A Clue in the Stew

A Clue in the Stew by Connie Archer is the fifth book in the Soup Lover's Mystery series. The town is all abuzz because mystery writer, Hilary Stone is coming to Snowflake, Vermont to do a book signing. Eleanor Jensen had set up the book signing to take place at the Congregational Church Hall, but they have a leaky roof (and it is currently being repaired). Eleanor needs to find a new location and only one place is big enough. By the Spoonful is owned by Lucky Jamison. Lucky agrees to have the event at the restaurant. Meg Findly, their waitress, is especially excited. Meg just loved the book and wants to meet the author (guess who will be getting the night off). Meg has been a little testy lately with all the extra work she is doing at the diner since they lost their last waitress. Meg gives Lucky an ultimatum. Hire a new waitress, or Meg will quit. They are fortunate (or so they think) when a woman walks through the door looking for a job. Nanette Sims is new to the area. She has the necessary experience, but Lucky has reservations about her (especially with the way Nanette flirts with Jack, Lucky's grandfather). But Lucky does not want to lose Meg, so she hires Nanette (with a thirty-day probationary period). Hilary Stone and her entourage (including a boorish son and his greedy wife) show up, and Lucky is amazed at how many people come to the book signing. The next morning, Ms. Stone is found dead in her room at the inn. She is killed just like the victims in her book. Hilary Stone's death is similar to a recent unsolved murder in the area. Chief Nate Edgerton has his hands full with two murders. When evidence points to a regular customer of By the Spoonful, Lucky sets out to find the real killer. Lucky also has to decide what to do about Nanette. There is definitely something off about her and Lucky is worried about Jack getting hurt. Come join us in Snowflake, Vermont for another adventure with Lucky and her friends.

A Clue in the Stew was a great addition to the Soup Lover's Mystery series. It was nice to revisit the characters (Lucky, Jack, Sage, Sophie, etc.) to see how they are faring. The book is very easy to read and I was pulled into the world in Snowflake immediately. While A Clue in the Stew is part of a series, it can be read by itself (but why not enjoy all the books in this cute series). The mystery was not complicated and the killer was, unfortunately, obvious. I did, though, enjoy figuring out Nanette. I knew she was up to something, but not sure what (was she involved in the murder or something else). I give A Clue in the Stew 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to my next visit to Snowflake and By the Spoonful in the next edition to the Soup Lover's Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of A Clue in the Stew from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.