I love a good cozy mystery. The scene for this story makes me want to go make pancakes. After her father's death, Leila Khoury moved back home to her family's farm to run it. I love the name of the farm - Sappy Endings Farm. It is located in Sugar Ridge, Vermont where the syrup flows out of the trees. Leila wants to make her best friend's bridal shower special. Heather is getting married in a few weeks. She is nervous about some of her guests that will be attending the shower, namely the woman who is married to her uncle. When Monica is in the room, everyone around her knows she is in the room. She is filthy rich, but the old saying that money can't buy class certainly applies to her. She is obnoxiously loud, rude and basically just says whatever comes to her mind, whether it is appropriate or not. So, it is really no surprise to learn she is the victim in this mystery. The biggest issue for this investigation is finding out who is not a suspect because she has left a trail of misery in her wake everywhere she goes. Leila is not your average amateur sleuth, she is pretty sharp. She has made her mission to find the killer because this case is threatening to ruin Heather's wedding. Leila protects those she loves, but in doing so, she has also put a target on her back.

This was a well written mystery with red herrings galore. The cast of characters are relatable and easy to like, except for an errant few. Leila's stormy relationship with her mother is still an ongoing part of her story. A blast from Leila's past will swoop into this story and make you see red. The description of the yummy food being cooked will make your mouth water. There are also some fabulous recipes at the back of the book. I look forward to seeing more books in this series.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

SYRUP TO NO GOOD by Catherine Bruns
The Second Maple Syrup Mystery

In addition to running Sappy Endings, her family's maple syrup farm, Leila Khourey is busy preparing for her best friend's wedding. Unfortunately, this means everyone has to deal with Uncle Grant and his obnoxious wife, Monica. Finding Monica's murdered body after the bridal shower is a big shock for Leila, but an even bigger shock is discovering Heather's wedding will be postponed unless the killer is found. With a short deadline, Leila has no intention of leaving the investigation to the police. Will Leila be able to solve the murder or will Heather lose the wedding of her dreams? Or is something even worse in store?

Weddings can be stressful, even when everything is going to plan. Dealing with family you don't like is often par for the course, but in Heather's case things are a lot worse. Not only does she have to welcome the uncle no one likes, but also his wife that no one can stand. Monica's death makes things even worse with Uncle Grant now calling all of the wedding shots. Heather's lucky she has a friend like Leila. I'd tell her to forget it and elope, but Leila decides to try and solve the murder so Heather can have a huge wedding...putting herself in the crosshairs yet again. Adding to the drama, Leila's former fiance is back in town and looking to get back together. If that weren't bad enough, her mom is encouraging him!

In the second Maple Syrup Mystery danger, treachery, and obnoxious family members come together in a thrilling mystery. There are plenty of surprises to keep Leila and readers on their toes. In addition to the action, Leila has to confront a lot of personal issues and does so with grace. She can be hard headed, but this dogged determination is also one of her strengths.

SYRUP TO NO GOOD is full of pulse pounding moments, not so subtle investigations, and some really awful people. Be prepared to be craving Lebanese food and maple syrup infused treats as you enjoy this delectable mystery.

I’ve never met a Catherine Bruns book that I didn’t love. Syrup to No Good is going on my “I love Catherine Bruns’s books” list! Okay, I don’t really have a list, but if I did, it’d be on it. Syrup to No Good is the second book in the Maple Syrup Mystery series, so jump on in! You can read this as a standalone since Bruns weaves in enough information for you to get who’s who without ruining the prior book (or books).

Leila Khory is busy! After her father’s death, she became the new owner of the family’s maple syrup farm in Sugar Ridge, VT, Sappy Endings Farm. And as maid of honor, she’s throwing her best friend Heather’s bridal shower. As if those weren’t enough to keep her busy, she’s got another murder to solve. No, she’s not a detective, but since she helped solve another murder, Heather begs Leila to solve this one so she can get married! The victim was Heather’s aunt by marriage, and almost everyone couldn’t stand her. She was blunt, loud, rude, and mean! Needless to say, the suspect pool is large in this one, and Heather’s wedding is in 2 weeks!

Leila is a great protagonist. She’s a great friend, a business owner, a daughter, possibly a girlfriend, but like many (me included), she can be insecure. That’s partially due to being dumped by her fiance five years ago. Yes, she’s had time to move on, but I’d be insecure too…especially given the reason he broke off the engagement. She never told her mom the real reason for the broken engagement, so she feels like a failure and disappointment to her mom. So, when that old fiance shows up in town, her mom wants her to make up with him and get married. Yeah, those things would make me feel awful! Don’t worry. Things do get better!

The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of exciting, suspenseful moments. Like I said, the suspect pool is large, so you might change your mind a time or two. There are plenty of clues to lead you to the right conclusion. And speaking of conclusions, Leila’s ex-fiance problem comes to a good conclusion, and Heather gets a happily ever after too.

I highly recommend Syrup to No Good! I think cozy mystery readers will love it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“God broke his maple candy molds when he made me."

Syrup to No Good was an amazing follow up to A Doomful of Sugar! Six months have passed since Leila’s father’s murder and now her attention is completely focused on her bridezilla bff’s wedding...and then the bodies start dropping. Through in sone relationship drama of her own, mix and you’re treated to a story as sweet as the maple candy Leila makes! Good job!

Definitely another cozy mystery series I will add to my list of must-reads! This book was perfect for fall (even though it's set in the spring...) because it was cozy, well paced and I loved the characters. The setting did not hurt either and I can't wait to read more. This made me want to dive into a plate of Lebanese food while I caught the killer! Can't wait for more!

Syrup to No Good comes out next week on October 31, 2023 and you can purchase HERE.

The sound of excited laughter was all around as I went back and forth between tables in the café, offering up extra syrup for pan-cakes. The syrup was a beautiful sight to behold as it slowly dripped down the crispy edges of the cakes and onto the plate below, causing my mouth to water.

My father, who had been one of the best maple syrup makers in the entire state of Vermont, always said that you could tell good syrup by its density. "The thicker, the better, habibi," he'd told me. Habibi meant "my love" in Arabic.

Syrup to No Good is the second of the Maple Syrup Mysteries series and a great addition. Leila Khoury is the owner of Sappy Endings Farm, left to her by her father. Her mom, Selma, runs the cafe and her boyfriend Noah is in charge of working the farm. It is Spring and things have slowed down. The wedding of her best friend Heather is coming up and Leila is hosting a bridal shower. The occasion is marred by a murder that has to be solved before Heather's wedding can take place. Leila and Heather have a short time to find the killer. There are many people who might want to kill the victim. Time is running out and before it is over, there is another murder, and someone is after Leila. This is a great mystery to solve with likable, realistic characters, and a lovely setting. But be forewarned the food sounds so yummy and you might get hungry.
To complicate things, Leila's old fiancé is in town wanting to get back together. Great for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.

Set on a maple syrup farm in Vermont, the main character is getting ready to wrap up the season and is preparing for her best friend's wedding.
We get our first body very quickly at the bridal shower and the timer is set to find the killer or the upcoming wedding will be canceled.
This was a great cozy and I’m looking forward to making one of the recipes

Leila Khoury was owner of Sappy Endings Farm in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, after her father was murdered six months prior, and she and her volatile mother worked together, making all the delicious goodies the farm was known for. Leila's mum was an excellent cook, well known by the locals, while Leila couldn't cook to save herself. The bridal shower she'd organised for her best friend Heather was set for success, and the guests were happy with the afternoon's festivities, apart from Heather's aunt Monica, who was the only fly in the ointment with her sharp, sarcastic tongue wounding many of the guests. But it was a shock to Leila when she discovered Monica's dead body in the car park after the event.

As Leila and Heather investigated the circumstances of the killing, against the Detective's advice, they found many suspects. All Heather wanted was to find the killer so her wedding could go ahead. But it was looking like that wouldn't happen. When Leila started receiving threats - you'd think she'd back off - but no, it made her even more determined. Would they find the killer before it was too late?

Syrup to No Good is the 2nd in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns and the first I've read. It was entertaining, intriguing and frustrating, with Leila persisting in putting her life at risk. I liked the character of the cat, named Toast, showing on the cover. She was a feisty little thing, but loving and loyal. Syrup to No Good was an enjoyable read which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

We return to the Sappy Endings Maple Farm where Leia is finding her way after inheriting it after her father's death. Leila is in a happy relationship with Noah the sexy single father who works alongside her at the farm, and her best friend is weeks away from a fairy tale wedding.
At Heather's bridal shower, her step-aunt Monica is found murdered, and when I saw there was no end to the about of suspects I was not joking. I'm not sure anyone this woman ever met liked her. When Heather's parents decide to postpone the wedding until the murderer is caught, Heather enlists Leila's help. After all, she did solve her father's murder in the last book, so she probably knows what she's doing...Not only is Leilas solving a murder but her slimy ex is back in town and her mother is determined to get them back together. eww. Noah is definitely the best choice.

I love the characters, I love the plot, and I super love Toast, while we didn't see as much of him as I would have liked, he did steal all the scenes he was in.. Leila does what she does best and questions everyone until she solves the crime. Even though working the case put her in danger multiple times. This book sucked me in from the beginning and I was glued to the pages reading it in one sitting.

The recipes in the back all sound super delicious, and I am determined to make one!
I can't wait to see what's in store for Leila next, and I'm absolutely going to go and read this author's backlist.

Leila's settled into her family's maple syrup farm and she's getting better at solving murders! Her BFF Heather is shocked when her aunt is murdered after her bridal shower and she asks Leila to help identify the villain. Classic cozy stuff to be sure. Leila, her pals, her family and her cat Toast are all well drawn and the plot zips along. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. And- food!

Leila's best friends rich aunt dies, messing with harvest season, her nieces wedding plans and upheaving the small towns speculations about who could have hated the gloating , thorny lady enough to end her.
I absolutely loved the recipes, but the book itself was mid range and still not enough cat content for my liking.

Leila Khoury, the new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, has her hands full trying to run the maple farm in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and plan her best friend Heather’s wedding. Things seem to be going well until Leila finds Heather’s obnoxious Aunt Monica dead in her car. The wedding will have to be postponed until the crime can be solved. Heather asks for Leila’s help doing just that so the wedding can go on as planned, and she agrees, even though she isn’t part of law enforcement. As if that’s not enough, Leila’s ex shows up wanting a reconciliation, even though they’ve been apart for years. Leila’s mother is all for it, but Leila has a new boyfriend and has no interest in getting back together.

The victim had many enemies so there are numerous suspects and surprises that pop up as Leila investigates the murder. Can she succeed where local law enforcement has failed, and do so without endangering her own life?

Recipes are included.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Syrup to No Good, the second book in Catherine Bruns’s Maple Syrup Mysteries, is a delight to read. Set in a maple tree farm in a quaint Vermont town, it has all the heartwarming feels – and all the suspense – of the best of cozy mysteries. This is a series that is fast becoming a favorite.

Still reeling from her father’s murder, Leila Khoury is busy running Sappy Endings Maple farm and managing its café. Add to that planning a bridal shower for her best friend, Heather, and she has her hands full. The presence of Heather’s obnoxious Aunt Monica at the shower puts a damper on the festive event. Things take a dramatic turn for the worse when Leila discovers Monica dead in her car. The problems don’t end there, however. Heather is given an ultimatum by the uncle who paid for the wedding – the wedding won’t go forward until the killer is caught. To help Heather, Leila races against time to solve the mystery.

Although this is a murder mystery, the book is infused with warmth. Leila is practical and inquisitive and intensely loyal to her friend. Her relationship with Noah (who also works at Sappy Endings) is growing but is threatened when Leila’s ex reappears, and it is clear that Leila’s mother wants her to give him a second chance. The mystery itself is layered. Suspects both at the bridal shower and outside emerge, with a variety of motives. Aunt Monica, it seems, was well-disliked. There are enough twists and turns to keep you wondering, but the reveal is both logical and intriguing.

Syrup to No Good is a delight to read. At over 300 pages, this story flies by. It is so entertaining that you hardly notice the passage of time. The characters are loveable, the maple tree farm charming, and the writing is top-notch. It probably can be read as a standalone, but to get the full benefit, you will want to read the first book in the series, Doomful of Sugar as well.

Note: I received an ARC of Syrup to No Good from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. The above is my honest review.

Catherine Bruns has a way with words that are captivating!

In Syrup to No Good, we find Leila Khoury as the new owner of Sappy Endings Farm. The beautiful setting of Vermont makes me want to visit this fictional location. Too bad it's not real.

There are enough twists and turns in this novel to keep you guessing until the very end. What a story!

Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!

This is the second book in the maple syrup series. Leila runs her family's maple syrup farm after the recent death of her father. Sher is helping her best friend, Heather get ready for her wedding. When Heather's Aunt Monica is murdered at the end of Heather's bridal shower, the big day is put in jeopardy. Heather asks Leila to help her investigate. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy Leila and Heather's friendship. The addition of Leila's ex showing up made for a nice side story. The mystery was good, and I think this is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the “Maple Syrup Mystery” series, in which we are reintroduced to Leila Khoury who has now taken over Sappy Endings Farm, after the tragic murder of her father in book one.

Leila’s best friend, Heather, is getting married and Leila is helping out with the bridal shower and trying to keep her friend calm. Heather’s wealthy aunt turns up and she is really, really obnoxious and annoyed most of the guests. During the bridal shower the aunt receives a phone call and has a shouting match with whoever is on the other end of the line. After the call she storms out of the function. Later on she is found dead in the car park with a knife in her back. Heather is heartbroken as her aunt was funding the wedding, now she is dead the wedding is now at risk of being canceled. Heather asks Leila to help her find her aunt’s killer so the wedding can go ahead as planned.

Unfortunately there is a long list of people who have reason to want the aunt dead. Leila and Heather start asking questions and it soon appears that someone is worried how much Leila has found out and want her silence. To add to the problem Leila’s ex is in town and Leila’s mother wants them to get back together.

I really enjoyed the story, the plot was good and had many twists and turns. I kept suspecting first this person, then that one, but each one came up with an alibi that took them off the hook. All in all it was a good cosy mystery with all the boxes ticked - charming setting, likeable main characters, intriguing mystery, an adorable cat, and delicious recipes - in this case Lebanese.

Syrup to No Good is the second title in Catherine Bruns' Maple Syrup Mysteries cozy mystery series, and I've been looking forward to reading it ever since finishing the first title, A Doomful of Sugar. Surprisingly, that one was actually my first experience with a novel by this author, and I was blown away by just how much I ended up enjoying it. She's definitely an author I now lookout for within this genre, and I had high expectations going into this one.

Pretty much the idyllic autumn read, Syrup to No Good is set in Vermont, on the Sappy Blessings maple syrup farm where readers once again join Leila Khoury on a bit of wild adventure. While she's finally starting to find her feet as the recently named owner of her family's beloved maple syrup farm, she's bitten off a bit more than she can chew with trying to help her best friend Heather plan the wedding of her dreams. Everything comes to a head at the bridal shower where Heather's meddling and obnoxious aunt Monica seems to be one more headache Leila has to try and work her way through. Only she had no idea how much this is going to prove to be true when Monica shows up dead in the parking lot at the shower. It will take everything Leila's got to bring a killer to justice, but can she do so before the killer turns her evil ways towards her instead?

A wonderful follow up in the series, and a story I had a hard time wanting to put down. This one truly had a little bit of everything, and while the murder is well plotted and paced and kept me guessing, readers are also treated to more of the bubbling relationship beginnings between Leila and her new man Noah, and also are treated to more of Leila's backstory between her backstabbing ex and her somewhat volatile relationship with her mother.

The characters are three dimensional and come to life on the page, the setting is perfect for a spooky murder mystery, and the plot is engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. This was truly everything I was hoping for, and is another wonderful addition to the cozy mystery genre.

The recipes are also something different from the norm included in a cozy mystery as they're all Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Nothing stood out to me as something I'd want to try preparing, but I enjoyed the originality, and I'm sure there's readers that will love giving these recipes a try.

Final Rating: 5/5.

I truly adored this, and can't possibly recommend this one enough. I hope there will be many more titles to come in this series in the future.

Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

3.5 stars

Set in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, Leila Khoury owner of Sappy Endings Farm, also runs her family cafe called Sappy Hour Café alongside her mother and her boyfriend Noah Rivers..

Leila’s best friend Heather Turcot, who works as a hairdresser is set to get married in two weeks and has made Leila the maid of honor.

At Heather’s bridal shower, however, Heather’s uncle Grant’s wife, Monica Butterfield is rude to Heather and Heather’s guests.

Soon after the event is over, one of the servers discovers a Gucci bag 💼 belonging to Monica. Leila finds a Post-it Note in Monica’s bag that reads, “End it now or I’ll tell him everything. Was Monica having an affair? Was she being blackmailed? Why did she leave her phone behind as well?

When Leila heads out to the parking lot to look for Monica, she finds her slumped in her car with her face pressed into the driver’s wheel. Apparently, she’d been stabbed. Who stabbed her and why?

Immediately, Detective Ryan Barnes from the Sugar Ridge Police Department is called to the crime scene.

When Heather learns her wedding will be on hold until Monica’s killer is found, she enlists her friend Leila’s help in finding the killer.

A few days later, an employee of Monica’s turns up dead. It looks like he was attacked with a knife similar to the one that killed Monica. Are the murders related?

Would recommend this culinary mystery. Included are recipes such as Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Candied Pecans, Maamoul Cookies, Kibbi, and so on.

Thank you to Catherine Bruns, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the arc of this book.

This is the second book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. I found it well-written. The characters are developing nicely for those that enjoy getting to know the recurring ones.

Our story deals with the running of the maple farm, her BFF’s upcoming wedding, and a murder. Will this cause the couple to postpone or cancel the wedding?

The murder occurs at the bridal shower venue. As we learn about the victim, we see how there can be so many suspects. I enjoyed the twists, turns, a recipes provided at the end of the book.

I can’t wait for the next one in the series. I was given an advanced e-copy via Netgalley and these are my own opinions.

I adored this cozy mystery! The group of characters were fantastic, and I loved the setting. I enjoyed the plot twists and the mystery. It was well paced and well written!