Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Peaches and Schemes

by Anna Gerard

Series: Georgia B and B Mystery #3
Series Rating:
Published by Crooked Lane Books on May 11, 2021
Genres: Cozy Culinary Mystery
Pages: 299
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
Goodreads
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository
Also in this series: Peach Clobbered, Peachy Scream

In Anna Gerard's third delightful Georgia B&B mystery, Nina Fleet learns that despite the satin, lace, and buttercream trappings, weddings often prove to be anything but sweet...

Nina Fleet might be new to the innkeeping business, but she's savvy enough to know that Cymbeline's tourists aren't enough to keep her fledgling bed and breakfast going. And so, Nina decides to tap into the destination wedding market by taking a booth at the Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo. The twice-yearly event is sponsored by the town's two wedding pros: Virgie Hamilton, the sixtysomething owner of Virgie's Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner and Nina's new friend. But everything goes wrong during the expo's fashion show, when Roxanna comes tumbling out of an oversized prop wedding cake, strangled to death by her own scarf.
Virgie is arrested for the crime, thanks to Nina's statement to the police about having overheard the woman accusing her partner of embezzlement. Meanwhile, the situation grows tense with her sometimes nemesis and current tenant, the dashing out-of-work actor Harry Westcott. Harry is concentrating on plugging his most recent side hustle ...but he's not too busy to break the news to Nina that her ex-husband is engaged to be married again.

Certain that Virgie's only offense is a bad temper, Nina decides to do her own investigating. First, however, she and Harry retrieve Roxanna's now ownerless dog, planning to foster him until a new home can be found. But local gossip soon convinces Nina that others beside Virgie might have had reason to murder Roxanna. As Nina gets close to the truth, she's putting her own life at danger. And when Virgie vanishes after being bailed out of jail by an unknown benefactor, Nina fears that if she can't find the dress shop owner in time, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning for them both.

Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard is a brilliant mystery with a perfectly plotted crime. The characters are so wonderfully flawed and yet wonderful.

Who killed Roxanne, and what happened to Virgie?

Nina Fleet

Our sleuth is Nina, the ex-wife of a professional golfer and current bed and breakfast owner-operator. This installation brings with it some changes for Nina. Ones that aren’t as easy to handle, yet she does a fine job dealing with them. Nina didn’t find the body, but she ends up involved without even realizing it at first. Then, of course, later, she is out to find the culprit.

Nina is hurt during the course of the story and must rely on the assistance of Harry, who is still staying at the B&B (free of charge).

Harry Wescott

Harry has the perfect way to use his acting skills and make money now. He calls the business Plus1. If you need someone to attend a family, professional, or other function with you, look no further. Harry is here to play whatever type of boyfriend, friend, or whatever type of person you need for the right fee. Although, this time, he meets his match with a local doctor who expects more than even Harry is willing to do. When he isn’t helping Nina, his time is spent with the good doctor.

The Mystery

Nina is attending the local bridal fair when she inadvertently overhears two private conversations involving people that Nina knows. Nina is still new in town and hasn’t made all the local connections and such yet. So, these two overheard conversations put her in a very awkward position. Then her friend, Roxanne, is found dead in a giant cake that is the big finale. Now the first question is, was it an accident or murder? Well, come on, what do you think? So, Nina gets involved and to find out what happened to her friend.

Five Stars

I like that this series is different from many other mysteries that I have read with B&B owners. I like that Harry has situated himself in Nina’s life. The two of them are cute together. I like when he calls her Secret Squirrel. My rating for Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard is five stars.

A Georgia B&B Mystery Series

Giveaway

Prize:  (1) Prize Package – Including a signed copy of PEACHES AND SCHEMES, 1-2 other “surprise” books, some fun Peach and Wedding swag. U.S. ONLY

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Until the next time,

 

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