Nikki had just broken up with her long time boyfriend when Abby signed the two of them up for an evening of speed dating (with Nikki along for moral support and screening purposes only). Nikki broke one of the rules and gave Jonas her personal information, which may now be her undoing.

There is a lot of circumstantial evidence that points to Nikki, but Abby can't believe she did it, and neither can Nikki's attorney, Dave, who hires private eye Marco to investigate and prove Nikki's innocence. All three order Abby to stay out of the investigation, but when it looks like the DA's going to the grand jury, they change their tune. So Abby jumps in with both feet, talking to the organizer of the event and to other participants, quickly learning that there were many people, mostly women, who had it in for Jonas Treat.

Abby also has her hands full at the shop, aside from the usual January slump; her right hand woman Lottie has been hospitalized, leaving Abby and her other helper Grace, a little short. Abby's cousin Jill, a personal shopper with a little time on her hands, jumps right in to help, but only wants to do things her way and the way she wants them done, making things a little crazy at Bloomers.

Abby and Marco are also trying to find alone time, but at the same time, keep their trip a secret from their families who will be sending out wedding invitations if they think the couple has reunited.

A fun, fast-paced mystery, Evil in Carnations continues the great series featuring law school drop-out (well, kick-out), Abby and her bar-owning, private detective, hot, hot, hot Marco. The couple's families are very funny as they look for clues that a wedding is in their future and think they've solved their own mystery. Jill is annoying, but at the same time there is something endearing about her. There are plenty of suspects, and though Jonas was a real creep and readers won't understand why so many women thought themselves in love with him, there is a trail of broken hearts, one of which will lead Abby and Marco to the murderer. Even after the mystery seems solved, there is one last twist. A family outing to remember wraps up Abby and Marco's latest, but to be sure, they'll be back, better than ever.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry