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STILL KNIFE PAINTING, the first book in the Paint & Shine Mysteries by Cheryl Hollon, is a good start to a brand new series. The reader is introduced to the introverted protagonist, Miranda Trent, who is just starting up her new business, Paint and Shine. This cultural adventure tour combines scenic painting, a traditional Southern dinner at her farmhouse, and a moonshine lecture and tasting, which all sound like fabulous ideas! I love this new twist for a cozy mystery setting. I was intrigued that the location is set in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural Kentucky. The author captures the feeling of the rural isolation (often no cell phone service… I can’t imagine!), the beauty of the land (great for scenic painting), and the food and moonshine libations of the area. The author begins the book with a lovely acknowledgement indicating her parents grew up in the area that the book showcases and she spent her summers there visiting her grandparents. I was a little uncomfortable how several of the characters came across as bumpkins. Being a Southern California gal myself, I’m not familiar with Kentucky or the attitudes/beliefs of the rural residents but I would hope that her portrayal was simply an artistic exaggeration.
As the mystery over who killed Miranda’s prickly Southern cook unfolds (even though the police rule that it was an accident) I enjoyed that Miranda uses her artistic abilities to record clues and her impressions of suspects. I also liked that she joins forces with Austin, the handsome park ranger and potential love interest, to solve the mystery. They work well together and he respects her talents and quest for justice. While I guessed early on who the culprit was (well, I wasn’t 100% sure) I had no idea what the motivation for murder was. Ms. Hollon pens some unique twists and adds in a couple subplots to keep the reader entertained. I was thrown a bit when the point of view switched from Miranda to the sheriff, and then switched again to the coroner (who happens to be the sheriff’s wife). The few switches are clearly marked with asterisks so I didn’t feel lost but it’s a technique that isn’t often used in cozy mysteries. On the plus side it does move the story along by providing information that Miranda, as the protagonist, wouldn’t have access to. The author wraps up the murder mystery with an exciting conclusion yet leaves the reader wanting to know more about what happens to Miranda and her fledgling business, which is the sign of a good read!
There are plenty of mouthwatering recipes included at the back of the book and I especially love that the author also includes several moonshine cocktail recipes to pair with the dishes. I just had to try her Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet recipe. While rustic looking, the flavors are scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. The recipe serves a large family (or plenty of leftovers for a few people). I decided to halve the recipe and use my 7-inch cast-iron skillet since there isn’t enough people to share with due to Covid-19 keeping friends and family apart. It worked perfectly and served warm with ice cream, this delectable dessert was pure down-home comfort!
Amazon Synopsis
Miranda Trent has set up a sweet life in a scenic corner of Appalachia—until she stumbles across the trail of a killer . . .
After inheriting her uncle’s Red River Gorge homestead in Eastern Kentucky—smack dab in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest—Miranda comes up with a perfect business plan for summer tourists: pairing outdoor painting classes with sips of local moonshine, followed by a mouthwatering sampler of the best in southern cooking.
To Miranda’s delight, Paint & Shine is a total success—until someone kills the cook. As the town’s outsider, suspicion naturally falls on Miranda. Murdering the best biscuit baker of Red River Gorge is a high crime in these parts. Miranda will have to prove her innocence before she’s moved from farmhouse to jail cell faster than she can say “white lightning” . . .
A special thanks to Cheryl Hollon for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of STILL KNIFE PAINTING! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, July 8, 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!)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 8 - 10), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
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Heat the oven to 375 degrees (F).
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In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice and flour, and cook until sugars dissolve, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have slightly softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and remove from the heat.
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In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix together the flour, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, the baking powder, and the salt. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, and using the fork, to bring mixture together into a sticky dough. Scatter pieces of the dough over the top of the apple mixture in the skillet.
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In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar.
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Place the skillet on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake until top is golden brown and both the filling and the topping are cooked through, about 40 minutes.
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Serve warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream.
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I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I went to the Art Institute of Atlanta and we had a painting course but I’d like to take a class where they drink wine and paint!
Hi Peggy, It is so much fun to paint in a fun class along with an adult beverage. I highly recommend it. There’s sure to be a Painting with a Twist franchise near you. They’re doing Zoom at Home events so you don’t have to go out. Good luck in the giveaway.
Yummy!
I have never participated in a group painting class but it sounds like fun-and so does this book!
Hi Michelle, my local Painting with a Twist shop is hosting a painting event for my launch. I’m sure there’s one near you. Good luck to you!
What a great way to celebrate your book launch! While I don’t have an ounce of artistic ability when it comes to holding a paint brush or art pencils, it still sounds like a lot of fun especially when paired with an adult beverage!
Thank you for your review on “STILL KNIFE PAINTING” by Cheryl Hollon. This book has been on my TBR list since I first heard about it. Always enjoy Cheryl’s books and can’t wait for the opportunity to read this one.
The recipe makes me think of my Granny’s apple cobbler and will have to give it a try real soon.
I’ve never participated in a group painting class. I don’t seem to be very artistically inclined, but I would love to try some time if they were ever offered in our area. Might surprise myself.
Hi Kay, The only thing better than this apple cobbler is a blackberry cobbler. Unfortunately, it was the wrong season in this book for picking them fresh. Go ahead — try a painting class with Painting with a Twist. https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/stpetersburg/event/2445125/ Tons of fun! Good luck!
Hi Kim! Thank you for supporting the launch of STILL KNIFE PAINTING. Your cobbler looks just like my grandma’s. My mouth is watering thinking about how good it tastes with vanilla ice cream. Good luck to everyone in the giveaway!
It’s a pleasure hosting you on the blog, Cheryl! And oh my, the cobbler was amazing… I love all that cinnamon and sugar topping on the crust!
I haven’t taken part in a painting class but as soon as I can slow down I will do one.
Hi Christine, Slowing down is never an option — I just squeeze in those things that I like to do. Somehow there’s always time. Good luck in the giveaway.
That cobbler looks so yummy! No I have never been to a group painting but it looks fun! I would love to read Still Knife Painting. Thanks for the chance!
Hi Alma, You’re right. That cobbler is yummy! Thank you for stopping by. Good luck in the giveaway.
Nope, haven’t ever been in a group painting and probably never would. I do belong to several knitting groups though and I love them!
Hi Wendy. My father learned to knit just so he could teach my mom to knit wool socks for the winter. He was a land surveyor and they kept his feet warm. I can knit some basic patterns, but enjoy it very much. Good luck in the giveaway.
No, I haven’t, but I think it would be a fun thing to do! And the cobbler looks like it would be a great recipe for my seldom used cast iron skillet! Thanks!
OH NO! Cast iron skillets must be used!!! Thanks for stopping by to comment. Good luck in the giveaway.
No. I have never participated in a group painting class. I have no artistic ability whatsoever lol. I would probably just embarrass myself. And that cobbler looks delish! I LOVE Dutch Apple Pie, so I am sure I will love this recipe!
Hi Dawn, The artists that teach these group paintings are amazing. They help everyone look good. Good luck in the giveaway.
I love paint classes with adult beverages. Such fun times
I’m doing a Painting with a Twist event on Wednesday. Love them. Good luck in the giveaway.
I have painted with a group at church.
Hi Cinda. I hope you enjoyed it. It’s such a friendly way to have a social event. Good luck in the giveaway.
Not a painter but I took a sewing class years ago.
Hi Karen, My mother and grandmother taught me to sew. It was also a class in eighth grade. Good luck in the giveaway.
I’ve never did a painting class but I think it would be a fun thing to do with someone. This recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for your great generosity.
Hi Linda, You’re welcome. My 94-year-old mother looked over that recipe to make sure I got it right. Good luck in the giveaway.
I have never taken a painting class. I love that this is a new series. It sounds fun. I like the cover. Thanks for the chance.
Hi Lynn, I’m enjoying writing this new series. My publisher is well-known for their gorgeous covers. I’m lucky. Good luck in the giveaway.
No, I have not.
Hi Mary, I hope you get a chance someday. Good luck in the giveaway.
What a fun new twist on a cozy. Adding this one to my TBR list.
Thanks, Susan. I’m happy to be added to your TBR list. Good luck in the giveaway.
I have participating in several group painting classes at our local libraries -painting a snowman on slate, sunflowers on wine glasses and fall scene on votives. Great fun.
No, unfortunately I cannot paint. Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Faith, The artists who lead the instruction are very kind and helpful. I hope you take a chance someday. Good luck in the giveaway.
No I never participated in a group painting class. Thank you for a chance to win a print copy of Still Knife Painting.
Hi Cathy. I hope you get a chance to attend a Painting with a Twist event. Great fun! Good luck in the giveaway.
No I haven’t except in high school.
Maybe you might sometime. Good luck to you in the giveaway.
Yes I have..it was fun,,my sister & I are thinking of doing it again, hopefully before Christmas
I hope you can do a painting event — they are great fun. Good luck to you in the giveaway.
I have never participated in a group painting class, but I believe I would enjoy it!
Hi Lisa, I hope you can go with friends or family. Good luck to you in the giveaway
Several years ago, my friend and I went to a place where everyone picked out a ceramic piece and painted it, then they put it in the kiln. It was fun. Thank you for the recipe, and this chance!
Hi Robyn. I’ve been to several paint your own ceramic classes. Such fun. Good luck to you in the giveaway.
Yes, I’ve been to those Wine & Paint places a few times. Lots of fun!
Hi Cherisse, They are a ton of fun. We’re going to do a Zoom style event in St. Petersburg. Finger’s crossed that it turns out to be as much fun. Good luck in the giveaway.
Got an ARC of this book and had a great read!
The recipes and story are equally appealing.
Hi Libby. So pleased that you enjoyed it. The recipes are old family traditions from my 94-year-old mother. Good luck in the giveaway.
I only have one skillet that isn’t cast iron…. And 3 that are cast iron.
I can hardly wait to make ths!!!!
Hi Donna, I have a selection of cast iron skillets, but I also have a couple of high quality non-stick for egg omelettes. Good luck with the recipe and also the giveaway.
I have taken a painting class but I don’t think that I could do it while drinking! I would probably think that I had talent until I sobered up.
No, I have never attended a group painting class.
Hi Dianne, That’s funny – I think the wine helps me relax into being a little more fluid with the painting. Who knows? Anyway, good luck with the giveaway.
I have never attended a group painting class.
I haven’t done that but it sounds fun. Love apple cobbler. Thanks for the chance.
I have not. It would be a lesson in humility and futility, I’m afraid, as my stick figures even need help! It does sound like a great idea, though!
I have done tile painting in a class in the ‘80s and I loved it.
I did go to a group painting class with my mom, my best friend, & her mom. It was fun.
I never have, but my two sisters did and they did a great job. It looks so fun!
Yes, I have. We had a great time.
This looks delicious! I am going to have to make this in my new cast iron pan. Thank you!
Weellll. That depends. There was a bunch of us got together to paint. For a “Renaissance Fair” hosted by the school admin in Clark County. It was for all the schools to help the kids understand about the Renaissance period and what it entailed. Using “money” of the period. That sort of thing. There was a group of us who volunteered to paint whatever appealed to the kids, on their faces. We had a brief “introductory” class on painting, how much painting, and what to use safely, on the kids cheeks. But, formally? When I was in school.
I’ve never participated in one of those (and really don’t have the interest to do so…I am NOT an artist at all). Some of my friends have gone to them, though, and loved them!
No I haven’t been to a painting group before. I am absolutely not artistic at all! Thanks for the chance!
I can’t paint worth a darn, so have never attended one. Wish I could paint because they look like fun. Thanks for all you do.
I haven’t done a painting class, but I would like to. My daughter did one and really enjoyed it.
I love the setup for this cozy, I wish that it was real because I would definitely go!
Howdy 🙂
This recipe sounds great- I can easily Veganize it! I have attended several group painting classes and have led a few for Girl Scouts… they are quite fun. This books sounds fantastic- Thanks for the post!
Cheers-
Kelly Braun
I have not done painting with a group but would love to take my daughter sometime.
I have. It was super fun. We painted pumpkins and drank wine (bonus that it was held at a winery). I’d love to do it again.