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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Fatal Fudge Swirl in Books

Jun 29, 2023

Fatal Fudge Swirl

Meri Allen | 2023 | Mystery

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

The Bride’s a Corpse

Ice cream shop manager Riley Rhodes has been asked to create an ice cream cake for the upcoming wedding of Diantha Collins, the head of a prominent family in Penniman, Connecticut. However, the morning of the wedding, Diantha is found dead in her bed. Something about the scene seems off to Riley. Can she figure out how Diantha died?

The how done it in this book is a strong element of the plot, and I loved the creative murder method. Of course, Riley also has to figure out the who and why, and those also kept me guessing until the end. The suspects are all strong, and the series regulars are a lot of fun as always. A storyline involving a movie being filmed in town leads to a sub-plot with some great laughs. Meanwhile, the Halloween setting is used well for the mystery. Add in a couple of hot fudge recipes at the end, and you have a winner. Grab a dish of your favorite ice cream and enjoy this book today.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots in Books

Jan 4, 2024

Missing Child at Christmas

Lucy Stone gets involved when a four-year-old boy is kidnapped in her community. With no clues to go on, Lucy begins to think that something much larger is happening. Is she right?

Even though I don’t normally read this series, I didn't have any trouble jumping into the characters here. There was enough explanation of who people were that I could follow along. The bits about those I assume are series regulars didn't mean quite as much to me, but I enjoyed meeting everyone. This is on the serious side of the cozy spectrum, and the atmosphere was carried perfectly throughout the story. Lucy did seem to jump to one conclusion, but since she was proved right with evidence later on, I can't call it a major flaw. There are two recipes at the end of this story to enjoy later. This is probably my favorite of the stories I’ve read from Leslie Meier.

NOTE: This is a novella, roughly 100 pages along.

NOTE 2: This was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Fondant Fumble in Books

Jun 11, 2024

Fondant Fumble

Jenn McKinlay | 2024 | Mystery

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Murder Stings a Bakery Opening

Two players for the Arizona Scorpions NFL team have opened the newest franchise of Mel’s bakery across town. While she is enjoying teaching them about what it takes to run the business, others don’t seem so happy about it. In fact, the team’s owner makes a scene at the bakery’s opening. The next morning, he’s found dead in the new bakery. Can Mel find the killer?

I love the characters in this series, and it was great to check on them again. The new characters are just as charming. The mystery could have used a few other suspects and another couple of twists. What we have is good, but it could have been stronger. On the other hand, I thought I knew where a subplot was going early on, but I was delighted to be surprised. It became one of my favorite parts of the book. The humor is great as always, and we get more cupcake recipes as well. Fans of this series will gobble it up as quickly as I did.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Sleep in Heavenly Pizza in Books

Dec 18, 2024 (Updated Dec 18, 2024)

Delilah’s Friends and Family are in Deep Dish

When Delilah and the staff at her restaurant cater a combined Hanukkah and Christmas dinner, Delilah is surprised to run into some family she didn’t know were in town. But the bigger surprise comes the next day when the body of one of the guests is found in a snow pile created for the snow sculpting contest. With her family and friends as the prime suspects, Delilah jumps in to clear them. But what are they hiding?

I always enjoy reading holiday books during December, and this one gave me plenty of Christmas vibes while also including Hanukkah, which was a great touch. The mystery unfolded a little differently, but still pulled me in and kept me turning the pages until I reached the logical climax. Meanwhile, the characters shine, with some nice growth for them and their relationships. There’s plenty of talk about food, and the four recipes at the end sound good. No matter when you pick up this book, you’ll find it delicious.