REVIEW: Playing With Bonbon Fire

Playing With Bonbon Fire
Author: Dorothy St James

Charity Penn is settling into her new life in Camellia Beach, SC running the chocolate shop she inherited. While still trying to solve some mysteries about her mother, she's making new friends, learning to trust people again, and getting involved in local events. Camellia Beach is gearing up for its beach festival and Penn has agreed to help organize the event. Famous singer Bixby Lewis, who used to date Penn's half-sister Tina, is in town to perform. Two other groups featuring local musicians are also going to perform, despite bad blood between two of the musicians. When one of the performers is found dead by a beach bonfire and strange attacks on Penn's chocolate shop start happening, Penn knows she needs to investigate before more people are killed.

I like the quirky, unusual characters in this series. Penn has some serious issues with trust and personal space, but given her background that's understandable. I like her as a main character because she's different....not a tropey formula MC. I like the fact that residents of Camellia Beach are finally treating Penn as one of their own, not as an outsider. There is some excellent character development for Penn and a couple of the other characters in the series in this second book. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book! Penn's on-going struggle to solve her issues with her biological family adds an interesting secondary storyline to this series. At times, I really want to jump into the story and knock her relatives around a bit for being jerks. This secondary plot line doesn't get in the way of the mystery, but enhances it. The mystery moves along at a nice pace with plenty of suspects and some unexpected twists. The story held my attention from beginning to end. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery.

The cover is colorful and cute, as usual. And, there are some yummy recipes in the back of the book! :)

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**