A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley - 5 Stars!

August Hodges was the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. That is until his rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this opportunity. But the hiring of his best friend’s sister was as much of a shock as his fame. Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend more than a decade ago, but that infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence and take advantage of August’s newfound popularity. Now, if she can only ignore her attraction to August. They vow to leave the past in the past. But can they ignore the feelings they still share? As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.

I absolutely love this story. It's a contemporary romance about two people who have baggage from prior relationships, coming together and finding a way to be happy. And it has cupcakes! The main characters were adorable, and I could feel the chemistry between them jumping off the page. There was just enough heat to make it interesting without going overboard. Even though this romance was part of a series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything, as this was the first story I read by this author. I definitely will read another story from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber - 5 Stars!

Emma Brennan is opening her new spa business, Aroma Wellness in Carmel, California, and everything is going well until a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. She's now the prime suspect and left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Emma is determined to uncover the essence of foul play before she’s cold-pressed for murder.

This was a wonderful start to a great cozy mystery series. Readers who enjoyed this author's other series, The Fairy Garden Mystery series, will recognize some characters. I love the crossover aspects because the characters were familiar to me and it gave me that cozy vibe I look for in a mystery. The plot was very intriguing, and I couldn't figure out who the culprit was. The ending was very satisfying, and I can't wait to read the next installment to this series. There are also some yummy recipes at the back of the book that I would love to try. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis - 5 Stars!

With her family visiting her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. But, meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly married in Las Vegas is a little awkward. Especially when her longtime secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks. Then, Sophie’s favorite tour guide is murdered, and evidence points to her own father. And what’s the real story with her new uncle and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s uncovering is leading her to an unexpected treasure hunt. Can Sophie find the truth and the murderer before her father is arrested? 

This is another great installment to a fabulous cozy mystery series. I love Sophie and her friends who help her with her investigations. I love how she works with the police. Even though there are good and bad people in this story, the police are usually put in a favorable light. They are not made to look unintelligent. The food and the setting of the story make it fun to read because it brings a coziness factor that is prevalent in this series. And I'm always in the mood for a snack as I am reading. I recommend these stories to anyone who loves a cozy mystery. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah - 3 Stars!

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought cocktails would be served with her food. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners for the dearly departed. She also discovers abilities to connect with the beyond, which helps her find murderers. Now, she's heading for a haunted Scottish castle where an annual bagpipe competition is being held. As Bunny and her costars hunt for the ghost piper, they hear a scuffle and a body is found at the bottom of the cliff. Can Bunny find the killer before he vanishes into thin air?

This was a very interesting cozy mystery. Even though there was a major paranormal element, I liked that the main character solved the mystery without relying too much on her extrasensory perception. All of the characters were fun to read about and helped move the plot along. The plot dragged in a few spots and made it hard to continue reading until the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Whisking Hour by Ellie Alexander - 5 Stars!

Fall has arrived in the hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, where theater director Lance’s production of Perfect Crime has been met with rave reviews. He has put his own spin on the Broadway classic, opting for an intimate experience. Jules and the team at Torte are whipping up a murderous crime scene feast for the cast party. But, when the director is found murdered, can Jules help the police find the real culprit before someone else dies off-stage?

As always, Elie Alexander writes wonderful cozy mysteries that I love to devour. Jules is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. I find this story another example of a perfect cozy mystery. All of the elements are there, the only thing that there was too much of was the description of the food served. Personally, I am trying to lose some weight and reading her delectable mysteries makes it hard because I always end the chapters a little hungrier. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs - 5 stars!

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. They discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping the maid of honor and groom. He will pull through, but she didn't make it. Can Theo find the truth behind this tragedy?

This was a beautifully written cozy mystery. Theo and Drayton are great amateur sleuths that will do anything to protect their friends. One of the things I like most about this story is the descriptions of the various tea parties at the Indigo Tea Shop. I would love to go to Charleston and visit a tea shop. The plot was very clever, and I couldn't figure out whodunit until the big reveal in the end. I will definitely read more of this series.

 

Tell-Tale Treats by Jennifer J. Chow - 4 Stars!

A group of high school alumnae reunite and reserve rooms at the Pixie Inn for an extended retreat. As part of their pampering package, Felicity Jin delivers a scrumptious assortment of enchanted pastries, including her new almond cookies. But the queen bee of the group is soon found dead in her bathroom after sampling the baked goods. Could Felicity’s almond cookies have set off a fatal nut allergy?

I usually don't go for paranormal mysteries, but this one is a sweet one. Not only because of all the juicy desserts described in the story, but because of the characters and their relationship to each other. It's just so sweet how the amateur sleuth relates to the detective in this story. The animal sidekicks in this story also made me giggle because they were integral in the mystery, yet at first glance, seemed innocuous. If you want a cozy mystery with a little bit of magic, look no further than this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns - 5 Stars!

Maddy has turned Baby Cakes Bakery, named for her English Mastiff Baby, into a success, and she’s marrying veterinarian Michael Portman. Plus, a bridal expo has come to New Bison, Michigan, and Maddy has secured a spot for Baby Cakes to showcase their cakes. She’s also entered a contest for a wedding extravaganza offered by wedding planner Serafina. Unfortunately, nasty Serafina makes the worst bridezilla seem like a shy flower girl. But then the wedding planner is found impaled by one of the skewers Baby Cakes uses on their tiered wedding cakes. While Maid of Honor Sheriff April Johnson rounds up suspects at the expo, Maddy and her friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, join forces to unveil a killer hiding in plain sight.

This was a very witty and enjoyable cozy mystery. Maddy is fun to read about and has become one of my favorite amateur sleuths. I love all the side characters and how they pulled together to get the job done. The plot was full of twists and red herrings, and the ending was a complete surprise. I will definitely read more from this series again. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Eggsecutive Orders by Julie Hyzy - 5 Stars!

When NSA agent Carl Minkus dies after eating the dinner Olivia Paras's staff had prepared, all forks point to them. Now the Secret Service is investigating the kitchen and scrutinizing the staff. The timing couldn't be worse with the White House Easter Egg Roll to prep for. Olivia must find the real culprit before she cracks under pressure.

This was a perfect mystery for anybody who likes food and likes a little suspense with their cozy mystery. The main character is a wonderful amateur sleuth, and the setting is very interesting. I will continue to read the rest of this series. I read this previously years ago.

 

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson - 4 Stars!

Krissy is teaming up with a local bar owner to provide one of the essential ingredients for Irish coffee this St. Patrick’s Day. Then the bar owner's body was found the next day. Between brewing, and bookselling, Krissy is reviewing a whole parade of suspects.

This was a great holiday cozy mystery to curl up with on a cold night with your favorite hot cocoa or coffee. Krissy is a great amateur sleuth who tries to work with her detective husband in finding the truth over her friend's death. I find all the characters likable, and the plot kept me guessing until the culprit was revealed in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Murder From A to Z by VM Burns - 5 stars!

Nana Jo has volunteered her granddaughter, Jenna, to teach estate planning to retirees at Sam's bookshop. When elderly Alva Tarkington, accompanied by her niece, sits down for a consultation, Sam realizes the woman’s blinking is actually S.O.S. in Morse Code. The sisters get her alone, and Alva tells them that her life is in danger and she must change her will. Alva is found dead the next day. In between penning her latest historical mystery, Sam teams up with Nana Jo and the senior sleuths to search for motives. They soon learn not everyone is who they say they are, and someone is more than qualified to teach a class on cold-blooded murder.
This story is a great cozy mystery and a fun read. I love Sam because she's inquisitive, nosey, and loves her family and will do anything for them. Her grandmother Nana Jo and her friends are great side characters who always makes me smile with their antics. The best part of reading this series is there's always a mystery within a mystery. Sam is a writer and a bookshop owner, so the plot always has two mysteries in it. One of them is the main mystery for the book and the other one is the mystery that Sam writes to help her solve the main mystery. I love how she can sort out what's going on through her writing. And the plot always keeps me guessing until the very end. I will definitely read more from this wonderful author. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigley - 4 Stars!

It’s February in the resort town of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin, and love and danger are in the air. Pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is gearing up to celebrate her first Valentine’s Day with her police detective boyfriend, Calvin Capone. But their romance is put on ice when a discovery plunges Delilah and Capone into the heart of a century-old crime. As old secrets begin to surface, Delilah realizes that nearly everyone in town has something to hide. With the pressure mounting, Delilah must help Capone untangle a web of deceit that could lead them to a priceless treasure. Will Delilah and Capone solve the mystery and find the loot? Or will they spend their first Valentine’s Day sleeping with the anchovies?

I love reading about Delilah and her pizza shop. She's not your typical sleuth and she knows that she's stubborn and doesn't like to apologize for anything. She's human, and sometimes her stubbornness gets her into trouble. I enjoy reading her exploits and how she tries to get out of trouble. The other characters in this story are very individualistic and enjoyable to read. The plot was diabolically devised with several red herrings that kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Crime Rangoon by Vivien Chien - 5 stars!

Cindy Kwan, owner of The Modern Scroll, is privileged to host author, Charlene Chan for a signing in honor of her latest book, The Mystery of General Tso. Lana Lee is thrilled when Cindy asks her to be Charlene’s helper for the event. Taking her duties seriously, Lana stays by the author's side to assist when needed. With a line out the door, Cindy is overjoyed at the signing's success. Until the author is found dead in the mystery aisle, clutching a copy of her own book. Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is in charge of the investigation, and feels overwhelmed. For the first time, Adam calls on Lana to help him solve the case. The couple must work together to outwit the murderer and solve the mystery.

This mystery will make you think on your feet until the very last page wondering who the murderer is. I love Lana as an amateur sleuth because she is smart, capable, goofy, and feels very human when she gets herself into binds. Asia Village is an interesting setting, and I can visualize the fountain and the stores surrounding it. Many characters, red herrings and suspects, can come and go, making it great for cozy mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J Chow - 3 Stars!

Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and florist Kelvin generously steps in for him, and the wedding goes smoothly, until cake cutting time. That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding's attendants. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father. Can Felicity get it together to find the true killer?

This paranormal cozy mystery was a really interesting read. I'm not usually into paranormal cozies because the sleuth relies on her "gift" rather than common sense or a good investigation. But this sleuth actually had good investigative skills and used her observations to figure out who done it in the end. Felicity is a likable character and was the main reason why I continued to read until the end of the story. Another reason was because of the plot. I, myself, could not figure out the identity of the culprit. Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander - 5 Stars!

Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for a coffee excursion in Costa Rica. One of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and a weekend at her family's organic coffee farm. The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. But the weekend turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to uncover the murderer before another body is thrown into the mix.

 

Ellie Alexander is one of the best cozy mystery writers today. I love Jules, and everyone else at Torte, who always make me hungry for the food described and a mystery solved. Since this mystery is based in Costa Rica, I have to imagine that the author went to Costa Rica because it was so well described I could smell the coffee in the air and feel the wonderful warm tropical breezes. The plot was very engrossing and was intricate enough that I wanted to figure out whodunit, but I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion. 

 

 

 

The Mango Murders by Lucy Burdette - 5 Stars!

Food critic Hayley Snow’s employer, Key Zest, is throwing the event of the season, a lavish cocktail party catered by Janet Snow, Hayley’s mother. But as the boat sets sail, the festivities take a tragic turn when an explosion rocks the vessel, plunging the party guests into chaos. Afterwards, Hayley learns that a local culinary entrepreneur died in the explosion and it was no accident–someone on board had a deadly agenda. With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Hayley must rely on her keen intuition to unmask a cunning culprit before they strike again.

 

 

This cozy mystery was filled with nonstop action that kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the culprit was. I was very surprised at When the killer was revealed in the end. I love the characters, and the setting makes me wish for a Florida holiday. I have never been down to the Florida Keys, and this story that makes it sound like a beautiful, sacred place. I can't wait to read the next installment to this wonderful mystery series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Tea with Jam and Dread by Vicki Delany - 5 Stars!

Lily’s grandmother Rose used to work as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle, and now Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Frockmorton, is celebrating her 100th birthday. So Rose, and Lily decide to visit Yorkshire. It’s also an opportunity for Lily to see her boyfriend, who’s currently working in England. The ancestral home is now a luxury hotel, which will be closed for a week to accommodate the party. Lily overhears an argument among the younger generation about the fate of the family fortune. Little do they know that Elizabeth plans to sell the famous Frockmorton Sapphires out of the family for the first time in centuries. But when the jewels vanish, and a party guest dies from an allergic reaction to almonds, Lily is on the case. She needs to find the truth before she's arrested for the murder.

This cozy mystery was very interesting. I loved how the author showed the setting of Yorkshire England. It was very atmospheric and set the tone in the scenes. I always loved these characters, and when I read about them it's like visiting old friends. The plot was very interesting, and I didn't have a clue who the culprits were until the very end. I will definitely continue to read this series, and I can't wait until the next installment is released. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley For this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion. 

Edam and Weep by Linda Reilly - 5 stars!

When the local high school hosts a fundraiser, restaurant owner Carly Hale is happy to sign on and enlists her mother’s help selling her grilled cheese sandwiches. When the vendor stationed next to them turns out to be rude and bullies them both, Carly’s mom gives the man a vicious tongue-lashing. Later that day the man is found dead. With her mom a suspect for the murder, Carly has no choice but to find out who killed the man and why.

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love Carly and all her friends and family in the series, and her delectable, delicious cheesy recipes. The plot was confounding, and I was surprised by who the culprit was in the end. This series has made me want to visit Vermont to see if I can find Carly's cheesy eatery. Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Diva Poaches A Bad Egg by Krista Davis - 5 stars!

While Domestic Diva Sophie Winston juggles her event-filled calendar, she’s approached by local designer Mitzi Lawson who's afraid someone is following her. The next day Mitzi loses her business partner, Denise. The two were renovating an old house where Denise died unexpectedly, and Mitzi fears that it wasn’t a medical condition to blame, but murder. Sophie agrees to help Mitzi find the truth. Can Sophie scramble up some clues to the truth behind the murder before another body is found.

I absolutely love reading this series. Sophie is an elegant amateur sleuth who helps her friends and loved ones when needed. The side characters are always fun to read about; it's like visiting a bunch of friends. The way the author describes the setting makes it come alive in my imagination, and I feel like I'm right next to Sophia figuring out whodunit. The plot was confounding enough that I was surprised when the culprit was revealed in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, and I hope there are many more to come. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss - 5 stars!

It’s been almost two years since Willa Bauer opened Curds & Whey in Yarrow Glen, and both cheesemonger and cheese shop are thriving. Unfortunately, life’s latest curveball is that Willa’s ex-fiancé and ex-best friend are opening a chocolate pop-up shop across the street. By the end of the shop’s first day, the town’s newest reporter is the victim of death by chocolate. Now Willa’s ex wants her to solve the case and save the day. Can she find the culprit?

This cozy mystery series is one of my favorites. I love the sleuth and her gentlemanly handsome cop boyfriend. I love all the side characters, including all of her friends that work with her at the cheese shop. The plot was very thought provoking because of how diabolical the mystery was. I would not want to be dealing with an ex and his girlfriend and trying to solve a mystery. This story had a very satisfying ending, but I didn't want it to end because this is the last book in the series. I don't understand why this series can't be extended. So, even though I will always recommend this series, I'm saddened and annoyed that it's the last one. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.