MURDER IN THE COOKBOOK NOOK

A renowned Virginia hotel hosts murder and mayhem.

A made-for-television cook-off hosted by wildly popular Mia Mallett and featuring several famous chefs seems like a win-win for Jane Steward, doyenne of Storyton Hall. The rural hotel, a haven for book lovers and foodies alike, is completely booked by crew members and people eager to watch the filming. The first hint of trouble is a fire in the field where the kitchen tents are set up. Luckily, there’s just a little scorching. When a gas grill blows up, however, it burns an employee and rouses Jane’s suspicions. Director Tyler Scott is happy to have Chef Pierce among the competitors, for he adds drama to the proceedings. But when the obnoxious visiting chef is found dead in hotel chef Mrs. Hubbard’s cookbook nook amid the wreckage of some formerly valuable china, Jane realizes that she and her capable crew will have to pitch in to help the local sheriff. Jane really likes two of her guests: Mia, whose love of food is palpable and infectious, and famous author Olivia Limoges, who’s rented a cottage looking for a change to help her over her writer’s block. Although most of the chefs seem very nice too, some of them have well-founded grievances against Pierce, leaving Jane with more suspects than time to reveal a killer who seems poised to strike again.

Love Chopped and mysteries? This delightful character-driven cozy is just the treat for you.