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Donut Hole Mystery #5
Chocolate Frosted Murder
After accepting Maricela’s and Angelica’s invitation to join them and their family for their Tia Teresa’s 75th birthday party, Heather is enjoying herself. But the party is interrupted by two uniformed policemen who bring bad news: Tia Teresa’s grandson, Gustavo, a beloved family member, has been shot and killed in the park.
The police think it looks like a drug deal gone bad, but Gustavo’s family insists he never would have been involved with drugs. Maricela and Angelica beg Heather to investigate, and she promises to do what she can.
When she discovers that the shooter’s story couldn’t have taken place the way he said it did, she becomes suspicious. But she has no proof. Then, just as a key witness is about to provide her with the evidence she needs, the witness is murdered in an apparent armed robbery.
Will Heather and Ryan be able to uncover the evidence they need in order to establish the truth and clear Gustavo’s name? Or will a killer get away with not only one, but possibly two murders?
The police think it looks like a drug deal gone bad, but Gustavo’s family insists he never would have been involved with drugs. Maricela and Angelica beg Heather to investigate, and she promises to do what she can.
When she discovers that the shooter’s story couldn’t have taken place the way he said it did, she becomes suspicious. But she has no proof. Then, just as a key witness is about to provide her with the evidence she needs, the witness is murdered in an apparent armed robbery.
Will Heather and Ryan be able to uncover the evidence they need in order to establish the truth and clear Gustavo’s name? Or will a killer get away with not only one, but possibly two murders?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2016
39 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 23, 2018
Heather Janke is attending the 75th birthday party for Theresa Reyes, a family member of two of her employees at Donut Delights. Just as the festivities are ramping up, two police officers show up to notify the family that Gustavo Reyes has been killed. His body was found in the park, along with a gun and drugs. He was picking up his aunt Theresa's birthday present, and family members had commented that he was late. Now, he's not just late...but dead. The family asks Heather to look into his death because they all swear that Gustavo did not use drugs or own a gun. Heather decides to look into it to help the family. A suspect soon relates a story about what supposedly happened in the park, but states it was self defense. Can Heather find out if he's lying?
I'm enjoying this series. Each book is an entertaining, short read. I like the doughnut theme, even though most of the time the title of the book doesn't relate to the story. But then again, it isn't really necessary for the doughnut flavor from the cover to be a part of the story. I like Heather as a main character. She's a strong woman. She respects her detective boyfriend's job and doesn't get angry when he is called away on police business. And, she treats her Donut Delights employees like family.
There are 60 short novels in this series. I'm definitely going to read more of them....they are fun, quick reads. :)
I'm enjoying this series. Each book is an entertaining, short read. I like the doughnut theme, even though most of the time the title of the book doesn't relate to the story. But then again, it isn't really necessary for the doughnut flavor from the cover to be a part of the story. I like Heather as a main character. She's a strong woman. She respects her detective boyfriend's job and doesn't get angry when he is called away on police business. And, she treats her Donut Delights employees like family.
There are 60 short novels in this series. I'm definitely going to read more of them....they are fun, quick reads. :)
December 28, 2016
It’s another visit for me to Heather Janke’s Texas gourmet donut shop, Donut Delights. I’m enjoying this cozy mystery series more and more with each book They are just the perfect reading material when you are busy and don’t have time to get involved in a longer book.
Susan Gillard gives us well-developed characters who practically jump right out of the pages. Heather is more than your typical amateur sleuth – she has legitimate reasons for her snooping. She truly cares about people.
The story itself isn’t very complex and is easily solved, but it’s a fun puzzle for the readers to put together. It’s fast-paced and takes you away for a few hours.
To add to the mystery aspect, we get a little romance too. It’s a slow-moving romance between Heather and Ryan, but it fits the storyline and it works well.
This is the fifth book in the series. They can each be read on their own as the mystery is self-contained in each book and wraps up by the end of it, but I think it’s more fun to start at the beginning so you can see the characters grow as time goes on.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
Susan Gillard gives us well-developed characters who practically jump right out of the pages. Heather is more than your typical amateur sleuth – she has legitimate reasons for her snooping. She truly cares about people.
The story itself isn’t very complex and is easily solved, but it’s a fun puzzle for the readers to put together. It’s fast-paced and takes you away for a few hours.
To add to the mystery aspect, we get a little romance too. It’s a slow-moving romance between Heather and Ryan, but it fits the storyline and it works well.
This is the fifth book in the series. They can each be read on their own as the mystery is self-contained in each book and wraps up by the end of it, but I think it’s more fun to start at the beginning so you can see the characters grow as time goes on.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
April 25, 2019
I liked this one a lot better than the previous four books. It was a a tragedy but everyone was affectionate and so the story made me feel warm inside.
June 9, 2017
Did Gustavo Do What He is Accused of? While celebrating with 2 of her employees and their family, she is warned that their cousin, Gustavo, was found murdered in a park with a gun and drugs. The family doesn't believe this of their cousin and have asked Heather to work her magic and find out the truth of Gustavo's death.
Heather with the help of her boyfriend giving her inside information finds out some information that helps solve the death of Gustavo.
I have issues with this as there is the constant giving of information to a civilian by a police detective. I don't care that this civilian is his girlfriend. I know that it helps to move the story along.
If you want a quick read, I recommend the story, but do suspend your disbelief or questioning to get through it.
Heather with the help of her boyfriend giving her inside information finds out some information that helps solve the death of Gustavo.
I have issues with this as there is the constant giving of information to a civilian by a police detective. I don't care that this civilian is his girlfriend. I know that it helps to move the story along.
If you want a quick read, I recommend the story, but do suspend your disbelief or questioning to get through it.
May 27, 2017
I feel like this book took a step back from the sleuthing and focused solely on the character building. It's less of a let's go find the murder and more of a sit back and see what happens novel. Since it does delve so much into the character building, we get to see Maricela's and Angelica's home life, as well as the connection they have with Heather. I would have preferred her sleuthing a little more but it was a nice light read regardless.
May 16, 2019
I'm slowly getting hooked to the series. Heather is now becoming popular for her skills of unlocking mysteries. There's something oddly comforting about these books... Maybe the donuts? Or maybe the revelation towards the end that confirms my own suspicions.
June 24, 2017
Once again, no one solves the mystery instead it solves itself. sigh.
November 18, 2017
Another nice book about Heather and her crew. Love the Donut Hole Mystery series.
February 1, 2018
Another cute sweet murder mystery. I am beginning to enjoy these books. Ready to read the next one in the series.
April 22, 2018
Not so much about the donut shop (nummy donut flavors) but still an intriguing story. I like how she helps out her donut shop workers/family.
April 8, 2019
Just love these fast cozy mysteries....
April 28, 2019
Still ok
Enjoyed some of this one, but not as much as previous books. Felt a little weak on the mystery side, but I liked seeing the character and relationship development.
Enjoyed some of this one, but not as much as previous books. Felt a little weak on the mystery side, but I liked seeing the character and relationship development.
April 21, 2016
Chocolate Frosted Murder is the fifth short story in Susan Gillard’s A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. The characters are well developed and relatable, the storyline is well plotted, and there is an interesting mystery to solve. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries with lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, sexually explicit scenes, and a touch of a sweet romance.
Heather Janke owns Donut Delights, a gourmet donut shop located in Hillside, Texas. Heather and her employees are like family and she has been invited to help celebrate the 75th birthday of two of her employees’ relatives. They are waiting for Gustavo, Tia Teresa’s grandson, to arrive so she can begin opening her presents when the police arrive to inform the family that Gustavo has been murdered in a park. The police believe he was involved with a drug deal that went bad but Maricela and Angelica, his cousins and Heather’s employees, tell Heather he was not that kind of person and ask her to help them find out what really happened. Heather wants to help the family clear Gustavo’s name and help her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Shepherd, find out what really happened.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Heather Janke owns Donut Delights, a gourmet donut shop located in Hillside, Texas. Heather and her employees are like family and she has been invited to help celebrate the 75th birthday of two of her employees’ relatives. They are waiting for Gustavo, Tia Teresa’s grandson, to arrive so she can begin opening her presents when the police arrive to inform the family that Gustavo has been murdered in a park. The police believe he was involved with a drug deal that went bad but Maricela and Angelica, his cousins and Heather’s employees, tell Heather he was not that kind of person and ask her to help them find out what really happened. Heather wants to help the family clear Gustavo’s name and help her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Shepherd, find out what really happened.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable because Susan Gillard's 5th Donut Hole Cozy Mystery is another sweet and satisfying read! Heather finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation (what else is new?) and along with her detective boyfriend Ryan, she whips up the answer to the question, "who killed Gustavo"? The young man's relatives can not believe that he was involved in any unsavory business so it's up to Heather to figure it all out. There are a ton of red herrings so things aren't adding up! I couldn't wait to find out what happened!
This is another short and sweet story that won't disappoint cozy fans (as well as fans of baked goods)! However, I would love to hear more about the donut flavors offered in Heather's shop. Some of them sound seriously yummy!
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is another short and sweet story that won't disappoint cozy fans (as well as fans of baked goods)! However, I would love to hear more about the donut flavors offered in Heather's shop. Some of them sound seriously yummy!
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 30, 2016
I am in love with book 5. When I go back to think about how many chapters there were, I had no idea how they were going to end this book. But I was glad to see that it came just in time. Book 5 was about Maricella and Angelica's cousin going out to pick up a birthday gift for Tia Teresa when she was murdered. The police think it had to do about a drug deal gone back but Gustavo was not into drugs. Heather decided to help her employees find out why their cousin was murdered but it turned out to be a hard case to crack.
I think the best part of the book was when Ryan told Heather that he loved her and when they were talking/kissing here comes her best friend Amy knocking on the door and watching them through the curtains. I just loved this book and I can't wait until book 6.
I think the best part of the book was when Ryan told Heather that he loved her and when they were talking/kissing here comes her best friend Amy knocking on the door and watching them through the curtains. I just loved this book and I can't wait until book 6.
February 13, 2017
Another enjoyable read from Susan Gillard. I look forward to each new book. Thankfully, the wait isn't long.
April 21, 2016
I love this series and enjoy watching Heather and Ryan grow closer. I loved watching Heather try to solve the murder of a young cousin of two of her employees. I noticed another reviewer mentioned that we didn't find out WHY the young cousin was murdered, but we do. It is a wonderful and sad story. However, things seem to be moving forward with Heather and Ryan!!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2016
I think this installment is my favorite so far. With Heather having to help her employees discover who killed their family member, we were able to see into their lives for a change. I have been waiting for that since the second book. Now we just need to see into Jung and Amy's lives.
This book touched on a few issues that are sensitive like abuse and possible drug activity. I can't wait for the next installment.
This book touched on a few issues that are sensitive like abuse and possible drug activity. I can't wait for the next installment.
December 7, 2016
Chocolate Frosted Murder is the fifth book in A Donut Hole Mystery series. I am loving this series. Heather Janie's employees are like family. When one of their relatives is found murdered Heather wants to help them find out what really happened. Heather and Ryan's relationship is growing more and nice to see it progressing and the characters keep on growing.
May 29, 2016
This is the 5th in the series. Heather once again is involved in solving another murder. She has a way of talking to people that has them helping her where they might not have helped the police. Luckly her boyfriend detective Ryan believes in her and takes the clues she finds and runs with them. They make a great team. I enjoy these fast paced stories and look forward to the next one.
April 19, 2016
Another yummy mystery!
I love this series. After all what goes better with donuts that policemen. Heather and Ryan take romance and crime solving to new levels, sharing clues and info to take down the bad guys.
I love this series. After all what goes better with donuts that policemen. Heather and Ryan take romance and crime solving to new levels, sharing clues and info to take down the bad guys.
April 26, 2016
I'm loving this cozy series. The characters are showing more of themselves and the story lines are great. These are great reads while traveling or time spent waiting. My only issue is the grammar / typos. I don't understand why these aren't caught before they are published.
April 29, 2016
Find a killer
A young man is killed and it is made to look as a drug deal gone bad. Can Heather find the real reason for his death?. Waiting patiently for the next book of this series. Read them all they are a perfect quick read.
A young man is killed and it is made to look as a drug deal gone bad. Can Heather find the real reason for his death?. Waiting patiently for the next book of this series. Read them all they are a perfect quick read.
May 19, 2016
Enjoyable read
First of these cozy mysteries I have read and it was interesting. Was well written and fun to read.
I save purchased more of the cozy books. It is nice having books you can read in an afternoon.
First of these cozy mysteries I have read and it was interesting. Was well written and fun to read.
I save purchased more of the cozy books. It is nice having books you can read in an afternoon.
September 21, 2016
Friends helping friends is the story of Heather and her work family.
When her friends loose a family member and he is accused of a crime he would never do. They ask Heather to help. She may not be a detective but she has good instincts.
When her friends loose a family member and he is accused of a crime he would never do. They ask Heather to help. She may not be a detective but she has good instincts.
January 9, 2017
Fun read
Another successful cozy mystery from Susan Gillard. Heather, the donut shop owner, has a knack for making great donuts and solving crimes. This is yet another successful outing, with her relationship slowly progressing with her boyfriend and her business doing well.
Another successful cozy mystery from Susan Gillard. Heather, the donut shop owner, has a knack for making great donuts and solving crimes. This is yet another successful outing, with her relationship slowly progressing with her boyfriend and her business doing well.
May 1, 2016
Love this series! Great characters and setting. When Heather's employees cousin is murdered the family asks her to help solve what happened. Ready for more from Heather and Ryan.
May 26, 2016
Good
the murder of an person who's family knows that he is innocent because he d due for or have a gun
the murder of an person who's family knows that he is innocent because he d due for or have a gun
June 9, 2016
I love it when a mystery gets a twist by the end in such a way that whomever I was suspecting turns out to be clear and the most unexpected happens! Thumbs up!!!
August 20, 2016
Bittersweet
Very sweet story... Heartbreaking. Great cozy series! Heather finds herself catalyst in getting a family closure regarding a family member.
Very sweet story... Heartbreaking. Great cozy series! Heather finds herself catalyst in getting a family closure regarding a family member.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews