In this second book in the 'Marygene Brown Mystery' series, the baker/amateur sleuth discovers two crispy corpses. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Marygene Brown escaped from an abusive marriage and returned to her home in Peach Cove Island, Georgia. There Marygene helps run the Peach Diner with her sister Jena Lynn. Marygene is a wonderful baker, and prepares most of the diner's scrumptious desserts.
Marygene has a secret that's shared only with her best friend Betsy. Marygene is haunted by the ghost of her Mama - Clara Brown - whose spirit is tied to Peach Cove Island until she 'makes amends.'
The amends involve Mama getting Marygene to investigate local murders, so the perpetrators can be brought to justice. Because of this 'jinx' Marygene is always finding dead bodies.
In this book Marygene finds two corpses, both burnt to a crisp. The first body bumps into Marygene when she's skinny-dipping in the ocean, and Marygene finds the second body when she's catering a home-viewing event.
Mama's ghost tells Marygene she has to solve the murders so Mama can get 'points' toward entering the pearly gates.
Marygene's biological father, Eddie Carter, is the sheriff of Peach Cove Island, and Marygene vows to help him solve the crimes.....much to Eddie's chagrin.
In any case Marygene snoops around and wheedles information out of her 'informants', including Deputy Sheriff Alex Myers and coroner Teddy Gaskin.
It turns out the murders are cold cases tied to some of Peach Cove Island's older residents, including Marygene's deceased Mama and Betsy's Meemaw. The scenes with Meemaw - who has a healthy appetite and blurts out whatever's on her mind - are very amusing.
While Marygene is investigating the murders she's also dealing with events in her personal life. Marygene and deputy Alex Myers were 'a thing' until Alex was caught flirting with a blonde knockout.
While Marygene is debating what to do about Alex she's attracted to a new deputy sheriff, Javier Reyes.
This 'triangle' leads to jealousy and potential conflict in the sheriff's office. (In my opinion Marygene should look OUTSIDE the sheriff's office for a love interest.)
The book has an array of colorful characters, including Marygene's friend Yvonne - who's starting a career in home makeovers; Marygene's brother Sam - who cooks at the Peach Cove Diner; Evelyn Gentry - the snobby wife of the mayor; Junior Gentry - Evelyn's son, who's hired as a busboy; Aunt Vi - who likes yoga pants and string bikinis; and more.
The story builds to an exciting climax where the killer is revealed. The perp was a surprise to me, so well done Kate Young. 😊
Like other 'culinary cozies' there's a good deal of cooking, baking, and eating in the story, with recipes included at the end.
This is an enjoyable cozy, recommended to fans of light mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Kate Young), and the publisher (Kensington Books) for a copy of the book.
Recipes in the book include:
Cheese Biscuits
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Sourdough Croutons
Roadkill (Ground Beef)
Chicken and Dumplings
Peach Muffins
Lime Cream Puffs
Rating: 3 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment