Emory Martinez makes the desserts -- especially indulgent cupcakes -- for her sister Carrie's catering company, and also for Oceana, her boyfriend Brian's upscale restaurant. When catering an unknown client's Christmas party aboard a yacht, it's soon discovered that the client, Blair Villman, is an old high school enemy of Carrie's. While Carrie wouldn't have accepted the job if she'd known, they are already in process and determined to do a good job. But it's difficult when Blair finds out who the caterer is, and begins vilifying both Carrie and her food to anyone who will listen, making Emory angry. It doesn't help when the chief steward, Martha Chao, is harassing them at every turn.

Then there's a public fight between Blair and her elderly husband's son, Johnathan Jr., and it's becoming apparent that no one really cares for Blair. On top of this, Emory and Carrier are going to meet their long-lost half-sister, Vanessa, which has them both excited and anxious. But before they can do so, Emory finds a body in the freezer on the yacht, and once again she's drawn into a murder investigation...one that makes her a top suspect. Now she has to clear her name before she can enjoy her holiday -- if she can stay out of prison for murder...

This is the fourth book in the series and I have read them all. It was a truly enjoyable read, and very entertaining. While not a lot was centered on Christmas, there was enough throughout to make one aware of the holiday. It was more or less centered on the murder, which it should be. The clues were scattered, but I more or less figured out the murderer early on; no big feat as I read a lot of mysteries and it's really never difficult for me anyway.

I liked the way the mystery was played out, and also that we get a glimpse once again into the life of Emory, but not so much as it overpowered the mystery. The story was written well, and the ending was worth waiting for. I hope to see that there is another book in this series coming soon, and I do like them quite a bit. Recommended. ( )