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The Wedding Cake Murder
THE BODY OF A WOMAN who insulted everyone she met on her short trip to Moonstone Lake is found floating in the lake. Is it a murder or an accident? Arizona Summers and her psychic dog Nutmeg love to solve crimes. The new chief Keith Wesley makes it clear he doesn’t want her help. Once he realizes Arizona is the go-to person with whom the townspeople share their deepest and darkest secrets. The handsome new chief tries to get back in Arizona’s good graces but she doesn’t make it easy. It’s hard for Ary to keep the restaurant she owns running smoothly when her mother, Emma causes chaos at every turn. Even her Aunt Sandy, who referees her sister and niece, shakes her head at Emma’s shenanigans. Join the fun and the humor of this great mystery series. Get your copy today.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2019
66 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Susan Keene
30 books56 followersSusan has ten books published Her latest, The High Steaks Murder is a cozy mystery and the second book in the Arizona Summers Detective. This book will be released for publication on October 23, 2020.
Book one in the Arizona Summers Mystery Series is now available on Amazon both in Kindle and paperback editions.
Tattered Wings is a stand alone romantic suspense filled with flawed characters, some who try to redeem themselves.
The Twisted Mind of Cletus Compton is a stand alone novel. Fans of the television program Criminal Minds love Cletus Compton.
Susan is the author of the popular Kate Nash Mystery Series. Book One, Finding Lizzy Smith, Book Two, Who's Roxy Watkins, and Book Three, The Untimely Death of Ivy Tucker.
She has also written four children's books. The Adventures of Diggitty the Dog. Book one, The Adventures of Diggitty the Dog, Book two, Diggitty the Dog Finds a Friend and Book three, Diggitty the Dog Saves Christmas. Three of them are about Diggitty the Dog, Susan's favorite dachshund who is fifteen. And a children's book about diversity, We Aren't So Different After All.
Susan studied in a branch of the medical profession and loves to weave her knowledge and experiences into her stories.
She lives on a farm in the beautiful Ozarks and is surrounded by dogs, cats, cows, sheep. horses, mules, and donkeys
She is the current President of Sleuth's Ink Mystery Writes and Treasurer of The Ozarks Romance Authors are two of the groups she attends regularly..
Susan loves spending time with family and friends
Book one in the Arizona Summers Mystery Series is now available on Amazon both in Kindle and paperback editions.
Tattered Wings is a stand alone romantic suspense filled with flawed characters, some who try to redeem themselves.
The Twisted Mind of Cletus Compton is a stand alone novel. Fans of the television program Criminal Minds love Cletus Compton.
Susan is the author of the popular Kate Nash Mystery Series. Book One, Finding Lizzy Smith, Book Two, Who's Roxy Watkins, and Book Three, The Untimely Death of Ivy Tucker.
She has also written four children's books. The Adventures of Diggitty the Dog. Book one, The Adventures of Diggitty the Dog, Book two, Diggitty the Dog Finds a Friend and Book three, Diggitty the Dog Saves Christmas. Three of them are about Diggitty the Dog, Susan's favorite dachshund who is fifteen. And a children's book about diversity, We Aren't So Different After All.
Susan studied in a branch of the medical profession and loves to weave her knowledge and experiences into her stories.
She lives on a farm in the beautiful Ozarks and is surrounded by dogs, cats, cows, sheep. horses, mules, and donkeys
She is the current President of Sleuth's Ink Mystery Writes and Treasurer of The Ozarks Romance Authors are two of the groups she attends regularly..
Susan loves spending time with family and friends
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 10, 2020
This was recently a freebie, and it sounded like a fun read. I really enjoyed the main characters a lot, although I didn't really like Ary's mother. I thought it was pretty weird that her mom (Emma) had only adopted her to take over the diner. But Aunt Sandy more than made up for the lack of mothering that Emma did. I loved that Sandy was more like a sister and best friend to Ary than just an aunt. Ary had a really rocky start with the new police chief, but I knew that would be temporary. ;) I think my favorite character was Nutmeg, the dog that sort of adopted Ary and acted like a watchdog who could sense things that were wrong.
I was stumped on who the killer was until the clues started coming in. The showdown was really good, and Nutmeg once again got to shine. I'm interested enough in the characters to read the next book whenever it happens to come along.
I was stumped on who the killer was until the clues started coming in. The showdown was really good, and Nutmeg once again got to shine. I'm interested enough in the characters to read the next book whenever it happens to come along.
March 2, 2022
Throughout the book I constantly wondered who would kill the odious Mrs. Freedman, whom nobody liked. Characters and mystery were well written. My favorite character is Nutmeg. Arizona is a perfectly balanced mixture of strength and vulnerability. Editing was at times sloppy, confusing set with sat, lay with lie, sails with sales. There were times when I was completely confused about the timing. A good editor would have created new paragraphs or started a section with clues like : The next day, hours later, or when she awoke. I definitely will read more by this author. Quite refreshing
January 14, 2020
Another fun read from Susan Keene. Funny and quirky characters keep the pace going as the murder of a client lands in Arizona's lap. She is the new detective with a spatula in hand. This is going to be a good series.
May 29, 2022
THE WEDDING CAKE MURDER by Susan Keene
A Good Story Possibility Confounded by Errors
I had quite a difficult time writing this review for Susan Keene’s THE WEDDING CAKE MYSTERY, the first installment in her Arizona Summers Mystery series. On the one hand, Keene has created an interesting, quirky heroine in her lead character. Arizona Summers is high-spirited, considerate and mostly credible leading lady and the author’s choice of first person POV fits the tale and the character well. Keene surrounds Arizona with a sufficient number of supporting characters, though I must admit I had trouble keeping a few apart. I also like her portrayal of the emerging relationship between Arizona and Chief Keith Wesley, but I never understood Keith rationale for his initial hostile approach to Arizona. And I have to agree with other reviewers, Nutmeg stole the scenes, even if the dog’s abilities stretch the credibility of what any pet is capable of doing. (I suspect that was the author’s point and a good one). Her writing also exhibited considerable knowledge of the details of running a small mom-and-pop (or in this case mom and daughter) restaurant in a tourist town and the restaurant and town work well as a setting for a charming cozy.
But like several other reviewers, my reading was constantly bothered, interrupted and frustrated by a surprising number of basic editing mistakes. Although even professionally edited and published manuscripts have been found to have a few errors, the mistakes in Keene’s work go beyond any I have read. Decades ago, I began my professional life as a high school English teacher and habits learned then have been hard to break. In perusing Keene’s work, I had to withhold my impulse to red-pencil items as I read. On nearly every page, my reading was stopped by the simplest of errors—missing commas, missing or misplaced quotation marks, and spelling or typographical errors. Several pages had basic formatting errors such as inconsistent bolding in chapter titles and forgetting to indent a new paragraph, particularly challenging when it was needed to signal a new speaker. A professional edit would also have strengthened and added clarity to the author’s descriptive passages. As I mentioned, the restaurant details Keene includes in the narrative are plentiful, though at times they read more like stage directions than elements and pieces necessary for the story.
THE WEDDING CAKE MURDERS shows good possibility as a cozy mystery, though one marred by far too many errors.
A Good Story Possibility Confounded by Errors
I had quite a difficult time writing this review for Susan Keene’s THE WEDDING CAKE MYSTERY, the first installment in her Arizona Summers Mystery series. On the one hand, Keene has created an interesting, quirky heroine in her lead character. Arizona Summers is high-spirited, considerate and mostly credible leading lady and the author’s choice of first person POV fits the tale and the character well. Keene surrounds Arizona with a sufficient number of supporting characters, though I must admit I had trouble keeping a few apart. I also like her portrayal of the emerging relationship between Arizona and Chief Keith Wesley, but I never understood Keith rationale for his initial hostile approach to Arizona. And I have to agree with other reviewers, Nutmeg stole the scenes, even if the dog’s abilities stretch the credibility of what any pet is capable of doing. (I suspect that was the author’s point and a good one). Her writing also exhibited considerable knowledge of the details of running a small mom-and-pop (or in this case mom and daughter) restaurant in a tourist town and the restaurant and town work well as a setting for a charming cozy.
But like several other reviewers, my reading was constantly bothered, interrupted and frustrated by a surprising number of basic editing mistakes. Although even professionally edited and published manuscripts have been found to have a few errors, the mistakes in Keene’s work go beyond any I have read. Decades ago, I began my professional life as a high school English teacher and habits learned then have been hard to break. In perusing Keene’s work, I had to withhold my impulse to red-pencil items as I read. On nearly every page, my reading was stopped by the simplest of errors—missing commas, missing or misplaced quotation marks, and spelling or typographical errors. Several pages had basic formatting errors such as inconsistent bolding in chapter titles and forgetting to indent a new paragraph, particularly challenging when it was needed to signal a new speaker. A professional edit would also have strengthened and added clarity to the author’s descriptive passages. As I mentioned, the restaurant details Keene includes in the narrative are plentiful, though at times they read more like stage directions than elements and pieces necessary for the story.
THE WEDDING CAKE MURDERS shows good possibility as a cozy mystery, though one marred by far too many errors.
July 17, 2023
I love a cosy paranormal mystery, and this one is a dish. Not because the protagonist Arazona runs a restaurant or there are recipes in the book. It is a fresh take with a quirky and zany cast of characters. Also, Arizona is not running away from a broken heart or divorce. See, nice change already. Susan Keene has written our protagonist with the right amount of vulnerability and strength. And that is also true of the paranormal element in Nutmeg, the dog.
The plot is simple; who murdered the odious Mrs Freedman, found floating in a lake? I was tempted to do the deed. That is how well the author has written the supporting cast. Chief Keith Wesley, the new police chief in town, isn't keen (no pun intended) on Arizona or her interference in his case. I guess there will be a romance in the future, although the book has many unanswered questions. But Arizona investigates with Nutmeg's help.
I am curious if it is a British English v American English style. Still, I needed clarification on the tenses and the shabby editing in places.
Nonetheless, it reads like a promising series. I am convinced there is more of a paranormal aspect to Arazona's relationship with her emotionally cold and perhaps jealous mother.
Good cosy read with an original take, a strong supporting cast of characters and the beginning of something special, me thinks.
The plot is simple; who murdered the odious Mrs Freedman, found floating in a lake? I was tempted to do the deed. That is how well the author has written the supporting cast. Chief Keith Wesley, the new police chief in town, isn't keen (no pun intended) on Arizona or her interference in his case. I guess there will be a romance in the future, although the book has many unanswered questions. But Arizona investigates with Nutmeg's help.
I am curious if it is a British English v American English style. Still, I needed clarification on the tenses and the shabby editing in places.
Nonetheless, it reads like a promising series. I am convinced there is more of a paranormal aspect to Arazona's relationship with her emotionally cold and perhaps jealous mother.
Good cosy read with an original take, a strong supporting cast of characters and the beginning of something special, me thinks.
November 22, 2019
You reap what you sow.
A terrific first book. A wonderful plot of murder and karma coming together, although I must admit that the culprit was a bit of a weak choice. The characters revolve around a strong heroine who might look as if you should be a pushover but certainly isn't. A sharp also laser like attention to detail and a curiosity that would make a cat proud. The rest are proud, but slightly too focused on their own desires but this is what makes them feel more human as we read the book. I must admit that Nutmeg is proving to be a bit of an enigma - she is almost too human for a dog.
The murder of the hoitytoity, obnoxious and aggressive mother of the groom has rocked their small community. She was supposed to have been back in Boston, so why did she find her body in the lake. Her actions had already alienated all the vendors for the wedding as well as some of the locals. A new Chief (with a bombastic attitude), a stray dog, missing funds from a Foundation and her insatiable curiosity that have left her attacked and hurt. Will they work out who and why? Where did Nutmeg come from? Will she and the Chief ever make peace?
A terrific first book. A wonderful plot of murder and karma coming together, although I must admit that the culprit was a bit of a weak choice. The characters revolve around a strong heroine who might look as if you should be a pushover but certainly isn't. A sharp also laser like attention to detail and a curiosity that would make a cat proud. The rest are proud, but slightly too focused on their own desires but this is what makes them feel more human as we read the book. I must admit that Nutmeg is proving to be a bit of an enigma - she is almost too human for a dog.
The murder of the hoitytoity, obnoxious and aggressive mother of the groom has rocked their small community. She was supposed to have been back in Boston, so why did she find her body in the lake. Her actions had already alienated all the vendors for the wedding as well as some of the locals. A new Chief (with a bombastic attitude), a stray dog, missing funds from a Foundation and her insatiable curiosity that have left her attacked and hurt. Will they work out who and why? Where did Nutmeg come from? Will she and the Chief ever make peace?
April 6, 2021
An interesting setting and unusual sleuthing buddy get good reviews from me. I also liked the fact that the new police chief wasn't an immediate romantic attraction for our beanpole, carrot-topped leading lady. Really, all the main characters were interesting individually and collectively.
My biggest complaint is the book doesn't seem to have the benefit of a good editor or proof reader. Punctuation errors, spoken thoughts with out clearly identifying exactly who is speaking, and abrupt, disjunct thoughts are just a few of the repeated offenses that ruined it for me.
The murder mystery was handled well, with plenty of ambiguous clues and red herrings. I would have easily given it another one (maybe even one and a half stars) if it had been proof read and cleaned up. I would love to read more in the series, however that will be unlikely due to the errors.
My biggest complaint is the book doesn't seem to have the benefit of a good editor or proof reader. Punctuation errors, spoken thoughts with out clearly identifying exactly who is speaking, and abrupt, disjunct thoughts are just a few of the repeated offenses that ruined it for me.
The murder mystery was handled well, with plenty of ambiguous clues and red herrings. I would have easily given it another one (maybe even one and a half stars) if it had been proof read and cleaned up. I would love to read more in the series, however that will be unlikely due to the errors.
April 29, 2022
My normal go-to novels are Thriller- Suspense. But for a change of pace, I picked up this wonderful cozy mystery by Susan Keene. What a treat. Ms. Keene has a way of spinning a tale that will keep you turning the page. Just when you think you have it figured out, she throws you a curve.
The character I liked best was Nutmeg the dog. Ary Summer, our protagonist, and Nutmeg made a great pair. Emma, Arizona’s mother, reminded me of a boss I used to have. Things would be going along smoothly and when Emma enters the room, chaos results. In fact, I laughed out loud once or twice comparing her antics to those of the gentleman I used to work for.
I will not provide spoilers but will say that when a body is found floating in a local lake, the pace of the story picks up with Ary and Nutmeg providing the detective work. All in all, an
easy, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
The character I liked best was Nutmeg the dog. Ary Summer, our protagonist, and Nutmeg made a great pair. Emma, Arizona’s mother, reminded me of a boss I used to have. Things would be going along smoothly and when Emma enters the room, chaos results. In fact, I laughed out loud once or twice comparing her antics to those of the gentleman I used to work for.
I will not provide spoilers but will say that when a body is found floating in a local lake, the pace of the story picks up with Ary and Nutmeg providing the detective work. All in all, an
easy, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2024
I have to say this is my first time with this author, and I did audible. There is a cute storyline of a restaurant, a coming wedding, a murder and a falling in love story with interesting and believable characters. You have a new police chief throwing around his strength. You have the cute businesswoman and many others, but I loved the dog best. This is well written. It maintains your interest and keeps you wondering. I love how it all flows and never lags. I love this book and highly recommend it if you want a nice relaxing night.
April 16, 2021
Arizona, Ary for short, was the owner of the Moonstone Cake Cafe. She and her dog Nutmeg were involved in the wedding of a local girl and her boyfriend. The groom's mother,l however, is murdered. Since she was always nasty to everyone, the list of suspects was long. Ary wasn't fooled. Her insistence led to uncovering the murderer.
Nutmeg, the dog who appeared on her doorstep, was a perfect detective to help her. Ary found Nutmeg to be her canine best friend, always ready to protect her!
Nutmeg, the dog who appeared on her doorstep, was a perfect detective to help her. Ary found Nutmeg to be her canine best friend, always ready to protect her!
April 13, 2021
The wedding cake murder
This book gripped me from the start till the end. I thought I knew who did it then changed my mind. It was so good I couldn’t put the book down then upset when I saw “the end” I didn’t want it to stop there. Thanks for writing such a gripping book. Now I want the next part if there is one.
Edith
This book gripped me from the start till the end. I thought I knew who did it then changed my mind. It was so good I couldn’t put the book down then upset when I saw “the end” I didn’t want it to stop there. Thanks for writing such a gripping book. Now I want the next part if there is one.
Edith
November 7, 2021
This was an interesting cozy mystery. The characters were good as far as just enough depth in personality & backgrounds. The dog was amazing, in a great way. This book did have a closure to the mystery, but I was disappointed when I finished reading. There really was no ending. Not a cliffhanger, it was "just" over. I will read another one in this series.
March 29, 2024
good plot but
This book has a good plot and was a good story, but there are a lot of annoying things about it. In many spots you can’t tell who’s talking you have to re-read to get an idea who is saying what. The quick turnaround by the chief of police is totally unbelievable. And I think the dog is meant to seem to be almost human but I just find that annoying.
This book has a good plot and was a good story, but there are a lot of annoying things about it. In many spots you can’t tell who’s talking you have to re-read to get an idea who is saying what. The quick turnaround by the chief of police is totally unbelievable. And I think the dog is meant to seem to be almost human but I just find that annoying.
September 30, 2025
Great book
I sure had a great time reading this book. I was unfamiliar with this author but I was interested by the title, the cover, and the fact there was also a dog in the story. I really like cozy mysteries and this book is a great one. I was especially pleased that it is a 'clean' book, without gratuitous sexual content.
I sure had a great time reading this book. I was unfamiliar with this author but I was interested by the title, the cover, and the fact there was also a dog in the story. I really like cozy mysteries and this book is a great one. I was especially pleased that it is a 'clean' book, without gratuitous sexual content.
November 21, 2019
Good Nutmeg
Love that dog. She acts human. I like Arizona and her friend Liz. Looking forward to learning more about her. I liked the premise and the setting. Her family is unusual and quirky. She is a wonderful friend. Her dog made the book. What a good girl!!! 👍👍👍
Love that dog. She acts human. I like Arizona and her friend Liz. Looking forward to learning more about her. I liked the premise and the setting. Her family is unusual and quirky. She is a wonderful friend. Her dog made the book. What a good girl!!! 👍👍👍
January 28, 2020
Love Arizona Summers
What a super slueth! I liked her friends and glad she and the sheriff finally started working together. And her dog is so lovable. looking forward to more adventures with them.
What a super slueth! I liked her friends and glad she and the sheriff finally started working together. And her dog is so lovable. looking forward to more adventures with them.
July 12, 2022
Fascinating mystery
Wonderful fascinating mystery filled with plenty of excitement, surprises, suspense, danger and lots of love. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading a good mystery that keeps you guessing about who's the guilty person.
Wonderful fascinating mystery filled with plenty of excitement, surprises, suspense, danger and lots of love. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading a good mystery that keeps you guessing about who's the guilty person.
February 12, 2023
Good plot but poor writing
The plot was good however the writing/ editing was poor. It was hard to follow. The book jumped from one scene to another with little to no transition at times. I really wanted to love the series but I will not read anymore of them.
The plot was good however the writing/ editing was poor. It was hard to follow. The book jumped from one scene to another with little to no transition at times. I really wanted to love the series but I will not read anymore of them.
December 16, 2019
This was a fun fast read. Suspenseful until the very end.
April 7, 2020
Enjoying Susan's New characters
The story had me involved from beginning to end. Loved her furry hero.
As always, I am anxious for her next book.
The story had me involved from beginning to end. Loved her furry hero.
As always, I am anxious for her next book.
Want to read
May 21, 2021Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/05...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/05...
June 13, 2021
Fast paced and entertaining at every turn
This book was entertaining, funny, and kept me guessing. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was entertaining, funny, and kept me guessing. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 30, 2021
Too many typos
The story was ok, but many flow issues. There were so many typos, partial paragraphs, and sentence fragments that I had to force myself to finish.
The story was ok, but many flow issues. There were so many typos, partial paragraphs, and sentence fragments that I had to force myself to finish.
Read
February 13, 2022Culinary Cozy
Well written with plausible characters . Plenty of clues with a few red herrings to make it interesting. Will read more of this series
Well written with plausible characters . Plenty of clues with a few red herrings to make it interesting. Will read more of this series
July 12, 2022
audiobook format
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January 10, 2026Excellent
This cozy mystery has some intense moments, and all as, lots of good humor. Of as has to put down!
This cozy mystery has some intense moments, and all as, lots of good humor. Of as has to put down!
May 16, 2021
Loved the book
The book was very entertaining and had me staying up to read just one more chapter until it was finished. Loved the character of Nutmeg the dog.
The book was very entertaining and had me staying up to read just one more chapter until it was finished. Loved the character of Nutmeg the dog.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews