Mint Chocolate Murder is the second book of Ice Cream Shop Mystery featuring Riley Rhodes, a CIA librarian turn ice cream shop owner. To be honest, I already forgot the story from book 1, lol. I read it exactly one year ago so pardon my fuzzy memories! However, even I already forgot who is who, didn't take too long for me to immerse myself to the story and Riley's sleuthing.

Riley is a dead body magnet, no kidding. Months passed after her first case and in the verge of the autumn, when she become one of the caterer in local famous castle, Moy Mull, Riley again discover a dead body. The poor victim, Adam Blasco, is a well-known photographer and also close friend of the Moy Mull owner, Maud Monaco, a retired top model. Didn't take long for Riley to discover that Adam Blasco was despicable man, therefore people around Moy Mull, include Maud and Vye, Adam's assistant had motive to kill him. But, not only Adam was murdered, the place when his body discovered also locked! So, it's become your classic locked-room murder.

Mint Chocolate Murder is a mystery with cozy element but the story pace also medium to fast. The story is not only about Riley's sleuthing and discover who killed Adam and how they done it, but also about her relationship with people of Penniman and her coworker in Udderly Ice Cream shop. This book also have a charming cat, called Sprinkles that have diva attitude, to Riley and her friend, Caroline's dismay. The history behind the Moy Mull Castle also got explained, hints to sinister past concerning the previous owner and his lost first wife who got accused of adultery. The surprise is not only about who murder Adam, but Riley also discover the truth behind Moy Mull Castle and uncovered some frauds done by people around Maud Monaco.

Sadly, for a book with "mint chocolate' in its title, why there's no appearance of the aforementioned taste? Sure, mint chocolate can be feels like a toothpaste but hey it's one of my favorite ice cream taste! The taste will not feel like you eat a toothpaste if the sweetness of the ice cream done right. Contrary to the title, the pumpkin spice taste is what people asked in Udderly. Maybe because the story time setting was near autumn and Meri Allen also include some recipe to make pumpkin spice ice cream without churning that worth to try. For me, this book is not that charming like the first book but still interesting nonetheless. There are a hint of romantic relationship between Riley and the local veterinarian and I hope it will get develop in the next book. If you like your cozy mystery with a mature heroine in her 35-ish and description of ice cream complete with a sleuthing and scandals, this series is worth to try.