Patti Benning

"Peppermint Fudge and Fears" by Patti Benning is a cute and cozy short mystery read. The story is about a candy shop owner Candice Rothburg who enters Lake Marion's 7th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Consent in Northern Michigan. When one of the constants, Leila Townsend, the consent's winner for two years in a row, unexpectedly toppled over, after eating posioned candy. Candice finds the candy in Leila's coat and then finds the same exact candy in her store as well as a package that was delivered to her home.… (mer)

This book is a fast and easy read. It is perfect for when you want to unwind but are short on time. I was kept guessing, changing who I suspected a few time. I like the back story of an adult daughter moving home to help her aging parents. It is a very real scenario. What made it even better is that the family is flawed. They suffered a tragedy that split them up. They are healing but it’s not been an overnight lovefest. It is going along in a real life fashion. I like that. There is a possible love interest but, in this book at least, it wasn’t pushed heavily. It is set in small town Alaska and has mushers as part of the story! I adore that. Those dogs are amazing! I love reading about their care. This book had enough going on that I plan to read more in this series.

I came across this book while looking for a different one that was set in Alaska. I have not read anything by this author before. I did see that she has a few series and I want to look into those. I have read books put out by Summer Prescott Books and have enjoyed them. The editing of this small publishing company has been solid. I borrowed this book from the Kindle Unlimited program.… (mer)