A Doomful of Sugar by Catherine Bruns Published by Poisoned Pen Press on October 25, 2022
Genres: Mystery
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
About A Doomful of Sugar
A Doomful of Sugar by Catherine Bruns is the debut book in a new cozy mystery series. Set in a small Vermont town during autumn on a maple sugar farm, this book oozes fall vibes. Leila’s returned home due to the tragedy of her father’s murder.
In a surprise twist, Leila (her father’s favorite) inherits the farm, not her brother, Simon, or her mother. Leila’s determined to see her father’s killer caught but the more she digs into the past, the more surprised she is to realize that everyone has secrets and motives.
My thoughts about A Doomful of Sugar
So many gorgeous descriptions of the farm, autumn in Vermont, and the process of making maple syrup. Plus all of the delicious food. Leila’s Lebanese mother cooks delicious dishes throughout the book. Plus there’s maple syrup, candy, baklava, and lattes. Happily, there are recipes for some of the delights described.
Family bickering and suspicions counterbalance the sweetness of maple syrup. Leila and her mother have an uneasy at best relationship with her brother being her mother’s favorite. Simon has his own secrets that he doesn’t want Leila prying into even though he’s a suspect. Which gives the mystery extra tension.
The mystery was well-done and engaging with several secrets unveiled before we find out the killer’s identity.
There’s a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance between Leila and the farm’s manager, Noah which felt a little rushed but I’m hoping it has time to develop.
And you get not only an adorable floof in the shape of Toast the cat but you also get a charming kiddo, Noah’s daughter.
In closing
A Doomful of Sugar is a cozy mystery full of fall vibes, family secrets, and delicious descriptions.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press for the DRC!
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