Acts of Violets

A Flower Shop Mystery #5

by Kate Collins

OK, I'll admit it: I, Abby Knight, actually love my hometown's corny annual Pickle Fest - and I've also been hoping the event will drum up business for my flower shop, Bloomers. But when the hired clown is found dead, the festivities screech to a halt...

SWEET OR SOUR?

Abby has been dating Marco - ex-cop, bartender, and all-around hunk - for several months when the Pickle Fest starts. But he's still a mystery to her. And after he disappears for a day, she's stunned to read in the paper: EX-COP QUESTIONED IN MAN'S DEATH. It seems the authorities have found Snuggles the Clown pushing up water-spurting daisies - and Marco was the last person seen leaving Snuggles's house. 

Abby knows in her bones that he's innocent. But why, when his life is on the line, is Marco being so secretive with her? And who is the attractive woman he escorted to the Pickle Fest? To do the legwork, she'll have to delve into the eerie clown underworld, where the smiles are fake and everyone has a trick up his sleeve...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Chick Lit, Romance, Crime

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 6, 2007

About the author

Indiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.

3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!

Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.

Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.

Reviews

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the fact that many things happen from beginning to end, something's wrong with this book. I can't put my finger on it. I know that the heft of the book is good, but the beginning is so dilute that it's impossible to ensconce oneself into the story or to sink our teeth into the mystery. Maybe too many new characters got shoved in the book. Maybe little subplots had stakes I couldn't care less about (the feathered art, the Mark/Marco paternity, Reilly's role, Kellerman's bizarre show up). This low rating harks back to the days when I kept reading cozies despite their scant value. I'll keep plugging on. Or not. Haven't decided yet. Do give this series a chance. Just don't start it with book five.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun and I always enjoy them. Abby's mother is as much fun with her art projects as all the other characters put together.

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and Abby. The characters are likable and relatable. Abby and Marco are hot and the plots are engaging. A plus

[Moondance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment starts during the annual Pickle Fest. A surly clown threatens Abby and Marco immediately comes to her rescue. When the clown is later found dead, Marco is the number one suspect. Abby offers to investigate for him since local law enforcement is determined to pin everything on Marco. Abby always seems to get herself into strange situations. An interview with a nosy neighbor that is very obviously mentally disturbed is just one of many. Oh and Abby gets to meet Mama Salvare. The dinner becomes a test of Abby's worthiness to date Marco. A few clues early on tip the scales towards the method of murder and the murderer. All in all a good read.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from a great series! Acts of Violets was a smashing and entertaining mystery filled with intrigue and secrets.

I really like Abby, in the beginning of the series she was simply annoying, but now she's really grown on me. Grace and Lottie are also two of my favorites. In this book we finally get to learn more about Marco (it was about time) and we get to meet his mother and sister, both of which are hilarious.

The mystery was very good, I didn't see the killer coming and, even though there was a limited pool of suspects, I can honestly say that the killer was a surprise to me.,

Overall a good book that I really can't say anything bad about. Recommend!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Chapel is bustling with the Pickle Fest parade. Abby finds herself threatened by a clown when she is pushed into his path and he falls from his unicycle. Before the weekend ends, Snuggles the clown is found dead. Suddenly Abby’s boyfriend Marco is the prime suspect. He needs her help to prove he is not responsible for the apparent murder.

This is one of those series that keeps you engaged from book to book. The characters are very well developed. Each person is believable. The setting is like that of many small college towns in the midwest. The story line in this book moved at a nice pace and was engaging. If you have not read any of the previous books in this series you will not have trouble jumping in with this book. Anything you need to know form the past is mentioned and needs no further background information.

I own the next book in the series and look forward to reading it. I will recommend this book to others.

[Aneca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series a while ago. I wasn't too enthusiastic about it so although I already had this one in the TBR pile I didn't pick it up right away. Last week I was organising my books and I decided to read it and send it on its way as I don't plan to read the rest of the series.

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

As with the first book I found the main character too light-headed and sometimes a bit dumb. She is always making sarcastic observations that don't sound funny at all but come across as a bit crazy. Besides she is supposed to have been dating Marco for 3 months and she never went to his house? Weird...

In this book Marco is accused of killing a clown after the said clown threatens Abby. It ends up being known that he didn't go after the clown because of Abby but because of a friend of his sister who was being harassed by him. After being arrested and then released on bail he asks Abby to try and investigate who the killer is. At first she doesn't want to do it as she thinks she won’t be able to do it alone. It's her boyfriend shouldn't she be eager to find the real culprit? And he doesn't tell her the whole truth about what really went on between him and the clown. Uh? Don't they trust each other? I know I read this one totally out of order (which might have some influence on my lack of enjoyment) but I thought Marco and Abby if they are not boyfriend/girlfriend at least trusted each other...

Regarding the mystery itself Abby talks to a lot of people who don’t seem to help much, even Marco ex-colleagues from the force don’t want to help because of their boss, and then, suddenly, she thinks of something and solves the mystery. It just lacked so clues along the way, some suspense maybe…

I think it's the "smart mouth" tone (that she is always using to talk to herself) that doesn't convince me but the truth if that for me Abby is a bit far from my favourite cosy heroines like Hannah or Dixie.

Grace: C

[Drebbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Snuggles the clown is murdered and Abby's boyfriend, hunky ex-cop Marco is the chief suspect because he was the last one seen leaving Snuggle's house, Marco asks Abby to help find the real killer. Even though she's solved some murder cases in the past, Abby is very nervous about solving this one - if she fails, Marco could go to jail. But it won't be easy, when he was a cop Marco had a run in with Snuggles (Dennis Ryson) that resulted in Marco leaving the police force. Marco also had a fist fight with Snuggles shortly before he was murdered. Abby knows that she has to work fast, Marco is the only suspect and even some of his cop friends are afraid he may be guilty. While Abby is convinced that Marco is innocent, she worries because he is keeping secrets from her: what exactly is his relationship with the attractive Trina who was threatened by Ryson and why doesn't he want her to meet his mother? As Abby gets closer to the truth her own life is in danger.

While not the best book in Kate Collins Flower Shop Mystery series, "Acts of Violets" is still a good cozy mystery. Abby's an endearing heroine willing to investigate the murder even though she is full of self-doubt. In fact, my one complaint about this book is that Abby is not as strong as usual, she is full of doubts and insecure about her relationship with Marco. She also has a propensity for unbuttoning her top button on her blouse to show off her ample cleavage, something I don't remember her doing in other books. Other characters are well developed and readers will learn more about Marco just as Abby does. There's a nice sense of humor throughout the book including a pickle parade; Abby's mother's latest art project; a funny scene in a diner; and the scene (and it's aftermath) when Abby finally does meet Marco's mother. The humor does go a bit too far - a character's lisp becomes distracting and is a bit cruel. The mystery itself is well done, although there aren't a lot of suspects. The outcome of Abby's confrontation with the murderer is neatly foreshadowed at the beginning of the book which is a nice bit of writing by Collins.

"Act of Violets" is a good cozy mystery.

[Shoshana Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is from a charming cozy series called the Flower Shop Mysteries. It revolves around the owner of a small town flower shop, and involves not just the would be sleuth (of thinks of herself not so much a detective as just a nosy person who has to find out what’s going on), her family and friends, and the other residents of a delightful small town. Yes, in many ways, it is formulaic …anyone who has read the Hannah Swenson mysteries or any number of other similar cozies, will recognize most of the elements, but those elements are well handled, and beautifully combined, with the result being a nice serving of delicious mind fluff for those times when you just want to relax and enjoy some small town charm, more than a teaspoon of humor, and a healthy sprinkling of mystery.

[Vanessa Opal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so I will probably say what everyone else has said about this series... First off, I found the first few in the series charming, if a little far-fetched or tedious, what with the characters being under developed and paper-thin.
Wait, I still do like this series! But this book really pushed my reality-o-meter. I really dislike the relationship between Abby and Marco; it is so cliche and unrealistic. I cannot put my finger on it. Why is she in love with someone who she isn't even officially dating? They don't talk, he has this whole other life that he hides from her... whatever. So wanna-be Plum and Morelli/Ranger. If there were no Marco, or a significant other with whom she is in a healthy relationship with, I'd be happy. So to have an entire book of her fighting to prove the innocence of I guy she really barely knows but is so in love with? Meh.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into it. I read the other books in this series and really enjoyed them and after watching the Hallmark movies of this series, Abby drove me nuts. Every time she did something, she seemed so over the top (Marco didn’t answer her calls, she called the bar, stopped by and then was “waving to the regulars”. I don’t know. It came off cheesy to me. I’m prob done w this series.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

While attending the Pickle Fest parade, Abby gets into a confrontation with Snuggles the clown. When her boyfriend, Marco, has words with him, and Snuggles later turns up dead, Marco becomes the prime suspect in the clown’s death. Marco asks Abby to do some sleuthing on the sly, reasoning that people tend to open up to her. Abby isn’t sure she’s the woman for the job, but she’ll do anything to clear Marco’s name, including having lunch with odious Greg Morgan, interviewing other clowns, and stooping to a little breaking and entering. Abby’s investigation, however, has drawn the attention of the killer, and now she’s the one who’s in danger.

I typically find myself rolling my eyes at how damned dumb Abby can be in this series, but in this book, Marco was the dumb one. Honestly, what was he thinking?! Eh. Abby was a bit more circumspect this time around, not that it spared her winding up in mortal danger at the end of the book. Mystery authors, please rethink this overdone trope. I mean, how many times can your main character narrowly escape death? I know it’s meant to be exciting, but it actually becomes tedious after about the third book. All that aside, characterizations were good, plot was well-paced and proceeded in an orderly fashion. I could have done without Abby’s airhead of a mother and Marco’s overbearing one.

Good enough to earn four stars.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another series that I enjoy reading but have let languish for a couple of years and I couldn't tell you why.

Son is a Purdue grad, so I'm at least a little familiar with the Indiana setting of this series, although these books are set in the very northern part of the state. I like Abby, the MC, her friends and co-workers, but I wish she would stand up for herself more often, especially when dealing with her mother. Why do so many female leads in cozies let their mothers tromp all over them?

The murder victim here was not well-liked, so there were several viable suspects on my list beyond the person the police thought was a slam dunk. That said, I didn't seriously suspect the actual killer until it became obvious in the book - although I did come to that conclusion before Abby did.

I hope to read the next book in the series far sooner than a few years from now :)

[Linda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series
I really love this series. Abby is my new favorite heroine. She hates injustice and doesn't want to see an innocent person pay for a crime he/she didn't commit. She never stands down and will never take no for an answer if its to fight for justice.

This time her boyfriend Marco is accused of murder and is asked for her help but on the condition she doesn't speak to anyone in law enforcement. She has to do this on her own for fear of jeopardizing the case. Every book I pick up in this series i cannot put down. She's adorable and feisty and strong. A definite MUST read. #FlowerShopMystery

[JB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have just started this and I see other people love it, not sure why. Abby is over the top like a pre teen girl. Her boyfriend of three months doesn’t answer his phone so she drives all over town looking for him and leaves a dozen messages on his phone. Really? She comes off as immature and desperate The boyfriend is an actual adult, former cop, army seal, private investigator but she has to solve the murder? Rolling my eyes too hard to continue. I like a bit of fluff every once in a while too, but I expect the main character to be likeable, and reasonable. Probably won’t finish

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Knight is having a rough day--she's threatened by a clown in the pickle festival parade, abandoned by her PI boyfriend for a case, and she has to deal with her mother's latest craft. Then, she's unable to reach her boyfriend Marco Salvare for days and she gets a really bad feeling. Turns out Marco is the prime suspect in the murder of the same clown who threatened Abby. Now Abby's investigating on the down-low and trying to find who the real murderer is...despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence and the police and DA's determination it was Marco.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Acts of Violets, Abby is confronted by a clown (her childhood fear!) at the local Pickle Fest. Before she can put the incident behind her and enjoy the Fest, Abby's fella, Marco, is disappears. Her day off is not going as planned, but tomorrow is going to be much worse! Snuggles the clown is murdered and Marco is the main suspect. Abby has to go into PI mode to solve the case before Marco is hung out to dry... and she has to meet him mother in the process! What's a girl to do!?

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent but not great small-town romantic mysteries. I like that Collins has the romance of the main character actually develop, instead of the usual mystery "permanent state of frustration". But there are a lot of recurring characters who are one-note and annoying. The degree to which Abby ignores the law and escapes the consequences seems ridiculous, even for this genre.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun "A Flower Shop Mystery" installment by Kate Collins. This time, it's Abby's love interest Marco who is suspected of murder. Though some of the characters are clowns from the local Pickle Fest, they're no wackier than the usual weirdos around town. Cousin Jillian is largely absent from this book in the series, but the previous couple were rather Jillian-heavy, so I didn't mind.

[Deana Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny cozy type mystery. One reason I picked up this book was that I had seen the Hallmark movies "based" on this series. The lead character is much younger and even more impulsive. Various situations lighten the serious chance that her love interest will end up in jail. Several coincidences help her find the true killer.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve NEVER read a Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich you’ll enjoy this cozy mystery. If you’re an Evanovich fan you’ll just be shaking your head because this book is such a copy. Kate Collins seems to have good writing skills but she needs to create some original characters and write her own book.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I really like about female authors is that the vividness with which they describe locations and people. Makes me believe that I can picture them in my mind. Kate Collins does with excellently. And the stories are great also.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby is in a state of panic... her talk, dark & handsome boyfriend Marco has been accused of murder. She pulls out all the stops, including her own insecurities and self-doubt, to help solve the murder. Lots of twisty-turns and interesting moments!

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pickle fest, and a dead clown who was really a bike mechanic. Only one suspect; Marco. Abby is tasked with finding the real killer. There was a drag queen-like potential suspect but their presence was never spelled out clearly in the book.

[Elon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Collins and I really liked her style. I enjoyed her sarcastic, snarky sense of humor. The storyline was easy to follow and was a nice piece of entertainment you didn’t have to think too hard about while you just enjoyed reading.

[Jane Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco gets accused of murder, Abby has to clear his name but with only a week to prove his innocent will she do it in time, Abby meets Marco mother.

[Jill B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Flower Shop mysteries. I definitely would recommend reading them in order.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable read in the series.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books in this series just continue to stay interesting. The characters get more endearing.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

good fun.