Leslie Budewitz

This is a charming story with likeable characters. I greatly enjoyed the small-town vibe and the slow, easygoing pace of the narrative. Yes, it's a mystery, but it's also a story about a couple planning their wedding, and it's also a story about Christmas, and it's also about neighbors and family and celebrating. It's no thriller, and I love it for that. The sleuthing takes a back seat to the camaraderie, and while bad things happen, the sorrows also make the good parts of life seem all the sweeter.… (more)

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Spice Shop series.

The characters in this series are wonderful and I love each of them. I believe them to be well-rounded and yet, so far in the both books in the series, we see development amongst the main charcters, so they're not stagnant.

The plot had lots of twists and turns in it that kept me guessing right up until the end. I didn't have a clue who had actually committed the crime until it was finally revealed. I made a few guesses, but I was completely wrong on all of them, which I like. I don't like it when I can figure out who the villain is half way thru the book and then I have to sit there while the police fumble thru the evidence that seems so obvious to me.

I've never been to Seattle, but I can envision the market place from the descriptions given. I find the setting information to be "just right", enough description given to help me form a blueprint in my head but not too wordy so nothing is left to my imagination.

I will definitely recommend this series to other cozy mystery lovers! :)… (more)