Chef Jessica Vasquez is finally finding her rhythm at The Crock Pot. Her new buttermilk biscuits are the talk of the town, business is booming, and she's putting the nightmare of Earl's murder behind her. Then her friend Colt Evans, a tech whiz helping with the restaurant's security, is shot dead in the street.
Two murders in two months. Jessica can't ignore the pattern.
When she visits Colt's apartment building to pay her respects, she meets Colt's sweet elderly neighbor, Imogen Potter. Days later, Imogen is dead. Then one of the conspirators is also killed. The bodies are piling up, and a threatening note appears on Jessica's car: STOP ASKING QUESTIONS OR YOU'RE NEXT.
Someone doesn't want Jessica digging into Colt's death, but she can't let her friend's killer walk free.
As Jessica and her general manager Noah investigate, they uncover a web of corruption reaching into Dashwood's highest offices. Financial records point to embezzlement at the local high school, Jessica's alma mater. USB drives contain evidence of fraud. And someone powerful is willing to kill to keep their schemes buried.
When a car explosion leaves Jessica with a concussion, she should be resting. But when she realizes her former teacher, Mr. Jones, is in danger, she ignores doctor's orders and races to the culinary school to find him, only to walk into a deadly trap. Now Jessica and Mr. Jones are face-to-face with killers who have nothing left to lose.
With her roommates Sawyer and Vee, her Aunt Rita hovering protectively, and Noah risking his own safety to help, Jessica must expose the conspiracy before she becomes the next victim. But when guns are drawn and betrayal comes from unexpected places, she'll need all her courage, and a bit of luck, to survive.
Can Jessica serve up justice before the killer serves her a final course?
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who crave:
- High-stakes conspiracy and corruption
- Multiple twists and heart-pounding suspense
- Culinary comfort amid chaos
- Found family and fierce friendships
- Amateur sleuths who refuse to back down
Biscuits and Bodies is Book 2 in the Alphabet Soup Mysteries series. While it can be enjoyed standalone, it's best read in order to fully appreciate character relationships and ongoing storylines.