A day in the life of Melanie Travis by Laurien Berenson

When I was little, I always wanted a sister. Instead I got a baby brother. The first time I saw Frank, he was an infant nestled in my mother’s arms. Mouth open, face screwed into a ugly scowl, he was shrieking at the top of his lungs. Despite the noise, my mother gazed down at him with delight.

Looking back now, I realize that initial meeting set the tone for the remainder of our sibling relationship. Frank screwed up. I tried to fix things. Frank skated through life with his head in the clouds while I, big sister Melanie, was forced to be the voice of reason.

So when Frank showed up at my house on a snowy December morning and announced that he’d raised his hand at a real estate auction and was now the owner of a dilapidated, overgrown, Christmas tree farm, the first words out of my mouth were not, “What can I do to help?”

That didn’t stop Frank. It didn’t even slow him down. He was already making a list of all the various ways he thought family members should pitch in and aid his quest to quickly turn the impetuous purchase into a viable business. Not only that, but he was sure he could make it happen in time for the holiday season—which was already upon us.

I like Christmas as much as anyone, except perhaps for my Aunt Peg who is an utter fanatic. But since I have a husband, two young sons, and a houseful of dogs—five Standard Poodles and one small mutt—not to mention a job as a special needs tutor at a local private school, my December was already fully booked.

So all I agreed to do was go with the rest of the family on Sunday morning to have a look. That was my first mistake.

My second mistake was accompanying Aunt Peg deep into the woods behind the office because my older son thought he heard someone crying. As it turned out, he was right. There was someone whimpering in the snow covered forest. A dirty, matted, Maltese puppy was lying in a snow drift, burrowed beneath the cold body of his recently deceased owner.

Frank says that I attract trouble like a magnet. But this time I could lay the blame squarely on him. If it wasn’t for my brother, I would have been sitting in my cozy house, surrounded by my pack of Poodles, happily minding my own business. Instead of frantically dialing 911.

The police recognized the dead man. They identified him as a vagrant known only as Pete. They recognized Snowball too. By the time the authorities arrived, the little Maltese was tucked snugly inside Aunt Peg’s warm jacket. The problem of what to do with him had already been settled.

Pete was another matter.

Aunt Peg has never been able to resist the lure of a mystery that needs solving. And I had plenty of questions of my own. By later that afternoon she and I were already trying to figure out who Pete was, where he’d come from, and how he’d ended up dead on my brother’s new Christmas tree farm. Aunt Peg and I thought we might be able to offer Pete’s family closure. We hoped to be able to return Snowball to their loving home.

Little did we know that things weren’t nearly as simple as they seemed. And that we were on the trail of a cold-blooded killer who didn’t care how many people’s holidays ended up in ruins.

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You can read more about Melanie in Wagging Through The Snow, the 21st book in the “Melanie Travis” mystery series.

Melanie Travis needs a little peace from her busy life this Christmas. But the usual holiday hubbub is a joy compared to the killer surprise she finds tucked underneath the tree . . .

With a demanding teaching job at Connecticut’s elite Howard Academy and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. But she unwraps an unexpected challenge when her brother and ex-husband, elated by the recent success of their country café, make a spontaneous bid on a dilapidated pine tree farm. Although the ten-acre lot had been a popular seasonal destination while the original owner was still alive, it’ll take some sprucing up—and a small miracle or two—before the neglected place is in shape for December.

Unfortunately, the impromptu business venture goes cold when the group discovers a purebred Maltese whimpering in the snow-covered grove—right beside a dead body. Pete, a squatter who camped out on the land, apparently met his end after a fallen fir tree branch knocked him on the head. But as Melanie and Aunt Peg investigate Pete’s history and the terrible habit that cost him everything, it’s clear his death was no accident. Now, Melanie must run through a flurry of likely suspects and muzzle a dogged murderer in time—or she’ll be next on someone’s deadly list.

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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Wagging Through The Snow. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends September 29, 2017. Good luck everyone!

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About the author
Laurien Berenson is a bestselling author whose books have sold two million copies worldwide. Her cozy mystery series revolves around the world of dog shows, a milieu she knows well as her family has been involved in the sport of dogs for three generations. There are currently twenty-one Melanie Travis canine mysteries including the newest book, Wagging Through The Snow.

Berenson is a four-time winner of the Maxwell Award for Fiction from the Dog Writers Assoc. of America and a winner of the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is also an Agatha and Macavity nominee. Her work has appeared in The New York Times as well as numerous magazines. She is a graduate of Vassar College, and she and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.

Connect with Laurien at laurienberenson.com, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Goodreads.

All comments are welcomed.

A day in the life of Cassie McGlone by Eileen Watkins

Considering how things ended up, it’s hard to believe this day started out so well.

Early spring always fills me with optimism, and this morning I had even more reason to be cheerful. Two new callers had inquired about the boarding and grooming services offered at my shop, Cassie’s Comfy Cats, and made appointments. Plus, I’d be interviewing yet another potential assistant at ten o’clock. I’d rejected two hopefuls so far, both younger than me—and I’m only twenty-seven. One didn’t seem to know or care that much about cats and the other acted enthusiastic but ditsy. Today’s candidate was an older woman, though, so maybe she’d be different.

Turns out, I finally struck gold with Sarah Wilcox, a retired math teacher who’d worked in inner-city schools. Maybe because of that background, and because she’d had cats of her own, a hissing tabby didn’t rattle her too much. I also liked her intelligent, responsible and slightly old-fashioned style. I told her she could start tomorrow.

I’ve been operating my shop in the small, picturesque town of Chadwick, New Jersey for four months, and as the business grew it got harder to function on my own. Hiring an assistant meant I’d finally have someone to help hold the cats while I groomed. I’d also be able to run an errand without locking my door and possibly discouraging customers.

For example, today I had to close early to make a house call. I do that for only one client—George DeLeuw, a semi-retired Wall Street executive who lives on the outskirts of town. His McMansion is filled with fabulous artworks, from pre-Colombian to contemporary; I studied art in college, so when I go there I gawk like a kid in a candy store. He’s also got a fully equipped grooming studio for his Persian cat, Harpo (DeLeuw tried grooming Harpo himself until I moved into town). The job suits me fine, because Harpo is as calm and friendly as he is beautiful. I comb the mats out of his dense fur twice a month, and DeLeuw pays generously, which has helped keep me in business.

This afternoon I drove along the main street of our quaint, semi-historic town, past flowering cherry trees, and thought things were finally going my way. Guess I jinxed myself! When I pulled up to DeLeuw’s house, I found Harpo hiding in the bushes, though he’s not allowed outside. The front door stood ajar, so I brought the cat in and followed him down the marble-tiled front hall to the study. There, my best client lay face-down on the oriental carpet, dead, an ugly gash across the back of his head.

Now I sit across from a police detective being interviewed as a witness…or maybe as a suspect! Meanwhile, my mind races with questions. Who would kill DeLeuw, a fairly quiet older guy who lived alone? Did he catch someone trying to steal one of his artworks—in the middle of the afternoon, with his landscaper and his housekeeper both working on the premises? Did his ex-wife drop by to even up some old grudge?

How badly would this loss of income set back my fledgling business? And last but not least, from my standpoint, would anyone step up to take care of Harpo?

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You can read more about Cassie in The Persian Always Meows Twice, the first book in the NEW “Cat Groomer” mystery series.

Cat lovers are thrilled to welcome an expert groomer to the picturesque town of Chadwick. But scratch below the surface, and unmasking a killer becomes a game of cat and mouse . . .

Professional cat grooming isn’t all fluff—when the fur starts flying, Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats, handles her feistiest four-legged clients with a caring touch and nerves of steel. While these qualities help keep her business purring, they also come in handy when she makes a house call to her best client, millionaire George DeLeuw, and discovers his murdered body next to his newly orphaned Persian, Harpo.

To help the local police find the actual killer, Cassie begins her own investigation. But no one, from George’s housekeeper to his vindictive ex-wife, is giving up clues. Not until Cassie is given permission to temporarily board Harpo does anyone show interest in the Persian’s well-being. Someone is desperate to get their paws on Harpo before the feline helps untangle a felony. Are there deadly truths that a cat whisperer like Cassie can coax out? She needs to tread lightly and remember she gets one life, not nine. . . .

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About the author
Eileen Watkins worked for daily newspapers for most of her career, writing and editing stories on fine art, architecture, interior design, and home improvement. She has also published paranormal mystery and suspense novels. A confirmed “Jersey Girl,” she prefers older houses, has always shared her home with at least one cat, and makes frequent visits to the nearest riding stable. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.

Visit her at www.efwatkins.com or on Facebook as E. F. Watkins.

All comments are welcomed.

My Musing ~ Wagging Through The Snow by Laurien Berenson

Wagging Through The Snow by Laurien Berenson is the 21st book in the “Melanie Travis” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming September 26, 2017

Melanie Travis needs a little peace from her busy life this Christmas. But the usual holiday hubbub is a joy compared to the killer surprise she finds tucked underneath the tree . . .

With a demanding teaching job at Connecticut’s elite Howard Academy and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. But she unwraps an unexpected challenge when her brother and ex-husband, elated by the recent success of their country café, make a spontaneous bid on a dilapidated pine tree farm. Although the ten-acre lot had been a popular seasonal destination while the original owner was still alive, it’ll take some sprucing up—and a small miracle or two—before the neglected place is in shape for December.

Unfortunately, the impromptu business venture goes cold when the group discovers a purebred Maltese whimpering in the snow-covered grove—right beside a dead body. Pete, a squatter who camped out on the land, apparently met his end after a fallen fir tree branch knocked him on the head. But as Melanie and Aunt Peg investigate Pete’s history and the terrible habit that cost him everything, it’s clear his death was no accident. Now, Melanie must run through a flurry of likely suspects and muzzle a dogged murderer in time—or she’ll be next on someone’s deadly list.

The latest adventures with Melanie and her friends quickly embroiled me in all that was happening, making it hard to put down until the last page was read. The author did a great job in telling this story with narrative that was visually descriptive and dialogue that was engaging and humorous at times. The mystery was well-written and I like that the author keeps me in suspense mode with how Melanie’s investigative efforts will turn out. I also love the family dynamics that plays heavily in this story which always warms my heart. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in this endearing series.

Buy Link

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.

My Musing ~ The Persian Always Meows Twice by Eileen Watkins

The Persian Always Meows Twice by Eileen Watkins is the first book in the NEW “Cat Groomer” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming September 26, 2017

Cat lovers are thrilled to welcome an expert groomer to the picturesque town of Chadwick. But scratch below the surface, and unmasking a killer becomes a game of cat and mouse . . .

Professional cat grooming isn’t all fluff—when the fur starts flying, Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats, handles her feistiest four-legged clients with a caring touch and nerves of steel. While these qualities certainly help keep her business purring, they also come in handy when she makes a house call to her best client, millionaire George DeLeuw, and discovers his murdered body next to his newly orphaned Persian, Harpo.

To help the local police find the actual killer, Cassie begins her own investigation. But no one, from George’s housekeeper to his vindictive ex-wife, is giving up clues. Not until Cassie is given permission to temporarily board Harpo does anyone show interest in the Persian’s wellbeing. Someone is desperate to get their paws on Harpo before the feline helps untangle a felony. Are there deadly truths that a cat whisperer like Cassie can coax out? She needs to tread lightly and remember she gets one life, not nine. . . .

This was a fun and enjoyable book to read. I love the comfortable tone and the pacing of this whodunit, creating an easy story to follow from beginning to end. The mystery was nicely done with a slew of suspects and I liked the clues kept me busy trying to figure it all out with a few red herrings that enhanced the telling of this tale. The narrative was visually descriptive putting me right there in the middle of all the action as Cassie groomed her pets (I liked that the author gave me an inside look at this), queried the suspects, confronted a person from her past, and worked with the police. This I liked, that she worked cooperatively with the local police. I enjoyed meeting Cassie, Dawn, Sarah and Mark which I look forward to seeing their relationship grow. Boasting a lovable cast of characters that also included the furry ones, engaging dialogue and a small town atmosphere, this was a great debut story and a welcome addition to the cozy genre.

Pre-Order Link

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.

My Musing ~ Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower is the first book in the NEW “Amish Candy Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, August 2017

Sometimes you need a sweet tooth to take a bite out of crime . . .

Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey’s up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather’s heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.

She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King’s chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .

Recipe Included!

Amanda has done it again. She’s created a delectably enticing new whodunit that was engagingly entertaining. I love the comfortable tone and how well it paired with the pacing as the story moved to its conclusion. The mystery was nice done with suspects aplenty and clues that were strategically placed with a few twists and turns that added to my enjoyment of this drama. The narrative pulled me in making me feel like I was in the middle of all the action as Bailey’s investigation took her closer to a killer who would do anything to stay hidden. The author did a great job in keeping my interest high and when I thought I had a handle on the killer, the author changed direction all to enhanced the telling of this tale. With a lovable cast of characters that included Jethro, good conversations and a small-town feel, this was a great read and I look forward to the next foray with Bailey and her friends.

My Musing ~ Macramé Murder by Mollie Cox Bryan

Macramé Murder by Mollie Cox Bryan is the third book in the “Cora Crafts” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, August 2017

As the head of a bustling crafting retreat, Cora Chevalier could use a break of her own. So she and her creative cohorts temporarily swap small-town Indigo Gap for the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat, where they teach classes and create beachy crafts like shell mosaics and sea glass chimes. Cora and her boyfriend Adrian are enchanted by their surroundings—especially the stunning wedding and blissful newlyweds they encounter on the beach. But awe becomes shock when the bride turns up dead the next day . . .

The woman’s death appears to be the result of a severe jellyfish sting. But when it’s revealed that she was murdered and Adrian becomes a suspect, Cora must hitch the real culprit to the crime—and fast. Because it just might take everything she has to crack a case more twisted than her most complex macramé knot!

Includes crafting tips!

This time the main characters are taken out of their normal element in a new setting where all seem glorious until murder lands at their feet. This well-crafted mystery grabbed my attention immediately and quickly became a page turner. The comfortable tone and pacing made for an easy and fun read that I could not put down until the last chapter was read and boy did it leave a smile on my face. The author knows how to set up a murder mystery with strategically placed clues, and a few twists and turns that enriched the telling of this tale. Bonus to me was watching Cora and Adrian’s relationship grow amid this latest entanglement of murder. Once again, Mollie has created an enticingly entertaining story and I look forward to the next book in this delightfully endearing series.

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A day in the life with Cora Chevalier by Mollie Cox Bryan

My colleagues and I have been invited to the “Big Island Craft Retreat,” situated on Sea Glass Island, off the coast of South Carolina. We’ll be guest teaching, but we’re all hoping to get some beach time in. It’s been years for all of us. My boyfriend, Adrian is also coming to the retreat.

In the meantime, we’ve got plenty to do to prepare for our trip. We’ve rented a van so we can all travel together. We’re all a little nervous about being in the van with each other for that long of a time. Ruby is concerned about pit-stops. Jane is worried that London will get cranky and misbehave. I’m a little concerned about getting car sick, though if I sit in the front seat, and take turns driving, I should be okay.

Ruby, Jane and I have all of our teaching materials in the van already. For me, I just have a few handouts and my computers. I plan to make copies at the retreat center. When you’re teaching a class on blogging, you really don’t need much. Ruby found the exact sea shell she wanted for her sea shell candle making class a little too late to be shipped to the island on time. But they were beautiful shells just fitting in the palm you your hand.

Aside from my class, I very much looking forward to walking the beaches and finding sea glass, which I’ve become enamored by. It’s so gorgeous and it’s becoming rare. Sea glass island was fortunate to be blessed with it, as well as a multitude of shells, from what I understand.

We’re all almost packed and ready to go. Excitement fills the air— a long weekend with beach crafts at a gorgeous remote island. Sounds like heaven to me.

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You can read more about Cora in Macramé Murder, the third book in the “Cora Crafts” mystery series.

As the head of a bustling crafting retreat, Cora Chevalier could use a break of her own. So she and her creative cohorts temporarily swap small-town Indigo Gap for the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat, where they teach classes and create beachy crafts like shell mosaics and sea glass chimes. Cora and her boyfriend Adrian are enchanted by their surroundings—especially the stunning wedding and blissful newlyweds they encounter on the beach. But awe becomes shock when the bride turns up dead the next day . . .

The woman’s death appears to be the result of a severe jellyfish sting. But when it’s revealed that she was murdered and Adrian becomes a suspect, Cora must hitch the real culprit to the crime—and fast. Because it just might take everything she has to crack a case more twisted than her most complex macramé knot!

Buy Link

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About the author
Mollie Cox Bryan writes cozies with an edge and romances with a slow, sweet burn. Her first book, Scrapbook of Secrets, was nominated for an Agatha award. Several of the books in her Cumberland Creek series have been honored with Library of Virginia People’s Choice nominations. Death Among the Doilies is finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. No Charm Intended, the second book in her second mystery series, was named one of the Top Ten Beach Reads by Woman’s World magazine.

Her second romance novella has just come out as well—Every Fiber Of You. Her romances and mysteries feature crafters of all sorts. She spends her days working as a fact checker and researcher, her early mornings writing, and the rest of the time she’s a full-time mom and wife. She longs for the day to have the time to craft as much as her characters do.

Connect with Mollie at molliecoxbryan.com.

All comments are welcomed.

A Day in the Life of Allie McMurphy by Nancy Coco

Hi all, most of you know me by now. I’m happy to be sharing my newest adventure in “Oh, Fudge!” out the end of August.

This morning I had a meeting with Blake Gilmore, the manager of the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World. But Blake was not the first person I ran into.

I get up pretty early every morning to make fudge. This means nothing much gets by me, except my cousin Victoria. Unfortunately, today I found Victoria kneeling over a dead woman. Butterflies and rumors swirl as I spend most of my day trying to figure out why Tori is on the island, why everyone knows except me, and how Tori is connected to my boyfriend Trent.

I am shocked to learn she’s on Mackinac Island to plan an event. It turns out that Tori has hurt feelings over my inheriting the McMurphy-something that never occurred to me as my Papa Liam had groomed me to take over the family business from childhood. Those hurt feelings mean she didn’t contact me to let me know she was coming. In fact, she wouldn’t have talked to me at all if I hadn’t found her with her hand on the murder weapon.

To top it off, it seems I’m the only one in the dark about Tori. I soon discover the locals know Tori better than I do and it makes me feel like an outsider again. You see, Victoria grew up on the island and moved away to California. I grew up in Detroit and moved to the island. Islanders are a tight knit group. They don’t warm up easy to transplants- even ones with long family ties. This being my first season, I had yet to prove my staying power.

An even tougher truth to swallow is that Tori and Trent dated in high school. My complicated love life, gets even more troubled when Tori turns to Trent-not me- for help.

This is not my best day. It was an even worse day for the dead woman, Barbara Smart. But there’s no time for a bad day with a full hotel and busy fudge shop. Plus, Jenn and I have Frances’s wedding to plan.

At the end of the day, I’m left wondering what new surprises tomorrow will bring. Will I be able to help Victoria solve Barbara’s murder? Or will my cousin, my boyfriend and the rest of the island shut me out of this investigation? Only time will tell.

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You can read more about Allie in Oh Fudge!, the sixth book in the “Candy-Coated” mystery series.

Life is always sweet in Allie McMurphy’s delectable fudge shop. But murder can make things unpleasantly sticky . . .

A DEADLY CONFECTION

After Allie inherited her family’s McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, cousin Tori moved off to California in a bitter huff, and the two haven’t spoken since. So to have her cousin reappear on Mackinac Island without warning is a big surprise—but not as surprising as finding her standing over a dead woman impaled with a garden spade in the Mackinac Butterfly House. Butterflies may be free, but Tori won’t be for much longer—unless the cousins can bury the hatchet and work together to catch a killer who’s taken flight. Because when it comes to family, blood is thicker than fudge . . .

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About the author
Nancy J Parra AKA Nancy Coco AKA Nell Hampton is the author of over 25 published novels which include five mystery series: The Candy-Coated Mysteries (Kensington), The Kensington Palace Mystery Series (Crooked Lane), The Wine Country Tours Mystery Series (Crooked Lane) The Gluten-free Baker’s Treat Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), and The Perfect Proposal Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime). Her writing has been called witty and her protagonists plucky by reviewers around the world. Nancy is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and writes for the Killer Character Blog on the 8th of every month. Nancy loves to hear from readers. Connect with Nancy at nancyjparra.com

All comments are welcomed.

The day in the life of Bailey King by Amanda Flower

I whisked chocolate whipped cream with a practice flick of my wrist. I could make the chocolate butter cream for the inside of Jean Pierre’s decadent truffles half asleep. The truth was I had done just that on more than one occasion. Easily, I work over ninety hours a week as a chocolatier at JP Chocolates, an upscale chocolate shop in Manhattan owned and operated by the world famous chocolatier Jean Pierre Ruge. I was Jean Pierre protégé. I had worked for him for the last six years as his first chocolatier. It was coveted position among the many chocolatiers who worked at JP Chocolates.

As the first chocolatier, I was still reeling from the announcement that Jean Pierre had made just that morning to the entire staff. Jean Pierre was in his eighties, and finally, he announced his retirement. As part of his retirement a new head chocolatier would be appointment to run JP Chocolates. A thrill ran through me as the enormity of this announcement hit me.

It wasn’t that I wanted Jean Pierre to leave. I loved my boss and he taught me all the finer points about chocolate, but this was the moment that I had dreamed about. It was the moment that would make those countless hours in the shop perfecting my craft long after the shop closed worth it. I was so excited because I was obvious choice to be the next head chocolatier.

The only damper on my impending promotion was the announcement that the chocolate shop’s board of directors not Jean Pierre himself would be picking the next chocolatier. Jean Pierre had assured me that I was a shoe in for the job. He said the board would be a pack of fools to pick anyone else, and no one understood the inner workings of JP Chocolates like I did. This may all be true, but the problem was Jean Pierre didn’t know that I had a secret. It was a secret that could destroy my chances of getting the job that I had worked for for most of my adult life. One choice that I made could ruin everything.

I was mulling over my stupidity when my cell phone vibrated in my pocket. It didn’t ring. Jean Pierre hated all ring tones, and the chocolate shop staff knew to silence their phones unless the wanted to hear a tirade of colorful French cursing.

I pulled the phone from my pocket. The call was from an Ohio number. The screen read, “Swissmen Sweets.” My heart was instantly in my throat. Swissmean Sweets was my grandparents’ Amish candy shop in Ohio. I never got a call from my Amish grandparents unless it was an emergency. For them, the telephone was not to be used for idle chit-chat.

Breathlessly, I answered the call.

“Bailey,” my grandmother voice came through the call. “It is good to hear your voice.”

“Maami, what’s wrong?” I wanted her to get right to the point.

“It’s about your grandfather,” she said sadly.

It was exactly what I feared that she would say.

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You can read more about Bailey in Assaulted Caramel, the first book in the NEW “Amish Candy Shop” mystery series.

Sometimes you need a sweet tooth to take a bite out of crime . . .

Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey’s up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather’s heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.

She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King’s chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .

Buy link

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About the author
Amanda Flower, a national bestselling and Agatha Award winning mystery author. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio. Follow Amanda on Social Media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

All comments are welcomed.