The Cold Case and the Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

 The Cold Case and the Corpse

Book Summary

When foul play pays a visit to a snowy mountain retreat, Hope Early will have to battle the elements to catch a cold-blooded killer . . .

With her first cookbook about to be published, food blogger Hope Early decides it’s the perfect time to attend a weekend retreat with a life coach and take her career to the next level. Her hopes for a life-changing experience are soon dashed, however, when she realizes the woman’s wisdom is nothing more than buzzwords and hollow clichés. Suspecting she’s a fraud, Hope discovers the woman is a longtime con artist and is even linked to an unsolved murder. But before she can learn more, someone puts an end to the life coach’s scam—permanently.

News of the murder has put everyone at the retreat on edge, and the stakes are raised when a fierce snowstorm threatens to strand them all there with the killer. With everyone a suspect and at least one other person pretending to be someone they’re not, Hope’s determined to unearth any clues that link the victim’s sordid past with someone at the retreat. But the killer is dead set on stopping Hope in her tracks, and what started as a weekend to build an exciting future turns into a struggle to survive another day . . .

Includes mouthwatering recipes!

My Thoughts

The Cold Case and the Corpse by Debra Sennefelder has Hope Early attending a life coach’s weekend retreat.  I could tell that the weekend was not going to go well from the beginning.  The treacherous driveway to the lodge confirmed my feeling of doom.  The author captured the feeling of being isolated in a lodge during a raging blizzard (at least they had a generator).    The story is easy to read, but slow-paced and repetitive.  

I always enjoy a locked room (in this case lodge) mystery.  There are a handful of suspects, and it seems each person has a secret (what a bunch).  Hope is too pushy when investigating.  It seemed that a couple of the regular characters had attitude problems (Claire was peevish, the mayor was extremely annoying).  The reveal happened suddenly (you need to hit the brakes, or you will slide right by it).  There is a good wrap up at the end.  Hope’s surprises do not end at the lodge.  I had a feeling this particular news was coming after a certain person made a comment early in the story (I do not want to spoil it for you).  The Cold Case and the Corpse is the eighth A Food Blogger Mystery.  This book can be read on its own for those who are new to the series as the author provides all the necessary background information.  There are (of course) recipes at the end of the book (a savory and two sweet).  

The Cold Case and the Corpse is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Food Blogger Mysteries here.  If you follow Debra Sennefelder on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Wednesday, December 10 with At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling.  It is the second book in Home to Green Creek series.  Cold weather has hit Florida.  It was 52 degrees last night (brrr!!!).   What is it like in your part of the country?  This is the perfect weather for settling into a comfy chair under a cozy blanket with a warm drink and a good book to read.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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