A COLORFUL SCHEME is the fourth book in the Pen & Ink Mystery series by Krista Davis. You can always count on this author delivering a topnotch story with a riveting mystery, colorful characters, and a charming setting, and this newest release doesn’t disappoint. Protagonist Florrie Fox is a delightful young woman, sweet as she is kind, to both her friends and customers alike. Not only does she manage a bookstore, but she’s also a talented adult coloring book creator. The supporting characters are equally well-rounded and are people you’d like to spend time with. I enjoyed that Florrie’s sister, Veronica, has a greater role in the story, acting as the wedding planner for Florrie’s wealthy boss who is marrying a famous romance author (their second time marrying). A bit of humor is thrown in with Veronica needing to tackle wedding plan issues… until an issue turns serious with the discovery that the bride is missing.
There are multi-faceted mysteries for the reader to muse over in the story and I greatly enjoyed the literary thread of writing and publishing set amongst the wedding festivities. From an agent, to authors, to author and journalist wannabes, to a literary critic, Ms. Davis creates stressful situations that might lead to strife and even murder. On top of that, Florrie discovers she has a stalker who won’t leave her alone even when confronted. When a murder victim is discovered after the wedding festivities, Florrie can’t help but become involved. With plenty of suspects to choose from (there were over 500 guests at the wedding and reception!) it takes Florrie’s sharp mind and colorful art pencils to narrow down the list. The creative use of Florrie’s artistic skills to capture details of the people and clues involved in the case is unique and added another layer of entertainment to her sleuthing. I’ll admit I was way off the mark in guessing who the culprit was, but it was a fun read following along with Florrie’s investigations. As the story concluded, all questions were answered and the subplots fit together quite satisfactorily. It left me wanting to immediately color the inviting coloring book cover before picking up the next book in the series.
Another highlight of Krista Davis’s books are the tempting recipes she includes at the back of the book. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try out her recipe for Blueberry Coffee Cake with Crumble. Chock full of fresh blueberries in a tender vanilla cake, the cinnamon, brown sugar-based crumble adds both flavor and a pleasing crunchy texture. And since this makes a generous amount, it’s perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings!
Amazon Synopsis
Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.
Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.
When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . .
A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a print copy of A COLORFUL SCHEME! Contest ends September 14, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. 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!)
Use a 9" x 13" baking pan.
Note: butter must be softened.
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for baking pan
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups blueberries (two 6-ounce clamshell packages)
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Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Using your fingers, squish them together, rubbing them between your fingers as you go, until they are all mixed and crumbly. Set aside.
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Grease the baking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
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Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and stir well with a whisk or fork to combine.
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Cream the sugar with the butter. Add the eggs and beat, one at a time. Alternate adding the milk and the flour mixture. Add the vanilla and beat briefly.
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Stir or fold in the blueberries gently. Pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the crumble mixture.
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Bake 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do enjoy adult coloring books. The covers on these books are my favorite!
I do like to color. There’s lots of really neat adult books out there now. I even found a couple kids’ books I still had from when I was young with a few pages left.
I love adult coloring books such a stress reliever. Thanks for your generosity.
I do enjoy them, but don’t seem to find the time to do then near as often as I would like. They have a relaxing affect on me which probably means I need to find more time for them.
I love looking at them, and even have a couple, but I’ve never been able to make time to color them.
I haven’t done adult coloring yet but want too.
I just started coloring about two weeks ago. I found some old crayons and pencils in the basement and downloaded some pictures. I bought my first real book last week. It’s very relaxing right before bedtime. Castle reruns and my colors. So this series sounds really interesting.
I like Adult coloring books
I like to color and enjoy the adult coloring books.
My only regret is that my shading is not very good.
thanks for the recipe. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like adult coloring books. So calming after a stressful day.
I have more than a dozen of these coloring books but this will be the first one in my Fall pen and ink session!
I don’t really color very often, but I have on occasion.
No. I do not use adult coloring books. I’d rather read books than color them!
You specify unsalted butter for the crumb topping but do not say which to use for the cake.
Thanks for catching my error 🙂 I updated it to say unsalted butter as well.
I love adult coloring books! It’s so calming!
I do! My kids gave me a couple for Christmas.
I haven’t tried the adult coloring books yet.
I love adult coloring books, enjoy coloring
Yes, I do.
I love the adult coloring books as much as regular coloring books. I can’t wait to try the Blueberry Coffee Cake.
I love adult coloring books.
While I don’t have physical adult coloring books, I do love the large number of coloring apps available for both free and purchase. Some are color by number and others are color by choice. I have spent long hours bringing pictures to life with color. As for this series, it’s fantastic! Thank you for the giveaway!
I haven’t tried doing an adult coloring book yet
I love coloring – adult coloring books, children’s coloring books, a piece of paper, anything. Just give me crayons or colored pencils and I’m happy.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Yes I like to color. It’s very relaxing.
I find coloring to be very soothing. I have several coloring books.
I do enjoy adult coloring books. They help relax me.
I just got some coloring books when I was in the hospital. I love it!
I love coloring, always have. Never gave it up as I got older. I was very excited when the adult coloring books trend started. So many books, so many ways to color.
I have the first 3 books in the series and really enjoy them. Definitely looking forward to this one! I haven’t colored the covers yet, but I love the physical books. I have colored bookmarks for myself.
I like to color in adult coloring book. I find it very relaxing.
I have a few coloring books and when I have time I enjoy coloring.
I totally enjoy adult coloring when my RA isn’t bothering me too bad. I love these covers!!
I do enjoy adult coloring books. They are a great stress reliever.
I love coloring books I use them to relax, I have several cases of coloring crayons, pencils, pens, and markers and in several versions. You can call me a coloring guru. Thank you for the chance to win this awesome looking book.
I enjoy all kinds of coloring books. My mother taught art at Kingsboro Community College here in Brooklyn. Everything from pencils/charcoals to Acetylene Torches. One summer I did two different sessions. One in charcoal and the next at the end of the summer in water color and oil.
My second try at leaving a comment. Yes I love doing coloring books. My mother was a Jr. College Art teacher so I learned charcoals and oils from her.
Yes, I enjoy adult coloring books very much.
This recipe and book sound scrumptious!!