Love is in bloom in Ashland, Oregon. The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the year—Thomas and Kerry’s wedding.
It’s a picture perfect day. Guests gather on picnic blankets in front of the bandshell to watch Kerry walk down the aisle and wed Ashland’s favorite detective in training, Thomas. Jules and her team at Torte have been tasked with catering the outdoor reception and everything is going according to plan, until a wedding crasher shows up.
The uninvited guest isn’t just someone looking to score a free glass of champagne. It’s Kerry’s estranged father who is supposed to be behind bars. Kerry is distraught. Jules vows to do everything she can to make sure that there are no other surprises on her friend’s big day. But when the bassist for Heart Strings, the wedding band, is found stabbed with the blunt end of his instrument Jules’s promise takes on new meaning. Now she’ll have to slice through the five tiered cake and a bevy of potential suspects in order to track down a killer before they turn the knife on her. (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read Ellie Alexander’s novels before but this is only my 2nd in her Bakeshop Mystery series, so I am coming into the character’s storylines rather late. However, I don’t think that matters all that much. There are very few confusing moments (only when Juliet starts describing her marriage with Carlos and their previous work experience on board a cruise, or when talking about why they don’t have children), but the author writes well enough that it doesn’t disturb or take away from the main parts of the characters or the novel.
The mystery itself wasn’t what kept my interest, though. The blurb makes out that Jamie, Kerry’s estranged father, would be the person of interest, but he only appears sparingly. I would have liked to have him cooperating or assisting with Lance and Juliet. At least have them keep more of an eye on him. As for the ending, I sometimes think that the person who was less likely to commit the crime is being taken a little too seriously. I wish there had been more interactions with more of the suspects, and with Lance. This seemed more about Juliet’s baking and her thoughts.
While I love that Juliet is a baker and (since it’s from her POV) she explains her processes when baking, I would have loved it more if there had been some recipes at the end. I think my husband would have enjoyed the chocolate cherry torte. I know I definitely would have.
Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC.
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