Premeditated Peppermint

Christmas is Bailey King’s favorite time of year. For her first Yuletide in Harvest, Ohio, the former big-city chocolatier is recreating a cherished holiday treat: peppermint combined with molten white chocolate. Her sugar high plummets when her ex-boyfriend walks into the candy shop. New York celebrity chef Eric Sharp and his TV crew have arrived to film an authentic Amish Christmas. Bailey’s not about to let her beloved town, and Swissmen Sweets, be turned into a sound bite. Unfortunately, she gets more publicity than she bargained for when Eric’s executive producer is found strangled to death—and Eric’s the prime suspect.

With Bailey’s sheriff deputy boyfriend out to prove Eric’s guilt, her bad-boy ex-tries to sweet-talk her into helping him clear his name and rekindle their romance to boost ratings for his show. Between a surplus of suspects and a victim who wasn’t who she seemed, Bailey’s edging dangerously close to a killer who isn’t looking to bring joy to the world this deadly Noel.

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Series: An Amish Candy Shop Mystery – Book $3
Author: Amanda Flower
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Books

Rating:

Amanda Flower is a delightfully creative and entertaining writer. Her characters in this series come to life. She weaves a web of clues and suspects that leaves the reader guessing the identity of the killer until the very end. Premeditated Peppermint is no exception. This is the third installment in the “Amish Candy Shop Mystery” series and will add to the pleasure of readers everywhere.

Bailey thought she was done with the big city and with her ex, Eric. But when both abruptly come back into her life, she is not thrilled. Yet, there are opportunities she cannot ignore. Torn between her commitment to her grandmother, Swissmen Sweets, and her desire to do the right thing for everyone, she isn’t sure which way to turn.

The characters in this story are insightful, humorous, and filled with the holiday spirit. Returning characters such as Bailey’s best friend, Cass, her grandmother, and her handsome boyfriend, Aiden adds dimensions to the book that keep the reader turning the page and happy.

The suspects range from the obvious to the unsuspecting. The victim is likable, yet mysterious, with just enough personality to make the reader want to know more. The killer is personable, and like the victim, more than he/she seems. The story is fast-paced with smooth transitions, seasoned characters, and a palpable delight in making candy. The recipes are delectably tantalizing. The sweet shop and the delicious concoctions they create will make everyone want to try to make their own candy.

The small town surrounded by Amish country gives the reader a sense of home. The community closeness, as well as the personalities that abound throughout this book, have the feel of small-town America at its best. Readers will want to take a trip to this beautiful area and surround themselves within its warmth.

Premeditated Peppermint is a trip into a world that is kept private even in today’s age of cameras and computers that hurl everyone’s private life onto the worldwide web. It reminds us that there are places on this earth that still retain a feeling of privacy, of belonging, of commitment, and of a time that no longer exists for most. I am happy to recommend this book as well as the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series to readers who have a love of friends, family, and outstandingly well-written mystery.