Crown of Thorns

When greenhouse owner Gloria Gardner agrees to judge the Blossom Queen pageant, she expects nothing more demanding than evaluating talent performances and creating stunning floral arrangements. But beneath the glittering tiaras and elegant evening gowns, Gloria discovers a world of cutthroat ambition, bitter rivalries, and secrets worth killing for. When the imperious head judge is found strangled in the rose maze—surrounded by Gloria's own beautiful arrangements—she's drawn into her most personal case yet.

As Gloria digs deeper into the pageant's glamorous façade, she uncovers a web of corruption that has been growing like thorny vines for years. With a killer desperate to keep the past buried and the postponed ceremony fast approaching, Gloria must untangle a garden of lies before another victim falls. From wealthy socialites to scorned daughters, everyone connected to the crown has something to hide—and someone will do anything to keep their secrets from blooming into the light.

In this thrilling conclusion to the beloved series, Gloria Gardner faces her most cunning adversary yet. With her faithful Pomeranian Azalea by her side and the friends who have become family cheering her on, Gloria must trust her instincts one final time. Because in Blossoms Bay, even the most beautiful roses have thorns—and this time, they're deadly.