What do you think?
Rate this book
Parchment Paper Mystery #1
And Then There Were Scones
A knead-to-know whodunit introducing a brand-new amateur sleuth and baking sensation…
Jessica Askew, a whirlwind of flour and frosting, is used to facing heat in the kitchen. But when she returns to her quaint English hometown as part of a TV baking contest, she finds herself in a sticky situation. She can handle the singing cheesemonger, the local librarian’s gossipy daughters, and the parade of toddlers dressed as bees, but when her scheming Aunt Enriqueta steps on the scene, it's enough to make her want to throw in the tea towel.
This rebel with a rolling pin is at odds with her family’s literary legacy. While they’ve built a world of books in the quaint village of Little Quillington, she’s chosen a different path and is proud of her passion. When Jessica's biggest baking rival turns up dead during the summer fête, suspicion swirls like powdered sugar.
Jessica, armed with a sweet tooth and a sharp mind, is determined to clear her name. Can she turn this recipe for disaster into a showstopping success?
Find out in And Then There Were Scones, book one of the new Parchment Paper Mysteries, perfect for fans of Agatha Frost, HY Hanna and Ellie Alexander. This clean read includes recipes for two traditional English bakes and features the antics of Matilda Swift's real-life cats, Madame Poirot and Miss Marple.
Jessica Askew, a whirlwind of flour and frosting, is used to facing heat in the kitchen. But when she returns to her quaint English hometown as part of a TV baking contest, she finds herself in a sticky situation. She can handle the singing cheesemonger, the local librarian’s gossipy daughters, and the parade of toddlers dressed as bees, but when her scheming Aunt Enriqueta steps on the scene, it's enough to make her want to throw in the tea towel.
This rebel with a rolling pin is at odds with her family’s literary legacy. While they’ve built a world of books in the quaint village of Little Quillington, she’s chosen a different path and is proud of her passion. When Jessica's biggest baking rival turns up dead during the summer fête, suspicion swirls like powdered sugar.
Jessica, armed with a sweet tooth and a sharp mind, is determined to clear her name. Can she turn this recipe for disaster into a showstopping success?
Find out in And Then There Were Scones, book one of the new Parchment Paper Mysteries, perfect for fans of Agatha Frost, HY Hanna and Ellie Alexander. This clean read includes recipes for two traditional English bakes and features the antics of Matilda Swift's real-life cats, Madame Poirot and Miss Marple.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2025
182 people are currently reading
2305 people want to read
About the author
Matilda Swift
28 books67 followersMatilda Swift loves two things: a good cup of tea and a perfectly plotted murder.
She writes culinary cozy mysteries that are quintessentially British. Her books offer more twists than a country road, pairing them with quirky characters who feel like old friends. Having lived everywhere from Madagascar to Hong Kong, Matilda eventually returned to the place she loves best: an English village that's less prone to sudden death than the ones in her books, but just as beautiful. Now settled, she’s dedicated herself to the page and has penned over 15 mysteries.
Matilda shares her home with a pair of feline detectives, Miss Marple and Madame Poirot, and her free time is devoted to two very different pursuits. When not out hiking (and looking for inspiration on where to hide her fictional bodies), she turns to domestic pursuits, becoming an accomplished homebody who loves baking traditional English recipes and learning a succession of new, relaxing crafts, from glass fusion to candle making.
She writes culinary cozy mysteries that are quintessentially British. Her books offer more twists than a country road, pairing them with quirky characters who feel like old friends. Having lived everywhere from Madagascar to Hong Kong, Matilda eventually returned to the place she loves best: an English village that's less prone to sudden death than the ones in her books, but just as beautiful. Now settled, she’s dedicated herself to the page and has penned over 15 mysteries.
Matilda shares her home with a pair of feline detectives, Miss Marple and Madame Poirot, and her free time is devoted to two very different pursuits. When not out hiking (and looking for inspiration on where to hide her fictional bodies), she turns to domestic pursuits, becoming an accomplished homebody who loves baking traditional English recipes and learning a succession of new, relaxing crafts, from glass fusion to candle making.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 6, 2025
This was a very fine light reading 📚 and I enjoyed it a whole lot.
As a lover (and sometimes translator) of cozy books, I have to confess cozy mysteries are one of my not at all guilty pleasures. This one was my first contact with Mathilda Swift, and surely I already joined her mailing list. I liked the style and the pacing: the short chapters were precisely what I needed after a long day!
What else I loved was the cleverly crafted names of places and people, something I noticed afterwards in all her series' titles. Then, the carefully paced combo of action, suspense, and fun got me, and I ended up whisking everything in a sitting (see what I did?).
I am really looking forward to read more by Mathilda soon!
As a lover (and sometimes translator) of cozy books, I have to confess cozy mysteries are one of my not at all guilty pleasures. This one was my first contact with Mathilda Swift, and surely I already joined her mailing list. I liked the style and the pacing: the short chapters were precisely what I needed after a long day!
What else I loved was the cleverly crafted names of places and people, something I noticed afterwards in all her series' titles. Then, the carefully paced combo of action, suspense, and fun got me, and I ended up whisking everything in a sitting (see what I did?).
I am really looking forward to read more by Mathilda soon!
March 8, 2025
Not sure how I feel about this book. I couldn’t connect with the characters. And never felt like I was totally drawn into the story.
January 23, 2025
Jessica Askew grew up in the Yorkshire village of Little Quillington, where her family has been selling books for as long as anyone can remember. Much to the dismay of her relatives, Jessica's interests lie in the culinary arts rather than literary ones. Taking part in a TV cookery competition was supposed to increase the profile of her food truck business, but instead, it made her a murder suspect determined to clear her name!
Book one in Matilda Swift's new series is a quick and easy read with a killer that surprised me, which is always good. Jessica is an interesting main protagonist, and although I have read quite a few cosy mysteries with a theme relating to a very popular cooking show, this was still enjoyable. There are recipes at the end of the book plus a link to Little Quillington's local newspaper, which I think is a great idea. I will definitely be on the lookout for books two and three, which are released in March and April.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this. It was a good series starter, which promises much. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Book one in Matilda Swift's new series is a quick and easy read with a killer that surprised me, which is always good. Jessica is an interesting main protagonist, and although I have read quite a few cosy mysteries with a theme relating to a very popular cooking show, this was still enjoyable. There are recipes at the end of the book plus a link to Little Quillington's local newspaper, which I think is a great idea. I will definitely be on the lookout for books two and three, which are released in March and April.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this. It was a good series starter, which promises much. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
February 13, 2025
"And Then There Were Scones (A Parchment Paper Mystery #1)" by Matilda Swift read more like a second or third book in a series. Jessica Askew is in her hometown filming a food truck competition when one of the contestants is found dead. Her aunt and one of the crew members immediately try to balm Jessica for the death. Now this is where it seems like back info is missing. I'm not sure if I missed it or what, but it didn't feel very clear why her aunt dislikes her so extemely and has her entire family (except grandma and brother) working against Jessica. You'd think she'd encourage a job that takes her away from town if she didn't want her around, not try to ruin it.
For the mystery part of things, Jessica mostly gets involved with trying to figure out why it's connected to her or her family. Otherwise most of Jessica's time is spent working around her aunt's scheming. It'll be interesting to see where this series goes.
For the mystery part of things, Jessica mostly gets involved with trying to figure out why it's connected to her or her family. Otherwise most of Jessica's time is spent working around her aunt's scheming. It'll be interesting to see where this series goes.
March 9, 2025
Jessica is a contestant on a show that was a cross between The Great British Bake Off and The Great Food Truck Race. For this episode, they are visiting her hometown where the majority of her family are involved in literary endeavors. While getting ready for the contest, Jessica stumbles upon the body of one of her rivals on the contest. Jessica has to deal with creating a recipe, trying to figure out who killed her rival, and fending off her Aunt who dislikes that Jessica went into baking instead of joining the family in literary pursuits.
This was a fun start to a series. It ended on a little cliffhanger and I would read more in the series.
I received a copy of this as part of a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun start to a series. It ended on a little cliffhanger and I would read more in the series.
I received a copy of this as part of a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
Jessica Askew is on the brink of culinary success, having reached the semifinals of "The Great British Street Bakes Showdown," a prestigious contest for food truck owners. Victory would guarantee her a spot at top food festivals across the U.K., a dream she's kneaded into reality with everything she bakes. But the path to triumph is fraught with challenges beyond the kitchen.
As part of the show’s demands, Jessica must return to her roots in Little Quillington, a picturesque English village dominated by her family’s literary legacy. Unlike her relatives who are immersed in books, Jessica has chosen flour and frosting, a decision that hasn’t sat well with her Aunt Enriqueta, the formidable family matriarch. Enriqueta's scorn is as public as it is sharp, leaving Jessica isolated, especially with her grandmother, her only ally, away on a rare book delivery.
The situation takes a dark turn when Jessica stumbles upon blood smeared on her best friend's shop door, leading to the grisly discovery of her former rival's body in the alley. Cameron, recently ousted from the competition he previously deemed as sabotage, lies lifeless, and Jessica is the prime suspect. With the production crew capturing her horror-stricken face over the body, the evidence stacks against her.
Now that Jessica has become the primary suspect, Aunt Enriqueta seizes this opportunity for her own gain. Each generation of the Askew family has the significant privilege of inheriting a shop in town. However, with Jessica concentrating on her baking endeavors, Enriqueta is determined to prevent the Askew family’s literary legacy from crumbling like a poorly made pie crust. She believes that there is no space for the baking business within their literary world. Thus, Enriqueta takes it upon herself to whisk away any potential inheritance that Jessica might receive from her grandmother.
As her reputation hangs by a thread, Jessica must unravel the mystery behind Cameron's untimely demise. Why was he in Little Quillington, and who wanted him dead? With her business, dreams, and her beloved grandmother’s faith in her at stake, can Jessica bake up a plan to prove her innocence and unmask the real killer?
The title "And Then There Were Scones," immediately caught my eye. It's a delightful play on Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," and as a lover of pun-filled titles, I had high hopes for this book. Matilda Swift did not disappoint; the story was a delightful read from the very beginning.
As a fan of puns, I was thrilled with the clever integration of food and baking puns throughout the book. They were sprinkled in just the right amount, leaving me smiling or giggling every time. The puns were never overwhelming but added a charming touch to the narrative.Each chapter ended with a mini cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible for me to put the book down. I found myself staying up late, eager to read just one more chapter.
The humor in the book goes beyond the puns. The dialogue and certain events had me chuckling, creating a fun and creative storyline. The unpredictable plot kept me turning pages, as I was never quite sure what would happen next. The characters in the story are truly engaging. From the quirky to the friendly, the sketchy to the suspicious, each one contributed uniquely to the narrative. Even the tertiary characters, like the cheesemonger and the baking show's executive coordinator, added a special touch to the story.
What made this book particularly exciting was the mystery itself. Unlike many cozy mysteries I've read, not only was the identity of the murderer a secret until the big reveal, although I had my suspicions, I was clueless about the murder weapon also. With Cameron having made enemies with many of the cast and crew of the baking show, there were plenty of suspects. The ties to the Askew family added another layer of intrigue. When the author revealed the discovery of the murder weapon, I found myself torn between being utterly astonished and wanting to facepalm because I didn’t connect the dots.
This book was a fast-paced and intriguing read, filled with plenty of suspects, red herrings, and unexpected twists and turns. The ending was unpredictable and left me eagerly anticipating the next installment of the "A Parchment Paper Mysteries" series, with its enticingly titled "Lime and Punishment." If you're looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of humor and a well-crafted plot, I highly recommend giving this book a try!
Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Cover Design: 5.0/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0
As part of the show’s demands, Jessica must return to her roots in Little Quillington, a picturesque English village dominated by her family’s literary legacy. Unlike her relatives who are immersed in books, Jessica has chosen flour and frosting, a decision that hasn’t sat well with her Aunt Enriqueta, the formidable family matriarch. Enriqueta's scorn is as public as it is sharp, leaving Jessica isolated, especially with her grandmother, her only ally, away on a rare book delivery.
The situation takes a dark turn when Jessica stumbles upon blood smeared on her best friend's shop door, leading to the grisly discovery of her former rival's body in the alley. Cameron, recently ousted from the competition he previously deemed as sabotage, lies lifeless, and Jessica is the prime suspect. With the production crew capturing her horror-stricken face over the body, the evidence stacks against her.
Now that Jessica has become the primary suspect, Aunt Enriqueta seizes this opportunity for her own gain. Each generation of the Askew family has the significant privilege of inheriting a shop in town. However, with Jessica concentrating on her baking endeavors, Enriqueta is determined to prevent the Askew family’s literary legacy from crumbling like a poorly made pie crust. She believes that there is no space for the baking business within their literary world. Thus, Enriqueta takes it upon herself to whisk away any potential inheritance that Jessica might receive from her grandmother.
As her reputation hangs by a thread, Jessica must unravel the mystery behind Cameron's untimely demise. Why was he in Little Quillington, and who wanted him dead? With her business, dreams, and her beloved grandmother’s faith in her at stake, can Jessica bake up a plan to prove her innocence and unmask the real killer?
The title "And Then There Were Scones," immediately caught my eye. It's a delightful play on Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," and as a lover of pun-filled titles, I had high hopes for this book. Matilda Swift did not disappoint; the story was a delightful read from the very beginning.
As a fan of puns, I was thrilled with the clever integration of food and baking puns throughout the book. They were sprinkled in just the right amount, leaving me smiling or giggling every time. The puns were never overwhelming but added a charming touch to the narrative.Each chapter ended with a mini cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible for me to put the book down. I found myself staying up late, eager to read just one more chapter.
The humor in the book goes beyond the puns. The dialogue and certain events had me chuckling, creating a fun and creative storyline. The unpredictable plot kept me turning pages, as I was never quite sure what would happen next. The characters in the story are truly engaging. From the quirky to the friendly, the sketchy to the suspicious, each one contributed uniquely to the narrative. Even the tertiary characters, like the cheesemonger and the baking show's executive coordinator, added a special touch to the story.
What made this book particularly exciting was the mystery itself. Unlike many cozy mysteries I've read, not only was the identity of the murderer a secret until the big reveal, although I had my suspicions, I was clueless about the murder weapon also. With Cameron having made enemies with many of the cast and crew of the baking show, there were plenty of suspects. The ties to the Askew family added another layer of intrigue. When the author revealed the discovery of the murder weapon, I found myself torn between being utterly astonished and wanting to facepalm because I didn’t connect the dots.
This book was a fast-paced and intriguing read, filled with plenty of suspects, red herrings, and unexpected twists and turns. The ending was unpredictable and left me eagerly anticipating the next installment of the "A Parchment Paper Mysteries" series, with its enticingly titled "Lime and Punishment." If you're looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of humor and a well-crafted plot, I highly recommend giving this book a try!
Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Cover Design: 5.0/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0
January 22, 2025
Engrossed pretty quickly into this book . I knew it was going to be a good one as I really like Matilda Swift’s style of storytelling , which is compelling and fun. Here we have things turn for the worse in,this baking contest that’s cursed she’s sure.Back in her hometown in England and it’s not so much the other entries but her aunt Enriqueta who’s scheming ,her demon , onto the scene looking all serene. Picture this The Great British Street Bake - Little Quillington . It’s enough to make you salivate ,it’s going to be great! Except for one tiny problem that comes to pass. An ex contestant appears in front of Jessica Askew, but he’s passed ,not the contest ,he’s gone ,he’s no more ,he can’t be scored ,he’s stiff as a board . Dead! Yup that’s what I eventually said . This is kinda like the mystery in a roundabout way . Clues sending Jessica this way and that ,but it still doesn’t change the fact that there’s a dead body lying there stat! Splat! Ok I’m getting carried away now I know…But it’s a big blow.. Her biggest rival and he has the last word, Cameron ,he’s turned up dead at the summer fete ,it’s absurd to see. It’s a mystery but what’s worse is that she Jessica has the finger pointed at her and blamed , so everyone has a natter…so now she has to be clearing her name. In the frame is she ,she’d better get busy. It’s making her dizzy but sleuth she must do delve out the truth ,lore strewth! It’s a to do! There’s a recipe for trouble ,the toil and trouble kind because her evil witch of an aunt isn’t far behind ….The full cast is surely a blast and well created individuals ,a few I can seeing coming into there own as the series goes on as they’re great visuals , players who are here to stay ,part of the town anyway. There’s even recipes in the back of the book , I salivated , to be sure ,moreover the book is good, it’s well written with great prose and on the nose descriptors too ,because that’s what all great author’s do.
February 13, 2025
And Then There Were Scones
Book One in the Parchment Paper Mysteries
By Matilda Swift
Genre: English Cozy Mystery/General Fiction/Mystery and Thrillers
Format: ebook
Pages: 184
Pub date: Feb. 12
ISBN: 9605380498756
Jessica Askew is a baker competing inThe Great British Street Bakes Showdown, a TV contest for food truck owners. The most recent episode is taking place in the village of Little Quillinton, Jessica’s hometown. It’s not a homecoming Jessica wanted. Askews founded Little Quillinton, the largest book village in the nation. Jessica, however, is the black sheep as the family, rejecting the literary in favor of scones, baked Alaska, strudel muffins, and other baked goods. Her Aunt Enriqueta is quick to point out during a TV interview Jessica is an embarrassment to the Askew family’s literary heritage. If things weren’t already bad enough, the body of Jessica’s biggest rival turns up in Little Quillinton, and Jessica becomes suspect number one. Not the best circumstances for winning a baking competition. Based on the actions of the local police, Jessica knows she must be the one to clear her name on top of trying to win this competition. She’s in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
I’ve enjoyed many of Matilda Swift’s other books. She’s written the Heathervale mystery series and the Slippery Spoon mystery series. And Then There Were Scones is the first book in her new series, and it is a fast-paced, fun read, with a twisty plot that makes it difficult to guess the murderer’s identity. The characters are well-written. There is humor throughout the novel, a plus. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to reading more books in the series. 5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for a copy of the e-book. All opinions are my own.
Book One in the Parchment Paper Mysteries
By Matilda Swift
Genre: English Cozy Mystery/General Fiction/Mystery and Thrillers
Format: ebook
Pages: 184
Pub date: Feb. 12
ISBN: 9605380498756
Jessica Askew is a baker competing inThe Great British Street Bakes Showdown, a TV contest for food truck owners. The most recent episode is taking place in the village of Little Quillinton, Jessica’s hometown. It’s not a homecoming Jessica wanted. Askews founded Little Quillinton, the largest book village in the nation. Jessica, however, is the black sheep as the family, rejecting the literary in favor of scones, baked Alaska, strudel muffins, and other baked goods. Her Aunt Enriqueta is quick to point out during a TV interview Jessica is an embarrassment to the Askew family’s literary heritage. If things weren’t already bad enough, the body of Jessica’s biggest rival turns up in Little Quillinton, and Jessica becomes suspect number one. Not the best circumstances for winning a baking competition. Based on the actions of the local police, Jessica knows she must be the one to clear her name on top of trying to win this competition. She’s in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
I’ve enjoyed many of Matilda Swift’s other books. She’s written the Heathervale mystery series and the Slippery Spoon mystery series. And Then There Were Scones is the first book in her new series, and it is a fast-paced, fun read, with a twisty plot that makes it difficult to guess the murderer’s identity. The characters are well-written. There is humor throughout the novel, a plus. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to reading more books in the series. 5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for a copy of the e-book. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2025
And Then There Were Scones by Matilda Swift was a short and sweet cozy mystery featuring a town almost entirely owned, and definitely run by a family of book people, mostly book stores. It was supposedly run by a board but the reality was that one person controlled it all, Jessica’s aunt Enriqueta, who did not like her. Her enmity came mostly from the fact that Jessica had veered from the family business to run a food truck and was now competing in a nation-wide televised baking contest. Shortly after seeing her, Jessica ran into a dead body, that of Cameron, a competitor on the show who had been eliminated. What was he doing here? And who had killed him? And why was the camera crew from the show here? There were rumors that she was the murderer, but the police didn’t actually seem too involved. She would have to solve the crime herself if she were to resume her career, however shaky that seemed at the moment.
This was a cute novel. This little town, Quillington, was a rival to Hay-on-Wye, a town nearby to which, in fact, many of her family had fled. Everything had a bookish name and most of the stores were book-based. Jessica had learned to bake from her grandmother, who owned a bookstore, which Jessica would inherit, far into the future, she hoped. The crime was solved quickly and in an unexpected manner. There wasn’t much fore-shadowing. The premise is cute and the surroundings even cuter. Jessica is an acceptable sleuth. Not much depth, but fun to read.
I was invited to read And ThenThere Were Scones by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #VictoryEditingNetgalleyCoop #MatildaSwift
#AndThenThereWereScones
This was a cute novel. This little town, Quillington, was a rival to Hay-on-Wye, a town nearby to which, in fact, many of her family had fled. Everything had a bookish name and most of the stores were book-based. Jessica had learned to bake from her grandmother, who owned a bookstore, which Jessica would inherit, far into the future, she hoped. The crime was solved quickly and in an unexpected manner. There wasn’t much fore-shadowing. The premise is cute and the surroundings even cuter. Jessica is an acceptable sleuth. Not much depth, but fun to read.
I was invited to read And ThenThere Were Scones by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #VictoryEditingNetgalleyCoop #MatildaSwift
#AndThenThereWereScones
February 2, 2025
And Then There Were Scones has been a sweet balm on my fragile nerves in the current world climate, and has just become my favourite mystery of 2025!
Jessica Askew is returning home to Little Quillington to continue taking part in a baking contest, that will hopefully help elevate her food truck status. However, when a contestant on the show is found killed, and Jessica looks to be fingered for the crime, she must solve a murder and try to win at the same time!
When can I move to Little Quillington? It's a town based on books, with so many of the residents being named after books/characters and each shop having a bookish theme. I want to move there right now... well without the murder of course!
From the very first page I was hooked on this mystery. It's a fast-paced mystery that brings the reader into the story quickly. I felt like I was running the cobblestone streets of Little Quillington with Jessica and her best friend, Pippa, as they race to solve the crime. It was a fantastic whodunnit and I didn't manage to solve it before Jessica - quite the feat given how many mysteries I read.
If you like baking shows, culinary mysteries and everything cottage core you need to start this series!!! Matilda Swift has me completely hooked on this series and I will definitely be reading her backlist as well, because I need more!!
Jessica Askew is returning home to Little Quillington to continue taking part in a baking contest, that will hopefully help elevate her food truck status. However, when a contestant on the show is found killed, and Jessica looks to be fingered for the crime, she must solve a murder and try to win at the same time!
When can I move to Little Quillington? It's a town based on books, with so many of the residents being named after books/characters and each shop having a bookish theme. I want to move there right now... well without the murder of course!
From the very first page I was hooked on this mystery. It's a fast-paced mystery that brings the reader into the story quickly. I felt like I was running the cobblestone streets of Little Quillington with Jessica and her best friend, Pippa, as they race to solve the crime. It was a fantastic whodunnit and I didn't manage to solve it before Jessica - quite the feat given how many mysteries I read.
If you like baking shows, culinary mysteries and everything cottage core you need to start this series!!! Matilda Swift has me completely hooked on this series and I will definitely be reading her backlist as well, because I need more!!
February 16, 2025
*And Then There Were Scones* by Matilda Swift is a delightful cozy mystery that blends a charming setting with a fun, intriguing plot. The book features an array of well-imagined characters, each with their own quirks and secrets, making for an engaging read. I particularly enjoyed how the author subtly weaves family intrigue and backstory into the narrative, leaving just enough mystery to keep me eagerly anticipating the next book. The cozy, small-town feel of the story makes it a perfect escape, and the mystery itself unfolds with just the right amount of suspense.
I was introduced to this author through a Goodreads giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! This first installment has hooked me, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. The blend of family dynamics, intrigue, and the charming mystery has me excited to see where the story will go. I highly recommend *And Then There Were Scones* to fans of cozy mysteries, and I can’t wait to explore more of Matilda Swift’s works in the future!
I was introduced to this author through a Goodreads giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! This first installment has hooked me, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. The blend of family dynamics, intrigue, and the charming mystery has me excited to see where the story will go. I highly recommend *And Then There Were Scones* to fans of cozy mysteries, and I can’t wait to explore more of Matilda Swift’s works in the future!
February 19, 2025
Jessica Askew is a baker from the quaint English village of Little Quillington. She’s chosen a path that’s at odds with her family’s literary legacy so when she returns to her village as part of a baking contest, she’s unsure what to expect. When her fiercest baking rival is found dead, Jessica must find a way to prove her innocence while fighting the verbal barrage brought on by her family’s literary legacy.
This is a quick and easy read with an interesting main character. I loved the quaint village atmosphere and the descriptions of the local events painted quite a picture. Besides her chosen career, there’s little to explain the animosity that seeps from both her aunt and cousin so a little more about that would be interesting in future books. The mystery was compelling and, at least for me, the killer remained unknown till almost the very end. This is a fun and quick read and I’m definitely curious to see where the author takes the main character and how things develop with her family. A good clean read for any cozy mystery lover.
This is a quick and easy read with an interesting main character. I loved the quaint village atmosphere and the descriptions of the local events painted quite a picture. Besides her chosen career, there’s little to explain the animosity that seeps from both her aunt and cousin so a little more about that would be interesting in future books. The mystery was compelling and, at least for me, the killer remained unknown till almost the very end. This is a fun and quick read and I’m definitely curious to see where the author takes the main character and how things develop with her family. A good clean read for any cozy mystery lover.
February 1, 2025
When I started the book, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the story. I kept going back to see if there was a previous title in the series. A little more development would have been helpful. Additionally, I kept thinking this entire plot is much ado about nothing. The main character is found leaning over a dead body that she came across. However, a friend was with her when they came upon said body. The entire plot was about how the MC was under immense suspicion of murder because others (other than the friend) came across her leaning over the body. The MC stressed the entire book and the plot line was of course her trying to solve the murder to take suspicion off herself. The book would have been fine (and even better) with this strange plot line. The MC was a likeable character and had the resources to solve the murder without her being the main suspect. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review
February 10, 2025
Jessica is participating in a baking contest and its her turn to be filmed in the place she has grown up and with her family, and she's not thrilled about it as she's seen as the family's black sheep for not going in the family book business. She'll become even more stressed out when she discovers one of her previous contestants dead in an alley and she's seen as the major suspect for the crime. With the help of her best friend Pippa she'll search for the culprit whilst at the same time she fights her aunt from taking over her grandmother's place in the family council. And Then There Were Scones is an easy read, that captures the not so easy life of those in reality shows, the importance of strong friendships, and has a lot of mystery providing great entertainment!
I thank Ms. Swift for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Swift for this ARC.
February 12, 2025
And Then There Were Scones is a fun food truck baking competition set in England. Jessica went against her book heritage to open a food truck. She is hoping that competing in the competition will help her get more places to work from her food truck.
As the book opens, Jessica is in her home village. There is a summer party going on, during which another competitor dies. Jessica is a suspect, so she tries to figure out the murder to save her place in the competition with hopes of winning.
I enjoyed reading this book. There are some recipes at the end that sound good.
The solution to the murder was really interesting. I’m glad the next book is only a month away as there is a bit of family mystery that serves as a cliffhanger to this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
As the book opens, Jessica is in her home village. There is a summer party going on, during which another competitor dies. Jessica is a suspect, so she tries to figure out the murder to save her place in the competition with hopes of winning.
I enjoyed reading this book. There are some recipes at the end that sound good.
The solution to the murder was really interesting. I’m glad the next book is only a month away as there is a bit of family mystery that serves as a cliffhanger to this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 9, 2025
This is the first book in a new series, The Parchment Paper Mysteries, by Matilda Swift. Matilda writes small town cozy mysteries based in the UK.
The main character, Jessica, is in a TV baking competition and returns to her home town to film an episode. But there's a good reason she left in the first place - her family sell books and always have done, so they disapprove of her going down a different path as a baker. Add into this discord the shocking discovery of the dead body one of her competitors.
With both her aunt and the police pointing the finger at her, Jessica has to prove her innocence while also trying to secure her place in the next stage of the competition.
And Then There Were Scones is a fun, clean read that will give you a warm cosy glow. The town is charming, the characters are quirky, and the mystery is fast-paced. What more could you want?
The main character, Jessica, is in a TV baking competition and returns to her home town to film an episode. But there's a good reason she left in the first place - her family sell books and always have done, so they disapprove of her going down a different path as a baker. Add into this discord the shocking discovery of the dead body one of her competitors.
With both her aunt and the police pointing the finger at her, Jessica has to prove her innocence while also trying to secure her place in the next stage of the competition.
And Then There Were Scones is a fun, clean read that will give you a warm cosy glow. The town is charming, the characters are quirky, and the mystery is fast-paced. What more could you want?
January 22, 2025
Jessica is competing in a TV baking contest, when she finds one of her competitors murdered. Suspicion quickly falls on her - can she concentrate on baking alongside clearing her name?
The story felt very rushed to me and not very suspenseful. There were clearly threads started that will continue through more books - Jessica has issues with her family wanting to stop her future inheritance for example, but these felt like an aside at times. I liked Pippa, and loved Hattie, and I do want to know what happens with the family issue, but something just didn't work for me. It was a very quick read - it reads more like a short story than a full book, and is apparently the first of three books. I think if all are this length, I would suggest reworking them into one book.
The story felt very rushed to me and not very suspenseful. There were clearly threads started that will continue through more books - Jessica has issues with her family wanting to stop her future inheritance for example, but these felt like an aside at times. I liked Pippa, and loved Hattie, and I do want to know what happens with the family issue, but something just didn't work for me. It was a very quick read - it reads more like a short story than a full book, and is apparently the first of three books. I think if all are this length, I would suggest reworking them into one book.
June 5, 2025
When your family has a long and storied reputation for doing one thing and you have the urge to go in a different direction, it can be tricky. In Jessica’s case, her family, especially her aunt, belittle and undermine her every step. Since much of her fame has been away from them, when she returns to her hometown for a baking competition, the other contestants are not the only things she has to be careful about. In fact, they are pussycats by comparison.
Through gruelling challenges and an increasing body count, Jessica battles on. She even takes a younger contestant under her wing. But she never loses sight of the final prize that might be far more than the reward for the championship. Four purrs and two paws up.
Through gruelling challenges and an increasing body count, Jessica battles on. She even takes a younger contestant under her wing. But she never loses sight of the final prize that might be far more than the reward for the championship. Four purrs and two paws up.
February 12, 2025
A wonderful cozy debut with all the perfect cozy elements. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley . My review opinions are my own.
Welcome to a quaint Yorkshire village where the family of our protagonist lives. They are booksellers and Jessica is a baker. She returns home to be in a cooking contest and a murder occurs. Jessica is the prime suspect and must navigate her family, village people who assume she is guilty and find the rightful suspect.
The sleuth was enthralling, the characters perfect small village types, the baking fun to read. I look forward to the next in series. .Well done to the author for a great debut mystery.
Welcome to a quaint Yorkshire village where the family of our protagonist lives. They are booksellers and Jessica is a baker. She returns home to be in a cooking contest and a murder occurs. Jessica is the prime suspect and must navigate her family, village people who assume she is guilty and find the rightful suspect.
The sleuth was enthralling, the characters perfect small village types, the baking fun to read. I look forward to the next in series. .Well done to the author for a great debut mystery.
January 24, 2025
Jessica is the black sheep of her family because everyone else has always been involved with books and literature. Jessica loves to bake and has her own food truck. Jessica enters a food truck baking competition show and the tension ramps up when the show is being filmed in her home town. When a fellow competitor is found murdered, Jessica is the immediate suspect.
This is a fun cozy mystery and I am looking forward to trying the scone recipe included at the end of the book!
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
This is a fun cozy mystery and I am looking forward to trying the scone recipe included at the end of the book!
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
February 12, 2025
Jessica is back in her hometown to shoot an episode for the baking contest she is participating in. When she discovers the body of one of her competitors, she finds herself trying to clear her name, deal with her demeaning and controlling at and win a baking challenge all at the same time.
While you can go home again, no one said it was gonna be a cakewalk. Can Jessica figure out what her family‘s up to, who killed the Baker, and save her own bacon? Give this great cozier read to find out, because I guarantee you’re gonna wanna be back for more in this series. I know I will.
While you can go home again, no one said it was gonna be a cakewalk. Can Jessica figure out what her family‘s up to, who killed the Baker, and save her own bacon? Give this great cozier read to find out, because I guarantee you’re gonna wanna be back for more in this series. I know I will.
April 13, 2025
This was a nice little cozy, and I would consider continuing the series, if the others were reduced in price a bit. At the moment, I've got enough to read that I'm not exactly hurting for something else to read, and I don't feel like I absolutely have to continue this one right away.
However, it was a cute little cozy with a nice food-based theme. It was well-written, and I think that my only "turn off" for the book was that the food analogies got a bit overwhelming at times.
I would still recommend this series to those who are looking for nice little cozy mysteries to read.
However, it was a cute little cozy with a nice food-based theme. It was well-written, and I think that my only "turn off" for the book was that the food analogies got a bit overwhelming at times.
I would still recommend this series to those who are looking for nice little cozy mysteries to read.
May 7, 2025
Bakery cozies make me hungry...
I did like this British mystery series set in a small British village. I like buttery scones, so this mystery was right up my alley. Which I believe was where the protagonist, Jessica, found one of her baking rivals for a bake-off. Who killed him if it was not Jessica? No spoilers, so, you will have to read this to find out. This book contains recipes at the end. I recommend reading this cozy if you like tasty mysteries set in England.
I won a Kindle copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
I did like this British mystery series set in a small British village. I like buttery scones, so this mystery was right up my alley. Which I believe was where the protagonist, Jessica, found one of her baking rivals for a bake-off. Who killed him if it was not Jessica? No spoilers, so, you will have to read this to find out. This book contains recipes at the end. I recommend reading this cozy if you like tasty mysteries set in England.
I won a Kindle copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
January 21, 2025
Jessica Askew was getting ready for the Great British Street Bake competition held at Little Quillington . The murder of Cameron one of the contestants found by her in Index Alley complicates matters. There is more to this murder than meets the eye. A captivating read from the start which has you on the edge of your seat . I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review and recommend this book to other readers.
January 21, 2025
I found this an engrossing read. Jessica is back in her home town for the baking show she’s on. But, she discovers the dead body of a previous contestant & fears she may be blamed for his death. Then she notices another contestant who also shouldn’t be there! Jessica decides she must do the detective work. Things going on in the background are interesting & in the end do help solve a few questions.
January 24, 2025
This book is book one of a series. The main character is very likable, along with her best friend. The village is very quaint with some interesting characters. I like the book, except for the ending. The story ends unexpectedly and leaves you hanging, until the second book comes out to see what happens. I have read books in a series before, but this is the first book where it ends without a clear answer to your questions.
February 10, 2025
This is first in a new series following a food truck baker who is competing in a reality tv show and returns to her hometown where her family is more interested in books than pastries. It is a cozy mystery so of course there is a murder to be loved by our baker turned amateur sleuth. It is a very quick read and there are twists and turns that keeps one turning the page. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 23, 2025
A dead man and fingers point in Jessica's way and she gets blamed. Oh boy, and what kind of a family does she have. The story quickly pulled me in. It's interesting and entertaining and then that end. I have to know what happens next. I wish it was already March 12 when book number two will be published.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
February 6, 2025
Great cozy!
This is a great cozy mystery that is an engaging read. The first in a series that will definitely be a hit! The clues to identifying the killer are subtle and clever. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
This is a great cozy mystery that is an engaging read. The first in a series that will definitely be a hit! The clues to identifying the killer are subtle and clever. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
February 12, 2025
A food truck baking contest gains a lot of significance for Jessica when it shifts to her hometown. Things take a shocking twist when detectives discover that one of Jessica’s competitors has been murdered, making her the prime suspect. This story presents an engaging, cozy mystery set against a charming backdrop. This was a fun cozy and I recommend it to all cozy readers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews