I would say this book could be read as a standalone, but it is definitely a more enjoyable read if you already know and love the characters. Roses of May revisits the Quantico Three, the FBI agents responsible for investigating the Gardener’s torturous acts. It’s spring, which means a serial killer from a different open case will strike again soon. While thrilling, this book was definitely not as dark and disturbing as the first. Phew! (I’m sure none of the other books in this series will live up to The Butterfly Garden 😬) One thing I struggled with was the nature of Agent Eddison and Priya’s relationship. The two met because the aforementioned serial killer murdered Priya’s sister. She is a minor. They’re texting, he’s looking out for her, and they refer to each other as family. At the end of the book he kisses her forehead in farewell and IDDDKKKK. I get she doesn’t have a dad anymore and so maybe he is a new father figure to her, but it was slightly ick. Maybe Eddison sees her as the sister he lost many years ago? Slightly weird, folks! In any event, it was worth my time, and it was a bit refreshing to not have to read about the Gardener on every page. 🥴 The next book appears to be Agent Ramirez’s time in the spotlight!