Author: Jessica Beck
Genre: Mystery
Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book
ISBN #: 9781250001054
St. Martin's Paperbacks
304 Pages
$7.99; $11.99 Amazon
April 24, 2012
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The whole town of April Springs is stirring over the upcoming mayoral election. Suzanne Hart's mother, for one, is dead-set on replacing the current mayor...and what better way for Momma to drum up support than by luring in voters with Suzanne's drop-dead-delicious donuts? Just add chocolate, and they're sure to kill the competition...
With Momma's half-baked campaign heating up faster than a donut shop deep fryer, Suzanne wonders if they've bitten off more than they can chew. But when Momma's opponent is brutally murdered, the odds of winning are suddenly, and suspiciously, in their favor. Sure, they'd been planning to beat the mayor -- but with speeches and donuts, not a blunt instrument. If Suzanne hopes to reveal the killer's recipe for revenge, she'll have to uncover a plot that's darker than any chocolate...
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Suzanne Hart owns Donut Hearts, a donut shop in small-town April Springs, North Carolina, She lives with her mother in the home she grew up in, and has made a nice life for herself after her divorce. But one day she finds her mother completely riled up by the mayor, who has done something no mayor should ever do, and decides to run against him in the upcoming election. But before that can happen, the mayor is discovered dead at one of her properties, and now Suzanne's mother Dorothy is a big suspect. When she asks her to help clear her name, how can she refuse? Even if it means going against her police inspector boyfriend Jake. But someone killed the man, and once you've murdered someone, it's a lot easier to murder again...
This is the seventh book in the series, and I'm really starting to enjoy it. I like the fact that it's not stagnating, and is moving right along. I also go back to older series every now and then because I know that the authors aren't going to throw their political beliefs in everywhere. It's sad, but I read to escape from reality, not have it pushed in my face. There's also a cute conversation about male writers using female pseudonyms, which is funny because of the author (who is very good, by the way).
Suzanne has several suspects to sift through, and none of them want to give her any answers, especially the ex-wife of the police chief, who is running against Dorothy. Not even Suzanne's donuts can open her up. But Suzanne has her posse of best friend Grace and retired cop George to help, and they all seem to glean information one way or another.
When the ending comes it is surprising in more ways than one, and there are changes for Suzanne that we will have to wait and see how it plays out. The narrative is lighthearted and playful, just as it's supposed to be. I really enjoyed the book and visiting with these characters again, and will continue on with this series. Recommended.
More on Jessica Beck's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/jessica-beck/
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