When a local politician is found dead in her pickle barrel, everyone fears for the town of Cloverdale, which depends on the revenue from the fair. The town needs to catch the culprit fast, and since the last person seen arguing with the victim was Nate, a young musician, the sheriff focuses on Nate as primary suspect. Amy, Piper's assistant pleads with Piper to prove the sheriff wrong because she's sweet on Nate doesn't believe he's guilty of murder.

Piper sets out to find out more about the victim and what might have driven someone to murder him. As she investigates, Piper meets Will, the owner of a local tree farm and just the man who could turn her thoughts to romance.

Ms. Hughes has crafted a wonderful mystery around the premise of pickles, items which most of us think of only as a garnish. The town of Cloverdale is a typical small town; populated with relatively normal people trying to live a good life. Throw in the occasional odd duck and the town is complete. THE PICKLED PIPER is the first in a new series, Pickled & Preserved, and I wait with anticipation for next book. Mary Ellen Hughes has other series, and THE PICKLED PIPER makes me want to go out and track them down.

Book Summary