The Spice Box

Author: Lou Jane Temple

Summary: It's Bridget Heaney's first day as a cook in the wealthy Gold
household when she finds the body of the oldest son. On the request of her employer, she helps him investigate his son's murder as she also looks for her missing sister and develops her skills as a cook. This story is set in the late 19th century.

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book. It may not be the most
historically accurate or the most developed mystery plot, but the characters are well-drawn and sympathetic. You really want Bridget to succeed at her job and in her investigation. There are enough characters that the book could get a little lost, but they are all distinct enough for the story to keep momentum. Overall, a fun read that left me looking to see if there was a sequel. Sadly, there's not...another "Spice Box" mystery follows the line of a key piece of
evidence, but a hundred years earlier.

Hearts: 4