Red Velvet and Revenge

When Julia South-Brown is asked to judge the first Peridale Bake Off competition alongside local radio DJ, Tony Bridges, she expects it to be some light village fun while her new husband, Barker Brown, finishes work on his second novel. However, it ends up being anything but when Tony shows he is nothing like his charming radio personality. When someone takes advantage of his severe and well-publicised peanut allergy with a contaminated red velvet cake in the middle of the competition, Julia isn't surprised to find herself with another murder mystery to solve! With Tony having mistreated everyone from his wife, ex-wife, assistant, and most people unlucky enough to have crossed his path, Julia isn't short of suspects. But, what should be a cut and dry investigation turns into something wholly more complicated thanks to Julia suddenly being responsible for her baby brother when her father and step-mother find themselves indefinitely stranded in Ibiza thanks to a banana boat and a broken leg. While juggling a baby, a complicated case, and a slew of other personal dilemmas, Julia is forced to face tough decisions that will impact the rest of her life. Family proves more important than ever, but can Julia hold hers together? With her sleuthing putting her in increasingly more treacherous situations with each passing day, can Julia stay safe, or will this prove one case too far? Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! Contains mild peril.