A deadly competition. A secret buried in the past. And a recipe someone would kill to protect. When traveling food blogger Samantha “Sam” Scott heads to Buoy, Louisiana, she expects bold Creole flavors, vibrant culture, and the kind of culinary inspiration that keeps her readers hungry for more. What she doesn’t expect is murder. The prestigious Louisiana Creole Cooking Competition is supposed to celebrate tradition, spice, and family legacy. Instead, it serves up betrayal, long-held grudges, and a deadly secret tied to Sam’s own past. With her loyal mini Aussiedoodle, Pancake, at her side, Sam finds herself pulled into a simmering mystery that reaches far deeper than a stolen recipe. As she digs into the truth behind the competition, whispers of sabotage swirl through the humid Southern air. A beloved chef’s legacy is questioned. Alliances shift. And when someone close to Sam is threatened, this is no longer just a story for her blog. It’s personal. As Sam uncovers connections between the competition and her late father’s culinary journal, she realizes the stakes are far higher than a trophy. In a town where food is love, pride, and power, someone is willing to poison more than just a dish to win. Now Sam must untangle secrets of family, ambition, and revenge before the next course is served. Because in Buoy, Louisiana… Revenge is best served spicy. Creole Spice & Voodoo Vice is the second book in the Barks, Bites & Blogs Cozy Culinary Mystery series, perfect for fans of: Cozy mysteries with heart - Small-town Southern settings - Foodie fiction and culinary competitions - Amateur sleuth heroines - Adorable animal sidekicks - Light romance with emotional depth If you love mouthwatering descriptions, layered family secrets, charming Southern characters, and mysteries that keep you guessing until the final bite, this deliciously twisty culinary cozy is for you. Grab your copy today and settle in with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a mystery that’s equal parts comfort and suspense. And don’t forget to bring Pancake along for the ride.