From the publisher: ‘Tis the season in Weatherford, Texas, and everyone in town is gearing up for the annual holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony in the town square, where Phyllis Newsom will be serving her much-anticipated candy cane cupcakes. Local rancher Barney McCrory manages to charm one away from her before the ceremony begins. But unfortunately, when the minty confection is finished, so is he.
This isn’t the first time someone has dropped dead after eating one of Phyllis’s treats. But when the paramedics determine the rancher was shot, suspicion swiftly falls on McCrory’s daughter and her husband—who both stand to reap some sweet rewards from his death. Though Phyllis doesn’t want to get mixed up in another murder investigation, something about this case doesn’t sit right with her. With a little help from a tabloid TV news crew, Phyllis must unwrap the truth and restore good cheer to Weatherford before it’s too late…
It's Christmas in Weatherford and the whole town is abuzz with the excitement the city's annual Christmas parade brings. The action begins in the very first chapter of Livia Washburn's 10th Freshed Baked mystery, as readers are introduced to rancher Barney McCrory, an old friend of Sam's. Barney has been asked to drive the horse drawn carriage that will carry Santa into town, but he's killed right in the middle of the parade by shots fired from a window up above. The main suspect is Barney's son-in-law Nate, who was arguing with him about putting a gas lease on the ranch, but Sam once coached Nate and knows he's no killer. As he and Phyllis dig a little deeper, they start wondering if Barney was even the intended victim. Road commissioner Clay Loomis, aka Santa, sure had a lot of people who would be more than happy to see him dead.
This was a fun and light read which had me guessing until the end. When the killer was revealed it was so obvious that it left me wondering why I hadn't figured it out sooner, but I enjoyed every twist and turn that led a logical conclusion!
Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, November 20th for your chance to win a copy of The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer. (US entries only please.)
I love the title of this book: The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer! This book sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemyrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Another great book!!! Also, love the holiday-themed heading!!
ReplyDeleteI own one of the earlier books in this series and enjoyed it very much. I'd love to add this one to my collection.
ReplyDeleteNoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
Oh, i want this!! This is my favorite kind of mystery!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of food related mysteries. Would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book and now I want a cupcake. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
I haven't read this series before, but this book sounds really good. I love the cover and especially that it's taking place during the holidays, a perfect time to cozy up and get lost in a mystery. kvmatlock (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! I love reading Christmas-themed cozies, during November and December, and this one is, definitely, on my list!! patucker54 (at aol dot com)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful cozy. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great title and a good story. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteThis cozy would be so enjoyable. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've read several books in this series and am sure this one will be just as great. I love Christmas themed books and nothing screams Christmas more than Candy Canes. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOh, my. Possibly gunning for Santa.
ReplyDeleteVery naughty!
libbydodd at comcast dot net
I'm ready for some seasonal cozies---this one sounds good.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Love the sound of the book.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway. rose_red2@cinci.rr.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book! I love Christmas cozies! Tracy Shafer
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite series and she is our author this month for my in person Cozy Book Club. Happy to see a new one.
ReplyDeletegibsonbk at hiwaay dot net
Yous duin' a gweat job reviewin' da books Mudpie. Have a pawsum day.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
A perfect treat for the holiday. P.S. I hope you entered our Grumpy Cat + giveaway posted yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about that cover and the clever title! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I certainly do enjoy this series
ReplyDeleteThe characters are very down to earth and realistic! Thank you for the opportunity!
ejbs3s@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great Christmas cozy. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletefionalwoods (at) yahoo.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read! I love all the wonderful cozy mysteries out (and their covers!)
ReplyDeleteshermie40 at yahoo dot com
Mudpie you rock, I'd love to read this book, it sounds yummy
ReplyDeletekaye dot killgore at comcast dot net
I love to read cozies by new authors ...have quite a few on my favorites list. jchizmar01@windstream.net
ReplyDeletelove her books and have even cooked some of her recipes this one looks great thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThat title just drew me in. I love cozies and I'm always looking for a new author and series. This would be a great one for my Christmas reading list. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteI love cozies, and with Christmas coming this should be a winner.
ReplyDelete6186pep(at)msn(dot)com