As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles

It's Christmas time in Jewel Bay, Montana, and the Merc is very busy. Why would Erin choose this time of year to get married? In As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz, the black sheep of a local family returns to redeem herself, but not everyone is happy to see her. (The book will be released on June 8 by Midnight Ink.)

Merrily Thornton was accused of having an affair with local businessman Cliff Grimes and then stealing funds from the company. She spent some time in jail and now, 20 years later she wants to reconcile with her parents and her sister. When she arrives her mother creates a huge scene, spoiling any chance of reconciliation.

Erin feels sorry of Merrily and invites her to a cookie exchange on the weekend. When she doesn't show up, Erin is disappointed but figures Merrily didn't want to deal with the townspeople especially after the scene on Main Street. 

Although Erin was not able to hire Merrily when she came looking for a job, Greg Taylor, owner of

the Building Supply Company hired her, giving her a second chance. When Merrily doesn't show up for work after the weekend, Erin is concerned, but when some money is missing from Greg's business, everyone jumps to the conclusion that Merrily has stolen again.

Erin thinks maybe Merrily has just left town and she decides to visit Merrily's home to see if there is any sign of why she left. When she arrives, she discovers the makings for Christmas cookies for the exchange, but something interrupted Merrily. Sadly she finds her dead nearby.

Erin adds solving Merrily's murder to her growing to-do list before the wedding. There are several suspects making the search more difficult. Add to the mix a Merrily's college-age daughter and the soon-to-be ex-husband no one knew about.

The Merc is a great place and I wish there was a store just like that in my town. I very much enjoy this series and I was happy to see Erin and Adam get married. Looking forward to the next in the series.  

Musical Troubles

In Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz, Erin Murphy's Merc is once again stocked with delicious items. I want this store in my town or at least to have the ability to order online. Fresca's Italian sauces make my mouth water and Tracy's chocolates cause me to gain 10 lbs while I am reading the books.

But the trouble begins when Erin hears an argument between two musicians performing at the annual Jazz Festival and Workshop in Jewel Bay, Montana. Gerry Martin and Dave Barber have long been rivals, but their argument seems more personal.

When Gerry Martin is found dead on some rocks along the Jewel River, no one really thinks it was suicide, especially as Erin's boyfriend Adam and his friend Tanner witnessed the fall. It appears Gerry was arguing with someone and was pushed off the cliff. Neither Adam nor Tanner could identify the pusher.

Although Erin's past experiences in solving murders has been dangerous for her, she cannot resist getting involved. Gerry had been the headliner at the Jazz Festival, but his act had been wearing thin for many people. Now, new performer Gabrielle Drake has taken the Festival by storm. Pushed by her parents Grant and Ann Drake, Erin wonders how pushy they really are. Are they the type to kill someone who stands in their daughter's way? What about some of the other performers?

To complicate matters Tanner reveals he is ill again and has made Adam a partner in his business in Minnesota. If anything happens to Tanner, it seems Adam might have to leave Montana to run the company. Erin doesn't know how she feels about Adam maybe having to leave, but she knows he is loyal to his friend.

Putting her concerns about Adam and Tanner aside, Erin is determined to solve the murder, which puts her into jeopardy once again.

For the first book in the Food Lovers' Village mysteries click here.

For the Spice Shop series, click here.

For other books by Leslie Budewitz, click here.

Montana - Big Sky Country

Montana probably would not be the first location that comes to mind when you think about locally-grown food and cozy mysteries. Author Leslie Budewitz brings Montana foods to life in her Food Lovers' Village Mysteries.

In Death Al Dente, the setting is Jewel Bay, Montana, 30 miles from Glacier National Park. Glacier Mercantile owner Erin Murphy and her mother Fresca (short for Francesa) aim to give tourists the opportunity to take home a "Taste of Montana". Fresca makes her delicious tomato sauces, homemade pasta and other Italian specialties sold in The Merc. More than two dozen local producers  provide Montana products for sale, including chocolate covered huckleberry truffles, jams, seasonal produce and more.

Erin, newly returned home from Seattle to help manage The Merc,

is the Queen of Festivals. Her first Festa di Pasta is set to begin when a body is found behind The Merc on the Festa's Opening Night. Fresca is accused of the crime and Erin must search for the real killer.

I found this series fun and I love the entrepreneurial spirit of the lead character. Erin is always on the watch for other products to add to her mix. I'm not sure I would ever eat a huckleberry, but maybe if I travel to Jewel Bay, Montana, Erin might change my mind.

Checkout other books in this series.