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Gail Oust
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Rosemary and Crime (Spice Shop Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Gail Oust (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 122 ratings

“[A] quality first in a Southern cozy series . . . a must-read for fans of Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand series, as well as those who like culinary mysteries.” ―Publishers Weekly
 
Piper Prescott, a transplanted Yankee living in the South, might be down, but don’t count her out. Change of life? Bring it on! 
 
The recently divorced mom decides to pursue a dream she’s secretly harbored: owning her own business. She’s set to launch her spice shop, Spice it Up!,  in her adopted hometown, Brandywine Creek, Georgia. But Piper’s grand opening goes awry when the local chef who's agreed to do a cooking demo is found stabbed. Not only did Piper find the body, she handled the murder weapon and doesn’t have a witness to her alibi, making the case look like a slam dunk to brand new police chief Wyatt McBride.
 
Desperate to uncover the truth—and prove her innocence—Piper enlists the help of her outspoken BFF, Reba Mae, to help track down the real culprit. The pair compile a lengthy list of suspects and work to eliminate them using their own creative brand of sleuthing techniques including stakeouts, breaking and entering, and one very unorthodox chocolate pie. When Piper narrowly avoids being a victim of a hit-and-run, she knows she’s getting closer to the truth—and to save herself, she’s going to have to become a seasoned detective . . . 
 
Includes recipes!
 
“An excellent mystery.” ―Donna Andrews, New York Times–bestselling author of Birder, She Wrote
 
“A strong cast of secondary characters . . . Fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams will want to add this series to their reading lists.” ―Booklist

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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Spice Shop Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    336 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Minotaur Books
  5. Publication date
    December 17, 2013
  6. File size
    2.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 5 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Piper Prescott took her divorce settlement and opened Spice It Up! in a Georgia small town, only to have the chef she hired for her opening-day cooking demonstration killed at the event. She found the body, touched the murder weapon, and was seen arguing with the temperamental chef the night before his death. Police Chief Wyatt McBride is dogging her every step, and the townspeople are avoiding her and her shop. An abandoned and injured dog is connected to the crime, but the dog proves a good watchdog later when Piper’s shop is broken into, and a car tries to run her down. Struggles with her teen daughter and problems trying to keep business going add dimension to the story of Piper’s sleuthing efforts. A strong cast of secondary characters add to the appeal. Fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams will want to add this series to their reading lists. --Amy Alessio

Review

“[A] quality first in a Southern cozy series… The practical, vulnerable Piper turns to her colorful BBF, Reba Mae Johnson, for help in proving her innocence. Two possible love interests add spice―and that’s not counting Piper’s former husband. This is a must-read for fans of Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand series, as well as those who like culinary mysteries.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Piper's real-life problems as she negotiates her peril, along with some sassy small talk from Reba, will have fans of Oust (Shake, Murder, and Roll, 2011, etc.) looking for the sequel.” ―Kirkus

“Struggles with her teen daughter and problems trying to keep business going add dimension to the story of Piper's sleuthing efforts. A strong cast of secondary characters add to the appeal. Fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams will want to add this series to their reading lists.” ―Booklist

“Gail Oust has crafted an excellent mystery, chock full of savory treats including a charming small town atmosphere and a lively, engaging heroine, accented with a sprinkling of delicious spices. Truly a cut above -- and highly recommended!” ―Donna Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Hen of the Baskervilles

“Gail Oust has whipped up a killer read featuring the snappy new amateur sleuth Piper Prescott. Added into the mystery mix are a sweet puppy, a troublesome ex, a charming new beau and a smokin' hot chief of police. Rosemary and Crime is a character-driven zip zap of a tale with a robust mystery that readers will relish.” ―Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Book, Line, and Sinker

“A down-but-not-out divorcee deals with a new life, an appealing but challenging teenage daughter, and murder, teeming up with a spunky dog in a delightful Southern romp. Fast, freewheeling, and fun.” ―Carolyn Hart, national bestselling author of What the Cat Saw

“A delicious new mystery series guaranteed to make you hungry for more. Gail Oust's warm, witty characters bring southern charm to life.” ―Krista Davis, national bestselling author of The Diva Digs Up the Dirt

“Rosemary and Crime is a custom blend of humor and suspense with an added dash of flavorful characters. Piper Prescott is a tasteful addition to the world of amateur sleuths. Gail Oust has created a delicious new addition to the world of cozy mysteries. I'm definitely adding her to my must-read list.” ―Jacklyn Brady, national bestselling author of Arsenic and Old Cake

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00DA7A0BO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books (December 17, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 17, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 122 ratings

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Gail Oust

Gail Oust

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
122 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery book, praising its well-developed characters and right mix of humor. Moreover, the plot receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it keeps readers guessing throughout. Additionally, they find it to be a nice first book in the series.

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15 customers mention "Enjoyment"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a fun and well-done story, with one customer noting it's a relaxing Saturday read.

"...a transplanted Yankee and since I live in the North, that was a fun story to read...." Read more

"...A lovely quick read with a twisted plot, great quirky characters, small town undercurrent & loads of action...." Read more

"...This is good young adult reading." Read more

"...So here's what I thought, I really enjoyed this book. I love cozy mysteries in the food categories...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"10 positive2 negative

Customers like the characters in the book, with one mentioning they are easy to visualize.

"...I like the character of Piper and the fact that she is a bit older and I like that the author gave her some purpose in life after her divorce and..." Read more

"...A lovely quick read with a twisted plot, great quirky characters, small town undercurrent & loads of action...." Read more

"The characters are enjoyable, although predictable. The setting is charming and lead characters personable. This is good young adult reading." Read more

"...I love cozy mysteries in the food categories. I liked the characters and I really enjoyed the story itself...." Read more

10 customers mention "Plot"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it a very engaging mystery with clues that keep them guessing, and one customer particularly appreciates the lovely recipes included at the end.

"...as that is one of my favorite types of cozies, and I found the story quite good with supporting character of Reba that reminded me of Stephanie Plum..." Read more

"...A lovely quick read with a twisted plot, great quirky characters, small town undercurrent & loads of action...." Read more

"...I liked the characters and I really enjoyed the story itself. I did read the first of the Bunco Babes but I didn't connect...." Read more

"...This book was interesting and have lovely recipes at the ending." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book.

"...The main character, Piper Prescott, is quite a gal and moves the story along with humor...." Read more

"...Good story with just the right mix of humor. I could easily visualize the characters and settings in my mind. A truly enjoyable read" Read more

"...This was a winner too! Laugh out loud funny. I was on a plane reading it and drew many a stare as I chuckled and..." Read more

"...Enjoying it immensely. I like the characters, they are believable, funny, bright, and not predictable." Read more

4 customers mention "Start"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a nice first book, with one customer describing it as a really great start.

"...For a first book in a series, I thought this was a really great start...." Read more

"...The first story was good, she set all the characters up and how they will grow through future books...." Read more

"Nice first book. Characters are normal for a cozy mystery and nothing is glaringly out of place. I would read second book and..." Read more

"Good start for a series..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cynthia
    5.0 out of 5 stars A REALLY GOOD FIRST IN A SERIES CULINARY COZY MYSTERY.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I just recently began this series as I had been waiting for the MP3 to be out and I am so happy that I did. For a first book in a series, I thought this was a really great start. I like the character of Piper and the fact that she is a bit older and I like that the author gave her some purpose in life after her divorce and that she owns a business. I like the culinary aspect of this book as that is one of my favorite types of cozies, and I found the story quite good with supporting character of Reba that reminded me of Stephanie Plum and her side kick Lula. I also liked the book due to the fact that Piper is a transplanted Yankee and since I live in the North, that was a fun story to read. I enjoyed the narrator a lot and that helped to make the story as well. I will be looking forward to reading the remainder of this series as soon as I can get more books on CD or MP3 format.
    I am sure that the rest of this series is just a good or better than the first. I would recommend to anyone who likes culinary cozies.
    Cynthia
    One person found this helpful
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  • Klani
    4.0 out of 5 stars New series for me, but very entertaining!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    How fun it is to have a new series (for me) by a new author (again, for me). A lovely quick read with a twisted plot, great quirky characters, small town undercurrent & loads of action. A great break from serial killers & political darkness. Like a vacation!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Prof M
    3.0 out of 5 stars light, entertaining read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The characters are enjoyable, although predictable. The setting is charming and lead characters personable. This is good young adult reading.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Little D
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Big Pinch Of Cozy
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I must say I checked out the reviews before I read the book, and I feel some of my fellow reviews were a bit harsh I thought but everyone is entitled to his or hers thoughts. So here's what I thought, I really enjoyed this book. I love cozy mysteries in the food categories. I liked the characters and I really enjoyed the story itself. I did read the first of the Bunco Babes but I didn't connect. This book is a keeper for me and I hope we will hear more about spices and different ways of using them. The first story was good, she set all the characters up and how they will grow through future books. So Piper it's all about you and those wonderful spices. Very much looking forward to book 2.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Cozyreaders
    4.0 out of 5 stars A spice Ship Murde Mystery.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    There are some advantages to being a divorcee. One being that you can do what you have always wanted, like opening a boutique spice shop. Our new heroine, Piper Prescott, did just that. She remains in a small Georgian town, Brandywine Creek. She remained in town as her daughter is there and something is up with her ex-husband.

    The Guest Chef gets murdered and our Piper is looked at as the main suspect. Why? Because she helped rescue an injured dog. Wow, huh?

    The story continues on as Piper and her BFF, Reba Mae starts checking up on other possible suspects.

    This book was interesting and have lovely recipes at the ending.
    Helpful
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  • FFL - Jupiter Fl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fun, Fun
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I’m new to Gail Oust but if her other books are like Rosemary and Crime, I will certainly be happy. I like cozy mysteries with fun names and plots that are true to the title. The main character, Piper Prescott, is quite a gal and moves the story along with humor. A number of suspects—red herrings—made it tough to figure out who did it. Nice ending.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jan Meyers
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review Rosemary and Crime
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    In good shape, and I look forward to reading the series I bought. I just received, so haven't started it yet. I love books about murder and spice shops, so what is not to love? I gave four stars because of service, not content. Thank you--I have no doubt it will live up to expectations!
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  • Marie
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good start for a series
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the book and can see it developing into a good series but found parts a little slow. Looking forward to the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Judy B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT
    Reviewed in Canada on June 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book because I liked her other series. It has a lot of "spice". Am looking forward to more, hopefully.
    Report

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