Whether it’s to satisfy a craving for chocolate or pick up the hottest new bestseller, the locals in charming West Riverdale, Maryland, are heading to Chocolates and Chapters, where everything sold is to die for…
Best friends Michelle Serrano and Erica Russell are celebrating the sweet rewards of their combined bookstore and chocolate shop by hosting the Great Fudge Cook-off during the town’s Memorial Day weekend Arts Festival. But success turns bittersweet when Main Street’s portrait photographer is found dead in their store, poisoned by Michelle’s signature truffles.
As suspicion mounts against Michelle, her sales begin to crumble and her career seems whipped. With Erica by her side, Michelle must pick through an assortment of suspects before the future of their dream store melts away…
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES
Includes Scrumptious Chocolate-Making Recipes!
I was feeling a cozy mystery read and picked this up for the title and chocolate recipes. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate? If you don’t, I’m sorry. You’re just missing out. Granted, I suggest not eating all of the chocolates yourself. I don’t know if I broke out because of all the chocolate I’ve eaten (and have continued to eat), but I have. Just saying.
Michelle isn’t what I say is a typical cozy mystery sleuth. She doesn’t seem to have the mindset though she did have a good motivation (more for her business than the person killed). It was Erica I actually liked more. Erica was organized, smart, and put things together a bit quicker. Michelle wasn’t a bad character, I just feel Erica might have been a better lead role.
The mystery itself was decent. There were twists and hints of a future romance (or two) for the next books. The story was okay. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. I liked it.
The chocolate recipes though…. AMAZING! I have only tried the Lemon and Thyme, but that’s okay because I love lemon anything. This one truffle satisfies my chocolate and lemon needs.
Casia's Corner 