The Bloom of Deceit: A Coastal Murder Mystery, An Amateur Sleuth, Poisonous Bloom, And Town Full Secrets (The Seaside Bluffs Mysteries Book 3)

A stolen black orchid. A murdered assistant. And a face-blind botanist who reads crime scenes like gardens.Clara Wells sees the world differently-by scent, texture, and the silent testimony of plants. When a rare black orchid arrives at the Seaside Bluffs Summer Garden Gala, Clara is hired to illustrate the bloom. But the orchid carries a secret. Its owner is a shadowy collector. And the assistant who begged Clara for help is found dead beneath the flower, a crushed bloom in her hand.The police blame the collector. Clara's instincts point elsewhere.Following a trail of hemlock pollen, broken beach plum branches, and a single thread caught on monkshood, Clara uncovers a conspiracy that reaches from the dunes to a hidden underground laboratory. As her brother Leo becomes the prime suspect, she must race to read the garden's final testimony-before the real killer buries the truth forever.Perfect for fans of Ellery Adams, Amanda Flower, and Marty Wingate-a cozy mystery where every petal holds a clue and the plants never lie.Praise for the Seaside Bluffs Mysteries: "A uniquely gifted sleuth and a seaside setting you'll want to visit again and again." - Cozy Mystery Review"Clara Wells is a breath of fresh air. Botanical detail meets classic whodunit." - Reader's FavoriteWhat readers are saying: - "I couldn't put it down. The plant-based clues are brilliant!"- "A twisty, atmospheric mystery that blooms on every page."- "Finally, a detective with a truly original superpower."THE SEASIDE BLUFFS MYSTERIES: - Book 1: The Scent of Artemisia (Available Now) - Book 2: The Roots of Hemlock (Available Now) - Book 3: The Bloom of Deceit (Available Now) - Book 4: The Salt in the Soil (Coming Soon) - Book 5: The Last Garden (Coming Soon)Includes a sneak peek of Book 4: The Salt in the Soil Over 300 pages of coastal intrigue. No graphic violence. No strong language. Just pure, puzzling fun.