A Pie to Die For
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For fans of Sofie Kelly and Joanne Fluke, it’s the end of the tourist season in Split Pine– but a murder at the Lucky Pie Diner stirs up trouble for the sleepy town in this series debut. Este March runs the family-owned Lucky Pie Diner on Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. The pies at Lucky Pie aren’t just good, they’re magical, with a family recipe that grants certain customers their greatest hopes and dreams when they eat the pie. The remote island is closed to outsiders over the winter months, but on the last day of the season, the unpopular new produce vendor, Jeff, turns up dead on his boat, and Split Pine Island’s peace goes up in smoke. Tom Cunningham, the local sheriff, casts suspicion onto Este, who may have been the last person to see Jeff alive. Not to mention several people witnessed her getting into an argument with the rude vendor in some of his final hours. Este decides to clear her name and her diner’s reputation by launching her own investigation, which means she must turn suspicion on her friends and neighbors, because only a local could have murdered the victim. As Este investigates, she uncovers a deeper web of secrets, finding that many of the locals had reason to either frame her, or kill the victim. The clock is ticking to figure out the killer, and the clues in the case are flakier than an apple pie. Este will have to uncover the killer before her future crumbles.
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1 primary book#1 in Lucky Pie Mystery
Lucky Pie Mystery is a 1-book series first released in 2024 with contributions by Gretchen Rue.
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Book Review: A Pie to Die For: A Cozy Mystery Gem
⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars
Gretchen Rue serves up a delicious series debut with A Pie to Die For, whisking readers away to the quaint town of Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. The end of the tourist season takes a dark turn when a murder near the Lucky Pie Diner shakes up the sleepy community.
Meet Este March, the spunky owner of Lucky Pie Diner, where pies are not just treats but magical gateways to luck. When the unlikable vendor Jeff meets a grim fate, suspicions fall on Este, prompting her to roll up her sleeves and dive into her own investigation. What unfolds is a recipe for suspense, with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end.
The island setting adds a charming backdrop to the story, immersing readers in a world of pie baking and local secrets. While Rue's writing is engaging and well-paced, I found myself craving a bit more depth in the mystery department amidst all the mouth-watering pie descriptions.
Este shines as a protagonist, bringing spunk and determination to her sleuthing adventures. Surrounding her are a lovable cast of characters, including a potential love interest, a mischievous cat, and a heartwarming Gramps that add depth to the narrative.
The touch of magic in the lucky pies adds an extra sprinkle of intrigue, but could have been explored further to enrich the storyline. Balancing the focus between pie perfection and mystery unraveling could have made for an even tastier read.
In a nutshell, A Pie to Die For serves up a delightful blend of cozy mystery elements, wrapped in a crust of small-town charm and sprinkled with enticing bonus recipes at the end. For fans of light-hearted mysteries with a side of sweetness, this book promises a satisfying literary treat.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
