The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits

Amateur sleuth Fannie Miller’s biscuits aren’t the only thing falling flat in this disappointing outing from Brunstetter (The Protector) and Bolton (Josiah for President). The residents of Sugarcreek, Ohio, are gearing up for an annual baking contest that boasts a $25,000 grand prize. Forty-three-year-old Fannie, who works at a quilt shop, is sure this year’s recipe—her aunt’s buttermilk biscuits—will beat out the gossipy Beiler sisters’ devil’s food cake and Michael and Melissa Taylor’s Italian cookies. But more pressing matters arise when other contestants receive threatening notes and then disappear. Fannie enlists the help of local detective Foster Bates to get to the bottom of the mystery but soon becomes a target herself and must decide whether a baking contest is worth risking her life. As she turns to her Bible for guidance, she also entertains the possibility of a romance with Foster, a widower who’s still recovering from the death of his wife and son in a car accident 15 years ago. While the cast of endearing characters, quaint small-town backdrop, and delightful premise provide all the ingredients for a charming page-turner, the plot falls apart as the investigations progress, coincidences pile up, and the chemistry between Foster and Fannie flounders. Amish cozy fans have plenty of better options to choose from. (Jan.)