What do you think?
Rate this book
Sugar Creek Mystery #2
Death and Peaches: Sugar Creek Mystery Series, Book 2
After deciding to trade L.A.'s chaos for sweet small-town life, Abby Hirsch is finally making Sugar Creek home—starting with moving in with her best friend Cassie and launching her new catering business. But before she can even unpack, the town's beloved Peach Festival turns deadly when a city councilman drops dead from poisoning.
To make matters worse, all signs point to Abby as the prime suspect. Not only was she one of the last people to serve him, but he'd just denied her business license, giving her the perfect motive. Now, with her dreams crumbling like a peach cobbler and the town buzzing with gossip, Abby has no choice but to investigate.
At least she's not alone—she has Cassie, her too-cute rescue dog, and . . . the maddeningly handsome Sheriff Ryan Iverson, who keeps showing up at the wrong time (or is it the right time?). Ryan says he's just doing his job, but the more he warns Abby to stay out of the case, the more she can't ignore the spark between them.
As the festival heats up and the suspect list grows, Abby will have to unravel the truth before her fresh start is ruined—or worse, before she's next on the menu.
To make matters worse, all signs point to Abby as the prime suspect. Not only was she one of the last people to serve him, but he'd just denied her business license, giving her the perfect motive. Now, with her dreams crumbling like a peach cobbler and the town buzzing with gossip, Abby has no choice but to investigate.
At least she's not alone—she has Cassie, her too-cute rescue dog, and . . . the maddeningly handsome Sheriff Ryan Iverson, who keeps showing up at the wrong time (or is it the right time?). Ryan says he's just doing his job, but the more he warns Abby to stay out of the case, the more she can't ignore the spark between them.
As the festival heats up and the suspect list grows, Abby will have to unravel the truth before her fresh start is ruined—or worse, before she's next on the menu.
Audible Audio
Published July 22, 2025
About the author
Nova Walsh
54 books87 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 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?
October 6, 2026
★★★★★
Death and Peaches is a delightful cozy mystery that kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved the combination of a charming small-town setting, engaging characters, and a murder mystery that steadily reveals its secrets. The story has a wonderfully cozy atmosphere while still providing enough suspense and surprises to keep the investigation interesting.
The mystery was especially fun to follow because there were plenty of clues and suspicious possibilities. I kept changing my mind about who might be responsible, and the twists made me eager to keep reading. The pacing was smooth, and the final resolution felt satisfying after all the pieces came together.
I also enjoyed the warm community atmosphere and the way the characters interact with one another. Those personal connections give the story plenty of heart and make the investigation even more engaging. The culinary touches add another layer of charm that cozy mystery fans will appreciate.
Overall, Death and Peaches is a fun, comforting, and cleverly plotted mystery with plenty of charm. If you enjoy small-town secrets, amateur sleuths, food-themed mysteries, and unexpected twists, this is an excellent choice.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy five stars!
Death and Peaches is a delightful cozy mystery that kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved the combination of a charming small-town setting, engaging characters, and a murder mystery that steadily reveals its secrets. The story has a wonderfully cozy atmosphere while still providing enough suspense and surprises to keep the investigation interesting.
The mystery was especially fun to follow because there were plenty of clues and suspicious possibilities. I kept changing my mind about who might be responsible, and the twists made me eager to keep reading. The pacing was smooth, and the final resolution felt satisfying after all the pieces came together.
I also enjoyed the warm community atmosphere and the way the characters interact with one another. Those personal connections give the story plenty of heart and make the investigation even more engaging. The culinary touches add another layer of charm that cozy mystery fans will appreciate.
Overall, Death and Peaches is a fun, comforting, and cleverly plotted mystery with plenty of charm. If you enjoy small-town secrets, amateur sleuths, food-themed mysteries, and unexpected twists, this is an excellent choice.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy five stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
October 4, 2026
Once again Abby and Cassie are back at it being amateur sleuths when a councilman drops dead at the local Peach festival. Abby has moved back home and is ready to open her business but all that gets crazy when she is denied a business license and then councilman Weiss dies after eating food at her booth. Much to her surprise she gets offered a job of catering his funeral but again bad luck follows her. Will she ever get her business up and running? Who is poisoning people in the town? This book is a quick read and filled with lots of comedy with these two gals and their police officer boyfriends.
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
August 29, 2026
Death and Peaches
This book was so interesting with Abby coming back to town and Aunt Mega deciding to host a dinner party with Abby taking care of all th food. After the contest that Abby entered with her peaches recipes and the death that she was accused of poisoning Mr. Weiss. Then his funeral and another person being poisoning. The end result was very interesting. I really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next one.
This book was so interesting with Abby coming back to town and Aunt Mega deciding to host a dinner party with Abby taking care of all th food. After the contest that Abby entered with her peaches recipes and the death that she was accused of poisoning Mr. Weiss. Then his funeral and another person being poisoning. The end result was very interesting. I really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next one.
October 19, 2026
Abby Hirsch has returned to her hometown of Sugar Creek, TX to help her Aunt Meg at her B&B and to start her own catering business. It, the death of a County Councilman - the same one who denied Abby her Business license - turns everything upside down.
With the help of her best friend, Cassie Devine, and a rescue dog she just acquired - Cocoa - the hunt for the murderer is underway.
Really enjoy this series.
With the help of her best friend, Cassie Devine, and a rescue dog she just acquired - Cocoa - the hunt for the murderer is underway.
Really enjoy this series.
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.
September 25, 2026
Chef Abby has officially moved home to Sugar Creek to open her Deep in the Heart Catering Company. Unfortunately, she becomes a prime suspect in a murder case after the victim was possibly poisoned by her food. It’s another case for Abby and best friend Cassie to solve in the Texas Hill Country.
October 4, 2026
A good follow-up
So book 2 didn't hold my interest quite as strong as book 1 did. However, it was still a very enjoyable read. I adore the characters and Sugar Creek sounds just like our normal Hill Country getaway spots. Plus the addition of Cocoa really puts it over the top!
So book 2 didn't hold my interest quite as strong as book 1 did. However, it was still a very enjoyable read. I adore the characters and Sugar Creek sounds just like our normal Hill Country getaway spots. Plus the addition of Cocoa really puts it over the top!
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.
August 28, 2026
Happy camper
Another great adventure. As someone new to this author, her ability to keep you turning pages, makes me thankful I found her on Amazon.
Another great adventure. As someone new to this author, her ability to keep you turning pages, makes me thankful I found her on Amazon.
January 8, 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 - 26 of 26 reviews