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Bakery Detectives #7
Catering and Kidnapping
When Rachael gets involved in a high-stakes game of who-dunnit, more than one life depends on her finding the kidnapper before it’s too late. A fast paced cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster Rachael is taking on catering jobs and anything else she can think of to pay the bills at the bakery. When a wealthy man seeks her help to find his kidnapped daughter, she is forced to take on a case she is ill-prepared to solve. When Rachael and Pippa keep running into dead ends, they realize they are in over their heads. Can they sort through the clues and save the kidnapped girl—and themselves—in time? Catering and Kidnapping is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re gonna love Catering and Kidnapping. Buy Catering and Kidnapping and start solving your next mystery today!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2016
151 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books127 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 28, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, the Craft Circle Mystery books were a bit better than the Bakery Detective ones, but that's not saying much. Would be nice if there were actually some crafts going on more than just a mention here and there, and oh yeah real plot with real believable characters.
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
November 22, 2017
Ok, I remembered why this book series wasn't one of my favourites. Racheal is a little too gung-ho and didn't seem to do a lot of research on the case that she took. One, she should not have taken a 'case' as she is not an investigator in any way, but also, after she's been through you would think she would learn. She never contacts Jackson during the entire ordeal, and that would be a big mistake.
Racheal and Pippa work together to try and figure out who kidnapped the daughter of a past victims ex-husband. She does a roundabout way to get information for her 'client'. This seemed a little over the top as she could just ask him for more information.
I really wanted to love this book series, but I'm struggling.
Racheal and Pippa work together to try and figure out who kidnapped the daughter of a past victims ex-husband. She does a roundabout way to get information for her 'client'. This seemed a little over the top as she could just ask him for more information.
I really wanted to love this book series, but I'm struggling.
October 1, 2017
What a change! No bodies, no murder for Rachel & Pippa to investigate, instead Rachel is approached, in her bakery, by the husband of the victim in her last case. His daughter has been kidnapped and he wants to hire Rachel to investigate. After a struggle with herself doubting her ability, Rachel reluctantly agrees to investigate.
Despite the change Stacey has produced another great book, full of twists, turns and surprises. The tension builds throughout the story to the surprising conclusion.
Despite the change Stacey has produced another great book, full of twists, turns and surprises. The tension builds throughout the story to the surprising conclusion.
January 2, 2018
I was more irritated than intrigued
While I usually love Stacey Alabaster's books, this storyline wasn't my favorite. Add into the mix an insubordinate, rude, and very unlikable employee, Simona and you lost me. I actually liked Chloe from book six, even though she turned out to be kinda awful. Simona doesn't seem to remember that Rachael rescued her from unemployment. Rant over. I love Pippa and usually love Rachael, but I don't know why she seemed so different in this book. Well, I'm on to number eight, hoping that Rachael gets her groove back.
While I usually love Stacey Alabaster's books, this storyline wasn't my favorite. Add into the mix an insubordinate, rude, and very unlikable employee, Simona and you lost me. I actually liked Chloe from book six, even though she turned out to be kinda awful. Simona doesn't seem to remember that Rachael rescued her from unemployment. Rant over. I love Pippa and usually love Rachael, but I don't know why she seemed so different in this book. Well, I'm on to number eight, hoping that Rachael gets her groove back.
January 29, 2017
confusing ... this says #7 ... why doesn't Amazon say that? weird. sorry to do this but I find it very confusing ... I wonder why Amazon suggested it to me 1st?
8 books in the series, I will be reading more from this series, very very soon. I love the cover. Did you notice the author picture, reminds me of the "Carmen Santiago" as a kid ... I loved that game. Fast paced mystery, lots of twists and turns. Love the characters. I love Pippa. ( ;
8 books in the series, I will be reading more from this series, very very soon. I love the cover. Did you notice the author picture, reminds me of the "Carmen Santiago" as a kid ... I loved that game. Fast paced mystery, lots of twists and turns. Love the characters. I love Pippa. ( ;
October 6, 2017
I love the Bakery Detective series but in my opinion Catering and Kidnapping, book 7 in the series, failed to make the grade for me.
The story was boring.
The character's were a mess.
I am sitting here, having just finished the book wondering aloud, "What the heck happened to my favorite series?" and "Has someone else written this book in Alabaster's absence?"
The story was boring.
The character's were a mess.
I am sitting here, having just finished the book wondering aloud, "What the heck happened to my favorite series?" and "Has someone else written this book in Alabaster's absence?"
September 26, 2018
Great story
This is a great, quick read for anyone who is a Cozy Mystery Fan. Loved the characters, plot, storyline, etc. This author is a great storyteller and all of her books are wonderful. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
This is a great, quick read for anyone who is a Cozy Mystery Fan. Loved the characters, plot, storyline, etc. This author is a great storyteller and all of her books are wonderful. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
June 24, 2021
Madcap shenanigans, and a kidnapped teenager, with a very anxious father.
Off course it isn't straight forward, and lots of things to side track the investigation.
How the shop has baked goods, I will never know.
Off course it isn't straight forward, and lots of things to side track the investigation.
How the shop has baked goods, I will never know.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the first books. They were just silly and fun. This one Rach annoyed me so much. Like I know what a cozy mystery is and she just puts her bakery so far back in her mind that it just ledt me pissed off at her.
January 20, 2018
An other novella
Good books just need to slow writing down and develop the characters. Just moves to fast at times. I mean does no one find it weird pillars hasn't been mentioned?
Good books just need to slow writing down and develop the characters. Just moves to fast at times. I mean does no one find it weird pillars hasn't been mentioned?
January 24, 2018
Kidnap Prank
A man, Harrison Styles, asks Rachel to find his kidnapped daughter. He thinks one of his ex-employees did it because he was fired. A few twist and turns in this one.
A man, Harrison Styles, asks Rachel to find his kidnapped daughter. He thinks one of his ex-employees did it because he was fired. A few twist and turns in this one.
July 7, 2018
Super
Another great, fast read by Stacy Alabaster. These are the best and combined with kidnapping, what a read. Thank you Stacy!
Another great, fast read by Stacy Alabaster. These are the best and combined with kidnapping, what a read. Thank you Stacy!
September 4, 2018
2.5 rounded to a 3. This was pretty much a jumbled up mess! I am starting to become very disenchanted with this series!
September 26, 2018
Bakery Detective In Trouble
Another great suspense & detective mystery written by a great writer. Keeps you wondering until the very end. I recommend this to all mystery eeaders.
Another great suspense & detective mystery written by a great writer. Keeps you wondering until the very end. I recommend this to all mystery eeaders.
April 19, 2019
Fun read, I like the characters and the way she has written their relationships.
March 22, 2017
Always an interesting and entertaining time with Rachel and Pippa. Fun book!
October 4, 2016
Rachael and Pippa are together again. I love how these characters grow both personally and professionally in these stories. Also their friendship continues to change as each new mystery and change occurs in their lives.
When a wild eyed man interrupts the children's birthday party at the bakery (anything to pay the bills), he asks Rachael to find his kidnapped daughter. While not a dead body, will the Bakery Detectives be able to find her before there may be one? And how do they know the victim? With Pippa just weeks away from delivering her baby, they must find this young woman and stay safe in the meantime. I cannot wait to see what they will find to do next. I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
When a wild eyed man interrupts the children's birthday party at the bakery (anything to pay the bills), he asks Rachael to find his kidnapped daughter. While not a dead body, will the Bakery Detectives be able to find her before there may be one? And how do they know the victim? With Pippa just weeks away from delivering her baby, they must find this young woman and stay safe in the meantime. I cannot wait to see what they will find to do next. I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2016
I love reading about Rachael and Pippa and their adventures. There is. Ever a dull moment for them.
I love the relationship between Rachael and Pippa.
I'm glad to see their creativity expanding what they do at the bakery to. Raise their bottom line and pay the bills. Seems Rachael's skills for murder solving has extended to locating a missing person as an unofficial detective.
The book is a quick read and light. I always have fun reading and enjoy the twists and surprises.
The book part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly and enjoyed and look forward to reading more about Rachael; Pippa; and now Simona. If you're looking for a lot and fun read this is it!
I love the relationship between Rachael and Pippa.
I'm glad to see their creativity expanding what they do at the bakery to. Raise their bottom line and pay the bills. Seems Rachael's skills for murder solving has extended to locating a missing person as an unofficial detective.
The book is a quick read and light. I always have fun reading and enjoy the twists and surprises.
The book part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly and enjoyed and look forward to reading more about Rachael; Pippa; and now Simona. If you're looking for a lot and fun read this is it!
October 1, 2016
Catering and Kidnapping a Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery by Stacey Alabaster
The Boutique Bakery is now catering children's parties in the shop. Rachael was not thinking about all the noise this would generate! Pippa is quite excited to have all the kids around since she is expecting a child. Simona the new employee is not happy to have so many children in the bakery. A man enters interrupting the party. He looks wild eyed and exhausted. He asks Rachael to help him find his 18 year old daughter who has just been kidnapped.
Follow along as Rachael and Pippa put the pieces together to solve the mystery of the missing teen. Yes everyone, Detective Jackson Whitaker will make an appearance.
I received this e book from the publisher for an honest review.
The Boutique Bakery is now catering children's parties in the shop. Rachael was not thinking about all the noise this would generate! Pippa is quite excited to have all the kids around since she is expecting a child. Simona the new employee is not happy to have so many children in the bakery. A man enters interrupting the party. He looks wild eyed and exhausted. He asks Rachael to help him find his 18 year old daughter who has just been kidnapped.
Follow along as Rachael and Pippa put the pieces together to solve the mystery of the missing teen. Yes everyone, Detective Jackson Whitaker will make an appearance.
I received this e book from the publisher for an honest review.
October 31, 2016
I love reading about the adventures of Rachel and Pippa. Rachel has expended her bakery business to hose children's parties and Pippa is pregnant and is replaced by Simona as Assistant manager. Rachel expends her investigation skills to include kidnapping and with Pippa her faithful sidekick they solve another mystery. This is a very enjoyable read, be ready for a surprise ending.
I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review
I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review
October 10, 2016
Another great book !!
I love these books!! Although I was wishing to see more of Jackson in the story. There for a little bit I didn't think he was gonna make an appearance at all. Another great story for Racheal and Pippa. I'm still on the fence about liking Simone, maybe she'll grow on me!! On to the next story !!
I love these books!! Although I was wishing to see more of Jackson in the story. There for a little bit I didn't think he was gonna make an appearance at all. Another great story for Racheal and Pippa. I'm still on the fence about liking Simone, maybe she'll grow on me!! On to the next story !!
September 27, 2016
Great read
I love this series if you haven't read it yet you should. You will laugh and cry and just love all the characters in the stories
I love this series if you haven't read it yet you should. You will laugh and cry and just love all the characters in the stories
October 12, 2016
Ok read
I found it difficult to get into the story. Too much other stuff kept getting in the way. I did not enjoy this book.
I found it difficult to get into the story. Too much other stuff kept getting in the way. I did not enjoy this book.
October 23, 2016
Great read
The girls are at it again trying to find a
Missing teen. Suspects line up, Pippa has pregnancy issues and the new hire at the bakery needs a new attitude.
The girls are at it again trying to find a
Missing teen. Suspects line up, Pippa has pregnancy issues and the new hire at the bakery needs a new attitude.
December 10, 2016
Catering and kidnapping.
Not one of my favorite books. Lacked any background history
on the leading characters. I could not be pulled into the story.
Not one of my favorite books. Lacked any background history
on the leading characters. I could not be pulled into the story.
December 28, 2016
Great
Well another good book I love all these little mysteries with Rachel and Pippa I'm ready to start the next one :-)
Well another good book I love all these little mysteries with Rachel and Pippa I'm ready to start the next one :-)
September 15, 2018
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this series like the plague in the future.
April 18, 2017
Love Rachel & Pippa
I really enjoyed reading these books. Rachel & Pippa are quite team. I'm not sure what's going to happen now that Pippa is so close to having her baby, don't think Simona is worth the trouble. Going to start the next book now.
I really enjoyed reading these books. Rachel & Pippa are quite team. I'm not sure what's going to happen now that Pippa is so close to having her baby, don't think Simona is worth the trouble. Going to start the next book now.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews