Games of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford is the first book in the NEW “Sugar and Spice” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming December 4, 2018.
As co-owner of Sugar and Spice Cookbooks, Sugar Calloway has seen simple confections bring friends together and spark fiery feuds. Except this time, the recipe truly is to die for . . .
After losing her job as food editor at a glossy magazine, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway—aka “Sugar” to friends—isn’t sweet on accepting defeat and crawling back to her gossipy southern hometown. So when she has an opportunity to launch a community cookbook business with blue-ribbon baker Dixie Spicer in peaceful St. Ignatius, Iowa, she jumps at the chance to start over from scratch . . .
But as Sugar assembles recipes for the local centennial celebration, it’s not long before she’s up to her oven mitts in explosive threats, too-hot-to-handle scandals, and a dead body belonging to the moody matriarch of the town’s first family. With suspicions running wild, Sugar and Spice must solve the murder before someone innocent takes the heat—and the real culprit gathers enough ingredients to strike again . . .
* Includes delicious recipes! *
We are introduced to Sugar and Dixie in this new series as their plans to publish a community cookbook is temporarily thwarted when murder hits a little bit too close for comfort as Dixie’s aunt becomes the prime suspect in the demise of her baking rival.
This multi-arc mystery was nicely done and immediately pulled me in as the narrative tantalized me as we are introduced to the various people and their role in their interaction with Sugar and Dixie. Just chatting with people here and there leads to people who had a stronger motive for the murder and deciphering the clues that would lead to the killer’s identity. I found the tone very comfortable and the pacing was on par with how well this story was being told. Boasting an eclectic and lovable cast of characters with the feel of a small-town atmosphere, this was a fun and enjoyable tale and I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for Sugar and Dixie. I also enjoyed the appearances of Max and the sheriff who look like potential romantic partners for our duo.
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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.