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Poppy Peters #5
Wedding Soufflé and a Dead Valet
From USA Today bestselling author A. Gardner comes the next to-die-for Poppy Peters mystery...
Poppy Peters, accidental sleuth and unemployed pastry chef, is back in Europe attending a friend's wedding. But when a parking valet for the big event turns up dead in the front seat of an antique car, Poppy learns that the little English village of Woodbury isn't all scones and clotted cream. Determined to help the bride and groom, she follows the killer's trail which leads her from the local bakery to a grand estate owned by the town's infamous Lord Chutney. Poppy quickly discovers that the village is keeping a deadly secret. Between a disgruntled shopkeeper, spiteful townsfolk, and a missing bridesmaid, Poppy is convinced that the murderer is living just a cottage away. And may have his sights on her as the next victim.
**Recipes included!**
Poppy Peters Mysteries:
Southern Peach Pie & A Dead Guy (book #1)
Chocolate Macaroons and a Dead Groom (book #2)
Ice Cream Bombes and Stolen Thongs (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Bananas Foster and a Dead Mobster (book #3)
Strawberry Tartlets and a Dead Starlet (book #4)
Wedding Soufflé and a Dead Valet (book #5)
What critics are saying:
"A charming cozy mystery featuring likable characters. A. Gardner does a marvelous job at keeping the storyline fresh and entertaining. I look forward to seeing what surprises A. Gardner has in store for us next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"If you are a fan of tasty mysteries that showcase delectable desserts and a strong heroine, this is one to pick up."
—Night Owl Reviews
"One of the best perks of summer is eating a warm slice of Georgia peach pie. Throw in a murder and you’ve got the makings of a juicy cozy mystery. Southern Peach Pie and a Dead Guy: A Poppy Peters Mystery by debut author A. Gardner is a delicious e-book."
—MomTrends, Ebook Pick for Summer
Poppy Peters, accidental sleuth and unemployed pastry chef, is back in Europe attending a friend's wedding. But when a parking valet for the big event turns up dead in the front seat of an antique car, Poppy learns that the little English village of Woodbury isn't all scones and clotted cream. Determined to help the bride and groom, she follows the killer's trail which leads her from the local bakery to a grand estate owned by the town's infamous Lord Chutney. Poppy quickly discovers that the village is keeping a deadly secret. Between a disgruntled shopkeeper, spiteful townsfolk, and a missing bridesmaid, Poppy is convinced that the murderer is living just a cottage away. And may have his sights on her as the next victim.
**Recipes included!**
Poppy Peters Mysteries:
Southern Peach Pie & A Dead Guy (book #1)
Chocolate Macaroons and a Dead Groom (book #2)
Ice Cream Bombes and Stolen Thongs (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Bananas Foster and a Dead Mobster (book #3)
Strawberry Tartlets and a Dead Starlet (book #4)
Wedding Soufflé and a Dead Valet (book #5)
What critics are saying:
"A charming cozy mystery featuring likable characters. A. Gardner does a marvelous job at keeping the storyline fresh and entertaining. I look forward to seeing what surprises A. Gardner has in store for us next!"
—Fresh Fiction
"If you are a fan of tasty mysteries that showcase delectable desserts and a strong heroine, this is one to pick up."
—Night Owl Reviews
"One of the best perks of summer is eating a warm slice of Georgia peach pie. Throw in a murder and you’ve got the makings of a juicy cozy mystery. Southern Peach Pie and a Dead Guy: A Poppy Peters Mystery by debut author A. Gardner is a delicious e-book."
—MomTrends, Ebook Pick for Summer
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2017
156 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 11, 2019
After graduating Calle Pastry Academy and finishing her job at Magnolia Spa, Poppy Peters is a bit lost and at loose ends. Attending her friend Marta's wedding in England is just the thing to cheer her up. Poppy arrives to discover Marta is stressed by her parents' recent breakup and her mother dating the most hated man in the village. Lewis charges Poppy with keeping Marta calm. Easier said than done when a parking valet/waiter is found dead in Lord Chutney's Rolls Royce. Marta's childhood best friend Tamsin seems to be hiding something and Marta is determined to solve the mystery BEFORE her wedding day and hopefully implicate Lord Chutney and get her parents back together. Poppy has her work cut out for her as bridesmaid and chief hoser downer!
This is the weakest of all the books. The mystery is very thing. An astute reader can figure out who did it and why despite the red herrings. The author seems to have only superficial- if any- knowledge of the British peerage but she absolutely described life in a small village or town to a T. I liked the village setting, especially tea time. I found the solution to the catering problem completely obvious and didn't know why that wasn't thought of in the first place. The Epilogue is too abrupt. I needed some more chapters or even another book before that conclusion.
I like Poppy better in this mystery than any of the others. Even though she feels lost careerwise, her positive traits shine. She's confident in her baking ability now and knows how to be a good friend. I was sad to read Poppy and Cole haven't gotten together. I was hoping they would.
Marta didn't seem like the brusque, confident woman she was in Chocolate Macaroons. I do understand her stress but not so much why she agrees to go along with her mother's plans instead of doing her own thing. Poppy and Marta bonded in Paris after their ordeal and it seems like Poppy is the chef's only real friend. I wanted more development of the relationship between Marta and Lewis. I like seeing him as a doting fiance and not policeman. He truly loves Marta and wants what's best for her. I would have just eloped! Peppercorn is a sweetie but her plot is a bit of a mystery. Do cats really dig?
Lord Chutney (what is he a Lord of or is he Viscount Chutney? Stupid name) is not a likeable man. He brags too much and is too snobby for today's world. Still, his secret should not have been such a big deal. I read a lot of period British novels and EVERYONE knows THAT! Unless Chutney was knighted and then he would be a Sir. That would have made more sense. The atmosphere of his castle was not pleasant and at one point resembles a Gothic novel. His character isn't really developed much so I don't really know much about him. I don't know what Sandra sees in him besides his title. Is he kind? No. Is he compassionate? No. Does he think about anything other than his fancy car collection? Not really. SO why are they together? Sandra is not going to win mother of the year awards but she isn't as bad as Poppy's mother.
I like Catherine despite her coldness because she's the village baker. I'd love her recipe for scones and bring on the clotted cream, please! Monty's story is sad and I would have liked some loose ends tied up. Lavinia is not a nice woman. She's snooty and snippy. I don't care for Tamsin. She is not a good friend to Marta, constantly complaining and offending the older ladies. Have some respect for yourself and your friend please! I understand her reporter's nose for a good story but not at the expense of your childhood friend's wedding. I don't approve of the ways Tamsin chooses to spend her free time. Again this story needs tying up at the end. I liked Lewis's parents. They reminded me of my own parents. I didn't understand why Mr. Berry is so embarrassing.
Ethan the valet is too cheeky and careless of his position for me. He doesn't act professional. Even so, he doesn't deserve to be killed for no good reason.
It was nice to reconnect with old friends in this novel but the plot is so choppy and rushed, it wasn't really worth it.
I do not wish to try the recipes but if you want to try Banoffee Pie or Sticky Toffee Pudding, you will enjoy this story and recipes.
This is the weakest of all the books. The mystery is very thing. An astute reader can figure out who did it and why despite the red herrings. The author seems to have only superficial- if any- knowledge of the British peerage but she absolutely described life in a small village or town to a T. I liked the village setting, especially tea time. I found the solution to the catering problem completely obvious and didn't know why that wasn't thought of in the first place. The Epilogue is too abrupt. I needed some more chapters or even another book before that conclusion.
I like Poppy better in this mystery than any of the others. Even though she feels lost careerwise, her positive traits shine. She's confident in her baking ability now and knows how to be a good friend. I was sad to read Poppy and Cole haven't gotten together. I was hoping they would.
Marta didn't seem like the brusque, confident woman she was in Chocolate Macaroons. I do understand her stress but not so much why she agrees to go along with her mother's plans instead of doing her own thing. Poppy and Marta bonded in Paris after their ordeal and it seems like Poppy is the chef's only real friend. I wanted more development of the relationship between Marta and Lewis. I like seeing him as a doting fiance and not policeman. He truly loves Marta and wants what's best for her. I would have just eloped! Peppercorn is a sweetie but her plot is a bit of a mystery. Do cats really dig?
Lord Chutney (what is he a Lord of or is he Viscount Chutney? Stupid name) is not a likeable man. He brags too much and is too snobby for today's world. Still, his secret should not have been such a big deal. I read a lot of period British novels and EVERYONE knows THAT! Unless Chutney was knighted and then he would be a Sir. That would have made more sense. The atmosphere of his castle was not pleasant and at one point resembles a Gothic novel. His character isn't really developed much so I don't really know much about him. I don't know what Sandra sees in him besides his title. Is he kind? No. Is he compassionate? No. Does he think about anything other than his fancy car collection? Not really. SO why are they together? Sandra is not going to win mother of the year awards but she isn't as bad as Poppy's mother.
I like Catherine despite her coldness because she's the village baker. I'd love her recipe for scones and bring on the clotted cream, please! Monty's story is sad and I would have liked some loose ends tied up. Lavinia is not a nice woman. She's snooty and snippy. I don't care for Tamsin. She is not a good friend to Marta, constantly complaining and offending the older ladies. Have some respect for yourself and your friend please! I understand her reporter's nose for a good story but not at the expense of your childhood friend's wedding. I don't approve of the ways Tamsin chooses to spend her free time. Again this story needs tying up at the end. I liked Lewis's parents. They reminded me of my own parents. I didn't understand why Mr. Berry is so embarrassing.
Ethan the valet is too cheeky and careless of his position for me. He doesn't act professional. Even so, he doesn't deserve to be killed for no good reason.
It was nice to reconnect with old friends in this novel but the plot is so choppy and rushed, it wasn't really worth it.
I do not wish to try the recipes but if you want to try Banoffee Pie or Sticky Toffee Pudding, you will enjoy this story and recipes.
November 5, 2020
The fifth and apparently last book of the series, at least at the moment. Poppy finds herself back in Paris as a bridesmaid to one of her co-workers at the bakery where she interned. As usual, she finds herself involved in a mystery when Marta's other bridesmaid starts acting strangley and actually disappears for awhile. When a valet at one of the wedding dinners dies, Poppy has to know who the killer is, and almost meets the same fate herself.
July 8, 2017
I really liked this book.
Poppy Peters, accidental sleuth and unemployed pastry chef, is back in Europe attending a friend's wedding. But when a parking valet for the big event turns up dead in the front seat of an antique car, Poppy learns that the little English village of Woodbury isn't all scones and clotted cream. Determined to help the bride and groom, she follows the killer's trail which leads her from the local bakery to a grand estate owned by the town's infamous Lord Chutney. Poppy quickly discovers that the village is keeping a deadly secret. Between a disgruntled shopkeeper, spiteful townsfolk, and a missing bridesmaid, Poppy is convinced that the murderer is living just a cottage away. And may have his sights on her as the next victim.
Poppy Peters, accidental sleuth and unemployed pastry chef, is back in Europe attending a friend's wedding. But when a parking valet for the big event turns up dead in the front seat of an antique car, Poppy learns that the little English village of Woodbury isn't all scones and clotted cream. Determined to help the bride and groom, she follows the killer's trail which leads her from the local bakery to a grand estate owned by the town's infamous Lord Chutney. Poppy quickly discovers that the village is keeping a deadly secret. Between a disgruntled shopkeeper, spiteful townsfolk, and a missing bridesmaid, Poppy is convinced that the murderer is living just a cottage away. And may have his sights on her as the next victim.
May 19, 2017
Fun and easy read
This is an amusing cozy mystery set in England and captures the charm of its setting . The plot flows fairly smoothly and keeps you guessing until the end . Most enjoyable story and a good afternoon read .
This is an amusing cozy mystery set in England and captures the charm of its setting . The plot flows fairly smoothly and keeps you guessing until the end . Most enjoyable story and a good afternoon read .
August 13, 2017
I loved this book and you will too!
November 14, 2020
I like this book series--interesting characters.
This was my first 5 rating.
April 27, 2022
Poppy travels to England to be bridesmaid in her friend's wedding but, of course, nothing goes quite to plan! Enjoy the mystery and the recipes!
February 15, 2017
A Memorable Wedding!
American pastry chef Poppy Peters heads to the little village of Woodbury, England for the wedding of her friend Marta & her fiancé Detective Lewis Berry. The plot thickens when the women attend a dinner at Chutney Manor & the valet is discovered dead in the front seat of the Lord's Rolls Royce. Everything becomes more entangled as Poppy finds herself enmeshed in small town secrets, several disappearances, & of course murder. A. Gardner always delivers a great read! And as an extra special treat, the author shares the recipes for a few tasty treats mentioned in the story.
American pastry chef Poppy Peters heads to the little village of Woodbury, England for the wedding of her friend Marta & her fiancé Detective Lewis Berry. The plot thickens when the women attend a dinner at Chutney Manor & the valet is discovered dead in the front seat of the Lord's Rolls Royce. Everything becomes more entangled as Poppy finds herself enmeshed in small town secrets, several disappearances, & of course murder. A. Gardner always delivers a great read! And as an extra special treat, the author shares the recipes for a few tasty treats mentioned in the story.
February 21, 2017
Enjoyed this cozy mystery
First Poppy Peters mystery I have read. Interesting characters, fun and suspenseful story. Will definitely try another. Recommend this Arthur.
First Poppy Peters mystery I have read. Interesting characters, fun and suspenseful story. Will definitely try another. Recommend this Arthur.
February 15, 2017
This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Poppy Peters series written byA. Gardner. Poppy Peters, accidental sleuth and unemployed pastry chef, is back in Europe attending a friend's wedding. But when a parking valet for the big event turns up dead in the front seat of an antique car, Poppy learns that the little English village of Woodbury isn't all scones and clotted cream. Determined to help the bride and groom, she follows the killer's trail which leads her from the local bakery to a grand estate owned by the town's infamous Lord Chutney. Poppy quickly discovers that the village is keeping a deadly secret.This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
January 8, 2017
I received this as an ARC. I enjoyed it. Poppy Peters is in England as the bridesmaid for her friend Marta. Both are pastry chefs. Marta's mother is going out with Lord Chumley who is a pariah in the village as he allegedly cheated many of them out of their life savings. Marta's friend Tamsin is acting strangely and it looks like she may have been doing some investigative journalism. Lots of strange things are happening. Lord Chumley's valet is found murdered at a pre-wedding dinner, the cat Peppercorn is missing, the scone maker Catherine is acting strangely along with Tamsin. This is all causing a lot of stress and Marta's fiancé Lewis is all about her not being stressed. Poppy decides to get to the bottom of the murder and all the other strange occurrences. She does and solves the mysteries. A very good book. I have read the previous ones.
February 10, 2017
I have been waiting for another book in this series for quite some time. I was so excited to read this book. I find myself so engrossed in the story that I feel as though I am there with Poppy. There were so many twists in this installment. I thought for sure I knew who the killer was but was totally surprised. I am excited to see what the future holds for Poppy. I find myself reading this series over and over again. I just love all the characters.
I voluntarily reviewed and advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed and advanced reader copy of this book.
February 15, 2017
I just finished reading Wedding Soufflé and a Dead Valet by A. Gardner and really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure I would be able to follow along with the book very well since I've only read the first book in the series but I had no problems keeping pace with the book. The characters are very likable. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to go back and read thee other books in this series now.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an unbiased review.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an unbiased review.
January 26, 2018
The bride is overwrought, the groom has to work the murder, most of the guests at the engagement dinner get food poisoning, the valet gets dead, and Poppy has to manage the wedding catering while avoiding the murderer! A great read!
Thanks be for Book Funnel!
Thanks be for Book Funnel!
June 29, 2018
Cute cozy mystery. Liked the cooking aspect. POPPY is a pastry chef, her friend Marta is getting married. Murder occurs, Marta wants her parents back together and Lord Chutney is up to no good.
July 28, 2021
Monthly Motif 2021: April read: Books on the Menu
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews