Books
Treble at the Jam Fest

by Leslie Budewitz
Midnight Ink, June 2017, $14.99

In this fourth book of the Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series, author Leslie Budewitz sticks to her successful formula, delivering food, family, and murder in the quaint Montana town of Jewel Bay. It’s time for the annual jazz festival, but even before it begins, musicians’ tempers are flaring. Well-known jazz guitarist Gerry Martin has struck discord with young protégé Gabby Drake, and Dave Barber, a part-time musician and festival board member. After Martin suspiciously falls off a cliff, police begin an investigation, while the town residents hope a murder won’t scare off the tourists and more importantly, their money.

Treble at the Jam Fest starts at a whirlwind pace, introducing 12 characters in the first eight pages; but thankfully, it soon slows down so the reader can remember who is who. Running fastest of all is Erin Murphy, the proprietor of the Glacier Mercantile, Jewel Bay’s high-end food and home emporium. Between stocking the store, dealing with her customers, and finding time for boyfriend Adam Zimmerman and his visiting buddy Tanner Lundquist, Erin puts in very full days. When she gets involved in the investigation into Martin’s death (to the disapproval of local deputy Oakland), her cozy cabin in the woods starts feeling like a trap as a killer comes closer. Contributing to the chaos is Erin’s mom, Francesca, more commonly known as “Fresca,” a widow with a secret. Treble at the Jam Fest is a lighthearted and amusing story with the added bonus of several yummy recipes featured in the back of the book.

Eileen Brady
Teri Duerr
5785
Budewitz
June 2017
treble-at-the-jam-fest
14.99
Midnight Ink