Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies

Turnbridge, Mass., baker Daisy Ellery admits at the start of Popp’s arresting debut and series launch, “The first time I killed a man with a pie, it was an accident.” She adds, “But only the first.” Daisy, a loner with a lovable dog as her only real friend, uses the special witchy talent she possesses to target men who cause serious harm to women. She has reason to worry after she finds a blackmail letter on her door that threatens to reveal she’s a vigilante serial killer. Several people in her orbit raise her suspicions, including Frank, the cantankerous owner of the local diner, and do-gooder Melly, but farmer Noel also gains her attention for other reasons. Daisy needs to thwart the blackmailer before that person can spoil her efforts to help women at the upcoming state pie fair. Popp addresses social issues such as domestic violence, politics, and same-sex partnerships, and she peppers her charming and darkly humorous tale with profanity. Cozy readers looking for something different will find much to like in this unusual culinary cozy. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Reese Literary. (May)