Treble at the Jam Fest

Food Lovers' Village Mystery #4

by Leslie Budewitz

Erin Murphy, manager of Murphy’s Mercantile (aka the Merc), is tuning up for Jewel Bay’s annual Jazz Festival. Between keeping the Merc’s shelves stocked with Montana’s tastiest local fare and hosting the festival’s kick-off concert, Erin has her hands full.

Discord erupts when jazz guitarist Gerry Martin is found dead on the rocks above the Jewel River. The one-time international sensation had fallen out of sync with festival organizers, students, and performers. Was his death an accident—or did someone even the score?

Despite the warning signs to not get involved, Erin investigates. And when the killer attacks, she orchestrates her efforts into one last crescendo, hoping to avoid a deadly finale.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Food

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2017

About the author

*Also publishes as Alicia Beckman*

Leslie Budewitz is the three-time Agatha Award winner and bestselling author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries, continuing with the 9th installment, LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING (July 2025). Her historical short mystery collection, ALL GOD'S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES: A STAGECOACH MARY FIELDS COLLECTION (September 2024), featuring a remarkable figure from Montana history, is a finalist in the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards. She also writes standalone moody suspense as Alicia Beckman.

–

What a delight to return to the Spice Shop, a fictional shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place I fell in love ages ago as a college freshman. I made it my mission to eat my way through the place, and since it’s constantly changing, I’ll never be done!

In LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING, Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece is shocked when vandals destroy the greenhouse at her friend Liz Giacometti’s lavender farm. But then Liz is killed, and Pepper digs in to solve the crimes. As her questions threaten to unearth secrets others desperately want to keep buried, danger creeps closer to her and those she loves. Can Pepper root out the killer, before someone nips her in the bud?

Writing about Seattle and its surroundings never gets old. Plus it's an excuse to keep up with places I love, and to make regular research trips. And by research, you know I mean eat!

ALL GOD’S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES imagines the life and heart of Mary Fields (1832-1914), a real-life woman born into slavery who spent her last 30 years in Montana, where she found freedom and community, and her own place in the West, bringing solace and justice to those in need. The collection brings together three stories originally published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a new novella, “A Bitter Wind,” set in 1897 and 1914, in which Mary helps a young picture bride solve the mystery of her fiancé’s death, his homesteading neighbors’ bitterness, and her own future. The title story won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story; others were finalists for awards from the Short Mystery Fiction Society and the Western Writers of America. The collection is a finalist for the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards.

I’m also the author of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, set in fictional Jewel Bay, Montana. DEATH A DENTE, first in the series, won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First novel. My guide for writers, BOOKS, CROOKS & COUNSELORS: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure, drawing on my long career as a lawyer, won the 2011 Agatha for Best Nonfiction.

I’m a past president of Sisters in Crime and former regional and national board member of Mystery Writers of America. I love to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint—not necessarily in that order. My husband and I live in northwest Montana.

For regular updates, please visit my website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, and click on the newsletter tab to sign up for emails crammed with book news, peeks inside the writing life, and more, along with two free short stories.

Readers are my favorite people. Drop me a line at Leslie at LeslieBudewitz.com. Join me at my website, LeslieBudewitz.com, or on Facebook at Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Treble at the Jam Fest, the 4th book in a mystery series written by Leslie Budewitz, and it's always a fun read. From the fun title, you might think it's about grapes and jelly, or perhaps you pick up on the significance of the musical term, treble... either way, you'd be partially correct. What really lurks beneath those words?

Erin is excited to kick off a jazz festival, and several new folks have arrived in town, some with connections to her friends and family. As she and her mother make more improvements to their wonderful natural / local goods store in Montana, her boyfriend finds a body near the town's water source. Was it an accident? When Erin discovers whom it belongs to, as well as what she remembers him/her doing the night before... it seems like foul play. Of course, she's a magnet for death, but one we are keen to solve.

Good story. Fun clues. I enjoy the series, but I do feel some partiality to the author's Seattle-based series. I have two more to read in this one to catch up, and based on the ending here, it looks like the plot of the next book might already be set up. I wonder how far of a time jump might happen!

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDn4...

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Murphy manages Murphy's Mercantile in scenic Jewel Bay, Montana. The annual Jazz Festival at the Food Lovers' Village is revving up for visitors to come from miles away for their entertainment, dining, and shopping pleasures. Erin has to quickly don her amateur sleuth cap as a famous, but fickle jazz guitarist, Gerry Martin, meets his maker over the side of a steep cliff and on the sharp rocks below. The town is thrown into a tailspin without their show headliner and with worries about how the negative publicity may affect the festivities. The story has a banner cast of characters who are either enjoyable, frustrating, manipulative, or dishonest. There are heart-touching moments, also, as future decisions are made due to a terminal illness. The murderer's identity may surprise some readers.

Author Leslie Budewitz is in good writing form with an appealing plot for an afternoon spent reading a story with all the cozy elements readers enjoy. While this story didn't quite have the special 'dazzle' I've experienced in previous books by this author, it was still an interesting read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy for NetGalley.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that this series was going to carry on. I have had a great time following author Leslie Budewitz and her wonderful cast of characters. TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST was the tastiest in the series so far!
This was a rushed but heart felt review. I do love this series, and Leslie Budewitz's writing. I look forward to more in this series, and from the author.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

We arrive in Jewel Bay just in time for the Jazz Festival. To kick off the event a few of the musicians featured put on a mini preview concert in the event area behind Erin Murphy’s store The Merc. Tempers seem to flare between a few of the artists but Erin thinks the night went pretty well. When headliner Gerry Martin is found dead the next morning Erin finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation. She is trying to save the festival but she may end up getting herself all jammed up. Can she catch a killer before the last note is played?

All of our favorite characters return and many new ones arrive on the scene. Jewel Bay is a small town and the Merc is right in the center of all the actions. Erin’s mom is cooking up a storm in the Merc’s kitchen and she also takes a big step, Tracy helps Erin with the store and has her area full of chocolate and demand is growing, and Erin has hired Lou Mary to help at the store too. She is just training but I feel she will fit right in. Adam and Erin’s relationship is going strong. His friend Tanner has come to town with some news that could change that though. Also new in this story are the musicians and a new deputy sheriff. The cast is diverse and with those we love, those with secrets, and those that just rub everyone the wrong way. Very representative of life in a small town.

The story moves right along with many things that twist and connect leading up to the surprising reveal. The imagery created by the author’s words gives a clear picture of Jewel Bay and all its special places. The dialogue was real and flowed naturally.

I am so excited that this series is continuing. I have enjoyed every visit and can’t wait to return. I have become very invested in these characters.

If this series is new to you don’t worry. The author provides a cast list at the beginning of the book. I think after reading this one you will want to go back and read the series from the start.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing visit to Jewel Bay, Montana with the gang at the Merc and surrounding businesses! I absolutely love how the author brings this small town in Montana to life and makes me long to return to the area that I was once so familiar with! Add in great characters that are so real that they feel like old friends rather than characters in a book and you are in for some great entertainment. I love that this story is centered around a music festival as those are so prevalent in the northwest that it adds another touch of realism to the plot! I loved the plot as it was woven in a wonderful manner to leave you guessing which of the multitude of suspects could have been the true culprit. I absolutely can't wait to visit again as this book was exciting, but also set the character's lives up to see some major changes in the future! If you haven't read the entire series, you really should but you can also read this book as a stand alone and not be lost!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was cute for the most part. I seemed to have trouble getting into the story and characters and would put the book down. There were many distractions that took away from the mystery. Erin is a good amateur sleuth, but makes the police seem very incompetent at their job. One of the highlights was getting glimpses of Erin's feline companions. I may read the next in this series but not sure.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, I missed book #3 so will go back and read it next. There were things mentioned in this book that were obviously sorted out in the last one that left me wondering and feeling like there was a piece missing from the puzzle. Having said that, I still enjoyed this book a lot,

We arrive in Jewel Bay, Montana for the Jazz Festival. As an opener to the festival, some of the musicians put on a short preview concert in the event area behind Erin Murphy’s store, The Merc. When a couple of arguments occur between Gerry Martin, one of the premiere performers, and some others, Erin becomes curious. When he is found dead the next morning on the rocks by the river, Erin finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation, especially as her boyfriend and his friend are the ones who find the body and see someone push him off the cliff. She is trying to save the festival, run the Merc, deal with her relationship and investigate all at the same time. Can she catch a killer before the last note is played? Will she and Adam weather some changes in their relationship?

All of our favorite characters return and many new ones arrive on the scene. Jewel Bay is a small town and the Merc is right in the center of all the actions. Erin’s mom is cooking up a storm in the Merc’s kitchen and she also takes a big step. Tracy helps Erin with the store and has her area full of chocolate and demand is growing. Erin has hired Lou Mary to help at the store and Tracy seems to be getting her nose out of joint. Adam and Erin’s relationship is going strong and we meet his friend Tanner has come to town with some news. Also new in this story are the musicians and a new deputy sheriff. The cast is diverse yet I missed Kim, Erin's friend and previous deputy. There is a good representative of a small town, especially one that is a tourist destination.

This mystery is well crafted with many clues. I enjoyed the twist and turns as the list of suspects grew and how Erin manages her business while investigating. The descriptions of the town and the area around it sprinkled throughout the story enable the reader to picture the area, perhaps longing to actually visit and see it yourself. This is a enjoyable mystery that moves right along as connections are made leading up to the surprising reveal. I definitely recommend this book and this series to any cozy mystery lover. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled when I found out that the Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series by Leslie Budewitz had found a new home with Midnight Ink! After what seemed like a long wait I finally had the chance to read TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST and it did not disappoint!

The protagonist, Erin Murphy, is the manager of her family’s shop, Murphy’s Mercantile, in Jewel Bay. The author paints a vivid picture of the town and the gorgeous location, so much that it makes me want to visit. She weaves in both scenery and the activities that this slice of Montana paradise has to offer so that the reader feels like they are participating, albeit vicariously, through Erin and her friends. Erin and the cast of characters who surround her seem like real people and it was a pleasure getting reacquainted with them. I love that they are moving forward, growing as individuals and as a community, making changes that aren’t always easy. Leslie provides a list of the characters at the front of the book which is particularly helpful for readers who pick the series up in the middle (or start with TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST) instead of beginning at book one. But overall each book is easily read as a standalone.

I truly enjoy the creativity the author shows in developing festivals for the town. I especially liked the Jazz Festival theme used for this book since it’s one of my favorite types of music to listen to while reading and enjoying a glass of wine. I just wish there could be a sound track to go with the print and e-book versions 🙂 The murder plot was complex with plenty of viable suspects and I was quite surprised by the ending. Erin feels compelled to get involved and solve the case because her boyfriend was the one to find the body. She also freely admits she’s nosy and likes to snoop… which in itself is reason enough to get involved.

There are so many delectable recipes provided at the back of the book and I want to try them all. I did make the Rhubarb Custard Pie after learning it was the author's family recipe and it was every bit as delicious as I had imagined!

I received an ARC with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Altro bel libro di questa serie. Tanti colpevoli possibili, ma alla fine avevo azzeccato quello giusto (al contrario della protagonista...). Mi piace anche l'ambientazione in un villaggio fra i monti del Montana (scusate il giro di parole).

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

I absolutely love the descriptiveness of this book. Leslie Budewitz has a way with words that paints a gorgeous picture. The mystery was great, with plenty of suspects.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: Don’t read this book while you’re hungry, unless you have some good snacks close at hand. With a series called the “Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries”, one would think this might be self-explanatory but I don’t want anyone to say I sent you in unprepared lol.

This is the 4th book in the series, but the 1st one from its new publishing home so it can easily be read as a standalone. The references to past books are mostly spoiler-free but still whet my curiosity to go back and catch up on the first three when I have time.

Erin is a great heroine/amateur sleuth, and I really like her character, her family, her business, her boyfriend. They all have solid relationships with each other – not much drama, which is so refreshing. The drama is reserved for the murder and the jazz festival, and the copious amount of suspects in play. In true cozy mystery fashion, the town is full of people who had motive for murder. Some had opportunity, too. Solving the case kept Erin – and me – busy and engaged throughout the novel.

A sweet (tear-inducing) subplot gives Treble at the Jam Fest a bit more dimension than the typical cozy, and I’m interested in future books in the series to see how that all progresses. This subplot is meaningful in the little things, and the author has done a great job – through small gestures and little scenes – of conveying warmth and affection and friendship. Without making it seem that the main plot is conflicting at all with this subplot… or vice versa.

Bottom Line: Sweet and tart, just like a good strawberry-rhubarb jam, Treble at the Jam Fest is perfect for longtime fans of the series as well as newcomers who aren’t yet sure what to expect. It’s not as quirky as some cozy mysteries; instead, it’s warm and (gasp!) cozy with mouthwatering food to send you in search of the nearest specialty food shop. The mystery is well-plotted and the solution is not immediately obvious. While it might be a bit slow in places, overall this is a very enjoyable read and a series that’s now on my radar!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Murphy manages her family's local food and sundries shop, Glacier Mercantile, known as the Merc, in the Montana resort town of Jewel Bay. The town is staging the annual jazz musical event when one of the main stars plummets to his death from the rocks along a popular river route.

Erin is key to untangling the sequence of events in this enjoyable tale. The plotline was good and held my attention and the cast was largely likeable. Treble at the Jam Fest is the fourth instalment in Leslie Budewitz's Food Lovers' Village Mystery series. Though it was my first, I managed to keep up with the characters aided by the handy cast list provided. If you are into either food or music, then this lighthearted and undemanding story is for you. I look forward to checking out the other books in this series for sure.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz takes us to Jewel Bay, Montana where Erin Murphy is the manager of Murphy’s Mercantile. It is time for the annual Jewel Bay Jazz Festival and Workshop event. The Merc will be hosting a special Friday night concert in the courtyard featuring Gerry Martin, a jazz guitarist. The evening is a hit, but Erin notices tension between Gerry, Gabby, and Dave. The next day Erin is in the shop when she receives news that Gerry Martin was found dead on the rocks by the Jewel River. Erin immediately swings into investigator mode to track down Gerry’s killer. Treble at the Jam Fest is the 4th A Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it is best to read this series in order due to the variety of characters (it can be hard to keep them all straight). I thought the story contained good writing and an interesting concept. The author provides good descriptions of the town, shops, and people. I like the characters and the setting. The whodunit was straightforward, and it was one that can easily be solved. I enjoyed following Erin as she questioned people and searched for clues. I could have done with more action and less contemplation (Erin thinks a lot). Erin’s reason for investigating this crime was paltry (let’s face it, Erin did not need a reason besides her curiosity). This was a fun story with lively characters. Treble at the Jam Fest is a fun cozy mystery with a charming romance, fine friends, affectionate family, toe tapping tunes, a musical mystery, and delectable culinary delights.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid mystery with rich characters and a nice community feel. Erin, our amateur detective, is the most competent business person I’ve read in any cozy. She has a business degree, performs the necessary administrative tasks and thinks in business terms. I appreciate the realistic details.

A fun book. I would love to make the acquaintances of these people and spend time in their town.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Leslie Budewitz' Food Lovers Village series. I've "read" the first 4 via Audible, and the narration is as good as the story! :-)

[ANNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed all the books I've read of Leslie Budewitz. This one is another winner!

[Milana Marsenich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun, delightful mystery. Leslie Budewitz has created a wonderful town that is really fun to visit. I found her characters quirky, kind, resourceful and inspirational.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz takes us to Jewel Bay, Montana where Erin Murphy is the manager of Murphy’s Mercantile. It is time for the annual Jewel Bay Jazz Festival and Workshop event. The Merc will be hosting a special Friday night concert in the courtyard featuring Gerry Martin, a jazz guitarist. The evening is a hit, but Erin notices tension between Gerry, Gabby, and Dave. The next day Erin is in the shop when she receives news that Gerry Martin was found dead on the rocks by the Jewel River. Erin immediately swings into investigator mode to track down Gerry’s killer. Treble at the Jam Fest is the 4th A Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it is best to read this series in order due to the variety of characters (it can be hard to keep them all straight). I thought the story contained good writing and an interesting concept. The author provides good descriptions of the town, shops, and people. I like the characters and the setting. The whodunit was straightforward, and it was one that can easily be solved. I enjoyed following Erin as she questioned people and searched for clues. I could have done with more action and less contemplation (Erin thinks a lot). Erin’s reason for investigating this crime was paltry (let’s face it, Erin did not need a reason besides her curiosity). This was a fun story with lively characters. Treble at the Jam Fest is a fun cozy mystery with a charming romance, fine friends, affectionate family, toe tapping tunes, a musical mystery, and delectable culinary delights.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars rounded up.

I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series. I love the main characters anyway. I find that even tho' Erin can't stop herself from asking questions and talking to people and getting herself in danger, she's not doing things haphazardly. She thinks about what she's doing and if she thinks it's going to be dangerous, she gets someone to go with her most of the time. Adam's wonderful and I enjoyed meeting his friend, Tanner, in this book. I hope we're able to see more of him!

The settings in these books always make me think that maybe I want to move to Montana. Then I come to my senses and remember that I'm very much at home right here in Michigan! The settings are always exquisitely described and yet, they're not overly flowery descriptions. They're just right for the series.

The plot line moved along steadily and was fun. I enjoyed both the mystery plot and the sub-plot in this installment. I did not know who the villain really was until the end when it was revealed. I had wondered about the person a couple of times, but I was never certain. The prose flowed well and everything was well-written.

I highly recommend this book and the rest of the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series by Leslie Budewitz. Read them all, you'll not be disappointed!

*** Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title. I was not compensated for my review. All opinions and conclusions are my own. ***

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing visit to Jewel Bay, Montana with the gang at the Merc and surrounding businesses! I absolutely love how the author brings this small town in Montana to life and makes me long to return to the area that I was once so familiar with! Add in great characters that are so real that they feel like old friends rather than characters in a book and you are in for some great entertainment. I love that this story is centered around a music festival as those are so prevalent in the northwest that it adds another touch of realism to the plot! I loved the plot as it was woven in a wonderful manner to leave you guessing which of the multitude of suspects could have been the true culprit. I absolutely can't wait to visit again as this book was exciting, but also set the character's lives up to see some major changes in the future! If you haven't read the entire series, you really should but you can also read this book as a stand alone and not be lost!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Leslie Budewitz and Beyond the Page Publishing for the digital copy of Treble at the Jam Fest. This is my personal review.
Treble at the Jam Fest is the 4th book in the series A Food Lovers’ Village Mystery. And is just as good as the others in the series.
The annual Jazz festival is in town again and the visitors in town are there to enjoy all the town has to offer them with excellent food, shopping, and most of all entertainment. The story turns to murder when a body is found. Erin knows that this murder needs to be solved and she does it in her own style.
Leslie Budewitz will keep you guessing until the end. Grab this mystery and if you have not read the others in the series get them too. You will be glad you did.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read in the series set in Jewel Bay, one of the fictional-yet-not towns I'd most like to visit! This time, the big town event is the annual jazz festival, with concerts and workshops and a musician who rubs everyone the wrong way. We meet some more Jewel Bayers in this book, a new employee at the Merc, and Adam's lifelong best friend Tanner, visiting from Minnesota. The mystery is good, with several potential guilty parties, and I was quite surprised at the end, as I heavily suspected another character as the culprit. I recommend this book - and series - to mystery lovers and food lovers, as it contains recipes for some of the yummy eats mentioned in the story!

[Alice Teets · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment in the Food Lovers' Village series. The characters are still fun, and the interactions between them seem very realistic. Of course, the investigating by the main character is not realistic, but that is not why we read cozies, is it? There were so many suspects that I was kept guessing up until the reveal, but then the ending did seem a little rushed. I will read more in this series.

I was provided this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Food Lovers' Village Series. It was good to have more of Erin and company. I loved these characters, enjoyed the mystery, and thought it had a great setting. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

[Cherry London · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a bit on the dull side, lacking excitement. Although it was well written had some interesting characters, the intrigue meter was still low. This Jam fest was interesting and engaging with mild intrigue.

[Libby]

(E-Lib) The Cincinnati library didn't have this so I recommended that they get it. I enjoyed this book -- I want to live in Jewel Bay -- but I have a hard time keeping all of the characters straight.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing story and I really didn't appreciate the whole description and scenario of the plump woman who came into her shop. It was a BIG turn off for me.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST is the fourth book in the Food Lovers’ Village series by Leslie Budewitz. Although this is the first book I’m reading in this particular series, I have read other books by Budewitz before. I worried that I might feel a little bit lost jumping into this one. While I think the mystery stands alone really well, I found that I didn’t connect with Erin’s character as much as I hoped to.

The book starts off a little bit slow and because I felt like I didn’t know Erin well and there’s so much interaction between Erin and the other folks, the book took a while for me to warm up to. I don’t normally have this issue with the other books I’ve read by this author so I think it could’ve been my fault for not reading in order so at this moment, Erin isn’t my favorite sleuth right now. I’m sure that will change as I continue to read more of the series.

I was really interested in this series because it takes music and food together and mashes them together. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work in the beginning, but it actually had a really fun, laid-back feel to it that makes it very enjoyable. I almost want to compare it to a summer concert or a family barbeque. It’s definitely a good fit for this time of the year.

So while TREBLE AT THE JAM FEST isn’t my favorite book by Budewitz, I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's not much to say about this cozy, except that it was okay. It hit all the right notes (no pun intended), it wasn't super obvious who the murderer was, and there was no character that stood out as overly annoying or overstaying their welcome. That being said, there's also not a lot that was memorable here. Our MC, Erin, runs a fancy foodie and souvenir shop (think local jams and pickles, wines, and handmade soaps) in a tiny tourist destination town in Montana. That sounds interesting, except she's never in the shop. We don't get to see her making anything or working out deals with the locals for their wares. All she does the whole time is investigate the murder, hang out with her boyfriend, and go to jazz concerts.
It could very well be that I wasn't all that interested in the plot because I don't care for jazz. I can respect it, but to me it just sounds like made up music that doesn't have a purpose, and I find it boring, unfortunately. Everyone in the town loved it, except for one guy at the diner who the rest of the cast looked down on because he had a similar opinion to me. (Can we see more of that guy? haha, just kidding. a little.)
There is some good stuff though. Erin is a capable and brave investigator, and she is constantly trying to put two and two together. The townsfolk she interrogates make sense, and the questions she asks are intelligent and revealing. I also loved the setting. I'm a sucker for Big Sky Country, and the author did a decent job of describing it to the reader.
Over all, I'd read another one of these in the future. I liked the hook, and I certainly like the setting. Jazz just isn't my bag, baby, and that's totally a ME thing.