Kensington
ISBN: 9781496722034
06/26/2020
AMAZON
|
Marshmallow
Malice
Amish Candy Shop Mystery #5
by Amanda Flower
Review
& Interview by Elise Cooper
Marshmallow
Malice by
Amanda Flower is another winner. As with all books
in this series, there are wonderful characters, a
charming small-town setting, and a sense of community/family.
Her mixture of murder and humor allows for an enjoyable
read.
"I
always want to put some things about Amish culture
in my books. For example, They do not vote. A librarian
told me once, during a ride-along, that some did vote
for the school board. The Amish send their children
to public school until 4th or 5th grade. I heard that
some politicians are trying to woo the Amish into
voting. I am watching this story since it would be
a shift in Amish culture. The other piece I put in
the book is how Amish men will not touch women they
are unrelated to. They would not even shake hands.
It is primarily done for respect to a husband. But
this might not be a problem anymore since the pandemic
has caused us to stay apart."
This novel ties up loose ends with the marriage of
Juliet Brody and Reverend Brook as well as the backstory
on the Reverend. Everyone in the town is excited about
attending the wedding, even Bailey King, the candy
shop owner, and Julia's good friend. However, she
is struggling trying to fulfill her bridesmaid duties.
She must wear a dress that makes her look like a cupcake
or a cotton candy machine. To make matters worse,
the marshmallow-frosted wedding cake could easily
become a gooey disaster. But the frosting falls off
the cake after someone drunk crashes the wedding.
The next day she is found dead, murdered, on the Church's
steps. Bailey and her best friend Cass, decide to
do their own investigation, much to the dismay of
her sheriff's deputy boyfriend, who has his own problems
having to deal with his ex-girlfriend's return.
The characters are always an enjoyment to read about,
including Bailey, who is loyal, caring, hardworking,
and independent. Her friend Cass is feisty and can
be described as a typical New Yorker. The secondary
characters keep the story entertaining from Jethro,
the pig, to Puff, the rabbit.
This cozy mystery series is one that readers should
have on their radar. This story is a wonderful read
from the characters' banter that will make people
laugh to the suspenseful plot.