Murder at the Bake Sale by Lee Hollis

Available November 30, 2021

Maya and Sandra have a history going way back. to high school, where Maya was the free spirit and Sandra was the "goody two-shoes." Their lives continued on very different tracks but after reconnecting as adults they've found that they're surprisingly simpatico. The latest book in the Maya and Sandra series has them investigating a murder at their alma mater, the high school their children now attend, an investigation that ends up taking a backseat to some more pressing drama in their lives as they both dip their toe into the dating pool.

I've been a huge fan of Lee Hollis since I picked up Death of a Kitchen Diva on Christmas break in 2016 and binge read the first 7 books in the Hayley Powell series. Actually, it turns out I've been a fan of half of Lee Hollis (Rick Copp) since I was a little girl watching episodes of Golden Girls on Friday nights (which I loved even though I didn't get any of the jokes and love even more now that I do!)

There's something about the way these books are written that grabs you by the collar and drags you in. When I read anything by Lee Hollis it's like I'm transported and lose all track of time. This series isn't humorous like the Hayley Powell series is, but it's still very cozy. You can't help but love the characters. Maya is a semi-single mom, raising her daughter and supporting her family alone as her husband serves a prison sentence for corruption (a charge that ended Maya's career as well). Sandra is also a semi-single mom, raising two sons while separated from her Senator husband who spends most of his time in Washington D.C. Though the women are in similar circumstances, things couldn't be more different. Maya is scratching out a living as a private investigator after being forced out of her job as a police officer, while Sandra is living high, still supported by her wealthy husband. But both find great personal reward in investigating and their shared passion, along with their shared trials, give them a unique and strong bond.

The mystery in this book was very interesting and for me the killer came completely out of left field. Though there were little clues along the way, I didn't pick them up. There were also some other things going on in the story that may or may not be connected, which kept me guessing throughout.

I thought this book was great, not only the characters and the mystery but also the growth of the characters and the new directions they're taking in their lives. I really look forward to seeing what happens to them as the series goes on.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.