Sugar and Vice by Eve Calder is the second book in the “Cookie House” cozy mystery series. Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, coming April 28, 2020.

In Eve Calder’s Sugar and Vice, things are heating up at the Cookie House when star pastry chef and amateur sleuth Kate McGuire finds herself in the midst of a shocking murder mystery.

OUT OF THE OVEN
Lately, Kate has a lot on her dessert plate. She’s launching a cookie-of-the-day challenge in the heart of Coral Cay, providing sweet treats for the reception of the town’s handsome new veterinarian―not to mention dealing with tourists in town for a pirate festival and the surprise arrival of her former fiancé, Evan, who seems determined to win her back.

AND INTO THE FIRE
And if that’s not enough, a skeleton has been found―in the backyard behind her best friend Maxi’s floral shop. Kate knows Maxi could never hurt a fly. Maybe the remains belong to Sir George Bly, a long-dead pirate whose name has become urban legend―until now? It’s time for Kate to use every trick in the recipe book to prove Maxi’s innocence, and find the truth about the skeleton, before the last of the cookies crumble. . .

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Dru’s Musing:
This fast-paced and well-written light drama grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let go until the last page was read. The tone was very comfortable making it easy to follow along with the characters. The mystery was nicely done with plenty of suspects and clues that kept me immersed in all aspects as the pieces begin to fall into place. There were several red herrings that enhanced how well this story was told and I like how they led us closer to the killer’s identity. Bonus to me was the interaction between Kate and Maxi and they really light up some of the scenes, especially when you add Oliver to the mix. Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging tale and I look forward to the next book in the delightful charming series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.