KAPPY KING AND THE PIE KAPER

Two wildly different ladies are challenged by yet another death in the Amish community of Blue Sky.

Since Kappy King and her best friend, Edie Peachy, have already solved several murders (Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper, 2018, etc.), police officer Jack Jones isn’t surprised when they stick their noses into a new tragedy. Many rumors abound about why Alma Miller is in the hospital in a coma, but Kappy knows more than most because Jack’s asked her for help in deciphering some words written in flour on Alma’s kitchen floor. Jack thinks these words may be in Pennsylvania Dutch, but Kappy says that they’re in English rendered obscure by Alma’s bad penmanship. Even so, she finds it hard to make sense of what appear to be the words "nine babies" and "ME blue." Edie, who’s been banned by the community for going over to the English world, is attracted to Jack, who’s especially good with her younger brother, Jimmy, a hard worker with Down syndrome who loves animals and helps Edie continue their murdered mother’s beagle-breeding business. Alma was well-liked, but many were jealous of her prizewinning pies—especially Frannie Lehman, who’s tired of finishing second. Since none of the Amish will talk to Edie, Kappy must ask all the questions as they dig into Alma’s background looking for clues to the cryptic message she left. Jack thinks Frannie is the best bet, especially after he learns that the only things missing from Alma’s home are a quilt and her recipe box. This year’s pie contest involves high stakes: One of the judges who represents Mrs. O’Malley’s Pies may want to purchase the recipe for the winning boysenberry pie. Insider knowledge and long memories will help Kappy and Edie solve the crime.

Experienced readers will have little trouble solving the mystery, but the likable characters and Edie’s slow progress in re-embracing her Amish side will keep fans coming back for more.