The Harvest Festival has arrived in Snowflake, Vermont, and the town is full of visitors as a result. Lucky Jamieson has her hands full with her restaurant, By the Spoonful Soup Shop, but the town itself is a bit on edge. A dead body has been found and the Chief of Police, Nate Edgerton, suspects murder. Many of the helpers at the festival are travelers, raising the suspicion of the local residents, particularly when one is showing an unusual interest in one of Lucky's waitresses. Meanwhile, Lucky is worried about her relationship with Elias because of a new female doctor in town.

A ROUX OF REVENGE is the third book in Connie Archer's Soup Lover's Mystery series. It can easily be read as a standalone as Connie Archer provides the reader with enough background on the town. Perhaps the only thing that makes jumping right into the third book a bit challenging is the relationship between Lucky and Elias. Lucky's lack of self-esteem and Elias' very poor decision-making make it hard for a new reader to root for their relationship.

The inclusion of the travelers and their history is a fascinating addition to the storyline. I love how we see their history and culture. I also like that Connie Archer didn't stereotype the travelers but rather shows us another side of their lifestyle.

The recipes at By the Spoonful Soup Shop sound delightful, and I want to dive right in and sample some of the wares. Connie Archer does a marvelous job at crafting a cozy atmosphere that draws the reader into the town of Snowflake with its residents. Readers who love cozy mysteries and food will enjoy A ROUX OF REVENGE.

Book Summary

Snowflake, Vermont, is known for its skiing in winter—and its soup all year round, thanks to Lucky Jamieson’s By the Spoonful. Autumn brings golden leaves, pumpkin rice soup, the annual Harvest Festival…and murder. Lucky’s soup shop is busier than usual this October, with groups of itinerant travelers in town to work the Harvest Festival. One newcomer seems to take a particular interest in Lucky’s young waitress, Janie, spying on her from across the street. Is the stranger stalking Janie? After an unidentified man is found murdered in a van by the side of the road, simmering suspicions about the travelers are brought to a boil. But when Janie is put in harm’s way, Lucky must join forces with the travelers to turn up the heat on a killer… Recipes included!