The Cookie Crumbles

The Great British Bake Off meets Knives Out in this fun and propulsive middle grade novel following two best friends who must solve the mystery behind a baking competition gone awry.

Laila gave Lucy a cupcake on the second day of kindergarten, and they've been inseparable ever since. But the summer before eighth grade, they find out that since they live on opposite sides of town, they'll go to different high schools. Yuck!

Then Laila's invited to compete at the Golden Cookie competition, which awards its winner admission and a full ride to the prestigious Sunderland boarding school, and it's the perfect opportunity. Sunderland doesn't just have an elite culinary program; it's also home to an elite journalism track, if only newscaster-hopeful Lucy could build up a strong enough portfolio to impress the scholarship committee.

But when one of the celebrity judges collapses after sampling Laila's showpiece, rumors of foul play swirl, with Laila rising to the top of the suspect list. Even worse, a major storm has effectively cut off all access to the outside world.

Can the girls find the real culprit and clear Laila's name before it's too late?

Tracy Badua is the author of the young adult novel This Is Not a Personal Statement.

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef and librarian. She is the author of YA novels The Sound of Stars and The Kindred, and Just a Pinch of Magic is her middle-grade debut. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, or taking teeny adventures.