4-STAR REVIEW: STABBED IN THE TART by Carol E. Ayer

Publication Date: October 12, 2021

Stabbed in the Tart by Carol E. Ayer was a quick read cozy mystery with Kayla front and center trying to clear her name as a murder suspect. She and several other chefs took part in a weekend at a historic inn where their food would be highlighted. 

When Kayla feels the police aren’t doing enough to find out who murdered one of the chefs when the lights went out in a storm, she decides to help them along by gathering clues. Her dad, who she’s been estranged from after her parents divorced, had come for a visit and was staying at the inn. He becomes her sidekick and protector as she meets with each of the others to try and flesh out the murderer.

There were a lot of discussions with Kayla’s dad about her HSP, which he had never understood. We get to see how she calms herself when she gets overwhelmed due to her sensitivities and how she needs friends and family around her who knows what she’s feeling. He’s now trying, and we see them let down their guards and try to form a relationship. Kayla’s boyfriend, Jason, who owns a restaurant in town, understands her, but they aren’t getting along either once she involves herself in solving the murder. Will they be able to get back on track?

The story has a good flow. There are wonderful descriptions of the small town where Kayla lives, including its location, her home baking business, and the food and baked goods. There are family and friends, businesses to run, Kayla’s cats, talks with the police detective and the murder suspects, sadness, fear, anger, hurt, happiness, laughter, and ultimately a happily ever after in the offing. There is nice closure, and I love the cover. I was satisfied with how the story was wrapped up.

With an entertaining plot, engaging characters, and solid writing, Stabbed in the Tart is a fun read for a cold winter day.

Carol Ayer, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), lives halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento with her cat, Rainn. When she’s not writing, she’s reading mysteries and thrillers or watching movies and cooking shows. As a native Californian, she visits the ocean as often as possible.

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