Charred

Covid has hit and the cafe is only operating with delivery and takeout orders. With a skeleton crew and everyone being cautious within their pod, Alene takes Kofi to salvage some wood from a recent fire, only to find out he saw a body in the building and asks her not to tell Frank, who is a homicide detective. While Alene struggles with her promise to Kofi and keeping things from the man she loves, another fire occurs and another body is found. Alene knows she must tell Frank about when Kofi saw the first body, but somehow she always manages to avoid it. Add to the intrigue a long lost uncle who resurfaces and the discovery of a former speakeasy in a newly discovered basement along with jewels and Life is truly hopping for Alene, in the midst of a pandemic.

Soon the murders of the women are tied to Alene's partner and dear friends, Ruthie and Benjie. While they fires were in properties Benjie was building, the bodies themselves are directly tied to the family and Frank's partner is like a dog with a bone and won't stop harassing Ruthie to get the answers he wants. Will Alene be able to help her family heal or will she be yet another woman lost in the shadows of Covid?

While I really enjoy this series, I have to say I am so over covid and wish this had occurred in a different time. I get that the mystery itself is tied to the circumstances of the time, but we're all really over it. That said, the mystery itself was well written and really uses the challenges and restrictions of the time to help build out a solid whodunit. A great series that includes vegan and gluten free recipes as well.

An entertaining and solid cozy mystery that kept me guessing. Liked the characters and the setting.
I had a lot of fun and it's recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Covid protocols have hit the cafe. Only pickup and delivery orders are allowed. So hours are cut and employees are unhappy. The children are missing their friends and Cal's caregiver caught Covid and is in the hospital. Alene is once again stretched thin yet trying to maintain a romance. So much going on then an employee's husband has a building in the construction station burn down and it is arson. 2 dead bodies are found. Alene can't help herself. She wants to know more. I liked the story.

This is the second book I have read by this author and enjoyed every minute of the cosy mystery! It’s such a light read and enjoyable.

Alene Baron is dealing with frustrated employees, closed schools, and a homeless man who harasses customers outside the door of her café. Then, two dead bodies turn up in the burned remains of buildings owned by the husband of Alene’s best friend and pastry chef, Ruthie. Both bodies are wearing jackets that once belonged to Ruthie and crumbled in the pockets are the café’s distinctive wrappers. At the same time, Alene's uncle, a convicted felon, has resurfaced after disappearing for 22 years. It's all too much for the owner of the Whipped and Sipped Café.
The homeless man was responsible for the deaths. He also was suspected of being the same person who threw the brick into the cafe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.