Pepper Reece’s Life in Spice by Leslie Budewitz

Mar 5, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Assault and Pepper When my life blew up—when I stumbled over my now-ex husband, Mr. Bicycle Cop, practically plugging coins into Miss Meter Maid (I can’t bring myself to say “parking enforcement officer”) and then the job I loved, managing staff HR for a huge law firm, disappeared when said law firm imploded in a scandal of court-ordered sanctions, embezzlement, and criminal charges—well, when all came tumbling down, I hardly imagined finding salvation in cinnamon and bay leaves.

But that’s the magic of spice. And of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place where anything can happen. It’s been a year and a half now, and I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. There is no typical day in the Market—a wild and wooly collection of 300 merchants and restaurants, 200 daystall vendors, and more than 200 residents, along with 10 million visitors a year, in nine acres in the heart of the city. The motto isn’t “where the eccentric is common-place”—but it ought to be!

What do I love best? Impossible to say. The spices themselves, magical, jewel-like ingredients from all over the globe that can be combined in as many different ways as there are cooks. (A map of the world hangs by the front door, with pushpins marking the sources of our supplies.) Working with the cooks themselves, from the tentative beginners unsure of the difference between oregano and marjoram, cinnamon and cassia, to the old pros and commercial accounts, looking for the best, the tastiest, the new and unusual.

The tourists. No recipes or shopping lists for them, but they buy pounds of our signature citrus-and-spice tea, cinnamon sticks, lavender from the Olympic Peninsula, and Puget Sound Sea Salt. And our gift boxes—the perfect hostess gift. (Oh, and our new wedding registry. Nearly forgot. Some days, I wish I could forget it! But we have the loveliest of shower and wedding gifts!)

The employees. I admit, a challenge at times. But when you mix together the right crew—well, the balance is as perfect as any curry or Italian blend.

The space itself. The Market was started in 1907 as a place where the farmers could sell directly to the housewives. Our building dates to the 1930s and it’s an Art Deco gem with a Northwest accent—salmon-pink exterior stucco and forest green trim and awnings. Inside, wood plank floors and high ceilings, clerestory windows, and spice, spice, spice.

So swing by and let us serve you a sample cup of spice tea. Drink it in and let your senses lead you around this marvelous place. Spice is the variety of life, yes, and also one of its true pleasures. I’m so happy for the opportunity to share it with you.

You can read more about Pepper in Assault and Pepper, the first book in the NEW “Seattle Spice Shop” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime.

About ASSAULT AND PEPPER

Pepper Reece, owner of the Seattle Spice Shop, thinks she can handle any kind of salty customer—until a murderer ends up in the mix. . .

After leaving a dicey marriage and losing a beloved job in a corporate crash, Pepper Reece has found a new zest for life running a busy spice and tea shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Her aromatic creations are the talk of the town, and everyone stops by for a cup of her refreshing spice tea, even other shopkeepers and Market regulars.

But when a panhandler named Doc shows up dead on her doorstep, a Seattle Spice Shop cup in his hand, the local gossip gets too hot for Pepper to handle—especially after the police arrest Tory Finch, one of Pepper’s staffers, for murder.

Tory seems to know why she’s a suspect, but she refuses to do anything to curry favor with the cops. Convinced her reticent employee is innocent, Pepper takes it on herself to sniff out some clues. Only, if she’s not careful, Pepper’s nosy ways might make her next on the killer’s list. . .

Includes Delicious Recipes!

spice mug GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on March 12 for the chance to win a print copy of Assault and Pepper. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder. Bonus prize from the author: a Spice Shop mug and a bag of Market Spice tea.

About the Author
Leslie Budewitz is the national best-selling author of Death Al Dente, first in the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries set in northwest Montana, and winner of the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, and the sequel, Crime Rib (2014), from Berkley Prime Crime. Assault and Pepper, first in her Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries debuts in March 2015.

Also a lawyer, Leslie won the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction for Books, Crooks & Counselors: How To Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure (Quill Driver Books), making her the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction.

For more tales of life in the wilds of northwest Montana, and bonus recipes, visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter. Find her also on Facebook and on Twitter.

99 Comments

MaryAnn Forbes on March 5, 2015 at 1:05 am

Assault and Pepper sounds like a great
read. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Good luck all.
MaryAnn Forbes on March 5, 2015 at 1:05 am

Assault and Pepper sounds like a great
read. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
angiey1974 on March 5, 2015 at 1:09 am

What a great write up about this book. I have this book on my wish list. Would love to win it.

Angie Young
angiey1974@hotmail.com
servedogmom on March 5, 2015 at 1:24 am

I so want to read this book! I loved Crime Rib. servedogmom@yahoo.com
Keara Wolak on March 5, 2015 at 1:38 am

Thank you for the giveaway.
Helen Kotowske on March 5, 2015 at 1:50 am

II want to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
MaryB on March 5, 2015 at 2:01 am

This sounds great! I love Seattle and really look forward to this series.
Jen on March 5, 2015 at 4:38 am

Assault and Pepper sounds like a great cozy! I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
kuzlin on March 5, 2015 at 5:05 am

Thanks for the review and giveaway. I would love to read this book and try out the spice tea. Kuzlin at aol.com
Terri Crossley on March 5, 2015 at 5:14 am

Thanks for the chance! I would love to read this book!
edtercross7304@yahoo.com
Edith Maxwell on March 5, 2015 at 5:45 am

Can’t wait to read this new series, Leslie! edithmax at gmail dot com
Beverly Guy on March 5, 2015 at 6:03 am

How awesome…the title is quite catchy…I love it! I love to read the very first book in a series….it is so exciting to start a new adventure and then hope that there are more books to come. Looking forward to reading this book!
Yifat C. on March 5, 2015 at 6:07 am

This sounds like a fun read. Would be nice to read about the “flavors” of the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.
Linda Reilly on March 5, 2015 at 6:14 am

I’m so looking forward to reading this one!
Mary Ann on March 5, 2015 at 6:23 am

So glad you have the time to read all these great new books and share with us- though my pile is getting larger and larger!
Gram on March 5, 2015 at 6:43 am

Sounds like another good series. Recipes, yum.
griperang on March 5, 2015 at 7:10 am

This is on my tbr list, Thank you for the chance to win it
sarah on March 5, 2015 at 7:24 am

Would love this!!
holdenj on March 5, 2015 at 7:44 am

I have been waiting for this release! Enjoyed learning about Pepper’s beginnings. Thanks for the chance to win!
Edith on March 5, 2015 at 7:47 am

Mysteries & spice… what a winning combo! Now on my wish list. (thanks)
Nancy Funkhouser on March 5, 2015 at 8:03 am

What a fun book to read. This series needs to be on my list.
Wendy Lee on March 5, 2015 at 8:58 am

Sounds like a great new series!
Amy Gill on March 5, 2015 at 9:01 am

Certainly sounds like an adventure worth reading!
Lisa Cobb Sabatini on March 5, 2015 at 9:19 am

Love all the potential in the location of the protagonist’s job!
Sheila K. on March 5, 2015 at 9:23 am

I love this writer’s work—can’t wait to read her latest book!
wendynewcomb on March 5, 2015 at 9:24 am

Another great sounding cozy mystery, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

wfnren at aol dot com
Christi King on March 5, 2015 at 9:28 am

I am excited about this new series from Leslie Budewitz! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.
KB Walter on March 5, 2015 at 9:31 am

This book sounds like a must read.
rochf on March 5, 2015 at 9:47 am

Can’t wait to try this new series.
Judy Weaver on March 5, 2015 at 10:03 am

Sounds like my kind of book!
Betty on March 5, 2015 at 10:11 am

This book sounds terrific and I love the title! Thank you for a great review and contest!
Rita M Quante on March 5, 2015 at 10:23 am

I cannot wait to read it! Would love to win it! If not, will purchase! Sounds like good reading!
anne on March 5, 2015 at 10:29 am

This book is captivating and unique. Thanks.
Margo Sue on March 5, 2015 at 10:29 am

Sounds great -on my to read list!
Rita Wray on March 5, 2015 at 10:33 am

Sounds great, I’m looking forward to reading the book.
Karen Candee on March 5, 2015 at 10:35 am

I’ve been to the Pikes Place Market! It’s a fun place to go. I will really enjoy reading this mystery!
sallycootie on March 5, 2015 at 10:44 am

Looks like another great book from this author, can’t wait to read.
Sue Foster on March 5, 2015 at 10:54 am

I’ve been trying to win every chance I get.
Leslie Budewitz on March 5, 2015 at 10:54 am

Thanks to all of you for sharing in the fun, helping Dru Ann and I celebrate our birthdays! (Hers was yesterday, mine is today.) I hope you all love the trip to Seattle as much as I enjoy taking you there!
Joan V. on March 5, 2015 at 10:55 am

I have always wanted to visit Pike Place Market. If I can’t do it in reality, I enjoy reading a book that will take me there. Thanks for the giveaway.
Patricia Allen on March 5, 2015 at 10:56 am

Assault and Pepper and this series sounds great, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
cjreynolds52 on March 5, 2015 at 10:57 am

Love this title.
Sha on March 5, 2015 at 11:13 am

Happy Birthday to you both! Thanks for the giveaway! This book has been on my Amazon wish list for a long time so I can’t wait to read it. Good luck to everyone!
Lil Gluckstern on March 5, 2015 at 11:19 am

I will love visiting Seattle and savoring the teas and such. I really enjoyed seeing Montana through your eyes. A dear friend came from Montana. She is no longer with us, but I held her close while reading your book.

lilhmb(at)sbcglobaldot net
Anita Miles on March 5, 2015 at 11:28 am

Can’t wait to read this book!
Debbie S on March 5, 2015 at 11:34 am

I love the food lover village series so I’m sure that I’ll love this one too. The spice shop sounds wonderful, I can’t wait to read about it. Thanks for the chance to win.
Jeanie Dannheim on March 5, 2015 at 11:34 am

This is the first time I’ve seen such a wonderful description of Pike’s Place; what an eclectic collection there – a perfect place for your tea and spices! I would love to see it someday. Would really love to see it through Pepper’s eyes and read the book! Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
amreade on March 5, 2015 at 11:46 am

The book sounds wonderful. I’ve seen a lot about it on social media. The food and spice puns are fabulous! Happy Birthday to both of you!
Lisa Brown on March 5, 2015 at 12:05 pm

Love the title, a must read 🙂 thank you!
Libby Dodd on March 5, 2015 at 12:21 pm

I look forward to visiting Seattle by way of the book.
Ruth Nixon on March 5, 2015 at 12:35 pm

I’d love to win this book as it has Pike Place setting which I’ve had on my bucket list.
Darlene Peterson on March 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm

I enjoyed the write up and would love to get started on the Seattle Spice Shop mystery series — serve me a sample cup of spice tea. I love the book title. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Robin Coxon on March 5, 2015 at 12:57 pm

I’ve enjoyed the review/interview. Spices are a fascination of mine. The cover is inviting too. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book and the chance for a mug with tea.
Marilyn Horner on March 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm

Happy Birthday. My birthday is the 25th. Would love to win. I always enjoy spiced tea &a good book.
tlwalcher on March 5, 2015 at 2:43 pm

I enjoy the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries so I am looking forward to reading Assault and Pepper. Thank you for a chance on winning a copy.
Kicha on March 5, 2015 at 2:45 pm

I’ve heard good things about this book … fingers crossed.
Cindy Sample on March 5, 2015 at 4:15 pm

I already have it on my Kindle. Can’t wait to read it!
Jan on March 5, 2015 at 5:57 pm

This definitely sounds like an intriguing series
Dotty Kelley on March 5, 2015 at 6:55 pm

Sounds good. Looking forward to reading this one.
Katreader on March 5, 2015 at 7:36 pm

I love spices and tea, and I’m sure, your new series!
Cynthia E. Blain on March 5, 2015 at 7:58 pm

Just want to tell Leslie how much I am looking forward to this new series and how much I have enjoyed Death Al Dente. I think that this new spice shop series is one that I just HAVE to read due to the fact that it involves Pike Place Market in Seattle. I will never forget our visits out there and the fish mongers tossing fish around and ONE to me one time. I bought some lovely pressed flowers in glass there and then had the craftsman do many more for me in later years, so I have fond memories of being there. I hope to order this book very soon. I have a big list all the time and this is at the top of the to be ordered list. Sounds great. Thank you Dru Ann.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Blain
MA
Jerri Cachero on March 5, 2015 at 9:08 pm

Love the books and the titles! Can’t beat the Pike’ s Place Market for atmosphere and characters.
Kiki on March 5, 2015 at 9:32 pm

Looks like great cozy mystery.
Kay on March 5, 2015 at 10:23 pm

Always love your reviews Dru!! Thanks for giving us a chance to win such a wonderful book!
Lexie Reed on March 6, 2015 at 12:28 am

Thank you for a great give a way for this fabulous new release. Its sounds so fun I cannot wait to read it.
Marilyn Watson on March 6, 2015 at 2:29 am

This series sounds great and I would love to read it.
Marilyn..
Ruth Lyons Mazur on March 6, 2015 at 3:32 am

This will be my first book by Leslie, but I know it won’t be my last. The story emphasizes the spice of life and Pepper’s adventure in it. Thank you, Dru and Leslie and the chance to win Assault and Pepper.
Dru on March 6, 2015 at 8:41 am

I just started this and I’m enjoying it.
Annette on March 6, 2015 at 10:51 am

I am excited about this author’s new series. I love her Food Lovers Mystery series.
Shawn on March 6, 2015 at 3:47 pm

I can’t wait to read this book.
suekey12 on March 6, 2015 at 5:15 pm

I love trying different spices and different spice combinations—I think I’ll like this series. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
kayekillgore on March 6, 2015 at 6:14 pm

I want to read this book. I love Pike Place Market, and their Market Spice Tea
Daniele K on March 6, 2015 at 6:55 pm

This is on my TBR list. Thank you for the opportunity!
nikkilagrange1 on March 6, 2015 at 10:28 pm

This looks to be an exciting read. I can’t wait to read it!
Barbara Tobey on March 7, 2015 at 12:10 am

Not only a great book to read, but also the beverage to drink while reading. Nice prize.
Meg C on March 7, 2015 at 11:35 am

Sounds like a really interesting beginning to what sounds like a great new series. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.
Belinda Harbuck Joyner on March 7, 2015 at 1:20 pm

Looks like a fun book and I would love to win a copy!
MaryAnn Forbes on March 7, 2015 at 1:25 pm

Assault and Pepper sounds just like my cup of tea. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Valeria M. Hoffman on March 7, 2015 at 1:35 pm

Looking forward to reading this since I keep hearing good things about this author.
Janice Williams on March 7, 2015 at 1:51 pm

Sounds like a fun read 🙂
cjreynolds52 on March 7, 2015 at 2:23 pm

Would love to read this book.
Sharleen Wells on March 7, 2015 at 2:38 pm

Love your books. Thanks
Pat on March 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm

I have read both of her Food Lovers Village books and loved them and looking forward to her third one this summer. This new series sounds delightful and entertaining and I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity.
Melissa Basnight on March 8, 2015 at 2:24 pm

Love to read
Anita Yancey on March 8, 2015 at 6:39 pm

It sounds like a fun book. I would love to read one by a new to me author. Thanks for this chance.
Sharon Baker on March 8, 2015 at 8:04 pm

Can’t wait to read. Sounds like a great book.
Cheryl Corbitt on March 8, 2015 at 9:49 pm

A cozy + recipes = Perfection!
jamlambert on March 9, 2015 at 12:19 pm

This one is on my TBR list. Thank you for the chance to win!
Linda MH on March 9, 2015 at 1:57 pm

Yay! A new series–Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Pat Walker Pinkston on March 10, 2015 at 1:38 am

It sounds like a terrific book. I would love to read one by a new to me author. Thanks for this opportunity to win.
Judy on March 10, 2015 at 3:01 pm

Not certain my comment was received so I will try again. Since discovering Leslie is a Montana Girl, I’ve joined her bandwagon. Love everything about her books.
Michelle Fidler on March 10, 2015 at 8:19 pm

I like the idea of a spice shop mystery. I have one book by the author.
jdown55 on March 11, 2015 at 5:21 am

would really love to read and thanks for having the giveaway
Betty W on March 11, 2015 at 11:01 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BOTH of YOU! This sounds like a wonderful book. I love the title and cover. Thank you for a great review and contest!
Becky Prazak on March 11, 2015 at 12:52 pm

Love the sound of this book
Karen Durban on March 11, 2015 at 2:35 pm

Sounds like a wonderful and fun book!
Mary Jane Hopper on March 11, 2015 at 5:47 pm

I’ve got this one on my TBR list!
Wanda downs on March 12, 2015 at 3:09 pm

Thanks for the chance to win
Dru on March 12, 2015 at 10:48 pm

contest is closed.