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Down South Café Mystery #2
Silence of the Jams
The new cozy mystery featuring Southern cooking from the author of "TheCalamity Cafe."
It's Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Cafe is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the cafe so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it's a heart attack until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now it s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.
Includes delicious Southern recipes!"
It's Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Cafe is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the cafe so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it's a heart attack until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now it s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.
Includes delicious Southern recipes!"
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 4, 2017
60 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Leeson
31 books501 followersGayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. I also write as Amanda Lee. As Gayle Trent, I write the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery series and the Myrtle Crumb Mystery series. As Amanda Lee, I write the Embroidery Mystery series.
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 18, 2017
One thing about reading this book: it had my stomach growling from cover to cover. All of the Southern comfort food Amy Flowers was cooking up made me so hungry.
Winter Garden, Virginia, is a charming small town, and Amy owns the popular Down South Café there. Once again, Amy is thrown into a murder mystery when another suspicious death occurs in the restaurant, and this time the victim is her adversary George Lincoln, director of the Chamber of Commerce.
This delightful cozy is part mystery, part family drama, and even a little romance, though luckily the investigation never gets lost in the drama — instead, they compliment each other. The mystery was well plotted and introduced several possible anti-George suspects.
SILENCE OF THE JAMS is a fun summer-themed cozy mystery full of yummy food and great characters. Enjoyed!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Garden, Virginia, is a charming small town, and Amy owns the popular Down South Café there. Once again, Amy is thrown into a murder mystery when another suspicious death occurs in the restaurant, and this time the victim is her adversary George Lincoln, director of the Chamber of Commerce.
This delightful cozy is part mystery, part family drama, and even a little romance, though luckily the investigation never gets lost in the drama — instead, they compliment each other. The mystery was well plotted and introduced several possible anti-George suspects.
SILENCE OF THE JAMS is a fun summer-themed cozy mystery full of yummy food and great characters. Enjoyed!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2017
Absolutely delightful story with delectable recipes at the end. Memorable characters you'll enjoy reading about and wish you could meet in real life. I especially like the lovable Homer who always has a hero for the day who inspires him and me, too!
Amy Flowers has opened her remodeled restaurant, Down South Cafe, in fertile Winter Garden, Virginia; a rural farmland area. It's time for the Independence Day Festival and the townsfolk are getting into the spirit for celebrating. The director of the Chamber of Commerce, George Lincoln, has a grudge against Amy because he wants the land her Cafe is built on and she won't sell. When he suddenly chokes and dies in the Cafe after a home-cooked breakfast, Amy may be in hot water. In her defense, the local doctor--an eyewitness--says Lincoln had a heart attack--plain and simple. Of course, nothing's plain and nothing's simple about the death as a tox report reveals poison.
Author Gayle Leeson (aka Gayle Trent) does a fine job of leaving a trail of juicy morsels for readers to follow and savor through the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more satisfying stories in this culinary series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced Readers copy for NetGalley.
Amy Flowers has opened her remodeled restaurant, Down South Cafe, in fertile Winter Garden, Virginia; a rural farmland area. It's time for the Independence Day Festival and the townsfolk are getting into the spirit for celebrating. The director of the Chamber of Commerce, George Lincoln, has a grudge against Amy because he wants the land her Cafe is built on and she won't sell. When he suddenly chokes and dies in the Cafe after a home-cooked breakfast, Amy may be in hot water. In her defense, the local doctor--an eyewitness--says Lincoln had a heart attack--plain and simple. Of course, nothing's plain and nothing's simple about the death as a tox report reveals poison.
Author Gayle Leeson (aka Gayle Trent) does a fine job of leaving a trail of juicy morsels for readers to follow and savor through the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more satisfying stories in this culinary series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced Readers copy for NetGalley.
February 2, 2021
Delightful story filled with great food and a nice mystery!
March 20, 2017
First I sure wished I was part of Amy Flowers family, she could whip up a delicious meal in seconds, or was planning another.
Miss Amy is kind to everyone including grumpy George Lincoln, but she sure didn’t expect him to drop dead in her Café. Thus a new mystery is born and as we go through the list of suspects, I kept changing my mind, and when you think you are sure, guess again.
There is a bit of sweet romance here, and an abundance of family, and everyone seems to be welcome at the dinner table.
As we go about trying to find out who killed George, we become immersed in the daily life of this Southern Town, and get to know just about everyone, some are better off not knowing.
Does Amy have to kind of a heart for her own good, or will she learn who was responsible and then put her own life in jeopardy.
I want to read more by this author, and keep up with her darling pets and family. There are some unanswered personal questions here, and I want to find out. I see there are two other books in this series, and they are now on my must read list. Enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
Miss Amy is kind to everyone including grumpy George Lincoln, but she sure didn’t expect him to drop dead in her Café. Thus a new mystery is born and as we go through the list of suspects, I kept changing my mind, and when you think you are sure, guess again.
There is a bit of sweet romance here, and an abundance of family, and everyone seems to be welcome at the dinner table.
As we go about trying to find out who killed George, we become immersed in the daily life of this Southern Town, and get to know just about everyone, some are better off not knowing.
Does Amy have to kind of a heart for her own good, or will she learn who was responsible and then put her own life in jeopardy.
I want to read more by this author, and keep up with her darling pets and family. There are some unanswered personal questions here, and I want to find out. I see there are two other books in this series, and they are now on my must read list. Enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 13, 2017
I love the Down South Cafe series! It has endearingly quirky characters who feel like friends, a charming setting, hints of romance, mouthwatering food and a well-plotted mystery to keep you guessing. There’s even a PURSE-WHOMPING!! Which you know made my feisty heart happy haha!
In Silence of the Jams (love that title!), we also have a subplot involving addiction and the effect it has on families. These scenes were written with sensitivity as well as authenticity, and the emotions that Amy’s family went through over the addicted family member touched my heart.
The usual characters return in this second book, and both Homer and Aunt Bess continue to delight me. Aunt Bess with her “Lord Have Mercy” pinterest board makes me laugh out loud, and Homer with his hero-of-the-day is huggable in his sincerity and wisdom. Amy is a delightfully charming and relatable heroine! I was delighted to see more of her relationship with hunky (and sweet) deputy Ryan, too. Jackie is put through the emotional wringer in this book, but her bond with Amy continues to be a highlight of the series.
Bottom Line: Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson is delightful on every level. It’s clean as well as being fun, meaningful and intriguing. Compelling (and quirky) characters combine with the charming town of Winter Garden, Virginia, to give the novel the right dose of southern small town flair. The mystery has enough twists and turns to stay intriguing, the solution just out of reach no matter how many times you think you’ve surely got it figured out this time. (I ended up being right with my early-on guess, but there were enough suspects in the mix that I second-guessed myself a lot.) Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans as well as my “clean-read” readers!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
In Silence of the Jams (love that title!), we also have a subplot involving addiction and the effect it has on families. These scenes were written with sensitivity as well as authenticity, and the emotions that Amy’s family went through over the addicted family member touched my heart.
The usual characters return in this second book, and both Homer and Aunt Bess continue to delight me. Aunt Bess with her “Lord Have Mercy” pinterest board makes me laugh out loud, and Homer with his hero-of-the-day is huggable in his sincerity and wisdom. Amy is a delightfully charming and relatable heroine! I was delighted to see more of her relationship with hunky (and sweet) deputy Ryan, too. Jackie is put through the emotional wringer in this book, but her bond with Amy continues to be a highlight of the series.
Bottom Line: Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson is delightful on every level. It’s clean as well as being fun, meaningful and intriguing. Compelling (and quirky) characters combine with the charming town of Winter Garden, Virginia, to give the novel the right dose of southern small town flair. The mystery has enough twists and turns to stay intriguing, the solution just out of reach no matter how many times you think you’ve surely got it figured out this time. (I ended up being right with my early-on guess, but there were enough suspects in the mix that I second-guessed myself a lot.) Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans as well as my “clean-read” readers!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 22, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
March 11, 2017
This is book two of the Down South Cafe Mystery series. I did not read book 1. (Calamity cafe). Amy uses her inheritance from her grandmother and now owns the local cafe in Winter Garden, Virginia. She's happy and doing well except for George who is trying to buy her building to demolish. When he drops dead from poisoning in the diner she becomes the prime suspect until his cadre of files turns up with secrets from just about everyone in town. The 4th of July is about to explode in this small delightful town. The multigenerational family is always a favorite of mine that has grandparents and other family always being helpful. The mystery is well written and the food recipes are fantastic. Gayle Leeson writes under several other names and her cozy's are all enjoyable.
August 13, 2019
It should be a great celebration time for Winter Garden and the Down South Café, but things take a turn for the worse when George Lincoln comes in for breakfast, and to try and get Amy to sell up to him again, just as he is finishing up his meal and whilst chatting with the local Doctor, George suddenly keels over, and Dr Kent can't revive him! Everyone assumes he has had a heart attack or stroke, but when the autopsy is done it is discovered he was poisoned, luckily this time Amy and the Down South staff are not in the frame for the murder. Luckily in particular for Jackie, a member of staff and Amy's cousin, as she has the problem of her flighty mother who has flitted into their lives again, and this time she embarrasses them all by turning up drunk at the Independence Day dance.
Now Amy has to cope with helping Jackie, Amy's mother has concussion and needs help, Aunt Bess is kidnapped (or not) by Jackie's mother Jenna, oh and George Lincoln's brother Thomas keeps popping up and scaring Amy, add in an injury to Amy's hand and life couldn't get much worse .... or could it?
Now Amy has to cope with helping Jackie, Amy's mother has concussion and needs help, Aunt Bess is kidnapped (or not) by Jackie's mother Jenna, oh and George Lincoln's brother Thomas keeps popping up and scaring Amy, add in an injury to Amy's hand and life couldn't get much worse .... or could it?
April 18, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have been excited to read this story since I finished The Calamity Cafe back in December! I donned my Down South Café T-shirt and started reading as as soon as the book arrived.
We have returned to Winter Garden just in time for their Independence Day Celebration but before the fireworks even start there is drama at The Down South Café. Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln has been a real pain in the butt for Amy. He is still burning about his inability to buy her building just so he can tear it down. But today he finds himself permanently silenced. He keels over right at the counter while eating his breakfast. At first look it seems to be a heart attack but the autopsy points to murder. Poisoning to be exact. This is not good for Amy or her business. Sensible people know there is now way she could be responsible but Amy needs to move fast before she gets so jammed up she loses everything.
Amy Flowers is the perfect protagonist. She is liked by everyone. She is friendly and caring. She also has the right business to keep up with all the happenings around Winter Garden. I love the way her family works together to help the cafe succeed and still deal with all the commotion of a murder and Aunt Renee swooping in for a visit. Amy’s mom, her cousin, Jackie and Aunt Bess are all fabulous supporting characters. I enjoyed Amy’s moments with Homer as well. I can’t forget Amy’s beau, Deputy Ryan. He is an excellent match for Amy.
This story is very fast paced. The clues kept circling round and round. I had an early inkling about the murderer but the clues just weren’t adding up. The Aunt Renee subplot also drew my attention. I really felt bad that she and Jackie were not close. Renee was not the mother Jackie needed but her Granny (Aunt Bess) did her best to raise the girl right while Renee just floated in and out of their lives. Amy does get herself in a little trouble for being too trusting and Renee is dealing with something everyone around her hopes she can start to make headway on. I applaud the author for the way these issues were handled in this book.
I can’t review these books without talking about the food. Thank goodness, there are recipes in the back of the book. The Fudgy Chocolate Cake as well as the Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake had my mouth watering. And yes, there is a Strawberry Jam recipe too!
Gayle Leeson has whipped us up a fine cozy mystery in Silence of the Jams. A great plot featuring fantastic characters filled with mystery, suspense, humor and a little bit romance. A delicious way to spend an afternoon or two. I know y’all will enjoy this one.
I have been excited to read this story since I finished The Calamity Cafe back in December! I donned my Down South Café T-shirt and started reading as as soon as the book arrived.
We have returned to Winter Garden just in time for their Independence Day Celebration but before the fireworks even start there is drama at The Down South Café. Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln has been a real pain in the butt for Amy. He is still burning about his inability to buy her building just so he can tear it down. But today he finds himself permanently silenced. He keels over right at the counter while eating his breakfast. At first look it seems to be a heart attack but the autopsy points to murder. Poisoning to be exact. This is not good for Amy or her business. Sensible people know there is now way she could be responsible but Amy needs to move fast before she gets so jammed up she loses everything.
Amy Flowers is the perfect protagonist. She is liked by everyone. She is friendly and caring. She also has the right business to keep up with all the happenings around Winter Garden. I love the way her family works together to help the cafe succeed and still deal with all the commotion of a murder and Aunt Renee swooping in for a visit. Amy’s mom, her cousin, Jackie and Aunt Bess are all fabulous supporting characters. I enjoyed Amy’s moments with Homer as well. I can’t forget Amy’s beau, Deputy Ryan. He is an excellent match for Amy.
This story is very fast paced. The clues kept circling round and round. I had an early inkling about the murderer but the clues just weren’t adding up. The Aunt Renee subplot also drew my attention. I really felt bad that she and Jackie were not close. Renee was not the mother Jackie needed but her Granny (Aunt Bess) did her best to raise the girl right while Renee just floated in and out of their lives. Amy does get herself in a little trouble for being too trusting and Renee is dealing with something everyone around her hopes she can start to make headway on. I applaud the author for the way these issues were handled in this book.
I can’t review these books without talking about the food. Thank goodness, there are recipes in the back of the book. The Fudgy Chocolate Cake as well as the Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake had my mouth watering. And yes, there is a Strawberry Jam recipe too!
Gayle Leeson has whipped us up a fine cozy mystery in Silence of the Jams. A great plot featuring fantastic characters filled with mystery, suspense, humor and a little bit romance. A delicious way to spend an afternoon or two. I know y’all will enjoy this one.
April 17, 2017
SILENCE OF THE JAMS gave me that down home, easy living feeling, but with murder! ;-)
With the wait finally over (it felt like years) I dived into this book, and didn’t come up for air until I was finished! Page after page I was captivated by this delightful cozy. As with the first installment in this series, SILENCE OF THE JAMS was a fast moving mystery without one wasted word. (You know the kind of drag-it-out filler I’m talking about.) Seriously, there was not one slow or boring part in this entire tale.
Every scene dealing with the characters doing their normal, everyday routines, made me long to be a part of this group of people. And every scene focusing on the murder was intelligently crafted by author Gayle Leeson to keep the reader’s mind working to solve the deadly puzzle. She truly has a gift for writing a killer mystery.
Be prepared to get hungry reading this story. There are some yummy sounding foods. Thankfully, Ms. Leeson includes some of the amazing recipes from the story. I will be trying them out for sure!
I don’t care how jammed up your reading list is. You have got to add SILENCE OF THE JAMS to the top. Haven’t read book one, THE CALMITY CAFÉ? Get them both and read them back to back. You’ll be happy that you did!
With the wait finally over (it felt like years) I dived into this book, and didn’t come up for air until I was finished! Page after page I was captivated by this delightful cozy. As with the first installment in this series, SILENCE OF THE JAMS was a fast moving mystery without one wasted word. (You know the kind of drag-it-out filler I’m talking about.) Seriously, there was not one slow or boring part in this entire tale.
Every scene dealing with the characters doing their normal, everyday routines, made me long to be a part of this group of people. And every scene focusing on the murder was intelligently crafted by author Gayle Leeson to keep the reader’s mind working to solve the deadly puzzle. She truly has a gift for writing a killer mystery.
Be prepared to get hungry reading this story. There are some yummy sounding foods. Thankfully, Ms. Leeson includes some of the amazing recipes from the story. I will be trying them out for sure!
I don’t care how jammed up your reading list is. You have got to add SILENCE OF THE JAMS to the top. Haven’t read book one, THE CALMITY CAFÉ? Get them both and read them back to back. You’ll be happy that you did!
March 29, 2017
Warning- reading to the very end of this delicious cozy may cause cravings for more.
And will probably encourage you to spend more time in your kitchen,
Besides a well disguised murderer we get a cast of characters with secrets and quirks.
Amy Flowers is still trying to prove herself as the owner of The Down South Cafe. Since the previous owner of the restaurant was murdered there it seems especially unlucky to have a patron drop dead right at the counter. Amy and her family are right in the middle of the action trying to figure out why and who might have had reason to want the man dead. Meanwhile, Aunt Renee breezes back into town creating her own crisis.
A strong story about family and friendship, weathering life's storms, and discovering that everyone has secrets. It is amazing that we ever find people to trust!
Danger lurks around each corner until a dramatic climax.
I voluntarily accepted this book. The review is my own.
And will probably encourage you to spend more time in your kitchen,
Besides a well disguised murderer we get a cast of characters with secrets and quirks.
Amy Flowers is still trying to prove herself as the owner of The Down South Cafe. Since the previous owner of the restaurant was murdered there it seems especially unlucky to have a patron drop dead right at the counter. Amy and her family are right in the middle of the action trying to figure out why and who might have had reason to want the man dead. Meanwhile, Aunt Renee breezes back into town creating her own crisis.
A strong story about family and friendship, weathering life's storms, and discovering that everyone has secrets. It is amazing that we ever find people to trust!
Danger lurks around each corner until a dramatic climax.
I voluntarily accepted this book. The review is my own.
June 12, 2019
Amy Flowers owns and runs a cafe and loves every minute of it. Everything, that is, except for an obnoxious businessman who continually tries to buy her cafe. And when he drops dead in the cafe eating her food, Amy realizes she might be in big trouble. This entertaining cozy has a lot going for it. Interesting characters, secondary plot lines, intriguing mystery, and a bit of romance all combine for a great story.
March 23, 2017
Silence of the Jams is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I didn't feel like I was missing any information by not reading the previous book in this series. There are a lot of really likable characters in this book. I loved the close-knit family relationship between Amy, her mom, her cousin, and her Aunt Bess. I'm interested in reading the next book in this series to see if there is an update on Jackie's mother. There were a couple instances where I felt like there was a little too much information, but it wasn't enough to make me bored or lose interest in the story. There were several suspects in regards to the murder. The murderer reveal totally took me by surprise since it wasn't someone that was very high up on my suspect list. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more books by this author in the future.
July 2, 2020
I loved this book! Could hardly put it down! The characters were so interesting and real and I liked how other things were going on in the story but didn’t distract from the mystery either. I did guess the murderer early on and that part was obvious, but it’s such a fun book, I still loved it.
April 4, 2017
Silence Of The Jams is the second book in the A Down South Cafe Mystery series.
Another enjoyable visit to the Down South Cafe and to visit with Amy, Jackie and Sarah at the cafe.
The remodeling on the cafe has been completed and business has been good for Amy. Then one morning George Lincoln, president of the Chamber of Commerce comes in for breakfast. While eating his breakfast and chatting with Dr. Kent, he falls off his stool and dies. It appears that he has suffered a heart attack, but a waitress is sure she heard him say poi or poise just before he expired, so some doubt is raised.
George Lincoln has been trying to buy the cafe for some time so he could tear it down and build a B&B and hardly a time goes by that he doesn’t ask Amy if she is ready to sell. Foremost in her mind is how his death will affect her business, what with a second death have happened in the cafe. She soon learns that Lincoln has been keeping files on many of the people in Winter Garden, so if turns out he was murdered there could be a number of suspects.
In addition to wanting to determine who the murderer might be, the reader was able to learn more about Amy family, which this reader considered very entertaining. Amy’s mother and great Aunt Bess live in the “big-house” and she lives in the house on the property that meant to be a guest house. Aunt Bess is well into her senior years and is a real character. Being somewhat computer savvy, she has a Pinterest board called Lord Have Mercy where she posts things that she finds interesting. Another of her current projects on the computer is checking out various dating sights. We also learn more about Amy’s cousin Jackie and Jackie’s relationship with her estranged mother. The reader is also able to follow the possible budding romance of Amy and Deputy Ryan Hall.
Delicious recipes are also included in the book.
I find this a fun and very entertaining series and will be watching for the next book.
Another enjoyable visit to the Down South Cafe and to visit with Amy, Jackie and Sarah at the cafe.
The remodeling on the cafe has been completed and business has been good for Amy. Then one morning George Lincoln, president of the Chamber of Commerce comes in for breakfast. While eating his breakfast and chatting with Dr. Kent, he falls off his stool and dies. It appears that he has suffered a heart attack, but a waitress is sure she heard him say poi or poise just before he expired, so some doubt is raised.
George Lincoln has been trying to buy the cafe for some time so he could tear it down and build a B&B and hardly a time goes by that he doesn’t ask Amy if she is ready to sell. Foremost in her mind is how his death will affect her business, what with a second death have happened in the cafe. She soon learns that Lincoln has been keeping files on many of the people in Winter Garden, so if turns out he was murdered there could be a number of suspects.
In addition to wanting to determine who the murderer might be, the reader was able to learn more about Amy family, which this reader considered very entertaining. Amy’s mother and great Aunt Bess live in the “big-house” and she lives in the house on the property that meant to be a guest house. Aunt Bess is well into her senior years and is a real character. Being somewhat computer savvy, she has a Pinterest board called Lord Have Mercy where she posts things that she finds interesting. Another of her current projects on the computer is checking out various dating sights. We also learn more about Amy’s cousin Jackie and Jackie’s relationship with her estranged mother. The reader is also able to follow the possible budding romance of Amy and Deputy Ryan Hall.
Delicious recipes are also included in the book.
I find this a fun and very entertaining series and will be watching for the next book.
March 8, 2018
Around the Year in 52 Books 2018 Reading Challenge. A book involving a murder.
Amy Flowers has opened a cafe in Winter Garden. George Lincoln has made it clear he would like to buy the building from her, tear in down, and build a B&B. She isn't interested in his deal. Then one morning he drops dead while eating breakfast at the cafe. Was the murderer his wife, his secretary at the Chamber of Commerce who is now seeking his job, his brother who will now inherit all of their father's money, or .... It is soon revealed that Mr. Lincoln had files on lots of the Winter Garden residents and that he used what he knew to blackmail and threaten people. This is the second story in the series and I have not read the first. Not as strong a story as I would like and the characters aren't as interesting as I would like. Perhaps the series will improve.
Amy Flowers has opened a cafe in Winter Garden. George Lincoln has made it clear he would like to buy the building from her, tear in down, and build a B&B. She isn't interested in his deal. Then one morning he drops dead while eating breakfast at the cafe. Was the murderer his wife, his secretary at the Chamber of Commerce who is now seeking his job, his brother who will now inherit all of their father's money, or .... It is soon revealed that Mr. Lincoln had files on lots of the Winter Garden residents and that he used what he knew to blackmail and threaten people. This is the second story in the series and I have not read the first. Not as strong a story as I would like and the characters aren't as interesting as I would like. Perhaps the series will improve.
March 6, 2017
When the most hated man in town drops over dead in the middle of eating a meal at the Down South Cafe, owner Amy Flowers finds herself being a possible murder suspect again. After finding out that the victim kept folders with all the secrets on everyone in town the suspect list keeps getting longer and longer. Add to that a relative with addiction problems shows up in town causing drama for Amy's family. As in the first one there's good food, a murder mystery, a little romance, family, and a lot of fun. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advanced Reader's copy for an honest review.
April 13, 2017
Southern cozy mystery fans, welcome back to Winter Garden, Virginia!
Silence of the Jams is an entertaining whodunit story with a southern twist!
In Silence of the Jams, the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series, Author Gayle Leeson weaves an intriguing southern cozy murder mystery tale that follows The Down South Cafe chef/owner Amy Flowers latest amateur sleuth adventures!
Amy draws the reader into her latest adventure when she finds herself a suspect in the murder of Commerce director George Lincoln, who collapsed while eating at the cafe, and dies from a suspected case of poisoning. George tried to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site. Amy takes the reader along on her amateur sleuth adventure as she tries to clear her name and find the real killer.
This captivating and fast-paced mystery tale has enough quirky humor, drama, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in Winter Garden, Virginia, a picturesque southern town with a lot of heart and charm. The description of the town and its residents was simply wonderful, there's nothing better than down home country charm and living. I loved how the author masterfully interwove Amy's growing Down South Cafe, where her customers think of it as Southern hospitality in a sweet home town, while also dealing with the trials and tribulations of trying to clear her name, and solve the murder of the small town businessman who had plans to take her cafe away from her.
This laugh-out-loud cozy mystery tale will keep you in stitches as you turn the pages following along with the townsfolk's southern charm and quirky interactions, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that follows Amy and friends as they try to solve the murder. Amy's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author includes some delicious recipes at the end of the book that will make your mouth water!
Silence of the Jams is a riveting southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while Amy and the townsfolk of Winter Garden tell y'all their story!
Silence of the Jams is the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Silence of the Jams is an entertaining whodunit story with a southern twist!
In Silence of the Jams, the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series, Author Gayle Leeson weaves an intriguing southern cozy murder mystery tale that follows The Down South Cafe chef/owner Amy Flowers latest amateur sleuth adventures!
Amy draws the reader into her latest adventure when she finds herself a suspect in the murder of Commerce director George Lincoln, who collapsed while eating at the cafe, and dies from a suspected case of poisoning. George tried to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site. Amy takes the reader along on her amateur sleuth adventure as she tries to clear her name and find the real killer.
This captivating and fast-paced mystery tale has enough quirky humor, drama, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in Winter Garden, Virginia, a picturesque southern town with a lot of heart and charm. The description of the town and its residents was simply wonderful, there's nothing better than down home country charm and living. I loved how the author masterfully interwove Amy's growing Down South Cafe, where her customers think of it as Southern hospitality in a sweet home town, while also dealing with the trials and tribulations of trying to clear her name, and solve the murder of the small town businessman who had plans to take her cafe away from her.
This laugh-out-loud cozy mystery tale will keep you in stitches as you turn the pages following along with the townsfolk's southern charm and quirky interactions, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that follows Amy and friends as they try to solve the murder. Amy's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author includes some delicious recipes at the end of the book that will make your mouth water!
Silence of the Jams is a riveting southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while Amy and the townsfolk of Winter Garden tell y'all their story!
Silence of the Jams is the second book in the Down South Cafe Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 9, 2017
Silence Of The Jams
Down South Cafe Mystery, Book #2
Gayle Leeson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In the latest Southern cozy from the author of The Calamity Café, small-town chef Amy Flowers can’t take her freedom for granted when she’s served up as a murder suspect...
It's Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Café is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it's a heart attack—until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now, it’s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.
Includes delicious Southern recipes!
From the Paperback edition. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing styles flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. And it felt like I could smell all of the delicious aromas coming from the cafe. If I lived in Winter Garden, I would definitely be a patron at The Down South Cafe.
The characters are well rounded and three dimensional. Amy is a smart, hardworking and funny woman and is someone I would like to get to know better. Her cousin, Jackie, has a heart of gold but can have a quick fuse if someone threatens her family. I really enjoyed reading about the interaction and conversations between the two. They both have love interests that seem like good guys. And Aunt Bess is a quirky older lady and I had to laugh at some of the things that she says.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and there were enough suspects to consider to make it difficult to figure out the killer. Throw in some red herrings and a lot of clues to sift through and you have a top notch mystery to try and solve.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With a great cast of characters, a wonderful small town feeling and a difficult mystery to solve, what’s not to love.
Down South Cafe Mystery, Book #2
Gayle Leeson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In the latest Southern cozy from the author of The Calamity Café, small-town chef Amy Flowers can’t take her freedom for granted when she’s served up as a murder suspect...
It's Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Café is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it's a heart attack—until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now, it’s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.
Includes delicious Southern recipes!
From the Paperback edition. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing styles flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. And it felt like I could smell all of the delicious aromas coming from the cafe. If I lived in Winter Garden, I would definitely be a patron at The Down South Cafe.
The characters are well rounded and three dimensional. Amy is a smart, hardworking and funny woman and is someone I would like to get to know better. Her cousin, Jackie, has a heart of gold but can have a quick fuse if someone threatens her family. I really enjoyed reading about the interaction and conversations between the two. They both have love interests that seem like good guys. And Aunt Bess is a quirky older lady and I had to laugh at some of the things that she says.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and there were enough suspects to consider to make it difficult to figure out the killer. Throw in some red herrings and a lot of clues to sift through and you have a top notch mystery to try and solve.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With a great cast of characters, a wonderful small town feeling and a difficult mystery to solve, what’s not to love.
April 3, 2017
Silence of the Jams is a wonderful second book in Gayle Leeson's Down South Cafe Mystery series. After the murder in book 1, things have settled down in the small town of Winter Garden, VA. The townsfolk are preparing for the Independence Day Festival, including Amy Flowers, owner of the newly remodeled Down South Cafe. Her clientele is starting to build and Amy has several regulars that frequent the cafe for down home cooking. When a well known citizen dies while dining at the cafe, Amy's reputation is on the line.
Silence of the Jams has the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery hit! Between the delicious sounding food (and recipes in the back of the book) and the fast-paced mystery, the reader can't help but be drawn into this book. The murder takes place in a small town with family roots and stories that span several generations. The death occurs near the beginning of the book, giving the author a lengthy time frame to develop more of the Winter Garden, VA world. We are reacquainted with the key characters from book 1 and introduced to many new ones.
The plot of Silence of the Jams is engaging and fast paced, pulling the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense. The descriptions of the world in Winter Garden were vivid and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the town and involved in the investigation. The dialogue between all of the characters was believable and well done. I enjoyed the sweet interactions between Amy and Ryan and like the pace the author is using to build up a potential relationship.
I was slightly clued in on who may have committed the murder but the author did a great job disguising everything and making me question myself. I highly recommend the Down South Cafe Mystery series and suggest you start with Book 1. You'll get to know the key players before meeting them again in Silence of the Jams.
Silence of the Jams has the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery hit! Between the delicious sounding food (and recipes in the back of the book) and the fast-paced mystery, the reader can't help but be drawn into this book. The murder takes place in a small town with family roots and stories that span several generations. The death occurs near the beginning of the book, giving the author a lengthy time frame to develop more of the Winter Garden, VA world. We are reacquainted with the key characters from book 1 and introduced to many new ones.
The plot of Silence of the Jams is engaging and fast paced, pulling the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense. The descriptions of the world in Winter Garden were vivid and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the town and involved in the investigation. The dialogue between all of the characters was believable and well done. I enjoyed the sweet interactions between Amy and Ryan and like the pace the author is using to build up a potential relationship.
I was slightly clued in on who may have committed the murder but the author did a great job disguising everything and making me question myself. I highly recommend the Down South Cafe Mystery series and suggest you start with Book 1. You'll get to know the key players before meeting them again in Silence of the Jams.
April 8, 2017
This small town is intriguing and the townsfolk are people I would want as my neighbors! Well except the killers!
This second book is very delightful and of course I love that it is centered around a cafe...which means food! Thankfully the author gives us some recipes at the end and I will be trying out a few of them.
The mystery was well written and while I figured out the killer it wasn't really from any clues, but just a gut instinct. This character just seemed to be up to something shady, and I was right!
There is also another character that turned out to be a surprise and one of the good ones. You wouldn't think that from how this character is portrayed. I can't say too much, don't want to give away any secrets or plot twists.
I even like that the romance continues between Ryan and Amy. It seems rather sweet. And her cousin Jackie even has something going with a long time friend. I also like that the author throws in a drug addicted mother and the agony a family probably goes through dealing with that addiction.
Overall a delightful book and series, definitely check it out if you haven't yet.
This second book is very delightful and of course I love that it is centered around a cafe...which means food! Thankfully the author gives us some recipes at the end and I will be trying out a few of them.
The mystery was well written and while I figured out the killer it wasn't really from any clues, but just a gut instinct. This character just seemed to be up to something shady, and I was right!
There is also another character that turned out to be a surprise and one of the good ones. You wouldn't think that from how this character is portrayed. I can't say too much, don't want to give away any secrets or plot twists.
I even like that the romance continues between Ryan and Amy. It seems rather sweet. And her cousin Jackie even has something going with a long time friend. I also like that the author throws in a drug addicted mother and the agony a family probably goes through dealing with that addiction.
Overall a delightful book and series, definitely check it out if you haven't yet.
April 14, 2017
The book is well written, I always give points for that. Amy is a fun sleuth, just a nifty gal. She has a knack for creating yummy and delightful goods along with running what sounds to be a beautiful cafe. Only down fall is that it's fictional. During the mystery Amy's family was having a bit of drama, I did feel that at times it was taking over the mystery, however, I enjoy depth and complex relationships to characters and series. The best part was the mention of Sooki from Gilmore Girls, seriously I worshiped that show (may still) and any reference to her is a a reason to shine to me.
This was book had more than just the mystery going for it, and it might have kept me from figuring the sleuth out sooner than I did. I was a bit unsure as to if I had it right, but it made total sense when the suspect gave himself a huge giveaway. I personally like when they don't give themselves too much away, but I had about three cups of strong coffee in me and could have had heightened senses. Overall, this is a series I will gladly read more of. This is an author, I have adored under her other names, and know she has amazing stars coming her way.
This was book had more than just the mystery going for it, and it might have kept me from figuring the sleuth out sooner than I did. I was a bit unsure as to if I had it right, but it made total sense when the suspect gave himself a huge giveaway. I personally like when they don't give themselves too much away, but I had about three cups of strong coffee in me and could have had heightened senses. Overall, this is a series I will gladly read more of. This is an author, I have adored under her other names, and know she has amazing stars coming her way.
July 4, 2019
Amy Flowers is the owner of the Down South Cafe. IN Winter Garden, Virginia. They are getting ready for the July 4th celebration. The cafe is doing well and Amy is busy getting ready for the party with homemade goodies at the cafe.
However, George Lincoln is a pain in the neck, coming in and constantly trying to buy the cafe out from under Amy. She is not interested in selling. She has made it very clear several times. He wants to tear down the cafe and build a bed and breakfast.
George is eating breakfast and collapses at the cafe while having breakfast. UH oh, now someone dies in her cafe-not a good position for her to be in. Amy has to try and help solve this but of course that puts her in the path of the real killer. Yikes! Good pace and fun who done it.
However, George Lincoln is a pain in the neck, coming in and constantly trying to buy the cafe out from under Amy. She is not interested in selling. She has made it very clear several times. He wants to tear down the cafe and build a bed and breakfast.
George is eating breakfast and collapses at the cafe while having breakfast. UH oh, now someone dies in her cafe-not a good position for her to be in. Amy has to try and help solve this but of course that puts her in the path of the real killer. Yikes! Good pace and fun who done it.
June 21, 2024
"Silence of the Jams (Down South Café Mystery #2)" by Gayle Leeson is fairly stand alone, though at times there was maybe a bit of character development that may have been best understood if I'd read the first book already. It had a hint of 4th of July with the mention of the Independence Day Parade and some of the characters briefly attending an Independence Dance. However, the over all theme seemed to be around substance abuse. So, trigger warning there if it's something you prefer not to read.
The mystery part did have me going back and forth a bit about who the culprit possibly was. I had two people in mind. One of them stood out a bit more than the other though.
The mystery part did have me going back and forth a bit about who the culprit possibly was. I had two people in mind. One of them stood out a bit more than the other though.
April 4, 2017
Over the weekend I read Silence of the Jams by Gayle Lesson. I enjoyed this down south cafe mystery. In book two we really get to know more about Amy and her cousin, aunts and mom. I loved the way this story unfolded and how realistic it felt. An unlikely hero and a good mystery to solve, this one was a very good read. I am happy to see the cafe doing so well in book two!
May 23, 2020
Another awesome book
This is the second book in the Down South Cafe mysteries. It's as good if not better than three first. This time one of the patrons of the cafe dies just after eating homemade strawberry jam. The victim's brother comes to town and is one of many suspects. You won't know for sure until the end of the book but I will tell you that the reveal of the killer made me sad. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.
This is the second book in the Down South Cafe mysteries. It's as good if not better than three first. This time one of the patrons of the cafe dies just after eating homemade strawberry jam. The victim's brother comes to town and is one of many suspects. You won't know for sure until the end of the book but I will tell you that the reveal of the killer made me sad. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.
April 4, 2017
Amy Flowers is a wonderful Southern heroine for this cozy series. Her cafe is a fun setting with an enjoyable cast of supporting characters. This particular story takes several twists and turns as Amy works to solve the murder of the Chamber of Commerce director.
There are some great recipes included at the end of the book for some of the dishes Amy whips up in her cafe.
I am already looking forward to book 3, Honey-Baked Homicide, which releases the end of this year.
There are some great recipes included at the end of the book for some of the dishes Amy whips up in her cafe.
I am already looking forward to book 3, Honey-Baked Homicide, which releases the end of this year.
Read
February 17, 2018Great series. Excellent mystery from cover to cover.
May 22, 2017
This is such a cute series! The main character is so charmingly innocent, which could be a bit much if she wasn't balanced out by her less naive cousin. In this book we get to know the family a bit more and are introduced to Jackie's addict mother. It adds an interesting dynamic to the family which gives them a little more realistic shine. Also, we see the progression of the romantic relationships, especially Ryan and Amy. The mystery in this one was good although I pretty much knew who the murderer was from the start. This series is light and, well, cute is the perfect word for this one. I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 20, 2019
I have listened to the audiobooks of Calamity Cafe and now Silence of the Jams, so will have to seek out the actually books to check out the recipes. I would have given this book four stars, perhaps, if not for Amy Flowers habit of apologizing for things she has no need to and for her penchant to not make waves. And for Pete’s sake, won’t one of you girls just tell Aunt Bess to put a sock in it when needed?!
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