I enjoy all of Ellery Adams' series as she is so fantastic about drawing characters who are mult-dimensional and putting them in stories that hold the reader's interest beautifully.

Four stars: Another delectable mystery with cozy treats, magic and Greek mythology.

Ella Mae is happy and content back in her pie shop. She may not have all of her gifts anymore, but she can still bake a mean pie, plus she has Hugh back by her side. Life is good, until a visitor shows up in the pie shop with a proposition for Ella Mae. Beatrice Burbank, the president of the elite Camellia Club, wants Ella Mae to create some new recipes for the club and to teach and bake at the group's annual retreat which will be held at Lake Havenwood. Ella Mae accepts, despite Reba's warnings. Then before the event is held, Bea turns up dead in the lake. Leaving Ella Mae wondering who killed her and why?
What I Liked:
*After the thrilling events of the last book, A Breach of Crust takes a step back and utilizes a quieter approach. This time, the story isn't on a global scale, and there aren't dire consequences for magical kind at stake. Instead, it is a simple mystery that has some surprises. Even though this book wasn't quite as exciting as the last, it was still a good solid read.
*The overall mystery was interesting, and I especially liked how it featured a Greek myth. I wasn't familiar with the Greek story, and I liked uncovering it, and seeing it fit into the story. One thing I love about this series is that it utilizes all kinds of legends and mythology.
Have I told you how much I love Reba? I can't get enough of this fierce, sassy, funny, licorice loving, loyal and sex craved old gal. She makes me giggle with her antics. I loved that we got a good heaping dose of Reba in this one.
*I liked the whole story line featuring Opal Gaynor. I was thrilled with her change of heart, and I admired her courage and altruistic sacrifice.
The romance has been a sticking point in the series for me. Thankfully, the romance finally seems to be settled out in this one. I am so pleased to see the way it worked out, and I have my fingers crossed that the romantic drama is done.
*I am a huge fan of the the delicious food in the books. This time around, Ella Mae is working to create gluten free pies and a Key Lime Pie for the lactose intolerant. I love reading the descriptions of all the yummy treats, I only wish I could taste them. Since I can't reach into my book and taste the pies, I can do the next best thing, try making them at home. In this installment, there are more tasty pie recipes. This time you can try to bake: Black Bottom Peanut Butter Pie, Lactose Free Key Lime Pie, Blackberry Icebox Pie and Tomato Pie with a Cheddar Crust. Yum!
*The ending was satisfactory in that it concluded the main mystery. I also appreciated the way things ended up with the romance. I am hopeful that there are still more books in the works.
And The Not So Much:
*I am still not liking the whole mean girl drama that continues with Loralyn. It is getting old. I wish that story line would settle out once and for all. It is getting stale.
*I have been eagerly watching some secondary romances hoping they will unfold, but I was disappointed that none of them really blossomed. I was especially disappointed in the relationship that happened with Ella Mae's mother. It was left completely hanging. I hope some of these relationships are followed up on in further books. I want to see what happens with Jenny, Finn, Ella Mae's Mom and Aunt Dee.
*Even though the mystery was entertaining and interesting, I had it figured out early on who the culprit was despite the obvious attempts to make it look like someone else.
*I missed the pie making magic. I hope that it comes back.

Breach of Crust was another entertaining installment in the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries. This time around, the mystery borrows from an old Greek mythological story. I love that this series continues to incorporate old legends and lore, blended with magic and delicious food. If you want something unique in the cozy genre, this is the series to try as it is a bit of paranormal with cozy. I am hoping there are more books to come in the series, as at the time of this review there is nothing posted about a sixth book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.