Book 112, 2023
Murder Gone A-Rye by Nancy J. Parra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I finished my "spare" book last night. It was Murder Gone A-Rye by Nancy J Parra. This is the second installment in the "Baker's Treat" series of cozy mysteries, but it's the first one I've read. The main character is Toni Holmes, who owns a gluten-free bakery.
While Toni is getting ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving rush by baking up a storm, her Grandma Ruth is tabbed as the prime suspect in the murder of Ruth's nemesis, Lois Striker. Toni knows her grandmother is innocent, and she hopes to keep Ruth out of trouble while the police do their investigating. However, Ruth is a former investigative journalist, and she can't help but get involved, much to Toni's chagrin. Soon she finds herself involved in the hijinks as she strives to prevent her grandmother from causing more havoc. When Ruth is seriously injured, Toni throws herself into the investigation. It's time to find this killer, once and for all.
For beginning with the second in the series, I didn't feel I missed too much. The author did, however, include far too many spoilers from the first book in this one. Le sigh. Characterizations were done well, and the plot was interesting and made sense. What bothered me is that, once again, an author had a character go to the courthouse to search records and get brushed aside. Note to authors: the public cannot be denied access to public records during normal business hours. Also, I didn't really care for Ruth. I know that feisty senior citizens are meant to provide comic relief, but I find such behavior to be childish and tedious.
Favorite lines:
♦ "If you wanted better weather you'd have gotten out of the Midwest."
♦ "Have you ever noticed how alike funerals and weddings are? There are flowers, seats up front for the family, someone cries, and afterward we all eat cake."
♦ "Got myself in a real pickle this time."
Interesting enough story. I'd love to award 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'll be kind and give it 4.