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Cackleberry Club #6
Scorched Eggs
In Laura Childs’s New York Times bestselling mystery series, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni—co-owners of the Cackleberry Club Café—are equally good at serving up breakfast and serving up justice. This time they turn up the heat on a deadly firebug…
As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable.
Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.
Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives…
As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable.
Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.
Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives…
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
120 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,257 followersLaura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
July 29, 2018
I'm going back to my old rating system. This is a harsher kind of ratings. In this way, 3 stars is still good.
Laura Childs has many other books in other series. I'm frankly curious about them. She did a good job with this book, but it was an uphill struggle.
I thought the book needed trimming , as the superfluous characters kept putting off the interesting bit from being in the limelight.
The mystery is one of arson. This is a very common, if not obligatory story line in mysteries. I still enjoyed the book though.
Laura Childs has many other books in other series. I'm frankly curious about them. She did a good job with this book, but it was an uphill struggle.
I thought the book needed trimming , as the superfluous characters kept putting off the interesting bit from being in the limelight.
The mystery is one of arson. This is a very common, if not obligatory story line in mysteries. I still enjoyed the book though.
March 4, 2021
WHOOOOSH. Never saw that one coming!! I LOVE IT when that happens!!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Laura Childs has packed this book to the brim. The County Fair is about to start with Suzanne on horseback and Petra baking- both hoping for ribbons, the Cackleberry Club is hosting a dinner theater production, a vintage wedding is taking place in the park and Petra is making the wedding cake and a cute little baby is found out behind the club, not a human baby, but still oh so cute. But the whole story starts with a fire at the County Services Bureau. A fire that leads to explosion and leaves the secretary Hannah Venable dead. It could have been much worse. Several people were in the vicinity when the debris was flying including Suzanne who was at Root 66 and thought she smelled smoke and went outside to find the source.
Suzanne, Petra and Toni are three of my favorite cozy mystery characters. The author makes them come alive on the page. They are friends that are more like sisters. Their lives are all just bound together. Their dialogue is witty and quick and they really do have huge hearts and open minds about most things. Two of them don’t think much of Junior and his crazy ideas. He really takes advantage of Toni but she still seems to love the guy. I also like that Suzanne is dating a younger man who seems to really and truly love her.
As always the ladies, especially Suzanne, are poking their noses into the police investigation. The fire was ruled arson and that makes the death murder. Good thing the sheriff has his own permanent stool at the Cackleberry Club counter because you just know that where the clues lead trouble will follow. They make end up a little scorched but we don’t want these ladies getting burned.
With so much happening you would think it would be hard to follow but master storyteller Laura Child just lets it flow. She teases us a bit, diverts our attention, takes a few turns and a corkscrew twirl, and keeps us wanting more. This story was almost enveloping in the way it draws the reader in and holds on tight. A serious crime has been committed but she balances it with daily life, some romance and the perfect amount of laughs and giggles to make this thrilling and entertaining read.
A perfect cozy to cozy up with on a cold winter night.
January 5, 2020
I started reading this series from the inside out thanks to audible availability at my public library. I usually like to read a cozy series in order but random reading the Cackleberry Club Mysteries worked, mainly because it doesn't have the dreaded love triangle.
Over all, I've enjoyed the series, though I had some issues with coarse language in a few of the books. (I prefer my cozies to be squeaky clean.) I almost stopped reading after the second book but was pleasantly surprised to find books 3-5 profanity free so I kept on with series and I'm glad I did.
Scorched Eggs is probably my least favourite of all the books. I didn't like the way Suzanne and friends were so harshly judgmental with certain characters -- a definite departure from their behaviour in the other books. There's also some extreme law breaking without consequences which again, didn't jive with the other stories. Suzanne and company are no strangers to bending the law when it suits their amateur sleuthing needs but never so blatantly.
I listened to the entire series and Susan Boyce did an amazing job with the narration. Distinct voices for all the main characters and she really sold Suzanne's dry humour and spunky attitude. Great portrayal of Toni and Petra too. (Suzanne's sidekicks and partners in crime.)
Over all, I've enjoyed the series, though I had some issues with coarse language in a few of the books. (I prefer my cozies to be squeaky clean.) I almost stopped reading after the second book but was pleasantly surprised to find books 3-5 profanity free so I kept on with series and I'm glad I did.
Scorched Eggs is probably my least favourite of all the books. I didn't like the way Suzanne and friends were so harshly judgmental with certain characters -- a definite departure from their behaviour in the other books. There's also some extreme law breaking without consequences which again, didn't jive with the other stories. Suzanne and company are no strangers to bending the law when it suits their amateur sleuthing needs but never so blatantly.
I listened to the entire series and Susan Boyce did an amazing job with the narration. Distinct voices for all the main characters and she really sold Suzanne's dry humour and spunky attitude. Great portrayal of Toni and Petra too. (Suzanne's sidekicks and partners in crime.)
December 2, 2014
Scorched Eggs is the sixth installment in the Cackleberry Club mystery series by Laura Childs. There is a lot going on this novel including a deadly fire, a retro wedding, a county fair and even a dinner theatre. As usual, Childs blends all of her elements effortlessly and leaves the reader with an well written and engaging whodunit. Readers looking for a series that focuses on food will love the cafe setting while murder enthusiasts will be thrilled with all the explosive possibilities for murder and mayhem. Childs once again scores a big hit with her latest cozy!
What I liked:
As most of you already know I am completely biased where Laura Childs and her writing are concerned. Childs is my favorite cozy writer and I have yet to find one of her books disappointing in any way. Childs has a way with writing characters and dialogue, as well as, giving readers plenty of motives and suspects in each mystery, but I think her real strength is in the details. Childs always gives the reader great background and essential details that make the story come alive.
With the Cackleberry Club mystery series, Childs chose to give readers three main characters who are not spring chickens. Suzanne, Petra and Toni are a little older and little wiser. They have an entrepreneurial spirit that is contagious. She makes me wish I had the inspiration and ability to create my own business and make it a success. These ladies also have a knack for finding themselves in the middle of every murder in the small town of Kindred. Would I make a good amateur sleuth? After reading this series... I think anything is possible.
Scorched Eggs is the sixth book in the series and there is plenty of mayhem to be had by all. When the County Services building bursts into flames Suzanne and the gang lose a good friend, and when they find out that the fire might have been set intentionally, there is no doubt that they will be investigating. Justice for Hannah was so important to these women. It seemed like it was the least they could do for her. I liked the fact that Childs was able to make this mystery very personal to the main characters. It gave it more of an edge and urgency then some of the previous books in the series.
There was a lot going on this addition to the series, everything from a lost owl to a dinner threate at the restaurant. Suzanne was wondering if she and Sam were too far apart in age. She was contemplating entering the barrel races at the county fair, there was a wedding and of course a murder to solve. I was concerned that all of the other things going on in Kindred might take away from the sleuthing, but Childs did an excellent job of placing the murder at the center of the book and letting everything else kind of branch off from that. I enjoyed all of the personal issues going on and felt like they allowed the reader a glimpse into everyday life, as well as, into the mind of an amateur sleuth. Very well done.
Bottom Line:
I love Laura Childs. Her books are always clean, wholesome and very enjoyable. She gives readers characters that are easy to relate to, a mystery that is always fun to solve and enough of the characters everyday lives to keep readers coming back for more. Scorched Eggs had tons of great suspects, it wasn't predictable and even though there was a lot of stuff going on the murder was still the main focus.
What I liked:
As most of you already know I am completely biased where Laura Childs and her writing are concerned. Childs is my favorite cozy writer and I have yet to find one of her books disappointing in any way. Childs has a way with writing characters and dialogue, as well as, giving readers plenty of motives and suspects in each mystery, but I think her real strength is in the details. Childs always gives the reader great background and essential details that make the story come alive.
With the Cackleberry Club mystery series, Childs chose to give readers three main characters who are not spring chickens. Suzanne, Petra and Toni are a little older and little wiser. They have an entrepreneurial spirit that is contagious. She makes me wish I had the inspiration and ability to create my own business and make it a success. These ladies also have a knack for finding themselves in the middle of every murder in the small town of Kindred. Would I make a good amateur sleuth? After reading this series... I think anything is possible.
Scorched Eggs is the sixth book in the series and there is plenty of mayhem to be had by all. When the County Services building bursts into flames Suzanne and the gang lose a good friend, and when they find out that the fire might have been set intentionally, there is no doubt that they will be investigating. Justice for Hannah was so important to these women. It seemed like it was the least they could do for her. I liked the fact that Childs was able to make this mystery very personal to the main characters. It gave it more of an edge and urgency then some of the previous books in the series.
There was a lot going on this addition to the series, everything from a lost owl to a dinner threate at the restaurant. Suzanne was wondering if she and Sam were too far apart in age. She was contemplating entering the barrel races at the county fair, there was a wedding and of course a murder to solve. I was concerned that all of the other things going on in Kindred might take away from the sleuthing, but Childs did an excellent job of placing the murder at the center of the book and letting everything else kind of branch off from that. I enjoyed all of the personal issues going on and felt like they allowed the reader a glimpse into everyday life, as well as, into the mind of an amateur sleuth. Very well done.
Bottom Line:
I love Laura Childs. Her books are always clean, wholesome and very enjoyable. She gives readers characters that are easy to relate to, a mystery that is always fun to solve and enough of the characters everyday lives to keep readers coming back for more. Scorched Eggs had tons of great suspects, it wasn't predictable and even though there was a lot of stuff going on the murder was still the main focus.
December 10, 2020
A fire at the county services building leaves a woman dead. Suzanne smelled the fire just minutes before it exploded. When fire investigators find it to be arson, Suzanne decides to assist Sheriff Doogie investigate. She finds several useful clues which endanger her and lead to the killer. While I gave this one 3 stars, it really falls a little short of that. I seem to enjoy the series a little less with each installment. (I actually read books 7 and 8 before this one.)
May 21, 2019
Now I have read all the Cackeberry Club's and I am a bigger fan than ever of Suzanne, Toni and Petra! Cant' wait for the new one!
January 25, 2019
I think I've outgrown this series. It was fun for a bit but now i find all the little things that bugged me in previous books are expounded in this book. Petra is judge and jury in the name of religion, Toni says and does stupid things, Suzanne and Toni break the law but it's somehow OK because she's trying to solve a murder, and Doogie arrests someone in an infuriating manner with nothing but circumstantial evidence that would get thrown out of court by even a really bad lawyer. Nobody pays for the window they break on somebody's home and nobody ever apologizes to anybody they've wronged along the road to "justice".
If you have read the previous books in the series you will know who the murderer is right away without even thinking about it too hard which makes all the character's movements even more infuriating. This book follows the same pattern as the other books. By the end i was hoping that i was wrong and that instead, Sam was the murderer (for the simple fact that i don't like his judgmental attitude about everything). You know you don't care about the characters when you are hoping that one of the good guys is a murderer. I guess that's it for me and cozy murder mysteries!
If you have read the previous books in the series you will know who the murderer is right away without even thinking about it too hard which makes all the character's movements even more infuriating. This book follows the same pattern as the other books. By the end i was hoping that i was wrong and that instead, Sam was the murderer (for the simple fact that i don't like his judgmental attitude about everything). You know you don't care about the characters when you are hoping that one of the good guys is a murderer. I guess that's it for me and cozy murder mysteries!
November 14, 2015
SCORCHED EGGS starts off in a blaze of murderous action!
Author Laura Childs know how to write a whodunit. The kind that history’s greatest literary sleuths would have a difficult time solving.
In this sixth installment of the deliciously wonderful Cackleberry Club Mystery series, the story opens with a bang. Author Childs knows how to capture a reader’s attention, and keep it for the entire story. Each page with Suzanne, Petra, and Toni is simply a delight to read. These ladies are great!
SCORCHED EGGS is by far my favorite story in the series to date. I loved every minute of this perfectly penned mystery. The exciting action, quirky characters, and witty dialog all led to a brilliant ending. The plot and the writing are first rate as always with books by Laura Childs. She gives each story she writes that something special to keep the reader coming back for more.
Check out the back of the book for recipes that had my stomach growling, plus a preview of DEVONSHIRE SCREAM, the March 2016 release in the Tea Shop Mystery series also by Laura Childs!
Author Laura Childs know how to write a whodunit. The kind that history’s greatest literary sleuths would have a difficult time solving.
In this sixth installment of the deliciously wonderful Cackleberry Club Mystery series, the story opens with a bang. Author Childs knows how to capture a reader’s attention, and keep it for the entire story. Each page with Suzanne, Petra, and Toni is simply a delight to read. These ladies are great!
SCORCHED EGGS is by far my favorite story in the series to date. I loved every minute of this perfectly penned mystery. The exciting action, quirky characters, and witty dialog all led to a brilliant ending. The plot and the writing are first rate as always with books by Laura Childs. She gives each story she writes that something special to keep the reader coming back for more.
Check out the back of the book for recipes that had my stomach growling, plus a preview of DEVONSHIRE SCREAM, the March 2016 release in the Tea Shop Mystery series also by Laura Childs!
December 19, 2020
An explosion rocks the downtown and Suzanne is right in the middle of things, but there are so many suspects that she may not figure out who did it until they do her in! Once again a wonderful plot intertwined with the personal stories of the characters to make the book that much more entertaining and rich with personality! I love these characters and definitely can't wait to start listening to the next one!
October 21, 2014
Oh what a fun read this was. I could hardly put this one down. I love cozy mysteries and this one was a goodie. I loved the characters and the opening chapter was so much fun it made me laugh so hard that right away I knew this would be a blast to read. No spoilers here, but If you are a lover of cozy mysteries you will love this one !
March 12, 2020
Good mystery! Good characters and the plot was well spaced with all the sequence of events. Even though I do not bake, the names of the food items were interesting and sounded yummy!
October 24, 2014
My Thoughts...
So far this has been my favorite "Cackleberry Club" #6 mystery. What a fun time this time around with the three ladies, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni. There is never a dull moment when they are around. This time....
A deadly fire in downtown Kindred sparks Suzanne and the ladies of the Cackleberry Club to launch an investigation. But there are suspects galore, weddings gone awry, lost baby owl, killer clowns, and a dinner theater production of "Blithe Spirit" at their restaurant. Still, Suzanne has to figure out if it was arson or cold-blooded murder. It was like an enjoyable and exciting visit with a few old friends you haven't seen for a year or so.
I actually enjoyed it enough to award it 4 "Scorched Eggs" stars.
A big THANK YOU goes out to the author, Laura Childs, for the surprise gift of this book to read and give an honest review. Thank you Laura for a few fun filled days of reading your new novel.
I think it will be published December 2, 2014. So all you 'cozy mystery' readers be on the lookout for this book in your favorite bookstores.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
So far this has been my favorite "Cackleberry Club" #6 mystery. What a fun time this time around with the three ladies, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni. There is never a dull moment when they are around. This time....
A deadly fire in downtown Kindred sparks Suzanne and the ladies of the Cackleberry Club to launch an investigation. But there are suspects galore, weddings gone awry, lost baby owl, killer clowns, and a dinner theater production of "Blithe Spirit" at their restaurant. Still, Suzanne has to figure out if it was arson or cold-blooded murder. It was like an enjoyable and exciting visit with a few old friends you haven't seen for a year or so.
I actually enjoyed it enough to award it 4 "Scorched Eggs" stars.
A big THANK YOU goes out to the author, Laura Childs, for the surprise gift of this book to read and give an honest review. Thank you Laura for a few fun filled days of reading your new novel.
I think it will be published December 2, 2014. So all you 'cozy mystery' readers be on the lookout for this book in your favorite bookstores.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
December 16, 2015
Why would a sheriff interrupt a wedding to arrest the almost-groom other than to provide a dramatic scene? What, he couldn't wait 5 minutes to let them finish their vows? Especially when the so-called evidence was so obviously planted and there was no other good reason to suspect the person? Dramatic scenes are good, but please allow for a bit of reasonable logic to be behind them.
I also agree with some other reviewers about when the main character finds a clue on scene and, rather than to photograph it on site or even put it in a plastic bag to protect evidence, leaves it lying around her house and then in her purse before finally handing it over, days later, to the police. Criminal investigation shows have been on TV too long for anyone to be unaware of the importance of protecting chain of evidence.
What is with the owlet subplot? Again, just a weak excuse to create the ending scene, which is dramatic, but contrived. Additionally, I'm not sure that the mother owl would act as portrayed, not after so many days separated from its owlet.
This author creates great characters and settings but I think she may have missed on the plot for this one. A shame because I really have enjoyed the Crackleberry Club. This is entertaining at times, but a patchwork plot at best.
I also agree with some other reviewers about when the main character finds a clue on scene and, rather than to photograph it on site or even put it in a plastic bag to protect evidence, leaves it lying around her house and then in her purse before finally handing it over, days later, to the police. Criminal investigation shows have been on TV too long for anyone to be unaware of the importance of protecting chain of evidence.
What is with the owlet subplot? Again, just a weak excuse to create the ending scene, which is dramatic, but contrived. Additionally, I'm not sure that the mother owl would act as portrayed, not after so many days separated from its owlet.
This author creates great characters and settings but I think she may have missed on the plot for this one. A shame because I really have enjoyed the Crackleberry Club. This is entertaining at times, but a patchwork plot at best.
June 3, 2015
I have read others in the Cackleberry Club mystery series and have enjoyed them. This one was no exception. I liked the plot and of course the characters as well. I did guess who did it but it was my intuition that made me think that. All said, a delightful cozy.
May 7, 2015
I love, love, love this series. It just keeps getting better and better. Keep it up.
December 28, 2014
Had to read it all in one day! Couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns and one big surprise'
January 28, 2015
Probably my favorite Cackleberry Club book yet!
July 6, 2016
This is the 2nd book I've read in this series. Very enjoyable.
November 14, 2024
The entire series is based off the same premise. Everyone begs Suzanne to investigate, since she is supposedly a genius at solving crimes. She finds some clues pointing to different suspects. But at the end of the book the culprit is someone she never suspected and the only reason she found out who it was, is because they try to kill her. Every single book! It’s difficult to listen to the characters praise her for her detective skills when she has none. She actually hasn’t solved a single murder, they all just try to kill her and that’s how we find out who the killer is. I like the idea behind the books, but it’s executed terribly. We the readers have no idea who the killer is based on the clues and neither does the main character or the police, the ones actually investigating the crimes. But we can always guess who they are, since nothing is pointing to them. I like the characters but as a mystery series it is truly terrible. I wish the author will change up the reveal of the culprit in the next book, I’m bored of Suzanne almost getting killed. It’s not exciting anymore when I know she will be saved in the last minute. Only reason I will give it more than 1 star is because I like the characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
I have had this book for quite a while, and tried reading it multiple times. So many people seemed to think it was great that I just felt I must be overlooking something.
Final decision, it is okay but not a series I will go back to. There were too many pieces that just didn't feel like they fit in, from the black cocktail dress to an afternoon at the park for a wedding, to the panty hose wadded up and stored in the dresser with the loose combs and line roller, to the person who eventually turned out to be the bad guy sticking out with a "hey look at me I am out of place" jibe.
There were other things that struck me as odd as well, such as making bail without being arrested.
For the characters: there were too many. Suzanne seemed okay, but not really competent. Toni I disliked, as a nosy person always pushing into private conversations. I would have liked to have a little more background on Petra, as she seems interesting. The doctor, Sam, was too plain and background eye candy in my opinion.
Overall, not a book I plan to reread.
Final decision, it is okay but not a series I will go back to. There were too many pieces that just didn't feel like they fit in, from the black cocktail dress to an afternoon at the park for a wedding, to the panty hose wadded up and stored in the dresser with the loose combs and line roller, to the person who eventually turned out to be the bad guy sticking out with a "hey look at me I am out of place" jibe.
There were other things that struck me as odd as well, such as making bail without being arrested.
For the characters: there were too many. Suzanne seemed okay, but not really competent. Toni I disliked, as a nosy person always pushing into private conversations. I would have liked to have a little more background on Petra, as she seems interesting. The doctor, Sam, was too plain and background eye candy in my opinion.
Overall, not a book I plan to reread.
August 16, 2020
Nice plot. Exciting. Good story. Again, had no clue as to the murderer....
As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable. Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.
Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives…
As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable. Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.
Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives…
January 20, 2021
As Suzanne is getting her hair dyed she smells smoke. At first, she thought a customer in the salon hair was on fire but she quickly realizes that the County Services building next door was on fire. She soon learns that the fire was intentionally set and a friend of Petra's was killed. Can Suzanne find the arsonist before she becomes scorched?
Overall, I enjoyed book six of the Cackleberry Club. My biggest issue was with Petra. She was very unlikable. She was bossy and grouchy. It could have been because her friend was murdered or maybe I am just now noticing her bossiness.
It was interesting to learn the history behind scorched eggs and to learn in current times we call them scotch eggs. I have never had one and the next time we go to our local Irish restaurant I will have to try one.
Scorched Eggs is a solid addition to the series with a beautiful surprise at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed book six of the Cackleberry Club. My biggest issue was with Petra. She was very unlikable. She was bossy and grouchy. It could have been because her friend was murdered or maybe I am just now noticing her bossiness.
It was interesting to learn the history behind scorched eggs and to learn in current times we call them scotch eggs. I have never had one and the next time we go to our local Irish restaurant I will have to try one.
Scorched Eggs is a solid addition to the series with a beautiful surprise at the end.
April 23, 2023
This is the 6th book in the series. While Suzanne is having her hair done, she thinks she smells smoke and steps out of the salon, only to see the county office next door explode and go up in flames. Sadly, one person is killed and they later find out that it was arson not an accident. The ladies of the Cackleberry Club are on the case, juggling cooking, catering, and their shop as they dig into tracking down who might have done this. While this is going on, they are participating in the county fair by riding and baking pies. Suzanne finds a clue that leads them to a local casino as they try to narrow their suspect pool. But the ladies have to watch out as someone may be planning to take them out of the snooping business. The book contains recipes at the end.
December 20, 2016
I like the feisty Suzanne & Toni characters who are partners with the calmer, cooking wizard Petra in running a cafe in a small Midwestern town. It's a cozy mystery series by an author I read often so I pretty much know what to expect, but sometimes it's just fun to have some comfort food, er, comfort reading. A friend dies in a fire in town and Suzanne is asked by half the town to investigate and then is in danger herself. Her boyfriend, the local doctor, hangs around for atmosphere and effect and matters proceed along nicely. Sure hope he doesn't end up dead in a future novel, as he's a nice guy.
October 1, 2019
As Suzanne is having her hair colored at Root 66, she smells smoke and then witnesses an explosion and fire at the County Services Building next door. A longtime civil servant was found dead in the ruins of the building. Soon it is discovered that the explosion and fire were the result of arson. Was Hannah the intended victim or perhaps someone else? Did someone want to get rid of records in that building? At the same time, Suzanne finds a tiny owlet that has fallen from its nest AND a local theater group is performing a dinner theater at the Cackleberry Club. Plus Suzanne is training to compete with her horse in barrel racing at a local fair.
April 24, 2023
3.0 6th book in this series. Suzanne is relaxing getting her hair done when she smells smoke and the building next door is on fire. Unfortunately someone does in the fire and its one of Petra's friends, Petra, Toni and Suzanne are co owners of the Cacklebury Club Cafe and they are all sad and upset about this fire. Suzanne is quite the investigator and is friends with the local sherriff Doogie who is a frequent patron of the cafe. Doogie warns Suzanne to stay out of the investigation but that is not to be as one of the suspects arrested is about to get married and his fiancee appeals to Suzanne to help.
September 13, 2024
This series neither blows my mind nor completely irritates me. It's firmly mid level. This one lost a star that I would have otherwise given because of the killer announcing to Suzanne that they were the killer. Suzanne had no idea that this person had anything to do with the murder at all. Any investigation they did never touched them. So there was no need to expose themselves the way they did.
Also, Petra gets on my nerves.
Also, Petra gets on my nerves.
March 24, 2024
Just started reading this series. Very cute and quaint.
Suzanne the owner of the Cackleberry Club, a restaurant that serves breakfast and brunch.
A fire breaks out and kills a well liked person in town. This is the story of the investigation.
I really like reading it, I knew it wasn't going to be anyone on the suspect list. Until the end it kept you guessing.
Suzanne the owner of the Cackleberry Club, a restaurant that serves breakfast and brunch.
A fire breaks out and kills a well liked person in town. This is the story of the investigation.
I really like reading it, I knew it wasn't going to be anyone on the suspect list. Until the end it kept you guessing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2017
I like these books but not as much as some others. They have good characters and I like that it takes place in a small town, but I am not sure I buy everything about the three women or the establishment they run. Gavin said that, though, there are some good recipes included at the end!
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