Friday, August 14, 2015

If Onions Could Spring Leeks by Paige Shelton

Sometimes when I see the name of an author I get excited, even if it is a series I haven't read yet. When I saw that Paige Shelton, who writes on of my favorites series, the Farmer's Market Mysteries, was the author of If Onions Could Spring Leeks, the fifth part in the Country Cooking School Mystery series, I was really excited.
 
From the back of the book:

The New York Times bestselling author of If Catfish Had Nine Lives returns to Broken Rope, Missouri, where ghosts of the Old West seek assistance from country cooks and amateur sleuths Betts Winston and her grandmother.

With summer tourists flocking to Broken Rope, locals volunteer to keep chaos to a minimum. Old West skits are running smoothly, actors are behaving, and stagecoach rides are more popular than ever, but when a spectral visitor appears by ghost train, it’s a job only Betts and Gram can handle.

Gram soon starts having nightmares about their ghostly visitor’s demise. And if a ghost and the hot summer weather weren’t making things sticky enough, one of the town’s volunteers—a man notorious for having more than his fair share of ex-wives—is murdered. When Jerome, Bett’s otherworldly friend, makes an unsettling appearance, this simmering double mystery becomes a recipe for disaster.

My thoughts:

I was so glad I took the time on a rainy afternoon to relax and enjoy this. Once I started, I knew I wasn't going to want to stop. There was an easy, friendly tone that made all of the characters seem like I had known them forever even though I didn't read the first four parts.. yet. Living in small town Kansas, since this was based in small town Missouri, it was a comfortable homey setting for me. 

Perhaps it was all of the comfortable natural touches that made the paranormal aspects seem perfectly normal. I never once was jarred from the book, it was so easy suspend reality and enjoy the ride. I absolutely loved how the ghostly mystery and murder mystery ran side by side and while I was not able to solve it before the reveal, it made perfect sense. I knew from her other series, as I mentioned, that I loved Paige Shelton's writing style but she really has outdone herself here. I can't wait to see what's next for everyone, especially the ghostly/not ghostly love triangle.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention, in addition to such an awesome read you will find recipes in the back of the book... I need to try the cauliflower one, sounds delicious.    

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.

1 comment:

  1. Paige is one of my favourite authors. With the first book, If Fried Chicken Could Fly, I knew I would love the series.
    Have a nice weekend.

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