The funny thing about kindle books is that I can never tell how thick they are and I was surprised to see that this book finished out at 350 pages, it read so fast and easy that it seemed much shorter.

As usual I find myself coming into a well established series with no previous experience (such is the life of a book blogger) and I was happy to see that it didn’t matter a bit. This book read well as a stand alone. The people in Dana’s life and in this small town seem like old friends even though I haven’t been along for the whole ride. The only issue I had was that a lot of faith was put into the investigator’s assumption of Dana’s innocence based on previous encounters, when there wasn’t much of a relationship between the two in this story for the reader to agree or disagree with the characters’ opinions.

Being practically accused of murder only days before your most special day has to be frustrating, but Dana handles herself well and solving other minor mysteries along the way just seems par for the course for her. Not to mention keeping up with all the last minute details of home spun wedding.

As always in a Cozy, I don’t look to the mystery to keep me entertained. It is the price of admission, but the reason I stay is pure story and characters and this story had plenty of both. I adored the dynamic between the sisters and loved getting smacked by the subtly of the relationship. Just at the point I was ready to write off Ashlee as a poorly written character more teen than her described almost thirty, the author manages to make clear the insecurities that would sure to be rife in the sister’s changing relationship as Dana is soon to be married and officially joins the adult world. Watching my nieces over the years, that particular scene hit home.

All in all this was a fun read and I am sure to keep returning to Blossom Valley. I am curious if Dana will ever see that she can market Wilbur as a de facto therapist at the spa. He could at least do a “Dear Wilbur” Column in the blog dispensing sage advice along side Dana’s tips and recipes, which are delightful, I might add.

MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER is book six in Staci McLaughlin's Blossom Valley cozy mystery series. This story works as a standalone book, but it's more of a treat for longtime fans of the series. This book shows how Dana Lewis has grown since her introduction to readers. In the first Blossom Valley book, Dana was at a crossroads in her life, but she's since gotten comfortable with where she is in her career, with her family, and her love life. MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER has all the fun readers have come to expect with this series, but with a few hurdles in Dana's way to the altar.

Dana is finally marrying her steady boyfriend, and reporter, Jason Forrester. I really like how Ms. McLaughlin keeps Dana true to her practical ways and doesn't have her turn into an annoying bridezilla. Death stalks Dana as she tries to get flowers for her wedding, and her unpleasant florist is murdered. This is a murder mystery in which the victim is so disliked that multiple people, including her daughter, are believable suspects. Dana takes quite a few chances as she plays the role of PI, chasing down suspects and asking pointed questions without any backup. I kept guessing who the murderer was and changing my mind right up to the very end. Dana's mother assists her in getting info and a pig makes an unorthodox sounding board as Dana sorts scenarios out in her mind.

MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER keeps readers on their toes and provides a delightfully cozy murder mystery with engaging characters. It's great to see Dana's sister Ashlee grow up a little in this story. The O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa makes a fabulous wedding site, as well as an interesting place to brainstorm or lure strangers with nefarious intentions. I look forward to Staci McLaughlin's next cozy mystery.

Awesome story. Can’t wait to read more from this author!!!

This was a very enjoyable read and I was drawn into from the first few pages. Although this is the 6th book in the series, it was the first one that I had read and found that it stood alone quite well. Nice flow to book and a few twists to the mystery. The characters seemed likable and 'real'. I definitely need to go read the earlier ones in the series!

Marriage is Pure Murder by Staci McLaughlin is book six in the Blossom Valley Mystery series. Dana, who works at O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa, is getting married. She decided that the farm will be the perfect wedding venue, and the entire staff is helping her pull off the wedding. The bride gets sidetracked when she finds her florist, Bethany, dead. I have read this series previously, but I do not feel it is necessary to enjoy this book. The characters and setting are fun, and I especially like Wilbur the pig. This is a wonderful addition to the series.

Oh goodness Marriage Is Pure Murder was charmingly delightful. If the cover doesn't just 'get you' read on!

I couldn't help but wonder where I've been! Getting in at book 6 was simple. I didn't even really realize there were more books until I got ready to write this review. Now I want to read them all!

This is definitely one you can jump into book 6 without feeling confused from having missed the others. The author does a wonderful job of telling a story and pulling the reader in all the way to the end..

The characters are delightfully fun. Some are quirky, some are a bit mysterious. Some are cranky.

I enjoyed following Dana's whirlwind ride to the alter.
Discovering a body just days before her wedding and then becoming a suspect or person of interest isn't a great start to wedding week. Especially when the deceased is the florist!

The town of Blossom Valley is delightful. Even though more than of few of it's residents just might be the culprit!

Among the suspects are the victim's daughter that takes over running the floral shoppe. The ice cream shoppe owner who is acting way too mysterious and wants to buy the floral shoppe to expand.

And the list grows larger when Dana discovers that the deceased has a habit of being snoopy and tends to blackmail a few of her customers.

This was a super fun cozy mystery to read. The were numerous characters that I would love to interview and maybe sit down to share a cup of coffee.

Or maybe it would be more fun to have a chat with Wilbur the pig. He saves the day I wish I could tell you more but...you'll have to read the book!

Marriage Is Pure Murder gets a big thumbs up form this reader!
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours and
Net Galley.
This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.
This review will appear on My Reading Journeys.
This review will appear on NetGalley
This review will appear on Good Reads.

I was quite impressed with this cozy mystery. I loved the small town atmosphere and wanted to go to the ice cream shop and taste every flavor there. The author really did a great job of making her characters real and interesting. I found Dana the main character to be very smart and I loved reading about her job. Who wouldn't want to work at an organic farm and spa?

What I like the most about this book is how the mystery is well written with subtle hints of who the killer might be. There were a few funny moments but not so silly that the characters start to become boring. I loved how the story moved along at a good pace with details that were not overwhelming. The book has several characters but not so many that the reader gets lost in trying to remember them all.

I was quite intrigued by the wedding that Dana was planning. It was going to be a great day for her and her soon to be husband Jason. I liked that Jason was protective of Dana when she decides to do a bit of detective work. How could she not, since she seems to be a suspect? The victim was not liked by some of the people in the town. She had a habit of finding out secrets about people and using that to her advantage. I at first was so clear who the killer was, but was pleasantly surprised by who it turned out to be. The ending is good and has a great scene that involves some mud throwing in a way. It definitely was fun to read and I'm happy to say a very well written ending to a story that I loved.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.

The theme of the murder was well done. The book eased into the murder, not rushing or having the instant death like others have. I enjoy both styles but this seems to really fit the book, and characters. Dana was not an eager sleuth, but let’s be honest this is her sixth mystery and she was focused on getting married! Do you blame her? She handled her wedding hiccups and the murder better than the reader would have, not losing her cool. The ending was delightful. And though we could end with a sixth book, I am hoping for another mystery.

Marriage is Pure Murder by Staci McLaughlin is the sixth book in A Blossom Valley Mystery series. It is early November and Dana Lewis is getting ready for her wedding to Jason Forrester at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in Blossom Valley. Dana is visiting the florist, Bethany Lancaster at the Don’t Dilly-Dahlia Flower Shop to go over the final details. Bethany seems to know particulars about Dana’s life that she did not share with her and the florist probes for more information. Later that day Dana receives a call from Bethany. One of the flowers Dana wanted for the wedding is no longer available, and Bethany needs Dana to stop by after work to pick a replacement. Dana arrives at the flower shop to find the lights out and the door locked. She goes around back and finds the alley door unlocked. Dana enters to find Bethany on the floor with blood pooling around her head. Detective Palmer is assigned the case, and he considers Dana a suspect (based on very flimsy evidence). Dana wants this matter cleared up before her wedding. She starts asking questions about Bethany and discovers that she was a blackmailer. Bethany used people’s secrets to her advantage. That certainly opens up the suspect pool. But one person had more to lose than any of the others. Will Dana make it to her wedding or will it turn into a funeral?

Marriage is Pure Murder is nicely written and has a good pace which makes for an easy to read cozy mystery. The mystery was slightly more complex than those in previous books in this series (which appealed to me). I liked how one little detail gave away the killer’s identity to Dana in the book. The ending is sweet and will provide readers with a laugh. I give Marriage is Pure Murder 3.5 out of 5 stars. I do wish that there had been more substance (depth) and less time devoted to Wilbur and food descriptions. I was curious as to the name of Dana’s mother. It was not mentioned once throughout the book. I found Dana’s sister, Ashlee to be infantile, selfish and annoying (I really did not like her). I sincerely hope that we see less of her in future novels. Marriage is Pure Murder is a cute, lighthearted story that will appeal to many readers.

This was the first book in this series that I've read and I enjoyed it. Although I was parachuting into an existing series, for the most part I didn't feel lost or confused. I liked the plot and the mystery although Dana does verge on the too stupid to live at times. But in the main this was great fun and I'd be happy to read more from this series.

I had not read the previous books in this series but that didn't matter- I enjoyed this cozy with a great setting and fun characters. Poor Dana! How dreadful to have your big day ruined by the murder of someone you thought was a friend and then to find yourself a suspect. All those secrets! The mystery here isn't too complex and the writing is breezy so you'll sail through this entertaining novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I'm going to look for more from McLaughlin!

This is a great book; this is the sixth book in the Blossom Valley Mystery series written by Staci McLaughlin. Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn't dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana's happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead--and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany's killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she'll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, "I do" This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

pleasant cozy series. Flower shop and ice cream store feature heavily in the story. Two of my favorite things. Enough possible suspects to keep one guessing. Loved Wilbur. The detailed minutiae detracted rather than added to the story.

When one is planning a wedding there really is no time to investigate a murder... that is unless you feel the police are looking at you as a person of interest.
Marketing and PR expert Dana Lewis is marrying the love of her life in only a few days.
She is making the final arrangements just as her sister, Ashlee, is already moving a new roommate into Dana's bedroom.
This is a well thought out cozy murder mystery amongst the details of an impending wedding. I enjoyed the supporting cast and family who, against their better judgement, help Dana discover clues.
Several community members have motive and seem to be acting oddly.
Besides clearing her own name, Dana wants to protect her mother from becoming too friendly with a potential killer.

I read this as a stand alone but like the characters and setting. I will check out other books in this series.
I received a copy via Netgalley to review.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher. How I wished that I had read the earlier books although that being said this was a really good read

Dana Lewis is looking forward to her upcoming wedding. Things are going well but she needs to make a last minute change in flower choices. Instead, when she shows up at the florist she finds the owner dead in the back room. Dana can't help but start asking questions and comes up with a short suspect list including a man that is interested in dating her mom.

This cozy mystery is an easy read with realistic characters. It is book 6 in A Blossom Valley Mystery series.

Marriage Is Pure Murder is the sixth installment in the A Blossom Valley Mystery series featuring Dana Lewis, PR and Marketing Director at the O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa in Blossom Valley, CA. The day of her wedding to reporter Jason Forrester is fast approaching and Dana is trying to tie up the few last minute details.

Dana has an appointment with Don't Dilly Dahlia flower shop owner Bethany Lancaster to go over the flowers to be used in her bouquet. Thinking the decision is made she is worried when Bethany calls her later that afternoon to say that she can't get some of the flowers from her suppliers and wants Dana to come back again. When Dana arrives at the floral shop she discovers Bethany shot to death in the back room. It's no surprise when Dana herself becomes a suspect in the woman's murder accused of becoming a Bridezilla.

In her efforts to clear her name in time for her nuptials, Dana soon discovers that the victim had a long list of enemies that included Bethany's daughter Violet. Detective Palmer is keeping his findings close to the chest, not even sharing details with Jason, and despite his warnings to Dana to keep her nose clean she soon finds herself embroiled in a web of blackmail and deceit.

With many familiar faces returning; Dana's mother Dorothy, Farm owner Esther O'Connell, chef Zennia, manager Gordon Stewart and Dana's little sister Ashlee, this series will have you smiling from the first page until the last. O'Connell Organic Farm is the perfect locale and I recommend that everyone have a Wilbur.

I received an advanced copy of Marriage is Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

Marriage is Pure Murder
By Staci McLaughlin
Kensington
June 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

After the death of her father and downsized from her job, Dana Lewis moved to California’s Blossom Valley to help her mother and be the marketing head/staff fill-in/chief bottle-washer for the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa. Having never met a vegetable she liked or snack food she didn’t, Dana never thought she would find such happiness there, much less be marrying Blossom Valley Herald’s reporter Jason Forrester. Having the ceremony on the farm was the perfect of blend of beauty and practicality, especially as it means everything can be sourced from local vendors. After one mystery cliché-avoiding fake-out, a follow-up consultation with the Don’t Dilly-Dahlia Flower Shop’s owner Bethany Lancaster leads to Dana’s misfortune of finding the woman shot to death in her store. Bethany’s daughter Violet quickly steps in to take over the shop, so while Dana will at least have her perfect bouquet, a misinterpreted conversation inadvertently places Dana on the suspect list.

Although her mother wishes that Dana would focus on her upcoming nuptials, the shadow of suspicion compels Dana to look closer at those who wished the florist dead. Bethany had a not-so-secret reputation as a snoop who reveled in knowing everyone else’s deepest and darkest secrets, but it was her less-known habit of using them for her benefit that may have led to her murder. With a population of just five thousand, it appears as though Blossom Valley has its share of skeletons in closets, not to mention those willing to kill to keep them there. A cantankerous gelato store owner with an eye for expansion, a cheating attorney, and even Bethany’s own daughter are among the number hoping that the florist took her secrets to the grave.

This is wonderful series that continues to entertain by evolving its characters and allowing them to change. Dana has grown from the being the fast-food chomping, vegetable-phobic junk food craver to one who can appreciate a home-cooked, freshly grown, meat-free meal. O’Connell’s micromanaging manager Gordon Stewart may still monitor Dana’s overlong lunch breaks, but they have both mellowed to the point where Dana is asking him to walk her down the aisle. Even Dana’s little sister Ashley, who values her shoe collection and has a three-dates-and-they’re-out dating rule, may finally be open to long(er) term relationships. This sixth in the series has never been more delightful or humorous, and it remains just as fresh as O’Connell’s garden produce. An appropriately whimsical ring bearer perfectly encapsulates the tone and sentiment of the novel, with readers left satisfied but eager for another stay in Blossom Valley.

Marriage is Pure Murder is the 6th book in the Blossom Valley mystery series. I have not read the previous books in this series but I never felt confused or like I was missing any information. The author did a wonderful job at providing background information on the characters so you know who everyone is and how they are connected to each other. The characters are very well developed and likable. I especially liked Dana and Jason. This book had the perfect mix of suspense, mystery, and humor. I had a hard time putting the book down so I could get other things done. I was drawn in from the very beginning and was wrapped up and invested in the story until the very end. The mystery was very well written and left me with plenty of suspects to choose from. I loved the parts of the book that took place at the farm. I enjoyed reading about the setting and the different employees that work there - Esther, Gordon, Zennia, and Gretchen - they were all enjoyable characters. I also enjoyed the recipes and the helpful tip included at the back of the book. I will most definitely be going back to read the previous books in this series.