COBBLERED TO DEATH

A baking show host solves a murder.

Courtney Archer, the star of Cooking With the Farmer’s Daughter, has a secret: She grew up in Chicago and her dad’s really a pediatrician. It’s probably the worst-kept secret in the industry and definitely the worst-kept on the set of The American Baking Battle, where she’s currently the guest host. Co-host Skylar Daily, who also hosts Grocery Store Gambit, and judge Shannon Collins, star of Southern Comfort Foods, both of whom actually did grow up in rural America, instantly recognize Courtney’s urban ways. And things get even worse when contestant Mick Henderson overhears Courtney talking about the deception with her producer, Eric Iverson. Mick’s knowledge of her secret alone would make Courtney a prime suspect when a cherry cobbler she sets out to cool in its cast-iron pan is used to beat Mick to death. Her discovery of Mick’s body lying amid the ruins of her confection further sharpens her status as a person of interest in the eyes of Carbon County Sheriff Milton Perry. Handsome security guard Drake Nolan keeps a close eye on Courtney, agitating Eric, who has an eye for her as well. But Courtney decides that the best way to clear her name is to solve the case herself. Her search to discover who clobbered Mick with her cobbler has results that are all too predictable.

Ross’ series debut adds nothing to the cooking-mystery niche—not even recipes.