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.

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.

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower

Lemon Drop Dead

Book Summary

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower has Bailey King backed into a corner by Juliet Brook and Margot Rawlings.  They have decided it is best to have a baby shower for Emily Keim and that Bailey should host it.  They have even booked the venue for her.  It is up to Bailey to tell Emily that good news.  Charlotte is delighted to organize the shower and even has the theme picked out.  The baby shower is well-attended by the Amish and Englisch communities.  Emily is surprised when an Amish woman from a different district approaches her and mentions her secret—the child she was forced to give up as a teenager.  The woman disappears before Bailey can find out more information.  That evening, Bailey is working in Swissmen Sweets when someone pounds on the door.  Esther Esh, Emily’s estranged sister, drags her over to the family pretzel shop where the mystery Amish woman is dead on the floor.  Deputy Aiden Brody is quick to arrive, and he finds a threatening letter from Esther in the victim’s pocket.  Emily knows that her sister did not murder the woman and asks Bailey to help her.  Bailey dons her sleuthing cap once again, grabs some chocolates for substance, and sets out to find the Amish woman’s killer.

My Thoughts

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower is the 6^th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you will be missing out on a delightful series of books.  I found Lemon Drop Dead to be well-written with steady pacing and charming characters.  I enjoy visiting Harvest, Ohio where there are Amish and Englisch residents.  There is a great cast of characters that includes Bailey King, Clara King, Charlotte King, Aiden Brody, Juliet Brook, Margot Rawlings, Emily Keim, and let us not forget, Jethro.  Jethro is a show stealer along with Bailey’s cat, Nutmeg and rabbit, Puff.  Bailey is friendly, talented, and helpful.  She is actually a little too obliging as she finds herself babysitting Jethro more and more often as Juliet performs her duties as a pastor’s wife.  There is a sweet scene with Jethro, Puff, and Nutmeg that I just loved.  I like that we get to know more about Emily is this story as well as what happened to her little girl.  The whodunit was enjoyable.  I had to laugh at the 9-1-1 operator’s response when Bailey called in the dead body.  I enjoyed following Bailey as she interviewed people and collected clues.  This mystery was more complex that others in the series which I loved.  It is nicely wrapped up at the end of the book.  I enjoyed the addition of Hannah (such a sweetie) and look forward to seeing more of her in future tales.  Jethro, as always, added plenty of humor to the story.  He is one cute and amusing pig.  I was dismayed at Aiden’s news.  It certainly puts a crink in Aiden and Bailey’s relationship.  I was glad that Millie and Lois from An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series made an appearance in Lemon Drop Dead.  They are a part of Harvest too.  Fans of the series will be happy to know that Charlotte is ready to make a decision about her future (you will have to read the book to find out the answer).  I am eager for the next tale in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.  Lemon Drop Dead is an engaging cozy mystery with swine sitting, a child conundrum, a mystifying Amish woman, creamy chocolate, a baby shower bash, a sour sister, and relationship tribulations.  

Lemon Drop Dead publishes Tuesday, April 27 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  The 3rd An Amish Matchmaker Mystery is out on November 30 and it is Marriage can be Mischief. The first book in the series is Matchmaking Can Be Murder and it is currently $.99 (for a limited time).   Amanda Flower has the 5th A Magical Bookshop Mystery coming out January 11, 2022.  It is titled Crimes and Covers.  You can find Amanda Flower's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be featuring Wining and Dying by Daryl Wood Gerber.  It is the 10th A Cookbook Nook Mystery.  I hope all of you have a funtastic day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower

Happy Book Release Day!  There are some wonderful new books out today.  The titles include: A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker, Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman, Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing, Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower, All She Wrote by Tonya Kappes, Murder with Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith, No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert, and Southern Sass & a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young.  Which one are you eager to get your hands on first?

Polka dotted wedding dress

Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower has Bailey King wearing a frothy lavender and white polka dotted dress as maid of honor to Juliet Brody who is marrying Reverend Simon Brook.  Jethro, Juliet’s pet pig, is the ring bearer sporting a lavender polka dotted tie.  Bailey is worried that the marshmallow frosting on the wedding cake will melt in the hot July weather on the polka dotted wedding cake, but her grandmother assures her that she has it in hand.  The minister is about to pronounce them man and wife when a woman barges into the church.  She is obviously drunk and soon ousted.  The next morning, Bailey arrives early at the church where she finds the wedding crasher dead on the steps.  It looks like the honeymoon to Prince Edward Island is one hold when Reverend Brook becomes the prime suspect.  Deputy Aiden Brody wants to get this case solved quickly since Reverend Brook is his new stepfather.  Bailey with her best friend, Cass decide to do a little poking around on their own.  

Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower is the 5^th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  While it can be read on its own, I do recommend reading each book in this entertaining series.  I like Amanda Flower’s engaging writing style.  I was quickly drawn into the story and I did not want to put down my book (a very pushy cat got insistent at dinner time).  I laughed often while reading Marshmallow Malice.  Jethro is one mischievous pig.  Of course, Bailey manages to get herself into some sticky situations.   I love the cast of characters in this series.  Bailey, Cass, Emily, Charlotte, Aiden, Juliet, Jethro, and even Margot.  I like that Bailey is close to her grandmother and has a wonderful group of friends.  Aiden and Bailey make a cute couple.  There are also some adorable little animals.  It is so cute how Nutmeg, the cat at the Swissmen’s Sweets, likes to play with Bailey’s rabbit, Puff.  Don’t forget Jethro who can get into trouble faster than you can say chocolate.  Harvest, Ohio is a charming small town with a mix of English and Amish shops and residents.  There are one or two bad eggs (two people at Esh’s Pretzel Shop spring to mind), but the rest of the people are friendly and welcoming.  The mystery was well-crafted.  I had a good time playing sleuth alongside Bailey and Cass.  There are good clues along with a red herring and misdirection.  Bailey had an additional worry in Marshmallow Malice.  A woman from Aiden’s past has returned to town and she seems determined to rekindle her relationship with the dashing deputy (and so does her pushy mother).  I like how Millie Fisher from An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series attended the wedding.  This was a delightful story that I finished much too quickly.  Marshmallow Malice is witty cozy mystery with hair hijinks, a playful pig, marshmallow madness, a plethora of polka dots, hot hooch, and partner problems.

Marshmallow Malice is available from Amazon*.  The other novels in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series can be found here.  I hope you enjoy this delightful story as much as I did.  Lemon Drop Dead will be the 6th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery and it will be out next year.  Amanda Flower's next release is Courting Can Be Killer.  It is the 2nd An Amish Matchmaker Mystery and releases November 24. Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  On Wednesday, I am featuring No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert as part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.  It is the debut of A Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series.  I hope that you have a tranquil day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!    

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower

Welcome!  Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower has Bailey King expecting her parents for Mother’s Day weekend.  Bailey has been busy preparing treats for the Mother’s Day Tea at the church that is supporting Abigail’s   Farm, a place for women to recover from addiction.  While everyone is enjoying the tea and butterscotch bars, a sticky-fingered thief makes off with the contents of the donation box (over $10,000).  Detective Little is going solo and Bailey promises to help him nab the crook and recover the cash. 

Botched Butterscotch is An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Novella (No. 4.5).  It can be read on its own (but why would you want to miss any of the books in this entertaining cozy mystery series).  I sat down and quickly devoured this humorous story.  I love the cast of characters that Amanda Flower has created for this series from Bailey King to Jethro, the polka-dotted pig.  The descriptions of the sweet treats from Swissmen’s Sweets will have you craving something yummy (recipe at the end of book).  There are delightful laugh-out-loud moments especially with Juliet Brody and her pet pig, Jethro.  Juliet is determined her son, Aidan will wed Bailey very soon (they are dating, but no imminent proposal).  The setting of Harvest, Ohio is bucolic.  I like that it is a combination Amish and English area.  The mystery suits the story and I enjoyed following Bailey as she solved the crime while giving Deputy Little credit.  Botched Butterscotch is an amusing tale that will tide me over until Marshmallow Malice comes out.  Botched Butterscotch is a delightful cozy mystery with precocious pigs, batches of butterscotch bars, a matchmaking mama, purloined philanthropy, and Mother’s Day mayhem.

Butterscotch Bars

Botched Butterscotch is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series here.  Marshmallow Malice is the 5th novel in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and it will be out on May 25.  Assaulted Caramel is the first book and it is available on Kindle Unlimited.  I hope you enjoy Botched Butterscotch as much as I did.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am off to do some work around the house (unless I get caught up in a book).  I hope you have a peaceful day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower

Happy New Year's Eve!  There are some great new books out today.  The titles include Come Homicide or High Water by Denise Swanson*, When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise, Rosanna's Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson, Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy, Sealed Off by Barbara Ross, Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson, Shattered Justice by Susan Furlong and Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower.  Good  Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison is now available as well, and I will feature it on January 6, 2020.  

Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower takes readers to Harvest, Ohio.  Millie Fisher is sixty-seven year old widow who moved back to Harvest from Michigan at the beginning of the year.  Millie has a knack for matching up couples.  She just knows when two people belong together.  Millie is worried about her niece, Edith who is betrothed to Zeke Miller.  She knows that Zeke is the wrong man for Edith and wants to find a way to talk to her niece about her choice. Millie is surprised and relieved when Edith tells her that she is planning on calling off the wedding when Zeke returns to town that afternoon.  On Sunday when Edith fails to show up for church, Millie knows something is wrong.  She rushes to Edith’s where she finds her in the greenhouse standing over a dead Zeke Miller.  Millie knows she needs to solve this case if she is to keep Edith from going down for the crime. 

Matchmaking Can Be Murder is the debut of An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series.  It is a spin-off of An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series set in Harvest, Ohio with chocolatier, Bailey King operating Swissmen Sweets with the aid of her grandmother and cousin.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Matchmaking Can Be Murder.  Millie Fisher is a spry sixty-seven year old woman who is a widow living on her own.  Her sister for whom she was caring for the last ten years recently passed away, so Millie has moved back her hometown of Harvest, Ohio.  Millie is a warm and likeable protagonist who has two mischievous goats named Peter and Phillip.  They are Boer goats who provide many laugh out loud moments especially when chasing the bishop’s wife, Ruth.  I like that the author took the time to develop the main characters and establish the setting.  She provided us with lavish descriptions which brought the story alive for me.  Millie reconnects with her old friend, Lois Henry.  The pair are as opposite as they can be, but they make a great team.  There are some familiar characters from An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series in Matchmaking Can Be Murder.  Juliet Brody and her polka dotted pig, Jethro along with Deputy Aiden Brody, Bailey and a couple of others pop up when Millie is in Harvest.  The mystery was thought out and developed.  It is a clever whodunit that will have readers guessing up until the reveal (I just loved it). Many armchair sleuths will be surprised by the killer’s identity.  Millie and Lois worked to prove Edith’s innocence.  Their investigation was entertaining, and I was giggling frequently.  I thought it was clever for Lois to nickname Millie the Amish Marple.  Matchmaking Can Be Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery that I did not want to end.  It was a pleasure to read this story and I am very eager for the next tale in this delightful new cozy mystery series.  Millie has a couple of matchmaking requests to handle plus she just matched herself with an adorable kitten named Peaches.  Matchmaking Can Be Murder has galloping goats, cavorting kittens, generous gossip, several secrets, and a meddling Amish Miss Marple.  

You can find Matchmaking Can Be Murder at Amazon* (Amazon UK) and other booksellers that carry cozy mysteries.  You can find An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series here (five titles at this time).  I hope that you have a happy and safe New Year Holiday!  I will return on January 2 with my review of Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson.  It is the 6th A Victoria Square Mystery.

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower

Welcome!  I want to share with you some of the new books that will be released on Tuesday, February 26.  The list includes The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel, The Spitfire Girls by Soraya M. Lane, Final Exam by Carol J. Perry, One Feta in the Grave by Tina Kashian, The Reconciliation by Susan Lantz Simpson, Please Don't Feed the Mayor by Sue Pethick, Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower and Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke.

Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower is An Amish Candy Shop Mystery novella (No. 3.5).  Charlotte Weaver is thrilled to be in New York City with her cousin, Bailey King for the filming of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey is creating a hand woven chocolate Easter basket using tempered chocolate when the double boiler explodes.  Glass and chocolate are sent flying around the set., but, thankfully, no one was injured.  The next day, Juliet Brody and her comfort pig, Jethro arrive to be a part of the show and publicity photos.  While shooting photographs in the park, a loud horn sounds which scares poor Jethro and sends him running into the park.  Charlotte is concerned that someone is trying to sabotage the show as the small incidents continue.  With Bailey already nervous about the filming, Charlotte decides to investigate on her own.  Can Charlotte unmask the saboteur?  Join Charlotte, Bailey, Cass and Jethro on their New York City adventure in Criminally Cocoa.

Criminally Cocoa picks up where Premeditated Peppermint ended.  We join Bailey, Charlotte and Cass in New York where they are filming the first season of Bailey’s Amish Sweets.  Bailey asked Charlotte to come along and be her assistant on the show.  Criminally Cocoa is told from Charlotte’s point-of-view.  It was humorous to see New York City through Charlotte’s eyes.  Charlotte grew up Amish and has yet to join the church.  She views things differently from Englishers.  I thought Criminally Cocoa was well-written with steady pacing.  It was nice to learn more about Charlotte in this story.  When Bailey blames herself for the explosion of the double boiler, Charlotte wants to help prove it was not her cousin’s fault.  Charlotte has watched Bailey solve three crimes and puts that knowledge to use.  The mystery was straightforward.  Readers will have no problem solving it before the reveal.  However, it is the right type of mystery for the length of the story.  While the story focuses on the group in New York, we do get updates on their friends back home in Harvest, Ohio.  I especially enjoyed the addition of Juliet Brody and her polka dotted pig, Jethro.  Their antics provided me with plenty of laughs.  It is always delightful to read one of Amanda Flower’s books.  I am eager to read Toxic Toffee (June 25) which is the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.

Criminally Cocoa comes out tomorrow in e-book format.  Tomorrow I am showcasing The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour.  I hope you will visit and enter the giveaway.  Thank you for stopping by today.  May you have a jolly day and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Premeditated Peppermint: An Amish Candy Shop Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  There are many delightful new novels out today.  Some of the new books include Tangled up in Tinsel by Tonya Kappes, Silver Anniversary Murder by Leslie Meier, The Walking Bread by Winnie Archer, Final Roasting Place by Devon Delaney, Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke, Forever Fudge by Nancy Coco, Decaffeinated Scandal by Tonya Kappes, A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard (lovely story), The Amish Christmas Letters by Sarah Price, Jennifer Beckstrand and Patricia Davids, A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard, The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller by Cleo Coyle, Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan, and Bells, Spells and Murder by Carol J. Perry.  Wow!    

Premeditated Peppermint by Amanda Flower is the third tale in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.  Bailey King is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas in Harvest, Ohio with her grandmother, Clara and cousin, Charlotte.  They have been busy preparing a variety of peppermint candies for their Swissmen Sweets table at the Harvest Christmas Market.  Then a grinch arrives in the form of Bailey’s ex-boyfriend and baker, Eric Sharp along with a camera crew.  He wants to film the Christmas special of his show in Harvest with Bailey.  Bailey agrees to meet the producer, Rocky Rivers the next morning to discuss the proposal.  On her way to the meeting, Bailey notices a set of lights out on the gazebo.  When she enters the gazebo, Bailey finds Rocky dead with the lights wrapped around her neck and Eric standing over her body.  Deputy Aiden Brody quickly arrives on the scene and targets Eric as his prime suspect.  Eric asks Bailey to prove his innocence before he ends up as head baker at the local prison.  Linc Baggins (not a hobbit) arrives to take over production of the show and he has a surprising business proposition for Bailey.  Then Juliet Brody approaches Bailey with a special request for her almost daughter-in-law (Aiden and Bailey have yet to have a first date).  Juliet feels that Jethro has the face for television, and she wants Bailey’s help jumpstarting the pig’s career.  Then Margot needs Bailey’s help with the live nativity.  Bailey’s Christmas is quickly spiraling out of control. 

Premeditated Peppermint is an entertaining cozy mystery as you can tell from my summary.  You will be hooked from the very first page.  While Premeditated Peppermint can be read alone, I suggest reading the series in order.  It will provide you a better understanding of Bailey and how she came to live in Harvest.  I thought Premeditated Peppermint was well-written with a good pace.  It is just the right length at 306 pages.  I had been reading a different book that was dragging along (I fell asleep), so I switched to Premeditated Peppermint and quickly devoured it.  Harvest is a quaint small town that has a mixture of Amish and English citizens.  There are charming shops and events that attract tourists such as the Harvest Christmas Market.  Bailey is a smart and talented main character.  I was happy to see Bailey’s best friend, Cass pop up in Harvest to help Bailey.  Juliet Brody is quite a character.  She goes around town with her pig, Jethro on a leash.  I can see Jethro acting as the ring bearer if Aiden and Bailey ever marry (picture Jethro wearing a cute little tux).  There are many laugh out loud moments in Premeditated Peppermint courtesy of Juliet, Jethro, Eric, Margot Rawlings, and the camel, Melchior.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the delectable candies being prepared at Swissmen Sweets.  The mystery was interesting with a handful of suspects and misdirection.  The method of murder fit in with the book and the author provided good clues to aid the reader in solving the crime.  Master sleuths will have no problem identifying the killer.  There are recipes at the end of book and a preview of Toxic Toffee.  My rating for Premeditated Peppermint is 4 out of 5 stars. I recently introduced my mother to this series.   She just loves Jethro, the polka dotted pig and wants to know when Aiden and Bailey will get their first date.  The other two books in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series are Assaulted Caramel (kindle version currently $.99) and Lethal Licorice. 

If you enjoy Amanda Flower's books, look for her upcoming Death and Daisies which comes out on November 13 or Murders and Metaphors which will be out on February 12, 2019.  I appreciate you checking out my review today.  I will feature A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson tomorrow.  Have a delightful day and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader