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Cupcake Catering Mystery #7
Chocolate Can Be Deadly
Catering a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party should have been a delicious way to wrap up a week of romantic festivities. But when the new fiancé of the hostess is found dead during the event, clutching one of Emory’s chocolate cupcakes and a heart-shaped box of chocolates close by, the guests and the police put her at the top of their suspect list. With her cupcake catering business melting away as word spreads about the poisoning, Emory, and her octogenarian pal, Tillie, will need to pry into the sticky, dark secrets of the attendees. Will they uncover who’s been hiding a rotten center, or will the killer stir up danger and frost Emory for good?
Includes chocolate recipes!
Includes chocolate recipes!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
27 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Kim Davis
13 books325 followersKim Davis also writes as author K.A. Davis.
Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband and mini Goldendoodle, Missy. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing the puppy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.
She also writes the Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, The Board Game Chronicles middle grade series, and a suspense novel, A Game of Deceit, written under K. A. Davis, along with several children’s nature articles in a variety of magazines.
Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband and mini Goldendoodle, Missy. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing the puppy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.
She also writes the Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, The Board Game Chronicles middle grade series, and a suspense novel, A Game of Deceit, written under K. A. Davis, along with several children’s nature articles in a variety of magazines.
Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 14, 2025
Kim Davis has written a delectable series stocked with memorable and vivid characters. Chocolate Can Be Deadly, book 7, continue that delivery with great new recipes and a drama-filled event. Poison, revenge, and bitter characters who love to argue and treat people poorly. Toss in the loss of money and societal status, you know there's a secret lurking beneath the surface.
Mystery was great. The growing relationship between the main characters and her boyfriend's family, and her own in a strange twist of blended family dynamics, has created a beautiful world we can sometimes (and sometimes not) relate to. I missed her sister being in the side stories tho!!
Looking forward to more in the series!
Mystery was great. The growing relationship between the main characters and her boyfriend's family, and her own in a strange twist of blended family dynamics, has created a beautiful world we can sometimes (and sometimes not) relate to. I missed her sister being in the side stories tho!!
Looking forward to more in the series!
February 15, 2025
Emory has reluctantly agreed to cater a post Valentine’s Day bash. The hostess is horrible to Emory since she has a long-standing feud with Emory’s friend Tillie. The theme also puts her off since Dying for Chocolate hits a little too close to home given all the murders Emory has found herself involved in. Just as she is thinking that she might pull off the event, the hostesses new finance is found dead clutching one of Emory’s cupcakes. With the rumors of poison in a cupcake destroying her business, not to mention a cop that wants to arrest her, Emory has to find the killer. Can she do it?
I was so happy to be revisiting these characters. We don’t see much of a couple of the regulars, but the updates with the ones we did get to see were lots of fun. The mystery was engrossing, including good suspects and a climax I couldn’t put down. I did figure out one aspect early, but I didn’t have it all figured out. I enjoy the slightly different setting of Orange County since I’m in Southern California myself, but everything else still feels like a cozy. The book includes ten delicious sounding chocolate themed recipes, many of them gluten free. This book will find you turning pages and craving chocolate. If you want a good culinary cozy series, I highly recommend it.
Note: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was so happy to be revisiting these characters. We don’t see much of a couple of the regulars, but the updates with the ones we did get to see were lots of fun. The mystery was engrossing, including good suspects and a climax I couldn’t put down. I did figure out one aspect early, but I didn’t have it all figured out. I enjoy the slightly different setting of Orange County since I’m in Southern California myself, but everything else still feels like a cozy. The book includes ten delicious sounding chocolate themed recipes, many of them gluten free. This book will find you turning pages and craving chocolate. If you want a good culinary cozy series, I highly recommend it.
Note: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 20, 2025
Delicious cozy mystery! I enjoy re-visiting the wonderful cast of characters who are one of my favorite cozy casts. Great people! The desserts are always described so sumptuously, I wish I had some! I highly recommend this series!
February 22, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Emory reluctantly agrees to cater a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party but there was nothing romantic about the event. Hostess Frances Allain was a mean witch who had a beef with Tillie that she took out on Emory. Emory keeps her cool right up until Frances’s new fiancé dies with a “half-eaten mudslide cupcake” near “his outstretched hand” and Frances accuses her of murdering the man.
Word gets out about the death and order after order is canceled. With her business in peril, Emory and her friend and mentor Tillie are putting their sleuthing skills to the test and doling out cupcakes to open doors to get the information they need to frost the real killer. Will they reveal the killer? Or will the killer catch them? Has Emory baked her last cupcake? Will Tillie have any more Sunday dinners?
The core characters in this series have a strong family bond. Some are actual family but others have been adopted into the fold. They have fun together, have family dinners, support each other through the good and stressful times, and solve murders together. Genuine, meaningful, and heartwarming relationships, they are a delightful group.
The mystery of the poison cupcakes hit Emory hard. How did someone do it with her right there? Why is this new detective so sure she did it? Why isn’t he investigating anyone else? Thankfully she has Detective Gabe O’Neill in her corner, but she can’t just sit on her hands and lose her business. Tillie jumps right in to help. She has the contacts and the net worth that gets them into places and meetings with people that a cupcake baker can’t. Usually, they have Tillie’s driver on hand if things get dicey. He is devoted to Tillie and will do anything she asks, even acting as a server for a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party. He has keen observation skills and can blend in if necessary. I enjoy the three of them working together. I follow along closely, clue after clue, and a red herring or two. As for me, I had an inkling of who the killer could be but was surprised when a connection and motive were revealed. The showdown was quick and exciting.
With a cupcake baker as our protagonist, you know there will be a lot of talk about cupcakes, and some other food too, but mostly cupcakes. I made sure to have some on hand because as this is the 7th book in the series I knew what to expect. No boozy mudslide ones though, but there is a recipe for them at the end of the book which I will be trying out soon. There are several other recipes too, some gluten-free and vegan.
Chocolate Can Be Deadly puts forth a puzzling whodunit for Ms. Davis’s wonderful characters and her readers. I anxiously await each new book in this series and then I devour it all in one sitting with at least 2 cupcakes. This author keeps topping herself with engaging characters and well-plotted and well-written mysteries. Each new book becomes my new favorite. I loved the ending. The entire series is fantastic and I recommend them all. Like others in this series, I want to give it more than 5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Emory reluctantly agrees to cater a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party but there was nothing romantic about the event. Hostess Frances Allain was a mean witch who had a beef with Tillie that she took out on Emory. Emory keeps her cool right up until Frances’s new fiancé dies with a “half-eaten mudslide cupcake” near “his outstretched hand” and Frances accuses her of murdering the man.
Word gets out about the death and order after order is canceled. With her business in peril, Emory and her friend and mentor Tillie are putting their sleuthing skills to the test and doling out cupcakes to open doors to get the information they need to frost the real killer. Will they reveal the killer? Or will the killer catch them? Has Emory baked her last cupcake? Will Tillie have any more Sunday dinners?
The core characters in this series have a strong family bond. Some are actual family but others have been adopted into the fold. They have fun together, have family dinners, support each other through the good and stressful times, and solve murders together. Genuine, meaningful, and heartwarming relationships, they are a delightful group.
The mystery of the poison cupcakes hit Emory hard. How did someone do it with her right there? Why is this new detective so sure she did it? Why isn’t he investigating anyone else? Thankfully she has Detective Gabe O’Neill in her corner, but she can’t just sit on her hands and lose her business. Tillie jumps right in to help. She has the contacts and the net worth that gets them into places and meetings with people that a cupcake baker can’t. Usually, they have Tillie’s driver on hand if things get dicey. He is devoted to Tillie and will do anything she asks, even acting as a server for a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party. He has keen observation skills and can blend in if necessary. I enjoy the three of them working together. I follow along closely, clue after clue, and a red herring or two. As for me, I had an inkling of who the killer could be but was surprised when a connection and motive were revealed. The showdown was quick and exciting.
With a cupcake baker as our protagonist, you know there will be a lot of talk about cupcakes, and some other food too, but mostly cupcakes. I made sure to have some on hand because as this is the 7th book in the series I knew what to expect. No boozy mudslide ones though, but there is a recipe for them at the end of the book which I will be trying out soon. There are several other recipes too, some gluten-free and vegan.
Chocolate Can Be Deadly puts forth a puzzling whodunit for Ms. Davis’s wonderful characters and her readers. I anxiously await each new book in this series and then I devour it all in one sitting with at least 2 cupcakes. This author keeps topping herself with engaging characters and well-plotted and well-written mysteries. Each new book becomes my new favorite. I loved the ending. The entire series is fantastic and I recommend them all. Like others in this series, I want to give it more than 5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
February 14, 2026
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the 7th book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series. I have read the first six books in this series before picking up this book, and I do feel you can read this book as a standalone. I really love the characters in this book, and I really enjoyed reading this book. There is suspense mixed with some really fun/funny moments in this book. I really love the characters in this book. The ending was so cute. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
February 28, 2025
Emory Martinez reluctantly takes on a last-minute Death by Chocolate catering gig, and soon regrets it. Frances, the snotty hostess makes her job setting up for the event in her home difficult. And then her newly announced fiance Ian is found dead clutching one of Emory's cupcakes.
The newly hired Detective Reece is fixated on Emory, harassing her with threats and stalking action. With clients cancelling upcoming orders, Emory with the help of her friends, is determined to save her business & clear her name.
This was another well-written book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series, filled with tension, danger and delicious recipes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The newly hired Detective Reece is fixated on Emory, harassing her with threats and stalking action. With clients cancelling upcoming orders, Emory with the help of her friends, is determined to save her business & clear her name.
This was another well-written book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series, filled with tension, danger and delicious recipes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
Against her better judgment, Emory, agrees to cater a Death by Chocolate party hosted by Tillie's arch nemesis, Frances. What starts out as minor inconveniences that could spell disaster for the party ends in murder and it appears one of Emory's cupcakes is the murder weapon.
The Cupcake Catering Mysteries are full of fun, quirky characters. I really enjoy how the family dynamics and friendships have grown throughout the series. The mystery always keeps me guessing and the writing style keeps me laughing as Emory investigates even with minor bobbles along the way.
I highly recommend Chocolate can be Deadly and the entire series to all cozy mystery readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Cupcake Catering Mysteries are full of fun, quirky characters. I really enjoy how the family dynamics and friendships have grown throughout the series. The mystery always keeps me guessing and the writing style keeps me laughing as Emory investigates even with minor bobbles along the way.
I highly recommend Chocolate can be Deadly and the entire series to all cozy mystery readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2025
"Chocolate Can Be Deadly," Book 7 in the Cupcake Catering Myster Series by Kim Davis is a great read and a real page turner! From the moment I picked it up, the story line had me sucked right into it, and I read it in two straight evenings! Emory, the Cupcake Caterer, again stumbled into another murder and quickly became the suspect because the murder was the result of a poisoned cupcake. Between the poisoned cupcake, the bitterness from some of the characters, the feeling that revenge was the driving motive, and yet the close family support for Emory stays strong, this story line has it all. It is well-written, flows smoothly, sucks the reader into the mystery, and keeps the twists coming to the very end. If you enjoy a fast moving story line, one that really sucks you in, and has strong characters, you will enjoy this book. This book also has some awesome looking chocolate recipes that I am definitely looking forward to trying. Hmm.. Valentine's Day is just around the corner - I might have actually had the perfect timing to read this book!
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#betweenthechapters #kimdavis
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#betweenthechapters #kimdavis
February 7, 2025
As usual, this is a terrific read in this great series. Emory provides cupcakes for a gathering which results in a man lying dead and Emory accused of his murder. With a quite irate new detective determined to charge her with murder, Emory and Tillie set out to find the real killer. A second murder provides a link to some shady financial dealings.
Emory and her extended family and friends are great characters and the desserts are all mouth-watering, making it easier to read. I thought I had it figured out apart from one aspect and the twist that solved that issue for me actually threw me. I look forward to seeing what lies in store next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emory and her extended family and friends are great characters and the desserts are all mouth-watering, making it easier to read. I thought I had it figured out apart from one aspect and the twist that solved that issue for me actually threw me. I look forward to seeing what lies in store next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 7, 2025
Chocolate Can Be Deadly is Book 7 in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series by Kim Davis. I enjoyed this book and series. Emory is a wonderful main character and over the seven books, the characters have grown in their relationships with each other. I find that the storyline has progressed and to me, the core characters have strong relationships. Someone has poisoned a chocolate cupcake of Emory and she is being setup for the murder. Enjoy this mystery! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 6, 2025
While I haven’t read the six earlier books to this series, I did read book one before starting this so I would get a proper introduction to the sleuther, I had no problem reading this as a standalone without the entire series behind me. I also would have been fine without reading book one. I enjoyed the story and really wish I could live Emory’s charmed life, minus the peril. 😁 I will definitely be going back to read books 2-6 and I look forward to any future books that come out as part of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2025
What could be better than a chocolate buffet the day after Valentine's? If you're a caterer, a little notice would be nice. Even better would be a pleasant client. Unfortunately, "Death By Chocolate" lives up to its name and a participant is found dead, clutching one of the cupcakes created by Emory Martinez. The decedent happens to be the fiancé of the client; a woman who then pronounces Emory a poisoner. With her business in tatters and her freedom in question, Emory must find the real killer before the new detective slaps her in irons!
There are many reasons to love this series, but the main one is Emory - our heroine. While she is as sweet as her cupcakes, it's never taken to a sickly level and her friendships are meaningful. I admire the author's ability to give the reader a genuine everyman as a lead character and yet still find ways to take in the fantasy life of the ultra-rich. A Kim Davis book always has well-developed characters with many layers to their personalities.
This mystery, Chocolate Can Be Deadly, was particularly tricky. I could not discern the perpetrator until Emory unravelled the clues and solved the puzzle. Emory's method of investigation meshes well with her trade; she chats with people to find the answers. Even more admirable is the fact that (in this story) she didn't run headlong into danger by taking ridiculous risks. I wish more female detectives were written this way.
At the end of the book are pages of decadent chocolately good recipes that look scrumptious. As a non-baker, this inspires me (to seek out a pâtisserie and buy a tonne of goodies). Seriously, it's a real resource and worth a long perusal.
This well-paced mystery is easy to recommend to cosy lovers, especially those with chocolate cravings.
Thank you to Kim Davis and BookSirens for the chance to read a digital copy of this ARC. My opinions are my own, honest and true.
There are many reasons to love this series, but the main one is Emory - our heroine. While she is as sweet as her cupcakes, it's never taken to a sickly level and her friendships are meaningful. I admire the author's ability to give the reader a genuine everyman as a lead character and yet still find ways to take in the fantasy life of the ultra-rich. A Kim Davis book always has well-developed characters with many layers to their personalities.
This mystery, Chocolate Can Be Deadly, was particularly tricky. I could not discern the perpetrator until Emory unravelled the clues and solved the puzzle. Emory's method of investigation meshes well with her trade; she chats with people to find the answers. Even more admirable is the fact that (in this story) she didn't run headlong into danger by taking ridiculous risks. I wish more female detectives were written this way.
At the end of the book are pages of decadent chocolately good recipes that look scrumptious. As a non-baker, this inspires me (to seek out a pâtisserie and buy a tonne of goodies). Seriously, it's a real resource and worth a long perusal.
This well-paced mystery is easy to recommend to cosy lovers, especially those with chocolate cravings.
Thank you to Kim Davis and BookSirens for the chance to read a digital copy of this ARC. My opinions are my own, honest and true.
March 14, 2025
Death by Chocolate post Valentines dessert party- sign me up 🍫 (minus the death part!)
Poor Emory did not sign up to be treated like trash nor did she expect her delicious desserts to be center stage in a murder investigation!
Can Emory get to the bottom of the dish, solve this mystery and save her cupcake catering business?
So I needed a book to fulfill a chocolate poisoning for a bingo board and came across this cute book! It was perfect for the board and a quick cozy mystery read. Plus the added bonus of recipes!!! 👩🍳
This is book 7 in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series and my first read by the author.
Thank you to author, Kim Davis, publisher Cinnamon & Sugar Press, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Poor Emory did not sign up to be treated like trash nor did she expect her delicious desserts to be center stage in a murder investigation!
Can Emory get to the bottom of the dish, solve this mystery and save her cupcake catering business?
So I needed a book to fulfill a chocolate poisoning for a bingo board and came across this cute book! It was perfect for the board and a quick cozy mystery read. Plus the added bonus of recipes!!! 👩🍳
This is book 7 in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series and my first read by the author.
Thank you to author, Kim Davis, publisher Cinnamon & Sugar Press, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 26, 2025
Emory was hired to provide chocolate desserts for a party. The client hates Emory’s friend, Tillie, and complains about everything. During the party, the client’s fiancé drops dead. The client, Frances, immediately blames Emory. Other clients cancel their orders, fearing the treats were poisoned. Emory and Tillie investigate to find the true culprit. During all of this, there is a new detective on the police force and h seems to have it out for Emory, to the point of harassment. Can Emory avoid the new detective, and find the true killer, before she is the next victim? A great story, full of mystery and friends, woven together to present a well rounded story.
January 23, 2025
This was a bit twisted when all the facts came out. The way Emory was setup to take the fall for murder was ingenious. It kills me to say that after finding out the involvement. Yoi!!! Emory and Tillie go on sleuthing missions to pick through the coverups and lies for a bit of truth. I liked how supportive Brad and Gabe were of Emory. They were true friends. I loved how tight knit the "family" and Emory were. Brian had a great surprise for Emory at the end of the story. This is an enjoyable and suspenseful series and the recipes are a real bonus. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
January 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this ARC through BookSirens. I have not read any of the other books in this series so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoyed the book and I now want to go back and read the series from the beginning. Emory, the main character, is fun and relatable. The book has recipes at the end which I always enjoy looking through. Overall, this was a good book and I’m glad I was able to read it.
March 9, 2025
This is the first book I have read in this series. I really enjoyed the writing. It was easy to get into, written cleanly and the plot was very engaging. A perfect cozy mystery.
The cover very appealing with the two cute valentine dogs eyeing the cupcake! At each chapter beginning were 3 little cupcake designs. Fun! At the end of the book are 10 cupcake recipes. Very nice to see some gluten-free options. I just may have to cook some up!
My favorite character was Tillie the older woman, who is friends with Emory. Tillie has a lot of spunk which I enjoyed as well as a lot of influence with her money which came in handy. Emory was an enjoyable character with her two dogs and cupcake catering business. I love it when cozy mystery characters have pets. Sprinkle in a bit of romance too!
Emory catered a post- Valentine’s Day party. The hostess of the party, her fiancé is found dead, holding one of Emory’s cupcakes. So, of course, Emory has to investigate or she could be blamed for the death, since it was her cupcake! Was it poisoned somehow?? This first death led to a second death complicating the mystery…
Lots of interviews while investigating who could be responsible for the murders. Who did it? Some characters are not really whom they seem to be. This book had some excitement, as well as a surprise!
In general the regular characters seem very well developed with the different relationships and friendships between them throughout the story. I find it enjoyable getting to know the supporting cast, who are there for the main characters. It felt like a big family, which was really nice.
Enjoy!
(I received an advanced readers copy of this book for free, and this review is completely my own opinion done voluntarily.)
The cover very appealing with the two cute valentine dogs eyeing the cupcake! At each chapter beginning were 3 little cupcake designs. Fun! At the end of the book are 10 cupcake recipes. Very nice to see some gluten-free options. I just may have to cook some up!
My favorite character was Tillie the older woman, who is friends with Emory. Tillie has a lot of spunk which I enjoyed as well as a lot of influence with her money which came in handy. Emory was an enjoyable character with her two dogs and cupcake catering business. I love it when cozy mystery characters have pets. Sprinkle in a bit of romance too!
Emory catered a post- Valentine’s Day party. The hostess of the party, her fiancé is found dead, holding one of Emory’s cupcakes. So, of course, Emory has to investigate or she could be blamed for the death, since it was her cupcake! Was it poisoned somehow?? This first death led to a second death complicating the mystery…
Lots of interviews while investigating who could be responsible for the murders. Who did it? Some characters are not really whom they seem to be. This book had some excitement, as well as a surprise!
In general the regular characters seem very well developed with the different relationships and friendships between them throughout the story. I find it enjoyable getting to know the supporting cast, who are there for the main characters. It felt like a big family, which was really nice.
Enjoy!
(I received an advanced readers copy of this book for free, and this review is completely my own opinion done voluntarily.)
Read
February 26, 2025I love this series and this one did not disappoint. In this book, Emory is hired by the Society of Women for the Arts and Literature to cater their event, Dying for Chocolate. (an appropriate title as you will soon see)
Emory is a little reluctant due to how busy she was for Valentine's Day, but finally agrees to cater the event. After some hiccups with the owner of the house where the party is being held, things seem to be going well. Suddenly the body of the fiance of the woman hosting the event is found dead which reenforced the idea that Emory should have not taken the job.
The shady ew detective in town is determined to pin the murder on Emory since poison was found in her chocolates. This means she has to prove she is innocent and find the real killer.
I love the relationship Emory has in this series. They all have a place in the story and help Emory solve the case. There were several suspects, and I did have my suspicions on who did it, but still it was a great reveal at the end. Can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emory is a little reluctant due to how busy she was for Valentine's Day, but finally agrees to cater the event. After some hiccups with the owner of the house where the party is being held, things seem to be going well. Suddenly the body of the fiance of the woman hosting the event is found dead which reenforced the idea that Emory should have not taken the job.
The shady ew detective in town is determined to pin the murder on Emory since poison was found in her chocolates. This means she has to prove she is innocent and find the real killer.
I love the relationship Emory has in this series. They all have a place in the story and help Emory solve the case. There were several suspects, and I did have my suspicions on who did it, but still it was a great reveal at the end. Can't wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2025
Against her better judgment, Emory takes on a last minute catering job at the request of her friend and mentor, Tillie Skyler. As it turned out, she should have listened to those inner warnings. At the buffet, the fiance of Tillie's long-time nemesis, Frances Allain, is found dead with a half-eaten cupcake next to his hand.
Emory is, of course, the natural suspect, and her cupcake business, just as naturally, is hit with cancelled orders and trolls on the internet. The unwanted reprieve from filling orders for cupcakes gives Emory time to investigate the murder for which she has been framed.
The main and secondary characters are complex, and the interplay between them comes across as realistic.
This is the seventh book in the series but there are sufficient details on relationships not to leave a newcomer to the series wondering who's who but not so much backstory to cause the long-time reader to roll his/her eyes and exclaim "I KNOW that!"
And as a bonus, there are recipes for the cupcakes and cookies served at the Chocolate Dessert Buffet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emory is, of course, the natural suspect, and her cupcake business, just as naturally, is hit with cancelled orders and trolls on the internet. The unwanted reprieve from filling orders for cupcakes gives Emory time to investigate the murder for which she has been framed.
The main and secondary characters are complex, and the interplay between them comes across as realistic.
This is the seventh book in the series but there are sufficient details on relationships not to leave a newcomer to the series wondering who's who but not so much backstory to cause the long-time reader to roll his/her eyes and exclaim "I KNOW that!"
And as a bonus, there are recipes for the cupcakes and cookies served at the Chocolate Dessert Buffet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2025
What could be better than a chocolate buffet the day after Valentine's? If you're a caterer, a little notice would be nice. Even better would be a pleasant client. Unfortunately, "Death By Chocolate" lives up to its name and a participant is found dead, clutching one of the cupcakes created by Emory Martinez. The decedent happens to be the fiancé of the client; a woman who then pronounces Emory a poisoner. With her business in tatters and her freedom in question, Emory must find the real killer before the new detective slaps her in irons!
There are many reasons to love this series, but the main one is Emory - our heroine. While she is as sweet as her cupcakes, it's never taken to a sickly level and her friendships are meaningful. I admire the author's ability to give the reader a genuine everyman as a lead character and yet still find ways to take in the fantasy life of the ultra-rich. A Kim Davis book always has well-developed characters with many layers to their personalities.
There are many reasons to love this series, but the main one is Emory - our heroine. While she is as sweet as her cupcakes, it's never taken to a sickly level and her friendships are meaningful. I admire the author's ability to give the reader a genuine everyman as a lead character and yet still find ways to take in the fantasy life of the ultra-rich. A Kim Davis book always has well-developed characters with many layers to their personalities.
March 23, 2025
Chocolate Can Be Deadly by Kim Davis was a fun and enjoyable book to read. Cupcake baker Emory took on Valentine’s event as a favor to Tillie, her almost-grandmother. The event ends badly, with the host’s fiancé dead and holding a partially eaten cupcake.
It seems Emory is being blamed immediately by the new detective in town. But she has the support of her friends and family, and especially the edgy Tillie.
This was the first book of the set that I’ve read. The characters are likeable, although it is a bit distracting to have a complex backstory that is barely explained so that Emory’s relationship with her apparently fairly newly discovered sister is apparently a continuing story, but held little meaning to a new reader.
I’d certainly go back to the beginning now before continuing with later books. I received an advance copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
It seems Emory is being blamed immediately by the new detective in town. But she has the support of her friends and family, and especially the edgy Tillie.
This was the first book of the set that I’ve read. The characters are likeable, although it is a bit distracting to have a complex backstory that is barely explained so that Emory’s relationship with her apparently fairly newly discovered sister is apparently a continuing story, but held little meaning to a new reader.
I’d certainly go back to the beginning now before continuing with later books. I received an advance copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 14, 2025
I just loved reading about Emory and all her friends and family as they try and solve another murder. The Author just makes you feel so much apart of the story. There were lots of twist and turn while you try and figure out who the murderer is. I can't wait for the next book with all the gang in it. If you enjoy a good clean murder mystery with out all the gore then this what will be right for you.
March 14, 2025
"Chocolate Can Be Deadly!" is an exceptionally entertaining mystery novel. Author Kim Davis crafts a delightful, cozy mystery that immerses the reader in a world of its own. The storyline is intriguing and the characters are well-developed and diverse. With numerous suspects and a lovable amateur detective on the case, this book delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2025
This book was a real treat. A wonderful cosy mystery with some great characters. I was drawn into it immediately by my strong reaction to coming across a really unpleasant character who was awful to the protagonist. The character descriptions
are brilliant and the mystery is delightfully complex with no shortage of possible suspects.
All in all, a lovely read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
are brilliant and the mystery is delightfully complex with no shortage of possible suspects.
All in all, a lovely read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2025
I love this series! The dogs and kids are a great touch. Realistic that moves along. Cozy mystery, romance and great detective skills by the Cupcake Baker. The main female heroine finds her in close proximity of a murdered person. The recipes are an added plus.
*I was given a copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
*I was given a copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
March 4, 2025
A wonderful cozy mystery that kept me engaged from the first to the last page. I really enjoyed the characters with their quirks and interactions. And the storyline kept me guessing on who could be the culprit. A really fun book to read that makes you smile and laugh along the way.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2025
Another wonderful addition to the series!!!! Emory and her gang of friends and family have another murder to solve. And Emory is the prime suspect!!!! Loved this book so much…. tried to read it slowly but just couldn’t put it down!!!
February 1, 2025
This is a long story with twist and turns. Unexpectedly really good as it took me a week to finish it. It kept me in stitches.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2025
Emory is a cupcake (and more) baker, who has a knack for finding dead people. This time, she is catering a high-end event, when a man dies with one of her cupcakes in hand. The detective in charge is determined to have her arrested without investigating anyone else. True to Emory's character, she and her friends get involved in trying to clear her name. But is this one, the one that can't be solved?
A great story. Love the characters and how they interact. This is an excellent series, and who can complain about free chocolate recipes. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
A great story. Love the characters and how they interact. This is an excellent series, and who can complain about free chocolate recipes. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
March 2, 2025
Beware of Choclate
Emory Martinez has found that having a cupcake business can be troublesome. Once again there is a murder at one of her catering events. Chocolate Can Be Deadly Cupcake Catering Mystery: Book 7 by Kim Davis provides the reader with a unique mystery to be solved. Tillie, her landlord and part-time employer who instigates Emory’s to investigate and solve the murder. A couple of surprising twists adds to the suspense.
Emory Martinez has found that having a cupcake business can be troublesome. Once again there is a murder at one of her catering events. Chocolate Can Be Deadly Cupcake Catering Mystery: Book 7 by Kim Davis provides the reader with a unique mystery to be solved. Tillie, her landlord and part-time employer who instigates Emory’s to investigate and solve the murder. A couple of surprising twists adds to the suspense.
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