Fiona Knox, owner of Climbing Rose Flower shop and recent resident of Bellewick, Aberdeenshire from America, after her god father willed her Duncreigan and its magical garden, was helping prepare for the fiddle playing concert by a famous Barley McFee, a long-ago resident of Bellewick who hadn’t returned for many years. The town’s occupants were looking forward to the concert and the tourists it would bring to their businesses.

Fiona’s sister Isla lived not far from her and they were both looking forward to their parents arriving from Tennessee. Fiona had recently discovered something about her past, so she was a little nervous. And Fiona’s magical garden had had a visitor – the garden was dying. But it was during intermission, when Barley was meant to be back on stage, that the worst happened. When Fiona discovered the fiddle player was dead in the tour bus, she immediately called Chief Inspector Neil Craig – also her boyfriend – to find the killer.

Could Fiona discover why the magical garden was dying? Could she fix it? And would she be able to discover who had murdered Barley.

Mums and Mayhem is the 3rd in A Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower – with chrysanthemums being the Mums in the title (clever I thought) Fiona loves flowers and her florist shop was filled with the different scents and blooms of a large variety. Her garden back at Duncreigan was also filled with flowers; their calming nature always worked for her. The mystery was light, the characters a mixed bunch. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A famous fiddler with roots in Bellewick, Scotland, returns for his first-ever concert in his hometown. The entire village has banded together to ensure a spectacular show, including Fiona, who is also preparing for a visit from her parents. When the fiddler is murdered, and her father's past history with him leapfrogs him to the top of the suspect list, Fiona is determined to clear her father's name – and save her magical garden that has been vandalized and appears to be dying.

This is the third book in this series, and is my favorite in the series so far. It's taken me awhile to warm up to Fiona and her life in Scotland, but now that I have, I look forward to spending time visiting via my Kindle and a comfy chair. The descriptions of the village paint a picture that are exactly what I imagine a Scottish village would be like, and most of the recurring characters are people I would want to have in my life. There were plenty of suspects, and I was unable to narrow it down to the real culprit until just before the reveal in the book. I look forward to reading the next

4.5/5

I really enjoyed reading the latest addition to the magic garden mystery series. Fiona is in for a surprise when she learns her father is one of the suspects in Barley's murder. Not just that, Barley and Stephen (Fi's dad) had a history. Meanwhile, Duncreigan, Fi's magical garden is dying. Someone is trying to sabotage the garden, resulting in its end.

Likeable characters, a mystery that keeps one guessing till the end and a splash of magic make Mums and Mayhem a refreshing and entertaining read.

Barley McFee has returned to Bellewick Scotland but not for long. The famous fiddler is found dead- murdered- and our heroine Fiona is distressed to learn that her father, visiting from the US, is a prime suspect. Fiona inherited her magical garden from her godfather and caring for it, as well as her flower shop is a lot of work. It's gorgeous and wonderful place except that now it's under threat too. Her parents have a secret they've come to Scotland to reveal (and it's a biggie). Whew. Luckily, cozy readers know that someone like Barley has a lot of enemies and secrets of his own. Fiona's love interest Neil Craig, Chief Inspector of the County Aberdeen Police, would rather that Fiona not take things into her own hands but he's a good egg. I'd not read the first two books but this was fine as a standalone. I like the merging of a bit of magic and a bit of cross cultural with the family story (and Fiona's sister Isla is a treat) and the mystery. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for cozy fans and now I'm going to be looking out for the next one!

Mums And Mayhem is the third book in The Magic Garden Mystery series.

Fiona’s flower shop is doing great, as is the magical garden at her quaint cottage in Bellewick, Scotland. Fiona is busy getting ready for her parents coming to visit with her and her sister, Isla. She’s facing the visit with mixed emotions, as she wants to know more about her Uncle Ian, who she recently learned, was in fact, her father.

Before heading for the town to help to put the finishing touches on the site of the concert featuring the former resident Barley McFee, she stops by her magical garden. She is shocked to see that the garden seems to be slowly dying and finds evidence that the garden has also been broken into. She needs to finish setting out potted mums around the stage and will investigate the garden later.

The festival has drawn a good crowd and McFee is greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. McFee ends the first set and returns to his tour bus for a break. When McFee fails to show to start the second set, Fiona sets off to find him, when she enters the tour bus she finds his lifeless body.
She begins to investigate McFee’s death and soon learns that there seems to be no shortage of possible suspects. She will also learn that her father may have been the last person to see him alive. She knows her boyfriend, Chief Inspector Neil Craig won’t want her to be involved in the investigation, but she doesn’t want her father to be arrested for murder.

I love this series. The books are all well-written and plotted. The writing is descriptive so that the reader can feel they are there. The characters are well-developed and believable. Fiona’s sister Isla is the only character that I’m not fond of, she seems to be a little self-centered. But then, I find that usually have a character that rubs me the wrong way

I will be watching for the next book in this very interesting series.

Oh how I loved revisiting the magical garden in Scotland again. Fi has her hands full in this one. I think the thing that draws me to this series is that the characters are just so real. It really is like you are visiting an old friend and you cant wait to catch up. Although I find Isla annoying, but I guess every story has to have an antagonist. The mystery is well plotted and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I was alarmed when the magic garden was dying, I like the little hint of paranormal in the story. Look forward to reading many more books in this series.

Fiona is helping with a concert that is coming small Bellewick. She is also expecting her parents to arrive for a visit. The two events coincide and have more to do with what comes next than Fiona could have anticipated.
The main man of the concert is Barley McFee. He is murdered before the last set at the concert. Fiona isn’t going to get involved until she learns her father is a suspect. It seems there is history there.
There are a number of personal issues that have to be worked out in this book.
What I didn’t like - I’m not a fan of Isla and Seth. Both are an irritation in the storyline to me. I don’t like Carver Finley either. Anyone who tampers with the magic garden is off the Christmas list.
What I liked - Fiona. She is a great character even when getting a little to nosy. The magic garden. I would like to see a whole book where it isn’t in danger and Fiona spends some time enjoying it.
The murder was a bit violent. The resolution a bit unexpected.
This is the third Magic Garden Mystery. There are pretty good introductory chapters so you could read this without reading the others first.

Mums & Mayhem is the third book in the Magic Garden Mystery series. I really love this series and look forward to each new book! I like the characters, the setting and the premise of a magical garden passed down in a family.

I enjoyed this newest visit to Bellewick. Fiona Knox finds herself investigating the death of a famous fiddler player to clear her father's name. And, someone breaks into the magic garden, threatening to end its magic. I was glued to every word from start to finish -- there's a lot going on in this story! The plot is engaging and the storyline is perfectly paced. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't muddle up the main plot line. There is also some good character development in this newest story. I can't wait for the next book!! This series never disappoints me!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Mums and Mayhem is a nice addition to A Magic Garden Mystery series. Fiona Knox is from Nashville, Tennessee but moved to Scotland when she inherited her godfather's home and magic garden where she is the keeper of the garden. She also owns a florist in the nearby village of Bellewick, Aberdeenshire and is a member of the merchant's group. The village merchants are hosting a concert featuring Barley McFee, a local man who is now a world famous fiddler. But his murdered body is found during the intermission by Fiona when he failed to return to the stage.
Her boyfriend, Chief Inspector Neil Craig, is already on the scene and quickly starts an investigation but Fiona can't help but get involved as well, especially when she finds out that her father is connected to Barley in some way. The parents of Fiona and her sister Isla, also living in Bellewick, are there for a visit. Their dad is from Scotland and met their mom while at university where she was a visiting student. He becomes a suspect among other people who seem to have a problem with the ambitious fiddler.
We do learn some information about Fiona's connection to her uncle and godfather Ian that her parents have been closemouthed about. Tensions are high between the sisters and parents for a couple of reasons. In addition to the mystery, the garden is dying and Fiona doesn't know what to do.
This series has a fun theme with a great setting and interesting characters. It comes with a mystery with twists and turns, and while not a total surprise killer but one with a surprise reason to me. I recommend this story but reading the series in order would be recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I am fascinated by the idea of this magical garden and the mystery of the why and what it can do is what keeps me coming back for each book. I don't particularly care for Fiona. She's SO meddlesome (not just sticking her nose into murder investgations -which would NEVER fly in the real world with the way she does it but also her sister's life) that if I knew her in real life, we'd be having a real come to Jesus talk about minding your own dang business. That aside, I adore her boyfriend and can't wait to see what happens next.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3464829194

The Magic Garden is dead, and neither Fiona nor Hamish know why.

Fiona’s family presents distractions: sister Isla plans to stay in Scotland with new fiancé to be, Seth, which is news to the girls’ parents just arriving for a visit from the states. The recent news that Ian MacCallister is Fiona’s biological father, not Stephen Knox, startles Fiona, who wants more details.

The upcoming concert by world-famous fiddler Barley McFee, a Bellewick native, requires Fiona’s participation as a member of the sponsoring group, the Merchant Society of Bellewick. Barley’s murder mid-concert, while on a short break, increases Fiona’s involvement as she decides to find the killer.

Amanda Flower continues to captivate with her storytelling skills. Ms. Flower carefully weaves several sub-plot threads into a tightly designed mystery complete with engaging characters, red herrings, and a few surprising twists. A blossoming imagination keeps this series evolving, blending magic with intriguing mysteries

I didn't care for the magical garden aspect in this story. I didn't see the point. Maybe it would make more sense to read the others from this series. However the characters are entertaining and the mystery rather interesting.

Looking for a staycationaeay vacation? This book will give it to you. Crossing the pond to Scotland, you not only get local folklore you get a sense of local village ife and add some music entertainer drama, and you've got a setting right for a classic murder mystery. Which you get along with some chick lit romance between the local florist and the head detective. Add a mystery garden that adds to the suspect list of the murder, and you've got a page Turner that you can't believe it's over when it's suddenly ends. You'll be wanting to read the rest of the books in the series oh, so make sure you grab them all!

Fiona Knox, owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop is an American who moved to Scotland to care for her inheritance, a secret garden that is passed down to each generation of caretakers. Unsure why she has been chosen, Fiona has made Scotland her home to find answers, care for the garden and solve a mystery or two. In this edition, a world famous fiddle player has returned to his hometown for a homecoming concert only to be brutally murdered. Fiona's parents also arrive from America and, surprisingly, Fiona discovers that her parents, her deceased godfather and the dead fiddler were once great friends. The more Fiona digs into the murder, the more questions she has about her own past and identity. What she discovers will leave her and the reader shocked.

I absolutely adore this cozy mystery. The villagers are all so cranky and wonderful and Scottish and marvelous and Fiona is a great protagonist.The garden itself is magical but to the point where you will gag on cloying fantasy and paranormal. It's mystical properties are "just right." There's a hint of romance, a well written plot and good character development set in a dear little town. What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery?

Mums and Mayhem is the third in A Magic Garden Mystery series but I read it as a stand alone without any problems. It did, however, make me want to read the first two books: Flowers and Foul Play and Death and Daisies which I readily found at my local library. I heartily recommend all three of these delightful books to you today.

This is one of the few authors I read all of their series. I like the magical garden aspect in this one. The characters are interesting and the mystery kept me guessing. I also like the setting of a small town in Scotland.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cute little story. American sisters transplant to Scotland. One of those villages where everyone knows everything and no one minds.
The Troll Bridge, the old sailor nicknamed Popeye, the pet squirrel, the magical garden ... and, of course, a murder. Loved meeting all the characters and getting to know the village.

It’s an easy read and fun. If you’re a cozy fan, you’ll enjoy this one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I had a ball with Fiona the Florist in Scotland. The characters were great, except Isla and the mystery is solid. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the magic garden!

Thx to Netgalley, publishers and Amanda Flower. When I saw this on the galley I knew that I wanted to Read this. This is the third book in the series and I’m absolutely loving it. Even though this girl may have her own problems she finds a way to help everyone. This cozy mystery series is one of my favorites. Five stars

Perfect cozy mystery written by a super author. All the characters and the storyline were fun and engaging. Definitely kept me guessing who dunnit until the end. Recommended.

Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

From the renowned author Amanda Flower comes the third installment Mums and Mayhem in the “A Magic Garden Mystery” series published by Crooked Lane Books.

Fiona is a likable character who has a passion for flowers and floral design. She also has a magic garden that allows her to receive visions of things to come or events that have already happened. She worries about taking care of the garden, her inheritance from what she thought was her godfather. Image the surprise when she finds out that he was actually her biological father.

There is a torrent of twists and turns throughout this book, Fiona’s parent issues being only one of many more. The characters are colorful, with eccentricities that will both delight and worry readers. However, even with their many flaws, these are characters that readers can identify with and enjoy. The location is a beautifully exotic area of Scotland; you can hear the brogue dripping from the dialogue. I like the idea of the garden being hidden away and the blue-eyed fox being Fiona’s godfather. It gives that unique magical touch readers need. The garden itself feels like an additional character, and it takes on a life and story of its own.

The victim appears to have several enemies, mostly those close to him and old friends, even family. This dynamic makes the story compelling with just the right amount of mystery. The motives have a wide range and make for an enjoyable few hours of speculation and what if’s for the reader. Throwing in another mystery, who tried to destroy the garden, keeps readers engaged throughout the book. When the killer is revealed, it may be a surprise for many but will leave them satisfied with the results.

Mums and Mayhem is a pleasure to read; it is absorbing and thought-provoking. The characters, location, and garden all work to make this a highly provocative book and one I am happy to recommend to readers who love exotic locations, flowers, and lively characters.