Recently divorced Abby Shaw returns to Paradise, Colorado to run the Divinity Candy Shop, which she inherited from her Aunt Grace. Though some of the people living in Paradise are a bit cool towards Abby until she proves herself; men's clothing storeowner Brandon Mills seems attracted to her. Since he has quite the reputation as a ladies man, Abby's not sure about his true feelings but never has a chance to find out when he is murdered. Brandon's death is a shock for Abby in many ways - she discovers that Brandon was not who she thought he was and was in fact disliked by many people in town. While that means there are many suspects in his murder, the police are focusing on Abby's brother, Wyatt. Wyatt certainly has a motive - he suspects his wife had an affair with Brandon - but he insists he didn't do it and Abby believes him. Now she has to convince hunky Police Officer Tawarski of Wyatt's innocence while trying to find the killer herself to clear his name."Candy Apple Dead" is a nice cozy mystery. Abby is a well-written, well-rounded character. Her struggles to prove herself capable of running the candy store and convince the town people of the same are very believable. Her struggle to reconcile the Brandon she knew with the person others said he was is heartbreaking. Her relationship with her brother is also very believable - anxious to clear his name, Abby realizes he is hiding something from her and her fear and frustration is well written. The candy store setting is a nice one and I loved the small details about candy making and how Abby decorated the store for the holidays. In fact, I wish there was more of that in the book. I liked the fact that Abby had a legitimate reason for investigating the murder - clearing her brother's name - instead of a manufactured one that happens so often in cozy mysteries. The mystery itself is well plotted, although only the most astute readers will note an important clue to the murderer."Candy Apple Dead" is a sweet read.
Candy Apple Dead by Sammi Carter revolves around Abby, a corporate lawyer who returned to her hometown after her marriage failed and took over her great aunt's candy shop. When a friend's store burns down and his body is found in the rubble, her brother is the townspeople's main suspect. Assuming, of course, that the man didn't burn the shop down himself and get caught in the blaze. Abby can't believe either could be thought guilty, but soon finds out many things about both of them that she didn't know.The book was published by Berkley Prime Crime and has a 2005 copyright. For subgenre, it is probably somewhere between a regular cozy and the newer class "culinary," which seems to simply be a cozy with a food aspect. Candy recipes are included (not something that would make me buy a book, but who knows).I really liked this one. Even better than the previously read one in the project. I may partly prefer it because the POV is more like my own work. The characters were real and I could relate to them easily. The woman's need to find the answers herself were very understandable. Even analyzing it closely, I didn't find any real problems with the book. Just one spot where it says she turns on the flame then half a page later starts the burner--for the same pot. Not a big deal and probably not very noticeably problematic if reading just for fun.The play between what the narrator thought of characters versus what the town thought added to the enjoyment. Abby made you sympathize with the dead guy even when the rest of the town had a grudge. She had a great sense of humor and personality as well.Find my complete evaluation at http://balancingboard.blogspot.com/20...
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. At first, the characters kind of annoyed me (especially Abby), but with a little time I grew to really like her. She's nosy, but it's understandable in this context and where would the story be if she wasn't. I found myself wanted to learn more about her and the other people in her little town. I think this was a really good 1st mystery in the series, even though it sort of threw a bunch of characters as you at once. I was quickly hooked into the mystery and stayed hooked until the end. Good cozy mystery and I hope to read more of this series.
—RebeccaS
This is the first book in the Candy Shop Series. Abby has moved back to her small home town of Paradise, Colorado after being gone for 20 years. Some of the townsfolk accept her right away, and some feel she has to prove herself. Even her brother, Wyatt is upset that she left. She has inherited her aunt's candy shop business and she is getting over the divorce from her cheating husband, and is so hurt by his betrayal that she wants nothing more to do with relationships. However, when the smooth talking, good looking, Brandon asks her to dinner, she finally takes a chance. When she is stood-up, she is hurt, but when Brandon's place of business, Man About Town, goes up in flames, she knows in her heart that something is wrong. When Abby's brother is made the prime suspect by the police, she can't just sit around and let him take the fall. A nice little cozy.
—Patti
What could be more delish than a mystery series that takes place in a candy shop? Adding pizza, cheese & baked goods is the only thing that comes to mine. Oh, talk about sheer deliciousness.Sammi Carter's Abby Shaw is the latest amateur sleuth to join the ranks in the cozy mystery genre.Candy Apple Dead is a luscious read.I enjoyed getting to know Abby in this tempting debut. I loved the small town feel of life in Paradise, Colorado.Carter created a likable heroine who has chutzpah. Abby seems to have no fear & thrusts herself right into the thick of things.While Abby does stick herself into the midst of some precarious situations & you often wonder,"what the heck is she doing?" it makes sense.Granted, it is a bit frustrating but you can't help but root for her as she tries to get to the bottom of the murder. Which is what makes her a believable & endearing protagonist. You just want Abby to persevere.The characters are interesting & not all syrupy sweet. Love that!The family dynamics between Abby & her brother are intriguing. You want to know more about what lies beneath all of their tension. You want to know what makes Wyatt behave the way he does. Why two children growing up under the same roof veer off into two very different paths.Carter pens Wyatt in a way where you want to know what makes him tick ~ you just want to know more about him, his wife & children.As for Abby, you want her to have it all. She is charming, sassy & smart.Candy Apple Dead is an entertaining mystery. The clues are drizzled about evenly & it is a fast, fun read.Carter's Candy Apple Dead kicks off the Candy Shop Mystery series & this series shows bright promise.My only gripe was the ending. It seemed to end a tad too abruptly. For me, the big reveal was more like, "Huh?" it just didn't click well enough for me.Perhaps, a few more pages would of done the trick?!
—Diane Morasco
