Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?
It's an invitation Steph can't refuse when she's handpicked to compete at the prestigious National Trust property Coleton Fishacre. With the country's top garden designers as rivals and a stunning historic estate for inspiration, it feels like a dream come true.
But things quickly turn thorny when the youngest competitor falls mysteriously ill and Steph suspects foul play. Her fears are confirmed when a scream echoes through the gardens, leading her to the horrific sight of a dead body at the foot of the cliff.
With her trusty dog Mouse by her side, Steph's determined not to let the culprit slip through the cracks. Uncovering the truth in a garden full of suspects is no easy task, but Steph must trim away the lies before the murderer prunes the competition - for good!
Being the third book in the Gardener Mysteries, 'Murder in Bloom' has cemented the series as a firm favourite of mine.
Steph is a wonderful character with an interesting and varied job that brings her into social sphere of lots of different people. In this instalment she is taking part in a prestigious gardening competition with all the rivalry and tensions that entails.
I enjoyed the witty banter and the touch of romance. Both aspects lighten the tone of the book and propel the story forward.
The vivid descriptions of the gardens and the competition bring the story to life, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the world of horticulture. The mystery itself is cleverly plotted, with red herrings and unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end.
Murder in Bloom" is a perfect escape for fans of cozy mysteries and gardening enthusiasts alike. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
A well deserved five stars and a thumbs up from me.
