Kristina A. reviewed on 5/12/2020 + 1528 more book reviews

A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette is the debut novel in An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series. Bronwyn âWinâ Crewse has returned home to Chagrin Falls and was thrilled when her grandfather gave her the keys to Crewse Creamery making her the new manager. Win's Aunt Jack had changed the place so much that is was not recognizable. Win has made some wonderful ice cream (all made by hand) to sell for the opening which turns out to be a chilly day with rapidly falling snow. Not the best day to open an ice cream shop. Win has a positive attitude and plenty of marketing ideas to help Crewse Creamery. I enjoy the relationship Win has with her family especially her grandfather, PopPop. PopPop may be grumpy, but he has a soft heart where his granddaughter is concerned. While Maisie Solomon is a loyal friend to Win (they have been friends since kindergarten), she had hair brained ideas and reacts without thinking (insisting someone is guilty of murder without proof). I hope that Maisie will calm down and mature as the series progresses. The mystery was straightforward. You know who will die after meeting the man. There are a couple of suspects along with misdirection. I would have liked more investigating by Win (without Maisie). I enjoyed discovering the identity of the cold killer. The ice cream Win creates sounds delicious. I like that she uses quality, locally sourced ingredients. I was surprised that Win did not serve other items in the winter like homemade hot chocolate, cookies fresh from the oven (could be used to be ice cream sandwiches too), brownies served a la mode, or pie with ice cream. It would help to bring customers into the shop (she might in future books). Win's marketing degree will serve her well in promoting the shop. Professor Morrison Kaye is a good addition. I liked him except for the ideas he gave Maisie. The knowledge he imparted could be dangerous in Maisie's hands. A Deadly Inside Scoop is an upbeat cozy mystery with creamy cold concoctions, greenhorn gumshoes, significant snowfall, a mystery man, a precious puppy, and carcinogenic killer.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details