Two Winners From Nancy J. Parra

Finding an author that gets the perfect formula for making a cozy exciting and cozy at the same time is always great. It is even more exciting when you find out that they have more than one fabulous series. I was so excited when I read Flourless To Stop Him from the Baker's Treat Mystery series by Nancy J. Parra and even more excited when I saw I had another book by her on my nightstand reading stack, Bodice of Evidence from the Perfect Proposals Mystery series! I want to take a moment to tell you about them both. 


From the back of the book:

The author of Murder Gone A-Rye and Gluten for Punishment returns to Oiltop, Kansas, where gluten-free baker Toni Holmes has to separate the wheat from the chaff to clear her brother of murder…

It’s never a good time for a crisis. Toni’s busy whipping up gluten-free holiday treats when a murder forces her to put baking on the back burner. A dead man has been found in the bathtub of a local inn—in a room registered to her brother, Tim.

With her sibling now a prime suspect in a mysterious homicide, Toni is determined to find out who set him up. But she’s about to get some unwanted assistance from former investigative journalist Grandma Ruth, who won’t let anything slow her progress in running down a killer…

My thoughts:

For me this had a perfect blend of cozy and thrill. I absolutely loved the characters from the main ones all the way though to the walk-ons. Toni is fabulous and I must say Grandma Ruth really steals the show, what a character see is!! I would love to know a family like this.

The mystery was paced beautifully and at the reveal there was some real tension created. I was seriously worried for Toni and that is a hard feeling to achieve since we all know in most cozies all ends well. I'm not sure how I missed the first two parts but I will fix that quickly. Nancy J. Parra knows exactly how to blend the ingredients to make a cozy work... perfect from start to finish. Oh and being gluten free myself, the recipes in the back will be a valuable resource. I really can't recommend this enough...

From the back of the book:

The author of Engaged in Murder returns with her second Perfect Proposals Mystery. This time Pepper Pomeroy discovers that shopping for the dream wedding dress can be a nightmare…

Pepper’s new wedding proposal planning business, Perfect Proposals, seems like a perfect fit. If only shopping for her sister Felicity’s bridal gown could be so simple.

After a long day of lace, tulle, and tears, Pepper, Felicity, and their mother pull it together to try one last bridal boutique. Maybe they’ll be surprised. And indeed they are—when they enter a deserted shop and soon discover the owner of the boutique slain in the alley out back.

Distressed by their proximity to the crime, Pepper vows to unveil the killer. As difficult as it is to draw a pattern from the clues, it’s still easier than finding Felicity’s perfect wedding gown. But as the killer begins to feel hemmed in, Pepper may be the one brought to her knees…

My thoughts:

This is another winner, also filled with characters that are so endearing and so much fun to read about. Pepper is a feisty fun heroine who is supported by a great cast. I loved the relationships that were developed and really look forward to seeing how they continue. 

Even the suspects were interesting and well rounded, and the outcome was an intense surprise. I loved the pace in which the mystery unfolded; it kept me up late, turning pages. I would strongly recommend this fabulous book and will be searching for more from both of these series. 

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.