Review: The Diva Poached an Egg

 

* Book 18 in the Domestic Diva series * 

When Sophie's at a convention, someone asks her for a secret meeting. Mitzi requests her presence. When Sophie arrives, she enters the meeting space a little early. Mitzi is not there, but another woman is on the floor. She's dead.

Denise was Mitzi's partner. They were updating the house for Denise and her husband. Mitzi is terrified that someone is coming for her next. She goes into hiding and asks Sophie for help. Is there someone after Mitzi?

My Thoughts: This cozy series has many installments. The 18th book talks a great deal about brunch and will make the reader crave baking something delicious for that occassion. Luckily, there are recipes in the back of the book. I love this series: for the foodie moments and for the characters. 

* There is a fun cameo from the Paws and Claws Mystery series heroine. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic series for your library

Review: Donut Disturb

 

* Book 15 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Kerry and Thomas are getting married and the whole town is invited. But Kerry's father shows up unexpectedly and Kerry knows nothing will go smoothly. Unfortunately, she's right. One of the band members is murdered the morning of her wedding and her father's arrested.

The town pulls together to make it a magical day for the happy couple. Kerry and Thomas leave for their honeymoon after Kerry asks Juliet to help solve the murder. Juliet's determined to figure everything out before the couple returns. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed learning more about Kerry - she hasn't been an open character. I as happy for her and Thomas for their big date, even though there was a dark cloud hanging overhead. I loved the conversation between Juliet and Carlos and what that might mean for future books. I was a little behind on this series, but I'm almost caught up. This is one of my favorite cozy series - for the characters, the small town, and the mouth-watering food. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A series that should be in your public library! 

Review: Bake, Borrow, and Steal

 

* Book 14 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Torte Bakeshop has been selected as the bakery for the biggest Shakespeare happening - an exhibit of the unveiling of a long lost manuscript. It's the first time the pages will be on American soil. Jules and her team have been working around the clock to create a massive chocolate centerpiece and an authentic meal fit for the Bard himself.

On the day of the gala, a rumor races through the event. The manuscript has been stolen before anyone's been allowed to see it. The public is kept at bay, but that doesn't stop someone from murdering the security guard...

My Thoughts: Another page turner in the series - I read this one on the plane. It's nice to go back and spend time with favorite characters. It would be lovely to visit Torte! My mouth waters at the baked good available in the store. Although, I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan, I did enjoy the different ideas surrounding the author's identity in this book. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Hopefully, you already have this cozy series in your library....

Cozy Review: Strawberried Alive

 

* Book 14 in the Cupcake Bakery series * 

Mel and company are back! Things are rosy until someone shoots at Mel outside the bakery. She is unharmed and Oz scares the shooter away. But he doesn't get a description. 

Now Mel's worried that someone from her past has a grudge against her - and it's a long list. Everyone rallies around her to try to keep her safe. But unfortunately, her troubles are just beginning.

Other local business owners are targeted. And several speak up against Mel and the bakery. They think she's a danger to the community. Can Mel solve the latest murders before someone ruins her life?

My Thoughts: Another great addition to this mouthwatering series where you catch up with old friends and crave cupcakes. It was nice getting to know the other local shop keepers (although some of them were quite unpleasant). I enjoyed seeing their specialties - from soap making to tattoos to snakes. (Although I am not a fan of snakes.) I enjoy how much the characters have changed and grown over the years and yet they still share such a tight bond. I can't wait to read what comes next for this bakery family. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Must have series for your mystery section.

Book List: Foodie Cozies

 

Yesterday I reviewed the latest Domestic Diva cozy which got me thinking all about my favorite foodie cozies. So of course, I made a list! These are the first in the series.

Book List:

Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander

An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

On What Grounds by Cleo Colye

Not Pictured:

One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly

Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy

Clammed Up by Barbara Ross