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Book Review of Death and Daisies (Magic Garden, Bk 2)

Death and Daisies (Magic Garden, Bk 2)
PianoLady357 avatar reviewed on + 157 more book reviews


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 âmust readâ 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. âBest of the bestâ 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.