Sugar and Spite - (Witch City Mystery) by Carol J Perry (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

There's no place like Salem, Massachusetts--aka "the witch city"--for Halloween. As residents embrace their historic heritage to celebrate the season, WICH-TV program director Lee Barrett is assigned the decadent task of highlighting the village's delectable sweet shops--only to learn that some revelers prefer deadly tricks over delicious treats . . .

Casa del Chocolate is one of Salem's most charming boutique candy shops, making it a perfect profile story. Although preoccupied with her own personal sweet news--Lee and her detective husband Pete Mondello are expecting a bundle of joy--she cheerfully agrees to interview the chocolatier. Since becoming pregnant, the radiant and exhilarated mother-to-be has discovered that she is finally free of the unwanted haunting "visions" she has endured since childhood.

Shirley Parker inherited Casa del Chocolate, housed in her beautiful ancestral home on the waterfront, continuing her family's sweet tradition of conjuring magical treats for the folks of Salem. Mesmerized by the delightful chocolate scented aromas filling the air while touring the kitchen, Lee is shocked when she stumbles upon the murdered body of Barney Bingham, Shirley's estranged husband.

As the police focus their suspicions on Shirley, Lee learns that many people had reasons for wanting Barney dead. Now, with help from Pete, tarot reader River North, and clairvoyant gentleman cat O'Ryan, as well as some new feline friends, Lee must unmask the true killer--and cope with the sudden return of her troubling "visions". . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Witch City Mysteries

"There are enough appearances by Aunt Ibby and their psychic cat O'Ryan to delight and charm long-time fans, making this twelfth in the series reliably engaging while still having the unique twist of a separate adventure." --Kings River Life Magazine on 'Til Death

"Murder, Take Two is both a page-turning mystery and a fascinating history lesson." --Suspense Magazine

"A perfect read for the Halloween season." --Fresh Fiction on Murder, Take Two

"There are interesting forays into the work of running a small TV station and appearances by Lee's charming and possibly clairvoyant cat. Author Carol J. Perry juggles these details with finesse and moves the plot toward a creepy conclusion that adds a few shivers to this cozy." --BookPage on Late Checkout

"A library volunteer gets more than she bargained for when a body turns up in the stacks: a scary murder victim but a great potential research opportunity." --Kirkus Reviews on Late Checkout

"This delightful read set against the Halloween festivities in Salem is perfect cozy read for a blustery autumn evening."--The Intelligencer on Late Checkout

"If you're looking to stroll around Salem, its library, get caught in the pumpkin run, and spend time with the unique characters that populate this story, this may very well be your book." --Criminal Element on Late Checkout

"So much fun." --Suspense Magazine on Late Checkout

"Perfect paranormal mystery to curl up with this Halloween." --Fresh Fiction on Late Checkout

"Earns high marks for being a clever, character-driven whodunit that's firmly entrenched in a sense of time and place without being overshadowed by it. Carol J. Perry writes with alacrity, casting a spell that will leave readers old and new bewitched, beguiled, and begging for more." --Criminal Element on Final Exam

"A fast-paced cozy that entertains from start to finish. A great read!" --Suspense Magazine on Bells, Spells, and Murders

"The real fun this time out is watching Lee scrambling to turn hints into news stories...a generally engaging series." --Locus Magazine on Final Exam

"Who could resist a mystery where home libraries are organized by the Dewey Decimal System, an Agatha Christie novel provides critical clues, and Gremlins is the holiday movie of the night?" --Kings River Life Magazine on Bells, Spells, and Murders

"A diverting journey." --Kirkus Reviews on Grave Errors

About the Author

Carol J. Perry was born in Salem on Halloween Eve. She is the bestselling author of the Witch City Mysteries and the Haunted Haven Mystery series as well as a number of young adult novels. She and her husband Dan live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with a black Lab. Visit her at CarolJPerry.com.