Source: Publisher
Description: Love is in bloom in Ashland, Oregon. The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the year—Thomas and Kerry’s wedding.
It’s a picture perfect day. Guests gather on picnic blankets in front of the bandshell to watch Kerry walk down the aisle and wed Ashland’s favorite detective in training, Thomas. Jules and her team at Torte have been tasked with catering the outdoor reception and everything is going according to plan, until a wedding crasher shows up.
The uninvited guest isn’t just someone looking to score a free glass of champagne. It’s Kerry’s estranged father who is supposed to be behind bars. Kerry is distraught. Jules vows to do everything she can to make sure that there are no other surprises on her friend’s big day. But when the bassist for Heart Strings, the wedding band, is found stabbed with the blunt end of his instrument Jules’s promise takes on new meaning. Now she’ll have to slice through the five tiered cake and a bevy of potential suspects in order to track down a killer before they turn the knife on her.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: This is one of my favorite cozy series and I can never resist the newest book.
My Impression: I always love a trip to Ashland, Oregon and this book was no exception. Jules, Carlos and the Torte team are at their best coming up with tasty treats and catering a wedding with food so good I would happily attend and I'm not a big fan of weddings or events in general. I also really liked that the wedding is for Thomas and Kerry who are two long running side characters.
I especially enjoyed getting a deeper look at Kerry's backstory. While she has been a side character for quite some time I never felt like I really knew her so I really enjoyed the opportunity to get into her past. I love the relationship between Jules and the Professor and I always enjoy coming along for the investigation.
The mystery was entertaining, well done and kept me guessing. The relationships between all the characters is enjoyable and the treats sounded unbelievably tasty. This was a fun read from beginning to end but then I expect no less from this series.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! This is one of my favorite cozy authors and I've enjoyed everything I've read by her.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong characters and a fantastic setting this is a must not miss series. While you can jump in here like most series it is better to read this in order.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are c
ompletely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong characters and a fantastic setting this is a must not miss series. While you can jump in here like most series it is better to read this in order.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are c
ompletely my own. *
This is the first one in the series I read and I'd go back for more!
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan
Love that title! I do enjoy a good cozy mystery!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't realize that there were already 15 books in this series. Oregon and Maine are my two favorite settings.
ReplyDeleteDoes sound very good and I like Ellie Alexander, maybe one day!
ReplyDelete