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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The ending on this one was a bit sloppier. It was a good motive but the guilty party was a late add-in and had more sociopathic tendencies than I care for.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Toxic Toffee is the latest humorous tale in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. It can be read alone if you have not had the pleasure of reading the other books in the engaging series. Toxic Toffee has Bailey back in Harvest, Ohio after her six weeks in New York filming her new cooking show. Before she has time to take her bag home, Margot Rawlings pulls Bailey aside to discuss her making a very large toffee rabbit for Easter Days. Of course, it needs to be at least six feet tall or maybe just a wee bit bigger. Then Stephen Raber, owner of Raber’s Rabbits, drops dead in the square. The poor man was poisoned (want to take a guess with what candy) and Eli Raber, the victim’s son, wants Bailey to find the killer. He then leaves his father’s pet rabbit in Bailey’s care (he really does not give her a chance to say no). I enjoy Amanda Flower’s writing style. It draws a reader into the story and keeps them absorbed along with the quirky characters and the various comical capers. Jethro, the polka dotted pig, and his owner, Juliet Brody are back. Juliet wants Bailey and Aiden to set a wedding date so the planning can begin. Of course, the fact that the pair are not engaged does not deter Juliet. Bailey’s grandmother, Clara is such a sweet woman and she remains calm no matter what happens (even the police showing up in the middle of the night). The mystery was intriguing, and I like how it is woven throughout the story. There are surprising twists along with artfully placed clues. While I was not surprised by the killer’s identity, I loved following the hints and enjoyed the unpredictable take down. It is funny that Bailey’s reputation for solving mysteries is widely known among the English and Amish in Holmes County. One person commented “Don’t look so surprised, Bailey. Your reputation precedes you.” I was frustrated with the reiteration of certain details. Bailey being told to leave the investigating to the police, Aiden does not want her to get hurt, and certain details regarding the mystery are a couple of the repetitious items. I had to laugh, though, when Juliet said, “I’m so glad that you will be my daughter just as soon as you and Aiden get around to announcing your wedding.” There is a very special event at the end that will delight readers of this series. Toxic Toffee is a charming Amish cozy mystery that will tickle your funny bone.
mysterious
fast-paced
Spoiler
Though the killer was a little obvious from the moment he appeared, it didn't quite lower the quality of the story itself. I'm also kind of glad that they pawned Juliet off to finally marry, maybe now she'll stop being the pushy not-yet mother-in-law. But somehow I doubt that. I wonder if the next book is going to be a wedding murder...
TOXIC TOFFEE, the fourth book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower, is the first I’ve had the chance to read. It was so thoroughly enjoyable, I’m looking forward to starting at the very beginning and reading through the previous three books. Ms. Flower provides an intriguing look at the Amish culture in Ohio, one I know scant little of. I felt like she effectively wove their society into the story in a realistic manner without detracting from the plot. I enjoyed how the protagonist, Bailey King, lives with a foot in the Englisch world and, thanks to her Amish grandmother, has an inside to the Amish folk. I love the description of Bailey and her grandmother’s candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. Bailey gets to show off her epic candy-making skills when the town’s festival organizer convinces her to make an 8-foot-tall Easter Bunny out of toffee, which allows for some humorous situations. Sheriff Deputy Aiden Brody is the town’s investigator and is dating Bailey. They have a sweet relationship that’s moving much too slowly for Aiden’s mother’s liking. His mother, Juliet, provides some comedy with her meddling and her attachment to her pig, Jethro.
When an Amish rabbit farmer drops dead in front of Bailey before the start of the town’s Easter week celebration, she can’t help but get involved in finding who might have wanted him dead. While Aiden doesn’t want her to be put in danger, he does recognize that the Amish will be open with her because of her grandmother, while they’re closed to interaction with English outsiders, such as himself. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the twists to the plot had me turning pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. Ms. Flower effectively weaves in contrasting societies, memorable and entertaining characters, and a well-plotted mystery. The surprising reveal wrapped up all the threads into a satisfying read that will have me catching up on the series while I anxiously wait for the next installment.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When an Amish rabbit farmer drops dead in front of Bailey before the start of the town’s Easter week celebration, she can’t help but get involved in finding who might have wanted him dead. While Aiden doesn’t want her to be put in danger, he does recognize that the Amish will be open with her because of her grandmother, while they’re closed to interaction with English outsiders, such as himself. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the twists to the plot had me turning pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. Ms. Flower effectively weaves in contrasting societies, memorable and entertaining characters, and a well-plotted mystery. The surprising reveal wrapped up all the threads into a satisfying read that will have me catching up on the series while I anxiously wait for the next installment.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm addicted to this series. My only complaint is the repetition of things previously stated a few pages before but that's just me being picky.