A Twinkle of Trouble
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Average rating4
Carmel-by-the-Sea garden shop owner Courtney Kelly sees things others can’t—like fairies, and hidden motives for murder . . . Courtney is delighted when her tiny friend Fiona returns from the fairy realm, appearing at the base of a Cypress tree. When her Ragdoll cat, Pixie, emerges from her own portal—aka the cat door—the three set off for a busy day. Busier than usual, since Courtney has rented a small plot of land at the Flower Farm, where she hopes to grow her own supplies for her fairy-garden business. Plus, the annual Summer Blooms Festival is coming up, and Courtney has booked a booth . . . But the murder of Courtney’s friend, Genevieve, casts a pall over the festival. Ever since Genevieve sold her floral business, she’d been building a career as an influencer. She was perennially opinionated—but in her new role she’d become surprisingly vicious, dissing local entrepreneurs with nasty posts and unwarranted bad reviews. That’s landed a couple of Courtney’s other friends on the suspect list—including Flower Farm owner Daphne Flores. And when a second victim is discovered, seeds of doubt about Daphne’s innocence sprout in Courtney’s mind. With only a germ of a clue, Courtney will have to overturn every rock to get the dirt on the real killer . . .
Series
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5 primary booksA Fairy Garden Mystery
A Fairy Garden Mystery is a 5-book series with 5 primary works first released in 1920 with contributions by Daryl Wood Gerber.
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Book Review: A Twinkle of Trouble by Daryl Wood Gerber
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I recently dove into A Twinkle of Trouble, the fifth installment in Daryl Wood Gerber's charming cozy mystery series, and I must say, it was quite the delightful escape. The book features our favorite garden shop owner, Courtney Kelly, who has a unique ability to see things that most of us can't—like fairies and, of course, the hidden motives behind a murder.
The story kicks off with the return of Courtney's little fairy friend, Fiona, who makes a whimsical appearance at the base of a Cypress tree. Along with her Ragdoll cat, Pixie, they're set for a busy day filled with exciting plans. Courtney has rented a plot at the Flower Farm to grow her supplies for her fairy-garden business as she gears up for the upcoming Summer Blooms Festival. However, the excitement quickly dims when her friend Genevieve is found murdered. Genevieve had recently transitioned from owning a floral business to becoming an influencer, but her new role came with a nasty edge—she had been known for her harsh and sometimes unwarranted reviews that put her at odds with local entrepreneurs. With suspicions swirling around other friends, including the Flower Farm owner Daphne Flores, Courtney finds herself digging deep for clues, especially when a second murder occurs.
First off, can we talk about the adorable cover? It's just perfect for a cozy mystery! I've never encountered fairies in a cozy mystery before, which added a delightful twist to the genre. This book really doesn't disappoint; it offers an engaging mystery to unravel, (I appreciated how Gerber layered the clues and red herrings seamlessly), a sprinkle of fairy magic, and even a touch of budding romance. What's more impressive is that it holds its own as a standalone. So if you're new to the series, you can easily jump right in without feeling lost. Plus, there are some lovely recipes at the end of the book. Honestly, they all sound delicious, which is always a bonus!
Overall, I'd give A Twinkle of Trouble a solid 3.5 stars. It's an enjoyable read that combines whimsy with intrigue and is perfect for those cozying up on a rainy day. If you're looking for a lighthearted mystery that offers a bit of magic along with its suspense, this one's definitely worth picking up!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
