Acts of Violets (Flower Shop Mysteries, No. 5) (Paperback)

by Kate Collins (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Spend a sunny afternoon with this bright and witty series. -- Nancy Martin

Review
Spend a sunny afternoon with this bright and witty series. (Nancy Martin)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Signet (March 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451220749
• ISBN-13: 978-0451220745
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #64,552 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 5 in The Flower Shop Mystery Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Cozy Mystery, March 29, 2007

By	drebbles (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

When Snuggles the clown is murdered and Abby's boyfriend, hunky ex-cop Marco is the chief suspect because he was the last one seen leaving Snuggle's house, Marco asks Abby to help find the real killer. Even though she's solved some murder cases in the past, Abby is very nervous about solving this one - if she fails, Marco could go to jail. But it won't be easy, when he was a cop Marco had a run in with Snuggles (Dennis Ryson) that resulted in Marco leaving the police force. Marco also had a fist fight with Snuggles shortly before he was murdered. Abby knows that she has to work fast, Marco is the only suspect and even some of his cop friends are afraid he may be guilty. While Abby is convinced that Marco is innocent, she worries because he is keeping secrets from her: what exactly is his relationship with the attractive Trina who was threatened by Ryson and why doesn't he want her to meet his mother? As Abby gets closer to the truth her own life is in danger.

While not the best book in Kate Collins Flower Shop Mystery series, "Acts of Violets" is still a good cozy mystery. Abby's an endearing heroine willing to investigate the murder even though she is full of self-doubt. In fact, my one complaint about this book is that Abby is not as strong as usual, she is full of doubts and insecure about her relationship with Marco. She also has a propensity for unbuttoning her top button on her blouse to show off her ample cleavage, something I don't remember her doing in other books. Other characters are well developed and readers will learn more about Marco just as Abby does. There's a nice sense of humor throughout the book including a pickle parade; Abby's mother's latest art project; a funny scene in a diner; and the scene (and it's aftermath) when Abby finally does meet Marco's mother. The humor does go a bit too far - a character's lisp becomes distracting and is a bit cruel. The mystery itself is well done, although there aren't a lot of suspects. The outcome of Abby's confrontation with the murderer is neatly foreshadowed at the beginning of the book which is a nice bit of writing by Collins.

"Act of Violets" is a good cozy mystery.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice Time Pass, March 8, 2007

By	J. Selvon "BookWorm" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Abby, Marco, and the gang are back!! I have been waiting for this book, ever since I discovered Kate Collins Flowershop Series. I in great anticipation of it, since the first 4 were a delight! I have to say that while the book is enjoyable, it feels like it is lacking something that made the first 4 so special to me. And as I was reading, I almost began to feel like Abby seemed a little desperate, so different from how I remeber her, but perhaps that was the way the author meant to portray her, since this mystery was so closely entangled with Marco. All in all, it is worth the read, and I look forward to more of Mrs. Collins books.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introducing Mama Salvare, May 9, 2007

By	A Busy Reader - See all my reviews

Book 5 in the series - the annual pickle fest, a mean clown, and Mama Salvare. The rest of the usual characters return, along with a few new ones. Abby's always had a fear of clowns, and when she is accosted by one at the pickle fest, Marco steps in. Then the clown turns up dead .. and Marco is the lead suspect. Can Abby save him?