‘Morning. Dan Carlyle, here, sheriff of Cloverdale. That’s in upstate New York. For a small town, we’ve had a rash of murders, lately. More than our share, I’d say, and it seemed to pick up around the time Piper Lamb opened up her pickling shop here. Not that I’m blaming her. Not at all. It’s just that the timing seems odd.
Of course, a pickling shop is kinda odd, too, when you think of it. A whole shop of pickles and preserves? But I’m not complaining. It’s great-tasting stuff, plus it gave my little girl a job. Amy finished cooking school around the time Piper’s Picklings opened up, and she’s one super-cook, if I say so myself. Since Amy could only find part time work in A La Carte restaurant’s kitchen, picking up extra hours at Piper’s Picklings was good for her. And she loves fixing all those pickles with Piper—and selling them—just as much as I enjoy eating them.
But the downside is Amy gets too close for my comfort to these murders that have been happening, what with Piper jumping in to prove that the people I’m looking at real close are innocent. I’ve had some serious talks with both the young ladies about that. But I could see it going in one ear and out the other. So far it hasn’t put Amy in any danger, thank the Lord, but Piper’s had a few close calls.
Right now I’m off to deal with yet another murder. It looked like a natural death at first, but it’s turned into a homicide case. What do you want to bet that Piper gets involved, somehow? I wouldn’t take that bet if I were you ’cause the odds are pretty good she will. Unless. . .
Piper and that young Christmas tree farmer, Will Burchett, have been looking pretty cozy lately. Maybe they’ll be too wrapped up in each other to think about other things like murder. Except, from what Amy tells me, Piper’s Picklings has practically turned into News Central, with customers rushing in with the latest bulletins. Burchett can’t be with Piper 24/7, much as I’m sure he’d like to be, so Piper’s going to have her curiosity piqued all day long. One way or another—count on it—she’s going to get involved.
Maybe I’ll be lucky and someone will step forward right away with their hands up and admit they did it. Think that’ll happen?
In my dreams.
Okay, Piper. One way or another, here we go again. Just, please—for my sake—or for Will’s sake—be careful!
Scene of the Brine is the third book in the “Pickled and Preserved” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime, February 2016.
Piper Lamb has to take a break from jarring her delicious pickles and preserves to blow the lid off a poisoner. . .
Business is booming at Piper’s Picklings in Cloverdale, New York. But not all is sweet in the life of Piper’s number one customer and friend, local caterer Sugar Heywood. Sugar is dating wealthy realtor Jeremy Porter, but his family doesn’t approve. After their unscrupulous accountant finds some dirt on Sugar, the family quickly urges Jeremy to throw her out like rotten fruit.
Things are further spoiled after the accountant is found poisoned, and all evidence points to Sugar’s son, Zach. With the Porter family determined to avoid scandal, it won’t be easy for Piper to preserve Zach’s innocence. And after someone falls victim to a poisoned jar of some of her brandied cherries, Piper’s got a peck of trouble to deal with herself. . .
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All comments are welcomed.
About the author
Mary Ellen Hughes is the national best-selling author of the Pickled and Preserved mystery series, which began with The Pickled Piper and License To Dill and continues with Scene Of The Brine. A Maryland resident, Mary Ellen’s previous books include the Craft Corner mysteries: Wreath Of Deception, String Of Lies, and Paper-Thin Alibi. Visit her at www.maryellenhughes.com, on Facebook or on Twitter.
Giveaway: Leave comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Scene of the Brine. US entries only, please. The giveaway will end February 12, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
Yes please Dru, I’d love to add this book to the other two in the series that I already own.
I love that the author is from Maryland, my state of residence! And the “pickled” series sounds intriguing!
I haven’t read rthis series yet but want too. Thank you for the chance.
Hate typing on my kindle. That was to be THIS not r
RTHIS. LoL
Scene of the Brine sounds like a fun read. Thank you for this chance.
Sounds good to me…count me in.
Sounds like a great book! I am looking forward to reading it and catching up on the series. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
I would like to start reading this series! Thank you for a chance to win.
The title alone would make this worth the read.
I love the way Mary Ellen Hughes has written about Dan Carlyle. I feel like we know him already. Excellent post! The book sounds great.
I love a good new cozy! Thank you for the chance to win one.
wfnren at aol dot com
Cozy pun titles are the best
Can’t wait to read this book, sounds terrific. Thanks for the giveaway.
Really looking forward to this. New series, new author. Always an exciting event. Funny it’s a pickling shop. Was just telling a friend yesterday to not throw away the pickle juice. It’s a great sub for vinegar. Am so looking forward to a new series. Thanks for the heads up
That’s funny, Della. I just yesterday saved the dill pickle juice from a jar. I’ve always dumped it out, but I’ve read how it is good to drink a bit for health reasons. Also, it is good for making salad.
Such an interesting topic to write a mystery around, pickles. I love pickles especially garlic dill. Nothing better to have with a sandwich. Thanks for the review and giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great book – thank you for sharing
Thanks for this great cozy mystery which interests me.
This is sure to be another interesting book! Thanks for the heads up, Dru. 🙂 Thank you Mary Ellen for the chance to win a copy.
I love the premise. I haven’t started this series, but it sounds fun.
Pickle me pink! I’d love to win this book.
Great series!
Thank you for the chance to win this!!!
Thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a great read.
I love a mystery and I love pickles, so this is bound to be a great book for me!
I had some friends who were Christmas tree farmers! I bet this book would bring back plenty of great memories.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I love the “day in the life”, it adds a nice few from a different perspective. I just realized that I’m a book behind in this series, I had better get on that.
I really do like the “day in the life” also. It really pulls us into the story. Thanks for another great post and the chance to win.
Love the titles of the two restaurants.
I’m not a big pickle fan but am a big fan of this series! Thanks.
I love pickles, especially with some spicy Nashville-style chicken. Just reading about this makes me want to go out and order some–can’t wait to read thi.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Scene of the Brine!📖📚
If it’s pickled, I love it! This series will definitely go on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway Dru!
Sounds like a great title to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks for giveaway
I have had my eye on this series for a little while now. I love pickled things!This series looks great, thanks for the chance to win!
I love this series.
Love to win this book.
Every time I see this title, it reminds me of the crock pickles I make each year!!
An interesting topic for a cozy mystery, can’t wait to read. Thanks so much.
Glad to see a new twist for a cozy. Thank you.
Interesting-My town of Cloverdale is actual and not in New York. We don’t have the pickling shop either. Looks like fun to read about another Cloverdale.
This sounds like good series
I love this author and this new series. Happy to see a new one. Congrats
I love it when books that I love to read also teach me things about which I am interested, in this case, of course, pickling. I look forward to this book and getting my hands on some new recipes.
This really sounds like a good series and book! Thanks for offering to us!
Looking forward to this new book! Thanks for the chance to win.
This sounds like a great book, thanks for the contest
I love pickles of all kinds—so this should be a perfect mystery for me. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sounds like a great addition to this series. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win.
This series is in my TBR pile…..have to binge-read!!!!
Thank you for the giveaway…..
Love food copies!!!!!! Thank you for the giveaway!!!!
Peter Piper has nothing on you. You give us a peck of pickle entertainment in every book. Thanks.
Love Mary Ellen’s books!
Love Mary Ellen’s books! 🙂
Sounds so good would love to read ! Put on my TBR list… ptclayton2@aol.com
I read the first in the series and enjoyed it, although I don’t like pickles. I do want to read more in this series. I enjoyed her Craft Corner mysteries. I also read an earlier mystery by her in another series that I got through an interlibrary loan.
I’m really looking forward to this book, Mary Ellen. This is one time you SHOULD judge a book by its cover- it’s gorgeous! Thanks, Dru, for sharing this book & author with us.
Sounds like a great book! Growing up in Maryland, we always went to a Christmas tree farm to get our trees. I will always remember that lovely pine fragrance and the good times we had! Feeling nostalgic now.