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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A Flicker of Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber is a delightful tale. We return to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California where Courtney Kelly owns Open Your Imagination, a fairy garden and tea shop. Courtney has a charming store where she teaches people to make fairy gardens and sells the supplies. If you are lucky, you might see Fiona, a righteous fairy. Pixie, Courtney’s Ragdoll cat, likes to catnap in the courtyard. This series has an enchanting cast of characters (cast list at the beginning of the book). The characters are realistic and relatable. I like that the fairies have human qualities and personalities (plus a touch of fancifulness). I am enjoying following Fiona’s journey to earn her wings and get back in the fairy queen’s good graces. Courtney comes up with creative fairy gardens. I enjoy reading the descriptions of Courtney’s creations. The mystery was entertaining. There are a number of people who did not like the victim which leads to a long list of suspects including Meghan Brownie’s business partner. Ziggy Foxx, Meghan’s business partner, is arrested for the crime. Courtney and Meghan know Ziggy could not have done the deed. Courtney is curious about the case from the beginning (you can tell she is ready to dig into the case). She asks questions and searches for clues. She gets helpful information from her friends and the fairies. The story builds to an exciting reveal where we get all our questions answered. A fairy portal has appeared in Courtney’s backyard and Fiona is curious about it. We will have to wait for the next A Fairy Garden Mystery to learn what happens next. A Flicker of Doubt is the fourth A Fairy Garden Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I encourage you to read all the books in this imaginative series. A Flicker of Doubt is a whimsical tale with flitting fairies, a returning performer, party plans, a terminated thespian, an unanticipated portal, a slew of suspects, a playful pup, and a curious Courtney.
raeslow's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
A FLICKER OF A DOUBT is the fourth book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. From the charming cover that invites you in, to the precious fairy quotes that start each chapter, to the whimsical characters, this newest release is a tantalizing addition to a delightful series. Ms. Gerber’s creative imagination sets the stage for a well-plotted mystery to solve while immersing the reader in fairy gardens and lore. Protagonist Courtney Kelly is the owner of Open Your Imagination garden shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, an appealing town in coastal California. Courtney is utterly likeable, along with her adorable fairy, Fiona, and you’d be lucky to count someone like them as friends. I think one of the things I admire most about this series is the sweet friendships and respect portrayed between the characters… well, aside from the murderer. Instead of creating angst and conflict amongst the core characters to ramp up action, it’s reserved for where it matters most: the crime.
And speaking of crime, Ms. Gerber is a master writer, coming up with multi-plots to keep the reader entertained and guessing. Her attention to details in juggling the clues and the suspects kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. When an artist (an ex-boyfriend to one of Courtney’s best friends) is murdered, Courtney is pulled into the investigation to keep an innocent person out of jail. There were plenty of suspects and just when I thought I’d settled on one, another clue would make me change my mind. At the surprising reveal, I’ll have to admit I found the solution bittersweet. Somehow the author makes even the criminal sympathetic, which makes the story realistic. I, for one, can’t wait to read the next book in this charming series!
Another hallmark of Ms. Gerber’s books are the recipes she creates to include at the back of the book. So many yummy creations that will have the home baker drooling!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And speaking of crime, Ms. Gerber is a master writer, coming up with multi-plots to keep the reader entertained and guessing. Her attention to details in juggling the clues and the suspects kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. When an artist (an ex-boyfriend to one of Courtney’s best friends) is murdered, Courtney is pulled into the investigation to keep an innocent person out of jail. There were plenty of suspects and just when I thought I’d settled on one, another clue would make me change my mind. At the surprising reveal, I’ll have to admit I found the solution bittersweet. Somehow the author makes even the criminal sympathetic, which makes the story realistic. I, for one, can’t wait to read the next book in this charming series!
Another hallmark of Ms. Gerber’s books are the recipes she creates to include at the back of the book. So many yummy creations that will have the home baker drooling!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
akolb51's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
With a theater foundation tea and an art show planned at Violet Vickers's estate, Courtney Kelly, Carmel-by-the-Sea shop owner, is hired to create charming fairy gardens for the event. It's not so charming, however, when her best friend Meaghan's ex-boyfriend turns out to be Violet's latest artistic protege. Even worse, not long after Meaghan locks horns with him, his body is found in her yard, bludgeoned with a round piece of artwork. Courtney decides to investigate with some help from Fiona the sleuthing fairy. Can she find the truth before someone else is murdered?
I liked this cozy mystery. Ms. Gerber describes Carmel-by-the-Sea so well that it's on my bucket list of places to visit. The plot kept me guessing as to the identity of the culprit. I was surprised in the end. Even though this story wasn't a quick read, I recommend it to everyone who loves a fanciful cozy. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the honor of reading this ARC.
I liked this cozy mystery. Ms. Gerber describes Carmel-by-the-Sea so well that it's on my bucket list of places to visit. The plot kept me guessing as to the identity of the culprit. I was surprised in the end. Even though this story wasn't a quick read, I recommend it to everyone who loves a fanciful cozy. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the honor of reading this ARC.
deanapotter's review against another edition
4.0
A Flicker of a Doubt is the fourth book in the charming A fairy Garden Mystery Series. I just want to say that I think that Daryl Wood Gerber has some of the most amazing world building for cozy mysteries with this series.
Courtney Kelly is the owner of Carmel by the Sea and a believer. Making, selling and teaching people how to make their own beautiful, creative and magical fairy gardens. Courtney is a believer and knows that there are fairies around them. In A Flicker of a Doubt, Courtney is hired to create fairy gardens for the theater foundations, tea, and art show. Very soon things start to turn sour, and Courtney’s best friend is tangled up in a murder investigation. If you have read previous books in the series, you know that Courtney has a way of finding out things. Maybe a fairy way.
It seems like there is so much buildup and so much going on in the story, but yet it all falls together and creates a wonderful tale. As I said, at the beginning, the world building is fabulous, the setting is amazing, and the secondary characters truly help make the story. As entertaining us a story was it does leave readers with a few lingering questions that will surely make us want to read the next book even more. Who am I kidding? I’m not speaking for anyone else but myself. Yes, I want to know what happens to that little fairy.
Courtney Kelly is the owner of Carmel by the Sea and a believer. Making, selling and teaching people how to make their own beautiful, creative and magical fairy gardens. Courtney is a believer and knows that there are fairies around them. In A Flicker of a Doubt, Courtney is hired to create fairy gardens for the theater foundations, tea, and art show. Very soon things start to turn sour, and Courtney’s best friend is tangled up in a murder investigation. If you have read previous books in the series, you know that Courtney has a way of finding out things. Maybe a fairy way.
It seems like there is so much buildup and so much going on in the story, but yet it all falls together and creates a wonderful tale. As I said, at the beginning, the world building is fabulous, the setting is amazing, and the secondary characters truly help make the story. As entertaining us a story was it does leave readers with a few lingering questions that will surely make us want to read the next book even more. Who am I kidding? I’m not speaking for anyone else but myself. Yes, I want to know what happens to that little fairy.
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
A FLICKER OF A DOUBT by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Fourth Fairy Garden Mystery
Courtney Kelly is happy to create a series of fairy gardens for Violet Vickers who is hosting a fancy tea and art show on her estate. Unfortunately, temperamental artists take center stage when Meaghan’s ex-boyfriend returns to town as the featured artist of the show. Meaghan put the kibosh on their getting back together and then someone coshed him on the head and left him dead on her lawn. When Meaghan's business partner becomes the police's prime suspect Courtney and her righteous fairy, Fiona, will have to sort through clues and a slew of suspects to find the real killer of the mercurial artist.
The fiery temperament of artists, from art gallery owners to painters and even musicians, take center stage in the fourth Fairy Garden Mystery. Though Meaghan had a tumultuous relationship with the victim and his body was found on her property, it's her business partner who catches the eye of the police with an even better motive propelling Courtney into another murder investigation. There's a good mix of suspects including a volatile brother, another artist, and a bevy of women, all with solid motives making for a complex mystery. I love Courtney's approach to investigating. And she has a lot to investigate this go around. There are lots of red herrings to muddy the waters along with complications to her personal life as well.
It's not just the murder mystery that makes for a compelling read. We learn more about Fiona who faces some challenges of her own and see the relationship between Courtney and Brady progress. From friendships to family, human and fairy, it's the character dynamics that make this series stand out.
A FLICKER OF A DOUBT is an enchanting mystery that will captivate you with its engaging characters, well plotted murder, and fairy lore.
The Fourth Fairy Garden Mystery
Courtney Kelly is happy to create a series of fairy gardens for Violet Vickers who is hosting a fancy tea and art show on her estate. Unfortunately, temperamental artists take center stage when Meaghan’s ex-boyfriend returns to town as the featured artist of the show. Meaghan put the kibosh on their getting back together and then someone coshed him on the head and left him dead on her lawn. When Meaghan's business partner becomes the police's prime suspect Courtney and her righteous fairy, Fiona, will have to sort through clues and a slew of suspects to find the real killer of the mercurial artist.
The fiery temperament of artists, from art gallery owners to painters and even musicians, take center stage in the fourth Fairy Garden Mystery. Though Meaghan had a tumultuous relationship with the victim and his body was found on her property, it's her business partner who catches the eye of the police with an even better motive propelling Courtney into another murder investigation. There's a good mix of suspects including a volatile brother, another artist, and a bevy of women, all with solid motives making for a complex mystery. I love Courtney's approach to investigating. And she has a lot to investigate this go around. There are lots of red herrings to muddy the waters along with complications to her personal life as well.
It's not just the murder mystery that makes for a compelling read. We learn more about Fiona who faces some challenges of her own and see the relationship between Courtney and Brady progress. From friendships to family, human and fairy, it's the character dynamics that make this series stand out.
A FLICKER OF A DOUBT is an enchanting mystery that will captivate you with its engaging characters, well plotted murder, and fairy lore.
angustiacosmica's review against another edition
5.0
Another lovely book down, and this one with yet another cliffhanger. A gentle one, but cliffhanger still.
I feel so nervous, I hope we get the next book soon enough. I'm just terrible with temporary goodbyes!
I always feel tension leaving my body whenever I get down for adventures with Courtney and Fiona, this time dwelling on art and murder. Again.
You can never go wrong with that formula.
I feel so nervous, I hope we get the next book soon enough. I'm just terrible with temporary goodbyes!
I always feel tension leaving my body whenever I get down for adventures with Courtney and Fiona, this time dwelling on art and murder. Again.
You can never go wrong with that formula.
thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
4.0
“A Flicker of a Doubt ” by Daryl Wood Gerber the 4th instalment in “A Fairy Garden Mystery" series. I think this was my favourite so far, I love catching up with Courtney, Fiona her righteous fairy, Joss and Meagan and Pixie. Plus I love all the recipes at the back of the book!
I found the story to be very entertaining as well as full of twists to keep you guessing till the very end. I am glad that things turned out the way they did but oh what a ride for poor Meaghan.
I’m anxiously awaiting for the next instalment as I want to know what happens to Fiona …
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found the story to be very entertaining as well as full of twists to keep you guessing till the very end. I am glad that things turned out the way they did but oh what a ride for poor Meaghan.
I’m anxiously awaiting for the next instalment as I want to know what happens to Fiona …
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
meezan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, and Death
karen_the_baroness's review against another edition
5.0
A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber has fairies galore that are accompanied by murder.
Will Ziggy go to jail? Or could Courtney get him out of it?
Courtney and Fiona are back to solve another mystery. Or at least Courtney is, as Fiona can't meddle in human affairs. These two are a riot, and I love their companionship, along with how their friendship is growing. Courtney is growing with her business and thriving now that Fiona is part of her life. We learn more about Fiona this time, but I can't say. Fiona made me promise to keep it a secret! Unless you have read the book, she probably did the same for you too. Fiona is growing more into her powers, and her thirst for reading is fabulous. The quotes she uses are hilarious, especially when she uses them in the right circumstances.
The Victim
Ziggy found Nicolas Buley in Meaghan's yard when he came to ensure she was alright after everything that happened earlier in the day. He had been the police's number one suspect since he found the body. Nicolas, though, didn't have many good friends anymore. Meaghan didn't want him back because of his anger. Nick said he was learning to manage his anger in therapy and wanted her back. Meagan finally realizes he isn't worth her time and refuses to waste more time on him. Throughout the book, a lot about Nicolas is brought forward to both Courtney's and Meg's attention. I figured out who did it right away and guessed at half of the motive but not the entire motive. I didn't learn that until when it was discovered. Ms. Woods did a great job on this one!
Five Stars
Courtney and Fiona are a force to be reckoned with in this series, and I love every time I come back to Carmel in these books. The characters are fantastic, and I always feel like I'm returning to old friends. That brings me to my rating. I will give A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber five stars and recommend it to all cozy paranormal mystery lovers.
Ms. Wood gives us recipes in the back, which are Cashew Tea Cookies, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Chocolate Coconut Muffins, Gluten-free Chocolate Coconut Muffins, Dark Chocolate Chai Cookies, Double-Chocolate Caramel Brownies, Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, Gluten-free Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, Lemon Butter Cookies, Maple Madeleines, Gluten-free Maple Madeleines, Meat Loaf Pie, Nutty Blond Brownies, and Gluten-free Nutty Blond Brownies. I adore that Ms. Wood also adds a gluten-free option for some of these recipes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Will Ziggy go to jail? Or could Courtney get him out of it?
Courtney and Fiona are back to solve another mystery. Or at least Courtney is, as Fiona can't meddle in human affairs. These two are a riot, and I love their companionship, along with how their friendship is growing. Courtney is growing with her business and thriving now that Fiona is part of her life. We learn more about Fiona this time, but I can't say. Fiona made me promise to keep it a secret! Unless you have read the book, she probably did the same for you too. Fiona is growing more into her powers, and her thirst for reading is fabulous. The quotes she uses are hilarious, especially when she uses them in the right circumstances.
The Victim
Ziggy found Nicolas Buley in Meaghan's yard when he came to ensure she was alright after everything that happened earlier in the day. He had been the police's number one suspect since he found the body. Nicolas, though, didn't have many good friends anymore. Meaghan didn't want him back because of his anger. Nick said he was learning to manage his anger in therapy and wanted her back. Meagan finally realizes he isn't worth her time and refuses to waste more time on him. Throughout the book, a lot about Nicolas is brought forward to both Courtney's and Meg's attention. I figured out who did it right away and guessed at half of the motive but not the entire motive. I didn't learn that until when it was discovered. Ms. Woods did a great job on this one!
Five Stars
Courtney and Fiona are a force to be reckoned with in this series, and I love every time I come back to Carmel in these books. The characters are fantastic, and I always feel like I'm returning to old friends. That brings me to my rating. I will give A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber five stars and recommend it to all cozy paranormal mystery lovers.
Ms. Wood gives us recipes in the back, which are Cashew Tea Cookies, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Chocolate Coconut Muffins, Gluten-free Chocolate Coconut Muffins, Dark Chocolate Chai Cookies, Double-Chocolate Caramel Brownies, Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, Gluten-free Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, Lemon Butter Cookies, Maple Madeleines, Gluten-free Maple Madeleines, Meat Loaf Pie, Nutty Blond Brownies, and Gluten-free Nutty Blond Brownies. I adore that Ms. Wood also adds a gluten-free option for some of these recipes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.