A cute New England town, a homemade ice cream parlor, a mysterious murder, and cute cats. What more can a reader want?! Well maybe a bit more of a plot that doesn't have a million threads, lol. I love a good cozy mystery - but this one was a bit of a struggle for me. I feel like the author tried to introduce far too many characters, and every single quirky trope that she had ever encountered. Plus the plot has a lot going on and is all over the place. Riley Rhodes, librarian, spy and travel blogger (the travel blogger thing - NEVER came back up) comes back to her hometown for her best friend's mother's funeral. Buzzy was a legend in her hometown - she had a huge sprawling farm and a fun ice cream parlor - everyone is sad when dies. What will happen to the property? To the ice cream parlor? Her daughter doesn't want to sell, but the son sure does. When he is found murdered with a pitchfork Riley and her friend have to make some hard choices. Dear read - be prepared to suspend your disbelief for the whole dang novel. It's entertaining but COME ON! ( )

Riley Rhodes has returned to her hometown of Penniman, Connecticut, to attend the funeral of Caroline’s mother, Elizabeth "Buzzy" Spooner. As friends since childhood Caroline and Riley share so many memories, but working together at the ice cream shop was the best of times. Caroline and her brother Mike have decisions to make about their inheritance. Riley has decisions of her own after her last assignment in Italy. What happens to the farm and ice cream shop now? Will any of their decisions change their relationships?

I loved this intriguing cozy mystery. Characters of a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds gave interesting interactions. They added to the twists for means, motive, and opportunity for the crime leading CIA librarian and travel food blogger Riley to become an amateur sleuth. The charm is abundant in the small-town country setting, the friendships, and the images of the ice cream flavors from the standard to the unique. The names of the Udderly Delightful Ice Cream Shop and The Penniless Reader, Riley’s Dad’s bookshop are charming. Caroline’s cat, Sprinkles, 🐾 and the little furry face 🐾 that captured the attention of Sprinkles add to the charm and humorous moments.

Recipes for Buzzy’s Ultimate Frozen Margarita and Sunflower Ice Cream are available at the end of the cozy.

As Meri Allen is a pen name used by Shari Randall, I look forward to reading more of her writing in all available series. ( )

Ooh, I always love meeting new characters in a new mystery series. All of the ice cream flavors they kept talking about made me crave a giant ice cream cone. This series could be dangerous for my waist line, hahaha.

I thought this mystery was well written, I enjoyed all of the hints that were dropped throughout the story. I didn't guess who the killer was until shortly before the reveal, I totally thought it was a different character for the better part of the story. Can't wait to see what book #2 brings, good thing I don't have to wait long. ( )

A highly enjoyable beginning to a new series with plenty of twists, turns and backstory to keep you guessing until the very end. ( )

The ice cream flavors alone are a reason to check out this book! Riley Rhodes heads home to Penniman, Connecticut for the funeral of her best friend's mom. Unbeknowst to her own family and friends, she is at loose ends--a mishap as a CIA librarian on a courier like mission has resulted in a parting of ways. Riley's friend Caroline and her brother Mike (with a tennis star girlfriend in tow) have returned for Buzzy's funeral. Mike is particularly interested in continuing his mission of selling off Buzzy's farmland, perhaps leaving the Ice Cream Shop as is. When he is found bludgeoned, with girlfriend Angelica missing, the town is thrown for a loop. There are many good suspects peppered throughout the story and it makes perfect sense when Riley steps up to run Udderly Delicious for the family. This was a well paced mystery for a first in a series, I forward to reading more! ( )