Review of Blackberry Crumble

by Julie Coulter Bellon

Well, it’s over. I was able to read enough Whitney finalists to vote in four categories. I’m pretty proud of myself because that’s the most I’ve ever done for the Whitneys. I know I probably won’t be able to read every finalist (because there is one category that has books the size of Bibles!) but I’m feeling really good about how I did this year. I am so interested to hear who won because there were two categories that could easily have a three way tie, there were just that many good fiction novels this year. Of course, I’m most excited for historical, because I get to announce the winner! Yay!

In order to clear my mind after doing all of that Whitney reading, I decided to do some . . . well . . . more reading. I finished Josi Kilpack’s Blackberry Crumble (even reading the title had my mouth watering. Who doesn't love a good blackberry crumble?). For those of you who aren’t familiar with Josi’s Sadie Hofmiller series, this is the fifth book and honestly, I think it’s her best one. I heard about this series from one of my friends who had really liked it, but I wasn’t sure it was going to be my cup of tea. I read Lemon Tart in two days and was immediately hooked. Her characters are so charming, normal, and fun, and the mystery part of it is very well written. In Blackberry Crumble I was completely surprised as to who the killer was. I was totally on the wrong track! It was definitely worth the read. If you haven’t gotten this series yet, you don’t have to start at the beginning, but I recommend that you do, just so you can have the full flavor of the Misadventures of Sleuthing Sadie. And of course, that is sort of punny, because there are yummy recipes included in each book. (Full flavor, recipes, get it?) (I know, I know, groan.)

So here is the backliner for Blackberry Crumble. This book receives a very enthusiastic two thumbs up from me. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Deseret Book (or surf on over to the Kindle store) and buy this book. You won’t be sorry. (If you don’t believe me, Sharon Haddock gave it a great review in Mormon Times. You can read that here).

The word is out about Sadie Hoffmiller's amateur detective work, but it's not exactly the kind of publicity Sadie wants. In the newest culinary mystery from bestselling author Josi Kilpack, Sadie accepts her first investigation-for-hire and travels to Portland, Oregon, at the request of a woman who has suspicions about her wealthy father's untimely death. Putting her detective skills to the test, Sadie delves into a past business partnership that didn't end well, discovers some unsavory family secrets, and exposes more than a few motives for murder. When the investigation leads to threats against her safety, Sadie pretends to crumble under the pressure. But secretly, she is more determined than ever to uncover answers that seem to be buried in shocking scandal, insatiable appetites, and pure greed.