Review: Scorched Eggs & Giveaway

Summary: As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable.

Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives… --- Berkley Prime Crime

One good thing about being a fan of Laura Childs and her mysteries series is that there seems to be a new book out every few months. I honestly don't know how she does it! Her latest cozy is part of her Cackleberry Club series and it's called SCORCHED EGGS. I'm certain fans of this series, and for that matter fans of cozy mysteries, will appreciate it!

SCORCHED EGGS features Suzanne, the owner of the Cackleberry Club and part-time amateur sleuth. In this novel, she is getting her hair colored when the County Services building next door goes up in flames. Despite everyone's best efforts, Suzanne's friend Hannah Venable dies in the fire.

Trouble seems to find Suzanne so it's not surprise that investigators quickly learn that an accelerant was used to start the fire. Suzanne and her co-workers, Petra and Toni, decide that the police need their help to solve the crime.

The suspect list is pretty big for the small town of Kindred, and no one seems to have an idea why someone would want to set fire to the building or try to kill Hannah. When Suzanne discovers a clue that's related to the nearby casino, she discovers that the stakes are much higher than she initially thought. Can Suzanne get to the bottom of this mystery before her life is at risk?

SCORCHED EGGS was a very fun book and perfect for this time of year. It's not holiday related but it is a quick read and has some amazing descriptions of food. There are even recipe ideas included in the back of the book. You might even get an idea or two for a holiday brunch.

What I enjoy so much about cozy mysteries, and especially those written by Laura Childs, is that they are... well, cozy! I know what I'm going to get -- a good mystery with likable characters and a great setting -- and Ms. Childs never disappoints. I have really come to like Suzanne, Petra, and Toni; and I think they relationships and the dynamics between them are cute and relatable. In addition, I jut love the details about the restaurant and its neighboring shops as well as all of the delicious-sounding food they serve.

Since SCORCHED EGGS is first and foremost a mystery, I should probably mention that I thought the secret of the fire was a good one. I appreciated Suzanne's sleuthing skills and I honestly was never able to truly identify the culprit... although it seemed like I was able to eliminate quite a few suspects.

There is no doubt that SCORCHED EGGS was an entertaining mystery book. However, I also really appreciated how much humor was woven into the story. (I know... it sounds crazy that a murder mystery could be funny!) Toni and her husband are quite the characters, and even Petra with her serious nature has moments of being funny. The town policeman is also hilarious with his demeanor and predictability about visiting the Cackleberry Club and ordering his sweets.

SCORCHED EGGS is another great addition to the Cackleberry Club series and I definitely look forward to reading more of Ms. Childs' books.

Thanks to the author for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway alert: I have signed copies of SCORCHED EGGS to share with two lucky readers. To enter, just fill out the form below before December 8th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winners the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.