Elizabeth is back! She stopped by last month with the first book in the Sweet Dreams mystery series: Murder by Milkshake. You can read my review here. Now she's back with book two Pralines and Creamed. I can't decide if I want a milkshake or pralines...I really love chocolate but for some reason I'm in the mood for a milkshake today. Which is crazy because it's chilly. Oh well, the heart wants what the heart wants. And today it wants ice cream and mystery.
More About Pralines and Creamed
Teen sleuth Genevieve Winterland is back in the second book of this sweet new YA cozy mystery series: Pralines and Creamed !
It’s the spooky season in Pinewood, Arizona, and when Genevieve Winterland isn’t creating killer new recipes for Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, she’s helping BFF Brandon Summers prepare for the party of the year. Brandon’s parents own Hidden Treasures Bookstore, where famed horror writer Jack Kelley is launching his latest novel on Halloween night.
Brandon’s dad isn’t thrilled that the arrogant Kelley, who was once sweet on Mrs. Summers, has chosen their store for his big event. Still, there’s no denying the author draws a huge crowd. Which makes it hard to narrow down a suspect list when Kelley drops dead onstage—the victim of a shocking murder straight out of his own book.
Fresh off Pinewood’s last cold case, Genevieve is happy to let the police handle this one. But when frosty Detective Christie zeroes in on Brandon’s dad as her prime suspect, Genevieve decides to take matters into her own hands. Can she get the scoop and solve the mystery haunting her hometown?
More About Elizabeth Maria Naranjo
Elizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of The Fourth Wall and The House on Linden Way. Her short fiction and creative nonfiction have been published in Brevity Magazine, Superstition Review, Fractured Lit, Hunger Mountain, Hospital Drive, The Portland Review, Reservoir Road, Literary Mama, and several other places.
Elizabeth’s work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best American Essay, and Best of the Net. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two children.
Thoughts on Pralines and Creamed
Too often I LOVE book one in a series but book two...meh. Not so with the Sweet Dreams series. There's another crazy murder in town and this one is a little too close to home for Genevieve and the family she's created (not all family is about blood relations). Of course she's taking wild chances and is always one step ahead of the adults -- an absolute must for a YA book.
What I really appreciated about Pralines and Creamed is that the characters are evolving. Yes, we're solving a murder but we're also seeing how the murder affects everyone it touches. It adds some tension and even sadness to an otherwise fun romp. We're also learning more about the people in Genevieve's orbit as they become true three dimensional people with backstories. And just like in the murder investigation, as we learn more about the characters there are a few red herrings to keep readers off balance.
Another fun read from Elizabeth Maria Naranjo.
A Little Extra
Yes, there is a third book in the series. It's Christmastime in Pinewood, Arizona and I have a feeling that along with the holiday decorations, Winter Spectacular and delightful ice cream flavors like Winter Fudge there just might be another dead body. I got a sneak peek at Double Dip Demise and so far, everything is all sparkly and festive. But how long can that last? You'll have to add this one to your Wish List for Christmas 2025.
Want to Win?
WOW-Women on Writing blog tours is doing a fun reader review event. Stop by to read an interview with author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo and you can request a review copy and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Reviews must be posted by December 12! Check it out HERE.
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