Spawning Suspicion
- Publisher: Muddle House Publishing
- Series: A Seafood Caper Mystery , 2
- Release Date: November 9, 2020
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Available Formats: eBook and Print
- Hardcover: 9780999705421
The death of island playboy Curtis Marlin doesn’t register on busy caterer River Holloway’s radar…that is, until her brother and his girlfriend are arrested for the former athlete’s murder. Certain of the pair’s innocence, the amateur sleuth sets out to investigate. Suspicion on the island spreads like chocolate sauce when River questions the victim’s teammates. The suspects don’t appreciate her stirring up trouble, but she won’t let an election-hungry sheriff make her brother a sacrificial lamb.
But there’s more than murder on River’s to-do list. A missing groom, catered banquets, and River’s own wedding plans keep her hopping like a short order cook. And as the cherry on the sundae, she has a wild kitty to tame. Under mossy oaks and rustling palmettoes, fact and fiction blend in a mouthwatering romp of good eatin’ and yummy recipes. Spawning Suspicion is the second in Toussaint’s Seafood Capers Mystery Series.
Awards & Accolades:
“Boasting a solid tightly woven plot, great cast of characters and a feel-good atmosphere, this was a delight to read.”—Dru’s Book Musings
“A good plot line, great setting, and delicious recipes make Spawning Suspicion a book to pick up and read.”—Debra Goldstein, author of the Sarah Blair Mysteries
“If you’re hungering for a fast and entertaining read, pick up a copy of Spawning Suspicion now!”—Nancy J Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries
“Motives, suspects, shady characters, and delicious food abound in the latest Shell Island mystery.”—Pat Dupuy, reviewer
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Reviews
“This fast-paced and well-written drama quickly became a page turner as I had to know who was behind all the mischief and mayhem. I’m so happy to see River is back and her catering business is on the rise. The only thing that marred her happiness is when her brother and his girlfriend are the prime suspects in a local murder. For a problem solver like River, there’s nothing left to do but investigate and clear their names.
The author knows how to tell a story that filled me with intrigue and suspense. From the first page until the last, I was immersed in all aspects as we are introduced to potential suspects who have a stronger motive to want the victim dead. With unsavory characters abounding, River has her hand full dissecting the evidence while maintaining both her business and her personal life. When things hit a bit closer to home, the pacing quickens, and I could not wait to see the outcome of the flavorful tale with delectable creations to tease the story along. Boasting a solid tightly woven plot, great cast of characters and a feel-good atmosphere, this was a delight to read.”- Dru’s Book Musings
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“Spawning Suspicion by Maggie Toussaint is a delight for the senses! Caterer River Holloway dishes up her culinary specialties while investigating a buffet of suspects and dealing with a romance on the side. Suspense abounds as her friends are accused of murder and River is the only one who can get them off the hook, but can she find the bigger fish who is the real killer? I loved all the foodie references and already look forward to the next delectable tale in this enticing series. If you’re hungering for a fast and entertaining read, pick up a copy of Spawning Suspicion now!”—Nancy J Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries
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“Spawning Suspicion, the second in Maggie’s Toussaint’s Seafood Capers mystery series does not disappoint. This time, River Holloway is juggling her catering business jobs, including a wedding with a missing groom, her own wedding plans, and solving a murder when her brother and his girlfriend are the election-hungry sheriff’s only suspects. A good plot line, great setting, and delicious recipes make Spawning Suspicion a book to pick up and read.”- Debra Goldstein, author of the Sarah Blair Mysteries
++++++++++++++++++++
“Demand is picking up for River Holloway’s catering business. Her fiance’ Pete is back on Shell Island settling in and planning their wedding. But everything goes on the back burner when River’s brother Doug and her friend Viv are arrested for murder. It’s up to River to prove their innocence when the sheriff decides he has the right culprits. Motives, suspects, shady characters, and delicious food abound in the latest Shell Island mystery.”-Pat Dupuy
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Excerpt
My mobile phone buzzed. I’d placed it on the console when we climbed into the van. Georgia law prevented drivers from using cell phones while driving so I used a button on the steering wheel to answer the call. “Holloway Catering. This is River Holloway. How may I help you?” My brother’s voice blasted through the car. “River, thank goodness you picked up. I’m in jail. The cops think I did something terrible, because of Viv.”
Jail? Oh, no. This couldn’t be happening. Doug’s career had traction and his girlfriend adored him. I’d known Viv Declan since we were in grade school together. “Slow down,” I said. “I don’t understand. Did they arrest you or Viv?”
“Both of us. This can’t be happening. I’ve got jobs scheduled. I can’t rot in jail. Get me out of here.”
My thoughts spun in all directions as I navigated one of Shell Island’s many traffic circles. “Do you have a lawyer?”
“I asked for a public defender, but he hasn’t arrived.”
“Should I call Mark Horton again?” We’d used that lawyer when Doug acted out after Mama died.
“No. I can’t afford him.”
“But if they have you under false pretenses, he’ll set them straight. Might be worth it to have a pro at the helm.”
From the passenger seat, Pete held up a note. I read it. Ask him what the charge is.
I nodded at Pete and stared ahead at the busy two-lane road. “What happened?
“Viv and I were there.”
I didn’t have to feign confusion. “Where?”
“Curtis Marlin’s house.”
Curtis died in his grandmother’s house a few days ago. A former high school basketball star turned playboy, Curtis hardly worked but he’d always played hard. People orbited him, as if they could be cool through association. His bad boy charm never worked on me. Who had time to be a teenage rebel when you had to go to school and be responsible for the household’s cooking and cleaning?
“He died of natural causes,” I said.
“No.” Doug’s breath hitched. “Now it’s murder.”
Icy sensations feathered the nape of my neck. Oh, no. “Since when do you and Curtis hang out?”
“I knew him by name only. We saw him at the marina recently, and he invited us to come out sometime.”
My fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “You visited his house the night he died.”
“Yeah. They say we killed him.”