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. 

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah

 A Spirited Supper at 

DUNDOON CASTLE

Book Summary

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought “spirits” meant cocktails. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners meant to tempt the departed to appear. And to her surprise, she’s discovered abilities to connect with the beyond—and crack murder cases . . .

Now that Bunny’s entrées come with a side of the Other Side, it comes in handy to have a grandma who’s friendly with the elderly owners of a haunted Scottish castle. During Bunny’s childhood she heard all about Dundoon’s bloody history and the “ghostly piper” who roamed the grounds—and soon she’ll be visiting the ancient place with her ghost hunter and psychic co-stars. The annual bagpipe competition in the late piper’s honor will make for some good footage as well.

After Bunny serves a feast fit for a 17th century king, including lamb chops with plenty of fresh herbs, she heads outdoors for the ghost hunt. But in the dark, dense fog, someone fatally plunges from the clifftop over the loch. The sound that follows is a mournful, otherworldly bagpipe . . . and once the body of another perished piper is retrieved, Bunny is determined to solve this Highlands homicide—and prevent a killer from getting off scot-free . . .

Includes Delicious Recipes!

World's Biggest Bagpipe Competition

My Thoughts

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah is the second in A Food and Spirits Mystery series but works well as a standalone with provided background. The story reads smoothly, with leisurely pacing and vivid descriptions of Scotland, Bunny’s childhood home, and Dundoon Castle. The cliffs with the fog were eerie.  I wish more time had been spent inside the castle which had a creepy ambiance.  I liked the ghost stories and the ghostly atmosphere. I find it annoying that Bunny does not like being around ghosts.  I wish she would embrace her gift (like her grandmother).  

I love Bunny’s grandmother.  She is a hoot as well as helpful.  The mystery was interesting, but it was a snap to solve. I liked that Bunny’s grandmother and brother were involved. There were some parts of the investigation that were a tad farfetched (I rolled my eyes a number of times).  I wish there was less repetition and a snappier pace.  Bunny whipped up a mouthwatering meal that had the corporeal guests asking for seconds (recipes at the end of the book).   A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is a misneachail tale with piper specter, a delicious meal, a bagpipe competition, wonderful whiskey, an eliminated judge, craggy cliffs, and reunifying with family.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Food and Spirits Mystery series is A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor.  You can find Darci Hannah's other novels here.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 3 with The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres. It is the second book in the Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series.  It has been a very cold week.  I have exhausted my extreme cold weather wardrobe.  I will need to do some shopping before winter next year.  My mother employs a different approach.  She wears long flannel nightgowns (they go down to her feet) along with a matching sweater.  She keeps herself toasty by staying in bed.  She has a heated mattress pad (instead of an electric blanket) and Snoopy flannel sheets (plus a Sherpa lined blanket and a quilt). When my mother needs anything, she rings a bell (she is not budging unless it is absolutely necessary).  If I do not hear the bell, she uses a duck call (its loud). 

My cat, Dickens, has taken to sleeping on the cable box in my mother's room (makes it hard to change the channel).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a feeling that all of us will be staying indoors this weekend since another cold front is coming through (good reading weather).  Take care, stay warm (and safe), 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.

Murder by the Millions by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

Murder by the Millions

 

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder by the Millions

 

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

2nd in Series 

Setting - North Carolina 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 28, 2025 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

 

In a beautiful mountain community near Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .

If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .

Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow. Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.

Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene. Worse, one of her earrings is later discovered near the body. And when police learn she was upset about the mall, she’s suspect #1. Allie’s blossoming sleuthing skills once cleared Tegan’s name, but can she save herself—before a killer writes her a not-so-great Gatsbyesque ending . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California, where she likes to cook, garden, and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky.

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com 

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber 

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber 

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1 

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber 

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber 

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber 

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page 

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/

My Thoughts

Murder by the Millions by Daryl Wood Gerber has Allie Catt and Allie’s best friend and partner in the bookstore, Tegan, planning a Great Gatsby themed party.  Unfortunately, a murdered real estate developer put a crimp in their plans especially when the evidence points to Allie as the killer.  I have read every book that Daryl Wood Gerber has written, and I always look forward to her new releases.  I like the author’s friendly writing style which makes her stories easy to read.  There is a quote from The Great Gatsby before each chapter,  and I liked seeing similarities to the story.  Allie is a likeable character as is Tegan and Chloe, their bookstore clerk.  We get to learn what goes into planning a themed party.  I loved the descriptions of the clothes that Lillian, a local boutique owner, obtained for the guests to wear to the party (there are some beautiful gowns).  Allie researched the foods that were popular in the 1920s  and she talks about the delectable treats she is  going to whip up for the guests (recipes for some of the items at the end of the book). 

The whodunit has Allie at the top of the suspect list.  Allie with help from her “Clue Crew” set out to identify the real killer.  There are a handful of suspects, pointed clues, some twists and turns, and a red herring or two.  There is a good reveal that nicely wraps up the whodunit. I love solving mysteries (keeps the brain sharp).  I identified who I thought was the guilty party early in the story, and I could not wait for the reveal to see if I was right (my mother says that I have read too many mysteries).  I enjoyed my visit to Bramblewood, and I was sorry when it came to an end.  Murder by the Millions is a delectable cozy with party planning, a dead developer, flapper fashions, curious clues, tasty tidbits, a maddening detective, and a book bash.

Murder by the Millions comes out October 28 and can be ordered from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, Kobo, and Mysterious Galaxy.  The first book in A Literary Dining Mysteries is Murder on the Page. Daryl Wood Gerber has A Jingle of Justice, A Fairy Garden Mystery Novella, coming out December 1 (you can read it for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited). Murder in a Lavender Daze will be out on April 28, 2026 and it is the second book in An Aroma Wellness Mysteries.  If you follow Daryl Wood Gerber on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. 

 Are you ready for the giveaway?  The prize is your choice (pick one) between book one (Murder on the Page) or two (Murder by the Millions) of A Literary Dining Mysteries plus a tote bag of swag. You can enter using the form below or click here.  Good Luck!  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, October 22 with Snowbound Threat by Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley. I am off to work in my garden and visit with the ducks.  My yard and carport have become the ducks hangout.  At dusk, they waddle off to snooze by the lake (it is so cute to see them waddling off single file).  I hope that you have a swell day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

October 21 - Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

October 21 - The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 21 - Hall Ways Blog – REVIEW

October 21 - Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 - Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST 

October 22 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 23 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE

October 23 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 23 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW

October 24 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 24 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 24 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 25 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 25 – Caboodle of Cozies – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 26 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 26 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

October 27 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

*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.

An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

 An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon makes her hardcover debut with an irresistible new meta-mystery series about an amateur sleuth who doesn’t just solve crimes, she writes about how to do it . . .

TIP #1: WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU COUNTS AS WORK EXPERIENCE

Meg Gates could use a guidebook for life. Indeed, she’s faced some challenges. She dropped out of college to work for a tech startup that failed—and her fiancé just took her bridesmaid to Italy on what was supposed to be Meg’s honeymoon.

Now, at twenty-six, Meg has taken the ferry ride of shame from Seattle back to Bainbridge Island to live with her family. At least she has her rescue cocker spaniel, Watson, by her side. But it’s Meg who could use a rescue—and she’s hoping it will come in the form of a part-time gig doing research for a bestselling mystery writer.

Bainbridge Island Ferry

TIP #2: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW – OR WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

That’s when the lightbulb goes on: Meg will write her own guidebook—a manual on criminal investigation. But before she can impress her new boss with her pet project, the author’s manager is found dead on the rocks beneath the author’s Gothic mansion.

Now it’s time to put her guide to the test, as Meg sets out to clear her employer of suspicion and solve the crime. But there’s one important caveat she’ll have to add to her guide—

TIP #3: BEWARE OF UNKNOWN DANGERS

Bainbridge Island Downtown

My Thoughts

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon Is the first A Bainbridge Island Mystery.  The story is easy to read, but I found the pacing to be leisurely (needed a little more pep). Eliminating repetitive details would have helped.  I like Meg as well as her family, friends, and dog (such a cutie).  The characters need more fleshing out, so they have more personality like Watson, Meg’s dog.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Bainbridge Island (a great place to live in the spring, summer, and fall).  

Hobbit home on Bainbridge Island

The mystery was uncomplicated and a cinch to solve.  I wish the whodunit had been more complex and at the forefront of the story.  It took a backseat to Meg’s two jobs, walking Watson, eating (fish and chips as well as Chinese food were two favorites), and spending time with friends and family.  While Meg says she is not ready for another romantic relationship, she certainly thinks about it a lot.  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is a nice story, but I want it to be less women’s fiction and more cozy mystery (emphasis on mystery).  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder has a ferry journey, beautiful Bainbridge Island, a murdered literary agent, unique assignments, old friends, an inkling of an idea, and delectable mac & cheese.

Beautiful view while shopping on Bainbridge Island

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is available from Amazon.  The next A Tourist Trap Mystery is a Merry Murder Season and it will be out on November 4. You can find Lynn Cahoon's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Thursday, June 26, I am stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Following the Clues by Dana Mentink. It is the fourth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series.  I hope that you have cheery 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.

*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.

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber

 Essence of Foul Play 

Book Summary

Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business, Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when she’s accused of murder . . .

Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . .

 

With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .

My Thoughts

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber is the first An Aroma Wellness Mystery.   It is a spin-off from A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Emma Brennan is opening Aroma Wellness, a spa, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.  There is a large cast of characters.  The author created a new group of characters for this series and included some of the characters from A Fairy Garden Mysteries (including a fairy or two).  It is challenging to keep track of all of them.   I wish more background had been provided on Emma.  There are things alluded to (a past relationship, her absentee father), but we do not get all the details.  I am sure we will learn more about Emma as the series progresses.  I loved Emma’s adorable and playful Birman cat, Vivi.    

The author provided vivid descriptions of the town along with Emma’s spa, her home, and the beach.    The mystery was underwhelming.  It was a cinch to solve (early in the book).  I was not a fan of the detective who did not appreciate Emma assistance (aka interference). During the story, I did wonder how Emma managed to accomplish so many tasks in a short span of time (interviewing five people in an hour and hire on by the end of the hour is one example—in my head, I envisioned speed interviewing with a time clock going off every ten minutes).  Essence of Foul Play is a nice story, but I wondered why there needed to be another series set in the same town (Carmel-by-the-Sea) with fairies (just curious).  Essence of Foul Play is an aromatic cozy with a gregarious Gran, calm meditations, an alarming murder, essential oils, a busy Birman, and delightful fairies. 

Essence of Foul Play is available from Amazon.  The second book A Literary Dining Mysteries is Murder by the Millions and it comes out October 28, 2025.  You can find Daryl Wood Gerber's other novels here including her delightful A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you have a cheery 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.

Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander

 Killing Me Souffle

Book Summary

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!

Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.

Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.

Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

My Thoughts

Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander has Jules, Carlos, and Ramiro traveling to the Oregon coast for Sterling and Stephanie’s grand opening of the rejuvenated restaurant at the Whaleshead Resort.  I knew the opening would not go smoothly as soon as I learned about the nasty resort manager, Erik Morton.  It is a good thing that the Professor is on hand to assist the local detective with the investigation.  Of course, Jules and Lance (he can never miss a party) do a little probing on their own. Killing Me Souffle is easy to read.  We get to catch up with the gang from Torte as well as the Professor, Jules’s mother, Lance, Arlo, and Ramiro.  I liked that we get a change of scenery.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Oregon coast.   The mystery was straightforward.  I was able to identify the guilty party early in the story (it was so obvious). 

Killing Me Souffle lacked substance.  There was an excessive amount of repetition (Jules learns some information, repeats it to Lance, then to the Professor, and so on). Food preparation and food descriptions seem like filler (do we really need the details on how Jules prepares different desserts).   There is a special moment at the end that will delight fans of the series.  Killing Me Souffle is the twentieth A Bakeshop Mystery.  Background details are provided for readers who are new to the series.  Killing Me Souffle is an upbeat tale with a mean manager, delectable desserts, a disappearing receptionist, a curious crime, unsettling queasiness plus Lance has plans for romance.

Killing Me Souffle will be out on February 25 and you can preorder it from Amazon.  You can find the other nineteen A Bakeshop Mysteries here.  Check out Ellie Alexander's other cozy mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker.  I am off to meet with a contractor for an estimate on the insulation and vapor barrier for underneath the house.  The hurricane (and a tornado from the hurricane) ripped it away.  I hope that you have a delightful 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.