Unbridled Spirits: A Small Batch Mystery

A Small Batch Mystery #3

by Michelle Bennington

Rook Campbell yearns for a family and stability. With her recent divorce, her dad sitting behind bars for her mom's murder, and her grandma dying of cancer, she can hardly remember what a while family feels like anymore.

However, new details about her mom's case have emerged, giving Rook a reason to hope. She might finally discover who really killed her mom and win her dad's freedom.

But a murder at a bourbon release party threatens to derail the investigation. Eerie parallels between both crimes throw Rook into the crosshairs, and she wonders if she's surrounded by killers.

In her attempts to uncover the truth, Rook places more than one relationship--and all her dreams--in peril. She can't give up, even if it costs her everything.

260 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

Author. Wife. Dog "mom." Aspiring Wonder Woman.

Reviews

[Hallie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series had me right from the beginning. Rook, the protagonist, is a captivating “work in progress.” She is “every” woman, complete with flaws and idiosyncrasies that make you laugh and frankly, relate. In each edition of the Small Batch series, Rook finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, and because she works at a distillery, bourbon usually finds its way into the story. Combine that with her sick Grandma “Prim” and her very complicated love life—as well as her dad being in prison for murdering her mother—and Rook’s got her plate full.

Speaking of plates, this series is chock-full of Kentucky delicacies like fried apple pies and Kentucky spice ginger-citrus soda. Whether she’s using Rook’s culinary choices to bring the reader to the table, or her descriptive prose to make their heart pound, Ms. Bennington is an expert at capturing the reader’s heart and delivering it to the heartland of Kentucky.

In the case of Unbridled Spirits, a shocking murder happens during a bourbon release party at the J.T. Bolton House, a treasured home with a history of scandalous secrets and maybe even a few ghosts. The page-turning plot is off and running as Rook is drawn into the investigation not only because she was at the scene, but because there are haunting similarities to the murder of her own mother. In this, the final book in the series, Rook’s vulnerability heightens the tension and adds to the suspense. A few shocking twists at the end put her in grave danger while also bringing the story—and the series—full circle.

The author brings this series home in a big way, leaving the reader satisfied, tearful, and happy to have spent time with Rook, her family, and her friends. While I’ve enjoyed many series, I haven’t delighted in an ending quite like this one. Well done, Michelle Bennington!

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In just 3 books, I have become invested in these characters, their lives, their losses, their struggles, and their victories. I do not want to say goodbye, and I sincerely hope that Michelle Bennington will consider continuing the story. Whether or not that happens, this book knits together all of those loose threads evident (or hinted at) in the first 2 books and does so through a new mystery that will keep readers entertained.

If you are looking for a contemporary cozy-ish mystery set in Kentucky bourbon country with a nosey protagonist who can be both likeable and frustrating, a spunky grandmother, some Southern humor, a love triangle, and plenty of mysteries, I recommend this series. There is a depth to these books that is not often found in short cozies. I do wish there were more books, but it's a satisfying set and makes the love triangle more palatable.

[Madelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A cozy, southern mystery about a young woman who’s trying to solve a current string of murders and her own mother’s cold case. Expertly written, this book had amazing twists and the ending was unpredictable.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit predictable but interesting plot.

Heavy into character development.

Read series in order.

I bought a copy.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

need a sequel series about the B&B