A romantic brunch turns deadly when a guest is poisoned, forcing a retired detective to investigate her hometown's secrets. Retired homicide detective PC Donovan is back in her small Texas town, ostensibly to help her mother with a barnyard menagerie. Possumwood has modernized, but beneath the surface of restored Victorian mansions and new craft breweries, old secrets fester. During a Valentine's Brunch at a restored mansion, guests begin to fall ill, and PC must determine if the cause is a sinister plot or a poisoned oyster bar.

The premise sets up a classic cozy mystery with a blend of small-town charm and amateur sleuthing. The inclusion of an animal rescue element and a touch of romance suggests a focus on character relationships and community dynamics alongside the central puzzle. The narrative appears to prioritize atmosphere and character development, typical of the cozy mystery genre, as the protagonist navigates local secrets. The resolution likely hinges on PC Donovan's deductive skills applied to the unique environment of Possumwood.