In the Blink of a Pie is the third installment in Catherine Bruns' wonderful Maple Syrup Mysteries series, and this series overall has become a new favorite of mine. I couldn't wait to dive into this one after loving the first two books in the series, and the synopsis sounded both intriguing and terrifying.

It was definitely a worthy addition to the series, and I continue to find Leila a relatable character. I enjoyed the fact that this one dives into more of her complicated relationship with her mother, and what her past entailed during her time in Florida. The relationship progression between herself and Noah seemed natural and realistic, and the struggles they go through during this story felt like something that could easily happen to anyone else facing that particular situation. The setting was also a continued delight, and I love how atmospheric and cozy this series is a whole.

The only thing that kept this one from being another five star read for me was the fact that the I thought the killer was incredibly obvious by about a third of the way into the story, and I was left slightly disappointed when almost everything was revealed to be exactly what I was expecting.

Overall, I still loved the story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, but I think I preferred the first two titles to this one personally.

Final Rating: 4/5.



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.

I received a free copy of, In the Blink of a Pie, by Catherine Bruns, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in The Maple Syrup Mystery series. Leila is a manager of a farm in Vermont, its Thanksgiving, a wonderful holiday, and Leila is having a pie eating contest. When someone is poisoned by a pie, all is not well. This was a bewitching mystery.

I loved this book! Now, I have to admit that it was ridiculously predictable. I could’ve told you just about everything that was going to happen in the second half by the time I got halfway through, but I still enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed this whole series so far, and I can’t wait for the next one!

I enjoy books by this author and this series. I thought there were a number of clues right from the beginning that the author hit you upside the head with; they were so obvious. Unfortunately because of that I figured out who it was early on. Ohter than that, the story was enjoyable. The characters are well written so when the interact it is believeable. I found myself rooting for Leila during the bad times in the book. I will be looking for the next one although I hope the clues are quite so obvious.

This was my first time reading The Maple Syrup Mysteries and I cannot wait to read the first two now! After a neighbor finds themselves dead after sampling Leila’s pumpkin pie. Leila tries to save her business while many suspects are investigated. I was so happy with the ending.

Cozy mystery that also includes recipes for the adventurer among us. A handful of suspects with one definitely sticking out, but it’s still a fun read.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I had not read this series but after the first chapter decided to go back and read the first two because I could tell I was going to like the series. While i am sure you could read the book as a stand alone, I am glad inwent back so I could savor the series. In this addition, we find Leila hosting a pie eating contest at her family's Sappy Endings Maple Syrup farm. Things do not go as planned when a guest dies tasting one of the pies. It is a race to find who did it so Leila can save her farms reputation and her own life. Robust characters and a good mystery with a lot of heart. I cannot wait for the next book!

I enjoyed the first two books in this series. In this one, the killer feels really obvious from maybe halfway through. So that's a bummer. An enjoyable read, because I was hoping the ending would surprise me--but it didn't.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

I would highly recommend this series and this book . It starts with a pie competition and a poisoning. But was that the right victim, was the pie meant for someone else.

This author knows how to tell a story that encapsulates every emotion from beginning to end. With a well-written whodunit and visually descriptive narrative, I was immersed in all aspects with its comfortable tone making it easy to follow along with what the author intended. The mystery was nicely defined with suspects, clues, and red herrings baked in the verbiage to keep me engaged throughout. I enjoyed how the characters played off each other and it was fun watching it all come together as the suspect pool dwindled. The family dynamics added to the suspenseful nature of this finely tuned tale. The pacing was on par with how well this story was being told. Overall, an excellent read.

IN THE BLINK OF A PIE is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this is my favorite! Protagonist Leila Khoury, manager of her family’s maple syrup Sappy Endings Farm, has found her stride and self-confidence. She’s thinking of new ways to bring in new business to the farm and hosting a pie baking contest before Thanksgiving is just the yummy boost they need. Ms. Bruns has crafted an inviting setting with the maple syrup farm, with tidbits of the syrup production to give it authenticity. Her core characters are appealing and well-developed, and I love the direction Leila and her love interest, Noah, are heading in. It adds a heartwarming touch to the overall story. There’s also an underlying emotional depth on mother-daughter relationships as well as Noah’s young daughter’s response of Leila being in her life, which made me invested in the outcome. Family is definitely a strong theme throughout the book!

With the pie baking contest bringing visitors galore to the farm, the last thing Leila needs is for one of her neighbors to cause a scene and insert herself as one of the judges. Except the neighbor got more than she bargained for when she sampled the pumpkin pie…she ingested poison and couldn’t be saved. Not only does the murder cause a disruption to the festivities, but it doesn’t take long for people to avoid Sappy Endings at all costs. With the family business on the line, Lelia takes it upon herself to investigate and find the truth, and soon discovers the victim might not have been the intended victim. Ms. Bruns writes a tightly plotted tale with twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. There are suspects galore and it will take a sharp reader to catch all the clues and put them together for the solution. The heart pounding reveal brings all the threads of the story together in one highly satisfying conclusion!

Be sure to read through to the end of the book for several delicious pie recipes…they all sound utterly decadent!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

This was such a cozy book to read! just in time for fall as well! I loved the first 2 in the series, and the 3rd one didn't disappoint either!

Loved this cozy mystery. Lots of characters that are well developed and enjoyable. The plot had. a great mix of family drama, relationship issues, work problems, and of course a mystery with a few nice twists and turns.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of IN THE BLINK OF A PIE (Book 3 of the Maple Syrup mystery series) by Catherine Bruns in exchange for an honest review. Leila Khoury, owner of Sappy Endings Farm, is hosting a community charity bake-off in the hope of helping out the community and of garnering some good will to see the business through the recent downturn in the economy. However, the plan is thwarted by a poisoned pie submitted by someone who absolutely wanted to harm at least one person and did not care if others died as a result. Though only one person died, a nasty article in the newspaper directs people to blaming the farm for the poisoning. Now, the farm’s scarce business is nearly non-existent. Leila must clear her name in order to save her farm.

I did not read the first two books in the series before starting this one, but I had no trouble following the story or separating the characters. I recommend this book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring farms, orchards, small towns, and fickle communities.

In the Blink of a Pie is the third book in Catherine Bruns’ Maple Syrup Mysteries series. The storyline flows smoothly in this cozy whodunit. The characters are three-dimensional, the well-plotted mystery is intriguing, and there is a perfect mix of mystery, everyday life, and complicated family relationships. There’s no shortage of twists, turns, or red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.

Leila Khoury, her mother, Selma, and younger brother and reporter for the Maple Messenger, Simon, are adjusting to the passing of their father and beloved husband, Victor Khoury. When her father’s will was read, Leila learned that he left the family farm, Sappy Endings, to her, stipulating that she run the business for one year, after which time she could sell the enterprise if she desired. Even though all Leila wanted to do was return to Florida, she honored her father’s final wishes. In addition to the farm filled with maple trees, there’s a café, a gift shop, and the sugar shack where the maple syrup is processed. Leila’s mother provides maple-flavored baked goods for the café, and Noah Rivers, a man Leigh didn’t know or trust, was managing the farm and maple syrup production. Now, Sappy Endings is thriving under the combined management of Leila and Noah, and they are building what they hope will be a lasting relationship, both personal and professional.

In this installment, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Leila is both nervous and looking forward to kicking off the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. Unfortunately, Sappy Ending’s future is immediately in danger when a local Sugar Ridge, Vermont resident, Margaret Middleton, dies after tasting a pumpkin pie dropped off by an unknown contest entrant. Unable to sit and do nothing, Leila dons her sleuthing hat and begins looking into the death on her own.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I liked this book. There were multiple people who might have been the killer of the unlikely victim. I was kept guessing as to who it might be until the very end. Well done.

In the Blink of a Pie is a fantastic addition to this series.
I love everything about the series, but this book really is well done.
Leila Khoury is ready for the holidays, and what screams Fall better than a pie baking contest?
When a resident helps herself to try a piece of pumpkin pie, she finds herself gasping for breath, and Leila knows this won't end well.
Leila fights hard to keep the business going, but unfortunately things with her boyfriend Noah are a bit awkward and she's concerned.
The dynamics of this story are well played out and I enjoyed every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

A Thanksgiving mystery?! Yes, please! In the Blink of a Pie was a great listen that was so heartwarming. I enjoyed it so much!