Flour in the Attic

Flour in the Attic by Winnie Archer takes us back to Santa Sofia, California. Ivy Culpepper is thrilled for her friend, Sheriff Emmaline Davis who is planning to propose to Ivy’s brother, Billy that evening at the beach. Unfortunately, Emmaline’s plans are put on hold when the body of Marisol Ruiz is found floating offshore. Marisol’s husband, David suspects foul play since Marisol was a competitive swimmer who swam in the ocean daily and asks that Ivy don her investigator cap once again. Can Ivy find out what happened to Marisol? Flour in the Attic is the fourth A Bread Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to A Bread Shop Mystery series. Ivy is setting up her photography business as well as spending time at Yeast of Eden. I like the diverse cast of characters in this series with Olaya Solis being my favorite. Miguel Baptista and his family are so friendly and accepting. The story is well-written, but I did find the pacing to be a little slow. I wish it had been peppier. The mystery was a little dark (for a cozy), but it was well-done. Ivy actively searches for answers. There are several suspects in Marisol’s death, and I liked the subtle clues. It will depend on your sleuthing level on whether you find this whodunit a challenge to solve. I admit that I had trouble reading Flour in the Attic. I never became engrossed in the book. It did not have the same spark that I enjoyed in Kneaded to Death. There is some foul language which is unusual for a cozy mystery. I like that Emmaline Davis, the town’s sheriff, is proposing to Billy, Ivy’s brother. I look forward to their nuptials. There is a cliffhanger at the end, and we will have to wait for the next A Bread Shop Mystery to see how it plays out. Flour in the Attic is curious cozy mystery with squabbling siblings, a postponed proposal, a marine murder, and an indomitable investigator.

Y'all this one had me! Multiple literal jaw drops! And that ending?! Ivy has settled into her hometown again. She has a job she loves, she's rekindled her high school love, her brother and best friend are about to get engaged, she's settled. But when a dead body interrupts the big night, can Ivy help find out what happened? Book 4 in the Bread Shop Mystery series is definitely the best so far! There were so many twists and turns, I loved it! I loved that we got to know Ivy more and all of her friends more. But overall, it felt like we were welcomed in as a part of the town. My jaw actually dropped multiple times while reading because of surprises. And then the ending?! I'm totally picking up the next one immediately!