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Culinary Competition #1
Pies & Peril
"Janel Gradowski may be a debut author, but her style is more seasoned than a pumpkin pie! This is one book that will leave you hungry for more."
~Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling mystery author
When Amy Ridley decided to compete in the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest, the last thing she expected was to find the reigning pie queen, Mandy Jo, dead—a raspberry pie smashed on her face! Mandy Jo made fantastic pies, but she accumulated more enemies than baking trophies. But when Amy receives a note threatening her own life, she decides to do some investigating herself.
It seems that half the town has a reason to kill the mean pie queen, and Amy finds herself sifting through a list of suspects that's longer than her list of recipes. Not to mention playing cupid for her love-shy best friend, fending off a baker intent on finding out her prize-winning culinary secrets, and ducking the deadly attentions of Mandy Jo's killer. If Amy doesn't find out who wanted the pie queen dead soon, her own goose may be cooked!
**Recipes included!**
~Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling mystery author
When Amy Ridley decided to compete in the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest, the last thing she expected was to find the reigning pie queen, Mandy Jo, dead—a raspberry pie smashed on her face! Mandy Jo made fantastic pies, but she accumulated more enemies than baking trophies. But when Amy receives a note threatening her own life, she decides to do some investigating herself.
It seems that half the town has a reason to kill the mean pie queen, and Amy finds herself sifting through a list of suspects that's longer than her list of recipes. Not to mention playing cupid for her love-shy best friend, fending off a baker intent on finding out her prize-winning culinary secrets, and ducking the deadly attentions of Mandy Jo's killer. If Amy doesn't find out who wanted the pie queen dead soon, her own goose may be cooked!
**Recipes included!**
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2014
171 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Janel Gradowski
23 books61 followersJanel Gradowski grew up, and still lives, in the mitten of Michigan. She is a wife and mother whose writing companion is a crazy Golden Retriever named Cooper. In the past she has worked many jobs. Renting apartments, scorekeeping for a stock car racetrack and selling newspaper classified advertisements are some of the experiences that continue to provide inspiration for her stories. Now she writes fiction and is also a beadwork designer and teacher. She enjoys cooking and is fueled by copious amounts of coffee.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 7, 2014
I chose this book because I'm studying the structure of cozy mysteries and it was number one on Amazon a few weeks ago. I finished it last night and now I'm in the process of dissecting it to see why it reached the top shelf.
My biggest problem is I just don't like the protagonist: Amy. She is a stay-at-home cook who married money and now, spends her days in her lavish home making up recipes. She naps and cooks. Amy is melodramatic, paranoid and honestly, self-involved. Amy is all about Amy.
I actually like her best friend, Carla, more than I like Amy. And because the author chooses to jump from Amy's point-of-view to Carla's point-of-view with some regularity, I think I can say that. Also, I don't understand why the author chose to do that. Isn't Carla an ancillary character?
I found clues sparse in the book. I noted the typos in the notes left by the killer, but I didn't think that was enough to make any connection with the villain. I would have liked more clues.
I did like the recipes, but I wonder if it would have been possible to include them at the end of the chapter where they were mentioned rather than the end of the novel. I don't know. Perhaps not. I suspect the author had little feedback into the book's layout.
Also, I felt like Ms. Gradowski gave us little description of the characters or setting. I know Amy is a busty blond, and Carla likes her botox, but beyond that, I don't know what either two of those characters look like. The character who received the most description was Elliot Maxson. Why? She describes the food in great detail throughout the entire book. The characters? Not so much.
There is only one corpse in this cozy mystery, and the author devotes all of three sentences to finding the body. That's a nice way to end the first chapter, but couldn't the author have elaborated on that scene? Look how much attention she gave to Amy's bubble bath in the first pages.
One last thing: in the latter part of Chapter 1, when Carla drives Amy to the Maxson's Bakery to drop off her pie, she refers to "A shot of Mike's expensive whiskey." Who is Mike? I couldn't find any reference to him before or after that scene.
Okay, one more last thing: the author talks about the big town hall meeting where it was decided to hold another pie contest, but that never happened in the book. It was as though it was dropped. Why?
I guess the book ends before the month rolls around when the pie competition is to be held. But if this book is focused on cooking contests, couldn't we see one? She refers to the cookie baking competition. Why now show us that?
My biggest problem is I just don't like the protagonist: Amy. She is a stay-at-home cook who married money and now, spends her days in her lavish home making up recipes. She naps and cooks. Amy is melodramatic, paranoid and honestly, self-involved. Amy is all about Amy.
I actually like her best friend, Carla, more than I like Amy. And because the author chooses to jump from Amy's point-of-view to Carla's point-of-view with some regularity, I think I can say that. Also, I don't understand why the author chose to do that. Isn't Carla an ancillary character?
I found clues sparse in the book. I noted the typos in the notes left by the killer, but I didn't think that was enough to make any connection with the villain. I would have liked more clues.
I did like the recipes, but I wonder if it would have been possible to include them at the end of the chapter where they were mentioned rather than the end of the novel. I don't know. Perhaps not. I suspect the author had little feedback into the book's layout.
Also, I felt like Ms. Gradowski gave us little description of the characters or setting. I know Amy is a busty blond, and Carla likes her botox, but beyond that, I don't know what either two of those characters look like. The character who received the most description was Elliot Maxson. Why? She describes the food in great detail throughout the entire book. The characters? Not so much.
There is only one corpse in this cozy mystery, and the author devotes all of three sentences to finding the body. That's a nice way to end the first chapter, but couldn't the author have elaborated on that scene? Look how much attention she gave to Amy's bubble bath in the first pages.
One last thing: in the latter part of Chapter 1, when Carla drives Amy to the Maxson's Bakery to drop off her pie, she refers to "A shot of Mike's expensive whiskey." Who is Mike? I couldn't find any reference to him before or after that scene.
Okay, one more last thing: the author talks about the big town hall meeting where it was decided to hold another pie contest, but that never happened in the book. It was as though it was dropped. Why?
I guess the book ends before the month rolls around when the pie competition is to be held. But if this book is focused on cooking contests, couldn't we see one? She refers to the cookie baking competition. Why now show us that?
June 9, 2016
My review for Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski will be featured on Romancing the Book Blog in the near future. http://romancing-the-book.com/
November 16, 2018
It is unusual to have a married protagonist in a cozy, but I thought it worked well here...
What I enjoyed:
* Amy and Carla had a great friendship, although it does seem to be all about Amy. For someone who seems to spend most her life in the kitchen whipping up new, prize winning recipes, Amy does dominate any situation.
* Alex, Amy's husband is sweet and protective
* The townspeople are interesting.
What could have been better:
* Amy. She is annoying. She gets upset at the police and her husband because they believe she should leave the crime solving to professionals. But since the person died at a pie competition, Amy believes her specialized knowledge will be needed. She is a bit delusional.
* Switching perspective between Amy and Carla was a bit jarring. Actually I like Carla a lot more than Amy.
* I read a lot of food based cozies and I think this one might have the most food references. It was a bit overwhelming.
What I enjoyed:
* Amy and Carla had a great friendship, although it does seem to be all about Amy. For someone who seems to spend most her life in the kitchen whipping up new, prize winning recipes, Amy does dominate any situation.
* Alex, Amy's husband is sweet and protective
* The townspeople are interesting.
What could have been better:
* Amy. She is annoying. She gets upset at the police and her husband because they believe she should leave the crime solving to professionals. But since the person died at a pie competition, Amy believes her specialized knowledge will be needed. She is a bit delusional.
* Switching perspective between Amy and Carla was a bit jarring. Actually I like Carla a lot more than Amy.
* I read a lot of food based cozies and I think this one might have the most food references. It was a bit overwhelming.
April 16, 2017
My biggest problem is that I really dislike the main character Amy. She's a stay-at-home cook who is married to an entrepreneur which of course makes her wealthy and now, spends her days making up recipes for a wide variety of competitions. Amy is melodramatic, possibly delusional, self involved and sort of reminds me about that cliche about blondes being dumb. The problem is, Amy comes off more as a teenage girl than a grown woman.
Also who asks what are the four types of chocolate! What other types could they be Carla!
Also who asks what are the four types of chocolate! What other types could they be Carla!
April 30, 2022
This story was okay for me. I wasn't crazy about the main character, I preferred her best friend, she had a calm demeanor and didn't fly off the handle like Amy. The story is told by both of these characters so it gave you a little insight to the characters a little.
The plot was okay, I figured out the who but I had the wrong reason why.
I do have to add that the recipes in the back sound fantastic and I do want to give them a try.
The plot was okay, I figured out the who but I had the wrong reason why.
I do have to add that the recipes in the back sound fantastic and I do want to give them a try.
January 22, 2024
Was it the best book I’ve ever read? No. But it was cute! If you want a quick easy murder mystery with some yummy recipes at the end, read it!
June 17, 2015
It is a nice read
I didn't love it or hate it. This book had all the makings of a good story, unfortunately, I got bored. I only finished it because, wanted to find out who was the murderer.
The main issue I have with the story is too much focus on baking and food not enough on the mystery. If you are a foodie, especially, love to bake and like cozy mysteries, then this is for you. I'm not a foodie or like to cook and bake. because of it, I thought it spent on too much time describing the main character's cooking. I wanted to read more action and suspense, keeping me on the edge of my seat type of mystery.
I don't want to knock author's writing. It was well written. I felt I got to know the characters, felt like I was there through the descriptions and had a craving for a scone, which I don't normally eat. I just can't get into stories that are mainly around food. I gave it 3 stars because it's a neutral rating, in my opinion. I really wanted to like it more. Like my grandfather would say, " that's why there are red cars and blue cars". As I stated earlier, if you are a foodie or a baker, then I feel this book is for you. Also an added bonus for you bakers, there are recipes at the end of the book.
I didn't love it or hate it. This book had all the makings of a good story, unfortunately, I got bored. I only finished it because, wanted to find out who was the murderer.
The main issue I have with the story is too much focus on baking and food not enough on the mystery. If you are a foodie, especially, love to bake and like cozy mysteries, then this is for you. I'm not a foodie or like to cook and bake. because of it, I thought it spent on too much time describing the main character's cooking. I wanted to read more action and suspense, keeping me on the edge of my seat type of mystery.
I don't want to knock author's writing. It was well written. I felt I got to know the characters, felt like I was there through the descriptions and had a craving for a scone, which I don't normally eat. I just can't get into stories that are mainly around food. I gave it 3 stars because it's a neutral rating, in my opinion. I really wanted to like it more. Like my grandfather would say, " that's why there are red cars and blue cars". As I stated earlier, if you are a foodie or a baker, then I feel this book is for you. Also an added bonus for you bakers, there are recipes at the end of the book.
June 11, 2016
Amy was probably my least favorite heroine in many a long read, but this didn’t prevent me from finishing this book. It is what it set out to be: a cozy mystery, with a lot of food-related punning and symbolism thrown in.
Now that I’ve discovered this is the author’s first novel, I’m upping the three stars (well actually 3.5) to four because I think Janel Gradowski has done an admirable job and I would be happy to read more from her. Her writing is lively and uncomplicated, making for a light and easy read appropriate for the genre, and her settings and descriptions work well. I just wish her characters were a little more believable and easier to empathize with.
Now that I’ve discovered this is the author’s first novel, I’m upping the three stars (well actually 3.5) to four because I think Janel Gradowski has done an admirable job and I would be happy to read more from her. Her writing is lively and uncomplicated, making for a light and easy read appropriate for the genre, and her settings and descriptions work well. I just wish her characters were a little more believable and easier to empathize with.
August 6, 2015
Warning Not Good for Your Diet
Wow what a disappointment. I couldn't tell if I was reading a Martha Stewart cookbook or a high school student's essay on the evils of cooking. To call this a romantic suspense was criminal. The suspense was what type of muffin will Amy make next. The romance was Amy's unhealthy love with lattes. I had the whodunit figured out the minute the character was introduced. And if you ask me the crazy ones are Alex and Carla for putting up with Amy's stupidity.
Wow what a disappointment. I couldn't tell if I was reading a Martha Stewart cookbook or a high school student's essay on the evils of cooking. To call this a romantic suspense was criminal. The suspense was what type of muffin will Amy make next. The romance was Amy's unhealthy love with lattes. I had the whodunit figured out the minute the character was introduced. And if you ask me the crazy ones are Alex and Carla for putting up with Amy's stupidity.
January 10, 2016
The protagonist, Amy, was annoying and hard to sympathize with. I generally love mysteries with female leads with a foodie undertone but this was too long winded, did not flow well, and glad when it was over
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author
Pies & Peril is a very light, easy to read, cozy mystery, centered around Amy Ridley, a happily married, stay at home wife who enjoys cooking and entering her prized recipes into culinary contests.
When Amy’s arch enemy is murdered, is appears the killer is just getting wound up, and has now targeted Amy, which prompts her to get involved in the investigation along with her good friend, Carla. Naturally, Amy gets herself into a few difficult positions along the way, and is nearly killed more than once, before finally solving this puzzling whodunit.
This story is cute, however, the author did commit a few writing faux pas here and there. But, keep in mind, this is a debut novel, and it’s not a deal breaker by any means.
The plot was organized, with proper pacing, and the mystery was solid enough, although for a seasoned mystery reader, it might be a little transparent. The characters were developed nicely, especially for a ‘first in a series’ novel.
While this one isn’t great, it’s not bad either, and I think the series has a lot of potential and should garner a nice following in time.
Book provided by the author
Pies & Peril is a very light, easy to read, cozy mystery, centered around Amy Ridley, a happily married, stay at home wife who enjoys cooking and entering her prized recipes into culinary contests.
When Amy’s arch enemy is murdered, is appears the killer is just getting wound up, and has now targeted Amy, which prompts her to get involved in the investigation along with her good friend, Carla. Naturally, Amy gets herself into a few difficult positions along the way, and is nearly killed more than once, before finally solving this puzzling whodunit.
This story is cute, however, the author did commit a few writing faux pas here and there. But, keep in mind, this is a debut novel, and it’s not a deal breaker by any means.
The plot was organized, with proper pacing, and the mystery was solid enough, although for a seasoned mystery reader, it might be a little transparent. The characters were developed nicely, especially for a ‘first in a series’ novel.
While this one isn’t great, it’s not bad either, and I think the series has a lot of potential and should garner a nice following in time.
August 29, 2021
Disappointing
I expected to enjoy a culinary cozy mystery, but this storyline is a lesson in patience. Amy is an obsessive, illogical, dingbat; her best friend, Carla, seems to be a bit of a mess herself; and flipping back and forth between their points of view is dizzying. Most of the characters aren't particularly likeable. The guilty party was obvious before the halfway mark and the motive not long after. The included recipes are very good, though.
I expected to enjoy a culinary cozy mystery, but this storyline is a lesson in patience. Amy is an obsessive, illogical, dingbat; her best friend, Carla, seems to be a bit of a mess herself; and flipping back and forth between their points of view is dizzying. Most of the characters aren't particularly likeable. The guilty party was obvious before the halfway mark and the motive not long after. The included recipes are very good, though.
June 19, 2017
Amy ends up finding a baking contestant dead as she is submitting her pie for the contest. She tries to determine who the murderer is and in the process becomes a target. Lots of baking and cooking references which made me want to start baking. Entertaining read. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
May 8, 2018
GOOD READ
What a fun read. Loved the characters and storyline. Recommend for anyone who enjoys a light read cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it"
What a fun read. Loved the characters and storyline. Recommend for anyone who enjoys a light read cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it"
August 14, 2017
This is a well written cozy mystery that has colorful characters, setting in Michigan, and an ending that will kept readers looking for more books from this author. copy right 2014
January 4, 2018
It would have been better if Amy is single 😉 she bakes and makes recipes but has no bakeshop
March 18, 2018
This book started slowly for me. I had a hard time"feeling" the characters. At some point it changed and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start book 2!
July 25, 2018
Good plot, I never figured it out. Main character was a little silly though, over the top. Otherwise a good read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 18, 2018
Baked conspiracies
I enjoyed the mystery,the friendship, and all the mouth watering baking that was done along the way. Pick up your copy today and start enjoying Pies&Peril
I enjoyed the mystery,the friendship, and all the mouth watering baking that was done along the way. Pick up your copy today and start enjoying Pies&Peril
February 23, 2019
Amy and pie cooking competitions, didn’t except to find the reigning one murdered. To find out why was a list of a lot of people who didn’t like her.
March 6, 2019
Very cute
I truly enjoy this book, I was quite happy with the way it all played out i am sure I will read more from this series
I truly enjoy this book, I was quite happy with the way it all played out i am sure I will read more from this series
July 16, 2019
This book started slowly for me. I had a hard time"feeling" the characters. At some point it changed and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start book 2!
January 21, 2020
Cute who done it.. Enjoyed it. Read it in 2 sittings/2 days.. Who did it? Why did they do it?
Read on to find out.
Read on to find out.
August 9, 2024
Amazon Top 100 Free
This book was cute! Some of the story was slightly repetitive but it did take me a while to guess correctly the ending.
This book was cute! Some of the story was slightly repetitive but it did take me a while to guess correctly the ending.
April 18, 2018
If your arm gets tired "whipping" your muffin batter, you don't know how to make muffins and should probably write about something else. Archaeology maybe? Cuticle care?
January 18, 2024
While the story and characters are good, for me, there is too much detail.
Mind you, I read the whole book, so it wasn't terrible but, for myself, I can do without brand names and color coordination.
Mind you, I read the whole book, so it wasn't terrible but, for myself, I can do without brand names and color coordination.
October 22, 2014
Originally posted at: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski is the first in a Culinary Competition Mystery series and it is the perfect cozy to curl up with in your favorite chair or at the beach while enjoying some sun. It’s teeming with a lot of charm and great characters along with many tidbits of delectable goodies perfect for any foodie. I’ve read a few of Janel’s books and enjoyed them so I was really looking forward to reading her first full length novel and it didn’t disappoint! Releasing today Pies & Peril is sure to please any reader who loves their cozy mysteries! Love, love, love the cover!
Amy Ridley is set to compete once again in the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest against the current champ Mandy Jo and while she isn’t particularly fond of Mandy Jo finding her dead wasn’t exactly a highlight for Amy. Amy can’t help but delve in to pick up some clues as to who would want Mandy Jo dead. Sure Amy didn’t like her and Mandy Jo definitely didn’t have any shortage of enemies but still who would go as far as to kill her? Amy wonders if she isn’t getting to close to the truth when she starts getting notes threatening her own life but still she forges on.
As Amy soon discovers the list of suspects is never ending but she’s focused on a few of them. In the meantime she spends some time with her own terrific husband all the while wondering if she shouldn’t skip that extra muffin or cup of latte in order to look good for him. Of course she’s also busy trying to do a little match making for her best friend Carla because as you know between baking yummy treats a woman has to stay busy meddling elsewhere. However Amy begins to worry she may never get to the truth as the killer closes in on her!
I really enjoyed Pies & Peril. The main character Amy is very likeable and not only for her infamous baking skills. She’s funny and a down home kind of woman- the kind you could see yourself sitting across the table from enjoying a good cup of coffee. I enjoyed the mystery and even the little bit of romance thrown in. Even better is the recipes! I know many of us are foodies and there are some great recipes included in the book that I can’t wait to try like Savory Parmesan & Salami Muffins (I love any kind of muffins!) and Tomato Pies for Two. Yummy!
Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans!
Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski is the first in a Culinary Competition Mystery series and it is the perfect cozy to curl up with in your favorite chair or at the beach while enjoying some sun. It’s teeming with a lot of charm and great characters along with many tidbits of delectable goodies perfect for any foodie. I’ve read a few of Janel’s books and enjoyed them so I was really looking forward to reading her first full length novel and it didn’t disappoint! Releasing today Pies & Peril is sure to please any reader who loves their cozy mysteries! Love, love, love the cover!
Amy Ridley is set to compete once again in the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest against the current champ Mandy Jo and while she isn’t particularly fond of Mandy Jo finding her dead wasn’t exactly a highlight for Amy. Amy can’t help but delve in to pick up some clues as to who would want Mandy Jo dead. Sure Amy didn’t like her and Mandy Jo definitely didn’t have any shortage of enemies but still who would go as far as to kill her? Amy wonders if she isn’t getting to close to the truth when she starts getting notes threatening her own life but still she forges on.
As Amy soon discovers the list of suspects is never ending but she’s focused on a few of them. In the meantime she spends some time with her own terrific husband all the while wondering if she shouldn’t skip that extra muffin or cup of latte in order to look good for him. Of course she’s also busy trying to do a little match making for her best friend Carla because as you know between baking yummy treats a woman has to stay busy meddling elsewhere. However Amy begins to worry she may never get to the truth as the killer closes in on her!
I really enjoyed Pies & Peril. The main character Amy is very likeable and not only for her infamous baking skills. She’s funny and a down home kind of woman- the kind you could see yourself sitting across the table from enjoying a good cup of coffee. I enjoyed the mystery and even the little bit of romance thrown in. Even better is the recipes! I know many of us are foodies and there are some great recipes included in the book that I can’t wait to try like Savory Parmesan & Salami Muffins (I love any kind of muffins!) and Tomato Pies for Two. Yummy!
Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans!
March 23, 2015
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Pies & Peril is the first book in Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mystery Series. The series itself is off to a really great start with wonderful characters you can’t help but want to know.
It’s summertime in Kellerton, Michigan. Amy Ridley plans to enter the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest. What she doesn’t plan on doing is discovering the dead body of Mandy Jo Pierce, her biggest competition and the devil’s spawn.
Amy has a really good heart and though she wasn’t Mandy Jo’s biggest fan, she feels she should be memorialized in some way. Amy sets off a chain of events that turn her into a sleuth. She tries to find Mandy Jo’s killer and gains the unwanted attention of her murderer.
Pies & Peril is filled with humor, mouth-watering food, and what seems to be a never ending kitchen pantry. I can’t say that it was one of those stories I didn’t want to put down, but it was entertaining and kept my attention. The murderer was easy to figure out, but the red herrings were definitely good and made you wonder. There isn’t very much for me to not like about the book. I will say I wasn’t a fan of the story being told in third person from the point of view from both Amy and her best friend, Carla. It made the story a little hard to follow at times. I’m looking forward to seeing what other cooking competitions Amy enters herself into and I’m also looking forward to Carla’s new relationship.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Pies & Peril is the first book in Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mystery Series. The series itself is off to a really great start with wonderful characters you can’t help but want to know.
It’s summertime in Kellerton, Michigan. Amy Ridley plans to enter the Kellerton Summer Festival Pie Contest. What she doesn’t plan on doing is discovering the dead body of Mandy Jo Pierce, her biggest competition and the devil’s spawn.
Amy has a really good heart and though she wasn’t Mandy Jo’s biggest fan, she feels she should be memorialized in some way. Amy sets off a chain of events that turn her into a sleuth. She tries to find Mandy Jo’s killer and gains the unwanted attention of her murderer.
Pies & Peril is filled with humor, mouth-watering food, and what seems to be a never ending kitchen pantry. I can’t say that it was one of those stories I didn’t want to put down, but it was entertaining and kept my attention. The murderer was easy to figure out, but the red herrings were definitely good and made you wonder. There isn’t very much for me to not like about the book. I will say I wasn’t a fan of the story being told in third person from the point of view from both Amy and her best friend, Carla. It made the story a little hard to follow at times. I’m looking forward to seeing what other cooking competitions Amy enters herself into and I’m also looking forward to Carla’s new relationship.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
August 21, 2014
Amy is preparing for a pie competition. She is sure she will finally beat her arch enemy, then she stubbles upon said enemy’s dead body. When she starts receiving threats of her own she realizes she better help figure out who the killer is before she's the next victim.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s all about banking and cooking and it made me hungry while also giving me the urge to bake. I figured out who the killer was pretty quickly. I stuck with my first suspicion and turned out to be right. I like to think that is just my genius deductive skills. *Pause for snort of disbelief.*
I liked the characters. It was split between two different viewpoints. It wasn't a bad thing, but it was a little hard to connect to either one in a way. But I still did like Amy. She's slightly odd but in the best possible way. I liked the sweet and loving relationship between Amy and Alex. I haven't read many mysteries where the main character is already married. I think the relationship was well written and very real.
I was shocked by how easy the ending went, that's not usual in a mystery. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not. It feels a little anti climactic, but still the book was good. It was a nice good hearted cozy mystery. If that's your thing, then I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s all about banking and cooking and it made me hungry while also giving me the urge to bake. I figured out who the killer was pretty quickly. I stuck with my first suspicion and turned out to be right. I like to think that is just my genius deductive skills. *Pause for snort of disbelief.*
I liked the characters. It was split between two different viewpoints. It wasn't a bad thing, but it was a little hard to connect to either one in a way. But I still did like Amy. She's slightly odd but in the best possible way. I liked the sweet and loving relationship between Amy and Alex. I haven't read many mysteries where the main character is already married. I think the relationship was well written and very real.
I was shocked by how easy the ending went, that's not usual in a mystery. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not. It feels a little anti climactic, but still the book was good. It was a nice good hearted cozy mystery. If that's your thing, then I recommend this book.
July 8, 2014
This is a lighthearted, fun mystery book with lots of yummy baked goods that will whet your appetite as you're reading it.
Amy was submitting her pie for the pie competition when she stumbled upon a body. It turned out that the dead body was Mandy Jo, her arch baking enemy. Mandy Jo wasn't the nicest person on earth even though she may be the Queen of Pies having won awards for 5 years. But when Amy starts receiving threats of her own, she decides that she would find out who and why.
I did have my suspicion but I couldn't think of the reason for murder till it was revealed. So I guess it was suspenseful enough. The story was a little slow to build up and the ending seemed too smooth but the story was kept interesting with details and from the other characters in the town. There are also a few recipes given in the book and I got inspired to do some baking of my own. Check this book out especially if you are a fan of Karen Rose Smith & Janet Evanovich.
I received a gift copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amy was submitting her pie for the pie competition when she stumbled upon a body. It turned out that the dead body was Mandy Jo, her arch baking enemy. Mandy Jo wasn't the nicest person on earth even though she may be the Queen of Pies having won awards for 5 years. But when Amy starts receiving threats of her own, she decides that she would find out who and why.
I did have my suspicion but I couldn't think of the reason for murder till it was revealed. So I guess it was suspenseful enough. The story was a little slow to build up and the ending seemed too smooth but the story was kept interesting with details and from the other characters in the town. There are also a few recipes given in the book and I got inspired to do some baking of my own. Check this book out especially if you are a fan of Karen Rose Smith & Janet Evanovich.
I received a gift copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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