With "In Peppermint Peril," Joy Avon introduces us to Callie, her aunt Iphy, their clever Book Tea Shop and the friends and family that make up the town of Heart's Harbor, Maine. In this "whodunit," as Christmas nears family and friends are called to the large estate just outside of town for a party hosted by the widowed lady of the house - everyone is chomping at the bit to hear details of her new will and what they will get from it. Before the will can be shared, the longtime gardener is found dead in the conservatory and chaos and gossip ensue as the deputy sheriff and Callie work separately and together to solve the crime.

All in all, a quaint and charming story that lands firmly in the "cozy mystery" arena and sets up the characters and locale for a continuing series that should be fun to follow.

Free ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is available November 13th.