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Donut Hole Mystery #3

Cadbury Creme Murder

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It’s springtime in Hillside, Texas, which means tornado season. A tornado rips through town, damaging property here and there. Fortunately, the damage is reparable, and only one person is found dead—Verna Dixon, an elderly widow who lived on the edge of town.

At first, everyone assumes that Verna was killed by flying debris from the tornado (she was found outside, halfway between her house and her chicken coop) as she was trying to bring her chickens inside. But Detective Ryan Shepherd realizes there’s more to this death than meets the eye when he discovers that Verna was not killed by a flying piece of wood, as was originally suspected.

Why would anyone want to kill Verna? That’s the question bothering Ryan and Heather. There’s no apparent motive, and no one knows seems to know where to begin looking for suspects.

Did Verna know something about someone she was trying to decide whether or not to reveal? What could Verna have known?

Join Heather, Ryan, and all the regulars of Hillside, Texas, as they try to figure out who killed Verna and why. The answer may surprise you!

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2016

52 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

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Susan Gillard

148 books208 followers

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5 stars
149 (37%)
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133 (33%)
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95 (23%)
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19 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
2,025 reviews634 followers
January 22, 2018
Cadbury Creme Murder is the third book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. The cozy mystery series centers around Business owner Heather Janke and her doughnut shop, Donut Delights in Hillside, Texas. The books are quick, entertaining reads. I like the doughnut theme, even if it does make me crave sweets!

This time, a tornado has struck Hillside. Mostly it just downed tree limbs and made a mess. But unfortunately, the body of a local resident, Verna Dixon, is found after the storm subsides. At first, authorities believe she was killed by storm debris puncturing her chest. Later it's found that she was actually shot. Verna was a member of the local library board, volunteered at the hospital and hospice, and donated a lot of her time to various committees and public groups....who would want to kill her?? Heather starts looking into the killing because Verna was also the best friend of one of her favorite customers.

I have had several books from this series saved on my Kindle for a long time. I always meant to start reading them....but never did. So many books....so little time, I guess. This year I have challenged myself to read more books from my own shelves and more stories that I really want to read. And that list includes the more than 400 books I have saved on my Kindle. I downloaded each and every book because it was something I wanted to read -- it's time to start actually reading them! I'm glad I did! The Donut Hole Mystery series is a collection of short, entertaining cozy mysteries! I'm enjoying them!

There are still a few editing errors (as noted in my reviews for books 1 and 2), but each book seems to improve. I like the characters. The mysteries are basic and fast-paced. With the short length of these books, it has to conclude pretty quickly. The ending for this one seemed a bit abrupt. Heather was still in mid-investigation when all of a sudden the murderer was revealed and the story ended. That doesn't make it less entertaining....just short. These books are perfect length for short trips or when waiting for medical or other appointments. They aren't difficult to read in one sitting. I'm definitely going to keep reading this series! Will take me awhile to finish though.....there are 60 novellas in the Donut Hole Mystery series! That ought to keep me in donut themed cozies for awhile!

On to the next!
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,990 reviews34 followers
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October 20, 2017
This was a decent mystery but it's so short, took a little under an hour to read that it really has no time to develop the characters, even the main character Heather and her friend Amy are really little more then sketches and barely more developed then the minor characters in the story. I'll read a couple more to see if I do in fact like the characters. This was the second one I've read and I'll read a few more but what I said about the first book still stands.


Everything I said about the 1st 2 books applies to book 3. But please goodreads fix these page counts, each one of these "ebooks" is listed as 200+ pages. The story is barely 20,000 words, no way that translates to a physical book of 200 pages. No way I can read 200 pages in 45 minutes. The first 3 books in this series might make a 200 page book if all 3 were strung together. I'd only read this on Kindle Unlimited, I'd never pay $2.99 for a short story of this quality.

This series tries very hard to be like the Hannah Swensen Series by Joanne Fluke, MC Hannah-Heather, Heather's boyfriend is a widower just like Mike and he has issues, just like Mike. I hope the author doesn't try to fit in a love triangle with the town doctor in future books.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,358 reviews266 followers
December 10, 2016
What a delightful series this is! They are short, sweet cozy mysteries and can be read in just a couple of hours. They make a great break from longer books and the author gives you a complex mystery which is unusual for such a short book.

This is the third book in the series. I feel as if I get to know the main character, Heather, more and more with each book. I’m finding I really care about her and her cop boyfriend Ryan. There is so much to this book. In a few short pages, we have an intriguing mystery with a romance packed with emotion.

I’m totally enjoying this series, but Heather’s donut baking makes me very hungry. LOL Fun series and I’m looking forward to reading more. There are currently 27 books in the series…good thing they are short :)
Profile Image for Carol.
1,643 reviews67 followers
May 6, 2018
Heather Jenke is the owner of Donut Delights in
Hillside, Texas. Her new donut is the Cadbury
Creme donut.
A tornado hits Hillside. Luckily Heather escapes
any major damage. The death during the storm
was Verna Dixon who was an elderly widow and
a volunteer in the Hospital ICU and hospice. Verna
was involved on many committees and community
groups.
Detective Ryan Shepherd finds a bullet hole in the
center of her chest with a piece of wood stuck in
the hole. What is going on here?? Who would want
to murder such a sweet caring woman??
Heather delves into the woman’s life.
The characters are well defined, realistic and
interesting. It is a well plotted, easy to read and a
book to enjoy.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,354 reviews
December 7, 2016
This is the third book in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series and with each book more is revealed with the characters.
A tornado has hit the town and everyone is glad to find not much damage.
We find out that Verna has been killed, but did the tornado kill her?
Heather is asked to investigate by Eva, Verna's friend and she can't say no. An ending that surprised me and brought tears to my eyes.
A quick read with humor.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,300 reviews75 followers
May 14, 2018
Cadbury Creme Murder
A Donut Hole Mystery, Book #3
Susan Gillard
5 Stars



Synopsis:

ATTENTION: This #1 Best Seller is back with a Second Edition Release!

We've made some MAJOR updates to the book that new and added a few surprises that new and existing fans will definitely enjoy.

Here's what you get:

- Witness the final exchange between the murderer and Verna Dixon, just moments before her tragic death with a new Prologue from Verna. 


- Instantly learn about the frantic last moments & thoughts of Betty Shivers, with a new Epilogue from Betty, the Murder Victim in Book 4.

- Enjoy an unbeatable reading experience with enhanced formatting, crucial continuity updates and dozens of typo fixes thanks to our new professional editor!

- Make Heather’s recipes at home: We’ve included a FREE offer for 4 of our most tasty Donut Recipes w/ pictures and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Could the aftermath of a storm push a person to murder?

It’s springtime in Hillside, Texas, which means tornado season. A tornado rips through town, damaging property here and there.

Fortunately, the damage is repairable, and only one person is found dead—Verna Dixon, an elderly widow who lived on the edge of town.

At first, everyone assumes that Verna was killed by flying debris from the tornado (she was found outside, halfway between her house and her chicken coop) as she was trying to bring her chickens inside.

But Detective Ryan Shepherd realizes there’s more to this death than meets the eye when he discovers that Verna was not killed by a flying piece of wood, as was originally suspected.

Why would anyone want to kill Verna?

That’s the question bothering Ryan and Heather.

There’s no apparent motive, and no one knows seems to know where to begin looking for suspects.

Did Verna know something about someone she was trying to decide whether or not to reveal?

What could Verna have known?



Join Heather, Ryan, and all the regulars of Hillside, Texas, as they try to figure out who killed Verna and why.

The answer may surprise you!

Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. I am really enjoying reading about Heather and Ryan and the beginnings of their relationship. It is always helpful to have a backstory for the characters and I am getting that by reading the books from the beginning of the series.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The descriptive writing of the author pulls the reader into the story and takes the reader for a great ride. The mystery is well paced and keeps you reading to find out who dunnit.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted culinary cozy.
Profile Image for kobu.
101 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2019
The third book of Donut Hole Mystery series. This one was a bit more complicated than the previous two books, and I enjoyed it. I also like how always each book of this series ends. It always ends with the introductions of the next book, which whips up my enthusiasm for this series. To be honest, I’m getting addicted.lol
Profile Image for Dawn-marie.
52 reviews
June 4, 2016
Cadbury Creme Murder

I really enjoyed this book. Heather and Ryan are perfect for each other. She comes up with some delicious sounding doughnuts as well.
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2018
This review is for the second edition of Cadbury Creme Murder.

Verna Dixon, an elderly widow lives alone on the outskirts of Hillside. She hears the wind pick up and then a noise. Tornado!! She calmly goes into her basement and stays there until the storm is over. Then goes outside to check for damage. A figure approachs pointing a gun at her and shoots. When she is found there is a piece of wood in her chest. She was a friend of Eva's and Eva asks Heather to look into it. Eva has an uneasy feeling and doesn't believe Verna was killed by the tornado. Heather finds out Verna had been shot. Who would want to shoot Verna? And why? She was kind to everyone and volunteered at the hospital and hospice. Heather also has another worry. Ryan had been acting strange and now doesn't call or text or come to see Heather. What has happened there? Come along with Heather and find out why Verna was killed and who is guilty of murder. Will you figure it out before Heather does? And find out what is going on with Heather and Ryan. You will love the twist at the endI Love having a prologue and epilogue.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is enterily my own.
Profile Image for Dawn.
399 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2017
My issues with the first 2 books have in been cleared up a little in this book. The progression in the relationship between Ryan and Heather, though fast, works. Heather starts to get a little more into the sleuthing as she isn't the prime suspect. The characters are starting to get fleshed out even more in this novel, in comparison to the earlier novels. This story had a better flow and I feel like Susan Gillard is starting to hit her stride with the characters. I'm starting to look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
268 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2018
These books are really negatively affecting how I feel about the author. I like the sweet, clean, mystery of the books, but the writing is driving me nuts. In the second book, there were a few spelling errors, in this book, an entire section of the page was repeated. Some serious editing is needed. I'm almost scared to read the next book because of the increasing errors.
Profile Image for Kathy.
615 reviews12 followers
March 24, 2019
This book was like reading a condensed version of a cozy mystery - shorter but you don't really miss anything. This is book 3 in the donut shop series by this prolific author. It is refreshing to read a series that moves along at a satisfying pace and packs a lot into a short book as opposed to reading a lengthier book with no action - just a lot of gab.
Profile Image for Diana.
1,563 reviews85 followers
May 14, 2025
This book has an interesting way of starting the mystery; it caught my attention immediately. I'm also caught up in the developing romance for the main character. The new donut was one that I wish I could try in real life.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
41 reviews
May 5, 2018
Love the donut flavors...num State Fair sounds good, I want some!
26 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2018
Very fast read. I found it jumped rapidly and didn't develop any characters along the way.
368 reviews
June 16, 2019
I love this series. The characters and settings are good. Reading about the donuts makes me hungry, though. I'm going to read them all!
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
1,772 reviews
July 28, 2017
Good continuation. I noticed that police detectives that lose their spouse tend to dump the new woman briefly to figure out if they are over deceased spouse. They even come back at the end to start new with the woman.
Profile Image for Brenda.
547 reviews30 followers
April 27, 2016
Cadbury Crème Murder is the third installment in the A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery novella series. Heather Janke owns Donut Delights a gourmet doughnut shop located in Hillside, Texas.

A tornado has hit town and in the storms aftermath the body of Verna Dixon, an elderly widow is found dead. The scene has been staged to look like an accident but further investigation shows she was shot. Verna is Heather's favorite customer, Eva Schneider's best friend and Eva begs Heather along with the help of hunky detective Ryan Shepherd to find the killer.

Verna is a sweet lady who graciously volunteers her time at the hospital and with the local hospice organization, Caring Hearts. There doesn't seem to be a reason why someone would take her life, but Heather soon discovers that Verna had turned a fellow volunteer in for stealing and she also was being pressured by her next door neighbor to see her small home to him so he could get access to her mineral rights.

Heather's relationship with Ryan has hit a bit of a snag and she finds herself dealing with her emotions and trying to solve this murder alone, but best friend Amy is there to help her through and push her to find Verna's killer. The Donut Delight employee's continue to whip up mouth watering treats, and hopefully their characters will continue to grow in future episodes.

A really quick read (great way to spend an hour), be warned that this book has more typos and grammatical errors than the earlier books in the series and the last few pages repeat themselves. I hope the author takes a little more care in editing for the next one and isn't just rushing to release the stories as fast as she can.
Profile Image for Lauren D..
176 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2016
I can only give this a 4 star book because of the way the editing was. It seemed that 2 pages were repeated twice towards the end of the book. Also what I find odd in the relationship between Heather and Ryan. It was the same story line in the Jessica Beck books between Susan and the detective. I get it but its still to close for comfort and I feel like the author took this from another writer to just add another "plot".

Book 3 is about a woman who was murdered around the time the tornado hit the town of Hillside. Heather told a loyal customer/friend, Eva, that she would look into the murder of Verna. Verna volunteered at the hospital and at a hospice facility and it was hard trying to figure out who would want to harm her since she was a nice, kind person. I can't quiet remember how old heather is but I would like to see this relationship develop to the point of having a child. She doesn't have to get married but I want to see something different so that I don't think its the same as the Jessica Beck books. She has been writing this series longer and I feel like this is basically how the beginning of her books were developing and I would really like to keep reading this series but I am not going to take away from someone over the other.

I would like to see Heather have Ryan move in and start a family sooner rather than 20 books down the line. Also to progress the book instead of saying weeks maybe months. I will be reading book 4 but not in a rush. Apart of me is disappointed only in the relationship but I love the way this story reads.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,062 reviews43 followers
April 1, 2016
Cadbury Creme Murder is the third novella in Susan Gillard’s wonderful A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery. The storyline is well plotted, with well-developed characters, an interesting mystery to solve, and ups and downs on the romance front. There are lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit scenes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, clean mysteries. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Heather Janke is the owner of Donut Delights, a gourmet donut shop located in Hillside, Texas. A tornado has hit Hillside and the body of an elderly widow, Verna Dixon, is thought to be a victim of the storm. Detective Ryan Shepherd of the Hillside Police Department determines the death didn’t cause her death and begins investigating the true cause. Eva Schneider, a faithful customer of Donut Delights and a friend of Verna, asks Heather to look into the matter for her. Heather delves into her own investigation and finds herself in a life-threatening situation she isn’t sure how to get out of.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
229 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2016
A tragic death! Or is it murder? There is always more to the story when it involves Heather! A loyal customer and best friend of the victim asks Heather to look into her friend's death because Heather seems to have a knack for getting information from the people involved. I love the characters in this book, especially Heather, who is a smart, independent, spunky and successful business owner. The author does a great job of weaving romance into the book without letting it take over the story which is something I appreciate. I just wish I didn't end up so hungry after reading the descriptions of the delightful donuts Heather makes at her shop! I can't wait to read about her next adventure!!!!
Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,423 reviews73 followers
August 11, 2016
This book follows Heather, Ryan and Amy and their friends as they deal with a tornado that has just ended when Ryan informs Heather about Verna being killed. What Heather does know about Verna makes her wonder who would kill a sweet old lady who volunteers to sit with hospice patients, works at the local library and volunteers where she can. Someone had it out for Verna and Heather finds herself looking into it for Eva a local donut eater at her shop.

I enjoyed reading this and learning more about the residents of Hillside, Texas. I also loved watching Heather sift through the information to get to the bad guy and hopefully getting them before she winds up hurt or worse!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jerri Cachero.
653 reviews48 followers
March 30, 2016
When a beloved elderly woman, Verna, is killed by a tornado, everyone thinks it was an accident, but turns out she was murdered !

Heather is asked by the woman's longtime friend and loyal Donut Delights customer, Eva, to investigate. Who would want to kill Verna? Is it Wilbur Smith, a neighbor who had been asking Verna to sell her land to him? Someone Verna has helped?

I enjoyed the mystery and its twists and turns. The romantic "bumps" that Heather and Ryan experienced were very relatable.
I'm looking forward to the next delicious adventure!
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
March 31, 2016
This is a wonderful story and it had me in tears at the end. After a tornado hits the town of Hillside, Texas, everyone is glad there wasn't much damage. Then Heather, owner of the Donut Delights, learns that one person in town, who was thought to be a victim of the storm, was actually murdered. When a friend of hers asks Heather to do some investigating, she hits the road running, finding it hard to locate anyone who would want the woman dead.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Welty.
89 reviews
April 11, 2016
Susan Gillard started this novella with a tornado and a murder and the pace didn't slow from there! I enjoy the little novellas. We are getting to know Ryan, Amy and Heather. I would like to see more character development of her employees, though. Use them as witnesses and murder suspects. I thought the book was as twisty as the tornado.
When Ryan drops a bomb on Heather, I like how real Heather reacts. We all worry about our relationships when they are new and unsure. I can't wait to read more about these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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