Kim, Author at Cinnamon and Sugar

Grasmere Gingerbread

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GINGERDEAD MAN is the seventh book in the Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan and is every bit as tasty as the previous books in the series. From the adorable holiday-themed cover to entice a reader, to the Dickens-themed holiday festival, to all the trimmings Christmas has to offer, Ms. Corrigan captured my attention. With vivid scenes described on the pages, I felt like I was there, experiencing the action right alongside the protagonist, Val Deniston. Val is a delightful character and I adore her relationship with her grandfather. Besides being family, they’re also roommates and work together to solve crimes. Granddad is one of my favorite characters in the series. Despite his age, he’s feisty and a go-getter. Not content to sit back and enjoy his golden years, Granddad snagged himself a newspaper column as The Codger Cook, despite not knowing how to cook. He’s also obtained his private investigator’s license and usually volunteers to play Santa for the annual holiday festival. Except that this year he’s been booted out from the Santa position and demoted to playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Despite his bah humbug attitude, Granddad still manages to imbue the role with some humor as he spouts off quotes from A Christmas Carol to fit a variety of situations.

When the new Santa is murdered right in front of Ebenezer Scrooge and Mrs. Clause, who’s more of a vixen than a grandmotherly type, Val and Granddad know they’ll have to sort out the clues. Ms. Corrigan sets the stage for a straightforward murder mystery but then throws in twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Granddad loves to spout off his theories, usually based on Hitchcock films, which added some humor and added to the enjoyment of watching the story unfold. There are clues to keep the sharp-eyed reader on track but, to be honest, this is one of those books I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the story. And enjoy it I did! I finished the book with a smile on my face and I’m looking forward to the next installment in this charming series!

Granddad’s Codger Cook newspaper column touts his five-ingredient recipes. While he didn’t know much about cooking when he started, Granddad has increased his knowledge and skill instead of relying on Val. As usual, Ms. Corrigan includes several five-ingredient recipes at the back of the book and they all sound fantastic. I was drawn to the recipe for Grasmere Gingerbread for several reasons. First, because I visited Grasmere many, many years ago and loved the region. While I didn’t try any gingerbread during my visit (I was enraptured with their scones and Devonshire cream!) Second, I was intrigued by this famous gingerbread. Grasmere Gingerbread also has historical significance since it was created during Dickens’ lifetime. It’s easy to imagine that he might have enjoyed this tasty treat. And last, five ingredients (6 if you use the crystalized ginger) and no rolling out for gingerbread sounded almost too good to be true… but in this case it lived up to its reputation. Sweet with a slight spicy bite of ginger from the crystalized candied ginger, the edges are crunchy and the inside of the bars are slightly chewy – the perfect balance. This is one of those recipes my husband said I didn’t need to bother finding any other taste testers because he was more than happy to eat the entire batch himself. I liked that it doesn’t make a huge amount and it is one of the quickest and easiest cookies I’ve ever made. The next time we’re in the mood for a treat that evokes the holidays, I’ll be making this again!

Amazon Synopsis

When Santa is sleighed by a poison gingerbread cookie at a holiday party, Val Deniston’s reputation is on the line . . .

This holiday season Bayport, Maryland, is a dead ringer for Victorian London. Val and her grandfather are taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival’s costumed volunteers, who range from Dickens divas like Madame Defarge and Miss Havisham to Ebenezer Scrooge and old St. Nick himself.

But one costumed reveler may have gotten the holidays mixed up. The winner of the creepiest outfit, robed in black with a gift bag covering the head—okay, Ghost of Christmas Present, Val gets it—hands out gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. This year’s sour Santa has none of the big fellow’s mirth but plenty of his appetite, and it’s no secret Santa loves cookies. But when the man in red turns blue, Val and Granddad have a cookie-cutter killer to catch before the New Year . . .

A special thanks to Maya Corrigan for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of GINGERDEAD MAN! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Grasmere Gingerbread

To make gingerbread (or gingerdead) men, you need more than five ingredients. You also have to roll out the dough and cut the shapes. Here's a gingerbread cookie you can make with fewer ingredients and without a rolling pin. This treat is so popular in England that people travel to the small town of Grasmere in the lake district just to buy it.

Ingredients

1 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
10 tablespoons butter
1 - 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
Line an oblong pan (approximately 7 x 11 x 2 inches) with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients together.
Melt the butter and add it to the dry ingredients.
Add the chopped crystallized ginger to taste, one tablespoon if you're not sure if you like it and two if you know you do.
Spread the mixture over the pan in a thin layer, pressing it down lightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
Bake 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown.
Cut the gingerbread into bars (approximately 1 x 2 inches) while it is still hot. Leave it in the pan until it cools. Remove the gingerbread by lifting the parchment paper.

Notes

Yield: 30 - 36 bars

Adapted from English Food by Jane Grigson.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chai Cupcakes

It’s release day for CAKE POPPED OFF!

I’m extending the sale price of only $0.99 for a few more days and celebrating with a giveaway and a cupcake recipe from the book!

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Available on Kindle Unlimited and print.

Cupcake caterer Emory Martinez is hosting a Halloween bash alongside her octogenarian employer, Tillie. With guests dressed in elaborate costumes, the band is rocking, the cocktails are flowing, and tempers are flaring when the hired Bavarian Barmaid tries to hook a rich, hapless husband. Except one of her targets happens to be Emory’s brother-in-law, which bodes ill for his pregnant wife. When Emory tracks down the distraught barmaid, instead of finding the young woman in tears, she finds her dead. Can she explain to the new detective on the scene why the Bavarian Barmaid was murdered in Emory’s bathtub with Emory’s Poison Apple Cake Pops stuffed into her mouth?

With an angry pregnant sister to contend with, she promises to clear her brother-in-law’s name. As Emory starts asking questions and tracking down the identity of the costumed guests, she finds reasons to suspect her brother-in-law has been hiding a guilty secret. Her search leads her to a web of blackmail and betrayal amongst the posh setting of the local country club crowd. Can Emory sift through the lies she’s being told and find the killer? She’ll need to step up her investigation before another victim is sent to the great pumpkin patch in the sky.

To celebrate the release, I’m giving away winner’s choice of either print or an e-book copy of CAKE POPPED OFF plus a $10 Amazon gift card. Please use the Rafflecopter below. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, print is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, September 27, 2020.

After being served an iced chai by her employer’s cook, Emory can’t wait to incorporate the delightful flavors into a cupcake form for her friends, family, and clients. While the cook can’t (or won’t) share her chai spice blend recipe, Emory comes up with something similar for her cupcakes. Moist and tender, these cupcakes are truly flavorful thanks to a generous portion of her homemade chai blend (although premade purchased chai works too) and the tangy blend of cream cheese and chai spice in the frosting. The warming spices make Chai Cupcakes perfect for dessert or a special treat on chilly autumn days!

Chai Cupcakes

Makes 14 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

2 cups (10 ounces by weight) cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 heaping tablespoon chai mix, premade or use the recipe below
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (7 ounces) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (1.8 ounces) brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk

Frosting

5 cups (22.3 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tablespoon chai spice mix, premade or use the recipe below
2 - 3 tablespoons milk or cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chai Spice Mix

1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Garnish

Sprinkle tops of frosting with chai spice mix
Halved cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Chai Spice Mix

Mix all of the spices together and set aside.

Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line cupcake tins with paper liners.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 heaping tablespoon of the chai mix together.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugars together for 3 minutes on medium speed.
Add in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternating 3 times, add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the sugar mixture. Beat on low speed to incorporate. After the last addition, beat an additional 30 seconds until smooth.
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 17–19 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs clinging is fine.
Remove from oven and allow to cool in the cupcake tin for 5 minutes.
Move the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

Place butter and cream cheese into the bowl of a standing mixer and whip until creamy, approximately 2–3 minutes on medium-high speed.
With the mixer running on low speed, add half the confectioners’ sugar a little at a time, mixing until sugar is coated with the butter.
Beat in 1 tablespoon chai spice mix, then add 2 tablespoons milk and the vanilla extract. Beat until incorporated.
Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar. If the frosting is too thick, add additional milk, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for approximately 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the completely cooled cupcakes.
For garnishing, place the remaining chai spice mix into a fine mesh sieve and dust the tops of the frosting and insert a halved cinnamon stick.

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Halloween Black Cat Chocolate Cookies

The countdown to the release of CAKE POPPED OFF is happening now and I’m celebrating with a fun Halloween cookie recipe and giveaways!

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To celebrate the upcoming release, I’m giving away winner’s choice of either print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION (the first in the series) plus a $10 Amazon gift card. Please use the Rafflecopter below. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, print is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Saturday, September 19, 2020.

From the time my granddaughter was 18 months old, I’ve enjoyed introducing her to fun cookie crafts that we can do together, especially holiday-themed cookies. I developed this recipe and design because the cookies are super easy (only 3 ingredients!) and since they whip up and bake so quickly, your ghost and ghouls can get to the fun part and start decorating… and eating these yummy Halloween Black Cat Cookies. And if you don’t want to decorate, these soft and chewy cookies are delicious on their own!

Halloween Black Cat Chocolate Cookies

A yummy and fun Halloween decorating project for kids!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 (15.25 ounce) package Devil's Food cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs

For the frosting: (or purchase your favorite pre-made chocolate frosting)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup cocoa powder (either natural or dutch will work)
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 - 4 tablespoons milk or half-and-half

Decorating Garnishes

Chocolate jimmies for fur
Mini M & M candies for eyes
Candy Corns for ears
Licorice shoestring laces, cut into 1-1/2" pieces for whiskers
Candy heart sprinkles, conversation hearts, mini red M & M's, or mini jelly beans for nose

Instructions

For the cookies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Add the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs to a large bowl and stir until well combined.
Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 3 inches apart.
Bake for 7 - 9 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and allow to completely cool before frosting and decorating.

For the frosting:

Using an electric mixer, whip the butter until smooth (1 - 2 minutes).
Add the cocoa powder and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
On low speed, alternating, add 1/3 the confectioners' sugar to the butter mixture and beat until smooth. Add in 1 tablespoons milk (or half-and-half) then continue alternating with the remaining confectioners' sugar and milk.
If frosting is too thick, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time until a spreadable consistency is acquired. You don't want it too thin but frosting shouldn't be so thick it won't spread on cookie. Once desired consistency is reached, beat the frosting for 1 minute.

Putting it together:

Working with 1 cookie at a time, spread chocolate frosting over the top of a cookie. Immediately sprinkle an outline of chocolate jimmies along the outside edge of the cookie to represent fur.
Position 2 upside down candy corns near the top of the cookie for the ears. Position 2 mini M & M candies for the eyes and place a dab of chocolate frosting in the center of the M & M's for the pupils, or draw using an edible marker.
Place either a red candy heart or a red M & M in the lower center of the cookie for the nose and add 3 short licorice shoestring laces to each side of the nose to represent whiskers.
Allow the frosting to set. Position cookies in a single layer on a serving platter.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If necessary to stack cookies for storing, place a sheet of waxed paper between each layer.

Makes 14 - 18 cookies, depending on size

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Sugar High Pie

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MURDER IN THE BAYOU BONEYARD, the sixth book in the Cajun Country Mystery series by Ellen Byron, is a fun Halloween-themed romp through the bayou! From the darling cover to the opening sentence to the very last paragraph, Ms. Bryon is a captivating storyteller. Her strong descriptive voice brings the narrative to life and immerses the reader into the spirit of the holiday. However, protagonist Maggie Crozat isn’t a fan of all that Halloween entails which leads to humor and mayhem. Nevertheless, she conjures up a “Pelican’s Spooky Past” package for both her family-owned and locally-owned plantation B & Bs to attract guests, since the state of Louisiana proudly bills itself as the most haunted in America. Her family’s theme for guests is “Food and Crafts” which is my kind of Halloween event… nothing spooky for me!

In addition to the Spooky Past package, the Crozat Plantation B & B is opening up their new spa. The lovely descriptions capture the relaxing theme of the setting and lulls the reader into a sense of wellbeing… until a rougarou starts harassing guests. A cross between a werewolf and vampire, the rougarou is seen by multiple guests at multiple B & Bs which sends guests packing and cancelling reservations. It’s devastating for the already hard-hit family-owned businesses. I love how the author interjects a spooky Bayou legend into the mystery, intertwining it with a murder, which adds to the theme of Halloween. On top of worrying about the monster and a murder, Maggie has a wedding to plan while being blindsided with greedy distant relatives who have descended upon the Crozat plantation. Poor Maggie can’t catch a break because things go from bad to worse with every chapter. Ms. Byron builds the tension in the story with each passing page until I could not put the book down until I finished the very last word!

Maggie’s mom, Ninette, is the chef for the Crozat B & B, and serves plenty of mouthwatering dishes to their guests. Ms. Bryon includes several recipes at the back of the book and the recipe for Sugar High Pie caught my eye. As the author puts it, it’s like a candy bar inside a pie! With a base similar to pecan pie, the addition of chocolate, raisins, and coconut raises the scrumptious level to the stratosphere! It’s definitely rich and plenty sweet and a little goes a long way, but your taste buds will be highly gratified with the sugar high they receive from this Sugar High Pie!

Amazon Synopsis

Maggie Crozat, proprietor of a historic Cajun Country B&B, prefers to let the good times roll. But hard times rock her hostelry when a new cell phone app makes it easy for locals to rent their spare rooms to tourists. With October–and Halloween–approaching, she conjures up a witch-crafty marketing scheme to draw visitors to Pelican, Louisiana.

Five local plantation B&Bs host “Pelican’s Spooky Past” packages, featuring regional crafts, unique menus, and a pet costume parade. Topping it off, the derelict Dupois cemetery is the suitably sepulchral setting for the spine-chilling play Resurrection of a Spirit. But all the witchcraft has inevitably conjured something: her B&B guests are being terrified out of town by sightings of the legendary rougarou, a cross between a werewolf and vampire.

When, in the Dupois cemetery, someone costumed as a rougarou stumbles onstage during the play–and promptly gives up the ghost, the rougarou mask having been poisoned with strychnine, Maggie is on the case. But as more murders stack up, Maggie fears that Pelican’s spooky past has nothing on its bloodcurdling present.

A special thanks to Ellen Byron for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of MURDER IN THE BAYOU BONEYARD! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Sugar High Pie

Ellen Byron: Sometimes one recipe begets another. I was making the Pecan Coconut Pie Bars from the recipe in A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING, my fourth Cajun Country Mystery, when inspiration struck. What if I took a frozen pie crust, made the pecan base, and threw in a bunch of stuff with the pecans? Thus Sugar High Pie was born.

The name comes from the fact that in addition to that basic pecan base, the ingredients in this dessert include dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coconut, and raisins. When you think about it, it's like a candy bar inside a pie.

While you're welcome to follow the recipe below and enjoy the ensuing deliciousness, feel free to experiment. Add a half cup of chopped dates or dried cherries. Or both. Just make sure you share the recipe with all of us!

Ingredients

1 unbaked 8- or 9-inch pie crust, frozen or your favorite recipe
1 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
1 whole egg
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup milk chocolate bits
1/2 cup dark chocolate bits
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).
Cream brown sugar and butter until well blended.
Beat in egg and egg whites, one at a time.
Stir in bourbon, salt, and corn syrup.
Add pecans, chocolate, raisins, and coconut, one ingredient at a time. Stir to blend well.
Pour mixture into pie crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until middle sets or a knife inserted in the pie comes out clean.

Serves 6 - 8.

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I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gift Card and Book #Giveaway

I have so much news to share today that I’m going to skip the recipe… but I promise I’ll be sharing a few Halloween recipes soon from Cake Popped Off!

SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION has been awarded the Gold Medal
in the Readers’ Favorite Book Award contest!

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With a 5-star review, Trudi LoPreto, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite says: “Author Kim Davis created characters that are real and likable, at least most of them. Emory makes a great heroine and it was impossible not to hope for her innocence to be proven. If you love cozy mysteries, murder stories, and a great plot, then Sprinkles of Suspicion is a must-read.”

To celebrate, I’m giving away winner’s choice of either print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION plus a $10 Amazon gift card. Please use the Rafflecopter below. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, print is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Saturday, September 12, 2020.

I’m also celebrating by offering everyone the opportunity to preorder CAKE POPPED OFF at a special discounted price of only $0.99. If you’ve already preordered (and thank you!), you will automatically be given the sale price.

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Some of the early reviews for CAKE POPPED OFF!

“This book has all the qualities of a top notch cozy mystery. The characters were entertaining and the whodunit was well written and certainly kept me guessing.” – Karen Kenyon, Reviewer

“Another great book in the series and I highly recommend Cake Popped Off!” – Kim Heniadis, Reviewer

“The mystery is top-notch and had me popping from one suspect to another only to have my suspicions lead to dead ends. Surprise after surprise had me enjoying the plot moves and startling revelations!” – Linda Langford, Chatting About Cozies

“CAKE POPPED OFF is an exciting, page turning whodunit that I recommend to anyone that loves cozy mysteries or just an excellent entertaining book.” – Kay Garrett, Reviewer

“As cozy mysteries go, this is one of the best I have read. The characters are engaging and the plot line interesting. Totally loved it.” – Sandra B., Netgalley Reviewer

“Cake Popped Off might be even better than its predecessor in the series. Full of characterization, scandal, and mouth-watering recipes, this book is perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries.” – Virge B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing

“This book is a fun romp…even better than the first! Ms. Davis pens an intriguing cast of characters and infuses the plot with plenty of humor along with intrigue.” – Amary C., Netgalley Reviewer

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Thanks to everyone for being a part of my journey as both an author and a blogger!

Buy A Friend a Book Day!

Five books = Five Winners! To celebrate Buy A Friend A Book Day I’m giving away five books as shown in the photo below. Please use the Rafflecopter below and be sure to comment about which book you’d like to receive. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, contest is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Saturday, September 5, 2020.

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THERE’S A MURDER AFOOT by Vicki Delany

Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention–but will Gemma’s father take the fall for a felonious forger’s fatality?

The 6th of January is Sherlock Holmes’s birthday, and lucky for Gemma Doyle, January is also the slowest time of the year at both the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. It’s a good time for Gemma and her friends to travel to England for a Holmes Convention. For Gemma, the trip provides an opportunity to visit her parents, Jayne Wilson is excited about seeing all the sites London has to offer, and Ryan Ashburton just wants to spend some time with Gemma. But the trip is immediately derailed when Gemma’s father Henry recognizes his brother-in-law Randolph Denhaugh, who disappeared more than thirty years ago on the night he stole a valuable painting from his own parents.

Henry, a retired detective with Scotland Yard, has been keeping tabs on the man’s career as a forger of Old Masters and he warns Randy to stay away from his family. It’s up to Gemma, with the help of her friends, to plunge into the “lowest and vilest alleys” of London to save her father from prison.

JEALOUSY FILLED DONUTS by Ginger Bolton

It is a truth universally acknowledged—cops and donuts go together. Exhibit A: Deputy Donut Café, owned and operated by detective’s widow Emily Westhill and her father-in-law, the retired police chief of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin. Named after Emily’s adored and adorable tabby, the donut shop is a favorite among cops, firemen, and EMTs, as well as tourists and townspeople. So when Fallingbrook needs donuts for their Fourth of July picnic, Emily’s shop gets deputized.

But a twisted killer has found another use for Emily’s treats. At the picnic, a firecracker is hidden in a stack of raspberry-filled donuts and aimed at the unwitting queen of the festivities. When it explodes, she is killed. Having her jelly donuts involved puts Emily in a sticky situation, and when a shady shutterbug tries to frame her with incriminating photos, she finds herself in quite a jam. To preserve her freedom and her shop’s reputation, Emily needs to solve this case—before the fuse-lighting felon goes off again …

THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL by Laurie R. King

Mary Russell is used to dark secrets—her own, and those of her famous partner and husband, Sherlock Holmes. Trust is a thing slowly given, but over the course of a decade together, the two have forged an indissoluble bond.

And what of the other person to whom Mary Russell has opened her heart: the couple’s longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson? Russell’s faith and affection are suddenly shattered when a man arrives on the doorstep claiming to be Mrs. Hudson’s son.

What Samuel Hudson tells Russell cannot possibly be true, yet she believes him—as surely as she believes the threat of the gun in his hand. In a devastating instant, everything changes. And when the scene is discovered—a pool of blood on the floor, the smell of gunpowder in the air—the most shocking revelation of all is that the grim clues point directly to Clara Hudson. Or rather to Clarissa, the woman she was before Baker Street.

The key to Russell’s sacrifice lies in Mrs. Hudson’s past. To uncover the truth, a frantic Sherlock Holmes must put aside his anguish and push deep into his housekeeper’s secrets—to a time before her disguise was assumed, before her crimes were buried away. There is death here, and murder, and trust betrayed. And nothing will ever be the same.

KEY LIME PIE MURDER by Joanne Fluke

It promises to be a busy week for Hannah Swensen. Not only is she whipping up treats for the chamber of commerce booth at the Tri-County fair, she’s also judging the baking contest; acting as a magician’s assistant for her business partner’s husband; trying to coax Moishe, her previously rapacious feline, to end his hunger strike, and performing her own private carnival act by juggling the demands of her mother and sisters.

With so much on her plate, it’s no wonder Hannah finds herself on the midway only moments before the fair closes for the night. After hearing a suspicious thump, she goes snooping–only to discover Willa Sunquist, a student teacher and fellow bake contest judge, dead alongside an upended key lime pie. But who would want to kill Willa and why?

Now Hannah needs to crank up the heat, hoping that Willa’s killer will get rattled and make a mistake. If that happens she intends to be there, even if it means getting on a carnival ride that could very well be her last. . .

BLACKBERRY BURIAL by Sharon Farrow

Between a booming art scene and elaborate Independence Day festivities, July in lakeshore Oriole Point, Michigan, is always a blast. Especially when an explosive murder case crashes the fun . . .

As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School’s centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race—despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .

But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It’s a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who’s convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer—before the next ‘blackberry victim’ is ripe for the picking!

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