Slightly scrambled, but tasty -- that's the best way to describe "Eggs in Purgatory." Lots of characters, several story lines and a fast pace that sometimes leaves the reader asking, "Huh?" In the end, though, the story is satisfying.
"Eggs in Purgatory" is the start of a new mystery series by Minneapolis writer Laura Childs (real name: Gerry Schmitt). It centers on three women -- Suzanne, Toni and Petra -- who open a café called the Cackleberry Club in the fictional Minnesota town of Kindred. The women all have recently found themselves alone. Suzanne's husband died; Toni's left her for another woman, and Petra's is in a nursing home.
Suzanne finds the town's popular lawyer, Bobby Waite, murdered behind the café. In short order, she witnesses another murder and finds herself almost caught in crossfire.
Things rachet up when Suzanne finds out the state is investigating her late husband, who has been implicated in a $4 million kickback in the building of a prison. In going through his papers, Suzanne finds a cryptic note that refers to the Neukommen Following, a religious clan that has established itself outside of town.
Frustrated by the slow progress of the local sheriff, Suzanne sets out to solve the mysteries herself. Meanwhile, she's running the café, shelving books and caring for her dog, Baxter. Now that's a full plate ... and a busy plot line.
Everything wraps up tidily, if a bit too quickly, in the end. There's even a hint of a budding romance for Suzanne coming in the next installment, "Eggs Benedict Arnold."
Childs includes recipes for many of the dishes featured at the café, including Cherry Pie Muffins, Drunken Pecan Chicken and, of course, Eggs in Purgatory (chipotle pepper and Tabasco provide the fire).
JUDY ROMANOWICH SMITH
