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.

Cozy Review: Pumpkin Spice Peril

* Book 12 in the Cupcake Bakery series * 

Mel and Angie are serving cupcakes at their friend's art opening. But her friend's husband has a talk with Mel. He's worried about his wife. When Mel stops by the art gallery to talk about the cupcakes, things go terribly wrong.

Rene is not herself and it's more than just exhaustion from deadline. Mel starts to worry about her. And with good reason. She discovers that Rene's been murdered. And the list of suspects is long - and it includes her.

On top of that, there's someone in the Police Department who's questioning her involvement in previous cases.

My Thoughts: Catching up with old friends is always a treat! Even when those friends have big changes. Nothing will be the same after this book, which is both exciting and a little sad. Because change is hard. I loved the art talk in this book, especially the blown glass details. I felt terrible for Rene and everything that happened to her. Of course I wanted to test out all the cupcakes mentioned. This series always makes my mouth water - and makes me want to bake cupcakes. Can't wait to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect for Fall
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A fantastic series for your cozy mystery section - highly recommended.

Cozy Review: Dying for Devil's Food

* Book 11 in the Cupcake Bakery series *

Mel is so not interested in her fifteenth high school reunion. But Angie convinces her to go - and not just because the reunion hosts want to hire the bakery for the cupcakes. Angie knows that Mel needs closure on her demons from high school - she wants Mel to look everyone in the eyes and show them how successful she turned out. Mel doesn't care what those people think about her.

When Mel arrives with her handsome fiancé on her arm, she does find a certain amount of satisfaction standing up to the people who made her life miserable - until the Queen Bee turns up dead in the bathroom. A note written in lipstick makes Mel the prime suspect. She's not about to go down without a fight.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this addition to this charming series. Of course, I'm with Mel. I'm not interested in attending any high school reunions and I can see why she didn't want to either. But I was impressed with her bravery and her courage to attend. It was interesting to see how people grow and change since high school - and even the ones that stay the same. The cast of characters was entertaining if not the nicest bunch of people. This book contains all the fun of the others in the series - some romance, strong friendship, witty banter, and loveable characters. So looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious as always
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series in your library's mystery section, you're really missing out (and so are your patrons)

Up Next: Coming April 28, 2020

Review: Wedding Cake Crumble

* Book 10 in the Cupcake bakery series *

Angie and Tate are getting married in just a few short days. While our running wedding errands, Mel and Angie stumble across a dead body. This time it's the wedding photographer. Later they discover the limo driver has also been murdered - and it's obvious the connection between the two is Angie and Tate. Is someone trying to keep their wedding from happening?  No one is resting until this case is solved, giving Angie and Tate their day in the sun.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. I enjoyed the wedding planning and watching Angie's family come together to support her. I always find the brothers entertaining. I really liked the famous author's book and how it was like a train wreck that you couldn't stop reading. Another tasty mystery from Jenn McKinlay.

Cover Thoughts: Cute as always
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't already have this series at your public library - go buy it.

Cozy Review: Caramel Crush

*  Book 9 in the Cupcake Bakery series *

An old friend from Mel's college days appears asking for a debt to be settled - she wants cupcakes baked for her soon to be ex fiance. She wants to be on the phone with Mel when they are delivered. Except when Mel finally tracks him down, he's been murdered.

Of course, Diane is the number one suspect. She begs Mel to figure out the murderer and then they will be square. Mel isn't thrilled with the plan, but she goes along with her old friend.

What she uncovers makes her remember why they're no longer friends - she doesn't belong in that world. 

My Thoughts: I adore this series; I enjoyed this addition to the series. I loved Angie as bridezilla. I loved her and Mel's interactions will all the wedding talk. I loved more of Mel and Joe. I'm so looking forward to the next book, all about weddings, in this series. Another scrumptious read from Jenn McKinlay. 

Cover Thoughts: Yummy! Is is wrong that I want to gobble those up?
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Serve these up at your library, your patrons will thank you

Mysterious Saturday Review: Vanilla Beaned

* Book 8 in the Cupcake Bakery mystery series *

Against her better judgement, Mel decided to look into the possibility of franchising her bakery. She and Angie and Tate are headed to Vegas to check things out.

Only Tate and Angie miss the first meeting. It ends quickly as the building blows up killing one person and injuring another. That's all it takes for Mel to want to back out of the whole idea (besides the fact that Holly looks nothing like a baker.)

When they look at a shop the next day, another accident happens. At first Mel thinks it's just a coincidence, but then she's not too sure. Someone doesn't want this deal to go through...

My Thoughts: I love this series! I really liked the field trip to Vegas and the idea of opening a new bakery. I loved meeting Holly - I like how she explained her life and how she saw the bakery as a opportunity to be a better parent. I really loved her daughter Sydney. She was adorable, sassy, and smart. Of course I love the baking moments. I adored that ending - both the sweet and the cliffhanger. Now I need the next book immediately!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're a cozy reader and you haven't read this series yet, get yourself to a library and grab these mouthwatering reads. You won't regret it!

Mysterious Saturday Review; Dark Chocolate Demise

* Book 7 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series *

Mel and Angie are participating in the first annual Old Town Zombie Walk - in full costume. The day is going well, until disaster strikes. At first, Mel thinks Angie's playing a trick on her. Soon she realizes that the body in their coffin display isn't fooling around.

A sigh of relief goes around the bakery crew, when they realize Angie isn't dead. But someone who looks similar and dressed in the same costume is dead.

Now Joe and Angie's brothers have created around the clock surveillance on the bakery. The death could have been a mob hit and it could be in relation to the case Joe is currently working on. Could Mel and Angie be in danger or was this murder unrelated?

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the friendship, for the romance, for the quirky secondary characters, and for the cupcakes. Seriously my mouth waters every time I read one of these books and I always crave cupcakes.

I love the moments between Mel and Tate and Mel and Angie. They've funny, sweet, and supportive. Mel tries to calm Angie after the murder, even putting herself in danger to get answers.

I liked the return of Roach and his need for closure with Angie. His moments with Tate were priceless. The moments between Joe and Mel were both sweet and frustrating - I can't wait to see what happens next.

I really loved getting to know more of Angie's brothers. They added comic relief to the tension of the book. I hope to see more of them.

As usual, that ending makes me need the next book immediately. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Cupcakes, friendships, romance, and murder - how can you go wrong with this series? It's perfect. Pick up the first book and start reading. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Sugar and Iced

 * Book 6 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series *

Tate is driving Mel crazy with ideas on ways to expand, but even Mel agrees to provide cupcakes for the 75th annual Sweet Tiara beauty pageant when her mother asks. Setting up a cupcake display tree for three days is great publicity for their bakery.

And it works in their favorite when their friend decides to enter the competition. Lupe gets rid of her green hair and dresses in a more feminine style. She wants to win the scholarship money so she can attend Stamford.

Unfortunately, not everyone's happy to see her at the pageant. The other girls are horrific and their mothers are worse. Even the judges aren't thrilled with a new comer - going so far as to judge her harshly.  When the judging is called into question - Lupe and the judge argue.

The next day, the judge ends up murdered. Lupe's the prime suspect. Can she handle the stress of the competition and the stress of the investigation?

My Thoughts: I love this series - and this book was great! All the talk about Mel's cupcakes makes my mouth water. I might have to try a recipe or two. I really liked the family relationship with Mel and her mother. I like how Tate is driving Mel crazy, but also making her think. Marty and Olivia's relationship makes me laugh, as does Olivia with Mel and Angie. I really liked seeing more of Lupe and Oz in this book and I love how they fit into the circle of friends. The pageant scenes seemed like a nightmare - making it hard to believe anyone wants to be under that kind of pressure. I loved hearing about what the contestants came up with for cupcake recipes - very entertaining. I loved the really happy moments, but I'm sad about the twist at the end - which is making me anxious for the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Going Going Ganache

*Official Release Date: April 3nd*

**Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series #5 **

Melanie and Angie unintentionally start a food fight during a photo shoot for the magazine. They ruin the shoot - not to mention anger the magazine staff. In order to make amends, the head honcho  decides that he admires the Fairy Tale Cupcakes staff loyalty.

He wants the bakery to host a week long boot camp where they will churn out 1,000 cupcakes for a charity event at the end of the week. From the beginning, there are problems - the staff doesn't get along. They would rather be anywhere but in the bakery.

When Mel discovers a body of one of their own - the attitude changes a little. Now more than ever, they want to uncover the culprit. Could someone on staff be a murderer?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - it's a delicious read. I adored the cupcake fight between Mel, Marty, and Angie and their arch rival. I enjoyed the new characters and their fights. Plus, I loved having an insider look at a magazine and what putting an issue out entails. The book brings up work ethics and bullying in the workplace.

Lots of emotions running through this installment, making my heart ache. I felt horrible for Mel and her emotional block. I was nervous and anxious for Tate - and then happy, but confused. I love finding out more about Tate's family background and meeting his parents. I loved seeing a softer side of Angie. All three of them face major life changes.

I gobbled up this book, which ends on a cliff hanger, leaving me breathless for more!

Cover Thoughts: Great!
Source: Sent  an ARC from the author

Mysterious Saturday Review: Red Velvet Revenge

 * Book 4 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series*

The summer heat is keeping customers from Fairy Tale Cupcakes. When they get the chance to pack up and take their cupcakes to a rodeo, they jump at the chance.

At the opening parade, Slim Hazard, local legend and owner of the rodeo, gets shot. Melanie's not convinced it was an accident. She's certain when she stumbles across the body of a bull-rider. Melanie just had an unfortunate encounter with Ty Stokes. She was hoping to give him some cupcakes in hopes of cooling off his temper.

Now, she's struggling to keep her hot tempered employees out of hot water. Angie shoots murderous looks at Tate whenever he mentions Slim's daughter. Ox is tangled up with Slim's other daughter, the one who's protesting the rodeo. Everyone's annoyed with the guys from the BBQ food stand, who might have tampered with their cupcakes. Can she help save the rodeo without losing any of her employees?

My Thoughts: I really love this series. I loved the unique setting for this installment of the series. I confess I've never read a book at a rodeo before. I love that Melanie and Angie took their cupcakes to a rodeo. I adored the bet they made with the BBQ men.

I enjoyed reading about the process to make cakepops. I've tried to make them and the chocolate coating didn't work well for me. I might have to try them again.


I liked the moments between Angie and Tate - both the heated ones and the snippy ones. I loved the moments between Joe and Melanie - I can't wait to see what happens next between them!

Cover Thoughts: I adore these cover - and I love the cupcakes and the cakepops
Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death By the Dozen

Melanie and Angie compete in a Challenge to the Chef contest. They have to fight down Olivia to return their contest entry form. Mel and Angie hope their potential win will boost the publicity for their bakery: Fairy Tale Cupcakes.

Mel's mentor from culinary school turns out to be one of the judges. She's happy to see him again, but she can't help be disappointed in his recent life choices.

When he turns up dead - in a freezer, Mel's immediately suspicious of his death. It turns out he was murdered. Mel tries to piece together his last moments, worry about the other judges, and try to win the contest.


My Thoughts: I LOVED the baking contest - I enjoyed reading about various recipes, ingredients, and trails and errors of the team. I loved the relationships between Mel and the judges. I love the new intern - Oz. he has some very interesting ideas for the bakery. I love the banter between Mel, Angie, and Tate. All in all, a tasty and thoroughly entertaining read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Buttercream Bump Off

Melanie and Angie own Fairy Tale Bakery. In gearing up for Valentine's Day, they're hosting a contest for a special night on the town. They're hoping to add some more business to the cupcake bakery.

Murder, not love is in the air for Melanie's mother. Her first date with a man leaves him dead in the hot tub and the police looking at her for as the prime suspect.

Melanie starts digging to uncover more leads. When the man's son comes into her shop causing a ruckus, Angie backs him down. The rock star takes one look at Angie and falls hard for her.

Soon Angie's dating a murder suspect. Melanie's trying to run the bakery in her absence with the help of a new customer, and Tate (their silence business partner and good friend) is struggling with his irritation at Angie's new love life.


My Thoughts: I really love this series for the small town gossip, the rival cupcake baker, and the customers coming into the bakery. The setting just adds to a small town feel where you know everyone and everyone knows your business, whether you want them to know it or not. However, the best part of the series is the relationships: the friendship between the three friends, the potential romance between two of the friends, and Melanie's love life. Not to mention drooling over the CUPCAKES. I craves cupcakes while reading this series. This novel ends with a cliff hanger ending over a very life changing decision for all three friends. I'm very curious to where the series will go next.

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it! I especially love the conversation hearts.

Source: my Library

Up Next: DEATH BY THE DOZEN due out in 2011

New series: Library Lovers: Books can Be Deceiving out July 2011

Fun Fact: Check out this Q & A with Jenn McKinlay

Mysterious Saturday Cover Reveal

Here's the cover for the 2nd Cupcake Bakery Mystery

Doesn't it look yummy?
It comes out in January

Check out the cupcakes that inspired the cover