Courtney and Fiona are back solving a murder, this time in the local arts scene. While preparing for a fundraiser/art show, one of the local artists is murdered. Courtney and friends must figure out who killed him to save their friends from being falsely accused.

As usual, Daryl does a fantastic job with the characters and location. I have been watching the characters themselves, and their relationships grow as the Fairy Garden Mystery series has gone on. I really feel like, if I ever visited Carmel-on-the-Sea, I would be able to navigate parts of town with no problem. It is vivid and vital.

The plot is well done and very tight. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, and you even end up going back to some of them as you continue reading. It is a nice, light mystery that takes you out of the every day and gives you some magic.

All opinions are my own.

Publication March 28, 2023

I've grown to love this series. I mean, who wouldn't want to be friends with the fairies? Top it off with interesting characters that ring true, whimiscal fairy gardens, a community of artsy folks, friendship, and, yes, romance, and Gerber has crafted a winner with this series. This one was an intriguing mix of whimsy with a dose of not just reality but murder. 

Who killed the unlikable artist Nicholas, main character Courtney's friend Meaghan's ex-flame? He certainly wasn't very likable, not to mention he seems to have left a string of admirers behind him as he moved about. That does not include his brother, however. He turned up with the warning that Nicholas needs to pay him what is owed "or else". Uh, oh, could he have killed his own brother? What sort of family ties could create that scenario? Maybe it was the other artist that Nicholas slugged in the face? Or the art teacher who shows up exhibiting a bit too much interest in Nicholas, all while singing his praises? Or maybe that talented singer/guitar maker who also seems inticed by Nicholas? Seems like any number of people might have had a reason for thinking Nicholas was better off dead. 

I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out whodunit. It was also fun to see the growth in Courtney's fairy Fiona. Did you know there are four basic classifications of fairies? Fiona is a guardian fairy to Courtney but also of the nurturer classification.The basic fairy types are air, water, and woodland, Fiona being one of the latter. There. There's your fairy class for the day. Don't despair if you can't see fairies. I can't but, heck, neither can Courtney's boyfriend Brady. We keep trying, though.

Bottom line, a whimsical story that mixes reality and the enchanted world. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Courtney's world again. With that teaser about Fiona, I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit.

a good cozy mystery with Courtney trying to help her friends from being arrested for the murders of two brothers. I did enjoy this one, although must admit the fairies were a bit odd. Still though, loved the quotes at the start of each chapter and the story itself was a good read. Would recommend.

I know that I’m in for a good time when I pick up a book by this author, and this latest in the series is no exception. Courtney is still running her shop, and one of her friend’s exes is murdered by her house. I don’t know exactly know how I figured it out, but I knew who the culprit was pretty quickly. That didn’t bother me, and I happily read the book to see how everything was going to fall out. While the mystery is fun, another great aspect of these books is the wonderful and fun characters. Courtney almost is pushed to the background because they are so memorable. This was a great, quirky addition to the series, and I’m ready for the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

This is such a wonderful mystery. I love the fairies and all the help that they give the humans that they come into contact with. Fiona is especially a very interesting fairy. In each book Daryl reveals more about Fiona. Courtney and Fiona do some wonderful sleuthing together.
Through this story you keep guessing who could have done it. There are definitely a lot of suspects to choose from. Then there is the fundraiser party that Violet is working on. Courtney is busy with creating fairy gardens for Violet's garden. Courtney is working with her father who is designing the garden and he does not believe in fairies.
The story keeps you guessing but once the killer is revealed there is so much more that is revealed.
The ending of the story left me a little sad and I hope that there is another story. I would not want the series to end this way. What is going to happen next?

Such an enchanting and playful escape in this series and read with the fairy gardens and Courtney's personal fairy and as always a murder. Well crafted and enjoyable as always.

California, murder, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, situational-humor, verbal-humor, fairies, friendship, small-business, small-town, cozy-mystery, urban-fantasy, myths-legends, family, artisans, arts-and-crafts-show, recipes*****

A delightful cozy!
There is an exhaustive cast of characters listing at the beginning of the book for easy reference. There is also a lot of info about the care, feeding, and taxonomy of fairies.
The tale begins with preparations for the big local charity event, then moves onto the murder of a despicable local artist before diving right into the sleuthing. The characters are fun, the investigation twisty, and the red herrings surprising. I enjoyed the afternoon I spent reading it.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!

Carmel-by-the-Sea shop owner Courtney Kelly is busy not only running her Fairy Tale Garden Shop (with the help of a real fairy) but designing fairy gardens for a theater foundation tea and an art show planned at Violet Vickers’s estate. But when her best friend Meaghan’s ex-boyfriend is murdered and Meaghan is one of the suspects, Courtney knows she has to step in and try to clear Meaghan’s name.

For the most part, I really enjoyed “A Flicker of a Doubt”, the fourth book in Daryl Wood Gerber’s Fairy Garden cozy mystery series. I really liked the mythology aspects of the book and the premise that fairies really do exist – you just have to open your eyes and believe. I liked the small bits of Fiona the Fairies background that were revealed – I haven’t read the first three books in the series but now I want to just to catch up on her story. The mystery was well done with plenty of suspects and an ending that I found a bit sad. The one thing I didn’t like about this book is that Courtney could be overbearing at times – barging into a murder scene and questioning people she suspected of murder as if she were a member of the police force. By the end of the book I was surprised that she didn’t end up as the next murder victim!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Flicker of a Doubt is the 4th book in this series. It stars Courtney who has her own personal Fairy!
I enjoyed the setting in this book and believe that you could dive right into this story as the author has a great way of making you understand the characters.
Courtney is working hard to clear a friend's name as the killer but, someone starts to follow her!
There are plenty of sub plot lines in this book that tie back to the original plot in the story, and is very well done.
4/5

Good news! There's no bookstore, cafe, bakery, or B&B! The hook of this series is that Courtney has a personal fairy; Fiona, and owns a fairy garden store. She designs and makes fantasy fairy gardens outdoors or in pots, and teaches classes so people can make their own.

In the community of Carmel California, art and crafts are alive and well, but we can't say the same for all of the artists!

When artist Nicolas Buley was killed, it was shocking, yes. Nobody expects murder in their own group of acquaintances. But he was an argumentative and unpleasant man. Several women missed him...too many. His tumultuous ocean scenes sold well, yet he didn't attract friends with his money and growing fame.

The true misfortune was that Ziggy, co-owner of Flair Gallery of art, was the primary suspect, and arrested. And he simply could not have done it. Meaghan Brownie, the other co-owner, needs Courtney Kelly to find enough supporting evidence to have Ziggy released--which the police are not bothering to look for.

As Courtney digs, the more unsavory things she uncovers, but finding the killer is taking longer than expected. Which is not good, because someone starts following her!

This is smarter than many cozy mysteries, repeats clues fewer (extra) times, and is refreshingly playful when it comes to people being able to see or feel the fairies. They also help Courtney gather clues occasionally.

4/5 Stars

Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and my own opinion.

#AFlickerofaDoubt #NetGalley
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#DarylWoodGerber
#KensingtonBooks #KensingtonCozies
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Courtney Kelly, Carmel resident and owner of the Open Your Imagination fairy garden and tea shop, is working hard to finish a bespoke order for a big charity event which is one of the seaside town's main annual events. Unfortunately this coincides with her best friend’s ex-boyfriend arrival back in town to exhibit his paintings at the same party and she knows Meaghan will need her support and advice very soon.

As the requested fairy gardens begin coming together and the party grows ever closer it becomes clear it's not just Meaghan who still has feelings for the talented artist with his unexpected arrival on everyone's lips. Anyone with links to the upcoming event finds themselves on the local detective's radar when a body is found nearby but Courtney is sure they are looking at it all wrong and begins her own investigation to discover the truth.  Alongside her natural curiosity Courtney's ability to see and communicate with the town’s elusive fairy population is going to come in handy if everything is to be sorted before the day of the garden party arrives.

This is book four in my go-to series when I want to escape from reality for a while and it doesn't disappoint on any level. There are plenty of goings-on outside the main storyline and definite hints to what might happen next. Once again there are recipes included, some of which are gluten free. If the concept of fairies existing is too out there then this might not be the series for you otherwise this is an easy, cosy and relaxing read with a killer whose identity I didn't guess at all.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun boo which I recommend.

Flicker of a Doubt is the fourth in the series by this author, but if you have not read any of those beforehand, do not be afraid to dive into this one. The author does a fabulous job of describing characters, and giving you details that it could be a stand alone if it wanted to be. However, this is a good series, so one might want to check out the others.

This one, like the others, centers around Courtney Kelly, her fairy garden gift shop, and her friends…both human, and fairy. In the course of her daily classes and her relationships with the other shop keepers, Courtney gets involved in solving murders. This one is the murder of her best friend’s former boyfriend. And, the suspect, is her friend’s coworker. A man, Courtney is sure is innocent.

Working to help clear her friend, and find out who really killed the boyfriend, Courtney also has to work on making fairy gardens for an artistic charity function. All of the clues, and adventures come together, as you expect in any good murder mystery..

I enjoyed this cozy mystery with its touch of magic built in. I also love the descriptions of fairy gardens and the making of fairy doors as it has pique my interest in making my own. The author does some herself, so the descriptions are very well done. Something that I feel adds to the storyline, and the characters.

I highly recommend this book for those who love this series, as well as those who have not. A very nice romp with a magical touch that will leave you smiling.

In this 4th book in the Fairy Garden series Courtney Kelly happily works on a special commission to turn the backyard of Violet Vickers into a giant Fairy garden in time for a theater foundation tea and an art show. However, one of the artists is extremely nasty and it is no wonder when he turns up dead. But who would have planned the murder and why?

It was great to see how Fiona, Courtney's fairy, has grown through the series and being one who believes, I'm hoping a fairy will move in to my new home! I look forward to the day when other characters will be able to see a fairy!

The Carmel CA setting is so vivid I expect to find this fairy garden shop there when I visit. Love the characters, the fairies, the setting, but there seems to be repetition in the mysteries.

Flicker of a Doubt is the fourth book in this delightful whimsical series. Courtney Kelly is the owner of a fairy-gardening and tea shop in Carmel, California. Her best friend Meaghan's ex-boyfriend is a temperamental artist who is in the area for an art show. When he's murdered in Meaghan's yard and Meaghan's business partner becomes the main suspect, Courtney can't help herself from Investigating; with a little help from her fairy Fiona, of course. It seems the victim was quite the womanizer, so there are a number of suspects and red herrings. This is a sweet cozy mystery. with quirky but likeable characters. Thank you to netgalley and kensington books for providing me with this advance readers copy!

Fourth in the Fairy Garden Mystery Series. Very vivid descriptions of the characters make them come alive for you! Good story plot. The fairies are especially Fiona are a delightful addition. Love the story. This series is a favorite. Thanks #netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I love this series! I want to live in Carmel, shop in Courtney's shop and have a Fairy like Fiona of my own! Characters are great and there is just enough whimsy with the fairies to make you believe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When Meghan’s ex returns to town, she is determine not to let him back into her personal life, even if she still represents him as an artist. When he is found murdered in Meghan’s yard, Meghan’s business partner is arrested for the deed. Courtney knows there are other suspects and that one of them killed the artist, so she puts on her sleuthing hat and begins asking questions. 

While Courtney tells herself she’s not investigating, she manages to find out things that are helpful to the police. But will Courtney get too close and anger the killer enough to silence her one and for all?

I adore this series, but then again I adore all of the author’s works, as she has a knack for writing a solid mystery and creating protagonists and characters that are not just likable, they’re lovable, along with their fur babies! Each entry has a solid whodunit with enough red herrings and suspects to keep you busy guessing until the final reveal. But this series? I’m gonna have to say the fairies are the best part! You’ll be under their spell too!

Courtney is happy with her life. She has her fairy garden shop which is doing well, a boyfriend in restaurateur Brady Cash, and a new job for wealthy Violet Vickers -- turning her lawn into a giant fairy garden. With her father as the landscaper, she can't be happier. Everything is going smoothly, until her friend Meaghan runs into her shop in a panic.

It seems Meaghan's ex-boyfriend Nicholas has returned to town and he wants Meaghan back. Even though she states she's not interested, the man won't give up. Then someone else, an invited guest to Violet's soiree, turns up and Courtney's life takes an unexpected turn. But when Nicholas winds up murdered in Meaghan's yard, the suspects seem a little too close to home, including Meaghan's business partner, Ziggy. While Courtney and others are convinced he's innocent, the police have evidence. So what's a girl to do except try and find a killer?...

This is the fourth book in the series and I have read and enjoyed them all. This one, however, might actually be the best of them. We get to learn a little more about Fiona, Courtney's fairy, and that point is more interesting than not. I certainly am rooting for her all the way.

But back to the murder: some suspects are unexpected, while others are right there in front of us. The story is indeed done extremely well; the mystery is deep and twisted one way and then another. You must keep your brain moving to discover clues and keep them together; they are there, but threaded through the story and not falling one after another.

Surprisingly, while more than one person is upset by Nicholas's death, we learn that he was not all he appeared. His past was shaded with abuse to others, and he had more than one skeleton in his closet. Yet, for some reason, women seemed to flock to him. Could this have been his undoing, or was it something else?

I hesitate to add more of my impressions of this book, since I do not want to spoil it for others. Just know that there are so many subplots in this mystery, and yet all of them tie into the murder. The tapestry comes together one thread at a time, and when it is done, you feel rather sad yet understand. It is the fine melding of clues that create the art, and in the end, you wish for more. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

A great book! This is the fourth book in the Fairy Garden mystery series. I have enjoyed all of the books and especially this one (I probably say that after each book!)? The author does an amazing job of describing all the characters, including Fiona, the main character’s fairy, so that you feel you’re actually living in the scenes. Reading this series has made we wish there was somewhere I could take a class similar to the ones offered by Open Your Imagination on making a fairy garden. This is a book for anyone who likes a good cozy mystery. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.