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Maple Hills #5
Georgia Peach Truffle Murder
Like a black cat, Nikki Bates seems to attract bad luck and trouble wherever she goes.
First in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, then on to her new stomping grounds of Maple Hills, Vermont, where she makes chocolate and stumbles onto murders. But this time it is not Nikki that has found the trouble, but her partner, Detective Hawk Daily. When an ex-partner and one-time friend summons Hawk to Atlanta after being shot it reveals an intrigue with International implications.
From east to west, construction happens every day in America. Buildings are thrown up, old ones are torn down and new projects are planned. On those construction sites, workers come and go, yet Nikki and Hawk discover that for the massive Dellington and Haim construction firm, many of those workers are illegal immigrants bought and sold as cheap slave labor. Tricked or coerced by men that value money more than human lives, these immigrants are trapped in a rat’s maze of slavery and death…and Nikki and Hawk have walked right into the middle of it.
This cozy mystery is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
First in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, then on to her new stomping grounds of Maple Hills, Vermont, where she makes chocolate and stumbles onto murders. But this time it is not Nikki that has found the trouble, but her partner, Detective Hawk Daily. When an ex-partner and one-time friend summons Hawk to Atlanta after being shot it reveals an intrigue with International implications.
From east to west, construction happens every day in America. Buildings are thrown up, old ones are torn down and new projects are planned. On those construction sites, workers come and go, yet Nikki and Hawk discover that for the massive Dellington and Haim construction firm, many of those workers are illegal immigrants bought and sold as cheap slave labor. Tricked or coerced by men that value money more than human lives, these immigrants are trapped in a rat’s maze of slavery and death…and Nikki and Hawk have walked right into the middle of it.
This cozy mystery is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
- GenresCozy Mystery
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2016
About the author
Wendy Meadows
200 books445 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 5, 2017
Murder on the road
Seems no matter where they go Nikki and Hawk can't stay out of trouble and it is following them wherever they go
Seems no matter where they go Nikki and Hawk can't stay out of trouble and it is following them wherever they go
July 21, 2017
Excellent stories (the whole series)
Every ending of the story continues directly into the next. Love the continuity. Interesting action packed story lines. You get to know the people. Highly recommended read.
Every ending of the story continues directly into the next. Love the continuity. Interesting action packed story lines. You get to know the people. Highly recommended read.
September 22, 2017
Good Read
I am enjoying these stories and look forward to finishing the series. However, I think the publisher needs a better proof reader than spell check. Words are misspelled, are missing,, or not in context. It is distracting.
I am enjoying these stories and look forward to finishing the series. However, I think the publisher needs a better proof reader than spell check. Words are misspelled, are missing,, or not in context. It is distracting.
January 3, 2018
It was a peach of a story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Hawk and Wendy make a nice couple. They are also great together as detectives. This was a very well written story with many twist.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Hawk and Wendy make a nice couple. They are also great together as detectives. This was a very well written story with many twist.
October 16, 2020
Bad luck or not I LOVE Nikki 😊. This whole series is Fantastic and I think I am a bit addicted to it. 😉 So much action and romance stuffed into a small book that is perfect for a couple hours of reading time. 😍
March 26, 2024
No matter where Nikki snd Hawk go murder is sure to follow. This time it’s not Nikki’s pass, it’s Hawks.
Can they solve the mystery before someone takes them out. Number five in the series and they keep getting better with each mystery.
Can they solve the mystery before someone takes them out. Number five in the series and they keep getting better with each mystery.
March 6, 2018
The series keeps getting better and better. I love how the next mystery teaser is at the end of the previous book. I am enjoying the connection Nikki and Hawk are having.
August 16, 2020
Great Book
Great book. Great story and characters.it was nice to read at the end how the chief asked Nikki not to leave.
Great book. Great story and characters.it was nice to read at the end how the chief asked Nikki not to leave.
February 6, 2022
Awesome read
I always enjoy reading stories by Wendy Meadows; they are so full of excitement. The friendships are watching her fall in love are heartwarming.
I always enjoy reading stories by Wendy Meadows; they are so full of excitement. The friendships are watching her fall in love are heartwarming.
September 30, 2016
Twisty
Many characters in this book which was a little confusing. The bad guys were cold and mean with hidden agendas.
Many characters in this book which was a little confusing. The bad guys were cold and mean with hidden agendas.
January 27, 2017
Not sure how to describe this.
First, as someone that lives in Georgia, I have to say that if you're driving from Atlanta to New York, you definitely don't want to drive up interstate 75 because you're going to be heading north west. Looking at a map would have helped the author with this. Second, I found Nikki, the main character's repeated use of "big lug" childish and condescending, especially since she and Hawk are well educated adults. I would think Nikki would have a much better vocabulary and would be a much better developed character with her career in journalism. She is also a confusing character. One minute she's making Hawk promise they can go back to Georgia as soon soon as they case is over and then when he follows through, it's not what she wants. Not sure I can continue with this series if the characters are not better developed.
First, as someone that lives in Georgia, I have to say that if you're driving from Atlanta to New York, you definitely don't want to drive up interstate 75 because you're going to be heading north west. Looking at a map would have helped the author with this. Second, I found Nikki, the main character's repeated use of "big lug" childish and condescending, especially since she and Hawk are well educated adults. I would think Nikki would have a much better vocabulary and would be a much better developed character with her career in journalism. She is also a confusing character. One minute she's making Hawk promise they can go back to Georgia as soon soon as they case is over and then when he follows through, it's not what she wants. Not sure I can continue with this series if the characters are not better developed.
September 23, 2016
Wendy Meadows is a hit.
Wendy is a shining. Star with the Maple Hills cozy mysteries.. She keeps you on the edge of your seats from beginning to end. If you have not read this series begin at book one to see how it all starts. Can't wait for the next book so get to writing Wendy.
Wendy is a shining. Star with the Maple Hills cozy mysteries.. She keeps you on the edge of your seats from beginning to end. If you have not read this series begin at book one to see how it all starts. Can't wait for the next book so get to writing Wendy.
October 22, 2016
Took a wrong turn
Storyline too intense.do not go for heavy crimes.skip this one.please stop saying you big lug,really annoying. Next one looks to back on track
Storyline too intense.do not go for heavy crimes.skip this one.please stop saying you big lug,really annoying. Next one looks to back on track
November 11, 2016
Yummy
Very good continuous series A.R. Winters is a very descriptive writer. I have liked books 1 -5. Love mysteries love this!
Very good continuous series A.R. Winters is a very descriptive writer. I have liked books 1 -5. Love mysteries love this!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews