With the help of Detective Churchill, Yolanda navigates clues and delicious pies to crack the case. But as the investigation heats up, so does the trouble in her kitchen. Will Yolanda uncover the truth before it's too late?
In this cozy mystery, Yolanda Carter is told of her grandmother’s best friend’s unsolved murder. Mildred Overmeyer was an outstanding home baker who was stabbed to death while baking a cherry pie. The story of the 1960s crime touches Yolanda, along with her new friend, Detective Churchill. Her budding sleuthing skills lead her to search for the killer.
In between investigating and baking batches of pies in time for her latest product launch, Yolanda discovers more about the sweetness of love. And who is heating up the kitchen with Yolanda?
Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
EARLY DECEMBER
SUNDAY
That rainy afternoon, Yolanda Carter sat on the living room couch watching TV. Her two cats, Miss Chef and Mr. Whisker, were curled up on either side of her, enjoying their siesta. Miss Chef was a classic tuxedo with a medium white stripe down her face and a lovely curved white smile. Her paws resembled four spotless white boots and the white stripe along the front of her body was groomed frequently. Mr. Whisker was a sleek and muscular shorthaired black cat with a single white whisker amidst his black whiskers. He was Miss Chef’s adopted younger brother and a cat who appreciated his home.
In front of the young woman sat a tray containing her empty dinner plate on top of her faux shabby chic coffee table. Lights glowed in the living room, casting away the outside gloom.
Yolanda wanted to eat a second piece of chocolate mint fudge that BB Gustafson, her assistant pastry chef, had made. Yolanda sighed, feeling that extra weight on her hips that wouldn’t go away, especially during the hectic holiday season. She refused to weigh herself and the thought of measuring her hips or any other part of her with a tape measure was far too intimidating.
The familiar strains of the bell-ringing anthem to America’s Worst Bakeries on the Dessert Network caught her attention. Gavin Jones, the effusive narrator, told of a failing bakery down in San Diego. She watched the show with curiosity, amazed at the bakery owner’s inability to accept his employees’ ideas on redecorating the cakes in a more contemporary style. His store’s showcases were partially filled with brown and tan colored pastries. Nothing looked appealing.
“These are my employees, and they do things my way,” said the overweight man in a rumpled, flour-dusted apron, scowling at the lineup of three young employees.
“Dude, you need to change that attitude like pronto,” said Gavin, a chartreuse-haired hipster. The young man adjusted his red glasses and waved his hand a few times. “Say goodbye to all these boooooring breads and rolls. This isn’t a supermarket—this is supposed to be a bakery. Hello?” The bakery’s owner gawked at the host, too startled to respond. Gavin put his hands on his cheeks, opened his mouth and jumped up and down a few times. “Now viewers, wait until you see some of the stunning pastries that will be sold here right after our commercial break. You just won’t belieeeeeeve the change!”
By the end of the show, the bakery had been remodeled and repainted in elegant burgundy and saffron colors. For yet more of a contrast, the owner’s attitude had gone from gruff to grateful. Even his new burgundy apron was clean and wrinkle free. After a group hug, the show ended, and the credits rolled. Just then, her cell phone buzzed, and she saw that it was her boyfriend, Nigel Garvey. “Hey darling,” she answered.
“Hey darling,” he replied in his London accent. “I can’t make our dinner date tonight. My ankle hurts and I have to rest it.”
She sighed. “Nigel, I thought you were going to take time off from skating after your accident.”
“Look, ever since I’ve buggered my ankle I haven’t skated. I think it’s time to give it up and devote myself full time to the business. So, I’m doing that as I have a flight to catch to Ethiopia to work with a new coffee exporter. They also have honey that I want to try to sell and promote in your yummery. In fact, this honey and beeswax exporter …”
She leaned forward on the couch and shifted, causing the sleeping Miss Chef to raise narrowed eyes, meow softly, and then return to slumberland. “Did you say honey and beeswax? Is it Fair Trade honey and beeswax? Because Heather Hathaway’s Lotions & More is looking for a new supplier of …”
“I know. Her factory is only two blocks away from my warehouse.”
“I’ll miss you, but I think it’ll be awesome to have real Fair Trade Ethiopian honey and coffee.”
“I knew you’d understand, Yolanda. And I might just be able to get some chocolate, too.”
“Chocolate?” She giggled. “You said the magic word. Ethiopian chocolate? I’ve never heard of it being exported from Ethiopia.”
“Not sure, love. I am sure that I can get some fine West African chocolate, though. Now, darling, just make sure you behave yourself whilst I’m gone.”
“You know I will, Nigel. I always do.” She smiled and stroked the smooth fur of Miss Chef who was half-asleep and purring.
“I trust you. But I don’t trust that ex-boyfriend of yours, Zac. And stay away from that cowboy Texan—what’s his name?”
“His name’s Mike O’Neill.”
“Right, that bloke. He’s barney, keep away from him.”
“No, his name’s Mike, not Barney. Now don’t be jealous. You know it’s you I want to be with.”
“Barney means trouble, old Cockney rhyming slang for Barney Rubble.”
She laughed. “I love it when you talk English to me! And that’s just another reason I want to be with you.”
“Right, Yolanda. Same here. I haven’t seen anyone since I met you when your shop opened.”
“Well, I’m relieved to hear that. But I’ve not seen anyone else, either.” Yolanda said, staring at the TV screen but not focusing on the previews for America’s Best Bakeries.
Nigel chuckled. “You’re a good girl, Yolanda, that’s why.” He paused upon hearing the chiming sound of his other phone. “Sorry love, I’ve got to take this call. I’ll ring you tomorrow after I arrive.” He disconnected the call.
“Nigel?” She heard silence. Putting the phone onto the coffee table, Yolanda rubbed the purring cat’s belly and ignored the TV. “That’s odd. It’s been a while since he just hung up without telling me that he loved me. Maybe he doesn’t anymore, Miss Chef. Maybe he’s tired of me and really wants me to date Mike or Zac or even Detective Churchill but he didn’t mention him by name…” she sighed and arose, picking up her tray and going into the kitchen to deposit the dirty plate in the sink. “But he did call me love, so I guess that counts.”
A long evening loomed ahead of her. Going into the guest room, she opened the bottom drawer of the desk and pulled out her clear plastic box filled with her felting supplies. Her project was simple: she was making a miniature needle felted cat figure of Carson, her parents tabby cat. It was partially completed, and she removed a tuft of reddish beige wool and began poking the felting needle into the figure.
She sometimes fantasized that she and Nigel might be engaged by now. However, since his skating accident, he’d buried himself in his work even more. She hadn’t seen the competition where he had been injured. Nigel later explained that while he landed his nemesis jump, the triple axel, he’d actually under-rotated and landed on the inside edge rather than the outside edge of his blade. At first, he only felt a twinge of pain. Just after the competition ended, he limped out to his car and drove to the emergency room. His partner and cousin, Emily Townsend, wanted to take him to the hospital but he stubbornly refused, saying he could drive himself. The fractured ankle diagnosis discouraged him from skating as it took four months to heal and resulted in lost skating time. He realized that his family business was more important than something as frivolous and unpredictable as pair skating.
The phone rang and she saw the caller was Detective Winston E. Churchill. His name always made her smile.
“Hey Win,” she said.
“Hey Yolanda.” His voice wasn’t nearly as gruff as it had been when they first met in June. Back then, he was investigating the missing Captain Angus Prescott.
“So, you’re in the neighborhood?” she asked.
“I could be if you want to see a movie tonight.”
“How did you know I’d be able to go to one tonight?”
“Lucky guess? Or maybe you’ve heard about the special screening of Bullitt at the American Cinematheque?”
“I have now.” She smiled and listened as he told her that he’d pick her up around eight.
Professional Reviews
Cold Case Murder
A Pie to Die For is book 3 in A Yoanda's Yummery Cozy Mystery by Lisa Maliga. I found it interesting that Yolanda did not make pies and Mildred was killed in 1960 while making a pie. I like the main characters and the progression of the characters with each book. I thought the mystery about the recipes and murder was a good mystery and I thought the ending answered all my questions and had a touch of romance. I am enjoying this series and I love the cats, Miss Chef and Mr Whisker! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Cold Case Solved
This was such a sad story. This mystery was about a cold case that Yolanda was interested in, because the woman murdered was famous local pie maker. What I found interesting and helpful was the account told by Mildred the victim. That's when I teared up a bit. I picked two suspects, but both were wrong.I did enjoy the story except for Yolanda's dating history and present beau. I could do without that as it was unnecessary. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
Looking Forward to Reading More!
An innocent request from one of Yolanda`s appreciated guests for adding pies to the yummery`s offerings starts the ball rolling, setting in motion the beginnings of mysterious occurrences and the need to solve a very cold case. “A Pie to Die For” has Lisa Maliga departing slightly from her normal style, and I find the shifted focus most refreshing, the feeling conveyed more polished, mature and authentic. As always, you`ll find an incredible, yummery-worthy recipe at the back of the book. After finishing this installment in the Yolanda`s Yummery series, I am truly looking forward to reading more! Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
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