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Dead Cereus: A charming, fast-paced cozy culinary mystery (Heather Moore Adventures Mystery Series) Kindle Edition

4.0 out of 5 stars 76 ratings

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—FIRST PLACE 2022 Winter Pinnacle Book Awards in Romance—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—FIRST PLACE 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in Romance —⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—FIRST PLACE 2022 BookFest Awards in Humorous—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—FINALIST 2022 Book Excellence Awards in Romance—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—SECOND PLACE 2022 Bookfest Awards in Girls & Women—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—SILVER AWARD 2022 Literary Titan Book Awards—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—HONORABLE MENTION 2022 BookFest Awards in Coming of Age—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


"A perfect blend of cozy-mystery and sweet-romance, Dead Cereus by Kira Seamonis an extraordinary read."
~ RECOMMENDED
by Chick-lit Cafe.

"Seamon is a master at creating atmospheric settings, and cozy mystery lovers will find it easy to fall under her spell. An appealing, witty heroine, a gem of a leading man, and a well-constructed setting and plot make this one a must-read for both mystery lovers and fans of chick-lit literature."
~The Prairies Book Review

Attention Chick-Lit fans! This Chick-Lit story is . . . lit! You’ve read the rest, now read the best!
Dead Cereus earned seven, count ‘em, seven book awards!
Why did it earn awards? This book takes a three-pronged approach.

STORY:
Holly Jackson could be the next rising star in horticulture. On a perfect moonlit night, the rare night-blooming cereus plant is scheduled to open its petals during the much anticipated Annual Night Lights Gala. A famous chocolate maker is the featured guest, there is enough food to die for, and Holly is hosting it all.
What could possibly go wrong?
It’s all honeysuckle and roses until a wily and clever killer shows up and suddenly everything goes roots up.
Is Holly the only one brave enough to follow the clues and bring about justice?

ROMANCE & HUMOR:

Why romance awards? Because Holly and William are a very special couple. Bonded together at the instinctual level, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. Enjoy their super sweet romance and don’t you dare miss the last chapter. The most satisfying and charming ending you’ve read in a long time.
Wall-to-wall humor power this unique and extraordinary read. Hysterical scenes and super witty dialogue will leave you laughing and craving a sequel. Luckily for you, Book 2 is on its way!
Laugh out loud funny, this book has charmed its way to ten glowing editorial reviews, features, and recommendations from industry leaders, and seven awards.

Dead Cereus is the super funny and fast-paced debut novel from critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling author Kira Seamon. Full of breathtaking exotic plants and flowers, charming characters, Shakespearean pranks, adventures with entertaining animals, and sensational culinary delights, this addictive story is a breath of fresh air & can’t help but implant itself in your heart and grow into one of your favorite reads!
See what all the buzz is about.
Become a ‘Cereus’ reader and pick up a copy today!

Quotes from editorial reviews:
"...humorous, multilayered plot twists, and an old-fashioned sweet romance make this book an a
ppealing read for romance and mystery enthusiasts, who will undoubtedly want to see more work from this debut author."
~ RECOMMENDED by the US Review

"...Fans of sleuth will love this story . . . is hugely entertaining with the fully drawn and quirky characters and the unpredictable plot points . . .
A great winner for a debut author."
~ The Book Commentary

"...Dead Cereus is also highly recommended for any library interested in a cozy story that operates beyond the usual small-town depictions."
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Editorial Reviews

Review

~Kirkus Reviews
"The novel, told through Holly's third-person perspective, juggles mystery, humor, and factoids about the science and art of horticulture, and offers a well-paced tale, to boot."

~THE BOOK COMMENTARY FIVE STAR REVIEW
Securing a scholarship, defeating a rival, and catching a murderer in a single night is definitely impossible, but Holly Jackson is determined to do it all in the thrilling adventure in
Dead Cereus.
Mischievous Holly Jackson is excited to be there at Shellesby College's Night Lights Gala to attain her scholarship and watch the rare night-blooming plant cereus open its petals. She has an arch-nemesis, Ivy Berkeley, and she is determined to beat her, but things take a drastic turn when something highly disturbing occurs on the most awaited night. Holly's enthusiasm and excitement turn sour when she witnesses the murder of a guest right before her very eyes. Nevertheless, Holly is a determined and brave young woman who resolves to find the killer to win the scholarship at any cost. Together with the help of her loyal grad student boyfriend, William, she must befriend her rival to find the killer and save her scholarship. But will Holly be able to save her life, the life of her rival, win the scholarship, and catch the murderer all in one night?
Dead Cereus by Kira Seamon is a highly thrilling tale following the disaster-prone protagonist, Holly, who is an absolute dear even though she has a dreadful ability to wreak havoc. Seamon is a debut writer with a brilliant talent for creating a captivating narrative wins readers with its witticism, nuanced characters, and cunning plot. The prose is gorgeous and the narrative voice is strong. In Dead Cereus, readers will follow Holly into an exciting night of adventure and intrigue as she and William, an admirable and caring young botanist, look for the killer on campus grounds.
Kira Seamon writes interesting details into the narrative, bringing life into the story with botanical details and creating characters that are not only sophisticated but unforgettable. The plot is twisty, opening with a strong premise and propelled forward by the author's deft handling of intrigue and suspense. The inner world of the characters is expertly explored, especially that of the female protagonist, a world brimming with internal conflict. The narrative is filled with manic energy and it never lacks the humor that keeps readers going through the story from one focused scene to the next.
Dead Cereus is satisfyingly terrifying, laced with adventure, and haunting in an intoxicating kind of way. The author introduces a protagonist that readers will adore and a daring assignment that keeps them alert as they watch to see how it all ends.
REVIEWED BY FRANKLIN BAUERReview Date: January 8, 2022
Category: Young Adult - Mystery

~MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Cozy mystery readers who look for more than a light dose of humor that permeates unexpected conundrums will relish the tone and style of
Dead Cereus, which packs a punch with puns, perplexing situations, and plants.
The rare night-blooming cereus plant will blossom at a gala planned to celebrate its opening, but audiences attracted to the spectacle include a clever killer who challenges Holly's life. Her scholarship at Shellesby College is on the line, but blows to her reputation and life goals set her adrift as her plot to become Professor Ogletree's intern goes awry.
She joins forces with William Smith, a sexy master gardener who takes care of all the rare plants and woos her with meals, plants, and passion, but the elusive killer keeps them guessing as the threats mount.
As romance, amazing food, and deadly struggles ensue, readers will find Kira Seamon's sense of humor spices events to create a spunky, determined, beautiful, amazing character whose close encounters are vividly depicted.
The result is a story that excels in the unexpected, from the twists and turns Holly takes in pursuit of her different goals to the plant- and food-driven plot which embraces gardening and romance alike.
Readers who like passion, plants, and love stories are in for a treat with a cozy mystery that is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Dead Cereus is also highly recommended for any library interested in a cozy story that operates beyond the usual small-town depictions.

~THE PRAIRIES BOOK REVIEW
Witty, thoroughly endearing, and greatly entertaining
"Seamon weaves the magic of traditional mystery and delightful romance into an intriguing storyline, taking readers on an exhilarating journey of a young woman's struggle to sort out her academic life while stuck in the middle of a murder investigation. Holly Jackson is at the end of her rope: her parents have disowned her, and the college director doesn't like her. With her scholarship at Shellesby College hanging by the thinnest thread, Holly knows she must be at her best at the college's Night Lights Gala. But when Holly witnesses a murder, her life turns upside down. She must race against time to save her arch nemesis, secure her scholarship, and catch the murderer. Seamon is an excellently descriptive writer, sprinkling the narrative with images of herbal teas and concoctions at the Botanical college of Providence's greenhouse ("ice cream from the college's fresh vanilla beans, exotic teas, yummy dishes"), endearing relationship between Holly and William, and exotic plants and herbs ("shell ginger grove with its clusters of yellow and white flowers, the exotic Venus flytrap, the intimidating Rainforest Room"). Seamon takes her time setting up the story, and it's only after a while that a major twist (Holly loses her internship to Ivy) heats up the things, and the pacing picks up. From there, the intriguing tale moves rapidly as a murder and an attempted kidnapping throw Holly into the middle of a dark web of long-buried secrets and sinister motives. Seamon's engaging narrative places readers right in the middle of a quirky landscape that's awash with vibrant academic life and cozy warmth of individual connections. The mystery of the professor's bizarre murder is at the dark heart of an unfolding human drama that will leave readers reeling, and the plot is layered and nuanced. Holly, with all her obvious faults remains a solidly engaging character. William is an absolute darling. The plot is tight and propulsive and the finale hearteningly satisfying. While the prose gets choppy at times, Seamon is a master at creating atmospheric settings, and cozy mystery lovers will find it easy to fall under her spell. An appealing, witty heroine, a gem of a leading man, and well-constructed setting and plot make this one a must-read for both mystery lovers and fans of chick-lit literature. Readers will look forward to more of Holly and William's adventures."

~
THE BOOKVIEW FIVE STAR REVIEW
"Quirky, intriguing characters take a wild ride through the academic streets of the prestigious Berkeley College in this irresistible mystery by the debut author Seamon. The Shellesby college's Night Lights Gala is Holly Jackson's chance to secure her scholarship. But when murder of a visiting guest occurs right before Holly's eyes, her dream of getting her scholarship secured seems to be shattering in pieces. But Holly is one determined young woman. If she needs to catch the murderer in order to get her scholarship, she is ready to do that as well. William, utterly caring and genuinely likeable, and Holly, a total darling despite her panache for creating havoc around her, make for a winning pair of protagonists. Readers will find them thoroughly irresistible. Seamon layers her story with wit and verve, expertly mining Holly's proneness to disasters, her endearing relationship with William, and the secrets that simmer under the surface. Human drama, individual struggles, love, secrets, and wit and romance abound, and the atmospheric setting and tight plotting keep the reader engrossed. Layered, nuanced plotting and engaging characters power a lighthearted, witty mystery. Seamon is an author to watch."

~
US REVIEW OF BOOKS
Dead Cereus
by Kira Seamon
book review by Kate Robinson
"In the greenhouse, we don't learn from our mistakes. We grow from them!"
"Food, flowers, fun, and a chocolatey murder light up this cozy mystery/romance novel. "With her scholarship at Shellesby College hanging by the thinnest thread," sparky undergrad Holly Jackson must find a way to redeem herself in the eyes of Director and Professor Emeritus Ashton Berkeley. He also just happens to be Ivy Berkeley's father, Holly's gorgeous rival who seems to have everything Holly lacks—except Holly's loyal grad student boyfriend, William Smith. Will has eyes only for "Hurricane Holly," but that doesn't stop Ivy from batting her eyes at him any chance she gets.
Holly must secure Berkeley's favor to end her academic probation and compete with Ivy for a coveted internship with Professor Ogletree, a controversial chocolate industry magnate, by acing her assignment as organizer and emcee at the upcoming Night Lights Gala. The conclusion of the annual event is held in the prestigious college greenhouse complex as the rare night-blooming cereus cactus is scheduled to bloom. But when Holly engages in another wildly entertaining mishap involving Ivy and herbal teas while the body of Professor Ogletree is found outside after a scuffle, she's forced to befriend her rival and solve the murder or face the loss of her scholarship.
Seamon's writing is at its best when she delves into her atmospheric descriptions of flora and botanical plants and the luscious natural foods and drinks concocted from plant ingredients (recipes are included in the back). All of the plants are found within the varied landscapes of the college greenhouse complex. Interesting characterizations, humorous, multilayered plot twists, and an old-fashioned sweet romance make this book an appealing read for romance and mystery enthusiasts, who will undoubtedly want to see more work from this debut author."
RECOMMENDED by the US Review

~THE READERS' FAVORITE FIVE STAR REVIEW
"Dead Cereus by Kira Seamon is a cozy mystery with just the right touch of romance. The book starts off with incredibly upbeat energy and fast pacing that the author maintains throughout the story. The reader cannot help but be delighted by the main character, Holly, and her string of mishaps, mayhem and moments of brilliance. Creating a main character that is both relatable and also admirable is not an easy feat, but author Kira Seamon manages to do just that in her book, Dead Cereus. Supporting characters add to the flow of events and encourage dialogue that is both witty and zany. The mystery becomes apparent and really takes off a little way into the story, but it is well worth reading the setup and character introductions in the opening chapters to reach the first major plot twist.
Dead Cereus by Kira Seamon both surprised and intrigued me. The author was able to create an entire world without bogging the reader down with unnecessary details. She combined fascinating information about plants with the interesting dialog and good pacing that kept the story moving forward. The author kept the list of characters to a manageable level and cleverly tied their motives and personalities into the mishaps and murders within the story. The eventual friendship between the main character, Holly, and her arch-enemy, Ivy, toward the end of the story was a lovely touch and just one of the many reasons the reader will like the main character and cheer for her throughout each chapter. I will hope for more books that bring the characters back for another mystery."

~THE BOOKLIFE PRIZE REVIEW
"This alluring mystery offers a brush of romance and plentiful humor, combined with abundant details about rare plants and gardening. The plot moves briskly and evenly and will keep readers engaged. The main character is energetic and enthusiastic. Side characters are well crafted and great fun. The inclusion of recipes from the novel's event is a nice touch. The focus on plant life, paired with a mystery, allows this novel to stand apart."

~LITERARY TITAN FOUR STAR REVIEW
"Throughout the mystery thriller, the characters reflect human feelings in different ways and emerge as unpredictable at times. There are many delightful botany puns within the witty conversations between William, the admired and brilliant young botanist, and Holly, the impulsive and powerful woman which greatly contributes to the romance thriller.
Throughout this enchanting story, readers will enjoy the puns used by the botanists, especially in naming their pets and loved ones. If you are seeking a humorous romance thriller, or cozy mystery novel,
Dead Cereus will herb your enthusiasm with its ardent characters and thrilling plot."

From the Inside Flap

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09LPJPWSL
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kira Seamon (January 18, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 76 ratings

About the author

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Kira Seamon
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Award-winning author Kira Seamon writes utterly charming cozy mysteries filled with unforgettable characters and brimming with humor. As a fresh and funny voice in the genre, her addictive style of writing entertains readers across the globe.

She has a background in nature photography, and her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, on the radio and on TV. Her art earned cultural council grants and was accepted and sold at national and regional juried art shows. A perfect day for her might include exploring in the woods near her home in Boston, MA. She loves cooking, and her favorite meal is pasta with vegetables. She never met an avocado she didn't like!

Her writings—including her short stories, memoir, and travel tales—have recently appeared in an anthology and have been featured in five magazines in the US and U.K. Dead Cereus is her debut novel, and it was #1 in 12 categories on Amazon during its initial release, including in the Free Kindle Store and in new release categories. It also earned five star editorial reviews, a First Place award from Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, and a Silver award from Literary Titan.

join her on Facebook @ Author Kira Seamon

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Sign-up for her newsletter and receive all the latest news about current and future releases @ www.kiraseamonauthor.com

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
76 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy culinary mystery for its seductively suspenseful story filled with drama and light absurdity. The book features terrific protagonists and stunning pacing, with one review highlighting the fascinating details of the campus setting. Customers appreciate the writing quality, with one noting its realism, and find it appropriate for all ages.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

9 customers mention "Suspenseful story"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of the book, describing it as a fun mystery filled with drama.

"...relationships and readers will enjoy the high school drama, the dash of romance, and the realism that is infused into the writing...." Read more

"...The tale is stunning and helps the audience immerse themselves in a mysterious work in a way that delivers the type of experience that a reader..." Read more

"...takes readers on a voyage that is awe-inspiring and poised in all elements of storytelling, from the delicacies of the Botanical College of..." Read more

"...And indeed, the plot satisfies, drawing you in .... I decline to provide any spoilers about the excellent climax.... However, the author serves an..." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it heartwarming and full of light absurdity that keeps them smiling.

"...is the author’s deft handling of relationships and readers will enjoy the high school drama, the dash of romance, and the realism that is infused..." Read more

"...The character development is distinct and meaningful, centered on how life may throw us into the most unexpected situations without warning...." Read more

"...Seamon takes readers on a voyage that is awe-inspiring and poised in all elements of storytelling, from the delicacies of the Botanical College of..." Read more

"Dead Cereus is sweet, salty and full of zest! I found it beyond fun and entertaining, reveling in the luscious details as I read, savoring the..." Read more

4 customers mention "Narrative quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrative quality of the book, with its terrific protagonists, and one customer finds it intriguing to follow the young protagonist.

"...The characters are sophisticated and it is intriguing to follow the young protagonist as she races against time to stop a killer...." Read more

"...The character development is distinct and meaningful, centered on how life may throw us into the most unexpected situations without warning...." Read more

"...her companion William is appealing, and the two together make terrific protagonists who push the plot along with unexpected twists and turns...." Read more

"...The characters are very likable and the story is fun, youthful and uplifting. Cant wait to see what’s next from Kira on the horizon." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the vivid descriptions of food and flora, while another notes the fascinating details of the campus setting.

"...The plot is ingeniously imagined and the setting on campus grounds is written with fascinating details...." Read more

"...I found it beyond fun and entertaining, reveling in the luscious details as I read, savoring the sensuous descriptions of food and flora, and..." Read more

"...see a mystery, entwined with soft, wonderful romance, within the amazing setting of a university's amazing botanical garden,..." Read more

"...is an expert in this environment and all of the details create a very rich setting...." Read more

3 customers mention "Age range"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is appropriate for all ages.

"...crafted a spellbinding tale that will entertain young readers and any older person looking for a fun read...." Read more

"...Appropriate for all ages, Seamon has a smooth narrative style, laced with humor, that sets the reader's mind at ease, and compels them through the..." Read more

"...The characters are very likable and the story is fun, youthful and uplifting. Cant wait to see what’s next from Kira on the horizon." Read more

3 customers mention "Nature"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the natural elements in the book, with one mentioning the flora and trees.

"...It's full of wit, affection, and natural aspects like flora and delicacies that will make any reader ponder and reflect...." Read more

"...While some of the information about the greenhouses and the plants was interesting, there was way too much detail. I skimmed a lot of it...." Read more

"Although this book had a lot of interesting about different flowers, trees, plants & herbs in the special habitat settings...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting its smooth narrative style and another mentioning its flawless editing.

"...the high school drama, the dash of romance, and the realism that is infused into the writing...." Read more

"...Dead Cereus is a narrative that is written to perfection. It is an epic romance, mystery, and fantasy all rolled into one...." Read more

"...Appropriate for all ages, Seamon has a smooth narrative style, laced with humor, that sets the reader's mind at ease, and compels them through the..." Read more

Cannot help but smile!
5 out of 5 stars
Cannot help but smile!
This tale was such a delight to read. Here, we see a mystery, entwined with soft, wonderful romance, within the amazing setting of a university's amazing botanical garden, Appropriate for all ages, Seamon has a smooth narrative style, laced with humor, that sets the reader's mind at ease, and compels them through the story. This book would make a most excellent film, as the authors gives us lucid visualizations through her descriptions. In the gardens, I could feel the humidity, smell the soil in the air, and THAT'S what champion writing does! Five stars! Well done! Flawlessly edited and presented in a naturally smooth narrative that kept me smiling. Good form. I highly recommend!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2022
    On the night of Shellesby College’s gala, one important event is supposed to capture the attention of everyone: a rare cereus plant is expected to open its petals. But something sinister lurks in the dark, a murderer. When things get out of hand, Holly Jackson, a girl whose mischief seems to follow her trail, finds herself racing against time to catch a killer and secure her scholarship. Does she have what it takes to catch the killer? Time is running out, and pretty fast!

    Kira Seamon has crafted a spellbinding tale that will entertain young readers and any older person looking for a fun read. The plot is ingeniously imagined and the setting on campus grounds is written with fascinating details. The characters are sophisticated and it is intriguing to follow the young protagonist as she races against time to stop a killer. One of the things I adored in this novel is the author’s deft handling of relationships and readers will enjoy the high school drama, the dash of romance, and the realism that is infused into the writing. Kira Seamon has a narrative voice that grabs the reader’s attention throughout this seductively suspenseful story. You will love Holly through every page of the story and will root for her as the suspense grows stronger.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2022
    This was quite an interesting book and different from most cozies that I read, but it has all of the characteristics of a cozy such as an amateur sleuth, a mystery to solve, and a small-town setting.

    Holly is on thin ice with the president of the college and has a tumultuous relationship with his daughter, Ivy. They compete with each other for everything and it doesn't look like a truce is in sight. Not until she shares a special tea with Ivy that changes everything.

    At first, I didn't think that this was a cozy because while there is a murder we know who the killer is right off the bat. However, when something happens to Ivy, Holly rushes off to help her and seems to throw caution to the wind and not involve anyone else in her plans. Or she keeps them in the dark, like her boyfriend William. William is on her side but they have an odd relationship. While he will do anything for her and to protect her, sometimes he treats her like a child. Granted, Holly acts like a child a lot of the time and one of my favorite lines is when Williams tells her she is acting like an eight-year-old having a tantrum. This statement is very true and creates an unlikeable character in Holly, but she does have a big heart and wants to help those around her. Despite that, he does love her and they do seem to have a fairytale romance.

    The setting is amazing and while I do not have a green thumb, I admire those that do. The descriptions of the plants, the greenhouse, the butterfly garden, and the herb garden were detailed and I enjoyed the fun facts about the various plants and flowers. 

    We enjoyed this story and the recipes at the end (don't miss those!) and give it 4 paws up.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
    Holly Jackson's college scholarship is already in jeopardy, and on top of that, she is at odds with some of the institution's most illustrious donors. The Shellesby Scholarship, which will allow her to attend the elite college, is now her sole chance at redemption. Holly is expected to put on a scintillating performance at the Night Lights Gala, but being the greatest choice isn't the only thing on her mind. Her arch-rival is also present, and she has her sights set not only on the scholarship prize but also on Holly's boyfriend William. Furthermore, there is a serial killer present at the gathering. Holly had hoped to land an internship at a well-known chocolatier, but things don’t go as planned. In an unusual turn of events, she finds herself having to track down the killer, save her biggest competitor, and impress the scholarship committee all at the same time.
    Dead Cereus is a narrative that is written to perfection. It is an epic romance, mystery, and fantasy all rolled into one. It represents a one-of-a-kind journey through life that combines competition, love, companionship, and criminal intent. It's full of wit, affection, and natural aspects like flora and delicacies that will make any reader ponder and reflect. The character development is distinct and meaningful, centered on how life may throw us into the most unexpected situations without warning. The tale is stunning and helps the audience immerse themselves in a mysterious work in a way that delivers the type of experience that a reader seeks in a good novel.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2022
    I really don't know why I finished this book. I didn't care for Holly at all. I found her a bit dim-witted. She gets herself into all sorts of ridiculous situations. Her boyfriend, William, was overbearing and talked to her like she was a child. He was domineering. IMO, it was absurd that Holly got suspended and William went to her professor and talked him into what her extra credit assignment would be. William had no standing to interfere. I've never heard of anyone being called a Director at a college so I have no idea what Berkeley's position really was. He was apparently in charge of everything and made unilateral decisions based on his dislike of Holly. William and Holly heard a murder occur but never told the police. Holly witnessed a murder and never told the police what she saw. Both murders were just sort of glossed over. Holly's friendship with Ivy didn't ring true knowing they had been enemies for years. Her rescue of Ivy was over-the-top absurd. While some of the information about the greenhouses and the plants was interesting, there was way too much detail. I skimmed a lot of it. Same with the speakers at the reception. More emphasis should have been spent on developing the characters and less on the plants.
    8 people found this helpful
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