Review
A cryptic message, attached to a bank deposit key, promising guaranteed success and wealth from an old acquaintance arrives at Grace Johnson's doorstep in New York City. Grace, a kitchen worker at a homeless shelter, is pleased to hear that the sender, a former shelter tenant named Walter, has reconciled with his family and is looking forward to a prosperous life in his small Nebraska hometown. When she calls for an explanation to his curious letter, however, all pleasant feelings dissolve upon learning of Walter's suicide.
Walter's mother Nelda is convinced her son's death was not self-inflicted, and Grace, along with companion Patrick O'Mally, late of the NYPD, makes a trip to the (literally) one-stoplight town to prove this theory. Opposition from the local law, determined to keep Walter's case closed, proves frustrating for Grace and company, a feeling compounded by the discovery of Walter's guaranteed money-making scheme -- a cookie recipe that's left many townspeople drooling for the treats, and the profits.
Recipe for Murder, following In St. Patrick's Custody in Smith's series featuring Grace and Patrick, is an improvement on its predecessor; the storyline is stronger, as is Smith's writing style, despite a few awkward shifts in point of view. Smith paints a quaint small-town setting and appears to have had some fun with "city folk" G10race and Patrick adapting to the environment while tempting a murderer with the aroma of fresh baked cookies and the ring of a cash register.
Walter's mother Nelda is convinced her son's death was not self-inflicted, and Grace, along with companion Patrick O'Mally, late of the NYPD, makes a trip to the (literally) one-stoplight town to prove this theory. Opposition from the local law, determined to keep Walter's case closed, proves frustrating for Grace and company, a feeling compounded by the discovery of Walter's guaranteed money-making scheme -- a cookie recipe that's left many townspeople drooling for the treats, and the profits.
Recipe for Murder, following In St. Patrick's Custody in Smith's series featuring Grace and Patrick, is an improvement on its predecessor; the storyline is stronger, as is Smith's writing style, despite a few awkward shifts in point of view. Smith paints a quaint small-town setting and appears to have had some fun with "city folk" G10race and Patrick adapting to the environment while tempting a murderer with the aroma of fresh baked cookies and the ring of a cash register.
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