After a nasty divorce, Abby returns to Paradise, Colorado, to take over the running of Divinity, the candy shop she recently inherited from her aunt. When local romeo Brandon Mills asks her to dinner, she accepts, only to be stood up for their date. That same night, Brandon's business burns to the ground and his body is discovered in the rubble. When she is questioned by Officer Jawarski, Abby realizes her brother, Wyatt, is his main suspect. Determined to prove her brother innocent of murder and Brandon innocent of the arson that lead to his death, Abby begins her own investigation.

While Abby turns up a variety of possible suspects, Jawarski is single-minded in his investigation of her brother. Wyatt doesn't help his cause when he lies to Abby, and then disappears before the police can question him. In the middle of her investigation, Abby adopts Brandon's grieving dog, Max, who is perhaps the only witness to his murder. When Brandon's wife shows up to claim his personal effects, including Max, Abby begins to wonder what else Brandon may have been hiding, and if any of his secrets could have lead to his death.

Carter has written an engaging, entertaining tale with CANDY APPLE DEAD as she starts her new Candy Shop Mystery series. Abby is a sensible, believable heroine. She's strong, yet vulnerable, and definitely feisty! The story moves along at a quick pace, Jawarski is an excellent foil for Abby and the resolution of the story is satisfying. And the Divine Almond Toffee...yummy! I'm looking forward to the next Candy Shop Mystery!