Cozy Review: Smoking Bun

 

* Books 18 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Ramiro's family is visiting Jules and company after the holidays. They are busy planning all sorts of outings. But one of those outings ends in murder. 

And one of the main suspect's is Andy's friend. He asks Jules for her help in solving the murder. She can't turn him down. 

My Thoughts: Although I love a good Christmas book, I enjoyed the fact that this book took place after Christmas and included New Year. I love this series - for the mouth-watering food and the characters. I enjoyed reading more about Ramiro's family - especially the moments between his mom and Jules. I liked the winter traditions in Ashland. It would be a fun place to spend a week! It's always fun to visit Torte and I can't wait to read what's coming next for Jules and her family. 

* Now I'm finally caught up and ready for the next book which comes out in August! 

Review: Muffin But the Truth

 

* Book 16 in the Bakeshop Mystery series * 

Juliet and her team are catering a company retreat. Even before they arrives, Jules wishes she hadn't taken the job. They're looking for glamorous camping food. When the executive arrives, she's not pleased. But the menu is set and there's not much that can be done to change it. 

The first dinner at Torte is tense; the executive has made it very clear that this trip isn't a retreat but a working weekend. Tensions run high among the co-workers. Jules is not looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

Things get worse as the weekend continues. Accidents happen, but the first night seems to work. But the next morning, Jules discovers a body in the river. At first glance, it looks like the executive, but it is not her. Could it be a case of mistaken identity? 

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the characters, the baked good, and the mystery. I had this one all wrong - I like how mysteries still surprise me. I liked how the setting was set in town, but also not.  The people at the company were all terrible, which made for an entertaining read. And this cozy sets everything up for the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public 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....

Review: Nothing Bundt Trouble

 * Book 11 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

When Juliet's going through some boxes in the basement, she stumbles upon an old journal of her father's. In it, he refers to the pastry case - a case that went unsolved by the police. Instead of plowing through the journal, Juliet waits until she can talk to the police officer involved with the case - her mother's new husband.

Together, they read the journal and Doug fills in some of the gaps. Juliet can't believe that she's so similar to her father. She's wondering if a fresh pair of eyes could solve the case.

My Thoughts: A very interesting way to  go backwards in time in the series. I really enjoyed learning more about Juliet's father and the town as it started to becoming the charming touristy place it is today. I loved the moments about the coffee machine and the trends from the 80s.  Of course, I loved the mouth-watering moments in Torte. Looking forward to the next book that just came out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your library - for your cozy and foodie readers.

Holiday Review: Cup of Holiday Fear

* Book 10 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

The holidays are in full season at Torte Bakery. So many delicious items are being prepared. With everyone working hard, Jules decides a night out is in order.  What better way to celebrate the season than the local inn's Dickens feast?

What starts out as a cozy night with snow falling, fantastic food, and wine flowing ends with disaster. The power goes out. The inn's owner is murdered. The new owner has already made a few enemies along the way.

Can Jules help figure out the murderer in time to enjoy the holidays

My Thoughts: Another fun edition to this great series. As always, my mouth watered while reading about all the treats Torte is cooking up. It was great checking in on favorite characters. I loved the holiday touches in this book - from the tasty treats to the Dickens feast to the carolers and to the holiday spirit. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for your library's mystery section - great for cozy fans and great for foodie fans.

Review: Live and Let Pie

* Book 9 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules is still struggling with the renovations for her new addition to the bakery when she witnesses two girls discover an old skull at the lake. This discovery opens a cold missing persons case form the 1960s. The case has connection with several older folks in town - one of which is murdered.

Now Jules can't rest until she helps uncover the truth. The town's gossiping about the victim's plot of land and which group he was going to sell it too. With multiple groups wanting the land, the suspect pool is large. Can Jules help the town once again?

My Thoughts: Another enjoyable read in this mouth-watering series. I loved learning more about the renovation, the town's history, and plans for the future. I'm so curious as to what comes next for Jules and her family. There were some very sweet moments in this book - with Jules and the Professor. I liked the additions to the Torte team. So looking forward to the next book in the series! 

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series already in you're mystery section, you and your patrons are missing out!

Up Next: A holiday one!

Cozy Review: Till Death Do Us Tart

* Book 8 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules is desperately trying to keep the wedding that's throwing her mother a surprise. She's disguised it as part of her party at her new vineyard. Even Carlos and his son are coming to celebrate; she's nervous about meeting Romero for the first time.

Her best friend Lance is back from his vacation, but he's not well rested. He's convinced that his brother is trying to murder his father and that he's being followed. He begs Jules to invite his brother and his entourage to the wedding so they can keep tabs on him.

When his father dies and a wedding guest collapses, things are looking poorly. Lance and Jules search for clues only to discover that the poisoned wine was given to the wrong person. The glass was meant for Jules.

My Thoughts: I adore this series - for the small town charm, the characters, and the bakery. Each book makes me mouth water and I have the strongest urge to go into the kitchen and whip something up. I loved seeing Carlos again - he might have won me over. I liked meeting his son. Of course, the wedding was amazing and I loved how everything came together. I loved that the whole town was involved. I felt bad for Lance, he's been through the ringer lately.  I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: This series should be on your public library mystery shelves.

Cozy Review: Another One Bites the Crust

* Book 7 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules just returned from a week aboard a cruise ship - and her old life. Since she's been gone, things have taken a turn for her best friend Lance. The Shakespeare Festival is about to open and he's convinced the board wants to fire him.

Lance's lead actor seems to be wooing the board in his favor. Lance can't believe the gall of the man, after Lance took a chance on him. When Lance stumbles across the lead actor's body after a party, things go from bad to worse. He's the number one suspect.

He needs Jules now more than ever to help clear his name.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for several reasons. I love the description of the bakery goodies; this series always makes me want to bake. I love the comradery of the bakery employees. I love the small town charm and the characters in town. I enjoyed a bigger glimpse into the theater world and the behind the scenes snapshots. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the next book to discover how that plays out. 

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A highly recommended series for your cozy mystery sections.

Cozy Review: Crime of Passion Fruit

* Book 6 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Carlos calls Jules asking her to fill in for a few weeks aboard the ship in between pastry chefs. At first, she says no, but then Carlos offers her mother and the professor a free vacation. After scrambling to make sure everything's covered at Torte, the three of them leave for a vacation.

Jules enjoys returning to the ship, although not the long days. Her staff's amazing and they whip some thousands of desserts. Early one morning on a walk about the deck, Jules spots a body in the pool. It's the same woman she's been seeing in odd places all over the ship. The professor takes on the case, asking questions about the ship and seeing what Jules might be able to overhear.

With more people acting suspiciously, Jules isn't sure what to make of the crew. They certainly have their secrets. Could one of them committed murder?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - it makes my mouth water and it makes me want to whip up a delicious sweet. I loved seeing Jules on the ship for the first time. It helped me understand more about her former life. I liked learning more about the ship and the way things work. I loved being in the kitchen with the chefs. I loved the personal moments with Jules and her mother and the professor. I enjoyed seeing more of Carlos. While I enjoyed the variation on the setting, I'm eager to get back to Torte. I can't wait for the next book in the series out in January. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A winner of a series perfect for public libraries, especially those who gobble up foodie books. 

Cozy Review: Fudge and Jury

 * Book 5 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules and her mother have projects in the work: a new remodeling, new ovens for the bakeshop, a possible expansion for the bakeshop, and a chocolate festival to prepare for. Jules has the schedule down, but it's going to take a lot of work, but everything will be worth it. They're hoping to make a big splash for Torte at the chocolate festival; some very big names will be there.

One of the biggest names in the chocolate world dies after eating Jules's treat. He was severely allergic to nuts, but there were no nuts in her chocolate. Could it have been murder? Evan wasn't the nicest guy, but his last words hint at a deadly demise. Will his death stop the chocolate festival or can Jules help solve his murder?

My Thoughts: I really adore this series. I love the forward movement with the bakeshop and all the improvements going into the shop. If I lived in this town, I would frequent this bakeshop, everything sounds so amazing! I loved the Chocolate Festival, although reading about all the prep work made me crave chocolate something fierce! I loved the creating (baking and decorating) of the treats in this book. It did make me want to make something delicious. I liked learning about the other vendors at the chocolate festival and their products. I did guess the culprit and the weapon earlier than the main character. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Jules and for Torte. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Caught Bread Handed

 * Book 4 in the Bakeshop Mystery Series * 

Drama comes to Ashland - in the form of Jules's husband and in a new restaurant. Jules isn't sure what to do about her relationship. Should she forgive Carlos? Should they be reunited? She loves seeing him in her hometown, but is that enough?

The new restaurant in town is making everyone miserable. A fast food joint shouldn't be part of the community, especially without blending into the Shakespeare theme. When the owner is found dead - suspicions arise on the angry business owners.

Jules walked in after the murder. With so many people angry at the victim, it's going to hard looking for just one person who committed the crime.  

My  Thoughts: I really love this series - I love the town, the people, and the bakeshop. I love how Jules is torn between Carlos and the town and what direction her life will take. I love the new ideas for the bakeshop, especially for the chocolate festival (which means I can't wait to read the next book). With all the food describe, this book makes my mouth water. I admit that I enjoyed learning more about Carlos. I'm starting to warm up to him a bit more. A fantastic addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for cozy sections at all public libraries.

Mysterious Saturday Review: On Thin Icing

* Book 3 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Winter is tough in Ashland after the tourists leave. The locals come together to support each other. Jules and her mother are looking to branch out their business at Torte, so Jules is happy to receive a catering job.

She and Sterling head to a resort to provide the food for a board retreat. After arrival, they love the kitchen set-up, but it's clear this business might be too much for the owners. The place needs some serious work and the bartender should be fired immediately.

Jules is ready to make the best of the situation. Then her husband arrives, six months after they separated. A major storms hits the resort, knocking out power. To top it off, Jules discovers the body of the bartender stuffed in a freezer.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - for the bakeshop knowledge, the food details, and the small town charm. I like watching the new relationship unfold between Jules and her mother. I like learning more about Jules' past and how it relates to her future. 

I really like how the characters were snowed in for the majority of the novel. It helped build tension in the mystery. You could feel the cold in the air - and of course the warmth of the fire. 

The characters pull the story together and leave you wondering what's going to happen next. I'm eager to see what happens with the Professor and Jules' mother. Jules herself has some life choices to make. I admit that I'm not a huge fan of Carlos, but I'm interested to see what's going to happen next in their relationship. I liked learning more about Sterling; he's a great character. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Love it -from the winter wonderland to the fireplace - so many details
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A mouth-watering read with lots of relationship drama and plot twists to keep you guessing until the very end. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Meet Your Baker

With trouble in her life, Jules decides to come home for an extended visit to straighten out her head. She's unsure what she wants to do with her life after being shaken to the core. But it's not easy being home either.

For one, her mother's hiding something - something to do with the family bakery.  When someone's murdered in the bakery, things go from bad to worse. Luckily Jules, her mother, and their staff aren't the prime suspects, but it's unsettling nonetheless.

Jules can't seem to keep her mind off the murder. So she starts poking around after a little prodding from the police. Someone doesn't like the questions she's been asking. Could Jules be next on the list?

My Thoughts: A charming start to a sweet new series, which I really enjoyed reading. I loved the bake shop and hearing about all the treats made; they made my mouth water. I loved how Jules starts acclimating back into her home town and seeing old friends. I liked how she and her mother started becoming more honest with each other and less superficial. The small town charm stood out from other towns with the theater productions and theater people. The conclusion took me by surprise and made my heart race. I can't wait to see what happens next for Jules and her mother. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Next book: Out in July