Bran New Death

Bran New Death
By: Victoria Hamilton
304 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
Merry is making a fresh start in small-town Autumn Vale, New York, in the mansion she’s inherited from her late uncle, Melvin. The house is run-down and someone has been digging giant holes on the grounds, but with its restaurant-quality kitchen, the place has potential for her new baking business. She even has her first client—the local retirement home.
 
Unfortunately, Merry soon finds that quite a few townsfolk didn’t like Uncle Mel, and she has inherited their enmity as well as his home. Local baker Binny Turner and her crazy brother, Tom, blame Melvin for their father’s death, and Tom may be the one vandalizing her land. But when Tom turns up dead in one of the holes in her yard, Merry needs to prove she had nothing to do with his death—or her new muffin-making career may crumble before it starts... (Publisher)

I just finished reading the book "Bran New Death" by Victoria Hamilton. It was fantastic! I've  been reading mysteries for ages so to find one that is this captivating is pure joy.

Merry Wynter is an ex full figured model, a widow and was recently cleared of being a thief. On top of that her only living relative, Melvyn Wynter  died in an accident last winter and left her his castle. Unfortunately, money wasn't included.

The castle is near  a small country  town  miles from any where.  Merry has tried to sell it for months with no success. She  has decided to move into the castle and fix it up hoping then it will be easier to sell. One problem becomes obvious as she arrives at the castle. The ground surrounding it is covered with large deep holes. 

The day brightens with the surprise arrival of Merry's best friend,Shilo Dinnegan, who wants to help. Sharing this "adventure" with Shilo boosts Merry's moral. Things become very strange when their first night is interrupted by a big machine digging another big hole. Within twenty four hours a man is murdered and ends up in one of the big holes. 

The fact that Merry had a loud argument in the middle of the local bakery that day makes her a suspect. The local police officer assures her that he will get the bottom of this. Although she finds him attractive, she doesn't trust him, especially when she finds out that there are suspicious circumstances surrounding her uncles death and the disappearance of his partner Rusty Turner. 

The story keeps twisting and turning right up to the end. I didn't want to leave the fascinating characters or the town filled with "secrets"  If you are looking to dig in to a great mystery I encourage you to choose this one. Merry likes to make muffins and the recipes are included in the book. Happy Reading and baking.