Wednesday, March 28, 2018

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.

_________________________


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

5 comments:

  1. Shared on Facebook. brichardson0056(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your wonderful review and information on "Natural Thorn Killer" by Kate Dyer-Seeley as well as being part of the book tour.

    After all I have read about this book, I know I would enjoy it and would love the opportunity to read the book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

    I shared not only on Facebook, but also on twitter as @arkieclown, on Pinterest as arkieclowns and Google+ as Kay Garrett.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a book! Sounds like a winner! mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shared on Facebook. Looking forward to reading, sounds like a great start to a new series.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I shared. I'm looking forward to starting this new series.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete