Sprinkled in Malice by Catherine Bruns is the seventh book in the “Cookies & Chance” culinary cozy mystery series. Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing, March 12, 2019.

Spring has officially arrived, and while the weather outside may still be frightful, Sally Muccio is feeling especially delightful as she prepares a homemade family dinner in honor of her husband’s birthday. Sal’s determined to make it an unforgettable night for Mike and even includes homemade fortune cookies like the ones her bakery serves, with messages personalized for each guest.

The evening is memorable, but not as Sal had hoped, when Mike and a family friend find themselves in the middle of an armed robbery. . .and only one will make it out alive. It’s just the beginning of more grief for Sal, who soon discovers the robbery is related to a scheme that spells financial ruin for her family. Add in her morbid father’s book signing at the bakery complete with coffin shaped cookies, a sister who won’t stop eating them, and an accidental gig at a local strip club, and Sal once again finds herself in deep dough. Only this time, there may not be a way out. . .

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Mayhem rears its ugly head in the world surrounding Sally Muccio Donovan and it takes all her strength and determination, along with sidekick Josie, to find the persons responsible. Between all of that, she has to deal with missing funds, her sister’s almost birth time, her father’s macabre side business as well as her bakery business.

Once again, I enjoyed my foray in Colwestern, New York where the author drew me in with several plot twists to an already well-defined story-line. The pacing is on par with how well this story is being told with a comfortable tone making it easy to follow along with what is happening on the page. The mystery was nicely executed keeping me engrossed in all aspects as Sally and Josie’s search for the culprit find themselves at an open house, a funeral and a strip joint – and boy was that an interesting visual to see, that had me laughing out loud. This is one of my favorite series and I delight in the culinary treasures found in the book as well as the engaging whodunit that keeps me entertained throughout. Best part was the end. . .Loved it! I can’t wait for the next book in this appetizingly appealing series.