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Murder on the Equator #4
Diamonds & Donuts
Family, Friendship, Community, and … Doughnuts.
A vandal is wreaking havoc in paradisiac Baños — and he's got his sights set on Jessica James.
The grand opening of Jessica's dream doughnut shop is days away. She'd rather sort sugary sprinkles than chase after another criminal. But when the crazed crook crosses the line, leaving nothing but a trail of flour behind him, desperate times call for desperate measures.
With the help of her trusted friends, Jessica determines to restore peace to her town, protect the people she's grown to love, and save her shop from an unknown enemy out to sabotage The Sugar Shack.
Diamonds & Donuts is the fourth novel in Jennifer Joy’s Murder on the Equator cozy mystery series set in the charming, touristy small town of Baños, Ecuador — where majestic waterfalls carve through the Andes Mountains and the balmy jungle breezes carry your worries away to the tune of salsa music.
Read Diamonds & Donuts to satisfy your craving for a quirky cast of characters to root for in this fast-paced mystery of humor, travel, and discovery today!
A vandal is wreaking havoc in paradisiac Baños — and he's got his sights set on Jessica James.
The grand opening of Jessica's dream doughnut shop is days away. She'd rather sort sugary sprinkles than chase after another criminal. But when the crazed crook crosses the line, leaving nothing but a trail of flour behind him, desperate times call for desperate measures.
With the help of her trusted friends, Jessica determines to restore peace to her town, protect the people she's grown to love, and save her shop from an unknown enemy out to sabotage The Sugar Shack.
Diamonds & Donuts is the fourth novel in Jennifer Joy’s Murder on the Equator cozy mystery series set in the charming, touristy small town of Baños, Ecuador — where majestic waterfalls carve through the Andes Mountains and the balmy jungle breezes carry your worries away to the tune of salsa music.
Read Diamonds & Donuts to satisfy your craving for a quirky cast of characters to root for in this fast-paced mystery of humor, travel, and discovery today!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2018
23 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Becca Bloom
12 books6 followersBecca Bloom is a budding detective, inquisitive world traveler, developing storyteller, and blossoming cozy mystery writer.
She loves happy endings and laughter and makes sure to include both in her novels.
Born and raised on the beautiful Oregon coast, she now lives high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and twin kids.
She loves happy endings and laughter and makes sure to include both in her novels.
Born and raised on the beautiful Oregon coast, she now lives high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and twin kids.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 9, 2018
Although you might be able to read this as a stand alone I would not recommend it. The relationship between the generations, Abuelita, Sylvia, Adi, Tia Rosa and those in the neighborhood along with their visitor (now resident) from America have to be experienced to understand how the personalities and behaviors mingle, complement and manipulate each other as they attempt to run their businesses and keep their place in the community.
Then there is Jake, brother to Adi and on whom Jessica has a crush. I keep waiting for more than a mention of him even with the one tour he takes Jessie and others on.
In this story we find Jessica with a bare apartment while Patricio and his crew are installing a rooftop patio for her dog, Lady. Ironically she is then moved to buy a painting for her bare walls and just after sending it off to be framed her apartment door is smashed in. Nothing is taken but were they after the painting? The area has been hit by a number of jewel thefts. Is there a connection. Several men either are out-and-out obnoxious or just shady characters: Sal, who has a competing bakery to Jessica's soon-to-open donut shop and Angel Flores, who attempts to demand Jessica's painting was first promised to him and then to demand all future Eduardo paintings be sold to him. What is his motive? This is a new painter and he does not have a name to prompt high prices.
In this mystery we do not have any dead bodies. But we still have the hi-jinxes and secret actions of the two sisters who have become dear friends with Jessica. In this story we now have Mammy from the states show up. She is an old friend of the sisters and she lost her son, Eddie, here in Ecuador...he is presumed dead.
This was an interesting tale and as it builds I can see that there are several budding romances which the author I am sure will expand upon in future books. A recent blog had photos of the falls which Jake took Jessica and others to see. The falls are gorgeous and I am glad I saw those photos before reading about the trip to see them.
Then there is Jake, brother to Adi and on whom Jessica has a crush. I keep waiting for more than a mention of him even with the one tour he takes Jessie and others on.
In this story we find Jessica with a bare apartment while Patricio and his crew are installing a rooftop patio for her dog, Lady. Ironically she is then moved to buy a painting for her bare walls and just after sending it off to be framed her apartment door is smashed in. Nothing is taken but were they after the painting? The area has been hit by a number of jewel thefts. Is there a connection. Several men either are out-and-out obnoxious or just shady characters: Sal, who has a competing bakery to Jessica's soon-to-open donut shop and Angel Flores, who attempts to demand Jessica's painting was first promised to him and then to demand all future Eduardo paintings be sold to him. What is his motive? This is a new painter and he does not have a name to prompt high prices.
In this mystery we do not have any dead bodies. But we still have the hi-jinxes and secret actions of the two sisters who have become dear friends with Jessica. In this story we now have Mammy from the states show up. She is an old friend of the sisters and she lost her son, Eddie, here in Ecuador...he is presumed dead.
This was an interesting tale and as it builds I can see that there are several budding romances which the author I am sure will expand upon in future books. A recent blog had photos of the falls which Jake took Jessica and others to see. The falls are gorgeous and I am glad I saw those photos before reading about the trip to see them.
August 12, 2020
Jessica James has chosen to stay in Ecuador to open the doughnut shop of her dreams. She just moved into the apartment in Tia Rosa's building and the building's terrace is being designed as a doggie dream park for Lady. The only thing missing is furniture. And art. Jessica goes looking for something special to put on her wall and falls in love with a painting Miss Patty shows her. The painting, by a local up-and-coming artist, captures Jess's heart and imagination. She can't believe it when Miss Patty sells it to her for a bargain. Unfortunately for Jess, an angry man tries to claim the painting for his own. Miss Patty knows Jess for a true art lover and chooses Jess to be the new owner of the painting. Angry Art Man doesn't give up that easily. When Jessica discovers her apartment has been broken in to, she is scared and hurt but nothing seems to have been stolen. She doesn't think it was Angry Art Man. She has more trouble with Salvador Lopez, owner of the neighborhood bakery. He's upset Jess is opening a doughnut shop and stealing his employees and business. Jess is furious the less-than-talented baker has added doughnuts to his menu. As if you could call what he makes doughnuts anyway. When Jess's shop is damaged and her mixer stolen, she's certain it was Sal. Her beloved Mammy (grandmother) comes to visit and teams up with Abuelita and Tia Rosa to help Jessica. The unholy trio could end up making things a lot worse! A series of robberies around the area by a cat burglar make the police suspect Eduardo, the artist knows more that he lets on. The problem is Eduardo is Deaf and shy. (Ecuador is slow to catch on to the rights of people with special needs). Miss Patty firmly believes Eduardo is innocent but Jess worries the painter is not so innocent. How can she find the truth if it hurts people she cares about?
The plot moves a little more slowly than the previous books. Jess manages NOT to stumble across any dead bodies this time. The mystery centers around the break-ins, the jewel heists and the paintings. What's the connection? I figured out the connection but not the who. I only realized who when the clue was dropped. I was upset because I didn't want it to be that person. Jessica FINALLY figures it out on her own. She's not that great at solving mysteries in spite of what everyone says about her.
Jessica has really come into her own. Away from her family she steps out of the role they've cast her in. No longer the peacemaker, she can be bold and brave on her own. I love how she stands up to bullies and isn't shy and scared anymore. She can even handle an adventure in the jungle, provided she's equipped with sunscreen and bug spray. I LOVE how often she quotes Pride and Prejudice! Her romance with Jake is moving millimeters closer. I don't blame her for falling for a guy who can quote Jane Austen! Other than literature, they have nothing in common. He encourages Jess to be her best self and that's important anyway.
Officer Gus Rivera is a super nice guy but he is afraid of Abuelita, like everyone else. He has a thing for Adi but is afraid to ask her out. I think he should have more courage. Abuelita has a heart of gold. She clearly loves Jess and thinks of Jess as a granddaughter she must protect. Abuelita's methods leave a lot to be desired. I laugh a lot when she's in a scene. Tia Rosa is a dear but she always goes along with her sister's plans and then ends up ruining everything. I love her but leave her at home next time. Mammy is loving, caring and adventurous. She's devoted to Jess and recognizes a kindred spirit in Abuelita. The trio of elderly ladies comes up with some wacky ideas to help Jess. Mammy means well but she doesn't really think things through. I can see why Jess admires her though. Mammy's bold spirit is something to admire.
Patricio Aguilera is a landscape gardener working for Jess on the terrace project for Lady. He seems like a really nice guy and Lady adores him. Eduardo is a sweet young man. He sounds like an extraordinary talented artist. I like how he's turned his challenges into a positive. He's a non-traditional thinker and uses his unique brain to make art. I really like him and wish I could actually see the "garden princess." We finally meet Sal, the bakery owner. He is not a nice person. Everyone else seems nice and cheerful but not Sal. He's perpetually grumpy and gloomy. He sees the glass half empty and not half full. Sal is not a talented baker and uses cheap substitutes in his baked goods. He probably doesn't pay Martha enough to support her large family either. It's easy to cast him as a villain. I agree with Jess that he damaged her shop and stole her mixer. It's the sort of thing he would do but at the same time, he seems kind of lazy. "Angry Art Man" Angel Flores is also a typical villain. He's rude, hot tempered, arrogant and unethical. I believe he broke into Jessica's apartment to steal the painting. Who is Officer "by-the-book" and why is he so uptight? Where did he come from and why? He has no empathy for anyone and seems rather arrogant.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but it made me finally look up Baños and discovered it's not fictional! I wonder what the people think of these mysteries? It looks amazing but too hot and bug-infested for me. Like Jessica, I prefer books and cities with bookstores and coffeeshops.
The plot moves a little more slowly than the previous books. Jess manages NOT to stumble across any dead bodies this time. The mystery centers around the break-ins, the jewel heists and the paintings. What's the connection? I figured out the connection but not the who. I only realized who when the clue was dropped. I was upset because I didn't want it to be that person. Jessica FINALLY figures it out on her own. She's not that great at solving mysteries in spite of what everyone says about her.
Jessica has really come into her own. Away from her family she steps out of the role they've cast her in. No longer the peacemaker, she can be bold and brave on her own. I love how she stands up to bullies and isn't shy and scared anymore. She can even handle an adventure in the jungle, provided she's equipped with sunscreen and bug spray. I LOVE how often she quotes Pride and Prejudice! Her romance with Jake is moving millimeters closer. I don't blame her for falling for a guy who can quote Jane Austen! Other than literature, they have nothing in common. He encourages Jess to be her best self and that's important anyway.
Officer Gus Rivera is a super nice guy but he is afraid of Abuelita, like everyone else. He has a thing for Adi but is afraid to ask her out. I think he should have more courage. Abuelita has a heart of gold. She clearly loves Jess and thinks of Jess as a granddaughter she must protect. Abuelita's methods leave a lot to be desired. I laugh a lot when she's in a scene. Tia Rosa is a dear but she always goes along with her sister's plans and then ends up ruining everything. I love her but leave her at home next time. Mammy is loving, caring and adventurous. She's devoted to Jess and recognizes a kindred spirit in Abuelita. The trio of elderly ladies comes up with some wacky ideas to help Jess. Mammy means well but she doesn't really think things through. I can see why Jess admires her though. Mammy's bold spirit is something to admire.
Patricio Aguilera is a landscape gardener working for Jess on the terrace project for Lady. He seems like a really nice guy and Lady adores him. Eduardo is a sweet young man. He sounds like an extraordinary talented artist. I like how he's turned his challenges into a positive. He's a non-traditional thinker and uses his unique brain to make art. I really like him and wish I could actually see the "garden princess." We finally meet Sal, the bakery owner. He is not a nice person. Everyone else seems nice and cheerful but not Sal. He's perpetually grumpy and gloomy. He sees the glass half empty and not half full. Sal is not a talented baker and uses cheap substitutes in his baked goods. He probably doesn't pay Martha enough to support her large family either. It's easy to cast him as a villain. I agree with Jess that he damaged her shop and stole her mixer. It's the sort of thing he would do but at the same time, he seems kind of lazy. "Angry Art Man" Angel Flores is also a typical villain. He's rude, hot tempered, arrogant and unethical. I believe he broke into Jessica's apartment to steal the painting. Who is Officer "by-the-book" and why is he so uptight? Where did he come from and why? He has no empathy for anyone and seems rather arrogant.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but it made me finally look up Baños and discovered it's not fictional! I wonder what the people think of these mysteries? It looks amazing but too hot and bug-infested for me. Like Jessica, I prefer books and cities with bookstores and coffeeshops.
April 15, 2019
Another sweet and funny romp through Banos, Ecuador!
August 19, 2018
I loved this book and was sad that there weren't more...yet!
The main character, Jessica, is relatable and likable. She doesn't go running into danger and uses common sense to solve mysteries. Jessica is helped in crime solving by the funniest group of friends that I've read about in a long time. You'll love them!
The books take place in Ecuador and it was fun and interesting to read about the culture of another country.
Mystery, humor, a little romance, a beautiful setting and wonderful supporting characters make this a book that's going on my list of authors! Can't wait for #5!
The main character, Jessica, is relatable and likable. She doesn't go running into danger and uses common sense to solve mysteries. Jessica is helped in crime solving by the funniest group of friends that I've read about in a long time. You'll love them!
The books take place in Ecuador and it was fun and interesting to read about the culture of another country.
Mystery, humor, a little romance, a beautiful setting and wonderful supporting characters make this a book that's going on my list of authors! Can't wait for #5!
June 7, 2018
Forget the mystery - the real winner are the characters
Fantastic. The mystery is good but the best thing about this book are the characters, their interactions and relationships. The doughnut shop is nearly ready for business but her flat is a disaster zone. No furniture, no atmosphere, no soul. Even her dog has better living conditions. Picking up a new piece of art will help make it a home. Jewellery thefts, art thefts, a jealous bakery owner, the doughnut shop vandalised, a creepy stranger and her Mammy come to visit are all mixed into a read that delight the senses. It certainly appealed to my sense of humour. The trio of senior's were fabulous - outrageous but oh! so inventive.
Fantastic. The mystery is good but the best thing about this book are the characters, their interactions and relationships. The doughnut shop is nearly ready for business but her flat is a disaster zone. No furniture, no atmosphere, no soul. Even her dog has better living conditions. Picking up a new piece of art will help make it a home. Jewellery thefts, art thefts, a jealous bakery owner, the doughnut shop vandalised, a creepy stranger and her Mammy come to visit are all mixed into a read that delight the senses. It certainly appealed to my sense of humour. The trio of senior's were fabulous - outrageous but oh! so inventive.
June 23, 2018
Enjoyed tremendously
I feel like I have found a treasure. This series is original and the characters delightful. The mysteries are complex and full of surprises
I feel like I have found a treasure. This series is original and the characters delightful. The mysteries are complex and full of surprises
January 25, 2023
loved the tres amigas antics
This cozy was nice bc there was no murder in it which made it a bit more plausible since Banos is a small Ecuadorian town. It is pleasant to have the characters and their interactions be the center of the story. In this particular case the focus is on the 70+ yr old ladies and their escapades. I also appreciated the fact not everything came out perfect but still a positive ending.
The local culture and environment is showcased in a nice balance to the mystery.
This cozy was nice bc there was no murder in it which made it a bit more plausible since Banos is a small Ecuadorian town. It is pleasant to have the characters and their interactions be the center of the story. In this particular case the focus is on the 70+ yr old ladies and their escapades. I also appreciated the fact not everything came out perfect but still a positive ending.
The local culture and environment is showcased in a nice balance to the mystery.
September 3, 2018
"Maybe it was the high elevation in the Andes Mountains depriving my brain of oxygen, maybe it was the warmth of the tropics that stirred my blood, maybe it was the influence of my bolder friends rubbing off on my character, or maybe I was finally getting more comfortable with myself. I didn't know. But I liked it."
Another delightful Jessica James Cozy Mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning as each book builds upon the other. Jessica is finally realizing her dream with the help of her friends, especially the grandmother duo of Abuelita and Tia Rosa, in establishing herself in Ecuador. They surprise her with the arrival of her very own grandmother, Mammy. A triple threat is unleashed when these three grandmothers work together to 'help' Jessica solve her latest mystery(ies). Picture trip wire, red paint and pepper spray!
Between Jessica's new doughnut shop being sabotaged and her industrial mixer stolen, the theft of her recently purchased art for her living room, and the jewel thief still on the loose, her hands are full. Throw in the ever dashing, Jake, who makes her skin turn red and her doubts about herself come rising to the surface, poor Jessica is trying to catch her breath. But Mammy comes to the rescue in shoring her up.
"You've always been the glue that held our family together. You've brought these people together too. You make a family wherever you go."
So "1-2-3 Go." I highly recommend this engaging series that will have you chuckling, cringing and cheering as the story unfolds.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews