Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower

Truffle Trouble

Book Summary

Combining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…

Horror d'oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .

Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included!

My Thoughts

Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower is a cute tale.  I love visiting Harvest, Ohio to check in with  Bailey as well as her family and  friends.  Bailey and Aiden are finally (it is about time) getting married.  Everyone in Harvest is invited (English and Amish) including Jethro.  Of course, it would not be Bailey’s wedding without a snafu or a murder (or both).  I just love the characters in this series.  Lois is a hoot (I want to be like her at that age), and she seems to have caught the eye of a wedding guest.  

The whodunit has Bailey asking questions and searching for clues. Aiden should really put her on the payroll.  Bailey finds herself with extra activities to do since she cannot seem to say no (she is too nice).  Jethro, the polka dotted pig, spends quite a bit of time in Bailey’s company.  He shares Nutmeg’s bed at Swissmen Sweet’s (Bailey needs to invest in a larger pet bed). I laughed often while reading Truffle Trouble. It is a lighthearted, fun story.  Truffle Trouble is the tenth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, and it can be read as a standalone. Personally, I recommend reading this entertaining series from the beginning.  Truffle Trouble is an amusing story with a long-awaited wedding,  a precocious polka dotted pig, an incredible chocolate cake, a flirtatious Lois, a murdered man, a determined Margot, and, hopefully, the happy couple departing on their honeymoon. 

Truffle Trouble can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the rest of The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  If you enjoy The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries, you should check out The Amish Matchmaker Mysteries (they are delightful).  You can find Amanda Flower's other cozy mysteries here.  

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne on Thursday, April 2.  I am off to get some work done outside.  I am trying to get all the outside work done before the heat and humidity descend on Florida.   I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.  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.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower

 Gingerbread Danger

Book Summary

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations

begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

My Thoughts

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower returns readers to Holmes County, Ohio where Bailey King has a little too much on her plate.  I felt for Bailey.  I do not know how she was going to get everything done.  Margot Rawlings and Juliet, Aiden’s mother, do not hesitate to ask Bailey to do more tasks or babysit Jethro (that pig gets into more mischief).  I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging. I was quickly drawn into this cute Christmas cozy mystery.  I like the characters, including the sweet animals.  It was great to catch up with Millie, Uriah, and, Millie’s mischievous goats from An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries. The whodunit involves an employee from Bailey’s new factory.  Naturally, Bailey is curious about the case since it involved her factory and employee.  Someone, though, does not want Bailey sticking her nose into the crime.  

I enjoyed following Bailey and Jethro as they searched for clues and questioned suspects.  I believe Bailey was a tinge happy to have an investigation to keep her away from her mother who is planning an over-the-top wedding for Bailey and Aiden (the one the mother did not get).  Gingerbread Danger is the ninth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for new readers (I do recommend reading all the books in this charming series).  I was sad when my visit to Holmes County came to an end.  Gingerbread Danger is a lively cozy mystery with sweet treats, a pushy parent, a departed employee, a creepy Candyland game piece, an impish pig, tasty taffy, and a cheerful Christmas.

Gingerbread Danger is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  You can find the author's other books here. Amanda Flower has I Died for Beauty coming out February 25, 2025.  It is the third An Emily Dickinson Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, October 29 with Search and Detect by Terri Reed.  It is a page turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I am still filling out paperwork (I keep getting interupted) for assistance on getting the house repaired..  I have to attach copies of bills, bank statements, and pictures of the house.  I was surprised when my sister told me she set up a Go Fund Me page.  I hope that you are ready for Halloween! It is just a week away.  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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower

 Dating Can Be Deadly

Book Summary

Set in the fan favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in the USA Today bestselling author’s Amish Matchmaker series features the unlikely sleuthing duo of an Amish widow and her zany, oft-divorced English best friend. Will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, small-town mysteries, wholesome romance, inspirational fiction, and readers of Jennifer Beckstrand, Charlotte Hubbard, Rachel J. Good, and other authors of Amish fiction.

It's August in Holmes County, and that means it's time for the Holmes County Fair. It's the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .

 

When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .

My Thoughts

Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower takes us back to Harvest, Ohio for the Holmes County Fair.  I just love Millie Fisher and Lois Henry.  Those two are quite a pair.  Lois and Millie are opposites, but they have been best friends since they were children.  Lois’s handbag must weigh a ton.  I am just amazed at what Lois has in that bag (and I thought I carried a big bag).  Millie’s mischievous goats are entered into the competition at the county fair (thanks to Millie’s nephew Micah) and you know those two are itching to explore the fairgrounds.  When a murder occurs at the fair in the quilt barn, Lois and Millie are on the case.  There are a handful of suspects.  Millie and Lois ask questions plus nose around for clues.   Some readers may be surprised when the killer’s identity is revealed (it means you missed a vital clue or two). I like how Lois’s purse played into the reveal.  

I laughed often while reading Dating Can Be Deadly.  You never know what Lois will say or do next (and her outfits are something else especially her ensemble for the square dance).  I do wonder how much gel and hairspray Lois uses to get her hair to stay in place (I bet Lois could get picked up by a twister and her hair would remain intact).  I love that the story includes characters from An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries including a certain polka dotted pig.  Cupid is in town, and he is knocking at Millie’s door.  The question is, though, Millie ready to open her heart.  Dating Can Be Dating is the fifth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to read this delightful series in order.  Dating Can Be Deadly is an entertaining tale with fighting fair officials, roguish goats, quality quilts, dating dilemmas, helmet hair, a heartless relative, and fair food.  

Dating Can Be Deadly is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries here.  This series ties into An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries.  If you follow Amanda Flower on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Amanda has a new series coming out in 2024 titled A Katharine Wright Mysteries.  The first book will be out on March 26, 2024, and it is titled To Slip the Bonds of Earth.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, October 31 with Thanksgiving Blessing by Marta Perry.  It is the third An Amish Holiday Novel.  I hope that you have a spooktacular weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower

Blueberry Blunder

Book Summary

Bailey King, star of TV’s Bailey's Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies—including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .

 

When Bailey’s TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She’s not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic—because the filming coincides with Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . . 

Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together—a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer’s list . . .  

My Thoughts

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower has Bailey King building a candy factory in Harvest, Ohio.  After numerous delays from the belligerent contractor, Bailey fires him (good for her).  Bailey has a camera crew following her around for a new series featuring the building of the factory.  The ambitious producer is thrilled with the drama around the construction and Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash.  Margot Rawlings ropes Bailey into being the Blueberry Princess and she hopes the film coverage will draw more tourists to their town.  Harvest may become famous for another reason when the surly contractor is found dead.   

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower is a witty tale.  I laughed often while reading this story.  I enjoyed returning to Harvest, Ohio for the Blueberry Bash.  I felt bad for Bailey King who has her hands full with making candy for Swissmen Sweets, the construction of the new factory, the filming of her new show, and Jethro (Juliet’s polka dotted pig) constantly being foisted on her.  Juliet takes advantage of Bailey.  She should not continually thrust Jethro on Bailey (Juliet needs a pig sitter).  Jethro is one mischievous pig who can only be left unsupervised at nap time.  I felt bad for Nutmeg who had to share her bed at Swissmen Sweets with the polka dotted porker.  I like that we are getting to know more about Charlotte.  She is really coming out of her shell.  Charlotte is getting to marry the love of her life in just a few days.  Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash provided many laugh out loud moments.  The Blueberry Princesses dress and throne are indeed something.  I had to laugh when I learned who came up with the idea for the festival and why. I do not know if it will help the person or not (I hope it does).  

Harvest is a blend of Amish and Englisch.  Millie and Lois from Amanda Flower’s An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries are included.  Lois is a hoot.  Millie and Lois are polar opposites in looks, but they both have good hearts.  The mystery was straightforward.  I knew who would die and the identity of the guilty party before the crime took place.  The reason why took me a little longer to untangle.  My reading enjoyment was not dimmed by this knowledge.  I had a fun time following Bailey on her latest adventure.  I am glad Aiden is returning to town (it is about time).  The ending made me happy.  I see changes ahead in Harvest.  I cannot wait to see what happens in the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  Blueberry Blunder can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend reading this entertaining series in order. I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I was drawn immediately drawn into Blueberry Blunder.  It is a lighthearted story that made me laugh.  My visit to Harvest was over far too soon.    Blueberry Blunder is a comical cozy with a blueberry bash, a construction catastrophe, a poufy princess dress, a playful pig, a killed contractor, blended nuptials, and a special surprise. 

Blueberry Blunder is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  Dating Can Be Deadly is the fifth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery and it will be out on October 24.  Amanda has Crime and Cherry Pitts releasing on February 27, 2024 and it is the fourth a Farm to Table Mystery.  You can find Amanda Flower's other novels here.  

A few of the other books out today are Identity by Nora Roberts, The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis, Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy Coco, Second Chances on Blueberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand, Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders, and Breaking McKinley's Curse by Mindy Steele. Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Identity by Nora Roberts.  I have started walking for twenty to thirty minutes each evening.  My doctor said walking is the best exercise for me with my fibromyalgia and my bad knees. I did not want to walk alone and I am not ready to get another dog, so I picked up a cat stroller.  I have two cats (sisters) who are complete opposites.  Dickens who lives up to her name (she is a wily cat) and Bucky (for Buckeye) who is shy.    Dickens enjoys going outside (she is constantly sneaking out the door).  The stroller allows Dickens to get outside and for me to have a companion.  People are enjoying meeting my friendly feline. I hope that you have a joyful day.  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In Farm's Way by Amanda Flower

 In Farm's Way

Book Summary

When the biggest catch at the annual Ice Fishing Derby is the body of brewmaster Wallace, Shiloh must reel in the killer before her farm goes belly-up. 

Shiloh Bellamy still expects the last few Winter months to be busy with repairs, spring planning, and networking with local businesses. She might even be able to broker a new partnership with Fields Brewery and its organic brewer's association. Well, she could if the owner, Wallace, wasn't found murdered at the county Ice Fishing Derby.

Once again, Shiloh gets tangled up in the investigation when the police ignore an entire crop of suspects to blame one of her friends. She'll have to dig deep to find the truth, reel in a killer, and convince her city-slicker pug to wear his winter boots. But with Bellamy Farm still struggling, can Shiloh spare the time to look into the town's fishy characters? Or will her dream farm be the next thing floating belly up?

USA Today bestselling Amanda Flower returns to the Farm to Table cozy mystery series with another exciting sleuthing adventure!

My Thoughts

In Farm’s Way by Amanda Flower is a cute cozy mystery.  We return to Cherry Glen, Michigan where the town is getting ready for the Lake Skegemog Ice Fishing Derby.  Shiloh Bellamy’s father, Sully is participating.  Sully will be fishing with Quinn Killian, a friend of Shiloh’s, and his twelve-year-old daughter, Hazel.  After dropping off Sully, Shiloh and Huckleberry, her cute pug in his orange winter coat and boots, are heading off the ice when they stumble upon someone under the ice.   Wallace Fields, a local brewery owner, has served his last brew.  Shiloh gets a distraught call from her bestie, Kristy.  Unfortunately, Kristy’s husband, Kent is in hot water.  Kristy wants Shiloh to investigate and get her husband off the hook.  Shiloh dons her deerstalker cap and begins asking questions.  Shiloh will have her work cut out for her if she is to reel in the worm who turned Wallace into fish food.  

In Farm’s Way is the third book in the Farm to Table Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, I think it is best to read the series in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and the town.  I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is lighthearted and friendly.  The characters are relatable and quirky.  Shiloh Bellamy is a former television producer who is working to turn Bellamy Farm organic.  She takes her cute pug, Huckleberry with her everywhere.  Huckleberry is not a fan of his new winter boots.  I had to laugh at the descriptions of Huckleberry shaking his various limbs trying to rid himself of the boots.  I like the balance between the lighthearted moments and those that are more somber or reflective.  An example is when Shiloh sees her father with Hazel and wishes he had been like that with her when she was a child.  The mystery kept Shiloh on her toes.  As she asks questions, Shiloh’s suspect list grows longer.  She needs to be discreet because law enforcement has warned her (multiple times) to keep her nose out of the case (like that is going to happen).  The reveal was suspenseful and entertaining.  We get to learn about cherry beer (how it is created) and organic farming.     The author weaved all the elements together to provide a delightful tale.  In Farm's Way had me laughing often.  I am eager to read the next Farm to Table Mystery to learn how Shiloh fares on her first date with an unexpected fellow.  There is a recipe for suet (winter food for the birds) at the end of the book.   In Farm’s Way is delightful tale with ice fishing fun, a pooch’s uncomfortable boots, a cherry craft beer competition, a bumped off brewer, and a sleuthing Shiloh.

In Farm's Way will be out on February 24 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The other novels in the Farm to Table Mysteries can be found here.  You can find Amanda Flower's other entertaining stories here.  Amanda Flower has Blueberry Blunder publishing on May 23.  It is the eighth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on February 28 with Beyond the Gray Mountains by Tricia Goyer.  It is the first A Big Sky Amish Novel.  I hope you have an entertaining weekend.  My weekend is all booked!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous by Amanda Flower

 Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous

Book Summary

Set in the fan favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower's Amish Matchmaker series brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of an Amish widow and her zany, thrice divorced best friend. Will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, small-town mysteries, wholesome romance, inspirational fiction, and readers of Jennifer Beckstrand, Charlotte Hubbard, Rachel J. Good, and other authors of Amish fiction.

Millie’s decidedly not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is outspoken, colorful, and so hopelessly romantic, she’s had four husbands. Millie doesn’t judge, and she also doesn’t expect to run into Lois’s most recent ex, gambler Gerome Moorhead, in small-town Harvest, Ohio. With him is the very young, new Mrs. Moorhead, aka “Honeybee.” Lois is outraged, but Millie is completely shocked to learn the next day that Gerome is already a widower . . .
 

When a large wood carving at the cozy Munich Chalet falls on “Honeybee,” all eyes turn toward Lois. Who else would want a tourist—a complete stranger—dead? And half of Harvest witnessed Lois’s enmity toward the young woman. Suddenly Millie must put aside her sewing needle and flex her sleuthing skills. She’s no stranger to a murder investigation, after all, and if she doesn’t learn who killed Honeybee, Lois could go from Millie’s boisterous best friend to her horrified prison penpal . . .
 

My Thoughts

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous by Amanda Flower is a fun cozy mystery.  I laughed often while reading the fourth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery.  Millie and Lois have a new case.  Gerome Moorhead, Lois’ most recent ex-husband, is in Harvest, Ohio on his honeymoon to the newest Mrs. Moorhead (aka Honeybee).  When Honeybee gets clocked by an oversized cuckoo, Lois rises to the top of the suspect list.  Millie aka the Amish Marple is on the case.  Of course, Lois is not about to be left behind.  Can the duo uncover the killer before Lois gets carted off to the hoosegow?  

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous is a delight to read.  I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is relaxed and engaging.  I quickly found myself drawn into the story. I was quickly flipping the pages to find out what happened next.  I love a book that makes me laugh.  There are great characters in this series. They are fun and quirky.  Millie has her goats who seem to understand her.  She has added a cat to the household.  Lois is a hoot.  She is the opposite of Millie.  Lois likes busy patterns and loud colors.  She carries a purse that reminds me of Mary Poppins satchel.  You never know what Lois will pull out of her purse (there is at least one rubber mallet in there—you never know when you are going to need one--and let us not forget the staple gun).   Margot Rawlings is the village’s community organizer.  This is one woman that you wish to avoid, or you will find yourself “volunteered” to help with an event.  Let us not forget Juliet Brook, the pastor’s wife, and her pet pig, Jethro.  Juliet plans to make Jethro a Hollywood star.  

The whodunit was entertaining.  Lois and Millie manage to get into a scrape or two (thanks to Lois).  Millie asks questions and searches for clues.  I like how the whodunit involved both the Amish and the English communities.  The mystery delved into an issue that is prevalent in our country.  No sect is immune as we see in this story.  My only complaint is that the mystery was easy to solve.  I easily picked out the guilty party early in the story.  The antics of Millie’s goats had me laughing out loud.   The author gave the goats great personalities.  Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous can be read as a standalone, but you are missing out by not reading all the books in this delightful series. There is a preview of Blueberry Blunder at the end which is the eighth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous is a witty whodunit with a polka dotted pig, a clobbered bride, a bulging bag, rampageous goats, a caring community, and the Amish Marple.   

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous is available from Amazon*.  The other books in An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries can be found here.  Blueberry Blunder is the eighth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery and it comes out May 23, 2023.  I wonder what mystery Bailey King will find herself involved in this time.  You can find Amanda Flower's other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you had a happy holiday and received plenty of books or gifts cards to get books (always on my Christmas list).  I am off to straighten up my storage area.  I need to make room for the inflatables I used for my holiday display.  This is the not fun part.  I hope you have a very Happy New Year.  I will return on January 3 with Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower

Frozen Detective

Book Summary

Murder on the ski slopes.

The weapon? A bow and arrow.

The suspects? Every guest at the villa.

Intrigue, a fake relationship, and humor come together in a Knives Out-style cozy mystery from bestselling author Amanda Flower and Hallmark Publishing.

A wealthy doctor invites many of his associates to spend a week at a giant, luxurious ski villa. Darby Piper, a seasoned private eye, and Tate Porter, her new partner at the detective agency, are among the guests, going undercover as a romantic couple. They were hired by the doctor’s much-younger wife to investigate anonymous threats against her husband’s life. But before long, Darby and Tate are investigating a murder instead.

As they dig up buried grudges, Darby’s jealous ex-boyfriend on the police force thinks they’re wasting their time. Will Darby and Tate figure out who the killer is…or will it become another cold case?

This cozy mystery contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Goat Cheese Phyllo Puffs

My Thoughts

Darby Piper and Tate Porter have a new case.  Tate’s old high school girlfriend, Cecily Madd is in town with her husband.  They have rented out the most expensive lodge in the area for a big New Year’s Eve party.  Cecily tells them that her husband, Dr. Garret Madd has been getting threatening notes and she wants them to uncover who is behind the threats.  Dr. Madd does not want to involve the police.  Cecily wants Darby and Tate to pose as a couple (awkward).  The night after the lavish party, Darby is in the lodge’s gym when she notices someone lying in the snow.  She finds Dr. Madd dead with an arrow in his back.  Darby and Tate will need to work quickly if they want to identify the killer behind this chilling crime before all their suspects fly the coop.  

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower is the second A Piper & Porter Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I found the story easy to read thanks to Amanda Flower’s friendly writing style.  I like that we get to know more about Tate Porter.  The whodunit had plenty of suspects since the victim was not well liked. There is a red herring or two to distract readers.  There are clues to help readers solve the crime.  I enjoyed the action which kept things lively. This was a fun mystery to solve.  I thought the method of murder was unique.  There is a wrap up of the crime at the end, but I was left with one lingering question.  I believe this case will leave the agency in the red thanks to Darby’s purchases at the ski shop (she was not prepared for cold weather).  I just loved Tiny, the Saint Bernard that belonged to the manager of the lodge.  He is a sweet and clever dog.  I liked the humor at the end.  I wish there had been more of it in the story.  Get cozy in your favorite chair with a comfy blanket to enjoy Frozen Detective.  Frozen Detective is a wintry whodunit with ominous notes, an astonishing announcement, a purple parka, a dead doc, a sweet St. Bernard, a defensive detective, and a bracing blizzard. 

Frozen Detective is available from Amazon*.  The first A Piper & Porter Mystery is Dead-End Detective.  Amanda Flower has Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous coming out December 27.  It is the fourth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery.  Blueberry Blunder comes out May 23, 2023.  It is the eighth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  You can find Amanda Flower's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman.  It is the ninth A Yarn Retreat Mystery.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.