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The Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries #3
Beagles Love Muffin But Murder
Muffin but clues!
When the unthinkable happens—another murder, ex-celebrity chef Lyra St. Claire is hounded by the paparazzi once more.
The sheriff doesn't appreciate her help, but how can she carry on as if nothing's happened? To make matters worse, her new waitress is causing problems at the diner.
Her beagle, Cinnamon, sniffs out more than muffins and Lyra has to make a choice between family and friends when love is in the air.
Will she solve the crime before the paparazzi make her worst fears come true?
Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries are light and entertaining, with a passel of clues, delicious baking and a one clever beagle.
Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries
Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes
Beagles Love Steak Secrets
Beagles Love Muffin But Murder
When the unthinkable happens—another murder, ex-celebrity chef Lyra St. Claire is hounded by the paparazzi once more.
The sheriff doesn't appreciate her help, but how can she carry on as if nothing's happened? To make matters worse, her new waitress is causing problems at the diner.
Her beagle, Cinnamon, sniffs out more than muffins and Lyra has to make a choice between family and friends when love is in the air.
Will she solve the crime before the paparazzi make her worst fears come true?
Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries are light and entertaining, with a passel of clues, delicious baking and a one clever beagle.
Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries
Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes
Beagles Love Steak Secrets
Beagles Love Muffin But Murder
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2022
28 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Phipps
53 books893 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 1, 2025
Lyra St. Claire is happy to be home again after traveling a bit. She's settled into her new home with her mom, Maggie and Dan and life at the diner. She may even kind of sort of maybe be on the way to becoming friendlier with the sheriff. Lacking a server at the diner, Lyra hired her former employee's mother, Vanessa, on a temporary basis. Needing more help, Lyra then hires newcomer Raylene Dwyer who seems perfect but clashes with Vanessa. Noting Vanessa's strong personality, Lyra is determined to fix the problem or Raylene will have to go. When Lyra discovers Raylene's secret, Vanessa becomes Raylene's fiercest supporter but Raylene still seems uneasy. While out walking with Cinnamon, Lyra sees a man threatening Raylene. Raylene claims he was a pushy salesman and has left but when Cinnamon discovers a corpse lying in a thicket in the park and he's identified as a reporter Lyra once knew as "Ace", she wonders if there's a connection to the man in the park. What's Raylene's part in this drama? Is Lyra doomed to be forever followed by the paparazzi? Meanwhile, everyone can see Maggie and Dan have fallen in love. What will it take for Lyra's friends to realize it and act on their feelings? Maggie and Lyra's mom seem more intent on fixing Lyra up with Kaden than focusing on Maggie's love life. Lyra had hoped she left all the drama behind in LA but trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes.
This mystery wasn't much of a mystery. It was obvious why Raylene was there and why she was fighting with the man in the park. The real mystery was who was pulling the strings and if that person killed Ace. THAT was a surprise. It did seem to me that the shadowy figure HATED Lyra for some reason. Everyone Lyra thought it could be was in prison! She failed to think that one through all the way. The killer was a real psychopath and clever enough to outwit the police. I didn't care for the romantic drama too much. It was a distraction and silly. Although Dan's big moment was funny.
Lyra is a people pleaser and goes through life wearing rose colored glasses. She needs to toughen up if she's going to be a business owner. She handles the employee drama well but it's so very unrealistic. She's not affected by her celebrity status and tries to downplay it. Lyra doesn't have feelings for her buddy Kaden and at least she remains firm in her decision NOT to date him and doesn't let her mom or Maggie push her into something she and Kaden don't want. Plus she seems to have feelings for the Sheriff. She's in the blushing stage still. Maggie needs to acknowledge her own feelings for Dan before she starts playing matchmaker. Dan is a great guy. He's clueless about women though and annoys Maggie by cancelling planned dates over business. Dan loves his garage and is working hard to make it a success. He'll take breaks to play bodyguard for Lyra though. He's protective of her and wants her to be safe.
Vanessa is a tough nut. She's prickly because of what happened in the previous book and her difficult past. She's defensive and tries to prevent herself from being hurt by being rude and speaking her mind. She's honest but sometimes too brutally honest and unkind. Her feelings are easily hurt and she needs to learn not to be jealous or let her feelings affect her work. Be professional! However, she's willing to keep an open mind and is surprisingly understanding and sympathetic when someone needs her help. She just wants to be valued for who she is. I understand that. Arabella Filmore has stopped complaining about the food but she still speaks her mind. She's not as mean as she wants people to think and is a surprisingly loyal friend.
Sheriff Walker is a fair-minded man. He just doesn't like civilians nosing into his investigations because they're not trained. Lyra pushes a lot of boundaries with him but he seems to appreciate her intelligence and insights. Plus he loves Cinnamon! Cinnamon is the best doggie! She's spoiled for attention and treats. Lyra has to ask people to please not feed Cinnamon! I'm sure Cinnamon is able to con people into feeding her people food anyway. Maybe Lyra should make dog cookies for people to give Cinnamon or better yet keep a supply of kibble and carrot sticks. My furniece LOVES to chew carrot sticks. I toss them to her like bones when I'm snacking so she doesn't beg for food. I'm sure Cinnamon would probably reject dog food and carrots when she can smell the burgers and dogs cooking! Cinnamon deserves a reward for finding the body though! Why doesn't anyone think to give her one? Without her, Finn wouldn't even know Lyra and her friends needed protection from a murderer.
Lester Eckhart is a sleazy tabloid newspaper editor/owner. He insinuates Lyra deliberately seeks out places for murder to happen or more likely, she is the cause of them! (Second book this month with the same subject!). Lester indicates he no longer owns the paper and owes someone who is even more nasty than he is. I don't think Lester minds making ridiculous claims about Lyra. It sells papers after all. Ace (Arlie), the victim, was a paparazzo. Was her just trying to make a living or was he really evil and nasty trying to get the scoop at all costs and ruin Lyra for the heck of it? His killer is possibly the new owner of the local paper but did the person follow Arlie from LA or vice-versa? Who is the mysterious new owner of the Fairview Gazette and why did he kill Arlie?
This isn't a very twisty mystery but the food theme is enjoyable and the characters likable enough. I downloaded #4 to read right away.
This mystery wasn't much of a mystery. It was obvious why Raylene was there and why she was fighting with the man in the park. The real mystery was who was pulling the strings and if that person killed Ace. THAT was a surprise. It did seem to me that the shadowy figure HATED Lyra for some reason. Everyone Lyra thought it could be was in prison! She failed to think that one through all the way. The killer was a real psychopath and clever enough to outwit the police. I didn't care for the romantic drama too much. It was a distraction and silly. Although Dan's big moment was funny.
Lyra is a people pleaser and goes through life wearing rose colored glasses. She needs to toughen up if she's going to be a business owner. She handles the employee drama well but it's so very unrealistic. She's not affected by her celebrity status and tries to downplay it. Lyra doesn't have feelings for her buddy Kaden and at least she remains firm in her decision NOT to date him and doesn't let her mom or Maggie push her into something she and Kaden don't want. Plus she seems to have feelings for the Sheriff. She's in the blushing stage still. Maggie needs to acknowledge her own feelings for Dan before she starts playing matchmaker. Dan is a great guy. He's clueless about women though and annoys Maggie by cancelling planned dates over business. Dan loves his garage and is working hard to make it a success. He'll take breaks to play bodyguard for Lyra though. He's protective of her and wants her to be safe.
Vanessa is a tough nut. She's prickly because of what happened in the previous book and her difficult past. She's defensive and tries to prevent herself from being hurt by being rude and speaking her mind. She's honest but sometimes too brutally honest and unkind. Her feelings are easily hurt and she needs to learn not to be jealous or let her feelings affect her work. Be professional! However, she's willing to keep an open mind and is surprisingly understanding and sympathetic when someone needs her help. She just wants to be valued for who she is. I understand that. Arabella Filmore has stopped complaining about the food but she still speaks her mind. She's not as mean as she wants people to think and is a surprisingly loyal friend.
Sheriff Walker is a fair-minded man. He just doesn't like civilians nosing into his investigations because they're not trained. Lyra pushes a lot of boundaries with him but he seems to appreciate her intelligence and insights. Plus he loves Cinnamon! Cinnamon is the best doggie! She's spoiled for attention and treats. Lyra has to ask people to please not feed Cinnamon! I'm sure Cinnamon is able to con people into feeding her people food anyway. Maybe Lyra should make dog cookies for people to give Cinnamon or better yet keep a supply of kibble and carrot sticks. My furniece LOVES to chew carrot sticks. I toss them to her like bones when I'm snacking so she doesn't beg for food. I'm sure Cinnamon would probably reject dog food and carrots when she can smell the burgers and dogs cooking! Cinnamon deserves a reward for finding the body though! Why doesn't anyone think to give her one? Without her, Finn wouldn't even know Lyra and her friends needed protection from a murderer.
Lester Eckhart is a sleazy tabloid newspaper editor/owner. He insinuates Lyra deliberately seeks out places for murder to happen or more likely, she is the cause of them! (Second book this month with the same subject!). Lester indicates he no longer owns the paper and owes someone who is even more nasty than he is. I don't think Lester minds making ridiculous claims about Lyra. It sells papers after all. Ace (Arlie), the victim, was a paparazzo. Was her just trying to make a living or was he really evil and nasty trying to get the scoop at all costs and ruin Lyra for the heck of it? His killer is possibly the new owner of the local paper but did the person follow Arlie from LA or vice-versa? Who is the mysterious new owner of the Fairview Gazette and why did he kill Arlie?
This isn't a very twisty mystery but the food theme is enjoyable and the characters likable enough. I downloaded #4 to read right away.
May 20, 2022
* I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from a Goodreads giveaway. *
I read the first two books in this series and I liked them. I'm disappointed because I really wanted to like this one too. However, by the middle of the book the typos became so bad that I had a really hard time staying in the story. By typos I mean words with all the letters in the wrong place, wrong names used, punctuation missing and sentence fragments mashed together. Also, the name of the killer was just a bunch of x's so I only think I know who did it. If this gets fixed and I can read the ending with the actual killers name, I will raise my rating since it is an interesting story.
* Edit - Update *
A big thank you to the author who reached out to me to fix my issues. I got an edited copy and was able to read and comprehend everything. I also finally know who the killer is! The story made more sense now and I rather enjoyed it. I particularly liked Dan's big moment at the end. It was sweet and funny. For light, cozy mysteries, you can't beat this series.
I read the first two books in this series and I liked them. I'm disappointed because I really wanted to like this one too. However, by the middle of the book the typos became so bad that I had a really hard time staying in the story. By typos I mean words with all the letters in the wrong place, wrong names used, punctuation missing and sentence fragments mashed together. Also, the name of the killer was just a bunch of x's so I only think I know who did it. If this gets fixed and I can read the ending with the actual killers name, I will raise my rating since it is an interesting story.
* Edit - Update *
A big thank you to the author who reached out to me to fix my issues. I got an edited copy and was able to read and comprehend everything. I also finally know who the killer is! The story made more sense now and I rather enjoyed it. I particularly liked Dan's big moment at the end. It was sweet and funny. For light, cozy mysteries, you can't beat this series.
April 24, 2022
Beagles Love Muffin But Murder is another twisty tale with my favorite chef! Lyra has trouble avoiding the press when she is coerced into judging a local cake competition. Of course there is a murder. The sheriff does not want her help. Someone seems determined to ruin Lyra. You do not want to miss this episode of small town living and murder. I love that I never figure it out until I read "The End."
April 29, 2022
Danger and drama continue to follow Lyra when Cinnamon finds a body. Lyra seems to be tied to it somehow, but will she solve the mystery in time? Enjoyed seeing familiar characters - Kaden, Dan, Maggie and of course the sheriff. Will he become a love interest? Perhaps we’ll find out in the next cozy mystery.
April 18, 2022
Is Lyra experiencing deja vu? Seems like her new hire might be bringing trouble. Another dead body and a mystery or should I say mysteries to solve keep this chef busy. Tensions are running high in the diner. Love is blooming between more than one couple. While serious there are a few funny moments as well.
May 8, 2022
Another murder seems to find Lyra, will she be able to help the Sheriff in time to solve it? Easy reading with the fav characters. Will more develop between the Sheriff and the chef?
April 28, 2022
I won this book in a Good reads contest,
Very good, this is a new Author for me, I loved this book and I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
I highly recommend reading this.
Very good, this is a new Author for me, I loved this book and I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
I highly recommend reading this.
January 24, 2026
Lyra and Cinnamon follow the clues once again to solve the mystery. Easy reading, fun and for all ages. Loved it.
April 26, 2022
"Beagles Love Muffin But Murder" is the 3rd book in C A Phipps "Beagle Diner Cozy Mystery Series"
"When the unthinkable happens—another murder, ex-celebrity chef Lyra St. Claire is hounded by the paparazzi once more. The sheriff doesn't appreciate her help, but how can she carry on as if nothing's happened? To make matters worse, her new waitress is causing problems at the diner."
My thoughts:
The core characters in this series are interesting and likeable. The touch of humour and the smart beagle Cinnamon add greatly to the story.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series, you may well have a difficult time following some of the story. Several references to previous stories and character history are mentioned but even knowing that info, the plot of this book seemed to be stretched rather thin at times. Potential suspects weren't that plentiful yet names and motives weren't really explored. Seemed like Lyra and Sherriff Walker were both at a loss as to who was behind the murder or why any of this was happening. The take down was more interesting than the actual identity of the killer and their reasoning.
I also noted 11 typos - mostly a missing word or a phrase with words in the wrong order. Two of those typos happened later in the book where Maggie is referred to as Maddie.
As she did with the first book in this series, the author has once again offered an epilogue to the story BUT you have to sign up for her newsletter to get it. (I did sign up before but unsubscribed after getting the first epilogue.)
Underneath the line to add your email address, there is a box beside this statement that has to be checked before you can submit:
"I agree to receiving marketing and promotional materials"
Underneath the SUBSCRIBE button, the author states:
"I don't spam and will never share your email address. You can opt-out at any time."
So the marketing/promotional material isn't considered spam?? Seriously? Within minutes, I already had an email from Phipps promoting another author and their romance novel. I consider that spam.
Having to sign up for a newsletter to receive an epilogue to a book you ALREADY paid for is tacky and an underhanded way to boost your subscribers. Include Epilogues in the book where it belongs and stop groveling for subscribers.
Thankfully, this book wasn't over priced at just under $2.50USD/$3CDN but I can't justify giving this more than 2.5 stars. JMO
"When the unthinkable happens—another murder, ex-celebrity chef Lyra St. Claire is hounded by the paparazzi once more. The sheriff doesn't appreciate her help, but how can she carry on as if nothing's happened? To make matters worse, her new waitress is causing problems at the diner."
My thoughts:
The core characters in this series are interesting and likeable. The touch of humour and the smart beagle Cinnamon add greatly to the story.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series, you may well have a difficult time following some of the story. Several references to previous stories and character history are mentioned but even knowing that info, the plot of this book seemed to be stretched rather thin at times. Potential suspects weren't that plentiful yet names and motives weren't really explored. Seemed like Lyra and Sherriff Walker were both at a loss as to who was behind the murder or why any of this was happening. The take down was more interesting than the actual identity of the killer and their reasoning.
I also noted 11 typos - mostly a missing word or a phrase with words in the wrong order. Two of those typos happened later in the book where Maggie is referred to as Maddie.
As she did with the first book in this series, the author has once again offered an epilogue to the story BUT you have to sign up for her newsletter to get it. (I did sign up before but unsubscribed after getting the first epilogue.)
Underneath the line to add your email address, there is a box beside this statement that has to be checked before you can submit:
"I agree to receiving marketing and promotional materials"
Underneath the SUBSCRIBE button, the author states:
"I don't spam and will never share your email address. You can opt-out at any time."
So the marketing/promotional material isn't considered spam?? Seriously? Within minutes, I already had an email from Phipps promoting another author and their romance novel. I consider that spam.
Having to sign up for a newsletter to receive an epilogue to a book you ALREADY paid for is tacky and an underhanded way to boost your subscribers. Include Epilogues in the book where it belongs and stop groveling for subscribers.
Thankfully, this book wasn't over priced at just under $2.50USD/$3CDN but I can't justify giving this more than 2.5 stars. JMO
April 16, 2022
🍩Don't you just love a protective beagle (and sheriff)!🤗
Another good cozy with an inquisitive chef as an amateur detective, animal interest, a small community of supportive characters, shades of romance for several members of their close circle and a murderer in their midst, all set in a small town outside Portand, Oregon. The evil doings ramp up and seem to center on doing harm to celebrity chef Lyra though it's a long slog to the story's end to figure out why.
Lyra is a strong character, loved by her employees because she really cares about their welfare and is always generous and ready to give them a second chance when their behavior would drive some bosses to reprimand or fire first and listen to their side of the story after (or never). Maybe she's a bit too trusting?
Cinnamon, Lyra's beloved beagle, is all nose to the grindstone here, sniffing out trouble but never the instigator and always ready for praise and a cuddle. She's a Watson with a tail! And for fans of the author's Maple Falls cozy mystery series, there's even the oblique mention of a certain Maple Falls baker who's the proud owner of a Maine coon cat😉.
This is a good cozy series that has always kept me guessing and once again, I enjoyed the adventure!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Another good cozy with an inquisitive chef as an amateur detective, animal interest, a small community of supportive characters, shades of romance for several members of their close circle and a murderer in their midst, all set in a small town outside Portand, Oregon. The evil doings ramp up and seem to center on doing harm to celebrity chef Lyra though it's a long slog to the story's end to figure out why.
Lyra is a strong character, loved by her employees because she really cares about their welfare and is always generous and ready to give them a second chance when their behavior would drive some bosses to reprimand or fire first and listen to their side of the story after (or never). Maybe she's a bit too trusting?
Cinnamon, Lyra's beloved beagle, is all nose to the grindstone here, sniffing out trouble but never the instigator and always ready for praise and a cuddle. She's a Watson with a tail! And for fans of the author's Maple Falls cozy mystery series, there's even the oblique mention of a certain Maple Falls baker who's the proud owner of a Maine coon cat😉.
This is a good cozy series that has always kept me guessing and once again, I enjoyed the adventure!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 21, 2022
Not a Winner
Received this book from the Goodreads.com Giveaway and had a difficult time reading it. It started out ok and I was interested but then the typos started. At first it was just a few then it was absolutely horrible and at times unreadable. Not sure what the problem was but I can't believe an author would allow a book with so many errors to be published. At times it looked like whoever was typing had their fingers on the wrong keys. There were missing words in some sentences and extra words in others and some things were just plain confusing.
The story itself was ok but I think I needed to read the prior books to get some background. The owner of a diner in a small town hires a woman and then finds out that she had connections to a man who is found dead nearby. The woman is supposed to be getting an insider scoop on the owner who is a famous chef even if she has to make it up. Near the end when they are trying to wrap things up it got very confusing as people's names were just written as xxx and I was not sure who was being talked about. Also quite frequently when someone was speaking and the sentence was in quotes only the last set of quotes appeared. You weren't sure if someone was thinking or actually speaking. The whole thing was very frustrating.
Received this book from the Goodreads.com Giveaway and had a difficult time reading it. It started out ok and I was interested but then the typos started. At first it was just a few then it was absolutely horrible and at times unreadable. Not sure what the problem was but I can't believe an author would allow a book with so many errors to be published. At times it looked like whoever was typing had their fingers on the wrong keys. There were missing words in some sentences and extra words in others and some things were just plain confusing.
The story itself was ok but I think I needed to read the prior books to get some background. The owner of a diner in a small town hires a woman and then finds out that she had connections to a man who is found dead nearby. The woman is supposed to be getting an insider scoop on the owner who is a famous chef even if she has to make it up. Near the end when they are trying to wrap things up it got very confusing as people's names were just written as xxx and I was not sure who was being talked about. Also quite frequently when someone was speaking and the sentence was in quotes only the last set of quotes appeared. You weren't sure if someone was thinking or actually speaking. The whole thing was very frustrating.
May 18, 2022
Lyra is enjoying running her diner in Fairview. Life is a lot slower now that she is back home & the issues she had before moving are gone; at least she thinks they are. A recent murder in town is still on everyone's mind, but she hopes that is behind them. Because of the murder she is down 1 employee & is happy when a newcomer in town applies for the job. Shortly after the newcomer's arrival another murder occurs so Lyra sets out to investigate what happened and in the process she realizes that moving back home may have brought some of her previous issues with her. She to investigate some outsiders who have suddenly appeared in town & in the end finds out what started the chain of events.
The end of the book was a big surprise & I totally recommend it.
The end of the book was a big surprise & I totally recommend it.
July 18, 2022
I received this as ARC in return for an honest review... I wish I could say that I enjoyed this because I really wanted too (I'm a beagle owner, twice over), but sadly it wasn't to be.
I usually find it an annoyance when author's rehash character's backstories (in series that I've read from book 1), but after reading this -- I know understand why they do it -- it's for readers, who don't start at the beginning!
Overall, I didn't finish and I really tried. The writing, plot, and characters didn't hold my interest and forcing myself to finish it was not something I wanted to do.
I usually find it an annoyance when author's rehash character's backstories (in series that I've read from book 1), but after reading this -- I know understand why they do it -- it's for readers, who don't start at the beginning!
Overall, I didn't finish and I really tried. The writing, plot, and characters didn't hold my interest and forcing myself to finish it was not something I wanted to do.
July 25, 2022
Beagles Love Muffin But Murder (The Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries #3) by C. A. Phipps is another great installment to the series that I absolutely loved!! Lyra and Cinnamon are at it again and the Sheriff isn’t too happy with Lyra, but a girls got to do what a girls got to do to stay safe and prove whodunnit. If you are looking for a fun and easy read that will keep you entertained then look no further!
June 8, 2022
Received an ARC of this book on Goodreads. I really enjoyed it aside from typos I assume will be corrected in final edition. Interesting bunch of characters and as it’s the first in the series I’ve read, I’ll have to go back and read more.
May 23, 2022
With finishing this book, I have completed the three book series by C.A. Phipps. I enjoyed this series and I will now wait anxiously to see if she writes a fourth.
September 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this fun, humorous mystery. Lyra and the other characters are wonderful, and Cinnamon is the star! Plenty of twists kept me guessing. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
April 29, 2023
Thank you goodreads for winning this fun giveaway. Beautiful mystery with lots of mystery.
August 11, 2025
Just as good as the first 3 in series. Now on to the next one. yipee!
April 19, 2025
Lyra has a knack for getting caught up in murder. Even when trying to keep a low profile and stay out of the press mysteries still find her. This next book incorporates her whole team of friends and family in an engaging manner. The mystery itself was intriguing even if she does take some unnecessary risks at times. Her beagle, Cinnamon, is a perfect sidekick. any dog owner will love their connection
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews