Book 33, 2023

Six Sweets Under by Sarah Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Between yesterday, when I had nothing I could do but read, and today, I finished Six Sweets Under, which is the first book in author Sarah Fox's "True Confections" cozy mystery series. The main character is Rebecca "Becca" Ransom, an LA actress who has returned to her hometown of Larch Haven VT.

Becca spent several years in Hollywood and enjoyed mild success as an actress. A health scare, however, reminded her what's truly important in her life and she has come home to Larch Haven, the so-called "Venice of North America". Larch Haven has canals instead of streets, and travel by gondola is popular. Becca has taken up working in the candy shop owned by her grandparents, Pops and Lolly. She's enjoying herself until the town curmudgeon is found floating in the canals and Pops is considered a person of interest. Determined to clear her grandfather's name, Becca starts asking questions around town. She is aided by her BFF, Dizzy, but her childhood friend, Sawyer, now a detective, warns her to stay out of the investigation. When someone threatens Becca, she realizes that Sawyer was right, but she's not backing down.

The setting in the story was utterly charming. Characters were fleshed out, including nasty old Archie, and I nearly drooled as Becca created chocolate treats for sale in True Confections. Pacing was good, alternating Becca's sleuthing with her time at work and down time, too.

Favorite line: There was nothing quite like pizza night or a lunch date with my bestie.

Charming read, and I look forward to more. Four stars.

( Trope Test )