Description:
The Agatha Award-winning author of "Crime Rib" is proud to introduce Pepper Reece, the owner of the Seattle Spice Shop who thinks she can handle any kind of salty customer--until a murderer ends up in the mix...
After leaving a dicey marriage and losing a beloved job in a corporate crash, Pepper Reece has found a new zest for life running a busy spice and tea shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Her aromatic creations are the talk of the town, and everyone stops by for a cup of her refreshing spice tea, even other shopkeepers and Market regulars. But when a panhandler named Doc shows up dead on the store's doorstep, a Seattle Spice Shop cup in his hand, the local gossip gets too hot for Pepper to handle--especially after the police arrest one of Pepper's staffers, Tory Finch, for murder.
Tory seems to know why she's a suspect, but she refuses to do anything to curry favor with the cops. Convinced her reticent employee is innocent, Pepper takes it on herself to sniff out some clues. Only, if she's not careful, Pepper's nosy ways might make her next on the killer's list...
Review Quotes: Praise for Leslie Budewitz and her mysteries
"Seldom does a new author hit all the right notes in a first book, but Leslie Budewitz does. Convincing characters, a believable plot, the right dash of romance, and a deft use of words all come together to create a seamless and satisfying read."--Sheila Connolly, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Scandal in Skibbereen"
"A dizzying culinary delight with a twisty-turny plot! I'm totally enamored of Leslie Budewitz's huckleberry chocolates, Shasta daisies, and Cowboy Roast coffee."--Laura Childs, " New York Times" bestselling author of "Gilt Trip "
"An intriguing sleuth who loves gourmet food, family, and her hometown, plus recipes to die for distinguish a delectable mystery."--Carolyn Hart, " New York Times" bestselling author of "Death at the Door"
"Clever, charming, and completely yummy. Leslie Budewitz cooks up a delectable mystery!"--Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity award-winning author of "The Wrong Girl"
"Engrossing and satisfying."--"Fresh Fiction"