Peony Dreadful

Village Flower Shop Cozy Mysteries, Book 1

By: Nancy Warren

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Witches, murder, and flowers make quite the bouquet.

Peony Bellefleur runs Betwitching Blooms, the charming flower shop in a picture-perfect Cotswold village in England. Her flowers seem to make the sick improve, wedding days happier, and birthdays more special because she infuses her bouquets with a little magic.

Peony’s a witch in a village that seems too perfect to be true. Probably because it is. She’s got her hands full between running her flower shop, managing her mother—who’s a medium with a habit of conversing with the dead wherever she happens to be—and helping her protégé to embrace her newfound powers.

When someone dies, Peony suspects foul play. But can she solve the mystery before she’s the one pushing up daisies?

Find out in this brand-new series of flower shop mysteries from a USA Today best-selling author.

©2022 Nancy Warren (P)2022 Nancy Warren

Outstanding new series with a unique twist!

Outstanding first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors. This book is written as if the main character is taking you into her confidence and sharing info with you as if you are friend rather than a reader. It's a unique change from many books I read, and I absolutely love it. I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator is fabulous as she truly brings the characters and plot to life making it more entertaining than you would think possible. I love that the main character is a strong female making a good and profitable life for herself after her husband's passing by running her flower shop and renting out rooms in her house while also managing to become an amateur sleuth with a bit of help from her friends! I can't wait to see or rather listen to what happens in the next book!

Not bad…

Mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I like witches and magic and mysteries. On the other hand, something about this didn’t seem all that cohesive. Also some editing issues (is the Astin-Martin at the pub or at the house? Were they driven off the road on purpose or by accident?)

Also, while I enjoyed Hollis McCarthy’s narration, she sounds a bit old for the character. And while the character herself seems older than he stated 35y, her mother - who is 65, needs a nap before dinner due to her old age. As a rather active 66yo this kinda ticked me off.

May try the second book.

Exactly what I've been looking for!

It seems like my favorite authors have all taken a break simultaneously - and that is ok because I have found a new author I love! The last series I tried was fun but missed the magic/paranormal aspect I love - and I found it finally. I also recognize Hollis McCarthy and feel lucky I found a great author:narrator combo. I know book lovers will understand this - this is the making of a good summer!

New Series Good Start

I like the way this one started. Strong women not the whiny ones you get in other series. Can’t wait to see where this one goes.

A New Nancy Warren Cozy

This was an outstanding first in series! Peony grabs you from the first page, and it just gets better from there. Imogen, Char, Peony's mom are all great personalities, and we learn just enough to keep them interesting but not so much as to let the story drag. Then there is Alex. Oh, my. I cannot wait for Book 2.

Hollis McCarthy does her usual outstanding job of voicing all the characters. She is a gem, and together Nancy and Hollis are quite a team.

Another excellent cozy mystery!

I love Nancy Warren's stories and this one is another corker! A tranquil Cotswold village rendered in beautiful prose and a colourful cast of varied characters to fall in love with. I hope to hear more about Peony, Char, and Alex in further books

Nancy Warren bringing us a new Series 5/5

A great new fun series by Nancy Warren, with colorful characters found in the English countryside. There will be murders to solve and friendships made and most importantly a delightful book to listen to. Thanks to Hollis McCarthy's narration---applause!

Fun listen!

I was hoping something might follow the Baking Show series. It’s a fun listen and I can hardly wait for the next in the series!

I loved Vampire Knitting Club but not this book

It was almost trying to repeat Vampire Knitting Club but doesn't measure up. I got tired of witch this and spell that. I didn't finish it and won't be buying anymore in this series. Needs more human action and less witching.

Average story too similar to her other books

I think if I hadn’t already read most of Nancy’s other books and series I would really like this. But it seemed to be almost a carbon copy of her other stories. I think it was made worse by the fact the same narrator has been used for multiple series. Not saying the narrator is bad just adds to the feeling that you’ve heard the story before.

I really like the author just this one felt like she was just phoning it in. It’s got potential hopefully the series will get better. Felt like a chore to get to the end.