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Spirited Sweets #4

Sugared Suspect

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There’s a new bakery in town and Bleu Clair Bay isn’t big enough for two of them.

The last thing Claire needs to find is a dead body in her bakery, but that’s exactly what happens—even worse the victim was poisoned and all fingers point to Claire. Can Claire, her ghostly husband, Nick, and their mischievous kitty, Milo solve this case? Or will Claire end up closing up shop for good?

Recipe included: Cinnamon cherry pie tarts.

70 pages, ebook

First published March 9, 2019

35 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Damore

90 books161 followers
I'm a mystery author with a soft spot for romance and humor, too. I love all things girlie with a dollop of danger, have a strong affinity for the color pink (especially in diamonds and champagne), and, not to brag, but chocolate and I are in a pretty serious relationship.

My books are fun and flirty, and feature smart and sassy sleuths. If you love books with a dash of spice and twist of whodunit, you're going to love my work!

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5 stars
92 (64%)
4 stars
38 (26%)
3 stars
10 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
October 8, 2019
I read this book as part of a boxed set. I recommend getting the box set and reading them in order.
Sugared Suspect finds a new bakery has opened up across the street from Claire’s bakery! Not only that but there is a connection to Claire. There is a body in this, (I’m trying so hard to stay vague when I really want to tell), several suspects and surprises. One of the things that I absolutely love about this series is that all pets, and ghosts, are taken care of in real ways. The second is the love between Claire and Nick. *sigh* I have come to really love Claire, Nick, Milo and the regulars.
This book, as well as the others in the boxset, is a short, quick read. It is absolutely wonderful for those times when you want a complete story but are short on time. I’m looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
May 12, 2019
What do you do when your high school rival/enemy /what do you call it, decides to compete against your business and right across the street too? Now add that the neighborhood Granny dies in your shop? First, think natural cause but then it isn't. Thanks to your sister the police investigate even though they know your are not guilty. These are just a couple of the issues to be dealt with in story.

I never figured out the who done it till last minute. Nice job.

This is a really fast easy read.(I always forget that.) You can read it without having read any of the others before.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book. I apologize for being so late with this review.
Profile Image for John A. Sillasen.
360 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2022
Sometimes being nice will get you killed - or a suspect in a murder!

Claire waves to Granny across the street from her bakery. She can't hear her as she's over 100! She's shoveling her walkway, which she shouldn't be doing anyways its the job of the business below her apartment. Besides she's only wearing house slippers and a thin house coat! Claire crosses the street to get her attention and she still doesn't hear her until she puts her hand on her sleeve! My, you scared me half to death! Foreshadowing if I ever saw the term in use!
Use your imagination as to what happens next with these two characters and my subject title. A really good short story and priced accordingly.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,784 reviews153 followers
March 12, 2019
Sugared Suspect is Book 4 in the Spirited Sweets Mystery Series. I have really loved all of the books in the series. This is a novella but really packs a punch of a full size novel. I do enjoy paranormal cozy stories. A new bakery has opened across the street from Claire's and it is really effecting her profits. As if this isn't bad enough, Claire's Granny dies in her bakery and Claire is the prime suspect. Claire's husband (in ghost form) and their kitty Milo are on the case.

I very much enjoyed this book. I love the characters and the twists and turns. Bonus! There is a recipe included. I am definitely trying the Cinnamon Cherry Pie Tarts! Yum!
4,541 reviews38 followers
March 11, 2019
I have really enjoyed all the books in the Spirited Sweets series. Sugared Suspects is another short, fun, paranormal mystery. Bleu Claire Bay is too small to support two bakeries. Since the new one opened across from Claire, her bakery earnings have greatly diminished. To add to Claire's troubles, Granny dies in Claire's bakery - leaving Claire the prime suspect since the victim was poisoned. Despite being short, there are still some plot twists to keep you entertained. As always, once I picked up this book, I just had to finish it! I think, you will enjoy Sugared Suspect!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
March 11, 2019
Cookies, puzzles, cats and murder

An okay read. Felt a bit light on the plot and the characters seemed a bit unlike themselves.
Her shop is quiet until a man hiding comes in. He's hiding from his murderous wife's (soon to be ex) sister. However the sidewalk gets covered by a fall of thawing ice and snow so she has to rush out to clear it. An elderly woman, a death in the shop, an apartment full of cats, an explosion and arson are mixed into a read that although going down easily, doesn't satisfy. Shame.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2019
Someone Is out For Claire – Again! Spirited Sweets
This short cozy is lots of fun. There is murder, attempted murder, more crimes and lots of suspects. There are also cats. While this is book 4 of the series, it can stand alone. It is a short read, perfect for break time or a short read before bed. I received this ARC for free and this is my honest review.
65 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2019
I always have fun spending time with Claire and her friends. Claire and Nick have a relationship to die for! Quite literally! Yep, Nick is dead! And Claire can see ghosts! The whimsical imagination, humor, plot, and overall setting is a complete delight. My only complaint is that I wish the book was much longer. I highly recommend this book and series!
850 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2019
Sugared Suspect is the quickest, cozy mystery in the series. 4.5 stars

Sounds kinda whiny, but I deducted some points due inconsistent editing on this one unlike the rest.
I did get a kick out of ghost Granny and her to-do item. The crazy sisters go after our favorite baker and even ex-friend Janice gets in more than a few licks. The cats are still my favorite characters.
Profile Image for Jennifer Goliash.
283 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2020
Cute series

I liked it - not as much as the other ones in the series because it reminded me too much of another book I read. Very similar plot for part of it. Still, enjoyable & recommended.
117 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2022
Love this book.

I love all the people in this book series. The books hold your interest till the end. When I finish one I can't wait for the next one. Love the way every thing comes together.
2 reviews
December 18, 2019
New book

This was a fun read the 2 books in the series made me want to read more of this writer
6,031 reviews45 followers
February 8, 2020
When a popular local character dies the the bakery, our favorite baker falls victim to sister stuff, bad press, and a few crazy folks with grudges.

Spirited friends help to save the day.
Profile Image for Krista Walsh.
766 reviews
October 16, 2020
Great read

I am absolutely loving these short mini mysteries. Can't wait to read more from this author. Really enjoyed this book
Profile Image for angela gunstone.
1,857 reviews8 followers
March 24, 2023
Sugared suspect

Absolutely loved this series and couldn't put it down so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
195 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2025
Read all 5 books of this series, though only short reads they were very good. I really enjoyed all these books.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
May 12, 2019
Claire's ex-friend since high school opens up a bakery across the street from Claire's bakery. Cookie Heaven is owned by Janice Stewart. The town isn't big enough for two bakeries, one will have to close. Claire has been a bit nervous because the business has been slower. While shoveling snow off the sidewalk, Claire sees Granny, the town's oldest person shoveling snow in front of her house. There's something off with her, she isn't even dressed properly for being out in the cold. Claire invites her in the bakery to warm up and have something to eat and drink. Next thing she knows is Granny is dead! Everyone thought it was natural causes, but no...she ate part of a cinnamon roll and just died.
What!? The next day the police come to search both the bakery and the manor. Who would want to kill Granny?
Of course Granny is having problems believing she is dead. "I have too much to do". That is where Claire's deceased husband Nick comes in to help her understand she is actually dead. Now to find out who would put cyanide in the pastry. Someone wants Claire out of business. But why try and kill her? You will have to read the book to find the answer.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,112 reviews
September 14, 2021
Another fast-paced quick read with Claire who once again gets help from some totally unexpected sources. I love that deputy Preston is so in-tuned and helps her. He was a great addition from the last book. And Nick is always on the job watching out for Claire. Wonderful characters and a great mystery. Even though I had read this book before, my guesses were still all over the place. Haha. Hope to see more of Claire and friends soon.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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