A cozy, atmospheric historical mystery set against the backdrop of the 1929 Fred Harvey Indian Detour, French Toast a la Santa Fe blends travelogue charm with light intrigue. With a likable protagonist, vivid New Mexico scenery, and a cast of quirky Detourists, this story offers a gentle, curiosity‑driven adventure perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a cozy pace.
About the Book
Prudence Bates joins ten fellow Detourists on a three‑day Fred Harvey Indian Detour through Las Vegas, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque. As small valuables begin disappearing and a retired Australian schoolteacher tumbles into a kiva—accidentally or not—Prudence’s suspicions grow. Add a vanishing flapper, two secretive German travelers, and whispers of La Llorona, and Prudence finds herself navigating a web of minor mysteries while dreaming of becoming a Courier.
Book HookUp Book Review: French Toast a la Santa Fe
Prudence is the heart of this story. She’s observant, hopeful, and full of dreams, especially her goal of becoming a Courier. Her curiosity and kindness make her easy to root for, even when her inquisitive nature lands her in trouble. Her letters and postcards home add warmth and personality, giving readers a glimpse into her inner life.
The author excels at crafting memorable secondary characters. Each Detourist feels distinct, with enough backstory to make them recognizable and engaging. Their group dynamic shifts from humorous to tense to charming, creating a lively ensemble that keeps the journey interesting.
The pacing leans cozy, shaped by the travelogue style. At times, the historical detail feels a bit documentary‑like—informative but occasionally slowing the momentum. Still, the Fred Harvey Hotels, Harvey Girl history, and New Mexico cultural notes add richness and authenticity. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, grounding the story firmly in 1929.
The mystery itself is light but enjoyable. With multiple small puzzles unfolding at once, the reveal becomes one of the strongest parts of the book, clever, unexpected, and satisfying. The La Llorona thread works as a playful red herring, adding flavor without shifting the story into the supernatural.
Overall, French Toast a la Santa Fe is a cozy, historically textured read with a likable heroine and a charming ensemble cast. Readers who enjoy gentle mysteries and historical adventures will find plenty to appreciate.
There is a King Sumo Giveaway for this tour.
Prize:
2 print and 2 ePub copies of French Toast a la Santa Fe by Suzanne Stauffer copies (4 Total) Print US Only
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BookHookUp Content Note
✅Clean fiction.
✅No graphic content.
✅Light mystery elements, historical detail, and mild peril (kiva incident).
✅Themes include curiosity, travel, companionship, and personal ambition.
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I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours with no compensation, and all opinions are my own. Book HookUp participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Similar Books You May Enjoy
The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford — historical travel mystery with strong atmosphere
Murder on the Santa Fe Trail by C.K. Crigger — historical mystery with western flavor
The Bluebird Bakery Mystery series by Judy Moore — cozy mysteries with gentle pacing and character‑driven plot.
About Author Suzanne Stauffer
After 20 years as a librarian and 20 as a professor of library science and library historian, Suzanne Stauffer has moved on to a third career as a mystery novelist. She currently lives in Albuquerque with her Australian husband and brown and white spotted rat terrier dogter, Treme. Her debut novel, Fried Chicken Castañeda (Artemesia Publishing, May 2025), won the CIPA EVVY Bronze Medal in Mystery/Crime/Detection and the New Mexico Book Award for Cozy Mystery.
Author Links
Blog https://couriersseries1926.blogspot. com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/couriers1926/
Substack Newsletter Amuse-Bouche https://smstauffer.substack.com/ ***
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