Dollycas's Thoughts
Becca Ransom left her idyllic hometown of Larch Haven, Vermont for the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. She had some success, staying there for seven years but now has returned to work in the family chocolate shop, True Confections, with a new passion as a chocolatier. Her timing coincides with her grandparents, Lolly and Pop taking a step back from the business to enjoy their lives in new ways.
The town is now preparing for the Gondola Races where tourists and residents, including Becca's brother race through the canals and around Shadow Lake. Becca works hard to keep the shelves of the shop stocked as do all the other shops around town. With all the tourists it is a very busy time. There is one resident not happy about the influx of guests. Archie Smith hates all the people and is working hard making trouble hoping to get the event canceled. He even gets into a public argument with Becca's grandfather about the event.
Later, Becca finds Archie's dead body floating in the canal and soon Pops is at the top of the list of probable murderers. Stunned by this Becca vows to clear his name knowing she could be the killer's next victim. Tempering chocolate and creating yummy truffles may be her passion but her love for her Pops knows no bounds. She may need to draw on her acting chops to get to the truth.
_________
I really enjoy the Literary Pub Mysteries by Ms. Fox so I couldn't wait to see what she had planned for this new series.
I was immediately struck by the unique setting. Larch Haven also called the Venice of North America is built along a series of canals just like that other Venice. People travel by gondola, boat, or walking. No cars are allowed in the town proper. The homes are unique as well. Like her neighbors, Becca lives in a cottage that looks like it was just plucked out of a fairy tale. The author does a great job of world-building so that her readers can easily visualize everything clearly.
Ms. Fox has also created a fun cast of characters. Becca's life is in flux as she gets resettled at home while leaving her boyfriend back in California. She has her two cats, Binx and Truffles to keep her company.  Her grandparents live nearby so she can visit with them daily and they always seem to have something tasty to send home with her. Her cousins Angie and Milo work with her at True Confections and her grandparents and other members of her family drop by often. Desiree Bautista aka Dizzy has been her best friend since they met in preschool. She is a librarian and is very happy to have her friend back home. They also make a great team when a bit of sleuthing is needed. Of course, Officer Sawyer Maguire, who she has also known forever, would like her to keep her nose out of police business but he is also very happy that Becca is back in town. All the characters developed nicely throughout the story. Even the victim, "curmudgeon" Archie Smith was fleshed out well.
The murder investigation was personal for Becca so it was easy to get caught up in its process. The victim had angered so many people with his behavior that there were plenty of suspects to question and alibis to check. This was very well-plotted with an extra little twist or two that scared our protagonist but she didn't give up. I really enjoyed that an old missing person case was revisited and that it could be connected to the current case. Becca's love life also took on a life of its own thanks to the Gossip Grannies. All of this kept me engaged and entertained. I am sure there were clues I missed because I was totally gobsmacked when all was revealed. I truly was on the edge of my seat as the action unfolded.
And yes, there is plenty of talk about chocolate, specifically truffles throughout the book. I really wish each book came with a sampler box of truffles because while reading and still days after my chocolate cravings have not been curbed. The recipes for Mint Melty Truffles and Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles are included at the end of the story, but it may be easier to take a trip to the local candy shop. I am so happy we have one.
Six Sweets Under has set this series off in a delightful way. The setting will grab you, the people will hold you and the mystery will have you hanging on tight. I am excited to see that book two, Baking Spirits Bright will be released on October 3. I have already saved a spot on my reading calendar.
Becca Ransom left her idyllic hometown of Larch Haven, Vermont for the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. She had some success, staying there for seven years but now has returned to work in the family chocolate shop, True Confections, with a new passion as a chocolatier. Her timing coincides with her grandparents, Lolly and Pop taking a step back from the business to enjoy their lives in new ways.
The town is now preparing for the Gondola Races where tourists and residents, including Becca's brother race through the canals and around Shadow Lake. Becca works hard to keep the shelves of the shop stocked as do all the other shops around town. With all the tourists it is a very busy time. There is one resident not happy about the influx of guests. Archie Smith hates all the people and is working hard making trouble hoping to get the event canceled. He even gets into a public argument with Becca's grandfather about the event.
Later, Becca finds Archie's dead body floating in the canal and soon Pops is at the top of the list of probable murderers. Stunned by this Becca vows to clear his name knowing she could be the killer's next victim. Tempering chocolate and creating yummy truffles may be her passion but her love for her Pops knows no bounds. She may need to draw on her acting chops to get to the truth.
_________
I really enjoy the Literary Pub Mysteries by Ms. Fox so I couldn't wait to see what she had planned for this new series.
I was immediately struck by the unique setting. Larch Haven also called the Venice of North America is built along a series of canals just like that other Venice. People travel by gondola, boat, or walking. No cars are allowed in the town proper. The homes are unique as well. Like her neighbors, Becca lives in a cottage that looks like it was just plucked out of a fairy tale. The author does a great job of world-building so that her readers can easily visualize everything clearly.
Ms. Fox has also created a fun cast of characters. Becca's life is in flux as she gets resettled at home while leaving her boyfriend back in California. She has her two cats, Binx and Truffles to keep her company.  Her grandparents live nearby so she can visit with them daily and they always seem to have something tasty to send home with her. Her cousins Angie and Milo work with her at True Confections and her grandparents and other members of her family drop by often. Desiree Bautista aka Dizzy has been her best friend since they met in preschool. She is a librarian and is very happy to have her friend back home. They also make a great team when a bit of sleuthing is needed. Of course, Officer Sawyer Maguire, who she has also known forever, would like her to keep her nose out of police business but he is also very happy that Becca is back in town. All the characters developed nicely throughout the story. Even the victim, "curmudgeon" Archie Smith was fleshed out well.
The murder investigation was personal for Becca so it was easy to get caught up in its process. The victim had angered so many people with his behavior that there were plenty of suspects to question and alibis to check. This was very well-plotted with an extra little twist or two that scared our protagonist but she didn't give up. I really enjoyed that an old missing person case was revisited and that it could be connected to the current case. Becca's love life also took on a life of its own thanks to the Gossip Grannies. All of this kept me engaged and entertained. I am sure there were clues I missed because I was totally gobsmacked when all was revealed. I truly was on the edge of my seat as the action unfolded.
And yes, there is plenty of talk about chocolate, specifically truffles throughout the book. I really wish each book came with a sampler box of truffles because while reading and still days after my chocolate cravings have not been curbed. The recipes for Mint Melty Truffles and Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles are included at the end of the story, but it may be easier to take a trip to the local candy shop. I am so happy we have one.
Six Sweets Under has set this series off in a delightful way. The setting will grab you, the people will hold you and the mystery will have you hanging on tight. I am excited to see that book two, Baking Spirits Bright will be released on October 3. I have already saved a spot on my reading calendar.
