The Walking Bread

A Bread Shop Mystery #3

by Winnie Archer, Melissa Bourbon

Beloved Mexican bakery Yeast of Eden has scored the catering deal at the annual Santa Sofia, California, art car parade and ball. But when a contestant turns up dead, making bread will be the yeast of their problems . . .

Apprentice baker Ivy Culpepper sees art cars everywhere she turns. Besides helping prepare the bread and pastry for Santa Sofia's annual spring event, she's the official photographer, documenting the elaborate cars, outspoken artists, and riotous celebrations. Even her family's in on the act: her brother Billy has been runner-up in the competition more times than she can count--but this is going to be the year he celebrates his win in the victory lane.

But after Billy's rival, Max Litman, revs up his bombastic showmanship, Billy is once again set to cruise into second place. Until Max is found dead--positioned as a prop in his own art car. The whole town knows there's no love lost between the two men, and Billy is the prime suspect. Now Ivy will have to sift through collusion, deception, gossip, and lies to find out what really happened. But with the help of her octogenarian Watson, her restaurateur beau, and her adopted aunts at Yeast of Eden, she knows she can take the heat . . .

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Food, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 25, 2018

About the author

Winnie Archer is the pseudonym of Melissa Bourbon.

Melissa Bourbon Ramirez is the national bestselling author of seventeen mystery books, including the Lola Cruz Mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer. She is a former middle school English teacher who gave up the classroom in order to live in her imagination full time. Melissa, a California native who has lived in Texas and Colorado, now calls the southeast home. She hikes, practices yoga, cooks, and is slowly but surely discovering all the great restaurants in the Carolinas. Since four of her five amazing kids are living their lives, scattered throughout the country, her dogs, Bean, the pug, Dobby, the chug, and Jasper, a cattle dog/lab keep her company while she writes. Melissa lives in North Carolina with her educator husband, Carlos, and their youngest son. She is beyond fortunate to be living the life of her dreams.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Spring in Santa Sofia, California, means it is time for the annual Art Car Parade and Ball. Ivy Culpepper is very familiar with the event, her brother Billy has come in second for years, always losing to Max Litman. This year should be different. Billy has a fantastic idea inspired by his mother that has passed away. Ivy is amazed by the work of car art he has created. The cars are all being moved to the pre-event site and Ivy notices a very creepy car. Her pug, Agatha, really has an issue with the car, actually barring teeth. When Ivy examines it closer the thing she thought was a prop turns out to be a man. A very dead man. Max Litman is dead and a huge piece of evidence points right at Billy. Her best friend Deputy Sheriff Emmaline Davis has been sidelined because of her relationship with Billy, so the chief is taking charge. Ivy knows she is going to have to work hard and find the real killer because he thinks the case is open and shut and Billy is his man.

This art car thing is brand new to me. I have been to many car shows but never an art car show and the whole thing drew me into this story. I was fascinated by the author’s detailed descriptions of the cars. What a creative event.

Ivy Culpepper works at Yeast of Eden as an apprentice baker, but she trying to get her photography business off the ground. She was at the event to take pictures but Yeast of Eden is also one of the caters for the event so sleuthing out the real killer should be easy . . . NOT! The suspect pool is wide open and there is not a lot of clear evidence. With a little help from her friends and her pug, Ivy starts to piece things together and I was right there with her. Again the author’s vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture to put readers right on the spot.

Ms. Archer has created characters with depth. They are likable and relatable. They have grown in each story with a nice progression. I was taken by Billy’s tribute to his mother’s love of reading. It warmed by heart the way she passed the love on to her children.

The story was very well-plotted and entertaining. It was perfectly paced and held my attention the whole way. I love the creative title and the way it tied into the story.

This story stands on it own but reading the series from the start will make it more enjoyable.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books written by Winnie Archer. The Walking Bread is the third installment of A Bread Shop Mystery Series. If you missed the first book, Kneaded to Death, I highly recommend you pick it up. It started the series off with a bang. The stories revolve around Ivy Culpepper, a thirty-something year old woman who has returned to her hometown of Santa Sofia after the death of her mother. She is a photographer and bread making apprentice at the cleverly named Yeast of Eden bakery where she has befriended the much older owner, Olaya. Yeast of Eden is catering the local arts and cars festival, a festival that means a lot to Ivy’s family. Ivy’s brother has entered in the car festival every year since he was 17 years old, only to be beat out by Max Litman year after year. This year is different, however. Max never gets to compete. The rival is found dead in his own art car. Ivy and her gang of adopted aunts at Yeast of Eden resolve to solve the case before her brother takes the rap.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the Bread Shop Mystery series was a fun, quick read. The main characters are hitting their stride and really coming together nicely. They feel well rounded and familiar. I like when an author can make their characters relatable so that when you pick up a book in the series as a reader you are looking forward to seeing what happens next in their journey. The secondary cast of characters add to the overall enjoyment of the story. Each one serves a purpose and helps the story gel. Once again Ivy is drawn into solving a murder, but this time, the stakes are high. This time, Ivy's brother is the number one suspect and the police chief isn't looking at anyone else. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well done. The nature of the victim's history in town allows the author to present a number of plausible and believable suspects. I was taken by surprise by the identity of the killer. Overall, this is a fun series and I am looking forward to more from this author.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy and her curious bunch of friends are on the hunt again for a murderer as someone close to her is on the hook for it and looks like they are going down for it if she doesn't find the guilty party soon. Once again excellent character development enhances a complex and exciting plot. The narrator of the audiobook does an excellent job of bringing the story to life and overall the experience is quite good. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the town of Santa Sofia committed to something, they went at it whole hog.

This is the third book in the Bread Shop series and probably my favorite. Santa Sofia sponsors an Art Car Show every Spring. Contestants take old cars and turn them into artistic masterpieces. Ivy's brother, Billy has been the runner up more years than he can count. The winner, Maxwell Litman used underhanded methods to win, including using a local high school art teacher as a spy. Billy has not entered in several years as he tried to get his business off the ground. This year he decides to pay tribute to his late mother by honoring her with a car. Maxwell is found dead before the show officially begins and Billy becomes the prime suspect.

There is so much wonderfulness going on in this book. First and foremost is spotlighting the Culpepper's love of reading. The car that Billy creates from an old Nova is amazing. I can picture it in my head. Using Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass was very touching. I have a soft spot for the Jabberwocky any way so this was very special to me. The descriptions were amazing! I felt like I was in Santa Sofia. I love that Billy did this in memory of his mom. The inscription from his mom in his well loved copy of the book made me cry.

Ivy's relationship with Penelope "Penny" Brandford is so wonderful. She has truly stepped in as a grandmother for Ivy. I love how Olaya is a treasured auntie as she continually teaches Ivy the art of bread making. The extra "magic" that Olaya adds to everything she bakes makes me with I could be her apprentice.

Miguel and Ivy seem to be on a better path in this book. It always amazes me how misinformation can lead to such strife in people's lives. I still want to smack Miguel's sister.

I like that Miguel was willing to step up and help investigate since Emmaline pretty much has to step back due to her relationship with Billy. Of course Agatha, the adorable pug, is along for the sleuthing as well.

I did figure out who the culprit was(or at least had strong leanings in that direction) before the reveal. This in no way distracted from the enjoyment of the story.

I am eager to read the next book in the series to see where Ivy's life takes her next.

An excellent read! 4.5 stars!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Walking Bread by Winnie Archer is the third installment in A Bread Shop Mystery series. Ivy Culpepper lives in Santa Sofia, California which is busy preparing for the Art Car Show and Ball. Contestants spend months decorating their cars for the contest and parade. Ivy is the photographer for the event and has been busy uploading photos to the website. Ivy’s brother, Billy has not participated in a few years because he continually lost to the deceptive Max Litman. Billy has created a car to honor their mother who passed away recently. He is sure his beautiful Through the Looking Glass car will take the grand prize. Ivy is photographing the cars and is shocked by Max Litman’s creation. What Ivy thought was a prop, turns out to be Max. With the rivalry between Max and Billy well known, Billy zooms to the top of the suspect list. With Deputy Sheriff Emmaline Davis sidelined by Sheriff Lane, it is up to Ivy to find out who wants Billy to take the fall for Max’s death. Ivy, with the help of her trusty sidekick, Penelope Branford, must sift through the potential suspects, the clues, and the gossip to identify the killer.

The Walking Bread is not a standalone story. You need to read Kneaded to Death before embarking on the newest book in A Bread Shop Mystery series. I found The Walking Bread easy to read courtesy of the writers’ style of writing. The pace varies throughout the book. I am happy to see Ivy happy living in Santa Sofia. She has a cozy home, family and good friends. I wish the author had taken the time to explain her job in The Walking Bread. We know she is a photographer and taking photos of the event for the city. Does she have her own business? It is not explained in this book. I found the concept of art cars fascinating. What a unique idea. The entrants take old cars and turn them into art pieces. Billy’s car sounded magical with it’s Through the Looking Glass theme. The description allowed me to imagine what the piece looked like. Max Litman is one of those characters that readers will love to hate. Immediately I could tell that he would soon be found dead and he was in a dramatic fashion. The account of his car will have you cringing (perfect for Halloween). Billy (of course) is the prime suspect so Ivy steps up to find the guilty party. Her helper is Penelope Branford who enjoys the investigations. Not many people liked the victim (shocker), and Ivy must wade through the various suspects to determine who would want him dead. The mystery can easily be solved before the solution is revealed. I felt the resolution was incomplete. There is supposition instead of facts. There are many cozy moments as Ivy spends time with her family, bakes bread with Olaya Solis, and enjoys romantic moments with Miguel Baptista. There are some tender and sad moments as the Culpepper family mourns the loss of their matriarch and share their favorite memories. I would like the books in this series to have more depth and character development. I am giving The Walking Bread 3 out of 5 stars. The Walking Bread is a good choice for those readers who prefer airy cozy mysteries.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walking Bread by Winnie Archer is the third book in this series and was another solid cozy mystery with enough suspects, twists and turns to keep me turning the pages until the end. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in Bread Shop Mystery series is the best yet! The characters and relationships continue to grow and develop as we see Ivy set out to prove her brother's innocence. Billy is a person of interest when his long time rival, Max Litman turns up dead.With the delightful octogenarian Mrs. Branford, owner of Yeast of Eden, Olaya Solis, and the hunky Miguel Baptista by her side, it's a page turner of a ride! Looking forward to the next installment of this delicious and addictive series.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! I was a bit worried after reading the second book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed this third Bread Shop Mystery novel. Love the community and the bread shop -- makes me impulsively go out and buy yeast and check out bread baking books from the library after I've spent some time with these characters. lol They make it look so easy but it's not!!!!

Love the festival vibe in this mystery -- and the pacing is great. Lots of potential suspects (unfortunately the sheriff has his sights on Ivy's brother and that just won't do.) What's a girl to do but go into full investigative mode with her faithful pug, Agatha, at her side!

My one reservation with this series is the coarse language -- some mild and some downright crude. Not extensive, but still, not something I want to see in a cozy mystery.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy sees art cars everywhere in town, she is the baker for the Santa Sofia’s spring advent. There is a car contest and her brother has been runner up every year. He is sure he will win this year beating out Max, then Max is found dead and Billy is the prime suspect. Ivy is determined to figure it out, with the help of an 80 year old woman, her boyfriend and her adopted aunts.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Culpepper has been busy helping her mentor, Olaya Solis, bake artisan bread for the annual Art Car Show. Ivy is also the event photographer. She's eager to photograph the cars and even more eager for her brother Billy to finally win the competition with a loving tribute to their late mother. Billy has been runner-up to the dastardly Max Litman for too long. Now he's finally rooted out Max's spy, Billy's original idea will have to win. While photographing the cars, Ivy and her dog Agatha are disturbed by a zombie car which appears to be chomping a man. Looking closer, Ivy realizes what she had assumed to be a scarecrow or dummy is actually a human. Unfortunately that human turns out to be Max and he's definitely dead. The police sheriff sets his sights on Billy and will not be deterred. Deputy Sheriff Emmaline Harris's hands are tied and it's up to Ivy to prove her brother's innocence. With all signs pointing to Billy having been the last to speak to or see Max alive, it isn't going to be easy. Ivy knows her brother is not a murderer and she's determined to prove it.

This plot is much better than the previous book in the series. It starts with a bang and doesn't let up. I couldn't put it down. While I hate cars and I'm not much of an art person, the theme didn't appeal to me but the mystery was tight. I didn't guess who did it but the thought flitted across my mind. I don't know how they're going to prove it though, not without a confession. There's more bread baking than in the previous book and my mouth was watering at the thought of babka, panettone, challah, croissants and other amazing slow-rise breads.

Ivy finally has a good reason to investigate the murder. The sheriff is lazy and incompetent. It's a high profile case and Billy is an easy suspect. Emmaline, being Billy's girlfriend, is off the case. She's more intelligent and a better detective than Sheriff Lane. Heck, even Ivy is a better detective. The question here is who would frame Billy and why?

The annoying Blackbird Ladies are not as present in this novel with the exception of Penelope. I find her eagerness to investigate irritating. I don't like how she rushes in without a plan and manipulates people by putting on a feeble old lady act. However, she's a better actress than Ivy. Ivy can't lie easily and her attempts at subtle interrogation almost never work. In this novel, she's able to subtly question her neighbors when she has Agatha with her. I was pleased little Agatha gets to do more than run around the backyard in this novel. Billy doesn't seem to have moved on in his grieving as much as Ivy has and with the murder accusation, he's more brooding than ever before. It seems hopeless and I feel sorry for him. Ivy's dad is supportive and kind but he isn't a rock they can lean on. Olaya is as kind and comforting to Ivy as an aunt. She has become the mother-figure Ivy needs in her life. Miguel Baptista, Ivy's high school boyfriend and current flame, is a great guy. He's always there for Ivy and fully believes in Billy's innocence.

Miguel also helps investigate and serves as the muscle of the operation whenever Ivy needs help. Miguel's sister Laura is a first-class *itch to Ivy for no good reason. She has her reasons and those are cleared up a little too quickly and easily. Her husband, Sergio Morales, has a sense of humor and is devoted to helping his wife get over her angst. Mike seems like a great guy. I love how he went on a date with his young daughter.

Max Litman was not a nice man. He was a cut-throat businessman, narcissistic, lied, cheated and did whatever it took to get his own way. He hurt a lot of people and I'm not surprised he was murdered.

Suspects include Mr. Zavilia, a high school art teacher who helped Billy with his cars. Mr. Zavilia may have been Max's spy, helping Max one-up Billy with whatever theme Billy was working with. This is a terrible thing to do to someone you promised to help. Nate Allen was the person who drove the art cars to the hangar where the show was being held. Did he see or hear anything that could be a clue? Did he kill Max? He comes across as a little rough and rude. Mr. Welborn was Max's chief competitor in the real estate development business. Their businesses were right next to each other which had to have been irritating. Mr. Welborn lies about his relationship with Max. What else is he lying about? He seems like a good candidate for murderer. His wife does as well. She has good reason to have hated Max but her husband is to blame for that. Vanessa was Max's spiritual adviser, probably code for "girlfriend du jour." She seems nice but nervous. Is she telling the truth? Max was probably a ruthless, cruel boyfriend but could the free-spirited Vanessa have killed him and stuffed his body into the car's zombie mouth? Possibly not on her own. Vincente Villeneuva is another ruthless businessman type who had dealings with Max. He certainly sets off alarm bells with me, especially the way people react when they hear his name. Unfortunately, he has a connection that makes me not want him to be a murderer. Late in the story, another suspect is introduced. This is far too late for someone new to enter the plot but this person has good reason to possibly be a murder or know who did.

Dixie Mayfield, now working for Max's competitor, seems to know more than she lets on. She's an opportunist. While she deserves happiness and good luck, I feel uneasy whenever she's on page. The Picaloos, Ivy's neighbors, love to gossip and have a wealth of information on Max. Their interaction with him could give them reason for murder but why frame Billy when he could help them? Plus they have a cute little dog so I don't see them as murderers.

I was excited to see recipes included in the back of the book but disappointed the recipes come from other sources. I REALLY want chocolate babka but I'll buy it because it sounds complicated and time consuming. Those who are gluten-free will be pleased to see King Arthur Flour's gf chocolate babka recipe included. Also included is Chile Ancho Sopa de Chocolate- not something I'm interested in.

Since I already have the 4th book on my nightstand, I'll read through that one and decide if I want to read the latest one coming out later this year.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series! Book 2 is still my favorite, but this was an enjoyable and gripping read. Ivy and Miguel's relationship really gets fleshed out more in this book. I love Miss Branford so much! The best character - definitely. The mystery came together really well in an exciting scene in the last chapters.

[RO G'ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walking Bread is the third book in Winnie Archer’s Bread Shop Mystery series. The characters are three dimensional and well developed and the plot is well paced and can be read as a standalone as the author provides great background information. Ms. Archer’s writing is descriptive and vivid, making you feel you are with the characters and actually experiencing what they are. There are multiple possible suspects, and lots of clues ad twists and turns in this well plotted whodunit. There’s a touch of romance, lots of compassion and caring, and emotions involved with the pages of this book. The identity of the killer was surprising.

Ivy Culpepper, a professional photographer, returned to her hometown of Santa Sofia after the death of her mother and is working part-time as a bread-making apprentice at Yeast of Eden, a Mexican bread bakery run by her friend Olaya Solis. Almost every year since he was seventeen years old, Ivy’s brother, Billy, had an entry in the event, only to be beaten out by his rival, Max Litman, every time. Their mother loved the Art Car Parade and Ball more than any of Santa Sofia’s other events, so after taking a hiatus for a few years, Billy decides to enter this year. In honor of her, he replicated “Through the Looking-Glass,” one of their mother’s favorite books. Ivy, Billy, and Owen, their dad, are certain this will be the year he brings home the blue ribbon. Completed entries were being housed in an airplane hangar outside of town. Ivy was photographing the first of the entries and since she wanted to take her little fawn pug, Agatha, along, her dad agreed to join them and keep an eye on high-spirited Agatha. As they approached one of the cars, Agatha stopped, sat down, refused to move, and uncharacteristically bared her teeth. The car troubling Agatha, decorated as a grotesque zombie, was missing its registration tag and upon closer inspection, Ivy discovered a dead Max Litman inside the zombie’s mouth. Max was a liar and a scoundrel and not many people will be sad he was dead. Everyone knew there wasn’t any love lost between the two men, so with one piece of circumstantial evidence against him, a lot of people think Billy’s guilty, including Sheriff Robert Lane. Deputy Sheriff Emmaline Davis, Ivy’s best friend, who is planning a life with Billy, is taken off the case. Ivy is determined to clear her brother’s name.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walking Bread is the third installment of A Bread Shop Mystery Series. I do recommend that you read the first book in this series if you haven't already. It sets the series up and gives a good base for the rest of the books. The protagonist is Ivy Culpepper, a thirty-something year old woman who has returned home to Santa Sofia after the death of her mother. She is there to support her father and brother Billy. She is a freelance photographer and began working at Yeast of Eden, a bakery where she is working as an apprentice breadbaker. In this Yeast of Eden is catering the local arts and cars festival. Once again, Ivy's brother has entered with the hope to finally beat Max Litman, the man who wins every year. This year is different, as Max never gets to compete. He is found dead in his own art car. Of course, Billy is the main suspect due to the competition and finding an item of his in the car. Ivy hopes to find the real murderer before her brother takes the rap.

I enjoy this series and the many different characters. Ivy is best friends with police detective, Emmaline, and she is also Billy's girlfriend, so is pulled off the case. This might cause problems for Ivy's sleuthing, but she is a smart cookie and has lots of help. I love the character of Penelope (Penny) Brandford. She is a retired high school teacher and is full of surprises. She is Watson to Ivy's Holmes. She also gets help from her boyfriend Miquel and her adopted aunts from Yeast of Eden to find clues and investigate. It turns out there are a lot of people that had issues with Max, so there are a lot of suspects. I did not figure out the culprit until just before the reveal, but looking back, there were plenty of clues and hints along the way. I continue to enjoy the friendship of the ladies at Yeast of Eden and the close bond that Ivy and Olaya have developed. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really coming together in this book #3. Ivy is settling back into her hometown. Her relationship is moving forward with Miguel, and she is able to clear the air with a long time nemesis. The art car contest is about to begin, and Ivy’s brother, Billy, is trying once again to beat his rival, Max. Everything changes when Max is found dead, and Billy is the number one suspect. Ivy and her hilarious sidekick, Penelope Branford, will investigate to clear Billy’s name. I found myself literally laughing out loud when Penelope is working her magic by using her elderly age to her advantage, when in fact she is sharper than a 20 year old and more agile than she lets on. All of the characters in this book are growing on me. I feel like I know them personally. The mystery portion is awesome. The author really knows how to throw you for a loop! The description of the bread being baked will leave your mouth watering!! Sit down and enjoy a good mystery and eat before you start!

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Ivy and her team of bread making buddies. In this novel they must clear her brother who is being framed for the murder of his car show rival. Unfortunately being his fiancee Emmaline is ordered to stay away from the case so she puts her trust in Ivy to solve the mystery.

Overall the book is a light and easy read. However I would prefer a little more depth. I don't feel as if I know much about Ivy other than her relationship with Miguel and her love of the ladies at the breadshop, I really hoped to see more of her friendship with Emmaline especially since she will be her sister-in-law soon. I also would like to discover more about this newfound photography business Ivy has been trying to start.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and I love this series. Though the book was a little slow to start I was soon racing through to the end. I love Yeast of Eden and would love to try some of their great breads. Every time I read a book in the series I swear I can smell the bread baking. I love the characters Ivy and Miguel and all the octogenarians who are Ivy's friends. This was a well written book with a great story line and characters who just make you want to sit and chat with them a while.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. 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. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading other books by her.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sono un attimo basita per il colpevole: non me lo aspettavo. Più che altro non mi sembra che lungo il libro ci sia stato un solo indizio per capire che il colpevole era quella determinata persona. So che non sono molto chiara, ma sto cercando di spiegarmi senza fare spoiler. Almeno, una volta scoperto chi fosse il colpevole ho capito perché le indagini erano state condotte in un certo modo.

[Rima Aiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! I love how creative the author is with the story lines, but still keeping everything perfectly authentic for a small town. I love how she writes the main character, I love Ivy so much! This story was incredibly hard to put down, and i enjoyed every single word!

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

[Laura Castagnetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series. I’m glad the romance is finally starting to pick up 💜

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The descriptions of the festival, the cars and all the work that goes into them is wonderful. The rest is a typical cozy mystery with the surprising ending reveal of the murderer. #TheWalkingBread #NetGalley

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and how it involved Ivy's family more. It also showed some character growth on Ivy's part, but could have used more meaningful interaction with her family members as well. There was more interaction with her brother and father than the other books, but it was very superficial.

The author did a good job of making the victim worthy of betting offed and there were several possible suspects. Most of the usual secondary characters got a brief nod in this one.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Ivy Culpepper had moved back to her home town after a divorce and the death of her mother. She found an emotional anchor at the Yeast of Eden Bakery, and was working to re-establish a photography career. She is surrounded by the local cast of characters, including her father and her brother Billy, her best friend Emma (who happens to be assistant police chief) and her high school boyfriend Miguel. The backstory between her and Miguel doesn't exactly make sense, but their relationship appears to be fairly solid.

Her new life is upset when the police chief is determined to pin the murder of a local developer on her brother Billy. Emma is taken off the case and the police will not entertain any other suspects, so Ivy and her trusty and crusty octogenarian detecting partner Mrs. Bradford must solve the crime.

This is a pleasant enough read, but feels a bit superficial. The plot mostly hangs together, but there isn't much character development. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy...well unfortunately this book just made one of the biggest faux pas of cozy mysteries, and it's an annoying one. Let's start with what's good about this book and series...I really like the characters, the setting and the theme of the bread shop. All the little tidbits about bread and bread making are interesting and I've learned that there are way more breads around than the few I live with! There's the obligatory cute little romance side story (that is on a verrrrry slow simmer). overall I like the feel of the world that has been created.

Now onto the faux pas....The mystery in this book was weak, which is not the faux pas. The solution is fleshed out, solved and an arrest made in about two pages with no further information given. The final chapter (about 4 pages long) is more of an epilogue that ends with a nice little family moment, fade to black! There were so many holes left open it's like Swiss cheese. Where did the murder take place? How did the body get to where it was discovered? How did the murderer pull off the frame job on her brother? How did the murderer get the item that was left at the crime scene indicating the brother? The motive for the crime, while good in principal, needed to be further explained in the context of this person's particular situation. And then the murderer's reaction when told (out of the readers hearing I might add) what the investigator suspected reacted in such a way as to prove his guilt but there is absolutely zero evidence presented to prove the suspicion! There is no way the arrest would hold in real life. Now of course, we all suspend reality for these books but for me that suspension includes ignoring the fact that a little old lady, housewife, teacher etc.. comes across dead bodies constantly and then bests the police by solving the murder. It does not include theories with no evidence and arrests that are ridiculous and won't stick.

So will I read more of this series? Yes, for all the reasons I list in the first paragraph of my review. My 3 star rating is given based on the strength of the foundations of this series. I will give this series a "get out of jail free" card on this installment and give it another chance. I can only hope that these problems with the mystery do not persist.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this book was written by the same author who wrote the first two books in the series. There were so many continuity errors in the narrative that I had to keep going back and checking to make sure I wasn't the one remembering wrong. The biggest one involved a clue to the murder. When it first happened, it was revealed that a window was broken but the glass fell outside instead of inside, as if the murderer escaped out through the window. But at the end where the murderer was revealed, we are told the glass fell on the inside but hadn't been stepped on. When they went to the school to visit the art teacher, they couldn't get into the building due to tight security. Eventually her friend let them in. Then she left the building to go to the art building which was one of four buildings on the campus. So why didn't they go to that building in the first place? Except that once she got there, it was the art hall not the art building???There were also inconsistencies from previous books. And did Ivy have to mention the dark color of Emmaline's skin every time she made an appearance????

The reveal was also a major snooze. We found out who did it but not exactly how. In fact, there was not one shred of evidence to prove Ivy's "theory" of who did it yet that person was arrested on the spot. It felt as if the author was just rushing to meet a deadline and didn't have time to bother to wrap things up so the readers could understand the how and the why, which to me are just as important as the who.

To keep to the theme of "art cars," I'm hoping this is just a rare clunker and that the next book will be more carefully constructed and edited!

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa Sofia's annual art car show highlights creativity, but Ivy Culpepper's brother, Billy, always placed second to his arch rival, Max Litman. This year, they hope, will be his year. But fate intervenes when Max's zombie car entry has a body inside, and Billy is under suspicion. Ivy has find a way to prove her brother's innocence. While this is the 3rd In the bread shop series, I was able to pick up any needed backstory and just enjoy the story. From the first page, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. I'll be back to read more about Ivy and her family and friends.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[John Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free for the purpose of an impartial review.
This was the most fun I’ve had reading a cozy in a long time. The author's prose is approachable and fun, while still conveying the seriousness of the situation at hand. The book even had one or two wholesome moments which are nice to read. Net total of this book was a fast and easy read which I Highly Recommend.
Ivy Culpepper, the protagonist, must save her brother from being falsely imprisoned after his sworn nemesis is found dead. Ivy had plenty of agency in this book, which is a criticism I have of a lot of other mystery books. Ivy goes out of her way to save her brother against impossible odds of a system stacked against her. I liked her, she was very charming. Ivy’s partner-in-crime-solving Mrs. Branford, an octogenarian Archie Goodwin, was even more fun because she had a devil-may-care attitude about solving the crime.
The plot was also very good. As is the case with most cozy mysteries, the premise is innately ridiculous: there is a murder at a themed car festival. The victim is found dead inside his zombie-themed car, and Ivy's brother is implicated by evidence planted on the site. Ivy and Branford must team up to find the real killer after the cops rushed through their investigative process and failed to see through the planted evidence. Ivy must find the dead man's enemies (here's a hint: there are a LOT of suspects).
The pacing was very good as well. While it was never what I would call ‘seat of your pants reading,’ THE WALKING BREAD was fun and I read it pretty much cover to cover in two days. The author successfully conveys a sense of urgency which made the book very gripping. Our hearts were in our throats as we were afraid that Ivy’s struggling family would collapse because of the false imprisonment of her brother.
I always like to include some constructive criticism at the end of all my reviews. For this book I have just one thing, however it is fairly major spoilers so sign off here if you don't want to be spoiled.
My chief complaint was that this book was not a Fair Play mystery. Fair Play mysteries are mysteries which the reader can figure out before the protagonist because the evidence is all there waiting to be put together. I, the reader, lacked a key piece of evidence until after the protagonist got it. The final piece of evidence only became available at the climax of the book, so there is no way for me the reader to figure out who the bad guy was until after the protagonist. It's a small complaint, but significant in its own way.
As I said previously I do Highly Recommend this book. The characterization was strong, the plot was strong, and the pacing was great. If you're in the mood for a fun, reasonably light cozy mystery consider checking this out.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walking Bread is the third installment in the A Bread Shop Mystery series featuring part time baker and photographer, Ivy Culpepper. The quaint town of Santa Sofia, California is preparing for the annual Art Car parade and not only has Ivy been hired as the official photographer for the festivities but Yeast of Eden, the bread shop owned by her honorary aunt Olaya Solis, is catering for the crowds.

Ivy's brother Billy, has been entering the Art Car Show for as long as she can remember and has always finished runner up to his rival Max Litman. Unfortunately early on Ivy had discovered that Billy's mentor, high school art teacher Mr. Zavila had been secretly spying on Billy's plans and then turning them over to Max, ensuring that Billy would always finish second. Determined to best his rival this year, Billy put out false plans for his car and was keeping his true theme top secret.

As the cars begin staging in the airport hangar that will house them for the show Ivy is busy snapping pictures when she suddenly spots a pair of legs sticking out of the front of Max's zombie car. The legs belong to Max and it's no surprise when Sheriff Robert Lane accuses Billy of being the killer. Knowing that her brother is not a killer, Ivy sets out with the help of Deputy Sheriff Emmaline Davis, her boyfriend Miguel, and octogenarian Penelope Branford to clear Billy's name.

A fast paced plot with well developed characters that kneads together a great mystery and the true meaning of family and friends. The book reads as a stand alone but I strongly urge readers to start from the beginning of the series in order to learn more about Ivy and her community.

I received an advanced copy of The Walking Bread from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.