Crash Robertson, newly hired intern to Senator Bernie Sanders, finds herself tasked with keeping the iconic senator on track as they travel back to Vermont, where he is scheduled to give speeches, meet with constituents, and serve as Grand Marshall at the Champ Days Parade in Crash’s hometown on Lake Champlain. Soon after their arrival, however, “a banker with ties to Big Maple” turns up dead and Bernie and his Gen Z intern gumshoe their way through small-town Vermont and it’s cast of offbeat characters.
I laughed out loud a lot while reading this book. Honestly, the whole “Big Maple” line from the back cover had me sold and is indicative of the sardonic comedy within. The mystery is compelling enough to be worthwhile with several suspects and various twists. Best of all, the senator has lines in the novel that are lifted directly from his own well-documented sound bites and speeches, which makes it very easy to hear his voice. He acts almost exactly as you would expect him to act if the situation were real–except when he doesn’t. In both cases, it’s unexpectedly hilarious. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next volume in this series. Bonus: there are recipes like Apple Cider Donuts, Vermont Cheddar Mac & Cheese, and Maple Syrup Siracha Sauce at the end of the book.
This book may appeal to anyone who appreciates Vermont or any place with small-town New England vibes. It will also appeal to fans of Bernie Sanders, cozy mysteries, maple syrup, and comic fiction.
You can check out the book here.
