Cold Turkey

With elaborate relationships, juicy secrets, and nefarious schemes, Meade’s seventh Tish Tarragon novel (following Of Mushrooms and Matrimony) is another savory murder mystery. Tish has a lot to be thankful for: an understanding boyfriend, a close group of friends, the forthcoming opening for her new Cookin’ the Books Café. But first, she has to handle catering for the Turkey Trot, Hobson Glen’s annual race, an event that’s been moved up to pre-Thanksgiving because of local politicians’ misguided priorities. As everyone assembles at the trailhead ready to run at the starter’s pistol, they instead hear deadly shots fired, and the deputy mayor is killed. Tish has established her sleuthing abilities, and she confidently assists Sheriff Reade in solving the murder. The victim’s immoral politics result in a significant list of suspects, and they all give riveting testimonies that further complicate the investigation. Although the jolting reveals could have had more emotional impact, given the complex histories of the suspects, the book still builds a compelling plot.