As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles

"Budewitz's finely drawn characters, sharp ear for dialogue, and well-paced puzzle make Jewel Bay a destination for every cozy fan." -Kirkus Reviews "Clean-as-a-whistle dialogue, endearing characters, and a solid plot make this cozy a winner." -Publishers Weekly "Cozy readers will relish the small-town Christmastime frame accompanying details of frenzied wedding planning and running a family food business. And, of course, recipes, too." -Booklist Erin is one smart cookie, but can she keep the holiday spirit-and herself-alive till Christmas? In Jewel Bay, all is merry and bright. At Murphy's Mercantile, aka the Merc, manager Erin Murphy is ringing in the holiday season with food, drink, and a new friend: Merrily Thornton. A local girl gone wrong, Merrily has turned her life around. But her parents have publicly shunned her, and they nurse a bitterness that chills Erin. When Merrily goes missing and her boss discovers he's been robbed, fingers point to Merrily-until she's found dead, a string of lights around her neck. The clues and danger snowball from there. Can Erin nab the killer-and keep herself in one piece-in time for a special Christmas Eve? Includes delicious recipes! Praise for the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries: "A lighthearted and amusing story with the added bonus of several yummy recipes." -Mystery Scene "Treble at the Jam Fest has all the necessary elements to satisfy cozy mystery lovers: likeable, believable characters, a fast-moving plot, and a logical ending. Great fun!" -Suspense Magazine "A pleasing read with a thoughtful heroine, a plethora of red herrings, and some foodie tips." -Kirkus Reviews "A delicious mystery as richly constructed as the layers of a buttery pastry. Wine, enchiladas, and song make for a gourmet treat in the coziest town in Montana!" -Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries "Leslie is a fellow foodie who loves a good mystery and it shows in this delightful tale!" -Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author of the Coffeehouse Mysteries "Music, food, scenery, and a cast of appealing characters weave together in perfect harmony in Leslie Budewitz's latest book." -Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mysteries and the County Cork Mysteries

Three-time Agatha Award-winning author Leslie Budewitz is passionate about food, great mysteries, and her native Montana, the setting for her national-bestselling Food Lovers' Village Mysteries. She also writes the Spice Shop Mysteries, set in Seattle's Pike Place Market. As Alicia Beckman, she's the author of stand-alone suspense set in Montana and the Northwest. Visit her online at www.LeslieBudewitz.com, where you can find maps of the village and surrounding area, recipes, and more.