Cookie Dough or Die (A Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery)

Olivia Greyson is the proud owner of The Gingerbread House, a quaint shop that specializes in all things cookie, and her best friend, Maddie, is her sidekick, baking up scrumptious treats for their cookie-themed parties. But now they must take a break from baking and turn their attention to re-creating a recipe for murder...

No one is more shocked than Olivia when prominent business owner Clarisse Chamberlain is found dead. It was Clarisse who encouraged Olivia to open The Gingerbread House and she was one of her best customers. The sheriff is ready to call the case an accident, but Olivia's convinced there's a murder to solve.

Then word spreads that Clarisse left Olivia a large sum of money, along with a collection of valuable antique cookie cutters. Suddenly, Olivia is the prime suspect, and when the local postman falls ill after sampling one of their cookies, all eyes are on The Gingerbread House. If the cookie-loving duo doesn't find the real killer, their reputation and quite possibly their lives will be battered for good.

I really hate to give a bad review... that's why I'm not... I just really think it was me this time and not the book. I just couldn't get into the plot and the characters. I will have to pick it up and re-read it at a later date... so... this is more like a "book break-up" ;)

Dear Cookie Dough or Die,

I sincerely regret to inform you, that I am finished reading you (for now). It is just not working out between us and to be truthful... I'm just not that in to you. Fortunately it is not your fault... this time it's all me. Don't worry... I'm sure I will pick you up again and re-read you at some point.

Sincerely,

Jess ;)

Hickory Smoked Homicide (A Memphis BBQ Mystery)

Welcome to Aunt Pat's barbeque restaurant-family run and located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Named in honor of Lulu Taylor's great aunt, the restaurant on Beale Street dishes out the best that barbeque has to offer. But sometimes even the best food can bring out the worst in people...

Since she runs the hottest barbeque joint in town, Lulu Taylor knows pretty much everyone in Memphis who loves their ribs sweet and their corn bread spicy. But one person she'd rather not know is Tristan Pembroke, a snooty pageant coach with a mean streak longer than a line outside Aunt Pat's. When she finds Tristan's dead body stuffed in a closet at a party, the police are suspicious-especially since Lulu's developed a taste for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a situation stickier than molasses, Lulu must clear her name, or risk getting fried!

With every book I read, I like this series more and more. This one really had me guessing till the end. There were so many good character's who could have "done it", and every time I thought I had someone pegged... there popped up another clue to make me wanna second guess someone else! Great thrilling and suspenseful ending as well. This is the third book in the Memphis BBQ Mystery Series by Riley Adams and I am growing to love the friends and family that gather around ole Aunt Pat's, I hope Riley Adams continues to write this series because now I am definitely hooked! :)

Who Do, Voodoo? (A Mind for Murder Mystery)

When Liz Cooper's friend Robin Bloom finds an unusual tarot card tacked to her front door, Liz writes it off as a prank. Robin refuses to ignore the omen her late husband drew the same card, the Three of Swords, in a reading the night before he was killed in car accident. As more cards and darker threats appear, Liz realizes someone very dangerous is upping the ante...

Liz turns to her brother's ex college roommate, occult expert Nick Garfield. As Nick leads her into the voodoo community to locate the origin of the deck, she can't ignore their attraction to each other. Then, a woman is found murdered and Robin becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear her friend, Liz teams with Nick to unravel otherworldly secrets and seek help from beyond or risk being outwitted by a cunning killer...

Really awesome cozy mystery! And great for a first in a series! The book had me really guessing who the killer might be all the way till the end! I love the all the characters in the book and the witty charm of Dr. Liz Cooper! I also can't wait to see what the tarot cards hold in store for her and, one smoldering hot professor! All in all I am very intrigued by this series and I can't wait to see what Rochelle Staab will cook up next for us in her mysterious realm of magik!

Tempest in the Tea Leaves (A Fortune Teller Mystery)

Tempest in the Tea Leaves: A Fortune Teller Mystery

In the fortune telling business there are a lot of pretenders, but Sunshine Meadows is the real deal-and her predictions can be lethally accurate... Leaving the Big Apple for a quaint town of Divinity, New York, Sunny is determined to make it on her own as a psychic. With an ancient Victorian house as her place of business, Sunny uses various psychic methods to aid the town's residents. But when she uses tea leaves to give a reading for a frazzled librarian, what she finds at the bottom of the cup is anything but helpful. Sunny informs the police of her deadly vision, but her warning is too late. And with hard-nose, ruggedly handsome Detective Mitch Stone denying her abilities and naming her prime suspect, the situation is dire. Now Sunny has to use her visions to clear her name, before the killer can put an end to the psychic's future...

Not too bad for a "First in a new series"... It wasn't one of my favorites but it was by far the most quirkiest mysteries I've read! I like the characters in the sweet little town of Divinity. I LOVE the chemistry between Sunny & Detective Stone, and I'm very interested in where that relationship might lead. Sunny can be a bit impulsive, eccentric and bit neurotic... but she does have spunk, pizazz and a genuinely good heart. The only part I didn't like was toward the end... I felt sort of like I was being led on a wild goose chase, when trying to figure out the killer. I sort of had my superstitions who the killer was about half way into the book but still wanted to get to the bottom of it for sure. It did keep my interest most of the time but, would I read it again? Probably not... Ironically I'll probably be reading the library's copy of the next book in the series.

Death by the Dozen (A Cupcake Bakery Mystery)

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are determined to win the challenge to the chefs at this year's Scottsdale Food Festival. Taking home first prize will be great publicity for their Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery-and beating rival Olivia Puckett will be the cherry on top.

Mel's mentor from culinary school, Vic Mazzotta-now a Food Channel celebrity chef- is one of the judges, but Mel and Angie will have to win fair and square by whipping up delicious cupcakes with a mystery ingredient.

Though the real mystery is who put Vic Mazzotta on ice, literally-when his dead body is found inside a freezer truck. Mel and Angie will need to use their best judgement to find the cold-blooded killer who iced Vic, or they may lose more than the contest-they may lose their lives...

Loved it! I seriously LOVE how this series is going! Thank you Jenn, for another great book and another epic Mel & Angie adventure! As usual, you had me guessing till the end! I loved the story and it had a death had a great style in this book! Who would have though... could kill someone... ;) Can't wait to read "Red Velvet Revenge" next! And I am hoping that Joe and Mel might be hearing wedding bells in their future!

The Help

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step... Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, raising her seventeenth white child. She's always taken orders quietly, but lately it leaves her with a bitterness she can longer bite back. Her friend Minny has certainly never held her tongue, or held on to a job for very long, but now she's working for a newcomer with secrets that leave her speechless. And white socialite Skeeter has just returned from college with ambition and a degree but, to her mother's lament, no husband. Normally Skeeter would find solace in Constantine, the beloved maid who raised her, but Constantine has inexplicably disappeared. Together, these seemingly different women join to work on a project that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town-to write, in secret, a tell-all book about what it's really like to work as a black maid in the white homes of the South. Despite the terrible risks they will have to take, and the sometimes humorous boundaries they will have to cross, these three women unite with one intention: hope for a better day.

The Help is one of the most beautiful books I think I've ever read! If it's not yet on the reading material list for schools, it should be! This book made me feel; it made me laugh, cry, and learn how to see us as "just two people". Kathryn Stockett's, The Help is amazing, rich and heartfelt. Its a story about deep love, growing, looking past the hatred and seeing people for who they really are. This is a book I will never forget!

There are so many things I loved about the book but my favorite are these;

Skeeter is writing the stories of the maids, She gets to Faye Belle's story. "Her stories unfold like soft linen. She remembers hiding in the steamer trunk with a little white girl while Yankee soldiers stomped through the house. Twenty years ago, she held that same white girl, by then an old woman, in her arms while she died. Each proclaimed their love as best friends. Swore that death could not change this. That color mean nothing. The white woman's grandson still pays Faye Belle's rent. When she's feeling strong, Faye Belle sometimes goes over and cleans up his kitchen."

Abileen is telling Mae Mobley one of her "secret stories". "We go in her room, where we like to set. I get up in the big chair and she get up on me and smile, bounce a little. Tell me, tell me about the brown wrapping. And the present. She so excited, she squirming. She has to jump off my lap, squirm a little to get it out. Then she crawl back up. That's her favorite story cause when I tell it, she get two presents. I take the brown wrapping from my piggly wiggly grocery bag and wrap up a little something, like a peice of candy, inside. Then I use the white paper from my Cole's drug store bag and wrap another one just like it. She take it real serious, the unwrapping, letting me tell the story bout how it ain't the color a the wrapping that count, it's what we is inside. "

A Sheetcake Named Desire (A Piece of Cake Mystery)

"Sweet success can be motive for murder..." There aren't many things pastry chef Rita Lucero hates more than losing. But two years after her marriage to fellow baker Philippe Renier fell apart, she's still trying to get him to sign the divorce papers. Exasperated, Rita visits Philippe's high-end New Orleans shop, Zydeco Cakes, to get his signature- and discovers that her marriage is already over when she finds Philippe dead with a chef's knife in his chest. Rita is shocked to discover the body, and overwhelmed to learn that since the divorce wasn't final, she now inherits part ownership in Zydeco Cakes. But it's a mixed blessing: the gorgeous shop is actually in financial trouble, and Rita's windfall sets her up as a prime suspect in Philippe's murder. Her former mother-in-law demands that Rita find out who killed her son, and his former employees don't know whether to trust her. The feeling is mutual espeically since the real culprit is still out there, and Rita may be the next victim served...

First in a new series and so good that I can't hardly wait to get my hands on the next book! I loved everything about the book espeically where it takes place; my favoirte city... "Nawlins"! That's New Orleans for everyone else that lives above sea level ;) Rita is an amazingly funny and witty character who takes after my own heart. Jacklyn Brady, you had me reeling till the end! I just couldn't put the book down till I found out who did it! I also love the vivid descriptions of the cakes and all the sweet goodness that goes into making them... I'd be lying if I didn't consider taking a pastry class or two after reading this book!

Some Like it Hot Buttered (A Double Feature Mystery)

All Elliot Freed wanted to do was make people die laughing, But not literally. The dead guy in row S, seat 18, is no joke. Elliot Freed, recovering writer, socked all his savings and the alimony from his ex-wife into the Comedy Tonight movie theater, never suspecting it would become a crime scene. And Murder can't be good for ticket sales. Death by popcorn was the cause. Poisoned popcorn . To the chagrin of the local police, Elliot takes to his bike to start his own investigation. A growing attraction to a beautiful detective, the discovery of a DVD pirating operation, and one missing employee later, Elliot's still waiting for the punch line. But this one might knock his theater and Elliot out for good...

I like the idea of a mystery revolving around an old movie house, I like the perspective from a male protagonist and I liked the story line, up until the end. It started to lose my attention about three fourth's of the way through, mostly because of the side plot and trying to figure out which characters were likely capable of murder... when in fact it turns out the man actually killed himself. Yeah, really not happy with how that ended. Then there is the sub plot of the piracy operation that's going on and who was involved with that. I get that Anthony was an accomplice but to go as far as his professor being involved with the cop who loves the main character... now that's stretching it a bit. On the bright side, it was very funny with the witty humor and sarcasm. It also makes me want to do a bit dvd renting for some old movies(Young Frankenstein)that seem to be pretty funny. All in all I will give Jeffrey Cohen another shot and read his next book in this series, but this one is not my really favorite.

Books Can Be Deceiving (A Library Lovers Mystery)

What is the only word in the English language that ends in -mt? Answering tricky reference questions like this one is more than enough excitement for recently single librarian Lindsey Norris. That is, until someone in her cozy new hometown of Briar Creek, Connecticut commits murder, and the most pressing question is whodunit... Lindsay is just getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a vacationing New York editor brings a little buzz to the small town. It's the perfect chance for her friend Beth to sell the children's book she's written. Unfortunately, Beth's boyfriend, Rick, a famous author and local celebrity, tries to stop her. When Lindsay and Beth meet the editor, they uncover the real reason for Rick's bad attitude... They go confront Rick at his house on the storied and mysterious Thumb Islands, only to find him murdered. The local chief of police likes Beth for the murderer and isn't interested in looking elsewhere. Now Lindsey has to act fast before they throw the book at the wrong person...

I loved it! Great start to a new series! Jenn McKinlay always leads me into a suspenseful, nail biting frenzy with a awesome and satisfying ending! Lindsay and Beth make me feel like we've been friends forever, and the town of Briar Creek is amazing and picturesque! I love all the quirky "creeker's" and the story has me longing to be a "creeker" as well, because "once a creeker, always a creeker." Read it! You'll love it! And if you don't, well... we're just gonna have to put you to work with the lemon Ms. Cole! I am definitely looking forward to reading her next book in this series! You rock Jenn!

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

Rehvenge is used to living in the shadows and dealing with the roughest nightwalkers around including the Black Dagger Brotherhood. His fearless reputation is why he's approached to kill the race's king, and his bad side is dying to rise to the occasion. As his secret identity as a sympath is threatened, he turns to the only light in his ever darkening world, a female vampire untouched by corruption and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

AMAZING! Second best favorite to the series! I loved seeing Rehvenge's softer side and seeing all he's been through in life. He hasn't had it easy and neither has his Ehlena, and that's why I also love them together. It was also great to see what sympath's are like and what life in the colony is like. Things are also heating up in crazy-I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next kinda way, with the Lessening Society, the Brotherhood and the vampire race. What a cliff hanger too! Now I can't wait to read John Matthew's story next! J.R. Ward... you never cease to amaze me with your oh-so-talented writing!

Fingerlickin' Dead (A Memphis BBQ Mystery)

Welcome to Aunt Pat's barbeque restaurant family run and located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Named in honor of Lulu Taylor's great aunt, the restaurant on Beale Street is famous for its ribs and spicy corn bread, but sometimes Southern comfort food can come with a side of murder...

When an anonymous food critic blasts several local restaurants-including Aunt Pat's with bad reviews, Lulu and her most loyal customers are burning mad, espeically when they discover Eppie Currian is the pen name of their friend Evelyn's cheating boyfriend. When "Eppie" gets his own fatal review, the list of suspects is long: two fuming ex-wives, an irate former restaurant owner, and even someone from Aunt Pat's own kitchen. Now, to catch the real killer, Lulu is going to have to put down her barbeque tongs before her loved ones get sentenced to a strict diet of prison food.

I was actually surprised at how much I liked this book. I have to admit, I was really apprehensive about reading it since I didn't really like the first book in the series. I felt this time around the gang at Aunt Pat's made me feel welcome and had more of a "family" feel to the mystery versus the cheesy and cliche feeling I got from the previous book. I liked the plot, I liked the characters, I even liked the side romance between Lulu's grandson Derrick and Peggy Sue's granddaughter Peaches. The only criticism I can offer is maybe a less predictable character as the murder? I am glad thought that I gave this series a second chance, it has made me feel much better about Riley Adam's books. I am also excited to read the next book in the series, and to see where the series will go with the new changes going on at Aunt Pat's.

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In this "frightening addictive" paranormal romance saga, there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now a dutiful twin must choose between two lives... Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As primal of the Choosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the tradtions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished. As his first mate, the Choosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love...

J.R Ward just simply amazes me! She captivated me with the struggle and power of Phury's book. I loved this book, because it shows a side of Phury you normally don't get to see in the other brotherhood books. His story is very unique and inquisitive. I am also happy with the progress of the series at this point, in this book you learn alot more about things that will ultimately make or break the brotherhood and the vampire race. Im so excited to read the next book about Rhevenge! J.R you are incredible!

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of cunning predator will be warmed against its will.

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in this father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon. Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

I enjoyed reading Lover Unbound, however not as much as the first four books I've read in the series. It had a good plot and lots of great surprises but I am left feeling that Vishous has been cheated out of love and having a real mate. It was interesting to me, to have been given a very unconventional ending but I am somewhat disappointed. I guess for me, I just don't see how Jane and Vishous work out as a real couple now that she is a "ghost". I loved being able to visualize the past of what all Vishous went through to become the warrior he was today and the cool little twist as to what happened to him in the beginning of the book. I'm glad I read it, and will, without a doubt keep reading the series, however I have a feeling that this will probably be my least favorite book that J.R. has written.

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In the shadow of the nigh in Cadwell, New York, there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. But now an ally of the Brotherhood is about to encounter his own dark desires...

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world- to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

Wooooah! Lets just say I didn't see that ending coming! What a great book! I've always thought Butch might be "special" and so much more than just a "pet". I love him an Marissa together, and glad to see Marissa grow out of the shy, fragile, little princep she was raised to be, I don't think I've ever been more proud of a character in a book as when she stood up to the council and took on the leahdyre. And let just say that Havers is no longer someone I respect. All in all J.R. keeps me amazed in this series, with each book I read I am completely mesmerized by the world of the black dagger brotherhood! Cant wait to read Vishous's story next!

My favorite quote in this book...(there were so many, it was hard to choose)

"Besides, you don't look a thing like him. I mean... hello? You're this
beefy Irish white boy. He's like... bus exhaust or some shit."

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, a deadly turf war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from the past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion and terror his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society. Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist's thirst for vengeance against Bella's tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past and find a future with her...

So far this is my favorite book out of the series. I love everything about it... who knew Zsadist could be so sweet?! I love how a bit more drama unfolds towards the end, with Tohr leaving over what happened to Wellsie, which completely broke my heart. Then we find out who Bella's brother really is... and it keeps you wondering why V did what he did to Butch... All I know is that this is an amazing series that keeps getting better with ever book! J.R. You are a genius! :D

My favorite line from the book... "I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came... and I was awakened."

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In the shadows of the night in Cadwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Possessed by a deadly beast, Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.
Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own. Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves...
This is the second book I've read by J.R. Ward and I am totally impressed! This is turning out to be an amazing series for me! I am completely in love with this book, the selfless sacrifice that both Rhage and Mary give and show each other in this book is beyond amazing! Their love and admiration for each other is what every woman hopes for in a relationship. I love the courage and fearlessness in Mary throughout this book, I love the fact that she is the only one who can tame the beast in Rhage, she is truly a warrior of her own accord! This book also has me reeling for what is going to happen next with Zadist and Bella! What a cliff hanger! All in all this book is amazingly great and I was so glad to have read it.

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet non of them relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate-Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead...

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerous sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both...

WOOOAH! AMAZING! Hands down this is my new favorite vampire series! Let's just say... this isn't like your little sister's twilight series of books! J.R. Ward is an amazing writer and I am completely hooked just by reading her first book. Yes, really its THAT good! I love the characters, the plot, and everything in between, besides...who can resist amazingly, sexy (described) vampires?!? I just cant wait to start her next book in the series, Lover Eternal!
Consider yourself warned: You WILL drop everything your doing, you WILL forget your housework, You WILL spend hours in your bedroom reading these books straight through until your finished! Why?! Because Sexy, Steamy, Edgy and above all... AHHHMAZING!

A Brisket A Casket (A Deadly Deli Mystery)

Gwen(nee Katz) Silver heard the brisket at her uncle's Jewish deli, Murray the Pastrami Swami-the only one of its kind in Nashville, Tennessee-was "to die for" But she didn't realize that meant literally... When Gwen learns she's inherited Murray's the native New Yorker leaves her chaotic career and messy divorce behind to start over in Nashville. But the venture seems doomed from the start. Murray's taken his recipes and secret list of food suppliers to the grave with him, and ruthless real estate developer Royce Sinclair will stop at nothing to try and sandwich Murray's into his already overstuffed portfolio. Then, on Kosher Karaoke Night, longtime customer Buster Sergeant bites into his brisket... and bites the dust. The coroner says food poisoning, but Gwen's not convinced. Now, with the help of hunky police detective Beau McClintock, "Nashville Katz"- as Gwen is quickly nicknamed-will find herself adding "private investigator" to her resume- and a new love to her life.

I had really high hopes for this book. Reading the cover on the back is what made me wanna buy this book, it seemed smart, witty and interesting. However after reading the first few chapters, I found it a bit boring. It also seemed to me to be a bit jumbled up, the victim dies so early in the beginning of the book there's alot of downtime in the middle and then what you would think would build up to a great ending but in the end I still felt a bit let down. I was also a little annoyed by having to google just about every Jewish word I came across, it would have been a bit better if the author would have added a few explanations about some of the Jewish foods and phrases for the non-Jewish readers.

Delicious Suspicious (A Memphis BBQ Mystery)

Welcome to Aunt Pat's barbeque restaurant-family run and located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Named in honor of Lulu Taylor's great aunt, the restaurant is known for its ribs and spicy corn bread, but now the Taylor family will be known for murder-unless Lulu can clear their name... Rebecca Adrian came to Memphis to suss out the best local BBQ for prominent Cooking Channel show. Trouble is, Rebecca doesn't live long enough to mention a bad review. A mystery ingredient has killed her-and now all the fingers are pointing to Aunt Pat's restaurant. Horrified that her family is being accused of murder, Lulu fires up her investigative skills to solve the crime before someone else gets skewered...

I was very disappointed in this book, it was an extremely slow read for me.In fact I was about a third of he way through it when I just had to push my way through the rest of it, to just get to the end and say I finished it. I haven't felt that way about a book in a long time. It just had too many characters to keep up with, it was difficult to remember who was related to whom and what interactions they had with each other. I also felt like there were too many points of view from the characters, I understand that the author was trying to get everyone's two cents put in, but it just made it very confusing. I felt the plot was a little lacking also and that there could have been a better ending. I had very high hopes for this book but was seriously let down, It will take alot of convincing to pick up another one of Riley Adams books next time. Honestly... the best part about this book is the recipes in the back... to me it really wasn't worth the time. :(

Buttercream Bump Off (A Cupcake Bakery Mystery)

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura must be doing something right with their Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery. Their business rival, Olivia Puckett, is parading up and down the sidewalk dressed as a Giant Cupcake to steal customers. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, she's clearly feeling desperate.

Unfortunately, she's not the only desperate one in Scottsdale, Arizona. Someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Her mom had been hoping for someone drop dead gorgeous-but not literally. Now she's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time between frosting Kiss Me Cupcake to dig into Malloy's past and discover who served him his just desserts.

A awesome follow up to "Sprinkle with Murder"! I think its safe to say that Jenn McKinlay has me officially hooked on her cute and hilarious cupcake mystery capers! Buttercream Bump Off had a great plot and some hilarious scenarios! I love the bits of romance Jenn McKinlay works into the storyline as well. These books are refreshing fun reads and I cant wait to see what Mel Cooper and Angie DeLaura will be baking up next!

Sprinkle with Murder (A Cupcake Bakery Mystery)

"Cupcakes to Die For!"

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are finally living out their dream as the proud owners of Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery. Their first big order is a sweet deal, too-five hundred cupcakes for a fashion designer's wedding. The only sour note is the demanding bridezilla who insists on orginal recipes for the cupcakes.
When Mel stumbles upon the bride-to-be dead-by-cupcake, she immediately becomes the prime suspect. The police believe that the secret ingredient in the cupcakes caused her death. To save Mel and their business, the ladies need to find the real murderer-before the cupcake killer ices someone else...

This was one of the cuuuuuuutest little cozy's I've read yet! What a spectacular ending too! I did recognize the killer a little over half way through the book but it was still very much enjoyable by how psychotic they were! I love the friendship between Mel, Angie and Tate and I also love the little bit of romance that Jenn McKinlay threw in there as well. All in all this book was absolutely adorable and dripping with so much pink frosting cuteness, that I cant wait to read her follow up "Buttercream Bump Off"!

Sucker Punch (A Candy Shop Mystery)

Abby's life is sweet. She's settling into running her candy shop, dealing with her busybody family, and maintaining a solid-if-slow relationship with local police detective Pine Jawarski. But Abby's smooth sailing soon turns into a rocky road when a friend asks her to audition for a musical with some considerably talented locals. Out of curiosity, Abby pops her head into the chaotic audition-and finds a dead star center stage. Now she needs to find the true culprit and clear her friend's name before her newfound happiness is totally fudged...

I liked this book alot and as usual all my favorite characters. I also liked that this particular book was set during Valentines Day, it let have a look at what Divinity is like during a "holiday". I also liked that Abby took a little break from Jawarski this time around, it showed how she is still very strong she is and that she doesn't always need him to come swooping in and saving the day. It also confirmed some of the relationship "issues" she has with him as well and I think that was a great way to tie them together. My only semi-complaints might be, that the victim was killed a little too soon in the story... it kinda made "downtime" in the story drag on a little. I was left a little stunned to find out that Alexander Pastorelli mysteriously disappears and no one ever says why...? Overall though it was a great book with a very suspenseful ending, and once again Sammi Carter has captivated me :)

-Favorite Quotes From The Book-

"My date was waiting for me at the kitchen door, ears perked, tail wagging, and bits of wicker clinging to his nose and mouth."

"I consoled myself with the fact that I had max. He's warm, attentive, and completely devoted. Who could ask for anything more?"

"I helped wait on customers who raced through the front door in a mad search for the perfect gift. One that looked as if they'd put hours of thought into their choice. And yes, you're right. They were mostly men."

"The constant assault of beef and garlic on my nostrils had me convinced that I was hungry too, but steak tonight would mean ramen noodles for the next two weeks!"

"While our server was in the back mining the gold to sprinkle on each of our dishes, I pasted on a friendly smile and stepped over to Geoffery's table."

Chocolate Dipped Death (A Candy Shop Mystery)

*WARNING: CONTAINS A FEW SPOILERS*

There's no use sugarcoating it-no one in Paradise can stand Savannah Horne. The former local girl is now the trophy wife of a ridiculously wealthy businessman. And she's swept back into town just in time to enter Divinity's Tenth Annual Confectionery Competition-and stir up trouble. But someone bent on sweet revenge will guarantee that Savannah won't make it out of Paradise alive, trapping Abby in a case sticker than her gooey taffy.

Blackmail, deceit, poisoned candy and a hit and run Oohh My!!!

I liked this book alot. It was an enjoyable read and I liked the way the murder was conducted, it was a well thought out process. The killer was a bit cliche, however I did like the underlying true identity to the murderer's character. I also liked how "Karen" the cousin to "Abby" got her turn in the hot seat for a while during this book. I'm not sure what it is about her, but she gets under my skin a little, so seeing her in some hot water felt a little satisfying. ;)

I felt there was a few unnecessary side plots though that deviated from the track of the book. For example when "Abby's" niece gets her tongue pierced and "Abby" has to go with "Dana" to tell her father what she did. Did we really need a whole chapter to tie family drama together?

I did like how the last few chapters really had me on the edge and wanting to race to the end, espeically after chapter twenty. The dramatic ending was also very well played out. So far I find this book has the best ending in the series. It's very suspenseful and adventurous.

This book did leave me with a few questions at the end though; For example, where the heck was "Jawarski" when "Abby" needed him? and how exactly were "Miles" and "Jason" connected in "Miles's" past? I guess we'll never know...

A few of my favorite quotes from the book are...

"I launched into my speech, it took me a few seconds to realize that the only one listening was max (the dog) but at least he had the good manners to stop chewing the toilet brush and pay attention."

"The only way out of this was to figure out a compromise they could both live with. Maybe I could convince Miles and Savannah to forgo the public apology if I met them over coffee. Maybe I could convince Evie to stop crying foul. And hey! After that maybe I could spin straw into gold!"
--There is also a wee little typo on page 66. It should read Evie Rice not Evie Rich. :)

Peppermint Twisted (A Candy Shop Mystery)

Paradise's local artists are up in arms when wealthy Felicity Asbury names herself director of the annual arts festival. But she soon gets her just desserts. Abby finds Felicity dead in Divinity's parking lot--an awl lodged in her chest. And when evidence points to Abby as the suspect, she must put aside her sweet making for sleuthing to discover who was twisted enough to do the deed.
Peppermint Twisted was kind of a slow read for me. It just didn't hold the same finesse as Sammi Carter's other books in the series. I also realized the killer within reading just the first half of the book. I also didn't really care for the way the murder victims or the murderer's tied together in the end. I guess its just because her other books sorta blew me away with the ending. I was happy with the climatic ending though. In my honest opinion the book is good and I'm still glad I read it, I just think its a little on the boring side, so my star rating for this is a 3 outta 5. :)

Goody Goody Gunshots (A Candy Shop Mystery)

When Abby Shaw witnesses a stranger being gunned down on the highway, she's convinced she's seen a murder. Problem is, there's no body. But days later, when a body does turn up, wishy-washy witnesses make things sticky. Even elbow-deep in hot syrup, Abby is determined to find out the truth. And it's not as if she can take her sweet time figuring it out -- she's busy running Divinity, training a new employee, and helping to coach her nephew's basketball team. Not to mention that nosing around for too long could get her killed ...

Once again Sammi Carter has held me captive in another one of her "sweet mysteries".
This book was a little slow at first, but page after page it had me hanging on for more
And just when I thought I finally had all the pieces together of this six degrees of murder, BAM!
Out of almost no where I get side blinded with another twisted tale of whodunit! I particularly love the tip toe romance and she is now sharing with a certain detective and, I am also glad that the book introduced some new characters and friends of Abby's like Richie, Dylan, Marshall and Ginger. Really in my opinion if you want a good cozy mystery... pick this one up, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Oh, and YAY! for my recipes in the back of the book! I think its safe to say, I'm officially hooked on these mysteries and am turning into a big fan of Sammi Carter.

Oh and I have the other 2 books in the series (Chocolate Dipped Death & Sucker Punched) arriving from amazon some time next week, I can't wait to get my hands on them! I hate that I'm reading them in kinda a weird order... but it's not the first time I've done it and it doesn't seem to ruin anything so I think I'm ok :)

Candy Apple Dead (A Candy Shop Mystery)

No visit to Paradise, Colorado is complete without a stop at Divinity Candy Shop for a little taste of heaven. For owner Abby Shaw, it's a sweet deal, too. When her Aunt Grace passed away, Abby inherited Divinity-- and with it the opportunity to leave her career as a corporate lawyer and dump her cheating husband. Now she spends her time serving up delectable treats-- and performing the occasional deductive feat...

Making and selling sweets eases Abby's heartache, but having Brandon Mills sweet on her eases it even more. The owner of a men's clothing store, he invites Abby to the local merchants' meeting where he'll plead his case to extend the city's annual arts festival. And then he wants to cap off the night with a romantic dinner for two.

But Brandon never shows. His store is destroyed by fire and his body is discovered in the rubble-- and Abby is shocked to find that few people in town mourn his death. Paradise's business owners were threatened by Brandon's ambitious nature-- and several men felt threatened by the attention he showered on their wives. And when her brother becomes the number one suspect, Abby holds her own investigation to find out who really killed Brandon-- for love or money...Candy Apple Dead is the first book in Sammi Carter's "Candy Shop Mysteries" and I absolutely love it! I read the whole book in about 2 1/2 days! I probably could have read the whole thing from start to finish in one afternoon but... ya know... pesky priorities get in the way lol. Seriously though, I couldn't put it down. It was such a page turner and Sammi kept me guessing and in suspense with every character!... soon everyone became a suspect and I was just itching to find out who did it! I also love the main character "Abby Shaw" she is a woman after my own heart. Determined, head strong, feisty, sarcastic and hiliarious! I am definitely glad that I own this book, because I will be coming back to it again sometime in the future... need to read a few more mysteries so I forget who the killer is ;) I can't wait to start Sammi's next book (that I own) "Goody Goody Gunshots"! I hope its just as good as her first, because this could be the making of a great series for me!

P.S.

I also love the fact that there are candy recipe's in the back of the book! And you better believe I will be trying these!

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