Death and Daisies: A Magic Garden Mystery

Fiona has settled into her new life in Scotland, and with the help of her sister, Isla, who is staying with her, she’s finally ready for the grand opening of her flower shop until Minister Quaid MacCullen barges into her shop to deliver a warning. Then the celebration is cut short when Kipling discovers a body and Fiona is the prime suspect because she was last seen arguing with the victim. She’s determined to find answers, even if Chief Inspector Neil Craig doesn’t want her involvement. To top it off, Isla is acting strangely and Fiona’s certain she’s keeping a secret from her. Add that to the handsome historian who seems determined to uncover secrets about her garden, and she has her hands full.

Amanda Flower captures this quaint and lovely Scottish town with a perfect description of a small town where everyone gossips yet bands together. Fiona finds a place for herself and makes friends who make her new life feel like she’s at home. Though she’s in a happy place, she’s still trying to understand the secret of the garden and dealing with the minister’s distrust of her. The recent murder brings her further into the lives of new characters, which catches the attention of unsavory sorts, providing suspense and plenty of sleuthing fun. The chemistry between Craig and Fiona is sweet, but the relationship with her sister takes up the heart of the story. The age gap between them creates tension as Fiona inadvertently mothers her and Isla responds rebelliously. Their personalities at times clash, with Isla being young and idealistic and Fiona wiser and settled. Their journey to understand each other is genuine and a soft balance to the murder mystery.

The second book in the Magic Garden Mystery series, Death and Daisies is a sweet and charming follow up with magic, heart, and the bond between sisters.