This seventh installment in The Dinner Lady Detectives series is a delightful blend of cozy charm and classic whodunnit intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Summerview Secondary School’s charity auction, the story kicks off with a bang—well, more of a body. Eleanor Black, the formidable owner of Dewstow Museum, is found dead in the stage storeroom, and the scene is anything but straightforward.

Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are back, this time joined by Clementine’s elusive sister Maria, whose sudden disappearance and suspicious fingerprints make her the prime suspect. But in true dinner lady fashion, Clementine isn’t buying it. What follows is a twisty investigation full of old grudges, buried secrets, and plenty of baked goods.

Hendy’s writing is witty and warm, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you flipping pages. The small-town setting is brimming with personality, and the characters—quirky, loyal, and occasionally nosy—make you feel like you’re part of the community. It’s a cozy crime novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a satisfying mystery.

Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton or Richard Osman, this book is a treat—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and something sweet on the side.

With thanks to Hannah Hendy, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.