I liked the book enough to finish, but Leila wasn't the most likeable main character which is pretty important in a cozy. She does get better towards the end. There was also a lot of repetition. Leila would say something, then say something to the same effect in the next chapter. All the characters, including some of the secondary ones, could use a good therapist. Luckily, Toast seems to have his head on straight.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Good new cozy mystery series set in a family owned Maple Syrup business. Good characters, lots of description about the art of making maple syrup and beautiful descriptions of foliage and countryside. Recipes included.

New Series First
Lelila Khoury is back in town for her father’s funeral. He’s been murdered and his will leaves the maple farm to her. She has has ongoing mother/ daughter issues with her mom and hadn’t planned on staying, bur her father requested she run the farm for a year and here she is. She has decided she needs to find out what happened and comes across a suspect or two...in her mind at least. One of her suspects is not only innocent, but dies protecting her and that kicks her snooping into high gear.
Her investigation leads her down paths she never expected. The family is Lebanese and we are treated to some ethnic delights and customs. The recipes sound really scrumptious.
I recommend this culinary cozy. I requested and received a Net Galley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

This is one of my top 5 favorite cozies of 2022. I read this cover to cover in one sitting. I love cozy mysteries that are unique settings that are picturesque and atmospheric. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

.Leila is a smart protagnist taking over her murdered Father's maple syrup farm . She has the determination his will requires which is to run the business for one year by herself. As she steps into his role she is attempting to piece together the clues of his murder and find the right suspect. As she clashes with her employees who she suspects and makes inquires in town she is soon in danger. As danger looms over her and clues abound Leila soon finds herself in further danger and solving her Father's murder. I like Leila as a protagnist who does not hesitate to ask questions and is savvy as a investigator . The author has a well crafted sleuth, wonderful charcters and the perfect charming setting for a cozy series. Well; done to the author.

I received this book from NetGalley, thank you!

Such a great cozy mystery! I really enjoyed the setting, a maple farm in Vermont. Leila is a relatable character, who has the pressures of her family to do what they expect, but she just wants to be happy and do her own thing. She's then faced with the murder of her father and having to take over the family farm that she originally wanted nothing to do with running. I found there was a great balance between Leila's personal story, the mystery of her father's murder, and how the two tied together. If there will be a sequel to this, I will absolutely read it!

Many of my high school students are getting into cozy mysteries as a way to escape the sometimes dark YA themes they're encountering. I think this series would be a fun entry into the genre for a teenager, and any adult who enjoys a clean cozy mystery will be thrilled with this first book. Set in Vermont, Leila is a grieving daughter who unexpectedly inherits the family's maple farm. As she navigates her new responsibilities, she also is driven to figure out who murdered her father and why. Maybe it's just because I like maple syrup, but I really enjoyed the unique setting! Included at the end are several maple-themed recipes.

This is a super fun cozy mystery set on a maple farm in Vermont. We are following Leila as she is trying to figure out who was behind the death of her father. There is no end to the number of suspects we have to work with, and trying to figure out who the killer is kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I was sure I knew who did it, another clue would come along and I had to rethink everything.

Leila begins uncovering secrets, and as she's digging she ends up putting herself in real danger, thankfully Noah, who works at the Maple Farm and hopeful love interest, is around to help her out.
I loved the characters, and the running of the farm was very cool. Toast was an adorable addition, and the mystery was perfect. I'm very much looking forward to making some Maple shortbread cookies (recipe at the end of the book) and seeing reading the next book in the series!

Good start to a new series. More Mediterranean food than maple syrup, but that is inconsequential. The cozy mystery is clever and kept me guessing. I had my suspicions. Nice variety of characters. Some surprises. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. I look forward to reading the next one.

A doomful of sugar is set in Vermont on a maple sugar farm. You'll enjoy learning about the workings of the farm as you follow the characters as they try to solve the murders. Lots of twists to unravel.

A Doomful of Sugar is the first book in a new cozy mystery series set on a Vermont maple syrup farm. The series follows Leila as she returns home to Vermont after her father’s murder. Her father has left her the family maple syrup farm/business. She must look into his suspicious death and deal with learning the business with the help of her father's grumpy right hand man.

There's a lot of tension between Leila and her brother. Noah also rubs Leila the wrong way and she's suspects he has something to do with her Dad's death. She also has a bit of a romantic interest in him which makes things interesting.

Lots of potential suspects/red herrings and a very lovely setting makes for a great read!

It’s always fun to start a new series and Bruns kicks this one off with a winner. Bruns has written interesting and complex characters in Leila, Noah and the folks of Sugar Ridge. I specifically appreciated the addition of the family’s Lebanese descent and all the yummy cultural food references, especially that rose water baklava which sounds SO good and Noah’s character and military experience is a refreshing addition. Of course we can’t forget the mystery which has just the right balance the clues and red herrings that will have you scratching you had to the end. This is the first book is the Maple Syrup Mysteries series and I for one can’t wait for the next.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I've heard good things about Catherine Bruns books so I knew I had to try her out! This one did not disappoint and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

A great, cozy mystery that kept me engaged the whole book. Could not wait to see who had done it!
Leila has come home from Florida upon her father's death and learns that she has inherited her parent's maple farm. She agrees to stay a year and help out on the farm but then she will sell it and move back south. But while she is home, it never hurts to do a little sleuthing and try to uncover exactly what had happened to her father the night he was killed.
The story had great characters, a plot with some nice twists and turns, and an ending I enjoyed. Highly recommend for all the cozy mystery lovers out there.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Loved reading this new series for the author. I couldn't wait to finish it. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Loved the culture of the foods. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This book starts off the series a very unique way, it’s the murder that brings our protagonist back to town & her father is the victim! Leila is a very relatable lead character & I think as the series goes on she’ll be a fun one to read about. This book gives you all the cozy, autumn feeling you could want! As a born & bred Canadian, a series revolving around syrup hits a special spot in my heart!

Ah, life in small town Vermont in the fall. That immediately conjures up images of bright, colorful fall foliage, cooler evenings, fireplaces, and, well, maple syrup. Murder is unexpected.

Her father's murder throws Leila Khoury for a loop. She arrived home from her job and life in Florida thinking her beloved father had been killed in a robbery gone wrong. That was hard enough to accept but, murder? She thought everyone liked her father. I mean, she obviously adored him and was very much a Daddy's Girl, so the idea of anyone deliberately murdering him stuns her.

Her initial reaction of disbelief is quickly replaced by a fixed, unswerving conviction that she knows who did it, her father's right-hand-man, Noah. This emotional swing made me wary of her upfront, I must admit, and it took awhile for me to get past that initial reaction. I mean, she hadn't even met this Noah yet, not to mention she has no evidence, but she's already convicted him in her mind.

That said, the mystery was an intriguing one. Who knows what secrets are hidden behind closed doors of even the most scenic small town? Who had reason to kill Victor, Leila's father? Why was she so determined that Noah was guilty? Why had her father changed his will? Why is her reporter brother arrested? Did he do it or was he set up? But, by who? He did sorta try to wave Leila away from taking over the farm, after all. What's going on at the farm? How did Toast get that name? Is money an issue? Is it true that anyone is capable of murder? Who.....oh, okay, enough teasers. This just scratches the surface of an intriguing plot that, quite frankly, I didn't guess until the big reveal at the end. In addition, once Leila calmed down, I gradually came to like her and her family and friends.

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me to Vermont to see the fall colors. I'm looking forward to a return trip soon. The recipes sound sweet and yummy, too.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press, in return for an honest review. Solid first mystery in a new cozy series, set in Vermont. Love that it features a family of color as the protagonists! Great setting with the family owning a maple sugar (and treats!) farm and café. Leila is a strong and likeable character, surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. I look forward to the next book.

Leila Khoury returns home to Sugar Ridge,Vermont to run the family’s
Maple farm -Sappy Endings following the murder of her beloved father.
Who and why would someone want him dead is the only thing on Leila’s
mind . Was it the employee who wanted to buy the farm , the son of an old
friend or Leila’s very own brother ?

This book was a great start to a new series .
Catherine Bruns was able to create a mystery that keep the reader guessing, but the relationships
Between the characters was beautiful created .Father/daughters, Mothers/daughters , siblings and friends.

Thank you Catherine Bruns , Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC .
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This was overall a good start to a new series. The premise of a maple syrup farm in Vermont is appealing. I hope in future books there will be more details about the farm. The characters are interesting. I felt that there were some inconsistencies with details and there was a plot twist that didn't make sense.

I absolutely love a great cozy mystery and this one hit the nail on the head. Another wonderful addition to the genre.