Title: Peach Pies and Alibis
Author: Ellery Adams
First published March 5, 2013
294 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425251997 (ISBN10: 0425251993)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Ellery Adams has conjured up another magical mystery in Peach Pies and Alibis. Ella Mae LeFaye is the mastermind behind Havenwood, Georgia’s most popular bakery: Charmed Pie Shoppe.
Her baked goods are unlike any other, as she’s able to infuse them with enchantments. When Ella Mae is hired to cater a wedding, she’s thrilled to showcase her talents.
However, her excitement quickly turns to dread when a high-standing member of the community is found dead, and a wedding guest falls seriously ill. With her reputation on the line, Ella Mae must use her sleuthing skills and culinary expertise to prove that her pies are innocent.
Meanwhile, she’s also on a quest to discover the origin of her magical powers and navigate her feelings for the charming Hugh Dylan. Get ready to sink your teeth into this delectable mystery!
About the Author
Ellery Adams, a bestselling author in the USA Today and New York Times, has a profound love for writing and cannot imagine a day without it. A native New Yorker, Ms. Adams has always had a fascination with stories, food, and rescue animals.
During her free time, she enjoys organizing the bookshelves in her home located in central North Carolina.
Ms. Adams has written over forty novels, including the Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington), Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington), Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page) series.
If you’re interested in book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, or recipes, please visit her website.
Editoral Review
Ellery Adams’ “Peach Pies and Alibis” is a cozy mystery that centers around the quaint, charming town of Havenwood, Georgia. Although published in 2013, this book still sets the standard for the genre with an engaging plot, skillful storytelling, and characters that keep the reader invested until the very end.
Adams is an accomplished author known for her cozy mysteries and “Peach Pies and Alibis” is no exception. The novel follows protagonist Molly Appleby, a writer for Collector’s Weekly, as she delves into the death of her friend’s father.
The setting is perfect for a cozy mystery—a small town with a strong sense of community and a cast of characters that is delightful in their quirks. What sets this book apart from others in the genre is Adams’ attention to detail.
The descriptions of the town and its inhabitants are vivid and the pacing is excellent, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The author also shows a deep understanding of the nuances of human nature and how it can influence motive and behavior.
One of the strengths of the book is its character development. Molly Appleby is likable and relatable, with a strong moral compass that drives her investigation.
Supporting characters are also well-developed, adding to the novel’s richness and depth. The author masterfully weaves all of their stories together, and the result is a cast of characters that is both diverse and cohesive.
The only weakness of “Peach Pies and Alibis” is that at times, the plot can be predictable. However, Adams makes up for this with her prose and character development, and these moments of predictability do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, “Peach Pies and Alibis” is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries. It is well-written, with a cast of memorable characters and a strong sense of place.
The themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice are woven throughout the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Readers who pick up this book will not be disappointed.
Rating: 4/5
