by Sandra Murphy

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

It’s three weeks out from Jenna and Rhett’s wedding. Time to settle on a DJ, finalize the menu, check on the flowers, last minute fittings, reservations for out-of-town relatives, and so much more. It’s also time for the Bride’s Dream Expo, when Bridezillas and their mothers check what’s available and what’s not, have meltdowns, and shed enough tears to float a boat. With the help of her wedding planner, Harmony, Jenna’s wedding is all set so she can focus on the Cookbook Nook and the rush of customers they’ll see.

That is, until Sarita comes back to town. She’d framed Rhett for arson years before. He was cleared, but she’d escaped with the insurance money and valuable art. When the investigation was reopened because of information Jenna passed along and Sarita was found, it was prison time for her. Now she’s out on good behavior? Jenna finds that hard to believe especially after the two have a minor run-in and Sarita threatens her.

The threat is followed by a brick through the window at Jenna’s house, but it’s nothing in comparison to what happens next—a bomb goes off in Rhett’s restaurant and he’s injured. Jenna’s sure Sarita is guilty.

As the evidence mounts, Jenna passes tips and theories to Cinnamon, the Chief of Police. Worried about Rhett, the wedding, his restaurant, and the next threat, Jenna’s theories begin to stretch believability.

After a second death, tension really ramps up. Will Jenna and Rhett make it down the aisle or will a killer stop them in their tracks?

Readers will be happy to see Tigger and Rook (Jenna’s cat and Rhett’s dog) have prominent roles in the tale, plus there’s a whole box of kittens looking for homes. Although the bomb is the big news, there are other crimes to solve as well, plus the regular snafus involved in any large event, especially a wedding. Put on a summery outfit, flip flops, and sit back to enjoy the mystery. Make sure to have a nice outfit set aside for the wedding.

In addition to all the taste testing throughout the book, Jenna’s chef Katie, in the adjoining Nook Café, has included a number of recipes for your enjoyment. They are—banana mocha cupcakes plus a gluten-free (GF) version, chocolate peppermint bombe (ice cream), vanilla ice cream, fennel-feta appetizers, wedding cookies, lobster or whitefish panini sandwich, margarita cocktail, peach or pear flambé, a perfect bliss cocktail, salmon and avocado rolls, scallops with bacon Benedict, GF biscuits with chives, spicy fish kebabs, white wine risotto, and stir fried shrimp with asparagus tips.

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Simmering With Resentment, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “simmering,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 21, 2022. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If you are entering via email please include you mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. A new episode goes up next week.

You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the Amazon link. You can also click here to purchase the book.

Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She’s editor for Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Stories Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s, with twenty-two cozy stories. She also edited A Murder of Crows, twenty-one stories featuring animals and crime (no animals were harmed). She also writes for magazines, newsletters, and the occasional guest blog. Both anthologies are available at the usual outlets, print or ebook.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.