A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander

 

A Crime of Passion Fruit (A Bakeshop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 6th in Series 

St. Martin's Paperbacks (June 27, 2017) 

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages ISBN-13: 978-1250088079 

E-Book ASIN: B01MRU56AS

Torte―everybody’s favorite small-town family bakeshop―is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . . Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte gets set to make its transformation from quaint, local confectionary café to royal pastry palace. Meanwhile, Jules’s estranged husband Carlos is making a desperate plea for her to come aboard his cruise ship and dazzle everyone with her signature sweets. She may be skeptical about returning to her former nautical life with Carlos but Jules can’t resist an all-expense-paid trip, either. If only she knew that a dead body would find its way onto the itinerary . . “A warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and likable main characters, and a nasty murder mystery to solve!” ―Fresh Fiction Now, instead of enjoying tropical drinks on deck between whipping up batches of sea-salted chocolates and flambéing fresh pineapple slices in the kitchen, Jules is plunged into dangerous waters. Her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers: Why can’t anyone on board identify the young woman? And how can she help Carlos keep passengers at ease with a killer in their midst? Jules feels like she’s ready to jump ship. Can she solve this case without getting in too deep? “A perfect mix for fans of Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Budewitz, or Jessica Beck.” ―Library Journal

 Ellie Alexander's prose has a lyrical quality to it with beautiful, rolling, descriptive passages. Very fitting for a novel set on a stormy sea cruise. Add in some quotes from The Bard and this is a word lover's dream cozy. More like a nightmare vacation for the Professor, who has a dreamier vision for this chance to get away with Helen, chef Jules Capshaw's mother. When Jules stumbles upon a floating body, it becomes a working vacation for the Professor.
It was already a working assignment for Jules, who joins her estranged husband,Carlos, preparing food on a mid-sized tour ship, the Amour of the Seas. She struggles to keep her focus on her job and off the mystery of the unknown victim.

Don't read this book while you are hungry! The food descriptions are so enticing you will drool.
I doubt real cruise ships offer fare as delicious and creative. There are recipes included at the end of this book. Having never been on a cruise, I found the behind the scenes descriptions fascinating.

About The Author Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she's not coated in flour, you'll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.
  Author Links Web: http://www.elliealexander.co/
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexanderauthor/
  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bakeshopmystery
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexander/

  Purchase Links Amazon B&N IndieBound

 

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