Roast Date by Heather Day Gilbert is Book 7 in The Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery Series.
Macy and her brother Bo are readying their cafe and homes for Christmas. Bo has big plans and Macy's expecting her FBI Agent boyfriend Titan for a brief visit. Macy's neighbor Vera has invited her to attend the Book Club meeting at Vera's home which includes giving Macy time to talk about The Barks and Beans Cafe, offer a gift basket drawing, and sell some of their delicious bagged coffee product.
The Mayor of their town will lead the gathering, and she's known to do it well with thoughtful and meaningful questions for discussion. However, another neighbor "Matilda" has been spreading hurtful gossip and terse comments interrupt the mayor's lead-in. Macy's upset at the women who seem to have assumed the worst, and the meeting takes a terrible turn when Vera's rambunctious pooch is somehow turned loose from her crate and within minutes a murder victim is discovered in the bathroom.
At the time, no one knows for sure if the victim was murdered, but after Detective Charlie arrives, the investigation into the death begins. Bo and Macy discuss its unusual circumstances and why none of it makes sense.
With plenty of suspects and no logical reason for anyone to murder this person, it appears there's far more to this than is limited to the "usual suspects". When there's another victim, the hypothesizing becomes urgent.
Heather does a good job of casting suspicion on multiple characters as well as doubts of their guilt. She employs some tricks, but it isn't until Macy and Bo share a Christmas tradition that they get the evidence they need. Following that, they realize this whole mess goes far deeper than it appears - leaving the reader with a mild cliffhanger which will lead to Book 8.
Father, you know Heather's every need. I ask that you bless her with the stories you have just for her to tell, keep her safe from all harm, and meet those needs with your divine provision. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.