Meri Allen

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

I hadn't read the first book in this cozy mystery series, but I had no trouble slipping into this cozy New England setting with ice cream galore and a man found dead in a locked room. Lead character Riley is a former CIA librarian who comes across as smart, savvy, and compassionate. When she's hired to cater ice cream for a nearby art exhibit opening at an imported Scottish castle, she finds a lot of drama among the guests, and soon, the dead guy--the show more man whose art was on exhibition. He was a creep, and a lot of people have reason to want him dead.

What sets this apart from other recent cozies I've read is that there are layers here. There's more going on that the dead dude. The ending had several twists I didn't see coming, and I loved that. I'm definitely curious about reading more from this author! show less

A Halloween wedding sounds like a perfect time for innocent fun, along with attending the local Halloween happenings about town. It was not so innocent for someone with malicious intent! In this third offering in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries, the death of a bride on the night before her wedding day offers the opportunity for Riley and friends to engage in helping law enforcement solve the crime. Suspects include the sons of the bride Diantha, as well as the manager of the Inn and other show more assorted locals.

To add to the suspense, a movie is being filmed using town locales, so actors and others from out of town also could be suspects. Toss in a little blackmail, and the stage is set for solving the crime!

This is a cozy mystery that lacks descriptive intimacy, violence or strong language. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel. I liked this one the best of all three in the series so far. The food treats sound yummy, and the spooky fun atmosphere add to the enjoyment of the story. The means of committing the crime is unusual, one that I have not come across in many years of reading mystery novels. The lovable supporting cast of characters includes Riley's dad and his wife, adorably feisty cats, and Riley's friends.

Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with interestingly realistic settings and intriguing means, motives, and opportunities will find this a welcome addition to their reading lists.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. show less

This is a terrific cozy mystery filled with interesting characters, a well-developed storyline, an intriguing mystery to solve, a great setting for the story to take place, and its made all the better by the addition of ice cream!🍦 Reilly Rhodes is co-owner of Udderly Delicious Ice Cream and has been hired by local celebrity, former model, and widow of a real life prince, Maud Monaco, to provide decadent ice cream for the grand opening of an exhibit of work by famous photographer, Adam show more Blasco. Of course the grand opening is being held at Maud's castle ... you read that correctly ... her castle.🏰 The event goes off well, although with a few upsets because the artist is not everyone's cup of tea, or I suppose cone of pumpkin spice ice cream would be more appropriate. There are more suspects than ice cream flavors and Reilly wants to put her experience from her former job to work trying to figure out whodunnit. She doesn't want to step on the toes of the police chief who happens to be the boyfriend of her friend and co-owner of Udderly but she just has to get to the bottom of what happened and why. This was a really great read and I look forward to another big scoop of mystery by Meri Allen. show less

If you will allow Poirot to offer you a piece of wise advice: the pursuit of revenge is rarely a good idea.

Another murderous visit to Penniman and Udderly Delicious Ice Cream shop run my former CIA librarian Riley Rhodes. We venture up to Moy Mull Castle, now an artist retreat, owned and operated by America’s Princess Maud. When Maud’s ex husband ends up dead in the dungeon Riley’s former operator’s cap goes back on before a new friend of hers can be framed for murder. Thoroughly show more enjoyable! show less