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Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics (2): A Piper Sandstone Culinary Cozy Murder Mystery (Book 2)

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“A rip-roaring fun cozy mystery that I couldn’t put down!”

Packed with mystery and suspense and brimming with heart and humor, Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics is an absolutely gripping and laugh-out-loud culinary whodunit in the Deep Fried Revenge series.

***Series Description***

She’s a Chicago detective hiding in a seaside town with a lot to prove…and everything to lose.

Reeling with excitement over the opening of a private investigation agency and her budding romance with the sheriff, Piper Sandstone can’t wait to launch her dream career and return to a somewhat normal life. But danger lurks on the horizon—the dirty cops back in Chicago still want her dead. Even if it means putting the people she loves in jeopardy to find her. They are ruthless and on the hunt; no price is too steep for her head.

But Piper’s already in a predicament of prodigious proportions when an art heist at the Bancroft Estates leaves a bodyguard dead… and she and her crime-fighting gal pals are at the center of the crime scene.

Tangled in another mystery in Savory, Alabama, Piper is determined to solve the case with the help of her quirky amateur sleuth friends dubbed the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. These zany retirees traded in their female rock band glory to fight crime, but can they help Piper maintain her cover and catch the killer before she or another Savory resident winds up dead?

Dive into Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics (Book 2) today and get ready for a deliciously fun and thrilling cozy mystery that is unputdownable! Recipes included.
“Karen McSpade has weaved a fun cozy mystery with lovable characters you'll want to revisit time and time again.” - USA TODAY Bestseller Tonya Kappes

“It’s time for a return visit to Savory, Alabama! Settle in for a heaping helping of Southern charm and madcap humor as Piper Sandstone and her crew of tenacious and fun retirees take on another dire threat. Suspense, false trails, and a ticking clock will keep you on the edge of your seat!” - Anne Shillolo, Author of Poodle Versus The Spy

“This is cozy mystery craftsmanship at its best!!!” - Tanya R. Taylor, Author of Pumpkin Spice & Deadly Heist

“The tension builds as the Queen Bees get closer to cracking the case of an art heist and two murders. The ladies have their own unconventional method of problem solving that will tickle your funny bone. Karen McSpade intertwines 1 theft, 2 murders, 1 manhunt, and a budding romance in this series. She brings it all together in one exciting finale. I highly recommend this series for all ages. It's a squeaky clean, laugh-out-loud, mystery/ romance suitable for all ages.” -Bee (Amazon)

"OMG what an awesome and epic series! I devoured every page and absolutely loved the whole outcome.” -Tari H. (Goodreads)

"This series was amazing! I absolutely love Piper and her amazing crew. I was completely shocked by who the killer was which definitely had me on my toes till the end. Then being able to see what ended up happening with the bad guys from Chicago. If those two things weren't good enough the ending was fire!! Definitely an amazing ending!” -archick08 (Bookbub)

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

155 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Karen McSpade

35 books232 followers
Raised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.

As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.

Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.

When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.

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5 stars
102 (55%)
4 stars
50 (27%)
3 stars
21 (11%)
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5 (2%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Behring.
514 reviews180 followers
May 10, 2022
I am loving this series from Karen Mcspade. The characters are great and the story is interesting. Bring on the third installment!
1,244 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2022
Sharon (aka Piper) and the Queen Bees Detectives are on the hunt for the priceless canvases stolen from the mansion during the dog show. It’s such a hoot to follow these spirited ladies! Rosemary saw three men in coveralls going back and forth from the mansion to the garden, and describes them to the police in ways only man-hungry Rosemary could! Not the most helpful descriptions! So they’re on the lookout for them, and get a phone tip. Are these the thieves? Read on and see
5 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2022
The excitement builds in Book 2 of Bacon, Bodyguards and Ballistics when the two security guards find out about the art heist and Marco says ‘’…this is the end of the line for us. We’re dead men walking.’’

Rosemary’s description of the men who assaulted the two guards is amusing ‘’…he had long jet black hair that blew in the wind like a horse’s mane…’’. The Queen Bees get frustrated after chasing false leads and have a problem solving meeting at the Crabby Clam Café. Doris declares ‘’ A good ol’ BLT will get us recharged and on top of our sleuthing game.’’

Sharon aka Piper and Jake meet up at the local wetlands and a glimmer of romance appears. Although frequently interrupted by Sharon’s bodyguard, Gemma.

The Queen Bees pursue a new lead and use their skills, determination and strength to capture what may or may not be the villains. This is very colourful and thrilling description of the capture, with more to come in the series.

Meanwhile Piper’s colleagues from Chicago are being forced to travel to Savory, Alabama. They fortunately have a few tricks up their sleeves and are not frightened of their captors.

I’m looking forward to Book 3 to see how the plot continues to thicken. Meanwhile, I’ll be trying out the BLT recipe at the back of Book 2.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Karen McSpade.
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,403 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2022
Piper Sandstone is a Chicago cop hiding out in Savory, Alabama under an assumed name. After solving a mystery of a missing championship dog, she and her senior gal pals have decided to open a private investigation firm, and are taking on their first big case.

While they were at a dog show, millions of dollars worth of art was stolen right under everyone's eyes, including the bodyguards and others hired to keep an eye on it. Now they're on the trail of the thieves, and because of an anonymous tip, they might have a major clue.

But Piper's also trying to take time out for herself -- and her interest in the sheriff. On a picnic together, she's miffed that the bodyguard her uncle hired for her insists on tagging along, albeit 'being invisible.' She doesn't even want a bodyguard!

Still, she has to work on the case, and when they find what they're looking for, they may or may not have hit upon a major clue...and meanwhile, back in Chicago, Piper's friends are having problems of their own -- and need to get to her...

This is the second book in the series, and I am glad that I was able to read it so quickly, The first pulls you into the story, and when there's not another page to turn, it's disheartening. But then this comes along and brings you right back into the action as if you never left, and the story continues with the sassy and zesty senior women doing what they do best to stop crime. There's also a funny scene that I've mentioned above about a picnic, so watch for it.

This was indeed a fun read, and I can't wait to dig into the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
968 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2023
Be Careful Who You Kidnap! Siracha Hot Sauce to the Rescue!

"Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics Book 2": A Piper Sandstone Culinary Cozy Murder Mystery is a continuation series of five books written by Karen McSpade. This episode has a picnic scene in it with Piper/Sharon, Jake, and Piper's bodyguard Gemma. There are also scenes where Piper and the four Delta Queens investigate clues leading to three suspects in the art heist from Book One. There is a twist in that set of scenes that I didn't see coming. The third storyline was with a kidnapped Nancy and Morgan, two of Piper's friends who work with the Chicago P.D. They had planned a trip to Alabama to surprise Piper, when they were attacked in Nancy's apartment, tied up, and threatened by goons looking for Piper. The guys found the airline tickets and knew where Nancy and Morgan were going. The goons threatened the two victims with death. However, will a squeeze bottle of Hit Siracha Sauce be the answer to Nancy and Morgan's survival? Can they warn Piper in time? This series is mostly told through Piper's point-of-view, but the last chapter is told from Nancy's point-of-view (sometime in the foreseeable future from when Piper's point-of-view is being played. For example, Piper might be five months after the Savory Mystery series, while Nancy might be two months later. I like the way that the author goes back and firth in time. I gave this book 5 stars and will read Book 3 of the series next.
6,029 reviews41 followers
May 10, 2022
Our heroine is hiding out from her old life and trying to start a new one. As a former detective, opening up a PI agency makes sense. But when her first case involves murder, things might not make as much sense as she thought.

This is book two of this series and it picks up where the previous book left off. It might be best to read them in order.

This is a novella length cozy mystery with a bit of a food/cooking theme. And I don't mean cooking up murder. The story is well written and easy to read with a nicely detailed setting that has the right level of quirky elements to it for this kind of story. The characters are also well done. I found our heroine to be a bit rough around the edges, but I can get used to that. Her posse, however, is great right from the start adding a delightful element of humor and fun. Overall, this was a fun addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
May 13, 2022
Chasing Down the Art Thieves . . .

As this series takes off, Piper Sandstone remains undercover as Sharon Sanders, still hiding out in a small Southern town to avoid her former colleagues in Chicago who are trying to kill her. Piper and her Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad of senior citizens start their own business as private investigators since they all work so well together. Their new business is named “Queen Bee’s Private Eyes”. Piper’s uncle, Chief Hobbs, unfortunately has sent an unwelcome bodyguard to keep Piper safe on her new job -- and Gemma annoys her thoroughly, being described in the previous book as a thumbtack that gets stuck in your shoe and has no purpose except to annoy. She will continue to annoy in this episode as well.

The case now is to identify who stole priceless art as hundreds of people attended a dog show on the mansion grounds. Will the diligent ladies track down the thieves and locate the priceless art before it is gone out of their reach? Grab your copy and enjoy a fun adventure with lots of laughter.
1,338 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2022
Things are getting interesting. There are actually two stories going on here; one in Savory, Alabama and the other in Chicago, Illinois. A big clue comes in concerning three guys but are they innocent or guilty? And what of the predicament Nancy and Morgan are in? Will they be able to escape?

This is the second book in this series and it follows our heroine who is hiding out in Savory but can’t seem to stay hidden away as she is suppose to because she wants to stop the bad guys! She can’t stop being a cop!

To find out what happens next we’ll all need to read book three!

I recommend this series and if you really want to get to know these ladies better you need to read Karen’s other series which details Piper’s first experiences in Savory and how she met the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad!

These books are quick reads so get the full series so you can go from one to the next and have them all together in one place!
61 reviews
May 17, 2022
This book picks up where book 1 left off. Former Chicago police officer Piper, passing herself off as Sharon Sanders and the Delta Queens are investigating an art heist that occurred during a local dog show. Piper's uncle/police chief has sent a bodyguard to protect her but mostly the bodyguard is interfering with Piper's love life with Jake the local sheriff.

I am enjoying this series. The characters are fun and quirky. If you like a light, cozy mystery this series will not disappoint.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Karen McSpade ARC team.
5,665 reviews63 followers
August 6, 2022
Very entertaining ongoing mystery with a quirky group of senior citizen ladies who have an array of abilities and experiences that help along the way to finding the thieves and killers. Bad guys from Chicago are also on the hunt for Piper after she helped finger a bunch of crooked cops. Starting a detective agency and looking for missing artwork has them finding weird things in a mansion - even tunnels. Like the one said - Welcome to Narnia. Totally enjoyed the personalities and dialogue of this group and can not wait to read more about them and their backstories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,270 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed this cozy mystery story with all of the characters. The main character was Piper Sandstone.

Piper Sandstone and her senior gal pals continue to investigate the disappearance of the painting that were stolen. They get a tip that the painting are at an address that not far way. They all go to see and are surprised by what they find.

This was an fun and short story. It had action, adventures, and suspense within. It had a few giggles throughout. It is the 2 book in the series Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
84 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2022
Piper and the Delta Queens are continuing their investigation in the 2nd book of the deep fried revenge series. The segway into this novel from book 1 is flawless. We pick right up from the ending of book 1. Karen keeps the story moving and grabs your attention from the beginning to the end. She keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment. I definitely recommend this book or the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,759 reviews103 followers
May 8, 2022
Another discovery by the Diamonds & Dentures squad led to some more good clues in this twisty mystery. A miraculous escape was made by someone, and I sure loved what they did to the perps! I can't say much more without giving away fun and surprises, but I'm happy I got the ARCs so I can keep reading! The Diamonds & Dentures ladies always get their perp! (Even if it takes a roundabout way of going at it, lol)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own. Don't miss this second installment when it releases May 10, 2022!
Profile Image for Staci.
Author 15 books81 followers
May 10, 2022
Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics, the second installment in the Deep Fried Revenge series, was so fun! I'm enjoying the antics of these characters and the addition of Gemma, a bounty hunter/bodyguard sent by Piper's uncle to protect her. She takes her job seriously, and even interrupts Piper's not-a-date with Jake when she thinks Piper's in danger. The big mystery is an art heist at a local mansion, and Piper and the Delta Queens make some headway tracking down the suspects. I can't wait to read the next installment!
96 reviews
May 10, 2022
The ladies have stumbled onto another mystery when twenty expensive paintings are stolen from Henry Hughes’ mansion. The security alarms and cameras were disabled so they don’t have any leads to the culprits. Then they see three men going back and forth to the mansion raising their suspicions. They decide to find the men and bring them to justice but there is a catch.

Mystery, suspense, and danger abound as the ladies try to find the criminals.

I can’t wait to read the next installment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author
2 reviews
May 10, 2022
While, the overall story of the second installment of this collection catches the reader’s attention; I felt that it didn’t flow well. It just seemed like parts of this book abruptly ended and went into a new chapter like it skipped information and left the reader to make assumptions on how the next scene came about. The other issue I had with this book is, that Piper portrays herself to be kind of ditzy for a detective. Even things that seem like they would be common sense, she comes across as clueless. It’s not a very believable characteristic for the type of profession she’s in.
87 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2022
Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics Book 2 continues the investigation into the art theft during the Bancroft Kennel Dog Show. The Queen Bee’s Private Eyes are so much fun! Rosemary’s description of the three potential thieves was quite entertaining! I really enjoy the banter of the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with the possible romance between Piper and Jake. The next installment can’t come soon enough! I need to know if Nancy and Morgan get to Piper in time to save her. Also the recipes in this book look wonderful!
71 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2022
A romantic picnic? A cryptic phone call! Swoon worthy men! A fight to the death?
Karen MySpade adds some drama to this installment of Bacon, Bodyguards, and Ballistics. Can Nancy and Morgan escape their captors? The chase is on. Will the Diamonds and Dentures Crime Squad be enough help to keep Piper and her Bodyguard safe? And who are those three handsome men?
I can't wait for the next book in the Deep Fried Revenge Series to find out. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author but opinions expressed here are my own.
147 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2022
After the issues at the dog show the ladies start to investigate to find the missing items. Piper has a new member of the team who tries to keep her safe with mixed results. There are a couple of detours while the crew tries to find the perps. Piper is unaware of things that are going on in Chicago regarding her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,044 reviews46 followers
May 4, 2022
Piper and the Delta Queens were able to trip up one bunch of alleged thugs. Can her friends from Chicago manage the same?

More trouble is incoming. Is the mayor making things worse?

stumbling, bumbling, misdirection and creative use of everyday household objects help keep things hilarious, while helping to keep the possibly inherently clumsy sleuths and other crime fighters in fighting form.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,286 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2022
his is part 2 continuing to look for the thieves of the artwork in the bancroft estate, they wrestle 2 burly men and capture them only to find they are innocent and had to let them go. Still trying to solve the case, meanwhile in Chicago her collegues Nancy and Morgan are captured by brutes who are looking for Piper and planning to go to Savory to get her. Nancy and Morgan have to stop them....on to part 3
Profile Image for CarterTS.
28 reviews
May 10, 2022
I did enjoy this book very much. The beginning started a little bit fast for me. Throughout the story, I was trying to figure out who the handymen were and what really happened. The descriptions of each character and what was going on in that moment were very well done. If you enjoy mystery with a bit of fun on the way to find out who did it, this book is for you.

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
1,698 reviews27 followers
May 10, 2022
The twin guards who were guarding Henry Hughes Bancroft estate were terrified as they get to know about the stolen paintings. They give a discription of the three handymen who attacked them. Piper is annoyed with her bodyguard Gemma following her around .She is also using an assumed name .This book has a lot of humor and is very entertaining. A.great read and i recommend this book to other readers.

Profile Image for Renee Collins.
83 reviews29 followers
May 11, 2022
A quick laugh out loud mystery with Piper Sandstone, ( aka Sharon Sanders) and the Delta Queens (aka Diamonds and Dentures). New to the scene in the last installment was Gemma, a bounty Hunter/ bodyguard sent by Piper’s uncle, chief of police in Chicago. Gemma’s presence irritates Piper; however, Gemma is quick to act when “Miss Sharon” is thought to be in danger. This installment is beginning to pull mysteries together. I’m looking forward to the third installment.
371 reviews
May 14, 2022
Piper and her detective crew are at it again. Very expensive art is taken from the mansion where a dog show is held. There are few clues though the town tries to help. Piper has a bodyguard named Gemma whom Piper feels is trying to wreck her life. There is a plot twist but the women are up to the challenge.

Red Robin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
795 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2022
The tales continues as Piper and the Queen Bee's still have not solved the missing painintgs issue and have gotten a lot of calls with only 1 serious but it turns out to the a red herring. Howver, back on teh home front in Chicago, Nancy and Morgan have their hands full with kidnappers who wnat to find Piper. Can they get loose and warn Piper. Great reading.
Profile Image for Vic.
417 reviews
April 28, 2022
This series is serial,, so they all end in a tune in next time for the next bit. This one has more on her friends from her former life and more peril heading Pipers way. A discovery in the painting heist. These stories can be read in one sitting, they are not long.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,281 reviews98 followers
May 2, 2022
Just when Piper and the Queen Bees think they have the robbers of the art heist, they find out they are off the mark. Then who is the robbers? But who are the guys they found and who called the agency to tell them where they could be found? Meanwhile, Morgan and Nancy have problems with the goons looking for Piper. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Amary Chapman.
1,669 reviews27 followers
May 3, 2022
Ms. MsSpade’s quirky detectives find the missing guards bringing up more questions than answers. The ladies are searching for handymen reported .at the scene of the robbery and getting frustrated. A little romance between Jake and Piper is not helped by her bodyguard...And there’s trouble brewing.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same vein.
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,021 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2022
The investigation continues. The ladies happen to find the three handy men but the trail turns cold when they find out they were hired. The goons who are hunting for Piper are tripped up but are on their way. Will Piper (Sharon) solve the case or will she get caught? Enjoy this 2nd installment in this 5 part story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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