Publication August 23, 2023
First, loved the cute cover. This series is a favorite of mine, so I was eager to dive in and fully enjoy my visit to Ashland, Oregon, with Juliet Montague Capshaw, aka Jules, and her family and friends. As the main character's name might suggest, Ashland is rather a haven for Shakespearean buffs from all around the world. Ol' Willy Shakespeare doesn't play a major role in this story but the theater is central. I mean, it's almost worthy of Shakespeare to have a story centered around two feuding stars, well, sorta. Make that two dogs, who don't seem to be feuding but, oh, my, their humans are. Then, their dog trainer, dressed as a dragon, is murdered. Jules and husband Carlos have the misfortune of finding his body outside Torte, Jules' bakeshop, as they exit after a day of Halloween fun spread throughout the entire town. Given that Jules' step-dad, a Shakespeare fan himself, is heading the investigation, it's no surprise that Jules finds herself investigating, er, just asking questions. Who killed the dragon guy?
Mystery aside, make sure you eat before you start reading. If you go into it hungry, you're bound to work up an appetite. Lots of food/baking talk, not to mention coffee brewing. Jules and Carlos used to be chefs for a cruise ship and their experience with international styles and blends is obvious. They've also assembled a top-notch crew who we also get to know a bit more about as the story progresses. There's even romance in the air. And, oh, my. That Halloween parade would be something to see. The author does an excellent job of making you feel like you are there. What costume would you be wearing? The various costume choices are both a hoot and revealing of character.
But, on to the murder. I'm not going to detail the plot as others will, but a few teasers. Will Carlos' son Ramiro continue to be an easy fit into the family? How strong must a coffee named Burial Grounds be? Is Jax the ultimate stage-dog mom? If so, she would win the annoyance award. What does King George think of it all? Did you know they make a special doggie nail polish? What does Mahjong have to do with anything? What's going on with Lance? And, oh, never mind. Seriously, you just need to read this one. It's fun and will not only make you think but make you hungry.
Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for letting me spend Halloween with Jules' and the gang. They're all people I feel like I know and, hmm, all those not so subtle hints about the future at the end. Can't wait.
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