One Poison Pie
Ratings9
Average rating3.8
I had read another title by this author and enjoyed it, so I went in expecting to like this one and sadly, I just did not.
The mystery was okay, but all of the added...padding got tedious and boring. The romance did not work for me at all. Trent is very controlling in word and deed. A lot of arm pulling. Not sexy.
There is also just a lot going on, and not all of it is explored. We have witchcraft (not explored), an ex-sister-in- law living with the main character, an old school that needs to be renovated into a catering business, town politics, food, relationships with the grandmother, relationships with the deceased, an ex husband trying to steal a cookbook.
It made me tired to read all of this.
I'm not sure how it's been reviewed by those that practice magic, but I can't imagine those reviews being positive. Conversely, a character mentions being Christian at an extremely awkward moment in a scene and that made me curious about what the author was trying to say there. Hmm.
This was fun! I was a little annoyed when, three chapters in, I discovered there was a novella that takes place before this book, but it wasn't the end of the world. I love the kitchen witch stuff, reminds me a bit of that movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Simply Irresistible, with the food and the feelings....
Anyhoo, I really liked the characters and the story kept me engaged and guessing (though not too hard). It was a fun read and I'm looking forward to more!
The winter-storm setting of this mystery was incredibly cozy! And I adored the strong relationships between Mia, Christina, and Grans. The romantic interest was super sweet and the awful ex got his comeuppance, so all was well on the romance front too. :)
The mystery itself was interesting, but didn't pull me in completely. I think in part it was because everything in Mia's life was going at 110%. Romance, business, threats, family issues, even the weather, it was all coming on fast, crime or no crime. The pace made it hard to get to know Mia herself, and it meant she had little time to spare for thoughts about the murder until the end. It ended up feeling a little disjointed.
Overall, to be totally honest, I might have enjoyed this more as a fun, light romance novel without the mystery! But I would still recommend it for those who like witchy and/or wintery cozies.
I seriously just love cozy mysteries. There is just something so “fun” about them, even when they all include murders.
My review has posted at https://novelsalive.com/2021/02/09/4-star-review-one-poison-pie-by-lynn-cahoon/