Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Elliana Allbright is happy running her perfume shop, Scents & Nonsense, in the charming town of Poppyville, California. And she's even happier when she can use her inherited abilities to infuse her perfumes with an extra special something that eases woes or solves problems for her customers. But she'll need those abilities and more when murder comes to town.
Ellie and her women's business group, the Greenstockings, are helping to open a new museum about local history, and while sorting through the collection of artifacts they discover a time capsule from the days of the Gold Rush. Among the contents is a strange botanical manuscript, recognized by local history professor Eureka Sanford as extremely rare and valuable. When the professor is found dead in the museum, Ellie has no choice but to sniff out the murderer... but this one may have roots that are as old as Poppyville.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: The cover is so pretty and I just love the idea of an enchanted garden.
My Impression: The cozy mystery genre is chock full of libraries, bookstores, bakeries, and cafes but a perfume shop is a new one for me and one I really enjoyed. There's a touch of magic here as Ellie not only has a really enhanced sense of smell but is able to detect what will make someone feel better. She also has a journal that was written by her grandmother and is ever changing. I really enjoyed this element. It didn't take over the story though it did provide some helpful nudges and increased the feel of magic in the story.
The mystery itself was intriguing. I loved the look into the Gold Rush history and the whole concept of the time capsule. The mystery really kept me guessing though I must admit I wasn't shocked at the end. I was however thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. The pacing was good and while there is some non-mystery small town life/character development it never felt like it took over or that the mystery was ever shoved into the background.
This was a fun mystery that was a bit different from the usual cozy. My main complaint is that Ellie isn't a real person so I don't have anyone to magically figure out just exactly what oil blend I need!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I'd really like to read the first two books and will be looking for book four!
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries this is a fun one and the magical element added a fun little extra to it.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
OMG - I just adore this cover so much! It really reminds me of Fall because of the colors. Hope all is well! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read. And I just adore dogs with little short legs! ;p
ReplyDeleteThat cover is so pretty, Katherine! I can totally understand how it got your attention. This does sound like a fun read. I will have to look for it.
ReplyDeleteNope. I am not currently reading this..i saw Marigolds and lost it..bwahaha. I am reading Marigolds and Murder (Port Danby #1) by London Lovett
ReplyDeleteHowever, this series sound good too, and I love the cover.
This cozy has a few points of difference that have obviously made your reading enjoyable. Sorry Ellie isn't real!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely, colourful cover:)). I love the idea of a perfume shop, it sounds like a great premise.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous cover and a cute corgi!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read this one. I just love the cover and it sounds like so much fun.
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