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A Perennial Sleuth Mystery #2
Museum Gala Murder
A museum gala. A forged antiquity. Tea and treachery.
When Fiona Firth's bistro caters Seacliff Springs’ most elegant event, she expects excellent reviews, not a body. But when the town's sharp-tongued curator drops dead mid-toast, Fiona's signature tea service becomes the prime evidence.
The official natural causes. Fiona's murder dressed in ceremony.
With her restaurant's reputation on the line and the real killer still walking free, Fiona does what any bistro owner with a talent for observation would she starts asking questions. Aided by her loyal staff, a too-clever cat, and an instinct for what smells wrong, she digs into the museum's elegant facade.
But someone in Seacliff Springs' glittering elite is hiding secrets worth killing for. A switched artifact. A nervous technician. A collector with a hair-trigger temper.
The closer Fiona gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. And if she can't unmask the culprit before they strike again, The Perennial's event might be her last.
When Fiona Firth's bistro caters Seacliff Springs’ most elegant event, she expects excellent reviews, not a body. But when the town's sharp-tongued curator drops dead mid-toast, Fiona's signature tea service becomes the prime evidence.
The official natural causes. Fiona's murder dressed in ceremony.
With her restaurant's reputation on the line and the real killer still walking free, Fiona does what any bistro owner with a talent for observation would she starts asking questions. Aided by her loyal staff, a too-clever cat, and an instinct for what smells wrong, she digs into the museum's elegant facade.
But someone in Seacliff Springs' glittering elite is hiding secrets worth killing for. A switched artifact. A nervous technician. A collector with a hair-trigger temper.
The closer Fiona gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. And if she can't unmask the culprit before they strike again, The Perennial's event might be her last.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
9 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 25, 2025
When Fiona Firth, secures the catering contract for the prestigious annual museum gala, she envisioned glowing reviews and a boost for her bistro. Instead, she found herself amidst a scene far darker than a culinary mishap. The event, a lavish affair turns instantly grim as the esteemed curator dramatically collapses mid-toast.
The subsequent official ruling of "natural causes" does little to soothe Fiona's growing unease. Her elegant tea service—the very cups, saucers, and pots that had been so carefully prepared—became the focal point of the investigation, or lack thereof. With the integrity of her business and her own reputation now perilously close to being tainted by association, Fiona is driven by a fierce need for the truth.
Fiona, being a sharp observer with a knack for noticing the small details others miss, launches her own investigation. She is not alone. Her loyal and resourceful staff, fiercely protective of their employer, become her eyes and ears in the genteel, gossip-ridden world of Seacliff Springs. And then there is Miso, Fiona’s clever cat, whose preternatural instinct often guides her to the most unexpected clues.
Working with the sharp-witted Detective Linda Walsh, Fiona begins to peel back the polished veneer of the town's elite. Her culinary-sleuthing uncovers a simmering pot of secrets: a priceless historical artifact, that had been suspiciously switched for a fake; a nervous young museum technician who seems to know more than they are was letting on; and a notoriously temperamental, high-stakes collector who had a very public, heated argument with the deceased just hours before the curator's collapse.
Fiona finds that this is not a culinary competition; it's a deadly hunt, and the killer, desperate to keep their secret buried, has shown they will not hesitate to strike again to ensure Fiona's investigation, and perhaps Fiona herself, meets a permanent end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The subsequent official ruling of "natural causes" does little to soothe Fiona's growing unease. Her elegant tea service—the very cups, saucers, and pots that had been so carefully prepared—became the focal point of the investigation, or lack thereof. With the integrity of her business and her own reputation now perilously close to being tainted by association, Fiona is driven by a fierce need for the truth.
Fiona, being a sharp observer with a knack for noticing the small details others miss, launches her own investigation. She is not alone. Her loyal and resourceful staff, fiercely protective of their employer, become her eyes and ears in the genteel, gossip-ridden world of Seacliff Springs. And then there is Miso, Fiona’s clever cat, whose preternatural instinct often guides her to the most unexpected clues.
Working with the sharp-witted Detective Linda Walsh, Fiona begins to peel back the polished veneer of the town's elite. Her culinary-sleuthing uncovers a simmering pot of secrets: a priceless historical artifact, that had been suspiciously switched for a fake; a nervous young museum technician who seems to know more than they are was letting on; and a notoriously temperamental, high-stakes collector who had a very public, heated argument with the deceased just hours before the curator's collapse.
Fiona finds that this is not a culinary competition; it's a deadly hunt, and the killer, desperate to keep their secret buried, has shown they will not hesitate to strike again to ensure Fiona's investigation, and perhaps Fiona herself, meets a permanent end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
Another Miso the cat cozy murder mystery along with his owner, herb intuitive Fiona. Fiona finds herself in another murder investigation during an art gala where the art director is murdered during the gala with a a poisoned honey stick. As Fiona is the owner of a restaurant known for her herbal teas and recipes and as she is also an herbal intuitive which means she uses herbs to help clarify thoughts and intentions she is immediately labeled as a murderer or a witch with murderous tendencies once again her faithful staff and she along with detective Walsh slowly work through the facts and suspects utilizing her talents as well as clear investigative techniques to find the murderer this is an interesting read. It is factual straightforward forthcoming scientific and extremely interesting.
I am not sure that this is how actual investigations go where this one of the suspects works with the detective to actually solve the murder , but it makes for a fun read.
I am not sure that this is how actual investigations go where this one of the suspects works with the detective to actually solve the murder , but it makes for a fun read.
November 22, 2025
A Truly Captivating Cozy Mystery!
Museum Gala Murder, the second book in the A Wickedly Clever Culinary series, is an absolute delight! Author Blackwood instantly recaptured my heart; the series just keeps getting better.
The dynamic duo of Fiona and Miso are back, leading a brilliant cast of clever and witty staff members on a fascinating clue-finding mission. Blackwood crafts a truly immersive sleuthing setting—it’s impossible not to be captivated by her storytelling.
This is a genuinely wicked and clever read that will hold your attention from the first page to the very last. If you love a charming, expertly executed cozy mystery, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Highly recommended! I simply cannot wait for the next installment!
Museum Gala Murder, the second book in the A Wickedly Clever Culinary series, is an absolute delight! Author Blackwood instantly recaptured my heart; the series just keeps getting better.
The dynamic duo of Fiona and Miso are back, leading a brilliant cast of clever and witty staff members on a fascinating clue-finding mission. Blackwood crafts a truly immersive sleuthing setting—it’s impossible not to be captivated by her storytelling.
This is a genuinely wicked and clever read that will hold your attention from the first page to the very last. If you love a charming, expertly executed cozy mystery, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Highly recommended! I simply cannot wait for the next installment!
November 28, 2025
Fiona's catering the town's most elegant event of the year and she is expecting (hoping) for glowing reviews and hoping it will grow her business. However having someone die just after drinking Fiona's tea isn't exactly the kind of talk she was hoping for. Although the tea is suspected at first it is ruled a "natural" death that Fiona is taking with a large grain of salt. In order to erase this black mark from her business, Fiona has to find the real killer. The staff and her cat help Fiona as much as they can. However as much as the gang wants to find the truth, the killer is trying to make sure their secret stays hidden. Fantastic mystery! Loved the characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
Museum Gala Murder is a great start to a story with Fiona Firth's Bistro and her cat Miso. Something happened and Fiona, Miso and her staff investigate. Fiona is constantly looking for patterns. Fiona works with Detective Linda Walsh to look into the pieces of this puzzle. But which piece will fit and show the truth?
I enjoyed reading story very much and highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading story very much and highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
Fiona Firth's bistro caterers the Seacliff Springs Museum gala for the donors of the museum. What they didn't expect was the curator falling dead of poison in the middle of her speech. Fiona, Miso her cat, and Detective Walsh have to do a lot of investigating to find the answers to this mystery. Lots of interesting things that you don't think about in running a museum.
I received an arc and this is my review.
I received an arc and this is my review.
November 29, 2025
Miso is definitely the star! This is another intriguing mystery. Another murder. Another misdirected suspicion of The Perennial. I wonder if that is planned by suspects either consciously or subconsciously. Fiona has a knack for solving these cases. I love that Miso is capable of pointing out pertinent clues. I am loving this series!
November 25, 2025
The museum curator discovers a switched artifact. Before she can reveal what she has found, she's poisoned at the Museum Gala. Fingers point to Fiona Firth's bistro and she must work with the local police to find the killer and restore her bistro's reputation.
February 13, 2026
I’m loving this series so much the author immerses you in the world in her book and I’m here for it!!!
December 26, 2025
miso is my favorite!
Tansy’s Blackwood Museum Gala Murder is a gripping mystery set during a glamorous museum gala that takes a dark turn. The suspense builds as secrets are revealed, and the eerie museum setting keeps the story engaging. Miso the cat adds a charming and memorable touch to the story, bringing lightness to the tension. Overall, it's a fast-paced and enjoyable read for mystery lovers.
Tansy’s Blackwood Museum Gala Murder is a gripping mystery set during a glamorous museum gala that takes a dark turn. The suspense builds as secrets are revealed, and the eerie museum setting keeps the story engaging. Miso the cat adds a charming and memorable touch to the story, bringing lightness to the tension. Overall, it's a fast-paced and enjoyable read for mystery lovers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews