As
Christmas approaches in South Lick, Indiana, Robbie Jordan
finds herself in the midst of not one but two mysteries.
There’s a fire at the home of Dr. Geller, an anesthesiologist
with a bad reputation. As a result of the fire, a skeleton
is found in the attic! It seems that the doctor’s wife
disappeared several years ago. Dr. Geller lost a leg in Iraq,
claims he was not able to climb the pull-down steps to the
attic, and never knew about the skeleton. Naturally, suspicions
arise about his missing wife.
Meanwhile, Robbie’s young employee Danna suddenly has
a half-brother who showed up at Pans ‘N Pancakes unannounced
and told her who he is. He seems like a nice young man, but
Robbie’s antenna is up and she wants to check him out,
especially after it comes to light that he has anger management
problems.
Maddie is surprised to learn that there’s racism and
Islamophobia in her small town, and I feel the author handled
this very well. It was not sugarcoated, nor was it alarmist
in nature.
This is a busy book with dual mysteries and a variety of characters.
Maddie Day writes in such an uncomplicated manner that the
mysteries and characters merge easily. I enjoyed reading “Candy
Slain Murder” because the small-town, Midwest feel is
appealing and the mystery is solid. I liked the characters
and look forward to reading more of the books in this series
in order to get to know them better.
The artwork on the cover is most appealing and colorful, and
I appreciate the font and overall feel of Kensington books.
Both of these features struck me immediately, and I think
that they are on the right track with publishing cozies that
are cozy to look at and to hold as well as to read.
There are several recipes at the back of the book. The Peppermint
Mocha Muffins are my favorite. Which one will be yours?
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