BAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

When a baking competition is almost derailed by a contestant’s murder, a chocolatier uses the case to cozy up to a local police officer.

Becca Ransom has no regrets about giving up her Los Angeles life to return to her gorgeous childhood home of Larch Haven, Vermont, where winter makes everything in the small town look even more beautiful. Not only does Becca get to be near her beloved grandparents Lolly and Pop; she’s also happily taken over their family chocolate shop, True Confections. When her closest friend, Dizzy Bautista, tries to talk Becca into entering the upcoming third annual Baking Spirits Bright competition, Becca at first demurs, modestly thinking of herself as more of a chocolatier than a baker. But Dizzy’s anticipation is infectious, and the prospect of appearing in New England’s renowned Bake It Right magazine would be icing on the proverbial competition cake. Soon enough, Becca finds herself not only in the competition but in the finals, with plans for a heavily detailed, fully edible model of Larch Haven as her showcase. Full of jitters, Becca shows up at the finals ready to do her best only to discover the body of fellow competitor Irma, killed by a blow from Becca’s own chocolate chipper. Though Becca is shocked that a murder could take place in such a small community, she’s also cheered at the idea that her favorite police officer Sawyer Maguire’s involvement in the crime might mean a little extra time together as they pool their individual talents to solve the case.

As sweet as its many sugar-infused puns.