A charming cozy mystery set in a small Southern town, this deliciously clever whodunit follows a woman on the run who must clear her name when murder lands on her aunt’s doorstep. When Maggie Grady is framed for embezzlement by her powerful New York boss, her once-glamorous financial career collapses overnight. With nowhere else to turn, she flees to Durham, North Carolina, and the comfort of her aunt Clara’s beloved pie shop, Pie in the Sky—a cozy bakery famous for its irresistible homemade pies and welcoming atmosphere. Just as Maggie begins rebuilding her life, her ex-boss turns up with shocking news: he’s found the real culprit who ruined her career. But before he can explain, Maggie discovers his dead body behind the pie shop. Suddenly, Maggie is once again under suspicion, and the police seem to think that Aunt Clara’s dangerously good damson pie might be more than just delectable. With her reputation—and her aunt’s business—on the line, Maggie launches her own investigation. With help from a charming local reporter who may be interested in more than just the story, Maggie must uncover the truth before the real killer strikes again. Solving a murder, it turns out, is even harder than mastering Aunt Clara’s perfect pie crust. Warm, witty, and full of small-town charm, this cozy mystery blends murder, baking, and a touch of romance into a delightful page-turner. After being fired from her New York banking job for embezzlement, Maggie returns home to Durham, North Carolina, to help with her aunt’s pie shop. Her ex-boss Louis shocks her by coming to the shop and telling her he knows who really stole the money, and he is going to have a press conference to clear her name. Before that can happen, though, Maggie finds his body outside the back door of the shop. Reporter Ryan Summerour helps her learn that Louis was poisoned. After being away for years, Maggie discovers that life in Durham is more appealing than a return to New York, as is time spent with Ryan. Still, there’s the matter of the unsolved murder and the embezzlement charge. After Maggie’s laptop is stolen, it’s clear the killer may be nearby, and she and Ryan work to solve the case. The “pie mystery” is definitely a cozy trend at the moment (watch out, cupcakes!), and readers of Ellery Adams’ series will surely want to add Grant to their reading (and baking) lists. --Amy Alessio Poor Maggie Grady, not only has she lost her high powered job and was forced to move back to her hometown in N.C., but her ex-boss ends up dead on the back doorstep of the pie shop she is helping her sweet aunt with. Maggie finds herself in the thick of things and must prove to the police and her hometown that she had nothing to do with his death. If you are a cozy mystery fan, I think you will enjoy this book. And make sure to check out the books in all of the series that the Lavenes write. ~ Tess Tipton This is a pretty good mystery and with a bit romance thrown in. The story flows well and the killer was a surprise to me. I especially like the last few lines in the book that set up the premise for the next story. She presents it well and hooks your interest. I'll be watching for it. Happy reading. bkfaerie.blogpot.com Plum Deadly by Ellie GrantMaggie Grady goes back home to Durham, North Carolina for the first time in years with her tail tucked between her legs. Now she faces possible murder charges along with embezzlement. Her life is falling apart and she does not know who she can trust. Ryan the hunky town reporter befriends her, but does he have true feelings for her or is he after a story? This book is an outstanding read, full of action and a little romance. You will find this book to be a clean read, action packed mystery and humor. ~ Michelle Prince Morgan We loved writing PLUM DEADLY and are hard at work on the second book in the series, Murderous Mince. We set the story in Durham because of the beautiful campus of Duke University and the large number of pie shops there. Writing about food and murder seem to go well together. we hope you enjoy the story! Ellie Grant is a pseudonym  for a married couple who live in North Carolina with their family. Plum Deadly One Order up!” Maggie Grady checked her email one last time. There was still no response from her latest job query, but it had only been an hour since she’d sent it. She had a good feeling about this one. Unlike the hundreds of impersonal emails she’d sent to faceless hiring agents, she knew Claudia Liggette. Maggie had worked with her—partied with her—years before her life had been unceremoniously dumped in the trash. “Maggie,” her aunt called. “This piece of pie isn’t going to grow legs.” “Sorry.” Maggie left her laptop with a last, longing look at the screen. Come on! Come on! Professor Ira Simpson smiled as she brought the big slice of Lotsa Lemon Meringue pie to him. He was a kindly older man with sharp wings of white hair at his temples and a twinkle in his blue eyes. “