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Corinna Chapman #3
Devil's Food
If there's one thing that Corinna Chapman, baker extraordinaire and proprietor of the Earthly Delights Bakery, can't abide, it's people not eating well - particularly when there are delights like her very own, just-baked, freshly buttered sourdough bread to enjoy. So when a strange cult which denies the flesh and eats only famine bread turns up, along with a body which is found in a park, dead of malnutrition, Corinna is very disturbed indeed.
273 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Kerry Greenwood
83 books2,569 followersKerry Isabelle Greenwood was an Australian author and lawyer. She wrote many plays and books, most notably a string of historical detective novels centred on the character of Phryne Fisher, which was adapted as the popular television series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. She wrote mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, children's stories, and plays. Greenwood earned the Australian women's crime fiction Davitt Award in 2002 for her young adult novel The Three-Pronged Dagger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
June 15, 2015
Corinna Chapman owned Earthly Delights Bakery and fed her customers with a delightful mix of breads, muffins and rolls – up at 4am weekday mornings and fortified by her first coffee for the day, Corinna and her apprentice Jason worked tirelessly to have their freshly baked breads ready for when the shop opened. When her two shop assistants, Goss and Kylie became dangerously ill, she and her friends in the apartment block knew something was seriously amiss.
But the day that she was confronted in the doorway of Earthly Delights by the hysterical and distressed Starshine, who just happened to be her mother, and learned that her father, Sunlight had gone missing – she just knew her days were going to become worse. Helped by the love of her life, Daniel, they began the search for the elusive Sunlight. The strange happenings didn’t end there though – a new cult appeared on her doorstep, requesting she make famine bread. Her shock at the methods of these unusual and weird people knew no bounds – how could anyone be refused food – was starvation their doctrine?
As the residents of Corinna’s apartment block banded together to solve the mysteries that were surrounding them, they were stymied at every turn by unscrupulous people. What was happening? Would Corinna find her missing father – did he even want to be found? And would they solve the mystery of Kylie and Goss’ illness without themselves becoming victims?
What a delightful mystery by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and laughed out loud in quite a few places. Highly entertaining, I have no hesitation in recommending Devil’s Food to all.
But the day that she was confronted in the doorway of Earthly Delights by the hysterical and distressed Starshine, who just happened to be her mother, and learned that her father, Sunlight had gone missing – she just knew her days were going to become worse. Helped by the love of her life, Daniel, they began the search for the elusive Sunlight. The strange happenings didn’t end there though – a new cult appeared on her doorstep, requesting she make famine bread. Her shock at the methods of these unusual and weird people knew no bounds – how could anyone be refused food – was starvation their doctrine?
As the residents of Corinna’s apartment block banded together to solve the mysteries that were surrounding them, they were stymied at every turn by unscrupulous people. What was happening? Would Corinna find her missing father – did he even want to be found? And would they solve the mystery of Kylie and Goss’ illness without themselves becoming victims?
What a delightful mystery by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and laughed out loud in quite a few places. Highly entertaining, I have no hesitation in recommending Devil’s Food to all.
May 1, 2018
Corinna is a fantastic heroine. She is a mature woman who is self confident, funny, runs her own bakery and loves her cat. She is also incredibly empathetic and open minded, allowing her to be surrounded by some pretty off beat characters and enter some interesting parts of the Melbourne scene (vampire club, anyone?).
Having been a while since book 2, I had honestly forgotten how fun this series is, and I chided myself for not getting back into it sooner. Which, of course, means I need to start book 4 soon.
Also, a fantastic audio narration by Louise Siversen.
Having been a while since book 2, I had honestly forgotten how fun this series is, and I chided myself for not getting back into it sooner. Which, of course, means I need to start book 4 soon.
Also, a fantastic audio narration by Louise Siversen.
March 13, 2010
You have to simply love a book that causes you to laugh out loud in the first two pages, and then just continues to delight until the much too quickly reached ending. The fact that I had forgotten I wasn't at home, but out sitting on a bench at my daughter's karate class just adds to definition of a good read for me. I've enjoyed all three Corinna Chapman novels and look forward to more. The writer has created a character I truly wish I could walk up to, shake her hand, take a loaf of bread and just sit and chat with up on her roof.
January 24, 2021
Devil’s Food is the third book in the Corinna Chapman series by award-winning Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. The audio version is read by Louise Siversen. I read the print version well before I was writing reviews, so I can only say what a pleasure it is to return to these charming characters.
In this instalment:
As always, Jason creates wonderful muffins but, when baking famine bread for a new contract, Corinna is told by the head monk of the Discarnate Brotherhood order to make her product worse (is that even possible?). She notes the monks collecting the bread are alarmingly thin.
Goss and Kylie succumb to an uncharacteristic hysteria: Corinna and Meroe discover the cause, and Meroe threatens violence to the purveyor of this dangerous weight-loss tea should she find them.
Corinna’s unbeloved mother, Starshine arrives: Corinna’s father, Sunlight has departed from the collective with a younger woman, and is now missing. Corinna overcomes her reluctance to track him down, with the help of the very capable Daniel
An evening in an exquisite silk dominance dress and corset provided by Mistress Dread is enjoyed at a new vampire club, Café Vlad Tepes , where Corinna and Daniel find The Apothecary and The Witch dispensing the dreaded herbal concoction.
John and Kepler learn they have been unwittingly importing what might be prohibited substances secreted inside legal goods.
Meanwhile, close neighbours express concern when the doors of The Lone Gunmen aka Nerds Inc remain inexplicably closed.
As usual, once the mysteries are solved, a wonderful party ensues, this time in Insula’s basement. It may be wise to eat before reading as the regular mention of delicious breads, muffins and other mouth-watering food may stimulate the appetite.... This is just as enjoyable a read second time around.
In this instalment:
As always, Jason creates wonderful muffins but, when baking famine bread for a new contract, Corinna is told by the head monk of the Discarnate Brotherhood order to make her product worse (is that even possible?). She notes the monks collecting the bread are alarmingly thin.
Goss and Kylie succumb to an uncharacteristic hysteria: Corinna and Meroe discover the cause, and Meroe threatens violence to the purveyor of this dangerous weight-loss tea should she find them.
Corinna’s unbeloved mother, Starshine arrives: Corinna’s father, Sunlight has departed from the collective with a younger woman, and is now missing. Corinna overcomes her reluctance to track him down, with the help of the very capable Daniel
An evening in an exquisite silk dominance dress and corset provided by Mistress Dread is enjoyed at a new vampire club, Café Vlad Tepes , where Corinna and Daniel find The Apothecary and The Witch dispensing the dreaded herbal concoction.
John and Kepler learn they have been unwittingly importing what might be prohibited substances secreted inside legal goods.
Meanwhile, close neighbours express concern when the doors of The Lone Gunmen aka Nerds Inc remain inexplicably closed.
As usual, once the mysteries are solved, a wonderful party ensues, this time in Insula’s basement. It may be wise to eat before reading as the regular mention of delicious breads, muffins and other mouth-watering food may stimulate the appetite.... This is just as enjoyable a read second time around.
June 20, 2012
This time Corinna has to deal with her hateful parents, who are a lot less sympathetic than the random junkies, weirdos, and idiots she usually has to save from their own stupidity and the spite of others.
The message of this one: don't hate your weight. Or atleast, don't take unidentifiable weight loss drugs you buy off costumed strangers at clubs.
The message of this one: don't hate your weight. Or atleast, don't take unidentifiable weight loss drugs you buy off costumed strangers at clubs.
January 22, 2010
More of Corinna's and Jason's background is revealed in this book. Insula is conveniently full of unusual characters who could be considered marginalised, an overweight woman, a male couple, an ex junkie, a witch etc and a theme explored is how the residents of Insula have created their own family despite their differences.
What I liked best about Devil's Food is how Corinna recovered her self esteem in the face of her negligent parents and fanatical fat haters. It is rare to find a "heroine" who does not bemoan her hair/nose/rear at some point, and even rarer still to have a main character of generous proportions who is not trying to lose weight, lonely or unloved.
Corinna and friends tackle several mysteries - a weight loss concoction that poisoned Goss and Kylie, smuggled herbs, the secrets of the mysterious "Brothers" and Corinna's missing father roaming Melbournes streets.
I still find that the formal language can sometimes be a bit off putting, it slows the pace for me and seems incongruous from a 30 something woman in contemporary Australia, but still Devils Food is a good read.
What I liked best about Devil's Food is how Corinna recovered her self esteem in the face of her negligent parents and fanatical fat haters. It is rare to find a "heroine" who does not bemoan her hair/nose/rear at some point, and even rarer still to have a main character of generous proportions who is not trying to lose weight, lonely or unloved.
Corinna and friends tackle several mysteries - a weight loss concoction that poisoned Goss and Kylie, smuggled herbs, the secrets of the mysterious "Brothers" and Corinna's missing father roaming Melbournes streets.
I still find that the formal language can sometimes be a bit off putting, it slows the pace for me and seems incongruous from a 30 something woman in contemporary Australia, but still Devils Food is a good read.
October 5, 2018
I'm halfway through and someone just finally died, and we don't even know who it is. I just can't make myself care anymore.
DNF
DNF
May 20, 2024
Corinna’s parents are truly awful but she has surrounded herself with a great group of friends.
October 22, 2024
Always enjoy the adventures and the recipes at the end.
March 13, 2012
I'm rather torn on this series. I love Kerry Greenwood's narrative voice and most of the characters, but the whole tone of this mystery was just a little too...saccharine for me (Jason gets Bronchitis and the entire building takes shifts to nurse him back to health? Really?). It fell too far in to the realm of cozy this time.
Plus, it rather reminded me of reading one of those morality tales for children where the moral is thoroughly beaten into the head of the reader by the time they're done reading. In this case the moral of the story was live happy and stop fussing over body image and size. I think I prefer a but more subtlety in my morals, thanks. Not to mention that I couldn't help boggling at the idea that there are that many goth/vampire obsessed clubs in Melbourne. 0_o
Plus, it rather reminded me of reading one of those morality tales for children where the moral is thoroughly beaten into the head of the reader by the time they're done reading. In this case the moral of the story was live happy and stop fussing over body image and size. I think I prefer a but more subtlety in my morals, thanks. Not to mention that I couldn't help boggling at the idea that there are that many goth/vampire obsessed clubs in Melbourne. 0_o
July 24, 2014
I hate to say this, but I feel like my enjoyment of this series decreases with each book - not because they are failing to live up to what came before, but because I just get more and more fed up with the judgemental, fussy-old-lady tone of Corinna's narrative. She feels so disingenuous and so superior - exactly the kind of person I can't stand in real life. I have kept reading up till now because of my dislike of leaving series unfinished, and because I really do find the stories and setting pleasantly quirky (as well as, perhaps, some kind of absurd sense of patriotic duty). However, I think it might be time to call it on this one. Life is just too short, Corinna, sorry...
February 17, 2016
Devil's food by Kerrie Greenwood is the third book in the Corinna Chapman mystery series. Baker Corinna Chapman and owner of Earthly Delights bakery, is contacted by her estranged mother to help find her father Starlight who has gone missing from their cult. She also investigates a herbal slimming tea when her employees Gossamer and Kylie become ill after drinking it.
I loved catching up with all the characters again. This is a series that should be read in order as with so many people and happenings it is easy to get lost unless you are already familiar with them. A very entertaining book that I enjoyed very much.
I loved catching up with all the characters again. This is a series that should be read in order as with so many people and happenings it is easy to get lost unless you are already familiar with them. A very entertaining book that I enjoyed very much.
March 12, 2013
Third book in the Corinna Chapman series.
Comfort reading, nothing too mentally challenging yet interesting enough to keep you reading.
Story quite unlikely and yet still enjoyable.
I rather suspect that many of us wish we too lived in Insula, the apartment block which houses the odd collection of residents as well as various shops, including Corinna's bakery.
I want to eat Jason's muffins, so luckily an occasional recipe is tossed in to the books at the end.
Will continue to read this engaging series.
Comfort reading, nothing too mentally challenging yet interesting enough to keep you reading.
Story quite unlikely and yet still enjoyable.
I rather suspect that many of us wish we too lived in Insula, the apartment block which houses the odd collection of residents as well as various shops, including Corinna's bakery.
I want to eat Jason's muffins, so luckily an occasional recipe is tossed in to the books at the end.
Will continue to read this engaging series.
February 27, 2011
The reader meets Corrina's parents Starshine and Sunlight in this book. Ms Greenwood's characters make so many references to the author Terry Pratchett that I am going to check him out.
I kept wondering if lord D'Urbanville was a play on Thomas Hardy's "tess of the d'Urbervilles" but then I did a search online and I see that there is actually a group that calls itself D'Urbanville (they have a Facebook page).
Thank you Ms Greenwood for another learning full and fun tale!
I kept wondering if lord D'Urbanville was a play on Thomas Hardy's "tess of the d'Urbervilles" but then I did a search online and I see that there is actually a group that calls itself D'Urbanville (they have a Facebook page).
Thank you Ms Greenwood for another learning full and fun tale!
April 12, 2012
1st read 12/3/09: I AM enjoying this series!
(And an author who gives call-outs to both Georgette Heyer AND Terry Pratchett is not to be taken lightly.)
Now...how quickly can I get my hands on the next one????
(And an author who gives call-outs to both Georgette Heyer AND Terry Pratchett is not to be taken lightly.)
Now...how quickly can I get my hands on the next one????
November 7, 2018
Another delicious Corinna Chapman episode. These are such comfortable, reliable stories. There is always a mystery but plenty of characterisation and back story. Of course it's all slightly ridiculous and over the top but that's part of the enjoyment. And the Israeli Daniel as Corinna's lover is just as delicious as the food. Pure escapism.
March 28, 2021
Very enjoyable! So glad Corinna is nothing like her parents! I like how the tenants of the building interact like they're all family, except for Mrs. P!
September 19, 2021
Very comforting like an ABC Sunday night drama - the midsummer murders of books.
November 7, 2024
Entertaining, love the community she has there, but not nearly as good (IMO) as the previous two. Here’s to the next one!
October 28, 2013
Again, I have succumbed to a chick-lit book. And again, I liked it.
This was the third book in a series with this character, but I could read it easily without having the need to read the others to make sense.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this one, as it's a 'murder mystery' and I'm not much into those types of books, and I'm sure I've mentioned before that I sometimes don't find chick-lit books intriguing enough in the language and concepts.
But this book was different.
I'll admit that it was easy to read and the language wasn't challenging, but there was a lot packed into this book. Reading it was easy and it flowed well - before I knew it I was half way through the book! Some people may think that it doesn't really move fast and may seem a little meandering in its storytelling, and I'd agree - but for some reason it actually works. You get lost in the everyday life of the character, not at all glamorous or really that exciting, but somewhat comforting. You fall instep with the character and her routines and feel a familiarity with her actions.
In saying that, this book is sold as a 'murder-mystery' and from what I can remember, there wasn't actually a murder (and if there was, I can't remember it and that means it was not a focus in the story). There were a few mysteries that do meander their way to being solved, but again, there isn't really any 'ohmigosh this is so freaking exciting' moments. But again, it works. I don't know how.
I think if you take this book for what it is and have the expectations it deserves, then you will really enjoy it. The characters suck you into their story and take you on a (albeit ambling) journey.
Plus, in the first couple of chapters, the story made mention of cats (numerous times), beards, and freshly baked goods - a few of my favourite things.
Oh, and the heroine is 'larger' which is a refreshing change to the well toned blonde bombshells in many other books.
I enjoyed this book enough, that I intend to read the other 5 books in the series.
This was the third book in a series with this character, but I could read it easily without having the need to read the others to make sense.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this one, as it's a 'murder mystery' and I'm not much into those types of books, and I'm sure I've mentioned before that I sometimes don't find chick-lit books intriguing enough in the language and concepts.
But this book was different.
I'll admit that it was easy to read and the language wasn't challenging, but there was a lot packed into this book. Reading it was easy and it flowed well - before I knew it I was half way through the book! Some people may think that it doesn't really move fast and may seem a little meandering in its storytelling, and I'd agree - but for some reason it actually works. You get lost in the everyday life of the character, not at all glamorous or really that exciting, but somewhat comforting. You fall instep with the character and her routines and feel a familiarity with her actions.
In saying that, this book is sold as a 'murder-mystery' and from what I can remember, there wasn't actually a murder (and if there was, I can't remember it and that means it was not a focus in the story). There were a few mysteries that do meander their way to being solved, but again, there isn't really any 'ohmigosh this is so freaking exciting' moments. But again, it works. I don't know how.
I think if you take this book for what it is and have the expectations it deserves, then you will really enjoy it. The characters suck you into their story and take you on a (albeit ambling) journey.
Plus, in the first couple of chapters, the story made mention of cats (numerous times), beards, and freshly baked goods - a few of my favourite things.
Oh, and the heroine is 'larger' which is a refreshing change to the well toned blonde bombshells in many other books.
I enjoyed this book enough, that I intend to read the other 5 books in the series.
June 4, 2016
I am really in love with the series. The main strengths (unapologetically fat heroine who enjoys her food and is adored by her boyfriend, quirky and likeable cast of characters, the setting one would love to live in, adorable and imperious cats, delicious muffins) and the main weaknesses (lacklustre mystery and no no possibility for the reader to figure it out themselves because the author withholds information) remain the same.
What is interesting in this instalment is that here the author tries to tackle what it is to be a fat person in the current fat-hating society more thoroughly. It was a bit unrealistic (though positive) in the previous books that the heroine behaved as if she was unaware of the stigma surrounding her body type, and here the author attempts to confront it. With very mixed success.
The topics of weight in the mysteries themselves felt very gimmicky and uninspiring, so I wouldn't consider that a successful approach. But some of the heroine's reactions, especially the body-positive speeches she was giving herself, praising her body for strength and capability and for being hers, are spot-on and very needed.
Another thread running through this book in the series is the sense of community. The inhabitants of Insula are becoming a very close-knit bunch - a kind of weird, hard-working, supportive and amusing family, and it is heart-warming to see.
What is interesting in this instalment is that here the author tries to tackle what it is to be a fat person in the current fat-hating society more thoroughly. It was a bit unrealistic (though positive) in the previous books that the heroine behaved as if she was unaware of the stigma surrounding her body type, and here the author attempts to confront it. With very mixed success.
The topics of weight in the mysteries themselves felt very gimmicky and uninspiring, so I wouldn't consider that a successful approach. But some of the heroine's reactions, especially the body-positive speeches she was giving herself, praising her body for strength and capability and for being hers, are spot-on and very needed.
Another thread running through this book in the series is the sense of community. The inhabitants of Insula are becoming a very close-knit bunch - a kind of weird, hard-working, supportive and amusing family, and it is heart-warming to see.
April 12, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Devils Food. It is not fabulous fiction but very quaffable and I have duly quaffed all of the series now with great relish - to continue the foody metaphors. I found her to be a refreshing heroine and her fellow characters likewise. None of them are particularly believable and nor is the setting or plot but I wasn't after believable, I was after a good escapist read and it served nicely. By the way, I have it on good authority from someone who has actually been there, that Insula is a real building in Melbourne and is largely as described by Kerry Greenwood. As another reviewer said, would love to see some pictures. As a woman who is also 'traditionally built' I enjoy reading about a main character who is large, yet highly attractive, sexy and much adored and confident in her shape and herself. Bring on more.
July 18, 2009
#3 in Corinna Chapman series set in Australia about the adventures of the Insula building and its inhabitants. I love this building and would love to see pictures. In this tale, both Corinna and Jason must confront parents. Corinna's hippie-like/commune parents make an appearance. As usual, Greenwood addresses the woes of the poor and down-trodden, and hits on the risks of starvation/dieting. Jason becomes sick and moves into Insula, but no mention how long he will stay. Again, the inhabitants of Insula care for and aid fellow building people. This is truly one of the best examples of community responsibility.
October 19, 2015
I enjoyed this one more than Heavenly Pleasures.
Still not as much as Earthly Delights but it was a decent read regardless. The story was much more interesting and I love how she has a modern gothic element happening throughout the series so far.
It's very reflective of a modern Melbourne and I'm loving working through this series.
They can be a bit repetitive of basic character details but this is done in order for the books to be able to be read as standalones in addition to as part of the series.
Starting Trick or Treat tonight! :)
Still not as much as Earthly Delights but it was a decent read regardless. The story was much more interesting and I love how she has a modern gothic element happening throughout the series so far.
It's very reflective of a modern Melbourne and I'm loving working through this series.
They can be a bit repetitive of basic character details but this is done in order for the books to be able to be read as standalones in addition to as part of the series.
Starting Trick or Treat tonight! :)
May 26, 2012
Sadly, I just lost interest in listening. The narrator's voice(s) wasn't helping, but in the end it was that I got bored with hearing about Corinna's love life and everyone's cats. It's one of the few that I've never finished...
September 4, 2018
3.5 stars on this one. I still love all the characters, and like the family feeling among Corinna's neighbors. I just thought some of the plot elements wrapped up a little neatly. I still am really enjoying this "binge listen", though!
March 17, 2014
Really enjoy these books though they make me feel hungry especially for chocolate cake which as it is my birthday I may treat myself.
January 17, 2024
As silly & fun as ever. I just love the baking: all that wonderful sounding bread makes my mouth water.
June 13, 2015
I love the Phryne Fisher series, but this is a DUD! So badly written. Whatever was Ms. Greenwood thinking of?
May 12, 2026
Gossamer and Kylie are stick-thin roommates. Hug either one of them, assuming they’d even let you, and you’d be able to count their ribs. They work for Corinna Chapman, a comfortably plus-size baker in Melbourne. The three make an interesting contrast, and before the book ends, Goss and Kylie will face a very real danger of death.
Corinna has far more on her plate than muffins these days. The commune to which her parents belonged has evicted them, and Corinna’s father is chasing a younger woman. Her harpy of a mother shows up at the bakery and demands shelter. This is the same woman who nearly allowed the young Corinna to die from neglect before a grandmotherly rescuer intervened.
Fortunately for Corinna, one of her mother’s childhood friends lives in the same apartment complex and immediately agrees to take in Starshine despite her astonishing rudeness. Starshine insists that Corinna find her estranged husband, Sunlight, and Daniel agrees to help.
When Gossamer and Kylie fall ill, the disease proves both mysterious and frightening. Could herbal teas really be starving the two young women to death?
As it turns out, the tea supplier operates a cult obsessed with eliminating curves of any kind and provides herbal teas designed to produce dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately for Gossamer and Kylie, both the numbers on the scale and their personalities begin to change. Whatever was in that tea drove the women into states of hysteria, forcing Corinna to discover where the tea came from and what it contained.
What made the cult especially unsettling was its visceral hatred toward Corinna simply because of her size. These people treated flesh itself as something shameful and corrupt, and Greenwood did an excellent job showing how dangerous that kind of thinking can become when pushed to extremes. The novel also handles Corinna’s long-simmering anger toward her mother surprisingly well. In one especially memorable scene late in the book, Corinna finally stands up to Starshine and realizes that confronting years of pain does not magically erase them.
This series still leans far more cozy and quirky than suspenseful. The mystery itself never generated enormous tension for me beyond wanting Gossamer and Kylie to recover, but the strange apartment community, the eccentric supporting cast, and Corinna herself keep me reading. I especially enjoy Corinna’s relationship with Daniel, who sees her clearly and values both her outer and inner beauty without the shallow nonsense that dominates so much of the world around them.
I’ve enjoyed the sometimes bizarre characters throughout this series, and this installment was a noticeable improvement over book two for me. The investigation may not pulse with nonstop action, but Greenwood earns high marks for exploring the real dangers hidden inside things that seem glamorous and harmless but may be anything but.
Corinna has far more on her plate than muffins these days. The commune to which her parents belonged has evicted them, and Corinna’s father is chasing a younger woman. Her harpy of a mother shows up at the bakery and demands shelter. This is the same woman who nearly allowed the young Corinna to die from neglect before a grandmotherly rescuer intervened.
Fortunately for Corinna, one of her mother’s childhood friends lives in the same apartment complex and immediately agrees to take in Starshine despite her astonishing rudeness. Starshine insists that Corinna find her estranged husband, Sunlight, and Daniel agrees to help.
When Gossamer and Kylie fall ill, the disease proves both mysterious and frightening. Could herbal teas really be starving the two young women to death?
As it turns out, the tea supplier operates a cult obsessed with eliminating curves of any kind and provides herbal teas designed to produce dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately for Gossamer and Kylie, both the numbers on the scale and their personalities begin to change. Whatever was in that tea drove the women into states of hysteria, forcing Corinna to discover where the tea came from and what it contained.
What made the cult especially unsettling was its visceral hatred toward Corinna simply because of her size. These people treated flesh itself as something shameful and corrupt, and Greenwood did an excellent job showing how dangerous that kind of thinking can become when pushed to extremes. The novel also handles Corinna’s long-simmering anger toward her mother surprisingly well. In one especially memorable scene late in the book, Corinna finally stands up to Starshine and realizes that confronting years of pain does not magically erase them.
This series still leans far more cozy and quirky than suspenseful. The mystery itself never generated enormous tension for me beyond wanting Gossamer and Kylie to recover, but the strange apartment community, the eccentric supporting cast, and Corinna herself keep me reading. I especially enjoy Corinna’s relationship with Daniel, who sees her clearly and values both her outer and inner beauty without the shallow nonsense that dominates so much of the world around them.
I’ve enjoyed the sometimes bizarre characters throughout this series, and this installment was a noticeable improvement over book two for me. The investigation may not pulse with nonstop action, but Greenwood earns high marks for exploring the real dangers hidden inside things that seem glamorous and harmless but may be anything but.
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