Dying for Dinner Rolls, Murderous Muffins & Homicide by Hamlet (The Chubby Chicks Club Books 1-3) by Lois Lavrisa

I am very glad that I waited until I read all three books in the Chubby Chicks Club Mystery Series by Lois Lavrisa before posting any reviews.  The books are between 155-165 pages long which makes for quick reading. And when you add the interesting story you are done before you know it....or want to be.  The books are centered around The Chubby Chicks Club which is really not a "club" or are they chubby chicks.  There are four "members" each very unique.  First you have Cat who is a happily married mom of two sets of twins and her family owns the Sunshine Market.  Bezu is a southern belle living in her generations old family home where the group always meets for dinner.  Annie Mae is a drama professor at the local University and lastly is Jose who is a bomb squad detective resembling Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
There was a 5th member, Lucy, but as you will see in Book One she isn't around long.
Another thing I loved about these books is that each book is written in a different narrative.  

DYING FOR DINNER ROLLS ( BOOK ONE )

She's been held at gunpoint, stuck in a burning dumpster, chased out of a grocery store, caught impersonating a police officer and almost run over by a wayward vehicle. How is that for a first day on the job as an amateur sleuth? Along with her friend Annie Mae, Cat investigates the brick-paved, oak-lined streets of Savannah to find their friend's murderer. To say the very least, it is not smooth sailing for these self appointed detectives. Will they catch the killer before the killer gets them? Or will their first case be their last? Find out in the first volume of the Chubby Chicks Club mystery series, Dying for Dinner Rolls which combines mystery, suspense, humor, and southern charm.   (Summary via Goodreads)

Cat has everything...a loving husband, 18 year old twin boys, 5 year old twin girls, a family business started by her parents years ago, a great mother and grandfather.  The only thing wrong in her life is that her father's murder has not been solved.  Her father was gunned down during a robbery at the store and the only "clue" was a crossword puzzle with a few incorrect words filled out in purple ink.  And now Chubby Chicks Club member Lucy is found murdered in her home and the police rule it a suicide.  Anyone who knew Lucy knows that there is no way she would take her own life.  With the unreluctant help of Annie Mae, Cat does some investigating into Lucy's death.  As they get closes to the killer, Cat begins to learn things about her father.   Is it possible she could solve BOTH cases ??

MURDEROUS MUFFINS  ( BOOK TWO )  

Bezu is a beautiful southern belle with gentile manners. But her problems are anything but. Deep in debt, she's illegally taken in a few lodgers. A sweet stripper and her bodybuilder boyfriend, an Asian man loudly learning English through pop music, and a mysterious stranger with the most amazing blue-green eyes -- and a secret. When one of them mysteriously dies and it looks like her muffins were the murder weapon, Bezu and her fellow Chubby Chicks Club member, Cat, must discover who the killer is before she ends up in jail...or worse. Will they succeed? Find out in Murderous Muffins, book two in the Chubby Chicks Club cozy mystery series.  (Summary vis Goodreads)

The Gordon family once owned half the town but the only 2 things that Bezu has left of her family is the family home and the pearl necklace that has been handed down from generations.  The house is falling apart, the taxes are past due and she needs money.  So she illegally takes in "tenants" but to everyone else they are relatives, very distant relatives.  But when Cat needs a place to stay for a few days and one of the tenants dies, poisoned by a muffin Bezu made, all hell breaks lose at the inn.  Bezu has to come clean to Cat and Jose, try to ward off advances by the Brazilan hottie who is staying there because he may be the killer and clear her name.  

HOMICIDE HAMLET ( BOOK THREE )

Annie Mae has one last job to do before she retires from a thirty-year career in academia: one week of summer theater camp. A camp she has worked at for so many years she could do it with her eyes closed. Easy peasy. Until a team leader is murdered and all hell breaks loose as everyone is a suspect and everyone has a secret. Will she find out the truth before she becomes the killer’s next victim? Or will death be her swan song?  (Summary via Goodreads)

Annie Mae loves the students and her job but it is time for her to retire and start the next chapter of her live.  And she will do that right after she leads a team of drama students in a week long summer theatre camp competition.  Her team has a winning streak that she would like to retire with, however, Priscilla Woodham, is also a team leader and the two of them do not get along !!  The first day Priscilla starts trouble questioning Annie Mae's "relationship" with one of the judges Professor Gill.  All Annie Mae wants to do is get through the week without any trouble.  Unfortunately nothing is that easy.  They find out that Bezu's ex-fiance, Dwight, is marrying Priscilla, Priscilla is found dead the evening of the first day, Professor Gill left a dinner party early and there is something about Priscilla's assistant that Annie Mae can't put her finger on.  Even though the police are hot on the case, Annie Mae and Bezu feel it is up to them to solve the case.  After all Annie Mae needs to know if her "friend" is innocent before she develops feelings for him.

As I said I really liked that each book was written in a different narrative.  First we got to ride along with Cat, then Bezu and finally Annie Mae.  I am so hoping that Book Four will be in Jose's narrative....that story should be a hoot !!!!

These books with fly off your TBR pile and on to your friends or back to the library quick !!!  I couldn't and didn't want to put them down !!!

Review's by Missi S.

On the Chopping Block (A Callie's Kitchen Mystery, #1) by Jenny Kales

Building a small business has been murder, but Callie Costas didn’t expect to be confronted with an actual body. The 36-year-old Greek-American proprietor of “Callie's Kitchen,” a meals-from-scratch business in an idyllic small town, has been busy creating a post-divorce life for herself, her young daughter and her Yorkie, Koukla. After a lot of hard work (including staving off her father’s continual advice), she’s got the locals and tourists clamoring for her delicious Mediterranean dishes and Midwest comfort food classics. Recently, she’s started a budding romance with a fellow foodie, the wealthy owner and chef of Crystal Bay’s most popular bistro. 

However, success is as fleeting as one of Wisconsin’s glorious autumn days. As local businesses begin to shut down due to a slow economy, Callie is struggling not to become another statistic. A contest with a hefty cash prize seems like the perfect chance to fix her financial woes, until a shocking murder threatens not only her livelihood – but her life. 

When she’s targeted as a prime suspect by an attractive expat British detective, Callie’s situation becomes more delicate than her Greek egg-lemon soup. She’s got to find the killer and fast if she wants to protect her daughter, save her business and stay alive.  (Summary via Goodreads)

On the Chopping Block is Jenny Kales debut book and it is a doozie !!!  First in the Callie's Kitchen Mystery series and it will have you hooked and wanting more !!

Crystal Bay is such a quaint little town that you will wish you were a tourist enjoying the water, the restaurants, the shops and the people.

Callie who just happens to own Callie's Kitchen is dating Drew who happens to own another restaurant named, what else, Drew.  But when Callie goes to Drew's house for a dinner date, she finds him laying on the floor dead !!!  And no matter what she tells the police, specifically Detective Sands, she is their prime suspect !!  

In order to clear her name and attempt to win customers back, she does her own investigating.  Even though everyone from her overbearing father to her best friend Sam who is also her lawyer keeps telling her to stay out of it, her business and daughter need her NOT in jail.

This was a very enjoyable and mind catching book with a lot of worthy suspects.  But when it gets down to it, you cannot believe who is behind all of it ..... and why !!

Review by Missi S. 

Truffles and Troubles: Book 1 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams

SUMMER PRESCOTT BOOKS announces the spectacular debut of mystery author, Valley Sams, who has written a masterpiece of Culinary Cozy perfection!!! 

Presenting: Truffles and Troubles - Book 1 of The Chocolate Cafe Series... 

After the death of her beloved grandfather, Catharine “Mac” Mackenzie opens a chocolate shop in her sleepy little New England bayside town with her best friend Sabrina. Things are going well for the daring duo, until Sabrina’s landlord, one of the wealthiest women in town, is murdered. Toss in a British detective with a wicked sense of humor, a shudder-worthy encounter with a childhood friend, and you’re in for a delectable mystery experience that’ll have you on the edge of your seat!   (Summary via Goodreads)


An amazing new series! Truffles and Troubles is book one in the Chocolate Cafe series by Valley Sams. I enjoyed the storyline and characters so much that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting and be warned that housework and cooking will not be done till you are finished. LOL It is a great mystery full of excitement and yummy Chocolate. A page turner not to miss. Already looking forward to book two.

Catherine Mackenzie (Mac) and her best friend Sabrina (Brie) have known each other for over 17 years. Brie owns the most delicious store in Mackenzie Bay, a Chocolate Shop! Brie calls herself "Wonka " when she is making her yummy surprises. 

Mac has come back to town because her beloved grandfather has died. He was her only guardian since her parents died. She has been helping Brie in her shop to keep herself busy. Things kinda get crazy in town when Victoria Dunleavy and her fiancé are found shot in Victoria's mansion. Mac can't help herself when it comes to a mystery. She calls herself Nancy Drew. Brie is not happy having her friend in harms way investigating. There is just no stopping her! She can't even be deterred by handsome Detective Louis Stocker who by the way has an English accent to drool over just like chocolate! 

Will Mac be able to stay out of the line of fire or will she have to be rescued before she is the next victim???

Review by Penny M.

Murder, Handcrafted (Amish Quilt Shop Mystery #5) by Isabella Alan

Amish quilt shop owner Angie Braddock crosses wires with a killer in the latest from the national bestselling author of Murder, Plainly Read...

Spring has arrived in Holmes County and Angie couldn’t be happier. She’s got great friends, a thriving business, and is in the perfect relationship with Sheriff James Mitchell. The only thing raining on her parade is her mother drafting her into a massive home renovation project—and using their sudden mother/daughter bonding time to comment on Angie’s ticking biological clock.

The house’s repairs and upgrades between the Amish craftsmen and their Englisch counterparts are proceeding well until a tremendous shock comes to the workers when the electrician is found dead on site. With the sheriff suspecting foul play, it falls to Angie to root a killer out of the woodwork. . . .   (Summary via Goodreads)


This is a great series. Murder Handcrafted is book five in An Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. It is a page turning, who dunit from start to finish and of course, Oliver, Dodger, and Petunia steal the show. I can't say enough about the characters and the plot in each of Isabella Alan's books. They are all thought out and full of twists and turns for her readers.

Angie Braddock, the owner of Running Stitch in Rolling Brook, Ohio is in the heart of Amish country. She loves it here along with her handsome boyfriend, Sheriff James Mitchell. But all things quiet must come to an end when her dad ends up hurting his back trying to do a DIY kitchen remodel. Angie's mom Daphne is not happy! She is worried about her husband and now her electrician is down for good! He is found dead in the backyard! Tons of secrets start coming out of the wood work about not only Grif the electrician but her best friend Jonah. Why would anyone in this small Amish town want to kill someone??? 

And how in the world is James going to keep Angie out of this investigation so close to home?
Some things should be left in the past or more people in the future may end up six feet under.

Review by Penny M.

Marshmallow Creme Killer: Book 7 in The INNcredibly Sweet Series by Summer Prescott

If you’ve enjoyed the Frosted Love Series, you’ll love the continuing story of Missy, Chas and the gang after they’ve moved from Louisiana to Florida to run a B&B and cupcake shop.

Is Carla the Interior Decorator alive? Who is Spencer Bengal really? 

On the journey through The INNcredibly Sweet Series, you’ve had questions…this book provides the answers. You’ll be caught up in the ongoing adventures of Missy, Chas, Spencer and the rest of the gang as their story takes them to exotic locations and into scary situations. Find out the answer to many of the questions, that have kept you in suspense, in this latest installment of The INNcredibly Sweet Series, where lives and relationships will be changed forever.  (Summary via Goodreads)


Marshmallow Creme Killer book seven in The INNcredibly Sweet series is another winner. All I can say is hold on to your books because you are about to go on an incredible journey.

The delicacies that Missy makes at Cupcakes in Paradise sound so good you want to eat the pages. I was drooling over the marshmallow creme cupcakes.

There are a ton of things going on in this book. I can't say much but the gang is up to solving crimes. Chas gets an urgent call and has to leave to take care of some family business. That leaves Missy and her best friend Echo alone in Calgon, Florida but they look at it as pajama parties, good food, and canine entertainment. Then Missy and Echo realize their friend Carla is missing and turn to Detective Jim Reuben to help since Chas is out of town. This causes Missy and Echo to do some detective work on their own. This could mean trouble! 

Is Carla alive??? When will Chas be home? And finally who is Spencer really???

All of these questions get answered in this book. It's full of surprises and secrets! A page turner you will not want to miss.

Review by Penny M.

Capable of Murder (Belinda Lawrence Murder Mystery, #1) by Brian Kavanagh

The old lady's body lay at the foot of the stairs. The police believe it was an accidental fall that killed great-aunt Jane. Young Australian Belinda Lawrence is convinced it was murder and when she inherits her great-aunt's ancient cottage and garden on the outskirts of Bath, England, she finds herself deep in a taut mystery surrounding her legacy.

A second vicious murder by a ruthless killer intensifies the tension and Belinda, now under threat herself, is befriended by two charming men: her neighbour Jacob and real estate agent Mark Sallinger. But can she trust them? And what interest has befuddled antique dealer Hazel Whitby in the cottage?  (Summary via Goodreads)

What a great new cozy mystery set in England. Capable of Murder is a Belinda Lawrence Murder mystery first in a new series. Really love the small English town and set of characters. Only problem is that in a small town people love to get into everyone's business. Belinda finds out quickly about small town life.

Belinda Lawrence is from Australia but is called to England because of a letter sent from her Great Aunt Jane. She goes to her house in the small town of Milford just outside of Bath only to find her dead! She is not totally convinced that she died from a fall like law enforcement keeps saying. She begins to try and find out information on her recluse Aunt. Belinda is shocked to find out that she is the only relative for her Aunt's house, land, and assets. She has a big decision to make, will she stay or go back to Australia?

This is where things get a bit more complicated. She meets not one but two very handsome men who seem to be vying for her attention. Are they trustworthy or are they just after her for her finances and much more??? Days after meeting her two callers her home is broken into and it appears that nothing is taken but someone sure was looking for something. Then when a second murder occurs in the small town Belinda realizes she maybe in great danger. 

Love the plot to this book as well as the Old English charm. So cozy up to a fire and sit back and be amazed at all the twists and turns coming your way.

Review by Penny M.

Maggie Dove: A Mystery by Susan Breen

Susan Breen introduces a charming new series heroine in this poignant and absorbing cozy mystery with a bite. Maggie Dove thinks everyone in her small Westchester County community knows everyone else’s secrets. Then murder comes to town.

When Sunday School teacher Maggie Dove finds her hateful next-door neighbor Marcus Bender lying dead under her beloved oak tree—the one he demanded she cut down—she figures the man dropped dead of a mean heart. But Marcus was murdered, and the prime suspect is a young man Maggie loves like a son. Peter Nelson was the worst of Maggie’s Sunday School students; he was also her late daughter’s fiancé, and he’s been a devoted friend to Maggie in the years since her daughter’s death.

Maggie can’t lose Peter, too. So she sets out to find the real murderer. To do that, she must move past the grief that has immobilized her all these years. She must probe the hidden corners of her little village on the Hudson River. And, when another death strikes even closer to home, Maggie must find the courage to defend the people and the town she loves—even if it kills her.  (Summary via Goodreads)


This cozy is a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the storyline and characters in the small town of West Chester, NY. Loved the undertones of hope and friendship above all else throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the Christian based themes that were cleverly placed in this story.

Maggie Dove hasn't had it easy. Her daughter passed away 20 years ago and she has been on hold since. She does have wonderful friends that are there to support her like Winifred who used to be her neighbor and Peter Nelson. Peter is the Assistant Chief of Police for the village of Darby-on-Hudson who was her daughters best friend and love of her life. Winifred her other friend now lives in a nursing facility due to progressive Parkinson's. They are always there to lend an ear. Especially since Maggie has Marcus Bender (Satan) as a neighbor. 

Marcus is out for one person and that is Maggie because her beloved Oak tree blocks his view of the Hudson River. She finds poison under the tree and goes to confront him. She has been a Sunday School teacher for 30 years but this man is pushing her buttons. After leaving his house she tries to stay awake to make sure he doesn't come back but sadly falls asleep. Next thing she knows she sees something under the tree and finds that it is Marcus DEAD!!! 

Things go from bad to worse when they find out he was poisoned! Who and why would someone do this? Peter is determined to help Maggie until things go topsy turvy and Peter becomes the prime suspect. Maggie will do anything for Peter because he has always been like a son to her. Will she be able to help before she becomes the next victim???

Review by Penny M.