Christmas Candy Corpse
Six ambitious bakers are competing for glory and a grand prize, showcasing their most delicious candies, cookies, and desserts. Courtney detects some on-set grinchiness from her coworkers, especially judge Shannon Collins, but she’s hoping the sweet treats will restore everyone’s festive spirits. That Christmas wish swiftly fizzles when assistant director Kinzy Hummel is found strangled—with an apron from Shannon’s new product line . . .
Shannon insists she’s innocent. Meanwhile, Kinzy had been under pressure from a disgruntled attorney to settle her late grandfather’s estate. But could that be a motive for murder? The show must go on even as Courtney sifts through competitors and crew for likely suspects. But unless she can quickly get to the truth, there’ll be another helping of homicide amid the pinwheel cookies and fruitcakes . . .
Courtney Archer is a filming a holiday version of The American Baking Battle at Coal Castle Resort. There is tension on the set as Shannon Collins, a judge for the baking competition, and the assistant director, Kinzy Hummel clash. Courtney has noticed that Shannon has put on some weight and her attitude has taken a nosedive. Courtney is unable to get Shannon to talk about what is bothering her. When Kinzy is found strangled with one of the aprons from Shannon’s new apron line, she becomes the prime suspect. If Courtney wants to save her new show, she needs to clear Shannon. She will need to be careful, or Courtney will end up being the next victim.
Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is the third A Courtney Archer Mystery. I
recommend reading the series in order.
It is the best way to get to know the characters and their
relationships. Christmas Candy Corpse is
an easy-to-read story. It moves at a good
pace. There are numerous sweet temptations mentioned that will have you heading
for your local bakery. I liked the challenges that has the characters doing
treats to represent past, present, and future.
The past sweet treats featured two items that many people will not have
heard of or tasted (divinity and anise candy).
I thought the author created an authentic experience of a television
baking competition. I was not a fan of
the references to Shannon’s weight gain.
I knew there was a good reason for it, and it was not because she had
developed a sweet tooth. I like how
Shannon’s friends rallied around her when the truth was revealed. The mystery was simple. I knew who would die and who did the deed
before the crime occurred. I kept hoping
for a good twist to surprise me. Some of
Courtney’s theories regarding the murder were half-baked. I like how the method of murder tied back to
Shannon and the show. I enjoyed the
holiday atmosphere. Christmas cozies are
always fun to read and get me into spirit of the season. Christmas Candy Corpse is a lighthearted tale
with sweet treats, an apron argument, an imperious mother, holiday happenings, a
mounting midriff, a mysterious murder, and a curious chef.
Kris
The Avid Reader
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