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Maple Syrup Mysteries #3
In the Blink of a Pie
USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns is back with the third installment in the "delightfully sweet" Maple Syrup Mysteries, transporting readers back to the cozy town of Sugar Ridge, Vermont, where things are bound to go from sweet, to sour.
Sometimes, there's no one you can crust...
It's Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can't wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats.
But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it's not just Leila's perfect day that's in jeopardy—her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying the killer wasn't targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home!
Can Leila figure out who's behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?
Includes delicious holiday pie recipes!
Sometimes, there's no one you can crust...
It's Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can't wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats.
But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it's not just Leila's perfect day that's in jeopardy—her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying the killer wasn't targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home!
Can Leila figure out who's behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?
Includes delicious holiday pie recipes!
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryAdult
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication October 22, 2024
About the author
Catherine Bruns
47 books863 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 1, 2024
I received a free copy of, In the Blink of a Pie, by Catherine Bruns, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in The Maple Syrup Mystery series. Leila is a manager of a farm in Vermont, its Thanksgiving, a wonderful holiday, and Leila is having a pie eating contest. When someone is poisoned by a pie, all is not well. This was a bewitching mystery.
September 28, 2024
" In the Blink of a Pie (Maple Syrup Mysteries #3)" by Catherine Bruns starts with a fall pie contest and leading up to Thanksgiving. While at the contest, Leila's 1st mom's sort of friend, ends up eating a poisoned pie intended for Leila. Then a series of events really start making everyone think Leila was the intended victim.
While all this is going on Leila and Noah are trying to figure out how to get his daughter to accept Leila moving in with them. She's suddenly not liking the idea of having Leila around. There's also a new employee at the farm that's getting a little too cozy towards Leila's mom and Noah.
While all this is going on Leila and Noah are trying to figure out how to get his daughter to accept Leila moving in with them. She's suddenly not liking the idea of having Leila around. There's also a new employee at the farm that's getting a little too cozy towards Leila's mom and Noah.
September 10, 2024
review to come
August 12, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is a fantastic addition to this series.
I love everything about the series, but this book really is well done.
Leila Khoury is ready for the holidays, and what screams Fall better than a pie baking contest?
When a resident helps herself to try a piece of pumpkin pie, she finds herself gasping for breath, and Leila knows this won't end well.
Leila fights hard to keep the business going, but unfortunately things with her boyfriend Noah are a bit awkward and she's concerned.
The dynamics of this story are well played out and I enjoyed every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I love everything about the series, but this book really is well done.
Leila Khoury is ready for the holidays, and what screams Fall better than a pie baking contest?
When a resident helps herself to try a piece of pumpkin pie, she finds herself gasping for breath, and Leila knows this won't end well.
Leila fights hard to keep the business going, but unfortunately things with her boyfriend Noah are a bit awkward and she's concerned.
The dynamics of this story are well played out and I enjoyed every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
September 24, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is the third installment in the Maple Syrup Mystery series by Catherine Bruns, and it’s every bit as cozy and delightful as its predecessors. Set against the charming backdrop of Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, the book once again follows Leila Khoury, the determined manager of Sappy Endings Farm, as she gets swept up in a murder mystery that threatens her livelihood—and perhaps her life.
The story kicks off with a festive pie-baking contest that takes a dark turn when a neighbor dies after eating a poisoned pumpkin pie. What initially seems like a tragic accident quickly spirals into something more sinister when it becomes clear that the intended target might not have been the unfortunate neighbor at all. This adds a thrilling, nail-biting element to the cozy mystery, as the stakes rise dramatically and Leila herself seems to be in the crosshairs of a killer.
One of the highlights of the book is the mystery itself—it’s well-crafted and engaging. From the start, there are clues and red herrings that will have readers speculating about the killer's identity. I had my suspicions, but the story keeps you guessing until the very end, which makes for a satisfying conclusion.
The development of Leila's personal life adds another layer of charm to the series. In many cozy mysteries, the romantic subplots tend to drag on, but Bruns does a fantastic job of moving Leila's relationship with her boyfriend, Noah, forward. Their bond feels natural and heartwarming, offering a nice balance to the suspenseful murder investigation.
What truly sets In the Blink of a Pie apart is its cozy atmosphere. Sugar Ridge is the perfect small-town setting, with its picturesque scenery and warm, tight-knit community. The descriptions of pies and Thanksgiving festivities add to the heartwarming tone of the book, making it a perfect read for the holiday season.
And let’s not forget the covers! The Maple Syrup Mystery series boasts some of the most beautiful and inviting covers in the cozy mystery genre, perfectly capturing the warmth and charm of the stories within.
Overall, In the Blink of a Pie is a delightful, cozy mystery with just the right mix of intrigue, suspense, and heart. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy. Highly recommended for anyone in the mood for a fun, holiday-themed mystery!
4.5 stars
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
The story kicks off with a festive pie-baking contest that takes a dark turn when a neighbor dies after eating a poisoned pumpkin pie. What initially seems like a tragic accident quickly spirals into something more sinister when it becomes clear that the intended target might not have been the unfortunate neighbor at all. This adds a thrilling, nail-biting element to the cozy mystery, as the stakes rise dramatically and Leila herself seems to be in the crosshairs of a killer.
One of the highlights of the book is the mystery itself—it’s well-crafted and engaging. From the start, there are clues and red herrings that will have readers speculating about the killer's identity. I had my suspicions, but the story keeps you guessing until the very end, which makes for a satisfying conclusion.
The development of Leila's personal life adds another layer of charm to the series. In many cozy mysteries, the romantic subplots tend to drag on, but Bruns does a fantastic job of moving Leila's relationship with her boyfriend, Noah, forward. Their bond feels natural and heartwarming, offering a nice balance to the suspenseful murder investigation.
What truly sets In the Blink of a Pie apart is its cozy atmosphere. Sugar Ridge is the perfect small-town setting, with its picturesque scenery and warm, tight-knit community. The descriptions of pies and Thanksgiving festivities add to the heartwarming tone of the book, making it a perfect read for the holiday season.
And let’s not forget the covers! The Maple Syrup Mystery series boasts some of the most beautiful and inviting covers in the cozy mystery genre, perfectly capturing the warmth and charm of the stories within.
Overall, In the Blink of a Pie is a delightful, cozy mystery with just the right mix of intrigue, suspense, and heart. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy. Highly recommended for anyone in the mood for a fun, holiday-themed mystery!
4.5 stars
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
August 21, 2024
IN THE BLINK OF A PIE is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this is my favorite! Protagonist Leila Khoury, manager of her family’s maple syrup Sappy Endings Farm, has found her stride and self-confidence. She’s thinking of new ways to bring in new business to the farm and hosting a pie baking contest before Thanksgiving is just the yummy boost they need. Ms. Bruns has crafted an inviting setting with the maple syrup farm, with tidbits of the syrup production to give it authenticity. Her core characters are appealing and well-developed, and I love the direction Leila and her love interest, Noah, are heading in. It adds a heartwarming touch to the overall story. There’s also an underlying emotional depth on mother-daughter relationships as well as Noah’s young daughter’s response of Leila being in her life, which made me invested in the outcome. Family is definitely a strong theme throughout the book!
With the pie baking contest bringing visitors galore to the farm, the last thing Leila needs is for one of her neighbors to cause a scene and insert herself as one of the judges. Except the neighbor got more than she bargained for when she sampled the pumpkin pie…she ingested poison and couldn’t be saved. Not only does the murder cause a disruption to the festivities, but it doesn’t take long for people to avoid Sappy Endings at all costs. With the family business on the line, Lelia takes it upon herself to investigate and find the truth, and soon discovers the victim might not have been the intended victim. Ms. Bruns writes a tightly plotted tale with twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. There are suspects galore and it will take a sharp reader to catch all the clues and put them together for the solution. The heart pounding reveal brings all the threads of the story together in one highly satisfying conclusion!
Be sure to read through to the end of the book for several delicious pie recipes…they all sound utterly decadent!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the pie baking contest bringing visitors galore to the farm, the last thing Leila needs is for one of her neighbors to cause a scene and insert herself as one of the judges. Except the neighbor got more than she bargained for when she sampled the pumpkin pie…she ingested poison and couldn’t be saved. Not only does the murder cause a disruption to the festivities, but it doesn’t take long for people to avoid Sappy Endings at all costs. With the family business on the line, Lelia takes it upon herself to investigate and find the truth, and soon discovers the victim might not have been the intended victim. Ms. Bruns writes a tightly plotted tale with twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. There are suspects galore and it will take a sharp reader to catch all the clues and put them together for the solution. The heart pounding reveal brings all the threads of the story together in one highly satisfying conclusion!
Be sure to read through to the end of the book for several delicious pie recipes…they all sound utterly decadent!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is the third installment in Catherine Bruns' wonderful Maple Syrup Mysteries series, and this series overall has become a new favorite of mine. I couldn't wait to dive into this one after loving the first two books in the series, and the synopsis sounded both intriguing and terrifying.
It was definitely a worthy addition to the series, and I continue to find Leila a relatable character. I enjoyed the fact that this one dives into more of her complicated relationship with her mother, and what her past entailed during her time in Florida. The relationship progression between herself and Noah seemed natural and realistic, and the struggles they go through during this story felt like something that could easily happen to anyone else facing that particular situation. The setting was also a continued delight, and I love how atmospheric and cozy this series is a whole.
The only thing that kept this one from being another five star read for me was the fact that the I thought the killer was incredibly obvious by about a third of the way into the story, and I was left slightly disappointed when almost everything was revealed to be exactly what I was expecting.
Overall, I still loved the story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, but I think I preferred the first two titles to this one personally.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
It was definitely a worthy addition to the series, and I continue to find Leila a relatable character. I enjoyed the fact that this one dives into more of her complicated relationship with her mother, and what her past entailed during her time in Florida. The relationship progression between herself and Noah seemed natural and realistic, and the struggles they go through during this story felt like something that could easily happen to anyone else facing that particular situation. The setting was also a continued delight, and I love how atmospheric and cozy this series is a whole.
The only thing that kept this one from being another five star read for me was the fact that the I thought the killer was incredibly obvious by about a third of the way into the story, and I was left slightly disappointed when almost everything was revealed to be exactly what I was expecting.
Overall, I still loved the story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, but I think I preferred the first two titles to this one personally.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
September 23, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is a delightfully charming cozy mystery that takes place in Sugar Ridge, Vermont. This is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mystery series and is just as entertaining as the first two installments. Leila is preparing Sappy Endings Farm for the holidays, and to start off Thanksgiving week, she has organized a pie-baking contest. With over a dozen pies to sample and the beautiful autumn weather, what could go wrong? In the midst of her contest, one of Leila's neighbors is poisoned, and, unfortunately, it's by one of the pies. In order to save the farm and ensure a happy holiday for her family and friends, Leila is determined to find the killer.
In the Blink of a Pie is a fantastic cozy mystery. I absolutely adore this series. I love the small-town vibes of Sugar Ridge, especially Sappy Endings Farm. I grew up collecting sap and making maple syrup with my grandpa, and this book brings back all of my amazing memories. In addition, I absolutely love Lebanese food, and all of the dishes described in these books sound delicious. I can't wait to try some of the recipes! I will definitely be continuing with this series! In the Blink of a Pie is a perfect cozy read for this fall!
In the Blink of a Pie is a fantastic cozy mystery. I absolutely adore this series. I love the small-town vibes of Sugar Ridge, especially Sappy Endings Farm. I grew up collecting sap and making maple syrup with my grandpa, and this book brings back all of my amazing memories. In addition, I absolutely love Lebanese food, and all of the dishes described in these books sound delicious. I can't wait to try some of the recipes! I will definitely be continuing with this series! In the Blink of a Pie is a perfect cozy read for this fall!
September 17, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley, Poisoned Pens and Catherine Bruns for this ARC.
This is the 3rd book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries and just as enjoyable as the first one.
The characters in this book are all relatable and realistic. Leila's relationship is getting better with her mother, Selma, which I'm loving. They still have their moments but I think that is pretty much any mother and daughter relationship. Her best friend, Heather is still around. I love their relationship, we all need that one friend who is going to always be there with no questions ask. As for her relationship with Noah, it is getting stronger along with her relationship with his daughter, Emma. I love reading about Leila and Emma's relationship. It is just so sweet.
The mystery had so many suspects, I kept going back and forth since there were so many motives. I should have followed with my gut because I was right, but it is so much fun to guess who the murderer is and what the motive is. I love those little red herrings that make me second guess who I think it is and I always love the reveal.
This book was entertaining and such a fun read. I can't wait for the next one in this series. I really want to get know Leila and her friends/family more.
This is the 3rd book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries and just as enjoyable as the first one.
The characters in this book are all relatable and realistic. Leila's relationship is getting better with her mother, Selma, which I'm loving. They still have their moments but I think that is pretty much any mother and daughter relationship. Her best friend, Heather is still around. I love their relationship, we all need that one friend who is going to always be there with no questions ask. As for her relationship with Noah, it is getting stronger along with her relationship with his daughter, Emma. I love reading about Leila and Emma's relationship. It is just so sweet.
The mystery had so many suspects, I kept going back and forth since there were so many motives. I should have followed with my gut because I was right, but it is so much fun to guess who the murderer is and what the motive is. I love those little red herrings that make me second guess who I think it is and I always love the reveal.
This book was entertaining and such a fun read. I can't wait for the next one in this series. I really want to get know Leila and her friends/family more.
September 11, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is the 3rd book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries.
Leila Khoury has arranged for a pie baking contest to be held on the farms grounds.
When an elderly neighbor who always insist on doing what she wants no matter what inserts herself into the judge's chair while Leila had to go interview a potential new employee.
As Leila returns, and tries to get the neighbor to taste the contestants pies.
She quickly eats a bite of one of the pies.
This was a fatal mistake as she is dead within five minutes.
With sales at the farm now alost nonexistant.
Leila has to find out where the deadly pie came from, znc sho ghd murderer is before the farm has to be closed permanently.
This was another fun story in this series with developed characters, a solid story, and several red herrings.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and author Catherine Bruns for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
Leila Khoury has arranged for a pie baking contest to be held on the farms grounds.
When an elderly neighbor who always insist on doing what she wants no matter what inserts herself into the judge's chair while Leila had to go interview a potential new employee.
As Leila returns, and tries to get the neighbor to taste the contestants pies.
She quickly eats a bite of one of the pies.
This was a fatal mistake as she is dead within five minutes.
With sales at the farm now alost nonexistant.
Leila has to find out where the deadly pie came from, znc sho ghd murderer is before the farm has to be closed permanently.
This was another fun story in this series with developed characters, a solid story, and several red herrings.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and author Catherine Bruns for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
September 12, 2024
Another sweet tasty mystery in the Maple Syrup Mystery series. Leila, Noah, and Mom, with Heather's help, are running a pie tasting contest at Sappy Endings to bring folks to the farm and raise funds for the local food bank. When Selma's neighbor tries to push her way in as a judge while Leila is tied up doing an interview and downs a mouth full of pumpkin pie, she immediately falls over and is dead within moments. Was she the actual target, or was it someone else? Who wanted to bring harm to the farm? Can they save farm from the bad publicity? You know Leila can't just stand buy and watch everything her parents worked for go down the drain so she's on the job. Come along for a wild ride! Thanks to #Netgalley, #PoisonPenPress, and the author for an opportunity to read. #IntheBlinkofaPie #CatherineBruns #MapleSyrupMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 13, 2024
Call it two mysteries: Who poisoned the pie at the contest? and Who was the DESIRED victim? And why?
Leila's dad started Sappy Endings Farm and its maple syrup refinery and bakery in 1998 but died over a year ago. She still misses him but has the love of her mother, brother, a young widower and his daughter. The horrible things start happening. One of her mother's friends dies very publicly at a pie contest at the farm, someone causes a CO2 buildup in Leila's home while she's there alone, and other inexplicable things as well. The plot does some interesting twists, and the red herrings are pretty sneaky, but it is a very good read.
Now I plan to go out and get some Baklava!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
#MapleSyrupMysteriesBk3
Leila's dad started Sappy Endings Farm and its maple syrup refinery and bakery in 1998 but died over a year ago. She still misses him but has the love of her mother, brother, a young widower and his daughter. The horrible things start happening. One of her mother's friends dies very publicly at a pie contest at the farm, someone causes a CO2 buildup in Leila's home while she's there alone, and other inexplicable things as well. The plot does some interesting twists, and the red herrings are pretty sneaky, but it is a very good read.
Now I plan to go out and get some Baklava!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
#MapleSyrupMysteriesBk3
August 27, 2024
Falls has arrived in Sugar Ridge and Leila is hosting a pie contest to get people excited about the holidays. But a poisoned pie changes everything and Lila finds herself trying to save things and solve a murder yet again. can she solve this one, or is it just one time to many for Lila to outwit a killer and service a slice of justice?
I love Vermont and each time I read a book in this series I am transported. I can smell the leaves and maple syrup before I even turn to the first page…and then I am completely in Sugar Ridge for the rest of the book. Following the clues along with Lila always makes me second guess myself and I. Often get that aha moment at the same time she does. can’t wait four book four in this series!
I love Vermont and each time I read a book in this series I am transported. I can smell the leaves and maple syrup before I even turn to the first page…and then I am completely in Sugar Ridge for the rest of the book. Following the clues along with Lila always makes me second guess myself and I. Often get that aha moment at the same time she does. can’t wait four book four in this series!
September 22, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is fascinating, twisted, cozy mystery. I was totally egaged from page one. I love the setting for this series and the recurring characters. Once again Leila is embroiled in a mystery when a neighbor dies from eating a poisoned pie at the farm’s first pie baking contest. Soon it becomes obvious that Leila is the intended victim, not the neighbor. With suspects, motives, red herrings and twists galore, the reader will need to pay close attention to discover the culprit. There are several family dramas in this well plottted book. Start reading early in the day or be prepared to get little sleep. I could not put the book down!
September 12, 2024
I have read this series and each book just keeps getting better.. I love Sappy Endings as a setting and have really come to love every character in this book.
This particular story had enough red herrings to keep me guessing throughout the book.
I am very happy in the direction the storyline is headed and am looking forward to the next chapter in Leila and Noah’s snd Sappy Endings story.
5 stars!!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This particular story had enough red herrings to keep me guessing throughout the book.
I am very happy in the direction the storyline is headed and am looking forward to the next chapter in Leila and Noah’s snd Sappy Endings story.
5 stars!!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this advance copy. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2024
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I had not read this series but after the first chapter decided to go back and read the first two because I could tell I was going to like the series. While i am sure you could read the book as a stand alone, I am glad inwent back so I could savor the series. In this addition, we find Leila hosting a pie eating contest at her family's Sappy Endings Maple Syrup farm. Things do not go as planned when a guest dies tasting one of the pies. It is a race to find who did it so Leila can save her farms reputation and her own life. Robust characters and a good mystery with a lot of heart. I cannot wait for the next book!
August 30, 2024
Great book!
I love this series, and this latest addition was the best so far! I immediately felt right at home, from the beginning. I continue to connect with Leila, she’s relatable. And she feels real. Another wonderful read in this cozy series that I recommend to all cozy mystery lovers! Lots of twists and turns, the supense built up well. A pageturner!
I love this series, and this latest addition was the best so far! I immediately felt right at home, from the beginning. I continue to connect with Leila, she’s relatable. And she feels real. Another wonderful read in this cozy series that I recommend to all cozy mystery lovers! Lots of twists and turns, the supense built up well. A pageturner!
September 21, 2024
I loved this book so much. A maple syrup farm is the perfect fall setting and this was the best time of year to read it. The mystery had me guessing to the end and I have loved how the characters have grown together through this series. I honestly cannot wait for the next book and hope there will be many many more!!!! Loved it!!!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2024
The Maple Syrup Mysteries series by Catherine Bruns is a winner. Just finished the third book, In the Blink of a Pie, and it was a great read. Characters you will love, a mystery that will keep you guessing, and lots of great recipes. Get this book today.
August 24, 2024
I enjoyed the first two books in this series. In this one, the killer feels really obvious from maybe halfway through. So that's a bummer. An enjoyable read, because I was hoping the ending would surprise me--but it didn't.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
September 27, 2024
a really wonderful read! I loved the interesting complex characters and the fast paced twisty story! This entertaining book was unpredictable and a real page turner! I was guessing until the very end! I especially loved the recipes at the end of the book! A must read!
August 16, 2024
In the Blink of a Pie is the third book in Catherine Bruns’ Maple Syrup Mysteries series. The storyline flows smoothly in this cozy whodunit. The characters are three-dimensional, the well-plotted mystery is intriguing, and there is a perfect mix of mystery, everyday life, and complicated family relationships. There’s no shortage of twists, turns, or red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.
Leila Khoury, her mother, Selma, and younger brother and reporter for the Maple Messenger, Simon, are adjusting to the passing of their father and beloved husband, Victor Khoury. When her father’s will was read, Leila learned that he left the family farm, Sappy Endings, to her, stipulating that she run the business for one year, after which time she could sell the enterprise if she desired. Even though all Leila wanted to do was return to Florida, she honored her father’s final wishes. In addition to the farm filled with maple trees, there’s a café, a gift shop, and the sugar shack where the maple syrup is processed. Leila’s mother provides maple-flavored baked goods for the café, and Noah Rivers, a man Leigh didn’t know or trust, was managing the farm and maple syrup production. Now, Sappy Endings is thriving under the combined management of Leila and Noah, and they are building what they hope will be a lasting relationship, both personal and professional.
In this installment, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Leila is both nervous and looking forward to kicking off the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. Unfortunately, Sappy Ending’s future is immediately in danger when a local Sugar Ridge, Vermont resident, Margaret Middleton, dies after tasting a pumpkin pie dropped off by an unknown contest entrant. Unable to sit and do nothing, Leila dons her sleuthing hat and begins looking into the death on her own.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Leila Khoury, her mother, Selma, and younger brother and reporter for the Maple Messenger, Simon, are adjusting to the passing of their father and beloved husband, Victor Khoury. When her father’s will was read, Leila learned that he left the family farm, Sappy Endings, to her, stipulating that she run the business for one year, after which time she could sell the enterprise if she desired. Even though all Leila wanted to do was return to Florida, she honored her father’s final wishes. In addition to the farm filled with maple trees, there’s a café, a gift shop, and the sugar shack where the maple syrup is processed. Leila’s mother provides maple-flavored baked goods for the café, and Noah Rivers, a man Leigh didn’t know or trust, was managing the farm and maple syrup production. Now, Sappy Endings is thriving under the combined management of Leila and Noah, and they are building what they hope will be a lasting relationship, both personal and professional.
In this installment, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Leila is both nervous and looking forward to kicking off the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. Unfortunately, Sappy Ending’s future is immediately in danger when a local Sugar Ridge, Vermont resident, Margaret Middleton, dies after tasting a pumpkin pie dropped off by an unknown contest entrant. Unable to sit and do nothing, Leila dons her sleuthing hat and begins looking into the death on her own.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
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