Murder in Bloom

An Unputdownable Lila Jennings Cozy Mystery, Book 1

De: Diane Scotland

Narrado por: Cornelia Westwind

Cryptic blooms. Hidden agendas. A trail of secrets leads to murder.

When plans for a beloved Maplewood festival are interrupted by the suspicious death of the town's infuriating and not so beloved mayor, florist Lila Jennings once again finds herself entangled in something far more sinister than wilting petals.

Armed with a sharp mind, an eye for symbolism, and her mischievous rescue cat, Clementine, Lila digs into a trail of coded bouquets, town secrets, and long-buried grudges.

With the help of Ethan Bell, the town’s charming pet shop owner, and her gossipy friend, Lucy, Lila must untangle a mystery rooted deep in Maplewood’s past.

But as secrets take root and danger grows, they must navigate masked galas, hidden archives, and whispered threats, because someone in town is determined to keep the truth buried…and the closer she gets, the more dangerous it becomes.

In a place where flowers can send messages and every shopkeeper has a secret, Lila’s quiet life is about to blossom into something thrilling and deadly.

Murder in Bloom is the first in a charming new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of witty sleuths, small-town scandals, and four-legged partners in crime.

©2025 Diane Scotland (P)2025 Diane Scotland

Fun yet predictable

If a Nancy Drew book had a baby with a Hallmark mystery movie, the result would be Murder in Bloom. This book didn't have any unexpected plot twists. It's set in historic small town America (think Gilmore Girls). The characters (Lila, Ethan, and Lila) aren't especially complex and just quirky enough to be memorable. It's not dark, though a murder did occur. This type of mystery book definitely has its own kind of audience, mostly 60+ year old women, in my opinion. That specific demographic would find it quite enjoyable.

A Charming and Clever Cosy Mystery

Murder in Bloom is an absolute delight from start to finish. Lila Jennings is the kind of amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for—smart, observant, and armed with a florist’s eye for detail that turns coded bouquets into deadly clues. The small town of Maplewood is full of personality, charm, and enough buried secrets to keep you guessing until the very end.

The mystery surrounding the mayor’s suspicious death is wonderfully plotted, with twists that feel both surprising and satisfying. I loved the quirky cast of characters—especially Clementine, Lila’s mischievous rescue cat, who steals scenes in the most adorable way. Ethan Bell and Lucy add just the right mix of support, humor, and sparks of chemistry.