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The Amazing Gracie Trilogy #1
Jalapeno Cupcake Wench
A hot and spicy taste of murder—and beyond.Law enforcement consultant Gracie Hofner is assigned to a trendy San Antonio pastry shop to watch for a delivery. In addition to the intoxicating aromas of sugar and chocolate, she also has to fight her own attraction to the man working beside her, Donovan Beck. He’s a hunk and a half and perfect for a spring fling.If she had more time, Donovan would rank higher on her to-do list. But the number one spot is occupied by her search for a missing little girl, the target of a killer. Gracie needs to find her pronto, and the odd super-instinct quirk that’s started plaguing her may help. If not, she can always see what happens if it tells her to buy a lottery ticket.Jalapeno Cupcake Wench is the first book in The Amazing Gracie Trilogy, a story so big, it takes three books to tell it.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2017
83 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Carol Kilgore
13 books342 followersCarol Kilgore is the author of Jalapeno Cupcake Wench, Secrets of Honor, Solomon's Compass, and In Name Only.
Carol Kilgore is the award-winning author of the Amazing Gracie Mysteries—Jalapeno Cupcake Wench, Bluebonnet Ballerina, Don't Mess with Gracie, and Gracie and the Trouble with Pinatas. In addition, she is the author of In Name Only, Solomon’s Compass, and Secrets of Honor, three standalone romantic suspense novels set along the Texas Gulf Coast.
She is currently working on a new series--The House Witches Mysteries--set in a fictional version of her new hometown northwest of Houston. The first book in this series is Witches and Fairies and Tacos... Oh My.
She and her husband share their home with the sweetest rescue beagle ever, who wishes they would drop more food on the floor.
You can learn more about Carol and receive a free copy of Jalapeno Cupcake Wench by subscribing to her newsletter here: https://www.carolkilgore.net
Carol Kilgore is the award-winning author of the Amazing Gracie Mysteries—Jalapeno Cupcake Wench, Bluebonnet Ballerina, Don't Mess with Gracie, and Gracie and the Trouble with Pinatas. In addition, she is the author of In Name Only, Solomon’s Compass, and Secrets of Honor, three standalone romantic suspense novels set along the Texas Gulf Coast.
She is currently working on a new series--The House Witches Mysteries--set in a fictional version of her new hometown northwest of Houston. The first book in this series is Witches and Fairies and Tacos... Oh My.
She and her husband share their home with the sweetest rescue beagle ever, who wishes they would drop more food on the floor.
You can learn more about Carol and receive a free copy of Jalapeno Cupcake Wench by subscribing to her newsletter here: https://www.carolkilgore.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 8, 2018
First a warning to my cozy mystery friends at goodreads. Despite the look of the cover this is not a cozy! There is also a sex scene in it.
Heck, did I have a good time reading this mystery even though it isn't completely solved at the end, which I am not too happy about but I hope to find out more in the next installment which is luckily released on July 9 (2 days from now....YAY).
I very much liked Gracie and the other characters. There's a touch of paranormal, some humour and romance.
I'm not sure anymore what made me read this book...there's so much already on my to-read list but I am glad I did.
Heck, did I have a good time reading this mystery even though it isn't completely solved at the end, which I am not too happy about but I hope to find out more in the next installment which is luckily released on July 9 (2 days from now....YAY).
I very much liked Gracie and the other characters. There's a touch of paranormal, some humour and romance.
I'm not sure anymore what made me read this book...there's so much already on my to-read list but I am glad I did.
October 18, 2017
Judging by this book, calling this trilogy "Amazing" Grace is spot on. The main character Gracie is so well-developed, she feels like a flesh-and-blood friend, and I think most readers will love her, warts and all. (Well, she IS a bit accident-prone and klutzy...)
Grace isn't the only terrific character in this book, but she's definitely the star. The story is absolutely captivating and the writing is top-notch. PLUS, and to me this is a HUGE plus... this is NOT a cliff-hanger! This book could stand on its own quite nicely, but I, for one, am delighted there are two more stories yet to come. Trust me. You will be, too.
Four and a half stars, happily rounded up to five.
Grace isn't the only terrific character in this book, but she's definitely the star. The story is absolutely captivating and the writing is top-notch. PLUS, and to me this is a HUGE plus... this is NOT a cliff-hanger! This book could stand on its own quite nicely, but I, for one, am delighted there are two more stories yet to come. Trust me. You will be, too.
Four and a half stars, happily rounded up to five.
April 8, 2019
Looking forward to book 2!
I receive a free copy of this book in return for a fair review. I enjoyed this book, quite the mystery. Gracie is a very engaging character, very good at her job, and I enjoyed her thought processes. My one complaint about the book was I felt, at the beginning, like I had walked into a movie 30 minutes after it had begun. Most everything was explained as the book went on. The main mystery was wrapped up, but several other intrigues remain for the next two books.
I receive a free copy of this book in return for a fair review. I enjoyed this book, quite the mystery. Gracie is a very engaging character, very good at her job, and I enjoyed her thought processes. My one complaint about the book was I felt, at the beginning, like I had walked into a movie 30 minutes after it had begun. Most everything was explained as the book went on. The main mystery was wrapped up, but several other intrigues remain for the next two books.
September 13, 2021
First, a confession: I was about 1/4 of the way through the book when I realized the title was "Wench" instead of "Wrench!" I really enjoyed this book, especially the main character, Gracie. You have to love a feisty main character who talks to herself to get things done. Gracie is smart, witty and oh, so competent. As Gracie goes undercover at a bakery, she encounters sweet treats along with a pretty "sweet" looking co-worker. There were lots of laugh out-loud moments. I even slapped my knee while laughing more than a few times. As several reviewers have indicated, there are some steamy sexual scenes so be forewarned. There is a mix of characters, some more likable than others. The bad guy is, at the end, a really bad guy! I received a review copy for free; however, I am leaving this review voluntarily with plans to continue reading the series.
October 25, 2021
This was my first book by this Carol Kilgore and I wasn't sure what to expect but the cover drew me in, I mean who puts a jalapeno on a cupcake.
It was not like the other cozies I've been reading recently and it was a tad steamier but I love the writing style, characters and I'm intrigued by the evil rancher, does his get what's coming to him at the end of the trilogy. I'm going to have to keep reading to find out.
It was not like the other cozies I've been reading recently and it was a tad steamier but I love the writing style, characters and I'm intrigued by the evil rancher, does his get what's coming to him at the end of the trilogy. I'm going to have to keep reading to find out.
October 30, 2017
I entered a drawing for this book, and won $50.00 on amazon, which was a very nice surprise.
I have read other books by Carol Kilgore, and was introduced to her online through myfamily.com, on a site doing genealogy research. When I learned she was a writer, I looked up her site, and read her short stories, and then later I read her murder mysteries. I was interested to read this new book.
I loved the cover for Carol's book, and the title was intriguing. The idea of a Jalapeno cupcake sounded rather disgusting. Recently I saw a recipe for a dill pickle cupcake, so the trend seems to be there.
Gracie works for a private agency, that helps law enforcement with criminal cases. She is assigned to work in a bakery called the Jalapeno Cupcake. She meets a hunk, who is working there temporarily to help out his sister, who has recently had a baby.
Gracie was a former police officer, and she still has a friendship with her former partner, who helps her out on cases. She listens to him as he relates the breakup of his marriage.
This book was a good read.
I have read other books by Carol Kilgore, and was introduced to her online through myfamily.com, on a site doing genealogy research. When I learned she was a writer, I looked up her site, and read her short stories, and then later I read her murder mysteries. I was interested to read this new book.
I loved the cover for Carol's book, and the title was intriguing. The idea of a Jalapeno cupcake sounded rather disgusting. Recently I saw a recipe for a dill pickle cupcake, so the trend seems to be there.
Gracie works for a private agency, that helps law enforcement with criminal cases. She is assigned to work in a bakery called the Jalapeno Cupcake. She meets a hunk, who is working there temporarily to help out his sister, who has recently had a baby.
Gracie was a former police officer, and she still has a friendship with her former partner, who helps her out on cases. She listens to him as he relates the breakup of his marriage.
This book was a good read.
April 8, 2018
Hallelujah! I actually found a detective story that I couldn't stop reading. From the beginning I loved Gracie, and I loved her more for her no nonsense and get the job done attitude as the story progressed. Well written and fast-paced, this is a quick and delightful read.
January 25, 2018
I like spunky main characters and well-fleshed-out secondary characters. Check. I like unique settings, such as San Antonio, Texas. Check. I like short descriptions that pack a punch. Check. And I like twisty plots and multiple surprises. Check.
I also like characters who have interesting occupations, especially if they are a bit different from mainstream. Amazing Gracie works for a private agency in the investigation field with singular capabilities. They often help the police out. Gracie has a friend she used to partner with when she was a police officer, and he has an unusual personal dilemma to solve. He also ends up helping Gracie solve her case. The guy working at the jalapeno cupcake bakery is a hunk. Gracie is interested.
Actually, there are two mysteries. A package that is supposed to arrive at the bakery where Gracie has gone undercover to wait for it, and the mystery of an older couples’ murders. And of course, Gracie is smart enough to capture that murderer, but we are left with part of the mystery unsolved. And then, another hunk shows up. We have to wait for the second and third books to tie everything up. But this book can stand alone because there is so much going on, and so many things resolved.
Five stars. Check
I also like characters who have interesting occupations, especially if they are a bit different from mainstream. Amazing Gracie works for a private agency in the investigation field with singular capabilities. They often help the police out. Gracie has a friend she used to partner with when she was a police officer, and he has an unusual personal dilemma to solve. He also ends up helping Gracie solve her case. The guy working at the jalapeno cupcake bakery is a hunk. Gracie is interested.
Actually, there are two mysteries. A package that is supposed to arrive at the bakery where Gracie has gone undercover to wait for it, and the mystery of an older couples’ murders. And of course, Gracie is smart enough to capture that murderer, but we are left with part of the mystery unsolved. And then, another hunk shows up. We have to wait for the second and third books to tie everything up. But this book can stand alone because there is so much going on, and so many things resolved.
Five stars. Check
December 8, 2019
This book was an enjoyable read and pretty fun. I don't think I would have gone out of my way for it, though. There was not a lot f substance, and the way the two cases the law enforcement team turned out to be linked was a little too coincidental. I was also not convinced of the validity of some of the legal aspects of what went on.
There is of a distracting subplot involving the main character developing some sort of clairvoyance or psy power. The storyline didn't need it.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
There is of a distracting subplot involving the main character developing some sort of clairvoyance or psy power. The storyline didn't need it.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
February 3, 2023
Good mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Gracie and Nick. The mystery was fairly tight, with a logical progression and no red herrings.
I'm not sure about the purpose of the chapters from Slate's POV. What a vile person!
Great formatting and editing! Those two things can ruin an otherwise fantastic story, and too many people are skimping in that area. Good job, Mrs Kilgore and team!
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Gracie and Nick. The mystery was fairly tight, with a logical progression and no red herrings.
I'm not sure about the purpose of the chapters from Slate's POV. What a vile person!
Great formatting and editing! Those two things can ruin an otherwise fantastic story, and too many people are skimping in that area. Good job, Mrs Kilgore and team!
June 5, 2018
While this was a little more clinical than cozy mystery as I expected, I still enjoyed the characters and intrigue. Looking forward to the next one!
November 26, 2017
A fun book with an intricate plot. Gracie is a great new character, and the secondary characters are well written, as well. The story resolves itself, despite being a trilogy, so there will be a whole new mystery in the second one, yet we get a hint of a possible set of issues we'll see coming up.
April 1, 2019
This is a well written mystery, with a lot of action and intrigue.
Amazing Gracie is an amazing character that I instantly bonded with. All of the characters are well developed, and fit well with each other.
Complex plot, with a sub-plot, but I never felt lost in keeping up with all the action, from different angles at times.
This is the 1st book in the trilogy, but no huge cliffhanger, just anticipation of what's coming next.
I will be reading the rest of the series when they come out!!
It has a very small amount of foul language and adult content.
I won a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
Amazing Gracie is an amazing character that I instantly bonded with. All of the characters are well developed, and fit well with each other.
Complex plot, with a sub-plot, but I never felt lost in keeping up with all the action, from different angles at times.
This is the 1st book in the trilogy, but no huge cliffhanger, just anticipation of what's coming next.
I will be reading the rest of the series when they come out!!
It has a very small amount of foul language and adult content.
I won a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
April 1, 2019
I would like to thank Ms. Kilgore, Kindle, and Goodreads for a fun read. It was entertaining enough that I read it in 2 days and neglected chores to finish it. Thanks to all for a great little read
May 26, 2019
I want to love this book. I really do.
Gracie would be my bff in real life; she's funny, a bit of a mess, and independent. Plus, she's good with a Glock.
The title of the book is awesome, and it's one of the reasons why this book jumped to the front of my TBR list.
However, Gracie can't make up for the plot issues and wordiness of the novel.
First, I really dislike when books end without all plot points addressed--and there's one that I hope is figured out in the next novel. Also, a second love interest was introduced in the final few pages of the novel--another big no-no for my reading preferences. Finally, there were some chapters in the book that were unnecessary to the plot, and overly descriptive. For example: I don't need to know every item on a sandwich, unless the sandwich has a plot point in the novel. I realize many of you may think I'm being picky, but I teach creative writing, and look at points like this a lot in student writing.
If you want a cute novel, and don't care about the plot point issues--this is your book!! I liked Gracie so much that I am tempted to read the second book in the series, but I have a long TBR list, and I don't know if I should give it time or not based on the plot point issues.
RATED: 3 Stars
NOTE: I won a Kindle edition of this novel from Goodreads, and did not receive any compensation for this review.
Gracie would be my bff in real life; she's funny, a bit of a mess, and independent. Plus, she's good with a Glock.
The title of the book is awesome, and it's one of the reasons why this book jumped to the front of my TBR list.
However, Gracie can't make up for the plot issues and wordiness of the novel.
First, I really dislike when books end without all plot points addressed--and there's one that I hope is figured out in the next novel. Also, a second love interest was introduced in the final few pages of the novel--another big no-no for my reading preferences. Finally, there were some chapters in the book that were unnecessary to the plot, and overly descriptive. For example: I don't need to know every item on a sandwich, unless the sandwich has a plot point in the novel. I realize many of you may think I'm being picky, but I teach creative writing, and look at points like this a lot in student writing.
If you want a cute novel, and don't care about the plot point issues--this is your book!! I liked Gracie so much that I am tempted to read the second book in the series, but I have a long TBR list, and I don't know if I should give it time or not based on the plot point issues.
RATED: 3 Stars
NOTE: I won a Kindle edition of this novel from Goodreads, and did not receive any compensation for this review.
August 8, 2020
Such a great book and can’t wait to read the next one. Love the characters and especially Gracie.
October 31, 2024
Great read!
Looking forward to the next one in the trilogy.
I couldn't quit reading, which is amazing since it is Kindle instead of paper!
Thanks to the author for the digital copy.
Looking forward to the next one in the trilogy.
I couldn't quit reading, which is amazing since it is Kindle instead of paper!
Thanks to the author for the digital copy.
December 26, 2021
A fun spicy murder mystery. A step racier than a cozy. I received the book as a free download.
Gracie is a former SAPD detective now working for a law enforcement consulting firm (ala Rangeman from the Plum series although her skillset is closer to Rangers than Plum's)
I like the characters; they are very full but I kind of felt like there was a whole backstory that I had been plopped in the middle of. The story was action packed and several separate cases merged into one (of course) While a murderer was found, the story wasn't complete, and the underlying mystery was still hanging around unresolved. Infact Gracie and crew dont even realize the main mystery. The blurb for the next book doesn't really sound like it's a continuation. so right now I feel like I'm in an unfinished story...I like series that tie in from one book to the other but I want the main story resolved. While the story could be interesting I'm more than a little annoyed that its another series that isnt complete without the next book.
Gracie is a former SAPD detective now working for a law enforcement consulting firm (ala Rangeman from the Plum series although her skillset is closer to Rangers than Plum's)
I like the characters; they are very full but I kind of felt like there was a whole backstory that I had been plopped in the middle of. The story was action packed and several separate cases merged into one (of course) While a murderer was found, the story wasn't complete, and the underlying mystery was still hanging around unresolved. Infact Gracie and crew dont even realize the main mystery. The blurb for the next book doesn't really sound like it's a continuation. so right now I feel like I'm in an unfinished story...I like series that tie in from one book to the other but I want the main story resolved. While the story could be interesting I'm more than a little annoyed that its another series that isnt complete without the next book.
July 19, 2020
Gracie Hofner, a staff team member at Bastion Group, a private police intelligence consulting firm, receives a call from her former San Antonio PD partner, Nick, about a new murder and missing person case, hoping to get her input assistance in the investigation. Her boss is willing to let her assist the investigation even as she is about to start a small undercover job at a local bakery. However, the investigation will soon find a connection between both cases, creating a major rush to find and protect the missing family members from a major criminal plot. Even as this is the first novel of a trilogy series, it is a hefty start that covers a lot of ground with investigative suspense action that will please many procedural mystery fans. However, the occasional touch of paranormal intuition was more a distraction to the basically engrossing plot and complex mystery.
February 5, 2023
This book has serious content such as smuggling, murder, spying, adultery, etc., yet there is some humor and is entertaining. Gracie Hofner seeks to find the family of 2 murder victims and has to co-ordinate with the local police and Homeland Security. She was a member of the local police, but quit to join Bastion, an organization that works with all types of law enforcement agencies. She joins her former partner in her efforts and goes undercover to see if a package arrives at a bakery.
Her mother keeps pushing her to rent out her aunt's former garage apartment and finally gives in and advertises it. That results in a new character who is apparently more handsome than the head cook at the bakery.
Read the book for a well-written plot and plenty of excitement, as well as interesting interactions among the family members of the victims.
s
Her mother keeps pushing her to rent out her aunt's former garage apartment and finally gives in and advertises it. That results in a new character who is apparently more handsome than the head cook at the bakery.
Read the book for a well-written plot and plenty of excitement, as well as interesting interactions among the family members of the victims.
s
August 16, 2018
Cozy
I got a copy of Jalapeno Cupcake Wench from Goodreads giveaway and was initially interested because of the title. If you’re looking for a cozy with a female protagonist who has a soft spot for kids, hot guys, and her beat up Jeep read on. Personally, I’m all cozied out, so I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have. It was an easy read, but I’m tired of fluff in my novels like what the characters ate for lunch. Mostly this is a solid cozy with some romance and worth reading if you’re into the genre.
I got a copy of Jalapeno Cupcake Wench from Goodreads giveaway and was initially interested because of the title. If you’re looking for a cozy with a female protagonist who has a soft spot for kids, hot guys, and her beat up Jeep read on. Personally, I’m all cozied out, so I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have. It was an easy read, but I’m tired of fluff in my novels like what the characters ate for lunch. Mostly this is a solid cozy with some romance and worth reading if you’re into the genre.
June 30, 2021
Gracie was a cop and now she works for a company that helps out the police. She gets to go undercover like when she gets to work at the Jalapeno Cupcake bakery. She is also working on a case of a missing mother and child. There is a lot of twists and turns and plenty of action. She works so well with the police and her ex partner Nick. This is a well written book and it flows so smoothly from scene to scene. Gracie is so likeable and relatable. I am heading now to find the next book and see what she gets up to next.
November 17, 2020
I enjoyed the characters, although they were numerous and difficult to keep track of them all. The plot and subplots were somewhat convoluted, as well. Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it to be quite clever. I especially appreciated the descriptions of the locale, the setting in San Antonio and around Texas.
May 12, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book and I will be reading the others in the series!! Gracie was a cop and now works for a consulting agency for law enforcement. In this story her intuition is just starting to kick into high gear. It's A great read!
October 11, 2021
Great Start to a New Series
This book was interesting from page one. I really liked Gracie and her no nonsense, take charge attitude. I hope to see more of her old partner Nick as they have an amazing rapport. I look forward to reading the next book on the series.
This book was interesting from page one. I really liked Gracie and her no nonsense, take charge attitude. I hope to see more of her old partner Nick as they have an amazing rapport. I look forward to reading the next book on the series.
August 15, 2022
A story about a former cop who now works for a enforcement consulting firm. The plot involves several cases that turn out to be related. The story has plenty of action, humor and just enough romance to make it interesting.
August 15, 2022
What an intriguing and awesome beginning to a new series. Gracie is a strong character that draws you in and has you locked into her world. Each page gives you twists and turns that you never see coming.
March 7, 2024
Very enjoyable. As someone else said in their review, it appears like a cozy, but it’s not. I liked the characters and the mystery. And I sure wish I could have one of those cupcakes. Looking forward to more Gracie!
July 26, 2024
Very good, but regret some unnecessary language
A very good book, great main character, and the mystery is well written. I don't like some offensive words that are just NOT necessary to tell a great story! I will try the next one and hope there are no F words.
A very good book, great main character, and the mystery is well written. I don't like some offensive words that are just NOT necessary to tell a great story! I will try the next one and hope there are no F words.
May 22, 2021
Great story! Can't wait to read book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews