Review - Bloom and Doom

Review

Bloom and Doom by Beverly Allen
The First Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery

Bloom and Doom is the first book in the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery series by Beverly Allen. Set in Virginia, we meet Audrey Bloom who co-owns The Rose in Bloom, a floral shop, with her cousin Liv. While Liv handles more of the business aspect of the shop, Audrey is known for her beautiful bridal bouquets, which she makes using the language of flowers. Audrey does a consultation with a one time friend, whose mother seems more interested in the wedding than the bride, and the blooms chosen are not auspicious. Then the bride to be cancels the wedding and the future groom winds up dead! 

With Bloom and Doom Beverly Allen introduces us to an engaging new protagonist and a shop full of friends, from the former teacher mother figure to the football team that doesn't mind delivering flowers. There are several red herrings interspersed throughout. Just when I thought I figured out where she was going I discovered I had been led down a blind alley.

I really enjoyed my trip to Virginia to meet this new cast of cozy characters. Beverly Allen weaves the language of flowers throughout her debut mystery and I want to soak up more of her knowledge.