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Donut Hole Mystery #16
Green Velvet Murder
When Heather Shepherd hears that the friendly newbie in town, Bernie Belushi, has been murdered courtesy of one of Geoff Lawless’ rock hard fudge balls, she’s concerned.
That concern turns into determination when she discovers that Kent’s Aunt is the main suspect. Heather must bring Bernie’s killer to justice, with a little help from her husband, Ryan of course. Armed with nothing but her sleuth gene, Amy’s quick wit and Dave’s barks of encouragement, she marches off to Geoff Lawless’ store to investigate.
But things aren’t as simple as she’d like: Geoff is positively panic-stricken and a professional at getting in the way, a mysterious car tails Heather around every turn, and a rash of burglaries has set Hillside’s residents on edge.
Heather has to put the distractions aside and focus on the case, and her Green Velvet Donut creations, or risk another of her hometown’s residents, and a new business venture to boot.
That concern turns into determination when she discovers that Kent’s Aunt is the main suspect. Heather must bring Bernie’s killer to justice, with a little help from her husband, Ryan of course. Armed with nothing but her sleuth gene, Amy’s quick wit and Dave’s barks of encouragement, she marches off to Geoff Lawless’ store to investigate.
But things aren’t as simple as she’d like: Geoff is positively panic-stricken and a professional at getting in the way, a mysterious car tails Heather around every turn, and a rash of burglaries has set Hillside’s residents on edge.
Heather has to put the distractions aside and focus on the case, and her Green Velvet Donut creations, or risk another of her hometown’s residents, and a new business venture to boot.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2016
39 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2018
Heather Shepherd cares deeply about her bestie, Amy. That's why she takes almost an instant dislike to Karly Belushi. Karly is the cranky aunt of Amy's boyfriend Kent, and makes no attempt to hide the fact she doesn't like Amy. When Karly comes into Donut Delights with her sister, Bernie, it doesn't take long for the mean woman to start making comments to Amy. Bernie seems to be much nicer and tries to smooth things over, but Karly spouts off and storms out, yelling that they are going to Geoff Lawless' doughnut shop across town. Turns out the Belushi family has moved to town to be closer to Kent. Then suddenly Bernie turns up dead....apparently she choked to death in Delightful Donuts across town, Heather's competition (sort of). Was it a simple case of death by choking on doughnut....or murder?
I find the Geoff Lawless character to be a mix of sad and hilarious. The mental picture of him chasing Heather through the park to ask for help because someone choked to death on one of his concrete-hard fudge balls just about did me in. The poor man is definitely Heather's nemesis. He has been trying for several books to run a doughnut shop of his own....without much success. If his shop and kitchen look as bad as described in the book I am surprised anyone would eat there or that the health department hasn't shut him down. Eww.
Green Velvet Murder is the 16th book in the Donut Hole series. The short mysteries are light cozies....no cussing, no spurting blood, no graphic-ness of any kind.....a nice doughnut shop theme, and a cast of relatively well-developed characters. I like the addition of the little girl, Lilly. She's been in the last several books and is a nice addition to the usual crew. I wonder if down the road Heather and her husband, Ryan, might try adopting her?
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit light on the mystery this go-around, but still an enjoyable story. As with most cozy series, I definitely have to suspend reality. In the real world, if there was a doughnut shop with so many murders occurring in close proximity to the owner, the FBI would be camped outside trying to form a case against the baker-assassin. As it is, with reality comfortably suspended, this is a cute, light cozy series with a bit of chocolate and powdered sugar on top. Just read and enjoy -- no calories.
The cover for this one sports a nice drawing of a green doughnut. I really like the covers that have photos of actual pastries though. Not sure why some are doughnut pictures and others are just drawings. I like the doughnut theme....so many interesting flavors are mentioned in this series. I have decided as my next Friday splurge (I allow myself to have a treat every other Friday), I am going to have a doughnut. All this reading about pastries...I have to have one! :) I will order one doughnut and a large coffee and toast Susan Gillard while I enjoy some sweetness. I am sure Daylight Donuts will not be half as good as a creation from Donut Delights though!
There are 60 novellas in the Donut Hole series, with a spin-off series, Oceanside Cozy Mysteries. I'm going to read them all! Why not? Short, entertaining books....doughnuts with just a sprinkle of murder. It's an enjoyable combination.
I find the Geoff Lawless character to be a mix of sad and hilarious. The mental picture of him chasing Heather through the park to ask for help because someone choked to death on one of his concrete-hard fudge balls just about did me in. The poor man is definitely Heather's nemesis. He has been trying for several books to run a doughnut shop of his own....without much success. If his shop and kitchen look as bad as described in the book I am surprised anyone would eat there or that the health department hasn't shut him down. Eww.
Green Velvet Murder is the 16th book in the Donut Hole series. The short mysteries are light cozies....no cussing, no spurting blood, no graphic-ness of any kind.....a nice doughnut shop theme, and a cast of relatively well-developed characters. I like the addition of the little girl, Lilly. She's been in the last several books and is a nice addition to the usual crew. I wonder if down the road Heather and her husband, Ryan, might try adopting her?
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit light on the mystery this go-around, but still an enjoyable story. As with most cozy series, I definitely have to suspend reality. In the real world, if there was a doughnut shop with so many murders occurring in close proximity to the owner, the FBI would be camped outside trying to form a case against the baker-assassin. As it is, with reality comfortably suspended, this is a cute, light cozy series with a bit of chocolate and powdered sugar on top. Just read and enjoy -- no calories.
The cover for this one sports a nice drawing of a green doughnut. I really like the covers that have photos of actual pastries though. Not sure why some are doughnut pictures and others are just drawings. I like the doughnut theme....so many interesting flavors are mentioned in this series. I have decided as my next Friday splurge (I allow myself to have a treat every other Friday), I am going to have a doughnut. All this reading about pastries...I have to have one! :) I will order one doughnut and a large coffee and toast Susan Gillard while I enjoy some sweetness. I am sure Daylight Donuts will not be half as good as a creation from Donut Delights though!
There are 60 novellas in the Donut Hole series, with a spin-off series, Oceanside Cozy Mysteries. I'm going to read them all! Why not? Short, entertaining books....doughnuts with just a sprinkle of murder. It's an enjoyable combination.
August 22, 2016
Green Velvet Murder is the 16th book in Susan Gillard’s Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series and is a fun, easy read. In this installment, Kent’s two aunts and a cousin (who he isn’t close to) have followed him to Hillside and one of his aunt’s doesn’t like Amy. After a small confrontation with Amy, the aunts storm out of Donut Delights and end up at Geoff Lawless’ donut shop. Geoff calls Heather in a panic, one of the aunts is found murdered in her hotel room and he’s worried he’ll be a suspect. Even though they are rivals, he asks Heather for her help clearing his name. Kindhearted Heather puts their past behind her, and with Amy’s help, searches for the truth.
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.
January 5, 2017
Heather Shepherd’s donut rival Geoff request that
Heather clear his name in the murder of Bernie Belushi.
Bernie was murdered and found with one of Geoff’s fudge
balls in her throat.
Meanwhile another suspect who is Amy’s boyfriend Aunt
will also need Heather’s help to clear her.
Amidst the investigation, Heather is featuring a new donut,
the Green Velvet. She is also considering a new business
venture.
Fast paced, well-defined quirky characters, quick read that
is enjoyable. Dave the dog adds to the fun.
This is book #16 in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is
my own
Heather clear his name in the murder of Bernie Belushi.
Bernie was murdered and found with one of Geoff’s fudge
balls in her throat.
Meanwhile another suspect who is Amy’s boyfriend Aunt
will also need Heather’s help to clear her.
Amidst the investigation, Heather is featuring a new donut,
the Green Velvet. She is also considering a new business
venture.
Fast paced, well-defined quirky characters, quick read that
is enjoyable. Dave the dog adds to the fun.
This is book #16 in A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is
my own
June 6, 2017
Kent who showed up out of no where, finally has a family. I know that he's always had a back story but this gives him a family, and like everyone in these books, his family be crazy. I enjoyed the story however, Kent's aunt is actually the meanest person is around. Amy, who mind you is a little weird, doesn't deserve the attitude given to her. Also, why is Geoff still around, even though he was nearly framed for murder... again... he's a really annoying character that I could use without. I am very happy with how the relationship between Amy and Heather is deepening and the lovely relationship she has with Ryan.
This was a good continuation to the series.
This was a good continuation to the series.
February 11, 2018
Another entertaining read from this series. For those who enjoy cozy mysteries. Highly recommended.
August 23, 2016
When yet another murder happens in Hillside, Texas, Heather Shepherd’s best friend Amy asks, “Is it just me, or does everyone in this town dies?” It does kind of seem that there are quite a few murders but Heather will soon become a Private Investigator and has a lot of practice solving crime. And she solves them very nicely.
Sisters Karly and Bernadette (Bernie) Belushi just moved to Hillside from Dallas to be near their nephew, Kent Bentley, who also happens to be Amy’s main squeeze. While Bernie is a nice woman Karly can be difficult at times, and difficult is an understatement. She and Amy don’t get along not that Karly really gets along with anyone.
After the sisters had an argument at Heather’s competitor Geoff Lawless’s Delightful Donuts, Bernie is found dead choked to death by one of Geoff’s fudge balls. Not a pleasant way to die.
Geoff thinks that the police will think he murdered the woman and has come to Heather begging for her help. Heather doesn’t like Geoff because he’s always trying to steal her donut recipes from her donut shop Donut Delights but she’s willing to try to help him and investigate Bernie’s death. But she, her husband, Police Detective Ryan Shepherd, and everyone else in Hillside knows that Heather would investigate even if Geoff didn’t ask her to.
Before she knows it, Heather’s suspect list is getting long and it includes Bernie’s sister, Karly, and Bernie’s son, Tiny Tim. Will there ever be a time when Heather’s only problem will be what kind of donuts to create? Probably not and it’s a good thing that she loves investigating murders almost as much and likes making donuts.
“Green Velvet Murder” by Susan Gillard is the 16th book is this very cute series. I have a friend who is addicted to all the books, and maybe I am too. Hillside, Texas is a friendly little community, if you don’t count all the murders. The residents know each other and they show up in all the books to say howdy to all the fans that read about them.
The plot lines are cute even though some will say that they’re repetitive but it’s a cozy series, someone is going to be murdered and someone is going to investigate. I have no problem with that. Isn’t that a definition of a mystery?
The Donut Hole Mystery series, all 16 of them, are easy to read and can be finished in a day or so. Very nice if you want something fun and easy to get involved in. I’m not even going to mention how all the donut talk in the books will get you yearning for a dozen donuts and not share them with anyone.
I’m proud to say I’ve read all 16 of Ms. Gillard’s books and will continue reading them. Sometimes a little cozy is just what the doctor ordered and munching a donut while reading it can’t be all that bad either.
Sisters Karly and Bernadette (Bernie) Belushi just moved to Hillside from Dallas to be near their nephew, Kent Bentley, who also happens to be Amy’s main squeeze. While Bernie is a nice woman Karly can be difficult at times, and difficult is an understatement. She and Amy don’t get along not that Karly really gets along with anyone.
After the sisters had an argument at Heather’s competitor Geoff Lawless’s Delightful Donuts, Bernie is found dead choked to death by one of Geoff’s fudge balls. Not a pleasant way to die.
Geoff thinks that the police will think he murdered the woman and has come to Heather begging for her help. Heather doesn’t like Geoff because he’s always trying to steal her donut recipes from her donut shop Donut Delights but she’s willing to try to help him and investigate Bernie’s death. But she, her husband, Police Detective Ryan Shepherd, and everyone else in Hillside knows that Heather would investigate even if Geoff didn’t ask her to.
Before she knows it, Heather’s suspect list is getting long and it includes Bernie’s sister, Karly, and Bernie’s son, Tiny Tim. Will there ever be a time when Heather’s only problem will be what kind of donuts to create? Probably not and it’s a good thing that she loves investigating murders almost as much and likes making donuts.
“Green Velvet Murder” by Susan Gillard is the 16th book is this very cute series. I have a friend who is addicted to all the books, and maybe I am too. Hillside, Texas is a friendly little community, if you don’t count all the murders. The residents know each other and they show up in all the books to say howdy to all the fans that read about them.
The plot lines are cute even though some will say that they’re repetitive but it’s a cozy series, someone is going to be murdered and someone is going to investigate. I have no problem with that. Isn’t that a definition of a mystery?
The Donut Hole Mystery series, all 16 of them, are easy to read and can be finished in a day or so. Very nice if you want something fun and easy to get involved in. I’m not even going to mention how all the donut talk in the books will get you yearning for a dozen donuts and not share them with anyone.
I’m proud to say I’ve read all 16 of Ms. Gillard’s books and will continue reading them. Sometimes a little cozy is just what the doctor ordered and munching a donut while reading it can’t be all that bad either.
September 17, 2016
The more and more I read this serious I'm finding it to be unrealistic. She doesn't have her license yet her husband is willing to jeopardize his job to have her keep investigating these murders. I mean I understand that it's just fiction but it just seems like they're letting anything and everything happened in the series. I also just remembered something when this first started Ryan Shepperd was a widower who lost his wife and his son in a car accident. He also had a cat that belong to his wife I'm guessing and for some reason this story is less focus on donuts in The Donut Shop and More on the mystery that Heather solving along with her friend Amy and Dave the dog or whatever happened to his cat. Also in a couple of books that they were mentioning how Ryan still had his previous house but it wasn't mentioned if that house was sold yet. I'm just getting confused because the little details from the earlier book still stick with me and they have never been brought up again into this book. Also I don't think it's realistic for a foster family to continue to let Lily hang out with a grown woman just because of the dog it'll be easier for them to adjust. A lot of this just seems far out there and I'll continue to read the series hoping that the author reads these reviews and take it into consideration but everything is just starting to seem more like Fairy Tail and not a good mystery.
August 26, 2016
Heather is just weeks away from taking her final exam to become an investigator when Geoff Lawless comes to her to clear his name. Kent's aunt Bernie Belushi is found dead with one of his hard fudge balls in her throat. And, Bernie is diabetic to boot.
Besides Geoff, the merry list of suspects include Bernie's nasty sister, and Bernie's ne'er-do-well son. Hillside is also experiencing robberies to boot. And why is Heather being followed by a car that resembles Davidson's car?
With the help of her hunky husband Ryan, her BFF Amy, Lily and of course Dave the Dog, Heather finds justice for the sweet Bernie.
I like this installment because Heather is learning to be an investigator and she is learning to leave the dangerous work to the professionals. She doesn't think she's smarter than her boyfriend, but assists in his investigations. Geoff and Dave add in comic relief. We can picture big ol' Geoff running from Heather every chance he gets. While the list of suspects is small and easily figured out, the story pulls you in with some twists and turns.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Besides Geoff, the merry list of suspects include Bernie's nasty sister, and Bernie's ne'er-do-well son. Hillside is also experiencing robberies to boot. And why is Heather being followed by a car that resembles Davidson's car?
With the help of her hunky husband Ryan, her BFF Amy, Lily and of course Dave the Dog, Heather finds justice for the sweet Bernie.
I like this installment because Heather is learning to be an investigator and she is learning to leave the dangerous work to the professionals. She doesn't think she's smarter than her boyfriend, but assists in his investigations. Geoff and Dave add in comic relief. We can picture big ol' Geoff running from Heather every chance he gets. While the list of suspects is small and easily figured out, the story pulls you in with some twists and turns.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2016
Very Different but Very Good!!!
I've read each book in this series and they have evolved from good to excellent. Ms. Gillard went from books about a donut shop to books about murder with a backdrop of a donut shop. In this latest book Heather is asked by her competitor to find the murderer before he is accused off a murder he didn't commit. Ryan investigates from the police side while Heather checks things out from the private sector, (with Ryan's blessing since she's close to getting her PI license and he needs her help. Case solved and without any damage to Heather!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I've read each book in this series and they have evolved from good to excellent. Ms. Gillard went from books about a donut shop to books about murder with a backdrop of a donut shop. In this latest book Heather is asked by her competitor to find the murderer before he is accused off a murder he didn't commit. Ryan investigates from the police side while Heather checks things out from the private sector, (with Ryan's blessing since she's close to getting her PI license and he needs her help. Case solved and without any damage to Heather!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
Read
August 24, 2016With two weeks to go before she gets her investigator's license, Heather's competitor, Geoff Lawless, begs her to investigate the latest murder in Hillside. The good thing? This one doesn't have her or anyone near and dear to her heart on the suspect list. The bad thing? The victim didn't seem to have any enemies and there's very little evidence to go on. With her bestie, Amy, and her canine companion, Dave, at her side, they set off to find the killer. I love the characters in this series as well as their friendships and loyalty to one another. I do have one suggestion for Susan Gillard, though. Keep these books coming!!!
August 25, 2016
Green Velvet Murder is the 16th book in Susan Gillard’s Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series. This is an enjoyable book! This time, we find that Kent's two aunts and a cousin have come to Hillside. Unfortunately, one of the aunt's does not like Amy. There is an incident and the aunts leave Donut Delights in a huff and go to Geoff Lawless’ donut shop. But, Geoff calls Heather in a panic, as one of the aunts has been murdered! Heather and Amy search for the murderer.
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
September 14, 2016
Heather and Ryan are working on another murder. Heather is still taking classes to become a PI and then she can work a murder with Ryan instead of looking for answers on her own. They work together to solve the case and with the help of their friends they do. They are also taking step to make the donut shop bigger so they can do more donuts and fill big orders and still feed the local donut loves. Great story
November 1, 2016
My First Donut Hole
This was the first Donut Hole Cozy Mystery that I've read. It was cute.....and cozy. A quick murder mystery that was not graphic, but actually funny! The characters were likable and quirky. It's a book that can be read late at night without keeping you awake because of graphic violence.
I recommend it if you're in the mood for a quick, funny mystery. I'll be reading more Donut Hole Mysteries.
This was the first Donut Hole Cozy Mystery that I've read. It was cute.....and cozy. A quick murder mystery that was not graphic, but actually funny! The characters were likable and quirky. It's a book that can be read late at night without keeping you awake because of graphic violence.
I recommend it if you're in the mood for a quick, funny mystery. I'll be reading more Donut Hole Mysteries.
August 19, 2016
Love this series.
Another winner from Susan Gillard. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book. Heather and Amy are at it again when rival donut maker thinks he will be accused of murder. Investigating comes as natural as donut making for Heather so she is determined to find the killer. Can't wait for the next book.
Another winner from Susan Gillard. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book. Heather and Amy are at it again when rival donut maker thinks he will be accused of murder. Investigating comes as natural as donut making for Heather so she is determined to find the killer. Can't wait for the next book.
August 23, 2016
Surprise, surprise! Heathers rival Geoff Lawless asks for her help to clear his name when one of Kent's aunts is murdered.
Heather and Amy have a great friendship as well as a fun team investigating. Ryan, well what's not to love and Dave....who doesn't love a donut eating dog.
A fun laugh out loud series with each book a delightful read.
Heather and Amy have a great friendship as well as a fun team investigating. Ryan, well what's not to love and Dave....who doesn't love a donut eating dog.
A fun laugh out loud series with each book a delightful read.
August 21, 2016
Heather is caught off guard when rival donut maker, Geoff, asks her to clear his name in the most recent murder in their quaint town. Amy, her bestie and fellow sleuth, personally knows the current victim and is more than willing to aid in determining who the culprit is. Another great read in this series.
August 22, 2016
A series worthy of an award!!
Heather Shepard does it again, helping her ruggedly handsome detective husband Ryan solve yet another murder. The dazzling duo are the best at what they do. Donut maker, investigator extraordinaire. Join Heather and Ryan as they find clues and solve the mystery.
Heather Shepard does it again, helping her ruggedly handsome detective husband Ryan solve yet another murder. The dazzling duo are the best at what they do. Donut maker, investigator extraordinaire. Join Heather and Ryan as they find clues and solve the mystery.
August 24, 2016
Susan Gillard has written another delightfully charming cozy mystery with the main characters returning and Heather Shepherd putting her sleuthing genes to work to discover the culprit in the latest Donut Hole Cozy Mystery. It's always fun to virtually visit with Heather, Ryan, Amy, Dave, and the other regulars in this great series.
August 20, 2016
More donuts and mystery!!! This series is right up on the top of my "Favourite Authors/Series" list. Heather, Ryan, Amy and the rest of the totally wonderful characters always keep me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!!!
August 30, 2016
Dead Auntie
Heather Shepherd in another of her escapades, of solving another murder. This time it's the aunt of Amy's boyfriend, Kent, who is killed. Bernie Belushi's body is found in a rival bake shop. Heather and Amy are on the case.
Heather Shepherd in another of her escapades, of solving another murder. This time it's the aunt of Amy's boyfriend, Kent, who is killed. Bernie Belushi's body is found in a rival bake shop. Heather and Amy are on the case.
August 22, 2016
Donuts
It was great. Loved that Heather is growing. Can't wait to read more. And hear about the new store. Murders
It was great. Loved that Heather is growing. Can't wait to read more. And hear about the new store. Murders
September 3, 2016
Ok story
There was too many expressions that did not seem to be appropriate to the story. Too much gabbling that to investigating.
There was too many expressions that did not seem to be appropriate to the story. Too much gabbling that to investigating.
April 25, 2017
Wow this criminal is really creepy. Loved the story - and the donut
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews