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A Flower Shop Mystery #10
Dirty Rotten Tendrils
The newest Flower Shop mystery
When high-powered lawyer Ken "the Lip" Lipinski is found dead from a suspicious overdose, florist and amateur sleuth Abby Knight finds it hard to swallow that his opposing counsel-and her old boss-is the murderer.
When high-powered lawyer Ken "the Lip" Lipinski is found dead from a suspicious overdose, florist and amateur sleuth Abby Knight finds it hard to swallow that his opposing counsel-and her old boss-is the murderer.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2010
48 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Kate Collins
66 books953 followersIndiana 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 13, 2016
There is much sorrow in this book. I don't know how things add up here, but on a basic level the latter was more than value for money, or maybe more than it's worth in a pound of flesh. The ending perched on a cliffhanger. The story is fast paced with lots of intricate events decorating the gears and heart of this book. I think this book deserves five stars. So the year started auspiciously for me. I realize that here, the author padded out her prose with flashbacks of any relevant previous passages. That would have helped me earlier, but for now I'm concentrated enough. It seems no mean feat for the author to have balanced her detailed intricacies while keeping the same number of pages.
I did spot one thing. It concerns the appearance of Mrs Francesca Salvare. She no longer is portrayed as a poor man's Sophia Loren. But apart from this slight, I see nothing worse. The shagging shenanigans of the main couple didn't get to me until the end. That's a first. I realize why some people swear by this series. It's a harmless genre and will never garner male attention, so I'm in the minority here, gender-wise. But I feel that Kate Collins still hasn't had her last word and that there are still a few tricks left in her bag. As long as the setting of the mystery is set in New Haven, I'm happy. And I am doubly so if the heroine doesn't get confined to a house or office. It feels great to see her running about, trying to pick up the pieces. That's just rewards for bearing up with her smooching with her beau. But...at times she was at peace with the world. These times didn't last. But I hope to feel for her in future books. Her life is hell, but it's fiction. Thank God she exists in the fertile mind of her creator.
I did spot one thing. It concerns the appearance of Mrs Francesca Salvare. She no longer is portrayed as a poor man's Sophia Loren. But apart from this slight, I see nothing worse. The shagging shenanigans of the main couple didn't get to me until the end. That's a first. I realize why some people swear by this series. It's a harmless genre and will never garner male attention, so I'm in the minority here, gender-wise. But I feel that Kate Collins still hasn't had her last word and that there are still a few tricks left in her bag. As long as the setting of the mystery is set in New Haven, I'm happy. And I am doubly so if the heroine doesn't get confined to a house or office. It feels great to see her running about, trying to pick up the pieces. That's just rewards for bearing up with her smooching with her beau. But...at times she was at peace with the world. These times didn't last. But I hope to feel for her in future books. Her life is hell, but it's fiction. Thank God she exists in the fertile mind of her creator.
December 28, 2010
Just about everyone in New Chapel, Indiana is thrilled about the return of Cody Verse, a local boy who won the reality TV show “America’s Next Hit Single”. Crowds gather to see him, however not everyone is happy to see him, particularly ex-friend Andrew Chapper who claims he wrote Cody’s hit song and is entitled to a share of the prize money. Cody hires notorious attorney Ken “The Lip” Lipinski to represent him in court. The court case has barely started when someone murders Lipinski. There are plenty of suspects including Dave Hammond, the attorney representing Andrew. Dave accepts the help of florist Abby Knight and her boyfriend, bar owner/private investigator, Marco Salvare to clear his name and find the killer.
“Dirty Rotten Tendrils” is the nicely done tenth book in Kate Collins’ Flower Shop cozy mystery series. While the last couple of books in the series were okay, this book is one of her best – tightly written and plotted with a great deal of humor (you gotta love the names Chapper and Verse!) yet at times it is poignant and sad. The theme of reality television winners is a very current one and Collins has a lot of fun with it and its fans. Mixed in with this and adding even more humor to the book are the antics of Abby and Marco’s families – particularly the ongoing saga of Marcos’s brother Rafe and his girlfriend Cinnamon – the book is worth reading just to meet Cinnamon’s parents. Abby and Marco’s relationship continues to grow with each book and I like the way Abby isn’t all starry eyed over Marco – she realizes their relationship takes work, sacrifices, commitment, and changes on both sides. Collins does a nice job of tying in plot lines of other people’s relationships with what Marco and Abby might face. The mystery aspects are well done - well written and plotted with plenty of suspects. More than one suspect has a sad storyline and the identity of the killer and the motive for the murder was truly a sad one. Finally, the book ends on an all too realistic cliffhanger that will have readers eagerly waiting for the next book in the series to see what happens.
“Dirty Rotten Tendrils” is another excellent entry in Kate Collins’ charming Flower Shop cozy mystery series.
“Dirty Rotten Tendrils” is the nicely done tenth book in Kate Collins’ Flower Shop cozy mystery series. While the last couple of books in the series were okay, this book is one of her best – tightly written and plotted with a great deal of humor (you gotta love the names Chapper and Verse!) yet at times it is poignant and sad. The theme of reality television winners is a very current one and Collins has a lot of fun with it and its fans. Mixed in with this and adding even more humor to the book are the antics of Abby and Marco’s families – particularly the ongoing saga of Marcos’s brother Rafe and his girlfriend Cinnamon – the book is worth reading just to meet Cinnamon’s parents. Abby and Marco’s relationship continues to grow with each book and I like the way Abby isn’t all starry eyed over Marco – she realizes their relationship takes work, sacrifices, commitment, and changes on both sides. Collins does a nice job of tying in plot lines of other people’s relationships with what Marco and Abby might face. The mystery aspects are well done - well written and plotted with plenty of suspects. More than one suspect has a sad storyline and the identity of the killer and the motive for the murder was truly a sad one. Finally, the book ends on an all too realistic cliffhanger that will have readers eagerly waiting for the next book in the series to see what happens.
“Dirty Rotten Tendrils” is another excellent entry in Kate Collins’ charming Flower Shop cozy mystery series.
September 7, 2011
Always fun. Love the tales of Abby! She's a winning protagonist who finds herself in tough situations with clever outcomes.
April 14, 2020
I like this series, and this entry is very good. Abby finds herself and her fiancé Marco embroiled in an investigation when a high-profile but very nasty lawyer is murdered, just when he is to be representing a famous singer-celebrity who has come back to town to defend himself against charges of fraud. The action is good, the story well-plotted, and as always, the characters are well-drawn. I look forward to reading more in this series.
January 11, 2019
This was a great read. I love the story of Abby and Marco’s romance and the situations they find themselves in. I hope that there are many more books in this series. I never want the stories to end.
November 1, 2019
This is a fun series and in this book the families play a big part and they really make me laugh.
December 28, 2015
More cozy mystery fun!
First, I'm loving this series far more now that certain romantic threads have been resolved (or at least changed). Far, far more. Second, even though this book brought in more members of the Knight and Salvare families than I usually like, Collins did it in a way that worked -- the family visits were fully integrated into the main mystery plot. That was a great change that I'm hoping Collins can keep going in future books.
So what was this one about? A notorious local attorney is defending newly-famous New Chapel resident Cody Verse in a copyright battle. But the attorney's unethical tactics and generally bad treatment of people finally catch up with him when Ken Lipinski is found dead in his office, the victim of poisoning. And poor Dave Hammond, protagonist Abby Knight's former employer and the current attorney for the other local who's claiming that Cody stole his song, is the number one suspect. Can Abby keep from helping clear him? Not a chance!
First, I'm loving this series far more now that certain romantic threads have been resolved (or at least changed). Far, far more. Second, even though this book brought in more members of the Knight and Salvare families than I usually like, Collins did it in a way that worked -- the family visits were fully integrated into the main mystery plot. That was a great change that I'm hoping Collins can keep going in future books.
So what was this one about? A notorious local attorney is defending newly-famous New Chapel resident Cody Verse in a copyright battle. But the attorney's unethical tactics and generally bad treatment of people finally catch up with him when Ken Lipinski is found dead in his office, the victim of poisoning. And poor Dave Hammond, protagonist Abby Knight's former employer and the current attorney for the other local who's claiming that Cody stole his song, is the number one suspect. Can Abby keep from helping clear him? Not a chance!
April 29, 2011
Cute little book. I am so, so pleased to read about two characters that seem to really like each other as well as love each other. Not only that, Marco, really seems to value his fiancée's help with his investigation. What a relief, after reading about all the amateur investigators that just stick their nose into investigations, since they seem good at it. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed those books when I first read them. However, it seems to be a plot contrivance that is overused. I am just so tired of it at this point in time.
Abby, a flower shop owner, is the main character. Her fiancé, Marco, owns a bar, but is also apparently a licensed investigator. They both get involved in investigating the death of a shady lawyer. The mystery was okay. I really mostly enjoyed the characters and their interactions, especially Abby and Marco.
Really look forward to reading another.
Abby, a flower shop owner, is the main character. Her fiancé, Marco, owns a bar, but is also apparently a licensed investigator. They both get involved in investigating the death of a shady lawyer. The mystery was okay. I really mostly enjoyed the characters and their interactions, especially Abby and Marco.
Really look forward to reading another.
May 1, 2020
I really enjoy this series. Marco and Abby always have fun and crazy adventures as they solve a mystery. This time it centered around a local who won a reality TV competition and was back in town. #readforkimberly
February 28, 2023
Dave Hammond was a mentor for Abby while she was in law school and he's got a special place in her heart not only as someone who helped shape her life, but as a truly good guy who fights for what's right. So when he is pegged as the top suspect for the murder of slimeball lawyer Ken "The Lip" Lipinksi, Abby will stop at nothing to clear his name.
First of all, if you're confused about the name Ken Lipinski, there's good reason. Kenny Lipinski appeared in Snipped in the Bud and he gets one tiny reference in this book as the son of The Lip. The randomness of this threw me but other than that this was a great book. Abby and Marco are getting ready to head down the aisle but there are more than a few obstacles. There's a local celeb in town, a contentious lawsuit, Marco's brother Rafe gets himself into one pickle after another, and Abby's mom has delivered some new art to Bloomers, which Abby unloads in a creative way. I wasn't super crazy about this series in the beginning but I'd bought almost the entire series so I stuck with it and I'm glad I did because it keeps getting better and better!
First of all, if you're confused about the name Ken Lipinski, there's good reason. Kenny Lipinski appeared in Snipped in the Bud and he gets one tiny reference in this book as the son of The Lip. The randomness of this threw me but other than that this was a great book. Abby and Marco are getting ready to head down the aisle but there are more than a few obstacles. There's a local celeb in town, a contentious lawsuit, Marco's brother Rafe gets himself into one pickle after another, and Abby's mom has delivered some new art to Bloomers, which Abby unloads in a creative way. I wasn't super crazy about this series in the beginning but I'd bought almost the entire series so I stuck with it and I'm glad I did because it keeps getting better and better!
March 4, 2019
loved it #FlowerShopMystery
When a high powered attorney Lip is murdered Abby Knights close friend and old boss Dave Hammond who also happens to be the lead plaintiff attorney in a case against Lip becomes the prime suspect. In this case as all of them Abby needs to make sure that her friends are off the lead suspect list. Time is of the essence because even if Dave is off the list he needs to be not brought to a grand jury because it will hurt his career. So Abby enlists the help of her fiance Marco Salvare for help.
You must buy this entire series. I found myself having to reread the 1st one while waiting for these books to come in because I read through them that quickly. I really look forward to my reading time knowing i'd be reading #FlowerShopMystery
When a high powered attorney Lip is murdered Abby Knights close friend and old boss Dave Hammond who also happens to be the lead plaintiff attorney in a case against Lip becomes the prime suspect. In this case as all of them Abby needs to make sure that her friends are off the lead suspect list. Time is of the essence because even if Dave is off the list he needs to be not brought to a grand jury because it will hurt his career. So Abby enlists the help of her fiance Marco Salvare for help.
You must buy this entire series. I found myself having to reread the 1st one while waiting for these books to come in because I read through them that quickly. I really look forward to my reading time knowing i'd be reading #FlowerShopMystery
April 23, 2023
Abby and Marco are finally engaged, but there's a problem: Marco's brother Rafe is sent to pick up the ring but his fiancee accidentally finds it and thinks it's hers. Eventually Abby is able to get the ring back, but trouble is in store for former employer and lawyer friend Dave Hammond. When a famous young man naed Cody wins a song competition his writing partner Andrew is snubbed. Andrew tries to sue for his share of the winnings but his sneaky lawyer ends up dead. Cody and Andrew make up and share the money, but who's responsible for the lawyer's death?
Pretty good read.
Pretty good read.
August 12, 2018
DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS by Kate Collins (A Flower Shop Mystery #10)
When a local young man wins in a talent show for singing, it turns the whole town upside down. This is a murder mystery with many twists and turns. It took me some time to figure out the guilty party. The families are quirky and fun, and they add to the confusion as there is more than one mystery to sort out. A delightful read.
When a local young man wins in a talent show for singing, it turns the whole town upside down. This is a murder mystery with many twists and turns. It took me some time to figure out the guilty party. The families are quirky and fun, and they add to the confusion as there is more than one mystery to sort out. A delightful read.
January 15, 2018
A LOT more Marco action that I LOVE! One thing I absolutely hated was CINNAMON! If her and Rafe end up getting back together I’m going to be SO MAD! Like, her family had the NERVE to call the Salvares those names when look at their family! Ugh Idk what Rafe is thinking like he met cinnamon A WEEK BEFORE HE PROPOSED AND HE SAYS HES CRAZY FOR HER! Yeah right!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
When a local new star comes to town for a trial because he is said to have stolen a credit for a song that he wrote with his best friend and turns the town into a media circus. Then his lawyer is murdered the local florist and the owner must find out who committed the murder before a innocent man is put in jail.
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November 20, 2025New Chapel Indiana is buzzing because Cody Verse (who hit it big on a TV music show) is back in town. Abby Knight is buzzing because she and Marco have picked out her ring. And then Cody's attorney, Ken "the Lip" Lipinski, is murdered. Abby and Marco figure it out, I did not see that solution coming.
December 30, 2018
"Dirty Rotten Tendrils" is another fun entry in the Flower Show Mystery series. Though I figured out who the killer was pretty early on in the story, I still enjoyed the antics and characters for the rest of the novel.
April 11, 2023
I love this series. I love the mysteries and the characters. This is a good one that entails dealing with family dynamics and a home town visit from a local winner of an American Idol type show.It’s funny and poignant and has a few surprising twists. Can’t wait to read the next one.
September 7, 2017
First of the Flower Shop Mysteries. Makes me want to read more gentle or cozy mysteries - definitely by this author.
October 4, 2018
Gripping
I love these books. They always keep you guessing to the end. I also love the romance between Marco & Abbey. Keep them coming!
I love these books. They always keep you guessing to the end. I also love the romance between Marco & Abbey. Keep them coming!
August 21, 2019
good book.
May 28, 2020
always good reads
This is just another great book in the series. I am always eager to read the next. Characters are rich and help keep the stories interesting.
This is just another great book in the series. I am always eager to read the next. Characters are rich and help keep the stories interesting.
November 29, 2021
I kinda forgot about this series and went back to it. It’s an easy series to pop in and out of and it’s a funny cozy but prob too much kissing and eluding to sex for HB.
March 3, 2023
Another good one!
August 11, 2023
Great mysteries!
October 20, 2023
This is a fun series to read. i enjoy the flower shop and Abby as a sleuth. The author has created a fun engaging series and each in series is a delight to read.
March 17, 2025
This book was fast paced and had lots of intricate details that all connect in the end! My new favorite of the series!
February 22, 2026
This was a very good mystery, the Killer was someone no one expected. The rest of the book was a little scattered or maybe that is what he title is about like a Tendril this mystery is very twisted.
January 15, 2021
Abby loves her little town... but the arrival of hometown star Cody has everything going topsy turvy! She finds herself in a pickle- her previous boss Dave Hammond is representing local boy Andrew against Cody, for his fair share of the money Cody got for 'their' song. Cody's lawyer 'The Lip' is murdered, and Dave is in the New Chapel prosecutions sights... Abby needs to convince Dave he needs her and Marco's help, before it's too late!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews