Family. Family and friends that become family. That's what keeps me coming back to this series. I feel like I'm dropping in on people I know, people who'll feed me very, very well. In this case, it seems like everyone is on hand, albeit at Oregon's Whaleshead Resort for the most part, not at Torte in Ashland. Sterling and Stephanie have accepted a new position there and Juliet/Jules, Carlos, Ramiro, and other friends and family are there to support them. Jules has fond memories of Whaleshead Resort from her youth, so it's a bit of a trip down memory lane for her. It's all the more so when you realize she's not just pregnant but expecting twins. While there is stress and problems, the place has become rundown, the restaurant opening seems to be on schedule. Then, Jules, asked to collect some fresh veggies from outside, finds a body. It's Eric, the resort manager who, it turns out, is not at all well liked and seems to be the cause of many of the resorts financial worries.
I won't detail the plot other than to note that there are not only multiple suspects but Juliet is lucky enough to have her mom and step-father, the Professor/Doug on hand. A not quite retired detective, he winds up working closely with local Det. Mars. Even Lance shows up with boyfriend Arlo to round out the sleuthing circle of friends. Lots of backstory shared early on, so even new readers should be comfortable settling right into the story. You're going to like Jules who, despite her pregnancy doesn't hesitate to investigate. The setting is beautifully described, making me easily imagine the rugged cliffs and views, too. Lots of food talk and careful readers can pick up quite a few helpful food prep hints, not to mention there are several recipes included at the end.
As for the murder, it kept me guessing. It was fun to see info being uncovered that eliminated some of the suspects, much of it inadvertently not shared initially with the police. As one suspect basically, says, well, everyone knew that, so I didn't even think about telling the police. A reminder that every bit of info, no matter how small, may contribute and save the police valuable time, that's for sure. I didn't lose any time feeling sorry for the victim, I must admit, who definitely didn't sound like a nice guy. Sterling and Stephanie, of course, are rather caught in the middle, trying to revive a once stellar restaurant despite complications like not just the murder, but suppliers refusing to, well, supply them due to the victim having not paid them. Ah, add a few more suspects. In any case, it was fun to watch Jules both stumble across and actively seek out info, frequently with Lance in tow. Lance gets a major scene near the end that I'm sure long time readers will love, by the way. My only regret is that it sounds like Carlos' son Ramiro may be leaving them next book to spend time with his mother and step-father in Europe. He's been fun, not to mention rather a bottomless pit where food is involved. Bottom line, if you like character driven cozies with extended family/friends involved, and an intriguing mystery, you'll like this series....especially if you're a foodie. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read. Thanks #StMartin'sPress _ #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to virtually tag along early on what becomes a bit of a family gathering at Whaleshead Resort. I'm glad it's apparently not far from Torte, meaning we'll get more Sterling and Stephanie moments.
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