Mistletoe, Menus, and Murder
(2026)(Book 12 in the Sweetie's Latte Cozy Mystery series)
A Story by Shelley Weiss
Mistletoe Menus and Murder
Emme Cortez is one perfect dish away from winning ten thousand dollars and a culinary trip to Paris. But her dream becomes a nightmare when a fellow contestant is found murdered in the hotel pantry, with Emme’s rolling pin beside the body.
Café owner Lindsay Zimmer knows her friend is innocent. Proving it won’t be easy.
The victim had accused one finalist of stealing a treasured family recipe, offered another an illegal advantage, and threatened to expose a celebrated chef’s career-ending secret. Nearly everyone in the Christmas Culinary Showcase had a reason to want her silenced.
When the organizers decide the competition must continue, Lindsay returns to the kitchen in search of answers. Between stolen recipes, a missing phone, and a suspicious dusting of edible gold, she begins to uncover what the victim knew—and why someone was willing to kill for it.
With the final judging approaching and Emme still under suspicion, Lindsay must identify the murderer before the killer serves up another deadly surprise.
Filled with tempting holiday treats, small-town charm, loyal friendships, and a Christmas competition to die for, Mistletoe, Menus, and Murder is a festive quicker cozy read perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy clever clues, warmhearted characters, and murder served with something sweet.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Emme Cortez is one perfect dish away from winning ten thousand dollars and a culinary trip to Paris. But her dream becomes a nightmare when a fellow contestant is found murdered in the hotel pantry, with Emme’s rolling pin beside the body.
Café owner Lindsay Zimmer knows her friend is innocent. Proving it won’t be easy.
The victim had accused one finalist of stealing a treasured family recipe, offered another an illegal advantage, and threatened to expose a celebrated chef’s career-ending secret. Nearly everyone in the Christmas Culinary Showcase had a reason to want her silenced.
When the organizers decide the competition must continue, Lindsay returns to the kitchen in search of answers. Between stolen recipes, a missing phone, and a suspicious dusting of edible gold, she begins to uncover what the victim knew—and why someone was willing to kill for it.
With the final judging approaching and Emme still under suspicion, Lindsay must identify the murderer before the killer serves up another deadly surprise.
Filled with tempting holiday treats, small-town charm, loyal friendships, and a Christmas competition to die for, Mistletoe, Menus, and Murder is a festive quicker cozy read perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy clever clues, warmhearted characters, and murder served with something sweet.
Genre: Cozy Mystery