Synopsis

The last thing gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister needs in her life is more drama–or more murder . . .

Poppy thought her toughest challenge this winter would be sticking to her Paleo diet and filling all her orders for her gluten-free goodies, but now she has to choose between two suitors. She’s not the only one with boyfriend drama. Aunt Ginny’s long-ago high-school beau, Royce Hanson, a retired Broadway actor, has returned to Cape May, New Jersey, to star in a Senior Center staging of Mamma Mia. Leaving Aunt Ginny to wonder: What’s his motivation?

Slated to open February 13th, the problem-plagued production seems to be cursed–with stolen props, sabotage, and even a death threat. But when a cast member plunges to his death from a catwalk, it soon becomes clear a murderer is waiting in the wings. Now Poppy, Aunt Ginny, and a supporting cast must take center stage to catch the killer–before it’s curtains for someone else . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!

Review

This is a fantastic series so I was super excited when Libby asked me to review her book before the release date of 12/31/19.  And I’ll just let you know (if you haven’t read my other reviews in this series) that I am Team Gia.

So much to say about this book – it made me laugh, it kept me guessing regarding the crime, and it had me rooting for Poppy to make a decision regarding who she wants to date between Tim and Gia. (see my note above….GIA!!!)

What I always enjoy about this series – the relationship between Poppy and her Aunt.  It is wacky, yet caring, all at the same time.  Poppy never expected to be running a B&B but it was the only way to save the family home.  Then there are her aunt’s friends – the Biddies as they are called in the book.  They remind me of the Jewish old lady stereotype that you see in movies and such, they are all in your business, offering advice you may not want, and sometimes just being a nuisance.  But at other times they can save your bacon…or your life!

I chuckled at the theater production that is the main focus of this story and where the murder occurs.  Imagine a bunch of senior citizens performing Mamma Mia (cue ABBA music).  Since I have seen the movie I could picture these people singing and dancing and it is a comical performance.  While I won’t give away too much, let’s just say opening night didn’t quite go according to the script.

Besides the usual murder, there are several other sub-plots occurring at the same time.  There is the case of who is leaving bad reviews for anything that Poppy touches (her B&B, Gia’s coffeeshop, Tim’s restaurant).  The answer should be obvious but I have to admit I didn’t think about this character.  You will also meet some guests of the B&B and there is something not quite right.  It is a very minor plot but it adds to the dimension of the story.  Aunt Ginny reconnects with her first love from high school, an adopted child looking for his birth parents, and Poppy trying to extract herself from a potential relationship with Iggy, the pianist for the musical.  All of these bring the story together and provide depth for several characters.

I haven’t even touched on the food mentioned throughout the book.  Poppy may not have formal training but she is a skilled baker and the recipes leave my mouth watering.  I may be ok having gluten, but these recipes intrigue me and I want to try a few of them out.  I’m glad the recipes are provided at the end.

There is a love triangle and I am hoping that the next book will have Poppy choosing one of the men interested in her.  Both men in this book have demonstrated their feelings for her and she has some clarity at the end regarding their feelings for her.  So, Poppy, it’s time to choose!

I do want to share this one line that really made me laugh and you won’t understand it unless you read the book and then you might have the same reaction as me:

“He said to tell you now you’re even for touching his Skywalker.  I don’t even want to know what that means.”

Overall we give this book 5 paws and can’t wait to figure out what is in store for the gang.

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