Trouble in Bloom

Nina Quinn #4

by Heather Webber

A local landscaper finds herself in the weeds of multiple murder investigations as this cozy mystery series continues. When a TV producer is accused of sexual harassment, Nina Quinn and her boyfriend Bobby are roped into a scheme to catch him in the act. But appearing on his reality show leads to more drama than they expect when the producer turns up dead. Meanwhile, the sudden death of Nina’s kindly neighbor unearths the gambling den she’s been running out of her home! With murder and vice around every corner, Nina barely has time to keep her mind on her current project—installing an indoor garden at a local nursing home. It will take some expert juggling, as well as some undercover snooping, for Nina to save the day and restore some order to her always–tumultuous life!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Romance, Gardening, Chick Lit, Crime

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2007

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Heather Webber loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake.

Facebook author page:
Heather Webber Facebook

Facebook Bookaholics Group: Heather Blake Webber Bookaholics

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry in the Nina Quinn series. As always the secondary characters were terrific and feel like friends and family. I'm just really puzzled about the dullness of the cover colors on this one and the next; all the rest in series are sharp and bright. It's rather jarring. I have the next one downloaded and ready to go, regardless.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing this woman writes that I don't love. She is by far one of my favorite authors. In the 4th installment of her Nina Quinn gardening series, Nina and ex-boyfriend, Bobby have agreed to go undercover to help Bobby's lawyer cousin, Josh. They have agreed to go on a local dating show called Hitched or Ditched in which the audience decides if they should stay together or split. Things on the show are not right and when people on the set start dying. Nina is trying to reinvent herself while running her garden markeover business, remodel her house and deal with picketers who are keeping her construction team away. The book is a good read and flows well. I love the characters and storyline.

[Dlynn1116 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute series but this story line was dumb …. But I’m moving on to the next book anyway I like the characters

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in the Nina Quinn cozy mystery series

I really like this series, especially the main character. Nina is a sensible, nice business owner who has a big, nosy family (that she loves) and is a soft touch when it comes to giving ex-cons a second chance. This time she's on a reality show called Hitched or Ditched, kind of like a newlywed game. But she's undercover, and her partner is Bobby (the assistant principal ex that got away). As they sort of investigate the sexual harassment charges they've been tasked to check out, someone receives death threats, then there's a suspicious death. The "new Nina" is trying to improve herself and not get involved, but the "old Nina" wants to follow the trail and figure out what's going on. It's cute to watch her struggle with her natural tendencies. Great interactions with Kit, Ana, Brickhouse, and Riley. Also a couple of scenes with Kevin (the ex-husband), and a cliffhanger about him at the end. I can't wait to continue with this series to see what happens.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nina is the owner of a garden makeover business in Cincinnati, OH. She has found herself on a reality show, Hitched or Ditched, with her ex-boyfriend, Bobby. She agreed to help Bobby's friend gather information for a case he is working. Unfortunately, she finds herself in trouble in more ways than one.

I am finding it hard to write a review as I am still unsure if I liked this book or not. One reason I may have a hard time with this book is Trouble in Bloom is the fourth book in a series of seven. Another reason is the story seemed to have so much going on at one time. I personally felt like there were too many mysteries to solve. The last reason I was not crazy about the book is the main character Nina. She was too wishy washy for me. I like my main mystery characters strong.

Will I continue this series? A hesitant maybe. The ending left a cliff hanger that has my curiosity piqued. If I happened on the fifth book I would read it but I am not going out of my way to find the series.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself was good, but I'm getting tired of all the drama of her love life. I'd like more landscaping and less angst over her love life. I do enjoy the local references since I live in the general area where the book is set. Of course, the local Fox network is channel 19, not 18, but since the reporters are fictional the station probably needs to be fictional, too. It ended on a double cliffhanger. I'm glad I wasn't reading this serial as it was being written. It would be frustrating to wait for the next book.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but was never really sure where it was going. Maybe if I hadn't started at the fourth book in the series? The mystery seemed incidental to the story, which was more of a meandering exploration of a group of characters than a directed plot. I would have been willing to give the first book in the series a shot to see if it made a difference, but the lack of resolution to this one ultimately changed my mind. 2.5 stars.

[Allison Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots happening in Nina land. I enjoyed the reality show background, which is odd as I'd rather chew off my own arm than watch a show like Hitched or Ditched. I've never met a personal trainer who would let you give up on cardio or weights after one day, but then again, these stories aren't real. Glad the house is fixed, glad Bobby is back, hope the Kit mystery is solved soon.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous books in this series. This one seems more chic lit, with mystery being secondary. There wasn't even a dead body until half way through the book. Also, there was just way too much focus on sex.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed. I liked that we got to know Nina more.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, not quite as good. And the blurb on the back gave away too much. But it got better. Then cliffhanger!

[Karyn Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, thin on mystery, but great characters that if was fun to visit with again. Loved seeing Nina, Riley, Bobby, and Kit and Ana.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in this series so far. I actually laughed out loud a few times.

[Truitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying listening to Anna's inner voice about her relationships.

[Monti Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series with adorable characters

[Jacque Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read Heather Webber tells a wonderful story and includes mystery and romance along with Family and friendship. Can’t wait to read the next book about Nina Quinn and her adventures.

[Emily Gleason · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s was fluff, but a good escape read.

[Martha Pilarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Webber’s books never disappoint! I’m always on the edge of my seat and hate putting her books down just to go to bed. Another AWESOME book in the Nina Quinn series .

[Noreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

light fluffy murder mystery.

[Aurian Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina has been getting over her heart break of Bobby MacKenna leaving for a new job in another state, and trying to rediscover herself, find out what she wants and needs in life. And now he is back in town to help his grandfather find a new place to stay. Bobby has also promised to help his lawyer cousin with a case, and so Bobby and Nina are a pretend couple in the tv show: hitched or ditched. The camera will follow both of them for a week in their usual life, and they have daily shoots at the studio, with some intimate questions. The audience will then vote at the end of the week, are they a couple truly in love, or should they ditch the other. There is also a great gay couple in the show, and I really enjoy how Perry gives Nina a make over, and how she likes the new her.

It is very hard for Nina to keep refusing Bobby, as she still has feelings for him, and he is very persistent in wanting back in her bed. But what future do they have if he is living so far away? And she also still has feelings for her ex-husband Kevin, who cheated on her with his partner. Her house is still a huge mess, thanks to her mother and her remodelling ideas, so Nina has been sleeping on the sofa for months now.

The hostess of the show is getting death threats, but is this real, or is she faking it to get higher ratings? After all, there is also a journalist from another tv station on scene, taping segments for his own show. Nina being her nosy self, soon finds out that all is not cozy with the people from the tv show. They all seem to be cheating on each other, so when the hostess is found dead in the hot tub, there are suspects everywhere. Nina wouldn’t be Nina if she would not try to solve the case herself. Especially after the second body pops up ...


I really enjoy this gardening series by Heather Webber. This time it is a bit light on the gardening, only one small project in a very high end nursing home. But there is some intrigue with her employee Kit, whose relationship is going down the drain. And Kit ending up at Nina’s house is the best thing that ever happened to Nina, as he sets her house to rights in no time.

As usual, Nina’s gorgeous cousin Ana goes after the most handsome man on the set, seeing Hollywood in her future already. I really love the little interaction between Nina and her neighbours and I admit, I am so happy her mother and sister are not my relatives. Those two are really ditzy, although Maria has a very important clue for them in the end.

The discovery of the murderer did surprise me; I honestly did not know who to vote for. But the book ended with a major cliffhanger concerning Nina and her relationship, and I have no idea what will happen next, or what/who I want for her. I will have to read the next one soon to find out.

9 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

[Robin DeJarnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

As disappointed as I was at the end of the previous book in this series, Digging Up Trouble, I really enjoyed this book. The murderer reveal was still short - Nina apparently isn't into confrontational Sherlock Holmes-type 'and the murderer is...' type conclusions - but she thought more about this one and figured it out. More satisfying.

As in the previous book, I loved the main character, Nina Quinn. She's still snarky, going on her own mission of self-discovery in this book. The other characters enjoyed more attention this time, Kit, Brickhouse, Riley, and of course, Bobby. This story had more UST (google it 8-), and the ending - as in the last page - was...well I can't spoil it for you.

The hardest question is, do you need to read the previous book to get the most out of this one? The previous book is book 3 in the series, and I picked it up with no problem. Nina was transitioning from her ex-hubby to new boyfriend in book 3, and Bobby (the boyfriend) plays more of a role in this book, #4 in the series. Though book 3 isn't my favorite, I would recommend you peruse it first, get to know Nina, then really savor this book.

Now I need to read #5, then go back and catch #1 and #2. Gotta hit the used book store next week!

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nina Quinn never goes looking for trouble, but for some reason, it always seems to come looking for her! This time, Nina and her boyfriend Bobby have gotten coerced into helping a sleazy lawyer acquaintance entrap a local TV producer. It seems that the producer is suspected of sexual harassment, and Nina and Bobby agree to appear on his reality show in order to catch him in the act. But when the producer turns up dead, Nina finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.

And that's only the tip of the iceberg. While plant–sitting for a friend, Nina stumbles upon a stash of marijuana growing in the woman's closet. That leads Nina to a local holistic healing center, where it looks like there's a little bit of 'extracurricular' activity taking place. And speaking of illicit goings–on, Nina's seemingly benign neighbor, Mrs. Deibel, turns up dead, exposing the gambling den she's been running out of her home!

With murder and vice around every corner, Nina barely has time to keep her mind on her current project––installing an indoor garden at a local nursing home. It will take some expert juggling, as well as some undercover snooping, for Nina to put an end to all of the madness and restore some sort of order to her always–tumultuous life!

[Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an adorable cozy series that it's really getting me back into reading cozies after an almost year-long hiatus. (I think that's the mark of a great author, one who makes you want to plow through the genre because you're enjoying it so much while reading their stories.)

Nina is such a fun, endearing character, but what really makes the story for me is the cast of side characters that populate the stories. Each of them are so distinctive, and their interactions with Nina and each other make these books quick reads for me. Even characters like Brickhouse, who could easily be annoying, somehow come off as pleasantly quirky when written by Ms. Webber's deft hand.

The romance in this book was a bit stronger than in the previous ones, which was perfect for me. Bobby is such an adorable love interest. Who would have thought winking could be so sexy?

The cliffhanger at the end of this was the worst! And none of my local bookstores have it in stock, so I was forced to order it online, meaning I'm on the edge of my seat until I get my hands on the next one.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book by Heather Webber where I felt annoyed by the ending. I need to read the next book, ASAP! :D No spoilers, though...

In this book, Nina and her on-again off-again boyfriend, Bobby, are participating in a reality show. The producer has been suspected of sexual harassment, and they are working undercover to see if there is any truth in it. This being a Nina Quinn book, of course, the producer ends up dead and Nina starts her investigation.

It's an enjoyable book, my one comment is that Heather Webber's starting to annoy me in one aspect. Nina's detective husband, Kevin (with whom she's in the process of divorcing) has a partner called Ginger Barlow. The reason for Nina and Kevin divorcing is that Nina found lipstick on Kevin's boxers, and she knows it's from Ginger. In ALL four books that I've read, she keeps referring to Ginger as "Ginger Ho, err...Barlow". Get over it, the joke's getting old!

[Pooch · Rating 1 out of 5]

After struggling through 165 pages of this book, I skimmed through to the end. Nina Quinn finds herself involved in a weakly written tome in Book 4 of this series set on a reality TV program. Of course, there's murder, her uncertain romantic status, and many short, choppy sentences. The writing put me off and made me wonder if the author struggled to get this book written. This was an unpleasant reading experience for me because the writing simply did not flow. If you're a Nina Quinn fan, you might want to skip this not-so-cozy book.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy mysteries are like candy for me...really light tasty candy. TROUBLE IN BLOOM is a tasty bit of confection.
Poor Nina Quinn has it rough in this outing. Her house is under siege by picketers and all she wants to do is get her house renovations underway. She has her ex almost out of the picture and her honey is back in town....all Nina has to do is play along in a reality show...what could possibly go wrong?

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books in this series are always full of surprising incidents and this one is no different.

Nina, the Sleuth is messed up in a Reality TV show and there goes a murder or??? Meanwhile there are other mysteries that catch her attention, although, she does her best to try and stay out of things.

Then there is the personal relationship confusion filled with humor....

This is a lovely book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather's writing is so easy to digest and I mean that in the best possible way. Her characters are relate-able and believe-able. I like this serious, but this book made me really enjoy the characters. I still don't know how to feel about Bobby and how could I with the CLIFFHANGER! Good thing I can start the next book right away! :)

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, this series just gets better and better! I loved the complications in this one and how Nina's world is turned upside down. The great thing about a series is, not everything has to be tied up in a neat and tidy bow by the end of the book. This one definitely hanging and I almost screamed when I turned the page and realized it was the last one.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know about this series. The 1st one was good then the author adds more and more characters with each book. Some continue through, some are just in 1 book, but it is too many for me to keep up with. A 200 page book should not have 200 characters.