In Yews with Caution, Abby must defend her friend from a sinister conspiracy that also ensnares her husband in its web of deception and death. I liked the organic fraud angle of the novel, but the identity of the conspirators was pretty much who I expected.

Yews with Caution: A Flower Shop Mystery
By Kate Collins
Berkley
May 30, 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

Despite being the owner of Bloomers flower shop, Abby Knight has never before purchased outdoor plantings. That changes with her and her husband’s recent purchase of a house, and the need for landscaping is how Abby somehow finds herself lost in the adjacent shrubbery maze of DK’s Landscape Center. That unexpectedly traumatic experience of buying pesticide-free yews and viburnums is surpassed by a desperate call from Abby’s best friend, hospital x-ray technician Nikki Hiduke. An alcohol-infused night of rage-venting by Nikki and five co-workers led to the women planning out the murder of a cheating husband, and it appears that said philanderer has just gone missing. Although Marco Salvatore, her partner both in life and in their private investigation firm, advises that they wait until an actual accusation is made, Abby doesn’t hesitate to begin investigating the life and disappearance of Dick Kennison, the owner of DK’s.

Nikki doesn’t help herself first by not wanting to snitch on her work-friends, then by not telling the entire truth to Abby. It places an uncomfortable barrier between the two childhood friends, not to mention making Abby’s investigation of Nikki’s coworkers even more challenging. At least Abby has the always-reliable support of Bloomers’ employees, with her newest hire Rosa Marin proving to be a Colombian powerhouse of flirtation persuasion. Abby’s female relatives continue to be delightful distractions, although this time Abby’s “artistic” mother may have finally found her calling with natural beauty products. Jillian Osborne’s insistence that they be debuted at her birthday spa celebration is less welcome, but at least the planning is keeping Abby’s attention-needy younger cousin busy. When a sudden illness strikes Marco in a way similar to that of another DK customer, Abby will need all of her focus and support if she is to save those she loves the most.

Don’t let the cozy series name fool you; at its core, this is a novel of suspense. The timer starts ticking on multiple levels as an important client deadline approaches, Marco’s health declines, and the source for his treatment coincides with the solution to the murder. Anyone who has ever been frustrated with the lack of communication or availability of health professionals will more than sympathize with Abby’s desperation. Although it’s never in doubt that Marco is the love of her life, the female relationships are the core of this mystery. Abby has Nikki’s back despite moments of doubt and untruths, and the Bloomers’ ladies always remind Abby to appreciate her family while she can. The tension mounts to nearly unbearable levels by the end, and readers will be zipping through those final pages while also never wanting the story to end. This 19th in the series proves why these books deserve to be made into Hallmark Movies, as it provides ample amounts of humor, romance, and a stunning hold-your-breath finale.

I have always enjoy Kate Collins' Flower Shop mysteries, and this was no exception! Flower shop owner protagonist Abby doesn't always act in the safest (or more legal) of manners while investigating, but that never seems to bother me as much as it does in other series. The crisis involving Marco could be seen coming a mile away, but that didn't stop me from worrying a bit over whether he'd be okay. Overall, this is another solid addition to the series, and longtime fans won't likely be disappointed. New readers could get away with picking this up as a one-off, but I would definitely recommend reading the series in order, if possible.