This is a new series (and I think new author) for me. I found it at a library book sale. Despite starting at book 2, I did not feel lost. I feel it is one of the better cozy mystery series I've found in a while. I do plan to look for the first book and the next book in the series.

Winter Garden, Virginia sounds like an interesting place--though with a decided lack of places to eat given that the Down South Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch) and a pizza place are the only options. Guess it is a good thing that Amy likes to cook! (And I guess people could always order a to go box at lunch to take home and reheat for their dinner if they didn't want to cook.)

I did strongly suspect who the murderer was even before it was revealed though the author did a good job of having other suspects with strong motives.

I do wonder if Joyce will get over her animosity toward Amy or if it is going to be an ongoing part of the series from now on. I also wonder whether Renee will persist in her rehab and end up becoming part of the family again.

The cover on my copy is a bit misleading. All the elements are part of the story, but they don't come together in quite this way. The animals do not visit the cafe (at least not in this book)--I also don't remember any jars of jam hitting the floor--but I could be wrong. ( )

Amy Flowers owns and runs a cafe and loves every minute of it. Everything, that is, except for an obnoxious businessman who continually tries to buy her cafe. And when he drops dead in the cafe eating her food, Amy realizes she might be in big trouble. This entertaining cozy has a lot going for it. Interesting characters, secondary plot lines, intriguing mystery, and a bit of romance all combine for a great story. ( )

One thing about reading this book: it had my stomach growling from cover to cover. All of the Southern comfort food Amy Flowers was cooking up made me so hungry.

Winter Garden, Virginia, is a charming small town, and Amy owns the popular Down South Café there. Once again, Amy is thrown into a murder mystery when another suspicious death occurs in the restaurant, and this time the victim is her adversary George Lincoln, director of the Chamber of Commerce.

This delightful cozy is part mystery, part family drama, and even a little romance, though luckily the investigation never gets lost in the drama — instead, they compliment each other. The mystery was well plotted and introduced several possible anti-George suspects.

SILENCE OF THE JAMS is a fun summer-themed cozy mystery full of yummy food and great characters. Enjoyed!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

First I sure wished I was part of Amy Flowers family, she could whip up a delicious meal in seconds, or was planning another.
Miss Amy is kind to everyone including grumpy George Lincoln, but she sure didn’t expect him to drop dead in her Café. Thus a new mystery is born and as we go through the list of suspects, I kept changing my mind, and when you think you are sure, guess again.
There is a bit of sweet romance here, and an abundance of family, and everyone seems to be welcome at the dinner table.
As we go about trying to find out who killed George, we become immersed in the daily life of this Southern Town, and get to know just about everyone, some are better off not knowing.
Does Amy have to kind of a heart for her own good, or will she learn who was responsible and then put her own life in jeopardy.
I want to read more by this author, and keep up with her darling pets and family. There are some unanswered personal questions here, and I want to find out. I see there are two other books in this series, and they are now on my must read list. Enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review.

This is a typical cozy mystery with nothing to distinguish it from others of its ilk. If you like these sort of gossipy what everyone is wearing who is dating whom what people are cooking and eating stories, you'll like this one. ( )