What do you think?
Holly Holmes #7
Lemon Drizzle and Murder
In the idyllic setting of Audley Castle, murder and mystery always seem to be around the corner…
I’m so excited! A team of restorers is working in the (allegedly) haunted turret of Audley Castle, restoring a beautiful ceiling painting. Unable to resist taking a look, I quickly make friends with the restorers over our shared love of history. Well, most of them.
Bluebell Brewster is whip-smart, sharp-tongued, and takes no prisoners. And she wants nothing to do with me or my delicious food. Then she’s found dead, and the evidence reveals this was no accident.
I’m on the case, alongside the head of castle security, Campbell. All evidence points to the mild-mannered project supervisor, Herbert, but although I can't put my flour-covered finger on it, there’s something wrong with this picture. Murder is always messy, and Herbert doesn’t fit the mold of a ruthless killer. He's more a soft, wobbly, lemon Jell-O type of guy.
As I hunt for clues and quiz suspects, I have to deal with a painful ankle injury. And why is Princess Alice snubbing me? How will I solve this crime without my trusty ally by my side?
***
Expect surprises, twists and turns, delicious cake, and a killer who gets their just desserts. Plus, there’s a big surprise for Holly. Her life is about to change forever.
If you enjoyed this book, there are seven more waiting for you.
Suggested reading
Cream Caramel and Murder
Chocolate Swirls and Murder
Vanilla Whip and Murder
Cherry Cream and Murder
Blueberry Blast and Murder
Mocha Cream and Murder
Lemon Drizzle and Murder
Maple Glaze and Murder
I’m so excited! A team of restorers is working in the (allegedly) haunted turret of Audley Castle, restoring a beautiful ceiling painting. Unable to resist taking a look, I quickly make friends with the restorers over our shared love of history. Well, most of them.
Bluebell Brewster is whip-smart, sharp-tongued, and takes no prisoners. And she wants nothing to do with me or my delicious food. Then she’s found dead, and the evidence reveals this was no accident.
I’m on the case, alongside the head of castle security, Campbell. All evidence points to the mild-mannered project supervisor, Herbert, but although I can't put my flour-covered finger on it, there’s something wrong with this picture. Murder is always messy, and Herbert doesn’t fit the mold of a ruthless killer. He's more a soft, wobbly, lemon Jell-O type of guy.
As I hunt for clues and quiz suspects, I have to deal with a painful ankle injury. And why is Princess Alice snubbing me? How will I solve this crime without my trusty ally by my side?
***
Expect surprises, twists and turns, delicious cake, and a killer who gets their just desserts. Plus, there’s a big surprise for Holly. Her life is about to change forever.
If you enjoyed this book, there are seven more waiting for you.
Suggested reading
Cream Caramel and Murder
Chocolate Swirls and Murder
Vanilla Whip and Murder
Cherry Cream and Murder
Blueberry Blast and Murder
Mocha Cream and Murder
Lemon Drizzle and Murder
Maple Glaze and Murder
- GenresCozy Mystery
235 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2021
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
184 books199 followersK.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2024
A team of restoration experts has come to work at Audley Castle and Holly is geeking out. She can't wait to see the progress on the ceiling painting but unfortunately, a team member accidentally sprayed water everywhere causing Holly to trip over the skull of an Audley ancestor and sprain her ankle. The next day, ignoring Campbell's demand she rest, Holly gets two of the restorationists to help her check out the work in progress on the way to the kitchen. They get a huge shock when they discover project manager Bluebell Brewster dead on the scaffold. Sure she wasn't the most pleasant person to get along with but who would kill her and why? Campbell sets his sights on Herbert Fitzwilliam-Smithe, an expert in art restoration, who seemed to be infatuated with Brewster. Holly doesn't think this is a case of unrequited love. She likes Herbert. There's no way he's a murderer. When Campbell ignores Lady Phillipa's dire warnings and premonitions about something lost, Holly knows it's up to her to once again solve this mystery. Meanwhile, Princess Alice has ghosted Holly and Lord Rupert is acting strangely. Can she solve the crime before she's forced to leave Audley Castle?
This was the best, twistiest mystery yet. I didn't guess whodunnit. I liked the art restoration work nearly as much as Holly and want to know more about this ceiling painting. I also loved the history of Audley Castle and the family. I could have read a whole book about the search for the missing chalice/cup/bowl/goblet whatever and the quirky Audley ancestors. There's a slightly spooky atmosphere that makes this volume in the series perfect for October reading. The search to create Holly's family tree was unrealistic. It can't be done in one night. That would be impossible. Even if you are an only child of an only child, going back generations there are more children and their descendants and more and more ancestors! That's why people do this as a full time job.
I relate a lot to Holly. She doesn't need jewels or fussy frilly gowns to make her happy. She enjoys baking because it makes people happy and that makes her happy. She loves her little apartment she shares with Meatball, her Corgi mix and now her Gran. She enjoys being surrounded by the history of Audley Castle and if others didn't stick their noses in and pretend they're living in the 18th-century, she would be content with her friendships with Alice and Rupert. Alice is not a good friend though. Alice acts like a child all the time and never considers what Holly wants or needs. She doesn't consult Holly and seems to believe Holly is her lady-in-waiting. Alice rushes from one thing to another without thinking it through. Rupert is more thoughtful. He's shy, geeky and kind. He's very sweet to Holly and trying to court her in an old-fashioned way. She doesn't get his signals though and she's trying to ignore what she hopes are signs of romance because his family won't approve.
Campbell finally begrudgingly admits he and Holly are friends - of a sort. They push each other and needle each other but it brings out the best in them. I would think he's flirting with her but he does FINALLY come close to admitting he likes Princess Alice. Unfortunately for her, Campbell sees the world in black and white. He's help. He's assigned to protect the family and that's that. No fraternizing with the upper class. That's a very sad and silly way to live especially when Alice would jump at the chance to be with Campbell. Lady Phillipa doesn't appear until AFTER the first murder. I missed her but she makes up for it with stories of her ghosts who may even be lurking around and visions she can't quite make out. I like Holly's Gran now. She's shown she cares for Holly and wants to do the right thing for her granddaughter. She also seems to care a lot for Ray, the gardener. He's very sweet and trying hard to be romantic.
Herbert Fitzwilliam-Smithe is an expert in art restoration. He exemplifies the nerdy professor stereotype. He's even a bit absentminded. Herbert is kind to Holly, his workers and even the witchy women who boss him around. His mind is on his work not on practical matters. He does seem infatuated with Bluebell who would never give him the time of day but like Holly, I don't think he pushed her, not even by accident. Bluebell was a massive *itch. She was rude, abrasive and treated everyone like they were beneath her. Even worse than Bluebell is Greta, the financial expert. She doesn't understand or care about history. She is clawing her way to the top (or using another method) and determined to stop this project because it's taking too long and too much money. It's not HER money they're spending. She answers to wealthy investors who want to see big returns on their investment even though they claim this is a community project. There didn't seem to be any love lost between the two ambitious career woman. UGH. Do we have to do this in the 21st century? Let's not be catty with each other anymore.
Sara Silverman, one of the assistant restorers, is nice. She's a bigger woman but comfortable with her looks. She seems to be working hard and loves the work. Her boyfriend, Justin, is very nice but a little immature. He loves Holly's baking and he's always hungry. He's not a romantic sort of partner but that may come with age and experience. Sara is rather bossy with him but Justin doesn't seem to mind. I like them both and find it hard to believe they could be murderers. But you know everyone is guilty until proven innocent in the pages of a mystery novel! Greta answers to Solomon King, head of the largest private equity firm. He's come to put a stop to the project and possibly to see Greta and/or Bluebell. I wouldn't be surprised if he was sleeping with them both. Solomon is a sleazy womanizer. He hints about Lord Rupert and Holly's relationship in a crude way, is rude to everyone and doesn't care about history. He's also been involved with Greta and has a fiancé at home. I hope he's the murderer!
There was a small cast this time and one of them has to be the killer, unless it was a ghost!
There was a big development at the end of this story. I'm left hanging and eager for the next one. I don't know if I'll get to it this time before my KU subscription is up.
This was the best, twistiest mystery yet. I didn't guess whodunnit. I liked the art restoration work nearly as much as Holly and want to know more about this ceiling painting. I also loved the history of Audley Castle and the family. I could have read a whole book about the search for the missing chalice/cup/bowl/goblet whatever and the quirky Audley ancestors. There's a slightly spooky atmosphere that makes this volume in the series perfect for October reading. The search to create Holly's family tree was unrealistic. It can't be done in one night. That would be impossible. Even if you are an only child of an only child, going back generations there are more children and their descendants and more and more ancestors! That's why people do this as a full time job.
I relate a lot to Holly. She doesn't need jewels or fussy frilly gowns to make her happy. She enjoys baking because it makes people happy and that makes her happy. She loves her little apartment she shares with Meatball, her Corgi mix and now her Gran. She enjoys being surrounded by the history of Audley Castle and if others didn't stick their noses in and pretend they're living in the 18th-century, she would be content with her friendships with Alice and Rupert. Alice is not a good friend though. Alice acts like a child all the time and never considers what Holly wants or needs. She doesn't consult Holly and seems to believe Holly is her lady-in-waiting. Alice rushes from one thing to another without thinking it through. Rupert is more thoughtful. He's shy, geeky and kind. He's very sweet to Holly and trying to court her in an old-fashioned way. She doesn't get his signals though and she's trying to ignore what she hopes are signs of romance because his family won't approve.
Campbell finally begrudgingly admits he and Holly are friends - of a sort. They push each other and needle each other but it brings out the best in them. I would think he's flirting with her but he does FINALLY come close to admitting he likes Princess Alice. Unfortunately for her, Campbell sees the world in black and white. He's help. He's assigned to protect the family and that's that. No fraternizing with the upper class. That's a very sad and silly way to live especially when Alice would jump at the chance to be with Campbell. Lady Phillipa doesn't appear until AFTER the first murder. I missed her but she makes up for it with stories of her ghosts who may even be lurking around and visions she can't quite make out. I like Holly's Gran now. She's shown she cares for Holly and wants to do the right thing for her granddaughter. She also seems to care a lot for Ray, the gardener. He's very sweet and trying hard to be romantic.
Herbert Fitzwilliam-Smithe is an expert in art restoration. He exemplifies the nerdy professor stereotype. He's even a bit absentminded. Herbert is kind to Holly, his workers and even the witchy women who boss him around. His mind is on his work not on practical matters. He does seem infatuated with Bluebell who would never give him the time of day but like Holly, I don't think he pushed her, not even by accident. Bluebell was a massive *itch. She was rude, abrasive and treated everyone like they were beneath her. Even worse than Bluebell is Greta, the financial expert. She doesn't understand or care about history. She is clawing her way to the top (or using another method) and determined to stop this project because it's taking too long and too much money. It's not HER money they're spending. She answers to wealthy investors who want to see big returns on their investment even though they claim this is a community project. There didn't seem to be any love lost between the two ambitious career woman. UGH. Do we have to do this in the 21st century? Let's not be catty with each other anymore.
Sara Silverman, one of the assistant restorers, is nice. She's a bigger woman but comfortable with her looks. She seems to be working hard and loves the work. Her boyfriend, Justin, is very nice but a little immature. He loves Holly's baking and he's always hungry. He's not a romantic sort of partner but that may come with age and experience. Sara is rather bossy with him but Justin doesn't seem to mind. I like them both and find it hard to believe they could be murderers. But you know everyone is guilty until proven innocent in the pages of a mystery novel! Greta answers to Solomon King, head of the largest private equity firm. He's come to put a stop to the project and possibly to see Greta and/or Bluebell. I wouldn't be surprised if he was sleeping with them both. Solomon is a sleazy womanizer. He hints about Lord Rupert and Holly's relationship in a crude way, is rude to everyone and doesn't care about history. He's also been involved with Greta and has a fiancé at home. I hope he's the murderer!
There was a small cast this time and one of them has to be the killer, unless it was a ghost!
There was a big development at the end of this story. I'm left hanging and eager for the next one. I don't know if I'll get to it this time before my KU subscription is up.
September 10, 2025
The Ending Was Rough
I didn't really enjoy this one, basically the same problems with Mocha Cream and Murder: weird dynamics, typical pacing, everything that I didn't like about Mocha Cream. But the ending is what makes it the worst I've read so far. Maybe I missed something, but it felt rushed, quickly written in and raised more questions than answers in a very bad way. Book 9 has a chance to capture lightning in a bottle once more with the interesting concept, but this just isn't it.
I didn't really enjoy this one, basically the same problems with Mocha Cream and Murder: weird dynamics, typical pacing, everything that I didn't like about Mocha Cream. But the ending is what makes it the worst I've read so far. Maybe I missed something, but it felt rushed, quickly written in and raised more questions than answers in a very bad way. Book 9 has a chance to capture lightning in a bottle once more with the interesting concept, but this just isn't it.
March 25, 2025
A cute entry in the series, with changes in store for Holly in the future.
September 10, 2020
Looking forward to answers !
I just don't know what to say! I still like the characters; Holly is always a charmer, taciturn Campbell has his own appeal, Rupert is a likeable, ineffectual simp, Gran and heroic Meatball are unrepentant scamps that always have Holly's back, Chef Heston is decent enough under that grumpy exterior, and infrequent interactions with Alice rendered her almost tolerable. The murder mystery is engaging but the resolution has slapstick overtones. And the surprise ending! Now I'm questioning Rupert's timing...and WHAT exactly did Campbell almost reveal?!
I just don't know what to say! I still like the characters; Holly is always a charmer, taciturn Campbell has his own appeal, Rupert is a likeable, ineffectual simp, Gran and heroic Meatball are unrepentant scamps that always have Holly's back, Chef Heston is decent enough under that grumpy exterior, and infrequent interactions with Alice rendered her almost tolerable. The murder mystery is engaging but the resolution has slapstick overtones. And the surprise ending! Now I'm questioning Rupert's timing...and WHAT exactly did Campbell almost reveal?!
July 7, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2020
Verified Purchase
I just love the main characters: Holly, Rupert, Alice and Campbell! So glad that Lady Phillipa had quite a presence in this story. The mystery had me guessing and was very well written and entertaining. I can’t wait to see how this series continues. Based on this story, there are plenty of signs of excitement to come! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2020
Verified Purchase
I just love the main characters: Holly, Rupert, Alice and Campbell! So glad that Lady Phillipa had quite a presence in this story. The mystery had me guessing and was very well written and entertaining. I can’t wait to see how this series continues. Based on this story, there are plenty of signs of excitement to come! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
September 28, 2023
A Magical Chalice?
The castle is having restoration work done. And the people doing the work are a mixed bag of characters. Of course Holly is fascinated by the work. In fact she keeps getting in trouble with Chef for spending too much time there. But then the murders start. And strange sounds in the walls. What is going on? A fun and entertaining read. This one leaves you ready to start the next one!
The castle is having restoration work done. And the people doing the work are a mixed bag of characters. Of course Holly is fascinated by the work. In fact she keeps getting in trouble with Chef for spending too much time there. But then the murders start. And strange sounds in the walls. What is going on? A fun and entertaining read. This one leaves you ready to start the next one!
July 13, 2020
Things are going topsy turvy for Holly: she twists her ankle, members of the renovations team at the castle are killed and Alice is showing Holly the cold shoulder because she is "busy". All that doesn't stop Holly from investigating and the book has some big surprises for Holly and the readers at the end.
February 5, 2022
I really liked this book. The characters are funny and whimsical. I like the series because is involves the culinary world and murder. I am hope two of the people hook up but I don't think they will. This series is a fun ad light read and a nice break from the real world today. One more book to go and I will have finished this series.
September 22, 2025
I love reading the Holly Holmes cosy mysteries + they are perfect for heading into Autumn cosy season. Nothing too intricate and just a fun, easy read, with likeable reoccurring characters (I am invested in this new storyline switch up with Lord Rupert). The entire series has been a consistent 3⭐️ series, and will be picking up the last two books next month!
July 6, 2020
I really like this series
In really like this book. I have read the entire series so far and I enjoy all the characters. They play off each other so well. I want to read the next book in the series.
In really like this book. I have read the entire series so far and I enjoy all the characters. They play off each other so well. I want to read the next book in the series.
August 17, 2020
All this talk of lemon cake had me running out to the store at 20 pm to get some.
This series has been a hoot. The eccentric elders, the friendships and the cute romances make it worth reading g.
This series has been a hoot. The eccentric elders, the friendships and the cute romances make it worth reading g.
June 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed all of this series that I have read. The characters continue to be very interesting, and all of them exhibit individual as well as relationship growth from book to book.
July 16, 2020
Murder
Holly and Meatball are awesome. I sure hope it all works out in the end. Can't wait for the next adventure and to hear her answer.
Holly and Meatball are awesome. I sure hope it all works out in the end. Can't wait for the next adventure and to hear her answer.
July 20, 2020
Fun series
Easy and entertaining series. Glad to find this series to take my mind off things going on in the world right now!
Easy and entertaining series. Glad to find this series to take my mind off things going on in the world right now!
August 11, 2020
I am going to update my Ancestry files!!! This is truly a ‘Who Do You Trust?’ story which I really enjoyed and I recommend the book.
February 12, 2021
Great Series......
I've enjoyed reading this story of adventure and suspense, Lemon Drizzle and Murder. The little baker woman is once again caught up in a mystery.
I've enjoyed reading this story of adventure and suspense, Lemon Drizzle and Murder. The little baker woman is once again caught up in a mystery.
May 24, 2022
So much fun!
November 13, 2022
Treasures
Hoping to restore an ancient ceiling in the castle lead to murder, thief and other surprises that made me smile. On to the next mystery.
Hoping to restore an ancient ceiling in the castle lead to murder, thief and other surprises that made me smile. On to the next mystery.
May 7, 2023
A sweet ending
I have enjoyed the series very much. It has a sweetness about love and family. I do hope that Holly gets her happily ever after.
I have enjoyed the series very much. It has a sweetness about love and family. I do hope that Holly gets her happily ever after.
June 9, 2023
another exciting one
Lots of adventures and characters with diverse personalities! Two murders, treasure hunters and underwear! Lol
This also has a surprise ending! Do t miss it!
Lots of adventures and characters with diverse personalities! Two murders, treasure hunters and underwear! Lol
This also has a surprise ending! Do t miss it!
May 18, 2024
Lemon Drizzle is a dazzle
My favorite in the series so far! I can’t wait to read the next book! I can’t say more, or it will spoil the ending…
My favorite in the series so far! I can’t wait to read the next book! I can’t say more, or it will spoil the ending…
September 1, 2026
I was almost expecting the ghosts to have a larger, more obvious role in this story. I liked surprise for Holly; it was almost what I expected, but with a bit of a twist to make it more believable.
July 9, 2026
Was a decent book but the dialogue between characters has become a bit cheesy and no elderly British aristocrat would say “gotten’.
December 26, 2022
Holly Holmes is incapacitated by a twisted ankle but is that going to stop her from solving a murder? No it is not! Why was someone attacked and killed during a restoration project on part of the castle? Why is Alice being so distant and almost hiding from her best friend?
This was a good plot but the murder could have been guessed at sooner. I found the ending a bit difficult as it seems exceptionally convenient for further progression.
This was a good plot but the murder could have been guessed at sooner. I found the ending a bit difficult as it seems exceptionally convenient for further progression.
September 26, 2022
Who killed Bluebell Brewster and why or why not??? And then Herbert??? Stolen coins and a missing cup??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews