Plum Deadly

In this cozy mystery, a young woman is framed by her boss for embezzlement and she flees to her aunt’s pie shop. When her ex-boss turns up dead on their doorstep she must start her own investigation to find the killer before he finds her.

The publisher's summary:

Who could resist such pies? Who would even want to resist the pie shop that makes them? Certainly not the residents of Durham, North Carolina, and the little bakery and café called Pie in the Sky is one of the most popular meet-up places in town.

Unjustly accused of cooking the books, Maggie Grady is forced to retreat from her high-flying New York financial career to the town where she grew up. Her aunt Clara greets her with open arms and a job at the family-owned business that has baked the best pies in the South for over forty years. Unfortunately, while Maggie is determined to return to banking, her reputation there seems permanently in the pits. That is, until her old boss, Lou, visits with news that he’s found the real crook. Before he can reveal the details, though, Maggie finds his body right behind the pie shop.

With only her own word that Lou planned to exonerate her, Maggie is in the spotlight. The police seem to suspect that Aunt Clara’s damson pie may not be just dangerously delectable, but downright deadly. Maggie doesn’t just have her own name to clear; she has to make sure that her aunt’s beloved business isn’t harmed, either. Yummy local reporter Ryan Summerour appears eager to help, and Maggie can’t help hoping that it’s not just the police who find her a person of interest—but Ryan, as well. She’d thought it challenging to make the perfect pie crust that Aunt Clara demands, but that turns out to be nothing compared with finding a murderer. . . .

I enjoyed reading the book. The beginning was interesting and fast paced as was the ending. However the middle of the story was rather slow. 

Maggie seemed to have changed her behaviors quickly. When she held a corporate banking job Maggie spent alot of money on maintaining a lifestyle. She didn't save any money which is odd given her career. Once she lost that job and had to return home Maggie became the complete opposite. She saved a few dollars and focused on her aunt’s business. She worked hard in the kitchen as well as serving customers. Turning over this new leaf felt bizarre to me. Would most people learn this lesson this quickly? 

Maggie's love interest is newspaper reporter Ryan. I didn't care much for him or their sexual exploits. Her aunt Clara was my favorite character. Clara is always positive and never gives up. She is the successful senior business owner that many culinary cozies entertain. 

All in all Plum Deadly was a good read. The author has established good characters and the fun setting of a pie shop. I think future books in the series will only improve. 3.5 out of 5 stars.