Murder Mystery Bundt Cake

by Margaret Lucke

Recipes. Craft instructions. Math puzzles. Party planning tips. Some mysteries these days offer more than an entertaining read. They provide a gateway to a new, more creative lifestyle. Which is wonderful — so long as that recipe it’s inviting you to try doesn’t include arsenic as a main ingredient.

While my characters relish eating good food (as do I), none of my novels contain recipes, though occasionally I stir one into my author newsletter. You won’t find hobby hints or craft tips in my books either. I like to cook and enjoy dabbling at art, but first and foremost I’m a writer. That’s the main way that I express my creativity.

So what I really want is a recipe that I can put to practical use. Something that’s helpful as well as tasty. Like this:

MURDER MYSTERY BUNDT CAKE

Ingredients:

*  1 villain (or more) with the means, motive and opportunity for murder

*  1 victim (or more) who has the misfortune to be in the villain’s way or to have something the villain wants

*  1 clever and likable detective with a good reason to want to solve the crime

*  A handful of the usual suspects, and maybe one or two unusual ones if you like that flavor

*  Several tablespoons of clues and red herrings

*  2 or 3 cups of conflicts and obstacles

*  A large measure of suspense

Instructions

1.  Place the villain and victim in a large bowl and mix until the victim meets an untimely demise.

2.  Add the detective to the mixture and blend until you have a thick, plot-like batter.

3.  Whisk in clues and red herrings and beat until they are well hidden.

4.  Stir in conflicts and obstacles. Note:  There will be lumps.

5.  Pour the suspense over the batter until it is completely saturated.

6.  Transfer the mixture in a bundt pan and bake in the oven of your imagination until done. Baking time may vary from three or four months to several years.

7.  Let cool but not too much.

8.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle on a chocolate glaze.

9.  Cut, serve, and enjoy.

Try baking one of your own. I promise you it’ll be delicious.