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A Sweet Bites Mystery #2
Pistols & Pies
Tess thought her sleuthing days were behind her after she nearly died solving her first murder, but when a city councilman is killed at the opening of the new fitness center, and his step son is the detective’s favorite suspect, she gets roped into proving the teenager is innocent. When the killer ups the stakes, Tess is forced to put herself in danger or risk the life of someone she cares about.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
184 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Heather Justesen
28 books122 followersHeather Justesen is an award-winning and up-and-coming author for the women's romance market.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Lenny, Kat, Honey & all of her family really treat Tess like a member of the family. It really gives truth to family being what you make it, not just blood. Tess runs a bakery & seems to get caught up in mysteries on the side. In this story, a man is murdered & his step son, Michael is the prime suspect. Something about Michael reminds Tess of Lenny when she first met him & she couldn’t believe he was guilty. As Tess was investigating, everything takes a dangerous turn.
This plot moves quickly but takes several twists & turns. There is a romantic twist since Tess is interested in both Jack & Shawn. This looks like it will be a thread that will continue through several books. I enjoyed the familial connections & the emotion when Tess realized what she had. This was a really entertaining read & I can’t wait for more of these mysteries!
This plot moves quickly but takes several twists & turns. There is a romantic twist since Tess is interested in both Jack & Shawn. This looks like it will be a thread that will continue through several books. I enjoyed the familial connections & the emotion when Tess realized what she had. This was a really entertaining read & I can’t wait for more of these mysteries!
November 10, 2021
This is a really cute series and I love that there are so many recipes included! I plan on making some of them soon.
A couple of times Tess really irked me because she put herself in harm’s way and then seemed angry with Shawn and Tingey for caring. Just getting shot at is no joke and a bomb, too?! What if Lenny or anyone else had opened that door? My gosh woman!
As always, everything worked out in the end and I enjoyed what Tess did to the killer. Served them right!
Next book is Muffins & Murder, book 3
A couple of times Tess really irked me because she put herself in harm’s way and then seemed angry with Shawn and Tingey for caring. Just getting shot at is no joke and a bomb, too?! What if Lenny or anyone else had opened that door? My gosh woman!
As always, everything worked out in the end and I enjoyed what Tess did to the killer. Served them right!
Next book is Muffins & Murder, book 3
July 28, 2018
Tess is at it again with her junior sleuthing. When Tess finds a dead body at the grand opening of a fitness center, she feels a sense of deja vu. Instead of learning from her brush with death during the last murder case, however, she decides to investigate this one as well. This story is fast paced and an interesting read. Again I was surprised who the killer was in the end. I'm interested in seeing where her potential love interests might lead and I'm looking forward to trying the many new recipes included in the story.
January 3, 2019
I am really enjoying the sweet bites mysteries written by Health Justesen. Her novels have fun, believable characters. The story has many plot twist and you never know who is at fault for the murder. Tess is a fundamental character, I love her personality and reading about her bakery and new recipes she develops. These books have romance, mystery, and suspense. A fun read and a great book, and I can't wait to read book #3 of the series.
September 11, 2022
Mild entertainment
The mystery is light entertainment and not particularly challenging. The pacing is fine, and while the climactic stand-off is a bit improbable, the takedown of a sociopath is satisfying. The main character, Tess, is loyal, caring, and either arrogant or stupid! How many attacks does it take to figure out "Stay in your lane?!" I have to commend the creator of the amazing recipes found in this book.
The mystery is light entertainment and not particularly challenging. The pacing is fine, and while the climactic stand-off is a bit improbable, the takedown of a sociopath is satisfying. The main character, Tess, is loyal, caring, and either arrogant or stupid! How many attacks does it take to figure out "Stay in your lane?!" I have to commend the creator of the amazing recipes found in this book.
November 21, 2018
This series is so much fun to read. It is fast paced and well written. I love Tess' unquenchable thirst for answers and the trouble her sleuthing gets her into. I love the other characters too. I will definitely read the rest of this series.
October 11, 2019
Cosy
Pistols and Pies is book two in Heather Justesen’s Sweet Bites Mystery series, but can function as a stand alone. It’s good for readers of cosy type books, a little predictable, but nice characters that are developing strong relationships and solving mysteries along the way.
Pistols and Pies is book two in Heather Justesen’s Sweet Bites Mystery series, but can function as a stand alone. It’s good for readers of cosy type books, a little predictable, but nice characters that are developing strong relationships and solving mysteries along the way.
February 18, 2020
I enjoyed the book. The character development was clear. It showed that we are able to make “family” from other than the nuclear one we are born into. Friendships can be supportive, partners in adventures and the glue that keeps us getting up each day and moving forward.
Read
August 18, 2018Sweet
I love these books! They're fun, sweet and fun to read! I can't wait to read the next one and hopefully the one after that too!!!
I love these books! They're fun, sweet and fun to read! I can't wait to read the next one and hopefully the one after that too!!!
October 2, 2017
This was a really great story. I really enjoyed the little bakery and the many characters. This story had a lot of mystery and suspense and even a little romance.
June 5, 2018
A Fun Read!
I am totally enjoying Heather's Sweet Bites series! Fun characters, yummy recipes, and interesting plots. Looking forward to the next one. Keep them coming, please!
I am totally enjoying Heather's Sweet Bites series! Fun characters, yummy recipes, and interesting plots. Looking forward to the next one. Keep them coming, please!
September 24, 2018
another cute mystery with more yummy sounding recipes!
December 19, 2018
In the mix of things.
I really like Heather's writing. Her characters have depth. I like the recipes she shares. I'm going to be following this author for quite some time.
I really like Heather's writing. Her characters have depth. I like the recipes she shares. I'm going to be following this author for quite some time.
January 1, 2019
Pretty good. I do like the recipes in these. Tess is sort of unrealistic, though. Most people would stop investigating stuff after all that happens to her.
July 10, 2019
Love when a mystery book keeps me guessing. This is truly a wonderful mystery with great characters.
October 13, 2019
Good clean book
Good cozy mystery clean. Will be reading more from Heather Justesen. Tess and her friends are fun to read about.
Good cozy mystery clean. Will be reading more from Heather Justesen. Tess and her friends are fun to read about.
November 2, 2019
Fun read
Better writing than most cozies. Fun read and a feel good story that's no saccharine. Characters are likeable and well rounded.
Better writing than most cozies. Fun read and a feel good story that's no saccharine. Characters are likeable and well rounded.
November 4, 2019
Blueberry Tarts
Cute cozy murder mystery with delicious sounding recipes scattered thru out. Really an enjoyable read with great characters. Definitely recommend to everyone!
Cute cozy murder mystery with delicious sounding recipes scattered thru out. Really an enjoyable read with great characters. Definitely recommend to everyone!
December 27, 2019
Another great book. Will start on # 3 very soon
January 10, 2020
So enjoyable
I love this funny, crazy baker!! Her side kick is interesting too! Great clean story. No foul language, no sex to skip through. So looking forward to the next book!
I love this funny, crazy baker!! Her side kick is interesting too! Great clean story. No foul language, no sex to skip through. So looking forward to the next book!
May 5, 2020
Enjoyed the recipes.
January 11, 2021
A fun, light little mystery. I enjoy Tess, though I sometimes think she's a little too… reckless in her investigations, for how smart she is otherwise. But still, a fun escape from the real world
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August 22, 2021Fun read
Very enjoyable book. This is my second book by her that I have enjoyed reading . Enjoyed the read fun
Very enjoyable book. This is my second book by her that I have enjoyed reading . Enjoyed the read fun
September 8, 2022
cute and clean sleuthing series.
June 15, 2018
Second in a series. Enjoyed the first so read number two and was not disappointed. Since the protagonist is a pastry chef, there are always some recipes included. I just skip by them so as not to be tempted. Again I thoroughly enjoy the relationships between Tess, Honey and Len, a loving if unusual "family". Plot developed nicely with the murderer having a distant part until the ending.
October 3, 2014
I really growing to enjoy this series. Tess is spunky and sweet at the same time. There are things in the series that are more than a touch unbelievable. Sure I always ask my baker look into murders, she is totally qualified. Yup, suspend reality a touch for this book.
I love the potential love triangle. Sean is all young player, loads of charisma, a real bad boy any gal might want to reform. Jack is the steady single dad, a little bossy but definitely husband material. Tess is going to have some serious decisions to make as this series continues.
Love the addition of her friend Lenny, he is a perfect sidekick to balance out her BFF Honey. They are all irrepressible and running head long into trouble.
The poor detective takes tons of flack, he is not only having to do his job but also look out for Tess and company. He is far from incompetent, he does very well considering the challenges he faces. I will give it that Tess can do things he can not, ie gossip and trespass.
The mystery was not a huge surprise, plenty of clues lead up to this conclusion. It was not obvious from the start, it progressed nicely and came together near the end. Very satisfying.
The small town family feel of the whole series is great. I love the whole dynamic all the characters share.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pamela Almand, she has a great feel for the lead character. The whole book comes from Tess' POV, so her voice is most prominent. Ms Almand has a terrific flair adding just enough snark to the voice at the perfect moments. She has a great pace that keeps the book moving along steadily throughout the action. I love that little rasp she has in her voice, it's a super appealing tone.
I am eager to see what happens next in this series. There is just something so endearing about the characters, it makes me overlook flaws in the overall plot.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I love the potential love triangle. Sean is all young player, loads of charisma, a real bad boy any gal might want to reform. Jack is the steady single dad, a little bossy but definitely husband material. Tess is going to have some serious decisions to make as this series continues.
Love the addition of her friend Lenny, he is a perfect sidekick to balance out her BFF Honey. They are all irrepressible and running head long into trouble.
The poor detective takes tons of flack, he is not only having to do his job but also look out for Tess and company. He is far from incompetent, he does very well considering the challenges he faces. I will give it that Tess can do things he can not, ie gossip and trespass.
The mystery was not a huge surprise, plenty of clues lead up to this conclusion. It was not obvious from the start, it progressed nicely and came together near the end. Very satisfying.
The small town family feel of the whole series is great. I love the whole dynamic all the characters share.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pamela Almand, she has a great feel for the lead character. The whole book comes from Tess' POV, so her voice is most prominent. Ms Almand has a terrific flair adding just enough snark to the voice at the perfect moments. She has a great pace that keeps the book moving along steadily throughout the action. I love that little rasp she has in her voice, it's a super appealing tone.
I am eager to see what happens next in this series. There is just something so endearing about the characters, it makes me overlook flaws in the overall plot.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
January 1, 2015
AUDIO BOOK VERSION NARRATED BY PAMELA ALMAND
My review
Another enjoyable story from the Sweet Bites Mystery series, our intrepid super-baker solves yet another mystery, but, yes, but, this time by request! It's not as if she is bored, her business is building well, she just can't help herself. Oh where would we Cosy lovers be without such intrepid and nosy women?
I love the way the series is developing, getting to know the characters and their back stories, the lure of the small town community, the sheer cosines of it all. That is until the murder!
As the blurb says, the victims teenaged stepson is being fingered for the heinous crime, teenaged boys being what they are (a mystery, wrapped in an enigma etc. or near enough) Tess proves surprisingly adept at dealing with them, all it takes is food! Who knew?
I love a story that hooks my interest quickly, this one certainly did that, what's more, it held my attention, so much so that I was reluctant to break.
Tess interests me, she is finding and forming her very own family in order to satisfy her need to belong, so far, it's working very well. For both of us. I enjoy Tess and her "family" and really want to hear more. Of course, we know that the storyline is going to be more than unlikely, but so what? It's a story, it transports us to somewhere else, an enjoyable place, a place to listen and relax.
Can't wait to hear more.
Narration
I love the voice of Pamela Almand, simple as that. Dulcet tones, that is, sweet, soothing and low, she could read aloud the label of a sauce bottle and I would listen, it is entrancing. Need I say more? Well yes I do, I have to say how well she characterises both male and female, the listener never doubts who is holding forth. Pamela never intrudes upon the story, there is nothing required of the listener other than to enjoy the work of the author, exactly as it should be. I sincerely hope the author never, ever considers another narrator for this series.
My review
Another enjoyable story from the Sweet Bites Mystery series, our intrepid super-baker solves yet another mystery, but, yes, but, this time by request! It's not as if she is bored, her business is building well, she just can't help herself. Oh where would we Cosy lovers be without such intrepid and nosy women?
I love the way the series is developing, getting to know the characters and their back stories, the lure of the small town community, the sheer cosines of it all. That is until the murder!
As the blurb says, the victims teenaged stepson is being fingered for the heinous crime, teenaged boys being what they are (a mystery, wrapped in an enigma etc. or near enough) Tess proves surprisingly adept at dealing with them, all it takes is food! Who knew?
I love a story that hooks my interest quickly, this one certainly did that, what's more, it held my attention, so much so that I was reluctant to break.
Tess interests me, she is finding and forming her very own family in order to satisfy her need to belong, so far, it's working very well. For both of us. I enjoy Tess and her "family" and really want to hear more. Of course, we know that the storyline is going to be more than unlikely, but so what? It's a story, it transports us to somewhere else, an enjoyable place, a place to listen and relax.
Can't wait to hear more.
Narration
I love the voice of Pamela Almand, simple as that. Dulcet tones, that is, sweet, soothing and low, she could read aloud the label of a sauce bottle and I would listen, it is entrancing. Need I say more? Well yes I do, I have to say how well she characterises both male and female, the listener never doubts who is holding forth. Pamela never intrudes upon the story, there is nothing required of the listener other than to enjoy the work of the author, exactly as it should be. I sincerely hope the author never, ever considers another narrator for this series.
January 31, 2014
4 stars ebook & audio book
I had won audio book from Heather Justesen. It down loaded easy on my kindle fire. I liked the story and the reader very well.
Did not like when I wanted to hurry and finish the book I could not. It was great to listen to book while I got things done.
After the second day I broke down and bought the ebook to finish.(I am a fast reader)
So I would rather buy ebook for my kindle fire and use text to talk feature when I want to listen to book and than switch to reading when I want to.
Pistols & Pies is the second book in the Sweet Bites Mysteries series. It is the first one I have read. It is a cute cozy mystery.
I like the plot, the characters, the setting. Also like that it is a clean read. Did make me want to eat sweets.
I don't like all the recipes that distract from the story. I would rather have them all in the back of the book or front instead of at chapters.
I Tess and wanted her to date Jack. but like Shawn to. Tess runs a bakery and makes wedding cakes. She left Chicago to come to small town where her Grandmother used to live to open her business. She finds dead bodies and gets involved in figuring who the murder is.
Now someone is trying to kill her.
Her co-worker from Chicago has left his job to come work part time for her.
The mystery was pretty good. I did figure out a part of it before it was revealed. But not all of it. Lots of action, drama and romance.
I would read more of Heather's stories in the future.
Publisher: Jelly Bean Press (February 3, 2013) 242 pages
I had won audio book from Heather Justesen. It down loaded easy on my kindle fire. I liked the story and the reader very well.
Did not like when I wanted to hurry and finish the book I could not. It was great to listen to book while I got things done.
After the second day I broke down and bought the ebook to finish.(I am a fast reader)
So I would rather buy ebook for my kindle fire and use text to talk feature when I want to listen to book and than switch to reading when I want to.
Pistols & Pies is the second book in the Sweet Bites Mysteries series. It is the first one I have read. It is a cute cozy mystery.
I like the plot, the characters, the setting. Also like that it is a clean read. Did make me want to eat sweets.
I don't like all the recipes that distract from the story. I would rather have them all in the back of the book or front instead of at chapters.
I Tess and wanted her to date Jack. but like Shawn to. Tess runs a bakery and makes wedding cakes. She left Chicago to come to small town where her Grandmother used to live to open her business. She finds dead bodies and gets involved in figuring who the murder is.
Now someone is trying to kill her.
Her co-worker from Chicago has left his job to come work part time for her.
The mystery was pretty good. I did figure out a part of it before it was revealed. But not all of it. Lots of action, drama and romance.
I would read more of Heather's stories in the future.
Publisher: Jelly Bean Press (February 3, 2013) 242 pages
February 11, 2017
Perfect murder
Surprise ending no one suspected the identity of the killer until they tried to murder Tess. They could have arrested someone else if they had kept quiet.
Surprise ending no one suspected the identity of the killer until they tried to murder Tess. They could have arrested someone else if they had kept quiet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews