An adept cozy, handled with Flower's usual skill, though not a match for her earlier Amish-set mysteries, which I absolutely loved.

I really enjoyed this second book in this series. The town of Harvest is hosting a Amish Confectionery Competition. When a fellow candy maker is found dead Bailey sets out to solve the mystery. I really enjoy the Amish small town back ground and the characters. The descriptions of candy making sounded delicious. The mystery was good and the solution made sense. I look for word to reading the next book in series. Enjoy

Totally forgot that I asked for these, like I said on the first one absolutely love this series it's one of my favorites!! So excited to read the newest one!

Terrific cozy. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier ones- this will be fine as a standalone. Set in an Amish enclave in Ohio, this has all the elements- a great heroine in Bailey, food, and murder. Oh and the delight of learning something new. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. A fun read.

A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

LETHAL LICORICE is the second book in the Amish Candy Shop series by Amanda Flower. After the events in the series debut, ASSAULTED CARAMEL, Bailey King has now left her New York job and friends to help run her grandparents’ Amish candy shop in Harvest, Ohio.
Not being Amish herself, Bailey is struggling slightly to fit in. Various people think she and the Sheriff’s Deputy Aiden belong together, but Bailey’s heart is still sore from her last relationship. In the meantime, she is entering the Amish Confectionery Competition (ACC) on behalf of her grandparents’ shop. The ACC is a huge deal for whoever wins, bringing tourism and income to both the shop and the town it resides in. One of the competitors, Josephine Weaver, is not happy with Bailey entering as she is not Amish, however she is using Amish methodology and has a special dispensation from the organisers.

As well as being shouted at by Josephine, Bailey’s friend Juliet, mother of Aiden, has lost her pet pig and is in a bad way. Bailey and Juliet look around the nearby church and discover a young Amish woman, Charlotte, playing the organ. The organ sounds out of tune and when Charlotte looks inside, she finds the body of Josephine.

Bailey is again a possible murder suspect, this time in the death of Josephine, especially when the cause of death is an allergy to liquorice – which was the very first sweet to be made in the competition. More of a suspect though is Charlotte as she is at odds with her family and district over her wanting to play the organ and them wanting to ban her.

Again Bailey feels she had to clear her own name and also Charlotte’s.

This second book in the series starts almost where most first books in series do - with the protagonist moving somewhere new or back home to start over. So new readers could easily jump in with book two. I have been deliberately quite vague about the events of book one so as to avoid spoilers.

As with book one, ASSAULTED CARAMEL, I enjoyed this very much. It’s a light read with most chapters ending on a cliff-hanger so you want to read just one more. New characters are introduced and the Amish universe is expanded to include neighbouring districts with differing rules. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

In fact, these books, much like sweets, are hard to resist.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Assaulted Caramel, and I was looking forward to Lethal Licorice. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the book. I've picked up the book and attempted to read it three times. I'm only 16% in. For whatever reason, Bailey, the Amish and the "Amish" ways are rubbing me the wrong way.

I will not not attempt to read the book a fourth time.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the book.

This is the first book I have read by Amanda Flower. This is the second book in the series.

Harvest, Ohio, is a long way from New York City, where Bailey King left a coveted job as a head chocolatier to take over Swissmen Sweets, her Amish grandparents’ candy shop. Now, while caring for her recently widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather’s memory by entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition.

A candy maker from a neighboring town who wanted Englischer Bailey disqualified for being an outsider, Josephine Weaver died from an allergy to an essential licorice ingredient. Bailey wants to clear herself and her cousin, Charlotte from any wrong doing.

I love this series! I went from reading this book to every available book in 2 days. I love the Amish and English worlds coming together and the characters. I especially love a little trouble making pig!!

Yum, yum. There's a lot candy in this mystery! Bailey is participating in the Amish Confectionary Competition, which is like the NBA playoffs, but with way more sugar. Unfortunately, there's a death involving the licorice and Bailey and Aiden work together to solve the murder and to find Jethro, the missing spotted pet pig. Charlotte, a young Amish woman and cousin, comes to live with Bailey's grandmother and help in Swissmen's Sweets Shop.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

The Amish Candy Shop series is one of my favorite by Amanda Flower. The story is well developed and makes you want to become part of it. Granted all the talk about chocolates & candies does make you crave a good piece of chocolate.
This story revolves around the Amish Confectionery Competition and of course a murder. Jethro, a pig, is also present and entertaining. The continued hints of possible romance between Bailey and Aiden are subtle and not overwhelming to the story.

Great read when you need a little getaway.

I want to vacation in Harvest, OH, well minus the murders. I absolutely adored Assaulted Caramel and Lethal Licorice did not disappoint. This is my first experience with an Amish series and it has peaked my interest for sure.

Bailey is an English, a non Amish person, living in Amish country. She had previously given up on her NYC lifestyle and her fancy Chocolatier job, to help her grandmother run the Amish candy shop after her grandfather's passing. In this installment, Bailey takes her grandfather's place in the Amish Candy Competition. Before the competition starts, Jethro the pig goes missing. While helping Juliet search for the lost polka dot pig, Bailey happens to stumble upon another dead body. With the competition title and her grandfather's reputation on the line, can Bailey help solve another mystery in Harvest, OH?

Although a murder/mystery novel, this cozy is extra sweet! I highly recommend this series as well as the Magical Bookshop Series. Amanda Flower is a fabulous author that gives her readers well developed characters and gripping storylines. She also adores her fans and takes her time to interact with them all.

In addition to the digital ARC I received from NetGalley, I also have the audio version read by Rebecca Mitchell. She does a great job with the accents and drawing you in to the story.

“Lethal Licorice” earns 5/5 Lavender Blueberry Fudge Slices…Deliciously Clever!

It’s candy! The theme of a candy shop was enough to entice me to open the book, but it was the clever mystery supported by an engaging first-person narrative, delightful banter, realistic characters, and an interesting look into Amish culture and traditions that kept me turning the page. Did I mention a recipe for Swissmen Sweets Black Licorice?

This is the second book in the series, but revisiting the background and character connections was enough to keep newbies like me engaged. Englischer and chocolatier Bailey King left New York to help her grandparents with their candy shop, Swissmen Sweets, but her grandfather has passed away so in his honor she's entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. Her efforts are fraught with attempts to disqualify her participation, a missing pot-bellied pig, and a fatality. Suspicions fall on a few with motive including Bailey herself, and even though there's a bit of romantic interest with the local deputy, she has a personal incentive to take on the investigate herself. Exciting! Amanda Flower’s book checks all the boxes: engaging mystery, well-developed characters, interesting cultural insights, a few giggles, and a recipe! I highly recommend the book. Yum!

The first I've read by Amanda Flower and the second book in the Amish Candy Shop mystery series. Bailey King has taken over the running and day-to-day operations of Swissmen Sweets. Now she is even entered into a candy-making competition as part of a festival, in the place of her grandfather. When one of her competitors is found dead and Bailey is found to be one of the prime suspects, Bailey takes it upon herself to find the killer. Even though I had not read the first book in this series, I found that this second one could be read easily enough without that. Sure, there's some background and nuances and stuff that you've missed but this installment can still be greatly enjoyed on its own. I look forward to the third book in this series and also eagerly anticipate reading the first.

LETHAL LICORICE is the second book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Bailey King is working at her grandparents Amish candy store, Swissmen Sweets where she has just entered the annual Amish Confectionary Competition. But before she can represent her family’s legacy, Jethro the pot bellied pig turns up missing. While out searching for him, someone discovers a body of an Amish woman who had no qualms about letting everyone know how unhappy she is that Bailey, a non Amish, is in the competition! Bailey is now a suspect and the worst part is, the police find some of her licorice candy in the woman’s possession. Hang on my reading friends, it’s going to be a crazy but fun ride!

LETHAL LICORICE is filled with twists and turns and I was instantly hooked and in everyone’s business! It is a very quick read and when the mystery of who killed Josephine was solved, I was in shock. I had no idea! Also, it was interesting, learning how Bailey was trying to find her place as an Englischer in a mostly Amish community of Harvest, Ohio. Deputy Aiden Brody really likes Bailey, but he knows she isn’t ready for anything more than friends with him, but he is willing to wait. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other.

LETHAL LICORICE is a wonderful addition to the perfect Amish cozy series! All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. While Bailey isn’t Amish, her grandparents are and she has the same values they do. As I was reading I could tell Amanda Flower had done her research as it is the best cozy I have read in a very long time! There are plenty of suspects, the action is face paced, and there are many surprises. There is also a bit romance and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Premeditated Peppermint to see what happens with that. Amanda Flower sure knows how to pull at her readers heart strings and I’m so excited to continue this series!

In LETHAL LICORICE, my second visit to Harvest, Ohio was quite refreshing and satisfying. With the opening sentence, "When the pig went missing, I knew there would be trouble," I could tell this would be another delectable treat from Author Amanda Flower. I was right! It's a fun and funny culinary cozy.

My favorite characters return in LETHAL LICORICE — Bailey King, her grandmother Clara King, their helper Emily Esh, deputy sheriff Aiden Brody, and his mom Juliet Brody. There are plenty of new characters, mainly those who have come to Harvest because of the Amish Confectionery Competition (ACC). I look forward to seeing Charlotte Weaver again. All of the people are authentic and three-dimensional, whether they be main characters or only in one scene.

The plot is heavenly and most entertaining, with a good mystery for Bailey to solve. Because Bailey uncovers several suspects, I was kept guessing until the end. The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries are a delicious series that I will definitely continue with. I can't wait for PREMEDITATED PEPPERMINT!

A great addition to The Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.

Lethal Licorice picks up right after the events of Assaulted Caramel. Bailey’s life is still a bit of a mess as she slowly adjusts to the Amish style of life in Harvest, Ohio. At the same time, Bailey’s grandmother is still struggling after the death of her beloved Jebediah. As the Amish Confectionery Competition starts in town, Bailey sees the perfect opportunity to cheer up her Maami. Even though she isn’t Amish, Bailey is allowed to participate in the competition. Some locals aren’t very happy with the development, especially Josephine Weaver who has no problem in making herself heard. Things go south pretty quickly for Bailey when she finds Josephine’s body right before the judges have the chance to try her licorice. As she becomes the prime-suspect, Bailey knows that even with the police her fate lies in her hands and her ability to find the culprit. Can she do it before handsome Deputy Aiden Brody uses his handcuffs on her?

There is a great development of the plot and the characters in this novel. The story, like the previous instalment, is told in the first person. Flower digs deeper into the Amish traditions and style of life. Her descriptions of this culture fit perfectly with the murder plot as she takes her time to show you the different Amish groups, and how a non-Amish character tries to fit in.

The plot is well developed and explored, with enough twists to keep you guessing. It runs in a fast pace This mystery, a bit different from the first book, makes even the readers who aren’t fans of licorice connect to the story, considering it’s an important clue for the mystery. The murder victim wasn’t very liked in the small town and slowly the puzzle comes together to reveal that the list of suspects is a bit longer than expected. The outcome was a complete surprise; you’ll not see it coming. In the end, everything is wrapped perfectly, Flower leaves no strings loose.

The characters are what make Flower’s novels so great. They are authentic, very well developed, bringing colour to the story and in each novel, you get to know about each one. Bailey has grown and as she finds her way through the Amish style is incredible to follow. She’s a strong and intelligent young woman that commits to her family 100%. In the first novel, it was her grandfather, this time she does everything she can to help her grandmother. The way Bailey approaches the complicated situations is refreshing and very human. I could easily become her with some of her action and way of thinking. Deputy Aiden Brody is a handsome character with a kind heart. He doesn’t go hard of Bailey after she becomes a suspect and tries to help the best way he can considering his position in law enforcement. They definitely have chemistry and it adds a spice to the story. It helps that the whole town thinks they make a great couple. Other characters like Emily Esh add personality to the story and I hope Flower considers to explore in the future instalments.

A great cosy mystery and sequel to Assaulted Caramel. I recommend this novel to the fans of cosy mysteries, candies and deadly licorice.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Kensington Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.

Harvest, Ohio, is a long way from New York City, where Bailey King has left her coveted job as a head chocolatier to take over Swissmen Sweets, her Amish grandparents’ candy shop. While caring for her recently widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather’s memory by taking his place in the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. But between blueberry fudge and chocolate cherry ganache truffles, Bailey may have bitten off more than she can chew when the search for a missing pot-bellied pig turns up a body suffering from sugar overload—the fatal kind . An Amish candy maker from the neighboring town who had wanted Englischer Bailey disqualified for being an outsider, Josephine Weaver died from an allergy to a licorice ingredient. The suspects include: Josephine’s niece, a young woman going through her rumspringa, and Bailey herself. Now it falls to Bailey, who’s sweet on the local sheriff’s deputy, to clear both of their names and find a killer with a stomach for cold-blooded murder .

The mystery has lots of twists, turns, and red herrings that make the reader keep second guessing themselves about the true identity of the killer really is until they are revealed. The characters are well written, realistic, and believable which makes how they interact with each other lifelike. The author gives the reader a nice peak into the way of life for the Amish and shows how life can differ between the Amish from neighboring towns. The author also shows what it's like for a family member who was raised English to try to interact with her family that have lived the Amish lifestyle their entire life. The author makes her settings and characters come to life with her descriptive writing, you can picture what is happening in your mind.

I did like that Bailey offered to help Charlotte who turns out to be a distant cousin of Bailey's when she needs a place to stay when she runs away from home. I also liked learning a little about Bailey's grandmother's early life and what she sacrificed for the man that she loved. I was glad when Jethro the pig was found since he did bring a little relief to some tense situations in the previous book with his antics and hopefully he will bring some of that relief in the next book. I also hope that the Bailey and Aiden Brody will realize their feelings for each other and a relationship will blossom between them. The one thing I didn't like was where the killer put Josephine's body, it seemed harsh since the killer was using the hiding place to send a message to another member of Josephine's family. I can't wait to read book 3 Premeditated Peppermint since this is a wonderful series.

Not much time has passed since Bailey moved to Harvest, Ohio to help her grandmother run their family candy store. Turns out, she can represent Swissmen Sweets in the annual Amish Confectionery Competition that her grandfather has signed the shop up for before he passed away. There is a missing pig and pretty stiff competition for what seems to be such a mild mannered people. When a Amish store owner is found dead, Bailey, along with her new friends and family, look into what could have happened to the unlikable Josephine Weaver. I was a bit worried the pig would be forgotten, but the story's twists and turns kept me reading and guessing to the end.

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In this outing of the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries, we find Bailey adjusting to life in Harvest, Ohio. She is staying with her grandmother and running the Amish Candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. Her grandfather had been accepted as a competitor in the Amish Confectionary Contest, so with his untimely death, Bailey finds herself taking his place even though she is not Amish. She must make all her candy in the Amish tradition in the contest, but this is not enough for some of the other competitors. The first day of the competition finds her dealing with a host of ill feelings and with finding a dead body in the church. Of course she is a suspect as the victim is one of the people she recently had words with. While competing, she is trying to gather clues as to the murderer and who would have a motive, helping some of the other competitors, worrying about her cousin who is having difficulty with the Deacon in her Amish Section and fighting off her fledgling feelings for Aiden, the local police officer. It seems like a lot for one book, but Amanda Flower does an amazing job with the plot, developing the story nicely.

I really like Bailey. She is not Amish, but has great respect for the Amish people and their traditions. She is kind and caring to everyone. She is a smart cookie, but unfortunately still gets herself into some sticky situations while investigating. Aiden is a real sweetheart. He is also very respectful of the Amish people and their ways, unlike the police chief. He is playing it cool and moving slowly with Bailey, but you can definitely see his feelings for her developing. Bailey's grandmother is a wonderful influence on her, but is very accepting of her personality and decisions. The other recurring characters continue to add much to the story and their character development is well done. The friendly polka dot, pot bellied pig, Jethro, disappears at the beginning of the story, but makes a huge impact when he is finally located near the end. I had no idea about the ending of this book. Lots of twists and surprises that kept me reading late into the night. A fun cozy that I really enjoyed. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.