Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.
Murder at Cape Costumers
Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery
Maddie Day
Maddie Day once again gives us a cozy with real life situations that challenge the reader to redefine the term "cozy." Mac/Mackenzie Almeida, our sleuth is the owner of Mac's Bikes, wife to Tim of Greta’s Grains Bakery and a member of the Cozy Capers Book Group. Mac has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations and this time is no different and as always, she has the book club to help her collect clues and work together like a well-oiled machine. The victim, a recent transplant and former Broadway actor, is the unfortunate victim. Enzo was found the day after Halloween and still in his skeleton costume. Was it love’s cruel sting that did him in or maybe plain and simple greed.
Mac is going to need all the help she can get because this time around, the subplot includes a visit from Tim’s sister, Jamie who is a recovering alcoholic, and her two young children. The plot twist is that Jamie goes missing. Small spoiler alert, this is a hard topic to read about as alcohol addiction and recovery is not fiction and the emotions created by this story can be challenging. I found myself tearing up more often than chuckling. One might even go as far as to say that the murder is a good distraction for Mac and the reader. Mac does not like messy, she is a bit of an OCD personality so taking care of precocious five-year-old Ella, baby Luca, could be considered a challenge. Fortunately, Mack loves kids and would do anything to help Tim. Mac’s family is just as helpful as they do their part to pitch in and help with Ella and Luca when needed.
This mystery was well plotted and the clues kept me guessing and questioning my suppositions. I am always impressed by how meticulous the books group members are when it comes to doling out tasks and reporting back to the group text thread. I also found it entertaining that several of Mac's friends were involved in a pickleball league, with some competitive players who may or may not be suspects. The only thing that I felt sure of was the support and love that Mac’s friends and families show to each other and that regardless of how everything turned out, Belle the bird was still going to want snacks (LOL). Speaking of food, there are some great recipes at the end of the story including a recipe for Halloween Muffins that are healthy little pumpkin cakes that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
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