Doughnuts and Deception by Agatha Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
The 3rd book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series!
Julia never expected to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when she discovers that homeless people are dying suspiciously and the police aren’t investigating, she can’t sit back and do nothing. After promising her young lodger, Jessie, that she will do everything she can to help, Julia finds herself diving headfirst into the case, aided by her new Detective Inspector boyfriend, Barker. Sure there is a serial killer preying on the vulnerable residents of an old burnout warehouse, Julia must act quickly to get to the bottom of the mystery, but can she crack the case before more bodies turn up?
Book 3 in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
The third installment of the series is darker than ever and more personal.
This time it is all about Jessie’s former “home” outside Peridale.
Investigation lead Julia again into a dangerous situation and this time, Barker is along her side.
It is really charming how the plot is developed and although you can read the book as a standalone title it is better to have the details of the other books. You really enjoy the character developement, the way how their lives are now illustrated.
Several aspects are now revealed and we also get more Barker and Julia action though it is still slow burning but nonetheless exciting.
The book ends with susprising events and it is exciting to see how those will lead to the fourth book. The title maybe gives a hint to it. If I guess right, I have to say. XD
The crime case in this book is as sad as the other, the motive by the murder is authentic and although you have soon your assumptions the outcome is still thrilling.
I can’t wait to read the further books, it is a pleasant cozy read. Agatha Frost knows to capture attention and it is mixed with interesting story plots and charming, witty character. You have hard times to be angry about them and be delighted to see when they are happy.
Very British and with a fierce heroine, the 3rd book is as fascinating as the first two books, therefore 5 out of 5 stars.
Mikku-chan 