Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

Finished December 6
Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah

This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop series, set in the small town of Beacon Harbor, Michigan. The Bakeshop is located in a decommissioned lighthouse that also is the home of the owner, Lindsey Bakewell. The tower is a place she likes to go to to relax, mostly in summer, but she has it outfitted with heaters and blankets for colder weather as well. The tower is also said to be haunted by the first lighthouse keeper there, Captain Willy Riggs. His pipe smoke is the sign of his presence. 
Some backstory: Lindsey used to be an investment banker, and her mother was a fashion model before marriage. She has a Newfoundland dog named Wellington. She is also in a relationship with one of her neighbours, Rory Campbell. She has several staff members, counter staff and baristas, but is in need of an assistant baker. 
When Felicity Stewart, owner of a Christmas store in town announces a new addition to the town's Christmas Festival of a Christmas bake-off, Lindsey finds herself excited, yet overwhelmed, especially when other unprepared shop owners in town enlist her services. Felicity has also arranged for a Chicago food critic to be the judge, and film it for his show. When the bake-off becomes more competitive than friendly, Lindsey finds herself the one to stumble upon a dead body that brings into question everybody's actions. 
A cozy mystery with a little romance thrown in, as well as a ghost that guides Lindsey's amateur detective work, this is a seasonal light read. There are also numerous baking recipes included at the back of the book, drawn from the finalist's submissions and Lindsey's own bakery offerings. 

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