Reeling from the loss of her fiancé and flower shop, Fiona Knox is surprised to find that her newfound inheritance—her late grandfather’s magical estate—comes with a murder mystery too Florist Fiona Knox’s life isn’t smelling so sweet these days. Her fiancé left her for their cake decorator. Then, her flower shop wilted after a chain florist opened next door. So when her godfather, … godfather, Ian MacCallister, leaves her a cottage in Scotland, Fiona jumps on the next plane to Edinburgh. Ian, after all, is the one who taught her to love flowers. But when Ian’s elderly caretaker Hamish MacGregor shows her to the cottage upon her arrival, she finds the once resplendent grounds of Duncreigan in a dreadful shambles—with a dead body in the garden.
Minutes into her arrival, Fiona is already being questioned by the handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig and getting her passport seized. But it’s Craig’s fixation on Uncle Ian’s loyal caretaker, Hamish, as a prime suspect, that really makes her worried. As Fiona strolls the town, she quickly realizes there are a whole bouquet of suspects much more likely to have killed Alastair Croft, the dead lawyer who seems to have had more enemies than friends.
Now it’s up to Fiona to clear Hamish’s name before it’s too late in Flowers and Foul Play, USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s spellbinding first Magic Garden mystery.
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This is normally not a book I would read, but I really enjoy this author and decided to give the book a try after attending a library event where the author spoke. I’m so glad I tried the book because I really enjoyed it! Fiona travels to Scotland after inheriting a cottage from her godfather. While trying to figure out her life, she investigates a murder. Intriguing characters, beautiful Scotland, and a magic garden. I look forward to more books in this series and hope Fiona and Inspector Neil Craig slowly start a relationship!
I absolutely loved it! This is a must read series!
Fiona’s life in Tennessee seems to be falling apart so when she is notified of her Godfather’s passing and that he left her his cottage in Scotland she headed to there to decide what to do with her life. Fiona thought she would most likely start her life over in Scotland, but after she discovers a dead body in the garden of her newly inherited cottage she begins to have second thoughts. Fiona can’t help but get involved in the investigation when it seems the elderly caretaker and her Godfather’s best friend is the main suspect.
This is my first book by Author Amanda Flower. Having heard good things about her other series, I jumped at the chance of reading the first book of her new series. I found that I really enjoyed her storytelling. The main character Fiona is a relatable character as her life isn’t perfect but she is determined to keep going no matter what life throws at her. The secondary characters are a mixture of different ages, ethnicities, and personalities. Most of the characters and likable and entertaining both human and animal. The setting in Scotland plays well into the magical garden aspect of the story with its green countrysides and ancient histories and folklore. I really enjoyed the unique combination of Fiona being from Tennessee and speaking with a southern accent while most everyone else spoke with a Scottish accent. The mystery had it’s twist and turns and red herrings to keep you guessing up until the end. I thought I had the murderer figured out but there were some clues I didn’t pick up on so I was pleasantly surprised at the end. I am really looking forward to seeing how this series progresses with the magical aspect, possible romance, and new friendships.
I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans. I received an ARC of this book in hopes I would give an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have in no way been influenced.
For childhood fans of The Secret Garden, this is a delightful new mystery series that also features a magic garden. Fiona Knox has recently learned that her godfather has passed away and left her his property in Scotland (which includes a garden that springs to life with the proper loving hand). With her life in disarray, she decides to take a chance and fly there to revisit the cottage. But the dead body in the garden definitely puts a damper on her visit, especially when her godfather’s longtime friend and caretaker, Hamish, becomes one of the prime suspects. Fiona is not overly confident in Chief Inspector Craig’s ability to ferret out the real murderer, and finds herself asking pointed questions, possibly putting herself in jeopardy. This new mystery series has lovely scenery, interesting characters and absolutely the best two new animal stars…Ivanhoe, the Scottish Fold cat and Duncan, the squirrel, as well as a cameo from a mysterious fox. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the culprit was and despite some of the clues, the who and why remained a mystery until the end. I definitely want to read more of this new series and learn more of Fiona’s connection to the garden. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this advance reading copy.
FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY by Amanda Flower
The First Magic Garden Mystery
Fiona Knox’s life has been turned upside down. Her beloved godfather, Ian, died, her flower shop went out of business, and her fiancee left her for the cake decorator! Fiona arrives in Scotland to Duncreigan, the cottage and garden bequeathed to her only to find more turmoil as she and her godfather’s trusted friend and caretaker find the dead body of Ian’s lawyer in the withered garden. The lawyer was disliked by many, primarily due to his selling out the town to developers, but the Chief Inspector has pegged Hamish for the murder. Certain of his innocence, Fiona investigates the town and its residents, but will she find the murderer or will the murderer find her?
The first Magic Garden Mystery ticks all the requirements of a great cozy mystery. There’s a sympathetic protagonist to whom we can relate, a quaint setting in a charming town, some adorable scene stealing animals, a possible love interest, and a touch of magic! Not only that, there’s a well plotted mystery with lots of suspects along with some excitement.
There’s just a hint of magic found here, which grows as the book progresses. Scottish lore plays an important role, both in securing the setting and adding charm and mystical possibilities. I look forward to Fiona discovering her true role as Keeper of the Garden and discovering, along with her, just what that entails. I was enchanted, not only by the mysterious garden, but by my two favorite characters, Duncan and Ivanhoe. The mischievous and fierce little squirrel and the regal and entitled cat are fully developed characters in their own right. I only hope they can declare peace with each other as I want to continue reading about both of them.
FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY is a great start to a charming new mystery series sure to delight readers.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
I enjoy Amanda Flower’s books and this one was no exception, we are heading to Scotland and a magical garden.
Of course, there will be a body, and this leads to a mystery of why he ended up in the dead at the time garden. The reason the garden is dead? Well you will need to read about the magic, and I still have some questions. There is a subtle hint of romance, but will anything come from it?
This one will keep you guessing and wondering why, and all the while the town is striving to keep their beautiful coast line. Is the murder and Fiona’s coming connected? Wait for the bomb shells, they will be dropped and some I never saw coming.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Crooked Lane Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the first book in a new mystery series set in Scotland. Loved it.
“Flowers and Foul Play” earns 5/5 Magical Gardens!
I am a fan of the Magical Bookshop Mystery series by Amanda Flower, so I was very eager to join in with “Flowers and Foul Play,” the first book in her new Magic Garden Mystery series. Scotland? Magic Garden? And a dead body? Amanda Flower did not disappoint. She introduces Fiona Knox who has found herself without a fiancé, without a flower shop, and without a favorite relative; the fiancé ran off with the cake decorator, the flower shop was outmatched by a larger flower store, and sadly, her beloved godfather Uncle Ian MacCallister, a man with whom she shared many things as well as the love of flowers, has died. Passport, Miss? Fiona has been named beneficiary of his cottage estate christened Duncreigan, so with little to stop her, she leaves Nashville and heads to Bellewick in County Aberdeen, Scotland! Setting the mystery in Scotland got me eagerly through the garden gate, but Amanda added so much more to the reading experience…I am all in!
Arriving at the cottage needing some obvious care, Hamish MacGregor takes Fiona on the grand tour explaining that the “magic” garden is suffering…dying, now that her godfather is dead, but Fiona’s presence just might turn things around. But, not yet. While showing Fiona the garden, they happen upon the body of the estate’s lawyer Alastair Croft. And do you know what happens when you’re first to find the body? Chief Inspector Craig takes Fiona’s passport, and Hamish is at the top of the “suspect” list. But, Fiona discovers a town full of suspects who wouldn’t have minded seeing the lawyer planted six feet under, and sets out to prove the inspector’s premise is wrong.
Amanda Flower has penned a well-written mystery with engaging twists and turns adding a bit of magic without being juvenile hocus-pocus. It worked and kept me engaged. She wrote excellent descriptions to bring the Scottish flora and fauna to life, but didn’t rely on just the narrative to bring out the investigation results. The clever dialogue illustrated personality and emotion of a plethora of rich, some quirky characters to entertain. And for those who love the fur-friend…Duncan, a pet squirrel? Yes! It was very entertaining! You’ve got to join in!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A cozy cottage with a magical garden and a couple of very interesting furry creatures is what Fiona Fox finds when she arrives in Scotland. Oh, she also finds a dead body in the garden. Her godfather, Ian MacCallister, the man that shared her love of flowers has died and he has bequeathed the place to her. The garden has not flourished since Ian’s was killed in Afghanistan, but his caretaker Hamish MacGregor assures her that now that she has arrived the garden will start to bloom again. But first, she needs to deal with the body. He is identified as Alastair Croft, Ian’s lawyer and while Chief Inspector Neil Craig has taken her passport, he believes Hamish is the killer. Fiona quickly decides to get to know her neighbors and try to find the handsome detective some additional, more viable suspects. It wasn’t hard, most of the town couldn’t stand the man.
There are so many things I loved about this story.
Fiona Knox is nursing a broken heart. Her fiance left her for their cake decorator, a chain florist drove her little flower shop out of business, and she is mourning the death of a very important man in her life, her godfather. A man she shared her love of flowers with, a man she and her family had visited several times over the years. After all that she is using her trip to Scotland to heal her heart and make a new plan for her life. Her inner strength shines through as she sets out to find the killer. She travels to the nearby village to meet and question everyone she can. She is an intelligent woman determined to get the answers she needs.
We also meet Hamish MacGregor. An elderly man, caretaker of Ian’s property. A position he takes very seriously. He also has a pet squirrel named Duncan, that rides around on his shoulder and comes indoors, and doesn’t like cats at all, especially Ivanhoe, a cat Fiona has brought home.
Fiona finds herself being questioned by Chief Inspector Neil Craig within minutes of her arrival. The man is easy on the eyes and the two learn to work together. He sees instantly that Fiona is not a woman that will give up her own investigation so he decides that to keep her safe he needs to remain close.
The Scotland setting, the nearby sea, and the magical garden drew me into this enchanting story. Only a few seeds have been sown about this garden that Fiona is now the keeper of. I am excited to learn more right along with Fiona.
The story has many turns as the mystery of Alastair Croft and his death is solved. The author sets a nice pace as the story evolves. I really enjoyed the way the whole village was involved. It gives readers the chance to know a lot of characters without feeling overwhelmed. They are distinct individuals with their own stories. Some become viable suspects and some will become great friends for Fiona. Like all great cozies – be ready for that final outstanding twist. . . I LOVED IT!
Amanda Flower is an outstanding storyteller. She mixes paranormal and cozy like a master. The characters she creates jump off the pages. The setting is idyllic and the mystery is marvelous. She has written a story that was virtually impossible for me to put down.
I am thrilled about this series!! I can’t wait for the next book!! Death and Daisies will be released November 13.
Flowers and Foul Play by Amanda Flower is the first installment in A Magic Garden Mystery series. Fiona Knox is having a rough time. Her fiancé has left her for their cake decorator, her flower shop has folded up after a discount floral chain opened nearby, and her godfather has passed away. When Fiona receives the call from Alastair Croft, her godfather’s solicitor, that she has inherited Duncreigan, she hops on the next flight to Scotland. Duncreigan is the ancestral home of the MacCallister clan and Ian MacCallister was the last of his line. Fiona is happy to see Hamish MacGregor, the caretaker, upon her arrival and he takes her to see Ian’s pride and joy—the walled garden. Unfortunately, everything in the garden is dead including Alastair Croft. Chief Inspector Neil Craig is in charge of the investigation, but he sets his sights on Hamish as the culprit. Fiona knows Hamish would not harm a soul, and she sets out to find other suspects for the handsome inspector. It turns out that Alastair was not well liked in Bellewick. Fiona also discovers that Duncreigan has a secret and she is the key—well, technically the Keeper. Come along for an enchanting adventure in Flowers and Foul Play.
Flowers and Foul Play is a delightful new cozy mystery. The setting is beautiful. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Bellewick, Duncreigan, and the walled garden. Fiona is a charming main character. She is engaging, smart, personable, inquisitive and open to magic (what a joy). Fiona is not going to let Hamish go to jail for a crime he did not commit. She immediately goes to the village to meet the locals and do some subtle questioning. Hamish is a gentle giant who the perfect counterpart for Fiona. Duncan, the red squirrel, is adorable and I look forward to finding out more about him (I bet there is something special about him). I hope we see more of Presha (from the tea shop) in the next book. I bet there is more to her story. I found Flowers and Foul Play to be well-written and have a nice steady pace. The mystery was intriguing, and I always love when buried treasure is included. I just wish that it had been harder to solve. I did find the background details on Fiona to be light. I am hoping we will get to know her better in Death and Daisies. There are other pieces of information missing from the story (cheating fiance’s last name, where did they find the treasure and what did they do with it). I want to know why Fiona is tied to the stone when she is not a MacCallister. Flowers and Foul Play is a whimsical, magical cozy mystery. I am rating Flowers and Foul Play 4 out of 5 stars. I am eager to return to Scotland in Death and Daisies.
Highly Recommended! Amanda Flower gets everything right in FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY, the first book in the new Magical Garden Mystery series. The Scottish village setting and varied, likable cast of characters drew me into the story from the first sentence. The mystery surrounding local lawyer Alastair Croft is interesting, and protagonist Fiona Fox does a great job of ferreting out information from the local residents. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, each with their own valid motive, but the unexpected reason behind Croft’s murder and the perpetrators made me gasp aloud when I read it. The hint of magic in Fiona’s inherited garden added an additional layer of mystery to the tale, and I look forward to discovering its secrets alongside Fiona. There is also a hint of romance that I think works well. I already consider Fiona, Hamish, DI Craig, and Presha to be friends, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out.
I received and ARC of this title from the author/publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I’d been wishing for a cozy that would take me away to a whimsical, magical place for a few hours relaxation. “Flowers and Foul Play” is that creation. The story is a combination murder mystery and the mystery of how the mystical garden comes to life in protagonist Fiona Knox’s presence. Fiona’s godfather, Ian, has passed along his Scottish ancestors magic found in the garden behind the hobbit-like door. I found myself completely charmed by the animal characters who often appear in scenes. I loved the inclusion of pirate treasure nesting in the nearby sea—that part of history is always thrilling to me. I can hardly wait to learn more about the characters introduced in this debut story; notably Presha and Raj. I also sense we’ll learn much more about the secret gifts Fiona has inherited. I thoroughly enjoyed the paranormal plot twists!
I reviewed an advanced Readers digital copy from NetGalley and Crooked Lane.