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.
Will have to look tis one up. Just up my alley - a nice cooking cozy.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, have to put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteMason - Thanks for this review. I always think it adds to the suspense and the interest when the characters have more inter-connections than one thinks at first, and it sounds as though Lemon Tart is that kind of book.
ReplyDeleteThis book has at least three things I like mystery, suspense and the character Sadie- my grandmas name.
ReplyDeletewonderful review. -Teresa
Harvee, the recipes in the book sound great. I think I'm going to try the brownie recipe tonight.
ReplyDeleteDru, hope you enjoy it.
Margot, oh this one does.
Teresa, I think you'll love the character Sadie in this book. It starts off with her making applesauce while talking to the detectives.
Mmmm...that cover looks good enough to eat!! And the story sounds good, too. Thanks Mason!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Oh, I LOVE lemon tarts!The title definitely caught my attention. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteCool review, thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteHave you read any of the Liquor series by Poppy Z. Brite? It's a fun read, especially if you're a foodie.
Have a great Monday!
I love yellow. I love lemon tarts. And I love the cover. I'd definitely pick this up in the book store to have a peek.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, the cover does look good. That catch me eye first.
ReplyDeleteTalli, hope you enjoy it. It's a great read.
B.M., I haven't read any of the Liquor series but I'll definitely check it out now. Thanks.
Carol, the yellow cover does grab your attention.
Interesting book. Different. A cooking cozy. Thanks for the feature and heads up!
ReplyDeleteThe Old Silly
Sounds like a delicious read! Thanks for the review. Love the cover, too...Nice to hear about an "older" protag...and to have recipes, too? Win-win!
ReplyDeleteKaren, it is yummy.
ReplyDeleteMarvin, there's a lot of suspense and intrigue mixed in with the cooking.
Kathleen, the "older" protagonist make for such interesting reads.
I will be reviewing this later this week. The tart recipe sounded awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good book. Cozy mysteries are my favorite, though this sounds dangerously uncozy at points! But good.
ReplyDeleteoh, you know I always enjoy a culinary mystery especially with the hint of lemon :))
ReplyDeleteI just got this book and I'm looking forward to reading it ~ your review made it even more tempting.
ReplyDelete