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Delights & Deadly Disasters
Walking into her newly inherited freezer and finding a dead man, isn’t how she envisioned her new start. Pastry Chef Maggie Wilkerson hates everything about New York. The opportunity to start over comes with a surprise letter from a lawyer. She is given the Cuppa Cafe. Back in her hometown, she’s excited to get the cafe up and running again… …only to find she’s being framed for murder. And Sheriff Wakefield wasted no time making her the prime suspect. Maggie and Mindy, her high school rival, are desperate to prove her innocence before she gets run out of town by the very people she thought she knew. Who killed the former mayor? And why was he put in her freezer? Maybe then she can settle down to the real work of creating the coffee & pastry shop of her dreams. And connect with the handsome sheriff in a way which doesn’t involve a warrant for her arrest. Maggie is racing against time to figure out all the secrets that are unraveling in her small town before the killer strikes again.
- GenresCozy Mystery
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2023
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 7, 2023
Nice, but really short. I would read more books if this becomes a cozy series.
October 9, 2023
e-book freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
A bad breakup, a rent increase and unexpected inheritance force Maggie Wilkerson to leave New York behind and return to her small Indiana hometown where she will turn her late aunt's café into a bakery and coffee shop. After signing the papers to take ownership of the café, Maggie can't wait to check it out and see what renovations will entail. She's none too happy when her high school nemesis is there with an offer to buy the building. Maggie is emphatic- NOT for sale. The situation goes from awkward and upsetting to much, much worse when the women discover a dead body in the walk-in freezer. Maggie has no idea who the guy is or why the sheriff insists on believing her to be guilty of the crime. Mindy, however, knows the victim. The former mayor had a lot of enemies in town and people are treating Maggie like a hero for killing him! Maggie is determined to clear her name and open her bakery. With the help of her former nemesis Mindy, Mindy's son Bobby and a stray dog, she sets out to solve the murder.
This story was fun! I enjoyed everything about it except for the length! I could have read more. Usually cozy mystery novellas are prequels or brief sketches without much depth but this story had everything a longer mystery has: a good mystery, a hook (baking AND dogs, my favorite) and well-developed characters. Alternating chapters are told from the point-of-view of the sheriff which is different. I didn't dislike the third person or alternating viewpoints. It's a nice change. I did not guess whodunit AT all. I was really surprised! I loved how the dog had a big role in the story as part of the plot and not just a random pet tossed in there to call it a pet themed cozy. This one really IS pet themed.
I liked Maggie. She's tough and determined. Her ex was a total moron and not deserving of her. He did her a favor but I think she should post pictures of him covered in whipped cream on social media. He sound like he deserves it. Maggie is self-aware enough to recognize she is no longer interested in the rat race of New York City. She doesn't return home with her tail between her legs nursing a break up. She returns with a plan and is determined to carry out her plan. I don't know why the sheriff suspected her of murder without evidence. He admits it's flimsy and if he took it to the DA, he'd get laughed at. When he checks, he knows Maggie didn't do it. I can see though that he's in a tight position. If Maggie, a newcomer, didn't do it, that means one of the townspeople did and that could create problems.
While Maggie seems Mindy as a former mean girl, I don't think she was. They seemed to be rivals and Maggie seems antagonistic towards Mindy automatically because Mindy is the typical blond cheerleader type. She's not though, or she's matured. Mindy is a refreshing change from the usual mean girl grown up. I quite liked her. I hope she can carry out her plan WITHOUT buying Maggie's building. I think they need to team up and open a pet bakery! Maybe that will happen in a future book. Mindy is actually very kind and sweet. She's a mom now, a single mom, struggling to shield her kid from the harsh realities of having a sometimes deadbeat dad. Mindy is doing her best to help Bobby grow up happy and healthy. It can't be easy. Her ex is an idle dreamer. The high school jock to her cheerleader, Tag Campbell, is no longer top dog in town. He has a big idea. A silly idea he thinks is going to make him millions. Tag suddenly has money enough for new clothes and a new truck but not for child support. I don't know where that money came from but surely not from Elon Musk or NASA or anywhere legit! He doesn't seem like the type to work for a living to make honest money.
Bobby seems like a good kid. Maybe he needs more structure and something to do. He's sweet about the dog and enjoys having to take care of Dog/Benny. Bobby is young and impressionable though and he seems to still want his dad in his life, thinking his dad is cool. Unfortunately I think his dad is a corrupt crook at best and possibly a murderer. Dog/Benedict/Benny has a rough beginning. I felt so bad for him! He's lucky Bobby found him and Maggie found Bobby crying over Dog. Dog, like most rescues, is grateful to have love and a new family. He will repay that love 100 fold and protect his pack, which now includes Maggie, Bobby and Mindy. Mindy's grandmother is a weird woman. She's crazy. She believes Maggie killed the mayor and sends a fruit basket in thanks! Who does that? She wants that building for her granddaughter though so she has an ulterior motive. I bet she is the type to spread gossip about Maggie so Maggie gets arrested and Mindy gets the building.
Former Mayor Everett sounds very, very familiar. I'm thinking the author listened to a popular podcast or TV show about a certain city with a criminal former mayor. At least ours wasn't murdered and he DID want to help revive the city. Mayor Everett didn't get much in the way of character development but it sounds like he was trying to kill the town for some reason. Rumor around town has it that Mayor Everett is the reason Maggie's Aunt Katherine died! Could be but maybe not. Not directly anyway so I don't see that it gives Maggie a motive.
He married a floozy he picked up down south. From the way she carried on accusing Maggie, I think she might be the one who killed her husband. She has a very strong motive! Doxie was a gold digger and if she found out her husband lied or hid his money from her, she sure seemed angry enough to kill him. She's jealous and insecure. Maybe she caught him with another woman. Doxie is a good suspect so why isn't Sheriff Wakefield looking at HER?
Maggie's dad loves his daughter very much. I don't think he likes being retired. He's quick to go back into lawyer mode when he's needed. I think he's happy to have his little girl at home again and perhaps there will be some growing pains as he adjusts to thinking of her as an adult and she gets used to being a daughter again. No mention of Maggie's mom at all.
I liked this story well enough to want to read more and see where the story goes from there.
A bad breakup, a rent increase and unexpected inheritance force Maggie Wilkerson to leave New York behind and return to her small Indiana hometown where she will turn her late aunt's café into a bakery and coffee shop. After signing the papers to take ownership of the café, Maggie can't wait to check it out and see what renovations will entail. She's none too happy when her high school nemesis is there with an offer to buy the building. Maggie is emphatic- NOT for sale. The situation goes from awkward and upsetting to much, much worse when the women discover a dead body in the walk-in freezer. Maggie has no idea who the guy is or why the sheriff insists on believing her to be guilty of the crime. Mindy, however, knows the victim. The former mayor had a lot of enemies in town and people are treating Maggie like a hero for killing him! Maggie is determined to clear her name and open her bakery. With the help of her former nemesis Mindy, Mindy's son Bobby and a stray dog, she sets out to solve the murder.
This story was fun! I enjoyed everything about it except for the length! I could have read more. Usually cozy mystery novellas are prequels or brief sketches without much depth but this story had everything a longer mystery has: a good mystery, a hook (baking AND dogs, my favorite) and well-developed characters. Alternating chapters are told from the point-of-view of the sheriff which is different. I didn't dislike the third person or alternating viewpoints. It's a nice change. I did not guess whodunit AT all. I was really surprised! I loved how the dog had a big role in the story as part of the plot and not just a random pet tossed in there to call it a pet themed cozy. This one really IS pet themed.
I liked Maggie. She's tough and determined. Her ex was a total moron and not deserving of her. He did her a favor but I think she should post pictures of him covered in whipped cream on social media. He sound like he deserves it. Maggie is self-aware enough to recognize she is no longer interested in the rat race of New York City. She doesn't return home with her tail between her legs nursing a break up. She returns with a plan and is determined to carry out her plan. I don't know why the sheriff suspected her of murder without evidence. He admits it's flimsy and if he took it to the DA, he'd get laughed at. When he checks, he knows Maggie didn't do it. I can see though that he's in a tight position. If Maggie, a newcomer, didn't do it, that means one of the townspeople did and that could create problems.
While Maggie seems Mindy as a former mean girl, I don't think she was. They seemed to be rivals and Maggie seems antagonistic towards Mindy automatically because Mindy is the typical blond cheerleader type. She's not though, or she's matured. Mindy is a refreshing change from the usual mean girl grown up. I quite liked her. I hope she can carry out her plan WITHOUT buying Maggie's building. I think they need to team up and open a pet bakery! Maybe that will happen in a future book. Mindy is actually very kind and sweet. She's a mom now, a single mom, struggling to shield her kid from the harsh realities of having a sometimes deadbeat dad. Mindy is doing her best to help Bobby grow up happy and healthy. It can't be easy. Her ex is an idle dreamer. The high school jock to her cheerleader, Tag Campbell, is no longer top dog in town. He has a big idea. A silly idea he thinks is going to make him millions. Tag suddenly has money enough for new clothes and a new truck but not for child support. I don't know where that money came from but surely not from Elon Musk or NASA or anywhere legit! He doesn't seem like the type to work for a living to make honest money.
Bobby seems like a good kid. Maybe he needs more structure and something to do. He's sweet about the dog and enjoys having to take care of Dog/Benny. Bobby is young and impressionable though and he seems to still want his dad in his life, thinking his dad is cool. Unfortunately I think his dad is a corrupt crook at best and possibly a murderer. Dog/Benedict/Benny has a rough beginning. I felt so bad for him! He's lucky Bobby found him and Maggie found Bobby crying over Dog. Dog, like most rescues, is grateful to have love and a new family. He will repay that love 100 fold and protect his pack, which now includes Maggie, Bobby and Mindy. Mindy's grandmother is a weird woman. She's crazy. She believes Maggie killed the mayor and sends a fruit basket in thanks! Who does that? She wants that building for her granddaughter though so she has an ulterior motive. I bet she is the type to spread gossip about Maggie so Maggie gets arrested and Mindy gets the building.
Former Mayor Everett sounds very, very familiar. I'm thinking the author listened to a popular podcast or TV show about a certain city with a criminal former mayor. At least ours wasn't murdered and he DID want to help revive the city. Mayor Everett didn't get much in the way of character development but it sounds like he was trying to kill the town for some reason. Rumor around town has it that Mayor Everett is the reason Maggie's Aunt Katherine died! Could be but maybe not. Not directly anyway so I don't see that it gives Maggie a motive.
He married a floozy he picked up down south. From the way she carried on accusing Maggie, I think she might be the one who killed her husband. She has a very strong motive! Doxie was a gold digger and if she found out her husband lied or hid his money from her, she sure seemed angry enough to kill him. She's jealous and insecure. Maybe she caught him with another woman. Doxie is a good suspect so why isn't Sheriff Wakefield looking at HER?
Maggie's dad loves his daughter very much. I don't think he likes being retired. He's quick to go back into lawyer mode when he's needed. I think he's happy to have his little girl at home again and perhaps there will be some growing pains as he adjusts to thinking of her as an adult and she gets used to being a daughter again. No mention of Maggie's mom at all.
I liked this story well enough to want to read more and see where the story goes from there.
October 21, 2023
When pastry chef Maggie Wilkerson moves back to her hometown in Indianna after a surprise letter from her lawyer advises she has inherited The Cuppa Cafe , she travels from her life in New York . But when she gets there to make sure her cafe is up and running she finds herself framed for murder when there’s a dead body , a former mayor found in her deep freezer! Her former nemesis Mindy, her son Bobby and a stray dog set out to prove her innocence and catch the real culprit/ culprits . A potential love interest as the series evolves is the handsome Sheriff , when he’s not jumping to conclusions and giving unwarranted attention in the your guilty department… great start to a well devised fun cosy series . Well written , great quirky characters , close knit township and a sidekick and pet for the amateur sleuth, love interest and inept constabulary and an immersive storytelling. Compelling read indeed!
I read a free copy and my review is voluntary and in my own words
I read a free copy and my review is voluntary and in my own words
October 18, 2023
This was a really fun first book in what I hope becomes a series. At first I couldn’t stand that Mindy, but she kinda grew on me as she did Maggie. Who knew a nemesis could turn into a sort-of friend? There was something mentioned about Mindy that I’d like to know the story behind, so hopefully that’ll come out in a future book. It wasn’t anything terrible but since I read cozy mysteries, I’ve gotten almost as curious as those sleuths I read about, lol.
I loved meeting the key characters, especially sweet Benny, Maggie’s new rescue dog. He and Bobby technically were the heroes in this mystery. Can’t wait for another in the series!
I loved meeting the key characters, especially sweet Benny, Maggie’s new rescue dog. He and Bobby technically were the heroes in this mystery. Can’t wait for another in the series!
October 25, 2023
When Maggie finds herself back in her hometown after a disastrous engagement in the Big City, nice and cozy wasn't what she found. Instead, it was a dead body in the walk-in fridge of the cafe she just inherited from her mentor Katherine.
Between a former nemesis and the Sheriff, she has her hands full. But being Maggie, she still finds time to befriend her nemesis' son and rescue a dog that was a victim of a hit and run. Lyles knows how to pack a lot into under 150 pages tying everything together in a neat bow just like Maggie's pastry boxes.
Between a former nemesis and the Sheriff, she has her hands full. But being Maggie, she still finds time to befriend her nemesis' son and rescue a dog that was a victim of a hit and run. Lyles knows how to pack a lot into under 150 pages tying everything together in a neat bow just like Maggie's pastry boxes.
May 3, 2024
Holly's mother Sarah returns home after being gone for 16 years. Holly is not too happy to see her at her door all bruised and bloody. Of course, she can't turn her away she takes her in but makes it perfectly clear she doesn't want her to stay. Holly finds out that her mother has been in town for a couple days at a motel, what went on at the hotel? Then Jake Button is murdered, all this happens just as Sarah gets to town. Sarah has lots of secrets and Holly has to find them out. A great book.
May 18, 2024
This novella is a charming, cozy mystery that combines suspense, humour, and heartwarming moments.
Maggie’s character is one of the novel’s strongest aspects.
She transforms from a heartbroken woman escaping a failed engagement into a determined sleuth.
The dynamic between Maggie and the handsome, skeptical Sheriff Wakefield also adds a layer of romantic tension that complements the central mystery.
The author has crafted a story that is both entertaining and heartwarming, with a strong central mystery and endearing characters.
Maggie’s character is one of the novel’s strongest aspects.
She transforms from a heartbroken woman escaping a failed engagement into a determined sleuth.
The dynamic between Maggie and the handsome, skeptical Sheriff Wakefield also adds a layer of romantic tension that complements the central mystery.
The author has crafted a story that is both entertaining and heartwarming, with a strong central mystery and endearing characters.
May 28, 2024
This kept my attention from beginning to end. The writing was clear, and the story easy to follow. I like that the Sheriff
I loved that the murderer was Mindy has been surrounded by horrible people. Her now being friends with Maggie may improve things for her.
I greatly enjoyed this story.
I loved that the murderer was Mindy has been surrounded by horrible people. Her now being friends with Maggie may improve things for her.
I greatly enjoyed this story.
February 28, 2024
Maggie has a chance to leave New York and move back to her hometown in Indiana when she inherits her Aunt's café. She was also glad to leave her troublesome ex behind. Imagine her horror when she finds the ex-mayor in the freezer, and she is the prime suspect. A cute, short read with some twists and an entertaining storyline. I read a free arc copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 11, 2023
A short cozy murder mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I had my suspicions but the conclusion was very well done. I hope this becomes a regular series. I would love to see where the friendship of Mindy and Maggie leads them to more mysteries to solve and maybe working together on some common goals that combines the bakery and dogs. Maybe an adoption café?
October 18, 2023
Fast paced story. Maggie heads back to her hometown when she finds out her pastry making mentor has passed and left her the cafe where she first learned her trade. And the first thing she sees inside the closed up cafe is a body partially in the walk in freezer. Then, because she’s new in town she becomes the prime suspect. Will she find the true killer?
October 22, 2023
Maggie Wilkerson is dumped by her fiancé and must decide what to do with her life. She then receives a letter that a friend left her a coffee shop. When she gets the keys and goes to look at it she finds a dead body holding freezer door open with his body was Ex mayor Everett. Very good read. Never guessed the killer. Highly recommend. Easy and delightful read. Can’t wait for next book
October 23, 2023
Entertaining cozy mystery.
A great cozy mystery with lots of action and interesting characters. The dynamic developing between Maggie and Mindy added to this mystery. As always, family can't help but interfere! I recommend this book!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A great cozy mystery with lots of action and interesting characters. The dynamic developing between Maggie and Mindy added to this mystery. As always, family can't help but interfere! I recommend this book!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
August 7, 2024
Who could resist a book that a dog and a boy are the heroes. Good story ab coming back home to a small town. Enjyabbook to read, easy to get into and very interesting characters. Plenty story to keep you entertained and moving along. Yet enough bread crumbs to make you want to know more about the characters their stories
October 7, 2023
I thought this was a very well written cozy mystery for a first book. I am so hoping that this will become a series. The story caught my attention, and I thought the characters were well developed and likeable. Recommend reading.
December 10, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book, it has a delightful storyline and the characters are well written. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
June 24, 2024
So this book is cute, with likable characters and a few red herrings. And the dog is darling (I love German Shorthaired Pointers!). But I have trouble recommending this book because of the typos and the mixed verb tenses. I believe this book would have benefitted from an extra pass with the editor.
October 2, 2023
Who killed Former Mayor Everett Campbell and why??? Phony health code violations??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
November 12, 2023
A quick, light read, with a town full of suspects. Returning home isn’t always what you expect. This seems like the opening act to a series, and I’d be interested in checking that series out.
November 15, 2023
cute. likeable characters.
May 11, 2024
Funny, creative, developed, and interest-piquing. A very good cozy mystery! I like Renee Lyles.
May 9, 2024
Out of town for quite a while, Maggie returns to her hometown of Shady Creek, Indiana to inherit a cafe from her friend and mentor Katherine. Her high school nemesis, Mindy, who wanted to buy the CuppaCafe for a dog grooming business, meets her as she arrives at the cafe and together they enter to discover a dead body sticking out of the freezer! The Sheriff assumes Maggie is the murderer, and Maggie and her frenemy Mindy work together to find the read murderer, along help with a cute dog Maggie finds and names Bennie, for beignet! A cute story and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
May 9, 2024
Who killed Everett Campbell and why??? he was controlling??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
December 8, 2023
Pastry Chef Maggie Wilkerson hates everything about New York. The opportunity to start over comes with a surprise letter from a lawyer. She is given the Cuppa Cafe. Back in her hometown, she’s excited to get the cafe up and running again only to find she’s being framed for murder. And Sheriff Wakefield wasted no time making her the prime suspect.
This is a good mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This is a good mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, it has a delightful storyline and the characters are well written. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
May 17, 2024
Who killed Everett Campbell and why??? Thank you, Bobby!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews