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Sugar Creek Mystery #2
Death and Peaches
A charming small town. A peach festival gone awry. A culinary entrepreneur caught in a juicy mystery.
Abby Hirsch has traded in her hectic life in L.A. for a shot at her dream—a catering business in her idyllic hometown of Sugar Creek, Texas. She's ready to start over until her plans hit a sour note at the annual Sugar Creek Peach Festival.
When a city councilman dies from poisoning, Abby finds herself in the pits as a potential suspect. Not only is her fledgling business at stake, but the councilman had recently rejected her business license on a technicality, leaving her ripe for suspicion.
Armed with her culinary skills and a knack for gathering clues, Abby joins forces with her best friend, Cassie, and the attractive Sheriff Ryan Iverson. Together they peel back layers of mystery. But can Abby clear her name and serve up justice in time to clear her name and save her business? Or will her dreams of success crumble like a peach cobbler?
Death and Peaches is the second book in the Sugar Creek Mystery Series .
Abby Hirsch has traded in her hectic life in L.A. for a shot at her dream—a catering business in her idyllic hometown of Sugar Creek, Texas. She's ready to start over until her plans hit a sour note at the annual Sugar Creek Peach Festival.
When a city councilman dies from poisoning, Abby finds herself in the pits as a potential suspect. Not only is her fledgling business at stake, but the councilman had recently rejected her business license on a technicality, leaving her ripe for suspicion.
Armed with her culinary skills and a knack for gathering clues, Abby joins forces with her best friend, Cassie, and the attractive Sheriff Ryan Iverson. Together they peel back layers of mystery. But can Abby clear her name and serve up justice in time to clear her name and save her business? Or will her dreams of success crumble like a peach cobbler?
Death and Peaches is the second book in the Sugar Creek Mystery Series .
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2024
About the author
Nova Walsh
31 books71 followersAuthor Nova Walsh writes cozy mysteries full of humor, shenanigans, and friendships that last a lifetime. She mixes in a healthy dose of amateur sleuthing, some slow-burn romance, and a pinch of comedy in every book she writes.
Nova is a former chef/caterer who still loves to cook but loves to write even more. She’s an enthusiastic, if not totally successful gardener who loves travel, wine, and hanging out with friends.
Nova grew up in the southwest, and now lives in Galveston, Texas with her husband and son. When she isn’t writing, she’s often cooking, gardening, hiking, feeding stray animals, or trying to make her way through her endless TBR pile.
Nova is a former chef/caterer who still loves to cook but loves to write even more. She’s an enthusiastic, if not totally successful gardener who loves travel, wine, and hanging out with friends.
Nova grew up in the southwest, and now lives in Galveston, Texas with her husband and son. When she isn’t writing, she’s often cooking, gardening, hiking, feeding stray animals, or trying to make her way through her endless TBR pile.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 7, 2024
Here's my review of the first book:
I like the characters and the small-town setting. The mystery was good. However - the author used the plot device that I hate - with the main female character(s) trying to solve the murder alone - risking the official investigation and their safety! I will read the next one but if it uses the same plot then I'm done!
Well, this book used the same plot device. I won't be reading any more if the series.
Amazon review:
Abby Hirsch has traded in her hectic life in L.A. for a shot at her dream—a catering business in her idyllic hometown of Sugar Creek, Texas. She's ready to start over until her plans hit a sour note at the annual Sugar Creek Peach Festival.
When a city councilman dies from poisoning, Abby finds herself in the pits as a potential suspect. Not only is her fledgling business at stake, but the councilman had recently rejected her business license on a technicality, leaving her ripe for suspicion.
Armed with her culinary skills, a new furry companion, and a knack for gathering clues, Abby joins forces with her best friend, Cassie and the attractive Sheriff Ryan Iverson. Together they peel back layers of mystery. But can Abby clear her name and serve up justice in time to save her business? Or will her dreams of success crumble like a peach cobbler?
I like the characters and the small-town setting. The mystery was good. However - the author used the plot device that I hate - with the main female character(s) trying to solve the murder alone - risking the official investigation and their safety! I will read the next one but if it uses the same plot then I'm done!
Well, this book used the same plot device. I won't be reading any more if the series.
Amazon review:
Abby Hirsch has traded in her hectic life in L.A. for a shot at her dream—a catering business in her idyllic hometown of Sugar Creek, Texas. She's ready to start over until her plans hit a sour note at the annual Sugar Creek Peach Festival.
When a city councilman dies from poisoning, Abby finds herself in the pits as a potential suspect. Not only is her fledgling business at stake, but the councilman had recently rejected her business license on a technicality, leaving her ripe for suspicion.
Armed with her culinary skills, a new furry companion, and a knack for gathering clues, Abby joins forces with her best friend, Cassie and the attractive Sheriff Ryan Iverson. Together they peel back layers of mystery. But can Abby clear her name and serve up justice in time to save her business? Or will her dreams of success crumble like a peach cobbler?
July 3, 2026
I'm really enjoying this series
Sometimes you just find the right series at the right time. I did have to step back a couple of times when the danger hit home way more than my healing mind could manage. But reading a chapter of another book to loosen the grip of that odd fear usually helps. Plus I wanted to know what was going on. So I had to come back quickly. I enjoyed a lot about the story but I was not a fan of how Ryan handled the situation at the funeral or how Cassie forced Abby to search the Weiss estate after her dinner party was a such roaring success. I understand these are important plot points but I also see where I need to draw the line with others in my life. Thank you for such an engaging series where I can keep learning how to build a proper mystery plot.
Sometimes you just find the right series at the right time. I did have to step back a couple of times when the danger hit home way more than my healing mind could manage. But reading a chapter of another book to loosen the grip of that odd fear usually helps. Plus I wanted to know what was going on. So I had to come back quickly. I enjoyed a lot about the story but I was not a fan of how Ryan handled the situation at the funeral or how Cassie forced Abby to search the Weiss estate after her dinner party was a such roaring success. I understand these are important plot points but I also see where I need to draw the line with others in my life. Thank you for such an engaging series where I can keep learning how to build a proper mystery plot.
July 20, 2026
Cute, cozy mystery set in the small town of Sugar Creek, TX. Abby has left LA and wants to start a catering business there. When she is denied a permit, she is disappointed. She gives out samples of her food, and when the man who denied her permit dies, she is a suspect in the murder. Later, while catering the man's funeral, another person is poisoned.
Along with her friend, Cassie, and the dog she found, Abby tries to clear her name. She isn't happy that her love interest, Ryan, a cop, questioned her, as she believes it will hurt her business. Cassie, Abby, and the dog take matters in their own hands (and paws) and find the culprit.
Fun cozy.
Along with her friend, Cassie, and the dog she found, Abby tries to clear her name. She isn't happy that her love interest, Ryan, a cop, questioned her, as she believes it will hurt her business. Cassie, Abby, and the dog take matters in their own hands (and paws) and find the culprit.
Fun cozy.
July 23, 2024
Probably really rated more like a 3.5, this is a fun mystery. The characters are really starting to take shape. The culinary aspects are a big part of the story, so if you aren't at all interested in cooking or food, this might not be a mystery series for you. As a small business owner, I also connected with that aspect. Typically I prefer a cats, but the little dog in this book with a nice addition to the main characters.
September 2, 2024
A Nice Cozy
Although this is the second book in the series, it is the first one that I have read and it was a fun read. I hope to go back and read the first one too. I loved the dog in the story who was indeed the hero. There is nothing objectionable in term of language, sex, etc. Which is something I look for in a good cozy. There is a bit of romance, a good plot, and good characters. An easy fun read and highly recommended.
Although this is the second book in the series, it is the first one that I have read and it was a fun read. I hope to go back and read the first one too. I loved the dog in the story who was indeed the hero. There is nothing objectionable in term of language, sex, etc. Which is something I look for in a good cozy. There is a bit of romance, a good plot, and good characters. An easy fun read and highly recommended.
October 11, 2025
Death and Peaches Book 2
Abby returns to Sugar Creek to her Aunt Megs' B & B to open her catering service.As the story evolves more comes to light between two neighbors Andy and Chad.As Abby is dealing with an upcoming dinner party, more clues on the killer is gathered. Join Abby and her BFF Cassie and the new member to their crew, Coco, as they help the police in solving the case. A quick and moving story
Abby returns to Sugar Creek to her Aunt Megs' B & B to open her catering service.As the story evolves more comes to light between two neighbors Andy and Chad.As Abby is dealing with an upcoming dinner party, more clues on the killer is gathered. Join Abby and her BFF Cassie and the new member to their crew, Coco, as they help the police in solving the case. A quick and moving story
October 29, 2024
Great follow up to book 1
I truly enjoyed reading book 2. The characters are really lovable and relatable. I would love to be at the bed and breakfast and enjoy a meal from her catering company. The relationships among all of the characters are well done. Looking forward to reading book 3.
I truly enjoyed reading book 2. The characters are really lovable and relatable. I would love to be at the bed and breakfast and enjoy a meal from her catering company. The relationships among all of the characters are well done. Looking forward to reading book 3.
June 2, 2024
There are a lot of instances in this book that make it unrealistic. No law enforcement would accept a vial from someone who has touched it, let alone acquire it through criminal means. It would be inadmissible in court and could hurt their case. Also, don't care for Abby's attitude in this.
July 11, 2024
Surprises Await!
Again lets just say that this series is the best I've ever read. I can't wait to read the next book! I live in a Assisted Facility so I have lots of time to read. So look it up and start reading!! You won't regret it!
Again lets just say that this series is the best I've ever read. I can't wait to read the next book! I live in a Assisted Facility so I have lots of time to read. So look it up and start reading!! You won't regret it!
July 13, 2024
It always makes me hungry when I read these
Cute cozy mystery but I do have to say I know it’s set in Texas and the you’all gets a little tired. Also bothers me when people do things that could get them killed but it was a good story and the characters are fun.
Cute cozy mystery but I do have to say I know it’s set in Texas and the you’all gets a little tired. Also bothers me when people do things that could get them killed but it was a good story and the characters are fun.
September 8, 2024
The are BACK!
Our crime solving antique dealer & our curiosity driven chef! Since drama is attracted to these best friends, it's only right that these besties are dating the sheriff and detective at their local police force! A great story wit amazing characters.
Our crime solving antique dealer & our curiosity driven chef! Since drama is attracted to these best friends, it's only right that these besties are dating the sheriff and detective at their local police force! A great story wit amazing characters.
December 15, 2024
Another guessing game. I love it!
This book kept me on my toes. The mystery was hard to crack, I was second guessing whodoneit! Loved the language used. So refreshing to not have to read slang and words I don't use as a Chrst follower.
Thank you for a great read!
This book kept me on my toes. The mystery was hard to crack, I was second guessing whodoneit! Loved the language used. So refreshing to not have to read slang and words I don't use as a Chrst follower.
Thank you for a great read!
January 3, 2025
Fun cozy mystery
This series is growing on me. I enjoyed the first one but I feel the second one was better. I think because now I know the characters so it was easier to get into.
This series is growing on me. I enjoyed the first one but I feel the second one was better. I think because now I know the characters so it was easier to get into.
May 22, 2024
Review Coming
May 27, 2024
Lovely
This high quality cozy mystery series is fun and lively, lovely and delicious. The characters, the dialogue, and the food is all well written!
This high quality cozy mystery series is fun and lively, lovely and delicious. The characters, the dialogue, and the food is all well written!
September 11, 2025
unexpected read
You know about what’s going to happen but then there’s a twist. Looking forward to her next great read. Keep writing
You know about what’s going to happen but then there’s a twist. Looking forward to her next great read. Keep writing
September 29, 2025
Simple , but good
Love how you really get to know the characters in this book. You feel like they are friends,which makes it fun to read.
Love how you really get to know the characters in this book. You feel like they are friends,which makes it fun to read.
January 14, 2025
I love it when the amateur sleuth becomes the suspect and has to solve the murder to clear their name.
This was a quick cozy read. I really like these characters. I’m really invested in the romance happening in this series.
This was a quick cozy read. I really like these characters. I’m really invested in the romance happening in this series.
July 8, 2026
Death and Peaches by Nova Walsh was a sweet and charming cozy mystery that brought me right back into the heart of Sugar Creek. With a small-town setting, delicious food, friendship, and a murder to solve, this story had all the ingredients for a fun and entertaining read.
Abby finds herself caught up in another investigation when a murder at the Peach Festival puts her business and reputation at risk. I enjoyed following along as she searched for answers, uncovered clues, and tried to figure out who was behind the crime.
The characters, small-town atmosphere, and lighthearted moments made this an enjoyable escape. If you love cozy mysteries with a relatable heroine, a little romance, and plenty of twists and turns, Death and Peaches is a delightful addition to the series.
Abby finds herself caught up in another investigation when a murder at the Peach Festival puts her business and reputation at risk. I enjoyed following along as she searched for answers, uncovered clues, and tried to figure out who was behind the crime.
The characters, small-town atmosphere, and lighthearted moments made this an enjoyable escape. If you love cozy mysteries with a relatable heroine, a little romance, and plenty of twists and turns, Death and Peaches is a delightful addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews