I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC ahead of its publication date. Although I’ve read the odd cosy mystery before, it had been many years since I’d picked one up. What a pleasant surprise this turned out to be. The author has a lovely, easy writing style that drew me in from the very beginning.
There was nothing to suggest this was part of a series, although I soon picked up hints that Roxy had been involved in previous investigations. It didn’t affect my enjoyment in the slightest, as The Carrot Marmalade Murder works perfectly well as a standalone. It was only after I’d finished the book that I discovered it was the seventh in the series.
Roxy is a jam maker, which provides a wonderful backdrop to the story. The murder doesn’t take place until well into the book, which gave me plenty of time to get to know Roxy, her fiancé Nate, and the local residents if their small town. It created exactly the cosy atmosphere I was hoping for.
The plot was engaging, the characters and their lives kept me invested, and I particularly enjoyed the ongoing wedding preparations that Roxy continually found herself stressing over. The way everything came together was thoroughly satisfying.
Roxy and her friends will no doubt get under your skin in the best possible way in this well-crafted mystery. Meg Benjamin is an excellent writer, and The Carrot Marmalade Murder is a must-read for cosy mystery fans.
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Book Blurb and Link
Roxy and Nate are finally getting married, but murder wasn’t on the program. In the midst of her wedding prep, Roxy has to deal with Nate’s trouble-making ex who thinks she can rekindle their romance. But things get serious when the ex ends up dead in a Shavano back alley. Now Roxy needs to clear Nate’s name, sell her customers on her carrot marmalade, and find herself a wedding dress. All before it’s time to take a deep breath and confront her own wedding jitters.
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