As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles

“Budewitz’s finely drawn characters, sharp ear for dialogue, and well-paced puzzle make Jewel Bay a destination for every cozy fan.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Clean-as-a-whistle dialogue, endearing characters, and a solid plot make this cozy a winner.” —Publishers Weekly

“Cozy readers will relish the small-town Christmastime frame accompanying details of frenzied wedding planning and running a family food business. And, of course, recipes, too.” —Booklist

Erin is one smart cookie, but can she keep the holiday spirit―and herself―alive till Christmas?

In Jewel Bay, all is merry and bright. At Murphy’s Mercantile, aka the Merc, manager Erin Murphy is ringing in the holiday season with food, drink, and a new friend: Merrily Thornton. A local girl gone wrong, Merrily has turned her life around. But her parents have publicly shunned her, and they nurse a bitterness that chills Erin.

When Merrily goes missing and her boss discovers he’s been robbed, fingers point to Merrily—until she’s found dead, a string of lights around her neck. The clues and danger snowball from there. Can Erin nab the killer—and keep herself in one piece—in time for a special Christmas Eve?

Includes delicious recipes!

Praise for the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries:

“A lighthearted and amusing story with the added bonus of several yummy recipes.” —Mystery Scene

“Treble at the Jam Fest has all the necessary elements to satisfy cozy mystery lovers: likeable, believable characters, a fast-moving plot, and a logical ending. Great fun!” —Suspense Magazine

“A pleasing read with a thoughtful heroine, a plethora of red herrings, and some foodie tips.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A delicious mystery as richly constructed as the layers of a buttery pastry. Wine, enchiladas, and song make for a gourmet treat in the coziest town in Montana!” —Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries

“Leslie is a fellow foodie who loves a good mystery and it shows in this delightful tale!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author of the Coffeehouse Mysteries

“Music, food, scenery, and a cast of appealing characters weave together in perfect harmony in Leslie Budewitz’s latest book.” —Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mysteries and the County Cork Mysteries


About the Author:

Agatha Award-winning author Leslie Budewitz is passionate about food, great mysteries, and her native Montana, the setting for her national-bestselling Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries.  She also writes the Spice Shop Mysteries, set in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. As Alicia Beckman, she’s the author of stand-alone suspense, beginning with Bitterroot Lake (2021). Visit her online at www.LeslieBudewitz.com, where you can find maps of the village and surrounding area, recipes, and more.