The story was quite engaging, despite my reservations about the character development. Having never read anything by this author, I’m open to exploring more of their work if it maintains this level of quality. The narrative was compelling enough to keep me reading, even though I questioned the rationale behind the characters’ interactions. It took a moment to immerse myself, but once I did, it was difficult to stop reading. The setting was adequately described, and familiar due to the state, despite the town’s small size.

On Valentine’s Day in Hatters Cove, Florida, food critic/columnist Kat Archer is tasked with writing a review for the grand opening of Miss Dolly’s Cookie Jar and Sweets Emporium. What appears to be a routine assignment quickly escalates into a major event. An altercation at the opening and a mysterious late-night call to discuss an urgent matter set the stage.

The plot thickens when an employee of the Cookie Jar is discovered murdered by poison, suggesting a sinister twist. It appears the victim was unintended, and Kat was the actual intended target.

The mystery is well-crafted, presenting numerous suspects with a wide array of motives.

My rating: ✧✧✧