Opening Night Murder

A Wickedly Clever Culinary Cozy Mystery

Opening night. A feared critic. Three bites, then collapse.

Chef-owner Fiona Firth aims to get through The Perennial’s first dinner service in one piece, not find a body at the pass. Early tests point to monkshood in her seven-herb blend, and the whispers harden: police name Fiona their prime suspect.

She spots what others miss: a swapped spice jar, sticky residue on a tasting mug, a camera blind spot no one should reach. Miso, her orange tabby, bristles while the lead detective tells her to stand down.

Two others have motive and access: developer Dale Morrison, whose permits hinge on Fiona’s failure, and rival chef Cassandra Volk, with a public feud and a key to the pass.

As the doors stay locked and rumors spread online, Fiona races to reveal the killer before The Perennial loses its license, her name is ruined, and the real culprit silences her for good.