Review + GIVEAWAY: Natural Thorn Killer by Kate Dyer-Seeley

Natural Thorn Killer
By Kate Dyer-Seeley
A Rose City Mystery #1
Kensington, 2018


Summary

Cut down among the flowers . . .

Britta Johnston might be a late bloomer, but after leaving her deadbeat husband and dead-end job, she’s finally pursuing her artistic passion at her aunt Elin’s floral boutique, Blooma, in Portland, Oregon. It’s on the banks of the Willamette, in a quaint district of cobblestone paths and cherry trees. The wine bar featuring Pacific Northwest vintages is a tasty bonus, offering another kind of bouquet to enjoy. But things aren’t as peaceful as they look.

For one thing, someone’s been leaving dead roses around—and a sleazy real estate developer who wants the waterfront property has put a big-money offer on the table. Then, after a contentious meeting of local business owners, he’s found on the floor of the shop, with Elin’s garden shears planted in his chest. And before the police decide to pin the crime on her beloved aunt, Britta will have to find out who arranged this murder . . .

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My thoughts

Natural Thorn Killer by Kate Dyer-Seeley (Ellie Alexander) has that perfect blend of setting, characterization and plot that simply makes for an enjoyable read. From interesting detail to engaging conversation, the writing flows smoothly. I don’t always get to start with the first book in a series, so that was an added treat as well – meeting and getting to know the main players, looking forward to future development.

The vibrant setting becomes a major character itself – the eclectic shops and restaurants of Riverplace Village on Portland’s Williamette River. There’s a village-like feel in this small city within a larger city where Britta has returned to help her aunt Elin run their European-inspired flower and wine shop, Blooma. A good bit of fascinating detail is given about floral designs leading up to the shop’s expansion opening, , and it never slowed the plot down. I actually think it elevates this series above the average cozy mystery.

Britta is a strong, appealing lead character who loves “blending nature into bouquets.” I love the friendships that are formed in Riverplace Village, especially the bond between Britta and her aunt Elin. The murder’s identity is not obvious, at least to me, and I kept thinking, “Oh no, please don’t let it be him/her!” I also liked that, rather than being antagonistic, two police officers gradually became friends, Officer Iwamoto and Detective Fletcher.

I’m already looking forward to the release of book #2, Violet Tendencies. Recommended to all who enjoy a quality cozy mystery.

I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Kate Dyer-Seeley aka Ellie Alexander writes multiple mystery series, all with a Pacific Northwest touch. She lives in the PNW with her husband and son, where you can find her hitting the trail, at an artisan coffee shop, or at her favorite pub. Better yet—at all three.

Kate loves hearing from readers and interacting on social media. Be sure to follow her to learn about her writing process, upcoming books, special events, giveaways, and more! Also, sign up for her e-mail newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, appearances, and exclusive content & recipes.

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Tour Participants

March 26 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 27 – Writing Pearls – REVIEW

March 27 – Valerie’s Musings – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 28 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

March 29 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 30 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 31 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 31 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

April 1 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

April 1 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY

April 2 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

April 3 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, GUEST POST

April 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 4 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

April 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

April 5 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

April 5 – A Blue Million Books –  AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 6 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

GIVEAWAY

Prize – 1 autographed print copy of Natural Thorn Killer!!

To enter the drawing, please help spread the word by clicking on this link and sharing my Facebook post, then leave a comment here letting me know that you shared.

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Saturday, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents