Source: Publisher
Description: Former actress Becca Ransom lived her dream in Hollywood for seven years before returning to her hometown of Larch Haven, Vermont. Known as the Venice of North America, Larch Haven has canals instead of roads, gondolas instead of cars, and charming cottages that look like they were plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. It’s also where Becca is pursuing her newest passion as a chocolatier at True Confections, the chocolate shop owned by her grandparents, Lolly and Pops.
While Becca’s testing new flavors and reconnecting with old friends, the town is gearing up for the annual Gondola Races, popular with both residents and tourists, with one exception. Local curmudgeon Archie Smith wants nothing more than to keep tourists away from Larch Haven. He’s determined to derail this year’s event and does his best to stir up trouble for the organizers, including Becca’s grandfather.
Following a heated argument with Pops, Archie is found floating face-down in the canal, and Pops finds himself in hot water as one of the top suspects. Becca’s determined to clear her grandfather’s name, but when the case heats up, she could be facing a sticky end.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: This is an author I've really been wanting to try and when I saw this was the first book in a new series (and one involving chocolate!) I couldn't resist.
My Impression: This was such a fun book. I love the idea of a town on canals and modeled after Venice. Larch Haven is definitely on my fictional travel list.
Why I Picked This Book: This is an author I've really been wanting to try and when I saw this was the first book in a new series (and one involving chocolate!) I couldn't resist.
My Impression: This was such a fun book. I love the idea of a town on canals and modeled after Venice. Larch Haven is definitely on my fictional travel list.
Becca was an interesting main character. After a successful acting career which has gained her some fame she is home and working as a chocolatier (there is a mention of training, etc). The mentions of chocolate were mouthwatering and I would love to try a truffle or two - and definitely a chocolate gondola. Her relationships with her grandparents was really lovely and I really loved her best friend Dizzy - and of course Becca's cats.
The mystery was interesting. The victim has lots of people who are not sad to see him dead but who hates him enough to actually make it happen? There are lots of candidates but Becca's focus is making sure the primary suspect isn't her grandfather. This was a fun virtual visit to the Venice of North America with a likable main character and a great community of characters. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series develops.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely! I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries and are looking for a light read this is a great choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries and are looking for a light read this is a great choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I have this one coming up for a review. Looks good. My reasons for wanting to read this is the same as yours.
ReplyDeleteOh yes to chocolate. Sounds like a promising beginning to a series with lots to recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too. I loved the little town and the canals and gondolas.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a fun read! You can't go wrong with chocolate and an interesting town.
ReplyDeleteThere is a town in Florida modeled that way. All the homes have a canal view.
ReplyDelete