National bestselling author: Florist Fiona Knox left behind her gloomy life for a magical garden in Scotland, but a murder on her shop’s opening day spells doomFiona Knox thought she was pulling her life back together when she inherited her godfather’s cottage in Duncreigan, Scotland—complete with a magical walled garden. But the erstwhile Tennessee flower shop owner promptly found herself puddle … found herself puddle boot-deep in danger when she found a dead body among the glimmering blossoms. One police investigation and a handsome Chief Inspector names Neil Craig later and Fiona’s life is getting back on a steady—though bewitched—track. Her sister Isla has just moved in with her, and the grand opening of her new spellbound venture, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop in Aberdeenshire, is imminent.
But dark, ensorcelled clouds are gathering to douse Fiona’s newly sunny outlook. First, imperious parish minister Quaid MacCullen makes it undeniably clear that he would be happy to send Fiona back to Tennessee. Then, a horrific lightning storm, rife with terrible omen, threatens to tear apart the elderly cottage and sends Fi and Isla cowering under their beds. The storm passes, but then, Fi is called away from the Climbing Rose’s opening soiree when Kipling, the tiny village’s weak-kneed volunteer police chief, finds a dead body on the beach.
The body proves difficult to identify, but Kipling is certain it’s that of the parish minister. Which makes Fiona, MacCullen’s new nemesis, a suspect. And what’s worse, Isla has seemed bewitched as of late…did she do something unspeakable to protect her sister? The last thing Fiona wanted to do was play detective again. But now, the rosy future she’d envisioned is going to seed, and if she and Craig can’t clear her name, her idyllic life will wilt away.
Perfect for readers of Paige Shelton and Sheila Connolly, Death and Daises is the second floral Magic Garden Mystery by national bestselling author Amanda Flower.
more
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Fiona Knox is super excited to be opening her new flower shop, the Climbing Rose with her sister Isla by her side. But everyone is not happy about Fiona’s shop or her continuing to stay in the cottage she inherited from her godfather. Parish Minister Quaid MacCullen has gotten up close and personal to warn Fiona she doesn’t belong in Duncreigan, Scotland tending a garden or opening a flower shop.
The sisters face a terrible lightning storm that rocks their little cottage mightily but when the storm passes everything seems okay until they learn a dead body has been found on the beach. Kipling, the volunteer police chief believes the body is none other but the parish minister who was threatening Fiona. So again she is up to her ears in another police investigation with handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig, But Isla is acting strange. Could she be involved in the minister’s death or know someone who is?
______
I loved the first book in this series and don’t know why it took me so long to get to this one.
I really enjoy the Scottish setting and the magical garden. This time the garden took a little bit of a backseat as Fiona worked hard to open her new flower shop. There were a couple interesting garden scenes though, I just wish there were more as Fiona continues to learn her caretaker status and all the magical mysteries the garden holds.
The character development continues with the inclusion of Fiona’s sister Isla. Typical sibling rivalry erupts as the sisters find their way as Isla plans to stay in Scotland. With the opening of her shop, the sisters meet many more residents Aberdeenshire and previous relationships continue to grow. With this character increase the suspect options expand as well. The author takes her time introducing each character too, so they are all very easy to keep straight.
The mystery was very well-plotted with twists, turns, secrets, and misdirection. While the main mystery is wrapped up well there are several strings that carry over into the next book. One that could really turn Fiona’s life upside down.
Death and Daisies is a fine addition to this series. I was entertained the entire way. Daisies are my favorite flower and I love seeing fields of them. This story gave me a wonderful virtual view.
I am super excited to read Mums and Mayhem. It will be released on July 7, 2020.
Book 2 in this series and the main character Fiona is getting settled into her new life along with her sister Isla who has popped in to spend the summer with her. Surprise! We’re told that in Book 1, Fiona was considered a suspect after finding a dead body in the garden of the property she inherited. As a result, she got to know the Chief Inspector (Neil Craig) pretty darn well. When the most adamant adversary she has turns up dead the day of her flower shop opening, she’s pretty motivated to make sure she’s not considered a suspect again.
There were actually two mysteries going on in this story. One, I caught onto right away. I’m not sure if it was supposed to be part of the intrigue as the main mystery but I didn’t really feel that it was. The main mystery kept me guessing pretty well. I did guess who the guilty party was pretty early but it was written well-enough that I kept second guessing myself. I definitely didn’t figure out the why of it.
In addition to this, we had a LOT of character growth and developing relationships of all kinds. Some were expected as one settles into a new area but others really surprised me. I appreciated how the relationship between the sisters was treated and how it was as natural in its evolution as the rest of the relationships. I enjoyed how Fiona was very self-aware and confident in some ways while vulnerable and at a loss in others. It made her more realistic. I also really appreciated the way that the different cultures played across the story.
I definitely would recommend this for someone looking for a cozy that’s slightly different.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Flower, and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the chance to read this book and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
Death and Daisies is a wonderful cozy mystery, book #2 in an equally wonderful series by the talented Amanda Flower. After reading the previous story, Flowers and Foul Play, this series has become a “must read” for me. Setting, characterization, and storyline all combine in a flowing narrative that is difficult to put down. Amanda Flower has also written other series that I hope to eventually read.
A good foundational background is provided so that Death and Daisies can stand alone, but turning to the first page feels like coming home to a beloved village and its sometimes quirky characters. Scotland … what can I say but that there’s just something special about Scotland and its people. For Fiona Knox, new business owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop in Aberdeenshire, it’s all about friends like Raj and his sister Presha, Hamish MacGregor, and Chief Inspector Neil Craig. I adore the slowly simmering romance between Fiona and Neil, subtle and very well done This story also brings Fiona’s sister, Isla, into the mix, creating even more drama.
The mystery itself is well crafted and believable, but best of all is the rich characterization. Rather than taking second place to the mystery, character development is strong and foundational to the storyline, which elevates this story even more. I also loved how secondary characters and suspects alike are introduced one at a time so as not to be confusing, and this gives readers time to get to know them. Paranormal elements involving the magic garden, of which Fiona is now the caretaker, aren’t featured as prominently as in the previous book, yet this garden is at the heart of everything.
Death and Daisies is an engrossing story, a clean read, and I recommend it highly. “Best of the best” for me. May this series continue for a long time!
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Death and Daisies by Amanda Flowers returns us to Bellewick, Scotland. Fiona Knox has been busy getting her new flower shop, Climbing Rose Flower Shop ready to open with the aid of her sister, Isla. Isla showed up at the beginning of the summer after she graduated from college and has yet to return home. She has been acting cagey recently and spending a great deal of time texting. The day before the grand opening, Minister Quaid MacCullen stops in and once again expresses his dislike for Fiona. He recently barred Fiona from attending church by blocking the door and stating he did not want her corrupting the villagers (what a charmer). That night a terrible storm hits the area and thankfully blows back out to sea by morning. Fiona’s shop opening is a success until Kipling, the villages volunteer police chief, stumbles in crying murder and then promptly faints. Kipling stumbled upon the reverend’s body on the beach. Chief Inspector Neil Craig rushes away to secure the scene and a curious Fiona is not far behind him. It is well known in the village that MacCullen disliked Fiona which puts her at the top of the suspect list. Fiona has just started to set down roots and has no intention of letting her new life go to seed. The only way to stop the speculation is to sniff out the killer with a little help from the magical garden at Duncreigan.
While Death and Daisies is the second book in A Magic Garden Mystery series, it can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included in this tale. I thought the book was well-written with steady pacing throughout. Amanda Flower has an engaging, conversational writing style that drew me into the story and it kept my attention until the very last page. I like the characters and they are nicely developed. We are still getting to know Fiona (it is only the second book), and she learns some new information about herself in Death and Daisies. Hamish is such a sweetie and we learned something new about him that makes him even more endearing. I am not a fan of Fiona’s sister, Isla. I am hoping we will see her mature and become less self-centered. The village sounds quaint with friendly residents except for the minister. The murder of Reverend Quaid MacCullen is expected since he is such a nasty character. There are several suspects, misdirection and good clues. I wish the mystery had been more of a challenge. However, I still enjoyed reading this beguiling narrative (I knew who now I wanted to know why). I especially enjoy the addition of the magic from the garden, the stone and the fox. It enhances the overall story as well as the mystery. I like that new details are revealed in each book. Carver Finley, a historian, has taken an interest in the garden, and I believe he will be a formidable foe for Fiona. Death and Daisies is an enchanting cozy mystery with a charming village, friendly characters, a hint of romance, adorable little critters, magical assistance, and a murder mystery.
In this second book of the series we find Fiona preparing her new store for opening day, The Climbing Rose Flower Shop, with some help from a visitor from home. Her sister Isla has come to visit and plans to spend the summer now that she has finished college, she wants to take some time to figure out what her next step will be. While getting the shop ready Fiona gets an unexpected visit from Minister MacCullen, for some unknown reason the man doesn’t like her and takes every chance he gets to let her know just what he thinks. He never says what he wants but takes the chance to tell Fiona that she is evil and that nothing good will come of her staying in the village before she finally makes him leave. During a party Fiona is having for other shop owners and friends the next day police chief Kipling rushes into the store and lets in be known that Minister MacCullen is dead on the beach. The previous evening the village was hit by a massive storm and it looks like the Minister may have drowned, but what was he doing outside and near the water no less in such horrible weather. When it becomes apparent that he didn’t die at the hands of the storm but from a person Fiona begins to worry because the man hated her so venomously. Being the obvious suspect in his murder she decides to start digging for answers on her own hoping to eventually clear her name. She definitely disliked the man but not enough to kill him but someone out there did. With so much going on in her life, her sister acting funny, and worrying whether opening the shop was the right move Fiona has a full plate on her hands. She can’t let any of this distract her though, she has to come up with answers and quick. Along the way Fiona discovers several secrets, one that will change her forever. This is such a lovely series filled with a touch of magic, scenery to die for, and characters we can all relate to. I had a great time visiting with them and look forward to doing it again and getting to know everyone even more.
I love these stories. Fiona is a fun character. She just can’t keep herself from investigating. She has just opened her flower shops in the small village of Bellewick. Minister MacCullen, who didn’t like her godfather nor her. The Minister if found dead and Fiona just can’t leave it alone. She sets out to find out who killed him.
Fiona is a fun character who is kind and very curious. Inspector Neil Craig steps in to work the case. He is strong and interested in Fiona (who is oblivious). The are many characters in the village, some likeable, some not so likeable. I enjoy that there is also an ongoing mystery revolving Fiona’s inheritance from her godfather of the Garden at Duncreigan. This is an easy-to-read cozy. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to review this book.
This series just continues to grab my interest. The characters are developing nicely, the atmosphere is compelling, and the mysteries keep the reader on his/her toes. Cozy is the perfect adjective for these novels.
I loved it! I’m so glad that Fi and Craig are finally dating. I hope we learn more about Ian and the garden. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
Death And Daisies was a fun story to read. It’s the second Magic Garden Mystery story. Following Fiona as she transplants from Nashville to Scotland. Great characters, wonderful mystery and a cliffhanger. Waiting for the next book to see how that resolves.
Always fun, always a page turner, always well written. I have all of her books and recommend them all.
This is the first book I’ve read in the Magic Garden Mysteries. DEATH AND DAISIES in the second in the series. Author Amanda Flower did a wonderful job seeing that first time readers wouldn’t be lost. I was able to follow a long with the story and characters just find.
Speaking of characters, the eclectic group of town folks in this story are so much fun to read. I can imagine hanging out in the local haunts with these people and having the best of times.
DEATH AND DASIES was a well written mystery, which is to be expected from this author. She has a way with telling a tale that will capture the reader within her writing, causing them to lose all track of time. There were however parts of this book that just didn’t grab me in the way I would have hoped. But the setting and other aspects of the story were more than enough to keep me reading until the end.
I enjoy the mystery sounding the minister’s death and Fi’s sister being added in the story brought a good hominess to Fi and I enjoyed her continued love interest with the chief inspector, they seem so great together, but I missed the whimsical elements that were in the first book surrounding the garden. You do get a few clues about the mystery of garden in this instilment but the garden was not center of the mystery as it is in the first book.
All, in all, the story is very entertaining I just missed reading and learning more about the garden and the magic it holds in the town and I look forward to the next installment.
Such a fun, interesting book series! I love the setting of Scotland and the magical garden. It would be so much fun to go visit a place like this someday. In this second book, Fiona’s sister has been staying with her and helping her get her flower shop up and running. The day before the opening, the parish minister comes by and harasses Fiona. There is a horrible storm and the next day the minister is found murdered. Fiona is, of course, a suspect. She starts investigating to see if she can figure out what happened. The murder seems to be tied to the church somehow. Also, Fiona begins to learn about who she really is. This is a series I never thought I would enjoy, but it really is truly a delight to read. I love reading about Scotland and Fiona’s magical garden. I look forward to more adventures with her and seeing a relationship develop with Chief Inspector Neil Craig. I highly recommend this series!
This is the second book in the Magical Garden Series by Amanda Flower, and is as charming as her first book, “Flowers and Fowl Play.”
Fiona Knox has relocated from her hometown in Tennessee to Scotland after her Godfather leaves her his cottage with a magical garden. Her sister, Isla, has followed her to Scotland for the summer after graduating from college. Fiona previously had her own floral shop back in the states which unfortunately had to close. With her experience, she decided to open her own floral shop, The Climbing Rose Flower Shop, in her village. Although the villagers support her endeavor, the minister of the village church, part of the church of Scotland, has never approved of her Godfather and has been very unpleasant to her since her arrival. The first Sunday, Fiona attempts to go to church, she is turned away. Not only is he unpleasant at church, he comes to her flower shop and is once again disrespectful.
Her grand opening is a beautiful day after a horrible storm that pounded her cottage and surrounding area. The villagers were very supportive and encouraging. Suddenly, the village officer rushes in and announces there is a dead body on the beach near the Wharf. Unfortunately, this puts a damper on her opening and leads her into the twists and turns of following the case to find the murder.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are all well developed with background stories of their own. The descriptions of the garden and surrounding areas are delightful as well as the pieces of history that are given regarding the Church of Scotland. I received this complementary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review which I have given.
Second in the Magic Garden Mysteries, this captivating novel can be read as a standalone or after the first. This series will delight fans of Amanda Flowers’ other series and Bailey Cates’ Enchanted Garden Mysteries. The characters are very likable and well-defined, the mystery is a complex challenge to solve, and the location in Scotland sets the stage for long-ago past and present to meet.
Fiona Knox, from Tennessee, recently inherited Duncreigan from her godfather, Ian MacCallister, in Scotland. She is the twelfth Keeper of the Garden in which there is a hidden ancient standing stone and surrounding climbing yellow rose. It is a magical healing garden that has been in Ian’s family for about 300 years. To Minister Quaid MacCullen, the magical garden, and Fiona’s presence, and her new business, The Climbing Rose Flower Shop, are an affront. He is pastor at St. Thomas, which was also Ian’s church. He preaches against Fiona and Duncreigan from the pulpit. When she tried to attend a Sunday service, he refused to admit her.
Only days later, after a brutal storm, MacCullen was found dead on the beach, apparently a drowning victim. It was no ordinary drowning; the ME notes that the water in his lungs is fresh rather than ocean. Fiona realizes that, for the second time in the two months she has been in Scotland, she is a murder suspect. She doesn’t recognize the attraction Chief Inspector Neil Craig clearly has for her. Despite her new shop opening and the challenges in her relationship with her sister Isla, Fiona feels she has to solve another murder to clear herself of the charges.
I enjoyed meeting Fiona and Isla and seeing Fi learning to accept Isla as an adult with her own needs and talents. They deeply love and want the best for each other. Close friends Raj and his twin sister Presha have been in Scotland for forty years and extended a warm welcome to Fiona. By the time the novel had ended, I felt that I had more than a passing acquaintance with Ian MacCallister even though deceased. Overall, I really liked Fiona, Isla, and all the people of Bellewick. Most were shown in a positive way. Hamish sounds like a man after my own heart! A home filled with thousands of books sounds like the perfect place! I have empathy for his lack of desire for going into town.
The setting in Scotland is breathtaking! The magic garden, which will only grow and flourish when there is a Keeper of the Garden, sounds incredible. The colors, butterflies, birds, and the mysterious fox who enjoy the garden would make it a restful place. The mystery has unexpected twists and turns, with a surprise for Fiona about … no, I won’t give it away! While the Minister had few real friends, most people respected his position and knew he wanted the best for them. It wasn’t as easy to discover who had a motive other than dislike that fueled the murder. There were at least a couple folks who seemed to be good suspects but were good red herrings. I was surprised to find out the real motive behind the murder yet not surprised at the killer, someone I considered more than once. I highly recommend Death and Daisies to all who appreciate a well-written cozy mystery set in Scotland, with a secret garden, special flower shop, a Scottish fold cat, and characters that grab hold of one’s heart and doesn’t let go.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher, and this is my honest review.
This is a wonderfully magical series. Fiona Knox is becoming more confident in her role as the garden’s caretaker. She also seems happier at least most of the time to have her sister visiting her. Fiona is a great leading character and is made stronger by wonderful secondary characters. Both lead and secondary characters have both strong and quirky personalities. I like the relationship that is developing between Fiona and Inspector Craig. The setting is delightful especially with mixed Fiona’s background being from Tennessee. The mystery had quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing on whodunit.
This book has a touch of humor, romance, magic, and lots of suspense and
I recommend this book to cozy fans. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
DEATH AND DAISIES is the charming sophomore entry in the Magic Garden Mystery Series full of relatable characters, a wonderful setting, a solid murder mystery, and a touch of magic.
When Fiona Knox inherits her godfather’s estate in Scotland, she takes the opportunity to make a fresh start, leaving her ex-fiancé and failed flower shop behind in Nashville. She learns that she is the “Keeper” of a magical garden, but she does not really know what that entails. In this installment, we find Fiona busy opening her new flower shop and her younger sister Isla visiting. Fiona has high hopes for her new endeavor, but if local minister Quaid MacCullen has his way, she will surely fail. After humiliating Fiona by very publically making her unwelcome at church and reinforcing his opinion with a preopening visit to the shop and a nasty note, MacCullen is found washed up on the beach, the apparent victim of a violent storm. When it becomes clear that foul play is involved, Fiona again finds herself the prime suspect (again) and must weed through a variety of suspects to get to the truth.
I really enjoy this series. The Scottish setting is delightful, and the characters are well developed and, for the most part, likable. I have not warmed up to Isla yet but do hope she grows on me since it looks like she will be a recurring character. She comes across as bratty and immature to me. Fiona is a bold protagonist, unafraid to meddle in other people’s business to ferret out secrets and truth. She discovers one secret, unrelated to the murder, which has the potential to change her world. The supporting characters add variety and are endearing. The touch of romance with DI Craig is sweet but does not overshadow the mystery.
The mystery itself is strong, but I guessed whodunit very early in the book. I just did not know why he/she did it. The clues along the way make me second guess myself, but once everything is revealed, the mystery comes to a satisfying conclusion.
DEATH AND DAISIES is a wonderful read, and I cannot wait to see what adventures lay ahead for Fiona and friends. I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery reader.
I received and e-ARC of this title from the author/publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Death and Daisies is book 2 in the A Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower.
We return to Scotland where Fiona is getting ready to open her flower shop in the near by village of Aberdeenshire. On top of worrying about her new adventure, her younger sister arrives and moves it with her. Isla can be a bit flighty and self centered. Just when Finoa thinks everything is ready for the opening, she has another run in with the parish minister who has let it be known he would love to see her return to the states.
When he shows up dead of an apparent drowning, Fiona feels something is not right. Once it’s discovered he was murdered, she knows she will once again be having to clear her name, after all, she is the newcomer to the area.
I will say, the beginning, I felt, was a bit slow and drug out but once I kept reading, it did keep my attention.
The story has a great setting. You are taken to Scotland and will feel like you are in the village. The main characters are great, her sister does need to grow up a bit though. I only wish Hamish was involved more this time. The supporting characters are also well written.
The mystery will have you guessing until the end with plenty of twists and turns.
Flower also sets up for the next installment with a jaw dropping ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
DEATH AND DAISES by Amanda Flower
This takes place in Scotland and one thinks of magic, and elves. For Fiona, it’s now home, and the little cottage, and soon her flower shop.
Till mishap happens, and the parish minister who was vocal in wanting her to leave, is dead. With interest in the Chief Inspector Craig, she helps with the investigation. Her books are rich in description of the places, and people, giving us the feeling we are there. Always an enjoyable read, and look for more by her.
A series, can be read separately. Given ARC by Net.Galley and Crooked Lane Books for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
This is the second book in this series, and we are still in Scotland and with Fiona, and now her sister is also here.
Wow, a lot of bombshells that I never saw coming, and they made this book a compelling page-turner.
Hamish is still here and you want to hug the man, and who wouldn’t want to see his pet Duncan, picturing his little cup! Loved it!
Of course, there is another murder, and sadly I wasn’t unhappy as to who the victim was, but is Fiona going to be a suspect again?
Loved how this book moved along, and we walk in Fiona’s shoes, so be careful, not everyone is how they appear.
I for one want more, a very enjoyable cozy read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Crooked Lane Books, and was not required to give a positive review.