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Diana Flowers Floriculture Mysteries #3
Poinsettias and the Perfect Crime
This Christmas, someone is turning to crime.
A ballroom full of potential suspects.
A false trail of footprints.
Diana and Fergus are both in the running for the coveted spot of ‘prime suspect’.
Fergus decides the only way to clear their names and save Christmas is for them to investigate the case. He’s convinced that an ancient curse is the real killer. Diana is convinced that Fergus has lost his marbles.
She’s ready to prove him wrong, but when they are dragged into a maze of secrets and lies, she starts to wonder…
…Is it the perfect crime?
If you love intelligent female sleuths, hilarious sidekicks, and a proper ‘whodunnit’ mystery, you will love this book!
Get it now.
A ballroom full of potential suspects.
A false trail of footprints.
Diana and Fergus are both in the running for the coveted spot of ‘prime suspect’.
Fergus decides the only way to clear their names and save Christmas is for them to investigate the case. He’s convinced that an ancient curse is the real killer. Diana is convinced that Fergus has lost his marbles.
She’s ready to prove him wrong, but when they are dragged into a maze of secrets and lies, she starts to wonder…
…Is it the perfect crime?
If you love intelligent female sleuths, hilarious sidekicks, and a proper ‘whodunnit’ mystery, you will love this book!
Get it now.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2018
100 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Loren
98 books125 followersRuby Loren was born and raised in East Sussex, England. She writes cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and stories about rockstars. Her books are designed to take you away to a little slice of a different world, often set in a rural corner of South East England. Full of ideas, she is always busy writing her next bestseller!
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.
The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.
Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.
To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 29, 2022
A Christmas party that leads to murder! This was another fun and twisty turny tale with Diana and Fergus. Between dealing with a high school nemesis who hasn’t left HS behind, a sister who decided to divorce her hubby, and an ex who’s suddenly clingy and doesn’t understand the word No, Diana had her hands and brain full trying to solve the mystery of em who solved the murder of the man of the house and stole a priceless diamond. And Fergus? Well he’s tracking down a curse, what else 😁😁😁
December 30, 2018
The names Bond, Jane Bond,
Another great read. Loved the plot and the twist at the end, even though I had guessed the culprit almost from the start. Enjoyed the way the characters have grown and been stretched by their advent. However I wonder if the next one will be about George.
Her business is flourishing even though it is almost Christmas. Everyone is talking about the upcoming ball. She has been hired to do the flowers but hasn't gotten an invitation as Cordero a hates her. However Fergus comes trumps when he asks her to be his plus one. If she had known that she would find the host dead in front of the empty safe she wouldn't have gone. Now her cheating ex is also here and thankfully was stopped from proposing. Where did the killer go? Where is the missing diamond that should have been in the safe? Why is her ex here? Was there anything else in the safe? What does the last word written by y he dead man mean? Who is the new man that her sister is engaged too really (even though she is still married)? Can they find the answers to these questions.
Another great read. Loved the plot and the twist at the end, even though I had guessed the culprit almost from the start. Enjoyed the way the characters have grown and been stretched by their advent. However I wonder if the next one will be about George.
Her business is flourishing even though it is almost Christmas. Everyone is talking about the upcoming ball. She has been hired to do the flowers but hasn't gotten an invitation as Cordero a hates her. However Fergus comes trumps when he asks her to be his plus one. If she had known that she would find the host dead in front of the empty safe she wouldn't have gone. Now her cheating ex is also here and thankfully was stopped from proposing. Where did the killer go? Where is the missing diamond that should have been in the safe? Why is her ex here? Was there anything else in the safe? What does the last word written by y he dead man mean? Who is the new man that her sister is engaged too really (even though she is still married)? Can they find the answers to these questions.
February 18, 2019
Just a typical Christmas!
First served: the get together with your annoying family.
Main course: a huge party at the house of your childhood bully. Served with a persistant ex, a theft and a juicy murder.
And for dessert: a conspiracy or two.
Company: your trusted and valued, but very weird Dr. Watson/Fergus.
Loved it!
First served: the get together with your annoying family.
Main course: a huge party at the house of your childhood bully. Served with a persistant ex, a theft and a juicy murder.
And for dessert: a conspiracy or two.
Company: your trusted and valued, but very weird Dr. Watson/Fergus.
Loved it!
May 15, 2019
Diana Flowers is getting busy with her flower growing company. She has expanded from just summer sales, to the beginning of winter and online sales. She is asked to supply flowers for the grand Christmas ball at a well-known family’s extensive home, Merryfield Manor. The ball was a locally sought after ticket and some were not invited. Diana was one of those without an invite, even though she was actually providing the flowers! Diana knew the reason she wasn’t invited and that was due to her school day problems with the spoilt daughter of the manors owners.
At the last minute, she gets an invite to go along, through her somewhat friend, Fergus. Fergus is usually found skulking about her fields and other areas around the area. He was fond of conspiracy theories and is also an author. There may be a chance of romance between Diana and Fergus, when she begins to realise that she is missing him being around. Fergus has been invited to the exclusive ball from an act he did for the mother. He actually wants to investigate a story of a cursed diamond the family own. He wants to see if the family do own it and get the story behind it. If it is sold, a curse will cause death to the person who sold it. A legend supposedly carried through the family line.
Diana manages to get enough greenery and a load of poinsettias, grown in her covered tunnels, to produce a lovely display of seasonal flowers for the ball and the grand staircase. After reaching the ball as a guest, the spoilt daughter questions her presence, but Diana being there is backed up the mother and ignores the daughter after that. The waiting staff are all wearing masks and are undercover uninvited guests, but that’s another part of the story! Fergus goes on a hunt for the diamond and instead comes across the dead body of manor owner. Stabbed by a knife. Diana finds him just after he discovers the body, but they are both found there by the daughter and she calls blue murder.
Her mother asks them to keep quiet until the ball is finished, which they reluctantly agree to, but her daughter ends up causing more problems, as usual. Classed as the prime suspects due to their discovery of the body and the local police detective having quite a bias against Diana in particular, she is nearly arrested yet again! She has a tendency to find dead bodies, what can I say? Diana and Fergus decide to investigate the murder themselves, with the hopes they can prove their innocence and also find the real culprit.
Fergus thinks it’s all to do with the cursed diamond and that is why the man of the house is dead and is talking about conspiracies and another conspiracy blogger. He’s gone a bit mad on the legend and Diana knows a more realistic, real person, will be to blame. Another murder for Diana to solve, since the local police are so useless. A good bit like the Madi Amos Zoo stories. An easy read, which gives us a lot more background into Diana and her past life. Bring in the surprise of her ex-boyfriend turning up unexpectedly and protesting his love and Diana’s love life may suddenly be taking off!
Nothing is quite what you expect and her past and present life are twisted together wonderfully to bring readers a great murder mystery. It brings in all the strange and odd characters you find in a small town and the prejudices that can be brought to public sight, or become family feuds. Diana has worked hard to change her role in life and still struggles with others believing in her and her new choice of job. Even her mother thinks it is just a phase. There are also a couple of daft dogs, one owned by Diana and the other by Fergus, adding to the chaos at times. Another great caper and I can’t wait to see what Diana gets up to next. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
At the last minute, she gets an invite to go along, through her somewhat friend, Fergus. Fergus is usually found skulking about her fields and other areas around the area. He was fond of conspiracy theories and is also an author. There may be a chance of romance between Diana and Fergus, when she begins to realise that she is missing him being around. Fergus has been invited to the exclusive ball from an act he did for the mother. He actually wants to investigate a story of a cursed diamond the family own. He wants to see if the family do own it and get the story behind it. If it is sold, a curse will cause death to the person who sold it. A legend supposedly carried through the family line.
Diana manages to get enough greenery and a load of poinsettias, grown in her covered tunnels, to produce a lovely display of seasonal flowers for the ball and the grand staircase. After reaching the ball as a guest, the spoilt daughter questions her presence, but Diana being there is backed up the mother and ignores the daughter after that. The waiting staff are all wearing masks and are undercover uninvited guests, but that’s another part of the story! Fergus goes on a hunt for the diamond and instead comes across the dead body of manor owner. Stabbed by a knife. Diana finds him just after he discovers the body, but they are both found there by the daughter and she calls blue murder.
Her mother asks them to keep quiet until the ball is finished, which they reluctantly agree to, but her daughter ends up causing more problems, as usual. Classed as the prime suspects due to their discovery of the body and the local police detective having quite a bias against Diana in particular, she is nearly arrested yet again! She has a tendency to find dead bodies, what can I say? Diana and Fergus decide to investigate the murder themselves, with the hopes they can prove their innocence and also find the real culprit.
Fergus thinks it’s all to do with the cursed diamond and that is why the man of the house is dead and is talking about conspiracies and another conspiracy blogger. He’s gone a bit mad on the legend and Diana knows a more realistic, real person, will be to blame. Another murder for Diana to solve, since the local police are so useless. A good bit like the Madi Amos Zoo stories. An easy read, which gives us a lot more background into Diana and her past life. Bring in the surprise of her ex-boyfriend turning up unexpectedly and protesting his love and Diana’s love life may suddenly be taking off!
Nothing is quite what you expect and her past and present life are twisted together wonderfully to bring readers a great murder mystery. It brings in all the strange and odd characters you find in a small town and the prejudices that can be brought to public sight, or become family feuds. Diana has worked hard to change her role in life and still struggles with others believing in her and her new choice of job. Even her mother thinks it is just a phase. There are also a couple of daft dogs, one owned by Diana and the other by Fergus, adding to the chaos at times. Another great caper and I can’t wait to see what Diana gets up to next. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 27, 2018
Poinsettias and The Perfect Crime #3 - A good addition to the series, with plenty of new characters and twists. There are plenty of storylines weaving their contributions throughout this story, all well thought out and moving at a good pace. There is still the funny and interesting relationship between Diana and Fergus, adding to the mix of townsfolk and new characters.
The new characters are developed just enough pull their share and are believable - you believe they're up to something. Fergus pulls his load and comes up smelling like a rose again. There's a bit of originality with the crime and a very good surprise with one of the special characters. There's traces of Egypt and India meshed in behind the scenes that lend a different flavor to this series. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Diana Flowers series:
The Florist and the Funeral #0 - The prequel to the Diana Flowers series. A quickly read, fun story about a chemist, with a high IQ, interested in growing and selling flowers to meet the growing demand. Along the way there's a death, which she solves since she is smarter than the old Lt. There's quite a bit going on in this novella and the "killer" is a big surprise and not what you expect. Another series that may be the match for Madi's zoo series. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one. 5*
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake #1 - My favorite series by this author is the Madi Amos Zoo Mysteries, but this is an interesting series so far. The prequel should be read first to get the foundation, The Florist and the Funeral. I like both Fergus and Diana; they're perfectly matched to each other, tin-foil hat optional. The other characters worked in their roles. The story took a little bit to get rolling but it did get interesting and had some good twists. Diggory is a character all of his own. I was disappointed that Di let the nematodes get to her; there's an easy, nonpoisonous fix to get rid of those critters, but there's always a change that works out better in the end as I found with Madi's series. Included with the story is a free offering of the prequel and a list of edible flowers. I contacted the author to review her book. 4.5*
Delphiniums and Deception #2 - This story had me so immersed in it that I just let it carry me along. The bunker had overtures of several sources, including the Saw series, so I saw several ways this could have worked out. Several people in a isolated location with a murderer and the deceased. But Ms. Loren made this theme her own and unique, and it was hard to put the book down. I figured out three possible murderers, but I missed. I liked the way the Floral Arrangement retreat was arranged; and certainly enjoyed the punishment feature of the classes. There are many interesting storylines for the characters. Fergus really shined brightly in this story, from his heartwarming gift to his ability to surprise. 4*
Diana Flowers series end.
The new characters are developed just enough pull their share and are believable - you believe they're up to something. Fergus pulls his load and comes up smelling like a rose again. There's a bit of originality with the crime and a very good surprise with one of the special characters. There's traces of Egypt and India meshed in behind the scenes that lend a different flavor to this series. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Diana Flowers series:
The Florist and the Funeral #0 - The prequel to the Diana Flowers series. A quickly read, fun story about a chemist, with a high IQ, interested in growing and selling flowers to meet the growing demand. Along the way there's a death, which she solves since she is smarter than the old Lt. There's quite a bit going on in this novella and the "killer" is a big surprise and not what you expect. Another series that may be the match for Madi's zoo series. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one. 5*
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake #1 - My favorite series by this author is the Madi Amos Zoo Mysteries, but this is an interesting series so far. The prequel should be read first to get the foundation, The Florist and the Funeral. I like both Fergus and Diana; they're perfectly matched to each other, tin-foil hat optional. The other characters worked in their roles. The story took a little bit to get rolling but it did get interesting and had some good twists. Diggory is a character all of his own. I was disappointed that Di let the nematodes get to her; there's an easy, nonpoisonous fix to get rid of those critters, but there's always a change that works out better in the end as I found with Madi's series. Included with the story is a free offering of the prequel and a list of edible flowers. I contacted the author to review her book. 4.5*
Delphiniums and Deception #2 - This story had me so immersed in it that I just let it carry me along. The bunker had overtures of several sources, including the Saw series, so I saw several ways this could have worked out. Several people in a isolated location with a murderer and the deceased. But Ms. Loren made this theme her own and unique, and it was hard to put the book down. I figured out three possible murderers, but I missed. I liked the way the Floral Arrangement retreat was arranged; and certainly enjoyed the punishment feature of the classes. There are many interesting storylines for the characters. Fergus really shined brightly in this story, from his heartwarming gift to his ability to surprise. 4*
Diana Flowers series end.
January 9, 2019
🔍Lots of mysterious threads to unravel as theft and murder disturb the village peace!
January 7, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Just skating under 4 🌟stars🔍
This small-town murder mystery started out well with plenty of humor and antipathy between Diana Flowers (the MC) and Walter the local police chief (who thinks she's too close to the local crimes not to be involved) and Cordelia the heiress (who has had it in for Diana since their school days). In this fourth (including the prequel) story in the series, the author also introduced a trio of suspect men, all with odd behavior and motives not to be trusted. Diana's friend Fergus, the local conspiracy theorist, keeps her intimately involved in murder and theft investigations, and Diana has to keep fighting off advances from her chemist ex-boyfriend while watching her sister careening into a new romance after a short-lived marriage (to their mother's disgust).
Many of the local characters, including the police chief and the lady members of the Murder Mystery Fan Club, bring zaniness and cozy humor to this holiday whodunit. Diana's relationship with Fergus strengthens as she learns bits and pieces about his secretive professional life. However, I did not enjoy this story as much as the previous in the series. Horticulture and Diana's knowledge of chemistry, which previously played crucial parts in her investigations, are sidelined as are the pets. There's a nebulous mystery that, even when uncovered, never gets properly explained and, to me, the poor murder victim gets short shrift from family and investigators. I ended the story a bit unsatisfied with how the whole murder/theft ended and with a last minute new mystery involving Diana's ex hanging "to be dealt with later" as the year draws to a close!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 7, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Just skating under 4 🌟stars🔍
This small-town murder mystery started out well with plenty of humor and antipathy between Diana Flowers (the MC) and Walter the local police chief (who thinks she's too close to the local crimes not to be involved) and Cordelia the heiress (who has had it in for Diana since their school days). In this fourth (including the prequel) story in the series, the author also introduced a trio of suspect men, all with odd behavior and motives not to be trusted. Diana's friend Fergus, the local conspiracy theorist, keeps her intimately involved in murder and theft investigations, and Diana has to keep fighting off advances from her chemist ex-boyfriend while watching her sister careening into a new romance after a short-lived marriage (to their mother's disgust).
Many of the local characters, including the police chief and the lady members of the Murder Mystery Fan Club, bring zaniness and cozy humor to this holiday whodunit. Diana's relationship with Fergus strengthens as she learns bits and pieces about his secretive professional life. However, I did not enjoy this story as much as the previous in the series. Horticulture and Diana's knowledge of chemistry, which previously played crucial parts in her investigations, are sidelined as are the pets. There's a nebulous mystery that, even when uncovered, never gets properly explained and, to me, the poor murder victim gets short shrift from family and investigators. I ended the story a bit unsatisfied with how the whole murder/theft ended and with a last minute new mystery involving Diana's ex hanging "to be dealt with later" as the year draws to a close!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book, in fact it was A blooming success. I love the wacky characters, especially Fergus and his conspiracy theories, although none are as mysterious as him. It's a nice idea having Diana come into contact with murder cases using her budding flower business, it gives her plenty of time to investigate and together although very different they make for a great team. The family dysfunction adds drama (and suspects) and the arch nemesis is a character everybody can hate. The mystery was good and kept me guessing as to what was really going on. This is book three in the series and like the flowers Diana sells it continues to stay fresh and entertaining. A fun series and I look forward to the duo's next adventure.
Diana has never been invited to the town's Christmas party but as it is hosted by her high school nemesis she never expected to be. The best she can do is arrange the flowers for the event, that is until Fergus invites her to be his plus one and back up. Fergus wants to go to find out the family secrets, especially the one concerning them owning a cursed diamond. Instead they find themselves involved in a murder investigation, when the hosts husband is found dead by an open safe. Diana and Fergus get hired to find the missing cursed diamond because the wife doesn't trust the police to find her husbands killer let alone a diamond they know nothing about. Although Diana soon discovers it's only the police who don't know anything about the diamond. Did someone stealing the diamond trigger the curse, causing the death? At the same time Diana has to deal with a family Christmas and an ex boyfriend with his own plans, making her feel like taking on a killer would be easier. Can Diana and Fergus find the diamond, a killer or the truth?
I like the narrator. She has a pleasant voice and gives each character a unique voice all of these own.
Diana has never been invited to the town's Christmas party but as it is hosted by her high school nemesis she never expected to be. The best she can do is arrange the flowers for the event, that is until Fergus invites her to be his plus one and back up. Fergus wants to go to find out the family secrets, especially the one concerning them owning a cursed diamond. Instead they find themselves involved in a murder investigation, when the hosts husband is found dead by an open safe. Diana and Fergus get hired to find the missing cursed diamond because the wife doesn't trust the police to find her husbands killer let alone a diamond they know nothing about. Although Diana soon discovers it's only the police who don't know anything about the diamond. Did someone stealing the diamond trigger the curse, causing the death? At the same time Diana has to deal with a family Christmas and an ex boyfriend with his own plans, making her feel like taking on a killer would be easier. Can Diana and Fergus find the diamond, a killer or the truth?
I like the narrator. She has a pleasant voice and gives each character a unique voice all of these own.
December 28, 2018
Book #3 in a terrific series has you turning pages until you have finished! Diana Flowers has been hired to decorate the regal home of the parents of her arch enemy, Cordelia who bullied Diana all through school until Diana got her revenge, so now Cordelia really hates Diana and still gets her digs in when she can. This is for the annual Christmas Gala that the Wrextons hold with special invites only. When her friend Fergus managed an invite to the party, he has Diana go as his "plus one" to help him solve a mystery supposedly attached to the family. And then the fun begins! The husband of the hostess is murdered and his safe was robbed. Is this related to the mystery Fergus came to solve? With so many suspects and so many threads woven throughout including Diana's sister who announced she was divorcing her husband while bringing her new boyfriend to the party. And then again, having to spend Christmas eve and Christmas day with her unapproving mother and her father and his wife under the same roof. To add to all the craziness, George, Diana's very ex-boyfriend from London shows up and throws many questions into the equation. Seems he can't take no for any answer, so what will Diana do? This book has you going through the hoop to try and figure out what happened and you just can't put it down along with giving you a really good laugh throughout! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 28, 2018
Christmas has turned out to be a busy time of year for Diana. She is decorating a mansion for a Christmas Ball. The daughter of the owners bullied Diana all through their school years and she is still living at home. Cordelia Wrexton spots Diana and continues to bully her but it no longer works. Of course she has never been invited to the Ball. But Fergus has been and is asked to bring a guest. He asks Diana to go with him. In the meantime Diana's old boy friend shows up and wants her to take him back. This is not going to happen. Could it be just an excuse for him being in the area?
It turns out Fergus is looking into a curse on a very large diamond belonging to the Wrexton's. At the ball they quietly go looking for the diamond and discover Bill Wrexton murdered. Who would murder Bill? Does it have something to do with the diamond? Twists and turns keep you turning the pages. Very well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
It turns out Fergus is looking into a curse on a very large diamond belonging to the Wrexton's. At the ball they quietly go looking for the diamond and discover Bill Wrexton murdered. Who would murder Bill? Does it have something to do with the diamond? Twists and turns keep you turning the pages. Very well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
January 3, 2019
Diana and Fergus find themselves once again working together to solve a mystery. Diana is hired by the mother of her arch nemesis (Cordelia Wrexton) to decorate their home for a winter ball. Having never been invited to the ball, she gets a surprise invite by Fergus to be his plus one. All does not go as planned when Bill Wexton is found murdered. If that wasn’t bad enough, Diana’s ex-boyfriend is back trying to woe her, her sister Charlotte is getting a divorce and dating a suspect, and Cordelia is making life miserable for Diana just like in grade school.
What I love most about this series are the interactions between Diana and Fergus. Diana seems a bit anti-social and is straightforward (blunt) when dealing with people. Fergus is a conspiracy theorist that is captivating and the life of the party. While they sometimes are like oil and water, they just seem to mesh really well with each other.
With a touch of whimsy (from her dysfunctional family), a mystery to solve, and tons of madcap adventure, this book is simply entertaining.
What I love most about this series are the interactions between Diana and Fergus. Diana seems a bit anti-social and is straightforward (blunt) when dealing with people. Fergus is a conspiracy theorist that is captivating and the life of the party. While they sometimes are like oil and water, they just seem to mesh really well with each other.
With a touch of whimsy (from her dysfunctional family), a mystery to solve, and tons of madcap adventure, this book is simply entertaining.
December 27, 2018
POINSETTIA AND THE PERFECT CRIME. by Ruby Loren
Her mother and ex boyfriend George tell her she is having a quarter life crisis with her little hobby of growing flowers. Her Mother gave him her new address, and he can’t understand why a relationship is still a no go, after all you are still single, he tells her. A sister who has a new boyfriend and still married, the whole evening was like a soap opera.
Wrexton ball, the others in her family have been invited, at least she would be doing the flowers. The locals found an old map and thought there was a buried treasures on the land, Fergus.had map tested, and by helping them he was given tickets. and wanted Diana to go with him.
Ball turned out to hold murder, and greed, for the family had secrets
Interesting plot,and again murder was very well woven into the story.
Readers will enjoy reading GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Her mother and ex boyfriend George tell her she is having a quarter life crisis with her little hobby of growing flowers. Her Mother gave him her new address, and he can’t understand why a relationship is still a no go, after all you are still single, he tells her. A sister who has a new boyfriend and still married, the whole evening was like a soap opera.
Wrexton ball, the others in her family have been invited, at least she would be doing the flowers. The locals found an old map and thought there was a buried treasures on the land, Fergus.had map tested, and by helping them he was given tickets. and wanted Diana to go with him.
Ball turned out to hold murder, and greed, for the family had secrets
Interesting plot,and again murder was very well woven into the story.
Readers will enjoy reading GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
December 27, 2018
And here we are, with a holiday-themed mystery. And just from the beginning, things are going on. George, the ex-boyfriend, has showed-up at Diana's door, and he has the gall of looking surprised when Diana refuses to take him back. That man can't get a clue!
And if that wasn't enough, her sister is getting a divorce. Charlotte, though, doesn't seem too heartbroken: she sold her story to the tabloids, and invited her new boyfriend to family dinner :P
And we discover that Diana has an archnemesis, Cordelia Wrexton, a bully from her secondary school years. And Diana is doing the flower decorations for the Christmas' ball being held by her parents. And, surprise, surprise, Fergus invites her to it!
And now, all the pieces are set, and we only need a corpse. And, soon enough, we got one: Bill Wrexton. From here, things get complicated.
This is another fantastic story with interesting characters, great plot, and just plain fun to read.
And if that wasn't enough, her sister is getting a divorce. Charlotte, though, doesn't seem too heartbroken: she sold her story to the tabloids, and invited her new boyfriend to family dinner :P
And we discover that Diana has an archnemesis, Cordelia Wrexton, a bully from her secondary school years. And Diana is doing the flower decorations for the Christmas' ball being held by her parents. And, surprise, surprise, Fergus invites her to it!
And now, all the pieces are set, and we only need a corpse. And, soon enough, we got one: Bill Wrexton. From here, things get complicated.
This is another fantastic story with interesting characters, great plot, and just plain fun to read.
December 27, 2018
Diana Flowers is hired to provide flowers for the annual ball held at the Wrexton’s manner. Diana has never been invited to the ball itself due to the Wreston’s daughter and Diana being nemesis from an early age at school.
Fergus Robinson had been invited due to having helped the family with an unseemly incident. He has invited her as his Plus One. Fergus is a Conspiracy Theorist, and plans to find a supposed cursed diamond believed to be in the family’s possession.
When Fergus and Diana go to search for the diamond during the party, they find the diamond missing from the safe, and a knife in Bill Wrexton.
I have read several stories from Ruby Loren to date and have enjoyed most of them. In my opinion this is the best story she has written yet.
Fergus Robinson had been invited due to having helped the family with an unseemly incident. He has invited her as his Plus One. Fergus is a Conspiracy Theorist, and plans to find a supposed cursed diamond believed to be in the family’s possession.
When Fergus and Diana go to search for the diamond during the party, they find the diamond missing from the safe, and a knife in Bill Wrexton.
I have read several stories from Ruby Loren to date and have enjoyed most of them. In my opinion this is the best story she has written yet.
April 23, 2019
Another great mystery by Ruby Loren. Fergus and Diana get themselves invited to THE party of the year in their village and it is definitely a night no one will forget anytime soon! Fergus is there to learn more about "the family secret". The two find their host's husband dead. Diana's ex-boyfriend arrives and makes a wild entrance. The party is at Diana's teenage enemy, whose boyfriend has other intentions. Diana's sister shows up with her new boyfriend, who also is there under false pretenses. While Diana and Fergus do finally help in capturing the thief and the killer, they must work through many many suspects.
Side note - I love the growing relationship - still friends - of Fergus and Diana. Great character development with Diana's family. Good plot.
Side note - I love the growing relationship - still friends - of Fergus and Diana. Great character development with Diana's family. Good plot.
December 28, 2018
This is a welcome, festive edition to the series, with twists, turns, conspiracy theories, puzzling behaviour, the joys (cough) of a family Christmas, and the slight matter of murder...
Diana and Fergus are once again first on the crime scene, and once again, Diana is prime suspect...according to the local police....but this time secret agencies are involved, and nothing is as it seems.
The story romps along, the characters all play their part, and humour is never far from the surface.
The growing relationship between Diana and Fergus is a particular delight.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Diana and Fergus are once again first on the crime scene, and once again, Diana is prime suspect...according to the local police....but this time secret agencies are involved, and nothing is as it seems.
The story romps along, the characters all play their part, and humour is never far from the surface.
The growing relationship between Diana and Fergus is a particular delight.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
December 28, 2018
Ruby Loren writes excellent cozy mysteries and this new series featuring Diana Flowers is shaping up to be her best yet.
I love the way that Diana's pragmatism is balanced by her rather charismatic but unconventional friend, Fergus.
In this book, which is definitely the best in the series so far the mystery is nicely convoluted with plenty of potential suspects (including Diana and Fergus, according to the rather incompetent police detective) and the motives behind the murder are nicely obscure. It was also interesting to get some more background on Diana's family and her school life.
I have voluntarily written this review based on an ARC which was kindly provided by the author.
I love the way that Diana's pragmatism is balanced by her rather charismatic but unconventional friend, Fergus.
In this book, which is definitely the best in the series so far the mystery is nicely convoluted with plenty of potential suspects (including Diana and Fergus, according to the rather incompetent police detective) and the motives behind the murder are nicely obscure. It was also interesting to get some more background on Diana's family and her school life.
I have voluntarily written this review based on an ARC which was kindly provided by the author.
January 10, 2019
This is a pleasant, readable murder mystery with entertaining characters. The setting of a Christmas ball at the manor house is classic: a mass of people who all know each other, lots of entrances and exits, plenty of opportunity for shenanigans. Sketchy boyfriends and conspiracy theories abound. I felt the denouement descended into rather vague waffle about government secrets and hush-hush historical events, with even a maharajah thrown into the mix – a little bit too Sherlock Holmesy for my taste. I liked that we learned more about Diana and Fergus, and some of the situations they get into can't help but make you laugh out loud.
December 27, 2018
Diana Blooms is making a success of her flower business. What should be her slow season is becoming busy between Christmas wreaths, parties, and internet sales. While decorating the house of her arch-enemy for a party, Diana receives a plus-one invite from Fergus. Fergus has rumors of a giant cursed diamond hidden on the property and he wants to explore the causes of the diamond’s curse. Between family get-togethers, new boyfriends, and a murder, Diana’s Christmas is full with activity.
This is becoming one of my favorite series. Great characters and better stories.
This is becoming one of my favorite series. Great characters and better stories.
December 28, 2018
Rabbit trails galore! Which trail to follow with all the different goings on? Which one leads to the truth?
Think you have it figured out then another theory comes into play. How about the conspiracy theories. Stories about a diamond - which is true?
I find it funny that Fergus meets his match. Or does he? Diana and childhood enemy still to this day?
On top of all of this, a murder and dealing with family stuff at Christmas. So much going on. This book will keep you reading just to figure it all out.
This is my honest and freely given review. I received an ARC book.
Think you have it figured out then another theory comes into play. How about the conspiracy theories. Stories about a diamond - which is true?
I find it funny that Fergus meets his match. Or does he? Diana and childhood enemy still to this day?
On top of all of this, a murder and dealing with family stuff at Christmas. So much going on. This book will keep you reading just to figure it all out.
This is my honest and freely given review. I received an ARC book.
December 28, 2018
Looking at an old feud, a treasure hunt, and a murder and you have Ruby's next installment of Diana flowers Floriculture Mysteries. This one is worth its weight in gold it was so much fun to read. Fergus and Diana are in the thick of things again. In this quickie there is so much going on you are in for a fun journey. Yet there are unanswered questions what is up with George and? You will love the countdown to the New Year. If you like cozies this is a must read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 30, 2018
This another great offering from this marvellous author - I loved it. Diana was hired to do the flowers for an annual ball to which she would never receive an invitation. It was held by the mother of her high school nemesis, Cordelia. However, it turns out that her friend Fergus had received an invitation, which included a plus one. He invited her to be that plus one. They find themselves up to their necks in trouble when a dead body is found. They managed to get themselves sort of hired to find out what happened. This is case of murder, robbery and intrigue.
January 1, 2019
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Fergus invites Diana to a ball that she has always been excluded from because of problems in school with the daughter of the family. And guess what, Diana and Fergus discover a dead body while snooping around the house. Diana's ex is there also, and he won't leave her alone. He persists on the idea that they are getting back together. As usual Loren wrote a great book and I recommend it. I think this is my favorite Diana Flowers book, so far! Can't wait to see what Diana and Fergus get into next!
Fergus invites Diana to a ball that she has always been excluded from because of problems in school with the daughter of the family. And guess what, Diana and Fergus discover a dead body while snooping around the house. Diana's ex is there also, and he won't leave her alone. He persists on the idea that they are getting back together. As usual Loren wrote a great book and I recommend it. I think this is my favorite Diana Flowers book, so far! Can't wait to see what Diana and Fergus get into next!
December 27, 2018
In this book Diana has to deal with more than just a bully from her past. Her ex-boyfriend is hanging around and Diana is in no mood to deal with his shenanigans haha. Every book by Ruby Loren is an entertaining read, and you always learn something along the journey. I love all her books, and this one was just as much fun to read. You never know who done it until the end. So much fun riding along with Diana and Fergus.
December 27, 2018
Really enjoying this series. Diana Flowers is chemist turned florist with a knack for finding bodies. Even though this is a standalone book, I would advise reading the series in order to get the full story.
Pleased to see a little more story building with Diana's family this time. Also loving the interaction with Fergus, there are hints later on that this may go off in a different direction too.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery.
Pleased to see a little more story building with Diana's family this time. Also loving the interaction with Fergus, there are hints later on that this may go off in a different direction too.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery.
December 29, 2018
Murder at a Holiday Gala
This novel is the best yet in this series. I was left with a smile and laughter. Diane and Fergus are a very entertaining couple! The plot was great and unpredictable. There is plenty of good conspiracy fodder amid the holiday festivities. I also really enjoyed the references to The X Files as I loved that program. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
This novel is the best yet in this series. I was left with a smile and laughter. Diane and Fergus are a very entertaining couple! The plot was great and unpredictable. There is plenty of good conspiracy fodder amid the holiday festivities. I also really enjoyed the references to The X Files as I loved that program. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
January 11, 2019
Conspiracy theorist unite. Fergus is the perfect conspiracy theorist leader. While Diana is quite laid back and believes in science not sci-fi. They make the perfect pair to investigate a murder mystery. The characters are quite entertaining and fully engage you in the story. The background mysteries draw you into them and then let you infer what you want. Totally entertaining story and series. Will definitely be reading more books in this series.
March 7, 2019
Delightful tale of murder and mischief. Diana and Fergus continue to be a wonderful, romance-free team. Maybe that (the romance situation) will change sometime. Maybe not. Diana's childhood nemesis made quite a few appearances. Diana's floricultural knowledge was put to good use as she whittled down the list of suspect. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
March 17, 2025
I can't make up my mind about this series. I didn't like the mystery in the second book because - well, the plot. I don't particularly like the denouement in this one either because we get into some "if I tell you, I'll have to kill you" territory and I don't care for those in cozy mysteries. Give us some low-level greed or jealousy.
On the other hand, I like Diana, and I like Fergus. I read cozy series with less motivation than that.
On the other hand, I like Diana, and I like Fergus. I read cozy series with less motivation than that.
December 27, 2018
Fergus gets invited to a Christmas Ball, and wants Diane to accompany him. It happens to be at Diana’s enemy’s house. She decides to go, and sets off award chain of events that will have you laughing. Why are Cordelia’s boyfriend, her sister’s boyfriend, and her ex-boyfriend all paying attention to her? The mysteries are piling up.
December 28, 2018
With this volume the author reaches a level of intrigue rarely found in cozy mysteries. Diana and her friend, Fergus, become involved in a murder and the theft of a rare diamond. Very cleverly plotted, well written, and filled with interesting characters. I received a free copy of this book and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
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