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ssejig's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Steph Williams consults on gardens. She is just arriving at her latest estate with her very large dog, Mouse, when the book opens. Her main point of contact is Lady Clara although there is a plethora of other characters. Though Sandler tries to space out introductions, there were so many characters, I got confused.
Steph is put into a bedroom in a round tower which is fantastic, but she keeps hearing arguments late at night in the servants' corridor. Thin walls but she has to leave her tower to go to the main house in order to access it. While she's there, Steph is dealing with some hard personalities including the manor's gardener who would prefer she weren't there, a number of people who are running around on each other, and an elderly gentleman who keeps dropping cryptic warnings. And then, there's the body. Though it's an apparent suicide, the police aren't so sure.
I hadn't read the first book in the series and Sandler does a good job of explaining without info dumping but I did feel like I was missing some things, especially in regard to Steph's ex-husband. I also wish we had gotten a few more clues to the solution.
alivictoria14's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
makiichin's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
inkreads's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
This is a series I can get behind on so many levels! I adore cozy mysteries, they are my guilty pleasure and always a good read. My go-to's are usually based in the 1920's or Victorian eras, but can I get behind a gardener, her dog and grandpa? Oh yes! This book is enchanting with a capital EEEEEE!
Steph is commissioned by Lady Clara of Ashford Manor to embark on an immense task;, to reinvigorate the gardens
However, chaos ensues when a dead body isfound in the manor. The police dismiss it as a voluntary unaliving, but Steph, our erstwhile FMC, cannot let it go so easily. She knew the deceased and knew they would not do such a thing and as such, the only answer is... murder! Booo hissssss to the staff getting in the way, what are their reasons??
Steph is so relatable and utterly adorable and the core of side characters are charming, Mouse her dog, her grandfather, even Lady Clara who is a gem!
Recommend highly and will certainly be folllowing this author as a favourite for my cozy mystery fix!
Thank you to Netgalley, Embla Books and Rosie Sandler for this lovely Arc. My review is left voluntarily and all opiions are my own.
Steph is commissioned by Lady Clara of Ashford Manor to embark on an immense task;, to reinvigorate the gardens
However, chaos ensues when a dead body isfound in the manor. The police dismiss it as a voluntary unaliving, but Steph, our erstwhile FMC, cannot let it go so easily. She knew the deceased and knew they would not do such a thing and as such, the only answer is... murder! Booo hissssss to the staff getting in the way, what are their reasons??
Steph is so relatable and utterly adorable and the core of side characters are charming, Mouse her dog, her grandfather, even Lady Clara who is a gem!
Recommend highly and will certainly be folllowing this author as a favourite for my cozy mystery fix!
Thank you to Netgalley, Embla Books and Rosie Sandler for this lovely Arc. My review is left voluntarily and all opiions are my own.
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