Description:
In the idyllic setting of Audley Castle, mystery always seems to be around the corner...
I'm so excited! A team of restorers is working in the (allegedly) haunted turret of Audley Castle, restoring a beautiful ceiling painting. Unable to resist a look, I soon make friends with the restorers over our shared love of history. Well, most of them.
Bluebell Brewster is whip-smart, sharp-tongued, and takes no prisoners. And she wants nothing to do with me or my delicious food. Then she's found dead, and the evidence reveals this was no accident.
I'm on the case, alongside the head of castle security, Campbell. All evidence points to the mild-mannered project supervisor, Herbert, but there's something wrong with this picture. Murder is always messy, and Herbert doesn't fit the mold of a ruthless killer. He's more a soft, wobbly, Jell-O type of guy.
I must hunt for clues and quiz suspects while dealing with an ankle injury, and Princess Alice snubbing me. How will I solve this crime when I don't have my trusty ally by my side?
***
Expect surprises, twists, delicious cake, and a killer who gets his (or her) just desserts. Plus, there's a big surprise for Holly. Her life is about to change forever.
If you enjoyed this book, there are seven more waiting for you.
Suggested reading order:
Cream Caramel and Murder
Chocolate Swirls and Murder
Vanilla Whip and Murder
Cherry Cream and Murder
Blueberry Blast and Murder
Mocha Cream and Murder
Lemon Drizzle and Murder
Maple Glaze and Murder
Brief description: K.E. O'Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren't even there, and hear the crack of a witch's broom at a hundred paces. K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn't very united, but that's a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch's toe bone.) If you're of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away. To contact her, visit her Facebook page - www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants - it depends on her mood.
Review Quotes:
"The mystery had me guessing and was very well written and entertaining. I can't wait to see how this series continues."
"I highly recommend all of the books in the collection. Characters are real, the nice and the not-so-nice ones. I love them all, especially Holly, Meatball, and Lord Rupert."
"The castle may never be the same with the revelations that have appeared in this new volume featuring some of my favorite characters. Things that were previously unspoken are finally being said and new things have come to light. Lady Phillipa is delightfully active."
"Things are going topsy turvy for Holly: she twists her ankle, members of the renovations team at the castle are killed and Alice is showing Holly the cold shoulder because she is "busy". All that doesn't stop Holly from investigating and the book has some big surprises for Holly."
"Very well written, had me guessing til the end. Loved the ending!!!"
"This was the perfect story."
"I've read the entire series and can't wait for the next one... Loved the ending."
"Holly and Meatball are awesome."