Jacklyn Brady Livres

In the fresh new Piece of Cake Mystery from the national bestselling author of Rebel Without a Cake, a pastry chef becomes embroiled in a suspicious death as a mysterious curse casts a pall over an annual New Orleans ball. Rita Lucero, co-owner of New Orleans’s Zydeco Cakes, is thrilled to be catering an annual ball held at the Monte Cristo Hotel. Designing the high-end desserts is her priority—until she stumbles upon a mystery long-buried at her shop. It’s an ornate ruby necklace, hidden underneath her staircase and rumored to be cursed. After the gem’s appraiser suddenly drops dead and Rita herself is targeted by a menacing stranger, she’s no longer laughing at local superstition. Now with five cakes on order and an investigation into the necklace’s past revealing layers of unsettling clues, Rita has reason to keep looking over her shoulder while she’s frosting. Because any way you slice it, the next victim of the legendary curse could be her.

The story follows a talented pastry chef whose sugary creations delight everyone around her, but her overly sweet nature begins to complicate her relationships and ambitions. As she navigates the challenges of love, friendship, and professional rivalry, she must confront whether her kindness is a strength or a weakness. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, the balance between personal and professional life, and the importance of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

Set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue, the narrative unfolds in a quiet, tense atmosphere where secrets lurk in the shadows. Characters grapple with their hidden pasts and the choices that haunt them. As the plot thickens, unexpected alliances are formed, and the line between friend and foe blurs. Themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption are intricately woven into the story, drawing readers into a gripping tale of mystery and emotional depth.

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this gripping narrative delves into the world of espionage and submarine warfare. It uncovers the secretive operations of the U.S. Navy and the intense cat-and-mouse game with Soviet forces. The book reveals personal stories of the men who operated in the shadows, highlighting their bravery and the high-stakes environment they navigated. With a blend of historical facts and thrilling accounts, it provides an in-depth look at a pivotal era in military history.