Murder by Milkshake

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE MALTED MILKSHAKE
A Death by Chocolate Mystery #2
Sarah Graves
Kensington Books
January 29, 2019


It's no surprise when Toby Moran turns up dead In an Eastport alley. What is surprising however is that he made it to the age of thirty, with a string of crimes and abusive relationships which morphed into stalking and blackmail. The problem is that the murder "weapon" appears to be one of The Chocolate Moose's signature chocolate milkshakes, laced with bug killer. More than that, Jacobia and Ellie, the Moose's owners are struggling. They are even considering closing the bakery after the winter's slump in sales. If so, Ellie and her husband, George, will have to sell up and move so that George can find steady work to provide for Ellie and their daughter. Ellie and George have been fixtures in Eastport for their entire lives, and the move will be a blow to the town and Jacobia in particular. Their one hope is catering a large wedding between Sharon Sweetwater, kindergarten teacher, and Andy Devine, Coast Guard officer. If the police look at them since Sharon is Toby's latest victim, the wedding will be off. Their last hope of staying afloat will disappear. Naturally, Jacobia and Ellie need to investigate. Even Bob Arnold, Eastport's Police Chief, doesn't seem to be averse to their activities this one time. And once again, Ellie and Jacobia find themselves in life-threatening situations.

I am always glad for another visit to Eastport and its citizens. Though the many books of the previous series, Home Repair is Homicide, all the main characters have become like old friends. Having visited Eastport, I can recognize many of the places described in the books. I also appreciate that Graves gives an accurate representation of just how hard it is for the people who welcome us summer visitors, to survive when the economy winds down for the winter. Work has always been hard to find in Maine: something that never seems to change, especially in the state's furthest reaches. Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake doesn't shy away from the hard facts of Maine life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

RATING- 4 Stars