Recipe for Killing: Shawna Taylor Cozy Mysteries, #2

By Debbie Ries and Cheyenne McCray

After solving the first murder to occur in her small town in over fifty years, all amateur sleuth and café owner, Shawna Taylor, wanted to do was help her recipe club prepare for Bisbee, Arizona's chocolate extravaganza. But, as fate would have it, after a round of taste-testing heavenly desserts, one club member drops dead.

 

The police believe Shawna's friend, Jessica, was the one who had offered the town's most hated woman a decadent chocolate topping laced with poison. Shawna refuses to believe the sweet dress shop owner would kill anyone and enlists the help of her most daring friends, an adventurous fashion diva and zany yoga instructor. Together, they must uncover the real murderer. Could it have been the act of a jealous wife? An elderly woman protecting her cats? A kindergarten teacher seeking retribution? A chef's payback for theft? Or a hippie artist's idea of revenge?

 

The trio faces danger at every turn in their search for the truth. The handsome local detective warns Shawna off, but she's not about to see her friend locked behind bars. If they aren't careful, the chocolate desserts planned for the extravaganza will be offered at her funeral.

 

Includes recipe!

P.S. Formerly called Sunset Peak in Cooking up Murder, the real name of the town is Bisbee, which I now use.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheyenne McCray LLC
• Release date: Oct 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956103106

Debbie Ries

Debbie Ries is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and has written over one hundred published novels and novellas. She delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Debbie and her husband live with their two Ragdoll cats and two small dogs in southeastern Arizona where she enjoys going on long walks, traveling around the world, and searching for her next adventure and new ideas, as well as hand embroidering crazy quilts and listening to audiobooks.

Book preview

Chapter One

WEDNESDAY

Chocolate heaven stretched out across the industrial countertop in my cafe’s small but cheerily peach-painted kitchen, and my butt broadened just by staring at each confection.

You did it again, Shawna. My best friend, Tara Rainier, turned to me, her love of chocolate clear on her expression. "You have the best ideas."

I have my moments. I breathed in the wonderful smell of chocolate and tried not to drool over the ten desserts provided by myself and members of my recipe club. My café, Wild Child Eatery, had closed at three as usual and the meeting started at four.

Chatter filled the room from the members of the club filling my café’s kitchen that had stainless-steel appliances and an adobe-colored tile floor. Their dress ranged from jeans with Ts like me, to something you’d wear for a party, like Tara. It wasn’t a party, but so far we were having fun. This was a meeting where we all brought chocolate desserts to try out before we made more to donate to the Chocolate Affaire, the proceeds going to the county library.

Tara owned the fine dining restaurant up the street called Spice. She leaned in close to me and her peacock feather earrings brushed the shoulders of her black satin sheath, the hem of which reached the tops of her knee-high boots. She dressed in unusual outfits, often with strange accessories, and always rocked it.

Her heavy pewter peacock necklace swung forward with her movements, and I caught the scent of cinnamon and apples. Shawna, I’m going to sneak off with all ten of your chocolate bomb tortes and eat them all by myself.

I laughed and rested my backside against a countertop, in front of an industrial mixer. I fiddled with the end of my long golden-brown plait that I’d French braided that morning. I’m having some of everything. I don’t care if I gain fifteen pounds.

It’ll be worth it. Jessica Russo, who was a couple of inches shorter than my five-seven, let out the kind of laugh that always induced those around her to join in. She was energetic, outgoing, and referred to herself as a sassy-bossy brunette. She owned the dress shop across the street from my café.

Such a good idea to have our first recipe club meeting all about chocolate. Tara gave a happy sigh. The only thing missing are chocolate martinis.

The three of us should enjoy those martinis at Bear’s and soon. I smiled at Tara’s and Jessica’s enthusiastic nods. For today, it will be great to pre-taste everyone’s offering for the Chocolate Affaire, which lands on Valentine’s Day this year.

It’ll be like Christmas in February, Jessica said to Tara. I’ll be the biggest buyer—Tony will get whatever I want.

Watch out because I might get to it all first. Tara grinned then glanced from Jessica to me. I have to buy my own roses, champagne, and chocolates since I’m the only one of the three of us without a valentine.

My cheeks burned. Don’t look at me. I’m valentine-less, too.

Jessica cocked her head to the side, her long dark hair falling over one shoulder in lovely waves. Girls, am I missing something?

No. I glared at Tara before smiling at Jessica. I need to see if everyone is ready to start. I was not about to let Tara bring up something I’d much rather not talk about.

I moved away from my friends and searched the kitchen with my gaze, hoping to see that the social aspect of the club was working. Mutterings from across the room caused me to furrow my brow.

Mary Ann glanced at Alicia Cosgrave then away. Witch.

She’s nothing but a thief, Esteban said to Sandy as they walked past Alicia.

Sandy scowled and looked over her shoulder. I can trust her as far as I could throw her.

Alicia Cosgrave stood apart from the rest, yet she looked calm and collected. Still, the beautiful blonde, who no doubt had men lapping at her feet, appeared lonely. I had known her when we were in middle school, but we went separate ways in high school. She fell in with a rough crowd, while I spent my time with friends who didn’t belong to any group in particular.

You couldn’t say I knew her anymore. I had no idea why she was apart from everyone else.

Sophie brushed past Alicia and muttered, Tramp.

I frowned and hesitated then started to walk toward Alicia. I came up short when my phone rang.

I didn’t check caller ID, big mistake, and I answered with, This is Shawna.

Hey, babe.

Heat crawled up my neck as I recognized the voice of my ex-boyfriend, the worm who had cheated on me, and who I had christened the Idiot.

I turned so that I faced away from the nine other people in the kitchen. What do you want, Greg?

What way is that to talk to someone who cares about you like I do? He did a good job of faking the hurt in his tone.

I snorted, not caring if it didn’t sound ladylike. Oh, you cared about me. That’s why you cheated, right? Because you cared sooo much.

He ignored that. I helped you start your café, and now I need your help.

What? I tried not to let my voice carry as I spoke with incredulity. You had nothing to do with me starting my café. Go back under the rock you crawled from.

I need cash. He went on smoothly. Not much. A couple thousand will do.

I pulled my phone away and glared at it before putting it back to my ear. Not on your dying breath.

I ended the call, put the phone on vibrate, and stuffed it into the front pocket of my faded blue jeans. My phone vibrated almost immediately in my pocket, no doubt the Idiot, and I didn’t intend to check.

After I composed my features, I turned back to face the group, and jumped. Alicia stood behind me.

She cocked her head to the side, her butter-blonde ringlets bouncing over her shoulder with the movement. I’m glad you dumped Greg Bass. He’s a jerk.

I blinked. Had I spoken loud enough for her to hear my whole conversation? Why would she care? She’d known Greg from when we were in school, but outside that, I had no idea.

And I didn’t want to know.

Are you ready for chocolate overkill? I moved toward the group and Alicia fell into step beside me, her high heels clicking on the floor. Everything looks and smells wonderful. What did you bring?

Candy. She flashed a grin that lit up her fine features. What kind is a surprise.

That could be good or bad, I supposed. I clapped my hands to get the group’s attention and the kitchen quieted. Okay, everyone. Let’s get to tasting.

About time. Ray Anton, one-half of a Hollywoodesque couple, spoke as if to an employee late to work.

I’d seen Ray come out of his second-floor office today, just up the street from my café. Construction had taken up the bottom floor of his building, supposedly a new restaurant. The signs had just been put up yesterday but were covered, as if to be unveiled soon. Ray had glared at it—apparently, he wasn’t pleased about a restaurant going in beneath his insurance business.

Sophie, his platinum-haired wife, elbowed him. She managed to look gorgeous even while wearing a scowl on her features. This is a social club, not a business meeting. We’re here to have fun—for a change.

I gestured to the long kitchen counter filled with chocolate confections. We’re going to sample each contribution to tonight’s decadent meeting and fill out questionnaires in the app as we go. I nodded toward the spread. Remember there are ten of us.

I went on. The dessert with the most votes will be showcased on my menu next month. I smiled. The second and third-place desserts will be featured in the following months.

The group made excited murmurs—everyone but Ray, who clearly hadn’t wanted to be here to begin with. Heaven knew why his wife had pushed him into becoming a member. This was not only a place to share dishes, but a place to socialize as well.

Still, Ray had brought the chocolate-covered strawberries that he had supposedly made himself, and they looked delicious. Sophie had brought the chocolate macarons.

It all looks wonderful. Sandy Chen leaned forward to get a closer look at the table, her gleaming dark hair swinging into her face. I’m ready to start.

Tara passed out the plates. All my dinnerware was white stoneware, in assorted styles and patterns. My glassware, on the other hand, were in bright colors that were also mismatched. I had chosen dinnerplates to make sure members had enough room to sample every offering—ten desserts were a lot to consume in one evening.

Jessica provided napkins and I reminded each club member to open the predetermined questionnaire app on their phones for each member’s contribution. I had added them in earlier, since I’d had everyone indicate what items they were bringing ahead of time. Alicia was the only one who hadn’t told me, so hers was a fill-in-the-blank. I had the appropriate knives, cake servers, serving spoons and forks on the table for the treats.

Mrs. Martha Jenkins craned her birdlike neck, her half-moon spectacles resting on a crystal-beaded chain below her throat. What are those tiny chocolate balls?

Alicia moved closer to the eighty-two-year-old woman and murmured, That’s the candy I made.

Mrs. Jenkins, who’d had help from Sandy on the use of her phone app, lifted her chin and offered her back to Alicia, then grumbled something under her breath. It was uncharacteristically rude for a kind old lady like Martha to snub the younger woman.

Despite her clear distaste for Alicia, Mrs. Jenkins spooned a few of the candy pieces onto her plate. They rolled around like BBs and threatened to run off the edge of the dish before she added more selections.

I took up the rear of the line, behind Jessica and Tara. I added Mrs. Jenkins’s angel food cake, Sandy’s brownie cupcakes, Sophie’s macarons, Ray’s chocolate-covered strawberries, Mary Ann’s glazed doughnuts, Esteban’s tart, Jessica’s swirl cheesecake with an espresso drizzle, and Tara’s truffles.

Death by chocolate. What a way to go.

Murmurs of appreciation floated around the room from those with full plates, along with the tapping of stylus pens as each person jotted notes in their apps.

I finished loading my plate and stared happily down at it. I chose a few of the mini balls to start my tasting experience and popped them into my mouth. I rolled them around with my tongue and let the chocolate melt in my mouth. I cocked my head to the side, trying to determine what remained. I chewed and it crunched between my teeth. The coating had been smooth and good. I could only describe what was left as weird.

These balls are creamy milk chocolate on the outside but have an odd crunch on the inside. Sandy’s voice rose above the others as she voiced my thoughts. They’re really good. Who made these? What’s the crunch?

Alicia moved away from the table and smirked. They’re chocolate-covered ants.

The room went silent.

I thought I heard retching sounds coming from Mary Ann.

Esteban and Sandy ran to the industrial sink and spit out the ants.

Ray and Sophie stood over one garbage can dumping theirs, making comments that they were glad they hadn’t eaten them.

Mrs. Jenkins looked horrified and used her fork to scrape them off her plate into a dish tub.

I looked at the few remaining balls on my plate trapped between a doughnut and the cheesecake.

I cleared my throat. That’s an unusual dessert, Alicia, although they are considered a delicacy…elsewhere. How much did you make for the event?

She shrugged, with what amounted to an evil grin. I thought I’d try these out on the group. I might do brownies for the Chocolate Affaire.

Alicia had been mischievous when we were young, but this hadn’t been appropriate. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I needed to press forward and try to elevate everyone’s mood.

Okay then. I smiled brightly around the room. Has anyone tried the truffles?

Alicia moved away from the table with her now full plate, and the woman who had disturbed our palates stood apart from everyone else. I had always thought Alicia to be nice—at least she had been in middle school.

Between the dessert she had made exclusively for our group, her impish behavior, and the way everyone had ignored her—was there more to the adult Alicia than met the eye? Did everyone else know something I didn’t?

Jessica sidled up to me. I ate all the ants before she made her announcement. I swear I’ll kick her butt. Her skin had paled to a faint green. First, I’m going to be sick.

Whoa on the butt-kicking. I rested my hand on her back. Try the ant-free options. You’ll feel better, I promise.

She rolled her eyes. If you say so.

I say so. I gave an encouraging smile. Your stomach will be fine. I hoped it would be.

"Figures she would do something like this, Jessica said with an angry glance at Alicia. She’s not only a thief, but a royal jerk."

Thief? Before I could ask Jessica about her comment, a sudden clamor broke out in the street behind my café. Loud exclamations and shouting drew the attention of everyone in the kitchen.

Sandy set down her plate, hurried to the window, and peered out. She turned back to face us, her eyes wide. You’ve got to see this. You’ll never believe who’s out in the street.

Everyone moved toward her. I reached the door first and opened it. Other club members joined me, and nearly pushed me out into the spectacle.

I can’t believe he’s right here in front of us, Alicia said breathlessly as she pushed her way to the front, next to me. I’ve always had a crush on him.

I couldn’t believe it was him, either. I stared, fascinated as I looked upon the famous movie star, who had played a pirate that rocked eyeliner better than most women.

Everyone knew the actor had a home in Bisbee, where it was quiet enough for him to escape for peace. Most didn’t know exactly where he lived, just knew he was a sometime resident. This was the only time I’d ever heard of him walking around in public, much less seen him, and he’d never had a film crew following him around town before today.

This was more than odd.

People caught him on video and took pictures with their cell phones, and two cameramen followed him. The actor waved and gave what looked like a forced smile, then turned and headed up Subway Street, past a telephone pole papered with flyers and peppered with thousands of staples from use over the past decades. He continued to where this street joined with Main Street, the clamor following him.

One of the cameramen paused in front of our door, taking a shot.

Excuse me, I called out to him. What’s going on?

The man spared me a glance. He’s here for the grand opening of Copper Plate, the new bar-restaurant on Main. And then he moved on with the crowd.

Copper Plate. So that was the name of the place that would be competition for Tara more than for me since I closed at three in the afternoon. Her restaurant, Spice, opened at four and stayed open until ten p.m.

Hopefully he’s not going to be a regular at the Plate, Tara said. Everyone will go there just to see him.

No worries, Tara. I smiled at her. No one can beat your fine cuisine.

When the crowd left Subway Street, we retreated from our gawking positions. I shut the door firmly and joined everyone in retrieving our plates and we returned to taste-testing all the desserts.

Tara moved closer when I had my plate in hand. She rolled her eyes. I’m still not over the joke Alicia played on our group. Never knew she could be sadistic, but then I barely know her. She gestured to her plate. Try Jessica’s chocolate swirl cheesecake. It’s excellent.

I slid a forkful into my mouth and lowered my lids as I savored the creamy dessert. When I finally opened my eyes, I nudged Jessica, who had come up to stand on the other side of me. This is incredible, Jess. I’ve never tasted better.

Thank you. Jessica’s hazel-green eyes reflected her pleasure at the comment. High praise coming from the sorceress of sweets. I’ll take it.

Tara studied me, then moved close, as if in support. You looked upset after you took that phone call.

It was nothing. I’d tell her about it later. I set my plate aside on the island in the center of the kitchen. I need to check in with the other members. You two enjoy the chocolate feast.

Tara raised her phone, showing it open to the app. Wait till I get to Alicia’s.

I shook my finger at her and held back a smile. Not too harsh—I don’t want my eyeballs burned.

Jessica and Tara laughed and turned to each other as I moved away and worked the room.

The Antons were eating my torte, and I headed in their direction. Sophie was gorgeous, and Ray…was not. They looked like oil and water and today had been acting that way.

Ray looked preoccupied, even as Sophie spoke to him. Her brows narrowed as he appeared to ignore her. "It’s her, isn’t it? Sophie nearly growled the words. That’s who you really want to be with."

You’re crazy. The average-height and rotund man’s expression darkened. I don’t know who or what you’re referring to.

I started to walk away, but Sophie saw me before I could leave.

The lines smoothed between her brows as she smiled. Nice recipe club meeting, Shawna. I was amazed at the easy transformation in her expression.

I put on my brightest smile. How are you two enjoying the chocolate?

With one notable exception, everything is terrific. Sophie indicated the remnants of my chocolate bomb torte on her plate. This torte is my favorite. Do you know who made it?

I’m glad you like it. I loved when people enjoyed my desserts. It’s one of my favorite recipes. I’m going to start serving it in the café.

I should have known. She turned up the wattage of her brilliant smile. There’s not a thing on your menu that I haven’t enjoyed.

Thank you. I turned to her husband. How are you doing, Ray?

He grumbled something I didn’t hear, then said, How much longer is this thing going to last? I have things to do.

Ray. Sophie snapped his name. That’s enough. Shut up and eat your desserts.

Ray returned her glare and opened his mouth to say something but grabbed one of Sandy Chen’s doughnuts and crammed it into his mouth. He chewed sullenly as Sophie gave me an apologetic look.

I made my way across the kitchen to Esteban Vasquez, a dark-haired young man with a slight build, who leaned his hip against a counter as he spoke with Mary Ann Reynolds.

This chocolate macaron isn’t half bad. Esteban held up half the cookie as I stopped by them. He turned to me. Do you know who made these?

I jerked my thumb over my shoulder in the Antons’ direction. Sophie did. I agree, they’re excellent.

At least she’s got taste in something. Esteban glanced at Sophie and Ray before popping the rest of the macaron in his mouth.

I wondered at his comment but pushed it aside. Have you made your notes in the app?

Working on it, Shawna. Mary Ann picked up one of Tara’s chocolate truffles from her plate, passing over the chocolate ants. I’m trying to think of what to say about that little twit’s ant candy. She scowled. I shouldn’t be surprised that she would do this to our group.

No kidding. Esteban snorted. After the things she’s done, it should have been expected.

I moved my gaze from Esteban to Mary Ann. I think I’m missing something.

Esteban and Mary Ann looked at each other. If they didn’t have at least thirty years between them, I’d think they were secretly dating.

Mary Ann pursed her lips and Esteban shrugged. Alicia hasn’t won any points with either of us with things she’s done in the past.

Mary Ann set her plate on the countertop and reached for her phone. Yep.

Esteban waived his own phone. I’ll get on the app.

They were clearly not going to say anything further.

What a night. Small towns were made for gossip.

I held back a frown. I felt both sorry for Alicia and curious at what she’d done to upset everyone at the meeting, including Jessica, one of my best buddies. I’d been so busy since I moved back to Bisbee and started my business that I felt totally out of the loop sometimes. I’d have to get more insight from her later.

Sandy Chen and Mrs. Jenkins stood near the industrial refrigerators, and I closed in on them.

Half-moon glasses perched on the end of her nose, Mrs. Jenkins looked down at Sandy’s plate, as the younger woman pointed at something.

As I neared, I heard Sandy say, It reminds me of the kind my aunt made when I was a young girl.

Mrs.