A Flower Shop Mystery Series by Kate Collins

Abby Knight is the proud owner of her hometown flower shop, but a new low-cost competitor is killing her profits-and a black SUV just rammed her vintage Corvette in a hit-and-run. She's determined to track down the driver, but when the trail turns deadly, the next flower arrangement might be for her own funeral.

Law school drop-out-turned-flower shop owner Abby Knight has been asked to be a bridesmaid by her cousin. But before the couple says "I do," a groomsman disappears-and another member of the wedding party is found dead. Abby has to hurry down an aisle of suspects to unveil the truth-and make sure the bride still gets to the church on time.

The Barnes & Noble Review In Dearly Depotted, the third book in Kate Collins's Flower Shop Mystery saga ( Mum's the Word, Slay It with Flowers ), Abby Knight -- the new owner of Bloomers florists -- is having a Fourth of July from Hell. A reluctant bridesmaid in her drama queen cousin's wedding, Abby must do the flowers for the pretentious gala, wear a dress that makes her look like a clown, babysit a wandering grandma.. moreThe Barnes & Noble Review In Dearly Depotted, the third book in Kate Collins's Flower Shop Mystery saga ( Mum's the Word, Slay It with Flowers ), Abby Knight -- the new owner of Bloomers florists -- is having a Fourth of July from Hell. A reluctant bridesmaid in her drama queen cousin's wedding, Abby must do the flowers for the pretentious gala, wear a dress that makes her look like a clown, babysit a wandering grandma...and find out who murdered a wedding crasher! Abby's flighty cousin Jillian has jilted four men at the altar already -- so, as the wedding approaches, stress levels are understandably high for everyone involved. For Abby this is especially true: Not only is she forced to wear a hideous dress and work overtime as emergency analyst for the would-be runaway bride; her "weasel of an ex-fianc�" is the best man. But, against the odds, Jillian makes it to the altar, and the wedding goes off without a hitch. That is, until Abby finds the body of Jack Snyder, an ex-con mysteriously dressed in a waiter's uniform, behind the minister's platform in the gazebo. With the help of hunky restaurateur Marco Salvare and her assistants Grace and Lottie, Abby tries to weed out the real killer from a multitude of thorny suspects. pCollins's iDearly Depotted/i is everything a good mystery should be: a compelling narrative with an interesting cast of characters (and suspects!) and a lovable protagonist whom readers can empathize with -- all with a shocker of a conclusion guaranteed to wow. iPaul Goat Allen/i less

When I swapped the thorny problems of law school for the budding business of my flower store, Bloomers, I vowed that I, Abby Knight, wouldn t be caught dead visiting that hateful campus ever again. But sometimes a girl s got to face down her dragons.... PLANT OF ATTACK Someone orders a black rose for Abby s old law school nemesis, Professor "Snapdragon" Puffer... moreWhen I swapped the thorny problems of law school for the budding business of my flower store, Bloomers, I vowed that I, Abby Knight, wouldn t be caught dead visiting that hateful campus ever again. But sometimes a girl s got to face down her dragons.... PLANT OF ATTACK Someone orders a black rose for Abby s old law school nemesis, Professor "Snapdragon" Puffer. But her plans for a speedy delivery are foiled when he catches her putting the bloom on his desk and sends it straight into the trash. Abby flees in terror, only to run smack into Carson Reed, the professor who recently had her arrested at an animal rights protest. After a biting exchange, Abby storms out of the building. But if there s anything she can t stand, it s injustice and bullies. So, even though she knows bad luck comes in threes, she ignores the advice of her sometimes boyfriend, hunk-a-licious Marco Salvare, and heads back in to retrieve her dignity and her flower -- only to find the rose now decorating a dead professor, and herself the prime suspect.... less

During the annual Pickle Fest, Abby's boyfriend Marco inexplicably disappears for a day. When he returns, he's the main suspect in the death of a clown. It seems the cops have found Snuggles pushing up water-spurting daisies-and Marco was the last person seen leaving Snuggles's house. Although Marco is still a mystery to her, Abby knows he's innocent. Now she has to find a way to prove it.

In New Chapel, Indiana, flower shop owner Abby Knight worries about her business failing. She needs new customers and knows that flowers and funerals go together like bacon and eggs. Thus she decides to open up a "tasteful" floral booth at the Funeral Director Society's annual convention.On the down side, Abby will deal with some creepy souls who appreciate the DEARLY DEPOTTED as no one else can dig them... moreIn New Chapel, Indiana, flower shop owner Abby Knight worries about her business failing. She needs new customers and knows that flowers and funerals go together like bacon and eggs. Thus she decides to open up a "tasteful" floral booth at the Funeral Director Society's annual convention.On the down side, Abby will deal with some creepy souls who appreciate the DEARLY DEPOTTED as no one else can dig them. For instance, the Colonel who is president of the FDS is the self-anointed Master Mortician who insists he knows everything there is in converting a corpse into a living tribute and is willing to tell anyone who is not afraid to ask him for a consultation. Then there is the environmental ground-hugger Eli "Green Guy" Cotton who believes Kermit is right that grieving relatives should send their loved ones off in green.The lively gala turns morbid when cosmetician to the dead Sybil "the Diva of Death Masks" Blount is killed. Unable to resist, Abby investigates who was drumming up business. less

Eight years ago, Abby Knight babysat for a problem teen named Elizabeth. Today, Elizabeth’s back, with a new name (Libby) and a whole new life (stolen)—namely, one that already belongs to Abby. Libby’s even trying to steal Abby’s boyfriend, Marco. But imitation really becomes the sincerest form of trouble when Abby finds herself the accused dupe in a bizarre murder plot.

The dating scene can be a killer... Determined to help her roommate Nikki out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course, Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby?s list, Jonas Treat?a.k.a. ?Treat the Cheat??and figures just one date with him couldn?t hurt. But then Jonas is found dead?and evidence points to Nikki as his killer. To clear Nikki?s name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco... moreThe dating scene can be a killer... Determined to help her roommate Nikki out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course, Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby?s list, Jonas Treat?a.k.a. ?Treat the Cheat??and figures just one date with him couldn?t hurt. But then Jonas is found dead?and evidence points to Nikki as his killer. To clear Nikki?s name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But Marco?s rambunctious extended family turns Abby?s hectic life into a disaster zone. With her patience seriously wilting, and a killer on the loose, Abby is determined to dig herself out of this mess?before someone buries her instead... less

I, Abby Knight, hometown florist, refuse to be cowed into giving up my stance against the unfair treatment of dairy animals. But why does gathering signatures for a petition suddenly make me a target for kidnapping -- and murder?MILKING IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTHOkay, maybe hometown florist Abby Knight shouldn't choose a home and garden show sponsored by Uniworld Food as the venue for her protest against the corporation's harmful farming practices. But being forced to leave the event won't stop her... moreI, Abby Knight, hometown florist, refuse to be cowed into giving up my stance against the unfair treatment of dairy animals. But why does gathering signatures for a petition suddenly make me a target for kidnapping -- and murder?MILKING IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTHOkay, maybe hometown florist Abby Knight shouldn't choose a home and garden show sponsored by Uniworld Food as the venue for her protest against the corporation's harmful farming practices. But being forced to leave the event won't stop her. Nor will a burning brick thrown through her shop window. After escaping three kidnapping attempts, Abby calls in her ex-Army Ranger boyfriend and her whole posse. And then the stakes are raised by murder.Having Marco around 24-7 to protect Abby sheds new light on their relationship and gives her lots to ponder. Add to that pressure from both families for her and Marco to get hitched, and the possibility that the murder investigation may be on the wrong track, and Abby starts to think she'll soon be sleeping with anemones instead of arranging them. less

The newest Flower Shop mystery When high-powered lawyer Ken "the Lip" Lipinski is found dead from a suspicious overdose, florist and amateur sleuth Abby Knight finds it hard to swallow that his opposing counsel-and her old boss-is the murderer.

Flower shop owner Abby Knight does not believe rumors that Vlad Serban, friend and employee of Abby's fiancé Marco, is a vampire. But how to explain that Vlad is from Romania, has prominent canines, likes bizarre plants such as bloodwort and Dracula orchid, and dresses entirely in black? When a local woman is found dead, her body drained of blood, the stakes become life and death... moreFlower shop owner Abby Knight does not believe rumors that Vlad Serban, friend and employee of Abby's fiancé Marco, is a vampire. But how to explain that Vlad is from Romania, has prominent canines, likes bizarre plants such as bloodwort and Dracula orchid, and dresses entirely in black? When a local woman is found dead, her body drained of blood, the stakes become life and death. With Vlad the #1 suspect, Abby and Marco race to find the real killer, before Vlad's life really starts to suck. less

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is aglow with happiness now that she's officially engaged to her longtime beau, Marco Salvare. Nothing can possibly dampen her joy-until wealthy dowager Virginia Newport is killed, and Abby's assistant Grace Bingham is the prime suspect. The plot thickens when they stumble upon mysterious stolen art and a missing cat, all part of an elaborate heist. Before Abby can throw her bouquet, she'll have to save her friend and throw a killer and a thief in jail...

Enjoy her wedding shower…or receive a cold dunking? In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes... moreEnjoy her wedding shower…or receive a cold dunking? In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes. The missing woman is also the fiancée of Pryce Osborne, a wet noodle with a big bank account who dumped Abby just before their wedding several years ago. Merely being anywhere near Pryce makes Abby’s insecurities grow like kudzu…. Then a woman’s drowned body surfaces, and Pryce becomes a prime suspect in her death. Unless Abby and Marco can get a killer to come clean, their bridal shower will turn into a complete washout...and Pryce will be exchanging a sunny beach for a prison cell. less

It’s finally time to say, “I do!” As long as I can keep my momout of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony....Someone’s Biting Mad.Abby Knight’s wedding is in less than two weeks, and everything is going wrong... moreIt’s finally time to say, “I do!” As long as I can keep my momout of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony....Someone’s Biting Mad.Abby Knight’s wedding is in less than two weeks, and everything is going wrong. The cooler in her flower shop is leaking, her neck has swollen to unnatural proportions, her groom is acting distant, and she still doesn’t know where she’s actually getting married!But things go from bad to worse when the director of her favorite charity, Protecting Animal Rights, is murdered, and Abby’s mother becomes the main suspect. Abby’s wedding worries will have to wait until she—along with her fiance, Marco, and an adorable mutt named Seedy—can nose out who wanted the animal activist put to sleep. But they’ll have to sort through the long list of suspects quickly, or her mom may be tossed in the slammer before Abby tosses the bouquet.... less

I’m used to buried bulbs, not buried bodies… The couple that sleuths together… Flower Shop owner Abby Knight has just returned from a romantic honeymoon with the man of her dreams. There’s no reason for the bloom to be off the rose just because she and Marco are returning to normal life. But when Marco discovers a skeleton buried in the basement of his bar, it is a bit of a mood killer... moreI’m used to buried bulbs, not buried bodies… The couple that sleuths together… Flower Shop owner Abby Knight has just returned from a romantic honeymoon with the man of her dreams. There’s no reason for the bloom to be off the rose just because she and Marco are returning to normal life. But when Marco discovers a skeleton buried in the basement of his bar, it is a bit of a mood killer. When the body is identified as a carpenter who went missing back in the 1970s, Abby and Marco decide to cultivate the clues to solve the cold case. What could be more romantic? But the deeper they dig, the more desperate the murderer grows. And if Marco and Abby don’t unearth the killer’s identity, they may not live to see their first anniversary. less

Abby Knight's marriage may be in full bloom, but house hunting is no bed of roses in latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Flower Shop Mystery series... Now that they’ve tied the knot, flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, want to put down roots. When it comes to picking a house, Marco can’t wait to get his hands dirty, while Abby isn’t ready for a fixer-upper... moreAbby Knight's marriage may be in full bloom, but house hunting is no bed of roses in latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Flower Shop Mystery series... Now that they’ve tied the knot, flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, want to put down roots. When it comes to picking a house, Marco can’t wait to get his hands dirty, while Abby isn’t ready for a fixer-upper. But conflict really sprouts when they’re checking out a dilapidated Victorian and watch a construction worker take a life-threatening tumble.   Since witnesses claim the man shouted for help, suggesting that the fall was no accident, the victim’s flamboyant wife hires Marco to find the person responsible. Meanwhile, Abby keeps secret from Marco her own investigation into the home’s inhabitants, a family whose off-kilter behavior has aroused her suspicions. If only Abby’s very pregnant cousin, Jillian, will stop distracting Abby with false labor pains, she can conclude her own inquiries before Marco finds out…and her case blossoms into a disaster. less

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Root Awakening, feisty florist Abby Knight is back with another knotty murder to solve in the next Flower Shop Mystery...Life in Bloom Stopping to smell the roses should be a must for flower shop owner Abby Knight, but stress has turned her into a major grump. While their house is under construction, Abby and her new husband, Marco, are living with her parents, who are driving her nuts... moreFrom the New York Times bestselling author of A Root Awakening, feisty florist Abby Knight is back with another knotty murder to solve in the next Flower Shop Mystery...Life in Bloom Stopping to smell the roses should be a must for flower shop owner Abby Knight, but stress has turned her into a major grump. While their house is under construction, Abby and her new husband, Marco, are living with her parents, who are driving her nuts. Not to mention that everyone has babies on the brain, with her cousin Jillian’s bundle of joy popping up in every conversation, and Marco’s mother dropping hints that she expects a new sprout from Abby and her son—as soon as possible! But things get even thornier after a flashy former banker pushes up daisies. With a beloved window washer the prime suspect in the murder, other New Chapel shop owners rally around Abby and Marco to prove his innocence. With Abby’s energy wilting, she has to be on high alert—or she and Marco may not live to see their new home… less

Abby and Marco s new neighborhood isn t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Florist Grump "and" A Root Awakening."Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine their new subdivision seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns... moreAbby and Marco s new neighborhood isn t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Florist Grump "and" A Root Awakening."Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine their new subdivision seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns.But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren t convinced.Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother s slick new boyfriend, and Abby s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds...and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets." less

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is out to help a friend in need but soon finds herself in the weeds... The Spring of Abby's Discontent It's April in New Chapel, and Abby and her husband, Marco, are off to buy shrubs for their new house. But the owner of the local landscaping company is nowhere to be found. Abby's best friend, Nikki, meanwhile, believes she unwittingly helped a group of her hospital coworkers conspire to kill the man. After the police get involved, Nikki becomes a suspect... moreFlower shop owner Abby Knight is out to help a friend in need but soon finds herself in the weeds... The Spring of Abby's Discontent It's April in New Chapel, and Abby and her husband, Marco, are off to buy shrubs for their new house. But the owner of the local landscaping company is nowhere to be found. Abby's best friend, Nikki, meanwhile, believes she unwittingly helped a group of her hospital coworkers conspire to kill the man. After the police get involved, Nikki becomes a suspect. Abby digs deeper for clues to save her friend only to discover bushels of folks bearing a deep-rooted hatred for the two-faced business owner. Marco attempts to help Abby with the case but soon falls critically ill. Now Abby must find the real culprit on her own before everything goes to pot... less

It’s Christmas Eve in New Chapel, Indiana. But this night will be anything but silent in a brand new Flower Shop Mystery Novella from New York Times bestselling author of Moss Hysteria and Yews With Caution. After being hired to deliver poinsettias to Churchill’s department store in downtown New Chapel, feisty flower shop owner Abby Knight finds herself mixed up in the disappearance of everyone’s favorite Santa Claus, Mr. Churchill himself... moreIt’s Christmas Eve in New Chapel, Indiana. But this night will be anything but silent in a brand new Flower Shop Mystery Novella from New York Times bestselling author of Moss Hysteria and Yews With Caution. After being hired to deliver poinsettias to Churchill’s department store in downtown New Chapel, feisty flower shop owner Abby Knight finds herself mixed up in the disappearance of everyone’s favorite Santa Claus, Mr. Churchill himself. Promising Churchill’s daughter that the legendary Christmas Eve celebration will not go on without her father, Abby must recruit her whole staff at Bloomers, and even her family, to help. But while the excitement builds and the town square fills with revelers, there is one person who must come to terms with his own holiday mystery, Abby’s husband and partner, private investigator Marco Salvare. The clock is ticking down the minutes to the big celebration as clues are quickly uncovered, but Abby and Marco soon realize there is much more at stake than one man’s life. As the town gathers around for the lighting of the tree, and the suspect is just within arm's reach, Team Salvare is barred from the case. Little does Abby know that her next move won't just seal Santa’s fate, but the fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance. less

It’s springtime in New Chapel, Indiana, but as the weather heats up, so too does the drama, in this thrilling new Flower Shop mystery novella from New York Times Bestselling Author, Kate Collins. After arriving late for a tulip delivery, Bloomers Flower Shop owner Abby Knight Salvare stumbles upon a homicide in action. The killer flees the scene, leaving a trail of mysterious clues behind, but when Abby’s long-time friend, Sgt... moreIt’s springtime in New Chapel, Indiana, but as the weather heats up, so too does the drama, in this thrilling new Flower Shop mystery novella from New York Times Bestselling Author, Kate Collins. After arriving late for a tulip delivery, Bloomers Flower Shop owner Abby Knight Salvare stumbles upon a homicide in action. The killer flees the scene, leaving a trail of mysterious clues behind, but when Abby’s long-time friend, Sgt. Sean Reilly accidentally releases information to the press, he is forced to step away from the case. Having nowhere else to turn, and armed with a list of evidence that the detectives refuse to investigate, Sgt. Reilly enlists the help of Team Salvare to solve the case and set things right. In order to solve this mystery, Abby and Marco must defy strict orders from a powerful old foe – a bull-headed corrupt detective - who promises that one wrong move will have them wrapped up in legal fees, courtroom battles, and possibly even worse. Abby’s passion for truth and unquenchable thirst for justice drives her forward even while the odds stack up against her. This will not only be Abby’s greatest challenge but also her greatest redemption, believing she may have been able to save someone’s life, had she not delivered those tulips…too late. less

A FRIEND INDEED? It’s Summertime in New Chapel, Indiana, and feisty florist Abby Knight Salvare is up to her neck in work – supervising the construction of her float for the Fourth of July parade, managing her flower shop Bloomers, reigning in her over-eager cousin Jillian, and working with her hunky husband Marco in his private detective business – when her best friend Nikki comes to her with a big problem... moreA FRIEND INDEED? It’s Summertime in New Chapel, Indiana, and feisty florist Abby Knight Salvare is up to her neck in work – supervising the construction of her float for the Fourth of July parade, managing her flower shop Bloomers, reigning in her over-eager cousin Jillian, and working with her hunky husband Marco in his private detective business – when her best friend Nikki comes to her with a big problem. Blake Ryder, a handsome, charismatic surgeon at the New Chapel Hospital is a suspect in a murder case, and Nikki is supposed to go away with him for the holiday weekend. Is Blake being targeted unfairly or has Nikki gotten herself involved with a real life lady-killer? The days are long and humid, the clues are leading in all directions, and the responsibilities are piling up as Independence Day quickly approaches. Abby can’t turn down a friend in need, but can she solve Nikki’s dilemma and handle all her other concerns before the fireworks? less