The Walled Flower

Victoria Square Mystery, Book 2

By: Lorraine Bartlett

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

If Katie Bonner's late husband hadn't invested all their savings in the craft fair Artisans Alley - which Katie is now responsible for keeping in the black - the Webster mansion could have been hers to remodel. For years she dreamed of renovating the old place on Victoria Square into a bed and breakfast. Now that dream belongs to another young couple.

But their dream becomes a nightmare when a skeleton is discovered, sealed in one of the walls of the mansion. The bones belong to Heather Winston, who went missing 22 years ago. Her aunt is Rose Nash, a jewelry vendor at Artisans Alley, who is determined to find her niece's murderer and asks for Katie's help to do it. The case may be cold, but the killer is very much alive - and ready to go to any lengths to keep past secrets buried...

©2012 Lorraine Bartlett (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"It's a suspenseful whodunit with several possible suspects." (RT Book Reviews)

The Walled Flower

This is the second visit to Artisans Alley and Victoria Square and Katie Bonner has her hands full. A welcome to the neighborhood visit turns up more than new neighbors at the Victorian mansion Katie has been pining over. Soon Katie is juggling trying to help her friend Rose find closure over the murder of her niece, get an elderly bridezilla married and settle disputes between two vendors at Artisans Alley, all while trying to prevent becoming homeless!

Enjoyably narrated by Jorjeana Marie. I love I this series and this book.

Interesting and Terrifying Way to Die

An interesting mystery that pretty much made my skin crawl with thoughts of how the victim died. Otherwise, festive interactions of regular characters.

EXCELLENT Author, GOOD Narrator

Would you listen to The Walled Flower again? Why?

I would because I love Lorraine Bartlett's books. I'm not, however, too taken with Jorjeana Marie's narration. Even though she was clear, I don't like the way some people talk like they have a frog in their throat and need to clear it, or that they just got out of bed - she made some characters sound like that. And it was a little slow for me - I could read it much faster.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, Lorraine knows just how to keep a person on the edge of their seat by putting characters in scary situations.

Which character – as performed by Jorjeana Marie – was your favorite?

Katie - no frog throat for the most part.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A down home, cozy thriller!

Any additional comments?

I love Lorraine Bartlett's writing, and I highly recommend reading or listening to her books!

Disappointing

The protagonist transforms from a strong, confident woman to a pushover devoid of boundaries.

Entertaining and Enjoyable

This was very entertaining book. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.