Meh, meh and meh.

The writing is good, the characters are likeable, but they're all two-dimensional; they lack depth even by my standards. The murder plot was not a surprise, but not stupid-obvious either.

I've pretty much felt this way about every book in this series, so the real mystery here is why I've read 15 of them, with the 16th in the TBR. As I re-arranged my books in my library today, I eyed this series with two thoughts in my head: I'm not likely to ever re-read these and donating them will free up a LOT of valuable space. So I think after book 16, I'll "throw in the trowel", say good-bye and wish the author well. ( )

Throw in the Trowel is the 15th book in the A Flower Shop Mystery series.

A wonderful addition it is, too. Not only is there a very good mystery, but we get a chance to visit with Abby, her family, her employee and Seedy, her three-legged rescue dog.

Abby and Marco have just returned from their romantic honeymoon to find that the pipes in the basement of Marco's bar, Down the Hatch, are in need of repair. The concrete floor has been removed and as Abby and Marco are looking at the mess, Seedy is busy pawing in the dirt. She soon uncovers some finger bones. The police are called and more bones are found. Marco refuses Abby suggestion to find out who the bones belonged to. Then when the bones go missing they start looking into the matter. The only person that has went missing in the area was Kermit Connors, who was a contractor working in that same basement when he went missing. Abby and Marco talk with the family and friends of Kermit and they all are sure that he left town with Parthenia Pappas, but she has returned town and emphatically denies that they left together. I can't forget to say how adorable Seedy and Princess are. I can just see Seedy being all proud of herself for the antics she does. Francesca was also around a little, maybe she will be around more in the next book. She's another that I wait to see what will come out of her mouth.

It was so enjoyable to visit with Abby's employees, Grace and Lottie. Grace as usual is there to keep the tea brewing and the scones baking. As always to provide a quote or two that fit the occasion. Yes, Jillian is back to give the reader something more to shake their head about. She now has a Boston Terrier that she is pushing around in a stoller. Getting used to the idea once she has her baby. The poor pup has had two trainers and is now seeing a pet psychologist. I must say that early on, Jillian was my least favorite character, but now I look forward to reading what she will come up with next. Of course there is Abby's mom who continues to make items for Abby to sell in the flower shop. These items continue to leave Abby speechless. Another enjoyable character is Tara, Abby's niece. Tara is a precocious young teenager and a carbon copy of her Aunt. Not only in looks but also in being so inquisitive. I can't forget to say how adorable Seedy and Princess are. I can just see Seedy being all proud of herself for the antics she does. Francesca was also around a little, maybe she will be around more in the next book. She's another that I wait to see what will come out of her mouth.

So looking forward to the next book, to what blooms. ( )

Aha! Didn't see that one coming. ( )

Abby and Marco Salvare are settling into married life quite nicely even if their mattress is keeping Abby awake at night. Marco can handle a minor problem like buying a new mattress but is less prepared to handle the human that turns up in the basement of his bar. Yes, he and Abby have investigated murder cases in the past but he is reluctant to have his new bride involved in yet another murder investigation. Marco is right to be hesistant but there is no stopping Abby and soon the two of them are in very real danger.

“Throw in the Trowel” is the nicely done fifteenth book in Kate Collins’s A Flower Shop cozy mystery series. It is nice to see Abby and Marco getting adjusted to life as a married couple and Collins handles the adjustment both make just right. The addition of Seedy, the rough looking but loving dog, is a great touch. As it has throughout this series, family dynamics are a big part of this book and both Marco and Abby's mother’s antics will delight readers (if not Marco and Abby). It is nice to see Abby's niece Tara continue to play a big part in the books and as for Marco’s brother Rafe…. you have to read the book yourself to see what he is up to. The books in this series are usually written in the first person from Abby's point of view but Collins mixes things up a bit in this book and has Marco narrate some of the action. She only does this a few times but it is a nice touch and works perfectly, especially towards the end of the book. The mystery itself is a nice one – a skeleton from the past turns up (both literally and figuratively) - and has plenty of twists and turns before the solution is revealed. Abby and Marco have been in danger before but there is a real sense of danger in this book that will have readers eagerly turning the pages to see what happens.

“Throw in the Trowel“ is another nice cozy mystery by Kate Collins. I just wish I didn’t have to wait another year for the next book! ( )

I need to throw in the towel. I give up on this series. I've had enough. This book is so shamelessly a cash grab. Considering that events take place in the 'Abbyverse' every few months, this trail of mediocrity could go on for years. But not with me as a compliant reader. I'm out. I thought at one point that the finale would redeem a point for the book. It would have been an insult to all 2 star books that I've rated. But never fear, Kate Collins is here. Here to make sure that even the most rudimentary task of all, providing a routine finale to a cozy mystery, is botched as well. Blah. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot to tell that Nicky, the bosom friend of Abby is totally absent from this dreck. Unforgivable. ( )