MY REVIEW:
Book two in Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery series is the perfect summer vacation companion. Although A Sprinkle in Time actually takes place in the fall, the ice cream theme might just make the reader feel a bit cooler during the sweltering season.
I personally have not run across a book by this author that I did not enjoy. Her sense of humor shines in this series. Who would not expect a town by the name of Upper Sprocket, a dog called Noodles and a heroine who goes by the name Trinidad Jones to be fun reading? Throw in a murder or two and you have the makings of a great cozy mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale featuring Trinidad, the other two exes of her former husband, as well as a number of perfectly imperfect characters from Upper Sprocket. The quickly moving plot included a number of twists and surprises along the way. Every time I thought I knew the identity of the murderer, I was soon convinced it was someone else.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, especially those that contain quirky characters and a large dose of humor, Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery series is for you. Although A Sprinkle in Time is the second book, it can easily stand on its own merits. But why miss out on a good thing. Be sure and pick up a copy of Pint of No Return for good measure.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:?
Book: A Sprinkle in Time Author: Dana Mentink Genre: Cozy mystery (general market) Release date: May 24, 2022 Click here to get your copy! |
It’s Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket! Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is scooping up some fall flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop.
The cherry on the sundae is her upcoming feature in Go West magazine. She’s determined to serve up the perfect interview, but it won’t be easy, thanks in part to her meddling Cuban grandfather Papa Luis who has decided to make Sprocket his home for the foreseeable future. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick.
But things take a turn when Papa Luis tells her he’s found a corpse in his trunk. Upon closer investigation, they realize the body has disappeared. With the assistance of Juliette and Bonnie (her sisterhood of exes) and the way too handsome nut farmer Quinn Logan, Trinidad must solve the mystery of the disappearing corpse, before her father is up to his neck in a murderous mess.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
Who wouldn’t want to visit Upper Sprocket? Sure there’s the odd corpse that turns up, but it’s a charming place, complete with a rail riders excursion business and the Shimmy and Shake Shop, run by the determined Trinidad Jones. It’s fall in Sprocket and the locals are hosting a series of Alpenfest events with everything from yodeling performances to sausage cook offs. Papa Luis, Trinidad’s grandfather is happy to shuttle people around in his classic Chevy Bel Air until a body turns up in his truck. But other than that, Sprocket is an idyllic place with a newly opened train car inn operated by Bonnie, one of three women who were married at various times to the same rapscallion of a man. Oh, and then there’s Noodles, Trinidad’s senior Labrador retriever who has learned how to operate the windshield wipers which comes in handy as stormy weather approaches. Trinidad, Papa, Bonnie and Noodles along with other Sprocket residents are going to have their hands full as Alpenfest kicks off and gruesome items begin to pop up around town. Come along on the adventure as Trinidad wades knee deep into the sticky mess.
Railriding research with my sister!
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21
The Write Escape, May 21
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22
She Lives To Read, May 22
Daysong Reflections, May 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23
Texas Book-aholic, May 24
Pause for Tales, May 24
Inklings and notions, May 25
Blossoms and Blessings, May 25
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26
For Him and My Family, May 26
deb’s Book Review, May 27
Blogging With Carol, May 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28
Christina’s Corner, May 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 30
Simple Harvest Reads, May 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31
Labor Not in Vain, May 31
Bigreadersite, June 1
Vicky Sluiter, June 1
Genesis 5020, June 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2
Lighthouse-Academy, June 3
A Good Book and cup of Tea, June 3
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed book!!
(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1df1a/a-sprinkle-in-time-celebration-tour-giveaway
Sounds good.
I like the cover!
A Sprinkle in Time sounds like a delightful mystery to read, thanks for sharing it with me! Thanks, Daysong Reflections, for sharing your review! Have a terrific week!
Thanks for sharing about this book :) !
I hadn’t thought about the best time of year to read it, but I agree with you that summer would be perfect to read about ice cream :D .
How do you handle writing slumps?