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.

On Your Radar: The Diva Spices it Up (41)

Title: The Diva Spices it Up

Author: Krista Davis

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Why It Should Be On Your Radar

* Fall Book

* Pumpkin and Apple Foods

* Mouth watering food shared

* Recipes

* Book Characters are like Old Friends

*Ghostwriting a Cookbook

* Mars is in trouble

* Fantastic Series

* Importance of Friendship

* Importance of Families

* Spies 

* Dead drops

* Good Neighbors

Another great addition to this charming series.

I love the cover!

** ARC sent for review

Blog Tour: Candy Cane Caper

The Candy Cane Caper
Author: Josi S. Kilpack
Publication Date: 10/1/19
Paperback ISBN: 9781629726014
Retail Price: $15.99
Page Count: 320
Fiction / Mystery and Detective / Cozy / Culinary
Book Design: © Shadow Mountain Art Direction: Richard Erickson  Design: Kimberly Kay


About the Book:

This Christmas, Sadie Hoffmiller Cunningham is making a list and checking it twice. For the first time since she and Pete married five years ago, their combined families are gathering for the holidays in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a party that would make Santa and Mrs. Claus proud.

She just has to bake the famous Cunningham Candy Cane Cake, make sure the looming snowstorm doesn't derail everyone's travel plans, and oh, yes, solve one teensy-tiny mystery before the big day.

At ninety-four and nearly blind, Mary, Sadie's friend and neighbor, knows this will be her last Christmas. When Sadie learns that someone has stolen antique Christmas ornaments from Mary's tree, she vows to find the thief, no matter what. The ornaments had been appraised at more than $40,000, but they were worth even more to Mary, who had intended to bequeath them to her great-granddaughter, Joy, as a final gift.

With Pete in Arizona wrapping up a case of his own, it's up to Sadie to question the residents of Nicholas House, where Mary lives, and deduce who had the means and the motive to steal heirloom ornaments during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

When stories of other thefts surface, Sadie feels like she's creating a "naughty" list that could rival Santa's. Identifying the thief, recovering the ornaments, and restoring them to Mary's tree in time will take a Christmas miracle—and maybe a few extra-special cookies.

My Thoughts: I didn't realize this book was part of a series. To be honest, the cover pulled me in. And although the book referenced other moments in the previous books, I was fine without reading the prior twelve books. I enjoyed this cozy Christmas mystery. Sadie's trying to help create a magical Christmas for her new blended family. I love how she was trying to make dishes from both sides of the family to make this holiday special for everyone. And I love how that turned out. I enjoyed learning more about these special holiday ornaments. I enjoyed watching Mary's family interact with each other, knowing that this would be the last holiday for Mary. A fun cozy that's perfect to read in front of the fire with a warm cup of cocoa.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review

About the Author: 

Josi S. Kilpack is an accomplished and prolific author of nearly two dozen novels including the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. She has won multiple Whitney Awards for Myster/Suspense, Romance, and Novel of the Year as well as the Utah Best of State Fiction Winner. She lives with her family in Utah.

Follow the author on Instagram @authorjosiskilpack

Advance Praise/Endorsements:

“A warmhearted mystery.” -Kirkus

“Sadie Hoffmiller dishes up a fresh serving of Christmas cheer. An inspirational cozy whose feel-good vibe will be perfect for fans of Julie Hyzy's and Nancy J. Parra. Readers with a sweet tooth will be sure to enjoy Sadie's family recipes, sprinked throughout the book.” -Booklist

“Kilpack represents a nice range of ages in this story, and the relationships feel both real and aspirational. The clues and solution are complex enough to keep readers guessing. Recipes are included, making this a fun choice for cookbook discussion groups as well as general readers. Twelve previous "Culinary Mystery" titles precede this entry, which can be read on its own.” -Library Journal

Top Ten Tuesday: Titles

This week's topic is all about fun titles. I always think that cozies have the best titles - and most of them have to do with food. Here are a few of my favorites.

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: 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.

Upcoming Cozy Review: The Diva Sweetens the Pie

* 12th book in the Domestic Diva series *

In the middle of Old Town's annual Pie Festival, the celebrity judge falls face first into a pie. It's not a pretty sight; she's later declared dead. However, the festival must go on and the organizer asks Sophie to lend an even bigger hand.

The celebrity judge used to live in town before her rise to stardom. When Sophie's asked to look into a different matter, she wonders if the past is influencing the present.

When someone frames her for an act of violence, she's determined more than ever to uncover the truth before someone else gets hurt.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. It always makes me want to cook or bake something. This time, I wanted to eat pie. I loved catching up with the characters; they feel like old friends. With all the red herrings, it was difficult to uncover the truth about the murder. I like how Sophie gets pulled into investigating a side mystery. And the recipes! I can't wait to test out a few pies and a few cocktails. Another fun addition to this charming series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: April 30th
Library Recommendation: This series should be in your mystery section.

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.

Holiday Book Review: Christmas Cake Murder

* A Hannah Swensen series *

Before Hannah had her bakery, she wasn't sure what to do with her life. After an incident sends her home, she's happy to be back in the small town. When her mother asks for her help - baking all the desserts for the Christmas Ball the town is throwing to honor an elderly woman.

While they're finding clothes to bring Essie in the hospital, they discover a journal of writing. With Essie's blessing, they take it home to read and discover a mystery about a woman fleeing her from past. The story's not finished but Hannah and her family begin to understand a bit more about Essie.

My Thoughts: While said to be the 23rd book in the series, it's actually a prequel. I loved learning about how Hannah opened the Cookie Jar. I liked seeing familiar characters in their younger years. I loved the preparations for the Christmas Ball, it sounds like a fantastic town event. As usual, this book made my mouth water and I wanted to bake cookies while reading this one.  Another fun chapter in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendations: This series is probably an auto-purchase for most public libraries - if not, it should be. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death and a Pot of Chowder

* First in a new series * 
Maine’s Quarry Island has a tight-knit community that’s built on a rock-solid foundation of family, tradition and hard work. But even on this small island, where everyone knows their neighbors, there are secrets that no one would dare to whisper.

Anna Winslow, her husband Burt and their teenage son have deep roots on Quarry Island. Burt and his brother, Carl, are lobstermen, just like their father and grandfather before them. And while some things on the island never seem to change, Anna’s life is about to take some drastically unexpected turns. First, Anna discovers that she has a younger sister, Izzie Jordan. Then, on the day she drives to Portland to meet Izzie for the first time, Carl’s lobster boat is found abandoned and adrift. Later that evening, his corpse is discovered—but he didn’t drown.

Whether it was an accident or murder, Carl’s sudden death has plunged Anna’s existence into deadly waters. Despite barely knowing one another and coming from very different backgrounds, Anna and Izzie unite to find the killer. With their family in crisis, the sisters strive to uncover the secrets hidden in Quarry Island—and, perhaps, the ones buried within their own hearts.  (summary from publisher)

Here's a list of reasons why I liked this book
* Small Maine Island
* Small community with quirky character
* New family
* All the descriptions of food
* New business idea
* Teenage boys

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Loved it - it sold me on the reading
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your mystery section - your foodie readers will be happy.

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.

Review: Raspberry Danish Murder

* Book 22 in the Hannah Swensen series *

After the cliff hanger in the last book, Hannah's still alone with no idea where her new husband could have vanished. With Thanksgiving drawing near, the cold is coming back to Minnesota. Hannah's trying to distract herself with work - and it's helping.

When her sister's friend and her husband's assistant dies on video, Hannah's more that interested in solving the murder. She also can't help but think the murder victim might have been her husband instead.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading one of these books always makes my mouth water and I want to bake something wonderful.  I felt terrible for Hannah, how she had to deal with her new husband's vanishing. I'm curious to see where that plot point goes given all the new discoveries this book and that cliff hanger ending making me want the next book immediately. I enjoyed seeing old favorite characters. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold, though the murderer wasn't a surprise to me. Another fun book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A Great series for public libraries.

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: Silence of the Flans

 *Book 2 in the Emergency Dessert Squad series*

In a moment of kindness, Winnie offers to take an apprentice to help her boyfriend keep a student in good standing. The girl shows up one day and it turns out to be a disaster of a day. The one delivery of the day yields a murder - and the weapon just might very well be the dessert Winnie delivered.

She's just getting back on her feet after her failed bakery attempt due to high rent and she's not about to go down without a fight. But the next few days are silent with no phones ringing.Winnie's determined to figure out what happened to the college student and clear her business's name.

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love the unique twist on the bakery idea with the ambulance and the delivery system. I really like Winnie and her friends, especially Mr. Nelson. And Lovey the cat adds a little humor to the story. I like the relationships in this series. The banter between them adds to the story. I love the twists and turns of the plot. Plus the desserts in this book make my mouth water. Another sweet addition to the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: Laura Bradford is coming to my library for an event on Tuesday!

Library Recommendation: A great cozy series just perfect for foodies. Highly recommended for your public library. 

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

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: Eclair and Present Danger

* First Book in a New Series *

Winnie's bakery can't survive much longer. She's hoping an inheritance will save her, but she soon learns that she gains a cat who hates her and a vintage ambulance. Her heart sinks as she realizes she'll have to close her bakery, but she makes one final delivery of peach pie.

At the delivery site, she discovers a dead body. Winnie takes cover with her friends, an elderly bunch. There she comes up with an idea of an emergency dessert delivery service, using her new vintage ambulance.

Without faith in the small police department, Winnie decides to poke around and see if she can discover the identity of the murderer.

My Thoughts: I adored the first book in this series. I'm so intrigued by the emergency dessert squad. I loved learning about the business idea, the clever dessert names, and the presentation of the desserts. I liked that Winnie lived surrounded by older people. I liked her going out on dates. I liked her delivering her baked goods. She dug into Bart's past and came up with a few suspects, but those were crossed off quickly. I like how the mystery unfolded. I liked how there wasn't a police detective in the loop. I liked how Winnie's friends look out for her and each other and the banter between them. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for public libraries with strong readership in foodie cozies (basically all public libraries)

Mysterious Saturday Review: Premonition of Murder

 * Book 3 in the Dream Club Mystery series *

When Taylor and Ali are invited to lunch at the famous Beaux Reeves mansion, they couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, they're only shown the outside of the house. It's reclusive heiress wants to pick their brains.

She's had a premonition of her death. The sister reassure her that dream interpretation can take on many forms. Relief eases the heiress's mind.

However, her dream becomes reality. Ali and Taylor are heartbroken and determined to discover the culprit. Could this death be connected to the past?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the Southern mentions, the candy shop, the sisters, and the dream club. I love that differences between the Dream Club members. I adored learning more about the displays in the candy story. Dana is amazing! I loved learning more about the mansion and items inside. I enjoyed the moments with Noah. Of course the food mentioned at the dream club meeting make my mouth water. Looking forward to the next addition in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for your cozy section

Mysterious Saturday Review: For Cheddar or Worse

 * 7th and final book in the cheese shop mystery * 

The cheese festival in Ohio this year, features a conference for cheese makers, cheese sellers, journalists, and even a snobby well known cheese critic.

Tensions run high at the event. It's no surprise when the cheese critic who has several enemies turns up dead - murdered.

Except her door was locked from the inside and there's no other way inside. The murderer had to be someone from the conference. With several suspects, it will be hard to narrow them down.

My Thoughts: Although I'm sad that this series is ending, I love how everything turned out. I loved seeing Charlotte and Jordan in their life together. I will miss the cheese shop and all the cheese descriptions. This series influenced me to branch out and try other cheese and visit a few cheese shops. Lots of turns and twists trying to figure out the murderer. A fantastic series that will be missed.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: I won a copy of this book.