The Golden Spoon

 By: Jessa Maxwell 

Location: FIC MAX

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Every summer for the past ten years, six awe-struck bakers have descended on the grounds of Grafton, the leafy and imposing Vermont estate that is not only the filming site for “Bake Week” but also the childhood home of the show’s famous host, celebrated baker Betsy Martin.

The author of numerous best-selling cookbooks and hailed as “America’s Grandmother,” Betsy Martin isn’t as warm off-screen as on, although no one needs to know that but her. She has always demanded perfection, and gotten it with a smile, but this year something is off. Things go awry as the baking competition begins. At first, it’s merely sabotage—sugar replaced with salt, a burner turned too high—but when a body is discovered, everyone is a suspect.

DEZ THE BOOKWORM

I quite enjoyed this murder mystery!!

Filled with intriguing multi-person perspectives, a puzzle is intricately woven together and we follow the secrets, lies and discoveries the whole book through.

This started out with an intro to the characters as part of the book - I’m grateful. I had to revert back to those first couple pages at first just to remember what perspective I was reading from. Once I settled in, the story was a breeze to switch to each character.

The author did an excellent job of making each character unique and full of their own personality. I was able to really immerse myself in this read and although this isn’t what I’d call a nail biter, it was fun! At times, it was quite a page turner. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little more than a whodunnit - it doesn’t quite have that feel but it is reminiscent of it. Not a super suspenseful thriller, kinda hits that sweet spot right in between.

Pretty good for a debut novel. I’d absolutely read more from this author without hesitation.