Gluten for Punishment (A Baker's Treat Mystery)
After the death of her mother, Toni returns to her hometown of Oiltop, Kansas, where she moves into the family’s Victorian mansion and sets up her gluten-free business in a local bakery. Local residents are mostly supportive, but at the grand opening, a farmer who claims products without wheat go against God throws flour on Toni and others. When the farmer is murdered in front of the bakery, Toni becomes the main suspect. Meanwhile, a subplot involving Toni’s friend’s boyfriend provides surprises and a little edginess. Intrepid sleuth Toni and her supporting cast are believable and fun, and the gluten-free angle adds a new twist to food fiction. The motive for the murder is a bit farfetched—a common flaw in cozies starring amateur sleuths—but that doesn’t detract much from what is an enjoyable read in a promising new series. Fans of Joanne Fluke and Jenn McKinlay make up the target audience. --Amy Alessio