The annual Sloe Gin Competition turns deadly in the picturesque Cotswolds, and Poppy Payne's gastropub, The Woolly Sheep, is at the heart of the scandal. When her rival, George Smith, is poisoned with what appears to be a faulty batch of gin bottles Poppy herself returned months ago, the village whispers turn into a roar, threatening to drown out the clinking of glasses and the comforting hum of her kitchen.
Poppy, owner and head chef, knows her village. She understands the subtle shifts in allegiances, the simmering rivalries beneath the surface of cream teas and muddy boots. Now, she must use her sharp wit and even sharper observational skills to navigate a community steeped in gossip and secrets, all while keeping her award-winning pub running smoothly.
With the reputation of The Woolly Sheep-and her own freedom-on the line, Poppy delves into a labyrinth of hidden ambitions and long-held grudges. From discarded labels to unusual ingredients, every clue seems to lead her deeper into the lives of fellow competitors, the distributor, and even her own staff, revealing a darker side to Middleton's idyllic charm.
Can Poppy unmask the true killer before her beloved pub is forever tainted by suspicion, or will she become the next victim in a deadly game of sloe-gin sabotage?
