My first read from this author and it won't be the last. Fun first in a series. Excited to see where this series goes.

Magic pies on an island in Michigan, what could be better?
Now, i may be biased because I live in the Midwest and I’ve visited Mackinac Island and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula before, but this novel felt so immersive to me. I felt like I was sitting at a table in this diner drinking coffee and eating a piece of pie, or taking a bowl of chowder outside to watch the boats on the lake. The fictional diner, The Lucky Pie Diner, in this book, really embodies the unique unassuming atmosphere of the diners and cafes I’ve been to in the Upper Peninsula. It may not be the most glamorous place you’ve ever seen, but the food is going to be really tasty. I think that brings a lot of authenticity to this book.
Honestly not every cozy mystery with a cute town grabs my fancy, a lot of times the town is 2-dimensional or the locals are *too* sweet/cute. The fictional island of Split Pine is a memorable one. Its local characters are quirky and well fleshed out. It kind of feels like a Gilmore girls town except in Michigan so its citizens are a bit more rugged and salt of the earth.
Este is a great amateur sleuth & main character. She’s carrying on her family’s traditions and she gets great pride out of her business. She’s also annoyed by a lot of people and tells everyone about it , which was very relatable and funny. She’s spunky and gosh darn it she’s got heart lol.

I hope there’s more books in this series coming! I would definitely return to Split Pine for another mystery, and I hope we see more of that intriguing sheriff. The magic lucky pies were really a fun twist, because they don’t magically find the murderer or serve any lazy plot device. Instead the lucky pies are like the icing on top of a cinnamon bun or a slice of cherry pie after a good meal - wonderful, but subtle enough to not overpower the main attraction.

Cheers to Gretchen Rue on a wonderful mystery, may we all find that our next slice of pie is lucky

For my money, an idyllic island community that practically shuts down at the end of tourist season every October until spring rolls around sounds like a fine, quiet place to live—assuming the murder rate isn't too high. Unfortunately, that's exactly the problem in A Pie to Die For.

In Gretchen Rue's first in a series, Lucky Pie Diner proprietor Este March is looking forward to serving up the last of the tourists before a sleepy winter takes hold of Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. It's been a busy season with folks coming from all over to sample her restaurant's magical pies (their secret recipe's said to offer up bits of luck to certain diners). Unfortunately, after the island's new, rotten produce supplier, Jeff, is found dead, there's zero chance of a quiet off-season. And when police discover Este had a spat with the deceased shortly before his demise, well, she might need some luck of her own.

So, if Split Pine isn't the best place to live, it's at least a great place to read about. In the early chapters, Rue's rich descriptions—something she excels at throughout the book—reveals a tight locale where houses are clustered together and neighbors know everything about everyone. Her use of a quaint community on the verge of shutting down provides a unique backdrop that, as the eventual mystery unfolds, begins to feel somewhat claustrophobic.

It's a danger that, in another book, would tip A Pie to Die For into the light thriller category. However, Rue's quick with jokes that are actually funny, and the addition of hints of magic is enough to keep everything feeling light. It also helps that Este herself is a grounded sleuth, thrust into an investigation because of bad luck more than anything. While she's not prone to totally outlandish sleuthing, she keeps things lively with a few risks. And of course, a cozy detective has to make the handsome sheriff worry every now and again. She's also just plain likable, and this is the kind of cozy where I found myself equally invested in her personal life—Rue has effective subplots involving running the diner and a land development disagreement—as the mystery itself.

But that's not to suggest the mystery isn't solid. It is. As Este tangles with other denizens, Rue unfurls an abundance of questions with each new twist and I found myself consistently changing what I thought the solution would be. All the clues are there, but the murderer doesn't make it easy for Este and, in turn, Rue doesn't make it easy for us readers either.

I hope A Pie to Die For marks the first book in a long, long series, because it's one of the best new cozies of the year. I might not want to live on Split Pine Island, but I'd sure like to visit again.

While I do my best to ensure my reviews are spoiler-free, I may inadvertently reveal information that could help you connect plot points. So, here’s my TL;DR spoiler-free review: A cute cozy mystery set on an island with touches of romance and magic.

My latest cozy read is my first venture into Gretchen Rue’s storytelling, “A Pie to Die For.” This book marks the beginning of her new series—a blend of cozy mystery, a touch of romance, and a dash of magic. Este March runs the family-owned Lucky Pie Diner, situated on Split Pine Island, a quaint island town in Northern Michigan. The island buzzes with activity during the tourist-packed summer season but is essentially isolated from the rest of civilization through the winter.

Each pie Este bakes holds something special. But, notably, two “lucky pies” are baked daily, promising unparalleled fortune to those who eat them. Everyone is on the hunt for these lucky pies, yet only Este knows which ones carry the magic. She honors a family tradition by keeping it a secret, although she’s been known to steer someone she feels could use a bit of luck towards one of these extraordinary pies. Conversely, there are those she believes should never receive a special pie, as they are simply not deserving.

The mystery in “A Pie to Die For” revolves around a valuable piece of property Este owns, a determined real estate developer who wants to seize it, and a new, unreliable produce man who fails to deliver and then turns up dead.

When all signs point to Este as the person of interest, she finds herself in a predicament. Determined to clear her name, she hasn’t been formally charged or implicated in the crime. Nonetheless, in a small seaside community, rumors spread quickly, and Este keeps stumbling upon clues.

I absolutely love this book. There’s something about cozy mysteries that just resonates with me. The premise of “A Pie to Die For” is particularly charming, and I found it to be a swift, enjoyable read. I had my suspicions about the real culprit and spotted several red herrings, but I didn’t piece everything together until the very end, which is always a satisfying conclusion. Gretchen Rue has crafted a solid four-star book. I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work in the future and continuing with the rest of the series.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Gretchen Rue, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

I enjoyed this pie shop mystery. It's neat to read a mystery set in Michigan it doesn't seem like we get that enough cozy mysteries set in Michigan. And while it wasn't a favorite. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

This was such a cute cozy mystery. I enjoyed the setting of the island, Split Pine. A lot of the characters were likable, especially the MC, Este. This book kept me guessing until the end! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

Well, Este sure got her wires crossed with her bumbling investigation. But what was a woman to do when they tried to frame her? She couldn’t stay away no matter how it was the right thing to do. Este was stubborn and determined to solve the murder mystery, but the question is raised, at whose demised? It was a fun, intriguing, and captivating puzzler.

I have only read the books penned under Gretchen Rue. I adore them so I may have to branch out. I love the Witches' Brew Mystery Series, so I was excited to see a new cozy series from the author. The setting and characters bring so much to the story. I love Este and her drive; she makes for a strong protagonist. The slight "paranormal" or luck aspect was just the right amount, made the story just different enough from the typical bakeshop/culinary cozy.

I am looking forward to more in both series.

Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for an advanced digital copy of this book.

I enjoyed this debut cozy mystery. The remote island in northern Michigan is a great setting for a mystery. The characters are interesting and entertaining. As with most debut we are just getting to know the characters so I would like to see some more character development in future books. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

Such a great start to a new cozy series. I am loving the characters and am excited for the next installment.

I thought that this was a good cozy mystery series debut! I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds interesting.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Book Review: A Pie to Die For: A Cozy Mystery Gem

⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars

Gretchen Rue serves up a delicious series debut with A Pie to Die For, whisking readers away to the quaint town of Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. The end of the tourist season takes a dark turn when a murder near the Lucky Pie Diner shakes up the sleepy community.

Meet Este March, the spunky owner of Lucky Pie Diner, where pies are not just treats but magical gateways to luck. When the unlikable vendor Jeff meets a grim fate, suspicions fall on Este, prompting her to roll up her sleeves and dive into her own investigation. What unfolds is a recipe for suspense, with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end.

The island setting adds a charming backdrop to the story, immersing readers in a world of pie baking and local secrets. While Rue's writing is engaging and well-paced, I found myself craving a bit more depth in the mystery department amidst all the mouth-watering pie descriptions.

Este shines as a protagonist, bringing spunk and determination to her sleuthing adventures. Surrounding her are a lovable cast of characters, including a potential love interest, a mischievous cat, and a heartwarming Gramps that add depth to the narrative.

The touch of magic in the lucky pies adds an extra sprinkle of intrigue, but could have been explored further to enrich the storyline. Balancing the focus between pie perfection and mystery unraveling could have made for an even tastier read.

In a nutshell, A Pie to Die For serves up a delightful blend of cozy mystery elements, wrapped in a crust of small-town charm and sprinkled with enticing bonus recipes at the end. For fans of light-hearted mysteries with a side of sweetness, this book promises a satisfying literary treat.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This is this first book in a new cozy mystery series. Este March runs the Lucky Pie Diner on Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. The pies have a little extra luck baked into them, an ability Este inherited from her mother and grandmother.

A Pie to Die For is delightfully warm and cozy with just enough of the murder mystery added in to make it interesting. I loved the setting of this book, and Este is a likable character.I can't wait to see where this series takes her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What I liked:
🥧Split Pine Island, Michigan setting
1. Reminded me a lot of Mackinaw Island
2. I loved how it’s set at the beginning of an off season.
3. Great potential for “locked room” style mystery
🥧All the delicious food descriptions. This book will make you hungry.
🥧The victim. You start the book immediately not liking him. Makes it easy to see the potential for many suspects.

What I wanted more of:
🥧The good luck magical pies. I hope we learn more about these with future books.

Overall I enjoyed this start to a new series. It contains all my favorite parts of a cozy mystery; a great sense of place, quirky characters, food and a little murder.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library.
I really enjoyed this murder mystery. The characters were fun and interesting and I loved guessing who did it. Highly recommend for a good fast weekend read.

Este is the owner of Lucky Pie Diner on Split Pine Island, Michigan. It is a family-owned business known for its magical pies. The island is closed to tourists in the winter time so Este is anticipating her last shipment of goods before season ends. The new produce vendor is unlikeable and price gouging the residents. Not a surprise when he turns up dead. I loved the setting, the characters and the magical pies! All the talk of pie baking, is inspiring me to make one. The mystery wasn’t the strongest but it was still good. I’ll be on the lookout for book 2. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I recommend checking this one out.

A Pie to Die For: A Lucky Pie Mystery
By Gretchen Rue
Crooked Lane Books
February 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

When November descends on Northern Michigan’s Split Pine Island, the town shuts down as tourists flee until the next spring and locals brace themselves for the freezing winter and possible power outages. Lucky Pie Diner owner Este March is bracing for their busiest day as the tourist season closes while also awaiting the last day of produce supplies to be shipped to their isolated island. She has the unexpected surprise of a new delivery man who not only fails to bring the promised strawberries, what produce he does have he sells at nearly twice their previous costs. Este doesn’t have much of a choice she wants to stay in business, especially since she and her maternal relatives are gifted with the ability to selectively add a magical element of luck into certain pies they bake for those they deem needs it.

Este wasn’t the only one to have been unhappy with Jeff Kelly’s business practices, but when he is found on his boat dead while clutching a Lucky Pie Diner invoice she becomes the primary suspect. It doesn’t help when the owner of a local hotel not only threatens to buy out some of her family property, his daughter – who charmingly used to call Este “Little Miss Grease Trap” all through high school - blatantly accuses Este of being a murderer. Sheriff Tom Cunningham, her best friend’s brother and someone who could definitely mean more to Este in the future, continues to prod her on the truth about her pies and her magical talents. Este loves her island town where the tradition is to elect a dog for a mayor and its 500 residents are always in each other’s business, so to keep the Lucky Pie Diner running and clear her reputation she will have to track down Jeff Kelly’s enemies and find herself a killer. If only the luck she bakes into the pies could work on herself!

This first in the series is definitely a mystery, but it is even more a literary novel devoted to the love of cooking and feeding others. While Este and her family have a legacy of baking lucky pies (although usually just one a day), there is very little actual depiction of how the magic plays out. And while it’s easy to see why the luck the consumers receive could be simply written off as coincidental, the deliciousness and care baked into each pie is undeniable. This novel rivals those of Diane Mott Davidson in overwhelming readers’ senses with the tantalizing details of every ingredient being lovingly incorporated into the pies and diner meals. I found myself re-reading passages of these scenes, reveling in the writing that is as detailed as a recipe but with the added ingredient of descriptions that awaken the imagination. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the woman who creates these pies, and Este quickly emerges as a very likable, fun, and engaging lead character. Foodies will adore this novel that of course includes recipes in the end, and mystery fans will fall in love with Split Pine Island and its engaging baking heroine.

My thoughts …

The story is a solid cozy mystery story with our expected cast of characters - our amateur sleuth, our unlikeable murder victim, a potential love interest, and more.

Este March is our amateur sleuth, and she is carrying on the family tradition of baking pies for the locals and tourists alike. Some of her pies are “lucky,” and everyone wants a slice. She enjoys spending her time baking, with her best friend, and with Grampy (her grandpa).

Since it is the last day of tourist season and the island shuts down to outsiders until after winter, local businesses are receiving their last big orders to get them through the next four months or so. Since Este owns a diner, that means her last big order is going to be produce that she can freeze and use during those winter months. But when the produce guy shows, it’s not Denny, the one Este has worked with for years. The new guy brings Este two problems: (1) he has shorted her order and (2) he is charging almost double what Denny would charge. Este has words with him about why this is a problem, and these words seem to be enough to throw suspicion on her when his body is found on his boat clutching her signed invoice.

Tom Cunningham is the sheriff of Split Pine Island, and his job of solving this murder will not be easy because he has two problems: (1) it’s clear a local is a murderer and (2) Este is investigating, too, and the more she pokes around, the more dangerous it becomes for her. And Tom doesn’t want to have to solve two murders.

Placing the story on an island as the tourist season has ended was a clever choice because it makes it clear to the reader - and the sheriff - that the murderer will be someone on the island. This gives it an Agatha Christie “feel” to the story because she also liked to isolate her characters just as a murder was to take place.

As a cozy mystery, this ticks all the boxes that are expected - a murder, an amateur sleuth who finds themselves in danger, a solving of the crime, a reminder from the sheriff to keep to what they know best. In this case, it’s baking for Este.

This book is going to appeal to those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a food theme, most especially readers who enjoy Joanne Fluke and Sophie Kelly.

A Pie to Die For is the debut of the Lucky Pie Mystery series set on Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan and featuring baker and pie shop owner, Este March. It's late Fall which means that the island will close up shop to tourists, the ferry stops running from the mainland and only the locals will be left on the island during the winter months.

Este is looking forward to receiving the produce order from Evergreen Produce that will carry her through the winter. However, a chance encounter at the General Store leads Este to meet Jeff Kelly the new produce distributor. Este discovers Jeff arguing with proprietor Bruno, and she is not impressed with the brash, obnoxious man. When he shows up later that afternoon at the backdoor of the Lucky Pie Diner, Este's even more annoyed to discover that not only is 1/2 of her order missing but the prices have doubled.

The next morning Este as she arrives at the diner she finds Sheriff Tom Cunningham waiting on her porch. Jeff Kelly had made it back to his boat, but was not going to be leaving the island alive. Fingers begin pointing at Este as the killer since she was overheard arguing with the man the day before, but Este knows that she's not guilty so she sets out to clear her name and save the family business.

While the mystery had potential, the story itself fell a little flat. Things just didn't flow or make much sense. Este spends little to no time with her Grampy who ran the diner before her and lives in the house next to her cottage. There is constant mention of the lucky pies and their magical powers but we don't ever learn how they help anyone who receives them. A little too much detail on the cooking and recipes and the ending just seemed thrown together and abrupt. However, I will give the series a second try in hopes that the author settles in with her characters.

I received an advanced copy of A Pie to Die For from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Dollycas's Thoughts

In this series debut, we meet Este March who runs the Lucky Pie Diner, a family-owned restaurant in Split Pine Island in Northern Michigan. Este has inherited a special way to add some magic to some of her delicious pies. The person who receives a "special" pie could have their hopes and dreams fulfilled.

We arrive just before the remote island is closing down for the winter months. You have to be a permanent resident of the island to stay there after the 1st of November. Este had placed a large order for produce because deliveries will be few and far between until the island reopens. But the new produce vendor didn't bring everything she needed and the prices were much more than she usually pays. She was upset with the man and voiced her displeasure. Later the man is found dead on his boat and the local sheriff, Tom Cunningham, has decided Este is his prime suspect.

Este knows others who met with the man before his death who were just as angry as she was so she decides to start a little investigation of her own. The problem is her suspects are her friends and neighbors. Could one of them really be the killer? She tries to be careful knowing if someone killed once they could do it again. She needs some luck to catch the killer before the killer catches her.

____

I loved the setting for this story. A remote island that is a tourist stop from spring through fall, but only residents are allowed during the winter. The residents need to stock up on everything by Halloween for the freezing cold months ahead when deliveries are rare. Halloween is a big holiday there because it signifies more than ghosts and ghouls and trick or treating. As long as I had food including Este's pies, plenty of books, a cozy chair in front of the fireplace, my husband, and my dog I would be just fine until Spring.

Este is a novice amateur sleuth with a curious nature and she does make some bad decisions but she is a heck of a baker. Este looks in on her grandfather daily as he has retired from the diner. She works side by side with Seamus, who is an incredible chef.  Her friend Kitty is the manager and part owner of her brother Tom's pub. She also used to be married to Seamus and now has a crush on Bruno, the owner of the grocery store. Rosie Lewicki is Este's other full-time employee. She was born and raised on the island and has only left once to go to Chicago. Marcel is her part-time server and Patty is the part-time cook. They usually handle the evening shift. Kitty's brother Tom not only owns the pub, he is also the sheriff on the island.  We meet several other island residents too. With the large cast that was introduced in this book, we didn't get a lot of depth on any of them. They all have plenty of room to grow as the series continues.

The mystery was pretty straightforward. Este did find some things the sheriff had not known about but she took some major risks following clues.  She was fortunate to have a little luck of her own. I had figured out most of the mystery before Este, the showdown tied up all the loose ends. I appreciated the author's descriptive writing style as she clearly set each scene. It was easy to imagine traveling around with Este all over the island.

Este does describe in detail everything she is making or baking much like Ellie Alexander's Jules in her Bakeshop Mysteries which means you will surely be craving pies, both sweet and savory as you read this story. You may want to plan ahead.

With just a hint of magic, characters with room to grow, a unique setting, an interesting mystery, and pie, lots of pie, A Pie To Die For was a delicious debut for this series. I am looking forward to reading the next Lucky Pie Mystery.