Donuts and Deceit

by P.B. Alden

Praise for Donuts and Deceit There is no shortage of suspects in this cozy, tight-knit community—the perfect mix of humor and mystery. I found myself smiling as I was turning the pages. J.L. HYDE, author of Delta County Vigilante or Hero? It’s a fine line.

In a peaceful North Carolina town, no one ever suspected something sinister was brewing beneath the surface. Walter, a self-proclaimed hero, dreams of solving a major crime but tends to get sidetracked. He doesn’t like lying to his wife, Martha, but sometimes it’s necessary. Disillusioned after years of marriage and bored in her spin cycle life, Martha meets a new friend when she steps out of her comfort zone. They quickly bond over their shared contempt for her friend’s no-good son-in-law. Is their friendship genuine, or is it as phony as the reality tv they both love? When the small town’s dirty laundry is aired, one unorthodox do-gooder proves no task is too small or large to ensure justice is served. As tensions rise, the quirky cast of characters becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal. No one is above suspicion, and everyone has something to hide. Whose secrets will be revealed when someone ends up dead? Donuts and Deceit is a thrilling mix of humor and suspense with twists and turns as unexpected as a jelly-filled surprise. This small-town whodunnit is a must-read for anyone who loves Thursday Murder Club and An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good. Grab a donut (or two) and settle in for a wild ride!

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2023

About the author

P.B. Alden is the dynamic pen name behind the creative partnership of Beth Buttery and Patricia Branigan. With a shared passion for riveting storytelling, they have embarked on an exhilarating writing journey that has captivated readers.

Their debut mystery novel, Donuts and Deceit, is a delightful blend of humor and suspense. It showcases their innate ability to craft engaging narratives that leave readers guessing until the delectable end. With each turn of the page, P.B. Alden weaves a tapestry of intrigue, inviting readers into a world where secrets lurk beneath every corner.

Drawing from a friendship that has withstood the test of time, spanning over a decade, P.B. Alden exemplifies the power of synergy and collaboration. Their shared creative vision and mutual understanding have allowed them to nurture a great working relationship, fueling their ability to deliver exceptional storytelling to their readers.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quirky and fun book that centers around the going-ons in a small neighborhood in the south. The main characters are Walter, a wannabe cop and his wife Martha who has been married to Walter so long she’s sick of him. His gambling habit doesn’t help! Then there’s a mysterious journal writer who is making it their mission to right the neighborhood wrongs. A witty and easy to read book!

[Jena Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SOOO good 🙌🏻 such cozy small town vibes but of course a good mystery and page turner as well!! i loved the characters. The plot is so well done with little details on every page that matter and lead up to the end.

ALSO WHATTA SHOCKER. So many characters and so many potential suspects. This book leaves you thinking everyone is guilty!!

So so good!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. The author did a great job of giving different characters their own voices in different chapters. Each chapter left me believing that a different one could be the psychopath who writes in a journal throughout the book. It was a fun and intriguing book. I highly recommend it!

[Doreen Hockley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat little mystery which I enjoyed with a surprise ending.