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Bakeshop Mystery #3
On Thin Icing
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.
It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.
Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.
It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.
Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 29, 2015
429 people are currently reading
2821 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Alexander
85 books3,053 followersEllie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
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She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
August 28, 2022
I like this cozy mystery series, but I didn’t love this book as much as the previous ones. The mystery was ok (although who really cared who killed Tony), but I hated the love triangle. This series started with Jules moving home to restart after her husband betrayed her. Jules regains who she is and gets strong and then in this book her husband is back and she’s torn between him and her old flame Thomas. Jules’ friend Lance asks her to cater for a retreat he’s hosting for the OSF at a retreat in the mountains. She’s excited to be there and have this opportunity, but first the snow storm amps up and then the bartender is found dead. They’re trapped at the resort and Jules can’t help but try to figure out what happened
January 21, 2022
Jules Capshaw is thrilled to be catering the board retreat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at the Lake of the Woods center in the mountains above Ashland, Oregon. However, the weekend doesn’t go nearly as smoothly as Jules hopes. First, her estranged husband shows up, proving to be both a help and a distraction. Then the center’s bar tender is killed and stuffed in a freezer. Now, as a winter storm rages, Jules can’t help but wonder if she is catering to a killer.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 9, 2022
.
I was able to read this series on my Kindle through my local Public Library. I am forever grateful for all the books I have been able to access in my exploration of the literary artist this way.
In this book, you will find another murder mystery. Jule's estranged husband, Carlos, showed up in her tiny hometown of Ashland. And wonder of wonder is accused of murdering someone. The romantic Spaniard charms the employees at the family restaurant, Torte, earn his respect
I would recommend this series to anyone who is interested in food and cozy mysteries, that are wrapped with an intriguing H.E.A. regarding the murder mystery...
The situation between Jules and Carlos, it seems, must linger for some time.
.
I was able to read this series on my Kindle through my local Public Library. I am forever grateful for all the books I have been able to access in my exploration of the literary artist this way.
In this book, you will find another murder mystery. Jule's estranged husband, Carlos, showed up in her tiny hometown of Ashland. And wonder of wonder is accused of murdering someone. The romantic Spaniard charms the employees at the family restaurant, Torte, earn his respect
I would recommend this series to anyone who is interested in food and cozy mysteries, that are wrapped with an intriguing H.E.A. regarding the murder mystery...
The situation between Jules and Carlos, it seems, must linger for some time.
.
April 8, 2017
The setting of On thin Icing was a page turner and a favorite of any cozy mystery that I read and very Agatha Christie esque. At an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregan Shakespear Festival in a snow storm. Jules catering in the event in the kitchen with her assistant sterling had to be the times in the story I looked forward to reading most besides the mystery.
Where the victim was found was a great tie into Jules and her profession and it was clever and funny. Jules husband comes in to save the day and cook and take over bartending the event, I don't know how to feel about him, He is a suave, debonair Latin character but Jules has made a life for herself without him and Ashland and made Torte Bakery a success. I hate to see him break her heart. On thin Icing left me questioning their future.
I could not guess the killer and when he was revealed I was surprised. This is one of my favorite series. On thin Icing was well plotted. Jules perfectly cooks while solving a mystery.
Where the victim was found was a great tie into Jules and her profession and it was clever and funny. Jules husband comes in to save the day and cook and take over bartending the event, I don't know how to feel about him, He is a suave, debonair Latin character but Jules has made a life for herself without him and Ashland and made Torte Bakery a success. I hate to see him break her heart. On thin Icing left me questioning their future.
I could not guess the killer and when he was revealed I was surprised. This is one of my favorite series. On thin Icing was well plotted. Jules perfectly cooks while solving a mystery.
May 4, 2021
Finally, Carlos is introduced in this book and we get a look into Carlos and Jules life in the ship before Torte. I kind of liked Carlos although the reason to not tell Juliet about his past was stupid. Baking and Jules' love life took most part of the book, the mystery was just in the background. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. And I loved Jules and Sterling's partnership, it was good to see them bonding and opening up to each other. However, I missed all the regular characters especially Richard Lord, as this story takes place away from Ashland.
March 10, 2017
I am enjoying the Bakeshop Mysteries. This one is your locked door mystery in a sense. Jules and Sterling have set off from Ashland to Lake of the Woods, a lakeside resort in the Southern Oregon Cascades to cater a three day retreat for Lance and the Shakspeare Company Board. Shortly after everyone arrives, the worst snowstorm in history hits. They are snowed in with only one landline (no cell phone coverage up there) and sure to lose power. When Carlos (Jules estranged husband) shows up, it sets Jules or Julietta as he calls her, heart a flutter. When she finds the body of the obnoxious bartender on the second day, she starts to investigate as the police cannot get there. The Ashland police finally arrive and that complicates things even more for Jules. Now there are two men vying for her affections while she is just trying to bake and cook scrumptious meals.
The series is full of wonderful characters, enticing food descriptions (recipes included), and intriguing settings. Being in the warm Florida sun while reading this book made me think about being snowed in with my family back home and yearning for that. I like Jules very much. She is a strong character who stands up for what she believes in and is finally discovering her strengths and talents. The others who work at "Torte" the family bakery in Ashland are all different characters who add to the business and story. Carlos is a romantic who is head over heels in love with his Julietta and will do whatever it takes to get her back. He is a latin lover that all the women are attracted to, but he only has eyes for Jules.
This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read them in order if you can. There is a lot of background and if you know it, you would enjoy the book much more. Otherwise, I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers as well as those "foodies" who love to read about food and get new recipes to try. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The series is full of wonderful characters, enticing food descriptions (recipes included), and intriguing settings. Being in the warm Florida sun while reading this book made me think about being snowed in with my family back home and yearning for that. I like Jules very much. She is a strong character who stands up for what she believes in and is finally discovering her strengths and talents. The others who work at "Torte" the family bakery in Ashland are all different characters who add to the business and story. Carlos is a romantic who is head over heels in love with his Julietta and will do whatever it takes to get her back. He is a latin lover that all the women are attracted to, but he only has eyes for Jules.
This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read them in order if you can. There is a lot of background and if you know it, you would enjoy the book much more. Otherwise, I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers as well as those "foodies" who love to read about food and get new recipes to try. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
May 3, 2016
This series is has been a consistently good series thus far, filled with surprisingly solid mysteries for a cozy mystery that fits into many “cozy molds.”
Juliet has been a strong character before this book, but (as you can see from the back) Carlos, Juliet’s estranged husband returns in this book and he reduces her to an extremely weak character. She just lets things go and melts in almost every single scene he’s in. Honestly I found it annoying and if she was that attracted to him, and if she loved him that much, why did she leave him in the first place?
The mystery was wonderful. I honestly did not expect the killer to be who it was, I was shocked! I also looked the closed-room-esque feel of this mystery. Closed room mysteries are my absolute favorites.
Overall a solid book. However, if Carlos stays and Juliet continues following him like a blind puppy in the next book I don’t know if I’ll continue reading this series. Recommend this book, but highly recommend this series.
Juliet has been a strong character before this book, but (as you can see from the back) Carlos, Juliet’s estranged husband returns in this book and he reduces her to an extremely weak character. She just lets things go and melts in almost every single scene he’s in. Honestly I found it annoying and if she was that attracted to him, and if she loved him that much, why did she leave him in the first place?
The mystery was wonderful. I honestly did not expect the killer to be who it was, I was shocked! I also looked the closed-room-esque feel of this mystery. Closed room mysteries are my absolute favorites.
Overall a solid book. However, if Carlos stays and Juliet continues following him like a blind puppy in the next book I don’t know if I’ll continue reading this series. Recommend this book, but highly recommend this series.
January 25, 2018
Ashland, Oregon is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Torte, a small town family bakery owned by Jules Capshaw and her mother. When Jules' life and marriage hit some major bumps, she left her husband Carlos behind on the cruise line where they both worked as chefs and returned home to help her mother out. Winter is off-season for the Festival, so no tourists and fewer local customers, so Jules has agreed to cater a private party for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at a local resort. When a storm hits and they are snowed in, Jules finds the body of the bartender in the freezer. The man was a flirt, but this time he flirted with the wrong person. As Jules and the police start to investigate, all kinds of secrets are exposed. On top of that, Jules' husband, Carlos shows up wanting to repair their marriage. Can they find the murderer before someone else gets iced?
This is the third book in the series and each one of them is fantastic. Great characters mixed with exciting backgrounds make each book an unique adventure. The writing flows smoothly and the characters come to life before your eyes. For the most enjoyment, I recommend that you read the books in order. A series that any mystery or cozy fan will enjoy!
This is the third book in the series and each one of them is fantastic. Great characters mixed with exciting backgrounds make each book an unique adventure. The writing flows smoothly and the characters come to life before your eyes. For the most enjoyment, I recommend that you read the books in order. A series that any mystery or cozy fan will enjoy!
December 13, 2015
I loved all the descriptions of food and scrumptious cooking. A foodie will definitely appreciate that about this book. The mystery wasn't quite as compelling, since too much focus on Jules lovelife for me. Overall, an entertaining book.
My rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Review for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
My rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Review for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
May 2, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Winter in Oregon can be temperamental and the means business is a bit slow with no tourists visiting the Torte bakery. So when Jules is asked to cater a retreat by Lance, the head of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the board of directors at a resort up in the woods she gladly accepts.
A huge snowstorm sets in soon after everyone arrives, but that does stop 1 surprise guest from arriving just a bit later. Jules is shocked when her estranged husband Carlos comes walking through the door. They have so many things to work through and she doesn’t know how they can do that with all the responsibilities she has for the retreat. Thankfully she has brought along Torte employee and aspiring chef Sterling who immediately hits it off with Carlos.
Things take a deadly turn when Jules discovers the body of the bartender that had been pushy, obnoxious, and flirtatious since the moment she arrived the next morning. He was definitely up to something underhanded too. With the snow, it is going to take time for the police to arrive but Jules calls in her favorite officers Thomas, her high school boyfriend, now deputy detective, and the Professor, her mother’s boyfriend, and lead Ashland detective, who slog through the snow to come to her aid. She is totally taken aback when they think Carlos is a prime suspect. Jules is juggling a lot but she knows there are better suspects than her husband so she is going to cut through all the clues and figure out who really iced the bartender.
______
I really got a kick out of this story and my mouth was watering too! The food created in this story was so tempting, oh to have a wood stove!
But I am getting ahead of myself.
The focus this time was really on Carlos and Jules with Sterling really striving. Sterling becomes Jules’ sounding board while twisting around the clues to the murder and her true right hand in the kitchen. They make a great team. He also gives Jules the time she needs to try to set her relationship with Carlos in a better direction.
We also meet the owner of the retreat and the maintenance man along with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival board of directors and Lance’s new assistant. All the characters are defined and most continue to develop throughout the story. I wanted to know more about one character but maybe they will show up in a future story. The dialogue is snappy and believable.
The story had a great flow and the mystery was strong and well-plotted. My focus was pulled to three characters but I was still surprised by the big reveal.
I really enjoy the author’s writing style. It is very descriptive. She really brought everything so clear in my mind’s eye, the Lake of the Woods Resort, the weather, even the ride up to the resort, the kitchen, the food, and the people. It was so easy to escape right into this story.
The author leaves Carlos and Jules’ relationship still in flux which made me pick up book four, Caught Bread Handed almost immediately. I am very excited to get all caught up on this series!
Winter in Oregon can be temperamental and the means business is a bit slow with no tourists visiting the Torte bakery. So when Jules is asked to cater a retreat by Lance, the head of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the board of directors at a resort up in the woods she gladly accepts.
A huge snowstorm sets in soon after everyone arrives, but that does stop 1 surprise guest from arriving just a bit later. Jules is shocked when her estranged husband Carlos comes walking through the door. They have so many things to work through and she doesn’t know how they can do that with all the responsibilities she has for the retreat. Thankfully she has brought along Torte employee and aspiring chef Sterling who immediately hits it off with Carlos.
Things take a deadly turn when Jules discovers the body of the bartender that had been pushy, obnoxious, and flirtatious since the moment she arrived the next morning. He was definitely up to something underhanded too. With the snow, it is going to take time for the police to arrive but Jules calls in her favorite officers Thomas, her high school boyfriend, now deputy detective, and the Professor, her mother’s boyfriend, and lead Ashland detective, who slog through the snow to come to her aid. She is totally taken aback when they think Carlos is a prime suspect. Jules is juggling a lot but she knows there are better suspects than her husband so she is going to cut through all the clues and figure out who really iced the bartender.
______
I really got a kick out of this story and my mouth was watering too! The food created in this story was so tempting, oh to have a wood stove!
But I am getting ahead of myself.
The focus this time was really on Carlos and Jules with Sterling really striving. Sterling becomes Jules’ sounding board while twisting around the clues to the murder and her true right hand in the kitchen. They make a great team. He also gives Jules the time she needs to try to set her relationship with Carlos in a better direction.
We also meet the owner of the retreat and the maintenance man along with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival board of directors and Lance’s new assistant. All the characters are defined and most continue to develop throughout the story. I wanted to know more about one character but maybe they will show up in a future story. The dialogue is snappy and believable.
The story had a great flow and the mystery was strong and well-plotted. My focus was pulled to three characters but I was still surprised by the big reveal.
I really enjoy the author’s writing style. It is very descriptive. She really brought everything so clear in my mind’s eye, the Lake of the Woods Resort, the weather, even the ride up to the resort, the kitchen, the food, and the people. It was so easy to escape right into this story.
The author leaves Carlos and Jules’ relationship still in flux which made me pick up book four, Caught Bread Handed almost immediately. I am very excited to get all caught up on this series!
April 3, 2024
No offence, but I prefer my cosy mysteries to be 50% mystery and 50% cosy, this was more 10-90
January 19, 2019
Winter in Ashland, Oregon is not the best time to run a business, especially one that needs lots of upgrades. At Torte bakery, Jules Capshaw, her mom and their staff make the most of the weather by serving up unique coffee drinks, warm soups and of course, pastry. When Jules is commanded to cater an event for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Jules can't wait to try her culinary skills on a broader audience and earn some money for the much-needed new ovens at the bakery. She enlists the aid of Sterling, an employee, and they head up to the mountain resort to begin prepping meals for the retreat. A major snowstorm is coming and the resort lacks wi-fi or cell service. There will be nothing to do for the OSF board members but sit by the fire and enjoy elegant comfort food. Lance's assistant is worried about the lack of wi-fi and a supposedly misplaced alcohol order. The bartender, Tony, is a sleazy redneck who can't stop drinking or shouting rudely at people. If that wasn't enough to stress anyone out, Jules's estranged husband Carlos shows up, as charming as ever. Then while out looking for sausages at the marina in the morning, Jules discovers the body of Tony the bartender in the freezer. With a storm raging outside, the roads are blocked, phone lines are down, the power is out and a killer on the loose. Jules knows she has to solve this one for the police before the trail goes cold.
This mystery is OK but not the best. Mystery wise I could have cared less who killed Tony. I don't want to say he deserved it but he deserved to be fired and jailed at least. I pegged the killer right away- the clues are too obvious- but my motive was all wrong. I didn't care for the love triangle plot at all or all the cooking Jules does. If I wanted a dissertation on how to peel and chop garlic I would have asked my Nonnie and her sister. I did ask how to make pasta but I was curious how Jules made it so I did read that part. Again, too much cooking for a bakeshop mystery! Jules's obsession with the wood fired oven was annoying. The baking doesn't really start until late in the book. I really want to try her orange cardamom rolls and double chocolate cookies with cream cheese frosting. Heaven!
I'm still not a huge fan of Jules. She's settling in to Ashland and was growing on me but here she gets annoying when it comes to Carlos. When Carlos reveals his side of the story regarding his son, Jules shows a lack of understanding and empathy for traditional Spanish culture, giving me another reason not to like her. I really disliked Carlos. I'm in the minority here apparently and I fail to be charmed by Latin lovers. Carlos comes on too strong, making assumptions about his and Jules's relationship. He decides to pick up where they left off and I feel he crosses a line there. Jules doesn't stand up to him and the little talking they do, she lets him talk and doesn't tell him how much being home in Ashland and running Torte means to her. She mentions it and he just brushes it off, OK you love Ashland, I will too. She should have been honest about her conflicted feelings for Thomas. I don't feel Thomas crossed a line. He wants Jules to be safe and he doesn't trust Carlos. Thomas is a cop and therefore, EVERYONE, no matter how nice, is a suspect. Perfectly nice people can commit murder and I felt Sterling was wrong about his behavior.
Sterling is a nice young man and I wish he were a viable partner for Jules because they would be perfect for each other. He's a wise, old soul and cares about Jules and her mom. He's also passionate about cooking and helping customers. Stephanie is too immature to appreciate him. I really can't stand Lance. His dramatic personality that makes everyone think he thinks "ll the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players" drives me crazy! I also find his constant bullying of Jules excessive and mean. She doesn't want to be on stage. That's not her passion. End of story. I loathe bullies. Jules dismisses his behavior as "just his way." I'd refuse to cater his event anyway at a lodge that reflects the 1950s and is up a road named "Dead Indian." Dear fictional town-please change this name and quickly!
Mercury is the new owner of Lake of the Woods resort. She and her husband purchased the resort to be an old-fashioned getaway where people can relax without modern conveniences. It's a throwback to the 1950s with one rotary dial phone for emergencies. No. Just no. You can't run a 1950s business in 21st century America. There are numerous examples in this story of why this is wrong. Tony, the bartender, is a beer chugging, sexist, disgusting pig. If I were Jules and Whitney I would have quit after meeting him. Also, there's a storm raging and dead body found. The phone lines go down in the snow and there is NO way to connect to the outside world. Zero. There's also no way for someone in the cabins to call the lodge and have firewood restocked. The handyman, Gavin, is also a rustic 1950s type. He runs the marina and also does maintenance at the lodge. Like Tony, he belongs to a long gone world and not a chi chi resort. I also have a huge problem with Dean. Bring British doesn't give you an excuse to a)lose your temper with the rude bartender who ruined your $750 hunting boots and b)practice target shooting (illegally) at night. For sure he's a murderer right?
Lance's assistant Whitney is a nervous wreck without wifi. That's completely ridiculous not to offer it. Her order goes missing and she can't access her e-mail with all the information she needs. Now she should have found that out in advance and printed everything but still, she's young and not used to a paper based world. Plus, she misplaced the paper! The lodge should offer a business station with a computer like hotels. Whitney seems to be hiding something. She's nervous for some reason. Could she be a killer?
I'm not that into this series. I don't care for the characters or all the savory baking. I'm going to limit my baking mysteries specifically to cupcakes/cakes or specific types of treats I actually like and want to make.
This mystery is OK but not the best. Mystery wise I could have cared less who killed Tony. I don't want to say he deserved it but he deserved to be fired and jailed at least. I pegged the killer right away- the clues are too obvious- but my motive was all wrong. I didn't care for the love triangle plot at all or all the cooking Jules does. If I wanted a dissertation on how to peel and chop garlic I would have asked my Nonnie and her sister. I did ask how to make pasta but I was curious how Jules made it so I did read that part. Again, too much cooking for a bakeshop mystery! Jules's obsession with the wood fired oven was annoying. The baking doesn't really start until late in the book. I really want to try her orange cardamom rolls and double chocolate cookies with cream cheese frosting. Heaven!
I'm still not a huge fan of Jules. She's settling in to Ashland and was growing on me but here she gets annoying when it comes to Carlos. When Carlos reveals his side of the story regarding his son, Jules shows a lack of understanding and empathy for traditional Spanish culture, giving me another reason not to like her. I really disliked Carlos. I'm in the minority here apparently and I fail to be charmed by Latin lovers. Carlos comes on too strong, making assumptions about his and Jules's relationship. He decides to pick up where they left off and I feel he crosses a line there. Jules doesn't stand up to him and the little talking they do, she lets him talk and doesn't tell him how much being home in Ashland and running Torte means to her. She mentions it and he just brushes it off, OK you love Ashland, I will too. She should have been honest about her conflicted feelings for Thomas. I don't feel Thomas crossed a line. He wants Jules to be safe and he doesn't trust Carlos. Thomas is a cop and therefore, EVERYONE, no matter how nice, is a suspect. Perfectly nice people can commit murder and I felt Sterling was wrong about his behavior.
Sterling is a nice young man and I wish he were a viable partner for Jules because they would be perfect for each other. He's a wise, old soul and cares about Jules and her mom. He's also passionate about cooking and helping customers. Stephanie is too immature to appreciate him. I really can't stand Lance. His dramatic personality that makes everyone think he thinks "ll the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players" drives me crazy! I also find his constant bullying of Jules excessive and mean. She doesn't want to be on stage. That's not her passion. End of story. I loathe bullies. Jules dismisses his behavior as "just his way." I'd refuse to cater his event anyway at a lodge that reflects the 1950s and is up a road named "Dead Indian." Dear fictional town-please change this name and quickly!
Mercury is the new owner of Lake of the Woods resort. She and her husband purchased the resort to be an old-fashioned getaway where people can relax without modern conveniences. It's a throwback to the 1950s with one rotary dial phone for emergencies. No. Just no. You can't run a 1950s business in 21st century America. There are numerous examples in this story of why this is wrong. Tony, the bartender, is a beer chugging, sexist, disgusting pig. If I were Jules and Whitney I would have quit after meeting him. Also, there's a storm raging and dead body found. The phone lines go down in the snow and there is NO way to connect to the outside world. Zero. There's also no way for someone in the cabins to call the lodge and have firewood restocked. The handyman, Gavin, is also a rustic 1950s type. He runs the marina and also does maintenance at the lodge. Like Tony, he belongs to a long gone world and not a chi chi resort. I also have a huge problem with Dean. Bring British doesn't give you an excuse to a)lose your temper with the rude bartender who ruined your $750 hunting boots and b)practice target shooting (illegally) at night. For sure he's a murderer right?
Lance's assistant Whitney is a nervous wreck without wifi. That's completely ridiculous not to offer it. Her order goes missing and she can't access her e-mail with all the information she needs. Now she should have found that out in advance and printed everything but still, she's young and not used to a paper based world. Plus, she misplaced the paper! The lodge should offer a business station with a computer like hotels. Whitney seems to be hiding something. She's nervous for some reason. Could she be a killer?
I'm not that into this series. I don't care for the characters or all the savory baking. I'm going to limit my baking mysteries specifically to cupcakes/cakes or specific types of treats I actually like and want to make.
July 4, 2016
I borrowed this book from the library because it's set in Ashland, is told from the point of view of a baker, and is a murder mystery. It seemed like too much fun to pass up. The premise is great. The setting is fun: a fictional lodge at Lake of the Woods where the Board of Directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is holding a retreat.
Unfortunately, the book itself was disappointing. While it's fun to read about cooking, the main character (Juliet) is not particularly interesting or likable. Every character in the book, in fact, is pretty one dimensional. The director of the OSF is flamboyant and dramatic. Juliet's Spanish estranged husband is exactly as a Harlequin romance writer would describe a Spanish lover. Sterling is the perfect sous chef, asking "What do you need me to do?" at just the right time. Instead of any interesting plot twists or unexpected revelations, even the murder is disappointingly predictable. The plot itself is actually repetitive (stress about making a meal, describe making the meal, have those eating it delight in the meal. Repeat.) To top it all off, the writing also isn't very good.
While I imagine this series is fun for some readers--they seem to have great covers and catchy titles--it's not my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, the book itself was disappointing. While it's fun to read about cooking, the main character (Juliet) is not particularly interesting or likable. Every character in the book, in fact, is pretty one dimensional. The director of the OSF is flamboyant and dramatic. Juliet's Spanish estranged husband is exactly as a Harlequin romance writer would describe a Spanish lover. Sterling is the perfect sous chef, asking "What do you need me to do?" at just the right time. Instead of any interesting plot twists or unexpected revelations, even the murder is disappointingly predictable. The plot itself is actually repetitive (stress about making a meal, describe making the meal, have those eating it delight in the meal. Repeat.) To top it all off, the writing also isn't very good.
While I imagine this series is fun for some readers--they seem to have great covers and catchy titles--it's not my cup of tea.
July 19, 2019
I was excited to get into this series as I enjoy baking and also mysteries (I have since learned that there is an entire genre dedicated to this!). I have now read three of them and I probably won’t continue. The mysteries themselves are okay and interesting enough. I love the setting and all the descriptions of baking, but the writing style is quite annoying. Jules narrates and is constantly telling the reader why she does what she does and why she is the way she is. I don’t need to be told what her coffee routine is five times in one book and all the ways living on a ship and being a baker effect the way she lives. Just do stuff and let us form your personality in our minds! And let go of Carlos already!
September 6, 2025
On Thin Icing by Ellie Alexander is the 3rd book in A Bakeshop Mystery series. Juliet Capshaw is catering a retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at an isolated snowed-in retreat when she comes across the body of the obnoxious bartender stuffed in a freezer chest. In this book we meet Jules husband Carlos and learn more about their past. This spoilt the book a bit for me as Jules thoughts and actions with Carlos and their unresolved issues seemed repetitive and distracting. The mouth watering descriptions of the food and the cooking processes are what I enjoyed the most.
February 11, 2024
They say that you can't go home again.
Jules has been asked to cater a retreat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival board of directors in a remote lodge. A blizzard snows everyone in and the obnoxious bartender is found dead. Jules starts investigating until the police can get to the lodge.
I really enjoy this series. You can certainly tell that the author cooks just by the description of the food preparation. (Discussing making pasta brought back fond memories of my Dad). Every recipe made me want to put the book down and go into the kitchen to cook or bake. I enjoyed watching Sterling grow as a chef over the course of the book. I love Jules' obsession with good coffee. It makes me smile.
The appearance of Jules estranged husband Carlos created a triangle when Thomas also came to the lodge. I am not a fan of love triangles and really did not care for Carlos. I'm interested in seeing where this new development will lead.
The mystery is well done, and I was a bit surprised when the culprit was revealed. It made me sad.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did as excellent job with the characters. Her rendition of Lance made me smile every time he was in a scene.
I look forward to catching up with the staff of Torte and the citizens of Ashland soon.
Jules has been asked to cater a retreat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival board of directors in a remote lodge. A blizzard snows everyone in and the obnoxious bartender is found dead. Jules starts investigating until the police can get to the lodge.
I really enjoy this series. You can certainly tell that the author cooks just by the description of the food preparation. (Discussing making pasta brought back fond memories of my Dad). Every recipe made me want to put the book down and go into the kitchen to cook or bake. I enjoyed watching Sterling grow as a chef over the course of the book. I love Jules' obsession with good coffee. It makes me smile.
The appearance of Jules estranged husband Carlos created a triangle when Thomas also came to the lodge. I am not a fan of love triangles and really did not care for Carlos. I'm interested in seeing where this new development will lead.
The mystery is well done, and I was a bit surprised when the culprit was revealed. It made me sad.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did as excellent job with the characters. Her rendition of Lance made me smile every time he was in a scene.
I look forward to catching up with the staff of Torte and the citizens of Ashland soon.
May 21, 2025
I have really tried to like these books (this is the 4th I've read) but I just can't like them. If you are a virgin who has never cooked, held a job or even noticed what goes on in restaurants, and have no interest in solving the cozy mystery, then these might be for you. "Witty banter" fails, Jules so oblivious that she doesn't know her ex is still in love with her, dithers until I want to scream because her husband told her a lie (didn't beat her, didn't gamble away their savings, didn't break the law) so she had to run away and hide for 6 months. She is also so vain that if anyone says her cupcake is good, she thinks people are raving over her food. I'm done with this author.
March 9, 2022
Another great entry in the Bakeshop Mystery series. This is only the third book but this is becoming a favorite cozy series for me. This time Jules is catering at an offsite retreat when truly obnoxious bartender Tony is murdered. Of course Jules is the one who finds his body in the freezer. Someone at the retreat is a murderer and the situation gets even trickier when the weather takes a dramatic turn for the worse and then the electricity goes out also. Jules’ estranged husband Carlos shows up and confuses her even more than before. They definitely have chemistry but is that all they have? The mystery is okay as a stand alone, but the story really needs the previous books to understand the relationships and the conflict between Jules, Carlos and police officer Thomas-and a possible romantic triangle. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
December 7, 2024
Oh I am really enjoying this series!! Can’t wait to continue
January 18, 2021
I ended up skimming 2/3 of this book, once I realized most of it consists of descriptions of cooking/baking, with a little ruminating on a love triangle, and the occasional stray thought about the mystery. The mystery was paper-thin; even the protagonist was barely interested in it, and much more concerned about how the altitude was affecting her baking times. Okay, she's a baker, but isn't she in a mystery novel?
After this and the Donna Andrews I read last year, I think I might conclude that cozy mysteries aren't for me. I had hoped they would be, that I could dig into the puzzle of the mystery and get to know the people in the town and how their relationships change over time. For all the little flaws in the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, overall this is what I get from her books and I was looking for something similar. Instead, popular cozy mysteries seem to be the literary equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie; one-dimensional characters written in the blandest possible language, living in a picturesque small town that relentlessly pushes conservative values tied up in an 'aren't we quaint' bow.
After this and the Donna Andrews I read last year, I think I might conclude that cozy mysteries aren't for me. I had hoped they would be, that I could dig into the puzzle of the mystery and get to know the people in the town and how their relationships change over time. For all the little flaws in the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, overall this is what I get from her books and I was looking for something similar. Instead, popular cozy mysteries seem to be the literary equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie; one-dimensional characters written in the blandest possible language, living in a picturesque small town that relentlessly pushes conservative values tied up in an 'aren't we quaint' bow.
February 22, 2025
Another good one in this series 👏. I like how they changed up the location. Jules and one of her coworkers goes to a winter cabin resort to cater food. Her husband who she is separated from, returns. I'm pretty sure he's a good guy in the book, but there's things about him I don't like. He's too eager 😑. Jules meets the employees at the lodge. In search for some supplies, she stumbles upon another body and of course, because she's Jules, gets to investigating. I like that the author comes up with different ideas and situations. It keeps me intrigued with the series. I haven't gotten bored yet. I ordered the next two books from the library and received #5 but waiting on #4 first. Hopefully will have it today because I am ready to keep going with these. If you like cozy mysteries, this is a good series. Happy reading! 🍕🥐
December 29, 2015
New author for me. A well written cozy mystery that was predictable. Event took place on a resort, Lake of the Woods near Ashland, Oregon. The group was now in the resort and snow bound, body in a freezer, electric power and phone line goe out, no cell phone coverage and alcohol present Some how the sheriff's officers made it there. About 1/3 of the book was describing how the meals were prepared. Recipes were included in the back. This events were brought together into a one story.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St Martin Press through Netgalley for a honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St Martin Press through Netgalley for a honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
January 11, 2021
This entire series is just so lovely and I immediately want to read the next book after I finished this one.
This was my first cozy mystery that I read with a ‘locked door’ and it was done so flawlessly. I was so into the story that I genuinely did not guess the killer until the author revealed it to us. The scene of the snowed in cabin added such a perfect vibe to the story.
Jules is always finding herself in the craziest situations and I thoroughly enjoy following her story. I enjoyed seeing more from Sterling, Carlos, and Thomas and can not wait to finish the next book.
This was my first cozy mystery that I read with a ‘locked door’ and it was done so flawlessly. I was so into the story that I genuinely did not guess the killer until the author revealed it to us. The scene of the snowed in cabin added such a perfect vibe to the story.
Jules is always finding herself in the craziest situations and I thoroughly enjoy following her story. I enjoyed seeing more from Sterling, Carlos, and Thomas and can not wait to finish the next book.
December 6, 2015
This is the third book in the Bakeshop series. Jules accepts a catering job at the old hunting lodge for the Shakespeare theater's board of directors. When the bartender is killed there is a limited number of suspects and when her ex husband shows up he becomes a prime candidate. This is a great cozy series that has some great recipes. An enjoyable read as this series gets better with each additional story.
September 9, 2019
Cozies set in winter are my fave
May 5, 2022
Absolutely worth 5 stars.
I’m a little bit curious to which way Jules love life will turn. So far it’s not looking good for my choice.
I’m a little bit curious to which way Jules love life will turn. So far it’s not looking good for my choice.
May 11, 2022
This book was so much fun. I loved the atmosphere of an isolated, snowed in lodge with not only a murderer, but some surprise guests. (Okay I love it for a mystery not in reality). It made this cozy somehow cozier and more sinister. I have grown super attached to Jules and love her sleuthing style and how sometimes the police actually listen to her (though they do ice her out with their discoveries). I have to admit I really love Carlos, though I absolutely feel for Jules and this hard spot she is in. The ending was a bit frustrating because I think Jules is usually smart and level headed, but makes some very questionable choices with the investigation. This book also had me starving basically the entire time. All in all, I enjoyed this and look forward to more!
April 8, 2021
On Thin Icing, the third book in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series, is a delightful take on the classic “closed circle” mystery, highlighted by a vibrant setting and characters that shine.
Juliet “Jules” Capshaw and her assistant, Sterling, have left Torte Bakery in Ashland, Oregon to cater a winter retreat at Lake of the Wood Lodge for the Board of Directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But the return of her estranged husband, Carlos, and the murder of the lodge’s bartender in the midst of a fierce snowstorm, leaves Jules trying to juggle her catering duties, her conflicted feelings for Carlos, and her need to investigate Tony’s death in the absence of any police presence. That conflict only increases when the police later arrive and Carlos is named a suspect. Jules must use all of her wits to unearth a killer.
There are so many things to like about this novel. The winter wonderland setting is both beautiful and chilling (pun intended), the perfect setting for the closed circle mystery. And the snowstorm’s encapsuling of the retreat workers and participants only heightens the tension. The characters are so well-drawn. Jules is resourceful, introspective, and quick-witted, usually in the same chapter. Carlos appears to be the “perfect” romantic lead. But is he? And what about Thomas, the detective whose relationship with Jules was just beginning? The suspects, too, are uniquely faceted, with each combining a touch of motive and opportunity. Even Lance, the over-the-top theatre director, brings a special brand of charm to add levity to the situation.
With each book, I am liking this series more and more. On Thin Icing delivers an exciting mystery and a compelling set of characters, not to mention several recipes that sound delicious. I look forward to reading the next book shortly.
Juliet “Jules” Capshaw and her assistant, Sterling, have left Torte Bakery in Ashland, Oregon to cater a winter retreat at Lake of the Wood Lodge for the Board of Directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But the return of her estranged husband, Carlos, and the murder of the lodge’s bartender in the midst of a fierce snowstorm, leaves Jules trying to juggle her catering duties, her conflicted feelings for Carlos, and her need to investigate Tony’s death in the absence of any police presence. That conflict only increases when the police later arrive and Carlos is named a suspect. Jules must use all of her wits to unearth a killer.
There are so many things to like about this novel. The winter wonderland setting is both beautiful and chilling (pun intended), the perfect setting for the closed circle mystery. And the snowstorm’s encapsuling of the retreat workers and participants only heightens the tension. The characters are so well-drawn. Jules is resourceful, introspective, and quick-witted, usually in the same chapter. Carlos appears to be the “perfect” romantic lead. But is he? And what about Thomas, the detective whose relationship with Jules was just beginning? The suspects, too, are uniquely faceted, with each combining a touch of motive and opportunity. Even Lance, the over-the-top theatre director, brings a special brand of charm to add levity to the situation.
With each book, I am liking this series more and more. On Thin Icing delivers an exciting mystery and a compelling set of characters, not to mention several recipes that sound delicious. I look forward to reading the next book shortly.
November 12, 2021
HIT AN ICE PATCH.
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This was the first snag in this series for me. It wasn’t bad at all (my three star rating is a positive in this situation!), just missing some key elements for me.
I liked that there was a switch up in location. Getting out of the bakery and seeing some new sites. I did miss seeing some regular characters and how things are working for them. This is a long series so I imagine I’ll see plenty of everyone eventually.
CARLOS. *sigh* I knew he had to play a legitimate role eventually, so here it is. I honestly don’t know how things are going to shake out. I know how *I* want them to shake out, but unfortunately that remains to be seen. I’m hopeful though!! I actually really love that there’s a bit of romance interlude throughout. I always love a good romance component and this fits in well alongside the mystery aspects.
This mystery was a lot easier to solve with less characters roaming around. I actually called this one (and surprised myself) when I was right. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I hope that that trend doesn’t continue.
These are such a light and simple series. I’m excited to read the next one and see how things keep unfolding!
Overall audience notes:
- Cozy mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder by gunshot
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This was the first snag in this series for me. It wasn’t bad at all (my three star rating is a positive in this situation!), just missing some key elements for me.
I liked that there was a switch up in location. Getting out of the bakery and seeing some new sites. I did miss seeing some regular characters and how things are working for them. This is a long series so I imagine I’ll see plenty of everyone eventually.
CARLOS. *sigh* I knew he had to play a legitimate role eventually, so here it is. I honestly don’t know how things are going to shake out. I know how *I* want them to shake out, but unfortunately that remains to be seen. I’m hopeful though!! I actually really love that there’s a bit of romance interlude throughout. I always love a good romance component and this fits in well alongside the mystery aspects.
This mystery was a lot easier to solve with less characters roaming around. I actually called this one (and surprised myself) when I was right. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I hope that that trend doesn’t continue.
These are such a light and simple series. I’m excited to read the next one and see how things keep unfolding!
Overall audience notes:
- Cozy mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder by gunshot
November 25, 2015
This is the third I've read in the Bakeshop mystery series and like the first two was very enjoyable. Set in a resort closed by a storm, this is a "country house" cozy mystery where the suspects are limited to a closed circle of characters. In this case, Jules (Juliet Capshaw) and her assistant, Sterling, travel from Ashland, Oregon, to Lake of the Woods, a lakeside resort in the Southern Oregon Cascades (more info - http://lakeofthewoodsresort.com/ ) to cater a three-day retreat for a Shakespeare Company board. Jules attempts to solve a murder while not only cooking and baking for the group, but also while sorting out her feelings for her husband who just arrived at the resort after a six-month separation, and the handsome Ashland detective who is working on the crime.
The series is full of appealing characters, enticing food descriptions (recipes included), and intriguing settings. The winter mountain setting made me yearn for a good snowstorm while ensconced in a cozy cabin.
Recommended to anyone who likes a good cozy niche mystery with very little violence and other content.
By the way, this author also writes the Portland-based Meg Reed mysteries under the name of Kate E. Dyer-Seeley.
The series is full of appealing characters, enticing food descriptions (recipes included), and intriguing settings. The winter mountain setting made me yearn for a good snowstorm while ensconced in a cozy cabin.
Recommended to anyone who likes a good cozy niche mystery with very little violence and other content.
By the way, this author also writes the Portland-based Meg Reed mysteries under the name of Kate E. Dyer-Seeley.
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