loribonesscaswell

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Another delightful treat from this author.

Toni Holmes bakes up gluten free tarts, scones, breads and other goodies when she isn’t trying to keep her grandma Ruth out of trouble. I envy Ruth’s scooter myself but she can cause a commotion. Apparently the local police have given her several tickets but that doesn’t seem to slow her down. When the police find her archenemy, Lois Striker, dead in the park surrounded by tracks made by a scooter Ruth finds herself in a bunch of hot water. Her scooter is confiscated as evidence and Toni may not be able to keep her out of jail. Ruth used to be an investigative reporter so she thinks with Toni’s assistance they should be able to solve the case themselves. Needless to say their plans go very A-Rye!

It has been awhile since my last literary trip to Oiltop, Kansas but within a few pages these characters snapped right back in my memory. Again, Grandma Ruth was my favorite character. She is pushy, opinionated, “smart as a whip, but deaf in one ear”. Local Police Chief Hank Blaylock is not a big fan. Tori runs interference as best as she can. Ruth’s antics will have you shaking your head and laughing out loud. We also meet Aunt Phyllis who brings her own hilarity to the story. Tori has sworn off dating but she still has not one but two men vying for her affection. They are all terrific characters.

It is Thanksgiving to the rest of the country but in Oiltop it is Homer Everett Day. There is a parade and a carnival to honor the local war hero and pro football player. He was also Mayor of the town back in the 50’s. There are also a couple of mysteries in his past and that may be what got Lois Striker killed. Toni just needs to look back in time for suspects other than her grandmother.

This was a twisty turvy plot that diverted us and Toni is several different direction and it put a target on Tori and Ruth’s backs. It also led them to break a few laws themselves. We do spend plenty of time in the bakery too as Tori had to bake a boatload of pies for her customer’s Thanksgiving dinners.

This was a super fun whodunit that had be grinning ear to ear through most of it. Whether or not you need your treats gluten free, you will love this story.