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Bakeshop Mystery #10
A Cup of Holiday Fear
The latest installment in the Bakeshop Mysteries: Christmas comes to Ashland, OR—but all Jules wants is to catcher a killer.
Torte, Ashland’s favorite bakeshop is decking the halls and brewing up cups of holiday cheer. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is dark for the season, but spirits are high as twinkle lights illuminate Main Street and snow falls softly on rooftops. Torte is bustling with activity. Jules and her team are rolling out dozens of Christmas tree cutouts and dusting them with sparkling green sugar. Helen’s signature Antoinettes, a delectable almond cookie filled with raspberry preserves and slathered with chocolate buttercream, are an instant hit. As are Andy’s peppermint bark mochas and eggnog shooters. While carolers serenade shoppers in the plaza, Jules packages up festive boxes of holiday sweets. She feels a bit like Santa Claus as she delivers glistening Christmas stolens, dainty tea cakes, and mincemeat pies.
To cap off the merry season, Jules and Helen host their annual staff party at the historic Winchester Inn’s Dickens Feast. The six-course dinner is a beloved tradition, complete with Yorkshire pudding and a Christmas goose. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even a cheerless Ebenezer Scrooge delight dinner guests with jokes, friendly banter, and surprise gifts. As snow piles up outside the hot buttered rum and mulled wine keep everyone toasty inside. However, just as the dessert course is about to be served the power goes out. When the glow of warm light returns, the merriment evaporates. One of the guests is sprawled out in front of the twenty-foot Christmas tree. Suddenly Jules finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Her only wish this Christmas is to catch a killer.
Torte, Ashland’s favorite bakeshop is decking the halls and brewing up cups of holiday cheer. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is dark for the season, but spirits are high as twinkle lights illuminate Main Street and snow falls softly on rooftops. Torte is bustling with activity. Jules and her team are rolling out dozens of Christmas tree cutouts and dusting them with sparkling green sugar. Helen’s signature Antoinettes, a delectable almond cookie filled with raspberry preserves and slathered with chocolate buttercream, are an instant hit. As are Andy’s peppermint bark mochas and eggnog shooters. While carolers serenade shoppers in the plaza, Jules packages up festive boxes of holiday sweets. She feels a bit like Santa Claus as she delivers glistening Christmas stolens, dainty tea cakes, and mincemeat pies.
To cap off the merry season, Jules and Helen host their annual staff party at the historic Winchester Inn’s Dickens Feast. The six-course dinner is a beloved tradition, complete with Yorkshire pudding and a Christmas goose. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even a cheerless Ebenezer Scrooge delight dinner guests with jokes, friendly banter, and surprise gifts. As snow piles up outside the hot buttered rum and mulled wine keep everyone toasty inside. However, just as the dessert course is about to be served the power goes out. When the glow of warm light returns, the merriment evaporates. One of the guests is sprawled out in front of the twenty-foot Christmas tree. Suddenly Jules finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Her only wish this Christmas is to catch a killer.
277 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 24, 2019
401 people are currently reading
1872 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Alexander
78 books3,034 followersEllie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
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She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
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https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
August 18, 2019
Jules Capshaw and her Torte staff are busier than ever making delicious pastries for the Christmas season. Deciding everyone could use a break, She invites them for a dinner celebration at the local Winchester Inn. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when the new owner of the Inn is murdered during a power outage. Jules has a few theories about the murder and with her friend, Lance's persuasion, she decides to do her own investigation. This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series. Ellie Alexander has created a wonderful cast of characters. Reading a new installment feels like catching up with old friends. From the mouth-watering food descriptions to the beautiful Christmas setting, it feels like you are right there in Ashland enjoying the holidays with Jules and her Torte family. The mystery does take a back seat to all the Christmas celebrations going on, but it was still well developed and the culprit was not completely obvious. It didn't take away my enjoyment of the book and I was very pleased with the ending. Overall, I highly recommend this series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 13, 2019
This book was a good Christmas read for December, but not much of a mystery. The writer really captured the Christmas season in a small tourist town. It was almost like a script for a future Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed reading about the festive holiday activities and some of the characters' backgrounds. But as for a mystery, it was lacking to say the least. The crime didn't even happen until the midpoint of the book, and not very realistic either. I mean, someone is murdered during a Christmas dinner party at the local restaurant/inn and things continue as normal until the police arrive. Guests and employees are briefly questioned and sent home, and then the next day the restaurant is back up and running like normal? No securing the crime scene?
There are only 5 suspects, 2 of which are eliminated right away. The investigation was all of 3-4 chapters worth of writing with no real "clues" or suspenseful reveals. The whole "mystery" aspect almost seemed inconsequential to the story, as if the story could have continued without it, and the "reveal" of the culprit felt forced. It was more of a summary of the detective's findings than a combination of clues and cunning detective work. Definitely no Agatha Christie influence here.
While I get that the main character ran a bakery, most of the book was filled with in-depth details on how different products were made, ingredient combinations, etc. In fact, the last 12 pages or so are ACTUAL RECIPES of different items described in the book. I guess I wasn't expecting the story to be more about baking than the actual murder that took place. I give the book 2.5 stars, but round UP to 3 stars because, Hey...it's Christmas! I don't think I'll be looking for the other books in this series any time soon.
There are only 5 suspects, 2 of which are eliminated right away. The investigation was all of 3-4 chapters worth of writing with no real "clues" or suspenseful reveals. The whole "mystery" aspect almost seemed inconsequential to the story, as if the story could have continued without it, and the "reveal" of the culprit felt forced. It was more of a summary of the detective's findings than a combination of clues and cunning detective work. Definitely no Agatha Christie influence here.
While I get that the main character ran a bakery, most of the book was filled with in-depth details on how different products were made, ingredient combinations, etc. In fact, the last 12 pages or so are ACTUAL RECIPES of different items described in the book. I guess I wasn't expecting the story to be more about baking than the actual murder that took place. I give the book 2.5 stars, but round UP to 3 stars because, Hey...it's Christmas! I don't think I'll be looking for the other books in this series any time soon.
September 30, 2019
A Cup of Holiday Fear was a quick read for me. It's the 10th in the series, but the first for me to read. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone novel.
I absolutely loves how Ellie Alexander painted the picture of Ashland with her words. It was such a treat to read this wonderful winter wonderland mystery. I will definitely be reading the other 9 books in the series and have already added the first in the series to my collection.
Juliet and her Torte staff are back in the bakery getting ready for Christmas while McBeths hotel Winchester Inn puts on a Dickens Feast theater show every night up until Christmas. Juliet, "Jules", plans to have their Torte Christmas Party there. Only on that night some one is killed. Juliet can't help but try to help and figure out who did it. Book is filled with lots of bakers secrets and best of all yummy recipes.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
I absolutely loves how Ellie Alexander painted the picture of Ashland with her words. It was such a treat to read this wonderful winter wonderland mystery. I will definitely be reading the other 9 books in the series and have already added the first in the series to my collection.
Juliet and her Torte staff are back in the bakery getting ready for Christmas while McBeths hotel Winchester Inn puts on a Dickens Feast theater show every night up until Christmas. Juliet, "Jules", plans to have their Torte Christmas Party there. Only on that night some one is killed. Juliet can't help but try to help and figure out who did it. Book is filled with lots of bakers secrets and best of all yummy recipes.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
December 5, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Things are merry and bright in Ashland, Oregon and people are keeping the elves at Torte busy baking all kinds of holiday treats. They are all looking forward to a little respite by attending the annual Dickens Feast at the Winchester Inn and having others wait on them. The popular six-course feast has been taking place forever and Jules and Helen are excited to share the event with their staff. Lance also joins the party as Jules plus one.
The evening starts with a little snow, great food, and fun entertainment and ends with an unconscious innkeeper and a dead body. Jules and Lance are quickly following the trail of breadcrumbs to help the Professor and Thomas catch the Scrooge that ruined their party with MURDER.
I love this series! Spending the holidays with Jules and everyone in Ashland is a real treat. The author paints the scenes so vividly you can almost feel the snowflakes landing on your face and taste all the cookies, cakes, breads, and lattes served at Torte.
After ten books the characters have become old friends but that doesn’t mean we know everything about them. Lance is having a hard time with the holidays and opens up to Jules. Their friendship just warms my heart. Helen and Doug are blissfully happy and have hearts as big as all outdoors. They open their home for the holidays to be sure no one spends the holidays alone. Doing so lets us get to know Marty a little bit better. We meet Jon and Emma Winchester who own the inn. They have been friends with Helen and her now-deceased husband for years, opening their businesses at the same time. All the characters are interesting, have purpose, and are wonderfully written. They make wish I could meet them all in person.
The mystery was very well-plotted with plenty of suspects and twists. The victim was a real shrew and had ticked plenty of people off. Lance and Jules’s investigation was not only fun to follow but funny at times too. They do make a great team.
What I love most about this series is the way I get as wrapped up in the daily life of the characters as I do in the mystery. I want to know about the Torte staff crushes, Helen and Doug’s plans, that Jules is missing Carlos, all of Lance’s drama, and what baking at Torte. This time after the case was wrapped we go to Helen and Doug’s for Christmas Eve dinner. They have invited several guests. Doug rises to give a little speech that was poignant and brought tears to my eyes. I found great meaning in his message, words I needed to hear personally this time of year. Moving forward a few pages, the tears were still present but a big smile appeared on my face. The ending was absolutely perfect.
Things are merry and bright in Ashland, Oregon and people are keeping the elves at Torte busy baking all kinds of holiday treats. They are all looking forward to a little respite by attending the annual Dickens Feast at the Winchester Inn and having others wait on them. The popular six-course feast has been taking place forever and Jules and Helen are excited to share the event with their staff. Lance also joins the party as Jules plus one.
The evening starts with a little snow, great food, and fun entertainment and ends with an unconscious innkeeper and a dead body. Jules and Lance are quickly following the trail of breadcrumbs to help the Professor and Thomas catch the Scrooge that ruined their party with MURDER.
I love this series! Spending the holidays with Jules and everyone in Ashland is a real treat. The author paints the scenes so vividly you can almost feel the snowflakes landing on your face and taste all the cookies, cakes, breads, and lattes served at Torte.
After ten books the characters have become old friends but that doesn’t mean we know everything about them. Lance is having a hard time with the holidays and opens up to Jules. Their friendship just warms my heart. Helen and Doug are blissfully happy and have hearts as big as all outdoors. They open their home for the holidays to be sure no one spends the holidays alone. Doing so lets us get to know Marty a little bit better. We meet Jon and Emma Winchester who own the inn. They have been friends with Helen and her now-deceased husband for years, opening their businesses at the same time. All the characters are interesting, have purpose, and are wonderfully written. They make wish I could meet them all in person.
The mystery was very well-plotted with plenty of suspects and twists. The victim was a real shrew and had ticked plenty of people off. Lance and Jules’s investigation was not only fun to follow but funny at times too. They do make a great team.
What I love most about this series is the way I get as wrapped up in the daily life of the characters as I do in the mystery. I want to know about the Torte staff crushes, Helen and Doug’s plans, that Jules is missing Carlos, all of Lance’s drama, and what baking at Torte. This time after the case was wrapped we go to Helen and Doug’s for Christmas Eve dinner. They have invited several guests. Doug rises to give a little speech that was poignant and brought tears to my eyes. I found great meaning in his message, words I needed to hear personally this time of year. Moving forward a few pages, the tears were still present but a big smile appeared on my face. The ending was absolutely perfect.
September 23, 2019
A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander is the 10th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, and another great addition. I love this series, and have read them all. When a new book comes out it's like visiting old friends. It's Christmas time, and Jules and Helen are taking the Torte employees to a special Dickens Feast, at the Winchester Inn. When everything that can go wrong, does, including a murder, the mystery begins. The plot and characters are well written, and this book will keep you guessing and wondering about all the suspects. I am growing tired of the Jules and Carlos saga, hope it concludes soon. I suggest you read the books in order, to get the full effect. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.
October 22, 2019
It's Christmastime in Ashford and Tarte is geared up to produce as many luscious baked goods as possible. In appreciation of the hard work and stress from holiday season, Jules arranged to take her staff to a festive Dickins style Christmas feast. Unfortunately, the feast had an inordinate amount of glitches, including a power outage, but then the feast turned deadly. If you're new to the Bakeshop mysteries, this is a fine entry point and I expect that you will be enticed to delve into the earlier books in the series. As for me, I know I am in for a treat with a delicious mystery enleavened by descriptions of amazing baked goods. Includes recipes. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2019
It's Christmas time and the bakers are busy so Jules invites them to celebrate at a Dickens feast. One of the guests is found murdered and Jules gets involved. The people owning the inn were selling it to someone they found planned on tearing it down and firing all the staff. Jules has to figure out if the owners son or one of the employees did the murder
August 21, 2019
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Ellie Alexander had done a wonderful job of creating an enchanting world and populating it with wonderful characters. Jules is extremely likable and relatable. One of my favorite things is the relationship with her mother. I think Ms. Alexander has done a great job in growing and changing the relationship as Helen's relationship with Doug has changed and evolved. As a result, Jules' relationship with the staff at Torte has also evolved and changed into something new and a bit deeper. All of these characters are warm and inviting and picking up a book in this series is like visiting with old friends. The one storyline that I wish the author would resolve is Jules' relationship with Carlos. After ten books I feel like I need a resolution.
The mystery in this story was not complex and the culprit not difficult to figure out. That said, this series has always been very character-driven and the mysteries have often taken a back seat to them. I don't mind because these are such wonderful characters and it is always a pleasure to reconnect and see where the author takes them with each new story.
I thought this was a delightful holiday story that will put fans of this series in the holiday mood. I will definitely be back for more.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
The mystery in this story was not complex and the culprit not difficult to figure out. That said, this series has always been very character-driven and the mysteries have often taken a back seat to them. I don't mind because these are such wonderful characters and it is always a pleasure to reconnect and see where the author takes them with each new story.
I thought this was a delightful holiday story that will put fans of this series in the holiday mood. I will definitely be back for more.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
June 1, 2019
Review of an ARC: This installment of the Bakeshop Mystery was basically a book about holiday preparations and baking. At some point after page 80, someone is murdered. Then, after much holiday preparation, the murderer is revealed through conversation. I really had high hopes for this book, but this series has been uneven for me.
May 4, 2023
This is the first in this series that I have read, and I loved it. It had all the elements of a cozy and it was done well. The mystery takes a back seat to the festive descriptions but I don't mind that. The food sounded amazing!
There's a lovely cast of back up characters too. The ending was just lovely. I closed the book with a smile on my face ☺️
It gave me all the feels which is just what I am needing at the moment, I'll certainly be reading it again.
There's a lovely cast of back up characters too. The ending was just lovely. I closed the book with a smile on my face ☺️
It gave me all the feels which is just what I am needing at the moment, I'll certainly be reading it again.
October 14, 2019
While the holidays are in full festive swing at Torte, Jules Capshaw's family bakeshop in Ashland, Oregon, the same can't be said for another family-owned business: the long-standing traditional Dickens Feast at the Winchester Inn. Behind the scenes, the issues ignite during the dinner service and before the night is complete, someone is murdered. Jules and her co-workers decide to try to snare the killer before another Christmas crime is committed.
This is the tenth book in the series, which is sadly a rarity in the cozy mystery world nowadays. I really enjoy well-written longer stories and this series is one of my favorites! I confess I haven't read them all and this can be read as a standalone. However, reading the prior books will help with backstory and noticing character development. The author does a great job of balancing the descriptions of all the decadent desserts and goings-on of Torte, Jules as the main character and the mystery plot. The book kept me engaged throughout and the killer's identity was a surprise. The ending for Jules also brings new possibilities for her personal life. Overall, an excellent read anytime of year!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
This is the tenth book in the series, which is sadly a rarity in the cozy mystery world nowadays. I really enjoy well-written longer stories and this series is one of my favorites! I confess I haven't read them all and this can be read as a standalone. However, reading the prior books will help with backstory and noticing character development. The author does a great job of balancing the descriptions of all the decadent desserts and goings-on of Torte, Jules as the main character and the mystery plot. The book kept me engaged throughout and the killer's identity was a surprise. The ending for Jules also brings new possibilities for her personal life. Overall, an excellent read anytime of year!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
August 17, 2019
Juliet is back in the bakery getting ready for Christmas. The story is enjoyable being told from her point of view. We get to read a lot of baking tips and recipe ideas. However, I felt that the story focused too much on that type of thing and forgot to flesh out the mystery part. There is a murder and a conclusion, but it seemed as if almost secondary to the book. The explanation didn't quite work for me and I felt it was a bit contrived to make it work as an afterthought. I normally like this series, but this one left me wanting something more.
October 9, 2019
"A Cup of Holiday Fear " the 10th installment in the "Bakeshop Mystery" series by Ellie Alexander, was a fantastic holiday story!
It's Christmastime and everyone is heading to Torte, the most cheerful bakery in town. There's no place like home for the homicide...
Ashland, Oregon, looks as pretty as a postcard this holiday season. The halls are decked, stockings hung, and eyes are all aglow--mostly thanks to the buttered rum. Jules Capshaw and her staff at Torte are busier than ever. . . still, even the town's most in-demand bakers need to take a break. So Jules invites everyone to celebrate at the local Winchester Inn's Dickens Feast, a six-course extravaganza with Yorkshire Pudding, Christmas goose, and all the trimmings. But as the weather outside becomes frightful, things inside turn less delightful when one of the guests ends up as dead as Scrooge's doornail. Now it's up to Jules and her helpers to make a list of suspects--and check it twice--to try to find out who's naughty, who's nice, and who's guilty of murder...
I thought I hadn’t read any of the previous books but the setting, names etc. were familiar so I may have read one awhile ago. I did not have any trouble following along so, yes it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading them in order, this way you really get to know the characters.
I had no trouble envisioning Ashland all decked out with holiday lights, snow falling, and carollers singing. Jules and the rest of the characters were well developed, I liked how the story was character driven with a mystery, I like these kind of series as you become invested in the characters and what’s happening around them. I enjoyed the holiday atmosphere that the author created and how Jules and her mum included everyone who had no Christmas plans in theirs.
I did suspect the killer pretty quick, but there were plenty of suspects to choose from as Cami was a pretty rotten person. There were some twists and turns just enough to keep you guessing. Don’t get me started on the descriptions of all the desserts, drinks and food , I think I gained 10lbs just thinking about them. I like that recipes are included in back of the book too, yes in some spots the detailed descriptions on Jules making a dessert became a bit much but then I’m not a foodie, but those that are will love it.
I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy friends especially the ones that love to bake!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's Christmastime and everyone is heading to Torte, the most cheerful bakery in town. There's no place like home for the homicide...
Ashland, Oregon, looks as pretty as a postcard this holiday season. The halls are decked, stockings hung, and eyes are all aglow--mostly thanks to the buttered rum. Jules Capshaw and her staff at Torte are busier than ever. . . still, even the town's most in-demand bakers need to take a break. So Jules invites everyone to celebrate at the local Winchester Inn's Dickens Feast, a six-course extravaganza with Yorkshire Pudding, Christmas goose, and all the trimmings. But as the weather outside becomes frightful, things inside turn less delightful when one of the guests ends up as dead as Scrooge's doornail. Now it's up to Jules and her helpers to make a list of suspects--and check it twice--to try to find out who's naughty, who's nice, and who's guilty of murder...
I thought I hadn’t read any of the previous books but the setting, names etc. were familiar so I may have read one awhile ago. I did not have any trouble following along so, yes it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading them in order, this way you really get to know the characters.
I had no trouble envisioning Ashland all decked out with holiday lights, snow falling, and carollers singing. Jules and the rest of the characters were well developed, I liked how the story was character driven with a mystery, I like these kind of series as you become invested in the characters and what’s happening around them. I enjoyed the holiday atmosphere that the author created and how Jules and her mum included everyone who had no Christmas plans in theirs.
I did suspect the killer pretty quick, but there were plenty of suspects to choose from as Cami was a pretty rotten person. There were some twists and turns just enough to keep you guessing. Don’t get me started on the descriptions of all the desserts, drinks and food , I think I gained 10lbs just thinking about them. I like that recipes are included in back of the book too, yes in some spots the detailed descriptions on Jules making a dessert became a bit much but then I’m not a foodie, but those that are will love it.
I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy friends especially the ones that love to bake!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 24, 2019
What a treat! This was very special - full of the Christmas spirit (it will definitely become part of my Christmas reading every year) and with lovely characters I've grown to love so much. There are wonderful details about food and decorations but what got me the most were the friendships (Lance and Juliet, the whole community of Ashland, the entire Torte staff). I love this series so much. It's just so perfect with a cup of cocoa.
October 31, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review. Cozy mystery fans, do you like quaint picturesque towns, Christmas season, loads of cookies and food on most pages. Then this is the book for you. Lots of characters and Christmas season is upon us in the quaint town of Ashland, OR. This town seems to have every possible Christmas event possible including the annual Christmas Dickens Feast. Excitement abounds throughout the book and by the end you are left wishing you lived in such a great town, with so many wonderful people. Beware if you are diabetic you might OD on all the sugary deserts and dialogue.
February 8, 2021
I just couldn't get into this book. None of the characters really reached out and grabbed me as ones I truly cared about. Lance comes to mind first. Him and his constant calling of Jules "darling" got on my nerves. At first I did think it was kind of cute.....but then just overkill. I thought the killer's reason for the murder was lame at best. Maybe because I started with book #10 in the series and not knowing the main characters(background/relationships..etc) well enough had something to do with the story really not holding my interest. I got a little less than half-way through and thought....do I really want to keep reading this?? And another thing that got tiresome for me....the constant explaining in detail every step of a recipe Jules was making. I didn't think that was necessary. When I read a cozy that is food themed...I would rather the author just put all the recipes at the back of the book and then in the story itself just mention the dish or baked good/s the character is making.
I do enjoy this author's Sloan Krause Mystery series very much! Think I will just stick to that.
I do enjoy this author's Sloan Krause Mystery series very much! Think I will just stick to that.
November 22, 2019
I gave this installment 5 stars because after 10 books I still find this series absolutely delightful. While I'm not big on mystery series (other than Louise Penny) I love revisiting these characters. The author manages to blend a wonderful setting (Ashland OR.) with charming, evolving characters and a great specialty subject (the baking world). I will say that I can barely remember a single murder in the series which I think is a good thing. There is a mystery but it's folded into the sweet world of the Torte Bakeshop in a lovely town in Southern Oregon. I highly recommended this when the need for something light but not overly sweet arises.
July 25, 2022
This book is part of the Bakeshop Mystery series, but works well as a standalone. I read a few of the prior books in the series and they've been hit or miss for me, in part because of the ups and downs between Jules and her estranged husband Carlos. This drama didn't take over this book, and this book was a definite "hit" for me. In fact, of the books I've read in this series, it's my favorite by far. The main character, Jules Capshaw and her mother are throwing a holiday party for their bakeshop staff to show their appreciation for another successful year. There is great food, great friends, and a great time until the power goes out and a murderer strikes! Now Jules has to put some of her holiday plans on hold to help solve a murder.
This book has a good balance of holiday events and sleuthing. I enjoyed reading about the holiday preparations Jules makes and how she coaxes her best friend Lance into getting in the Christmas spirit. Their friendship is the highlight of the story. They support each other in the investigation and in their personal lives. There are plenty of suspects in the murder with a resolution I couldn't have guessed. I loved the Christmas scenes and the wonderful way the book ends. I enjoyed this book so much (and would rate it 4.5 stars), I now want to read some of the newer books in this series.
This book has a good balance of holiday events and sleuthing. I enjoyed reading about the holiday preparations Jules makes and how she coaxes her best friend Lance into getting in the Christmas spirit. Their friendship is the highlight of the story. They support each other in the investigation and in their personal lives. There are plenty of suspects in the murder with a resolution I couldn't have guessed. I loved the Christmas scenes and the wonderful way the book ends. I enjoyed this book so much (and would rate it 4.5 stars), I now want to read some of the newer books in this series.
November 30, 2019
When I got this from netgalley, I didn't realize it was #10 in a series. However, that wasn't a problem at all - I never felt like I needed to have read past books to follow the story. And as an added bonus, I have 9 previous books in the series that I'm now looking forward to reading.
I liked the characters in this, and the mystery, but I think my favorite part was the whole description of the holiday - the songs and pageantry, the parties, and especially the food. The bakeshop is great - people working together and everything sounds so delicious. There was also a Christmas parade, a Dickens dinner, and tuba-playing Santas. I highly recommend this as a holiday read - it isn't a romance - it is all friends and family :)
I liked the characters in this, and the mystery, but I think my favorite part was the whole description of the holiday - the songs and pageantry, the parties, and especially the food. The bakeshop is great - people working together and everything sounds so delicious. There was also a Christmas parade, a Dickens dinner, and tuba-playing Santas. I highly recommend this as a holiday read - it isn't a romance - it is all friends and family :)
September 25, 2019
Such a good Christmas cozy! The first I read in the series but not my last. It stood alone just fine. Wonderful holiday ambiance and mystery. The main characters are sweet and delightful. I did have to skim some of the excessive descriptions of baking but it was only a few pages and I get the feeling this is what fans of the series love.
March 3, 2020
A cute, holiday mystery. I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. I found myself putting it down quite often, so it took a while to finish. That's unusual for as fast as I read. I would still like to read more in this series to give it a chance.
November 10, 2019
I am in full holiday themed reading mode right now! This is my second holiday themed mystery post of the week and I am thrilled to be able to share this book with you guys!
I only recently discovered Ellie Alexander in the last couple of years and started her Bakeshop Mystery series like mid way through but it’s been a absolute pleasure to read.
Not to mention she is from my home state and truly makes Oregon sound like the coolest place to live in! Oregon definitely has it’s perks but whenever I read a novel set here, I have a sense of pride for my state because no one can truly capture Oregon’s magic like a local author!
While I have skipped around in this series, I have never felt lost within the books. Sure there are little side plots and characters that have moved fluidly through the series, but with Alexander’s books the focus is first and foremost the mystery. Oh and the food of course…..let’s not forget about the food! Whenever I read one of her books I instantly gain ten pounds, the description of the foods and sweets is just too much to handle and I find myself desperately searching for goodies to accompany my reading!
Unlike where I am at in Salem, Oregon the town of Ashland Oregon often gets snow (I know since I have driven through there in the winter!) and the way that Alexander describes the town is enchanting and I love reading about it!
This book was full of lovely descriptions, yummy food, and of course a murder! With all of Alexander’s books I am usually kept guessing right up until the end who the murderer is, and this book was no different. There were plenty of twists and red herrings to keep me interested and involved in the mystery. But what really held my interest was simply the description of Oregon in the winter time. It’s such a magical place and I loved reading about my home state through Alexander’s eyes! Such a fun read!
This is the tenth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series and I have found that the ones I have read are a delight and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely need to go back and read some of the others in the series though, not to get caught up but just to enjoy more of these charming and memorable characters!
See my full review here
I only recently discovered Ellie Alexander in the last couple of years and started her Bakeshop Mystery series like mid way through but it’s been a absolute pleasure to read.
Not to mention she is from my home state and truly makes Oregon sound like the coolest place to live in! Oregon definitely has it’s perks but whenever I read a novel set here, I have a sense of pride for my state because no one can truly capture Oregon’s magic like a local author!
While I have skipped around in this series, I have never felt lost within the books. Sure there are little side plots and characters that have moved fluidly through the series, but with Alexander’s books the focus is first and foremost the mystery. Oh and the food of course…..let’s not forget about the food! Whenever I read one of her books I instantly gain ten pounds, the description of the foods and sweets is just too much to handle and I find myself desperately searching for goodies to accompany my reading!
Unlike where I am at in Salem, Oregon the town of Ashland Oregon often gets snow (I know since I have driven through there in the winter!) and the way that Alexander describes the town is enchanting and I love reading about it!
This book was full of lovely descriptions, yummy food, and of course a murder! With all of Alexander’s books I am usually kept guessing right up until the end who the murderer is, and this book was no different. There were plenty of twists and red herrings to keep me interested and involved in the mystery. But what really held my interest was simply the description of Oregon in the winter time. It’s such a magical place and I loved reading about my home state through Alexander’s eyes! Such a fun read!
This is the tenth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series and I have found that the ones I have read are a delight and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely need to go back and read some of the others in the series though, not to get caught up but just to enjoy more of these charming and memorable characters!
See my full review here
October 31, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review. Cozy mystery fans, do you like quaint picturesque towns, Christmas season, loads of cookies and food on most pages. Then this is the book for you. Lots of characters and Christmas season is upon us in the quaint town of Ashland, OR. This town seems to have every possible Christmas event possible including the annual Christmas Dickens Feast. Excitement abounds throughout the book and by the end you are left wishing you lived in such a great town, with so many wonderful people. Beware if you are diabetic you might OD on all the sugary deserts and dialogue.
October 21, 2019
I was prepared to give this one 4 stars until I got to the final few pages. Just when I thought I'd finally made it through a Carlos free book, he turns up at the last minute in what is supposed to be a happy holiday surprise. It ruined the whole book for me. Am I wrong to keep wishing that the next murder she needs to solve will be the murder of Carlos?
I also hate what she did to the bakery in the remodel. I've been in enough basements of old buildings to know I would never, never, ever want to eat anything baked in one!
I also hate what she did to the bakery in the remodel. I've been in enough basements of old buildings to know I would never, never, ever want to eat anything baked in one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2023
'Tis the week before Christmas, and all through Ashland, there was celebrating, by Jules and her gang.
Jules takes the Torte staff to a Dickens themed feast to celebrate the season at the old Winchester Inn, but in the middle of dinner the lights go off, and when they come back, a body is found. The Inn's new owner is dead by steak knife. Will the killer be found before Christmas?
I really enjoy this series and am trying to catch up on the previous titles before the new ones come out. I love the setting and the characters (especially Carlos!)
Jules takes the Torte staff to a Dickens themed feast to celebrate the season at the old Winchester Inn, but in the middle of dinner the lights go off, and when they come back, a body is found. The Inn's new owner is dead by steak knife. Will the killer be found before Christmas?
I really enjoy this series and am trying to catch up on the previous titles before the new ones come out. I love the setting and the characters (especially Carlos!)
October 12, 2022
An absolute delight for the holidays! Great mystery, fantastic characters, and a beautiful Christmas setting. I highly recommend this book and series.
December 27, 2019
4.5 stars
I can't believe it’s taken ten books for Ellie Alexander to write a Christmas story for her Bakeshop Mystery series. I mean what's a better backdrop than the Torte Bakery in Ashland, Oregon?
A Cup of Holiday Fear finds Jules Capshaw and her Torte staff churning out holiday drinks, pastries, and desserts. In the midst of all the working, Jules, her staff, along with her mother Helen, stepfather Doug, and best friend Lance take a night off to celebrate Christmas, all Torte has accomplished during the year, and each other. The group attends the Dickens Feast held at the Winchester Inn. This event is a holiday tradition put on every day during the month of December. Jon and Emma Winchester have been putting on the event for going on thirty years now. The Winchesters are ready to retire but their only child, Nate doesn't want to take over the inn. The Winchesters make the tough decision to sell the inn to a lady named Cami from L.A. Rumors start to spread that Cami doesn't plan on keeping the inn open and that everyone there will lose their jobs. This will definitely be a night and an event to remember.
Off the bat, Jules and her guests can tell that Cami isn't a very nice person. Cami doesn't want to abide by the rules of the event and she doesn't want the items being served. Cami goes as far as yelling at one staff member and gets into an altercation with another. Not only is Cami making the event a little uncomfortable for everyone, but the Dickens Feast which usually runs like a well-oiled machine is running like a bunch of newbies are handling things. “Literally everything that could go wrong has.” Someone sabotages the electrical system, throwing the entire inn into darkness. When the lights finally come back on, Jules finds the body of Cami. Without question, Cami was murdered. But who did so and why can potentially send shockwaves through Ashland.
I love reading Ellie’s Bakeshop Mystery series. Every book is like meeting up with old friends. Every single character is someone I would love to know except for Richard Lord, the owner of the Merry Windsor Hotel. But let’s not talk about him. I really enjoyed A Cup of Holiday Fear but I think I enjoyed the story too much. I was so wrapped up in reading that I missed the fact that the case was solved. I had to go back and re-read some pages. Throughout this series, Jules has had to deal with her husband Carlos keeping a huge secret from her. The two now live apart with her living in Ashland and him living on a cruise ship as a chef. As far as their relationship goes, Ellie continues to play with my romance girl emotions. I feel as though Jules is partially in limbo and doesn't know what to do. I can't believe the story ended the way it did! I want more. I also can't believe a cozy mystery made me cry. I am so excited there's another book in this series. Fingers crossed that Jules's love life gets sorted out.
**Personal Purchase**
I can't believe it’s taken ten books for Ellie Alexander to write a Christmas story for her Bakeshop Mystery series. I mean what's a better backdrop than the Torte Bakery in Ashland, Oregon?
A Cup of Holiday Fear finds Jules Capshaw and her Torte staff churning out holiday drinks, pastries, and desserts. In the midst of all the working, Jules, her staff, along with her mother Helen, stepfather Doug, and best friend Lance take a night off to celebrate Christmas, all Torte has accomplished during the year, and each other. The group attends the Dickens Feast held at the Winchester Inn. This event is a holiday tradition put on every day during the month of December. Jon and Emma Winchester have been putting on the event for going on thirty years now. The Winchesters are ready to retire but their only child, Nate doesn't want to take over the inn. The Winchesters make the tough decision to sell the inn to a lady named Cami from L.A. Rumors start to spread that Cami doesn't plan on keeping the inn open and that everyone there will lose their jobs. This will definitely be a night and an event to remember.
Off the bat, Jules and her guests can tell that Cami isn't a very nice person. Cami doesn't want to abide by the rules of the event and she doesn't want the items being served. Cami goes as far as yelling at one staff member and gets into an altercation with another. Not only is Cami making the event a little uncomfortable for everyone, but the Dickens Feast which usually runs like a well-oiled machine is running like a bunch of newbies are handling things. “Literally everything that could go wrong has.” Someone sabotages the electrical system, throwing the entire inn into darkness. When the lights finally come back on, Jules finds the body of Cami. Without question, Cami was murdered. But who did so and why can potentially send shockwaves through Ashland.
I love reading Ellie’s Bakeshop Mystery series. Every book is like meeting up with old friends. Every single character is someone I would love to know except for Richard Lord, the owner of the Merry Windsor Hotel. But let’s not talk about him. I really enjoyed A Cup of Holiday Fear but I think I enjoyed the story too much. I was so wrapped up in reading that I missed the fact that the case was solved. I had to go back and re-read some pages. Throughout this series, Jules has had to deal with her husband Carlos keeping a huge secret from her. The two now live apart with her living in Ashland and him living on a cruise ship as a chef. As far as their relationship goes, Ellie continues to play with my romance girl emotions. I feel as though Jules is partially in limbo and doesn't know what to do. I can't believe the story ended the way it did! I want more. I also can't believe a cozy mystery made me cry. I am so excited there's another book in this series. Fingers crossed that Jules's love life gets sorted out.
**Personal Purchase**
December 17, 2024
This book was short and sweet but had a very anticlimactic ending. The buildup to the murder and the murder itself was pretty invigorating but after that it felt like the author completely forgot to build up any anticipation for the reveal of the murderer or the methods. After the murder, I completely forgot it happened since the rest of the book pivots to the bakery and some events here and there. It touches on some hints of what led to the murder and how it happened, but there’s no excitement or thriller normally associated with murder stories. Slightly disappointed with the ending. If you are looking for an easy read that doesn’t really have any suspense, then this is your book.
August 8, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Ogni volta che leggo uno dei libri di questa serie mi pare di tornare a vedere dei vecchi amici. E ogni volta prendo qualche chilo a leggere cosa viene sfornato da Juliet e compagnia...
Ogni volta che leggo uno dei libri di questa serie mi pare di tornare a vedere dei vecchi amici. E ogni volta prendo qualche chilo a leggere cosa viene sfornato da Juliet e compagnia...
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