In the Blink of a Pie is the third book in Catherine Bruns’ Maple Syrup Mysteries series. The storyline flows smoothly in this cozy whodunit. The characters are three-dimensional, the well-plotted mystery is intriguing, and there is a perfect mix of mystery, everyday life, and complicated family relationships. There’s no shortage of twists, turns, or red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this delightful series to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.

Leila Khoury, her mother, Selma, and younger brother and reporter for the Maple Messenger, Simon, are adjusting to the passing of their father and beloved husband, Victor Khoury. When her father’s will was read, Leila learned that he left the family farm, Sappy Endings, to her, stipulating that she run the business for one year, after which time she could sell the enterprise if she desired. Even though all Leila wanted to do was return to Florida, she honored her father’s final wishes. In addition to the farm filled with maple trees, there’s a café, a gift shop, and the sugar shack where the maple syrup is processed. Leila’s mother provides maple-flavored baked goods for the café, and Noah Rivers, a man Leigh didn’t know or trust, was managing the farm and maple syrup production. Now, Sappy Endings is thriving under the combined management of Leila and Noah, and they are building what they hope will be a lasting relationship, both personal and professional.

In this installment, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Leila is both nervous and looking forward to kicking off the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. Unfortunately, Sappy Ending’s future is immediately in danger when a local Sugar Ridge, Vermont resident, Margaret Middleton, dies after tasting a pumpkin pie dropped off by an unknown contest entrant. Unable to sit and do nothing, Leila dons her sleuthing hat and begins looking into the death on her own.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I liked this book. There were multiple people who might have been the killer of the unlikely victim. I was kept guessing as to who it might be until the very end. Well done.

In the Blink of a Pie is a fantastic addition to this series.
I love everything about the series, but this book really is well done.
Leila Khoury is ready for the holidays, and what screams Fall better than a pie baking contest?
When a resident helps herself to try a piece of pumpkin pie, she finds herself gasping for breath, and Leila knows this won't end well.
Leila fights hard to keep the business going, but unfortunately things with her boyfriend Noah are a bit awkward and she's concerned.
The dynamics of this story are well played out and I enjoyed every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

A Thanksgiving mystery?! Yes, please! In the Blink of a Pie was a great listen that was so heartwarming. I enjoyed it so much!