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Donut Shop Mysteries #8
Powdered Peril
It’s hard to keep a secret in April Springs—especially when it involves a no-good cheater like Peter Morgan. Donut shop owner Suzanne Hart has tried to be civil with the guy, since he’s dating her best friend Grace. But when Grace shows up at her doorstep—sobbing—Suzanne’s the first to admit she’s glad the relationship is over. She’s also the first to spot the footprints leading to Peter’s dead body… Instead of the usual morning donuts, the police are busy rounding up suspects and sifting through clues: Why did Peter splash yellow paint on Suzanne’s shop window before he was murdered? How angry was Grace when she learned that her boyfriend was two-timing (or three- or four-timing)? Suzanne is willing to bet dollars to donuts that her friend is innocent. Now she has to prove it—before the real killer takes a powder…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2012
36 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Beck
102 books458 followersJessica Beck is a pseudonym used by
Tim Myers.
Jessica Beck is the penname of an author who has been nominated for the Agatha Award and named an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association national bestseller nearly a dozen times.
Jessica Beck loves donuts, and has the figure to prove it. It's amazing what people can convince themselves is all in the name of research! For each recipe featured in the donut mysteries, a dozen more are tried and tested.
When not concocting delicious treats, Beck enjoys the rare snowfalls near her home in the foothills of North Carolina.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jessic...
Tim Myers.
Jessica Beck is the penname of an author who has been nominated for the Agatha Award and named an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association national bestseller nearly a dozen times.
Jessica Beck loves donuts, and has the figure to prove it. It's amazing what people can convince themselves is all in the name of research! For each recipe featured in the donut mysteries, a dozen more are tried and tested.
When not concocting delicious treats, Beck enjoys the rare snowfalls near her home in the foothills of North Carolina.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jessic...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 12, 2018
Fairly typical cozy. When the sleuth's best friend breaks up with her boyfriend for cheating, the boyfriend winds up dead. The friend is the prime suspect. The sleuth tries to clear her name, and finds the boyfriend had a lot of secrets and enemies.
Some of the recipes look good.
Some of the recipes look good.
April 24, 2023
These books are just fun. I enjoy the characters and Suzanne and Grace make a great team. The biggest down side is that they always make me want donuts. The mystery was good and kept me guessing and I always enjoy an exciting ending.
August 9, 2014
I may change my tune tomorrow, but at the moment I feel that I could read a hundred Donut Shop Mysteries back to back. It ended all too abruptly, an anomaly in this morphing, slick, well narrated book. Both the beginning and the end were book ends to the meat of the story, as they departed starkly from the usual style of Jessica Beck.
I cannot take too much credit for predicting this book's victim in advance. It seems that whenever a new character is threatening to dislodge the established pantheon in any cozy mystery, that character is taken to task and dealt with not too kindly. Another new character that replaced (although really replaced in the heart of Suzanne she could not) Emma was Nan. Her short cameo here was welcome and contributed to the high score I've given to this book. The ending included another new character, Leah. I feel that not only Leah should be included in the clique of the dynamic detective duo of Suzanne and Grace, but Emma herself should lend a hand in sleuthing matters. One advantage of that is that the book would clock in at 500 pages, a magic number that I know will not be reached.
The boyfriends of this series appeared scantily but markedly. Peter Morgan got himself iced, rather tragically, all things notwithstanding considered. Jake got himself some additional, much craved and much needed hugs and kisses. Chief Martin showed a tender side, and if this series progresses, he might turn out to be a father figure to Suzanne.
I was surprised how the other characters made well dosed appearances. I was left wanting for more of George. Now that he's the mayor, and has the power to back Suzanne in her sleuthing, he's been overpowered (in the super being comic book kind). He has too many benefits for his own good and is being relegated to props level by the ruthless author. Trish, Angelica and her daughters (especially Sophia) provide a supporting chorus that fleshes out the town of April Spring. Now I understand that this fictional town is based in the south but would it kill the author to cut down on the Yes ma'am and the 'and you know it's?
Although this book was well written, I feel that I'm forgetting the details a bit too quickly. I doubt whether any of the remaining books in the series will outscore this one. The changes that operated in this book brought some much needed fresh air to it and I got a taste of what an inspired cozy mystery writer sounds like. Usually the books are paint by numbers affairs. But this particular number was genuine enough to have a theme. A theme about missed opportunities, friendship, love, new and old. I marvel at the incessant way I consume these cozy mysteries, high art though they may not be. Having said that, I kind of grasp why I keep going back to them. They are readable. Plainly and simply. There have been too many well respected books that I have dropped quickly. But I know that even with underwhelming books of the genre, I will keep my momentum and not suffer any break in my reading rhythm. That is vital to me. If you read this book, it will be at your leisure. I do recommend it, and I'm going to read the next one soon enough. Bye.
I cannot take too much credit for predicting this book's victim in advance. It seems that whenever a new character is threatening to dislodge the established pantheon in any cozy mystery, that character is taken to task and dealt with not too kindly. Another new character that replaced (although really replaced in the heart of Suzanne she could not) Emma was Nan. Her short cameo here was welcome and contributed to the high score I've given to this book. The ending included another new character, Leah. I feel that not only Leah should be included in the clique of the dynamic detective duo of Suzanne and Grace, but Emma herself should lend a hand in sleuthing matters. One advantage of that is that the book would clock in at 500 pages, a magic number that I know will not be reached.
The boyfriends of this series appeared scantily but markedly. Peter Morgan got himself iced, rather tragically, all things notwithstanding considered. Jake got himself some additional, much craved and much needed hugs and kisses. Chief Martin showed a tender side, and if this series progresses, he might turn out to be a father figure to Suzanne.
I was surprised how the other characters made well dosed appearances. I was left wanting for more of George. Now that he's the mayor, and has the power to back Suzanne in her sleuthing, he's been overpowered (in the super being comic book kind). He has too many benefits for his own good and is being relegated to props level by the ruthless author. Trish, Angelica and her daughters (especially Sophia) provide a supporting chorus that fleshes out the town of April Spring. Now I understand that this fictional town is based in the south but would it kill the author to cut down on the Yes ma'am and the 'and you know it's?
Although this book was well written, I feel that I'm forgetting the details a bit too quickly. I doubt whether any of the remaining books in the series will outscore this one. The changes that operated in this book brought some much needed fresh air to it and I got a taste of what an inspired cozy mystery writer sounds like. Usually the books are paint by numbers affairs. But this particular number was genuine enough to have a theme. A theme about missed opportunities, friendship, love, new and old. I marvel at the incessant way I consume these cozy mysteries, high art though they may not be. Having said that, I kind of grasp why I keep going back to them. They are readable. Plainly and simply. There have been too many well respected books that I have dropped quickly. But I know that even with underwhelming books of the genre, I will keep my momentum and not suffer any break in my reading rhythm. That is vital to me. If you read this book, it will be at your leisure. I do recommend it, and I'm going to read the next one soon enough. Bye.
September 1, 2012
Powdered Peril stands up just fine as a stand alone mystery, but one of the many things I love about cozy mysteries is the sense of being part of a family that you get from reading each book in a series. When we first met donut shop owner Suzanne Hart she was recovering from a broken marriage and just learning to stand on her own. In the books since then we have come to know and enjoy the growth in Suzanne's personal and business life. Suzanne's mother has grown as well, moving on to a new chapter. I enjoyed the fact that this newest entry focuses on Suzanne's friend, Grace, who has her own challenges to face. Even minor characters and friends evolve in Beck's series and I am always glad to see what's new in their lives as well. If you like a small town cozy with a strong amateur sleuth and lots of good food try the Donut Shop series (I personally advise starting at the beginning with Glazed Murder because it's too good a treat not to eat your way through all the books).
March 15, 2016
I really had no idea who the killer was until the very end. I was sad for Grace but she seems to have taken the death in good spirits.
What I liked in this book was the fact that Suzanne's boyfriend, Jake didn't interfere with the murder at all. I don't like the fact that now that George is mayor, he is taking a back seat and not helping with the "cases." Things may change in the near future but I really so miss him.
I'm also happy that Emma is back but sad at the same time that she didn't give college a little bit more of a effoet. Sometimes it's good to get away from where you grown up. she just let the homesickness get the best of her, but Nan was not a good fit for the donut shop. I do want to know how she knows the chief so well. I also wonder if she will be in the next book. Let me get started on that book ☺
What I liked in this book was the fact that Suzanne's boyfriend, Jake didn't interfere with the murder at all. I don't like the fact that now that George is mayor, he is taking a back seat and not helping with the "cases." Things may change in the near future but I really so miss him.
I'm also happy that Emma is back but sad at the same time that she didn't give college a little bit more of a effoet. Sometimes it's good to get away from where you grown up. she just let the homesickness get the best of her, but Nan was not a good fit for the donut shop. I do want to know how she knows the chief so well. I also wonder if she will be in the next book. Let me get started on that book ☺
January 1, 2020
I liked this one.
I now read this series trying to guess how Suzanne is going to end up confronting the killer - after not even figuring out who it is - and arranging for all her friends to be busy just at that time.
I like the way the suspects each refused to give Suzanne an alibi (as she's a doughnut maker and not a cop) but it wasn't one-dimensional. These were real people who were kind of acting like jerks but it totally worked because they were realistic and it didn't come across as a plot device. I appreciated that - it made the book more enjoyable.
I also liked the relationship between Suzanne and Grace since the book was mainly just the two of them going around town hunting for a murderer. All the other friends were otherwise occupied.
I now read this series trying to guess how Suzanne is going to end up confronting the killer - after not even figuring out who it is - and arranging for all her friends to be busy just at that time.
I like the way the suspects each refused to give Suzanne an alibi (as she's a doughnut maker and not a cop) but it wasn't one-dimensional. These were real people who were kind of acting like jerks but it totally worked because they were realistic and it didn't come across as a plot device. I appreciated that - it made the book more enjoyable.
I also liked the relationship between Suzanne and Grace since the book was mainly just the two of them going around town hunting for a murderer. All the other friends were otherwise occupied.
September 19, 2019
I'm beginning to think that I am just not the audience for cozies. I've read there's over 20 of these, so good for the author, but I don't think I'll be reading anymore.
Beck's underlying mystery was interesting, but her detective is just not an interesting or sympathetic figure. What really set me off was that she is directly interfering in an active police investigation and gets mad whenever the Chief of Police gets there before her. The only way she gets away with it is the Chief of Police is pursuing her mother.
That's it. If you like these types of novels, I'd bet this is one you'll enjoy on a rainy Saturday morning. So if you do, find it and read it.
Beck's underlying mystery was interesting, but her detective is just not an interesting or sympathetic figure. What really set me off was that she is directly interfering in an active police investigation and gets mad whenever the Chief of Police gets there before her. The only way she gets away with it is the Chief of Police is pursuing her mother.
That's it. If you like these types of novels, I'd bet this is one you'll enjoy on a rainy Saturday morning. So if you do, find it and read it.
November 3, 2016
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
Another fun ride in the life of a humble donut maker in April Springs, North Carolina. Suzanne Hart is a down to earth, kind and loyal person. When her best friend Grace breaks up with her boyfriend and then he's murdered later that night, she is determined to find out who did it and why. Suzanne is more than willing to help her best friend find the truth.
Another fun ride in the life of a humble donut maker in April Springs, North Carolina. Suzanne Hart is a down to earth, kind and loyal person. When her best friend Grace breaks up with her boyfriend and then he's murdered later that night, she is determined to find out who did it and why. Suzanne is more than willing to help her best friend find the truth.
October 3, 2012
Jessica Beck's Donut Shop series has reached a new plateau. Between the number of suspects, the amount of work Suzanne and Grace have to put in to solve this mystery, and the totally surprise ending, you will not put this book down for even a second, until you've reached the last page.
A total winner!
A total winner!
August 28, 2017
the whole town comes together to solve this murder mystery when Grace's boyfriend is murdered. of course Suzanne is taking the lead. I wish the accident had been further explained especially if it was truly an accident or not.
March 2, 2017
When I see free cozies, I will often grab them, read them, and give them to my mother, who particularly enjoys the Cozy genre. Some of them are good. Some of them are not so good; as with any genre, there is a lot of filler. I'm not even going to say that's a bad thing, as there are things I enjoy so much that I'm happy with examples that aren't my favorites. Cozy Mysteries just aren't enough of a favorite thing with me.
I found far too much assurance, first from the narrator to the reader, and then between characters, that they love each other. Like sisters. Like family. Like best friends. Really real love. It felt like the romance novel version of friendship. (Tell, don't show.)
The mystery was alright, neither taxing (cozies shouldn't tax) nor immediately obvious (cozies shouldn't be entirely mechanical reading).
This one hits all the genre markers, and it was OK.
(I put a note on it: "For emergency use only, this is not a good book", and hid it in Mom's car.)
I found far too much assurance, first from the narrator to the reader, and then between characters, that they love each other. Like sisters. Like family. Like best friends. Really real love. It felt like the romance novel version of friendship. (Tell, don't show.)
The mystery was alright, neither taxing (cozies shouldn't tax) nor immediately obvious (cozies shouldn't be entirely mechanical reading).
This one hits all the genre markers, and it was OK.
(I put a note on it: "For emergency use only, this is not a good book", and hid it in Mom's car.)
May 15, 2015
I never really write reviews but this time I just need to. It's the first time I've ever given a book a 1 star, and I stress and stress that I'm the kind of person who will easily fall in love with any book I read
BUT NOT THIS TIME
I had high hopes on the book when I first spotted it, since the synopsis sounded pretty interesting and the fact that "Recipes are included" is just a bonus.
But oh the disappointment.
(Ridiculous point no.1) The main character is NOT likeable. AT ALL.
OK, I get it Suzanne, you are trying to help your BF out and seek justice for her dude. But seriously?! It's none of your business when there are actually great cops around in town. I just couldn't bring myself to love this book when I couldn't even stand the starting point of the plot.
And talk about your attitude , Suzanne. Hello? You are NOT an investigator/ FBI agent, you have no authority whatsoever when questioning people around, so at least show some respect for your so-called suspects every time you go and "investigate" matters yeah? She had the nerves to ask people "Hey, so tell me your alibi" AND "you know what, you are on my suspects list, so tell me where you are at the night of the murder". Puh-lease. *rolls eyes*
(Ridiculous point no. 2) Most of the conversations between characters are pointless and do not contribute to the plot AT ALL.
So the two best friends share a tender moment together, the two confirm that they love each other, big deal.
So Momma prepares a great meal for the Suzanne and her friends, Momma is such a great mom, they confirm they appreciate and love each other, big deal.
(Ridiculous point no.3) The plot is just really annoying in general.
Every chapter I read about how Grace is so strong-hearted to live through the investigation. Every chapter I read about how Suzanne and Grace are such great friends to each other. Every chapter I read about how much more of a jerk Peter is. OK, I get it really, please just talk about something else.
I had to resist the urge to flip directly to the end of the book almost every page I turned because it's just getting more and more boring. The only worthwhile pages are the last 20 pages , so yeah, you should seriously consider skipping it to that and you wouldn't miss anything.
(Ridiculous point no. 4) There are just too many unanswered questions, and you call this a complete book @@
Yeah, I get that its a series, but seriously, I thought some were pretty essential and important.
Just. UGH.
To sum up? I almost lost faith in all mystery books after reading Powdered Peril. If you're still interested in giving a go? Be my guest.
BUT NOT THIS TIME
I had high hopes on the book when I first spotted it, since the synopsis sounded pretty interesting and the fact that "Recipes are included" is just a bonus.
But oh the disappointment.
(Ridiculous point no.1) The main character is NOT likeable. AT ALL.
OK, I get it Suzanne, you are trying to help your BF out and seek justice for her dude. But seriously?! It's none of your business when there are actually great cops around in town. I just couldn't bring myself to love this book when I couldn't even stand the starting point of the plot.
And talk about your attitude , Suzanne. Hello? You are NOT an investigator/ FBI agent, you have no authority whatsoever when questioning people around, so at least show some respect for your so-called suspects every time you go and "investigate" matters yeah? She had the nerves to ask people "Hey, so tell me your alibi" AND "you know what, you are on my suspects list, so tell me where you are at the night of the murder". Puh-lease. *rolls eyes*
(Ridiculous point no. 2) Most of the conversations between characters are pointless and do not contribute to the plot AT ALL.
So the two best friends share a tender moment together, the two confirm that they love each other, big deal.
So Momma prepares a great meal for the Suzanne and her friends, Momma is such a great mom, they confirm they appreciate and love each other, big deal.
(Ridiculous point no.3) The plot is just really annoying in general.
Every chapter I read about how Grace is so strong-hearted to live through the investigation. Every chapter I read about how Suzanne and Grace are such great friends to each other. Every chapter I read about how much more of a jerk Peter is. OK, I get it really, please just talk about something else.
I had to resist the urge to flip directly to the end of the book almost every page I turned because it's just getting more and more boring. The only worthwhile pages are the last 20 pages , so yeah, you should seriously consider skipping it to that and you wouldn't miss anything.
(Ridiculous point no. 4) There are just too many unanswered questions, and you call this a complete book @@
Yeah, I get that its a series, but seriously, I thought some were pretty essential and important.
Just. UGH.
To sum up? I almost lost faith in all mystery books after reading Powdered Peril. If you're still interested in giving a go? Be my guest.
August 4, 2021
Suzanne Hart lives in the small town of April Springs, North Carolina, with her mother. She's a divorced woman who decided to take a chance and open a donut shop, Donut Hearts, and has found that every day it's filled with people who want a little morning pick-me-up, which makes her happy.
Her best friend Grace has been dating a man named Peter Morgan that Suzanne just can't like, no matter how hard she tries. She thinks he's smarmy; so when Grace shows up one night at her house crying, she quickly finds out it's because Grace has found Peter cheating on her and broken up with him. But the next morning when Suzanne goes to work she discovers that someone has thrown yellow paint all over the front of her building, and she has an idea who it was. Still, when the police chief himself shows up, she's surprised -- at least until he tells her why: someone has killed Peter and he wants her to come with him to Grace's -- not to accuse her, but because he thinks Grace will need her after he breaks the news.
Still, Suzanne realizes that Grace is the main suspect, so she and her friend go into investigative mode, trying to figure out who wanted Peter dead. What they don't expect to find is the man was a huge womanizer, and practically all of them had a real reason to kill him.
When they start investigating further, they also find that Peter was more than just a womanizer, and the suspect list grows. Now, all Suzanne has to do is ask questions and avoid a killer. Easy, right?...
This is the eighth book in the series and I have read them all. I know this is an older book, but once in a while I feel the need to go back to my library and dig an older one out. The reason being is that these books don't have political overtones or leanings, and you're not getting someone else's personal views in your reading.
I have found that these books are a lot of fun to read. They feature Suzanne, who's practically fearless but also careful, and she stands up for what she believes in -- which is loyalty to her friends and justice for the innocent. She's also a pretty good donut maker! Anyway, I like the characters in the book, and like Suzanne, I'm even warming to Chief Martin.
In this book we find out that Peter was quite a womanizer. What gets me is when did he have any time to himself? There's no shortage of suspects, and while many of them don't want to be questioned, one of them goes to great lengths to avoid it, which only puts that person on the major radar, if you will.
But when things come to a head, Suzanne realizes she only has her wits to save her, and she uses them for everything it's worth (as we know she will survive!). The ending is quite nice, and makes for an easy read any evening, with a feel-good satisfying result. Recommended.
Her best friend Grace has been dating a man named Peter Morgan that Suzanne just can't like, no matter how hard she tries. She thinks he's smarmy; so when Grace shows up one night at her house crying, she quickly finds out it's because Grace has found Peter cheating on her and broken up with him. But the next morning when Suzanne goes to work she discovers that someone has thrown yellow paint all over the front of her building, and she has an idea who it was. Still, when the police chief himself shows up, she's surprised -- at least until he tells her why: someone has killed Peter and he wants her to come with him to Grace's -- not to accuse her, but because he thinks Grace will need her after he breaks the news.
Still, Suzanne realizes that Grace is the main suspect, so she and her friend go into investigative mode, trying to figure out who wanted Peter dead. What they don't expect to find is the man was a huge womanizer, and practically all of them had a real reason to kill him.
When they start investigating further, they also find that Peter was more than just a womanizer, and the suspect list grows. Now, all Suzanne has to do is ask questions and avoid a killer. Easy, right?...
This is the eighth book in the series and I have read them all. I know this is an older book, but once in a while I feel the need to go back to my library and dig an older one out. The reason being is that these books don't have political overtones or leanings, and you're not getting someone else's personal views in your reading.
I have found that these books are a lot of fun to read. They feature Suzanne, who's practically fearless but also careful, and she stands up for what she believes in -- which is loyalty to her friends and justice for the innocent. She's also a pretty good donut maker! Anyway, I like the characters in the book, and like Suzanne, I'm even warming to Chief Martin.
In this book we find out that Peter was quite a womanizer. What gets me is when did he have any time to himself? There's no shortage of suspects, and while many of them don't want to be questioned, one of them goes to great lengths to avoid it, which only puts that person on the major radar, if you will.
But when things come to a head, Suzanne realizes she only has her wits to save her, and she uses them for everything it's worth (as we know she will survive!). The ending is quite nice, and makes for an easy read any evening, with a feel-good satisfying result. Recommended.
September 14, 2012
This was a great read. Familiar sleuth friends, Suzanne Hart and Grace Gauge are racing against time and evidence to prove the innocence of Grace in the murder of her boyfriend, Peter Morgan.
As the duo investigates on their own,having refused the help of the Mayor George, Suzanne's boyfriend, Jake, a state policeman, and others, they find to their shame and disgust, that Peter was not worthy of Grace nor any other woman's heart.
A serial womanizer is just the frosting on the donut as we learn. Peter's brother, Bryan suggests there were even darker sides of Peter yet to be exposed.
The book kept me reading as Suzanne is even forced to close "Donut Hearts" for a couple of days. The Ladies get forced off the road and sustain injuries, Suzanne's new assistant is not who she appeared, and more.
Good dialogue, good pace and good story line. This was a true cozy murder mystery. Good ending also. Now to await "Illegally Iced."
As the duo investigates on their own,having refused the help of the Mayor George, Suzanne's boyfriend, Jake, a state policeman, and others, they find to their shame and disgust, that Peter was not worthy of Grace nor any other woman's heart.
A serial womanizer is just the frosting on the donut as we learn. Peter's brother, Bryan suggests there were even darker sides of Peter yet to be exposed.
The book kept me reading as Suzanne is even forced to close "Donut Hearts" for a couple of days. The Ladies get forced off the road and sustain injuries, Suzanne's new assistant is not who she appeared, and more.
Good dialogue, good pace and good story line. This was a true cozy murder mystery. Good ending also. Now to await "Illegally Iced."
March 10, 2016
I read another book in this series and had an enjoyable time with it. The characters were quirky and entertaining. The type of people you would find in a cozy mystery. The recipes are a bonus as well as add to the story.
This book did not grab my attention like the other book. Instead of really getting to visit with other characters in town, it was mainly focused on Suzanne and Grace. Which the bond these two have as friends is great. Yet they really could not hold the whole story by themselves. Part of this also had to do with the fact that the murder victim was a douche and so I did not care who and why they killed him. However because I liked the other book, I will probably not give up on this series and start at the beginning of this series.
This book did not grab my attention like the other book. Instead of really getting to visit with other characters in town, it was mainly focused on Suzanne and Grace. Which the bond these two have as friends is great. Yet they really could not hold the whole story by themselves. Part of this also had to do with the fact that the murder victim was a douche and so I did not care who and why they killed him. However because I liked the other book, I will probably not give up on this series and start at the beginning of this series.
February 26, 2013
This series is always fun, but now that we are this far along it would be nice to see some movement in Suzanne's life, in some way or another, so she isn't just a flat character whose life is stagnant. I think the author is getting tired of coming up with donut recipes (see the recipe for what she literally named "Probably Not the Worst Donut in the World You'll Ever Eat". .. Doesn't exactly inspire one to get cooking, does it?). There are so many limitless flavors, not just for donuts, but for icings and fillings, that it's starting to feel like she has lost her interest. Pep up Jessica! Your series needs some excitement, if not only in the recipes.
October 20, 2012
This edition of the Donut Shop Mysteries won’t disappoint. Suzanne’s and her friend Grace investigate the murder of Grace’s boyfriend.
Don’t worry; tears will be optional because Peter turns out to be a real player. Who wasn’t he sleeping with?
Suzanne and Grace get into a few jams investigation all the possible suspects. As usual in this series they are light years ahead of the local police department even though they investigate in their spare time.
You will love this series and the recipes look great. I have never tried to make them. I would rather stop by my local doughnut shop and hear all the latest news-just like the books!
July 9, 2015
Powdered Peril is book 8 in the A Donut Shop mystery series. I really do enjoy this series and plan to continue reading it. The recurring characters from the earlier books are all here again and in fact Grace is central to the mystery in this one, as a suspect in a murder. There are plentiful red herrings in the story and it made for a great finish. Suzanne, the protagonist, can be a little brusque but it worked for me, with the stress of her best friend being accused of murder, running her business on little or no sleep, and breaking in a new employee, I think it is to be expected. Fun, light, cozy mystery.
April 13, 2016
Although I hate these nitzy-cutesy names for books, the story is OK. It is one of a series of stories about the owner of Donut Hearts coffee shop in April Springs, No. Carolina. Suzanne Hart gets up early to start the donuts and has afternoons to have adventures. This time her girlfriend Grace broke up with her boyfriend and later that same evening Suzanne finds the said boyfriend dead. As the two women look for the real killer they find he was involved with several other women and in some nefarious business doings. It is another of those small books that take just 3 or 4 hours to read. No deep thoughts, not much to insult you, just a fun story that kept me guessing
June 27, 2017
This is the 8th book in the Donut Shop mystery series. Suzanne’s friend Grace comes to her after she breaks up with her boyfriend, Peter,upon finding out he has been cheating on her. In the early hours of the morning, she finds that her shop has been vandalized and the paint footprints lead to Peter’s dead body. In hopes of proving that Grace was not responsible, Suzanne begins to investigate to help determine who else might have a motive. She is also working through dealing with a new assistant in her shop and juggling her relationship as well. The book contains many doughnut recipes that look delicious.
May 15, 2017
Suzanne's friend, Grace, has just found out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. She tells him it is over and he tries to get back together and when he is thwarted he blames Suzanne covering her shop with paint. Grace is suspected and convinces Suzanne to help her find his true killer.
Good read. The story shows the closeness and friendship of the women and the support they show each other.
Good read. The story shows the closeness and friendship of the women and the support they show each other.
September 4, 2019
I really enjoy this series because it focuses on the murder and the strength of relationships between Suzanne, her mother, and her friends. I despise cozies where the main character is being chased unrealistically by men and the murder is almost secondary (specifically the Hannah Swensen series). I also enjoy the author's other series (as Chris Cavender and his real name Tim Myers) and enjoy his characters as he doesn't repeat the same jokes in each book (like Leslie Meier).
July 8, 2013
I normally love this series but this book annoyed me. I got a little tired of reading in every chapter what a wonderful, strong friend Grace is. Alright, I got it...move on. This story was almost more Grace worship than a story. I'll stick with the series because I have enjoyed the rest and hope that the next is better.
November 19, 2012
This is the last book I read of this series. I liked them much better earlier on. It drives me insane how there are no clues to who the killer is- I will give credit the killer is always an introduced character. I like a fluff book now and then, and these aren't even good enough for that anymore.
May 27, 2017
Another Donut Shop mystery this time with Suzanne trying to clear her best friend Grace's good name after her boyfriend was found murdered. Good recipes for donuts even though I do not eat them it makes your mouth water
June 6, 2017
I didn't quite like this one as much as the previous book (the benefits of reading two right after each other), but it was still an enjoyable read.
July 30, 2017
This is a fun series to read. The mother daughter relationship is evolving and in my opinion, the trailers are misleading.
December 29, 2018
I loved the friendship and closeness of Suzanne and Grace in this book.
I don`t feel that I have this kind of closeness with anyone.
Was a good read and Graces` boyfriend got his just rewards.
I don`t feel that I have this kind of closeness with anyone.
Was a good read and Graces` boyfriend got his just rewards.
March 26, 2020
Another good book. And they brought back Emma!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
As a previous reviewer said, a rather typical plot. Peter is murdered, though he had it coming to him, and Grace and Suzanne are in pursuit of the murderer.
I didn't like Suzanne at all in this book. She was rather rude to the people she considered suspects, and had no one to blame but herself when they refused to talk to her. And the way she treated Nan was horrible. Even if she was trying to help her friend she shouldn't have treating the woman who'd been working with her in the shop that way. Suzanne didn't give Nan a fair chance. It's not nice to not trust your assistant and be constantly reprimanding them from the start. The entire storyline with Nan was so unnecessary and was such a waste of time as she wasn't even connected to the murder, or the murderer. And she never apologised or made it up to Nan even though Grace had pointed out her appalling behaviour.
There's some minor slut shaming too, which was really out of place in the book. Holier than thou judgment has no place in cozies.
The ending was ok, as was the final dinner the women had together. I hope Leah figures in more stories from now on. It would be nice to have Suzanne Grace, Trish, Leah and Emma teaming up to fight crime. But we never found out what that list was for!
I didn't like Suzanne at all in this book. She was rather rude to the people she considered suspects, and had no one to blame but herself when they refused to talk to her. And the way she treated Nan was horrible. Even if she was trying to help her friend she shouldn't have treating the woman who'd been working with her in the shop that way. Suzanne didn't give Nan a fair chance. It's not nice to not trust your assistant and be constantly reprimanding them from the start. The entire storyline with Nan was so unnecessary and was such a waste of time as she wasn't even connected to the murder, or the murderer. And she never apologised or made it up to Nan even though Grace had pointed out her appalling behaviour.
There's some minor slut shaming too, which was really out of place in the book. Holier than thou judgment has no place in cozies.
The ending was ok, as was the final dinner the women had together. I hope Leah figures in more stories from now on. It would be nice to have Suzanne Grace, Trish, Leah and Emma teaming up to fight crime. But we never found out what that list was for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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