What happens when a stranger walks into a café in the quiet town of Maplewood, intent on revealing a truth that could upend the town’s beloved memorial celebration? Murder, of course. Find out what happens in Murder at the Sunday Brunch: A Maplewood Mystery of Buried Secrets and Stolen History by Clara Bennett.

Cassidy Grey is the owner of The Little Rose Café in the town of Maplewood. Inherited from her Aunt Rose, she proudly serves the recipes passed down to her in her café, as well as for the Sunday Brunch Memorial. The Memorial celebrates the first brunch held to feed friends and neighbors in times of hardship and honors those who founded the feast, or does it?

As the town buzzes with preparations, newcomer Evelyn Shaw arrives carrying information that could change everything. When the threat of long-buried truths puts cherished traditions at risk, someone is willing to commit murder to keep the past hidden. Cassidy is determined to help the sheriff uncover the truth. And as more information comes to light, Cassidy discovers that even her late aunt has more to say.

This is a classic cozy mystery, right down to the smell of fresh-baked scones and a murder victim in the heart of a small community. While I enjoyed the mystery and the underlying themes of family history and hidden truths, I found it a bit too easy to identify the culprit. I also appreciated the author’s endeavor to highlight key thoughts and moments, but in the end, it made the narrative feel somewhat choppy.

Overall, Murder at the Sunday Brunch contains many of the standard elements of a cozy mystery, including a small-town setting, local secrets, and an amateur investigation. Although experienced mystery readers may find the ending somewhat predictable, the warm setting and engaging cast help make this an enjoyable read. Fans of light, traditional cozy mysteries will likely appreciate the book’s charm and small-town appeal.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to the author, Clara Bennett, for allowing me to read this ARC