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The Gingerbread Bump-Off (2011)

by Livia J. Washburn(Favorite Author)

3.74 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0451234839 (ISBN13: 9780451234834)

languge

English

genre

Food & Cookbooks

publisher

NAL Trade

series

Fresh-Baked Mystery

review 1: This is the first time I have a book by this author. It is a fast, easy read about a house of senior citizens, and two of the occupants work together to solve murders in Weatherford in Parker County, TX. None of the characters do anything real exciting. They solve crimes while doing everyday things, like fundraising, shopping for a wedding shower, getting a flat tire and having to call AAA, etc. Sometimes it is a little too ordinary and a little too boring. Yet, these events make the characters more believable. What I found interesting is that my great grandparents lived in Parker County near Poolville, TX where Sam used to teach. It is a tiny town. My father was actually born near Poolville and there is statue in town honoring the doctor who delivered many of the b... moreabies, including my father, in Poolville and the surrounding areas. I did some genealogical work in Weatherford in November. It is also near where some fracking disasters are taking place. Will Phyllis and Sam get involved in that controversy? I can see murders taking place across Parker County as outrage against the fracking companies increases. Wait, maybe I should write that novel!
review 2: This book was like coming back to an old friend. Phyllis has been asked to place her home on the Christmas tour of homes. She agrees even though she is trying to get ready for the wedding shower and wedding of her friend, Eve. Eve, Carolyn, Sam are all retired teachers who rent rooms from Phyllis in large old home. Sam has the sweets for Phyllis and Carolyn says she will never marry and Eve, having been married before is looking forward to her upcoming marriage to Roy. The night of the tour arrives and there is a knock on the door early. Phyllis hears a crash and opens the door to see her friend, Georgia lying unconscious with a heavy broken gingerbread man decoration lying in pieces around her. The ambulance and the police are called and her house is put off limits for the tour. When Georgia dies in the hospital, it becomes a homicide. Phyllis known for her investigative skills starts looking around and talking to people. Bit by bit the facts unfold and Phyllis finds herself in danger. The mystery comes to a satisfying conclusion. The book that follows this, "Wedding Cake Killer" starts very quickly timewise and I am looking forward to reading that one too. The best thing is also the wonderful recipes that the author includes at the end of the book that are part of the happenings in the book. A great cozy read. less

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