Eclairs and Extortion

Maple Lane #5

by C.A. Phipps

Marriage, Menace, and Murder!

Is it just coincidence that a body turns up in the park the same day as Maddie’s mom arrives in Maple Falls?

And who is the dark stranger wandering about on the streets of her home town?

Preparations for a surprise seventieth birthday celebration for Gran are jeopardized when Maddie’s absentee parent shows up unannounced. Devoted to her grandmother, Maddie won't allow her mom to ruin things like she usually does. 

With three generations at logger-heads, a murderer to find, and a party to organize, life is about to get crazy.

If you love your eclairs with a side of mystery, click the buy button today!

The Maple Lane Mysteries are light, cozy mysteries featuring a quirky cat-loving bakery owner who discovers she’s a talented amateur sleuth.
No swearing, gore or graphic scenes.

Book 1 Apple Pie and Arsenic

Book 2 Bagels and Blackmail

Book 3 Cookies and Chaos

Book 4 Doughnuts and Disaster

Book 5 Eclairs and Extortion

Cheryl is a USA Today bestselling author from beautiful Auckland, New Zealand with two alter egos: C.A. Phipps who writes cozy mysteries and Cheryl Phipps who writes contemporary romance. 

She loves stories filled with feisty heroines, suave heroes, and wonderful small towns, and crafting her own heart-warming tales of strong family ties, mixed in with a little romance, humor, and delicious baking!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Cozy

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2019

About the author

C. A. Phipps is a USA Today best-selling author from beautiful New Zealand. Cheryl lives in a quiet suburb with her wonderful husband of more than four decades.

With a large family to keep her busy when she's not writing, there is just enough space for a crazy mixed breed dog who stole her heart!

She enjoys family times, baking, rambling walks, and her quest for the perfect latte.

You can find her at www.caphipps.com

C. A. Phipps also writes romance as Cheryl Phipps at www.cherylphipps.com.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie’s estranged mom, Ava, walks into back into Maddie and her Gran’s life. Ava shows up and drops a bomb that she has not only gotten married but her brother-in-law has accused her of attempting to kill her husband. Ava swears she is innocent and that she loves her husband and that her brother-in-law just hates her. She believes her brother-in-law maybe the one who tried to kill her but got her husband instead. Although they have a tense relationship Maddie agrees to help, Ava is her mother after all.

This series is really picking up now. I have enjoyed the previous books but I think this maybe my favorite so far. The relationships between Gran and Ava and Maddie and Ava are complex. Their relationship is not all friendly and calm like Maddie and Gran’s or Maddie and her friends it is chaotic and at times you can feel the disappointment and irritation. The mystery is full of twists and turns and is well-plotted. I recommend this book to fans of the series and cozy mystery fans.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maddie Flynn has her hands full with the bakery, cooking classes and planning a surprise 70th birthday party for Gran. How on earth is she going to keep it a secret and where can she hold a party where the entire town can come? Maddie struggles with whether to invite her mom or not but before the invitations can go out, Maddie's mom shows up on Gran's doorstep as if she belongs there. While Ava still has her classic attitude, she shows signs of change as she drops a huge bombshell on Gran and the Girlz- she's gotten married! Not only that, her husband, a wealthy Englishman, has been poisoned and Ava has come to Maple Falls to hideout and ask for Maddie's help. Surprised her mother has been keeping tabs on her and angry Ava has brought danger to their peaceful town, Maddie isn't so sure she wants to help. When Big Red leads her to a body in the park Maddie feels she has no choice but to get involved. With the help of Ethan and Detective Jones, Maddie is determined to keep her friends and family safe and solve this mystery before Gran's party.

This mystery was not so very intriguing. Ava is certain she knows who poisoned her husband and why. It's pretty obvious who the villain is. There was a slight twist to the reveal I didn't expect. EVERYONE should have been able to figure it out. Maddie comes up with clues in the most random way possible and it's very corny. There are way too many inconsistencies and grammatical errors for this late in the series. In the previous book Grandad was an ex-Marine and now he's ex-Army; Sissy was a Labradoodle when she was stolen and apparently she's come back an Irish Setter! The blue brigade is now the gray brigade. The Britishisms bothered me. I guess everyone could have picked them up from Gran and Ava from Winston but it reads odd for an American setting. It doesn't seem grammatically correct but I know it is in the Queen's English. American English is different. On the plus side, I liked the romance. It nicely balances out the mystery and is progressing nicely. There are also some really lovely passages and profound moments, as there are in the other books. It's a shame the writing is so all over the place. If she could keep it on an even kill on par with the lovely passages, this would be a much better series.

Maddie has come a long way since the first book. She knows how to compromise now and is willing to allow Ethan to do his job and have his men around to protect her. He, too, has learned the art of compromise and accepts that she's going to investigate anyway so he might as well do what he has to do to keep her safe. Maddie has also learned to share information with Ethan and get his expert advice and help when needed. Where Maddie is currently struggling is with her feelings towards her mother. I don't blame her. Her mother abandoned her when she was a child and rarely comes back to visit. Maddie isn't allowed to call her mother "Mom" and knows nothing about her father because her mother won't share and it's not Gran's story to tell. I can see why Maddie would be upset and angry. I would be too. I'd be REALLY mad and sad my mom couldn't be bothered to let me know she had fallen in love and was getting married. I would be mad too if I hadn't been invited. Ava also has a chip on her shoulder and is rude to Gran. EVERYONE loves Gran, who is as kind, loving and generous as can be. Ava seems clueless about how she has hurt her family, especially the daughter she barely knows. Ava reacts against her perceptions of the town and what she thinks the townspeople think of her yet she deserves to have them think badly of her for abandoning Maddie. The rest is ancient history and no one seems to be gossiping about it. Then Ava has the nerve to inadvertently bring danger to her mother and daughter and their town. Gran may be a spry 70 but she's still vulnerable. If Ava could lose the chip on her shoulder, she would be more likable. She really seems to love Winston and care about what happens to him and not just his money. She didn't realize her family could be in danger too. She's been keeping tabs on Maddie, apparently, which shows she does care, deep down inside.

The Girlz are fiercely loyal to Maddie and understand how Maddie feels about her mother. Even Angel's usual optimism is tried when Ava comes to town. I don't care for Angel's romance subplot. I really like Laura. She's shy and quiet but coming into her own, understanding the jokes the other Girlz make and joining in the laughter. Grateful to Gran and Maddie for giving her a home and a job, she'd do anything to protect them. She's very sweet. Suzy is no-nonsense and she sees Ava as a recalcitrant child and I agree that Ava is stuck in high school teenage mode.

Ethan is such a swoony boyfriend. I don't understand why they can't kiss in public if the whole world knows they're dating. He indicates he wants to make their relationship permanent and apparently Big Red approves, mostly. I think Big Red just wants another full-time devoted servant! Ethan is a great guy. He's protective but not overprotective. He's good at his job - he has to follow the evidence and knows when he's over his head and needs Detective Jones. Detective Jones is supposedly softening but I don't see it. He's gruff, heavy-handed and can't say what he feels. Angel doesn't seem to mind and she stands up to him and calls his bluff. She's the only one who thinks he's a softie inside. Deputy Rob Jacobs is a very nice young man. He's the one who has softened. His relationship with Laura is sweet, like them, and moving slowly. He seems to still be clueless about how to date a woman but I think they're doing fine on their own walking the puppies, getting to know one another.

William, Ava's new husband, is a darling. He's so kind and loving. William instantly takes to Maddie and he knows all about her already, showing that he's been able to get Ava to accept the idea of having a semi-famous grown-up child or maybe he loves Ava because he can see she's a lot softer and nicer inside than she lets on. William is charming. His brother Nicholas, on the other hand, is argumentative, lacks intelligence and is insanely jealous his brother inherited a castle from their uncle. Um that's the way it works-eldest son gets the lot, even though that's not the LAW today, it's tradition still. Nicholas is trying to thwart William and he loathes Ava. He's willing to take out Ava to get what he wants. William's cousin Marcus sounds like a sweetheart. He's gotten close to Ava and pierced her armor. She appreciates his taking the time to get to know her and talking with her, therefore, she really likes him.

The townspeople of Maple Falls have grown on me. Mavis is an elderly version of Angel. She's a cheerful optimist and her love of gossip isn't malicious, it just comes from wanting to spread good news. Nora has come around and I like her much better. She's one of those old ladies who just wants to feel included and needs a job to do to focus her energy and attention on something other than the negative. Someone else thinks Jed and Gran are more than just friends! Chris Jamieson, owner of the appliance store, is an incorrigible flirt. I'm not a fan of the type that makes even old women giggle but I guess he's harmless. He's the class clown in Maddie's cooking class. Who on earth is Dina Dolomore? I think she was mentioned before. She's new in town and appears randomly at a funeral and pops up out of nowhere to find a vital clue. That's just weird and out of place.

Since the next one takes place in England and is the last volume in the series, I will be reading it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie is planning a surprise 70th birthday party for Gran when she gets a big surprise herself. Her recently married mom--Ava Blackwell--is back in Maple Falls! Then Big Red surprises Maddie when he finds a dead body in the park. In the fifth book in the Maple Lane cozy mystery series, Eclairs and Extortion, all the regular Maple Falls residents are back: Ethan, Angel, Suzy, Laura, and Luke. Being part of a dysfunctional family makes Maddie appreciate the family she chose for herself. Maddie has the Girlz, Big Red, and Ethan! Life in Maple Falls, Oregon is good. I will definitely be reading book 6 to see what happens next.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gran's 70th birthday is coming up, and Maddie Flynn wants to create a special day for the well-loved soon-to-be septuagenarian. When her estranged mother blows into town, the event's future is in jeopardy - and that's even before the murdered victim is found.

The series has progressed nicely since its debut and most of the issues that originally peeved me have been addressed. Alas, the "Girlz" label is still used which seems a shame. Talented and intelligent women such as these should never be known by their high school nickname. Though, admittedly, the use is more limited than previously.

Eclairs and Extortion - a good read for a cosy lover.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

New relatives and a murder!

A delightful and exciting fifth book in this series. Maddie, who never thought she’d see her mother again is surprised when she shows up with a new husband. And Maddie is noticing a very different mother than the one she barely remembers. But along with her, she brings a host of troubles, including a death! Trying to stay out of it and not investigate is tough foe Maddie, even though the Sheriff assures her he is on top of things!

[Gloria Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie’s mom comes home

Both Gran and Maddie are shocked when Maddie’s mom shows up with a new husband and claims his family is trying to poison them. Very good story of the dysfunctions that are present in a lot of families. Also points how misconceptions can lead to hard feelings and hatred.

[Liz Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Series.

This was a Fabulous Series, from Book 1 to Book 4. Hopefully, there will be Books 5 to 12(possibly), just hoping. Great writing by C. A. Phipps. Please keep them coming. A Must read for All.

[Lucia C. Smolski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and fun read

Just as good as the previous four books. Fingers pointed at various suspects. Good ending both the murder solving and the family encounters. Glad I read the series in order. each book has a life of its own yet they were so carefully intertwined

[April Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eclairs and Extortion

Another amazing story. Book 5 in the series. I'm hooked can't wait for the next one. I will be recommending this series to all my reader friends. Thank you C.A. Phipps.

[Rose Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I enjoyed meeting Maddie's mom!





I enjoyed meeting Maddie's mom! Her English husband ,too! Great read! Quick and easy also interesting

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maple Lane 5

I believe this book is the best so far. It is fraught with murder and mayhem. Then there is the family, new and old plus friends and more family. Great reading

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book it was good that Maddie was able to finally get information as to what happened to her mother.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Marcus and why??? The Girlz kept on searching though, didn’t they??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.

[Mary j. childers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family

Keep me interested from beginning to end. The many twist and turns kept me guessing as to who the killer was. Surprise ending. Delightful reading.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 5 was great

We meet the MOM. Who has issues and Maddie finds a body and solves the murder. Not who I thought it was going to be. Can’t wait for the next one.

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery with likable characters.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foreigners invade town as Maddie adjusts to a new family dynamic and Gran greets her prodigal daughter 🍩,

3.5-4🌟stars
🔎🍩 More murder and mayhem in small-town Maple Falls as bakery owner Maddie deals with danger to her expanding family and a gargantuan plan for Gran's 70th birthday. Yes, the cozy family and friends of previous books in the series are back, but Maddie also has to handle the conflicting emotions dredged up by her absentee mother's return to town with her new, wealthy husband.

Having read every book in the series, I would say this is not my favorite, though it continues to revolve around Maddie's insatiable appetite for crime solving and the love and support she finds in boyfriend, friends, family, and, not least of all, her Maine Coon 🐱 Big Red who has his own moment of glory. Unlike earlier books, this one led me to the malfactor poisoning and killing their way through the family way before the action climax. Maybe I have just learned the author's method for slipping the innocuous hint into the story having stayed with the series. Still, it's clean, cozy, filled with mouth-watering descriptions of bakery magic and a enjoyable read.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Shannon M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie, Gran and the Girlz are back and, once again, find themselves smack dab in the middle of another investigation. Maple Falls wants to celebrate the 70th birthday of Gran so Maddie and the Girlz get hard to work on pulling off one huge surprise party. However, things take a completely different turn when someone a blast from the past comes for a visit without calling first. When this mystery person involves them all in poisonings and murder, Maddie jumps in head first to help her boyfriend, Ethan, the sheriff of Maple Falls, tackle the clues and ultimately solve the crime. I love Maddie's relationship with both her Gran and the Girlz. Their loyalty and love is what relationships should be made of and something we should all strive for in our own lives. Even though I had figured out the mystery, I still loved the story as well as how the past can be reconciled and come full circle. I highly recommend this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Eclairs and Extortion, Maddie's absentee mother returns to town, making for some awesome family drama. Maddie, Ethan, the Girlz, Gran and Big Red are once again embroiled in murder when Maddie discovers another body. I love this small town. I love that Maddie thinks she can pull off a surprise 70th birthday party for Gran, all while dealing with her mother's arrival, mom's surprise wedding and more. Eclairs and Extortion is another great mystery from Ms. Phipps. Do not miss it.

Merged review:

In Eclairs and Extortion, Maddie's absentee mother returns to town, making for some awesome family drama. Maddie, Ethan, the Girlz, Gran and Big Red are once again embroiled in murder when Maddie discovers another body. I love this small town. I love that Maddie thinks she can pull off a surprise 70th birthday party for Gran, all while dealing with her mother's arrival, mom's surprise wedding and more. Eclairs and Extortion is another great mystery from Ms. Phipps. Do not miss it.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oftentimes families are complex and frequently confounding.

As tangled as the relationship between Maddie and her mother, it is not a big surprise that Ava married into an even more tangled mess of a family, although the marriage itself was a surprise. Ava had so long spoken of marriage as superfluous.

William is an heir to a family estate and then a castle. An attempted murder puts Ava under suspicion, especially when she appears in town alone and spouting fears of being prosecuted.

Inheritance is messy, greedy heirs messier still.

New perspective on family relations need to be gained for a murderer to be caught, and for Maddie and Ava to have a chance at a grown up relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The town of Maple Falls wants to help celebrate the 70th birthday of Gran, so Maddie and the girls work hard at putting a huge surprise together. Things don’t go as planned when someone from the past re-enters into the picture and Maddie finds herself once again helping her boyfriend (the sheriff) solve a mystery.

This is a fun quick read of a cozy mystery filled with great characters, a solid story, mystery, murder, and a bit of suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is important. Maddie knows this, yet having her mom suddenly show up, well, totally throws her off. Then to find out that she now has a step father...that’s a lot to take in. Plus, there’s Gran’s birthday surprise party to plan. Finding a dead body doesn’t help matters.
These characters are so close with each other. It’s so heartwarming. I love how this story progressed and turned out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eclairs and Extortion is another delicious installment in the Maple Lane Mysteries. Maddie is trying to plan Grans 70th Birthday Party when her absentee Mother shows up and on the same day a body is found. Is it connected in anyway? Maddie’s life just became chaotic until the killer is found and Gran’s party happens.
Highly recommended!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery in Maple Falls. The author once again brings strong , well developed characters and weaves an interesting and drama filled story. I loved the characters as well as the story line and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and interesting mystery with fabulous characters. I love Maddie and I love all of the books in this series. This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie's mother rolls into town very unexpectedly and bring a mystery in her wake!
Gran is about to turn 80 and the town insist on a celebration.
Lovely story line with a lot of characters we have come to know.

[reader 1085 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and 1/2 stars. Another fun quick read about Maddie, Gran and the Girlz. Maddie's mom is back and trouble follows. Love this series. Cannot wait to read more

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie reminds me of a Maple Lane version of Stephanie Plum.
A really pleasant read that kept me turning the pages.