A new culinary mystery

In the past decade or so, culinary mysteries have turned a vital corner — going deeper than appealing characters with light plots sprinkled with several recipes. Many new authors in this category of mysteries, such as Mia P. Manansala and Miamian Raquel V. Reyes, are creating plots that introduce readers to aspects of their culture that may not have been previously explored.

Olivia Matthews is the latest author to join this growing trend with “Against the Currant,” which launches her Spice Isle Bakery series set against the backdrop of a Caribbean community. As is befitting these mysteries, likable characters fuel a light plot with, of course, recipes, many of which will have readers heading for their kitchens.

“Against the Currant” introduces Lindsay

Murray, who has a marketing degree but finds cooking and the challenge of baking are what really bring her “joy.” Now at age 27, Lindsay is making a childhood dream come true as she and her family launch their West Indian bakery in the heart of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood. The Spice Isle Bakery will allow them to showcase their Grenadian heritage and create a legacy for Lindsay’s close-knit family.

But what isn’t sweet about the new business is long-established competitor Claudio’s Baked

Goods, although the owner has few ties to the community and doesn’t live in the neighborhood. Still, Claudio Fabrizi is incensed about even a hint of competition and tries to ruin Spice Isle Bakery before it opens. Lindsay and her family refuse to back down, making her prime suspect when Claudio is murdered.

A highlight of Matthews’ lively plot is the close-knit family whose love transcends any petty differences among them and offers an introduction to West Indian culture. The obligatory recipes sound quite tasty.

Matthews, who also writes romances under the names of Patricia Sargeant and Regina Hart, has a new recipe for what should be a long-running series with “Against the Currant.”

Oline H. Cogdill can be reached at olinecog@aol. com.