Review

Abby Knight Salvare has just returned to work at the flower shop she owns after returning from her honeymoon. She and her handsome husband Marco have barely unpacked when bones are discovered in the basement of Marco’s bar, “Down the Hatch.” The police don’t seem to have a handle on the investigation, so Abby thinks a crime this close to home is a perfect opportunity for her and Marco to investigate what is an apparent murder. Marco hesitates to take such a potentially dangerous case, but Abby loves the thrill of an investigation, especially with Marco at her side. The new bride gets her way, but soon finds sleuthing isn’t all fun and games when she and someone close to her find themselves in danger of becoming the next victims!

Throw in the Trowel is the newest in the long-running Flower Shop Mystery Series. This is the first book I have read by this author, and the first thing I noticed is how little there is about flowers in the book. Abby is in her shop working quite often, but she could be anywhere since few details about flowers are shared. I then thought there might be gardening tips or facts about plants at the end of the book, but that isn’t the case. Putting the lack of flowers aside, I have mixed feelings about the main characters. I like Marco’s character. He is smart, loving, caring and protective toward Abby, but not overbearing. Unfortunately, I don’t care much for Abby. Longtime readers of the series may have seen her in another light and be more fond of her, but in this installment, she seems bossy and full of complaints. I think she really loves Marco, but her actions and the way she talks to him don’t show it, at least in this book. I enjoy the scenes when Abby and Marco are questioning witnesses and potential suspects together. Those scenes are cute and fun to read, but those in which they’re bickering make the book drag and make Abby look like a shrew. Abby is at her best when she is at “Bloomers” with co-workers Grace and Lottie. Those characters bring out the best in Abby and I enjoyed those parts of the book as well.

Abby’s dog “Seedy” plays an important role in the book, both in the mystery and the everyday lives of the characters. I have to say, I agree with one of the witnesses Abby and Marco questions. When “The Duchess” learns the dog’s name, she comments, “What a terrible name.” Even though the poor dog was given a silly name, I am an animal lover and usually like the inclusion of a pet into a cozy mystery. However, I find it strange that Abby and Marco bring Seedy wherever they go, from Marco’s bar, to the Mall, to the furniture store to shop for mattresses. Nobody seems to question it, so I guess there aren’t the same health regulations in New Chapel, Indiana as in other places!

I don’t always like the main character’s actions, but I do like the writing style of Kate Collins, which reminds me of author Joanne Pence.  I like the lighthearted style of the entire book, and I especially like the way Collins writes a few parts of the book from Marco’s point of view. I enjoy seeing Marco’s take on some of the events in the story and like the additional insight into his character.  Since the book is so well-written, I may give an earlier book in the series a try to see if Abby comes off better than in this installment. Longtime readers of the series will be interested to see how Abby and Marco begin their new life as a married couple.

Reviewed by Christine