Kristina A. reviewed Mint Chocolate Murder: An Ice Cream Shop Mystery (Ice Cream Shop Mysteries, 2) on + 1528 more book reviews
Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen is the second novel in An Ice Cream Shop Mysteries. It can be a standalone if you have not read The Rocky Road to Ruin. I like Riley Rhodes who is a former CIA librarian (and spy) who now managing Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop in Penniman, Connecticut. Riley creates ice cream flavors that have lines out the door at the ice cream shop. The setting of Moy Mull Castle is unique. An eccentric millionaire recreated a medieval castle in Connecticut. It was a hotel for a time. Maud has brought back the Scottish charm and the antiques found in the attic. The festival seemed like it was fun with plenty of delicious treats. I did feel the pacing was slow. We follow Riley through her day-to-day routine leading up to the festival. The author's detailed descriptions further bog down the story (do we have to know what each person is wearing along with hair color). xI am baffled as to how the title tied into the story. Mint chocolate ice cream is not a flavor mentioned in the book (pumpkin spice is mentioned several times). There are a number of characters in the story. It is challenging trying to keep track of all of them (just like in the first book). There are delectable ice cream flavors including the colorful unicorn ice cream (you will find yourself heading to the freezer for a pint). Mint Chocolate Murder is a colorful cozy with a fun fall festival, a modish ex-model, a disrespectful photographer, appetizing ice cream, a curious crime, a striking castle, and a sharp-eyed sleuthing librarian.
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Mint Chocolate Murder is the second installment in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery series set in Penniman, Connecticut and featuring ex CIA librarian turned ice cream shop manager, Riley Rhodes. Riley is settling down to a new life running Udderly Delicious for her best friend Caroline Spooner, and her latest job is to create flavors for Maud Monaco, the director of the local artist colony, Moy Mull, for her upcoming summer art festival.
The focal point of Moy Mull is the medieval castle, once turned hotel and now serves as Maud's private residence. But the castle is no fairytale, it's rumored to house the ghost of Oona Clitheroe, the first wife of the original owner Ben who ran away with the chauffeur, and also has a dungeon.
Adam Blascoe, famed photographer and Maud's ex-husband, arrives to shoot the photos for her new cookbook, and there is definitely something off about the man besides his eerie photos of half naked women. When Adam turns up dead in the dungeon, Riley finds herself drawn into a murder investigation with a whole lot of suspects. Maud, his assistant Vye, the resident chef, Prentiss and the demanding house guest, Dree Vendetti all have reasons to despise the photographer but fingers are pointing at Luca Principato, Fairweather Farms intern and Riley knows he isn't a killer.
A fun afternoon read with the return of series regulars, two furry felines and a captivating mystery. In her quest to clear Luca's name Riley also solves the mystery of Oona's disappearance. Oh, and did I mention the mouthwatering ice cream flavors and recipes?
The focal point of Moy Mull is the medieval castle, once turned hotel and now serves as Maud's private residence. But the castle is no fairytale, it's rumored to house the ghost of Oona Clitheroe, the first wife of the original owner Ben who ran away with the chauffeur, and also has a dungeon.
Adam Blascoe, famed photographer and Maud's ex-husband, arrives to shoot the photos for her new cookbook, and there is definitely something off about the man besides his eerie photos of half naked women. When Adam turns up dead in the dungeon, Riley finds herself drawn into a murder investigation with a whole lot of suspects. Maud, his assistant Vye, the resident chef, Prentiss and the demanding house guest, Dree Vendetti all have reasons to despise the photographer but fingers are pointing at Luca Principato, Fairweather Farms intern and Riley knows he isn't a killer.
A fun afternoon read with the return of series regulars, two furry felines and a captivating mystery. In her quest to clear Luca's name Riley also solves the mystery of Oona's disappearance. Oh, and did I mention the mouthwatering ice cream flavors and recipes?
