FLORAL DEPRAVITY is Book 3 in Beverly Allen's Bridal
Bouquet Shop cozy mystery series. Even though characters
from previous books appear in this installment, I believe
readers new to the series can still enjoy FLORAL
DEPRAVITY. The unique setting of a medieval encampment
spices things up. There are lots of suspects to choose
from in this murder mystery -- a bride and groom, a couple
of ex-wives, a friar, fanatical history enthusiasts, and
many more. FLORAL DEPRAVITY is my favorite in this cozy
series so far.
Beverly Allen creates a believable reason for amateur
sleuth and flower shop owner Audrey Bloom to investigate
a murder. When she is at the wrong place at the wrong
time, she finds herself deputized and a party to the
official investigation. I like that Audrey knows her
limitations while still trying to be helpful. Her
knowledge of plants comes in handy with a poisoner on the
loose. I love mysteries with poison as the weapon and
FLORAL DEPRAVITY is full of interesting floral and poison
trivia. The bucolic setting of the medieval camp makes
the crime seem somehow more shocking. The pacing is
steady and FLORAL DEPRAVITY held me captivated all the
way until the end. The range of suspects is varied and
will keep you guessing. There is a wonderful balance of
suspense, humor, and romance.
I enjoyed the aspects of this mystery that were very
personal for Audrey. In addition to trying to solve a
murder, she contemplates her romantic life, and deals
with the sudden appearance of her long lost father. Both
things add depth to the story without cluttering up the
plot and taking anything away from the mystery. The
situation with Audrey's father is interesting and
provides a greater understanding of the main character
without rising to the level of melodrama. I like that
Audrey comes to a resolution regarding the men in her
life. I look forward to seeing how things progress in
future books. The nuances in the relationship between
Audrey and the lead detective in this installment fit the
characters and the story.
FLORAL DEPRAVITY had me hooked. This
Bridal Bouquet Shop series is quickly becoming a
favorite for me. I eagerly await the next fun and floral-
themed cozy mystery by Beverly Allen.
In the latest Bridal Bouquet Shop mystery, florist
Audrey Bloom creates an arrangement for a one-of-
a-kind wedding, but ends up pruning a one-of-a-kind
criminal…
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey
knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets,
but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local
historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-
fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing
period-accurate blooms.
But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the
least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the
vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops
dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems
from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder.
Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the
guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…
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