Author: Ruth Baker
Genre: Mystery
Hardcover; Digital Book
ISBN #: 9798388064974
Clean Tales Publishing
184 Pages
$14.99; $2.99 Amazon
March 23, 2023
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When a former classmate, known for their bad manners and outsized ego, walks into Lucy's bakery and asks for a job days before their high school reunion, Lucy is a bit wary. Against her better judgment, she decides to hire this person.
The good vibes from the reunion spread to the whole town, and all is well until Lucy finds a local business owner, who was heavily involved in the reunion event, stone cold in their pawn shop.
Lucy is terrified and puzzled by this latest murder in her small town. It seems a dark cloud has settled over her town as rumors abound about why the killer did it and when they did it.
Eventually, the prime suspect is identified as the former classmate Lucy hired at her bakery. Many people witnessed an altercation this person had with the deceased and they've been judged guilty in the court of public opinion.
But Lucy knows there's more to this murder mystery than meets the eye.
Will she piece together all the clues that seem to lead to the unlikeliest suspect and solve this case? Or will she allow her heart to overrule her head and become the killer's next victim?
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Lucy Hale owns Sweet Delights Bakery ever since her parents passed away in a car accident. Now she, along with help from her Aunt Tricia and two employees, Hannah and Betsy, have made it the place to go for sweets and bread. Lucy and Hannah's high school reunion is coming up, and they've been tasked with making desserts for the reunion which will keep them busy. But with Betsy being on vacation for two weeks, it's going to be nothing but work.
When an old high school acquaintance shows up -- Luann Pell -- she acts as if she and Lucy were best friends, but they didn't even run in the same circles. After some backhanded compliments, Lucy can't wait to see the end of her. But when Luann starts crying and tells her a sob story, Lucy's good heart melts and she offers her a temporary two-week job to take over for Betsy, much to the dismay of Tricia and Hannah. But the deed's been done, and all they can do is make the best of it.
When someone turns up dead, Luann is the main suspect as she was seen yelling at the person shortly before. She begs Lucy to believe she didn't do it, and Lucy thinks she just might be innocent. Against the wishes of her Deputy boyfriend, Taylor, she sets about trying to find a killer. The only problem is that she might not find them or time, or they just might find her first...
I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them one after the other. Lucy is extremely likeable, although I do wish she'd develop a bit more of a backbone. Saying no doesn't make you mean, any more than saying yes makes you nice. It's a matter of circumstance. However, I do enjoy her kindness toward others, and the fact that she wants the best for everyone and always makes time for her family and friends. Now if Taylor would just get off his duff...(read the book and you'll know what I mean).
There is plenty of action going on, and Lucy has her work cut out for her, as it seems there isn't anyone who really likes Luann. But does that alone make her guilty? Lucy isn't sure. Still, she continues searching for clues. When she has her 'aha' moment, we are right there with her as she figures everything out. The climaxes are always the best of these books, as we wonder how Lucy is going to put everything together and get out of trouble. It makes the book worth reading, and this one is no different. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
More on Ruth Baker's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/ruth-baker/
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