A Food Lovers' Village Mystery

Leslie Budewitz

When food entrepreneur Erin Murphy returns to her picturesque Montana hometown to help her mother run a specialty food market, she expects a fresh start—not a murder investigation. But after a high-profile chef is found dead during Jewel Bay’s annual Food Fest, Erin’s local knowledge and sharp instincts draw her into a dangerous search for the truth. As she follows a trail of rivalries, secrets, and culinary ambition, Erin must separate neighborhood gossip from genuine clues before the killer strikes again. A deliciously atmospheric cozy mystery, the novel blends small-town charm, mouthwatering food, and suspense with themes of family, community, and second chances.

Leslie Budewitz

In the food-loving Montana town of Jewel, the annual barbecue competition is heating up—until a shocking murder threatens to spoil the festivities. Erin Murphy, owner of a local gourmet shop and an instinctive amateur sleuth, finds herself drawn into a simmering investigation filled with rivalries, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. As she follows the clues through the town’s close-knit culinary community, Erin must determine which contestant is serving up deception before the killer strikes again. Blending small-town charm, mouthwatering food, and clever mystery, this cozy whodunit is a flavorful treat for fans of amateur sleuths and culinary crime fiction.

Leslie Budewitz

In the picturesque Montana food town of Jewel Bay, Erin Murphy’s passion for local cuisine is interrupted when a murder brings a dangerous new ingredient to the community. As suspicion spreads among neighbors, vendors, and business owners, Erin finds herself drawn into an investigation where long-buried rivalries and secrets may prove more revealing than any recipe. Blending small-town charm, culinary flair, and an engaging amateur sleuth, this cozy mystery serves up plenty of suspense alongside its warmth and wit.