A Rose From the Dead

Abby Knight discovers that sometimes death can be a little fun in the sixth Flower Shop Mystery...

Abby is amused by the black humor of the usually somber “death professionals” who are attending the Midwestern Funeral Directors Association’s regional convention. Even organizer Sybil Blount—known for her cutthroat business practices and the signature rose she wears in her wig—comes as a surprise…especially when her corpse is found in a closed casket.  When Abby’s friend Delilah Dove is accused of the crime, Abby shifts into full investigation mode and learns that Sybil’s enemies included the prankster sons of a big-time funeral director, an eco-friendly purveyor of “green burials,” and a strange Goth girl who captures the “music” of departing souls on her tape recorder. It’s up to Abby and her P.I. boyfriend, Marco, to look beyond the trappings of death and find out who really loved Sybil—and who loved her not.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs