This month I have a new book out in Annie’s Ficton’s Scottish Bakehouse Mysteries.
I’m having so much fun writing these stories, infusing a flavour of Scotland in dialogue, food and activities, set in the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
My latest book is Yule Be Sorry, #9 (of 24) in the series.
On the first day of Christmas, Molly Ferris’s true love gave to her . . . one of many anonymous pranks leading up to Loch Mallaig’s upcoming Yule Festival, an annual tradition celebrating the Michigan town’s Scottish heritage. Initially, Molly and her best friends, Laura Donovan and Carol MacCallan, are charmed by the silly “Twelve Days of Christmas” gifts showing up at their Scottish bakehouse, Bread on Arrival. However, the fifth day presents ghastly tidings—the murder of local real estate agent Eric Wright, who’s found dead with five golden rings on his fingers.
Discovered by the bakehouse’s new delivery boy, whose girlfriend’s family was facing the loss of their home for the holidays, Wright’s homicide soon engulfs the entire village in suspicion and conjecture. With a history of shady deals, the murdered Scrooge had a seemingly endless naughty list of people who could have killed him—and perhaps it was someone Molly and her friends know and trust.
With their business’s wellbeing threatened by their ties to the murder, the Bakehouse Three resolve to solve the mystery of who silenced Wright’s night. Soon, the three Scottish hens realize that not only is their livelihood at stake but their lives as well. They must uncover the murderer before the killer gets to them—otherwise, they might be three bakers-a-dying.
I had great fun dreaming up little pranks for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
Altogether, I’m writing 4 books in this multi-author series available through mail subscription from Annie’s Fiction.
My first book was #4 in the series – Lass & Found
The series follows the adventures of former college roommates Molly Ferris, Laura Donovan, and Carol MacCallan as they reunite to open a bakery in bonny Loch Mallaig, Michigan, a place where the iconic sounds of Great Highland bagpipes fill the air, kilts never go out of fashion, and mysteries surface with curious regularity. Undaunted when they discover that the only retail space available in the charming Gaelic town is a former funeral parlor, party planner Molly, NYC chef Laura, and retired math teacher Carol bravely fire up the Scottish bakehouse of their dreams, Bread on Arrival, in the old Victorian mansion.
Powered by friendship, moxie, and plenty of tasty Scottish treats, the Bakehouse Three tackle every challenge that arises—including unsolved murder. From rekindling auld alliances and sparking new ones to chasing cryptic clues wherever they lead, the fiftysomething women prove that it’s never too late to embark on a fresh adventure. Pour a cup of tea, nibble on some shortbread, and get caught up in the mysteries of Loch Mallaig!
Click to learn more about the Scottish Bakehouse Mysteries Bookclub from Annie’s Fiction.
For those who prefer to “listen” to their books, Annie’s Fiction now has a couple of their series available as audio books. You can learn more at Annie’s Fiction Audiobooks
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What age are these books written for?
The typical subscriber is female, ranging in age from 20s to 90s. That said, they are appropriate for young people. I’d say about grade 6 and up, as long as you’re okay with the fact that they are typically murder mysteries. Nothing graphic is ever on the page–the story typically begins with the discovery of a body (sometimes the bones of one long gone). Permanent characters are guided by Christian values. And subject matter such as unwed teen pregnancy, alcoholism, drug abuse, foul language, etc are avoided. The romance is very light, building over the 20+ book series. Each cozy mystery is a light, fun, heartwarming read.
I am a 95 year old reader and have enjoyed reading the series. I find the characters believable, the element of surprise constant and my attention easily held.
I’m delighted to hear you’re enjoying the series, Ruth!