Cinnamon Rolls and Corpses

Snow Falls Alaska Cozy #1

by Wendy Meadows

Bethany Lights never expected to be accused of murder.

Determined to start life anew in the beautiful and snowy state of Alaska after the death of her abusive husband, Bethany dreams of healing and reliving her happy childhood memories as she opens up a cozy and quiet coffee shop.

But after a man arrives to threaten her – and suspiciously turns up dead shortly after – Bethany is thrust head-first into a murder investigation… and all eyes are on her. Fighting to prove her innocence only becomes more difficult when a second death shakes the small town of Snow Falls.

Caught up in a whirlwind of accusations and clues, Bethany is faced with the seemingly impossible task of rooting out the cold-blooded killer who is trying so hard to frame her. Surrounded by suspicious townsfolk and unsure who she can trust, Bethany and her newfound friend Sarah must outwit the murderer and clear her name if she ever hopes to live a quiet life again.

Can Bethany expose the real culprit behind the murders? Or will her new chance at life end before it can even begin?

Perfect for fans of cozy and lighthearted mysteries with loveable amateur sleuths and a gorgeous snowy setting, this picturesque mystery novel is a classic who-dun-it that will delight readers of all ages.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2022

About the author

Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.

Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.

When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.

Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.

Reviews

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 1 out of 5]

In desperate need of editing.

This book is an insult to the reading capabilities and intelligence of an average eight year old.
A Nancy Drew for dummies.
One of the mysteries (yes, plural) could have been really good, but the writing kills it, with scenes cut abruptly, sentences repeated word by word in the same chapter, a dusting of misspellings, the killer revealed at the beginning of the story, names swapped and explanations and actions that require way to much suspension from reality to be humanely possible.
And it comes at a high price for the meager 124 pages of torture.
The characters are a caricature of how normal people behave and talk, with non-existent research of cultures and backgrounds, leading to more than just a few raised eyebrows.
It is a religious cozy, even if not stated anywhere, with childish remarks that would make any Christian cringe.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay, there were so many inconsistencies with characters from the previous series. I wish the author had just left them out.

[Vic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was going to read a cozy who done it and this is not it. First should be listed as religious, a lot of God and faith mentioned. Second the killer is revealed while you are reading by stating they are the killer. Third a lot of repeat thoughts and conversations. Also no romance or suspense. Just not for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this cozy mystery. Imagine escaping an abusive husband cause he died and moving away to heal and start over only to be followed by more death and strange circumstances, well that’s what’s happens to Bethany our female mc. She is so strong and determined to start her new life but finds herself thrust headline in to a murder mystery. It’s intense, it’s intriguing and it has twists and turns galore and I absolutely found myself lost in the story hook, line and sinker.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book so badly. Cozy winter mysteries are my comfort genre (along with cinnamon rolls and raccoons), but unfortunately this one left me deeply disappointed.

The characters behave illogically, the dialogue feels hollow and repetitive, and the story is riddled with plot holes. For example, a character is identified by the police because they paid with a credit card - despite it being explicitly stated just a few pages earlier that they were carefully using cash everywhere. On top of that, character names are accidentally swapped more than once.

At times, the book reads like Republican fanfiction: gun ownership is repeatedly praised, God is invoked on nearly every page, and - of course - the killer turns out to be an atheist, a detail that has absolutely no relevance to the plot.

I’m giving it one star solely because I genuinely wheezed at the description of the killer “murderously skiing” around the protagonist’s house. That image will stay with me longer than anything else in this book.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bodies keep showing up. The raccoon also makes the story. The story is interesting and will keep you guessing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Done!!

From the first chapter, I knew that I was going to enjoy this book, and I was right. The story continued to get better with every chapter. The reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is only because I didn’t like how the killer(s) were written in. That was a bit confusing, but overall I’m happy with the story.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery.
Thanks to the author for the digital copy.

[VICTORIA STEWART · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t care for this book. I was confused by some the character relationships, emotions were high right away without any real backstory of why. Some things were explained quickly but repeated way too often. Character names were repeated so often it me nuts. I think this book could have benefited from more pages to let things develop a little more smoothly. There are too many new sub stories developing it almost feels silly. They keep saying how it’s such a small town but then speak of lots of tourists. The next town is 50 miles away, why would there be so many people in this small town that only has one real store? I wanted to enjoy this book but I just couldn’t. I read a few other reviews and it seems this one might be a spinoff of another series. The author does have another series I enjoy so I will stick with that one.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer Has a Dire Plan . . .

Bethany Lights became a widow when her abusive husband and his mistress died in a car an accident. With no other reason to stick around, Bethany decided to move to a small town in Alaska to start over. Her dad had taken her there and she had good memories. She purchases a cabin from Sarah Spencer and is purchasing the coffee shop which will keep her busy. However, when an angry Greg Cranmore came into her coffee shop, threatening her and warning her to stay away from Sarah Spencer and Amanda Hardcastle, she holds her Glock on him and orders him out of her coffee shop. She reports him to the police after he leaves.

When Greg Cranmore walked back into his office, someone was waiting for him. A shadowy figure raised a gun with a silencer. As Greg turned and ran, four bullets slammed into his back. The murderer was already setting a plan in motion to have Bethany thrown into prison for murder.

It’s difficult being new in town. So when Bethany is being framed for murder, she feels like she is alone in this. But she has already made some friends, and they gather round to help her find the real murderer. Bethany’s life is also in danger. Can they track down the killer’s identity before more innocent people die?

I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery book, with plenty of interaction among the characters. The story line is intriguing, entertaining, and the mystery of who might be framing Bethany keeps the reader on edge and involved to the last page. Grab your copy and see “who-done-it”!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of another awesome series with some old friends thrown in. I'm so glad we are visiting Snow Falls again with Sarah and Amanda.
Bethany Lights just relocated to Snow Falls to start a new life after her abusive husband and his mistress die in a car crash. Her spirit is so low and she has no friends. She left her family to do this, to find some peace and herself. Lucky for her she meets Sarah and Amanda when she buys Sarah's coffee shop. Sarah recognizes a beaten and bruised soul.
Bethany couldn't understand why the real estate man was threatening her. Next he is found dead and she is under suspicion. But when another body is discovered she knows she needs to figure out who is setting her up for murder. Now her new life is turning into a nightmare. But she will discover something she's never had, friends who care for her and will do everything to clear her name.
This was a powerful, intense and intriguing book. Bethany is stronger than she thinks she is and proves that. I loved this book and I'm excited that some old friends will be joining us for these books. I can't wait to see what's in store for book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

CINNAMON ROLLS AND CORPSES by Wendy Meadows is the first installment in her new series Snow Falls Alaska. This is a spin-off and  continuation of the Alaska Cozy Mystery series that star Sarah and Amanda. This new series  has all our old friends, plus the new series stars, Bethany Lights and Julie Walsh.

Sarah retired from law enforcement to be with her new daughter and with Amanda purchased O'Malley's. The new face in town is Bethany Lights, a fairly recent widow starting a new life in Alaska. Her first move is to purchase a cabin and Sarah's coffee shop. What she did not plan for was becoming a murder suspect. Bodies are dropping and all evidence points to Bethany. It's doesn't take long before Sarah, Amanda, and Amanda's cousin Julie are giving all the support they can to their new friend. 

It was easy to jump right into the story and get to know these well developed characters. The twisted mind of the killer, the intrigue, and suspense made this a good page-turning mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a good mystery. Bethany lived with an abusive husband until he was killed in an accident along with his mistress. He not only abused her but betrayed her in the worst way. The only person who knew what she was dealing with was her father and since he passed away, she decided to move to a small town in Alaska where she had visited with her father and found it to be where she had her best memories. Now that she thinks she has found her future by buying a cabin and a coffee shop, Bethany ends up being threatened and then being framed for murder. When she thinks she is all alone, she finds she has some great friendships that formed quickly and that they would support and help her prove her innocence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Anew in Snow Falls, Alaska!!!

Bethany Lights moves to Snow Falls, Alaska to start her new life after her abusive husband and his mistress died in a car accident. She bought a cabin and a coffee shop and determine to fulfill her dreams of peaceful happy path. When a man who came into her coffee shop to threaten her is murdered, Bethany becomes the prime suspect, then there is another death, who is the murderer, who wants to frame her and why??? Bethany need to investigate to find the killer to prove her innocence before her new life end up in jail.

This book is a great start to a new series, it's a fast-paced, fun read full of suspense, action and wonderful characters, a real page turner. I really enjoy it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany is a new resident in Snow Falls Alaska after her abusive husband and his mistress were killed in an auto accident. She meets Sarah and Amanda and buys a coffee shop and cabin. Soon she is threatened by a man, who she pulls a gun on in self defense. He leaves but is shot in his office shortly after, making her a suspect. Now she needs all the help she can get from her new friends to figure out who the real killer is and to keep herself out of jail. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and great interactions. The storyline keeps you on the edge as clues go to Bethany. The killer is a surprise and the townspeople are a great group. Nice closing ending and can not wait for the next book. This is going to be another great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Snow Falls Alaska would follow closely behind the Alaska Cozy series since it had some of the same characters but it didn’t which was disappointing. The new characters are good as are the background stories on the characters and there is the same familiarity of Snow Falls Alaska with some of the same lovable characters from the original series. Initial book of Snow Falls Alaska series has multiple murders- which is fine seeing as the story follows along however I didn’t really like having the killers identity revealed very early. More religious tones in this book as well that I wasn’t expecting and didn’t really fit in, in my opinion. Fairly written but I hope the next in the series is better since I’ve preordered it. Disappointing in the cost of such a small cozy as well (paperback was $15 for 134 pages).

[Shannon M · Rating 5 out of 5]

After becoming a widow, Bethany Lights moves to Snow Falls, Alaska to start a new life. I love Bethany's strength and determination and I absolutely love the characters/residents of Snow Falls. What I didn't realize when I first started reading is that those characters/residents of Snow Falls can be found in the author's Alaska cozy mystery series. However, I honestly didn't feel like I missed out on anything by not reading that series but I do plan to go back and read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its twists and turns and I am truly looking forward to reading the next one when it comes out in April. I highly recommend this book and all of Wendy Meadows' series. Happy Reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Kelley]

Great story!

by Barbara Kelley

I am glad that Wendy Meadows has brought a sequel to the Alaska Cozy Mysteries. Bethany is a wonderful character, and so is Rascal, the raccoon. However, there was something in the first series that was not in the sequel. In the last book of the Alaska Cozy mystery series, Sarah and Conrad had twins, one boy and one girl. However, only Little Sarah is mentioned. I cannot believe they named their little girl Sarah (I guess, Sarah, Juniorette)! The baby boy was never mentioned. Did this little guy die and now there is only the little girl left? Anyway, I still gave the book 5 stars because it was well-written. However. I would appreciate it to be mentioned in the next book. I am sure all of Wendy Meadows's readers would appreciate it, too!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

new faces join Sarah and Amanda in their remote Alaskan town. Julie is a cousin to Amanda, another British-American mix. Bethany is a widow from the southern US who has survived a nasty husband. The untimely death of her wanted to be ex and his paramour saved Bethany from a messy divorce, and left her with decades of emotional abuse to recover from

as new killers come to town, twisted plots work themselves out

deadly dangers and sister friends- and a raccoon- make messy but interesting Alaskan holiday adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Draffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the raccoon

Quick read although the premise of multiple murderers out to get Bethany is not believable. I did fall in love with the little town of Snow Falls even though I don’t like snow or the cold. The raccoon was a nice touch although in reality they are dangerous animals that I won’t go near. The characters create a nice little community and I like the fact they believe in God. I have already preordered the next book. One of the characters referred to the group of women as sisters. It is more like a family when you include their husbands and a few extra police officers.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great new series that builds on a previous series that was one of my favorites. Bethany has moved to Snow Falls. She has become friends with Sarah and Amanda as a result of buying Sarah’s Coffee Shop. Her first weeks are filled with murder. Bethany chose not to be a victim and worked to solve 2 murders. Sarah was able with the help of Amanda, Bethany and the police to stop the second murder from executing her plan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the Alaska cozy series but with newcomer widow Bethany as the main heroine and Sarah and Amanda her backups in this introduction to Meadow's new series. Just like the Alaska series, it is darker than some of her other cozies but just like all her series, so engaging and leaves you wanting more. Just when you think you are safe and the monster has been vanquished, another lurks around the corner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this introduction to Snow Falls, Alaska, a small town that drew Bethany a widow in search of a new start. I loved her strength in trying out a new venture with her coffee shop. I liked her new friend Sarah. I liked the beginning of their friendship. It felt real and warm right off the page. The crime is unfortunate for her as it happens just as arrived in town making her first impression of the town and them of her very interesting.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun read with a neat twist in the last half of the book, making it almost a double mystery. The characters are likable and the setting is really interesting. The characters do talk a bit about their faith so those of you who like that type of dialogue will enjoy the book. Those of you who are not so much into it, it is still a great read. It will work for lots of audiences. The dialogue was a bit flowery at points.
I am interested to see more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany Lights becomes a widow after her husband is killed in a car accident with his mistress. Bethany decides to move to Alaska to start a new life. She buys a cabin, a coffee shop and gets framed for a murder she didn't commit. I love Snow Falls and it's residents. They are fun and quirky. The story is a relaxing easy to follow read. Perfect for a cozy mystery. I will definitely be reading each and every new book that comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, Murder,and healing hearts

A cruel Abusive husband, murder plots and broken hearts. Can friends who become sisters help each other mend? Can they lift
Each other up in prayer and love, can this be enough for a hurt
Woman heal as she takes one step, one day and pray for redemption.
A wonderfully written story on how a group of strangers become
friends to being sisters as they support each other to healed hearts
and souls. An incredible read that will change you in some way.
Debra H.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Snow Falls Alaska Cozy book 1 mystery story with a love starting out for Bethany and Conrad. WOW this book will have you scared and thinking you are going crazy with how these murders keep happening around Bethany. I was sure it was something like her ex husband or something. I was shocked at how the killer was. I loved this mystery with a little hopeful love starting for Bethany and Conrad.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new beginning for Bethany. She has purchased Sarah's coffee shop in Snow Falls and is looking forward to her new life. Sadly there are forces that are against not only her being there but her running the coffee shop. She teams up with Sarah, Amanda, Conrad and the rest of the Snow Falls team to solve the murders that are all pointing to her being the murderer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy does a fantastic job with her story telling that you're swept up in the pages without even realizing it. The story captivates you from page one with great characters who are well developed making them easy to get to know. You're glued to the pages and sitting on the edge of your seat with mystery, suspense and intrigue that's woven throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Wendy Meadows; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Snow Falls Alaska Cozy Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Bethany & Sarah; they team up together to solve the murders and find out why they are trying to frame Bethany.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.