House is hired to create the floral arrangements for the wedding of the Mayor's daughter. Sierra is excited for the opportunity as it will be her biggest project yet, and will hopefully bring more business to her shop. Sierra is soon invited to the Mayor's mansion for a meeting with the other wedding vendors. While at the meeting, one of the vendors is murdered. Sierra is the last person to see the victim alive.
I was excited to read this book, I have read the two previous books in the series. Sierra has a positive attitude and is always welling to help others. Her Granny Mae had a bigger part in this story which was fun to read. Sierra and her best friend and employee Deena spend more time together as Deena helps to investigate who the killer is. Calvin and Sierra become closer and try to figure out their relationship. This is one of the things that I have enjoyed about the series is the friend/family relationships.
When reading mysteries, I can sometimes figure out the killer, but I couldn't with this story. Being that there were so many wedding vendors as potential suspects and a few other side stories, I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the digital review copy. I am a fan of this series and hope that there are more books to come!
I was excited to read this book, I have read the two previous books in the series. Sierra has a positive attitude and is always welling to help others. Her Granny Mae had a bigger part in this story which was fun to read. Sierra and her best friend and employee Deena spend more time together as Deena helps to investigate who the killer is. Calvin and Sierra become closer and try to figure out their relationship. This is one of the things that I have enjoyed about the series is the friend/family relationships.
When reading mysteries, I can sometimes figure out the killer, but I couldn't with this story. Being that there were so many wedding vendors as potential suspects and a few other side stories, I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the digital review copy. I am a fan of this series and hope that there are more books to come!
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed this one more than the first two. This one seemed to drag on FOREVER. The problem, I think, rests in Sierra. She’s written as intuitive and smart when it comes to finding clues and then she does stupid things that put her in danger. I did enjoy the addition of the treasure hunt. I found it more interesting than the murder investigation. But despite the addition of an activity for her to take on with Calvin, I still don’t feel any chemistry between them. In fact, I enjoyed the book more in the beginning when he was out of town. I think I’m officially done with this series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
3.5?? Kept my interest but didn’t captivate me.
April 15, 2022
The next book in the Flower House mystery series finds Sierra providing flowers for a big wedding last minute. When Sierra gets enlisted to provide flowers for the wedding of the mayor’s daughter, she’s a little nervous because the wedding is only two weeks away. Moreover, weird things keep happening that make it seem like someone doesn’t want this wedding to happen. Then the wedding planner is murdered. Sierra must find out who did it before she’s next.
Another good book in this series! As most cozy mysteries, you don’t need to have read the previous ones, but it does help to understand the side plots outside of the main murder mystery.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another good book in this series! As most cozy mysteries, you don’t need to have read the previous ones, but it does help to understand the side plots outside of the main murder mystery.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
Fast paced cute cozy! Sierra finds herself supplying the flowers for the daughter of the wealthiest family in the area. Seems like an awesome deal until the wedding planner, who was disliked by all, is found murdered. The third book in the series is as charming as the first 2! Loved it! Thanks #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
April 8, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book to review.
This has become one of the best cozy series I currently read & I was quite excited to get the upcoming book early to review. This time (luckily) the murder does not take place at Sierra’s flower shop but that doesn’t mean she isn’t trying to solve it. There’s plenty of suspects, all involved with the wedding. Jess really is starting to lean into trying to solve the mysteries which I like. And she’s becoming known as someone to go to to solve things. I’m hoping her relationship with Calvin will lead to promising things & maybe even a treasure hunt with The Flower House’s former owner?
This the perfect book (and series) to read this spring, the colourful writing & all the flowers make for the perfect ambience. So grab the books & sit outside & enjoy spring ☺️
This has become one of the best cozy series I currently read & I was quite excited to get the upcoming book early to review. This time (luckily) the murder does not take place at Sierra’s flower shop but that doesn’t mean she isn’t trying to solve it. There’s plenty of suspects, all involved with the wedding. Jess really is starting to lean into trying to solve the mysteries which I like. And she’s becoming known as someone to go to to solve things. I’m hoping her relationship with Calvin will lead to promising things & maybe even a treasure hunt with The Flower House’s former owner?
This the perfect book (and series) to read this spring, the colourful writing & all the flowers make for the perfect ambience. So grab the books & sit outside & enjoy spring ☺️
May 24, 2022
I literally just finished this book on the heels of reading book 2 in the series, and I'm really in love with the characters at this point. Book three was just the sweet spot that had Sierra, Deena and Calvin all working together along with Sierra's brother Rocky who likes Deena and seems like he'd do anything for her, lol.
This was a crazy case with all sorts of things going wrong. Basically, if it could go wrong for planning a wedding, it did. Someone with a side hustle of something illegal was lurking around and Sierra wondered which one of the wedding vendors it was. She was tired of being terrorized by a guy on a motor scooter and just kept on sleuthing no matter what. I love Calvin for how he's pretty much game for anything she wants to do--and I'm always proud of her when she takes someone along with her whether it's Cal, Deena or her dog Gus. Sierra tries very hard not to do stupid things, but sometimes she's still pretty impulsive, and that's enough to get a person killed!
I had two people in mind for whodunit, but as the book progressed and hidden clues showed up, I settled on one and was right. It was pretty exciting to see how the perp was caught too, then the ending was everyone gathered for Sierra's birthday. I'm super eager now to read the next book! It was a lot of fun going directly from book 2 to this one and made me get to know the characters a lot better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
This was a crazy case with all sorts of things going wrong. Basically, if it could go wrong for planning a wedding, it did. Someone with a side hustle of something illegal was lurking around and Sierra wondered which one of the wedding vendors it was. She was tired of being terrorized by a guy on a motor scooter and just kept on sleuthing no matter what. I love Calvin for how he's pretty much game for anything she wants to do--and I'm always proud of her when she takes someone along with her whether it's Cal, Deena or her dog Gus. Sierra tries very hard not to do stupid things, but sometimes she's still pretty impulsive, and that's enough to get a person killed!
I had two people in mind for whodunit, but as the book progressed and hidden clues showed up, I settled on one and was right. It was pretty exciting to see how the perp was caught too, then the ending was everyone gathered for Sierra's birthday. I'm super eager now to read the next book! It was a lot of fun going directly from book 2 to this one and made me get to know the characters a lot better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
March 20, 2022
Fatal Flowers is the third book of this cute cozy mystery series. Sierra is asked to supply the flower arrangements for the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the area. First, she has to attend a vendor's meeting at the brides home where she meets the other vendors and the rude egotistical wedding planner. The wedding planner ends up murdered and the bride's mom begs Sierra to help the local police solve the murder. This was a quick paced book with fun characters and lots of red herrings. I look forward to the next book in this series. Thank you for the advance copy netgalley!
May 17, 2022
What do you call a monster wedding planner? PlannerZilla? What do you call a dead wedding planner? Anything you want, now that he can't give you an evil sneer or kill your career!
Taz (the deceased), was a wedding genius, but mean, greedy, and cruel to people--especially those he worked with. Did someone want him dead, want the mayor embarrassed, or want the wedding (of the mayor's daughter) stopped? Or was it all collateral damage?
Annaliese, the mayor's wife hushes up that her daughter is missing, and wants the killer caught. So she calls the local florist; Sierra Ravenswood! Can Sierra deliver the bride and the killer?
This is book 3 of the series, and Sierra's guy friend Calvin seems interested, but no date, and has trouble closing on a first kiss. (FYI: Important because he runs the greenhouse and lives above the flower shop.)
It's a pretty good mystery, and an enjoyable, clean story. But it's disjointed, and the parts about a treasure hunt are distracting rather than adding depth. Sierra is not very thorough about information gathering. Clues fall in her lap. The ending is pulled together very quickly (off camera) with "This happened, and those people did this...."
About Sierra's "supportive friends;" when everything's on the line, they don't follow her leadership. That really made me dislike them for pretending instead of speaking up about what they disagreed with. The bride's old friend is creepy, and rates a 7/10 on my possible stalker meter. Sierra is not used to support, friendship, honesty, or loyalty. If nothing else, she deserves friends who voice objections. Also, Calvin and the "iffy dating," is no good. These three things disappointed me very much.
3/5 Stars
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#FatalFlowers #NetGalley #JessDylan
#StMartinsPress #StMartinsPaperbacks
#MysteryandThrillers
#CozyCraftsHobbiesMystery
#CozyCraftHobbyMysteries
#CozyAnimalMystery
#CozyFloristMystery
#CleanCozyMystery
Taz (the deceased), was a wedding genius, but mean, greedy, and cruel to people--especially those he worked with. Did someone want him dead, want the mayor embarrassed, or want the wedding (of the mayor's daughter) stopped? Or was it all collateral damage?
Annaliese, the mayor's wife hushes up that her daughter is missing, and wants the killer caught. So she calls the local florist; Sierra Ravenswood! Can Sierra deliver the bride and the killer?
This is book 3 of the series, and Sierra's guy friend Calvin seems interested, but no date, and has trouble closing on a first kiss. (FYI: Important because he runs the greenhouse and lives above the flower shop.)
It's a pretty good mystery, and an enjoyable, clean story. But it's disjointed, and the parts about a treasure hunt are distracting rather than adding depth. Sierra is not very thorough about information gathering. Clues fall in her lap. The ending is pulled together very quickly (off camera) with "This happened, and those people did this...."
About Sierra's "supportive friends;" when everything's on the line, they don't follow her leadership. That really made me dislike them for pretending instead of speaking up about what they disagreed with. The bride's old friend is creepy, and rates a 7/10 on my possible stalker meter. Sierra is not used to support, friendship, honesty, or loyalty. If nothing else, she deserves friends who voice objections. Also, Calvin and the "iffy dating," is no good. These three things disappointed me very much.
3/5 Stars
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#FatalFlowers #NetGalley #JessDylan
#StMartinsPress #StMartinsPaperbacks
#MysteryandThrillers
#CozyCraftsHobbiesMystery
#CozyCraftHobbyMysteries
#CozyAnimalMystery
#CozyFloristMystery
#CleanCozyMystery
May 23, 2022
Sierra is learning how to run the flower shop, considering that she was dropped into the business at the deep end. She has added a floral tea shop with enough room to host book groups and small parties. When she is offered the chance to do the flowers for the Mayor's daughter's wedding, the money speaks louder that caution. The major catch? She will be replacing the previous florist who quit and the wedding is in two weeks. If that wasn't enough to make her think twice, once Sierra arrives at the Mayor's mansion for a vendor's meeting the rest of the people involved with the event are a strange group. Top of the list, the prime reason for saying "I've changed my mind" is the wedding planner, a guy named Taz. He's horrid, full of himself, a bully and all around nasty man. Yes, he drives somebody to commit murder by stabbing him and shoving him over the second floor landing railing. He literally dies at Sierra's feet.
Sierra is now ready to run back to her shop and leave the police to their case. Too bad the Mayor's wife has other ideas. She is certain that the police are not doing their job, her daughter has gone missing and the show must go on. To that end she dangles big bucks in front of Sierra to do some investigating for her. If all turns out well the money and the exposure will be a huge boost for the shop. Yes, she should have said no but it was too good to pass up. Famous last words, Sierra.
The small town setting, the various recurring characters coupled with a well plotted mystery are enough for me to read future entries. Sierra improves a bit in each book and I'd like to see her progress in her relationship with Calvin, her tenant, employee and boyfriend. I have to say my two favorite characters are her Granny and Gus, the Corgi puppy.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sierra is now ready to run back to her shop and leave the police to their case. Too bad the Mayor's wife has other ideas. She is certain that the police are not doing their job, her daughter has gone missing and the show must go on. To that end she dangles big bucks in front of Sierra to do some investigating for her. If all turns out well the money and the exposure will be a huge boost for the shop. Yes, she should have said no but it was too good to pass up. Famous last words, Sierra.
The small town setting, the various recurring characters coupled with a well plotted mystery are enough for me to read future entries. Sierra improves a bit in each book and I'd like to see her progress in her relationship with Calvin, her tenant, employee and boyfriend. I have to say my two favorite characters are her Granny and Gus, the Corgi puppy.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2022
This is a cozy whodunit. Having not read anything before by this author, apparently there are other books where the main character has dealt with other murders. Sierra Ravenswood is the local florist in a small town and seems to have a propensity for finding dead bodies. In this whodunit, Sierra has been contacted by the Marissa, the mayor’s daughter, to do the flowers for her wedding in two weeks’ time. The previous florist quit due to conflicts with the overbearing and arrogant wedding planner. After being summoned to the mayor’s mansion to meet with all the vendors, a murder takes place. Sierra Ravenswood finds Taz, the uptight wedding planner at the bottom of a staircase and hears his last words, giving a clue. Given his volatile nature and his nastiness to all the vendors, everyone at the meeting is a suspect. The mayor’s wife then asks Sierra to help in the investigation so that her daughter can still have her wedding. Sierra sets off with her friend Deena, asking questions trying to find the murderer.
Some twists and turns but also very predictable. A lot of mundane dialogue, I prefer a story that believes in “show but don’t tell” so that the reader feels a part of the story. Not the best writing style, this was really a mediocre attempt at a cozy mystery. Given the title of “Fatal Flowers”, I had hoped that the murder would involve the element of plants and flowers which could be medicinal or deadly. Apparently, others enjoy this series, but I found it just okay.
Thanks to #netgalley #fatalflowers #jessdylan for the opportunity to rad and review this book.
Some twists and turns but also very predictable. A lot of mundane dialogue, I prefer a story that believes in “show but don’t tell” so that the reader feels a part of the story. Not the best writing style, this was really a mediocre attempt at a cozy mystery. Given the title of “Fatal Flowers”, I had hoped that the murder would involve the element of plants and flowers which could be medicinal or deadly. Apparently, others enjoy this series, but I found it just okay.
Thanks to #netgalley #fatalflowers #jessdylan for the opportunity to rad and review this book.
May 13, 2022
Fatal Flowers by Jess Dylan (Flower House Mystery #3) 4 stars
Sierra Ravenswood, owner of the Flower House has a new commission. The mayor’s daughter, Marissa Lakely has asked Flower House to provide the floral arrangements for her upcoming wedding. This is an urgent matter because the previous vendor quit unexpectedly. The bride is sweet, but the wedding planner could be a stereotype for “Plannerzilla”. A demanding high strung diva type, Taz Banyan is demanding and rude. The meeting takes an left turn when Sierra discovers Taz, lying in a heap at the bottom of a staircase. As a dying declaration, Taz mutters “It was a snake”. The list of suspects is long; every vendor other than Sierra is on that list. Can Sierra solve the mystery and get the wedding on track again? You will have to finish the book to find out.
This is the third book in this series after “Death In Bloom” and “Petal and Poison”. Both books are on my TBR pile, but I haven’t gotten around to them yet. I am sure I might be missing some of the nuances and relationships between established characters, but the book was an engrossing read anyway. Sierra is a determined sleuth; even willing to go undercover at a spa to find out more about Taz. The ending was action packed and now I am determined to read the previous two books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.
Sierra Ravenswood, owner of the Flower House has a new commission. The mayor’s daughter, Marissa Lakely has asked Flower House to provide the floral arrangements for her upcoming wedding. This is an urgent matter because the previous vendor quit unexpectedly. The bride is sweet, but the wedding planner could be a stereotype for “Plannerzilla”. A demanding high strung diva type, Taz Banyan is demanding and rude. The meeting takes an left turn when Sierra discovers Taz, lying in a heap at the bottom of a staircase. As a dying declaration, Taz mutters “It was a snake”. The list of suspects is long; every vendor other than Sierra is on that list. Can Sierra solve the mystery and get the wedding on track again? You will have to finish the book to find out.
This is the third book in this series after “Death In Bloom” and “Petal and Poison”. Both books are on my TBR pile, but I haven’t gotten around to them yet. I am sure I might be missing some of the nuances and relationships between established characters, but the book was an engrossing read anyway. Sierra is a determined sleuth; even willing to go undercover at a spa to find out more about Taz. The ending was action packed and now I am determined to read the previous two books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.
March 5, 2025
Sierra is excited when she's asked to do the wedding flowers for the mayor’s daughter. It will provide a nice boost to her bottom line, as well as generating exposure for Flower House. It doesn’t take long for Sierra to discover why the initial florist quit—the wedding planner is an egotistical terror to work with. None of the other vendors like Taz either, but they all seem willing to go with the flow if it means business. During a pre-wedding meeting at the mayor’s mansion, Sierra finds Taz in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. He whispers a garbled message before dying. Not long after, the bride pulls a runner, and her mother begs Sierra to look into both the murder and Marissa’s mysterious disappearance. Sierra reluctantly agrees, but the questions she’s been asking are making someone nervous, much to the chagrin of her family, friends, and her kinda-sorta boyfriend, Calvin. Sierra, however, is determined to see it through.
This is the first I’ve read in the series, but I didn’t feel lost at all, and the author didn’t spoil previous books. Characterizations were done well, and the plot had good pacing. I wish we’d seen more of Sierra doing things other than investigating, however. The bulk of the narrative focused on her sleuthing; we seldom saw her at work or spending time at home or socializing.
Good read, four stars
This is the first I’ve read in the series, but I didn’t feel lost at all, and the author didn’t spoil previous books. Characterizations were done well, and the plot had good pacing. I wish we’d seen more of Sierra doing things other than investigating, however. The bulk of the narrative focused on her sleuthing; we seldom saw her at work or spending time at home or socializing.
Good read, four stars
June 19, 2022
Marissa Lakely hired Sierra and Flower House to do the flowers for her wedding after the florist hired by her wedding planner, Taz, bailed. So, Sierra went to Mayor Lakely's mansion for a vendors meeting. Taz was unkind to her and apparently disliked by the other vendors. He didn't treat them nice unless a member of the family was around. Sierra explored the venue space with an eye toward floral decorations. She was alone when she heard a noise and stumbled on Taz at the bottom of the grand staircase as he was dying. Did he say 'snake', she couldn't be sure. As the police investigated, Marissa disappeared. But odd incidents of sabotaging the wedding happened. Analiese, the bride's mother, asked Sierra to investigate what happened. An attempt on the life of another vendor, Sierra was pushed into oncoming traffic, as well as a fire started in the mayor's trash can. Sierra tried to find out more about the vendors, leading her to Nashville where her car was stolen, leading her to find it in a chop-shop. Will Sierra uncover what's going on? Will attempts to thwart her investigation lead to her being run off the road? Can she find the bride and save the wedding? What other crimes will being uncovered or will someone else pay with their life?
February 23, 2023
Not having read the previous two installments of the Flower House Mystery series, I had no trouble figuring out who was who. The author did a good job of bringing in bits of the past stories to clarify things happening in this third book. Set in the Smoky Mountains, Sierra Ravenswood is now the owner of the Flower House Florist. As with any new business, she has to watch her pennies, so when the mayor's daughter asks her to be the florist in charge of her massive wedding, Sierra jumps at the chance. The mayor's daughter seems to be pretty laid-back about the whole wedding; it's her mama who is the bridezilla. Money is no issue. When the team comes together at the mansion to make final plans for the wedding, the wedding planner winds up dead. Sierra, who really should have kept her nose out of the investigation, felt drawn to do her own investigating. As such, she has several close calls with someone who is out to get her.
There are lots of red herrings, lots of clues that go nowhere, and several interesting local characters, including Calvin the botany professor, who may or may not be interested in a romantic relationship with Sierra. Or is he just a friend?
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks, in exchange for a review.
There are lots of red herrings, lots of clues that go nowhere, and several interesting local characters, including Calvin the botany professor, who may or may not be interested in a romantic relationship with Sierra. Or is he just a friend?
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks, in exchange for a review.
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