This small town is intriguing and the townsfolk are people I would want as my neighbors! Well except the killers!

This second book is very delightful and of course I love that it is centered around a cafe...which means food! Thankfully the author gives us some recipes at the end and I will be trying out a few of them.

The mystery was well written and while I figured out the killer it wasn't really from any clues, but just a gut instinct. This character just seemed to be up to something shady, and I was right!

There is also another character that turned out to be a surprise and one of the good ones. You wouldn't think that from how this character is portrayed. I can't say too much, don't want to give away any secrets or plot twists.

I even like that the romance continues between Ryan and Amy. It seems rather sweet. And her cousin Jackie even has something going with a long time friend. I also like that the author throws in a drug addicted mother and the agony a family probably goes through dealing with that addiction.

Overall a delightful book and series, definitely check it out if you haven't yet.

The book is well written, I always give points for that. Amy is a fun sleuth, just a nifty gal. She has a knack for creating yummy and delightful goods along with running what sounds to be a beautiful cafe. Only down fall is that it's fictional. During the mystery Amy's family was having a bit of drama, I did feel that at times it was taking over the mystery, however, I enjoy depth and complex relationships to characters and series. The best part was the mention of Sooki from Gilmore Girls, seriously I worshiped that show (may still) and any reference to her is a a reason to shine to me.

This was book had more than just the mystery going for it, and it might have kept me from figuring the sleuth out sooner than I did. I was a bit unsure as to if I had it right, but it made total sense when the suspect gave himself a huge giveaway. I personally like when they don't give themselves too much away, but I had about three cups of strong coffee in me and could have had heightened senses. Overall, this is a series I will gladly read more of. This is an author, I have adored under her other names, and know she has amazing stars coming her way.

I love the Down South Cafe series! It has endearingly quirky characters who feel like friends, a charming setting, hints of romance, mouthwatering food and a well-plotted mystery to keep you guessing. There’s even a PURSE-WHOMPING!! Which you know made my feisty heart happy haha!

In Silence of the Jams (love that title!), we also have a subplot involving addiction and the effect it has on families. These scenes were written with sensitivity as well as authenticity, and the emotions that Amy’s family went through over the addicted family member touched my heart.

The usual characters return in this second book, and both Homer and Aunt Bess continue to delight me. Aunt Bess with her “Lord Have Mercy” pinterest board makes me laugh out loud, and Homer with his hero-of-the-day is huggable in his sincerity and wisdom. Amy is a delightfully charming and relatable heroine! I was delighted to see more of her relationship with hunky (and sweet) deputy Ryan, too. Jackie is put through the emotional wringer in this book, but her bond with Amy continues to be a highlight of the series.

Bottom Line: Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson is delightful on every level. It’s clean as well as being fun, meaningful and intriguing. Compelling (and quirky) characters combine with the charming town of Winter Garden, Virginia, to give the novel the right dose of southern small town flair. The mystery has enough twists and turns to stay intriguing, the solution just out of reach no matter how many times you think you’ve surely got it figured out this time. (I ended up being right with my early-on guess, but there were enough suspects in the mix that I second-guessed myself a lot.) Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans as well as my “clean-read” readers!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

Silence of the Jams is the second book in the Down South Cafe series and it was just as good as the first one.

Amy Flowers has only been open a few weeks and trying to forget about the murder that happened before she became owner. Things were going smoothly then George Lincoln a man who keeps trying to buy the cafe from her dies in her cafe. One of the waitress though he gurgled something about being poisoned and it puts Amy back into a murder investigation.

Ryan a deputy that Amy has been seeing tells her later that the death is suspicious and he knows that she had nothing to do with it. She is worried how it will impact things at the cafe but it seems not to hinder her business. Not only does she have to deal with this but her Aunt is back in town. She is Jackie's mom and it seems she is never around for long only long enough to cause trouble.

It seems that there are a lot of people who could be on the suspect list since George had files on a lot of people, he is not a well liked man. It has a good mystery though I figured out who the bad guy was, it doesn't hinder anything.

I like Amy, she is a good character. She has a great family around her (her cousin Jackie and her Mom) and her male friend Ryan (don't think they are at the boyfriend stage yet). I think my favorite character is Homer who is an older man who comes into the cafe and always has a hero of the day. He was really feeling the crime fighting heroes this go around from Robert Urich (Spencer for Hire) or Humphrey Bogart (Sam Spade).

It was a good one and I can't wait to read the next one in the series when it comes out!

Southern cozy mystery fans, welcome back to Winter Garden, Virginia!

Silence of the Jams is an entertaining whodunit story with a southern twist!

In Silence of the Jams, the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series, Author Gayle Leeson weaves an intriguing southern cozy murder mystery tale that follows The Down South Cafe chef/owner Amy Flowers latest amateur sleuth adventures!

Amy draws the reader into her latest adventure when she finds herself a suspect in the murder of Commerce director George Lincoln, who collapsed while eating at the cafe, and dies from a suspected case of poisoning. George tried to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site. Amy takes the reader along on her amateur sleuth adventure as she tries to clear her name and find the real killer.

This captivating and fast-paced mystery tale has enough quirky humor, drama, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in Winter Garden, Virginia, a picturesque southern town with a lot of heart and charm. The description of the town and its residents was simply wonderful, there's nothing better than down home country charm and living. I loved how the author masterfully interwove Amy's growing Down South Cafe, where her customers think of it as Southern hospitality in a sweet home town, while also dealing with the trials and tribulations of trying to clear her name, and solve the murder of the small town businessman who had plans to take her cafe away from her.

This laugh-out-loud cozy mystery tale will keep you in stitches as you turn the pages following along with the townsfolk's southern charm and quirky interactions, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that follows Amy and friends as they try to solve the murder. Amy's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author includes some delicious recipes at the end of the book that will make your mouth water!

Silence of the Jams is a riveting southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while Amy and the townsfolk of Winter Garden tell y'all their story!

Silence of the Jams is the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series.

RATING: 5 STARS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2017/04/silence-of-jams-by-gayle-leeson-book.html

First I sure wished I was part of Amy Flowers family, she could whip up a delicious meal in seconds, or was planning another.
Miss Amy is kind to everyone including grumpy George Lincoln, but she sure didn’t expect him to drop dead in her Café. Thus a new mystery is born and as we go through the list of suspects, I kept changing my mind, and when you think you are sure, guess again.
There is a bit of sweet romance here, and an abundance of family, and everyone seems to be welcome at the dinner table.
As we go about trying to find out who killed George, we become immersed in the daily life of this Southern Town, and get to know just about everyone, some are better off not knowing.
Does Amy have to kind of a heart for her own good, or will she learn who was responsible and then put her own life in jeopardy.
I want to read more by this author, and keep up with her darling pets and family. There are some unanswered personal questions here, and I want to find out. I see there are two other books in this series, and they are now on my must read list. Enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

SILENCE OF THE JAMS has a well thought out plot but more than that, is character driven, bringing the story to life. Amy Flowers owns the Down Home Café and has been in business only a short time. Her best friend and cousin, Jackie, helps her run it. Jackie’s mother abandoned her and as a result, is estranged from her mom, even though she pops into town every so often. Jackie’s story was hinted at a bit in the first book, but in SILENCE OF THE JAMS, her unfortunate circumstance is fully explored. Ms. Lesson captures the essence of the emotional distress and upheaval the situation causes Jackie and her family, weaving it into the mystery plot, creating layers of tension. The social issue of substance abuse is also a part of the equation, highlighting not only illegal abuse but abuse of prescription drugs and how willing people are to share their own medication with others which can result in dire circumstances. This theme is quite apropos with what is currently happening in our society, but the author does so in a manner that isn’t heavy handed and fits right into the plot. I appreciate when an entertaining book can tackle current social issues, making the reader give pause and consider the message given.

Even though there is the subplot of Jackie and her family, Amy is still the central protagonist. She is deeply involved with Jackie’s dilemma, while at the same time trying to find out who murdered the Director of the Chamber of Commerce as he was eating breakfast at her café. She worries people will think it was her fresh batch of strawberry jam that killed him! The author provides plenty of suspects, each with viable reasons why they wanted him dead. One of the supporting characters, Homer Pickens is a truly likable and admirable man. I loved the scenes he showed up in with his wit and couldn’t wait to find out who his daily hero was for inspiration.

Of course the Down Home Café has plenty of mouth-watering food to keep the townspeople coming back! Thankfully, Gayle Leeson has included many delicious recipes at the back of her book and her Peanut Butter Pie recipe. I’ve heard of this pie before, but have never tried it…. and I discovered I’ve been missing out! The recipe was easy to follow and I especially loved the author's trick for making stress-free meringue.

Silence of the Jams is the first of Gayle Leeson’s books that I’ve read – and it is excellent, a cozy mystery in the truest sense. Gayle’s writing is flows easily across the page, there’s good character depth, the mystery is well plotted. And of utmost importance to me and most of my blog followers, the story is totally clean. Thank you, Gayle, for showing that excellence doesn’t have to be compromised by profanity and graphic scenes! This is #2 in the series, but stands alone.

The story’s setting is the small rural area of Winter Garden, Virginia – a charming and welcoming community where people were folksy and warm. Amy, owner of the Down South Café, is likeable and easy to relate to. Gayle successfully blends cozy mystery elements with a character-driven story, making a much richer reading experience than with most cozies. I’m eager to see where she takes Amy and her relatives in future books.

One of my favorites is a secondary character named Homer …

Homer’s mom had originally told him that his deceased father was a great baseball player … She’d finally recanted and told Homer that his father had basically been a bum but that Homer didn’t need a dad to inspire him. He could be inspired by someone different each day. He’d taken her advice to heart and had chosen a new hero every day since.

Homer, much more helpful to Amy than he realizes, is a character I’ve taken into my heart. He’s wise, insightful, and full of wisdom drawn from each day’s “hero.”

The mystery plot is easy to follow, has exactly the right number of suspects, and is easy to try and solve. There’s also a couple of developing romances for readers to enjoy. Silence of the Jams is thoroughly enjoyable and I’m eager to read more books by Gayle Leeson / Gayle Trent / Amanda Lee.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I didn't get to read the first book in this series but it didn't stop me from enjoying this second addition. The writing is so good it kept me glued to the book. The author has a great way of developing her characters with ease. I loved the setting and could find myself sitting at one of the tables enjoying the special of the day. Amy would be busy preparing her delicious cuisine while Jackie scrambled to get orders out. It would be a fun place to gather with friends and enjoy the delicious aroma that filled the cafe.

Amy is really busy in the cafe lately and hardly has time to visit with the customers. To her dismay in walks George Lincoln. He is the president of the Chamber of Commerce and is not very friendly. He seems to be pushy and intimidating. George has had his sight on Amy's cafe for some time. His plan is to tear down the cafe and build a B&B. Amy is having none of this and is really not in the mood for him this morning. After he is severed breakfast he starts talking to Dr.Kent. A commotion is heard as George falls to the ground. It doesn't look good for poor old George. Can you imagine eating at a cafe and suddenly a customer falls dead?

George's death raises suspicion when it is discovered that someone may have poisoned him. He had plenty of enemies and for some reason he had secret files on people in the town. What was George doing with these files? Did he know something that got him killed? The mystery is well written and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. It was fun reading about the different townspeople and to me they were all on my suspect list. I was very surprised when the killer was revealed and thought the author did a brilliant job of keeping readers guessing.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Amy's family and applaud the author for writing about a subject that is hard to have a family member go through. It was written with sensitivity and I loved how the author gave details that were helpful and encouraging . I can't forget about Aunt Bess. She is quirky and funny and most definitely a hand full. She lightened up the story with her shenanigans and I loved her compassion for her family and friends. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series. I'm sure as you read the story you found yourself getting hungry with all the wonderful dishes being served up at the cafe. As a bonus the author has included several amazing recipes at the end of the book. I know what I'm having for dinner tomorrow.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.

Amy Flowers is a wonderful Southern heroine for this cozy series. Her cafe is a fun setting with an enjoyable cast of supporting characters. This particular story takes several twists and turns as Amy works to solve the murder of the Chamber of Commerce director.

There are some great recipes included at the end of the book for some of the dishes Amy whips up in her cafe.

I am already looking forward to book 3, Honey-Baked Homicide, which releases the end of this year.

Over the weekend I read Silence of the Jams by Gayle Lesson. I enjoyed this down south cafe mystery. In book two we really get to know more about Amy and her cousin, aunts and mom. I loved the way this story unfolded and how realistic it felt. An unlikely hero and a good mystery to solve, this one was a very good read. I am happy to see the cafe doing so well in book two!

Silence of the Jams is a wonderful second book in Gayle Leeson's Down South Cafe Mystery series. After the murder in book 1, things have settled down in the small town of Winter Garden, VA. The townsfolk are preparing for the Independence Day Festival, including Amy Flowers, owner of the newly remodeled Down South Cafe. Her clientele is starting to build and Amy has several regulars that frequent the cafe for down home cooking. When a well known citizen dies while dining at the cafe, Amy's reputation is on the line.

Silence of the Jams has the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery hit! Between the delicious sounding food (and recipes in the back of the book) and the fast-paced mystery, the reader can't help but be drawn into this book. The murder takes place in a small town with family roots and stories that span several generations. The death occurs near the beginning of the book, giving the author a lengthy time frame to develop more of the Winter Garden, VA world. We are reacquainted with the key characters from book 1 and introduced to many new ones.

The plot of Silence of the Jams is engaging and fast paced, pulling the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense. The descriptions of the world in Winter Garden were vivid and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the town and involved in the investigation. The dialogue between all of the characters was believable and well done. I enjoyed the sweet interactions between Amy and Ryan and like the pace the author is using to build up a potential relationship.

I was slightly clued in on who may have committed the murder but the author did a great job disguising everything and making me question myself. I highly recommend the Down South Cafe Mystery series and suggest you start with Book 1. You'll get to know the key players before meeting them again in Silence of the Jams.

Gayle Leeson doesn't disappoint with the second installment in the Down South Cafe mystery series. From the first page you are immersed in the story that takes place in Winter Garden. Her characters are lovable and relatable and she'll keep you guessing until the very end. Only word of advice is to try not to read this while hungry as the recipes and descriptions of the food will leave you drooling all over your book and wishing that the Down South Cafe was real!

Warning- reading to the very end of this delicious cozy may cause cravings for more.
And will probably encourage you to spend more time in your kitchen,

Besides a well disguised murderer we get a cast of characters with secrets and quirks.
Amy Flowers is still trying to prove herself as the owner of The Down South Cafe. Since the previous owner of the restaurant was murdered there it seems especially unlucky to have a patron drop dead right at the counter. Amy and her family are right in the middle of the action trying to figure out why and who might have had reason to want the man dead. Meanwhile, Aunt Renee breezes back into town creating her own crisis.

A strong story about family and friendship, weathering life's storms, and discovering that everyone has secrets. It is amazing that we ever find people to trust!
Danger lurks around each corner until a dramatic climax.

There is someone in this series that you can relate to or actually know in your everyday life, that's what makes it a great series. The characters are well written with flaws and all and there not trying to be. You truly see what you as a person could be going through in your everyday life minus the murder I would hope. The mystery was simple yet still slightly complex with why. The story flowed well and the town and the people will grow on you.

Silence of the Jams is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I didn't feel like I was missing any information by not reading the previous book in this series. There are a lot of really likable characters in this book. I loved the close-knit family relationship between Amy, her mom, her cousin, and her Aunt Bess. I'm interested in reading the next book in this series to see if there is an update on Jackie's mother. There were a couple instances where I felt like there was a little too much information, but it wasn't enough to make me bored or lose interest in the story. There were several suspects in regards to the murder. The murderer reveal totally took me by surprise since it wasn't someone that was very high up on my suspect list. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Book two of the Down South Mystery series. This book was just as good as the first one even with the extra family drama thrown in. After a man drops dead in the cafe Amy finds herself trying to find out who did it only to find herself in danger before it is all said and done. The development is incredible, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down until it was finished. I wish the next book was coming out sooner, but what can you do? I give it 4/5 stars since I really liked it a lot.

Silence of the Jams: A Down South Café Mystery
By Gayle Leeson
Berkley
April 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

An inheritance from her grandmother allowed Amy Flowers to fulfill her dream of owning a café in her tiny, rural hometown of Winter Garden, Virginia. She and her cousin had been busy canning a batch of fresh strawberries for the Independence Day Festival when a visit from the director of the Chamber of Commerce goes even less well than usual. George Lincoln had never been shy about his hopes of buying the café and converting it into a bed-and-breakfast, nor had he ceased in his dire predictions of the Down South Café’s future. What he didn’t predict was that he would collapse in the middle of his breakfast, or that speculation would begin that it wasn’t by natural causes.

The probability of Mr. Lincoln’s death being the result of murder increases when it’s revealed that he had secret files on most of the town; information that often used to make things go his way. Amy is worried that yet another death in her café could end its future before it’s barely begun, so she intends to do what she can to find the person responsible. With four suspects on the list, tracking them down shouldn’t be too hard, especially when she comes bearing tasty gifts. Amy’s cousin and waitress Jackie is normally an all-too-willing participant in their adventures, but she is diverted by the return of the mother who essentially abandoned as a child. Aunt Bess may always optimistically forgive her daughter Renee upon her infrequent returns, but when Renee absconds with her mother the rest of the family is less understanding. Amy becomes so distracted by her family’s turmoil that a kitchen mishap results in stitches, forcing her to rely on the many mother hens willing to hover and keep her well-fed. It has the one benefit of finally giving Amy a little downtime with the every-busy Deputy Ryan Hall, who is inching closer to taking on a more-than-just-friends role.

This second in the series has everything a cozy-reading fan looks for a novel; a strong, likeable heroine, adorably spunky senior relatives, brave canine protector, humorous dialogue, and vast amounts of delicious-sounding meals. The author of numerous books under the names Amanda Lee and Gayle, Leeson adds the additional resonant and moving element of Renee’s struggle to return to her family. This more serious topic is seamlessly woven into the rest of the lighter mystery, which has Amy capably and believably tracking down clues to the murderer. The steady pace of the writing will keep readers entertained until its startling conclusion, with the final reward being recipes guaranteed to have them heading towards the kitchen.

Absolutely delightful story with delectable recipes at the end. Memorable characters you'll enjoy reading about and wish you could meet in real life. I especially like the lovable Homer who always has a hero for the day who inspires him and me, too!

Amy Flowers has opened her remodeled restaurant, Down South Cafe, in fertile Winter Garden, Virginia; a rural farmland area. It's time for the Independence Day Festival and the townsfolk are getting into the spirit for celebrating. The director of the Chamber of Commerce, George Lincoln, has a grudge against Amy because he wants the land her Cafe is built on and she won't sell. When he suddenly chokes and dies in the Cafe after a home-cooked breakfast, Amy may be in hot water. In her defense, the local doctor--an eyewitness--says Lincoln had a heart attack--plain and simple. Of course, nothing's plain and nothing's simple about the death as a tox report reveals poison.

Author Gayle Leeson (aka Gayle Trent) does a fine job of leaving a trail of juicy morsels for readers to follow and savor through the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more satisfying stories in this culinary series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced Readers copy for NetGalley.

This is book two of the Down South Cafe Mystery series. I did not read book 1. (Calamity cafe). Amy uses her inheritance from her grandmother and now owns the local cafe in Winter Garden, Virginia. She's happy and doing well except for George who is trying to buy her building to demolish. When he drops dead from poisoning in the diner she becomes the prime suspect until his cadre of files turns up with secrets from just about everyone in town. The 4th of July is about to explode in this small delightful town. The multigenerational family is always a favorite of mine that has grandparents and other family always being helpful. The mystery is well written and the food recipes are fantastic. Gayle Leeson writes under several other names and her cozy's are all enjoyable.