I wasn’t disappointed. This book holds all the ingredients for a perfect cozy murder mystery. This is the first in the Sadie Hoffmiller series by author Josi s. Kilpack.
The story’s protagonist is 56-year-old Sadie Hoffmiller, a retired teacher and widow with two grown children. She spends her time doing volunteer work and making baked goods for family and friends.
When a neighbor is found murdered, Sadie has more questions and than answers about the single Mom, Anne Lemmon, and her two-year-old son, Trevor, who is now missing.
Sadie soon encounters the two detectives investigating the case and finds one of them considers her a suspect. Trying to find answers, as well as the toddler, Sadie begins to discover her life and that of her family more entangled with Annie than she had ever imagined. With each bit of new information Sadie seems closer to finding Annie’s killer and who has Trevor. But with each new lead comes a new suspect with even more motive and opportunity than the one before.
The closer Sadie gets to the killer, the more her own life spins out of control. The people she thought she knew and loved may have been hiding dangerous secrets from her.
From the first clue that Anne was baking a Lemon Tart until the last, author Josi S. Kilpack takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of thrills, spills and suspense.
Mingled in among the many clues and suspects, the author shares some of Sadie’s tried and true recipes. These include “Sadie’s Better Brownies,” “Carrot Cookies,” and of course, “Mom’s Lemon Tart” just to name a few. While the mouth-watering recipes will tempt you to bake, the plot will hold you spellbound until the real killer is exposed.
Even though all the ingredients come together to give you a rewarding dish at the end, you can’t help but want more. With that in mind, readers get a sneak peak into Sadie’s next adventure, ‘ENGLISH TRIFLE,” with a brief chapter at the end of the book. There is also a third installment in the series, “DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE.”
“LEMON TART” is a tasty enjoyment for the cozy murder mystery lover.
Lemon Tart, A Culinary Mystery by Josi S. Kilpack, Deseret Book Company, @2009, ISBN: 978-1-60641-050-9, Paperback, 362 pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author’s blog tour promoter in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
