A Deadly Inside Scoop

Win Crewse returns to her hometown to take over her family's ice cream shop, determined to restore its legacy and make her own mark on the business. Her grand reopening gets delayed until winter due to renovation setbacks, leading to a slow start for the shop. When Win discovers a dead body near the ice cream parlor, she becomes entangled in a murder investigation that threatens her new beginning. The victim's connection to her father makes the case personal, forcing Win to balance running her struggling business while working to clear her father's name. A cozy mystery that combines family tradition, ice cream making, and small-town dynamics against a wintry Ohio backdrop. The novel explores themes of homecoming, generational businesses, and the complexities of family loyalty when faced with difficult circumstances.

Readers describe this cozy mystery as light and easy to read, with many appreciating the ice cream shop setting and family dynamics. Multiple reviews note the authentic portrayal of a Black business owner and her close-knit family. Liked: - Ice cream shop details and recipes - Strong family relationships - Clean content without graphic violence - Diverse characters and cultural representation Disliked: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Amateur sleuth making unrealistic choices - Some found the mystery plot predictable - Several readers wanted more character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Perfect for fans who want a cozy mystery without gore or strong language." Multiple reviews mention it works well as a series starter but requires patience through the early chapters before the mystery picks up pace.

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📚 Author Abby Collette also writes under the pen name Abby L. Vandiver and has penned multiple successful cozy mystery series. 🍦 The book features authentic ice cream recipes that readers can try at home, connecting the culinary and mystery elements of the story. 🏺 The story's setting, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a real historic village known for its picturesque waterfalls and local ice cream shops. 🔍 The protagonist, Bronwyn Crewse, is a fourth-generation ice cream shop owner who left a career in Manhattan as a statistician to return to her family business. 💫 This book launched the Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series, which combines elements of small-town charm, family legacy, and culinary-themed detective work.