Title: Assault and Pepper
Author: Leslie Budewitz
First published March 3, 2015
289 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780425271780 (ISBN10: 0425271781)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, Half Blood Blues follows the story of Hieronymus Falk, a young black musician who’s arrested and never seen again. Decades later, his bandmate Sid embarks on a journey to Berlin with his friend Chip, and discovers a mysterious letter that unravels the secrets surrounding Hieronymus’ fate.
With every revelation, Sid is forced to confront the horrors of betrayal and question the meaning of loyalty. In this haunting tale, Esi Edugyan skillfully explores the power of storytelling and the danger of leaving your narrative in the hands of others.
Half Blood Blues is a powerful story of loss, survival and the enduring power of music.
About the Author
Meet Leslie Budewitz, the talented author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries. In her latest book, PEPPERMINT BARKED, we follow Seattle Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece as she investigates a brutal attack on a young woman working in her friend’s wine shop during the Christmas rush.
The story takes place in Pike Place Market, a location that Budewitz fell in love with as a college freshman.
Budewitz also writes standalone suspense novels under the name Alicia Beckman. Her latest book, BLIND FAITH, is set in her hometown of Billings, Montana and follows a contemporary cold-case investigation alongside a historical story that spans over thirty years.
The book delves into themes of identity, memory, revenge, justice, friendship, and family.
As a lawyer, Budewitz has represented individuals seeking damages for terrible wrongs, employers looking to do the right thing, and clients ranging from commercial fishermen to radio stations and even a major league baseball team. She’s a board member of Mystery Writers of America and past president of Sisters in Crime.
In her free time, she loves to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint.
For more updates, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter to receive emails about new releases, launch parties, book giveaways, and more. And if you’re a writer, check out her blog for Writing Wednesday posts and Saturday Creativity Quotes.
Budewitz loves to connect with readers, so drop her a line at Al.
Editoral Review
Assault and Pepper: A Spice Shop Mystery, by Leslie Budewitz, is a cozy mystery novel first published on March 3, 2015. Budewitz is a multi-award-winning mystery writer who has also worked as a lawyer, musician, and teacher.
In Assault and Pepper, she explores the world of gourmet cooking, spices, and small-town drama. The book is set in Seattle, where Pepper Reece, a former lawyer who now owns and operates the Spice Shop, is getting ready for her town’s Salmon Bay Sand and Sea festival.
But when one of her employees is accused of murdering a local fisherman, Pepper must put her sleuthing skills to the test to clear her friend’s name. Along the way, she encounters a cast of quirky characters, including the victim’s bitter ex-wife, a handsome fisherman, and a pair of eccentric twin sisters.
Budewitz expertly weaves together the plot, characters, and setting of Assault and Pepper. The novel’s small-town atmosphere is vividly portrayed, and the culinary details are both mouth-watering and informative.
Budewitz’s prose is clear and engaging, making the book a quick, enjoyable read. However, the book’s strengths also reveal some of its weaknesses.
The characters are well-drawn, but they lack depth and complexity. The plot is engaging, but it follows a predictable pattern common to the cozy mystery genre.
And while the culinary details are fascinating, they occasionally get in the way of the story. Despite these limitations, Assault and Pepper is an entertaining and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and food writing.
Budewitz’s attention to detail and her love of cooking and spices shine through on every page. The novel is a delightful mix of mystery, food, and small-town charm.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a light, fun read to cozy up with, Assault and Pepper is a great choice. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the cozy mystery genre and has an interest in cooking or spices. Overall, I would give Assault and Pepper a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
