Good character fill in, I suspected the culprit but wasn't sure how she could have done it. Next please. ( )

Despite the fact that many things happen from beginning to end, something's wrong with this book. I can't put my finger on it. I know that the heft of the book is good, but the beginning is so dilute that it's impossible to ensconce oneself into the story or to sink our teeth into the mystery. Maybe too many new characters got shoved in the book. Maybe little subplots had stakes I couldn't care less about (the feathered art, the Mark/Marco paternity, Reilly's role, Kellerman's bizarre show up). This low rating harks back to the days when I kept reading cozies despite their scant value. I'll keep plugging on. Or not. Haven't decided yet. Do give this series a chance. Just don't start it with book five. ( )

Abby is on the hunt again. Marco has been accused of murder and she has to find out who really did it to save her love.

There are scary clowns, nutty parents and mystic crazies all through this story but the one thing missing is the self-centered cousin Jillian. I didn't miss her a bit.

The mystery was complicated and I didn't see the ending coming.

I'm looking forward reading more in this series. ( )

When Snuggles the clown is murdered and Abby's boyfriend, hunky ex-cop Marco is the chief suspect because he was the last one seen leaving Snuggle's house, Marco asks Abby to help find the real killer. Even though she's solved some murder cases in the past, Abby is very nervous about solving this one - if she fails, Marco could go to jail. But it won't be easy, when he was a cop Marco had a run in with Snuggles (Dennis Ryson) that resulted in Marco leaving the police force. Marco also had a fist fight with Snuggles shortly before he was murdered. Abby knows that she has to work fast, Marco is the only suspect and even some of his cop friends are afraid he may be guilty. While Abby is convinced that Marco is innocent, she worries because he is keeping secrets from her: what exactly is his relationship with the attractive Trina who was threatened by Ryson and why doesn't he want her to meet his mother? As Abby gets closer to the truth her own life is in danger.

While not the best book in Kate Collins Flower Shop Mystery series, "Acts of Violets" is still a good cozy mystery. Abby's an endearing heroine willing to investigate the murder even though she is full of self-doubt. In fact, my one complaint about this book is that Abby is not as strong as usual, she is full of doubts and insecure about her relationship with Marco. She also has a propensity for unbuttoning her top button on her blouse to show off her ample cleavage, something I don't remember her doing in other books. Other characters are well developed and readers will learn more about Marco just as Abby does. There's a nice sense of humor throughout the book including a pickle parade; Abby's mother's latest art project; a funny scene in a diner; and the scene (and it's aftermath) when Abby finally does meet Marco's mother. The humor does go a bit too far - a character's lisp becomes distracting and is a bit cruel. The mystery itself is well done, although there aren't a lot of suspects. The outcome of Abby's confrontation with the murderer is neatly foreshadowed at the beginning of the book which is a nice bit of writing by Collins.

"Act of Violets" is a good cozy mystery. ( )

And even 2 stars is generous. Read this a little disjointedly, because I was frankly bored. I got to the point that I could care less if Marco got off or not. Resuming, I did enjoy the visit with Marco's mother and Abby getting drunk, and I think that primitive masks and animist beliefs get a bad rap in this book. ( )