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!