Dani / Danika Sites has been working for the Bowing family , Twin brothers Bennett and Bryan and Bennett’s twin children Cami and Brooks of Raglan, New Zealand as their head chef only a few short weeks. She has a love for Crime solving podcasts , never missing an episode, her pet pig Potts is with her all the time and follows her around much like a faithful dog would. Other staff members are Chelsea , twins Micha and Meeka ,Sue ,Oaklee and Fritz . She has a penchant for using truffles in her most exquisite dishes and she has a special one she’s been saving for the important dinner ..It’s the night of the Spring Equinox Soirée, Dani has been run off her feet in preparation including the traditional Equinox punch . It’s the anniversary of his wife’s death and to Bennett/ Mr B. honouring her at this time is apt. When there’s a death witnessed by Dani out in the gardens , she becomes prime suspect too. Constable Heckenlaible enter stage wrong! So she sets out to solve the murder and save her reputation while trying to keep herself out of danger. Peyton Stone has been thoroughly mindful of the reader’s full enjoyment of the book adding a list of New Zealand slang at the beginning of the book. This is the start of an epic series by her prolific pen, it’s a well structured story with a solid background, the characters are relatable ,realistic and good humoured, the setting is great (a sort of modern Downtown Abbey meets Cluedo) and the story flows fluently. It’s totally immersive and a feel good , compelling experience.
I read a free copy of the book and my review is in my own words and voluntary.