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A Flower Shop Mystery book cover 1
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A Flower Shop Mystery
Series · 24
books · 2004-2022

Books in series

Mum's the Word book cover
#1

Mum's the Word

2004

Abby Knight is the proud owner of her hometown flower shop, but a new low-cost competitor is killing her profits-and a black SUV just rammed her vintage Corvette in a hit-and-run. She's determined to track down the driver, but when the trail turns deadly, the next flower arrangement might be for her own funeral.
Slay It with Flowers book cover
#2

Slay It with Flowers

2005

Me, Abby Knight, an entrepreneur! Who would have guessed when I flunked out of law school a year ago that I'd be standing here today in front of Bloomers, my very own flower shop? Even though I may be penniless, I am soundly devoted to my new profession...whether it means arranging a bouquet of flowers - or unearthing the seeds of murder. NEAR MRS. Abby's latest gig is the perfect marriage of her talents. Not only does her bride-to-be cousin, Jillian, want Abby to be a bridesmaid - she also wants her to sign on as floral designer and sleuth... Though nearly once a year Jillian has agreed to marry a different man, she has yet to make it to the altar. But this time, it's cold dead feet may stop the wedding. Before the couple says "I do," one of the groomsmen disappears and another member of the wedding party is found dead. Luckily for Abby, she has plenty of help - including her brassy been-there-done-that assistant, a hunky bar owner with a penchant for love and justice, and her own family. Together, they aim to unveil the truth...and make sure the bride still gets her day to shine.
Dearly Depotted book cover
#3

Dearly Depotted

2005

Abby has her hands full at her cousin Jillian's wedding as florist, bridesmaid, and grandma-sitter-all while wearing a hideous dress. Then the groom's 90-year-old grandmother goes missing from the reception. On her search, Abby finds the corpse of guest Jack Snyder. Now she must find out who killed Jack in the pulpit.
Snipped in the Bud book cover
#4

Snipped in the Bud

2006

When I swapped the thorny problems of law school for the budding business of my flower store, Bloomers, I vowed that I, Abby Knight, wouldn t be caught dead visiting that hateful campus ever again. But sometimes a girl s got to face down her dragons.... PLANT OF ATTACK Someone orders a black rose for Abby s old law school nemesis, Professor "Snapdragon" Puffer. But her plans for a speedy delivery are foiled when he catches her putting the bloom on his desk and sends it straight into the trash. Abby flees in terror, only to run smack into Carson Reed, the professor who recently had her arrested at an animal rights protest. After a biting exchange, Abby storms out of the building. But if there s anything she can t stand, it s injustice and bullies. So, even though she knows bad luck comes in threes, she ignores the advice of her sometimes boyfriend, hunk-a-licious Marco Salvare, and heads back in to retrieve her dignity and her flower—only to find the rose now decorating a dead professor, and herself the prime suspect....
Acts of Violets book cover
#5

Acts of Violets

2007

OK, I'll admit it: I, Abby Knight, actually love my hometown's corny annual Pickle Fest - and I've also been hoping the event will drum up business for my flower shop, Bloomers. But when the hired clown is found dead, the festivities screech to a halt... SWEET OR SOUR? Abby has been dating Marco - ex-cop, bartender, and all-around hunk - for several months when the Pickle Fest starts. But he's still a mystery to her. And after he disappears for a day, she's stunned to read in the paper: EX-COP QUESTIONED IN MAN'S DEATH. It seems the authorities have found Snuggles the Clown pushing up water-spurting daisies - and Marco was the last person seen leaving Snuggles' house. Abby knows in her bones that he's innocent. But why, when his life is on the line, is Marco being so secretive with her? And who is the attractive woman he escorted to the Pickle Fest? To do the legwork, she'll have to delve into the eerie clown underworld, where the smiles are fake and everyone has a trick up his sleeve...
A Rose from the Dead book cover
#6

A Rose from the Dead

2007

Why did I, Abby Knight, agree to attend a convention of funeral directors? I was desperate to drum up more business for my flower shop, Bloomers. What I got instead was murder... Who knew death could be so much fun? Abby is amused by the black humor of the usually somber "death professionals" who are attending the Midwestern Funeral Directors Association's regional convention. Even organizer Sybil Blount - known for her cutthroat business practices and the signature rose she wears in her wig - isn't what Abby expects...especially when her corpse is found in a casket. When Abby's friend Delilah Dove becomes a suspect, Abby shifts into full investigation mode and learns that Sybil's enemies include the prankster son of a big-time funeral director, an eco-friendly purveyor of "green burials," and a strange Goth girl who captures the "music" of departing souls on her tape recorder. It's up to Abby and her boyfriend, Marco, to look beyond the trappings of death and find out who really loved Sybil - and who loved her not.
Shoots to Kill book cover
#7

Shoots to Kill

2008

Last I heard, being a five-foot-two, green-eyed redhead wasn't a crime. But that's precisely why I, Abby Knight, was yanked out of my Corvette by a state trooper, handcuffed, and thrown in jail. This isn't your average case of mistaken identity. Eight years ago Abby babysat Elizabeth Blume, a teen who seemed intent on making Abby's life miserable. Elizabeth imitated Abby's dress, pored over her diary, and sabotaged her love life. Now Elizabeth is back in New Chapel, and she soon adopts a new Abby's. Elizabeth, now going by Libby, copies Abby's entire life - she even drives a bright yellow car and opens a nearly identical shop. But when Libby comes between Abby and her boyfriend, Marco, imitation becomes the sincerest form of trouble, and that's before Abby is accused of murder. Is Abby's devious double the real killer? Or is there a more sinister suspect in town who's using them both to cover his evil crime?
Evil in Carnations book cover
#8

Evil in Carnations

2009

What do you do when your best friend and roommate can't relate to your relationship bliss? I tried to help her get back her mojo...but I didn't know her first date would turn out to have cold feet - literally. THE DATING SCENE CAN BE A KILLER. Determined to help her roommate, Nikki, out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby's list, Jonas Treat - aka Treat the Cheat - and figures one date with him can't hurt. Her lack of good judgement catches up with her when Jonas is found dead - and evidence points to Nikki as his killer. To clear Nikki's name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But just when Nikki's situation looks dire and Abby needs Marco most, his rambunctious extended family descends, turning Abby's hectic life into a disaster zone. Abby's patience is seriously wilting, but with a killer on the loose, she can't throw in the trowel. She's determined to dig herself out of this mess - before someone buries her instead.
Sleeping With Anemone book cover
#9

Sleeping With Anemone

2009

I, Abby Knight, hometown florist, refuse to be cowed into giving up my stance against the unfair treatment of dairy animals. But why does gathering signatures for a petition suddenly make me a target for kidnapping—and murder? MILKING IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH Okay, maybe hometown florist Abby Knight shouldn't choose a home and garden show sponsored by Uniworld Food as the venue for her protest against the corporation's harmful farming practices. But being forced to leave the event won't stop her. Nor will a burning brick thrown through her shop window. After escaping three kidnapping attempts, Abby calls in her ex-Army Ranger boyfriend and her whole posse. And then the stakes are raised by murder. Having Marco around 24-7 to protect Abby sheds new light on their relationship and gives her lots to ponder. Add to that pressure from both families for her and Marco to get hitched, and the possibility that the murder investigation may be on the wrong track, and Abby starts to think she'll soon be sleeping with anemones instead of arranging them.
Dirty Rotten Tendrils book cover
#10

Dirty Rotten Tendrils

2010

I, Abby Knight, hometown florist, do solemnly swear that my friend Dave would not hurt a fly - let alone a fellow lawyer. WHAT DO YOU CALL ONE MURDERED LAWYER? Spring is blooming in New Chapel, Indiana, but Abby's beloved small town has become a media circus. Singer Cody Verse has returned home after winning on America's Next Hit Single with his song "Code Blue." He has brought high-powered lawyer Ken "the Lip" Lipinski with him to fend off a lawsuit from his former songwriting partner. Then the Lip is in need of a code blue himself when he's found dead from a suspicious overdose. Abby finds it hard to swallow that the opposing counsel - and her old boss - Dave Hammond could be the killer. Now Abby and her hot boyfriend, Marco, must prune the list of suspects for the murder of a man who had more enemies than his client has fans...
Night of the Living Dandelion book cover
#11

Night of the Living Dandelion

2011

Flower shop owner Abby Knight does not believe rumors that Vlad Serban, friend and employee of Abby's fiancé Marco, is a vampire. But how to explain that Vlad is from Romania, has prominent canines, likes bizarre plants such as bloodwort and Dracula orchid, and dresses entirely in black? When a local woman is found dead, her body drained of blood, the stakes become life and death. With Vlad the #1 suspect, Abby and Marco race to find the real killer, before Vlad's life really starts to suck.
To Catch a Leaf book cover
#12

To Catch a Leaf

2011

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is aglow with happiness now that she's officially engaged to her longtime beau, Marco Salvare. Nothing can possibly dampen her joy-until wealthy dowager Virginia Newport is killed, and Abby's assistant Grace Bingham is the prime suspect. The plot thickens when they stumble upon mysterious stolen art and a missing cat, all part of an elaborate heist. Before Abby can throw her bouquet, she'll have to save her friend and throw a killer and a thief in jail...
Nightshade on Elm Street book cover
#13

Nightshade on Elm Street

2012

Enjoy her wedding shower…or receive a cold dunking? In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes. The missing woman is also the fiancée of Pryce Osborne, a wet noodle with a big bank account who dumped Abby just before their wedding several years ago. Merely being anywhere near Pryce makes Abby’s insecurities grow like kudzu…. Then a woman’s drowned body surfaces, and Pryce becomes a prime suspect in her death. Unless Abby and Marco can get a killer to come clean, their bridal shower will turn into a complete washout...and Pryce will be exchanging a sunny beach for a prison cell.
Seed No Evil book cover
#14

Seed No Evil

2013

It’s finally time to say, “I do!” As long as I can keep my mom out of jail long enough to get her to the ceremony.... Someone’s Biting Mad. Abby Knight’s wedding is in less than two weeks, and everything is going wrong. The cooler in her flower shop is leaking, her neck has swollen to unnatural proportions, her groom is acting distant, and she still doesn’t know where she’s actually getting married! But things go from bad to worse when the director of her favorite charity, Protecting Animal Rights, is murdered, and Abby’s mother becomes the main suspect. Abby’s wedding worries will have to wait until she—along with her fiancé, Marco, and an adorable mutt named Seedy—can nose out who wanted the animal activist put to sleep. But they’ll have to sort through the long list of suspects quickly, or her mom may be tossed in the slammer before Abby tosses the bouquet....
Throw in the Trowel book cover
#15

Throw in the Trowel

2014

I’m used to buried bulbs, not buried bodies… The couple that sleuths together… Flower Shop owner Abby Knight has just returned from a romantic honeymoon with the man of her dreams. There’s no reason for the bloom to be off the rose just because she and Marco are returning to normal life. But when Marco discovers a skeleton buried in the basement of his bar, it is a bit of a mood killer. When the body is identified as a carpenter who went missing back in the 1970s, Abby and Marco decide to cultivate the clues to solve the cold case. What could be more romantic? But the deeper they dig, the more desperate the murderer grows. And if Marco and Abby don’t unearth the killer’s identity, they may not live to see their first anniversary.
A Root Awakening book cover
#16

A Root Awakening

2015

Abby Knight's marriage may be in full bloom, but house hunting is no bed of roses in latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Flower Shop Mystery series... Now that they’ve tied the knot, flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, want to put down roots. When it comes to picking a house, Marco can’t wait to get his hands dirty, while Abby isn’t ready for a fixer-upper. But conflict really sprouts when they’re checking out a dilapidated Victorian and watch a construction worker take a life-threatening tumble. Since witnesses claim the man shouted for help, suggesting that the fall was no accident, the victim’s flamboyant wife hires Marco to find the person responsible. Meanwhile, Abby keeps secret from Marco her own investigation into the home’s inhabitants, a family whose off-kilter behavior has aroused her suspicions. If only Abby’s very pregnant cousin, Jillian, will stop distracting Abby with false labor pains, she can conclude her own inquiries before Marco finds out…and her case blossoms into a disaster.
Florist Grump book cover
#17

Florist Grump

2015

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Root Awakening, feisty florist Abby Knight is back with another knotty murder to solve in the next Flower Shop Mystery... Life in Bloom Stopping to smell the roses should be a must for flower shop owner Abby Knight, but stress has turned her into a major grump. While their house is under construction, Abby and her new husband, Marco, are living with her parents, who are driving her nuts. Not to mention that everyone has babies on the brain, with her cousin Jillian’s bundle of joy popping up in every conversation, and Marco’s mother dropping hints that she expects a new sprout from Abby and her son—as soon as possible! But things get even thornier after a flashy former banker pushes up daisies. With a beloved window washer the prime suspect in the murder, other New Chapel shop owners rally around Abby and Marco to prove his innocence. With Abby’s energy wilting, she has to be on high alert—or she and Marco may not live to see their new home…
Moss Hysteria book cover
#18

Moss Hysteria

2016

Abby and Marco’s new neighborhood isn’t as rosy as it seems in the latest Flower Shop Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Florist Grump and A Root Awakening. Flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, are ecstatic to finally be moving into their new home, despite the prospect of unpacking a seemingly infinite number of boxes. After all, Brandywine—their new subdivision—seems like an oasis with its welcoming neighbors and beautifully manicured lawns. But their idyllic community is suddenly uprooted when a body is found floating in a nearby pond. The police think Abby and Marco’s helpful next door neighbor is the culprit, but the newlyweds aren’t convinced. Meanwhile, Marco distrusts his mother’s slick new boyfriend, and Abby’s cousin Jillian has agreed to decorate their new home, resulting in comic chaos. Even worse, as Abby and Marco dig through Brandywine’s secrets in search of a killer, they discover that some flowers come from very bad seeds...and danger stalks even the sunniest small-town streets.
Yews with Caution book cover
#19

Yews with Caution

2017

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is out to help a friend in need but soon finds herself in the weeds… The Spring of Abby’s Discontent It’s April in New Chapel, and Abby and her husband, Marco, are off to buy shrubs for their new house. But the owner of the local landscaping company is nowhere to be found. Abby’s best friend, Nikki, meanwhile, believes she unwittingly helped a group of her hospital coworkers conspire to kill the man. After the police get involved, Nikki becomes a suspect. Abby digs deeper for clues to save her friend only to discover bushels of folks bearing a deep-rooted hatred for the two-faced business owner. Marco attempts to help Abby with the case but soon falls critically ill. Now Abby must find the real culprit on her own before everything goes to pot…
Missing Under The Mistletoe book cover
#19.1

Missing Under The Mistletoe

A Flower Shop Mystery Christmas Novella

2017

It’s Christmas Eve in New Chapel, Indiana. But this night will be anything but silent in a brand new Flower Shop Mystery Novella from New York Times bestselling author of Moss Hysteria and Yews With Caution. After being hired to deliver poinsettias to Churchill’s department store in downtown New Chapel, feisty flower shop owner Abby Knight finds herself mixed up in the disappearance of everyone’s favorite Santa Claus, Mr. Churchill himself. Promising Churchill’s daughter that the legendary Christmas Eve celebration will not go on without her father, Abby must recruit her whole staff at Bloomers, and even her family, to help. But while the excitement builds and the town square fills with revelers, there is one person who must come to terms with his own holiday mystery, Abby’s husband and partner, private investigator Marco Salvare. The clock is ticking down the minutes to the big celebration as clues are quickly uncovered, but Abby and Marco soon realize there is much more at stake than one man’s life. As the town gathers around for the lighting of the tree, and the suspect is just within arm's reach, Team Salvare is barred from the case. Little does Abby know that her next move won't just seal Santa’s fate, but the fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance.
Tulips Too Late book cover
#19.2

Tulips Too Late

A Flower Shop Mystery Novella

2018

It’s springtime in New Chapel, Indiana, but as the weather heats up, so too does the drama, in this thrilling new Flower Shop mystery novella from New York Times Bestselling Author, Kate Collins. After arriving late for a tulip delivery, Bloomers Flower Shop owner Abby Knight Salvare stumbles upon a homicide in action. The killer flees the scene, leaving a trail of mysterious clues behind, but when Abby’s long-time friend, Sgt. Sean Reilly accidentally releases information to the press, he is forced to step away from the case. Having nowhere else to turn, and armed with a list of evidence that the detectives refuse to investigate, Sgt. Reilly enlists the help of Team Salvare to solve the case and set things right. In order to solve this mystery, Abby and Marco must defy strict orders from a powerful old foe – a bull-headed corrupt detective - who promises that one wrong move will have them wrapped up in legal fees, courtroom battles, and possibly even worse. Abby’s passion for truth and unquenchable thirst for justice drives her forward even while the odds stack up against her. This will not only be Abby’s greatest challenge but also her greatest redemption, believing she may have been able to save someone’s life, had she not delivered those tulips…too late.
A Frond in Need book cover
#19.3

A Frond in Need

A Flower Shop Mystery Summer Novella

2020

It's Summertime in New Chapel, Indiana, and feisty florist Abby Knight Salvare is up to her neck in work – supervising the construction of her float for the Fourth of July parade, managing her flower shop Bloomers, reigning in her over-eager cousin Jillian, and working with her hunky husband Marco in his private detective business – when her best friend Nikki comes to her with a big problem. Blake Ryder, a handsome, charismatic surgeon at the New Chapel Hospital is a suspect in a murder case, and Nikki is supposed to go away with him for the holiday weekend. Is Blake being targeted unfairly or has Nikki gotten herself involved with a real life lady-killer? The days are long and humid, the clues are leading in all directions, and the responsibilities are piling up as Independence Day quickly approaches. Abby can't turn down a friend in need, but can she solve Nikki's dilemma and handle all her other concerns before the fireworks?
Till Death Do Us Pot book cover
#19.4

Till Death Do Us Pot

A Flower Shop Mystery Fall Novella

2020

Planting Seeds of Doubt In the final novella of the Seasons series, NY Times bestselling author Kate Collins brings the beloved characters from New Chapel back to the page like never before. Fall has arrived in New Chapel, Indiana, and life has never been better for local florist Abby Knight Salvare and her handsome private eye husband, Marco, until a missing person’s case puts our two hometown heroes at odds, showing signs of stress in an otherwise perfect marriage. Town busybody Sylvie Freeman is certain that her twin brother has gone missing, although everyone in her family is convinced that Sylvie has officially gone off her rocker. She has hired Team Salvare to investigate, leading them into a mystery much bigger than either one could have imagined. Tara Knight looks up to her crime-solving Aunt Abby – with the same red hair, short stature, and freckled cheeks – the two could be mistaken for sisters, but when a journalism assignment leads Tara into dangerous territory, her amateur sleuthing skills will be put to the ultimate test. Follow Abby and her young niece, Tara, as they walk the fine line between truth and fiction. Keep up with Marco’s investigation as it unravels before his eyes, and watch carefully as the intrepid Team Salvare piece together a mystery that may have them understand the true meaning of the vow . . . till death do us part.
Kick The Bouquet book cover
#20

Kick The Bouquet

2022

Digging At The Roots . . . Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Abby is in a pickle. Does she go to her parents’ house for dinner or break with tradition and go to Marco’s mother’s house instead? Abby’s mom is in a tizzy and Abby is desperately seeking a solution. But she has a bigger problem when hunky hubby Marco is a suspect in the murder of his landlord, realtor Arthur McMahon. After the popular realtor is found stabbed to death in his office just after announcing plans to oust his renters, along with his decision to marry a woman his grown children detest, Abby and Marco have a host of suspects to investigate. Was it an angry renter or one of Arthur’s money-hungry children who decided to end his life? Or was it his young fiancé, the woman his children call the Black Widow?

Author

Kate Collins
Kate Collins
Author · 28 books

Indiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK. 3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel! Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14. Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.

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