If you like intelligent amateur sleuths who successfully juggle family, business and community, try Leslie Budewitz’ Food Lovers’ Village mysteries. The fourth in the series, Treble at the Jam Fest, even has a community jazz festival and recipes. Something for everyone.
Erin Murphy manages her family’s general store, Murphy’s Mercantile, in Jewel Bay, Montana. She’s also involved in the community as head of the Village Merchant’s Association. It’s a natural fit for the Merc to kick off the annual Jazz Festival with a small preview in the back courtyard. The audience members may not have noticed the tension between the headliner and a couple musicians. But, Erin observed a couple unpleasant moments. So, it doesn’t come as a shock when the man is found dead the next morning. But, Erin’s boyfriend, Adam, and his childhood best friend, Tanner, found the body. And, Tanner saw someone push him to his death.
No one except Erin and the police seem to care that the man is dead. But, people do urge Erin to do something about it because they don’t want the notoriety affecting the festival. Erin juggles the training of a new staff member with her roles as supportive friend and girlfriend. She has a lot on her plate in her personal life, along with her role as amateur sleuth.
Erin is an appealing amateur sleuth. She’s intelligent, with good business sense. She even uses a spreadsheet, the “Spreadsheet of Suspense”, to analyze the mystery. She supports the decisions made by her mother and former best friend. And, when her boyfriend faces a dramatic change in his life, she struggles to accept it, and find a way to support him as well. But, it takes Tanner to point out to her that she takes foolish risks, placing herself in danger.
Anyone who appreciates the community life in cozy mysteries, and an intelligent amateur investigator, might want to check out Treble at the Jam Fest. You might find yourself singing the praises of author Leslie Budewitz.
Leslie Budewitz’ website is www.LeslieBudewitz.com
Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz. Midnight Ink. 2017. ISBN 9780738752402 (paperback), 312p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.
Lesa: I agree that Leslie's Food Lovers' Village series is a fun cozy series. I like how each book focuses on a festival and is set in a Montana village. And I am glad that TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST and the rest of the series has found a new publishing home with Midnight Ink.
Grace, Like you, I'm glad that some of the cozy mysteries have been picked up by Midnight Ink, Kensington, Crooked Lane. And, some of our favorite series will continue.
Lesa: I agree it's positive news that smaller publishers like the ones you mention have picked up several cozy mystery series that were dropped by the big publishing houses.
Oh, my, Lesa — what a delight to wake up to your wonderful review. Midnight Ink's been a real pleasure to work with, and even hired the same cover artist to keep the look and feel of the Village that readers have so enjoyed.
Grace, I hope you enjoy the return trip to Jewel Bay!
Hi Leslie.
I agree that it is great that Midnight Ink used the same cover artist to maintain the look of the series.
Another plus for me was that I was able to get an ARC from Netgalley and read/review TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST in March. It is the smaller presses like Midnight Ink, Henery Press, Crooked Lane, Kensington, Down&Out etc. that accept requests from enthusiastic readers (like me) as reviewers. I would never have been approved to get an ARC from PRH.
That's a real plus for readers AND authors, Grace!
I am waiting for this one to come in to my library. I think I'm 4th on the list.
I have this on order at the library.
You're welcome, Leslie. I hope the readers who commented here all enjoy the book.