Author: Jessa Maxwell
Series: None
Publication Date: March 7, 2023
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 288
Obtained: purchased
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4/5
Bottom Line: Classic whodunnit set on an old estate during a baking contest
Grab, Just get it at the library, or Remove from your TBR list? Grab
Summary: Every summer for the past ten years, six awe-struck bakers have descended on the grounds of Grafton, the leafy and imposing Vermont estate that is not only the filming site for “Bake Week” but also the childhood home of the show’s famous host, celebrated baker Betsy Martin. The author of numerous bestselling cookbooks and hailed as “America’s Grandmother,” Betsy Martin isn’t as warm off-screen as on, though no one needs to know that but her. She has always demanded perfection, and gotten it with a smile, but this year something is off. As the baking competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it’s merely sabotage—sugar replaced with salt, a burner turned to high—but when a body is discovered, everyone is a suspect. A sharp and suspenseful thriller for mystery buffs and avid bakers alike, The Golden Spoon is a brilliant puzzle filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you reading late into the night until you turn the very last page of this incredible debut. ~amazon.com
Review: There is nothing I enjoy more than a classic whodunnit type novel and this debut by Jessa Maxwell fits the bill. Each of the characters is hiding something but some a bit darker than others. You are never really sure who to trust and of course their secrets come out during the course of the novel. If I'm going to be honest, I didn't really care for any of the characters but I don't think you have to for the purpose of the story.
Betsy Martin is one persona in front of the camera and another one behind it. Even though she's called "America's Grandmother", she is anything but sweet and nice. I will say given her amount of success, it's probably not that difficult to understand. She graciously opens up Grafton Manor for the show every year and even hosts the contestants there, which leads to some of them bonding more than others.
I loved that each section of the book was named after the next baked good they would be challenged with on the show. For those of us who like the food challenge shows, it's a little peak behind the curtains but it really isn't about the show, it's just the setting for the plot. It's a catalyst to bring all these people together who end up bonded in ways they really didn't expect.
I'm a huge And Then There Were None fan and this reminds me of that one in a lot of ways but Ms.. Christie will obviously be the Queen forever. If you are looking for a fun murder mystery with a cast of characters, then pick up The Golden Spoon.
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