The Final Tap
by Amanda Flower
The Final Tap
(A Living History Museum Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Ohio
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2016)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738745138
E-Book ASIN: B01A5OGTDM
Synopsis
March on Barton Farm can only mean one thing: maple sugar season. To combat the winter slump, resilient director Kelsey Cambridge organizes a Maple Sugar Festival, complete with school visits, pancake breakfasts, and tree tapping classes. Kelsey hires curmudgeonly maple sugar expert Dr. Conrad Beeson to teach the classes, despite misgivings over his unpleasant demeanor. It’s a decision she ends up regretting when, before the first tree can be tapped for sap, Dr. Beeson turns up dead.
The maple sugar expert’s death threatens to shut down not only the Maple Sugar Festival, but also Barton Farm itself. Kelsey must solve Dr. Beeson’s murder to escape the increasingly sticky situation.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In the follow up to The Final Reveille
Amanda Flower doesn’t just write a very intriguing mystery, she teaches us all about maple sugar/syrup collection and processing. So much work goes into the natural treat we pour on our pancakes and waffles. She does this by introducing interesting characters that we follow through the story. The Barton Farm has its own sugarhouse and their is another one close by in a local park. Kelsey even ventures into the all male Sap and Spile group in her efforts to eliminate and find suspects. She doesn’t receive a warm welcome from all the members. Maple sugar is a major thing in this area of Ohio.
The mystery was well written and flowed syrup smooth. I was caught by surprise at the end. The guilty party was way off my radar.
In addition to the drama at work Kelsey has drama at home. She is sharing custody of her son, Hayden, with her ex and he is threatening to take her to court to change their agreement. Too many dangerous things happening at the farm aren’t really his main concern. He seems to be bent out of shape that Kelsey may be getting into a romantic relationship of her own. He seems to forget he left her for Krissie and they are engaged to me married. This story line is ongoing and I know things are really going to get good in book #3.
Characters that continue to evolve, a fabulous setting, and a top notch mystery. I recommend this one highly.
About This Author
Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Author Links:
Purchase Links
Prose and Cons: A Magical Bookshop Mystery
Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series (writing as Isabella Alan)
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Amanda Flower’s new series is wonderful. The combination of history in her first of this series with a mystery makes reading more interesting. Time flies while you turn the pages. robeader53@yahoo.com
I am not familiar with this series but a living history mystery sounds fascinating. Looking forward to reading it.
I love these books!
Final Tap soounds so intriguing. I have it on my MUST read list!
Sounds like a great read.
I love all her books.
I would really like to read this book. A Maple Sugar festival sounds interesting. Adding to my TBR list.
I”m really interested in Amanda Flower’s Living History Museum Mysteries (she is an amazing writer) and would love to read The Final Tap — thanks for your wonderful review and giveaway!
Love Amanda’s books and can’t wait to read this one. I’ve met her several times at book fairs and recently attended her tea at the Twinsburg Library. She’s such a sweetheart and so engaging.
Marvelous theme! I enjoy learning something along with enjoying the mystery…this is a subject I find fascinating!
Living history museum is such a fascinating idea. Thanks for the giveaway.
I haven’t read one of her books yet but this looks very interesting. Thanks for the review and chance to win.
This would be a great book to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Sounds like an interesting book.
Loved The Final Reveille. Looking forward to reading The Final Tap.
Have added this book to my TBR list and can’t wait to read it.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!