What do you think?
Rate this book
Deep Lakes Cozy #1
Deep Dark Secrets
You’re invited to visit Deep Lakes, Wisconsin and meet a new friend, Francine “Frankie” Champagne. The 40-something owner of Bubble and Bake—bakery by day, wine lounge by night—Frankie is a spitfire pastry maker, vintner, and budding journalist. Frankie finds herself on the perimeter of a suspicious death that upends the peaceful winter slumber in Deep Lakes when the local pastor is found dead inside his fishing shanty on Lake Loki. Frankie sticks her curious nose into the investigation, despite warnings from the local sheriff to leave it alone. But she has something to prove, maybe to the newspaper editor who wouldn’t hire her as a reporter, maybe to herself as she searches for fulfillment. Regardless, her fierce independence won’t allow her to back down. Follow Frankie as she stumbles upon one discovery after another, trails potential suspects, and solves the case!
328 pages, paperback
Published June 15, 2019
490 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ann Ribar
11 books232 followersJoy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. She loves to bake, read, do wine research, and explore nature. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people.
Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.
Sign up for her occasional newsletter at https://joyribar.substack.com/
Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.
Sign up for her occasional newsletter at https://joyribar.substack.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 3, 2020
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. It's the time of year when I want my mysteries with a side of snow or Christmas.
Frankie, the baker/vintner/journalist was an engaging sleuth though to me, she read older than she's supposed to be. She's divorced, has two college-aged daughters and runs a business with her BFF Carmen. Her relationship with her mother and brothers features also and was nice to read. A possible romantic interest is teased with Garrett Iverson the local coroner/electrician and perhaps some romantic interest from Alonzo Goodman her long-time friend and sheriff. The part with Alonzo was difficult to get a read on and I found it difficult to understand if Alonzo had an interest in Frankie or she was misreading him. Ultimately it was just annoying. Also, Frankie has two fireflies who "speak" to her over her shoulders. One sounds like her mother and is the "good" one and the other sounds like Antonio Banderas and is the pirate-themed "bad" one. I have to admit, this feature irritated me and I wished there was a way to ignore it. That Banderas is the go-to hot, enticing bad boy of a forty-something, just didn't work for me. Nothing against the man but he's not who comes up in wider discussions with women in their 30s or 40s. Sorry. Maybe a generation above? It's one of the things that made Frankie read older to me than she's supposed to be. The whole good/bad firefly chats were just too cutesy for me to find endearing.
But the mystery of who killed the local pastor was the best thing here. From the time we find out that Pastor Bradford Rawlins is dead, we're only six pages in and that left plenty of time to work through clues with Frankie and figure out Whodunnit and why. There were lots of secrets to be uncovered and there's a lot of people who had reasons to keep them hidden. Still, it all comes out and the journey was well done. I was able to suss out pretty early what things were amiss but it was fun finding out just how far and wide that went. Frankie's journalist job was on the line and I liked that aspect of her story. It was also nice to have her finished piece at the end of the book. A poignant close.
There was also lots of good food and interesting wines along the way (there are even recipes at the end of the book & even if they're not the ones I'd try making, that ranks highly for me in a culinary leaning cozy). I'm a wine lover and really appreciated the descriptions and information on winemaking and even when a particular type didn't appeal, I found them interesting. I recently read a cozy with a beer brewer and enjoyed that even though I don't drink beer. This community has lots of activities and shops and all of them seem to have cute names. I loved that. Deep Lakes is described wonderfully and definitely, is one of the things that ensured I'd want to drop in on the town and its citizens again.
If you're in the mood for a snowy cozy mystery this is worth the read. Recommended.
Frankie, the baker/vintner/journalist was an engaging sleuth though to me, she read older than she's supposed to be. She's divorced, has two college-aged daughters and runs a business with her BFF Carmen. Her relationship with her mother and brothers features also and was nice to read. A possible romantic interest is teased with Garrett Iverson the local coroner/electrician and perhaps some romantic interest from Alonzo Goodman her long-time friend and sheriff. The part with Alonzo was difficult to get a read on and I found it difficult to understand if Alonzo had an interest in Frankie or she was misreading him. Ultimately it was just annoying. Also, Frankie has two fireflies who "speak" to her over her shoulders. One sounds like her mother and is the "good" one and the other sounds like Antonio Banderas and is the pirate-themed "bad" one. I have to admit, this feature irritated me and I wished there was a way to ignore it. That Banderas is the go-to hot, enticing bad boy of a forty-something, just didn't work for me. Nothing against the man but he's not who comes up in wider discussions with women in their 30s or 40s. Sorry. Maybe a generation above? It's one of the things that made Frankie read older to me than she's supposed to be. The whole good/bad firefly chats were just too cutesy for me to find endearing.
But the mystery of who killed the local pastor was the best thing here. From the time we find out that Pastor Bradford Rawlins is dead, we're only six pages in and that left plenty of time to work through clues with Frankie and figure out Whodunnit and why. There were lots of secrets to be uncovered and there's a lot of people who had reasons to keep them hidden. Still, it all comes out and the journey was well done. I was able to suss out pretty early what things were amiss but it was fun finding out just how far and wide that went. Frankie's journalist job was on the line and I liked that aspect of her story. It was also nice to have her finished piece at the end of the book. A poignant close.
There was also lots of good food and interesting wines along the way (there are even recipes at the end of the book & even if they're not the ones I'd try making, that ranks highly for me in a culinary leaning cozy). I'm a wine lover and really appreciated the descriptions and information on winemaking and even when a particular type didn't appeal, I found them interesting. I recently read a cozy with a beer brewer and enjoyed that even though I don't drink beer. This community has lots of activities and shops and all of them seem to have cute names. I loved that. Deep Lakes is described wonderfully and definitely, is one of the things that ensured I'd want to drop in on the town and its citizens again.
If you're in the mood for a snowy cozy mystery this is worth the read. Recommended.
August 29, 2019
Series: A Deep Lakes Mystery – Book 1
Author: Joy Ann Ribar
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Orange Hat Publishing
Page Count: 328
Deep Dark Secrets is the first book in the new cozy series “A Deep Lakes Mystery” written by Joy Ann Ribar.
Frankie is a cute down-home character who still has dreams in life. She isn’t too old to try new things but is old enough to know what she likes and wants. Right now, what Frankie wants is to be taken seriously as a journalist. But this dream may be more than she bargained for in the long run. Tracking down leads that may put Frankie in close proximity to a killer may not be the best way to write a story.
The murder of a preacher should invoke a feeling of disappointment and perhaps even a touch of fear, but in this case, no one seems to care, at least not in the male population. The victim turns out to have no redeeming value what-so-ever and is not in the least bit likable.
The killer is an unlikely suspect. Unfortunately, I did not feel that the author gave readers a good idea of who the suspects were or what the evidence was, or twists and turns not clearly evident.
There is little action in this cozy other than Frankie going around asking a few questions of the police and a few people who knew the victim. The story is not fast-paced and gets bogged down in many ways by descriptions of people, wine, and events of the past.
I want to say that Frankie and Carmen are terrific characters. Both have a sense of family, obligation, and a sincere desire to do the right thing. Ms. Ribar did an excellent job of explaining the background for Frankie and Carmen, as well as Alonzo. However, there is such a thing as too much backstory. In a cozy, writers walk a thin line between too much and too little description and backstory, and Deep Dark Secrets has far more than needed.
The fundamentals of writing are not an issue; the grammar, punctuation, and so forth are proper. However, the book could use better editing for transitions and flow. The paragraphs are too long; it can be challenging to follow the story when apparent breaks are crammed together. It can also be hard to tell who is speaking during a conversation at times.
Even though the over-all book has some issues, I feel that the series has potential. Most of the characters are warm, caring, and personable. The setting works very well and has that small-town feel most readers enjoy. The combination of a bakery and a wine tasting business is original and fun. I hope there is a second book as I would enjoy reading it to see how the characters grow and what new situations Frankie gets into.
Author: Joy Ann Ribar
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Orange Hat Publishing
Page Count: 328
Deep Dark Secrets is the first book in the new cozy series “A Deep Lakes Mystery” written by Joy Ann Ribar.
Frankie is a cute down-home character who still has dreams in life. She isn’t too old to try new things but is old enough to know what she likes and wants. Right now, what Frankie wants is to be taken seriously as a journalist. But this dream may be more than she bargained for in the long run. Tracking down leads that may put Frankie in close proximity to a killer may not be the best way to write a story.
The murder of a preacher should invoke a feeling of disappointment and perhaps even a touch of fear, but in this case, no one seems to care, at least not in the male population. The victim turns out to have no redeeming value what-so-ever and is not in the least bit likable.
The killer is an unlikely suspect. Unfortunately, I did not feel that the author gave readers a good idea of who the suspects were or what the evidence was, or twists and turns not clearly evident.
There is little action in this cozy other than Frankie going around asking a few questions of the police and a few people who knew the victim. The story is not fast-paced and gets bogged down in many ways by descriptions of people, wine, and events of the past.
I want to say that Frankie and Carmen are terrific characters. Both have a sense of family, obligation, and a sincere desire to do the right thing. Ms. Ribar did an excellent job of explaining the background for Frankie and Carmen, as well as Alonzo. However, there is such a thing as too much backstory. In a cozy, writers walk a thin line between too much and too little description and backstory, and Deep Dark Secrets has far more than needed.
The fundamentals of writing are not an issue; the grammar, punctuation, and so forth are proper. However, the book could use better editing for transitions and flow. The paragraphs are too long; it can be challenging to follow the story when apparent breaks are crammed together. It can also be hard to tell who is speaking during a conversation at times.
Even though the over-all book has some issues, I feel that the series has potential. Most of the characters are warm, caring, and personable. The setting works very well and has that small-town feel most readers enjoy. The combination of a bakery and a wine tasting business is original and fun. I hope there is a second book as I would enjoy reading it to see how the characters grow and what new situations Frankie gets into.
January 9, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where the lakes like Lake Loki are filled with ice fishing shanties and fundraisers, where cars are set on the ice and people guess when the lake will thaw enough to send the car to a watery grave. Unfortunately, a local pastor is the one being buried when he is found dead in his ice shanty covered in blood. Francine “Frankie” Champagne the owner of Bubble and Bake — bakery by day, wine lounge by night, inserts herself right in the middle of the investigation to get the scoop for a newspaper article she hopes to write. Short on clues, she just keeps digging until she breaks through the ice and uncovers some deep, dark, secrets and all the clues fall into place.
Frankie Champagne has a lot on her plate. Baking, wine-making, and bottling that wine, managing the Bubble and Bake, divorced with two daughters in college, a new romance or two on the horizon, all while trying to follow her dream of becoming a newspaper journalist. Thankfully she has her best friend Carmen as a partner at the Bubble and Bake and a lot of good help, including her mother, because she is bound and determined to find out who killed the pastor and why. I liked Frankie but the woman is in non-stop motion. For me, it was almost too much as she traveled across a lot of Wisconsin and even to Iowa in her quest to solve the murder. All the characters we meet, and there are a lot, are very fleshed out for the first book in a series.
The mystery itself was not quite as forthcoming. Yes, there are secrets and while the innuendo about the pastor was there, I wished the suspects had been more clearly spelled out. Frankie talks to several people but I never was able to form a real list or eliminate people as I usually do with a cozy mystery. It was a journey from having the method of death explained clearly to Frankie taking some risks until the final reveal. I did like that we did get to read Frankie’s article at the end, it wrapped the mystery up nicely.
Deep Dark Secrets has some good bones and is a nice start for this series. There are a few things I feel could have been omitted or pared down to help the story flow better. It had first in a series -itis, where the author has to introduce the characters and the setting along with a good mystery to hold our interest. The author does this satisfactorily but sometimes less detail is more conducive to a successful introduction. As a Wisconite like the author, I can say she described the state very well and made Deep Lakes a place I would love to visit. The characters are engaging and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes them next. Deep Bitter Roots us already downloaded to my Kindle. I hope to be reading and reviewing it soon.
Welcome to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where the lakes like Lake Loki are filled with ice fishing shanties and fundraisers, where cars are set on the ice and people guess when the lake will thaw enough to send the car to a watery grave. Unfortunately, a local pastor is the one being buried when he is found dead in his ice shanty covered in blood. Francine “Frankie” Champagne the owner of Bubble and Bake — bakery by day, wine lounge by night, inserts herself right in the middle of the investigation to get the scoop for a newspaper article she hopes to write. Short on clues, she just keeps digging until she breaks through the ice and uncovers some deep, dark, secrets and all the clues fall into place.
Frankie Champagne has a lot on her plate. Baking, wine-making, and bottling that wine, managing the Bubble and Bake, divorced with two daughters in college, a new romance or two on the horizon, all while trying to follow her dream of becoming a newspaper journalist. Thankfully she has her best friend Carmen as a partner at the Bubble and Bake and a lot of good help, including her mother, because she is bound and determined to find out who killed the pastor and why. I liked Frankie but the woman is in non-stop motion. For me, it was almost too much as she traveled across a lot of Wisconsin and even to Iowa in her quest to solve the murder. All the characters we meet, and there are a lot, are very fleshed out for the first book in a series.
The mystery itself was not quite as forthcoming. Yes, there are secrets and while the innuendo about the pastor was there, I wished the suspects had been more clearly spelled out. Frankie talks to several people but I never was able to form a real list or eliminate people as I usually do with a cozy mystery. It was a journey from having the method of death explained clearly to Frankie taking some risks until the final reveal. I did like that we did get to read Frankie’s article at the end, it wrapped the mystery up nicely.
Deep Dark Secrets has some good bones and is a nice start for this series. There are a few things I feel could have been omitted or pared down to help the story flow better. It had first in a series -itis, where the author has to introduce the characters and the setting along with a good mystery to hold our interest. The author does this satisfactorily but sometimes less detail is more conducive to a successful introduction. As a Wisconite like the author, I can say she described the state very well and made Deep Lakes a place I would love to visit. The characters are engaging and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes them next. Deep Bitter Roots us already downloaded to my Kindle. I hope to be reading and reviewing it soon.
February 19, 2021
This is book one in a new series called Deep Lake Cozy Mystery. The story is placed in south-central Wisconsin in a town called Deep Lakes. The main character is Francine “Frankie” Champagne. Frankie is a 40-something entrepreneur. She is the owner of Bubble and Bake, a bakery by day and wine lounge by night. She is also a pastry maker, vintner and freelance journalist. Frankie finds herself investigating the murder of a local pastor, after her curiosity is piqued at the church.
Frankie is spurred on in her investigation by trying to prove herself as a journalist after being denied a reporter position with the local paper. Frankie finds the people of Deep Lakes have many secrets, and someone is willing to kill to keep them hidden.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the spunky main character, and the placement of the story in Wisconsin. The multiple twists make this an interesting mystery until the very end.
Robin W. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
Frankie is spurred on in her investigation by trying to prove herself as a journalist after being denied a reporter position with the local paper. Frankie finds the people of Deep Lakes have many secrets, and someone is willing to kill to keep them hidden.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the spunky main character, and the placement of the story in Wisconsin. The multiple twists make this an interesting mystery until the very end.
Robin W. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
November 3, 2019
Many people think of retirement as just a time when one no longer has to go to a job. Others see it
as the long-waited opportunity to travel, or they embrace full-time those hobbies long put on the back burner. With encouragement from her husband and some little voices that kept whispering character names and places in her ear, former English teacher Joy Ann Ribar used retirement to turn from the person correcting/editing endless stories and essays to the person writing. And what better way to start writing fiction than to combine three of her other favorite passions -- baking, wine and the wonderful state of Wisconsin. Within months, Ribar had fashioned a cozy mystery featuring Francine "Frankie" Champagne, owner of the Bubble and Bake, a morning bakery/evening wine bar in the tiny tourist town of Deep Lake, WI. While baking fresh pacskis, scones, and pastries in the early hours and overseeing the wine bar at night, not to mention that actual growing of the grapes and winemaking, should be enough to keep any person totally occupied, Frankie wants more -- namely, to be a respected reporter. So when she learns almost before anyone else that the young minister of the Congregational church has been found dead in his ice shanty, Frankie makes it her business to find out the details, hoping to get her big scoop. Soon she learns that something is "fishy" about the accident AND the pastor. Could it be murder? And who was upset enough with him to use an ice auger on his leg?
Those who live outside Wisconsin may not be aware that wineries have popped up all over Wisconsin in the last decade, especially since newer cold weather grape varieties have been developed. And of course, our lakes have long made us a great tourist state. Ribar has drawn on those truths to create the small town of Deep Lake. And only a great observer of human nature (and a well-read one) could people the little town with believable, eclectic characters. Joy Ann Ribar has been busy visiting Wisconsin libraries, bookstores, and wineries since her book's release. One of those was to the Kingston Millpond Library where our book club meets. Her enthusiasm for her writing adventure was as entertaining as the book itself. A general conclusion was that we're ready for Frankie to tackle another mystery so readers can experience a bit more of Wisconsin local color. Now I know some cozy mystery readers who are so devoted to the genre that they read them almost exclusively. Me, not so much. I like to mix up my genres and am always looking for new authors, but when I am ready for an evening with a cozy mystery, I have settled on a few favorite writers Nationally known authors would be Diane Mott Davidson and her Goldy Schulz (a caterer) series and Joanne Fluke and her Hannah Swenson (a baker) series. Surprisingly, my other favorites are Wisconsin authors with Wisconsin settings: Victoria Houston who writes mysteries set in the fictional Loon Lake, featuring retired dentist Paul Osbourne and recent favorite Kathleen Ernst whose mysteries all have a Wisconsin ethnic tie-in. Hopefully, Ribar will return with her second novel by spring 2020 and I will be able to add her to my cozy mystery favorites.
DEEP DARK SECRETS is available on Amazon and kindle, but I recommend that you either find this book in a Wisconsin book store (How about the Reader's Realm in Montello where Joy Ribar grew up?) or ask your local library to buy the book. You can also contact the author herself at www.JoyRibar.com
as the long-waited opportunity to travel, or they embrace full-time those hobbies long put on the back burner. With encouragement from her husband and some little voices that kept whispering character names and places in her ear, former English teacher Joy Ann Ribar used retirement to turn from the person correcting/editing endless stories and essays to the person writing. And what better way to start writing fiction than to combine three of her other favorite passions -- baking, wine and the wonderful state of Wisconsin. Within months, Ribar had fashioned a cozy mystery featuring Francine "Frankie" Champagne, owner of the Bubble and Bake, a morning bakery/evening wine bar in the tiny tourist town of Deep Lake, WI. While baking fresh pacskis, scones, and pastries in the early hours and overseeing the wine bar at night, not to mention that actual growing of the grapes and winemaking, should be enough to keep any person totally occupied, Frankie wants more -- namely, to be a respected reporter. So when she learns almost before anyone else that the young minister of the Congregational church has been found dead in his ice shanty, Frankie makes it her business to find out the details, hoping to get her big scoop. Soon she learns that something is "fishy" about the accident AND the pastor. Could it be murder? And who was upset enough with him to use an ice auger on his leg?
Those who live outside Wisconsin may not be aware that wineries have popped up all over Wisconsin in the last decade, especially since newer cold weather grape varieties have been developed. And of course, our lakes have long made us a great tourist state. Ribar has drawn on those truths to create the small town of Deep Lake. And only a great observer of human nature (and a well-read one) could people the little town with believable, eclectic characters. Joy Ann Ribar has been busy visiting Wisconsin libraries, bookstores, and wineries since her book's release. One of those was to the Kingston Millpond Library where our book club meets. Her enthusiasm for her writing adventure was as entertaining as the book itself. A general conclusion was that we're ready for Frankie to tackle another mystery so readers can experience a bit more of Wisconsin local color. Now I know some cozy mystery readers who are so devoted to the genre that they read them almost exclusively. Me, not so much. I like to mix up my genres and am always looking for new authors, but when I am ready for an evening with a cozy mystery, I have settled on a few favorite writers Nationally known authors would be Diane Mott Davidson and her Goldy Schulz (a caterer) series and Joanne Fluke and her Hannah Swenson (a baker) series. Surprisingly, my other favorites are Wisconsin authors with Wisconsin settings: Victoria Houston who writes mysteries set in the fictional Loon Lake, featuring retired dentist Paul Osbourne and recent favorite Kathleen Ernst whose mysteries all have a Wisconsin ethnic tie-in. Hopefully, Ribar will return with her second novel by spring 2020 and I will be able to add her to my cozy mystery favorites.
DEEP DARK SECRETS is available on Amazon and kindle, but I recommend that you either find this book in a Wisconsin book store (How about the Reader's Realm in Montello where Joy Ribar grew up?) or ask your local library to buy the book. You can also contact the author herself at www.JoyRibar.com
Read
February 22, 2024If you want: bakery without the calories, wine without the hangover, or drama without the backlash, try the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series! Join Frankie Champagne, baker, wine-maker and investigative reporter, as she tracks suspects, armed with delicious baked goods, bottles of vino, and old-fashioned intuition, in the Heartland.
Get your signed copy at a special price here:
https://www.orangehatpublishing.com/b...
Get your signed copy at a special price here:
https://www.orangehatpublishing.com/b...
October 10, 2019
This is a new author from Wisconsin who incorporates the Wisconsin culture into her cozy mystery tales. The crafty characters, midwestern setting, and creative ending invite the reader to look for the next story in this series. I highly invite Good Reader fans to give this author a try. copy right 2019 307 pages plus recipes
March 12, 2024
Tedious. The characters good and writing was done well. I found there was too much detail and time spent on Frankie's day job, baker and winemaker. The mystery plot was interesting but seemed very superficial to the overall content of the story. I have heard from others that subsequent books in this series are better.
December 16, 2020
An engaging cozy mystery that showcases the grit of Frankie—a female entrepreneur who owns a bakery/wine bar, a vineyard, and is a budding journalist who just scooped the town's newspaper editor. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.
September 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Joy...I bought this from a cute little bookstore in Cable, WI 😊
December 2, 2019
77: Deep Dark Secrets (Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1) by Joy Ann Ribar, an AP Reading colleague of mine and semi-retired Wisconsin English teacher. I'm so excited for her to have written her first book, be working on her second, and enjoying a state-wide book tour that is returning to Green Bay this weekend!
Francine "Frankie" Champagne is the main character of Deep Dark Secrets; she is co-owner, with her friend Carmen, of Bubble and Bake, which conveniently functions as a bakery by day and a pub of sorts in the afternoons and evenings, serving beer, its own wine, and some upgraded "pub grub," such as thoughtfully homemade quiches.
Frankie also grows her own grapes as well as makes and bottles her own wines just outside of her fictitious Wisconsin hometown, Deep Lakes. The development of Frankie and her cast of small town friends--characters--is one of this book's strengths. These folks come off of the pages as believably "real" people whom you might expect to meet in any ol' Wisconsin town, with this possible minor exception: when Frankie thinks that she "really ought to get to the gym," she then looks at a schedule and actually goes!
That's another favorable aspect of the book, actually: how well and accurately Frankie reflects Wisconsin and its residents' behaviors and routines, especially in the winter, such as stopping at a Kwik Trip, specifically, and being able to grab a pretty decent on-the-road meal. Additionally, a number of descriptions of delicious food and baked goods trip this reader's sensory enjoyment. In fact, there are even a couple of recipes included in the back of the book for some of what smells and sounds so good during the reading of the novel. (I can't wait to make Frankie's Butterhorns!)
In addition to keeping plenty busy as she already does, Frankie is also a roving reporter of sorts for a nearby regional newspaper, and she especially enjoys investigative journalism, sticking her nose deep into a mysterious death that has just occurred in an ice shanty on one of Deep Lakes' three lakes. This all provides another compelling aspect of the novel, as Frankie pursues the story to its end, and that mystery actually provides the plot and premise for this book!
If you're in or near Green Bay you can meet Ribar and possibly buy your copy of the book right from her on Saturday, December 7, at the new Lion's Mouth Bookstore in downtown Green Bay. She'll be there from 11AM-1PM. If you're not in Green Bay, she's been all over the state on tour and continues to schedule visits at a number of locations (while also working on her second book), so look her up and see if she'll be even closer to you soon.
Francine "Frankie" Champagne is the main character of Deep Dark Secrets; she is co-owner, with her friend Carmen, of Bubble and Bake, which conveniently functions as a bakery by day and a pub of sorts in the afternoons and evenings, serving beer, its own wine, and some upgraded "pub grub," such as thoughtfully homemade quiches.
Frankie also grows her own grapes as well as makes and bottles her own wines just outside of her fictitious Wisconsin hometown, Deep Lakes. The development of Frankie and her cast of small town friends--characters--is one of this book's strengths. These folks come off of the pages as believably "real" people whom you might expect to meet in any ol' Wisconsin town, with this possible minor exception: when Frankie thinks that she "really ought to get to the gym," she then looks at a schedule and actually goes!
That's another favorable aspect of the book, actually: how well and accurately Frankie reflects Wisconsin and its residents' behaviors and routines, especially in the winter, such as stopping at a Kwik Trip, specifically, and being able to grab a pretty decent on-the-road meal. Additionally, a number of descriptions of delicious food and baked goods trip this reader's sensory enjoyment. In fact, there are even a couple of recipes included in the back of the book for some of what smells and sounds so good during the reading of the novel. (I can't wait to make Frankie's Butterhorns!)
In addition to keeping plenty busy as she already does, Frankie is also a roving reporter of sorts for a nearby regional newspaper, and she especially enjoys investigative journalism, sticking her nose deep into a mysterious death that has just occurred in an ice shanty on one of Deep Lakes' three lakes. This all provides another compelling aspect of the novel, as Frankie pursues the story to its end, and that mystery actually provides the plot and premise for this book!
If you're in or near Green Bay you can meet Ribar and possibly buy your copy of the book right from her on Saturday, December 7, at the new Lion's Mouth Bookstore in downtown Green Bay. She'll be there from 11AM-1PM. If you're not in Green Bay, she's been all over the state on tour and continues to schedule visits at a number of locations (while also working on her second book), so look her up and see if she'll be even closer to you soon.
April 14, 2020
If you’ve been a reader of my blog, you know I love finding the first book in a new series, and really, really love finding the first book in a new cozy mystery series! I came across Deep Dark Secrets by Joy Ann Ribar when our local library had a local author con back in February. Since I’m a Virgo, a nerd, and former library worker, I did some research on which author’s would be there, and knew I wanted to stop at Ribar’s table.
Ribar and her husband were a joy to talk to, having many of the same interests as my husband and myself, including the love of wine. We exchanged some of our favorite wineries around the state of Wisconsin, and once the stay at home ban is lifted, I’m really looking forward to checking out some new vineyards.
On Ribar’s facebook page I saw that book two in the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series, Deep Bitter Roots, was coming out soon, so I wanted to get the first one read before then. And it was fantastic. I’ve read various cozies that take place in Wisconsin, but this one takes place near Stevens Point, which is where I lived for part of my childhood, and where my step-dad still lives. And it’s only about a 20 minute drive from where we currently live, so I really felt a kinship to the book and the characters in it.
Ribar did a great job writing about the area and really nailed the type of people you’ll find in a small town in Wisconsin, as well as all the social and church events.
The way she describes the winters here is completely accurate, including how keeping extra boots, food, and other essentials in your vehicle is a must. And like any good cozy, there’s a possible love interest on the horizon.
And while Frankie and her business partner, Carmen, run the bakery and wine shop, Frankie also writes some articles for the local newspaper. She wants to write articles with more depth, but the editor thinks women should just write about the home and entertainment. So Frankie decides to try getting the scoop on the murder for the Stevens Point paper. Good thing Frankie has such a great partner and staff that they are able to run the bakery/winery while she’s out looking for clues! Combine living in a small community, running a business so many people go to, with being a journalist, and Ribar has the perfect combo for any amateur sleuth.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Deep Bitter Roots, and finding out where Frankie’s reporting and sleuthing skills take her and her friends.
Ribar and her husband were a joy to talk to, having many of the same interests as my husband and myself, including the love of wine. We exchanged some of our favorite wineries around the state of Wisconsin, and once the stay at home ban is lifted, I’m really looking forward to checking out some new vineyards.
On Ribar’s facebook page I saw that book two in the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series, Deep Bitter Roots, was coming out soon, so I wanted to get the first one read before then. And it was fantastic. I’ve read various cozies that take place in Wisconsin, but this one takes place near Stevens Point, which is where I lived for part of my childhood, and where my step-dad still lives. And it’s only about a 20 minute drive from where we currently live, so I really felt a kinship to the book and the characters in it.
Ribar did a great job writing about the area and really nailed the type of people you’ll find in a small town in Wisconsin, as well as all the social and church events.
The way she describes the winters here is completely accurate, including how keeping extra boots, food, and other essentials in your vehicle is a must. And like any good cozy, there’s a possible love interest on the horizon.
And while Frankie and her business partner, Carmen, run the bakery and wine shop, Frankie also writes some articles for the local newspaper. She wants to write articles with more depth, but the editor thinks women should just write about the home and entertainment. So Frankie decides to try getting the scoop on the murder for the Stevens Point paper. Good thing Frankie has such a great partner and staff that they are able to run the bakery/winery while she’s out looking for clues! Combine living in a small community, running a business so many people go to, with being a journalist, and Ribar has the perfect combo for any amateur sleuth.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Deep Bitter Roots, and finding out where Frankie’s reporting and sleuthing skills take her and her friends.
September 16, 2019
Deep Dark Secrets is the first book in the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series by Joy Ann Ribar and after reading it I am moving to Deep Lakes and getting a job working for Frankie. Frankie Champagne is the main character and boy is she one busssssy person !!! Not only does she own and run Bubble and Bake, a bakery in the morning and a wine bar in the evening, makes the baked goods for the bakery with her partner and interns, grows the grapes and makes the wine for the wine bar, writes feature articles for the local newspaper, but she puts herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation !!
Frankie has a lot on her plate with just running Bubble and Bake and getting ready for Valentine's Day but when a local pastor is found dead in his ice shanty, Frankie's jounalistic senses kick into high gear and she finds herself questioning members of the church and checking out the scene of the crime.
Deep Dark Secrets is such a fun book !!! Not only will the reader love Frankie and her many jobs but they will love how she innocently investigates the murder. And you cannot help but love that she has a good angel on one shoulder and a bad angel on the other and they are fireflies instead of angels and they argue back and forth.....that just adds originality to this series !!! I highly recommend reading Deep Dark Secrets and I look forward to the next book in this series......
Frankie has a lot on her plate with just running Bubble and Bake and getting ready for Valentine's Day but when a local pastor is found dead in his ice shanty, Frankie's jounalistic senses kick into high gear and she finds herself questioning members of the church and checking out the scene of the crime.
Deep Dark Secrets is such a fun book !!! Not only will the reader love Frankie and her many jobs but they will love how she innocently investigates the murder. And you cannot help but love that she has a good angel on one shoulder and a bad angel on the other and they are fireflies instead of angels and they argue back and forth.....that just adds originality to this series !!! I highly recommend reading Deep Dark Secrets and I look forward to the next book in this series......
May 25, 2020
This was a wonderful book! Living in Texas, it was so interesting reading about living in Wisconsin, and dealing with such cold weather.
The main character, Frankie, owns a bakery/wine bar, vineyard, and is a part time journalist. She sets out to cover the story of the murder of the local pastor, and prove to herself and others that she's a good journalist.
There's so much to love about this book. The twisty mystery, delicious recipes, and learning about wine making in Wisconsin. I never associated wine vineyards with Wisconsin! I can't wait to read the second book.
The main character, Frankie, owns a bakery/wine bar, vineyard, and is a part time journalist. She sets out to cover the story of the murder of the local pastor, and prove to herself and others that she's a good journalist.
There's so much to love about this book. The twisty mystery, delicious recipes, and learning about wine making in Wisconsin. I never associated wine vineyards with Wisconsin! I can't wait to read the second book.
November 9, 2022
Utilize is not a fancy way to say use.
September 12, 2020
Not so Holy
When the Deep Lakes Congregational pastor is found dead in an ice fishing shack it causes many dark secrets to come to light. The small Wisconsin town is rife with secrets about the pastor and his counseling practices.
This was a hard book for me to get into. It seemed to direct the readers attention into too many different directions and they just didn't feel like they added to the story in any area. The descriptions of Wisconsin itself were of beautiful landscapes and a fiercely strong and proud people. I hope that others can enjoy the book more than I did.
When the Deep Lakes Congregational pastor is found dead in an ice fishing shack it causes many dark secrets to come to light. The small Wisconsin town is rife with secrets about the pastor and his counseling practices.
This was a hard book for me to get into. It seemed to direct the readers attention into too many different directions and they just didn't feel like they added to the story in any area. The descriptions of Wisconsin itself were of beautiful landscapes and a fiercely strong and proud people. I hope that others can enjoy the book more than I did.
July 27, 2024
Very first thing: when authors are told "write what you know" it should not be taken as "include everything you know about every subject". Readers of this story are "treated" to geography, climatology, ecology, oenology, baking, religion, back-stories on every minor character -- the only thing we're missing is why Frankie gets involved at all. In all, the book is about 150 pages longer than it needs to be. I have to admit being concerned about this when I was told in the first paragraph that Frankie's SUV is blue, then in the fourth that she wonders what color it is under the salt. We're told that she and Carmen value local produce, but Carmen's husband is creating a salad of "fresh" vegetables in January. We're treated to more than a few descriptors of winter near the Canadian border, and every street and highway name between Deep Lakes, Milwaukee, and Dubuque. Confession -- until now I didn't realize there was glass used in fishing shanties in Wisconsin.
Perhaps the reason there are so many misused words and punctuation errors is that no editor or copy-editor could plod through it.
The idea that Frankie is a reporter, and that's what piques her curiosity, falls flat, and there really is no logical reason for her to investigate a pastor from another denomination's church. Frankie seems to have greater affinity for strangers, and tell us more about their stories, than she does for her own friends and relatives.
All told, it's one of those books that makes me wonder why I almost always finish, hoping there is a redeeming quality. I never found it.
Perhaps the reason there are so many misused words and punctuation errors is that no editor or copy-editor could plod through it.
The idea that Frankie is a reporter, and that's what piques her curiosity, falls flat, and there really is no logical reason for her to investigate a pastor from another denomination's church. Frankie seems to have greater affinity for strangers, and tell us more about their stories, than she does for her own friends and relatives.
All told, it's one of those books that makes me wonder why I almost always finish, hoping there is a redeeming quality. I never found it.
April 20, 2020
With the exception of repeated instances of not separating paragraphs correctly (quote from unnamed person followed by reaction from named person makes for confusion) and other grammar/punctuation issues, this was a flawless, enjoyable book.
While the main character of many cozy mysteries is a baker or a farmer or a newspaper journalist, Frankie does it all. She has a combination bakery/wine bar, has an orchard and winery, and writes features for newspapers. She also does yoga and eats healthy meals, which is a change from other main characters who subsist only on their cookies or doughnuts. She also spends her time baking and bottling wine, instead of these things just magically happening while the main character investigates. AND she volunteers in the community. While some main characters seem to be busybodies or have flimsy reasons for their investigations, Frankie is in pursuit of a story to meet her newspaper deadline.
All in all a very enjoyable book.
While the main character of many cozy mysteries is a baker or a farmer or a newspaper journalist, Frankie does it all. She has a combination bakery/wine bar, has an orchard and winery, and writes features for newspapers. She also does yoga and eats healthy meals, which is a change from other main characters who subsist only on their cookies or doughnuts. She also spends her time baking and bottling wine, instead of these things just magically happening while the main character investigates. AND she volunteers in the community. While some main characters seem to be busybodies or have flimsy reasons for their investigations, Frankie is in pursuit of a story to meet her newspaper deadline.
All in all a very enjoyable book.
August 5, 2020
This was a fun, delightful read. I thought it was well-done for a debut novel, hence the 5-stars. I am not normally a cozy mystery reader, but Deep Dark Secrets was a light read and a fun way to escape for a few hours each day. I appreciated Ribar’s nuanced understandings of small town power dynamics and the hidden, often underestimated power women hold in these communities. I look forward to escaping with Frankie and crew again in the next book.
October 13, 2020
This story takes place in a Wisconsin winter, and I read it during a record-breaking Arizona summer. The fantastic contrast could not have been more refreshing! The story follows Frankie, a full-time baker with aspirations of investigative reporting. The setting includes all the ups and downs of small-town life, and how murder disrupts the tranquility while exposing secrets. When you read this cozy mystery, settle in with a blanket, freshly baked muffin, and wine. Recipes included!
April 8, 2020
I liked this book a lot. As a Wisconsin native, I enjoy reading about books that feature my state...it's history, it's locations, it's people. Plus, I love a good mystery! I loved the characters in this book, and the way the author added tidbits of local history. Can't wait till the next book in this series!
May 10, 2020
This is a fun book with a cute concept, and my favorite part is probably the recipes! The book left me wanting to know more about how the friendship between Frankie and Carmen developed, and it left me worried about the future of Bubble and Bake. I wish I had the time to do as many things in one day as Frankie does!
April 12, 2020
A Good Start
I'm not from Wisconsin but I love going there. This book does not disappoint, really showing you what a small lake town in Wisconsin is really like. The characters are great and I love their interactions. Looking forward to the next book!!!
I'm not from Wisconsin but I love going there. This book does not disappoint, really showing you what a small lake town in Wisconsin is really like. The characters are great and I love their interactions. Looking forward to the next book!!!
January 12, 2020
This cozy mystery is particularly heavy on the cozy. I would totally read a spin-off about the bakery and the people that work there!
April 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the wine theme . It was funny and I can’t wait to read book 2 ( Deep Bitter Roots) in the series!
December 12, 2022
As a Wisconsin girl and fellow author, I found this story intriguing and had to give it a read. I was disappointed when I realized the author is trying to be the next Joanne Fluke. There were way too many similarities, from the baker sleuth who loves good coffee, to the law enforcement love interest, down to the cat who keeps her company at night. She even includes recipes from the bakery at the end of the book.
I am a thriller writer myself, but I struggled through the entire story because it read like a chronological list of events. The characters could use better development. I didn't feel close to any of them, or like I really could picture them, other than Carmen and Alfonzo. I'm still not sure I know what the main character looks like. The story lacked passion and was short on showing rather than telling. She said The main character's name way too much. She repeated details about characters several times. She also gave information about characters that was not needed. I could tell the author's background was in journalism.
I read the book through until nearly the end. I skipped the last few pages after the climax because at that point it felt like unnecessary information and I was no longer interested. This book could have been much shorter and with a few changes it could be a stronger read. I did love the details about Wisconsin. I actually picked this book up at a winery in Wisconsin, which brings me to another thing. How can the main character run a bakery/vineyard and be a journalist? It seems a bit over the top. Something will suffer, because there isn't enough time. Bakers alone are busy people. What's her one true passion?
I may read her other stories to see how she evolves as a writer. I know my first book was just a starting point and we all make adjustments and grow from there.
I am a thriller writer myself, but I struggled through the entire story because it read like a chronological list of events. The characters could use better development. I didn't feel close to any of them, or like I really could picture them, other than Carmen and Alfonzo. I'm still not sure I know what the main character looks like. The story lacked passion and was short on showing rather than telling. She said The main character's name way too much. She repeated details about characters several times. She also gave information about characters that was not needed. I could tell the author's background was in journalism.
I read the book through until nearly the end. I skipped the last few pages after the climax because at that point it felt like unnecessary information and I was no longer interested. This book could have been much shorter and with a few changes it could be a stronger read. I did love the details about Wisconsin. I actually picked this book up at a winery in Wisconsin, which brings me to another thing. How can the main character run a bakery/vineyard and be a journalist? It seems a bit over the top. Something will suffer, because there isn't enough time. Bakers alone are busy people. What's her one true passion?
I may read her other stories to see how she evolves as a writer. I know my first book was just a starting point and we all make adjustments and grow from there.
January 17, 2026
Deep Dark Secrets
Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Joy Ann Ribar
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Ohhh Those Deep Dark Secrets 5 Stars YES!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-17-26
Frankie Champagne … when she’s not making pastry or canting wine, she’s busy getting under the skin of the local Sheriff and THIS time Frankie’s yen for investigative journalism has her right smack in the middle of some very “Deep Dark Secrets” indeed! The plot is amazingly well executed, the cast of characters rich, diverse and exceptionally well defined! At the center of the story is the First Congregational Church and its Council Members, MANY of whom have deep dark secrets … none of which I’ll be revealing here, but I can say that their actions and interactions with the other inhabitants of Deep Lakes Wisconsin kept me riveted to my headphones, deeply invested in them and their stories! I was transfixed, AND by story’s end, I was left supremely satisfied with no unanswered questions. What not only kept me in the moment, but also added tremendously to my enjoyment was the first rate narration! Every word was crystal clear, every emotion spot on, AND the timing was always perfect! I loved that each character had their own unique voice! This helped me to “see” the characters with never a doubt as to WHO was speaking! This beautiful performance truly gave LIFE to our authors amazingly brilliant work! Five fabulous stars! Look no further! This is as good as cosy gets!
Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Joy Ann Ribar
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Ohhh Those Deep Dark Secrets 5 Stars YES!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-17-26
Frankie Champagne … when she’s not making pastry or canting wine, she’s busy getting under the skin of the local Sheriff and THIS time Frankie’s yen for investigative journalism has her right smack in the middle of some very “Deep Dark Secrets” indeed! The plot is amazingly well executed, the cast of characters rich, diverse and exceptionally well defined! At the center of the story is the First Congregational Church and its Council Members, MANY of whom have deep dark secrets … none of which I’ll be revealing here, but I can say that their actions and interactions with the other inhabitants of Deep Lakes Wisconsin kept me riveted to my headphones, deeply invested in them and their stories! I was transfixed, AND by story’s end, I was left supremely satisfied with no unanswered questions. What not only kept me in the moment, but also added tremendously to my enjoyment was the first rate narration! Every word was crystal clear, every emotion spot on, AND the timing was always perfect! I loved that each character had their own unique voice! This helped me to “see” the characters with never a doubt as to WHO was speaking! This beautiful performance truly gave LIFE to our authors amazingly brilliant work! Five fabulous stars! Look no further! This is as good as cosy gets!
December 16, 2022
Frankie owns an adorable shop in a small town in Wisconsin. The shop is a bakery by day and wine bar by night called Bubble and Bake. A divorced mom of two grown daughters, Frankie, is finding her niche in many things. When a local pastor is murdered, Frankie takes the opportunity to try her hat at investigative reporting. Frankie learns along the way that Pastor Bradford Rawlins wasn't as he presented and left the pieces of many broken marriages, resulting in many suspects.
While all of this is going on Frankie is attempting to prepare for a Valentine's Day event at her bakery/wine bar, connect with friends, and maybe find time to go on a date with the handsome coroner.
This was a very cozy mystery that took place in the dead of winter. Being from Wisconsin myself, I could feel the cold coming off the page. Frankie was a likeable and relatable character. Her ties to a small community allowed her to solve the crime in a way that didn't seem impossible.
While all of this is going on Frankie is attempting to prepare for a Valentine's Day event at her bakery/wine bar, connect with friends, and maybe find time to go on a date with the handsome coroner.
This was a very cozy mystery that took place in the dead of winter. Being from Wisconsin myself, I could feel the cold coming off the page. Frankie was a likeable and relatable character. Her ties to a small community allowed her to solve the crime in a way that didn't seem impossible.
May 25, 2024
I love cozy mysteries, and I love books set in my home state, so I was really looking forward to reading this. It had potential, but unfortunately the writing style got in the way. First, there were some errors that were jarring ("it would due in a pinch," and referring to a single business partner as a "cohort" are two that come to mind). But it was the need to cram in so many unnecessary sentences and details about things that had nothing to do with the story at all that got me! I am all for character and place driven stories, but there was a whole long paragraph about ice races that ended with "just kidding, wanna see a movie?" And loooooong descriptions of the winery and bakery operations. I liked theidea, but just too wordy.
I will probably give the next one in the series a shot, like I said, I did see potential here. Hopefully with subsequent books the author can trust the readers to follow along the journey without having ev-ery-thing painstakingly spelled out for them.
I will probably give the next one in the series a shot, like I said, I did see potential here. Hopefully with subsequent books the author can trust the readers to follow along the journey without having ev-ery-thing painstakingly spelled out for them.
July 1, 2020
Frankie and Carmen are business partners owning a bakery, which also an occasional evening becomes a wine tasting event location. Frankie is also a reporter and is trying to prove her investigation skills; she finally gets her chance when the pastor of a church in town is found dead in an ice shanty. Although I appreciated the Wisconsin temperatures, and tours from Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, and Door County as well as what occurs in these towns; I think the author tried to put to much information in a cozy read. To many characters, to much information for the reader to stay interested in the murder and who done it. It was hard to like Frankie since she was just doing to much including owning a winery and growing grapes, baking, and handling an investigation!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews