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 âDon't look so surprised, Bailey. Your reputation precedes you.â 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, âI'm so glad that you will be my daughter just as soon as you and Aiden get around to announcing your wedding.â 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.
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Toxic Toffee is the fourth installment in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series set in Harvest, Ohio and featuring chocolatier, Bailey King. Bailey has been in New York City for the past six weeks shooting her new TV show for the Gourmet Network accompanied by Charlotte Weaver, her Amish Swissmen Sweets assistant who is currently on rumspringa.
Minutes after returning to Harvest, Bailey is faced with pushy Margot Rawlings who has put herself in charge of all the town festivities and events. Margot is planning Easter Days, a week long celebration and not only has she filled the town square with white rabbits but she is demanding that Bailey carve a giant chocolate rabbit to be put on display with the catch that the rabbit needs to include toffee. But things take a deadly turn when Stephen Raber, a respected elder in the Amish district and owner of the bunny farm, dies on the square apparently poisoned by none other than a toffee treat.
When Stephen's son Eli approaches Bailey and asks her to find his father's killer, she is hesitant knowing that her boyfriend Sheriff Deputy Aiden Brody isn't going to be happy with her meddling in his investigation. But with encouragement from her Grandmother and other Harvest townsfolk, Bailey sets out to track down the killer and once again make peace between the English and Amish.
A fast paced, laugh out loud plot that sees the return of many series regulars including Aiden's mother Juliet and her polka dotted pig, Jethro. The author does a wonderful job taking the reader deeper into the lifestyles of the Amish and introduces a delightful new furry friend, Puff. A relationship twist at the end will leave readers grinning and looking forward to the next adventures of Bailey and the residents of Harvest.
Minutes after returning to Harvest, Bailey is faced with pushy Margot Rawlings who has put herself in charge of all the town festivities and events. Margot is planning Easter Days, a week long celebration and not only has she filled the town square with white rabbits but she is demanding that Bailey carve a giant chocolate rabbit to be put on display with the catch that the rabbit needs to include toffee. But things take a deadly turn when Stephen Raber, a respected elder in the Amish district and owner of the bunny farm, dies on the square apparently poisoned by none other than a toffee treat.
When Stephen's son Eli approaches Bailey and asks her to find his father's killer, she is hesitant knowing that her boyfriend Sheriff Deputy Aiden Brody isn't going to be happy with her meddling in his investigation. But with encouragement from her Grandmother and other Harvest townsfolk, Bailey sets out to track down the killer and once again make peace between the English and Amish.
A fast paced, laugh out loud plot that sees the return of many series regulars including Aiden's mother Juliet and her polka dotted pig, Jethro. The author does a wonderful job taking the reader deeper into the lifestyles of the Amish and introduces a delightful new furry friend, Puff. A relationship twist at the end will leave readers grinning and looking forward to the next adventures of Bailey and the residents of Harvest.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Great story with humor, animals, friends, light romance and great plot. Now we have Jethro, Nutmeg and Puff, great combination of animals to add to the story. Total enjoyment.
