“The Great Chili Kill Off” by Livia J. Washburn is the 12th in her Fresh Baked Mystery series featuring Phyllis Newsom and her friends Carolyn Wilbarger, Eve Turner and Sam Fletcher. Phyllis is a retired teacher from Weatherford, Texas, who rents rooms to the three friends.
Sam has entered a chili cook-off in far west Cactus Bluff, Texas. His big truck is towing a travel trailer he has borrowed from a neighbor. The entire town belongs to Hiram Boudreau. Each year, hundreds of people travel to Cactus Bluff to compete in his big chili cook-off. Carolyn will use his leftover practice chili to make side dishes to enter in related competitions.
Phyllis and Sam are more than friends, and she is there to support him and glean materials for the Taste of Texas magazine. Eve came along for the pure fun of it.
As soon as they’ve set up the camper, they walk toward the big red tent that functions as contest central. As they near the tent, they become aware of a fight, and soon a small man comes crashing out of one of the motorhomes. He is Joe D. Hammersmith, the winner of the previous three competitions.
They also see old acquaintances, Felicity Prosper and Josh Green. They work for the “Inside Beat” show and have been assigned to cover the cook-off.
Chatting with other contestants, they learn that Joe D. is not well liked. He’s been accused of cheating at cards and doctoring his chili but is still brimming with confidence.
It has been a long day so the friends return to the camper. The women share the camper while Sam takes the bunk in his truck camper. A few hours later, the area is shaken by a large explosion. One of the motorhomes is engulfed in flames.
It is obvious that one of the propane tanks exploded, igniting the others. Most believe that it was a terrible accident but the Texas Rangers soon find the body of Joe D. and declare his death a murder.
Sadly, Sam was seen looking at Joe D.’s grill only hours before. Sam freely admits to checking out the grill, but he insists he didn’t sabotage it.
Back in Weatherford, Phyllis has managed to help the police solve several murders, so the foursome expects her to get involved in this one. The Rangers quickly tell her to stay out of the investigation. But she can’t let Sam be wrongly accused.
Using her observational skills and keen ability to solve puzzles, Phyllis begins to compile a list of potential suspects, but must contend with the Rangers’ refusal to share information. She manages to convince the local constable to get her some information that confirms something she noticed at the explosion site. A search of local records convinces her that she is on the right track.
Intrigue ensues, Phyllis manages to solve the murder, and the contest ends well. As much as they’ve enjoyed the event, the four friends are eager to get home to their own beds. Little do they know that there is a surprise waiting for them.
AT A GLANCE
Book: The Great Chili Kill-Off (Fresh-Baked Mysteries, Book 12)
Author: Livia J. Washburn
Publisher: Fire Star Press
Year published: 2017
Number of pages: 226
Four friends on the road get a chili reception
