Seattle Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece probes murder while juggling a troubled employee, her mother’s house hunt, and a fisherman who’s set his hook for her.As owner of the Spice Shop in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, Pepper Reece is always on the go. Between conjuring up new spice blends and serving iced spice tea to customers looking to beat the summer heat, she finally takes a break for a … takes a break for a massage. But the Zen moment is shattered when she overhears an argument in her friend Aimee’s vintage home decor shop that ends in murder.
Wracked by guilt over her failure to intervene, Pepper investigates, only to discover a web of deadly connections that could ensnare a friend – and Pepper herself.
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Chai Another day is the 4th book in the ‘Spice Shop’ mystery series written by Leslie Budewitz. The book was published in 2019 and takes place in the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle. The only bad thing about being caught up in a series is that you have to wait a long time for the next book, and that’s exactly how I feel now that I’ve finished this issue. What!?!?! Another year or so… I guess it’s only fair. Writers need time to fully craft the next story, so I can let it go. Ever since I visited the market again last June, I’ve been waiting to read this one. It finally hit my TBR queue last week, so let’s review this wonderful book.
Pepper overhears an argument through a closed door, but she’s only certain of one speaker’s identity. In the middle of her massage, the masseuse is interrupted and has to attend to a medical issue in the store below her apartment. Only then does Pepper learn one of the store’s employees has been killed. Could she have prevented it? Pepper feels guilty and jumps full force into solving the crime. The suspect list keeps growing as we meet the victim’s husband, friends, family, enemies, and a few other strangers that might not be so strange after all. Budewitz takes us through a challenging crime, but we land safely on our feet. Luckily, Pepper escapes being killed herself this time.
Chai figures prominently. I loved learning more about tea. Pepper’s relationship heats up in a good and bad way. One of Pepper’s employees has a personal issue, and trying to solve it was fun, then sad. Hopefully it all works out for her. Pepper’s mom is also moving back to town… how’s that gonna work out? And let’s not forget Arf, the wonderful dog companion who goes everywhere with Pepper. I highly recommend this series. The subplots are strong. The mysteries are complex. Everything weaves together well. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will continue with the series. 4.5 stars!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Again, Pepper has a lot on her plate and the last thing she needs is another murder, but that is exactly what she finds when she tries to take a little time for herself. She heard an argument erupting from the vintage shop as she climbed the steps for a relaxing massage. Before she gets any of the benefits the massage ends when her massage therapist, Seetha is summoned downstairs for a medical emergency. The emergency was murder! Aimee McGillvray, the owner of Rainy Day Vintage, found her employee Joelle bleeding on the floor of the store but she died before help could arrive.
Pepper is distraught, if only she had ventured into the store before going upstairs she may have saved Joelle’s life. Warned by Detective Tracy to stay out of the investigation, she feels responsible and can’t help but to do her own inquiries.
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I am so happy this series has new life with a new publisher. If you missed the prior books, no fear, the author provides a cast list at the front of the book and provides plenty of background within these pages.
The author has created a strong protagonist in Pepper Reece. She is smart and caring with a background in human relations. Pepper has learned a lot about spices since this series began. She is a wonderful cook and has developed a great palate which helps her create some fantastic blends with the help of her staff. She has also developed a palate for sleuthing and that could be her downfall as sometimes she leaps into the fray without regard for her own safety.
Thankfully there is a great supporting cast who has saved her bacon time and time again. The supporting cast is her mother, friends, employees, a certain fisherman, and Detectives Tracy, Spencer, and new in this book Armstrong. Also, usually by her side is her lovable dog, Arf, who has great instincts. All are genuine and relatable. They each have a purpose and add to the story as a whole.
I do enjoy that Ms. Budewitz doesn’t back away from social issues. Pepper’s family has always been involved in helping people and doing the right thing and she lives her life the same way.
The story does blend the happenings of real life with the mystery of murder seamlessly. Readers will find a well-written and very well-plotted mystery. There are plenty of suspects and plenty of twists. Surprisingly I honed in on the right guilty party this time but didn’t understand the full motivation until it was spelled out for me. The author did her best to give up on my suspect in favor of another but I held tight to my choice.
The setting of this series, Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, is such a unique place and a treasure trove for this series. With each visit, we find new shops, nooks, and places I would love to visit. The author’s descriptive style really brings the place alive. Someday, I hope to see it in person.
This is an excellent addition to this series. The characters are like old friends and they are wrapped up in a fine mystery. There are also mouth-watering recipes and spice notes at the back of the book I can’t wait to try. I will be anxiously awaiting book #5 and another trip to the Seattle Market. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
Great to see the return of this series! I love Pepper and her friends and reading about the Market. This book kept me really guessing as to the killer, especially when one of the potential suspects turned up dead. I can’t wait to read more books in this series, hopefully, and see what’s next for Pepper and Nate, and of course Arf the dog.
Totally enjoyed Chai Another Day
Between the intriguing mystery and the yummy spice recipe references, this is an engaging book.
I love this series: the setting, the characters and the overall plot. The character development throughout the series has been wonderful to witness. I’m glad to see that the series has a new home and will continue!