Masher of Ceremonies - A Review

 Review

MASHER OF CEREMONIES by Victoria Hamilton
The Thirteenth Vintage Kitchen Mystery 

 

Unwilling to let Queensville's traditional Tea with the Queen die Jaymie Müller is determined to make this year's fundraiser the best ever, even if it kills her! Jaymie's already busy life gets even more chaotic when Nigel, her event partner and new owner of Stowe House, tells her he's being blackmailed and asks for her help. Does the dead body have something to do with the blackmail or is something else going on? Between making sure the Tea with the Queen is a success, dealing with volunteers old and new, including Nigel's entourage, opening her own shop, and caring for her family, Jaymie will also puzzle out just who killed Queensville's latest victim.

 

Jaymie has so much going on in the thirteenth Vintage Kitchen Mystery I don't know when she has time to breathe! I enjoyed reading about her many activities including opening her own shop and tea room with her best friend and seeing her home life, simple acts of cooking a meal and getting her daughter ready for school or watching her play with her cousins. These looks into Jaymie's life give readers a sense of who she is-someone who can organize and solve problems, whether it's where to locate  a vintage kitchenware pattern, how to deal with volunteers, or how to solve a murder!

 

MASHER OF CEREMONIES is a bit different in that the first major problem, aside from reining in was the blackmail situation. We know the identity of the blackmailer, we just don't know what he's capable of. The murder doesn't happen for quite some time and the motive, as well as the killer, is unknown. I like how Jaymie involves the police and asks for advice and help, yet still remains strong and independent. While events move at a slower pace, there are some heart pounding surprises and a few fast paced thrills.

 

With lots of moving parts MASHER OF CEREMONIES is a delightful blend of Michigan summer life and murder.