Vanilla & Vendettas by Lisa Siefert was a cute cozy mystery. It checks all the boxes – quirky character, cute sidekick, unique small town, and there’s even a couple of cute cats. When a super expensive (like OMG who pays that much) engagement ring goes missing from Ava’s store’s safe, or possibly the cupcake she was supposed to bake it into, no one has any idea who might have done it. To be honest, I had no idea who had done it until it was revealed on page.

Marcus was a fun character as well. I could completely relate to his love of technology, but I don’t think how he uses it all that legal at times. He comes through for Ava when she’s in a pinch several times, and he really seems a bit like the knight in shining armor in this story.

The cats were adorable, but they didn’t really add to the story. I wish more had been done with them. They seemed more like accessories and background than a real part of the story. I loved their personalities and antics, but they didn’t really move the mystery forward a whole lot.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**