We are off to cozy crime genre for Susan A. King's latest in her Beattie Bramshaw mysteries, Banana Devil Cake.
With the murder of last year’s fête judge now but a hazy
memory, the village of Elmesbury has retired to its former tranquil existence.
That is, until a mysterious newcomer sets in motion a series of events that
will see members of the W.I. crossing wooden spoons at dawn.
In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement
party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself
embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village
gets its name, but having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her
beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête
has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in
mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.
Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the
detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to
the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of
the W.I. is picked off?
Banana Devil Cake is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of
Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself
for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.
My Thoughts
This is certainly a lot of fun as you follow Beattie Bramshaw as she turns her attention to mysterious events in her sleepy village of Elmesbury. This has all the attributes of a cozy crime story, from the plot to the cast of characters who we are introduced to. There may be deaths and dastardly deeds but you are always safe in the knowledge that there are no graphic violent bits coming up. You can relax and enjoy the mystery.
Full of humour which is derived from the larger than life characters and the petty jealousies which the WI competitions seem to breed, you see the villagers warts and all. Beattie is certainly a determined sleuth, a faintly eccentric characters who observes life around her. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read- just perfect to pass a weekend with.
In short: Watch out, Beattie's about!
About the Author
Susan A. King lives with her husband in a quiet suburb in
Hampshire. Between them they have four grown-up sons.
The inspiration for her Beattie Bramshaw novels comes from
her long experience and observation of competitors at the local Romsey Show,
where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements.
You can follow Susan here: Twitter | Instagram
Book links: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Thanks to Susan A King, Lightning Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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