When down-on-her-luck baker Jenny Walsh returns to her sleepy hometown of Millfield, she plans to reopen her grandmother’s legendary bakery—just as soon as she perfects the elusive blackberry pie recipe that once made Evelyn Walsh a local star. But buried in flour and forgotten recipe boxes lies more than just cooking tips… there's a decades-old scandal, a secret note from a rival, and a mysterious “midnight picking” tradition that might be the key to more than perfect pie.

With the Summer Festival baking contest looming and a handsome photographer named Adam—who just happens to be the grandson of her grandmother’s nemesis—popping up in berry patches and her thoughts, Jenny finds herself baking up more than pastries. As secrets rise to the surface and old rivalries threaten her fresh start, she must uncover the truth hidden in the past before history repeats itself.

Filled with small-town charm, delicious intrigue, and the kind of second chances that taste sweeter with time, The Secret Ingredient is a cozy prequel that proves the best recipes come with a dash of mystery—and maybe a spoonful of love.

Praise for "The Secret Ingredient: A Slice of Heaven Prequel"

"A delightful culinary mystery that will leave readers hungry for more! Jenny Walsh's journey to uncover her grandmother's secret recipe and the truth behind a decades old scandal is seasoned with small town charm, family secrets, and the perfect dash of intrigue."

★★★★★ Sarah M.
This prequel has everything I love about cozy mysteries! A charming small town, family secrets, and food! Jenny's determination to clear her grandmother's name while perfecting her own pie recipe had me hooked from the first page. The detail about the 1975 Summer Festival scandal was so well crafted, I felt like I was right there in Millfield. And that blackberry pie recipe at the end? I made it yesterday and my family devoured it in minutes. Can't wait to read "Drive By Pies"!

★★★★★ David T.
As someone who grew up in a small town, "The Secret Ingredient" perfectly captures the way rumors and rivalries can simmer for decades. The relationship between Jenny and her grandmother Evelyn was beautifully portrayed, and I found myself invested in clearing Evelyn's name. The descriptions of the pies were so vivid I could almost taste them. A perfect appetizer before diving into the main series.

★★★★ Patricia L.
What a delightful introduction to Millfield! I loved following Jenny as she unraveled the mystery behind her grandmother's "tainted pie" scandal. The author has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends within just a few pages. My only complaint is that at 10,000 words, it left me wanting more which I suppose is the point of a prequel! The recipe included is a wonderful bonus.

★★★★ Robert K.
I'm not typically drawn to culinary mysteries, but a book club friend recommended this and I'm glad they did. The author skillfully weaves together past and present as Jenny discovers family secrets through her grandmother's recipe book. The mystery element kept me engaged, and the descriptions of pie-making were surprisingly fascinating. The "secret ingredient" reveal was clever and satisfying. Looking forward to the full-length novel.

★★★★★ Anita D.
This prequel is the perfect taste of what's to come in the Mad Batter Mysteries Series! Jenny's character is immediately likable, determined but vulnerable as she finds her footing after whatever brought her back to Millfield. The mystery of the "tainted pie" accusation had me turning pages late into the night, and the resolution was both surprising and heartwarming. The handwritten note from her grandmother gave me chills. And yes, I've already tried the blackberry pie recipe absolutely divine!