Illegally Iced by Jessica Beck is the 9th book in the “Donut Shop” mystery series. Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, December 2012

Donut shop owner Suzanne Hart knows how to treat her customers. But sometimes life can get a bit sticky. When a spat she has with a local blacksmith—one that could have been solved with a handshake and a mixed dozen—ends with his murder, Suzanne is caught dead in her tracks. Suddenly everyone in April Springs has their eyes on her. And they’re hungry with suspicion.

Left with little choice but to catch the killer herself, Suzanne starts lining up suspects. But her case is full of holes. How did the killer strike in the middle of the day without a single witness to the crime? Who knew that the humble blacksmith was actually an heir to a family fortune? The heat is on as Suzanne tries to solve the case and save her business. Can she have her cake-donut and eat it too?

This is a fast and easy read and I always enjoy my visit in April Springs, especially when Suzanne and Grace set on a path to find a killer and in turn learn more about their friend. This is another great read in the charming series.