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Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #2
Murder at the Taffy Shop
Cape Cod bicycle shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida and her mystery book club find a certain accusation of murder quite the stretch . . .
When your mother is an astrologist and your dad is a minister, you learn to keep an open mind. Which is just what Mac loves to do—exercise her mind by puzzling out fictional clues in the mystery novels she reads and discusses with her Cozy Capers Book Group.
But now Mac’s friend Gin has found herself in a sticky situation. After wealthy genealogist Beverly Ruchart is found dead outside Gin’s taffy shop, the candy maker becomes a person of interest. When it’s revealed that Beverly was poisoned the night Gin brought a box of taffy to a dinner party at Beverly’s house, she’s bumped to the top of the suspects list. It’s up to Mac and her Cozy Capers crime solvers to unwrap this real-life mystery. But this time they might have bitten off more than they can chew . . .
When your mother is an astrologist and your dad is a minister, you learn to keep an open mind. Which is just what Mac loves to do—exercise her mind by puzzling out fictional clues in the mystery novels she reads and discusses with her Cozy Capers Book Group.
But now Mac’s friend Gin has found herself in a sticky situation. After wealthy genealogist Beverly Ruchart is found dead outside Gin’s taffy shop, the candy maker becomes a person of interest. When it’s revealed that Beverly was poisoned the night Gin brought a box of taffy to a dinner party at Beverly’s house, she’s bumped to the top of the suspects list. It’s up to Mac and her Cozy Capers crime solvers to unwrap this real-life mystery. But this time they might have bitten off more than they can chew . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
821 people are currently reading
5490 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
29 books1,563 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
March 4, 2022
Even better than the first! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in Murder at the Taffy Shop, the second novel in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries written by Maddie Day. Mac and Gin find the body of a genealogist near the taffy shop, and the police have reason to believe Gin could be responsible. But the questions keep piling up. The victim, Bev, fought with Mac's parents about a puppy and the local homeless shelter. She was also mean-spirited according to most in the town. Her former son-in-law, Gin's new beau, disliked her. Bev's grandson only wanted her money, and his wayward father shows up out of the blue. Add in a new boyfriend, his unhappy daughter, and several grudges... you've got a ton of suspects to sort through.
The story and the supporting cast are fun and well-rounded. I enjoy learning about the bike shop. I did like the decisions Mac had to make about keeping her boyfriend or deciding to leave him if she didn't want to have a baby. She was trying to decide what she wanted, and while Tim was putting some pressure, he was also respectful in that he would walk away if she wasn't read. Always a woman's choice, but I felt like there were a lot of conversations about it. I also felt like we lost a few characters from the first book that should've shown up in the bike shop... no explanation either. I couldn't figure out what happened to them, plus there were a few repetitive scenes that slowed the place at times. Nothing major... just something that caught my eye.
I'm eager to read the third book, which I have a copy of, thanks to NetGalley. This was the book that made me complete my 2021 Goodreads Challenge - 208 books! I'll grab this current third book in the series next week... I have 3 others to pick up from NYPL this week, and they will keep me busy. Trying to catch up on a bunch of series!!! I recommend this one. Read it in order tho.
The story and the supporting cast are fun and well-rounded. I enjoy learning about the bike shop. I did like the decisions Mac had to make about keeping her boyfriend or deciding to leave him if she didn't want to have a baby. She was trying to decide what she wanted, and while Tim was putting some pressure, he was also respectful in that he would walk away if she wasn't read. Always a woman's choice, but I felt like there were a lot of conversations about it. I also felt like we lost a few characters from the first book that should've shown up in the bike shop... no explanation either. I couldn't figure out what happened to them, plus there were a few repetitive scenes that slowed the place at times. Nothing major... just something that caught my eye.
I'm eager to read the third book, which I have a copy of, thanks to NetGalley. This was the book that made me complete my 2021 Goodreads Challenge - 208 books! I'll grab this current third book in the series next week... I have 3 others to pick up from NYPL this week, and they will keep me busy. Trying to catch up on a bunch of series!!! I recommend this one. Read it in order tho.
September 20, 2021
I really loved the first one in this series. I wish I could say that about this one, but I am not a liar.
First, NOT everyone wants to be a mother, and that is totally fine. NO ONE, and I mean N O O N E should make ANY PERSON FEEL LIKE THEY ARE LESS OF A PERSON BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT WANT BABIES OR TO BE A MOM!!!!!!!!! And if some guy, luscious lips or not [yes, she tells us, the readers, that her boyfriend Tim has luscious lips. I tried not to gag when I read that], gives you an ultimatum about said baby, DO NOT BE SAD THAT HE WANTS TO BREAK UP!!!! He is not worthy of you, he will not bring happiness to your life, and you will regret it for a long time along with bringing children into what will end up being an extremely loveless marriage. IF your "friends" are also trying to shame you into having a child, they are also NOT YOUR FRIENDS and you should move on from them. Motherhood is not for everyone and no one should shame someone into thinking something that isn't for them is.
Second, if someone has OCD [or is just naturally tidy and enjoys being tidy], DO NOT THINK THAT THEY NEED TO BE FIXED!!!! They do not need fixed. DO NOT TELL THEM THAT THEY NEED TO BE FIXED. DO NOT THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM AND THAT THEY ARE ABNORMAL. Yes, sometimes there is a need for meds and therapy [and I am grateful for that for those who need it, all while being grateful that I currently don't need meds. I will always need therapy, but that is for another time], but it doesn't make them weird, or abnormal, or that they need to be fixed. It is an awful thing, people who do this ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND[S], and one would be better off without people like that.
3. Different states have different rules about Epi Pens. Here in PA, if you use your Epi Pen, you have to report to a ER [or clinic] after using it [I have a friend who is highly allergic to a whole list of things and carries several epi pens at one time. He once had a reaction and used his pen, but didn't go to the ER {he was away from home} and almost wasn't able to get another pen refill - the Dr had to jump through hoops to get him the lifesaving pens he needs]. I do not know what the rules are in Massachusetts [Cape Cod], but I think the author is being too cavalier about Mac's Epi Pen and usage and should put in a disclaimer somewhere that the rules about going to the ER vary from state to state and that one should not assume that one doesn't have to go to the ER just because the MC in a cozy chooses not to [which was also VERY irresponsible - with severe allergies, you should always seek medical attention after being exposed. ALWAYS.].
I say these things, because these things happen in this book and I think it is extremely irresponsible of the author to treat these subjects this way. Not wanting children [You can believe that family is the most important thing and STILL NOT WANT KIDS] and having something like OCD are both things that people deal with all the time, but they should never be made to feel less than because of how they feel or for having an illness like OCD. And the author does this over and over to Mac in this book and it is INFURIATING; and dismissing what is a serious medical issue [if you need an Epi Pen, it is a serious medical issue and should be treated with more concern and respect than it was] with flippancy is very frustrating [especially to those of us who suffer from extreme and severe allergies].
Add to all of this a really sub-par mystery [I knew who the killer was the second they were introduced] and a tepid ending, and this made for a book that did nothing but made me angry and frustrated. NOT what I was looking for right now in a book. SO disappointing.
First, NOT everyone wants to be a mother, and that is totally fine. NO ONE, and I mean N O O N E should make ANY PERSON FEEL LIKE THEY ARE LESS OF A PERSON BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT WANT BABIES OR TO BE A MOM!!!!!!!!! And if some guy, luscious lips or not [yes, she tells us, the readers, that her boyfriend Tim has luscious lips. I tried not to gag when I read that], gives you an ultimatum about said baby, DO NOT BE SAD THAT HE WANTS TO BREAK UP!!!! He is not worthy of you, he will not bring happiness to your life, and you will regret it for a long time along with bringing children into what will end up being an extremely loveless marriage. IF your "friends" are also trying to shame you into having a child, they are also NOT YOUR FRIENDS and you should move on from them. Motherhood is not for everyone and no one should shame someone into thinking something that isn't for them is.
Second, if someone has OCD [or is just naturally tidy and enjoys being tidy], DO NOT THINK THAT THEY NEED TO BE FIXED!!!! They do not need fixed. DO NOT TELL THEM THAT THEY NEED TO BE FIXED. DO NOT THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM AND THAT THEY ARE ABNORMAL. Yes, sometimes there is a need for meds and therapy [and I am grateful for that for those who need it, all while being grateful that I currently don't need meds. I will always need therapy, but that is for another time], but it doesn't make them weird, or abnormal, or that they need to be fixed. It is an awful thing, people who do this ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND[S], and one would be better off without people like that.
3. Different states have different rules about Epi Pens. Here in PA, if you use your Epi Pen, you have to report to a ER [or clinic] after using it [I have a friend who is highly allergic to a whole list of things and carries several epi pens at one time. He once had a reaction and used his pen, but didn't go to the ER {he was away from home} and almost wasn't able to get another pen refill - the Dr had to jump through hoops to get him the lifesaving pens he needs]. I do not know what the rules are in Massachusetts [Cape Cod], but I think the author is being too cavalier about Mac's Epi Pen and usage and should put in a disclaimer somewhere that the rules about going to the ER vary from state to state and that one should not assume that one doesn't have to go to the ER just because the MC in a cozy chooses not to [which was also VERY irresponsible - with severe allergies, you should always seek medical attention after being exposed. ALWAYS.].
I say these things, because these things happen in this book and I think it is extremely irresponsible of the author to treat these subjects this way. Not wanting children [You can believe that family is the most important thing and STILL NOT WANT KIDS] and having something like OCD are both things that people deal with all the time, but they should never be made to feel less than because of how they feel or for having an illness like OCD. And the author does this over and over to Mac in this book and it is INFURIATING; and dismissing what is a serious medical issue [if you need an Epi Pen, it is a serious medical issue and should be treated with more concern and respect than it was] with flippancy is very frustrating [especially to those of us who suffer from extreme and severe allergies].
Add to all of this a really sub-par mystery [I knew who the killer was the second they were introduced] and a tepid ending, and this made for a book that did nothing but made me angry and frustrated. NOT what I was looking for right now in a book. SO disappointing.
February 22, 2020
I was thrilled to return to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and visit with Mac Almeida and her thriving bicycle shop business in the second installment of Maddie Day’s Cozy Capers Mysteries. Mac’s friend, Gin Malloy, owns Salty Taffy Candy Shop and they walk together every morning before work. When Gin discovers the lifeless body of a wealthy genealogist, a whole passel full of possible suspects are up for investigation by the Cozy Capers team!
There’s plenty of entertaining action, and Mac’s African Gray parrot, Belle, provides chuckles galore! The characters are interesting and written so you can identify with them, and I definitely like the series regulars. The mystery is complex enough to be so absorbing I wanted to read the story in one sitting. I really enjoyed the ending, and Belle was a heroine! This is a wonderful cozy mystery and I highly recommend it to cozy fans.
I honestly reviewed a galley arc provided by Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
There’s plenty of entertaining action, and Mac’s African Gray parrot, Belle, provides chuckles galore! The characters are interesting and written so you can identify with them, and I definitely like the series regulars. The mystery is complex enough to be so absorbing I wanted to read the story in one sitting. I really enjoyed the ending, and Belle was a heroine! This is a wonderful cozy mystery and I highly recommend it to cozy fans.
I honestly reviewed a galley arc provided by Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
March 27, 2020
When Mac Almeida is visiting her parents, who live just down the street in her town of Westham on Cape Cod, she encounters Beverly Ruchart, their neighbor. Beverly is always complaining about something, be it the local soup kitchen or Mac’s parents’ puppy. Two mornings later, Mac finds her friend Gin crouched over Beverly’s dead body. When the police begin to suspect that Gin had something to do with the death, the Mac and the rest of the Cozy Capers, a book group that reads nothing but cozy mysteries, jump into action to clear one of their own. But can Mac piece together the clues everyone is finding?
I enjoyed the first in the series, so I was anxious to get back to visit Mac and her friends again. We do get a lot of characters, but the important characters stand out, and the rest are subtly reintroduced when they appear on the page again, so it is easy to track them. I have to give a special shout out to Mac pet, an African Gray parrot who gave me a couple good laughs. I did have a harder time tracking all the suspects early on, and especially their connections to each other. I suspect that might have been me being distracted by real life, and as I read, I was able to sort everything out. The plot gives us plenty of twists to keep us engaged. The ending was a little abrupt but logical. I enjoy the nods to other cozy series we get here, and as a bonus, we get five recipes at the end of this book for a variety of treats. Cozy lovers will enjoy solving a case along with a cast of characters who love cozies as much as they do.
NOTE: Like the first in the series, this book is a Barnes and Noble exclusive release for the first year. In 2021, it will be available from all retailers in all formats.
NOTE 2: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed the first in the series, so I was anxious to get back to visit Mac and her friends again. We do get a lot of characters, but the important characters stand out, and the rest are subtly reintroduced when they appear on the page again, so it is easy to track them. I have to give a special shout out to Mac pet, an African Gray parrot who gave me a couple good laughs. I did have a harder time tracking all the suspects early on, and especially their connections to each other. I suspect that might have been me being distracted by real life, and as I read, I was able to sort everything out. The plot gives us plenty of twists to keep us engaged. The ending was a little abrupt but logical. I enjoy the nods to other cozy series we get here, and as a bonus, we get five recipes at the end of this book for a variety of treats. Cozy lovers will enjoy solving a case along with a cast of characters who love cozies as much as they do.
NOTE: Like the first in the series, this book is a Barnes and Noble exclusive release for the first year. In 2021, it will be available from all retailers in all formats.
NOTE 2: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 21, 2021
Cape Cod, MA seems like such a beautiful little town and I was happy to be able come back for a visit. Bella the parrot is a hoot. I got quite a few laughs out of her antics even though I felt that at times she was a bit too smart for an animal. A very good mystery and I am looking forward to my next visit with Mac and her friends.
February 26, 2021
With a mom that's an astrologist and a dad that is a minister Mac's very inquisitive when things do not go right. She is a neat nick and always checking out things when a murder happens......Takes a long time find out the murderer since there are so many that dislike Bev........but in the end it all works out and the plot thickens and with a narrow escape Mac and her parrot, Belle call 911......good read....
March 18, 2020
Maddie Days’ (aka Edith Maxwell) newest addition to the “Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery” hobby series from Kensington Books arrives on March 31st. Be prepared to desire taffy, a nice bike ride, and mystery!
Mac isn’t the usual business owner, friend, or daughter. She has a nose for trouble, and can’t seem to stay away from it. When her BFF finds herself at the top of a murder suspect list, Mac does everything she can to prove that Gin isn’t the killer. Characters in this series are truly unusual. They are also likable, entertaining, and well developed. Gin is a favorite, but I wish we knew more about her shop and the delights she creates within. I would also love to know more about Mac’s mother. She is definitely a character that should be expanded upon. I’d like to see more involvement by Mac’s grandmother in future books. She is an intriguing person and deserves to be heard more often. Mac’s beautiful parrot, Belle could be the main character in a series all on her own and brings humor into the story.
Suspects are not overwhelming in this hobby series, but there are enough to make it a guessing game. The means of murder is as old as time and the motive as well. I did not figure out who the killer was until later in the book, and this added enjoyment to the overall read. Mac is in danger, but in the end, Belle and Mac solve the case. The killer is revealed, and everyone is safe.
I had one slight issue in this book with the situation between Mac and Tim’s relationship. I felt that Mac was being pushed into a situation she was not ready for and shouldn’t give in to an ultimatum. No one should ever have to choose between who they are, and a relationship with someone who is supposed to love you unconditionally.
I enjoyed Murder At The Taffy Shop very much. It is well written by a writer who is a professional storyteller and knows her audience. Characters are memorable and placed in a location that is a dream. I am happy to recommend this excellent hobby series and this book in particular to readers of all mysteries.
Mac isn’t the usual business owner, friend, or daughter. She has a nose for trouble, and can’t seem to stay away from it. When her BFF finds herself at the top of a murder suspect list, Mac does everything she can to prove that Gin isn’t the killer. Characters in this series are truly unusual. They are also likable, entertaining, and well developed. Gin is a favorite, but I wish we knew more about her shop and the delights she creates within. I would also love to know more about Mac’s mother. She is definitely a character that should be expanded upon. I’d like to see more involvement by Mac’s grandmother in future books. She is an intriguing person and deserves to be heard more often. Mac’s beautiful parrot, Belle could be the main character in a series all on her own and brings humor into the story.
Suspects are not overwhelming in this hobby series, but there are enough to make it a guessing game. The means of murder is as old as time and the motive as well. I did not figure out who the killer was until later in the book, and this added enjoyment to the overall read. Mac is in danger, but in the end, Belle and Mac solve the case. The killer is revealed, and everyone is safe.
I had one slight issue in this book with the situation between Mac and Tim’s relationship. I felt that Mac was being pushed into a situation she was not ready for and shouldn’t give in to an ultimatum. No one should ever have to choose between who they are, and a relationship with someone who is supposed to love you unconditionally.
I enjoyed Murder At The Taffy Shop very much. It is well written by a writer who is a professional storyteller and knows her audience. Characters are memorable and placed in a location that is a dream. I am happy to recommend this excellent hobby series and this book in particular to readers of all mysteries.
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one seemed to sit on my TBR pile for too long. So, with the third book coming out in a few months, I bumped this one up the TBR list and was so happy I did. I really enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the mystery. Belle, Mac's pet African Gray parrot provides some humor and levity during the course of the story. Belle is a fun character in her own right and frankly saves the day at one point in the story. I found there to be plenty of suspects and Ms. Day provides clues that lead the reader to believe any one of them could have committed the murder. I was not surprised by the killer's identity given the clues and the plot. This is a terrific series so far and I am looking forward to the next book due out in November 2021.
April 15, 2021
Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day is the 2nd book in A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. The book can be a little confusing in the beginning, but everything a new reader needs to know is soon provided. There is a group of friendly characters in this series. I like the members of the book group as well as Mac’s family, especially her spunky grandmother. Mac’s African Grey, Belle is a delight. He has some great lines with my favorite being, “Cheese it, call the cops.”. Westham, Massachusetts is a cozy town with some charming shops. I enjoyed the descriptions of this tourist town (I want to visit). I did find the pacing to be on the slow side. The story needed more action. There is also a repetition of information that is annoying. In the first third of the book, it is mentioned a minimum of four times how Mac is not ready to marry and have children (I got it the first time). Case details are repeated as well (how the body was found especially). The whodunit had several suspects since Beverly rubbed most people the wrong way. I found it particularly easy to solve this whodunit (my mother says it is because I read so many mysteries). I have no doubt that most readers will solve this one long before the reveal. I enjoyed the references to other cozy mysteries. I would love a cozy mystery book group in my complex. Cozy mystery readers who like warm, relatable characters living in a cozy town where they can follow their day-to-day activities, will enjoy this book. Murder at the Taffy Shop is a cute cozy mystery with a bothersome Beverly, a verbose Belle, a gregarious Gin, a cute Cokey, and a well-meaning Mac.
January 13, 2021
This is a new series for me. I have read the other series by this author and enjoyed it. Becuase this was the second in the series, I was sometimes trying to figure out who everyone was and how they fit in. One thing that really irritated me was the attitude several times in the book that Mac was messed up because of her OCD. People kept telling her she could get help to fix it and acting like she was broken instead of accepting her for the way she is. And while it is not usual, there are women out there that do not want children, this dialogue made it seem as if they are all broken for feeling that way. I did think the resolution of the culprit was also a stretch. This book just did not sit well with me.
August 5, 2021
I really liked the book, but I might stop here with the series because I don't like how Tim treated Mac. She was deeply hurt, he ignored her for days (I can't remember how many), and then they didn't talk about their situation but made up. You don't tell someone that if they won't have a baby right now you'll go find someone who will. What if she's unable to get pregnant? He seemed like a good guy until that. As hyperbolic as it sounds, he emotionally tortured her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
Murder at the Taffy Shop is a neat easy to read murder mystery with the usual suspects. My wife read it too and thought it might be a bit girly, girly for me. Not so. Who murdered the ole sour puss? You can guess all you want but you'll be wrong (or maybe right) till the end of course. I enjoyed this murder mystery.
June 3, 2021
I enjoyed reading another fun Cozy Capers Book Group mystery by Maddie Day. Mac is a great character and I also enjoyed how her family members get involved in solving the mystery. The author chose a great setting and I loved reading about all of the local shops. There were some red herrings that kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
April 13, 2020
Belle (the parrot) is my all-time favorite cozy mystery pet. She's hilarious! ♥
March 12, 2020
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP by Maddie Day is the second book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. It is the wonderfully crafted adventures of Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida and the Cozy Capers Book Group as they try to unravel the murder of Beverly Ruchart.
Beverly’s body was found lying outside Salty Taffy’s, owned by Mac’s good friend Gin. Gin found her a few minutes before Mac arrived to meet up for their morning walk. Mac immediately called 9-1-1. The Westham Chief of Police Victoria Laitinen showed up as well as did State Detective Lincoln Haskins, who Mac had dealt with in another murder case a short while back.
When the investigation and evidence appeared to be pointing towards Gin, Mac and the book group knew they would have to do a little investigation of their own to come up with clues to prove who had murdered Beverly.
Although it came to light after her death that she was generous with her money when it came to worthy causes like the health clinic and talented in helping other in genealogy pursuits, for the most part, wealthy Beverly Ruchart had the reputation to being brash, rude and irritating evoking bad feeling from most. This caused the suspect list to keep growing including her grandson, her grandson’s long lost father, the daughter of the man that loved her and even her son-in-law who was presently dating Gin to name just a few. Was there a way they could eliminate those with alibis thereby reducing the suspect list? Seems the Cozy Capers had their work cut out for them on this one!
During this investigation Mac and Tim’s relationship continues to grow. Tim’s ready to settle down and start a family. Can Mac wrap her mind around changing her life style? Being somewhat OCD about being neat and everything in its place, wouldn’t a child change all the order and neatness in her life? Should she let her biological ticking clock dictate her decision? Can they compromise or will it lead to the end of their romance?
Will the investigation of Mac and the Cozy Caper’s lead to the answers to solve the case or will it lead to the murderer trying to stop their meddling? Along the way, can Victoria and Mac finally make peace with the past? Was the break in at the bike shop related to the murder or just a random act of violence? Was the money the motive? Who will inherit Beverly’s estate? Can the police keep everyone safe and grab the culprit before there is another murder?
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP is an amazing cozy mystery that will have you turning pages while guessing and second guessing right along with Mac about whodunit. Loved the characters in this book from the Mac and all her eccentricities, Belle - the wonderful and funny African Gray Parrot owned by Mac, and of course Abo Reba – Mac’s colorful grandmother. Maddie Day does an amazing job in bringing all the characters in this story to life from the members of the Cozy Caper Book Group, each with their own strengths but who work better together as a team, to the arrogance of the grandson, and even the wisdom of Mac’s father. It rounds out to be one amazing story that I highly recommend.
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP can definitely be read as a standalone. I loved both books in this series and can’t wait for the next installment to hit the book shelves!
Beverly’s body was found lying outside Salty Taffy’s, owned by Mac’s good friend Gin. Gin found her a few minutes before Mac arrived to meet up for their morning walk. Mac immediately called 9-1-1. The Westham Chief of Police Victoria Laitinen showed up as well as did State Detective Lincoln Haskins, who Mac had dealt with in another murder case a short while back.
When the investigation and evidence appeared to be pointing towards Gin, Mac and the book group knew they would have to do a little investigation of their own to come up with clues to prove who had murdered Beverly.
Although it came to light after her death that she was generous with her money when it came to worthy causes like the health clinic and talented in helping other in genealogy pursuits, for the most part, wealthy Beverly Ruchart had the reputation to being brash, rude and irritating evoking bad feeling from most. This caused the suspect list to keep growing including her grandson, her grandson’s long lost father, the daughter of the man that loved her and even her son-in-law who was presently dating Gin to name just a few. Was there a way they could eliminate those with alibis thereby reducing the suspect list? Seems the Cozy Capers had their work cut out for them on this one!
During this investigation Mac and Tim’s relationship continues to grow. Tim’s ready to settle down and start a family. Can Mac wrap her mind around changing her life style? Being somewhat OCD about being neat and everything in its place, wouldn’t a child change all the order and neatness in her life? Should she let her biological ticking clock dictate her decision? Can they compromise or will it lead to the end of their romance?
Will the investigation of Mac and the Cozy Caper’s lead to the answers to solve the case or will it lead to the murderer trying to stop their meddling? Along the way, can Victoria and Mac finally make peace with the past? Was the break in at the bike shop related to the murder or just a random act of violence? Was the money the motive? Who will inherit Beverly’s estate? Can the police keep everyone safe and grab the culprit before there is another murder?
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP is an amazing cozy mystery that will have you turning pages while guessing and second guessing right along with Mac about whodunit. Loved the characters in this book from the Mac and all her eccentricities, Belle - the wonderful and funny African Gray Parrot owned by Mac, and of course Abo Reba – Mac’s colorful grandmother. Maddie Day does an amazing job in bringing all the characters in this story to life from the members of the Cozy Caper Book Group, each with their own strengths but who work better together as a team, to the arrogance of the grandson, and even the wisdom of Mac’s father. It rounds out to be one amazing story that I highly recommend.
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP can definitely be read as a standalone. I loved both books in this series and can’t wait for the next installment to hit the book shelves!
October 9, 2022
Hopefully a sophomore jinx, because this was really dumb. First, there's the problem that too many people can't imagine it's ok to not want children. The author presents Mac as messed up for not doing it and Tim as being noble for putting up with that. Horrendous. Then there's Mac going to the bank with cash and deciding, rather than going straight there, to investigate and then question a guy with a criminal history while still holding the cash. After, she tells someone it was a random meeting. More stupidity is there too.
unfinished
December 24, 2021DNF
I stopped pretty early on, after having children was mentionned (chapter 2) I don't know, the way it was phrased ("I was thirty-six to his thirty-two, and my eggs weren’t getting any younger") kinda rubbed me up the wrong way.
I stopped pretty early on, after having children was mentionned (chapter 2) I don't know, the way it was phrased ("I was thirty-six to his thirty-two, and my eggs weren’t getting any younger") kinda rubbed me up the wrong way.
January 7, 2023
Magari non proprio 5 stelle piene, ma la lettura procedeva scorrevole e i personaggi sono interessanti. Ho capito chi fosse il colpevole un po' prima della rivelazione finale, ma quella scena è stata a suo modo interessante.
March 27, 2021
I was thrilled to return to Westham, Cape Cod, MA, and visit with Mac Almeida and her thriving bicycle shop business in the second book of Maddie Day’s Cozy Capers Mysteries. This book is set in summer and it was welcome respite now in March with winter on it’s last limbs here where I live ... the weather was good, the beach is right there as is the coastal trail, it was just wonderful for travel by book !
Mac’s friend, Gin Malloy, owns Salty Taffy Candy Shop and they power walk together every morning before work. When Gin discovers the lifeless body of a wealthy neighbour, just like in any good mystery a whole bunch of potential suspects make their appearance.
One of the stars of this series is Mac’s African Gray parrot, Belle, and Her talking abilities but after googling the subject it seems entirely within reason for an African Gray and definitely provides some of the best lines ! All characters are interesting and written so you can identify with them, and I definitely like the series regulars. The mystery is complex enough to be so absorbing I wanted to get back to my book but it was a hard week work wise and this book provided excellent entertainment and escape something I love about cozy mysteries. This is a wonderful cozy mystery and I highly recommend it to cozy fans.
This book is published March 30th and I thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with the opportunity to read it sooner in exchange for an honest review !
Mac’s friend, Gin Malloy, owns Salty Taffy Candy Shop and they power walk together every morning before work. When Gin discovers the lifeless body of a wealthy neighbour, just like in any good mystery a whole bunch of potential suspects make their appearance.
One of the stars of this series is Mac’s African Gray parrot, Belle, and Her talking abilities but after googling the subject it seems entirely within reason for an African Gray and definitely provides some of the best lines ! All characters are interesting and written so you can identify with them, and I definitely like the series regulars. The mystery is complex enough to be so absorbing I wanted to get back to my book but it was a hard week work wise and this book provided excellent entertainment and escape something I love about cozy mysteries. This is a wonderful cozy mystery and I highly recommend it to cozy fans.
This book is published March 30th and I thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with the opportunity to read it sooner in exchange for an honest review !
May 24, 2020
This was book #2 in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery.
A healthy oceanside town that loves to exercise, especially biking. A friendly little place as long as you overlook the dead body.
Poor Mac is conflicted between helping solve this crime or stay safe. Good thing she has a watch parrot to keep her safe!
MD does a great job getting you involved in the daily grind of Mac's life. An enjoyable read but sometimes it lagged.
A healthy oceanside town that loves to exercise, especially biking. A friendly little place as long as you overlook the dead body.
Poor Mac is conflicted between helping solve this crime or stay safe. Good thing she has a watch parrot to keep her safe!
MD does a great job getting you involved in the daily grind of Mac's life. An enjoyable read but sometimes it lagged.
August 16, 2021
I love this series! I am really enjoying that the sleuths are a cozy mystery book club with a reluctant leader, Mackenzie the local bike shop owner. I really like all the characters, except one. I am not sure if we are supposed to swoon over Mac's hunky baking boyfriend or hate him. He's the "perfect" guy except he makes ultimatums and refuses to discuss differences. Then when she might be in a bit of danger, he swoops in and forgets all about it. My vote is that she kicks him to the curb and finds someone who will discuss life issues and make decisions as a partner with. Even with this slight annoyance of a character, the character is well developed. The plot is intriguing and entertaining. I absolutely can't wait to see what this group gets up to next!
August 29, 2021
I enjoyed this more than the first one. A murder connected to so many members of a family leads to lots of suspects. I enjoy the cozy mystery club but wish the club members played a bigger roll.
I didn’t enjoy the whole we must have kids now dynamic in the relationship with Tim. But I’m kinda interested to see how this progresses as I don’t know any cozies with babies (and I probably wouldn’t read it if there was).
I didn’t enjoy the whole we must have kids now dynamic in the relationship with Tim. But I’m kinda interested to see how this progresses as I don’t know any cozies with babies (and I probably wouldn’t read it if there was).
March 1, 2020
It was a delight to receive an ARC of this book and return to Mac’s bike shop on Cape Cod.
Summer is busy, and MAC appreciates the time she can spend with her family and friends. On the way to her morning walk with her friend Gin, they find the body of a neighbor, who had rubbed a lot of people to wrong way. Though Mac is reluctant to get involved, her book club is determined.
What follows is a look at family dynamics, both Mac’s and the victim’s.
I love the author’s drawing of the variety of relationships. There is a warmth among many of the characters that is written sparingly but effectively.
The setting is lovely and there is abundant sunshine throughout the story. There are some surprises, but always with the sense that things will work out. Mac’s optimism may be contagious!
Summer is busy, and MAC appreciates the time she can spend with her family and friends. On the way to her morning walk with her friend Gin, they find the body of a neighbor, who had rubbed a lot of people to wrong way. Though Mac is reluctant to get involved, her book club is determined.
What follows is a look at family dynamics, both Mac’s and the victim’s.
I love the author’s drawing of the variety of relationships. There is a warmth among many of the characters that is written sparingly but effectively.
The setting is lovely and there is abundant sunshine throughout the story. There are some surprises, but always with the sense that things will work out. Mac’s optimism may be contagious!
July 31, 2021
Excellent mystery with a lovable cast and a wonderful setting. Always lots of twist, turns and handstands. lol Looking forward to more in this series.
March 9, 2020
MURDER AT THE TAFFY SHOP, the second book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day is another welcomed addition to a heartwarming series! Starting with the inviting cover that evokes the fun seaside tourist setting in Cape Cod, this newest release weaves together colorful characters with a well-plotted mystery to make this an engrossing read. The protagonist, Mac (Mackenzie) Almeida, owns a bicycle shop, working alongside her brother. Living just down the street is her minister father and her professional astrologer mother, along with her darling niece and feisty grandmother. Ms. Day has created strong family dynamics for this group and I love their realistic, sweet interaction. Mac’s adorable African Gray Parrot, Belle, steals each scene she’s in while providing many chuckles to lighten the book. There is clever dialog to keep the humor flowing in those scenes. Mac is also dating Tim, the owner of Greta’s Grains. I truly appreciate the lack of a love triangle in this series, yet the author still manages to portray the relationship as a work in progress, allowing the characters to develop and grow. It’s a welcome breath of fresh air that brings a sense of calmness from the core group’s relationships instead of edgy conflict.
The author saves the conflict for where it really matters: the victim and the suspects. While the victim might have been a harsh, uncaring person, this is one of the few times I’ve seen the author go out of her way to highlight the good qualities the victim had, that the townspeople overlooked. This was meaningful to me because I like to believe that good can be found in just about everyone if we take a moment to look beneath the crusty exterior of that person and give them a chance. Despite that, the victim still died and there were plenty of suspects who didn’t want to give her a second chance. The twists and turns that unfolded as Mac started asking questions kept me guessing and a truly clever reveal had me reading faster and faster. With a sweet wrap-up, I was left feeling highly satisfied and looking forward to the next book in this series!
There are so many yummy mentions of food throughout the book and thankfully Ms. Day has provided several yummy recipes at the back of the book.
The author saves the conflict for where it really matters: the victim and the suspects. While the victim might have been a harsh, uncaring person, this is one of the few times I’ve seen the author go out of her way to highlight the good qualities the victim had, that the townspeople overlooked. This was meaningful to me because I like to believe that good can be found in just about everyone if we take a moment to look beneath the crusty exterior of that person and give them a chance. Despite that, the victim still died and there were plenty of suspects who didn’t want to give her a second chance. The twists and turns that unfolded as Mac started asking questions kept me guessing and a truly clever reveal had me reading faster and faster. With a sweet wrap-up, I was left feeling highly satisfied and looking forward to the next book in this series!
There are so many yummy mentions of food throughout the book and thankfully Ms. Day has provided several yummy recipes at the back of the book.
April 15, 2021
I love Maddie Day's cozy Country Store Mysteries and while this one is very different, her humour and wonderful characters are present in this series as well. Protagonist, Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida, owns a local bicycle shop and is well liked in her home town. She is member of the Cozy Capers Book Group who read cozy mysteries and meet in the lighthouse, where Mac's brother lives, for their bookclub. They have also solved a mystery in the last book, so you know they are going to get involved in whatever crime pops up in Murder at the Taffy Shop. This book has one of the members, Salty Taffy Shop owner Gin, being the main suspect when a local woman, Beverly Ruchart is found dead in front of her shop. She has been poisoned and although she has a lot of people that do not like her, Gin is the one the police are interested. It seems someone is trying to frame her, but who and why?
Mac is a great protagonist as she is smart and is great at sorting out clues and putting things together. Her other bookclub members make an appearance in this one and they also help to gather information to sort out what is happening. Mac's niece, Cokey does not have as big a role in this book, but she steals whatever scenes she is in. Of course whenever there are pets in Maddie Day's books, you know they are going to play a huge part in the story. Belle, Mac's parrot is a hoot. She can talk, a lot, and it doesn't take long for her to mimic new words and phrases. What I love is how appropriate she is when she speaks up. I often figure out the culprits in these stories before the final reveal, but not this time. The showdown was exciting and nail biting, but Belle comes through to save the day. This is a well-plotted mystery, with enough suspects and red herrings to keep this reader invested in the story. The humour and likable characters were icing on the cake. I definitely recommend this book and series. The narration by Rachel Dulude was wonderful. I have listened to several books she has narrated and her expression and intonation are right on. Her pacing is good and I am able to recognize the various voices in the story. A voice actress that I do not hesitate to listen to.
Mac is a great protagonist as she is smart and is great at sorting out clues and putting things together. Her other bookclub members make an appearance in this one and they also help to gather information to sort out what is happening. Mac's niece, Cokey does not have as big a role in this book, but she steals whatever scenes she is in. Of course whenever there are pets in Maddie Day's books, you know they are going to play a huge part in the story. Belle, Mac's parrot is a hoot. She can talk, a lot, and it doesn't take long for her to mimic new words and phrases. What I love is how appropriate she is when she speaks up. I often figure out the culprits in these stories before the final reveal, but not this time. The showdown was exciting and nail biting, but Belle comes through to save the day. This is a well-plotted mystery, with enough suspects and red herrings to keep this reader invested in the story. The humour and likable characters were icing on the cake. I definitely recommend this book and series. The narration by Rachel Dulude was wonderful. I have listened to several books she has narrated and her expression and intonation are right on. Her pacing is good and I am able to recognize the various voices in the story. A voice actress that I do not hesitate to listen to.
April 1, 2020
I'm glad I read the first book recently, because the characters were all still fresh in my mind. Being a new series, I'm sure if I'd read it when the first book came out, I'd have forgotten a lot. I'm not a fan of birds at all, but I just love Belle the gray African parrot! She's such a hoot and talk about being handy during a killer showdown!
I liked the main characters a lot the first time around, but they're definitely among my faves now. I hadn't guessed the killer, so the reveal was a surprise for me. I hope that Mac and Tim can work out their differences, but I think toward the end of the book, it was looking that way. I'm so anxious now for the next book, but I'm pretty sure we'll have to wait at least a year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a paperback ARC of this book provided by the publisher, and my opinions are my own.
I liked the main characters a lot the first time around, but they're definitely among my faves now. I hadn't guessed the killer, so the reveal was a surprise for me. I hope that Mac and Tim can work out their differences, but I think toward the end of the book, it was looking that way. I'm so anxious now for the next book, but I'm pretty sure we'll have to wait at least a year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a paperback ARC of this book provided by the publisher, and my opinions are my own.
June 13, 2021
This cozy mystery stars Mac an obsessively neat bike shop owner on Cape Cod. She had some big pluses in my opinion for an amateur sleuth. Ir rally loved her pet parrot Belle (probably my favorite character), and I loved the book club that bands with her to help solve murders. Overall the mystery in this one wasn’t bad, but it seemed pretty clear between the red herrings and the actual culprit. I found this book to be a little repetitive for my tastes both with clues and with the personal drama. Mac goes for her daily power walk with her friend Gin, but finds Gin bent over a body in the alley. Despite multiple warnings from law enforcement Mac places her in the right place at the right time to “happen” upon the suspects to try to get clues to figure out who killed Beverly.
December 20, 2021
This cute series is marred only by the author constantly inserting unnecessary fat phobic asides. No one seems to ride bikes for fun in the series - it's always about fitness and losing weight instead of joyful movement. And this one featured a completely useless and particularly egregious comment about how a character's vegetarian diet clearly hadn't helped him lose any weight. Seriously, these are not central to the plot and aren't needed! The story and characters are fun, otherwise, and I plan to continue reading, but as someone who is passionate about body neutrality, the fat phobic comments in cozy mysteries totally take me out of the story!
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