When a stranger is murdered near Roxy Constantine’s farm, she’s sure it has nothing to do with her. But the investigation turns up surprising links to Roxy’s past. As if that weren’t enough, Roxy’s quarreling with her Significant Other, Nate Robicheaux, and facing a possible break-up. Just when the stress begins to ease, the murderer strikes again, sending Nate to the hospital. Now Roxy needs to figure out the link between the Constantine Farm and a blackmailer before she becomes the killer’s next target.
We settled down at the dinner table for some general conversation about the Merchants Association, blueberry jam, and just how much snow we were likely to get from the latest storm, which was still stalled somewhere on the Western Slope. I’d just gotten up to see what ice cream I had in the freezer when someone hammered on my door.
Herman whimpered, and Uncle Mike pushed himself up from the table. “What the hell?”
I started for the door, where the hammering was still going on, but Uncle Mike grabbed my arm. “Let me open it. You hold onto Herman.”
That was a good idea, since Herman had moved from whimpering to growling along with stalking toward the door as if he’d actually protect us. In fact, it was more likely we’d protect him, but I wouldn’t tell him that.
Uncle Mike threw open the door. “What the hell…” he started, then paused. “Donnie?”
I moved closer to the open door and saw Donnie McCray, Dolce’s dad and Uncle Mike’s foreman, standing on my doorstep. He’s a big man, but right then he looked like he was ready to collapse. “Come inside.” I grabbed his arm. “Sit down. What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Donnie dropped onto my couch, gasping. “There’s a woman,” he began and then stopped to catch his breath.
“What woman?” Uncle Mike said. “Where?”
“Up by the road. In a car.” Donnie gasped again, and I dropped to my knees beside him.
“What about her, Donnie? What’s wrong?”
A solid mystery when Roxy's forgotten past intrudes into her present.
Tangerine Marmalade Murder is the third book in author Meg Benjamin's wonderful culinary-themed cozy mystery series, Luscious Delights, and a welcome return to the people and town of Shavano, Colorado. The well-developed and engaging characters really have come to life in this series, and each new book is like reuniting with old friends. While it is very comfortable and fun to catch up with everyone, this visit is fraught with mystery, murder, and a few bumps on the road to romance.
Roxy Constantine is a great character, a level-headed and interesting young woman who experienced some sadness in her early life when her mother left her and her father behind to go her own way and the subsequent loss of her father when she was a teen. Thankfully, her Uncle Mike stepped in and gave her the home and love she deserved. When her mother's driver's license is found among the possessions of a stranger found murdered in a car on the side of their farm's road, Roxy must confront her feelings about the woman who gave her life but never knew and find out how this stranger did. Although she's pretty chill about her mom not being in her life at the start, I could understand her curiosity when faced with learning more about that side of her family after that time. In addition to this, Roxy and Nate are struggling as they try to navigate working together and having a personal relationship.
The story begins with the discovery of the victim's body but backtracks in time to establish context. Readers only get a single scene with the victim alive, so while she doesn't have much time to make an impression, she effectively comes across as unpleasant and sly. The twist in the story may explain her sly demeanor when she shows up on Roxy's doorstep, though. The investigation into the murder is well done, and I was on board from the start, even while agonizing with Roxy over Nate's grumpiness. As always, the discussion of jams, flavors, and jam-making, as well as the dishes prepared for the catered events, were tempting and crave-inducing. I was surprised by the resolution of the story, though I'd had my suspicions.
Although the third book in the series, readers new to Luscious Delights shouldn't have any trouble reading and enjoying this one independently. I recommend TANGERINE MARMALADE MURDER to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy culinary-themed stories.
Meg Benjamin is an award-winning author of romance and cozy mysteries. Meg’s Konigsburg series is set in the Texas Hill Country and her Salt Box and Brewing Love trilogies are set in the Colorado Rockies (all are available from Entangled Publishing and from Meg’s indie line). Her new cozy mystery series, Luscious Delights from Wild Rose Press, concerns a jam-making sleuth based in the mythical small town of Shavano, Colorado. Along with romance and cozies, Meg is also the author of the paranormal Ramos Family trilogy from Berkley InterMix and the Folk trilogy from Soul Mate. Meg’s books have won numerous awards, including an EPIC Award, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers, the Beanpot Award from the New England Romance Writers, and the Award of Excellence from Colorado Romance Writers. Meg can be reached via email at meg@megbenjamin.com.
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing today.
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed Tangerine Marmalade Murder!
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed this entire series!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt and giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds exactly like my kind of read.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the most challenging part of writing this book?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very enjoyable novel. Thanks for sharing.
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