Batter Off Dead: A Southern Cake Baker Mystery

Bell’s scrumptious sequel to Cake and Punishment finds pastry chef Sophia Cummings, who trained in New York City, tirelessly working to keep her bakery, For Goodness Cakes, afloat in her hometown of Rumford, Ky. Sophia is pleased to land a last-minute catering gig at the Grape Valley Winery, where a fund-raiser is to be held for an addition to the town library. Wealthy businessman Ray Peel, who owns the land the winery leases, has pledged to donate a large sum to the cause, but his abrupt decision to sell the property threatens to scuttle the event. On a trip to the winery, Sophia stumbles on Ray in a field of grapevines, the victim of a fatal head blow. His promise to pay off the library’s debt is out the window, and suspicion falls on Sophia’s friend Madison Ridge, who was seen arguing with Ray shortly before his death. Sophia sets out to clear Madison’s name. Bell rounds out the volume with recipes for treats like Cherry Flip-Flops. Fans of culinary cozies will have fun. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Dec.)