When celebrity chef Rachel Wu returns to her charming Vermont hometown to test recipes for her second cookbook, she expects nothing more than quality time with her mother Evelyn and some peaceful cooking. But when an ambitious selectboard member orchestrates a high-profile pop-up dinner at the local bistro, Rachel’s quiet retreat turns into a culinary nightmare.
Renowned food critic Heather Bronson collapses at her table in the middle of Rachel’s signature dish tasting from a severe allergic reaction. With Heather saying Rachel deliberately used peanuts despite knowing about her allergy, Rachel’s career hangs in the balance. Her cookbook deal is suspended, legal action looms, and Silver Springs buzzes with suspicion.
But Evelyn Chan isn’t about to watch her daughter’s reputation crumble.
As she and Rachel dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of professional rivalries, past grudges, and hidden motives among the local restaurant owners—each with their own reason to want Heather Bronson taken down.
Mother and daughter must work together to expose the truth before Rachel’s culinary dreams are destroyed forever.
A delightfully cozy mystery short story seasoned with family bonds, small-town charm, and just the right amount of culinary intrigue.
Jodie Morgan is an author of cozy mysteries, short stories, puzzle books, joke books, and riddle books. Her novels welcome readers to the charming town of Silver Springs, in Maplewood County, Vermont. Jodie’s books are filled with intriguing puzzles, memorable characters, and the satisfying solutions cozy mystery readers love.
When she’s not plotting her next book, you’ll find her reading, savoring a coffee (with cream, always!) or working on her latest knitting or crochet project.
She loves to travel as this sparks ideas for her writing. Her most satisfying creative moments come from quiet evenings at home with her supportive family.
You can find out more about Jodie and her published works at cozycozies.com