Love is blooming in Ashland, Oregon.
The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the yearтАФThomas and KerryтАЩs wedding.
ItтАЩs a picture perfect day. Guests gather on picnic blankets in front of the bandshell to watch Kerry walk down the aisle and wed AshlandтАЩs favorite detective in training, Thomas. Jules and her team at Torte have been tasked with catering the outdoor reception and everything is going according to planтАФuntil a wedding crasher shows up. The uninvited guest isnтАЩt just someone looking to score a free glass of champagne. ItтАЩs KerryтАЩs estranged father who is supposed to be behind bars.
Kerry is distraught. Jules vows to do everything she can to make sure that there are no other surprises on her friendтАЩs big day. But when the bassist for Heart Strings, the wedding band, is found stabbed with the blunt end of his instrument JulesтАЩs promise takes on new meaning.
Now she will have to slice through the five tiered cake and a bevy of potential suspects in order to track down a killer before they turn the knife on her.
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When sheтАЩs not coated in flour, youтАЩll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.Ellie also loves hearing from her readers and interacting with them on social media. You can find her at: EllieAlexander.co
Kate Mulligan has acted with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for more than ten seasons in productions including Hairspray, Alice in Wonderland, and Sense and Sensibility. Her film and television work includes Being John Malkovich and ItтАЩs Always Sunny in Philadelphia.