Steph and Mouse return in the third book of the gardener mysteries. Steph is invited to compete in a prestigious gardening competition, designing for a national trust property. She finds herself competing alongside some famous names in gardening, and some tough competition, as well as some eager and innovative new designers. As the competition gets underway, the youngest competitor falls ill and Steph suspects foul play. It seems someone has deadly designs on winning. Steph dons her detective hat to discover who is sacrificing others in order to win. #murderinbloom #rosiesandler #thegardenermysteries #netgalley

Just like its title, this series is blooming, it is definitely the best so far as we settle into Steph and mouse's lives, and can be easily read by anyone who hasn't read any of the previous stories. This time it's a designer garden show, that brings together an eclectic mix of characters, each with their own grudges and a competition does tend to bring out the worst of people.

Lovely light-hearted yet suspenseful mystery.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series and I am glad to say that I enjoyed this one very much as well [hallelujah; I needed a good mystery], and I seriously hope that the author continues with them for a long time. ;-)

Steph [and of course, the beloved Mouse] has been invited to compete in a prestigious garden show at a gorgeous National Trust property [it was fun to learn that this is an actual place in England and boy I wish I could visit there] and she is so excited as winning would bring her some much needed positive attention [because apparently finding dead bodies/solving murders isn't the flex people think it is LOL].
Steph dives in th her usual high-energy and is striving to ignore the increasing drama [WHO knew that gardening could be so fraught with...DRAMA!! ]that is erupting around her [including a serious poisoning], but when she is she is thrust in the middle of a search that ends in murder, she knows she has to pull out all the stops to help find the killer before they all are...pushing daisies [BWHAHAHAHAHAH!!! So so so sorry, I just couldn't help it!!].

Such a great read in a great series and if you love gardening and really good British mysteries [and an absolutely fantastic doggo], then this book/series is 100% for you!

I was invited to read/review this by the publisher, Embla Books, and I thank them, Rosie Sandler, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, landscaping cozy – perfect for reading on a cold day with a hot cup of tea

Landscaper Steph has been picked to be in the finals of a prestigious competition being held at a National Trust property. She’s honored to be in such distinguished company; doing well will help her growing business. Things quickly go south, however, when one plot is sabotaged and one of her fellow gardeners appears to be poisoned. Soon after, Steph hears a scream late at night, and Mouse leads her to the body of one of the judges at the bottom of a cliff. The judge knew her way around Coleton Fishacre, leading Steph to suspect she was killed. She’s eager to help the police in between working on her landscape plot and dealing with meeting her birth mother.

Some books take a bit for me to warm up to; I was hooked on Murder in Bloom (and Mouse!) by the second page. Steph and Mouse are a good team, and I enjoyed reading about all the plants. This wasn’t the first book in the series, but I didn’t have too much trouble catching up. I look forward to reading future books in the series!

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGallley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.

Steph Williams and Mouse (with Mr. Rabbit, of course!) are on their way to the National Trust property Colton Fishacre. Steph's been invited to participate in a competition there, along with the country's other top garden designers.

Steph also has received a communication from her birth mother, and is both eager and nervous, as she'll be meeting the woman in London after the weeklong competition concludes.

The night before the competition, Steph meets the other gardeners, and notices jealousies and tensions amongst them. Steph also begins to realize that though most are well known and successful, winning this small and seemingly insignificant competition is crucial for each person's professional progress, including Steph, who would like to expand her client base.

Once the competition starts, things begin going off the rails, with one gardener blowing his top at Steph, another succumbing to a stomach complaint that Steph is suspicious about. The sniping amongst the competitors escalates, even while each gardener's design for their plot is taking shape, and one of the judges, an icon in the British gardening world, provides constructive feedback in her plainspoken way.

When a murder occurs, Steph and the others are devastated, while the detective in charge solicits Steph's insight, based on her help with other cases. This was a refreshing change, as in previous entries Steph felt like the lone person seeing nefarious actions around her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment, and once started, could not put it down. Steph felt more confident, and open to moving forward with her life. This was exemplified by her deciding to meet with her birth mother, which was a nice development in this series. As well, Steph's few, meaningful conversations with her adoptive mother, reassuring her of her intentions and feelings about her adoptive parents and family.

Mouse again proves himself to be adorable, and the best dog ever! I love how he loves to watch shark videos, carries Mr. Rabbit around, and defends Steph.

On a more ominous note, the ending left me worried for where Steph ends up next, and what she finds out, or might find out, about her missing ex. Looking forward to that!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Book Review: Murder in Bloom by Rosie Sandler

I’ve just finished Murder in Bloom by Rosie Sandler, and let me tell you, this cozy mystery series has completely bloomed in my heart! This is book three in The Gardener Mysteries, and it’s another delightful, page-turning adventure that I just couldn’t put down.

In this installment, we follow Steph, our savvy gardener and amateur sleuth, as she’s invited to compete at the prestigious National Trust property, Coleton Fishacre. The setting itself—lush gardens and a historic estate—had me hooked right away. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s straight out of a picturesque postcard, and it’s easy to imagine spending hours wandering the grounds. But, as with any good cozy mystery, things quickly take a darker turn.

When one of the youngest competitors falls mysteriously ill, and a murder is discovered not long after, Steph's instincts kick in. She’s joined by her trusty sidekick, Mouse (her adorable dog), and together, they dive into the investigation. As the plot unfolds, the tension grows with each garden full of potential suspects, and I found myself second-guessing every character, wondering who might be hiding something.

What I love about this series is that it balances suspense with charm. The murder is shocking, but Steph’s wit, determination, and the humorous moments with Mouse lighten the mood just enough. I really enjoyed how the author weaved together the beauty of nature with the darker undercurrents of the mystery—gardens and murder might not seem like they go hand in hand, but Sandler makes it work brilliantly.

I have to mention that the pacing of the book was perfect. It never dragged, and each new clue or twist kept me eagerly turning pages. The characters, especially Steph, feel real, and I appreciated the way she grows as an investigator throughout the story. And, of course, Mouse steals the show every time he’s on the page.

Murders in Bloom is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys a good British cozy mystery with a dash of humor and a bit of suspense. It’s a perfect escape for fans of Agatha Christie or anyone who loves a good mystery set in beautiful surroundings.

If you haven’t picked up the Gardener Mysteries yet, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Each book gets better and better, and I can't wait for the next one to see what Steph and Mouse get up to next!

Rating: 5/5
This is a must-read for cozy mystery lovers. Rosie Sandler delivers yet another delightful, suspenseful, and charming story in Murder in Bloom.

Murder in Bloom by Rosie Sandler is the fourth in her Garden Mystery series. Featuring Steph Williams. This time she is in a competition sponsored by the National Trust. There is prize money as well as plenty of publicity, both of which she could use. She is one of six, the others being better known than she, but not necessarily better gardeners. On the first morning she is introduced to her volunteer, Gertrude, who seems to be as invested as she is. They begin laying out the garden and a get much further than Steph had hoped. The next day she had a small digger being delivered so she could dig out her pond, and at Sonny’s one of the judges, her spiral pathway, so that the chips wouldn’t make a mess everywhere. There were ups and downs. The nursery delivered an extra tree which she planted, not realizing it was meant for another gardener. But, that got solved, not without some accusations, but quickly.

Of course, there is a murder. Of course, Steph and her dog, Mouse, found the body. The frightening thing was that the murderer was probably one of them. Another of the gardeners had already been poisoned, but was recovering. Steph is a good character: a daughter, a sister, a wife to a man who had been missing for a while. She got along well with the other gardeners, mostly, and the staff, and she was having the time of her life. The mystery was a good one, only one solid clue, which again, Mouse came up with. The other characters, although temporary, had rounded out personalities and featured in the story prominently. It was an all-around good read.

I was invited to read Murder in Bloom by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #RosieSandler #MurderInBloom

This is a very enjoyable cosy murder mystery book; it has a beautiful setting, including a National Trust property, and a fantastic dog (who is really the star of the show). I always like it when I learn something from reading a novel and I certainly picked up a lot about gardening with this book. So much so it has inspired me to add to my own mundane garden this Spring. I have read the first in this series but not the second, and this can be read as a standalone book. I am looking forward to the next instalment in Steph’s crime solving adventures.

Steph is invited to take part in a prestigious garden design competition and she can’t believe her luck .
Steph and her trusty sidekick Mouse the dog attend the competition at Coleton Fishacre and of course where Steph is mystery and murder follow .
One competitor falls ill and ends up in hospital and a body is found at the bottom of a cliff.
Steph immediately begins to look for the culprit and her sleuthing puts in her in danger .
This book is an easy and enjoyable read.
The characters are amiable and I like the horticultural narrative.
A different and unique mystery series .

If you frequent Britbox, and find yourself watching cozy murder mysteries or gardening shows, then think of this book as a true combo of them both. Reading Murder in Bloom felt like watching a Christmas special of my favorite British shows, despite it taking place in the summer. I've always loved the gardening aspect of this series, and this book in particular took the plant knowledge and gardening lessons to the next level. I thought all of the characters were really distinct and enjoyable. And as always, Mouse (the best dog), adds the coziest of vibes. I will continue to follow Steph all over England; I hope this series never ends.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rosie Sandler and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Murder in Bloom is the third book in The Gardener Mysteries series, following Seeds of Murder and Murder takes Root.

In Murder in Bloom Steph and her trusty dog Mouse return! She has been invited to participate in a garden design competition with some top rival gardeners, and has been invited to stay at a beautiful National Trust property. During the competition one of her rivals falls seriously ill and Steph believes that someone is sabotaging the competition. During her investigation of the potential poisoning, her competitors, and their secrets, Steph hears a scream within the gardens and discovers a dead body at the foot of a cliff.

Steph has a questions she needs to find the answer to - does one of her competitors have a secret they're willing to kill to keep?

I really liked Murder in Bloom, which was a great third installment in this series. Each book has put Steph (and Mouse!) into a different gardening related scenario, with a mystery to solve. There are also ongoing plot lines that continue on from the third book - namely Steph's growing connection to her birth family, and the whereabouts of her missing ex-husband - which add seamlessly to the main plot/investigation. I really enjoyed the hint at romance, and look forward to seeing that explored in a fourth installment!

Overall I really enjoyed Murder in Bloom, and rated this 4 stars. Looking forward to the next book!
Thank You NetGalley, Embla Books, and Rosie Sandler for this ARC

A mystery to enjoy!

When gardener Steph is invited to compete at a National Trust property, she can't resist. However, when one of her competitors fall ill then a body is found dead at the foot of a cliff, the prestigious competition feels more than a bit tainted. Along with her trusty sidekick, Mouse the dog, Steph is determined that the culprit will be unveiled before they get the chance to do more damage or, worse, escape justice!

Having read and enjoyed the first in this series, I was delighted to read this third one; there's somethin very enticing about cosy mysteries - all of the puzzling without the over-zealous helping of gore. Steph and Mouse make a great team and I delighted in reading all about their antics this time round. Highly recommended for lovers of a good cosy mystery and, for me, 4*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Murder in Bloom is the third book in The Gardener Mysteries series; Steph is heading for Devon from her previous job in Derbyshire (Book 2). She will participate in a show garden competition at a National Trust property. It is a prestigious event, and Steph hopes to gain new customers through media exposure. There is a cast of characters to get to know., These are introduced in the audiobook version I listened to. The strained relationships and the other competitors' need to win the competition soon become apparent to Steph, and then the suspicious events start. I like the main character; she is compassionate, intelligent and has keen observation skills. I like the complex and diverse cast, some of which are suspects, and the many possible motives for crime that they share. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook; the narration is excellent and brings the story to life. I also like the snippets of Steph's family life that are integrated into the story. I have listened to the previous books, but the story is complete and can be read or listened to as a standalone. The unease deepens with each incident, and a lack of trust prevails. I like the garden-orientated setting that makes it a distinctive, cosy mystery. I like the complex relationships between the characters and the likeable amateur sleuth and her lovely dog.
I purchased a copy of this audiobook.

Murder in Bloom the 3rd book in The Gardener Mystery series by Rosie Sandler. It follows Steph, a gardener for hire as she travels from project tot project across England with her trusty dog, This book is set around a garden design competition. Putting Steph up against a few other top gardeners from the UK. There's a lot at stake for these gardeners, with the exposure and financial gains, so when competitors are sabotaged and a controversial judge is killed there is suspicion all around. Lots of motive and opportunity to keep the reader guessing.
The author spends a lot of time setting the scene, building the characters and describing the setting. There is also a lot of focus on the garden design, maybe more background than a typical cozy mystery, but I still found it interesting. It does allow you to really immerse yourself in the story. There is also more background about Steph, her past and her heritage that continues to build her character and connects the reader to her. The murder itself does not happen for quite a few chapters, so some of the reveal or "wrap up" does seem abrupt. I was kept guessing and there were enough red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I really enjoy this series, it's something a bit different for the cozy genre and I can't wait for the next one.

I chose this book for the gardening theme. It didn’t disappoint. I’d rather enjoy the mystery the character and the entire package. I would definitely read more in this series in the future.

Murder In Bloom is the third in the Gardeners Mysteries with Steph and Mouse, and is another enjoyable mystery from Rosie Sandler.
A quick and easy read, I finished this in one sitting and really liked the style of writing again from Rosie.
The designing of the gardens and the passion from Steph and Gertrude for the plants and gardens really came through the storyline as the mystery developed.
The intrigue cleverly plotted with secrets between the characters, their histories intricately woven as we learnt more as the competition heated up.
As in the first two books in the series, the thread of Steph’s missing ex is continued in Murder In Bloom and provides another mystery for Steph to ponder as she continues to rebuild her life.

A fun murder mystery and cast of characters. I've only read this book, so some of the details and backstory of the main character seemed a bit out of place to me, but possibly are part of an overarching storyline.
There was no twist to the culprit and motive, but enjoyed the mystery, gardening details, and diversity. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!

Murder in Bloom is the 3rd cozy mystery in The Gardener Mysteries by Rosie Sandler about a gardening competition in Great Britain. Steph Williams has entered a prestigious garden design competition at a National Trust Property. Outside of London. She brings her lovable dog Mouse. Things start to get complicated when one of the other competitors gets seriously sick and then another person in the group is found dead. Steph is determined to catch the killer. The characters are likable and I suspected the culprit but wasn’t sure. Steph meets Mike and there is chemistry but the relationship is left up in the air. The story got off to a slow start because each book is in a different location and therefore all new characters. It is written in first person which can be an adjustment for some. The ending wasn’t too suspenseful and it was a pleasant cozy mystery. #MirderInBloom
#TheGardenerMysteries. #EmblaBooks #RosieSandler

"Murder in Bloom” the third instalment in The Gardener Mystery series by Rosie Sandler set across England. This time we are in picturesque Devon. Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?

I enjoyed this story. I really like the bond between Steph and Mouse it just felt real, we all want to think our four legged friends understand us and would protect us from harm. There is a LOT of plant speak in the stories but it won’t distract from the story.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book four!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Steph is picked to compete in the Coleton Fishacre Flower Show, a National Trust Property, she is very excited to take part. Not only for the prestige, but hopefully the extra work generated by the publicity.
However, things don't run smoothly and to plan. firstly a competitor's garden is vandalised in the early stages, one competitor is poisoned and ends up in hospital, thankfully making a full recovery due to Steph identifying that she was poisoned and by what.
Then sadly someone is murdered putting everyone on edge as they could be working shoulder to shoulder with a murderer. Steph's observational skills and Mouse's dogged (excuse the pun) determination come to the fore in the search for the murderer, putting them in the murderer's sights.
A nice breezy read.