4 stars
Another good book in the series, in a little less then a week I’ve read all of the Cat Latimer Mysteries that have been published so far and all told I’ve grown very attached to the characters and the mysteries themselves have been logical, making sense when the culprit is revealed. Unfortunately now I have to wait a whole month before the next book is released.

This was my favorite book in the series so far, reason being was the absence of the character that I like the least Dante. I hope his lack of scenes in this book means the author is phasing him out. ( )

The latest writing retreat week has arrived and the writers write mysteries! Perfect for the events that are popping up. Shauna, Cat Latimer's partner in the Warm Springs Writer's Retreat, has decided that she's going to take her recipes (she's the cook) and write a cookbook, however, the local bakery's owner, DeeDee, feels that Shauna has been stealing her recipes. Out of spite, DeeDee calls in a health code violation and sets Cat off to straighten things out. Arriving at DeeDee's bakery, Cat tries to smooth things over but only arranges a temporary truce. When a well-known chef is found murdered in DeeDee's kitchen, she turns to Cat for help.

Having the retreat be mystery writers adds a special spark to go along with the great characters and setting. Hope the next one is here soon! ( )

A series that gets better and better with each book. I adore the characters and their relationships with each other. Cat and Shauna make the best team. Each group of writers who attend their once monthly retreat and writing business sessions is different and brings something special to the series.
This time the group is an actual writing group from Chicago. People who know each other well, or so it seems, and are there to support each other as they work on individual projects.

Relationships, real and imaginary, or fictional, play major roles in this plotline.
Food is another major theme, as Shauna has also caught a bit of publishing fever. She is working on a cookbook. A local baker is unhappy with her, convinced Shauna is poaching her recipes. This brings on the topic of how authors are inspired and from where their content comes.

Cat's uncle is the local police chief. He is a regular figure at her house, including during retreat weeks. This is a good thing, as otherwise people may wonder why he is spending so much time there when a murder is the main topic of gossip and conversation around town.

Cat truly tries to restrain her curiosity and not get caught in the crossfire, even when her boyfriend's name appears on the suspect list. This is asking more than she can promise.
Trouble continues to come directly to The Warm Springs Writer's Retreat.

Delicious food and cute kittens round out this great book.