A Game of Cones (An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery)
by Abby Collette
About A Game of Scones
A Game of Cones (An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Ohio
Publisher: Berkley (March 2, 2021)
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0593099680
ISBN-13: 978-0593099681
Digital ASIN: B089S6SPKB
In this charming mystery series set in an ice cream shop, no case is too cold to crack!
Bronwyn Crewse is delighted that Crewse Creamery, the ice cream shop her family has owned for decades, is restored to its former glory and serving sweet frozen treats to happy customers in the picturesque small town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. But when a big city developer comes to town intent on building a mall, a killer with a frozen heart takes him out.
After literally stumbling across the body, one of Win’s closest friends becomes the prime suspect, and to make things worse, Win’s aunt has come to town with the intention of taking command of Crewse Creamery. Even though Win has a rocky road ahead to help her friend and keep her ice cream shop, it’ll take more than a sprinkle of murder to stop her from solving the crime and saving the day.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and the family-owned Crewse Creamery now managed by Bronwyn (Win) Crewse. She has really turned the business around with fresh and unique ice cream flavors, but her aunt is back in town with her own ideas for the shop and plans to push Win out. Bronwyn and other Chagrin Falls business owners also have a huge new concern. A developer has come to town with plans to buy up all the stores and businesses and erect a high-rise mall on the town triangle. Win’s friend and former co-worker Rory has also come to town on a mission to lure Win back to her old job with a big raise and more benefits.
The community is up in arms about the mall. So much so, someone killed off the developer. The police are investigating but it is Rory that lands on the top of the suspect list when she reveals she is the one that found the body and a key piece of evidence belongs to her. She has no motive and claims she didn’t kill the man and Win believes her friend. Now they just have to find the real killer and clear Rory’s name.
I love ice cream and mysteries so this story was perfect for me!
Ms. Collette has written a strong leading lady in Bronwyn Crewse. She took a real chance leaving her career in the big city behind to come home and revive the family ice cream parlor. She has some great ideas and seems very happy with her decision. I love the relationship she has with her PopPop. They meet bright and early every day for breakfast before she heads off to create the yummy ice cream flavors of the day. He then shows up and spends several hours at the shop visiting with customers, keeping an eye on things, and giving Win advice as needed. She has a few employees but her crazy friend Maisie and friend Rita, also help out when they can. When it comes to sleuthing Maisie and Riya are Win’s sidekicks. Maisie comes up with the most outrageous ideas and theories. She has learned everything about solving mysteries from watching every television drama out there, making her an “expert”. She is a real hoot and a half. These core characters are so well crafted. Diverse and engaging, with very believable family dynamics, these are characters I love after just 2 books in the series.
Readers are introduced to several new characters including Win’s friend from New York, Rory. She was welcomed into the family immediately. A true coffee connoisseur, it was so funny to follow her on her quest to find the perfect cup in the small town of Chagrin Falls. I really liked this character and the way she evolved over the course of the story. I hope she pops up again in future books.
The mystery itself was very complicated with a lot of characters involved. I was using the notes feature on my Kindle to keep everyone straight. Even using that feature I was unable to solve the case before all was revealed. The developer wanting to revitalize the downtown area is a current-day hot topic many communities are facing. Thankfully most handle it without murder 🙂
A Game of Cones 
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About Abby Collette
Abby L. Vandiver, also writing as Abby Collette, is a hybrid author who has penned more than twenty-five books and short stories. She has hit both the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller list. Books one and two, A Deadly Inside Scoop and A Game of Cones, from her latest cozy series, An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery, published by Penguin Berkley, is out now.
Author Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram– Website –
Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound
Great Escapes Praise for A Game of Cones (An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery)
by Abby Collette
I love the diverse characters, spanning a variety of ethnicities and cultures, and the combination of several different, strong (and quirky) personalities. I also love that it’s set in a Black owned business in a charming small town – and the yummy ice cream Win creates doesn’t hurt either!
~Reading Is My SuperPower
I loved the plot. The characters were all engaging and funny in their own right. They all complemented each other.
~Lori for Novels Alive
A Game of Cones is equal parts murder mystery and family drama, with a healthy sprinkle of humor. Colette’s cast of ethnically and age diverse characters are quirky and interesting, and the setting is appealing . . .
~Book Club Librarian
The plot and storyline were easily read making this one a page-turner.
~My Reading Journeys
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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.”
This series sounds wonderful! Thanks for the contest.
Congrats on the new release! The book sounds intriguing. The ice cream shop is a great setting and I look forward to reading this mystery.