Killer Chocolate Mysteries Book 1
Author: Christina Romeril
Genre: Mystery
Hardcover; Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)
ISBN #: 9781639101665; 9781639104765
Crooked Lane Books
320 Pages
$15.17; $19.00; $14.99 Amazon
October 11, 2022
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Alex and Hanna's chocolates are to die for -- but things aren't so sweet when a killer comes to their Montana town, in this Christmas cozy mystery set at a murder mystery bookshop!
Identical twin sisters Alex and Hanna are the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer Chocolates. But now, there's a real killer in their midst. Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the village. Unfortunately, she's also shared her suspicions with the town gossip, Netta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane's house to watch the show, but instead discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.
The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane's will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential suspects -- townsfolk who'd recently been seen arguing with Jane
When Alex gets hold of Jane's journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a bearer of ill tidings is arriving early this year -- and Alex just might not make it to Christmas.
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Alex and her identical twin sister Hanna moved from Michigan to a small town in Montana, opening their chocolate shop/bookstore, Murder and Mayhem. People love their chocolates, especially the names they've given them -- all named after poisons which have been used in mystery books. They also host a book club once a week which Alex enjoys.
After the latest meeting, a member in her 70's, Jane, tells Alex that she thinks there's a murderer living among them. Alex doesn't make much of this, since Jane has a history of thinking people in town are the killers that have been depicted on her true crime shows. But Jane is adamant that this time she's sure, and wants Alex to come over the next day for tea and they can watch the show together.
When Alex arrives the next day, Jane's door is unlocked, and she enters, calling for Jane. But she sees someone out in the back, although she can't tell who. Still calling for Jane, she finds her beside her bed, dead. After calling the police, she sees that it is a box of her Killer Chocolates next to the body.
When it's learned that Jane was poisoned, the sheriff leans toward Alex as the main suspect. Especially when it becomes known that Alex is one of the beneficiaries of Jane's will. Now Alex has a reason to find out who killed the woman -- and will do whatever it takes to do so, even if it puts her in danger.
This is the first book in the series, and I will admit that I am remiss in reading it. I purchased it earlier, but with a TBR pile to read -- well, true readers will know what I mean. Still, I am glad that I read this book.
Which isn't to say that there is not problems -- I did not like the fact that the author thinks if a woman has a few extra pounds she should be fat shamed. Women's bodies come in all sizes and shapes, and if she's happy and healthy, that's all that matters. I also didn't get the idea that Alex and Hanna are very close; sure, they have different interests, but they didn't spend much time together and that seemed by design. I would have liked to have known more about what they looked like, how tall they were, etc. All I learned was that their mother was a bit of a nag and harsh. (My own opinion).
I also wondered if everyone in this town had a secret that they harbored. It seems like an interesting town to me. But I don't know if I'd enjoy the fact of wondering if everyone I encountered was who they said they were. Just sayin'/
Back to the story: I found the plot line to be very good, and there were plenty of red herrings along the way (refer back to previous paragraph). It's up to the reader to draw their own conclusions (if they can) and try and figure out which herrings are worth fishing for. I will say that I knew the murderer long before Alex figured it out; but I've said many times over that I read a lot of mysteries so I start looking immediately. What I didn't know was the reason why, and when that came about, it brought the entire story together.
The climax was written very well, and I liked the way the story ended, the killer having been wrapped up in a Christmas bow, as it were. The reasons for the murder were insane to say the least, but then again, there's no reason for it at all. I did enjoy this story and I will definitely read the next in the series. Recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
More on Christina Romeril's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/r/christina-romeril/
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