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Kelly Clark Mystery #3
Take the Donut
Like donuts, revenge is sweet. But is getting revenge worth the sweet thrill that comes with it?
There’s been a jailbreak at Kelly Clark’s ex-husband’s prison. Kelly’s first impulse is to run from Steve, but once again she is drawn into solving the mystery of what made her ex-husband derail in the first place. With a new piece to the puzzle, Kelly is tempted to use it to finally get her revenge.
When Kelly suspects one of her close family members may have been involved in Steve’s fraudulent money schemes, she begins to doubt everyone around her.
The third book in the Kelly Clark Mystery Series, Take the Donut, features an interesting heroine who is determined to make a new start. Take the Donut is a cozy mystery that centers on temptation, family drama, greed, and sweet revenge.
There’s been a jailbreak at Kelly Clark’s ex-husband’s prison. Kelly’s first impulse is to run from Steve, but once again she is drawn into solving the mystery of what made her ex-husband derail in the first place. With a new piece to the puzzle, Kelly is tempted to use it to finally get her revenge.
When Kelly suspects one of her close family members may have been involved in Steve’s fraudulent money schemes, she begins to doubt everyone around her.
The third book in the Kelly Clark Mystery Series, Take the Donut, features an interesting heroine who is determined to make a new start. Take the Donut is a cozy mystery that centers on temptation, family drama, greed, and sweet revenge.
371 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
16 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Annie Hansen
11 books107 followersAnnie Hansen is a partner with Hansen Search Group, a staffing firm she co-founded with her husband and business partner, Brent Hansen, in 2001. She was named the winner of the Helen McCloy Mystery Writers of America Scholarship in 2011 for her submission of “Give Me Chocolate.” Annie was also a finalist in the 2017 Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project. Annie is the author of The Kelly Clark Mystery Series and can be reached through her website: www.kellyclarkmystery.com. She lives with her family in the western suburbs of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 4, 2017
This third novel in this series has you following the family through hardships, health issues, business decisions, and learning about relationships, familial and social.
Kelly Clark, author and sister of two sisters, has been down in Florida with her live-in boyfriend, Jack, when the world stops and the press reports that Kelly's ex-husband, Steve has broken out of prison. Kelly is traumatized. Although it is a misidentification, and not her ex, it has stirred up all the innuendo and gossip that the papers and society thrives upon. Deciding whether or not to return to Geneva, Illinois or stay in Florida, even more events occur to make Kelly scared and uncertain.
This was an interesting psychological look at an abused wife and the persons around the victim. Sometimes large webs are cast about the extended family and friends.
The bad persons will shock you. Yes, there is a murder, but it plays a small part in a much larger and evil plan. Good book.
Kelly Clark, author and sister of two sisters, has been down in Florida with her live-in boyfriend, Jack, when the world stops and the press reports that Kelly's ex-husband, Steve has broken out of prison. Kelly is traumatized. Although it is a misidentification, and not her ex, it has stirred up all the innuendo and gossip that the papers and society thrives upon. Deciding whether or not to return to Geneva, Illinois or stay in Florida, even more events occur to make Kelly scared and uncertain.
This was an interesting psychological look at an abused wife and the persons around the victim. Sometimes large webs are cast about the extended family and friends.
The bad persons will shock you. Yes, there is a murder, but it plays a small part in a much larger and evil plan. Good book.
June 13, 2025
3rd book in a good series.
April 19, 2017
I read this because it was one of the finalists in the 2017 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project. I read a lot of cozy mysteries. This one was only okay. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but that may be because it's the third in the series.
I found much of the plot a bit fanciful, like a scene in a library in which Kelly imagines the ghost of the previous owner of the library talking to her. The protagonist jumps very quickly to a lot of conclusions and sometimes falls into the "too stupid to live" category (like opening the door in the middle of the night when she is alone at a store). I also found a mystery writer writing about a main character who is a mystery writer a bit meta. The writing is inconsistent. There were head-scratching sentences like this: "'And over here we have our local author section,' Jennie said proudly, pulling me into the front sitting room that was decked out with shelving units like the ones found in libraries." Um, they are in a library? Why is that noteworthy?
One of my least favorite resolutions to mysteries, because it is so overdone and unoriginal, is (big spoiler)
I found much of the plot a bit fanciful, like a scene in a library in which Kelly imagines the ghost of the previous owner of the library talking to her. The protagonist jumps very quickly to a lot of conclusions and sometimes falls into the "too stupid to live" category (like opening the door in the middle of the night when she is alone at a store). I also found a mystery writer writing about a main character who is a mystery writer a bit meta. The writing is inconsistent. There were head-scratching sentences like this: "'And over here we have our local author section,' Jennie said proudly, pulling me into the front sitting room that was decked out with shelving units like the ones found in libraries." Um, they are in a library? Why is that noteworthy?
One of my least favorite resolutions to mysteries, because it is so overdone and unoriginal, is (big spoiler)
July 3, 2021
Life has finally settled down for Kelly , but then her dad has heart surgery and she goes to Miami to be with her parents. While spending time as her dad recuperates, a shocking newscast about a prisoner breaking out of jail brings her world crashing down. What follows is the third exciting adventure of Kelly Clark and her family.
I was originally drawn to this series because it was set in a town a few miles north of where I grew up. I had fond memories of the specialty shops and trips made with my mother on special occasions. There was a confectioner shop as memory serves, and I began reading this series as a mystery lover and because of the setting. But before long I was hooked! This series has it all...family loyalty and drama, romance, murder, and heart pounding suspense surrounding a mystery.
This third book in the series, although resolved for the time being, leaves the reader wanting more and hoping for some final resolutions. It is a captivating book and I could hardly put it down!
Just be sure to read the books in order, because even though things are explained, it is much more satisfying to know all the details! Definitely a series that gets better with each book.
I was originally drawn to this series because it was set in a town a few miles north of where I grew up. I had fond memories of the specialty shops and trips made with my mother on special occasions. There was a confectioner shop as memory serves, and I began reading this series as a mystery lover and because of the setting. But before long I was hooked! This series has it all...family loyalty and drama, romance, murder, and heart pounding suspense surrounding a mystery.
This third book in the series, although resolved for the time being, leaves the reader wanting more and hoping for some final resolutions. It is a captivating book and I could hardly put it down!
Just be sure to read the books in order, because even though things are explained, it is much more satisfying to know all the details! Definitely a series that gets better with each book.
October 24, 2023
This one opens up with a bang - a jail break at the prison where Kelly's ex-husband is incarcerated. I enjoy this series, and the storylines in this book are good, filling in backstories, but leaving just enough to tantalize rather than exasperate, providing plenty of current drama, and opening doors for more adventures to come. There is plenty of action and no shortage of potential culprits. The culprit actually surprised me.
If only that was the whole story. It is the "rest of the story" that had me considering a DNF. Oh, my goodness, I thought this family worked through their resentments in earlier books. Apparently not since there are way too many hysterics, recriminations, and Scarlett O'Hara moments; and the irrationality and poor decision making are not limited to Kelly's sister and mother. Kelly does more than enough all by herself. They overwhelm the actual plot. (Thank goodness for Jack and Nikki.) Hopefully, this is really all behind them, and the next book will get the characters back on track, allowing the reader to enjoy them and the story. To that end, I look forward to the next book.
If only that was the whole story. It is the "rest of the story" that had me considering a DNF. Oh, my goodness, I thought this family worked through their resentments in earlier books. Apparently not since there are way too many hysterics, recriminations, and Scarlett O'Hara moments; and the irrationality and poor decision making are not limited to Kelly's sister and mother. Kelly does more than enough all by herself. They overwhelm the actual plot. (Thank goodness for Jack and Nikki.) Hopefully, this is really all behind them, and the next book will get the characters back on track, allowing the reader to enjoy them and the story. To that end, I look forward to the next book.
December 14, 2016
Take the Donut was a fun book to read but definitely different from the typical cozy. This is the third book in a series about Kelly Clark, her boyfriend Jack, and her family which includes sisters Nikki and Adelle who live in Geneva, Illinois. Although standalone, it had many references to Kelly’s earlier difficult situations and it ends with a clear message that there will be a fourth book in the series. The first two thirds of the book are more about character and family relationship development than a mystery. Then suddenly in the last third a lot of action occurs.
I found this book to be a quick, fun read. I am looking forward to reading the first two books in the series.
I volunteered to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
October 23, 2023
I do think you need to read/listen to this series in order as it gives a chance for you to really get into the backstories of the characters. This carries on from the previous ones, and boy the twist at the end was brilliant - just loved it.
The relationship with the sisters continues to develop but this time the mum and dad take a more centre stage as well. As always Kelly is covered in self doubt and puts herself down but she seems to be getting stronger with each book.
The narration really works well and there is a lot of differentiation between the characters.
I like the way the phrase take the donut was used throughout the story, I never heard it before but it makes sense.
The relationship with the sisters continues to develop but this time the mum and dad take a more centre stage as well. As always Kelly is covered in self doubt and puts herself down but she seems to be getting stronger with each book.
The narration really works well and there is a lot of differentiation between the characters.
I like the way the phrase take the donut was used throughout the story, I never heard it before but it makes sense.
November 20, 2023
The author continues to grow and improve her writing with the third book in this series, which I’m happy to see. I usually am able to guess the identity of the murderer in the books I read, and this one really blew my mind. I may have missed it, but I was not able to find the connection between the caped condo killer and the mother in law. The shoulder movement to me was a mystery. I have to say, the “hussy shaming” is a bit tired, and really turned me off, as did the trope of prettier, younger women gaining power. I thought we were past the judgement based on appearances, but guess not. I also didn’t understand the need for everyone to blame the MC for their life problems, but 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of Amanda Fichter, who brings out the characters and plot.
After Kelly's father had heart surgery and she goes to Miami to be with her parents. While there, she hears about a a prisoner breaking out of jail brings. It is her ex Sean, making her world come crashing down. Kelly is drawn into solving the mystery of her ex-husband's fraudulent money schemes, making her to doubt everyone around her.
This book has family loyalty and drama, romance, murder, and suspense .
After Kelly's father had heart surgery and she goes to Miami to be with her parents. While there, she hears about a a prisoner breaking out of jail brings. It is her ex Sean, making her world come crashing down. Kelly is drawn into solving the mystery of her ex-husband's fraudulent money schemes, making her to doubt everyone around her.
This book has family loyalty and drama, romance, murder, and suspense .
November 8, 2023
This is a great series. This is a great story that keeps you engrossed from the prison break at the start to the great twist at the end. Great characters although I do find Kelly's pessimistic nature a little frustrating but this is a minor quibble. I really like Annie Hansen's books and this is the best so far. Reading from the start of the series is recommended. Amanda Fichter gives a super performance. i received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author and am leaving a honest voluntary review
November 19, 2023
Suspenseful Continuation of this series! Audiobook Review 🎧
I loved this 3rd book in the Kelly Clark Mystery series better than the last book! Every time something happened in this book there was another twist in the story and you weren’t sure what would happen next. I love Kelly’s sisters and parents and her boyfriend Jack. This is a great story and series that I highly recommend listening to. Amanda Fichter did a great job on the narration that made the story very enjoyable to listen to. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I loved this 3rd book in the Kelly Clark Mystery series better than the last book! Every time something happened in this book there was another twist in the story and you weren’t sure what would happen next. I love Kelly’s sisters and parents and her boyfriend Jack. This is a great story and series that I highly recommend listening to. Amanda Fichter did a great job on the narration that made the story very enjoyable to listen to. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 13, 2023
Fun Cozy Mystery
This was a very interesting story and I recommend it. Kelly Clark is visiting her parents in Miami. Her Dad is recovering from surgery and her Mom needs help. While there she hears a prisoner has escaped from the prison her Ex is at. Worried it has something to do with her Ex husband she stays in Miami for now. The excitement in this story kept me reading what a great book.
This was a very interesting story and I recommend it. Kelly Clark is visiting her parents in Miami. Her Dad is recovering from surgery and her Mom needs help. While there she hears a prisoner has escaped from the prison her Ex is at. Worried it has something to do with her Ex husband she stays in Miami for now. The excitement in this story kept me reading what a great book.
October 26, 2023
Take the Donut
A Kelly Clark Mystery, Book 3
By: Annie Hansen
Narrated by: Amanda Fichter
5 STARS
Kelly Clark is in Florida because her father has surgery. A phone call about a prison escape from where her ex is incarcerated. Is her past trying to catch up with her?
Mysterious threatening notes, frightening events, who is after Kelly and her family/ This kept me listening to the end, holding my breath to find out what was going to happen.
I’ll start the 4th book SOON!
The narration was well done, Amanda Fichter gave great energy to all the characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have
voluntarily left this review.
A Kelly Clark Mystery, Book 3
By: Annie Hansen
Narrated by: Amanda Fichter
5 STARS
Kelly Clark is in Florida because her father has surgery. A phone call about a prison escape from where her ex is incarcerated. Is her past trying to catch up with her?
Mysterious threatening notes, frightening events, who is after Kelly and her family/ This kept me listening to the end, holding my breath to find out what was going to happen.
I’ll start the 4th book SOON!
The narration was well done, Amanda Fichter gave great energy to all the characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have
voluntarily left this review.
May 9, 2020
Another great Kelly Clark mystery! This plot is definitely more involved then the previous two books in the series. It adds some complexity to the characters that make them more real. I love that we also see a new setting for some of the book too. This gives Kelly and her family a whole new set of mystery and adventure. It did seem like the twist came right at the very end though and was wrapped up very quickly.
July 21, 2017
90% Cozy, 10% Mystery.
Way too much cheesy, melodramatic family drama.
Way too much cheesy, melodramatic family drama.
November 16, 2023
Kelly continues to be tormented by her ex-husband by finding her brother-in-law, Mike borrowed money from her ex. Adele opens a pastry business with Nikki's help. Kelly has to solve another mystery. Amanda Fichter does a great job with the narration.
December 16, 2016
Annie Hansen’s “Take the Donut” is the third book in her Kelly Clark Mystery series. This is the first book I have read by Annie Hansen and have to admit that I was a little lost at first. It took a while to get to the back story and understand why Kelly was so afraid of her ex, Steve. With the multiple threats and attempts to get back at Kelly, it is easy to see why she would be afraid of him. However, the story takes a nice little twist at the end when the real culprit is uncovered. With the help of her family and love of her life Jack, Kelly is able to move on past Steve and “Take the Donut” to move on with her life.
A sweet small town mystery that is humorous and full of adventure, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. Hansen has spun a tale that is perfect for a good read on a cold day. I will have to go back and read the first two books in the series so that I can get a better feel for the characters, but I already have an impression of each that will remain with me. Kelly and Jack are great together and I can’t wait to see what their future unfolds. Thank you Annie Hansen for letting me read this in advance. It was a great introduction to your work!
A sweet small town mystery that is humorous and full of adventure, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. Hansen has spun a tale that is perfect for a good read on a cold day. I will have to go back and read the first two books in the series so that I can get a better feel for the characters, but I already have an impression of each that will remain with me. Kelly and Jack are great together and I can’t wait to see what their future unfolds. Thank you Annie Hansen for letting me read this in advance. It was a great introduction to your work!
December 17, 2016
This was a wonderful and quick read. It didn't feel like a typical cozy but I really liked it. This is my first Annie Hansen book, but it won't be my last. I am going to find the first two books in the series and read them as soon as I can. I think I might pre-order the 4th when it's available.
I loved reading about the relationship Kelly had with her family and her boyfriend Jack. There are quite a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of the book, but they are well written and easy to distinguish. We had a few winter storms gang up on us, so the kids were home and I could only read in spurts, but it was easy to keep track of the goings on in Kelly's world. I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery with some twists and turns.
I was lucky enough to win a paperback copy in a contest, and voluntarily felt the need to leave a review.
I loved reading about the relationship Kelly had with her family and her boyfriend Jack. There are quite a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of the book, but they are well written and easy to distinguish. We had a few winter storms gang up on us, so the kids were home and I could only read in spurts, but it was easy to keep track of the goings on in Kelly's world. I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery with some twists and turns.
I was lucky enough to win a paperback copy in a contest, and voluntarily felt the need to leave a review.
December 10, 2017
Not bad, though I was a bit apathetic about it. I'm not sure if that is a reflection of the book or just the effect of it being number three in a series that I've not read book one and two. All in all, I found the writing perfectly readable. Though the author does use names in dialogue too frequently to feel natural. The characters are distinct and mostly likable (though Kelly definitely has her TSTL moments). And the mystery isn't super obvious. I'd read another Hansen book and that is generally my mark of being good enough.
March 26, 2017
NOOOOOO !!!! I cannot tell you how upset I am after reading Take the Donut. Annie Hansen is explosive with her Kelly Clark Mystery series and Book three, Take the Donut, blew me away ! ! When I say upset, I say it in the BEST way possible !!!
One cannot help but fall in love with Kelly, Nikki, Adelle, Jack and the rest of the Clark family. This family shows you what a family is all about. Even though they may disagree and fight, they are ALWAYS there for each other...no matter what.
In Take the Donut Kelly is visiting her parents in Florida when she hears news of as a prison break and the prison is the one that her ex-husband is in. Luckily they learn early that Steve, Kelly's ex, is still in custody. Even though her ex is still behind bars, the news people are all over the case and Kelly cannot help but wonder if the escaped prisoner was somehow sent to kill her.
While her father is recovering from heart surgery and her sisters are preparing for the upcoming parade and the launch of Adelle's Donut food truck business, Kelly is trying to put her failed marriage behind her, once and for all. But when she gets lured away from a family member, it puts her right back in the middle of things.
Will Kelly ever be free of Steve and the drama surrounding their divorce ? Will Kelly always worry that something is going to happen ? When everything falls apart during the holiday parade, will Kelly and her family stick together as one or will things pull them apart ?
As with the other books in the Kelly Clark Mystery series, you will be on the edge of your seat reading as fast as you possibly can.....and when you finish reading you will be utterly shocked !! I don't know how Annie does it but she leaves you wanting more....and more....and more !!!
Annie Hansen is an author to watch and her Kelly Clark Mystery series is a MUST read. If you haven't already I only have one question.....What are you waiting for ???
One cannot help but fall in love with Kelly, Nikki, Adelle, Jack and the rest of the Clark family. This family shows you what a family is all about. Even though they may disagree and fight, they are ALWAYS there for each other...no matter what.
In Take the Donut Kelly is visiting her parents in Florida when she hears news of as a prison break and the prison is the one that her ex-husband is in. Luckily they learn early that Steve, Kelly's ex, is still in custody. Even though her ex is still behind bars, the news people are all over the case and Kelly cannot help but wonder if the escaped prisoner was somehow sent to kill her.
While her father is recovering from heart surgery and her sisters are preparing for the upcoming parade and the launch of Adelle's Donut food truck business, Kelly is trying to put her failed marriage behind her, once and for all. But when she gets lured away from a family member, it puts her right back in the middle of things.
Will Kelly ever be free of Steve and the drama surrounding their divorce ? Will Kelly always worry that something is going to happen ? When everything falls apart during the holiday parade, will Kelly and her family stick together as one or will things pull them apart ?
As with the other books in the Kelly Clark Mystery series, you will be on the edge of your seat reading as fast as you possibly can.....and when you finish reading you will be utterly shocked !! I don't know how Annie does it but she leaves you wanting more....and more....and more !!!
Annie Hansen is an author to watch and her Kelly Clark Mystery series is a MUST read. If you haven't already I only have one question.....What are you waiting for ???
May 1, 2017
"Take the Donut" is the third installment in the Kelly Clark Mystery series. I received my copy through a Goodreads Giveaway."Take the Donut" could be a stand alone book with one caveat.
I enjoyed meeting the Clark family living in Geneva, IL and Miami, FL. As in all families the interaction of members can be tenuous especially if you mix in an ex-husband in prison, a murdered security guard, threatening notes, and adult sisters trying to getting along. This cozy mystery was very, very good. I plan to read Kelly Clarks adventures in book one & two of this series.
The caveat: a featured character Nikki (Kelly's sister) is found throughout the book; but her husband, Bob, is briefly mentioned near the end in one sentence. I have no idea where Bob was and why he didn't appear in the book or why he wasn't in Geneva along side his pregnant wife.
I enjoyed meeting the Clark family living in Geneva, IL and Miami, FL. As in all families the interaction of members can be tenuous especially if you mix in an ex-husband in prison, a murdered security guard, threatening notes, and adult sisters trying to getting along. This cozy mystery was very, very good. I plan to read Kelly Clarks adventures in book one & two of this series.
The caveat: a featured character Nikki (Kelly's sister) is found throughout the book; but her husband, Bob, is briefly mentioned near the end in one sentence. I have no idea where Bob was and why he didn't appear in the book or why he wasn't in Geneva along side his pregnant wife.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews