Shoots to Kill (Flower Shop Mysteries, No. 7)

When she was younger Abby Knight was Elizabeth's babysitter. Back then Elizabeth, frustrated Abby by trying to be just like here. Elizabeth, now known as Libby is back and mothering has changed. In fact it's worse. Not only has she changed her name to resemble Abby's, but she seems bent on stealing Abby's identity as well. She's even after Abby's boyfriend Marco. But imitation really becomes the sincerest form of trouble when Abby finds herself the accused dupe in a bizarre murder plot. It's up to Abby to find the real killer and shine the light on Libby's scheme.It's been a while since I read a book from this series. I don't know how I managed to lose track of the new books because this is a series I truly enjoy. Abby is a strong and likeable character. She even has a good relationship with her mother (though not a perfect one - anyone would find it difficult to handle the crafts that Abby's mom keeps creating for Abby to sell in the flower shop.) Abby's hunky love interest, Marco, is a delight to read about.Even though I enjoyed this 7th installment in the series, at times it was a frustrating read - not because Collins isn't a masterful storyteller. She is. It's just that I felt Abby's frustration over the fact that everyone, including Marco and Abby's mom seemed to think Libby was harmless - that Abby should be flattered by Libby's attempts to be like Abby. Gracious people! Libby fits the bill of a horror movie stalker.I have to admit there was some humor to the situation (though identify theft is a serious matter.) That's what I like so much about this series - the humor and light heartedness. Yes, Abby is constantly finding dead bodies or being accused of murder. Collins treats death with reverence, but still the reader doesn't finish the book feeling depressed. Besides, who wouldn't laugh at the idea of your mother purchasing a llama to live in the backyard so she can have homegrown yarn? That's just one of the crazy things she does.If you are looking for a well thought out and humorous cozy mystery, this series is for you.

I have all the flower shop mysteries and I can safely declare this the best one yet. Kate Collins has a loveable hero in Abby Knight and a great antagonist in her nemsis, Libby Blume. She writes Libby's character to be so obnoxious you want to reach through the pages and attack her yourself by the third chapter.For a brief summary, Libby is Abby's former pain in the neck baby-sitting client who wrecked her life as a teenager and appears to be back for the sequel. She copies Abby's life to a T and when Libby's mother turns up dead with an APB out for a 5'2" redhead suspect, Abby is arrested fasely due to Libby's doppelganger status. Libby is taking over all aspects of Abby's life and Abby is determined to get to the bottom of things before her life falls out from under her.I was a bit disappointed by the last flower shop mystery because everything seemed to rushed and the book didn't seem to have much depth to it. This one is so much better. I couldn't put it down. Keep them coming please!

Great book series!!

I love this series, although I wish Abby would take some self defense classes since she keeps getting into situations that require her to fight for her life. I am on book 10 and will keep reading this series. Hopefully the author will keep writing them.

I have enjoyed all the Flower shop books. This one had so many twists and suspects! I stayed up way too late to finish it! I am downloading the next book right now!!

It was a wonderful book. I am soooo enjoying the flower shop mysteries, and of course, the large print was so much easier to read. I loved it. I am now reading the next book in this series.

I enjoy reading these stories. The author has the ability to write a story with fun characters and plots. I find Kate Collins books a great on the deck relaxing read.

Have been reading this series and the only thing I would say is that I wish she would write faster so I could more to read.