msnyderk's review against another edition
5.0
Wasn't sure what I would think but I loved this first installment of a series. Great setting and characters. Unique storyline and I really didn't guess the murderer which I tend to do. Can't wait to read number two.
1_more_chapter's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed this book, it's perfect for anyone looking for a cosy spring/summer mystery!
I felt like there were two conflicting plots in this book, the murder investigation and Elliana's 'scent abilities'.
Ellianas' ability to smell things really well and pick up on scents didn't contribute to the mystery at all. I thought it would have been better to work that plot into the mystery like 'ooo, I smelt this at the crime scene' or something less cliche than that, otherwise having that element just drags the plot along. It was also borderline magical realism and I think fully leaning into making her abilities have an element of magic would have added a lot more relevance to this plotline.
I felt like there were two conflicting plots in this book, the murder investigation and Elliana's 'scent abilities'.
Ellianas' ability to smell things really well and pick up on scents didn't contribute to the mystery at all. I thought it would have been better to work that plot into the mystery like 'ooo, I smelt this at the crime scene' or something less cliche than that, otherwise having that element just drags the plot along. It was also borderline magical realism and I think fully leaning into making her abilities have an element of magic would have added a lot more relevance to this plotline.
peggyemi's review against another edition
5.0
During the last several months I have read some cozy mysteries that were first in a new series that were pretty good, but this one by Bailey Cattrell just stood out and stayed with me after the book was finished. In all fairness, I am a huge fan of Bailey Cates so it wasn't a stretch to believe that I would enjoy this book as I have her others. This one for me was just so charming, magical and enjoyable that I couldn't put it down. I literally read it in about 5 hours over the course of two days. The story is really well written. The author has such a descriptive style that the reader can picture the Enchanted Garden and smell the soaps and perfumes in Ellianna's store. I thought the book was well plotted with a steady pace. The mystery was solid and provide the reader with several viable suspects and theories for the crime. I was surprised at the identity of the killer and thought the mystery and reason for the murder were wrapped up nicely. The characters in this story are charming, quirky and some people I would like to know in real life. Ellianna has a quiet strength about her as she goes about trying to solve this mystery and remove herself as the chief suspect. What I liked about her and how the character was written is that as she investigated and gathered facts, she didn't accuse everyone in town of murder during the course of her investigation. I have seen that in some other stories and it was a little off putting.
All in all, this was a great start to what I hope will be a long running series. The story was well written, with great characters and a solid mystery. If you are looking for a charming read I would suggest you give this one a try.
All in all, this was a great start to what I hope will be a long running series. The story was well written, with great characters and a solid mystery. If you are looking for a charming read I would suggest you give this one a try.
cozybooksandgoldenembers's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bunniejd's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
caitkom's review against another edition
4.0
Ellie Albright has opened a custom made perfume shop, Scents and Nonsense using enchantments from her own garden, in her hometown of Poppyville, CA. Life seems to be going great and business is good until she finds her employee and ex-husband's girlfriend dead in her garden. Her ex seems hell bent on fingering her as the prime suspect. She throws herself in the middle of the investigation in order to prove her own innocence. This was a good read, fun and I am looking forward to the next one.
andy5185's review against another edition
3.0
To have the ability to sense what scents make people peaceful would be a pretty cool skill. That its inherited from groovy Gamma even better. An enchanted garden, essential oil splendiferousness and a Corgi best friend made this light read a goodie.
ccwray's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
camille_catterpillar's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
a fun cozy mystery, for fans of A Spell for Trouble. It has all the staples: a small town, a friendly dog, descriptions of smells and tasty meals galore! i read this as a way to relax after a particularly difficult week, and finished it in one afternoon. The mystery itself holds up, but, to be honest, it wouldn't have done much without the book's atmosphere.