Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake
Chocolate and love, what could be better? This summer, Eastport’s favorite lovebirds, kindergarten teacher Sharon Sweetwater and Coast Guard Captain Andy Devine, are getting married. The gala reception is sure to be the fête of the season, especially with a wedding-cake-sized whoopie pie courtesy of The Chocolate Moose. For Jake and Ellie, the custom-ordered confection will finally reel in some much-needed profits. But the celebratory air and the sweet smell of success are ruined by foul murder.
When Sharon’s bitter ex-boyfriend Toby is poisoned with an arsenic-laced milkshake, Andy is jailed as the prime suspect, and the wedding is canceled, whoopie pie and all. Then Sharon makes a shocking confession—one that sounds like a fishy attempt to get Andy off the hook. Now both the bride and groom are behind bars. And with the fate of The Chocolate Moose at stake, it’s up to Jake and Ellie to catch a poisonous predator before someone else sips their last dessert.
Series: Death by Chocolate Mystery – Book #2
Author: Sarah Graves
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Rating:
Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake by Sarah Graves is a gratifying and enjoyable read. The latest addition to the Death by Chocolate Mystery series published by Kensington Books will take the reader on a roller coaster ride. The seaside town of Eastport, Maine, where life is a challenge but filled with smiles that will leave readers wanting to visit.
I caution readers that are new to this series and this author; the new book is not big on giving background on the characters so it may be confusing at first. Upon first reading this book, not having read the first in this series, I couldn’t tell if Jake was a man or a woman. By chapter three all becomes clear.
Jake is a charming, caring, compassionate, and logical character who wants her family and friends to be happy. She is always trying to make certain they have everything they need, and the idea of giving up on any one of them never enters her mind. So, when their shop is in danger of closing, she will try just about anything to keep it going. Keeping Ellie happy and in Eastport even though she knows their chances aren’t good, is her main goal.
Other characters in this series are interesting and likable. Each brings something different to the story and allows the plot to move along smoothly. Readers will enjoy getting to know Jake’s family and friends and will want them to continue into the next book in the series.
The murder itself is classic but adding in the milkshake twist makes it intriguingly delicious. The victim wasn’t a popular person, and many will say he had it coming. But Jake must save the day once again. Not just to save her friend, but to save their business. This provides great motivation for her to solve the murder and makes for some dangerous situations.
The writing is good and easy to follow while the plot has several twists and turns that keep the story fresh. The ending of the book may come as a surprise to some readers. The killer isn’t who or what you would imagine. Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake makes you long for good food, and wonderful friends. I highly recommend this book to cozy lovers of all kinds.
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