Peppermint Twisted
A Candy Shop Mystery, Book Three
by Sammi Carter
Abby Shaw has a lot on her plate. Her family-inherited store, Divinity, struggles with remodeling problems and
preparations for the town's spring art festival, while power-resident Felicity Ashbury inexplicably replaces
the festival committee's capable chairperson. Committee members threaten to boycott the festival, which could
cripple some of the town's businesses. Abby promises to ferret the reasons for Felicity's newfound love of the
arts and hopefully reestablish the chair's best person, Meena Driggs.
Abby hunts for answers and tries to calm Paradise's committee members. The mystery in Felicity's appointment
suddenly pales when her body is discovered in Divinity's parking lot. Who would kill her? A shorter list would
cover those who wouldn't kill her; most of the town hated Felicity. Despite a long suspect list, some folks
wonder about Abby's motives. The talk of the town involves Abby’s heated confrontation with Felicity over the
festival and that the body was found in Abby's store parking lot. Abby wants to stop those suspicions; not only
does the gossip sour her readjustment to her childhood town, but it could land her jail. Who will give her some
honest help? Her boyfriend, Paradise police detective Jawarski, warns her to stay out of the police investigation
before he's pulled off the case. Abby can't sit and wait while gossip grows. She investigates people affected by
Felicity's cruelty: a bitter sister, an angry daughter, a non-existent granddaughter, a devout but mysterious
spouse, and a radical environmental group.
In Peppermint Twisted, author Sammi Carter sets family obligations, love, and greed in the delightful,
small town of Paradise. Abby is an enjoyable character, who struggles with inner conflict and charges ahead when
her mind is set. While determination is admirable, I hoped Abby would tone down her investigation tactics, which
seem out of character at times. I enjoyed Abby's relationships, like the fragile romance with Jawarski and the
growing bonds with her brother. Carter gives readers a fun mystery with intriguing characters. Included candy
recipes add a delicious treat. Readers will enjoy the candy-infused mystery, Peppermint Twisted. |
The Book |
Berkley Prime Crime / Penguin |
December 4, 2007 |
Paperback |
0425212270 / 978-0425212271 |
Mystery |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
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The Reviewer |
Jennifer Akers |
Reviewed 2008 |
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