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Cozy Cafe Mysteries #2
Candy Corruption
A body!
The weapon—a car?
Finger pointing and more questions than there are answers have Scarlett in a spin. With too much work and not enough hands, the last thing she needs is to take time solving this mystery, but she has to help a friend. That’s how the Finch sisters were raised.
George, their new cat, has a paw firmly on the clues, but it will take more than a lick and a promise to save the day when evil comes to Cozy Hollow.
The Cozy Café mysteries are light, cozy mysteries featuring a family-focused café owner who discovers she’s a talented amateur sleuth—and a magnet for animals.
No swearing, gore, or graphic scenes.
The Cozy Café Series:
Book 1 Sweet Saboteur
Book 2 Candy Corruption
Book 3 Mocha Mayhem – coming soon
Enjoy a FREE sweet treat recipe in every book!
The weapon—a car?
Finger pointing and more questions than there are answers have Scarlett in a spin. With too much work and not enough hands, the last thing she needs is to take time solving this mystery, but she has to help a friend. That’s how the Finch sisters were raised.
George, their new cat, has a paw firmly on the clues, but it will take more than a lick and a promise to save the day when evil comes to Cozy Hollow.
The Cozy Café mysteries are light, cozy mysteries featuring a family-focused café owner who discovers she’s a talented amateur sleuth—and a magnet for animals.
No swearing, gore, or graphic scenes.
The Cozy Café Series:
Book 1 Sweet Saboteur
Book 2 Candy Corruption
Book 3 Mocha Mayhem – coming soon
Enjoy a FREE sweet treat recipe in every book!
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2020
256 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Phipps
50 books887 followersC. A. Phipps is a USA Today best-selling author from beautiful New Zealand. Cheryl lives in a quiet suburb with her wonderful husband of more than four decades.
With a large family to keep her busy when she's not writing, there is just enough space for a crazy mixed breed dog who stole her heart!
She enjoys family times, baking, rambling walks, and her quest for the perfect latte.
You can find her at www.caphipps.com
C. A. Phipps also writes romance as Cheryl Phipps at www.cherylphipps.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2020
I'm not really sure how I felt about this book. Usually I'm pretty happy with Cheryl Phipps' books but this was felt very predictable to me right from the start.
Out of the three sisters, Scarlett - the eldest, is the most responsible with an inkling to get involved in mysteries. The other two sisters - Violet and Ruby, usually do whatever it is that Scarlett is doing.
I would have liked the story to be based more on the rare book that they are trying to get sold and focus more on Violet this time.
Having said this, it was still a good read, with a lot of I knew it moments for me.
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Out of the three sisters, Scarlett - the eldest, is the most responsible with an inkling to get involved in mysteries. The other two sisters - Violet and Ruby, usually do whatever it is that Scarlett is doing.
I would have liked the story to be based more on the rare book that they are trying to get sold and focus more on Violet this time.
Having said this, it was still a good read, with a lot of I knew it moments for me.
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 23, 2020
The second book in the Cozy Cafe series brings another mystery for the Finch sister. It's a well written book with interesting characters and murder mystery in Cozy Hollow. The author does a great job developing the story and had me glued to the pages reading. I'm enjoying this series and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 23, 2023
Sadly, the review for book 1 applies to this book as well.
August 7, 2025
Inhalt: Es handelt sich hier um den zweiten Band der Reihe The Cozy Café Mysteries. Aus dem ersten Band sind die drei Finch-Schwestern Scarlett, Violet und Ruby mit einem Erbstück herausgekommen: ein wahrscheinlich wertvolles antikes Buch, das es nun zu schätzen und zu verkaufen gilt. Ein ordentlicher Gewinn käme den Schwestern gelegen, denn Scarletts Bäckerei-Café benötigt eine Finanzspritze und Violet möchte aus dem Betrieb aussteigen. Zum Glück braucht Betty dringend einen Job und kann Violet ersetzen. Da finden Scarlett und Ruby auf dem Nachhauseweg zuerst einen herrenlosen Hund und dann einen Toten im Straßengraben. Doch das ist erst der Auftakt zu weiteren schlimmen Ereignissen.
Bewertung: Anfangs dachte ich, die Autorin hätte einen effizienten Schreibstil, wie er mir gefällt. Sie führt beispielsweise Personen ein, ohne sich in endlos in der Haarfarbe und Kleidung zu ergehen. Das kommt aber wohl daher, dass sie nahtlos vom ersten in den zweiten Band geschrieben hat (so mein Eindruck). Jedenfalls wird die Darstellung bald kleinteiliger und manchmal auch redundant. Es wird zudem immer wieder auf den ersten Band zurückgekommen, was für die neue Geschichte eigentlich keine Rolle spielt und mich daher zunehmend genervt hat. Die Figuren haben das Bedürfnis, die früheren Geschehnisse immer und immer wieder zu reflektieren. Das wiederholt sich unschön. Z. B. wurde mehrmals gesagt, wie sehr sich der Bürgermeister zum Positiven verändert habe durch die medikamentöse Behandlung seiner PTBS, obwohl man es bereits beim ersten Mal versteht. Es wurde sowieso sehr viel geredet in diesem Roman. Leider nicht so viel über Verbrechen und wenn, dann war es selten ein Diskutieren und Überlegen, wer es denn gewesen sein könnte. Viel häufiger wurde darüber gesprochen, wie das Verbrechen für jemand ist, dass er sich jetzt schrecklich fühlen muss, oder dass der Sheriff sich streng verbittet, dass man die Nase in die Ermittlungen steckt. So richtig sah ich dann nicht, wo der Roman ein Krimi sein soll, da er seinen Schwerpunkt ganz woanders hat. Vielleicht missverstehe ich aber das ganze Genre Cosy Crime, weil ich dachte, der Unterschied zum normalen Krimi sei, dass es weniger aufregend ist. Außer Cosy Crime soll die Geschichte sein: A Small Town Culinary Cozy Mystery. In der Beziehung wurde ich ebenso enttäuscht. Der Roman enthält zwar am Ende zwei Rezepte (Fudge, Coconut Ice, was eine Art Kuchen ist) und es wird auch viel gegessen in der Geschichte. Aber es findet keine intensivere Beschäftigung mit dem Kochen oder den Speisen statt. Man sagt sehr oft, wie köstlich denn etwas wäre, und bereitet so etwas Undefiniertes zu wie "Salat" oder "Gemüse". Insgesamt wirkte auf mich die Kulinarik, gemessen am Anspruch der Überschrift, recht lieb- und einfallslos. Ich mochte auch nicht die Einstellung der Menschen (der Vogel wurde für mich mit dem letzten Satz von Kapitel 27 abgeschossen). Die fusste oft auf Durchhalteparolen wie Mit Arbeit wird alles besser und sie wirkte auf mich oberflächlich und klischeehaft. Daher konnte ich den Gesprächen wenig abgewinnen. Trotzdem las sich der Roman flüssig und hielt mich bei der Stange. Vermutlich lag es am Timing, denn es wird zügig von einem Thema zum nächsten gewechselt, so dass trotz der Wiederholungen keine Längen entstehen. Ungefähr aber der Mitte hatte ich einen starken Verdacht, wer der Schuft sein könnte. Und da bin ich zum Ende vorgesprungen, wo sich mein Verdacht bestätigt hat. Ich lese gern mit dem Wissen vom Ende einen Roman, weil das Szenen einen Grusel verleihen kann. Und mir hat tatsächlich gefallen, wie die Autorin kleine Hinweise auf den Schuft eingebracht hat. Der Täter wird also zum Schluss nicht einfach aus dem Hut gezogen und man hat als Leser*in wirklich eine Chance zu raten oder zu ermitteln, wer es denn ist. Und die Auflösung ist zudem etwas komplexer, als ich gedacht hätte. Leider war mir zu unrealistisch, wie der Schuft gestellt wurde. Ich denke, sogar 12jährige würden das vernünftiger regeln. Danach kommt die Story leider nur langsam endgültig zum Schluß. Vieles hätte es in den letzten Kapiteln nach meiner Meinung nicht gebraucht. Ich gebe dem Roman 3 Sterne.
Bewertung: Anfangs dachte ich, die Autorin hätte einen effizienten Schreibstil, wie er mir gefällt. Sie führt beispielsweise Personen ein, ohne sich in endlos in der Haarfarbe und Kleidung zu ergehen. Das kommt aber wohl daher, dass sie nahtlos vom ersten in den zweiten Band geschrieben hat (so mein Eindruck). Jedenfalls wird die Darstellung bald kleinteiliger und manchmal auch redundant. Es wird zudem immer wieder auf den ersten Band zurückgekommen, was für die neue Geschichte eigentlich keine Rolle spielt und mich daher zunehmend genervt hat. Die Figuren haben das Bedürfnis, die früheren Geschehnisse immer und immer wieder zu reflektieren. Das wiederholt sich unschön. Z. B. wurde mehrmals gesagt, wie sehr sich der Bürgermeister zum Positiven verändert habe durch die medikamentöse Behandlung seiner PTBS, obwohl man es bereits beim ersten Mal versteht. Es wurde sowieso sehr viel geredet in diesem Roman. Leider nicht so viel über Verbrechen und wenn, dann war es selten ein Diskutieren und Überlegen, wer es denn gewesen sein könnte. Viel häufiger wurde darüber gesprochen, wie das Verbrechen für jemand ist, dass er sich jetzt schrecklich fühlen muss, oder dass der Sheriff sich streng verbittet, dass man die Nase in die Ermittlungen steckt. So richtig sah ich dann nicht, wo der Roman ein Krimi sein soll, da er seinen Schwerpunkt ganz woanders hat. Vielleicht missverstehe ich aber das ganze Genre Cosy Crime, weil ich dachte, der Unterschied zum normalen Krimi sei, dass es weniger aufregend ist. Außer Cosy Crime soll die Geschichte sein: A Small Town Culinary Cozy Mystery. In der Beziehung wurde ich ebenso enttäuscht. Der Roman enthält zwar am Ende zwei Rezepte (Fudge, Coconut Ice, was eine Art Kuchen ist) und es wird auch viel gegessen in der Geschichte. Aber es findet keine intensivere Beschäftigung mit dem Kochen oder den Speisen statt. Man sagt sehr oft, wie köstlich denn etwas wäre, und bereitet so etwas Undefiniertes zu wie "Salat" oder "Gemüse". Insgesamt wirkte auf mich die Kulinarik, gemessen am Anspruch der Überschrift, recht lieb- und einfallslos. Ich mochte auch nicht die Einstellung der Menschen (der Vogel wurde für mich mit dem letzten Satz von Kapitel 27 abgeschossen). Die fusste oft auf Durchhalteparolen wie Mit Arbeit wird alles besser und sie wirkte auf mich oberflächlich und klischeehaft. Daher konnte ich den Gesprächen wenig abgewinnen. Trotzdem las sich der Roman flüssig und hielt mich bei der Stange. Vermutlich lag es am Timing, denn es wird zügig von einem Thema zum nächsten gewechselt, so dass trotz der Wiederholungen keine Längen entstehen. Ungefähr aber der Mitte hatte ich einen starken Verdacht, wer der Schuft sein könnte. Und da bin ich zum Ende vorgesprungen, wo sich mein Verdacht bestätigt hat. Ich lese gern mit dem Wissen vom Ende einen Roman, weil das Szenen einen Grusel verleihen kann. Und mir hat tatsächlich gefallen, wie die Autorin kleine Hinweise auf den Schuft eingebracht hat. Der Täter wird also zum Schluss nicht einfach aus dem Hut gezogen und man hat als Leser*in wirklich eine Chance zu raten oder zu ermitteln, wer es denn ist. Und die Auflösung ist zudem etwas komplexer, als ich gedacht hätte. Leider war mir zu unrealistisch, wie der Schuft gestellt wurde. Ich denke, sogar 12jährige würden das vernünftiger regeln. Danach kommt die Story leider nur langsam endgültig zum Schluß. Vieles hätte es in den letzten Kapiteln nach meiner Meinung nicht gebraucht. Ich gebe dem Roman 3 Sterne.
May 15, 2020
🍪Positive signs for the Finch sisters but what about poor Betty🙁?
3.5-4🌟stars
In this second book in Phipps' new foodcentric cozy mystery series the character of the three cafe-owning Finch sisters is thoroughly established. Scarlett, the eldest and the most curious of the three, proves her protective instincts are not solely reserved for sisters Violet and Ruby. Even as the family fortunes seem to be looking up she takes pathetic, down-on-her-luck Betty under her wing. Although Betty only seems tangentially involved with a stranger who meets an untimely death, her behavior struck me from her first appearance as odd🤔. How unlucky can one woman get? And this woman is obsessed with candy confection even in the throes of grief!
Middle sister Violet gets a chance to spread her wings a bit and comes through clearly as the frank, often loud and abrasive sister who has yet to find her perfect niche as she only tolerates working in the cafe as better opportunities beckon. And youngest sibling Ruby solidifies her place as the town's darling: sweet, believing the best of everyone, a sucker for an abandoned animal and dedicated to her beloved library and the town's children.
There's a spate of mayhem and, once again, the local police try to keep Scarlett out of the loop on the investigations. It's a tried and true cozy mystery formula that puts a determined civilian with her thumb on the pulse of her small town against the seemingly stuck professionals. Scarlett is not averse to giving her all to solve a crime and keeps Nate, the local law enforcer, on the alert for her impulsive schemes.
It took me until the big climax to actually understand the motive, though not the culprit. Had the villain been less obvious to me I think I would have enjoyed the story more.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
3.5-4🌟stars
In this second book in Phipps' new foodcentric cozy mystery series the character of the three cafe-owning Finch sisters is thoroughly established. Scarlett, the eldest and the most curious of the three, proves her protective instincts are not solely reserved for sisters Violet and Ruby. Even as the family fortunes seem to be looking up she takes pathetic, down-on-her-luck Betty under her wing. Although Betty only seems tangentially involved with a stranger who meets an untimely death, her behavior struck me from her first appearance as odd🤔. How unlucky can one woman get? And this woman is obsessed with candy confection even in the throes of grief!
Middle sister Violet gets a chance to spread her wings a bit and comes through clearly as the frank, often loud and abrasive sister who has yet to find her perfect niche as she only tolerates working in the cafe as better opportunities beckon. And youngest sibling Ruby solidifies her place as the town's darling: sweet, believing the best of everyone, a sucker for an abandoned animal and dedicated to her beloved library and the town's children.
There's a spate of mayhem and, once again, the local police try to keep Scarlett out of the loop on the investigations. It's a tried and true cozy mystery formula that puts a determined civilian with her thumb on the pulse of her small town against the seemingly stuck professionals. Scarlett is not averse to giving her all to solve a crime and keeps Nate, the local law enforcer, on the alert for her impulsive schemes.
It took me until the big climax to actually understand the motive, though not the culprit. Had the villain been less obvious to me I think I would have enjoyed the story more.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2025
this had an interesting premise for me to busy myself with during my plasma donations, but it just didn't quite hit.
the grammatical errors were abundant and highly distracting.
i SO easily predicted the outcome, too.
but perhaps the most frustrating thing is that one character was described as being in her 'late forties' – yet was written as if she were aged 80 (at least). this makes me wonder if the age description was somehow a typo; otherwise, i have to assume that the author and her editor have never actually met anyone in that age group.
i am mystified by the high ratings and lavish praise heaped on this one, but perhaps my Google Books edition was different somehow...?
the author seems a nice person, and she's apparently a best-seller; perhaps i started with the wrong title. i'm willing to give her another chance if someone can point me in a good title direction.
[Aug 2025]
the grammatical errors were abundant and highly distracting.
i SO easily predicted the outcome, too.
but perhaps the most frustrating thing is that one character was described as being in her 'late forties' – yet was written as if she were aged 80 (at least). this makes me wonder if the age description was somehow a typo; otherwise, i have to assume that the author and her editor have never actually met anyone in that age group.
i am mystified by the high ratings and lavish praise heaped on this one, but perhaps my Google Books edition was different somehow...?
the author seems a nice person, and she's apparently a best-seller; perhaps i started with the wrong title. i'm willing to give her another chance if someone can point me in a good title direction.
[Aug 2025]
May 15, 2020
I had enjoyed getting the know the Finch sisters and George in Sweet Saboteurs so I was looking forward to Candy Corruption. I was not disappointed. The Finch sisters have once again stumbled upon a murder in their normally quiet town. This one brought along with it a dog, named Bob (by Ruby). There were some new characters in this edition of the Cozy Cafe mysteries but we also got to see some of my favorites from the first book, including Olivia, Same, Nate and the mayor. Looking forward to seeing what trouble the Finch sisters find themselves in next!
May 13, 2020
Candy Corruption is book 2 in the Cozy Café Mysteries. I love this small town and most of its inhabitants. These characters are well developed. The mystery is well plotted and keeps me entertained. I did not guess the murderer - which is a plus. You can read the blurb for the plot, but you will have to read this engaging book to solve the latest mystery in Cozy Hollow.
May 21, 2020
It was good to read about the Finch sisters again to watch them work together to solve a mystery and to get caught up with the danger and mayhem that followed. I guess for the cosy cafe it was business as usual baking goodies for the cafe getting some much needed money and getting caught up in a murder mystery. A great read full of suspense, family and drama.
October 17, 2025
Very interesting
It's about 3 sisters who are trying to vet out of debt and keep their business going. They found an old book that had belonged to a parent. They try to find value to see about selling it. Two murders occur in the town and they are both connected t their new hire. It's interesting how they figure out who the murder is . very enjoyable read.
It's about 3 sisters who are trying to vet out of debt and keep their business going. They found an old book that had belonged to a parent. They try to find value to see about selling it. Two murders occur in the town and they are both connected t their new hire. It's interesting how they figure out who the murder is . very enjoyable read.
September 25, 2021
Cozy Cafe 2
Another amazing book. It’s awesome that sisters can be so unbelievably close. Not every family gets to know that wonderful experience. While they solve mystery they also support each other in their life.
Another amazing book. It’s awesome that sisters can be so unbelievably close. Not every family gets to know that wonderful experience. While they solve mystery they also support each other in their life.
April 14, 2025
Another great one in the Cozy Cafe Mystery series, it's great to see the progression of Scarlett and her sisters thriving. I had this book finished in like two days and it had me hooked, can't wait to read the next installment!
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June 26, 2025Small town culinary
The author pens a fun cozy of a baker/sleuth and her sisters trying to keep their deceased mom"s bakery open. Two of them find a dog and then a body and the hunt is on. Great read.
The author pens a fun cozy of a baker/sleuth and her sisters trying to keep their deceased mom"s bakery open. Two of them find a dog and then a body and the hunt is on. Great read.
August 1, 2025
Candy corruption book 2
I loved this book the cat and dog were excellent. The mystery was so good. This reminds my of my children and my best friend.Keep trucking, girl.This 81 year old girl loves it.
I loved this book the cat and dog were excellent. The mystery was so good. This reminds my of my children and my best friend.Keep trucking, girl.This 81 year old girl loves it.
May 13, 2020
Another murder but who did it? This one had me stumped - often hard to do :). Loved getting to know the sisters better. The reveal of the murderer was done was well. Looking forward to book 3.
July 13, 2020
Great book
I really like this series. I figured out part of the mystery but not all of it. Love the parts George and Bob played
I really like this series. I figured out part of the mystery but not all of it. Love the parts George and Bob played
March 27, 2023
Death, betrayal and danger. Another good story. It is good to see how relationships develop.
December 10, 2023
Who killed Saul and then Jimmy and why??? money??? i enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 31, 2025
Good mystery
This was a light read. The characters were interesting. Although you know who was the guilty one, the twist was intriguing.
This was a light read. The characters were interesting. Although you know who was the guilty one, the twist was intriguing.
October 25, 2025
A mystery, murder and mix up
Definitely an engaging read. I love George - A cat who is not your normal cat! You'll truly enjoy this book also.
Definitely an engaging read. I love George - A cat who is not your normal cat! You'll truly enjoy this book also.
January 10, 2024
Interesting story and characters. Although I did figure out part of the mystery, there was a twist that threw me off. The Finch sisters are great, but seem rather naive. I don't think I would have been so trusting of people I didn't know that well, especially when there has been a murder and the culprit hasn't been caught yet. The characters are well developed and I liked a lot of them as well as the small town setting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews