On a snowy February morning, book lover, whiskey distiller, and aspiring writer Harley Henrickson finds the remains of a charred car and a body outside the city park. While the fire appears to have been accident, Harley believes something more sinister is afoot. Her suspicions are further realized when she and her best friend, Tina Rizchek, are catering the Reading is Love opening reception that night, and one of Tina's famous burnt almond cupcakes turns lethal for an unfortunate attendee. The victim, a much-disliked editor of the town's paper, had just published a scathing review of Tina's bakeshop, leading the police to suspect Tina of the woman's murder. In the ensuing pages--and as bodies start to accumulate--amateur sleuth Harley works to clear her best friend's name and bring justice back to Notchey Creek.

I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery, which kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. Liz S. Andrews's original voice and intriguing writing style kept this reader on her toes. Skilled use of imagery created vivid scenes, placing the reader inside the story. Expert characterization brought the players to life in a realistic way. The mystery was well-constructed, and the more serious scenes tempered by Harley's quirky friends and family. You really do feel like you are inside the story, experiencing things as Harley experiences them. Apparently, this is the third book in the series, and I now look forward to going back and reading the first two books.

Highly recommended.