Another One Bites the Crust: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Torte―the beloved small-town bakeshop run by Jules Capshaw―is set to hit the stage. But who would have guessed that murder would makes a surprise appearance?

It’s the role of a lifetime for Jules. The Shakespeare Festival has returned to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torte has been cast as the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event. But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Jules’s friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house. . .and the next morning, Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance loves his drama―and his just desserts―but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him. Now it’s up to Jules to cut through a bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co-stars who all have their own secrets―before the curtain drops on someone else. . .

my thoughts:

I am seriously loving cozy mysteries this winter - they are my jam! I especially love when I'm reading a series - the familiar characters and setting always make for a fun read.  So, I was super excited when I received a copy of Ellie Alexander's latest book, Another One Bites the Crust, from her popular series, A Bakeshop Mystery.  Its the seventh book in the series and I think it may just be my favorite one.

The Shakespeare Festival is in town and Jules' bakeshop, Torte, will be providing the yummy treats - get ready for some mouthwatering descriptions of delectable desserts.  Reading about all that delicious food is one of the highlights of these books - I just love that the recipes are included, too.  Jules is a foodie and its obvious how much she enjoys her bakery.  Of course, she is super busy getting ready for the festival and dealing with the renovations on her basement - she's planning on expanding her shop even more.  So, she's a bit surprised to say the least when she notices how weird her BFF, Lance, is behaving.  He's directing the play at the festival - Antony and Cleopatra - but he's not happy with the actor playing Antony.  In fact, the two get into a huge fight on the eve of opening night - DRAMA! Unfortunately for Lance, the actor is found dead the next morning and he is considered to be the "prime suspect" - ack!! Jules knows her friend is innocent and sets out to find the real killer.  Talk about a suspense-filled mystery! I just loved learning more about Jules and her BFF; reading about all of the craziness behind the scenes of the Shakespeare Fetival; and trying to figure out whodunit.  This book is a terrific addition to the series - the characters seem to grow and develop more and you can't help but fall even more in love with Ashland, Oregon.  I absolutely LOVED Another One Bites the Crust.  I would happily recommend it to fans of the series and anyone looking for a new cozy mystery to get lost in - you will LOVE this book!!



Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of Fudge & Jury: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander

(Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

about book:

Welcome to Torte–a friendly, small-town family bakery where the pastries are delicious…and, now, suspicious.

It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crèpes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter—unless murder taints the batter.

Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for—literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream?
my thoughts:

Cozy mysteries are quickly becoming my go-to reads when I'm looking for something light and fun to read.  They are the perfect antidote to a grey and rainy day, especially when the winds are howling like mad.  Imagine my delight when this little tome found its way into my hands during one of the very rare cold fronts South FL has experienced this winter.  I grabbed me a cuppa, a warm blanket and settled in for the afternoon with Ellie Alexander's latest book in her popular Bakeshop Mystery series, Fudge & Jury.  Talk about bliss!  I devoured this book in one sitting and wished that I had more to read.  I just fell in love with Ashland, Oregon and its quirky inhabitants - they truly made for quite an entertaining read.

In this fifth book (in a six-book series), I met Jules, baker and owner of her family's bakery, Torte.  She's gearing up for the annual Chocolate Festival, while simultaneously getting her kitchen in order.  After saving up enough money, Jules and her mom are finally able to purchase new ovens for Torte.  Plus, they plan on painting and installing a new register.  They are excited and thrilled to refresh their bakery.  Of course, their top priority is getting everything made for the festival - they are one of the four showcase vendors, so they have to be ready in time.  Talk about stress and excitement combined. Unfortunately, Jules and Torte get thrown in the 'hot seat' when Evan, one of the other showcase vendors, dies after sampling Jules' confections.  Ack!  Death by chocolate?!  Well, nuts to be exact - seeing as he was allergic to them.  Uh oh!  What is Jules to do?  Apparently, she'll put on her sleuthing cap and get to figuring out what really happened to Evan.  Who killed him and why?

Alexander has written an engaging and rather delicious 'whodunit' story.  Filled with choco-tastic sweets, this book had my mouth watering non-stop.  I couldn't help but find myself craving all of Jules' yummy desserts.  Luckily, Alexander has included the recipes at the back of the book - hurrah!  Of course, I also found myself trying to figure out who was behind Evan's murder - I enjoyed all the twists and turns woven throughout the story.  Fudge & Jury was truly a fun read.  I plan on reading all of the other books in the series and can't wait to learn more about Jules and her sleuthing adventures.  I just know that I'm in for quite a treat.

I would happily recommend Fudge & Jury to fans of Ellie Alexander's, A Bakeshop Mystery series, and fans of cozy mysteries with a foodie bent - you will DEVOUR this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Fudge & Jury

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away one (1) copy of this book! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment. Don't forget to include your email address - that way I can contact you, if you win the book.  Last date to enter is January 20th.  US/Canada residents only.  Good luck!!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!