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yarydoll's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ashleykarin96's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
A SPRINKLING OF MURDER, the first book in the brand new Fairy Garden Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber, is an enchanting tale that captured my fancy! With a charming setting in Carmel-by-the-Sea situated on California’s Monterey Peninsula, the reader can’t help but feel like they’re on vacation. I adored the fairy garden and tea shop, Open Your Imagination, owned by protagonist Courtney Kelly. It was a treat to learn some of the ins and outs of creating fairy gardens for personal home gardens as the story unfolded. This is one of the times I wish it were possible for pictures to be included within the text as I read along. (However, if you visit the author’s website, she has photos and YouTube videos posts on her “just for fans” page.)
Sometimes first books in a series introduce a large cast to set the stage for future books and that happens here. However, the author provides a helpful list of characters at the front of the book for easy reference. I liked the protagonist Courtney. She is smart and curious but doesn’t come across as overly nosy or in-your-face. When she discovers the murdered body of her shop’s neighbor on her patio late one night and then becomes a suspect, Courtney knows she needs to get to the bottom of the crime and clear her name. Assisting her in sleuthing is the adorable fairy, Fiona, who is on probation after being expelled from fairy school for too many pranks. Fiona is a fun sidekick to Courtney with her penchant for shenanigans! The introduction of this surprising fantasy element brought a lightheartedness to the story which I greatly enjoyed. To tie in the magical fairy theme, the author also includes lovely “fairy” quotes from literature at the beginning of each chapter. I was tempted to page ahead to read them all before starting the story.
Ms. Gerber is well-known for her other cozy mystery books and her expertise in crafting a well-plotted mystery is on full display here. The pace was even and kept me turning pages wanting to see what happens next. The number of suspects and the way Courtney presented them as she asks questions made it difficult to guess who the culprit was. They all seemed entirely viable. With a surprising twist at the Agatha Christie-style reveal, I was left feeling highly satisfied and entertained!
While this may be a cozy mystery set in a fairy garden shop, they do serve tea and treats there. Courtney also frequents the Hideaway Café which is owned by her potential love interest, Brady, so there’s plenty of yummy food mentioned. True to Ms. Gerber’s love for creating delectable recipes, she’s included several at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sometimes first books in a series introduce a large cast to set the stage for future books and that happens here. However, the author provides a helpful list of characters at the front of the book for easy reference. I liked the protagonist Courtney. She is smart and curious but doesn’t come across as overly nosy or in-your-face. When she discovers the murdered body of her shop’s neighbor on her patio late one night and then becomes a suspect, Courtney knows she needs to get to the bottom of the crime and clear her name. Assisting her in sleuthing is the adorable fairy, Fiona, who is on probation after being expelled from fairy school for too many pranks. Fiona is a fun sidekick to Courtney with her penchant for shenanigans! The introduction of this surprising fantasy element brought a lightheartedness to the story which I greatly enjoyed. To tie in the magical fairy theme, the author also includes lovely “fairy” quotes from literature at the beginning of each chapter. I was tempted to page ahead to read them all before starting the story.
Ms. Gerber is well-known for her other cozy mystery books and her expertise in crafting a well-plotted mystery is on full display here. The pace was even and kept me turning pages wanting to see what happens next. The number of suspects and the way Courtney presented them as she asks questions made it difficult to guess who the culprit was. They all seemed entirely viable. With a surprising twist at the Agatha Christie-style reveal, I was left feeling highly satisfied and entertained!
While this may be a cozy mystery set in a fairy garden shop, they do serve tea and treats there. Courtney also frequents the Hideaway Café which is owned by her potential love interest, Brady, so there’s plenty of yummy food mentioned. True to Ms. Gerber’s love for creating delectable recipes, she’s included several at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
qrb's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
mbbb72's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
karty_v's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The premise of a fairy garden shop owner and a fairy sidekick was cool AF and different but this book was slow AF... And the murder was like a tertiary storyline almost.
Also the cop was annoying AF. Like what a bum
Also the cop was annoying AF. Like what a bum
whatcaroread's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
debf56's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25