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Maple Syrup Mysteries #2
Syrup to No Good
"With romance, recipes, and a murderer on the loose, this book will delight fans of Joanne Fluke, Jenn McKinlay, or Laura Childs." — Booklist
Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won't be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather's wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.
Even with Leila's own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count. Heather's rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather's dream wedding becomes a nightmare?
Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!
Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won't be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather's wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.
Even with Leila's own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count. Heather's rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather's dream wedding becomes a nightmare?
Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
41 people are currently reading
3377 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
60 books901 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 21, 2023
Leila Khoury was owner of Sappy Endings Farm in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, after her father was murdered six months prior, and she and her volatile mother worked together, making all the delicious goodies the farm was known for. Leila's mum was an excellent cook, well known by the locals, while Leila couldn't cook to save herself. The bridal shower she'd organised for her best friend Heather was set for success, and the guests were happy with the afternoon's festivities, apart from Heather's aunt Monica, who was the only fly in the ointment with her sharp, sarcastic tongue wounding many of the guests. But it was a shock to Leila when she discovered Monica's dead body in the car park after the event.
As Leila and Heather investigated the circumstances of the killing, against the Detective's advice, they found many suspects. All Heather wanted was to find the killer so her wedding could go ahead. But it was looking like that wouldn't happen. When Leila started receiving threats - you'd think she'd back off - but no, it made her even more determined. Would they find the killer before it was too late?
Syrup to No Good is the 2nd in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns and the first I've read. It was entertaining, intriguing and frustrating, with Leila persisting in putting her life at risk. I liked the character of the cat, named Toast, showing on the cover. She was a feisty little thing, but loving and loyal. Syrup to No Good was an enjoyable read which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Leila and Heather investigated the circumstances of the killing, against the Detective's advice, they found many suspects. All Heather wanted was to find the killer so her wedding could go ahead. But it was looking like that wouldn't happen. When Leila started receiving threats - you'd think she'd back off - but no, it made her even more determined. Would they find the killer before it was too late?
Syrup to No Good is the 2nd in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns and the first I've read. It was entertaining, intriguing and frustrating, with Leila persisting in putting her life at risk. I liked the character of the cat, named Toast, showing on the cover. She was a feisty little thing, but loving and loyal. Syrup to No Good was an enjoyable read which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
Syrup to No Good by Catherine Bruns
Maple syrup mysteries series #2. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
With the syrup-making season over, Leila Khoury can focus on the bridal shower for her best friend Heather. When a relative of the bride is found dead in her car after the shower, Leila finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation and getting threats to stop or else!
Cozy mystery style with multiple “kills” as Leila asks questions and puts the clues together while also keeping her own business running. Her former fiancé returns to town and Leila has to remind her mother that they lost a lot of money when he left her in the past. Leila also needs to keep the manager of the farm in mind as she focuses on the murder. Their relationship is new and she doesn’t want it interrupted.
Captivating mystery as we learn more background and family dynamics of Leila.
Recipes included at the end of the book include the Maple Bundt cake from the story that made my mouth water, as well Maamoul Cookies, Kibbi, and a couple of others.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Maple syrup mysteries series #2. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
With the syrup-making season over, Leila Khoury can focus on the bridal shower for her best friend Heather. When a relative of the bride is found dead in her car after the shower, Leila finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation and getting threats to stop or else!
Cozy mystery style with multiple “kills” as Leila asks questions and puts the clues together while also keeping her own business running. Her former fiancé returns to town and Leila has to remind her mother that they lost a lot of money when he left her in the past. Leila also needs to keep the manager of the farm in mind as she focuses on the murder. Their relationship is new and she doesn’t want it interrupted.
Captivating mystery as we learn more background and family dynamics of Leila.
Recipes included at the end of the book include the Maple Bundt cake from the story that made my mouth water, as well Maamoul Cookies, Kibbi, and a couple of others.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
October 25, 2023
Syrup to No Good is the second of the Maple Syrup Mysteries series and a great addition. Leila Khoury is the owner of Sappy Endings Farm, left to her by her father. Her mom, Selma, runs the cafe and her boyfriend Noah is in charge of working the farm. It is Spring and things have slowed down. The wedding of her best friend Heather is coming up and Leila is hosting a bridal shower. The occasion is marred by a murder that has to be solved before Heather's wedding can take place. Leila and Heather have a short time to find the killer. There are many people who might want to kill the victim. Time is running out and before it is over, there is another murder, and someone is after Leila. This is a great mystery to solve with likable, realistic characters, and a lovely setting. But be forewarned the food sounds so yummy and you might get hungry.
To complicate things, Leila's old fiancé is in town wanting to get back together. Great for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
To complicate things, Leila's old fiancé is in town wanting to get back together. Great for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
May 6, 2025
Review coming soon.
December 16, 2023
Though I loved the first installment in the Maple Syrup mysteries, I enjoyed the second one even more! Syrup to No Good was one of those cozies that I wanted to go on forever. Leila is a thoughtful, intelligent, and perceptive sleuth—loyal to those she loves and fiercely independent. The characters were finely sketched, and the twisty clues had me jumping from suspect to suspect, not landing on the real killer until almost the final reveal. An amazing entry in a fabulous cozy series. Bring on book three!
October 31, 2023
It's spring in Vermont, and Leila, the new owner of the family farm, is beginning to think she’ll be able to continue the farm’s success. If that’s not enough, she’s determined to make sure her best friend’s wedding is all Heather dreams it will be. When the body of a bridal shower guest is found shortly after the party ends and it looks like the wedding will have to be postponed, Leila conducts her own investigation to figure out whodunnit.
This is the second book in this series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. I like Leila and her loyalty to friends and family, although I’m glad my mother is nothing like hers. Leila is developing good business sense and isn’t afraid to ask for help when necessary, so it appears that the family farm is in good hands. Like in the first book, I learned a bit more about making maple syrup and other maple goodies, and have even copied come of the recipes from the book to try when I get my hands on some real maple syrup :)
The murder victim in this story was not very well-liked, not even by her family, so there were a lot of suspects to consider. Most of their motives seemed to be variations on a theme, so that wasn’t much help in narrowing down the list. With plenty of twists and turns, many of the suspects gave alibis that knocked them off the list, but I still didn’t figure out who the killer was until just before it was revealed in the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series to learn more about all things maple and to find out what happens next with Leila and the rest.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the second book in this series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. I like Leila and her loyalty to friends and family, although I’m glad my mother is nothing like hers. Leila is developing good business sense and isn’t afraid to ask for help when necessary, so it appears that the family farm is in good hands. Like in the first book, I learned a bit more about making maple syrup and other maple goodies, and have even copied come of the recipes from the book to try when I get my hands on some real maple syrup :)
The murder victim in this story was not very well-liked, not even by her family, so there were a lot of suspects to consider. Most of their motives seemed to be variations on a theme, so that wasn’t much help in narrowing down the list. With plenty of twists and turns, many of the suspects gave alibis that knocked them off the list, but I still didn’t figure out who the killer was until just before it was revealed in the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series to learn more about all things maple and to find out what happens next with Leila and the rest.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 15, 2024
"Syrup to No Good" by Catherine Bruns is the second book to the "Maple Syrup Mysteries" series. I enjoyed the Middle Eastern food mentions, there was a bit less Middle Eastern cultural reference to this one but it was more focused around Heather's wedding/the murder in that family. I am glad that it seems we wont have Leila's ex in the picture much more and she seems to have an actual resolution to her mom's attitude over that.
The mystery part was fairly interesting. I had a good feel for who it could be. It did end up being one of my top picks, with a twist I wasn't expecting.
The mystery part was fairly interesting. I had a good feel for who it could be. It did end up being one of my top picks, with a twist I wasn't expecting.
October 5, 2023
This is the second book in the maple syrup series. Leila runs her family's maple syrup farm after the recent death of her father. Sher is helping her best friend, Heather get ready for her wedding. When Heather's Aunt Monica is murdered at the end of Heather's bridal shower, the big day is put in jeopardy. Heather asks Leila to help her investigate. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy Leila and Heather's friendship. The addition of Leila's ex showing up made for a nice side story. The mystery was good, and I think this is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2023
This was so awesome! A early hidden clue led me to the killer and I ended up being right, but I enjoyed everything about this story especially how much closer Noah and Leila got after she’d been faced with her romantic past. I loved that she held onto the fact that Noah’s a great guy.
After another attempt on her life, it sure didn’t seem like Leila was gonna get out from the showdown alive, but never underestimate a loving mom! Leila had gotten involved sleuthing because of her bestie’s wedding plans being threatened to be cancelled, but everything worked out great in the end, which was super sweet!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
After another attempt on her life, it sure didn’t seem like Leila was gonna get out from the showdown alive, but never underestimate a loving mom! Leila had gotten involved sleuthing because of her bestie’s wedding plans being threatened to be cancelled, but everything worked out great in the end, which was super sweet!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
October 28, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
It's syrup-making season in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and the new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, Leila Khoury has a lot on her plate. In addition to her duties on the farm, her best friend Heather is getting married and Leila wants to make all her dreams come true. That means giving her the best bridal shower ever. Things get a little tense when Heather's rich Aunt Monica shows up but even with her outbursts Heather and Leila feel the event was a success.
Then, after the shower, Leila finds Aunt Monica dead in her car. Lord knows, the woman had made her share of enemies but who would actually kill her? and why would they do it at Heather's shower?
Now, Heather's wedding is in jeopardy. Her family is up in arms and the only way the rest of her dreams can come true is to find the killer. Things could get very sticky before Leila can make that happen, especially with all the people Monica has backstabbed. She just needs to know, who turned the tables on Heather's aunt?
_______
I really enjoy the friendship between Leila and Heather. Leila is busy with the farm but her friend Heather needs her more than ever. Somehow Leila finds a way to get everything done and still has time to do a lot of sleuthing with Heather. Her relationship with Noah is new. He has a delightful 6-year-old daughter, Emma and Leila is starting to fall hard for them both while understanding Noah's need to take things slow. Leila also has to deal with her mother and an unexpected blast from her past. As a mother, I was not a fan of Leila's but by the end of the story, my feelings started to change. We are also introduced to several new characters including a new detective. Great characters make you feel emotions. Some you really want to root for. Others, you jump into the book and have a serious discussion with or worse. Ms. Burns has given us great characters, both in the core characters and those added just for this story.
The mystery of Monica's death is complicated with several suspects, motives, and a unique weapon. Leila and Heather delve into them all but Leila really takes some risks that put her in the killer's sights. Ms. Burns sets a quick pace and the killer was a busy person. I love to try to solve the mystery before the protagonist but this time I stuck right with Leila through all the twists and turns. The showdown had me on the edge of my seat and the pages were flying. I wouldn't have been surprised if my Kindle had started smoking.
I really enjoy the details of syrup making and all the delicious treats that are created with it throughout the book. Six recipes follow the story including a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that may not include maple syrup but sure sounds yummy.
Syrup to No Good is a superb follow-up to A Doomful of Sugar. Well-plotted and written I was thoroughly entertained. I am very excited about the third book in this series. I need to see what Ms. Burns has in store for her characters and if my new feelings about Selma Khoury stick.
It's syrup-making season in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and the new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, Leila Khoury has a lot on her plate. In addition to her duties on the farm, her best friend Heather is getting married and Leila wants to make all her dreams come true. That means giving her the best bridal shower ever. Things get a little tense when Heather's rich Aunt Monica shows up but even with her outbursts Heather and Leila feel the event was a success.
Then, after the shower, Leila finds Aunt Monica dead in her car. Lord knows, the woman had made her share of enemies but who would actually kill her? and why would they do it at Heather's shower?
Now, Heather's wedding is in jeopardy. Her family is up in arms and the only way the rest of her dreams can come true is to find the killer. Things could get very sticky before Leila can make that happen, especially with all the people Monica has backstabbed. She just needs to know, who turned the tables on Heather's aunt?
_______
I really enjoy the friendship between Leila and Heather. Leila is busy with the farm but her friend Heather needs her more than ever. Somehow Leila finds a way to get everything done and still has time to do a lot of sleuthing with Heather. Her relationship with Noah is new. He has a delightful 6-year-old daughter, Emma and Leila is starting to fall hard for them both while understanding Noah's need to take things slow. Leila also has to deal with her mother and an unexpected blast from her past. As a mother, I was not a fan of Leila's but by the end of the story, my feelings started to change. We are also introduced to several new characters including a new detective. Great characters make you feel emotions. Some you really want to root for. Others, you jump into the book and have a serious discussion with or worse. Ms. Burns has given us great characters, both in the core characters and those added just for this story.
The mystery of Monica's death is complicated with several suspects, motives, and a unique weapon. Leila and Heather delve into them all but Leila really takes some risks that put her in the killer's sights. Ms. Burns sets a quick pace and the killer was a busy person. I love to try to solve the mystery before the protagonist but this time I stuck right with Leila through all the twists and turns. The showdown had me on the edge of my seat and the pages were flying. I wouldn't have been surprised if my Kindle had started smoking.
I really enjoy the details of syrup making and all the delicious treats that are created with it throughout the book. Six recipes follow the story including a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that may not include maple syrup but sure sounds yummy.
Syrup to No Good is a superb follow-up to A Doomful of Sugar. Well-plotted and written I was thoroughly entertained. I am very excited about the third book in this series. I need to see what Ms. Burns has in store for her characters and if my new feelings about Selma Khoury stick.
April 27, 2023
Syrup to No Good is the second in this new series by Catherine Bruns.
Leila Khoury is continuing to work hard at the family maple syrup farm, Sappy Endings.
Her best friend Heather is is getting married, and Leila is still in the early stages of a relationship with Noah.
When a murder threatens to postpone Heather's wedding, she begs Leila to investigate.
The story unravels at a fast pace and I was shocked when the killer was revealed.
I had a hard time liking Leila's mother, but in the end she redeemed herself, a little bit.
I highly recommend this series as the characters are quite likeable and easy to relate to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for
Leila Khoury is continuing to work hard at the family maple syrup farm, Sappy Endings.
Her best friend Heather is is getting married, and Leila is still in the early stages of a relationship with Noah.
When a murder threatens to postpone Heather's wedding, she begs Leila to investigate.
The story unravels at a fast pace and I was shocked when the killer was revealed.
I had a hard time liking Leila's mother, but in the end she redeemed herself, a little bit.
I highly recommend this series as the characters are quite likeable and easy to relate to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for
July 30, 2023
I am enjoying this series for the most part and I would like to thank #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the opportunity to read book two. Leila is a likable character and I love watching her make a go of the Maple business and her loyalty to family and friends. In this volume her best friend Heather is getting married and things are going well until an Aunt by marriage is murdered at the wedding shower and everything starts to unravel as the wedding is on hold if the murderer cannot be identified. This is where I have some quibbles, Leila just takes too many chances for a smart women, I appreciate loyalty but also value common sense. I was also concerned about two other side stories in the book, a potential love triangle and a character I was starting to seriously dislike, but the author handled these really well before the end of the book and this made this an enjoyable read for me!
November 21, 2023
When syrup farm owner Leila agrees to throw an epic bridal shower for her BFF Heather, she knows she may have to deal with her terrible aunt--but she doesn't expect to find the woman dead afterwards! When Heather's uncle insists they postpone the wedding until the killer is caught, Heather insists she and Leila look into the crime. But when the two women start digging their noses into the murder, they find that the victim made even more enemies than anticipated and Leila is threatened. Will they find the killer or become the next victims?
I jumped into book two without having read book one, but plan to go back and give the first a go! This book managed to not spoil the first one, which I appreciate, and it teased it enough to make me curious to hear how it turned out. This book, meanwhile had a lot to love: an unlikable victim, a great BFF relationship, stakes for our amateur sleuths causing them to get involved, a love interest, and an interesting conclusion to the mystery. It hit a lot of cozy staples, and is a solid read for its genre.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
I jumped into book two without having read book one, but plan to go back and give the first a go! This book managed to not spoil the first one, which I appreciate, and it teased it enough to make me curious to hear how it turned out. This book, meanwhile had a lot to love: an unlikable victim, a great BFF relationship, stakes for our amateur sleuths causing them to get involved, a love interest, and an interesting conclusion to the mystery. It hit a lot of cozy staples, and is a solid read for its genre.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
July 22, 2024
This is the second book in the Maple Syrup mysteries series. I adored the first book so I was very excited to read the second one.
While I still loved the characters and the setting in this book, some of the side characters who played larger roles in this installment whined way too much for my taste. I do not like whiny adults in books. I also had issues with the mother/daughter relationship in this book.
I did enjoy the main love interest and where it went. Overall I’m still enjoying the series and will continue.
While I still loved the characters and the setting in this book, some of the side characters who played larger roles in this installment whined way too much for my taste. I do not like whiny adults in books. I also had issues with the mother/daughter relationship in this book.
I did enjoy the main love interest and where it went. Overall I’m still enjoying the series and will continue.
November 30, 2023
Overall good mystery that held my attention. I am not a big fan of Leila and her need to investigate and put her business on hold; she frequently depends on others to do for her so she can sleuth. Some of the characters were annoying and overexaggerated; there was a lot of repetition of the clues and there was so much extraneous detail that was not needed when referring to everyone’s actions; it all seemed like filler. I’ll read one more and hope I can connect more with Leila.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
Becoming one of my favorite series!!
December 20, 2023
Really fun second story in this series. Lots of twists and turns, and kept me guessing till the end. Excited to see where this series goes.
February 20, 2024
Kept my interest.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for my copy.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for my copy.
February 29, 2024
A fun book, with romance, mystery and murder(s).
July 2, 2024
Easy fun read. I've enjoyed this whole series.
October 31, 2023
Syrup to No Good by Catherine Bruns is the second book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries, and it makes me want to go back for seconds and thirds!
Bruns knows how to write a good mystery with lots of suspects, peppered with a couple of red herrings. And her characters are always so well developed. Leila’s ex-fiance shows up in this one, and I wanted to strangle him myself. The way Bruns deals with his character’s outcome was fantastic, and helped in the relationship growth between Leila and her mother, which was wonderful.
I was a bit annoyed with the way Leila dealt with holding back information to the detective. Towards the end, she knows who the killer is, but instead of actually telling the detective in the message she left, she just goes to her farm which has no one else there.
I know it’s for the drama, and many cozies do this, but it felt really, really off in this instance.
But that won’t stop me from reading more books in this series, or any of the other series that Bruns writes. And I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of Syrup to No Good, and check out all her other cozies!
Bruns knows how to write a good mystery with lots of suspects, peppered with a couple of red herrings. And her characters are always so well developed. Leila’s ex-fiance shows up in this one, and I wanted to strangle him myself. The way Bruns deals with his character’s outcome was fantastic, and helped in the relationship growth between Leila and her mother, which was wonderful.
I was a bit annoyed with the way Leila dealt with holding back information to the detective. Towards the end, she knows who the killer is, but instead of actually telling the detective in the message she left, she just goes to her farm which has no one else there.
I know it’s for the drama, and many cozies do this, but it felt really, really off in this instance.
But that won’t stop me from reading more books in this series, or any of the other series that Bruns writes. And I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of Syrup to No Good, and check out all her other cozies!
September 18, 2025
"Syrup to No Good" is book two in the "Maple Syrup Mysteries" series by Catherine Bruns. I really enjoyed this second book of the series. I like how Leila is always in the wrong place when things are messy. But she always works on figuring things out. I love the relationship between Leila and Noah. My favorite scene was when Leila and her mom talked about things, and Leila let her feelings out. Catherine did such a great job with talking about the syrup process, and her descriptions were amazing.
July 2, 2023
The second book in Catherine Bruns’s series about the owner of a maple syrup farm finds Leila involved in solving a murder again, this time to try to save her best friend’s wedding plans after a relative gets killed at the shower. Leila also has to contend with the return of her ex, who seems to be seeking another chance, and some questions about her future with Noah. I would suggest reading the first book to get the most enjoyment of this one and better understand the relationships. The mystery is well-plotted, and it’s good to see how characters are developing. As can happen with books featuring amateur sleuths, there are several places where you wonder a little why Leila is willing to risk quite so much to solve the crime when the police are working the case and why her friend is comfortable with the risks she takes. It’s otherwise an enjoyable entry in this series, and I’ll look forward to the next.
September 26, 2024
I recommend reading SYRUP TO NO GOOD, the second book in the Maple Syrup mystery series. It’s open-house weekend at Leila Khoury’s Sappy Endings maple-syrup farm in Sugar Ridge, Vermont. At the end of the weekend, Leila holds a bridal shower for her best friend, Heather. One of the shower guests, Heather’s outrageous aunt, ends up dead. Who killed Heather’s aunt?
Catherine Bruns has created an interesting array of characters, beginning with Leila Khoury, the Lebanese-American protagonist. I think this book has an enjoyable plot and look forward to reading other books in the Maple Syrup mystery series. Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for the advance reader copy of SYRUP TO NO GOOD.
Catherine Bruns has created an interesting array of characters, beginning with Leila Khoury, the Lebanese-American protagonist. I think this book has an enjoyable plot and look forward to reading other books in the Maple Syrup mystery series. Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for the advance reader copy of SYRUP TO NO GOOD.
October 16, 2023
SYRUP TO NO GOOD by Catherine Bruns is the second book in A Maple Syrup Mysteries series. It’s the story of Leila Khoury, owner and manager of Sappy Endings Farm in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, as she tries to help her best friend fulfill her lifelong dream of a big, elaborate wedding after murder tangled with lack of finances try to derail those plans.
Although Leila would never want all the hoopla of a big wedding, numerous guests arriving from all corners and all the planning involved to carry out what’s necessary for a wedding of that size, she’s more than willing to do everything she can to help her bestie have her grand Cinderella type wedding she’s always dreamed of. When Leila is the one to find Heather’s aunt dead in her car with a bejewel knife stuck in her back when she went searching for her to return the purse and her phone she had left behind at the wedding shower, it seems to start the wrecking ball swinging aiming for Heather’s wedding plans. Plans started to dissolve bringing on more tears as things seemed escalating in a downward spiral after that. There was the fact that the victim was a family member, but also that her husband was the main one in control over the wedding finances playing a big part in the possibility of needing to cancel the wedding. Leila is determined that’s not going to happen. When Heather asked for help to find out who had murdered her Aunt Monica, after a brief reluctancy as memory flash back to a past experience, she agreed.
During their sleuthing for clues, Leila still has to work at and see over operations at the Sappy Endings Farm, deal with Mark, her ex- fiancée - who showed up after crushing her heart five years ago determined for a reconciliation, and an interfering mother who thinks her ex is THE one for her daughter. Leila is still trying to figure out her relationship with Noah. She loves him and Emma, his little 6-year-old daughter, but she knows he’s still not over the death of his wife. She’s convinced herself that she’s happy with things the way they are, but will Mark showing up ruin even that?
When things begin to happen to Leila putting her property and even her life in danger, it becomes quite evident that they are getting close to finding some answers? Will the murderer succeed in making Leila victim number three? Will Detective Barnes begin to see that Leila’s “meddling” brings him clues towards possibly finding the criminal’s identity? When Leila’s mom finally figures out the “real” Mark, will it open her eyes enough to allow her daughter to make her own decisions in her life? Will one of the attempts on Leila’s life put both her and Sappy Endings Farm in danger? Will a very near miss of taking Leila out make Noah rethink he’s thoughts of not being able to commit to anyone else?
SYRUP TO NO GOOD will have your quickly turning pages on this can’t put down book as you follow Leila and Heather in their search for clues to answer whodunit in order for Heather’s years of dreaming and the lots of planning wedding to take place as scheduled. The danger lurking and the clues found scattered throughout the story will have your guessing and then second guessing your thought process just like the characters in the book did. Leila’s disastrous relationship with Mark will have you wishing all the more for a happily every after for Leila and Noah as their relationship grows. Along the way, our taste buds are tempted with some delicious sounding food. Thankfully, we are rewarded with the recipes being at the back of the book. Catherine Bruns delivers us a fabulous cozy mystery that is both intriguing and captivating that in turn compels the reader to read it in one sitting. It also has us hoping there’s many more books in this series to come. It gets my FIVE STARS and I highly recommend it to everyone!
SYRUP TO NO GOOD lets us take another journey back to Sugar Ridge, but don’t worry if you didn’t read the first book. It can most definitely be read as a standalone book. You just might (I’m almost sure you will) want to grab the other one though after reading this one!
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Although Leila would never want all the hoopla of a big wedding, numerous guests arriving from all corners and all the planning involved to carry out what’s necessary for a wedding of that size, she’s more than willing to do everything she can to help her bestie have her grand Cinderella type wedding she’s always dreamed of. When Leila is the one to find Heather’s aunt dead in her car with a bejewel knife stuck in her back when she went searching for her to return the purse and her phone she had left behind at the wedding shower, it seems to start the wrecking ball swinging aiming for Heather’s wedding plans. Plans started to dissolve bringing on more tears as things seemed escalating in a downward spiral after that. There was the fact that the victim was a family member, but also that her husband was the main one in control over the wedding finances playing a big part in the possibility of needing to cancel the wedding. Leila is determined that’s not going to happen. When Heather asked for help to find out who had murdered her Aunt Monica, after a brief reluctancy as memory flash back to a past experience, she agreed.
During their sleuthing for clues, Leila still has to work at and see over operations at the Sappy Endings Farm, deal with Mark, her ex- fiancée - who showed up after crushing her heart five years ago determined for a reconciliation, and an interfering mother who thinks her ex is THE one for her daughter. Leila is still trying to figure out her relationship with Noah. She loves him and Emma, his little 6-year-old daughter, but she knows he’s still not over the death of his wife. She’s convinced herself that she’s happy with things the way they are, but will Mark showing up ruin even that?
When things begin to happen to Leila putting her property and even her life in danger, it becomes quite evident that they are getting close to finding some answers? Will the murderer succeed in making Leila victim number three? Will Detective Barnes begin to see that Leila’s “meddling” brings him clues towards possibly finding the criminal’s identity? When Leila’s mom finally figures out the “real” Mark, will it open her eyes enough to allow her daughter to make her own decisions in her life? Will one of the attempts on Leila’s life put both her and Sappy Endings Farm in danger? Will a very near miss of taking Leila out make Noah rethink he’s thoughts of not being able to commit to anyone else?
SYRUP TO NO GOOD will have your quickly turning pages on this can’t put down book as you follow Leila and Heather in their search for clues to answer whodunit in order for Heather’s years of dreaming and the lots of planning wedding to take place as scheduled. The danger lurking and the clues found scattered throughout the story will have your guessing and then second guessing your thought process just like the characters in the book did. Leila’s disastrous relationship with Mark will have you wishing all the more for a happily every after for Leila and Noah as their relationship grows. Along the way, our taste buds are tempted with some delicious sounding food. Thankfully, we are rewarded with the recipes being at the back of the book. Catherine Bruns delivers us a fabulous cozy mystery that is both intriguing and captivating that in turn compels the reader to read it in one sitting. It also has us hoping there’s many more books in this series to come. It gets my FIVE STARS and I highly recommend it to everyone!
SYRUP TO NO GOOD lets us take another journey back to Sugar Ridge, but don’t worry if you didn’t read the first book. It can most definitely be read as a standalone book. You just might (I’m almost sure you will) want to grab the other one though after reading this one!
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
October 2, 2023
Syrup to No Good is the second title in Catherine Bruns' Maple Syrup Mysteries cozy mystery series, and I've been looking forward to reading it ever since finishing the first title, A Doomful of Sugar. Surprisingly, that one was actually my first experience with a novel by this author, and I was blown away by just how much I ended up enjoying it. She's definitely an author I now lookout for within this genre, and I had high expectations going into this one.
Pretty much the idyllic autumn read, Syrup to No Good is set in Vermont, on the Sappy Blessings maple syrup farm where readers once again join Leila Khoury on a bit of wild adventure. While she's finally starting to find her feet as the recently named owner of her family's beloved maple syrup farm, she's bitten off a bit more than she can chew with trying to help her best friend Heather plan the wedding of her dreams. Everything comes to a head at the bridal shower where Heather's meddling and obnoxious aunt Monica seems to be one more headache Leila has to try and work her way through. Only she had no idea how much this is going to prove to be true when Monica shows up dead in the parking lot at the shower. It will take everything Leila's got to bring a killer to justice, but can she do so before the killer turns her evil ways towards her instead?
A wonderful follow up in the series, and a story I had a hard time wanting to put down. This one truly had a little bit of everything, and while the murder is well plotted and paced and kept me guessing, readers are also treated to more of the bubbling relationship beginnings between Leila and her new man Noah, and also are treated to more of Leila's backstory between her backstabbing ex and her somewhat volatile relationship with her mother.
The characters are three dimensional and come to life on the page, the setting is perfect for a spooky murder mystery, and the plot is engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. This was truly everything I was hoping for, and is another wonderful addition to the cozy mystery genre.
The recipes are also something different from the norm included in a cozy mystery as they're all Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Nothing stood out to me as something I'd want to try preparing, but I enjoyed the originality, and I'm sure there's readers that will love giving these recipes a try.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I truly adored this, and can't possibly recommend this one enough. I hope there will be many more titles to come in this series in the future.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Pretty much the idyllic autumn read, Syrup to No Good is set in Vermont, on the Sappy Blessings maple syrup farm where readers once again join Leila Khoury on a bit of wild adventure. While she's finally starting to find her feet as the recently named owner of her family's beloved maple syrup farm, she's bitten off a bit more than she can chew with trying to help her best friend Heather plan the wedding of her dreams. Everything comes to a head at the bridal shower where Heather's meddling and obnoxious aunt Monica seems to be one more headache Leila has to try and work her way through. Only she had no idea how much this is going to prove to be true when Monica shows up dead in the parking lot at the shower. It will take everything Leila's got to bring a killer to justice, but can she do so before the killer turns her evil ways towards her instead?
A wonderful follow up in the series, and a story I had a hard time wanting to put down. This one truly had a little bit of everything, and while the murder is well plotted and paced and kept me guessing, readers are also treated to more of the bubbling relationship beginnings between Leila and her new man Noah, and also are treated to more of Leila's backstory between her backstabbing ex and her somewhat volatile relationship with her mother.
The characters are three dimensional and come to life on the page, the setting is perfect for a spooky murder mystery, and the plot is engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. This was truly everything I was hoping for, and is another wonderful addition to the cozy mystery genre.
The recipes are also something different from the norm included in a cozy mystery as they're all Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Nothing stood out to me as something I'd want to try preparing, but I enjoyed the originality, and I'm sure there's readers that will love giving these recipes a try.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I truly adored this, and can't possibly recommend this one enough. I hope there will be many more titles to come in this series in the future.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
August 28, 2023
SYRUP TO NO GOOD is the second book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. This sweet, character-based mystery combines a sticky murder to solve, a bride-to-be faced with canceling her wedding, a cantankerous widower, and a groveling ex. The author has created a wonderful core cast of characters with the protagonist, Leila Khoury, taking the lead. I love how she’s taken charge of her family’s maple syrup business, Sappy Endings Farm, and has made it into a success. There are bits and pieces on how maple syrup and maple candy are made that make the story more authentic. Living with her matchmaking Lebanese mother, Leila has all the frustration of not being treated as an adult and capable of choosing her own partner. I’ve enjoyed watching her relationship with Noah, who also works at the farm, grow, and this newest wrinkle in their relationship—with her mother pushing her toward her ex—adds some tension in the plot. Yet, Leila is also the recipient of yummy dishes prepared by her mother, as her way of showing love. Ms. Bruns effectively captures the family dynamics, bringing life to the story as Leila works the farm and works to make Heather’s (her best friend) bridal shower a day to remember.
Heather’s shower turns out to be a day to remember, but definitely not in a good way. When Leila stumbles across the body of Heather’s unpleasant aunt, little did she know the widower would demand the wedding be postponed until the killer is caught. Heather begs Leila to find the murderer and save her special day. This is one instance where I found both the victim and Heather’s uncle such disagreeable characters that I wanted Heather and her family to tell them to get lost. Instead, they practically groveled to his every demand because he loaned them money for the wedding. Leila, being such a good friend, agrees. With a countdown to the wedding, Leila and Heather have their hands full tracking down clues, which provides for a fast-paced plot. There are a lot of suspects to consider—after all, there were ninety guests at the shower—and given the nastiness of the victim, more pop up. I had a good idea whodunit but the twist of the reason why added to my reading pleasure. With the scenes leading up to the heart stopping reveal, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. In the end, the highly satisfying conclusion left me wanting the next book in the series to become available sooner than later.
With mouthwatering sweets and Lebanese food served throughout the story, it was a delight to find several recipes at the back of the book to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heather’s shower turns out to be a day to remember, but definitely not in a good way. When Leila stumbles across the body of Heather’s unpleasant aunt, little did she know the widower would demand the wedding be postponed until the killer is caught. Heather begs Leila to find the murderer and save her special day. This is one instance where I found both the victim and Heather’s uncle such disagreeable characters that I wanted Heather and her family to tell them to get lost. Instead, they practically groveled to his every demand because he loaned them money for the wedding. Leila, being such a good friend, agrees. With a countdown to the wedding, Leila and Heather have their hands full tracking down clues, which provides for a fast-paced plot. There are a lot of suspects to consider—after all, there were ninety guests at the shower—and given the nastiness of the victim, more pop up. I had a good idea whodunit but the twist of the reason why added to my reading pleasure. With the scenes leading up to the heart stopping reveal, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. In the end, the highly satisfying conclusion left me wanting the next book in the series to become available sooner than later.
With mouthwatering sweets and Lebanese food served throughout the story, it was a delight to find several recipes at the back of the book to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2023
Syrup to No Good, the second book in Catherine Bruns’s Maple Syrup Mysteries, is a delight to read. Set in a maple tree farm in a quaint Vermont town, it has all the heartwarming feels – and all the suspense – of the best of cozy mysteries. This is a series that is fast becoming a favorite.
Still reeling from her father’s murder, Leila Khoury is busy running Sappy Endings Maple farm and managing its café. Add to that planning a bridal shower for her best friend, Heather, and she has her hands full. The presence of Heather’s obnoxious Aunt Monica at the shower puts a damper on the festive event. Things take a dramatic turn for the worse when Leila discovers Monica dead in her car. The problems don’t end there, however. Heather is given an ultimatum by the uncle who paid for the wedding – the wedding won’t go forward until the killer is caught. To help Heather, Leila races against time to solve the mystery.
Although this is a murder mystery, the book is infused with warmth. Leila is practical and inquisitive and intensely loyal to her friend. Her relationship with Noah (who also works at Sappy Endings) is growing but is threatened when Leila’s ex reappears, and it is clear that Leila’s mother wants her to give him a second chance. The mystery itself is layered. Suspects both at the bridal shower and outside emerge, with a variety of motives. Aunt Monica, it seems, was well-disliked. There are enough twists and turns to keep you wondering, but the reveal is both logical and intriguing.
Syrup to No Good is a delight to read. At over 300 pages, this story flies by. It is so entertaining that you hardly notice the passage of time. The characters are loveable, the maple tree farm charming, and the writing is top-notch. It probably can be read as a standalone, but to get the full benefit, you will want to read the first book in the series, A Doomful of Sugar as well.
Note: I received an ARC of Syrup to No Good from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. The above is my honest review.
Still reeling from her father’s murder, Leila Khoury is busy running Sappy Endings Maple farm and managing its café. Add to that planning a bridal shower for her best friend, Heather, and she has her hands full. The presence of Heather’s obnoxious Aunt Monica at the shower puts a damper on the festive event. Things take a dramatic turn for the worse when Leila discovers Monica dead in her car. The problems don’t end there, however. Heather is given an ultimatum by the uncle who paid for the wedding – the wedding won’t go forward until the killer is caught. To help Heather, Leila races against time to solve the mystery.
Although this is a murder mystery, the book is infused with warmth. Leila is practical and inquisitive and intensely loyal to her friend. Her relationship with Noah (who also works at Sappy Endings) is growing but is threatened when Leila’s ex reappears, and it is clear that Leila’s mother wants her to give him a second chance. The mystery itself is layered. Suspects both at the bridal shower and outside emerge, with a variety of motives. Aunt Monica, it seems, was well-disliked. There are enough twists and turns to keep you wondering, but the reveal is both logical and intriguing.
Syrup to No Good is a delight to read. At over 300 pages, this story flies by. It is so entertaining that you hardly notice the passage of time. The characters are loveable, the maple tree farm charming, and the writing is top-notch. It probably can be read as a standalone, but to get the full benefit, you will want to read the first book in the series, A Doomful of Sugar as well.
Note: I received an ARC of Syrup to No Good from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. The above is my honest review.
November 18, 2023
Syrup To No Good
Maple Syrup Mysteries, Book #2
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
"With romance, recipes, and a murderer on the loose, this book will delight fans of Joanne Fluke, Jenn McKinlay, or Laura Childs." —Booklist
Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won't be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather's wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.
Even with Leila's own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.
Heather's rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather's dream wedding becomes a nightmare?
Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes! (Amazon)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. Leila is taking care of Sappy Endings Farm and getting things ready for her best friend’s wedding. When the shower is over, so is her aunt’s life. Leila will have to figure out who the killer is and why or else there will not be a wedding. As maid of honor, she cannot let that happen.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was watching Leila working at the farm or getting ready for Heather’s shower, I felt that I was right there, watching all the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It will be tough to wait for the next book in the series (I want to read it now).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poison Pen Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Maple Syrup Mysteries, Book #2
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars
Synopsis:
"With romance, recipes, and a murderer on the loose, this book will delight fans of Joanne Fluke, Jenn McKinlay, or Laura Childs." —Booklist
Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won't be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather's wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.
Even with Leila's own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.
Heather's rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather's dream wedding becomes a nightmare?
Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes! (Amazon)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. Leila is taking care of Sappy Endings Farm and getting things ready for her best friend’s wedding. When the shower is over, so is her aunt’s life. Leila will have to figure out who the killer is and why or else there will not be a wedding. As maid of honor, she cannot let that happen.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was watching Leila working at the farm or getting ready for Heather’s shower, I felt that I was right there, watching all the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It will be tough to wait for the next book in the series (I want to read it now).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poison Pen Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Want to read
February 14, 2024Welcome to Sugar Ridge and the Sappy Endings maple syrup farm complete with the Sappy Hour Café where you can get some tasty treats (btw recipes are at the end of the story). Great stand alone cozy that features a sweet sleuth who runs the family maple syrup farm. There are easy to relate to characters who draw you into the story such as Leila Koury our intrepid sleuth who inherited her father’s farm business and solved his murder as well as her bff Heather Turcot, who just wants a fairy tale wedding with no glitches. I cannot think of a bigger glitch than a murder, even if the victim was Heather’s beyond snooty and condescending, new to the family, aunt Monica. Due to money problems and propriety, if someone can’t figure out who killed Monica with a bejeweled knife, the happy couple are going to be saying their vows at the county courthouse. Heather figures that since Leila was able to solve her dad’s murder she must be the next Jessica Fletcher and just has to look into things. There is no shortage of suspects including Heather’s own uncle Grant. I would say that there were just as many misdirects and in the middle of it all is a sticky situation involving Mark, the guy who broke Leila’s heart and their engagement five years ago. Needless to say, Leila has not been sitting around waiting for him to walk back into her life. Leila has taken her emotional baggage and moved on. Thankfully, Noah, Leila’s employee, co-worker, boyfriend (she isn’t sure how to label it), has some baggage of his own and I don’t mean his adorable daughter Emma. Leila has no time, interest, or trust in Mark’s sudden desire to rekindle their relationship and take up where he left off. Besides, Leila has a murder to solve and no time for Mark’s full court press or her mother Selma’s backseat driving. So if you’re a foodie like me start at the back of the book, make one of those delectable dishes and settle for mystery that is such to keep you stuck to your seat. I give this cozy 5 out of 5 maple drenched pancakes.
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