“Life begins at fifty. The murder just got in the way.”

Why You’ll Love Hot Flashes & Bad Decisions

There are some stories that arrive quietly.

And then there are stories that burst through the bakery door carrying a tray of cupcakes, a murder investigation, a handsome sheriff, and enough small-town gossip to keep everyone talking for months.

Hot Flashes & Bad Decisions is exactly that kind of story.

At its heart, this is a cozy mystery filled with friendship, laughter, romance, second chances, and a heroine who discovers that life isn’t over at fifty. In fact, it might just be getting started.

Meet Beth Callahan.

Recently divorced and ready for a fresh start, Beth leaves her old life behind and opens Sweet Surrender Bakery in the charming town of Magnolia Creek. She’s determined to focus on baking, healing, and building a future that belongs entirely to her.

What she isn’t planning on is becoming the prime suspect in a murder investigation.

When the town’s least popular businessman suddenly dies during the annual Spring Festival, all fingers point toward Beth. After all, she publicly argued with him, and he happened to collapse face-first into one of her cupcakes.

Not exactly ideal publicity for a bakery grand opening.

As Beth tries to clear her name, she finds herself pulled into a mystery involving blackmail, hidden affairs, stolen money, and decades-old grudges. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes that almost everyone in Magnolia Creek had a reason to want the victim gone.

Of course, no cozy mystery would be complete without a little romance.

Enter Sheriff Wade Bennett.

He’s handsome, dependable, and entirely too suspicious of Beth’s amateur sleuthing. While he spends most of the story trying to keep her out of trouble, Beth seems determined to run directly toward it.

Their relationship is packed with chemistry, witty banter, and enough sparks to keep readers rooting for them from beginning to end.

One of my favorite things about this story is the cast of supporting characters. Beth’s three best friends never hesitate to jump into the investigation, whether it’s a good idea or not. There’s also a retired librarian who treats murder cases like competitive sports and a clever dachshund with an uncanny ability to uncover clues when nobody else can.

And let’s be honest.

Every mystery is better with a dachshund.

Magnolia Creek itself quickly becomes a character in the story. It’s the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, where gossip travels faster than the internet, and where charming storefronts hide more secrets than anyone wants to admit.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong female friendships, laugh-out-loud moments, small-town charm, and a sweet romance woven throughout the mystery, Hot Flashes & Bad Decisions was written with you in mind.

This story celebrates second chances, new beginnings, and the idea that some of life’s greatest adventures begin exactly when you think they’re over.

Just maybe avoid accepting cupcakes from murder victims.

You never know where that might lead. Coming soon to a book store near you!

Happy reading!

Patti Petrone Miller
International Bestselling Author

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