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Dr. Pippa Durrant #2
Fatal Flowers
Can psychologist Pippa Durrant unmask a killer before she becomes the next victim?
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to human lie detector, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets -- secrets they want to keep buried.After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…In a fast-paced investigation that takes her to Holland and back to England, Pippa soon realises that the gentle world of flowers is anything but. Using her unique skills in spotting lies and deceit, can she weed out the truth before it’s too late?Fatal Flowers is the second standalone novel in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery Series. If you like mysteries with compelling twists, then you’ll love Miranda Rijks’ tantalizing crime novel.
What readers are saying about the Dr Pippa Durrant mystery ‘The twists and turns that the narrative takes will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat…this just has to become a new series!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune had a fast paced and exciting storyline that kept my attention throughout. I didn’t know who to trust and certainly didn’t expect the culmination of events to end the way in which they did!’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘It is five stars from me for this one, I loved the characters, the plot was very strong and I loved how it held my attention right from the start to the fantastic ending! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!’– donnasbookblog‘I loved this book, so cleverly plotted, with many suspects and secrets to keep you guessing with never a dull moment…it all comes together in a final, nerve shredding finish.’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘Believe me when I say that you are in for a thrilling read! The story is really well written and I could not put it away. Can highly recommend!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘This is the second Miranda Rijks book that I have read, and I have to say I’m very impressed. I very much look forward to reading more about Dr Pippa Durrant!’ - PinkAndDizzy.com‘This author is quickly becoming one of my go to authors…this book was a fast paced, edge of my seat book with many surprises along the way. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was surprising and well put together.’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune hooks you at the very beginning…this book felt to me like a roller coaster…the plot cleverly weaves around itself and killer is finally revealed!’ – ReadAndRated.com
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to human lie detector, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets -- secrets they want to keep buried.After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…In a fast-paced investigation that takes her to Holland and back to England, Pippa soon realises that the gentle world of flowers is anything but. Using her unique skills in spotting lies and deceit, can she weed out the truth before it’s too late?Fatal Flowers is the second standalone novel in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery Series. If you like mysteries with compelling twists, then you’ll love Miranda Rijks’ tantalizing crime novel.
What readers are saying about the Dr Pippa Durrant mystery ‘The twists and turns that the narrative takes will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat…this just has to become a new series!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune had a fast paced and exciting storyline that kept my attention throughout. I didn’t know who to trust and certainly didn’t expect the culmination of events to end the way in which they did!’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘It is five stars from me for this one, I loved the characters, the plot was very strong and I loved how it held my attention right from the start to the fantastic ending! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!’– donnasbookblog‘I loved this book, so cleverly plotted, with many suspects and secrets to keep you guessing with never a dull moment…it all comes together in a final, nerve shredding finish.’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘Believe me when I say that you are in for a thrilling read! The story is really well written and I could not put it away. Can highly recommend!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘This is the second Miranda Rijks book that I have read, and I have to say I’m very impressed. I very much look forward to reading more about Dr Pippa Durrant!’ - PinkAndDizzy.com‘This author is quickly becoming one of my go to authors…this book was a fast paced, edge of my seat book with many surprises along the way. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was surprising and well put together.’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune hooks you at the very beginning…this book felt to me like a roller coaster…the plot cleverly weaves around itself and killer is finally revealed!’ – ReadAndRated.com
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
704 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books889 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 31, 2019
Pippa Durrant, the 'notorious' human lie detector is back! And this time she's embroiled in a brutal murder case in a garden center. I knew I had to read this book because I love my green plant friends and also because I found the plot very intriguing - using flowers to warn someone. I laughed it off at first, presuming it to be silly, but I was wrong. But the book is really good! I found Fatal Fortune hardly memorable, but this one supersedes its prequel.
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets - secrets they want to keep buried. After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…
I also like the way Miranda opens the books with a sinister prologue. I found this mystery to be fast-paced and very interesting. I'm also glad to see subplots of Pippa-Joe, Pippa-George progress slowly and steadily. These were portrayed very well. I didn't see as much of Mungo as I'd have liked, but that hardly is the point. There was a lot on floriography that I also found very interesting.
Thank You, NetGalley, Inkubator Books & Miranda Rijks for an arc!
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets - secrets they want to keep buried. After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…
I also like the way Miranda opens the books with a sinister prologue. I found this mystery to be fast-paced and very interesting. I'm also glad to see subplots of Pippa-Joe, Pippa-George progress slowly and steadily. These were portrayed very well. I didn't see as much of Mungo as I'd have liked, but that hardly is the point. There was a lot on floriography that I also found very interesting.
Thank You, NetGalley, Inkubator Books & Miranda Rijks for an arc!
July 28, 2021
This is the second book in the Dr Pippa Durrant series by author Miranda Rijks. This is another good read in a series that is improving although not as riveting as other standalone novels by this author.
Dr Pippa Durrant was the main suspect in the first book but is now seen as a person who can help the police solve cases. A murder has taken place at a garden centre and Pippa has been asked to help working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain. The garden centre is owned by the Gower family and it appears flowers aren’t the only things buried by the family, there are secrets and they want to keep them concealed.
When a second body is found it becomes clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. Which is extremely worrying for Pippa who has just received a black rose, suspecting she maybe the next victim.
Good characters that are developing with each book.
Fast paced novel that is growing on me.
Dr Pippa Durrant was the main suspect in the first book but is now seen as a person who can help the police solve cases. A murder has taken place at a garden centre and Pippa has been asked to help working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain. The garden centre is owned by the Gower family and it appears flowers aren’t the only things buried by the family, there are secrets and they want to keep them concealed.
When a second body is found it becomes clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. Which is extremely worrying for Pippa who has just received a black rose, suspecting she maybe the next victim.
Good characters that are developing with each book.
Fast paced novel that is growing on me.
April 4, 2023
This is the 2nd in a 3 part series with Pippa Durrant. She is a psychologist who is used by the police department to help with deception and other techniques. Her sidekick is the handsome Joe Swain who is the cop and somewhat love interest. This book is about the language of flowers. A man is found dead in a large family garden center. Then, we get mysterious clues with flowers and the messages in their meanings. As usual, Pippa gets caught right up in the intrigue. The family members of the garden center all have issues of their own. Are they victims or are they antagonists? Why are family members being poisoned? It appears that many have a hand in this mystery!
August 2, 2019
This is the second book in the Pippa Durrant series and new author for me. The background is a garden center and the characters are easy to know and will hold your attention.
The body a man who has been strangled is found when the Garden Center opened one morning and all the plants and equipment have been destroy. As the investigation by the Homicide detective, Joe Swain starts the secrets of the Gower family begin to unravel, they have garden that is locked and no one is allowed into,the except, the owner who is the botanist for the Garden Center. Joe feel the that the family and close friends needs the help of a psychologist and calls Dr. Pippa into consult. The killer is using the meaning of flowers to send a message, a black rose means death.
Will Pippa find the answer of victims before she joins the victims in death.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Incubator Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
The body a man who has been strangled is found when the Garden Center opened one morning and all the plants and equipment have been destroy. As the investigation by the Homicide detective, Joe Swain starts the secrets of the Gower family begin to unravel, they have garden that is locked and no one is allowed into,the except, the owner who is the botanist for the Garden Center. Joe feel the that the family and close friends needs the help of a psychologist and calls Dr. Pippa into consult. The killer is using the meaning of flowers to send a message, a black rose means death.
Will Pippa find the answer of victims before she joins the victims in death.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Incubator Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 6, 2019
I got this as a arc e book for my ipad from net galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
September 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this new book in the Pippa Durrant series. It revolves around a family of plant aficionados, some of who work in a huge garden center where a man has just been found murdered. The matriarch of the family, Annette, runs the center while her youngest daughter, Lily, works there and Lily's husband Stijn, drives a truck that makes deliveries to the center. He works for Gerry, husband to Bella, another daughter of Annette's. Bella does not work and Gerry runs a horticultural importing business. Bella & Lily also have a brother, Ollie, who also does not work. They all have their own interests in the family business - some want to own, some want to sell, - and these interests affect their actions and behavior once the murdered body is found. Or should I say, FIRST murdered body...
One of the first interesting aspects of the book is that we are told Pippa's age, which I believe was only hinted at previously. She's slightly older than I pictured her based on her mannerisms but it makes sense. I also found the plant knowledge fascinating, especially the floriography that is introduced and plays a central part. It's a concept I've never seen incorporated into a murder mystery before and it makes it that much better.
The story flows along wonderfully and the relationship between Pippa and the detective, Joe Swain, follows suit. Readers waiting for more action on that front will not be disappointed! I'm so glad this is a series and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!
One of the first interesting aspects of the book is that we are told Pippa's age, which I believe was only hinted at previously. She's slightly older than I pictured her based on her mannerisms but it makes sense. I also found the plant knowledge fascinating, especially the floriography that is introduced and plays a central part. It's a concept I've never seen incorporated into a murder mystery before and it makes it that much better.
The story flows along wonderfully and the relationship between Pippa and the detective, Joe Swain, follows suit. Readers waiting for more action on that front will not be disappointed! I'm so glad this is a series and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!
June 1, 2019
Can psychologist Pippa Durrant unmask a killer before she becomes the next victim?
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to human lie detector, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets -- secrets they want to keep buried.
After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…
In a fast-paced investigation that takes her to Holland and back to England, Pippa soon realises that the gentle world of flowers is anything but. Using her unique skills in spotting lies and deceit, can she weed out the truth before it’s too late?
This is the 2nd book in the Dr. Pippa Durrant murder mystery series.
I found this mystery to be fast-paced and very interesting.
This was a fast paced read that moved along nicely.
We have loads of characters to choose from so it will keep you guessing til the end.
Very well written and love the characters and how they are developing.
Recommend reading.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This is my honest voluntary review.
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to human lie detector, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets -- secrets they want to keep buried.
After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…
In a fast-paced investigation that takes her to Holland and back to England, Pippa soon realises that the gentle world of flowers is anything but. Using her unique skills in spotting lies and deceit, can she weed out the truth before it’s too late?
This is the 2nd book in the Dr. Pippa Durrant murder mystery series.
I found this mystery to be fast-paced and very interesting.
This was a fast paced read that moved along nicely.
We have loads of characters to choose from so it will keep you guessing til the end.
Very well written and love the characters and how they are developing.
Recommend reading.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This is my honest voluntary review.
December 29, 2024
After a seemingly senseless murder at a garden center, the police turn to human lie detector, Pippa Durrant for help. Working alongside handsome detective Joe Swain, Pippa starts digging for the truth. But the Gower family, owners of the garden center, have deadly secrets -- secrets they want to keep buried.After a second body is found, it’s clear that the murderer is using flowers as a sinister calling card. And when Pippa receives a black rose, there’s no mistaking who will be the next victim…In a fast-paced investigation that takes her to Holland and back to England, Pippa soon realises that the gentle world of flowers is anything but. Using her unique skills in spotting lies and deceit, can she weed out the truth before it’s too late?Fatal Flowers is the second standalone novel in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery Series. If you like mysteries with compelling twists, then you’ll love Miranda Rijks’ tantalizing crime novel.
June 1, 2019
"Fatal Flowers" by Miranda Rijks
I have read that author many times, I love her!
Dr Pippa Durrant is back to help solve a murder...
I really like the Pippa character. I especially enjoy the parts of her analyzing people's behavior, the way people, suspects, act, behave, where they look, what's happening on their face, their body language... A real human lie detector. I find that really interesting!
Interesting story, good plot, good characters, good pace, not boring!
Also, I didn't know flowers had meanings, I do now.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review shared on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon
I have read that author many times, I love her!
Dr Pippa Durrant is back to help solve a murder...
I really like the Pippa character. I especially enjoy the parts of her analyzing people's behavior, the way people, suspects, act, behave, where they look, what's happening on their face, their body language... A real human lie detector. I find that really interesting!
Interesting story, good plot, good characters, good pace, not boring!
Also, I didn't know flowers had meanings, I do now.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review shared on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon
November 17, 2019
Inconsistent.
The time line is all over the place. There are inconsistencies about who met whom and when. Paragraphs repeat half way through and one even randomly starts, after a single word. Character inconsistencies coupled with the off kilter time line made it difficult to follow the story. Whilst Pippa and Joe are in Holland, he tells her he's never been there, but then reveals he has an intimate friendship with the hotelier and spent a lot of time there during his youth, yet Pippa never calls him out on his lie. She seems to fail to connect the two pieces of information. Paragraphs randomly repeat themselves, at least in my copy. The story is dragged out and then rapidly wound up without much becoming clear and only half way solved.
The time line is all over the place. There are inconsistencies about who met whom and when. Paragraphs repeat half way through and one even randomly starts, after a single word. Character inconsistencies coupled with the off kilter time line made it difficult to follow the story. Whilst Pippa and Joe are in Holland, he tells her he's never been there, but then reveals he has an intimate friendship with the hotelier and spent a lot of time there during his youth, yet Pippa never calls him out on his lie. She seems to fail to connect the two pieces of information. Paragraphs randomly repeat themselves, at least in my copy. The story is dragged out and then rapidly wound up without much becoming clear and only half way solved.
October 7, 2020
Fatal Flowers is #2 in the Dr Pippa Durrant series, but it can also be read as a stand alone.
After a brutal murder in a garden centre, where a flower is left with the body, the police are struggling. So, they call in Dr Pippa Durrant. Working with Detective Swain the investigation really begins.
They find the owners of the garden centre, the Gower family, have many secrets they want kept hidden.
As the body count rises, Pippa receives a black rose…..is she next on the killers list? They are obviously getting close.
This is a well paced murder mystery with a clever, interesting plot and the great characters that keeps you guessing. A thoroughly engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of Fatal Flowers.
After a brutal murder in a garden centre, where a flower is left with the body, the police are struggling. So, they call in Dr Pippa Durrant. Working with Detective Swain the investigation really begins.
They find the owners of the garden centre, the Gower family, have many secrets they want kept hidden.
As the body count rises, Pippa receives a black rose…..is she next on the killers list? They are obviously getting close.
This is a well paced murder mystery with a clever, interesting plot and the great characters that keeps you guessing. A thoroughly engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of Fatal Flowers.
August 7, 2019
Who murders someone at a garden center? Well, someone who's intent on sending a message through the language of flowers, of course. Although I stated in my review for the previous book, Fatal Fortune, that I wanted to see more of Pippa, I didn't actually like her that much in this story; she often seems snappy and out of sorts. However, the family who owns the garden center provides plenty of interesting characters to make up for it. And I'm still holding on to the hope that Pippa will further develop into a stronger, more likable (although still flawed) character as we move to the third book.
So in the end, a 3.5 for this one, and crossed fingers for a solid 4+ for the next.
So in the end, a 3.5 for this one, and crossed fingers for a solid 4+ for the next.
May 16, 2019
Pippa Durant has a strange ability. Known as a human lie detector, the police call on Pippa to help them solve a murder. There are a lot of suspects among a very dysfunctional family and why would someone be killed in a garden center that apparently no one knows? Just when you think you have everything figured out, the author offers another twist. This was the first book I’ve read by Miranda Rijks and I look forward to reading more by her. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book for my honest review.
July 15, 2019
Sigh. I gave both books my best chance, but.....
I was disappointed in the story. The writing and plot are suitable for elderly or conservative readers, in that there is no swearing, no sex, no graphic violence. The dialogue is dull and the characters are flat. I wanted to like the dog, at least, but even he was a homogenous entity. Pippa is heading for dowagerhood, though she is younger than I am. I'm surprised these characters make it to a third book. They are already lifeless.
I was disappointed in the story. The writing and plot are suitable for elderly or conservative readers, in that there is no swearing, no sex, no graphic violence. The dialogue is dull and the characters are flat. I wanted to like the dog, at least, but even he was a homogenous entity. Pippa is heading for dowagerhood, though she is younger than I am. I'm surprised these characters make it to a third book. They are already lifeless.
November 23, 2020
Disappointing
I have read the first book in this series and liked it enough to buy the second book. I'm sorry, but I really didnt enjoy it.
I found it tedious and inconsistent in places. It's almost as if the author has forgotten what she wrote just pages before. I'm not sure if English is the author's first language as it reads as quite simplistic, barely making sense in some paragraphs.
I've come to realise I dont actually care what becomes of Joe and Pippa and wont be reading any more of this series.
I have read the first book in this series and liked it enough to buy the second book. I'm sorry, but I really didnt enjoy it.
I found it tedious and inconsistent in places. It's almost as if the author has forgotten what she wrote just pages before. I'm not sure if English is the author's first language as it reads as quite simplistic, barely making sense in some paragraphs.
I've come to realise I dont actually care what becomes of Joe and Pippa and wont be reading any more of this series.
May 26, 2019
This is a very well written mystery, with a very good plot and characters. A little while into the story, it might seem a little slow, but please keep on because it's full of twists and turns all the way. The only problem I have with the book is the POV. I believe the first person point of view should be used only in certain instances, and here it's even changing every chapter from first to third, and that's a big no-no.
June 29, 2022
Fatal Flowers by Miranda Rijks is the Second book in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery #was another excellent book and I was hooked from the beginning till the end. Miranda's book are always written beautifully and very addictive. Especially as it's a great book to take on holiday.
I highly recommend this book and all of Miranda's books - Excellent author.
Many thanks to Inkubator books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I highly recommend this book and all of Miranda's books - Excellent author.
Many thanks to Inkubator books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2019
It's interesting what you can say using flowers instead of words. The story is set around a popular garden centre. The family who own it, The Gowers, have members with green fingers. Who know the medicinal benefits of them, but of course, what can heal has an opposite number that can kill.
A good read, and a real page Turner.
A good read, and a real page Turner.
January 19, 2021
Another winner
I have read all of this authors books that I could find so decided to try this set of detective stories. I loved this as much as other books i read and an downloading the other two in the series. This author just has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there with so many plot twists and turns. Fabulous!!
I have read all of this authors books that I could find so decided to try this set of detective stories. I loved this as much as other books i read and an downloading the other two in the series. This author just has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there with so many plot twists and turns. Fabulous!!
December 30, 2021
This is the second book in the Pippa Durant series and continues the combined efforts of Detective Joe Swain and Psychologist Pippa a consultant versed in detecting lies who assists the Police. The story opens with a body found at a garden center and thus unravels the story of business, fame, deceit, crime, cheating, poison and greed. 3 Stars
August 28, 2020
Another page-turner from Miranda Rijks. A cast of characters who could all be in the frame as the bad guys, Pippa Durrant and Joe Swain forming a closer bond; I'm looking forward to the third book. A good read which I would recommend, even though the ending didn't quite work for me.
May 21, 2019
Quite an entertaining read. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. A nice gentle mystery read.
Read
June 12, 2019A very easy read, the first half of the book was gripping but then it seemed to drift. Enjoyed it none the less and was quite surprised when the murderer was revealed
July 24, 2019
Fabulously involved and exciting!
The writer is a wonderful story teller, never allowing disbelief or boredom! I love her books, do not miss this one!
The writer is a wonderful story teller, never allowing disbelief or boredom! I love her books, do not miss this one!
August 21, 2019
Very good book
I highly recommend reading this series. This author keeps you interested with all the twist and turns leaving the mystery solving at the end.
I highly recommend reading this series. This author keeps you interested with all the twist and turns leaving the mystery solving at the end.
October 22, 2019
Well worth the read!
A great page turned from first to last! I look forward to the rest of the series! Devouring everything from this author!
A great page turned from first to last! I look forward to the rest of the series! Devouring everything from this author!
January 10, 2025
The Fatal Series Box Set by Miranda Rijks is an addictive and compelling collection of psychological thrillers that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Comprised of several novels in the series, this box set delivers a mix of suspense, intrigue, and well-crafted plot twists, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Rijks’ writing is sharp, engaging, and full of tension, drawing readers into each individual story. The pacing is strong throughout the series, with each book steadily building suspense and keeping the mystery alive until the final pages. The characters are multi-dimensional and well-developed, with motivations that feel authentic, even when they’re caught up in morally questionable actions. The main protagonists, often flawed and complex, are particularly well-crafted, and their journeys are emotionally engaging.
The plots of the Fatal Series are packed with psychological depth, with themes of trust, betrayal, and the hidden darkness in relationships. While some of the twists may feel somewhat familiar to fans of the genre, Rijks executes them with enough flair to keep them exciting and unpredictable. The stories are fast-paced and will leave you eager to turn the page, making this box set an excellent binge-read.
One of the few drawbacks is that some elements of the storylines can feel repetitive across the books. While each book stands on its own, the overarching themes and plot devices, such as manipulative relationships and unreliable narrators, are used throughout, which could be predictable for some readers. Additionally, while the suspense is generally well-handled, a few of the twists didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped, leaving me wanting a bit more complexity in certain plot developments.
That said, the Fatal Series Box Set is still a solid 4/5 star read. Miranda Rijks delivers a thrilling, fast-paced collection with engaging characters, high-stakes drama, and plenty of twists to keep you hooked. It’s an excellent choice for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven stories with just the right amount of tension and surprise. If you're looking for a gripping binge-read, this box set definitely delivers. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Rijks’ writing is sharp, engaging, and full of tension, drawing readers into each individual story. The pacing is strong throughout the series, with each book steadily building suspense and keeping the mystery alive until the final pages. The characters are multi-dimensional and well-developed, with motivations that feel authentic, even when they’re caught up in morally questionable actions. The main protagonists, often flawed and complex, are particularly well-crafted, and their journeys are emotionally engaging.
The plots of the Fatal Series are packed with psychological depth, with themes of trust, betrayal, and the hidden darkness in relationships. While some of the twists may feel somewhat familiar to fans of the genre, Rijks executes them with enough flair to keep them exciting and unpredictable. The stories are fast-paced and will leave you eager to turn the page, making this box set an excellent binge-read.
One of the few drawbacks is that some elements of the storylines can feel repetitive across the books. While each book stands on its own, the overarching themes and plot devices, such as manipulative relationships and unreliable narrators, are used throughout, which could be predictable for some readers. Additionally, while the suspense is generally well-handled, a few of the twists didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped, leaving me wanting a bit more complexity in certain plot developments.
That said, the Fatal Series Box Set is still a solid 4/5 star read. Miranda Rijks delivers a thrilling, fast-paced collection with engaging characters, high-stakes drama, and plenty of twists to keep you hooked. It’s an excellent choice for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven stories with just the right amount of tension and surprise. If you're looking for a gripping binge-read, this box set definitely delivers. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
May 15, 2019
My Review Of
Fatal Flowers
This is the 2nd book in the Dr. Pippa Durrant murder mystery series. Once again the author took me on a twisted tale of financial greed, family drama and murder. Someone is sending flowers that symbolize sinister messages to people who may or may not end up the next victim of foul play. I am enjoying the budding romance of detective Joe Swain and Pippa, Joe is quite protective of Pippa and a the same time values her opinion and leans on her a lot to help solve the murders. When Pippa receives a black rose it is clear that Pippa is in danger of being the next victim. I had to look up the symbolism of receiving a Black Rose and here is what I found from Google:
Black roses, whether a dark red variety or artificially colored, generally represent death, farewells and endings. Of course, those could be negative or positive depending on the situation. ... Be aware, though, that giving someone a black rose generally indicates the end of the relationship.
I had no idea that flowers also had meanings and/or symbols attached and I found that fascinating as the author includes several flowers and meanings their meanings in this book.
As with all of this authors books and this book was no exception, I binged on this late into the night. This series is very addicting and I am quickly becoming invested in the Joe/Pippa relationship.
Everything in this book hit all my high marks for mystery, suspense and complete surprise/twisted ending.
This review was originally posted on Fictional Reviewer
November 8, 2019
This is the second book in the Pippa Durrant series, although it is a stand-alone story it does refer back to previous events from the first book. So if you haven’t read book one, I recommend doing so before reading this one.
It was great being back with Dr Durrant again, although she did seem a lot more grumpy in this book. I said in my review for the first book that she was a little morose, but it seemed more than that this time. She kept snapping at Joe and generally seemed unhappy. She did say she was lonely, so I am assuming it was this manifesting.
The author must have done so much research for this book; it was full of facts on flowers, their alternate names, and what meanings they have. I’m not sure if it was all accurate, but I assumed it was and I was very impressed and even learned some new facts!
The story develops quickly, and in this book, we meet the Gower family, they are very dysfunctional and obviously hiding a lot of different secrets. They all have their own agendas, and we follow a few of them individually.
I was glad to see the relationship between Pippa and Joe progress and prosper. It isn’t in your face, but it is nice to have this running a vein through the books. Hopefully, Pippa can find happiness and won’t be so grumpy!
Overall, I really enjoyed this second book, and I am looking forward to book three already, Fatal Finale.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
It was great being back with Dr Durrant again, although she did seem a lot more grumpy in this book. I said in my review for the first book that she was a little morose, but it seemed more than that this time. She kept snapping at Joe and generally seemed unhappy. She did say she was lonely, so I am assuming it was this manifesting.
The author must have done so much research for this book; it was full of facts on flowers, their alternate names, and what meanings they have. I’m not sure if it was all accurate, but I assumed it was and I was very impressed and even learned some new facts!
The story develops quickly, and in this book, we meet the Gower family, they are very dysfunctional and obviously hiding a lot of different secrets. They all have their own agendas, and we follow a few of them individually.
I was glad to see the relationship between Pippa and Joe progress and prosper. It isn’t in your face, but it is nice to have this running a vein through the books. Hopefully, Pippa can find happiness and won’t be so grumpy!
Overall, I really enjoyed this second book, and I am looking forward to book three already, Fatal Finale.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
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