Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Helpful Score: 1
Peanut Butter Panic is the seventh installment in the An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series set in the Amish community of Harvest, Ohio and featuring chocolatier Bailey King and her adorable rabbit, Puff. It's Thanksgiving and the staff of Swissmen Sweets has once again been roped in by Margot Rawlings to provide the candies for the community feast on the town square.
The usually unflappable Margot is beside herself with the news that her mother, Zara is coming to town. Zara is a retired judge currently living in Florida and she is not well liked by the Amish in Harvest, having sentenced many of them to strict punishments for seemingly petty crimes before leaving the bench. Zara arrives with a younger man in tow and makes the shocking announcement that they are engaged. Blaze is smarmy and seems to be making passes at Bailey, but she is still shocked when dies at the dinner table - a victim of peanut poisoning.
A delightful addition to the series which ones again weaves the lives of the Amish in with the English. The story ends with the promise of exciting things to come in Bailey's relationship, the future of Swissmen Sweets and the idea that a canine might be joining the duo of Jethro the pig and Puff.
The usually unflappable Margot is beside herself with the news that her mother, Zara is coming to town. Zara is a retired judge currently living in Florida and she is not well liked by the Amish in Harvest, having sentenced many of them to strict punishments for seemingly petty crimes before leaving the bench. Zara arrives with a younger man in tow and makes the shocking announcement that they are engaged. Blaze is smarmy and seems to be making passes at Bailey, but she is still shocked when dies at the dinner table - a victim of peanut poisoning.
A delightful addition to the series which ones again weaves the lives of the Amish in with the English. The story ends with the promise of exciting things to come in Bailey's relationship, the future of Swissmen Sweets and the idea that a canine might be joining the duo of Jethro the pig and Puff.
Helpful Score: 1
Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower is the seventh An Amish Candy Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to this entertaining series. I like Amanda Flower's writing style. It is engaging and lighthearted (makes her stories easy to read). I love the humor sprinkled throughout the story. There are great characters in this series. They are friendly, realistic, and relatable. Bailey King is too nice. She ends up watching Jethro way too often. I like how the pig, cat, and bunny get along (so cute). The mystery is straightforward. There is a dead guy, several suspects, a red herring, and curious clues. While I found the mystery a breeze to solve, I enjoyed following Bailey as she looked into the crime. Aiden Brody, Bailey's boyfriend, is in town for BCI and, of course, he gives Bailey the standard warning (which she has no intention of following). The mystery is wrapped up neatly at the end. There are delectable, sweet treats that Bailey and her family whip up at Swissmen Sweets. I like that the author featured buckeyes (peanut butter and chocolate) since I am from Ohio. I had to laugh when Bailey had to push Jethro about in a stroller. I could picture the scene in my head thanks to the author's vivid descriptions. I am glad that that Millie and Lois (from An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries) were included in the story. The two friends are a unique pair. I am looking forward to the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery. Peanut Butter Panic is an amusing tale with cuddling critters, a formidable mother, a fine feast, a fatal allergy, relationship despairs, a surprising secret, and a busy Bailey.
