Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Candy Holliday Mysteries, where blueberry fields and seaside charm hide dark secrets in the quaint village of Cape Willington, Maine! This delightful series by B.B. Haywood blends cozy mystery with small-town intrigue, following farmer-turned-sleuth Candy Holliday as she unravels murders with a keen eye and a taste for adventure. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of culinary flair, this series is a hidden gem that keeps you guessing.
With its vivid Maine setting and mouthwatering recipes tucked into each book, the Candy Holliday Mysteries invite readers to savor suspense alongside blueberry pies and lobster stews. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or just craving a light, engaging read, Candy’s adventures promise a delightful escape.
How Candy Holliday Mysteries Began
The Candy Holliday Mysteries sprang from the creative minds of Beth and Robert Freeman, a writing duo from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, who publish under the pseudonym B.B. Haywood. Inspired by the serene beauty of Maine’s coastal villages, they envisioned a series that paired the idyllic charm of small-town life with the thrill of murder mysteries. Their travels through Maine’s countryside sparked the creation of Cape Willington, a fictional seaside haven where Candy Holliday tends Blueberry Acres with her father, Doc, and stumbles into sleuthing.
Launched in 2009 with Town in a Blueberry Jam, the series quickly won over readers with its relatable protagonist and vivid storytelling. The Freemans’ knack for weaving local culture and culinary elements into gripping mysteries set the stage for a beloved cozy mystery series that feels like a visit to Maine.
The Heart of Candy Holliday Mysteries
The series spans eight novels, each tied to a festive event or culinary theme in Cape Willington. In Town in a Blueberry Jam (2009), Candy investigates the deaths of a playboy swimmer and the Blueberry Queen to clear a local handyman’s name, uncovering juicy town secrets. Town in a Lobster Stew (2011) sees her probing a stolen recipe and a missing cook during a cook-off, while Town in a Pumpkin Bash (2013) delivers Halloween chills when a body turns up near a haunted hayride. Town in a Maple Madness (2017), the final book, finds Candy solving a murder amid a sticky maple syrup festival.
Themes of community, resilience, and hidden truths run deep, with Candy’s sleuthing revealing the complexities beneath Cape Willington’s cozy facade. The series’ strength lies in its vivid Maine setting—think salty sea breezes and rolling blueberry fields—paired with a light, conversational style that makes each mystery feel like a chat with a friend. Recipes, from blueberry preserves to chocolate cakes, add a delicious touch, making the books as much a culinary journey as a mysterious one.
Candy herself is the heart of the series: a former city girl who embraces rural life, she’s relatable, determined, and just nosy enough to make a great amateur detective. Her bond with her father, Doc, and the quirky townsfolk, from gossiping bakers to feuding families like the Pruitts and Skyes, grounds the stories in warmth and humor.
Why Candy Holliday Mysteries Resonates
The Candy Holliday Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for their engaging characters and atmospheric setting. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon laud the series for its fast-paced plots and immersive Maine vibe, with reviews calling it “a savory read” and “a charming cozy.” Its blend of suspense, small-town drama, and culinary delights appeals to readers who love escaping into a world where mysteries are solved with heart and a good recipe.
Though not as widely known as some cozy mystery giants, the series’ loyal following and New York Times bestselling status highlight its lasting appeal. Its focus on community and uncovering hidden truths resonates in an era craving connection, making it a timeless escape for mystery lovers.
- Publication Years: 2009–2017
- Number of Books: 8
- Setting: Cape Willington, Maine
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Ready to trade city lights for blueberry fields and murder mysteries? Grab Town in a Blueberry Jam and dive into the cozy, thrilling world of Candy Holliday Mysteries today!