Step into the deliciously mysterious world of the Country Cooking School Mysteries, where Southern cooking meets ghostly encounters in the quirky town of Broken Rope, Missouri! Written by Paige Shelton, this cozy mystery series follows Isabelle 'Betts' Winston and her grandmother, Gram, as they whip up mouth-watering dishes at their cooking school while solving crimes with a supernatural twist. Perfect for fans of culinary cozies and paranormal puzzles, this series serves up a delightful blend of charm, suspense, and recipes that’ll leave you hungry for more.
With its unique mix of home-style cooking and chats with ghosts from the Old West, the Country Cooking School Mysteries invites readers to a table where the past and present collide. Whether you’re a mystery lover or a foodie, this series promises a heartwarming escape into a world where every recipe comes with a side of adventure.
How Country Cooking School Mysteries Began
Paige Shelton, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Country Cooking School Mysteries in 2012, inspired by her love for cooking and cozy mysteries. After the success of her Farmers’ Market Mysteries, Shelton wanted to explore a new setting with a supernatural edge. She crafted Broken Rope, a fictional Missouri town brimming with history and spectral residents, as the perfect backdrop for Betts and Gram’s adventures. Published by Berkley, the series quickly gained traction for its fresh take on the cozy genre, blending culinary arts with ghostly intrigue.
The Heart of Country Cooking School Mysteries
The series kicks off with If Fried Chicken Could Fly (2012), where Betts and Gram discover a murder during the Southern Missouri Show-Down cook-off. As they dig into the crime, they’re aided by the ghost of Jerome, a charming cowboy from Broken Rope’s past. In If Mashed Potatoes Could Dance (2012), the duo tackles another murder while hosting foodie tourists, with ghostly Sally Swarthmore stirring the pot. If Bread Could Rise to the Occasion (2013) sees Betts investigating a student’s death, haunted by an unsolved murder from the past. Finally, If Catfish Had Nine Lives (2014) introduces Joe, a Pony Express rider ghost, as Betts unravels a mystery involving missing tourists.
Set in the vibrant, history-soaked town of Broken Rope, the series weaves themes of family, community, and culinary passion with supernatural elements. Shelton’s light, engaging style brings the Southern setting to life, from the sizzle of fried chicken to the eerie whispers of ghosts. The inclusion of recipes in each book adds a tangible connection to the story, inviting readers to recreate the dishes Betts and Gram perfect. The ghostly characters, far from mere spooks, are richly developed, adding depth and humor to the mysteries.
Why Country Cooking School Mysteries Resonates
The Country Cooking School Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending culinary delights with paranormal charm. Fans praise Shelton’s ability to craft relatable characters like Betts, a former law student finding her place, and Gram, a wise, feisty matriarch. The series’ supernatural twist—ghosts as allies rather than threats—sets it apart, offering a fresh spin on traditional cozies. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartwarming portrayal of family bonds and the joy of cooking, wrapped in suspenseful, small-town mysteries.
- First Book Published: 2012
- Total Books: 5
- Setting: Broken Rope, Missouri
- Genre: Cozy Amateur Sleuth Mystery
Ready to savor a mystery with a side of Southern comfort? Grab If Fried Chicken Could Fly and dive into the Country Cooking School Mysteries’ world of ghosts, recipes, and small-town intrigue!