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Cookies & Chance Mystery #1
Tastes Like Murder
Sally Muccio’s had her crosses to a cheating ex-boyfriend, crazy Italian parents, and an unfaithful husband, just to name a few. After her divorce, she returns to her hometown to start a novelty cookie shop whose specialties include original fortune cookies, served with a sprinkle of foreshadowing. But there’s no warning when her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead on Sal's porch, and police confirm it’s a homicide. Determined to stop her life from becoming a recipe for disaster, Sal takes matters into her own hands. With two very different men vying for her affection, dead bodies piling up, and a reputation hanging by an apron string, Sal finds herself in a race against time to save both her business and life—before the last cookie crumbles.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2015
769 people are currently reading
1884 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
61 books907 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
March 7, 2019
A light and humorous mystery reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. Right from the first few pages you can see what fun characters will be entertaining you in this cozy read. The mystery isn't difficult to figure out, the romance puts Sal in a predicament that many of us would be jealous of, and of course, all the cookie talk has you craving some too. A fast and easy read that is perfect to settle down with on a cozy afternoon. A plate of fresh baked cookies is a must to best enjoy the story!
November 26, 2024
Tastes Like Murder by Catherine Bruns
Cookies & Chance mystery series #1. Cozy.
Sally Muccio opened a cookie bakery in her hometown after her divorce. With a free fortune cookie with order, Sally is getting business in the door, but it’s not leading to profits. When her ex’s mistress shows up dead on the doorstep of the bakery, foot traffic gets better but curious neighbors don’t spend much money. No one really liked the dead woman, but Officer Brian Jenkins is asking questions and piecing together clues. But it’s not fast enough for Sal whose business is struggling so she does some investigating on her own.
Sal wants to keep her customers happy, but the fortunes from the cookies are a little too close for comfort. But no one seems to notice.
Some fun characters like her father and his obsession with death, Josie and her attitude, and the miserly daily customer negotiating for extra cookies.
Sal also seems to be dating both the policeman investigating the murder, as well as her old boyfriend from her school days.
A lot going on in the neighborhood.
The mystery is solved but there are a lot of strings still dangling that clearly make this a series.
This author has several different mystery series including a maple syrup farm, and an Italian cooking mystery. I haven’t read the real estate series yet and will try that next.
Cookies & Chance mystery series #1. Cozy.
Sally Muccio opened a cookie bakery in her hometown after her divorce. With a free fortune cookie with order, Sally is getting business in the door, but it’s not leading to profits. When her ex’s mistress shows up dead on the doorstep of the bakery, foot traffic gets better but curious neighbors don’t spend much money. No one really liked the dead woman, but Officer Brian Jenkins is asking questions and piecing together clues. But it’s not fast enough for Sal whose business is struggling so she does some investigating on her own.
Sal wants to keep her customers happy, but the fortunes from the cookies are a little too close for comfort. But no one seems to notice.
Some fun characters like her father and his obsession with death, Josie and her attitude, and the miserly daily customer negotiating for extra cookies.
Sal also seems to be dating both the policeman investigating the murder, as well as her old boyfriend from her school days.
A lot going on in the neighborhood.
The mystery is solved but there are a lot of strings still dangling that clearly make this a series.
This author has several different mystery series including a maple syrup farm, and an Italian cooking mystery. I haven’t read the real estate series yet and will try that next.
December 1, 2017
4.45 stars.
Why did it take me so long to start reading this series? It is serious fun!
Sally's family and Mrs. Gavelli are really "colorful" and made me chuckle more than once. I am hooked and can't wait to see how the crazyness is going on.
I wish the cookie shop that Sally owns and runs together with her best friend Josie would be just around the corner and I could go and try some of their delicious creations. Josies comments to some customers left me a few times with my mouth open in shock....what a girl!
There were a lot of twists and turns and never a dull moment in this mystery.
I will definitely read the next books in the series as well.
Why did it take me so long to start reading this series? It is serious fun!
Sally's family and Mrs. Gavelli are really "colorful" and made me chuckle more than once. I am hooked and can't wait to see how the crazyness is going on.
I wish the cookie shop that Sally owns and runs together with her best friend Josie would be just around the corner and I could go and try some of their delicious creations. Josies comments to some customers left me a few times with my mouth open in shock....what a girl!
There were a lot of twists and turns and never a dull moment in this mystery.
I will definitely read the next books in the series as well.
September 10, 2015
It's Stephanie Plum lite. Extremely derivative.
I'm at 46% of this book and I can't continue (which is not as bad as it might sound because the story ends at 89% and the remaining 11% is excerpts from another book). This novel is a near parallel to the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich -- there's a wacky Italian family, her father is obsessed with funerals (like Stephanie's grandmother), heroine Sally's a nice Italian girl whose husband cheated on her with the town skank, she loves baked goods (cookies instead of donuts) and Italian food, she has colorful friends, and two hot men, one of whom is a cop, are suddenly and inexplicably smitten with her.
Where the comparison ends is that Sally is a sad little doormat. Virtually everyone in this town is horribly mean, rude and/or cruel to her, and she just takes it, then runs to the back of her cookie shop to cry. Seriously. Even her ex calls her and is extremely nasty, but did she tell him to eff off and block his number? No. She doesn't even hang up on him until she's heard enough to make her cry. Again. Why? That's not being "nice," that's being spineless.
The murder mystery is very...meh. The author makes the victim such an incredibly horrible person that no one really cares that she's dead. And the humor and wit of the Plum novels is sorely lacking here, so it's like reading a watered-down version; half the calories, half the fun.
Besides the overt, let's call it, "homage" to Stephanie Plum, the heroine Sally is fixated on things that happened back in high school nearly a decade ago. She is very easily influenced by utters and cares too much what people think. If someone came into my business to gloat about sleeping with my husband and then tell me I'm ugly, they'd wake up out on the sidewalk and be banned for life, small town or not. That Sally grits her teeth and endures the abuse heaped on her by everyone made me go from feeling sorry for her to not caring if she lost her business. She's way too delicate and emotionally fragile to make it in the business world anyway.
I paid 99 cents for this book and that was a good price. It's not horribly written or full of typos and mistakes. It's just...kind of...blah. The author is not a bad writer if she would just please try a little harder to come up with original characters and storyline.
I'm at 46% of this book and I can't continue (which is not as bad as it might sound because the story ends at 89% and the remaining 11% is excerpts from another book). This novel is a near parallel to the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich -- there's a wacky Italian family, her father is obsessed with funerals (like Stephanie's grandmother), heroine Sally's a nice Italian girl whose husband cheated on her with the town skank, she loves baked goods (cookies instead of donuts) and Italian food, she has colorful friends, and two hot men, one of whom is a cop, are suddenly and inexplicably smitten with her.
Where the comparison ends is that Sally is a sad little doormat. Virtually everyone in this town is horribly mean, rude and/or cruel to her, and she just takes it, then runs to the back of her cookie shop to cry. Seriously. Even her ex calls her and is extremely nasty, but did she tell him to eff off and block his number? No. She doesn't even hang up on him until she's heard enough to make her cry. Again. Why? That's not being "nice," that's being spineless.
The murder mystery is very...meh. The author makes the victim such an incredibly horrible person that no one really cares that she's dead. And the humor and wit of the Plum novels is sorely lacking here, so it's like reading a watered-down version; half the calories, half the fun.
Besides the overt, let's call it, "homage" to Stephanie Plum, the heroine Sally is fixated on things that happened back in high school nearly a decade ago. She is very easily influenced by utters and cares too much what people think. If someone came into my business to gloat about sleeping with my husband and then tell me I'm ugly, they'd wake up out on the sidewalk and be banned for life, small town or not. That Sally grits her teeth and endures the abuse heaped on her by everyone made me go from feeling sorry for her to not caring if she lost her business. She's way too delicate and emotionally fragile to make it in the business world anyway.
I paid 99 cents for this book and that was a good price. It's not horribly written or full of typos and mistakes. It's just...kind of...blah. The author is not a bad writer if she would just please try a little harder to come up with original characters and storyline.
November 26, 2017
A true treat to have read Tastes Like Murder, a book and author recommended to me by my dear friend Lisa of Lisa K's book reviews. Such a good read and a really fun one! Best friends running a new small town bakery, what could go wrong? Loved the premise, the Italian Grandmothers, and love triangle. This book took turns and twists I did not expect and in ways I would not have imagined I loved it. Great way to end the book too, I can not wait to read the next one! Perfect twist ending.
June 6, 2023
Fortune cookies from an Italian bakery?
You will laugh, cry, and express wonder while reading this fun book! A great start to what is sure to be a interesting and exciting series.
You will laugh, cry, and express wonder while reading this fun book! A great start to what is sure to be a interesting and exciting series.
did-not-finish
December 4, 2020Abandonned 10% in. Sal is annoying, the characters are stereotypes and is it absolutely NOT OK to kiss your old high school girlfriend you haven't seen in 8 or 9 years when she's drunk and out with her friends. I didn't even get to the murder.
August 20, 2015
This book was great from the first page. I admit that I couldn't put it down. This book has a great story line that is not to miss. First you have Sally or Sal as her friends call her. She is a strong and determined women after her divorce. She has come back to her hometown of Colwestern to start a specialty cookie business with her best friend Josie. I loved Josie, she is a wonderfully outspoken mother of four small children. Sal and Josie have just opened her store in town when a ghost from the past blows into the store,Amanda Gregorio. Amanda is the women who by the way was the women that Sal found in bed with her ex husband, Colin. Amanda has come to the store not only for cookies but to rub Sal's face in the affair but she leaves with more that a fortune cookie. Next thing Sal knows she finds Amanda dead on the front porch of her bakery. Now Sal needs to clear her name and try and keep her business from crumbling. And she and Josie need to try and keep themselves from being the next victim's. She and Josie team up and become modern day Nancy Drew's to try and solve the murder and keep the business up and running. She doesn't want to have to live with her family which you will learn are a very unique group. She wants to be able to do everything on her own. You will love these characters. I was laughing so hard at some of the antics that her family does that I almost spewed coffee out of my nose:)
And of course on top of everything else going on for Sal she has two men vying for her attention. Will she choose the man she has loved since high school Mike or will she fall for the dashing police officer Brian??? I have a feeling this will be the next fortune cookie message:)
This is a wonderful beginning to a series that I look forward to reading. If you enjoy a cozy with a great mystery, romance, a little danger, and great recipes you will not want to pass this series up. A must read.
And of course on top of everything else going on for Sal she has two men vying for her attention. Will she choose the man she has loved since high school Mike or will she fall for the dashing police officer Brian??? I have a feeling this will be the next fortune cookie message:)
This is a wonderful beginning to a series that I look forward to reading. If you enjoy a cozy with a great mystery, romance, a little danger, and great recipes you will not want to pass this series up. A must read.
November 4, 2015
This was my first book by author Catherine Bruns, but it will not be my last.
Ms. Bruns has an easy, flowing way of writing that invites the reader to get lost inside her story and stay. And stay I did, finishing the entire book in one sitting.
I immediately liked the best friend team of Sally Muccio and Josie Sullivan. Sally being a peacemaker and Josie a bit more of a hot head, they played well off each other. Besides the BFFs, Ms. Bruns has also created a diverse group of characters that really kept the story interesting. Just so many personalities.
I loved the scenes in the cookie shop, Sally’s Samples. I honest to goodness smelled sweet baking cookies as I read. I was thrilled with the author’s choice of victim. I did not like that woman at all! LOL There were plenty of suspects in this mystery which keep me on my toes. And the surprise reveal made the ending of this book just perfect.
And make sure to check out the great recipes at the back of the book.
Note: Character Josie is feisty and uses some mild language from time to time.
Ms. Bruns has an easy, flowing way of writing that invites the reader to get lost inside her story and stay. And stay I did, finishing the entire book in one sitting.
I immediately liked the best friend team of Sally Muccio and Josie Sullivan. Sally being a peacemaker and Josie a bit more of a hot head, they played well off each other. Besides the BFFs, Ms. Bruns has also created a diverse group of characters that really kept the story interesting. Just so many personalities.
I loved the scenes in the cookie shop, Sally’s Samples. I honest to goodness smelled sweet baking cookies as I read. I was thrilled with the author’s choice of victim. I did not like that woman at all! LOL There were plenty of suspects in this mystery which keep me on my toes. And the surprise reveal made the ending of this book just perfect.
And make sure to check out the great recipes at the back of the book.
Note: Character Josie is feisty and uses some mild language from time to time.
March 13, 2018
Sally Muccio has returned to her home town after her
divorce. Sally opens a specialty cookie shop with her
best friend, Josie Sullivan as her baker. Two of the
specialties cookies are chocolate fortune cookies
and Genettis.
The store seems to be doing alright until the woman
who was sleeping with Sally’s ex-husband is found dead
on the cookie shops front door step.
The reader will meet all kinds of well created, vivid,
lively, quirky and colorful characters. All seem to have
their own agendas so when Sally and Josie decide to
do their own investigation, it turns out to be more than
they expected.
There is plenty of suspense, mystery, humor and hints
of romance.
divorce. Sally opens a specialty cookie shop with her
best friend, Josie Sullivan as her baker. Two of the
specialties cookies are chocolate fortune cookies
and Genettis.
The store seems to be doing alright until the woman
who was sleeping with Sally’s ex-husband is found dead
on the cookie shops front door step.
The reader will meet all kinds of well created, vivid,
lively, quirky and colorful characters. All seem to have
their own agendas so when Sally and Josie decide to
do their own investigation, it turns out to be more than
they expected.
There is plenty of suspense, mystery, humor and hints
of romance.
April 10, 2018
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August 16, 2016
I have been trying to figure out what the definition of a 'cozy mystery' is and I have discovered that a good number of them share the same general plot and characters. I am not sure but I think there are two common denominators: the star of the mystery is a female and there is a gratuitous romance(s) inserted throughout the pages. Incidentally, there is a high likelihood that at least one past old flame will appear to muddy the waters.
I haven't read a great deal of these and plan on reading fewer but here is a question: did someone pass out a memo to aspiring writers that said if you write a book that adheres to the following formula then you will get published?
1. Feature a single woman running her own business and recovering from a broken heart. Extra points if the business involves food and / or flowers. Minus points if the business can not be described with the word "struggling".
2. Have that same woman find the body of someone she has had words with at some point in the past. (Fair warning: in these novels it does not pay to be either the best friend or business partner of these women. Your life, sanity, finances, and or family will all be at risk. )
3. The murder will be investigated by a hunky cop who is generally a new resident to the appropriately small town where this occurs.
4. It is an absolute necessity for the heroine to decide to solve the murder herself. At some point she will be blamed and more importantly it will create "disapproval" and "tension" with the aforementioned hunky cop.
Well congratulations, your memo has been read and is being followed to the letter by an ever increasing number of authors. But we all live in the real world. In what part of that world would strangers / friends / acquaintances decide to entertain the questions posed by unqualified and unlucky amateur sleuths? Why not kick their nosy butts out? Why is that every cop who comes to investigate the murder(s) is single and hunky? You get where I am going.
Since I have managed to ramble on without reviewing this particular cozy mystery yet, here goes. There are a few characters that are developed slightly better than in other books. Other than that, the plot follows all the guidelines established above. Therefore the plot gets a 1.0 for lack of originality.The mystery itself garners a 2.5, the believability factor gets a scant 1.0 and the likelihood of me reading others in the sequel: a .5 because you just never know.
I haven't read a great deal of these and plan on reading fewer but here is a question: did someone pass out a memo to aspiring writers that said if you write a book that adheres to the following formula then you will get published?
1. Feature a single woman running her own business and recovering from a broken heart. Extra points if the business involves food and / or flowers. Minus points if the business can not be described with the word "struggling".
2. Have that same woman find the body of someone she has had words with at some point in the past. (Fair warning: in these novels it does not pay to be either the best friend or business partner of these women. Your life, sanity, finances, and or family will all be at risk. )
3. The murder will be investigated by a hunky cop who is generally a new resident to the appropriately small town where this occurs.
4. It is an absolute necessity for the heroine to decide to solve the murder herself. At some point she will be blamed and more importantly it will create "disapproval" and "tension" with the aforementioned hunky cop.
Well congratulations, your memo has been read and is being followed to the letter by an ever increasing number of authors. But we all live in the real world. In what part of that world would strangers / friends / acquaintances decide to entertain the questions posed by unqualified and unlucky amateur sleuths? Why not kick their nosy butts out? Why is that every cop who comes to investigate the murder(s) is single and hunky? You get where I am going.
Since I have managed to ramble on without reviewing this particular cozy mystery yet, here goes. There are a few characters that are developed slightly better than in other books. Other than that, the plot follows all the guidelines established above. Therefore the plot gets a 1.0 for lack of originality.The mystery itself garners a 2.5, the believability factor gets a scant 1.0 and the likelihood of me reading others in the sequel: a .5 because you just never know.
February 17, 2021
Mrs. Gavelli wagged her stumpy finger.
Sally has moved back to Colwestern, New York after her divorce and opened a specialty cookie bakery with her friend Josie. Each purchase of a cookie comes with a free fortune cookie. Sally and Josie slip into sleuth mode when the obnoxious woman that broke up Sally's marriage dies on the steps of the bakery.
This book started rather slow for me. It really didn't pick up until the last few chapters. I hated that a love triangle was presented in the first couple of chapters.
I love the idea of the specialty cookies and the recipes at the end of the book are intriguing. Grandma Rosa (one of my favorite characters) has some very yummy recipes listed.
The fortune cookies were a bit off for me. It seemed that most of the fortunes were mean-spirited. I felt bad for Mrs. Gavelli even if she was a pain in the patootie.
The mystery meandered quite a bit. I had tagged the culprit early on but didn't know the reason later.
I may give the next book a try if I need it for a challenge. For now, I will leave it at this.
Sally has moved back to Colwestern, New York after her divorce and opened a specialty cookie bakery with her friend Josie. Each purchase of a cookie comes with a free fortune cookie. Sally and Josie slip into sleuth mode when the obnoxious woman that broke up Sally's marriage dies on the steps of the bakery.
This book started rather slow for me. It really didn't pick up until the last few chapters. I hated that a love triangle was presented in the first couple of chapters.
I love the idea of the specialty cookies and the recipes at the end of the book are intriguing. Grandma Rosa (one of my favorite characters) has some very yummy recipes listed.
The fortune cookies were a bit off for me. It seemed that most of the fortunes were mean-spirited. I felt bad for Mrs. Gavelli even if she was a pain in the patootie.
The mystery meandered quite a bit. I had tagged the culprit early on but didn't know the reason later.
I may give the next book a try if I need it for a challenge. For now, I will leave it at this.
October 27, 2015
I greatly enjoyed Tastes Like Murder and look forward to more in the series. The friendship between Sally and her partner, Josie is great, and her relationship with her sister and grandmother is delightful. And then there are the two guys who are vying for her attention, pretty nice for someone who isn't ready to date.
Sally thought she was done with Ms Queen B.(itch) when she moved to Florida. You know the Queen Bee's. Rich and popular but no one knows how they came to be popular because their greatest delight is stepping on others. Alas, even living in another state does not keep Amanda from sleeping with Sally's husband.
Now back home and starting a new business, Sally can only cringe with the B. walks into her cookie shop. Unfortunately, even death does not stop Amanda from almost destroying Sally's business when someone murders the darling on the stops of the shop and many people believe that it is Sally.
Sally thought she was done with Ms Queen B.(itch) when she moved to Florida. You know the Queen Bee's. Rich and popular but no one knows how they came to be popular because their greatest delight is stepping on others. Alas, even living in another state does not keep Amanda from sleeping with Sally's husband.
Now back home and starting a new business, Sally can only cringe with the B. walks into her cookie shop. Unfortunately, even death does not stop Amanda from almost destroying Sally's business when someone murders the darling on the stops of the shop and many people believe that it is Sally.
September 1, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this culinary mystery. Sally (or Sal, as she is called), divorced from her cheating husband, runs a bakery with her friend Josie, a married mother of four sons. One evening Sal finds the dead body of her ex-husband's girlfriend outside the front door of the bakery. In order to save the reputation of their bakery, Sal and Josie join together to figure out who killed the young woman.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
This novel wasn't bad at all.
I was very lukewarm starting off with this novel, and I will admit it was slow starting. However I could tell even from the beginning that the characters were very realistic, and at least mostly likable. I especially liked the way Josie came off from the beginning.
The mystery was interesting too. From the moment we meet a certain character, I had an inkling that she would have something to do with whatever was going on, even though we didn't yet know who was going to be murdered or the situation surrounding it. There are not as many traditional red herrings, but instead a lot of loops that bring you back around to the conclusion multiple times.
While this was one of the more realistic and relatable cozy mysteries I've read in a while, there was nothing incredibly unique about it. It had your typical divorced small bakery owner character and an interesting but obvious love triangle, but there's nothing that makes it stand out among most of the other cozy mysteries I've read. It's better than many, but nothing special, which is why it gets 4 stars.
I'm definitely not planning on buying the second book, but if the comes my way for free I wouldn't say no.
I was very lukewarm starting off with this novel, and I will admit it was slow starting. However I could tell even from the beginning that the characters were very realistic, and at least mostly likable. I especially liked the way Josie came off from the beginning.
The mystery was interesting too. From the moment we meet a certain character, I had an inkling that she would have something to do with whatever was going on, even though we didn't yet know who was going to be murdered or the situation surrounding it. There are not as many traditional red herrings, but instead a lot of loops that bring you back around to the conclusion multiple times.
While this was one of the more realistic and relatable cozy mysteries I've read in a while, there was nothing incredibly unique about it. It had your typical divorced small bakery owner character and an interesting but obvious love triangle, but there's nothing that makes it stand out among most of the other cozy mysteries I've read. It's better than many, but nothing special, which is why it gets 4 stars.
I'm definitely not planning on buying the second book, but if the comes my way for free I wouldn't say no.
June 17, 2021
Tastes Like Murder by Catherine Bruns is a good start to the Cookies and Chance Cozy Mystery series. Bruns really shines with the relationships between friends (some since high school or even earlier) and family. Josie is a true friend and a perfect business and sleuthing partner for Sally. I love Grandma so much, she’s a bit sassy, but also a fantastic role model for Sal.
I did wish Sal would stop ruminating on something that happened 10 years previous and towards the end when Sal goes to confront the killer it is a bit over the top. She had help right outside her car door, but she became the girl in a horror movie that is running up the stairs instead of out the door.
The reveal was interesting even though I did know part of it very early on. I did feel like the reasoning was a bit dated and checked to see when Tastes Like Murder was published. Being only six years ago, I can kind of see it, but… it won’t stop me from reading more in the series.
I did wish Sal would stop ruminating on something that happened 10 years previous and towards the end when Sal goes to confront the killer it is a bit over the top. She had help right outside her car door, but she became the girl in a horror movie that is running up the stairs instead of out the door.
The reveal was interesting even though I did know part of it very early on. I did feel like the reasoning was a bit dated and checked to see when Tastes Like Murder was published. Being only six years ago, I can kind of see it, but… it won’t stop me from reading more in the series.
August 14, 2018
This is a typical cozy with mean girls, old boyfriends and potential new boyfriends surrounding a murder. Well written and edited with likable characters and cute laughs. There is a lot about this story that is familiar with the love triangle and the suspects with just enough uniqueness to keep it interesting.
March 14, 2023
Sally Muccio is starting a cookie shop with her best friend Josie.
She has just gotten through a divorce and has come back to her hometown to start over.
She has a lot to work out. Her crazy Italian parents aren't helping.
And now the fact that her ex-husband's spiteful and mean mistress drops dead on the bakery porch.
UH oh, now Sally is a suspect and the shop is not a popular spot. Will she be able to stay in business?
What about solving this crime so she can get back to making cookies and running the bakery?
Wow! Lots going on! Fun cozy mystery.
She has just gotten through a divorce and has come back to her hometown to start over.
She has a lot to work out. Her crazy Italian parents aren't helping.
And now the fact that her ex-husband's spiteful and mean mistress drops dead on the bakery porch.
UH oh, now Sally is a suspect and the shop is not a popular spot. Will she be able to stay in business?
What about solving this crime so she can get back to making cookies and running the bakery?
Wow! Lots going on! Fun cozy mystery.
August 22, 2015
Tastes Like Murder is a delightful whodunit that got my attention on the first page and held it to the very end. It is a well-written cozy mystery and, as such, contains no inappropriate language, graphic violence, or adult situations. Ms. Bruns has created likeable, well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline. This book is well thought out and written with just the right amount of mystery, hints of romance, a few quirky characters, and humor. I’m looking forward to reading more books written by Catherine Bruns.
Sally “Sal” Muccio, the main character, is recently divorced, she returns to her hometown and has opened a specialty cookie shop with her friend, Josie Sullivan. Things seem to be going well and then her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead at the shop’s front door. Poisoning is confirmed and Sal is forced to close her shop. While trying to prove her innocence, another person is poisoned. Sal is determined to find the person responsible, clear her name, and reopen her shop. The last thing she wants is to lose her shop and have to move in with her “unique” family. There’s possible romance in the air … an ex-boyfriend is interested and so is the officer who is assigned to the murders.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sally “Sal” Muccio, the main character, is recently divorced, she returns to her hometown and has opened a specialty cookie shop with her friend, Josie Sullivan. Things seem to be going well and then her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead at the shop’s front door. Poisoning is confirmed and Sal is forced to close her shop. While trying to prove her innocence, another person is poisoned. Sal is determined to find the person responsible, clear her name, and reopen her shop. The last thing she wants is to lose her shop and have to move in with her “unique” family. There’s possible romance in the air … an ex-boyfriend is interested and so is the officer who is assigned to the murders.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2015
I LOVE a murder mystery story that throws you a curve and Tastes Like Murder has more curves than a Victoria Secrets model. Not only is there a murder in a cozy town with people you cannot help but love there is also a love story thrown in the mix and not just a love story ... a love triangle.
Sally returns home and partners with best friend, Josie, and opens up Sally's Treats. Things are going smoothly until a customer who just purchased cookies is found dead on the front porch of Sally's shop. The entire town thinks Sally poisoned the victim so Sally has to do some investigating for herself. Even when the hot police officer tells her to stop and let him do his job she continues. And there is no stopping her when the victims mother asks for her help.
Josie who is married with 4 kids cannot afford to have the business die (no pun intended ) and Sally needs the business to succeed so she doesnt have to move back home. She loves her family even if her healthy father is convinced he is dying, her mother acts and dresses like a teenager, her younger sister is always stressed studying for the Bar Exam and her grandmother's answer to everything is to load her up with food.
Catherine Bruns is an author to follow and Tastes Like Murder is a definite read. Once you start you cant stop. But I will warn you .... the ending will leave you BEGGING for more !!!
Sally returns home and partners with best friend, Josie, and opens up Sally's Treats. Things are going smoothly until a customer who just purchased cookies is found dead on the front porch of Sally's shop. The entire town thinks Sally poisoned the victim so Sally has to do some investigating for herself. Even when the hot police officer tells her to stop and let him do his job she continues. And there is no stopping her when the victims mother asks for her help.
Josie who is married with 4 kids cannot afford to have the business die (no pun intended ) and Sally needs the business to succeed so she doesnt have to move back home. She loves her family even if her healthy father is convinced he is dying, her mother acts and dresses like a teenager, her younger sister is always stressed studying for the Bar Exam and her grandmother's answer to everything is to load her up with food.
Catherine Bruns is an author to follow and Tastes Like Murder is a definite read. Once you start you cant stop. But I will warn you .... the ending will leave you BEGGING for more !!!
April 22, 2017
“Tastes Like Murder” is Delicious!
Do you remember those mean girls from high school? The girls who used their affluence and beauty to inflate their worth and subjugate others? What if Karma came to collect? What if your "mean girl" ended up poisoned and found on your front porch?
After a difficult divorce, Sally "Sal" Muccio returns home to a small town near Buffalo, NY, to open a bake shop featuring delectable cookies expertly created by her high school BFF and partner, Josie Sullivan. Sal's "mean girl," Amanda Gregorio, pops in for some of the delicious cookies taunting Sal about the affair she had with Sal's ex-husband, and while enjoying one of the delectables, collapses...dead! The dark cloud of suspicion hangs over the cookie shop forcing Sal and Josie to investigate the murder mystery in order to save their budding business. During their investigations they run up against an old high school flame who has his own history with the "mean girl," a handsome detective who seems very interested in cookies, a very quirky Italian family, and too many suspects to count.
Catherine Bruns lets me enjoy Karma's bite and provided a superior read with colorful characters, worrisome predicaments, and exciting puzzles to unravel. My suggestion is put on a pot of coffee, plate a couple dozen of your favorite cookies, find a comfortable chair, and enjoy a wonderful story!
Do you remember those mean girls from high school? The girls who used their affluence and beauty to inflate their worth and subjugate others? What if Karma came to collect? What if your "mean girl" ended up poisoned and found on your front porch?
After a difficult divorce, Sally "Sal" Muccio returns home to a small town near Buffalo, NY, to open a bake shop featuring delectable cookies expertly created by her high school BFF and partner, Josie Sullivan. Sal's "mean girl," Amanda Gregorio, pops in for some of the delicious cookies taunting Sal about the affair she had with Sal's ex-husband, and while enjoying one of the delectables, collapses...dead! The dark cloud of suspicion hangs over the cookie shop forcing Sal and Josie to investigate the murder mystery in order to save their budding business. During their investigations they run up against an old high school flame who has his own history with the "mean girl," a handsome detective who seems very interested in cookies, a very quirky Italian family, and too many suspects to count.
Catherine Bruns lets me enjoy Karma's bite and provided a superior read with colorful characters, worrisome predicaments, and exciting puzzles to unravel. My suggestion is put on a pot of coffee, plate a couple dozen of your favorite cookies, find a comfortable chair, and enjoy a wonderful story!
August 18, 2015
I am a big fan of cozy mysteries, and I volunteered to read this one in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed Tastes Like Murder, the first in a new series by Catherine Bruns. The protagonist in this book is Sally Muccio, or Sal, as her friends call her. Sal owns her own cookie shop that she runs with her best friend, a feisty mom of four. Sal is divorced and a little gun-shy about getting back into dating again. Things get really turned upside down when the rich and gorgeous woman who had an affair with Sal's husband ends up dying at her cookie shop. Sal needs to clear her name to keep her customers coming in, which is how she finds herself investigating. There's a little romance thrown in too, when an old ex-boyfriend expresses interest as well as the officer who is working the case. The characters were well defined with very unique personalities, and I loved the small town setting. The teamwork between Sal and her business partner/best friend was great. Sal has a big, quirky family that added a lot of heart and comedy to the book. I'm definitely looking forward to future installments in the series and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
January 27, 2019
Cosy mystery.
This was an entertaining, light-weight listen, for lovers of cosy mysteries. I enjoyed the narration by Karen Rose Richter, who managed managed male and female voices equally well.
Sally Muccio (Sal) has returned to her home town to open up a cookie shop with her best friend Josie Sullivan. She has left behind a loser of a husband and is ready to make a new start. Unfortunately her ex-husband's lover is set on making problems for Sal, ultimately falling dead on her doorstep. Sal feels compelled to find out why Amanda died, before her business collapses under suspicion that her cookies were responsible.
There are some real quirky characters in here. Sal's family are nuts; her mother thinks she's still a teenager and dresses appropriately, and her father is obsessed by death, funerals and coffins. An elderly neighbour is constantly rude, for no apparent reason. Thank goodness for the wise old grandmother who holds them all together.
To add interest, two sexy men are chasing Sal, an ex boyfriend, and a dashing policeman, who will she go out to dinner with?
A fun listen, got the ironing done with a smile on my face :)
This was an entertaining, light-weight listen, for lovers of cosy mysteries. I enjoyed the narration by Karen Rose Richter, who managed managed male and female voices equally well.
Sally Muccio (Sal) has returned to her home town to open up a cookie shop with her best friend Josie Sullivan. She has left behind a loser of a husband and is ready to make a new start. Unfortunately her ex-husband's lover is set on making problems for Sal, ultimately falling dead on her doorstep. Sal feels compelled to find out why Amanda died, before her business collapses under suspicion that her cookies were responsible.
There are some real quirky characters in here. Sal's family are nuts; her mother thinks she's still a teenager and dresses appropriately, and her father is obsessed by death, funerals and coffins. An elderly neighbour is constantly rude, for no apparent reason. Thank goodness for the wise old grandmother who holds them all together.
To add interest, two sexy men are chasing Sal, an ex boyfriend, and a dashing policeman, who will she go out to dinner with?
A fun listen, got the ironing done with a smile on my face :)
August 19, 2016
TASTES LIKE MURDER is a clever start to a terrific series! I love how the fortune cookies had messages that seemed tailored for the recipient and gives a glimpse into the characters through the messages. Sally is not only caught up in trying to prove her innocence and keep her business afloat, but she is learning to come to terms with a failed marriage. She has a lot of self doubts and issues which makes her seem more relatable to me. She has been given room to grow, to learn to let go of the past and move forward. Sally’s parents, along with Josie, are such fun characters, providing plenty of laughs and entertainment, while her Italian grandmother, Rosa, provides wisdom and stability. The plot was well paced and provided plenty of red herrings. I thought I knew who the culprit was but then a twist was thrown in that kept me guessing along with Sally.
Of course a bakery must have baked goods and Catherine has included a couple cookie recipes at the back of the book. I tried her recipe for Josie’s Genettis, which are a traditional Italian soft, cake-like cookie. Yum!
Of course a bakery must have baked goods and Catherine has included a couple cookie recipes at the back of the book. I tried her recipe for Josie’s Genettis, which are a traditional Italian soft, cake-like cookie. Yum!
January 2, 2019
Sally Muccio returns to her hometown to open a novelty cookie shop with her best friend Josie. She has to put up with her father who is fixated on all things to do with death, a mother who still thinks she's a teenager, a very wise grandmother, A lovely younger sister who is going to law school, and a crotchety elderly neighbor of her parents who still holds it against Sally for finding Sally and her grandson in the basement of her (the neighbors) basement. Oh yea, she also has two possible suitors, one is a cop, the other is her ex high school flame who she caught in a compromising position.
Enter the ex-husband that Sally divorced when he was caught in bed with another woman. Now demanding a part of her business. Only to wind up dead outside Sally's door.
With a wacky cast of characters, and free fortune cookies that have a way of actually coming true. You have a very humorous story with well defined characters, and several unexpected turns throughout the story to keep you on your toes.
Enter the ex-husband that Sally divorced when he was caught in bed with another woman. Now demanding a part of her business. Only to wind up dead outside Sally's door.
With a wacky cast of characters, and free fortune cookies that have a way of actually coming true. You have a very humorous story with well defined characters, and several unexpected turns throughout the story to keep you on your toes.
September 1, 2015
Great New Series!
This is a great new series; this is the first book in the A Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns. Sally (Sal) Muccio has had her share of crazy, her boyfriend was cheating on her, her Italian parents are crazy, and her husband was unfaithful when they were married. After her divorce she heads to her hometown to open up her own novelty cookie shop, specializing in fortune cookies. When her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead on Sal’s front porch and she finds out someone killed her. Sal decides to put her sleuthing skills to the test to find the killer. If you are looking for a great mystery that will leave you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great new series; this is the first book in the A Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns. Sally (Sal) Muccio has had her share of crazy, her boyfriend was cheating on her, her Italian parents are crazy, and her husband was unfaithful when they were married. After her divorce she heads to her hometown to open up her own novelty cookie shop, specializing in fortune cookies. When her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead on Sal’s front porch and she finds out someone killed her. Sal decides to put her sleuthing skills to the test to find the killer. If you are looking for a great mystery that will leave you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
September 2, 2015
Great New Series!
Picked this book up on a recommendation from author Gemma Halliday & I was certainly not disappointed. This is a brand new series about a divorced woman, Sally, who moves back home with her dysfunctional family (ok, really only her dad who obsesses about dying & funerals, & her mom who thinks, acts, & dresses like a teenager). Sally opens a cookie bakery with her best friend Josie. All seems to be going along well until Sal discovers the dead body of a woman outside her bakery. Unfortunately the dead woman was the one who caused the break-up of her marriage. Add in a love triangle with an old ex-boyfriend & a new cop in town & you have the makings of a delicious new cozy mystery. Eagerly awaiting book #2!
Picked this book up on a recommendation from author Gemma Halliday & I was certainly not disappointed. This is a brand new series about a divorced woman, Sally, who moves back home with her dysfunctional family (ok, really only her dad who obsesses about dying & funerals, & her mom who thinks, acts, & dresses like a teenager). Sally opens a cookie bakery with her best friend Josie. All seems to be going along well until Sal discovers the dead body of a woman outside her bakery. Unfortunately the dead woman was the one who caused the break-up of her marriage. Add in a love triangle with an old ex-boyfriend & a new cop in town & you have the makings of a delicious new cozy mystery. Eagerly awaiting book #2!
September 12, 2015
Entertaining Story
I was captured by the story right from the start. It is well written and the story line was excellent.
Sally has returned home after a terrible divorce. She now owns a bakery with best friend Josie and they hope their business will be a hit.
Unfortunately, one of their customers is Amanda, a rude, over privileged snob, who went to school with Josie and Sally. She also had an affair with Sally's two timing ex.
When Amanda is killed, everyone points to Sally, after all, it was her husband Amanda slept with.
Sally and Josie do a little investigating and fight themselves knee deep in hot water.
Fans of Stephanie Plum will enjoy this fantastic story. Readers will laugh out loud and enjoy the twists and turns in the story.
I was captured by the story right from the start. It is well written and the story line was excellent.
Sally has returned home after a terrible divorce. She now owns a bakery with best friend Josie and they hope their business will be a hit.
Unfortunately, one of their customers is Amanda, a rude, over privileged snob, who went to school with Josie and Sally. She also had an affair with Sally's two timing ex.
When Amanda is killed, everyone points to Sally, after all, it was her husband Amanda slept with.
Sally and Josie do a little investigating and fight themselves knee deep in hot water.
Fans of Stephanie Plum will enjoy this fantastic story. Readers will laugh out loud and enjoy the twists and turns in the story.
October 17, 2017
I received this book of my own free will, for an honest review.
And it was so thrilling, I suspected everyone obviously not the ones responsible as always, I liked that it made you think and hard and it was pretty cool since it was pretty relaxed too at times and funny. I loved Josie she was so sassy and poor Sal she was too good but was so hurt too, hopefully she will find her happily ever after at the end.
the narrator was pretty good she immersed me in the book and her voices were so accurate for everyone, that's a keeper narrator right there.
the ending recipes were so cool, now I can do some food and impress everyone at my house since it had from cookies to italiab cuisine, liked that detail on the book.
And it was so thrilling, I suspected everyone obviously not the ones responsible as always, I liked that it made you think and hard and it was pretty cool since it was pretty relaxed too at times and funny. I loved Josie she was so sassy and poor Sal she was too good but was so hurt too, hopefully she will find her happily ever after at the end.
the narrator was pretty good she immersed me in the book and her voices were so accurate for everyone, that's a keeper narrator right there.
the ending recipes were so cool, now I can do some food and impress everyone at my house since it had from cookies to italiab cuisine, liked that detail on the book.
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