Poaching Is Puzzling: A Cookbook Nook Mystery #12, by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

Wow, I learned lots from this book. I don't know how much of it will stick but the wordplay was delightful, not to mention all we learned about baking and knives. You'll also get insight into how difficult creating crossword puzzles might be, albeit I never imagined it being a competitive sport, so to speak. In between, lots and lots of talk about food, including the way to proof your dough, and more. 

In other words, when not busy trying to figure out whodunit, you'll find yourself learning some pretty cool things, too. Like, cruciverbalist, which is the name for one who designs crosswords. Or what the figure of speech metonymic adage refers to. Hint, Pentagon is a metonymic. And, if you're a crossword addict, you'll probably find yourself reaching for a pencil to jot down all the short words and/or common and uncommon synonyms that are mentioned.

Of course, the murder itself is quite the puzzle. Who did it? Who, shudder, slit crossword designer Wesley's throat? As the suspects and their backstories emerged, I actually found that I felt sympathetic to each and every one of them, even the eventual culprit. The author does a superior job of fleshing them out as human beings, not just extras in the story. The regulars are, naturally, well-rounded and struck me as being people you might know and enjoy having as friends. Heck, even Tigger the cat and Rook the Lab emerge as personalities. In other words, it works well as a standalone.

Bottom line, an excellent, well-written read. Timely, too, as Wordle gets a mention during the gathering of word puzzle fans. Main character Jenna finds herself pulled into the investigation when her aunt is a potential suspect, not to mention she's just one of those people others find themselves telling things. Does she ultimately find herself in danger? Oh, come on. This is a cozy mystery. What do you think? And I loved every moment of the story.

You can't go wrong with this one if you enjoy mysteries, crosswords, or even just an excellent character driven story. Thanks #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for letting me sit in virtually on the crossword competition. Loved the use of real book titles and comments within recipes by characters.