Candy Apple Dead: A Candy Shop Mystery

by Sammi Carter

Book Overview

Abby Shaw has returned to her hometown of Paradise, Colorado--leaving behind a career in corporate law and a cheating husband--to take over her aunt's candy shop, Divinity. But her sweet new life quickly turns sour when a fellow merchant dies in a fire. With all clues pointing to arson--and Abby's brother as the number one suspect--she must sink her teeth into finding the killer.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425205320
• ISBN13: 9780425205327
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.3" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Cozy Candy Shop Mystery

A town named Paradise, a candy shop named Divinity: This Candy Shop Mystery set in a quaint little town in Beautiful Colorado certainly has a cozy atmosphere. The candy is exquisite and divine; Abby (the candy shop owner) is likeable; Max (the dog) is a very important and vital character; and the plot is intriguing. The season is Autumn; Halloween is right around the corner. You can almost feel and smell the fresh, clean air. You can almost see the mountains. Abby makes Halloween lollipops and other candy. Climate and altitude have a lot to do with candy-making, so she has to hurry and make lots of candy in order to have enough inventory on stock before it is too late. There are several quaint little shops in this breathtakingly beautiful town. One of the owners of a shop is dead, and at first the police aren't sure if it is an accident or murder. But if murder, Abby's brother Wyatt is the prime suspect. Abby is determined to find out who the real murderer is. I look forward to the next Candy Shop Mystery.

Great read

This was a great read by a new author to me. I enjoyed both of her books and would recommend them for anyone who wants a funny whodunit!

An Excellent Debut Novel

I picked up this mystery because I love chocolate and have grown fond of culinary mysteries over the years. I have to say that the main character, Abby, reminded me a lot of Diane Mott Davidson's character, Goldy Schultz. They have that same determination that can often lead them into harm's way, and both Abby's and Goldy's attraction to law enforcement personnel makes for some interesting similarities between the two characters. I very much enjoyed the setting of the novel in an up-and-coming tourist town in Colorado, as well as the interesting dynamics between the shop keepers and their acceptance, or lack thereof, for Abby. It shows that she has her work cut out for her merging back into the community she grew up in, but I can't wait to see what transpires in future novels. I hope that she finds the life she is looking for, without putting herself in too much danger! I really liked the character development, and could even picture what Abby, her brother Wyatt, Brandon and others looked like, and how they acted. The dialog was excellent, and realistic, not exaggerated like in some mystery novels I have read. Clearly, this author does not need to create a lot of fluff to support her story line! Also recommended: anything by Diane Mott Davidson.

A Tasty New Series!

The first book in the new Candy Shop mystery series introduces us to Abby Shaw, new owner of the Divinity Candy Shop in Paradise Colorado. After inheriting the shop from her aunt, Abby must reinsert herself into the small town in which she grew up. Being somewhat of an outsider (after being gone for several years), Abby is struggling with her new business and with becoming a part of the community. When a local store burns to the ground with allegations of insurance fraud, Abby leaps to the aid of the shop's owner. Both a good friend of Abby's and a fellow member of the Downtown Merchant's Alliance, Brandon Mills seems to have his share of troubles. And when Brandon is found dead in the rubble of his store, he seems to have paid the ultimate price. But who amongst a long list of enemies wanted to snuff out the life of this womanizer? When Abby's brother's name tops the list, Abby feels she has no choice but to jump into small town politics and ferret out the real killer. I really enjoyed this debut! Along with a great mystery, I loved the recipes and helpful candy tips. Take it from a dedicated chocoholic...do not read this book when you are hungry or you will want to reach for some sweets! Overall, a fun, quick cozy. The next book in the series is titled "Chocolate Dipped Death". Enjoy!

LOVED this debut! What a great read!

I just finished this book this morning, by Sammi Carter, and LOVED it!! I can't say enough about it! It is the first book in her "A Candy Shop Mystery" series. I loved the characters and how the main character, Abby, was a bit of a wisecracker (reminded me a bit of Stephanie from Janet Evanovich's Plum series!!), the mystery and humor, with just a slight twinge of a romantic shadow, was just awesome. When I was finished, I was left wanting more!! I absolutely fell in love with this book and can't wait for the new one to come out in March, called Chocolate Dipped Death. The book even includes such recipes as Divine Almond Toffee, Divinity's Caramel-Dipped Apples and Hard Rocky Mountain Candy! Can't wait to see what yummy recipes are in the Chocolate Dipped Death book!! I have added this author to my list of favorites. What a great, fun and fast read!!