A Cold Dose of Murder: Embracing Mystery with a Twist of Cannabis
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to quirky mysteries that blend humor, heart, and a dash of intrigue. So when I stumbled upon A Cold Dose of Murder by Patti Benning, I was instantly intrigued. A cannabis café, an ice cream festival, and a murder mystery? Count me in! The premise not only promised a delightful escape but also resonated with deeper themes of friendship and resilience.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Azalea Bay’s Summer Ice Cream Festival, we meet Chloe Barnes, the spirited owner of "Baked by Chloe." Chloe’s mission to create cannabis-infused ice cream flavors took on an unexpected turn when she discovers the lifeless body of influencer Calista Bryant, right beneath a food truck, in a scene reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Initially, Chloe wishes to focus solely on her booth, but the request for help from Starr Bright, a rival café owner, pulls her into the web of mystery that shrouds Calista’s death.
What struck me most was the beautifully woven connection between Chloe’s personal and professional life. As a breast cancer survivor, I found myself particularly empathizing with her Grandma Rose, who represents both struggle and strength. Chloe’s determination to not only support her grandmother but also evolve her café with innovative flavors is truly inspiring. The friendships showcased, particularly with her Aunt Dawn and her supportive Dungeons and Dragons crew, added layers of warmth that made me feel like part of their eclectic family.
Benning’s writing captures a delightful blend of lightheartedness and depth. The pacing keeps you engaged while the narrative seamlessly intertwines Chloe’s daily life with her sleuthing escapades. It’s witty, relatable, and often had me chuckling at Chloe’s misadventures. One standout moment is when Chloe creatively juggles her responsibilities at the festival while trying to connect the dots, leading to some unexpected—yet thrilling—twists. The resolution had me on the edge of my seat, evoking both excitement and an emotional resonance.
Moreover, I appreciated the educational aspects of the cannabis café theme, which tackled misconceptions while keeping things fun and entertaining. It’s refreshing to see an author embrace such a unique backdrop to explore community dynamics, personal growth, and even social issues.
Sadly, the end of this book serves as a bittersweet farewell to beloved characters, as it appears to be the final installment in Benning’s series. Chloe’s journey leaves us feeling resolved yet wishing for more—perhaps to delve deeper into her grandmother’s treatment or explore more community events alongside Chloe’s day-to-day adventures.
Overall, A Cold Dose of Murder is a captivating mystery that successfully marries a unique theme with relatable characters and a heartwarming narrative. I highly recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries, particularly those who enjoy a lighthearted approach mixed with genuine emotional depth. It’s a perfect read for anyone seeking a delightful escape coupled with meaningful connections, and who knows—it might just spark a newfound interest in cannabis cuisine!
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and hope to see more from Patty Benning. Until then, I’ll be left with fond memories of Chloe and her delightful café, eagerly wishing for an encore.
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