I read the first book in this series a while ago. I wasn't too enthusiastic about it so although I already had this one in the TBR pile I didn't pick it up right away. Last week I was organising my books and I decided to read it and send it on its way as I don't plan to read the rest of the series.During the annual Pickle Fest, Abby's boyfriend Marco inexplicably disappears for a day. When he returns, he's the main suspect in the death of a clown. It seems the cops have found Snuggles pushing up water-spurting daisies-and Marco was the last person seen leaving Snuggles's house. Although Marco is still a mystery to her, Abby knows he's innocent. Now she has to find a way to prove it.As with the first book I found the main character too light-headed and sometimes a bit dumb. She is always making sarcastic observations that don't sound funny at all but come across as a bit crazy. Besides she is supposed to have been dating Marco for 3 months and she never went to his house? Weird...In this book Marco is accused of killing a clown after the said clown threatens Abby. It ends up being known that he didn't go after the clown because of Abby but because of a friend of his sister who was being harassed by him. After being arrested and then released on bail he asks Abby to try and investigate who the killer is. At first she doesn't want to do it as she thinks she won’t be able to do it alone. It's her boyfriend shouldn't she be eager to find the real culprit? And he doesn't tell her the whole truth about what really went on between him and the clown. Uh? Don't they trust each other? I know I read this one totally out of order (which might have some influence on my lack of enjoyment) but I thought Marco and Abby if they are not boyfriend/girlfriend at least trusted each other...Regarding the mystery itself Abby talks to a lot of people who don’t seem to help much, even Marco ex-colleagues from the force don’t want to help because of their boss, and then, suddenly, she thinks of something and solves the mystery. It just lacked so clues along the way, some suspense maybe…I think it's the "smart mouth" tone (that she is always using to talk to herself) that doesn't convince me but the truth if that for me Abby is a bit far from my favourite cosy heroines like Hannah or Dixie.Grace: C
It's the annual Pickle Fest and Abby Knight is back again! After an unsettling encounter with Snuggles the Clown at the Pickle Fest parade, Abby is reminded again why she hates clowns so much. Later at the parade Marco and Snuggles end up getting into a fist fight, with Snuggles being taken away in cuffs. That evening, Snuggles is found dead and the last person seen leaving his house is Marco. With Snuggles dead and Marco the prime suspect, Abby has a week to try and find out what really happened before Marco's hearing.This was kind of a weird one for me! Creepy clowns, men dressed as women and a cake baker with a lisp who looks like Mrs. Claus. Great mystery though. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong! I'm still not sure how I feel about Marco though, so having the entire story be about Abby having to save the man she loves, made it less fun and interesting than the others. I think I'm just getting tired of having to constantly read about how hot Marco is and how much of a hunk he is and having Abby constantly drooling over him. After five books, I get it. Marco is hot. Loved Marco's mother though and looking forward to her character being more involved. :)
What do You think about Acts Of Violets (2007)?
Another great book from a great series! Acts of Violets was a smashing and entertaining mystery filled with intrigue and secrets.I really like Abby, in the beginning of the series she was simply annoying, but now she's really grown on me. Grace and Lottie are also two of my favorites. In this book we finally get to learn more about Marco (it was about time) and we get to meet his mother and sister, both of which are hilarious.The mystery was very good, I didn't see the killer coming and, even though there was a limited pool of suspects, I can honestly say that the killer was a surprise to me.,Overall a good book that I really can't say anything bad about. Recommend!
—Jonathan
I really liked the themed mysteries and these are good ones. I like that the main character in this is so human - you can appreciate the messes she gets into. I like to that in every one of these the author allows Abbey to wax poetic on her love of flowers. So often in the themed mysteries I feel like the author just uses it as a gimic rather than a passion - and you can actually feel the passion for flowers in these books. I also really like the side kicks in these books and the crazy mom with her art work. Very nice.
—Jennifer
Abby is attending the annual Pickle Fest with her best friend Nikki, when she has an encounter with one of the clowns. She innocently mentions this to Marco and then learns the clown has been murdered. With Marco as the only suspect, Abby really has to put her amateur sleuthing to work. To complicate matters, Marco is seen with a gorgeous woman at the Pickle Fest and his mother is in town. Abby knows Marco is innocent despite the evidence against him. Can Abby find the real killer and clear Marco's name?Acts of Violets is the fifth book in A Flower Shop Mystery Series. What I liked best about this book is the reader learns more about Marco's history. Until now, the author focuses on Abby and her family, so it's a welcome change that Marco's mother and sister are introduced. I hope we'll see more of them in future books. If you're looking for a good cozy series, I recommend Abby Knight and her friends.
—Shonda
