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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

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2019

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About the author

Miranda Rijks

43 books1,108 followers
Miranda Rijks is the bestselling author of 30 psychological thrillers, with over one MILLION copies sold. 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.

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5 stars
423 (44%)
4 stars
348 (36%)
3 stars
144 (15%)
2 stars
35 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
436 reviews44 followers
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!
Profile Image for Gary.
3,197 reviews442 followers
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.
Profile Image for Donna Mallery.
969 reviews92 followers
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!
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews78 followers
July 29, 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.
Profile Image for Darren.
2,099 reviews48 followers
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.
Profile Image for Suesyn Zellmer.
615 reviews21 followers
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!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,797 reviews71 followers
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.
Profile Image for Eva Edge.
1,617 reviews44 followers
July 14, 2026
Fatal Flowers by Miranda Rijks is a well-meaning, botanically themed sequel that delivers solid suspense but struggles to match the immediate grip and character-driven momentum of its predecessor.

The second instalment of the Dr Pippa Durrant series introduces a significantly larger cast of characters and adopts a complex, almost mafia-esque family dynamic that takes some time to settle into. The narrative’s most striking and original element is its clever integration of the historical "language of flowers" to shroud the mystery in an elegant, poisonous atmosphere. On a personal level, Pippa’s relationship with Joe progresses beautifully, offering a warm anchor amidst the chaos.

However, the sequel stumbles slightly in character development and payoff. Pippa's internal projection as a tough, resilient protagonist conflicts with her more vulnerable, less convincing actions on the page, leaving her growth feeling somewhat stagnant. Additionally, the lingering mystery of George's animosity remains unaddressed, and several key twists lack the intricacy needed to be truly jaw-dropping. It remains a decent, atmospheric procedural mystery, earning 4 poisonous stars.
970 reviews
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.
Profile Image for MarylineD.
494 reviews5 followers
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
2 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews30 followers
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.
Profile Image for Kirsten Schlewitz.
409 reviews30 followers
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.
Profile Image for Paulette.
1,084 reviews26 followers
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.
374 reviews
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.
71 reviews
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.
1,299 reviews30 followers
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.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,528 reviews30 followers
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.
Profile Image for Aileen  (Ailz) Grist.
764 reviews12 followers
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.
187 reviews5 followers
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!!
Profile Image for Pheadra.
1,178 reviews64 followers
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
18 reviews
May 17, 2026
Very interesting so far!

so far the first 2 books have been very interesting and I'm looking forward to the 3rd book. The stories have captivated my attention, presenting intricate mysteries that kept me guessing about the identity of the culprit. The plot twists were unexpected, and I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the narrative. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 17 books85 followers
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.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,444 reviews65 followers
May 21, 2019
Quite an entertaining read. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. A nice gentle mystery read.
Profile Image for Michelle Debnam.
313 reviews1 follower
Read
June 12, 2019
A 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
Profile Image for Susan Margaret Leedy.
117 reviews
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!
319 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for Jenna.
244 reviews2 followers
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!
Profile Image for Mandy Hazen.
1,435 reviews
October 13, 2024
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews