Title: And Then There Were Crumbs
Author: Eve Calder
First published July 30, 2019
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781250312990 (ISBN10: 125031299X)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
And Then There Were Donuts by Eve Calder is a delectable mystery that will leave you craving for more. After a sudden turn of events, Paige Douglas finds herself in the small town of Maple Creek, Vermont, with nothing but a few dollars and a dream to open her own pastry shop.
Lucky for her, the local donut shop, owned by the charmingly grumpy Marvin Carter, is hiring. But when Marvin becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, Paige puts her baking skills to the test as she tries to clear his name.
With the help of her quirky neighbors, Paige sets out to find the real killer and put the icing on the cake. Will she be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Find out in And Then There Were Donuts.
About the Author
Eve Calder, a native of Florida, is the author of the intriguing Cookie House mystery series. The series follows the life of pastry chef Kate McGuire, with titles such as AND THEN THERE WERE CRUMBS and SUGAR AND VICE.
Her latest creation, A TALE OF TWO COOKIES, is now available from St. Martin’s Press.
Editoral Review
And Then There Were Crumbs by Eve Calder is a cozy mystery novel that was first published on July 30, 2019. The author is a debut novelist who has captivated her audience with her beautifully written work, successfully transporting her readers to a picturesque seaside town in Maine.
The novel follows the story of protagonist Molly Tyler, who leaves behind a high-powered career in New York City to take over her aunts bakery in the quaint town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. However, upon her arrival, she finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when her rival bakery owner is found dead in her establishment, leaving her as the prime suspect.
Calder does an excellent job of establishing the setting of the novel, painting a vivid picture of the small town and its residents – including a cast of quirky characters who are unique to the genre. The authors sense of humor is apparent in her writing, and the novels lighthearted moments serve as a welcome reprieve from the central mystery.
Speaking of the mystery, the pacing of the novel is well done, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without becoming too convoluted or predictable. Moreover, the authors attention to detail is impressive, and she manages to keep track of multiple plot threads with ease.
While there are some issues with character development, particularly with the protagonist, Molly Tyler, Calder manages to create a likable cast that readers will find themselves rooting for despite their flaws. The central themes of the novel, which revolve around family, small-town life, and forgiveness, are expressed effectively.
Overall, And Then There Were Crumbs is a delightfully charming debut novel. While it may not break any new ground in the cozy mystery genre, its a warm and cozy read that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre.
I rate this novel a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good whodunit with a dash of humor and heart.
