Title: Peaches and Schemes (A Georgia B&B Mystery #3)
Author: Anna Gerard
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published on: 11 May 2021
Peaches and Schemes is the third book in Georgia B&B cozy mystery series. I have read the first two books in this series and this series is slowly making its way into my list of favorite cozy series.
The highlights of this series is our protagonist, Nina (pronounced as nine-aah) Fleet and her Australian shepherd Mattie. Nina buys a Victorian mansion and turns it into a B&B. Few days later, a handsome actor named Harry Wescott arrives, claiming he’s the rightful owner of the mansion. Two books through and we are now at a stage where we see teeny-tiny sparks flying between Nina and Harry.
Nina is at the annual fall Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo at Cymbeline High School. Her new friend Roxanne is found dead in a (cardboard) cake. Roxxie and Virgie were fighting minutes ago, and now Roxxie’s dead. Initially, the death is ruled as accidental but the local cops find clues that suggests otherwise. Soon, Virgie becomes the prime suspect in the murder.
The thing I loved the most about Peaches and Schemes is the eclectic mix of romance, mystery and fur babies. Mattie has a new playmate – Roxxie’s pet Gus. Nina also finds a new buddy in Harry – I am eager to see how their relationship plays out in the next book.
While interfering trying to solve the mystery behind Roxanne’s death, Nina stumbles across a secret – something to do with Harry. Halfway through the story, Nina becomes the killer’s latest “muse”. Time’s ticking and Nina has to solve the case before she becomes the next victim…
It goes without saying Anna Gerard is a master storyteller. I really adore her writing style. The characters are well-portrayed and it was really good to see a dash of romance brewing between Harry and Nina. The mystery behind the murder was sinister – I certainly did not see this coming. The identity of the perp – unexpected and total shocker! I really loved the movie-like denouement.
If you love cozy mysteries, you must give Peaches and Schemes a read. Lovely setting, likable characters, a mystery that keeps you guessing till the end and a dash of romance make Peaches and Schemes an entertaining and engrossing cozy mystery.
Many thanks to CrookedLaneBooks and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Book Decoder 
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