Rating: 4.5⭐️
Turns out I’m a magpie reader. Find an author that I like and I dive right into their catalog of books and series.
That’s both a blessing and a curse for certain prolific writers like S.E. Babin, in the middle of writing a terrific urban fantasy thriller. She’s got a couple of series that haven’t seen new releases in a while, fabulous ones. Something I should probably check when picking up a book from her.
But Bubble Gum and Blackmail (Cadie Sharp #1 by S. E. Babin was just too shiny! I absolutely love the premise of a military black op, forced into retirement, who turns candy maker in a small town in Tennessee.
She’s the antithesis of fitting in, with her pink hair, pink delivery van, and attitude that’s just a bit more than a mere candy shop owner. Especially when a favorite elderly customer’s son is murdered and she’s asked for help.
The characters are tightly crafted, the town’s spot on for its location, all the residents and the community interactions feel real for that small town dynamic.
Even that Sheriff with his suspicions, isn’t a one dimensional character. There’s layers to him, some funny.
It’s a short novel, which had me crying. Because it ended on a surprise note. Which had me checking out the release date. 2021. And no mention of future stories as yet.
So are you a magpie reader like me? Cause this is so so shiny! I’m not sorry I collected it. Even if there’s nothing more.
But if not maybe find something else to read that will bring closure to the characters and check on this every now and again.
Love that cover.
Buy link
Blurb
Book overview
Part Stephanie Plum, part Brooklyn Nine-Nine, readers will adore this novella length introduction to Cadie Sharp and her merry band of misfit friends.
Military vet, former assassin … candy maker?!
All Cadie Sharp wants is a quiet life. After a case gone wrong, she leaves the military and heads to small-town Tennessee, far away from the dangers of her former life, and opens up a gourmet treats shop.
But just as she begins to settle into her new role as a shop owner, the bodies start dropping.
During a routine candy delivery, Cadie stumbles over the lifeless form of one of her best customers. She’s trained to handle situations like this, but her former superiors have given her one rule for her new life.
Do not do ANYTHING to draw attention to yourself.
Faced with a moral dilemma, Cadie tries to quietly investigate without blowing her carefully crafted cover. With her newfound friends and a slobbering dog who won’t leave her side, Cadie finds herself drawn into a mystery – one with dire consequences if she fails to discover the murderer before they discover her.
date
March 4, 2021
Language
English
Print length
82 pages
Book 1 of 1
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 