Houses and Homicide

Bakery Detectives #11

by Stacey Alabaster

A Murder Mystery in the Cutthroat Bakery Business
A fast paced cozy mystery from #1 Best Selling Author Stacey Alabaster

Rachael and Pippa have finally hit it big with a corporate buy-out of their boutique bakery. When they start spending the money, it seems all their dreams have come true. But when the corporate rep turns up dead, things start to unravel for the bakery detectives. Can Rachael and Pippa solve the mystery, keep the bakery going, and save Pippa’s new house?

Houses and Homicide is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re going to love Houses and Homicide.

Buy Houses and Homicide and start solving your next mystery today!

The Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Series
Each book in the series is a stand-alone story, but your enjoyment of each story will be increased if you read them all.
* Book 1: A Pie to Die For
* Book 2: Donuts, Antiques and Murder
* Book 3: Death by Chocolate Cake
* Book 4: Rest, Relaxation and Murder
* Book 5: Til a Death Do Us Part
* Book 6: The Mud Pie Murderess
* Book 7: Catering and Kidnapping
* Book 8: The Pumpkin Killer
* Book 9: Wined, Dined and Dead
* Book 10: Murder Train
* Book 11: Houses and Homicide

Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2017

About the author

I 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

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I've read, so it's kind of difficult to make an informed judgment of the series coming in on book 11. I received a free copy of this novel of the Bakery Detectives series and include my review here. This series is apparently enjoyed by many people and so I don't want to tread on anyone's joy for something beloved. I will only speak as an outsider looking in and having read just one book in the series. I'm lost on Pippa and Rachel's motivation for trying to solve the murder of someone that they barely know. Yes, I understand that they were going into business with the person, but that hardly seems sufficient drive to provoke someone to involve themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. I liked Pippa's quirkiness, but Rachel seems to have obsessive control issues. Anyway, interesting story, but it was just an OK for me. Believability is a real sticking point. Most people just leave investigation to the professionals. There is probably some motivating factor that was covered in earlier novels, but I did not "get" that part.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun cozy mystery with its share of humor and twists and turns!

I loved this book as much as all the previous books in this series! The story picks up where the last book, Murder Train left off. The small boutique bakery owned by Rachel and managedby Pippa is being bought out by a larger chain. Even though Rachel has her doubts about letting the deal happen, she realizes that this may be the only way to keep her bakery afloat and of course her best friend and manager, Pippa sees better pay, enough to buy a house for her family! But when deal finalizer, Cheryl is found murdered, Rachael and Pippa find they have to take matters into their own hands and find out what happened and why Cheryl was murdered. Did it have something to do with the deal. Is the vegan bakery down the street involved because they want the buy-out? Who is Cheryl's replacement in finalizing the deal? Is that person involved? Pippa is so involved in the deal, she purchases a house and farm animals to the chagrin of the neighborhood and the realtor. Pippa is definitely the comic relief in this story since she is so obsessed with the house and her animals. Rachael has all she can do to keep from laughing when Pippa describes her home and "farm." There are a lot of twists and turns and a fair amount of red herrings. A fun mystery. You can read this as a stand-alone but it would definitely be best to know the back story from the previous book, equally a good cozy mystery with lots of strange happenings! I was given an ARC copy of this book but the opinions expressed here are stricly my own.

[Caroline Woodhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read by Stacey alabaster. I just love these books they never disappoint me.
Racheal owns the boutique bakery with pippa and they were selling it to pastry tree which owns quite a few branches. Cheryl had been handing all the signing up side of things between the pastry tree and pippa when she turns up dead in the room she was staying at at the golden medallion hotel.
The book has the normal twists and turns I'm nor giving anything else away as I don't want to spoil things.
It's an awesome read as always I'm never disappointed.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 11 in the Bakery Detectives series and picks up the story where we last left it. Rachel and Pippa are trying to pin down The Pastry Tree rep Cheryl to sign the final papers to amalgamate Rachel's Boutique Bakery into the Pastry Tree Franchise. Something's not quite right so Rachel decides to investigate. Unfortunately Cheryl turns up dead. We follow Rachel and Pippa as they try to discover what is going to happen with the merger and who killed Cheryl! The usual plot twists inject more interest, (a rival?) , complications, (a cave in?), and humour (some pigs and a cow!) keeping the reader engaged. . Who is their previously unknown rival? What cave-in? And what's with the animals? These questions, and many others, are answered in the pages of the book

Another Brilliant story from the pen of Stacey Alabaster, although it is part of a series, (best read in order), a complete adventure unfolds within its pages and you are not left wondering who, why or how. You are left with the desire to read the next new adventure and to go back and read the ones you've missed.

[Lisa Denn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Stacey Alabaster's The Bakery Detective Mystery Series (Book 11) continues with Houses and Homicide. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alabaster delivers another fast-paced, can't put down cozy mystery featuring amateur sleuths Rachel Robinson, baker/owner of Rachel's Boutique Bakery and her BFF/assistant manager, Pippa.

Having missed the previous book in this series - Murder Train (Book 10) I am inclined to encourage intetested readers to check out Murder Train before digging into Houses and Homicide as there were a few pages near the end of the book making little or no sense to me given I hadn't read Murder Train beforehand.

The mystery - as is true for each of the previous books I have read in the series - was well thought out and planned by the author. Not as much interaction in this book between Robinson and Detective Jackson Whittaker meaning our dynamic duo - Rachel and Pippa - are free to roam about Belldale investigating to their hearts content making for more than a few interesting and laughable moments!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racheal and Pippa are getting ready to sell their little bakery to the big corporation, The Pastry Tree. All they need now is to see the final paperwork and sign it. But Cheryl, from The Pastry Tree, keeps putting them off. Later and later. This doesn't set well with Racheal, but even more with Pippa, who has bought a house for her daughter and husband. Racheal starts to follow Cheryl around to see what is going on, and she suspects that Cheryl wants to buy a small hole in the wall donut shop called The Dough Planet. She decides to have a talk with Cheryl and goes to her hotel room only to find her dead. Now what? Who would want to kill Cheryl? Also the hotel manager is acting strangely, and Racheal hears him on his phone telling someone that "....Miss Spellman is gone." Who was he talking to? You will need to read the book to find out who the real killer is and why

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in the Baker Detectives Cozy Mystery series by Stacey Alabaster. Rachael and Pippa have achieved their dreams of having a corporate bakery buy their boutique bakery Rachael's Boutique Bakery. They never received the final paperwork to sign the deal so Rachael goes to see Cheryl Spellman the corporate representative from the Pastry Tree and discovers her dead at the Golden Medallion Hotel in Belldale. Cheryl's body was found in the pool not in her room which made Rachael suspicious of who would want Cheryl dead. Pippa bought a house for her daughter and her husband and is worried about how she will make the payments. Rachael and Pippa must solve the mystery to keep their bakery running and save Pippa’s house and clear Rachael’s name. I really enjoyed this fantastic cozy mystery novel.

[Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Book 11 of the series, this was the first book that I have read in this series. A Short 132 page cozy mystery. Rachael has a boutique bakery shop in the process of being taken over by The Pastry Tree. Cheryl Spellman, the acquisitions manager is murdered. Rachael and Pippa try to solve the murder so the takeover can go ahead. I enjoyed the descriptions of Rachael’s worry about the takeover, and Pippa’s new house and animals. The characters were totally real and believable. Thought the motive for murder was a bit flimsy, but overall not a bad murder mystery with humour and twists and turns. I would read another book by this prolific author.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Pippa are at it again. Murder, baking and sleuthing. This story picks up where the last book left off, which was great. The characters are fun and interesting. The story is fast paced and I could not put it down. Love how the characters grow with each new story. It was interesting to see how their lives are upended when their deal with a big corporation falls through. They persevered, each coping in their own way, Pippa’s coping was hilarious. Highly recommend this mystery to anyone who loves a good book. Love this series.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this fun series, I really like the main characters in this series Rachael and Pippa are quirky, but quite believable, although quite how Pippa managed to finish up with a walking disaster area like Marcello is rather a mystery!
The plot is very satisfying, with lots of red herrings to point suspicion in the wrong direction, a collapsing house and a new shop offering competition.
All in all a very enjoyable read, it is stand-alone, but there are references back to earlier books in the series, so to get the best out of it, it is worth reading in sequence with the others.

[Neera Sawhney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bakery series just keeps getting better!! Rachel and Pippa are a perfect foil for each other, and their desperate interest to save the bakery only adds to the mayhem. Just as the deal for their bakery is about to be finalized, they find the behavior of the company representative a little strange...not all is smooth...so Rachel decides to follow and spy on her. And then the representative is murdered.Rachel and Pippa are once again embroiled in a murder mystery, full of twists and turns, it keeps you glued till the very last page. I'm looking to the next book in the series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author. The main character is Rachael who owns a bakery with her friend Pippa. A woman, Cheryl from one of the major bakeries in the country comes to see about buying their bakery. They say yes and start to get a runaround from Cheryl. Rachael goes to see what is going on only to find Cheryl has been murdered. Now they don't know where they stand and figure the only way to figure this out is to figure out who killed Cheryl. They have a heck of a time figuring this all out.

[Celest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big business wants the little purple bakery?

Rachel and Pippa seemed to be getting a good deal with Cheryl's company. Then there was a murder. Rachel's ready to jump in to investigate and wants Pippa's help. Pippa has some pressing problems of her own that need to be dealt with. But when it comes to a murder to solve the team always comes together to find clues. Lots of twists, a fun mystery.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first third of this book was fairly decent but as it went on it got dumber and dumber. Poorly developed lead characters, almost totally undeveloped supporting characters and a motive that made little sense all contributed. I got two free books by this author from Amazon, after reading this one I deleted the second.

[Humayrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved all the previous books but book 11 makes me question everything. I don't understand why Rachel allows Pippa to control her decisions on what is best for her business and herself. Pippa was also ignorant of a lot of things and seems to blame Rachel whenever she creates her own problem, for example the house.
Anyways I can't seem to read this one without feeling a sense of annoyance.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book of this series. I always enjoy catching up with Rachel & Pippa. You never know what they are going to get in to next. Great and entertaining characters. Can't wait to see what they get into next.

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The girls are up in the air wondering if the sellout is going to take place. Murder is all around and the girls must solve the mysteries. See if you kind find in this book the reference to the girls lol

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachael and Pippa are at it again. They are trying to sell the bakery to a corporation, but things don’t seem to be working out. When someone is murdered, they have to find out why! An easy, quick read.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted cozy mystery

I have enjoyed every one of these mysteries. They are fun with great characters that add a bit of drama and a lot of humor while trying to stay out of trouble as well as solve a murder.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

And it all falls down

Just when Rachel and Pippa seem to be headed for Easy Street, the roof caves in-literally and figuratively. But that doesn't stop the intrepid duo from tackling the mystery of the murder of their corporate connection.

[Lori Spinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Houses and Homicide and the things th

I really enjoy the stories she tells and the troubles of Rachael and Pippa. It's good read. If you love cozy mysteries this is a good one to read.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is listed as book #11 in the series, it is the first for me. Rachel owns the bakery and Pippa runs it; they hope to be bought out by a larger chain. I enjoyed the cozy mystery, antics of the ladies, and the humor. I will be reading the back list to this series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Pippa hit the big times selling their bakery to a corporate. Unfortunately for them the guy turns up dead. Now what. Exciting mystery as usual. Love these books, can't get enough

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love Stacey Alabasters books if you love a great cozy like me with characters you will love and a great story lone than these are for you

[Suzanne Homeier-poe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want pastries.

This is a nice story. I love the characters in this book. I think a merger between Blake and the girls would be a great idea.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good cozy mystery.

[Polly Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

How could you not love a book with a cow named Butter cup? Seemed to have real problems, like the rest of us. Read like a conversation with a friend. Loved it!

[Carolyn T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok read

It was an ok cozy I guess.Too short. The characters were not really developed all the way in my opinion.There was very little in the story about the killer.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story

This book felt much shorter than the other books. Usual story murder happens and its up to rach and pippa to solve it

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun-filled mystery by Stacey Alabaster. Always with an unexpected twist!