Title:	Gingerdead Man
	Author:	Maya Corrigan
	Published:	September 29, 2020, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	288
	Cover Price:	$8.99 Paperback, $6.36 Kindle

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Book seven of the Five-Ingredient Mystery Series, Gingerdead Man , finds Val hosting a tea party for the costumed volunteers for a Holiday festival in Bayport, Maryland. A costumed Ghost of Christmas present complete with black robe and bag on his head hands out santa cookies with white frosting that looks like skeletons. The costumed santa eats one of these macbre treats and drops dead. Val investigates and finds plenty of clues, but will she find the murderer in time to clear herself and friends from being locked up?

Readers of this upbeat series will welcome this seventh installment. The story is festive and fun and the characters are well-developed and believable. Val and her Grandfather are likeable and will remind readers of regular people they know. The small town of Bayport is quaint and typical of small-town America. The book is an easy and fast read; perfect for busy readers getting ready for their own holiday season Books/Gingerdead%20Man.jpg

Although there is a murder in the town, this is an cheerful culinary cozy mystery and is perfect for light reading during the holiday season. Even though there is no blatant sex, language, or violence, there is some building suspense, as well as surprise when the dénouement is reached at the end. A bonus is that the novel contains a few recipes that readers will want to prepare to eat while reading this fun novel.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.