Illegally Iced

November 12, 2012
Beck’s frothy ninth outing for April Springs, N.C., donut shop owner Suzanne Hart (after 2012’s Powdered Peril) wastes no time in whipping up a bloody mix of murder and sweets. Though Suzanne had been friends with local blacksmith James Settle, a trivial quarrel between the two shortly before he was fatally stabbed leaves her under suspicion. Suzanne, determined to prove that she’s innocent, enlists the help of her best friend, Grace Gauge, with support from Suzanne’s boyfriend, Jake Bishop, a state police investigator. Suzanne and Grace try to answer such questions as how the killer could strike undetected in broad daylight and whether the murder had anything to do with the large inheritance coming to James. Beck intersperses the pair’s crime-solving with delicious-sounding recipes, creating an entertaining mystery that should sate series fans and whet the appetite of newcomers. Agent: John Talbot, Talbot Fortune Agency.

February 1, 2013

That scream from the park could not possibly mean anything good. When local donut shop owner Suzanne Hart discovers that blacksmith James Settle has been fatally stabbed, she knows their recent spat will have the eyes of the town on her again. Determined to clear her reputation and her conscience, Suzanne begins to investigate James's death. Unfortunately, she ends up finding as many holes in the case as she has donuts for sale. It turns out that James had a few secrets of his own, and Suzanne is left trying to discover the truth before her business is seriously affected. VERDICT Full of sweet treats and amateur sleuths, Beck's ninth in the series (after Powdered Peril) will appeal to readers' minds and stomachs. Her sleuth hits the sweet spot between inquisitive and nosy, and the supporting characters add even more liveliness to an enjoyable cozy.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.