Review of Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard

From the publisher of Peaches and Schemes

Nina Fleet might be new to the innkeeping business, but she’s savvy enough to know that Cymbeline’s tourists aren’t enough to keep her fledgling bed and breakfast going. And so, Nina decides to tap into the destination wedding market by taking a booth at the Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo. The twice-yearly event is sponsored by the town’s two wedding pros: Virgie Hamilton, the sixty-something owner of Virgie’s Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner and Nina’s new friend. But everything goes wrong during the expo’s fashion show, when Roxanna comes tumbling out of an oversized prop wedding cake, strangled to death by her own scarf.

Virgie is arrested for the crime, thanks to Nina’s statement to the police about having overheard the woman accusing her partner of embezzlement. Meanwhile, the situation grows tense with her sometimes nemesis and current tenant, the dashing out-of-work actor Harry Westcott. Harry is concentrating on plugging his most recent side hustle …but he’s not too busy to break the news to Nina that her ex-husband is engaged to be married again.

Certain that Virgie’s only offense is a bad temper, Nina decides to do her own investigating. First, however, she and Harry retrieve Roxanna’s now ownerless dog, planning to foster him until a new home can be found. But local gossip soon convinces Nina that others beside Virgie might have had reason to murder Roxanna. As Nina gets close to the truth, she’s putting her own life at danger. And when Virgie vanishes after being bailed out of jail by an unknown benefactor, Nina fears that if she can’t find the dress shop owner in time, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning for them both. 

My review

This was the first book in this series that I’ve read, and it came as a bit of a surprise that there were no guests staying at the B&B. The reason makes sense, Nina needed the week off to attend a bridal expo. Once I wrapped my head around the marketing decision Nina had made, I found this to be a fun and fast read. 

Delightfully focused on the mystery, this cozy offers up plenty of suspects to keep armchair sleuths entertained. I also found that the relationship between Nina and her sidekick Harry kept the mystery light and fun. With suspects galore, this one will keep you guessing until the end, especially once the twists start kicking in. And speaking of twists, not everyone is who they seem to be in this clever cozy. Watch for hidden agendas and an ending that will leave you guessing about the next book.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

Learn more about the Anna Gerard at www.dianestuckart.com. Want more author news? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.