Floral Arrangements and Fatal Vows: Why You Can’t Miss "To Have and To Homicide"

There is something inherently romantic about a wedding in a small town. The scent of fresh lilies, the delicate lace of a bridal veil, and the promise of a "happily ever after" usually fill the air. But for those of us who live for a bit of mystery, we know that where there is a high-stakes celebration, there is often a shadow lurking just behind the floral arch.

In the newly released To Have and To Homicide, the third and most thrilling installment of the Ivy Hill Flower Shop Mystery Series, the stakes have never been higher. If you’ve been following the journey of our intrepid amateur sleuth through the petals and thorns of Ivy Hill, you know that life in a flower shop is rarely just about arranging bouquets. Sometimes, it’s about digging up the dirt—literally.

A Wedding to Die For

The charm of a cozy mystery lies in the "cozy" atmosphere, and To Have and To Homicide delivers this in spades. Set against the backdrop of a high-profile wedding, the book invites readers back into the familiar, comforting, yet occasionally treacherous streets of Ivy Hill.

As the owner of the local flower shop, our protagonist is used to handling "bridezillas" and demanding mothers-of-the-groom. However, when the "I dos" turn into "Who dunnits," the floral arrangements aren't the only things being dissected. The contrast between the beauty of a wedding and the cold reality of a crime is what makes this specific trope so addictive.

Watch the official book trailer to get a glimpse into the mystery:

https://player.estage.com/1197e054-8e78-4579-8f1e-5853f14dcf4c

What Makes Ivy Hill So Special?

For those new to the series, the Ivy Hill Flower Shop mysteries are built on the pillars that cozy readers love most:

1. The Small-Town Atmosphere: Ivy Hill is the kind of place where everyone knows your name—and your business. This creates a rich tapestry of long-standing grudges, hidden romances, and secret histories that are ripe for exploration.
2. The Amateur Sleuth: There is a unique joy in watching someone use their professional skills to solve a crime. Just as a florist knows which flowers shouldn't be paired together, our hero knows when things in the community don't quite smell right.
3. The "No-Gore" Guarantee: Like all great cozies, the focus here is on the intellectual puzzle and the emotional journey of the characters. You get all the suspense and intrigue without the graphic violence, making it the perfect "curled up on the sofa" read.

Secrets Hidden in Plain Sight

In To Have and To Homicide, the mystery is tighter than a bridal corset. When a member of the wedding party is found dead, the celebration grinds to a halt. Was it a crime of passion? A long-held grudge finally boiling over? Or perhaps something more sinister involving the town’s elite?

As the third book in the series, we also see deeper character development. We aren't just solving a murder; we are checking in on friends. We see how the relationships in Ivy Hill have evolved, and we face the mounting pressure of a community that is starting to wonder if their picturesque town is becoming a magnet for trouble.

Start the Journey for Free

We know that choosing your next great read is a commitment. You want to ensure the "voice" of the book speaks to you and that the mystery grips you from the very first page. That is why, over at steventduff.com, we are offering a special preview for our visitors.

You can read Chapters 1 and 2 of To Have and To Homicide for free right now.

These opening chapters set the stage for the floral chaos to come. You’ll get a taste of the wedding preparations, meet the key players, and feel the tension building before the first petal even falls. It’s the perfect way to test the waters. We’re confident that by the time you reach the end of Chapter 2, you won’t be able to walk away from the mystery. You’ll want—no, you’ll need—to know what happens when the music stops and the investigation begins.

Why You Need This Book on Your Shelf

Whether you are a long-time resident of Ivy Hill or a first-time visitor, To Have and To Homicide is a must-read for any fan of the genre. It captures the essence of what makes a mystery "cozy" while delivering a complex, fast-paced plot that will keep you guessing until the final reveal.

The Ivy Hill Flower Shop Mystery Series has always been about the beauty of the community and the strength required to protect it. In this third outing, that theme is explored with more heart and humor than ever before. It’s a story about loyalty, the secrets we keep to protect the ones we love, and the truth that eventually blooms, no matter how deep it’s buried.

Claim Your Copy Today

Are you ready to head back to the flower shop? The doors are open, the coffee is on, and there’s a mystery that only you can help solve.

Don’t leave the bride at the altar and don’t leave this mystery unsolved. You can find To Have and To Homicide available right now on Amazon. If you want to dive into the atmosphere of Ivy Hill immediately, head over to the website to catch those free chapters and see the world for yourself.

The wedding of the season is about to begin. Will you be there to catch the bouquet—or the killer?

Click here to buy "To Have and To Homicide" on Amazon

Click here to read Chapters 1 & 2 for FREE at steventduff.com