Pies and Prejudice (A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery Book 1)

Great start to a new and slightly magical pie shop or rather a slightly magical pie maker. This is like Steel Magnolias meets Simply Irresistible. From blueberry tears to a pie that makes people frisky, this books has a protagonist who truly puts a bit of herself into every pie. The plot keeps you guessing as to who did in the unsuspecting victim, was he really the intended deceased or should it have been someone else. And what about the high school mean girl all grown up and still mean? There is something about her voice that would set me on edge. As with all cozies there is a backstory with some sadness or rather a need for new and possible romance on the horizon. Not sure which potential beau I would like to see with our talented baker, but I do know that after all she endured with her husband, putz that he is, she deserves nothing less than an absolute southern gentleman.

Murder mystery, charming setting, Delicious pies, and a sprinkle of magic. What more can you ask for? Childhood nemesis. Delightfully entertaining read.

This southern cozy mystery was an enjoyable read! Although the plot was a bit slow at the beginning, the main character and her aunts were charming; you could even say they were "charmed" as well. And the setting was wonderfully evocative. The subtle magical elements were a nice touch and added a layer of complexity to the story. Overall, a pleasant read!

After catching her husband cheating on her, Ella Mae La Faye Kittredge returns home to Havenwood, Georgia to fulfill her dream of opening a pie shop. She is determined to succeed even if Loralyn Gaynor is equally determined to ruin her. Soon Ella Mae has more than Loralyn to worry about - someone is murdered and she quickly becomes a major suspect. Now Ella Mae must clear her name while also running the pie shop - she may need some magic to help her."Pies and Prejudice" is the enchanting first book in Ellery Adams Charmed Pie Shoppe cozy mystery series. There is a lot to like about this book starting with Ella Mae (who is just starting to realize her potential) and her family including her mother, aunts, and Reba (who is practically a member of the family). The Southern setting is well done - as is the age-old rivalries between families especially Ella Mae's family and the Gaynor family. The magical elements are wonderfully done - I like the idea of magical pies - and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that several people in the book have magical abilities not just Ella Mae (I have to admit one in particular took me by surprise although it had been hinted at throughout the book). What really makes this book work is the writing. While Adams comes perilously close to overdoing similes in the book, in this case it works. The book almost comes alive in the mixtures of sounds and the smell of baking pies (if only this book came with something you could scratch to smell the pies!). In fact, while the mystery aspects were very well done I was so into the book that I was caught by surprise when the killer was revealed - I wasn't ready for the book to end!"Pies and Prejudice" is a charming book and I look forward to reading more books in the series.

A charming new series to enjoy. Reading Ellery Adam’s prose is like slipping into my favorite hand knitted shawl and sipping a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Having returned to Havenwood, GA, Ella Mae LeFaye's hometown, to sever her seven year marriage, Ella Mae finds her family, Mother and three aunts, more than ready to help her. Knowing that Ella Mae has an unique ability to bake pies, the family closes ranks and within a week, leases and outfits "The Charmed Pie Shoppe."It is disclosed to the reader that the pies are special indeed, and that adds quite a bit of humor to the story. Ella Mae is slower on the realization that her family and herself has magical abilities, but she learns.Where there is romance and light, often darkness and sadness resides as well. In this story it takes several forms, of murder, vandalism, fires, and former High School enemy, Loralyn Gaynor, who is the fiance of the deceased, Bernard Knox. Loralyn doesn't let a mere murder slow her down and she is off to find her next husband.I was confused a bit as to why Bernard Knox was murdered but it was finally disclosed at the ending of the book. The romance was a bit murky to me. It left me feeling ex-husband, high school friend, and son of Bernard are all in play for the romantic lead.I think more will be revealed in the next coming book, "Peach Pies and Alibis." I will be anxious to see where Ella Mae and family are headed. Morgan LeFay??? Makes you wonder.

Just started this last night on my Kindle and after 5 chapters I'm in love with this town and these characters. Ella Mae and her sidekick Chewy are fun and entertaining, Chewy is so much like my Jack Russell it's scary. After just a few chapters I can see myself living in this town and having these people as friends.A one star review left earlier called into question Ellery's descriptive writing, that's why I love reading....I don't want to just read he said, she said. I want to see the colors of houses and shops in my mind, I want to picture the lives of these characters in living color, and Ellery does her job very well. I got lost in sights, smells and my mouth even watered a few times.Ellery describes a scene in an elevator that basically starts the book off and I could see everything, feel the emotion that caused it and cheered Ella Mae on. Her aunts are loving, funny and nurturing, Ella's relationship with her Mom is one I've seen dozens of times with family and friends.I already dislike Ella's husband and her nemesis Loralyn from kindergarten who is all grown up now and still a horrible person.All of the characters in this book both main and secondary are true to life, well fleshed out and have their own personalities.Even if a little magic and fantasy aren't your regular cup of tea take chance, have a piece of pie, a glass of sweet tea, sit a spell in the shade and I think you just might find a little something to like in Pies and Prejudice.

Although not as impressed with this book as much as other Ellery Adams publications, it is a very good read & keeps the interest going to the end.

I am halfway through the story I like the titles of this series Iam curious to read the rest the characters are delightful and bond like a family should honesty is the best policy when false theInjustice for revenge doesnot mix with honesty or love for sweets the characters are not equal difference of opinion vary and justice will be served when the real criminal is caught readers usually know the truth will come it is an interesting story the family remains together through rough times it was a wonderful magical story unexpected events turned into truths and courage

I was really looking forward to this book after reading Ellery Adams' other mystery series. A great author, a touch of magic, and a southern cozy - what's not to love? Plenty, it turns out. I found myself totally annoyed with the nemesis character right off the bat. She is so completely evil/crazy as to be unbelievable. And only the members of the protagonists family can see it?? Please. The magical elements seemed very forced. I didn't buy into them at all, despite my best efforts to engage.Adams' writing tends to be a bit pedantic, but her previous books have been intelligent and thoughtful mysteries with interesting characters. This one really fell flat for me, and I won't be continuing with this series.

Great fun to read. Absolute joy. A real gem if you like cozy mysteries and enjoy baking! Well thought out and I can highly recommend it. Likeable characters and a charming setting. Leaves you wanting to read more and more!

This was an enjoyable story with a few unusual twists! I can't wait to read more about these characters.