Top 12 Kate Collins Books

Thomas Valencia
12 min readJul 13, 2024

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Welcome to our article roundup featuring the incredible works of Kate Collins. Kate’s books offer a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and intrigue that will captivate readers of all ages. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming love stories, Kate’s literary talent shines through in every page. In this review, we’ll be diving into some of Kate’s most beloved novels, discussing what sets them apart, and why you won’t want to miss out on her exceptional storytelling.

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1. Mum’s the Word

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A Flower Shop Mystery

In the charming town of Willow Creek, Abby Knight cherishes her family-run flower shop, Blossoms & Blooms, but she’s under siege by a ruthless competitor. When one of Abby’s rare and precious vintage Corvettes becomes the unsuspecting victim of a vicious hit-and-run, she sets her sights on finding the culprit. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Abby discovers that her hunt for justice may cost her more than she bargained for.

“Mum’s the Word” by acclaimed author Kate Collins takes readers on a thrilling journey through a tight-knit community with secrets and lies lurking around every corner. Join Abby as she unravels the web of deception and fearlessly confronts the forces that threaten her beloved flower shop and her own life. This riveting first book in the Flower Shop Mystery series will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: November 02, 2004
  • Page Count: 304.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Dearly Depotted

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A Flower Shop Mystery

“Dearly Depotted” by Kate Collins transports readers to a whirlwind wedding of unforgettable proportions. As Abby struggles to juggle her roles as florist, bridesmaid, and grandmother-sitter at her cousin Jillian’s wedding, she finds herself in the midst of an unexpected and chilling mystery. When the groom’s 90-year-old grandmother disappears from the reception, Abby discovers the lifeless body of guest Jack Snyder — a sinister twist that thrusts her into the labyrinthine heart of a murder investigation.

Collins masterfully weaves together the elements of love, loss, and unexpected danger in this delightful addition to her ‘Flower Shop Mystery’ series. With a rich cast of characters, a vibrant wedding setting, and a gripping plot that leaves you guessing until the very end, “Dearly Depotted” will keep readers enthralled until the final page. Come immerse yourself in Abby’s enchanting adventure — just be prepared to wear a hideous dress along the way.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: July 05, 2005
  • Page Count: 308.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. Bring on the Books for Everybody

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How Literary Culture Became Popular Culture

Bring on the Books for Everybody is a thought-provoking exploration of the evolution of literary culture into a popular phenomenon in the United States. Jim Collins takes readers on a journey through the transformative impact of Oprah’s Book Club, film adaptations, superstore bookshops, and digital technologies on the reading experience.

Through Collins’s analysis, we learn how literary fiction has blossomed into best-selling, high-concept entertainment and how the reader’s landscape has been reshaped. The book delves into the cultural changes that have fostered a thriving reading public and how the literary experience has been redefined in various forms, such as film adaptations of The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love, and customer communities at Amazon.

By examining bestsellers like The Jane Austen Book Club and Literary and Longing in L. A. , Collins demonstrates how the refined taste is now easily accessible and how reading has become intertwined with consumer culture. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the changing nature of literary culture and its impact on society.

  • Authors: Jim Collins
  • Publisher: Duke University Press
  • Published Date: June 30, 2010
  • Page Count: 300.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Criticism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Yews with Caution

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In Yews with Caution, Kate Collins delivers a thrilling suspense novel that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Flower shop owner Abby Knight finds herself entangled in a web of lies and deceit when she sets out to help her friend, Nikki, who is accused of conspiring in a murder plot.

As the investigation takes Abby down a dangerous path, she uncovers a chilling hatred for the local landscaping company’s owner. Abby’s husband, Marco, helps her search for the truth, but he soon falls critically ill, leaving Abby alone to unravel the mystery.

Yews with Caution is a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and suspense that will keep readers guessing until the very end. This heart-pounding story is sure to captivate fans of mystery thrillers and provide an enjoyable experience for readers looking to escape into a thrilling adventure.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: May 30, 2017
  • Page Count: 338.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. When in French

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Love in a Second Language

When Lauren Collins fell in love with a Frenchman named Olivier, she soon realized that their relationship was entirely conducted in English, his native language. As their love continued to grow, Lauren began to question the depth of her understanding of Olivier. What secrets or aspects of him could she have missed out on by never speaking with him in French? When Lauren and Olivier relocated to Francophone Geneva, she decided to learn the language for herself, seeking the answer to these very questions.

In this heartwarming and humorous memoir, “When in French”, readers follow Lauren’s hilarious journey as she navigates the intricacies of the French language and culture. From her harrowing role-playing games at a Swiss language school to accidental gaffes with her in-laws, Lauren bravely immerses herself in the complex world of French, opening up a door to a beautiful, new way of understanding and living. As Lauren delves deeper into the art of language, she uncovers enlightening insights about French identity and society, offering a refreshing perspective on love, language, and the complexities of being bilingual. This engaging and thought-provoking book is an unforgettable journey of one woman’s quest to communicate truthfully with the heart of the person she loves, and the universality of love that knows no borders.

  • Authors: Lauren Collins
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: November 07, 2017
  • Page Count: 258.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. After Zero

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“After Zero” by Christina Collins, a gripping novel published by Sourcebooks, Inc. in 2018, delves into the world of a high school student named Elise. Carrying a notebook full of tallies, each mark representing a day spent at her new public school, Elise has mastered the art of staying silent — a skill she has honed to perfection.

As the number of her tallies grows, so does her anxiety about speaking. Keeping her only friend, Mel, at an arm’s length and shielding herself from the curiosity of her English teacher’s bewitching stuffed raven become routine. But all this changes when Elise uncovers a shocking family secret.

As the novel unfolds, readers are kept on their toes as Elise’s journey takes her through a thrilling adventure of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance. “After Zero” will leave readers questioning their own assumptions about the silent, hidden struggles of their peers while ultimately reminding them of the power of empathy and communication.

With heartfelt prose and unforgettable characters, Christina Collins skillfully crafts a novel that speaks to the hearts and minds of young readers, leaving them inspired and eager for more. “After Zero” is an emotionally charged exploration of the human experience, a testament to resilience and hope that will linger with readers long after the final page has been turned.

  • Authors: Christina Collins
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
  • Published Date: September 04, 2018
  • Page Count: 256.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. A Life Without Water

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Marci Bolden’s enthralling novel, “A Life Without Water,” masterfully explores the themes of love, regret, and the power of second chances in a beautifully crafted narrative. The protagonist, Carol Denman, who has now forged her way through life independently, finds her world unexpectedly knocked sideways when her long-estranged ex-husband, John, suddenly reappears after a two-decade absence. In a pitiful plea, John seeks out Carol’s companionship on his final journey. This unwitting entanglement with their past serves to reawaken memories and presents Carol with a confrontation with her past — a past she thought she had put to rest.

As John’s sickness contrasts with Carol’s reluctance, the two unwittingly delve into a shared past, creating a poignant backdrop for an emotional adventure. Their expedition down memory lane is fraught with the shadows of their history and the strife that accompanies navigating the present. Amidst these challenges, their journey tests the limits of their bond and forces them to acknowledge the reality of their past decisions and the lives they left behind.

In a deeply introspective examination of familial bonds and the psychological pain these bonds can cause, Bolden pens a gripping tale that provokes introspection in the readers. “A Life Without Water” is an unputdownable read that challenges the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering presence of time. Experience this evocative story of triumph and heart-wracking resilience in the face of loss, regret, and love.

  • Authors: Marci Bolden
  • Publisher: Pink Sand Press
  • Published Date: August 13, 2019
  • Page Count: 1.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Statue of Limitations

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Dive into the charming and suspenseful world of “Statue of Limitations” by New York Times bestselling author Kate Collins. Join Athena Spencer as she returns to her roots to work at her family’s garden center in coastal Michigan, only to find herself amidst a murder investigation involving her own family and a valuable stolen statue. As she unravels the mystery and faces off against a powerful and suspicious family, Athena will need to rely on her wit and courage to protect her family and community.

Filled with humor and twists, “Statue of Limitations” is an entertaining and captivating addition to Kate Collins’ portfolio. Experience the delight and danger that await in this enchanting debut mystery novel, perfect for fans of light, heartwarming, and suspenseful mysteries.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Kensington
  • Published Date: January 28, 2020
  • Page Count: 339.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. The Truants

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“The Truants” by Kate Weinberg is a captivating and intricately woven tale of mystery, suspense, and the darker side of first love. Set on the concrete canvas of a prestigious university in East Anglia, the novel follows Jess Walker, a young woman enamored by the renegade and captivating literature professor, Dr. Lorna Clay.

As Jess dives deeper into Lorna’s world, she becomes entangled with a group of unconventional friends, each with their own secrets and troubles. Alec, a defiantly independent South African journalist, Georgie, a magnetic yet troubling aristocrat, and Nick, a charming but enigmatic geologist, all find themselves in Jess’s orbit, their lives weaving together in a web of deceit and obsession.

However, the bonds between them are soon tested when a tragedy forces the group to confront the darkness at the heart of their friendship. As secrets are unveiled and allegiances shift, Jess must come to terms with the question she fears most — what is the true cost of an extraordinary life?

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and “The Secret History, “ “The Truants” is a beautifully written, seductive, and unsettling debut novel that explores the depths of obsession and the blurred lines between love and deceit. A riveting journey into the heart of human nature, this is a thrilling literary suspense that will stay with you long after the last page.

  • Authors: Kate Weinberg
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: January 28, 2020
  • Page Count: 322.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Statue of Limitations

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In “Statue of Limitations” by bestselling author Kate Collins, readers are introduced to Athena Spencer, a strong-willed woman returning to coastal Michigan to work alongside her whacky big Greek family at their beloved garden center. But the peaceful life she’s built is disrupted when a handsome stranger claims ownership over a valuable statue her grandfather bought from an estate sale, sparking a series of dangerous events.

As Athena navigates her family’s quirks and her new life, she uncovers a murderer lurking within the Talbot family, who threaten to demolish their community in the name of progress. To defend her loved ones and the town she calls home, Athena must embrace her warrior goddess namesake and solve the mystery before it’s too late.

“Kate Collins delivers an entertaining, amusing, and deliciously suspenseful mystery, “ says Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author, making this tale a must-read for fans of thrilling, heartwarming stories. With a page count of 339 and a rating of 4.0, “Statue of Limitations” is a riveting addition to your cozy mystery collection.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Kensington Cozies
  • Published Date: January 28, 2020
  • Page Count: 339.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. Till Death Do Us Pot

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A Flower Shop Mystery Fall Novella

In the final installment of the Seasons series, bestselling author Kate Collins brings the charming characters of New Chapel back to life with “Till Death Do Us Pot, “ a gripping fall novella. Fall has arrived in New Chapel, Indiana, and the perfect lives of local florist Abby Knight Salvare and her private eye husband, Marco, are turned upside down by a missing person’s case. When town busybody Sylvie Freeman hires Team Salvare to investigate her twin brother’s disappearance, the couple is forced to confront the stress in their otherwise harmonious marriage.

As the investigation unfolds, it quickly becomes apparent that the case is much larger than anyone ever imagined, testing the boundaries of Abby and Marco’s partnership. Meanwhile, Abby’s niece, Tara Knight, follows in her aunt’s footsteps after a journalism assignment leads her into dangerous territory.

As the team navigates the complex web of truth and fiction, readers will be enthralled by the intrepid journey of Abby, Marco, and Tara as they work to piece together a mystery that may just change the course of their lives forever. With suspense on every page, “Till Death Do Us Pot” is the perfect addition to any cozy mystery lovers’ library.

  • Authors: Kate Collins
  • Publisher: Independently Published
  • Published Date: November 08, 2020
  • Page Count: 168.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Florists
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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12. Big Bad

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Big Bad, by Whitney Collins, weaves an intricate web of dark humor and magical realism as it delves into the human condition and the monstrous aspect within us all. Through thirteen interconnected tales, the reader is transported into a world where mundane settings such as motels, dormitories, and tiki bars host unforgettable encounters. A gripping exploration of domestic horror and the supernatural, Big Bad unravels the struggles of everyday people as they face the “big bad” that lurks within themselves.

Winner of the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction and featuring a Pushcart Prize-winning story, Big Bad ensures an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that will leave you questioning the nature of evil, all while being entertained. Prepare to dive into the unforgettable world of Big Bad, where danger and darkness converge in unexpected ways.

  • Authors: Whitney Collins
  • Publisher: Sarabande Books
  • Published Date: March 16, 2021
  • Page Count: 114.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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