Bailey King moved from New York to Harvest, Ohio to help her Amish grandmother run the family candy shop after her grandfather passed away. Since then, she's gained friends both Amish and Englisch, and not only is the candy shop thriving, there's enough to open a candy factory as well, which Bailey hopes to make a success. She's also recently engaged to Aiden Brody, the county sheriff, which makes all things perfect for her.

At least until her parents arrive for Christmas. Disappointed that she chose culinary school over college; she thinks they're unhappy with her. Especially since her mother Susan is a perfectionist and expects everyone and everything to be on schedule. But with Bailey's life, it's nearly impossible to do so.

At this time of the year, town organizer Margot Rawlings also expects Bailey's help in her life-sized game of Candy Land for locals and tourists alike. How can she spread herself any thinner? Don't ask. At the factory, a young employee is killed, and Bailey is determined to find out who killed the person and why. Then there's the issue that her mother has done something behind her back that makes Bailey even more frustrated (if possible), and could lead to even more tension between the family...

This is the ninth book in the series and I have read and loved them all. There is always something going on that keeps you interested throughout. Not to mention (but I will) that Juliet, Aiden's mother, keeps foisting her pet pig on Bailey at every opportunity. At least Bailey's used to it, right? Also, there are break-ins around town that has Bailey worrying about her grandmother being alone. So much going on that I won't even get into the details, which are plentiful.

There are clues throughout that lead to what is happening, but not clearly the why. We are given that toward the end, and that is fine with me, as I enjoyed reading the story very much and was in no hurry to finish. The characters are believable and full of personality, even Jethro the pig. We are given a bit of insight into Bailey's life with her parents, whom have been somewhat secondary characters and are in the story much more this time around.

In the end, when the killer is revealed and it all begins to come together, the climax is interesting and at least I was right in one area, which pleased me. I loved how everything turned out and felt that once again, Ms. Flower has given us a pleasant way to spend a day or two journeying back to Harvest-- especially at Christmas! Highly recommended.

pet-pig, amateur-sleuth, Amish-community, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, small-business, small-town, family, family-business, family-dynamics, friendship, Ohio, candy-shop, cozy-mystery, robbery, snow-season, unpleasant-co-worker, pet-cat, pet-bunny, family-drama, unpleasant-friend, unpleasant-in-laws, murder, thefts, situational-humor, recipes*****

Chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend Aiden Brody are important to their town. Neither was raised as Amish, but Bailey lives near her Amish grandmother in town and operates the candy factory which employs only locals. The current set of disasters include an unheard of rash of thefts, an employee falling off the roof in suspicious circumstances, Bailey's travel mad parents coming for a few days, and a local force of nature taking over elaborate plans for their wedding. It's all a mad set of circumstances and emotions, but things are never boring when the Celebrity Pet Pig is around! Nice easy, fun investigation with lots of memorable characters to fill a quiet afternoon.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Pub Date Oct 22, 2024 #AmishCandyShopMysteries #GingerbreadDanger #NetGalley

Another good cozy mystery set in Amish country. Plus lots of scenes with everybody’s favorite pig. Good series and author, and would recommend.