Cast the First Scone: A Culinary Cozy Mystery Series

Twin Berry Bakery #5

by Wendy Meadows

Lost and struggling after her retirement from the Force, detective Rita Knight hopes that escaping to a quiet life with her boyfriend Billy is exactly the thing she needs to move on and reinvent herself. But when a trip to a remote snow lodge deep in the wilderness of Maine ends with a gruesome murder, it seems that her old life won’t let her get away so easily. Wading into a deadly mystery and cut off from the outside world by a vicious snowstorm, Rita and her twin sister Rhonda must use all of their cunning to unravel the dark secrets of the guests around them. But it won’t be that easy. As cracks start to appear in Rita’s relationship with Billy, she’s faced with difficult choices about her future that threaten to cloud her vision and sabotage the investigation. Things only get worse when Rhonda falls ill. Forced to solve the case all on her own, Rita is prepared to do whatever it takes to bring one last killer to justice – even if that means venturing head-first into a deadly snowstorm… Can Rita tack down the killer, or will her emotions blind her to the truth? And can she bear to let Billy walk out of her life forever? Combining a hair-raising murder mystery with a beautiful wintery backdrop and a seasoned sleuth, Cast the First Scone is perfect for readers looking to get cozy and dive into their next head-scratching who-dun-it.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

174 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2021

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lashing Out . . .

Poor Rita, this was more complicated than it appeared at first. Detective Rita Knight is struggling after retirement from the Force. She and her boyfriend, Billy Northfield, head off to the mountains in Maine for quiet and a chance to move forward, checking out the lodge for a potential purchase. No one expected a murderer to be on the loose at the lodge when a body shows up and people go missing! Stranded as they were by a snowstorm out in the wilderness, she has no choice but to step in and try to identify the killer.

As Rita and her twin sister Rhonda have their hands full, Rita’s relationship with Billy faces issues as he is ready to give up and return home. Even more pressure mounts when Rhonda gets sick and Rita must work the case alone. Will these personal issues keep her from seeing what she needs to see before she ends up in danger? Is there any way to keep Billy from walking away from their relationship?

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAST THE FIRST SCONE is the fifth installment in the Twin Berry Bakery series by Wendy Meadows. If you enjoy Christian based cozy mysteries with quirky characters and a bit of humor, sprinkled with homilies, then I'm sure you will enjoy this series. 

Rhonda, Rita and their friend Billie have taken a vacation to Northern Maine with the thought of purchasing a secluded mountain lodge. It doesn't take long before there is a dead body and a raging snow storm to trap them and the other guests in the lodge. Before the storm let's up they will discover KGB sleeper agents, a plot to destroy America and even a mob assassination plan. Just to help them out there is an illness going around that zaps energy, mental acquity leaving them bed ridden one-by-one.  Maybe a northern lodge isn't such a good idea.

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

[Judy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great installment in the Knight sisters. They are in snowy northern Maine as Rita found a notice of a lodge for sale. She springs her plan on to Rhonda about them buying the place. Billy Northfield is with them. He has offered Rita the funds to buy the place and the sisters would then pay him back.

While outside in the snow contemplating the purchase of the lodge, Rita sees someone hiding and shots a warning shot and the person runs off. She believes it’s the husband of the other guest but finds him in his room with his sick wife. Who could it be? The next morning a body is found.

Rita is struggling with her feelings for Billy and begins to alienate him to the point where he is ready to had back home and just stay on his farm with only Chester by his side.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Adventurous Cozy Mystery!!!

Rita, her twin sister Rhonda and her boyfriend Billy are at the lodge deep in the mountains in Maine. When there is a dead body, snow storm, people are getting sick and some are missing Rita need to work hard to figure out the mystery, finding the killer while dealing with her relationship with Billy.

I love this book; it's full of mystery, action, adventure, and romance. I really enjoy the fast-paced story line that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps you entertain as you try to figure out the mystery. I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans.

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita takes a trip with her boyfriend Billy to a cabin deep in the woods. She wants to learn how to relax and not be a cop any longer but that isn't what is meant to be as murder seems to follow her around. Rhonda is there with them and the two of them must find the killer and solve the murder before anyone else is killed. They must rely on their own skills as they are cut off from the rest of the world by a nasty snow storm that doesn't seem to let up. When Rhonda gets sick and with her relationship with Billy falling apart, Rita has to solve this all on her own this time.

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

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy visiting with Rhonda and Rita again. The sisters make the story fun to read. This time we the readers are taken away from their bakery business and to wild Maine. Rita wants a place to escape from the business. Billy, Rhonda and her run away to check out a place and run straight into murder. I enjoyed the background. The lead up to the dead body.
I liked the author's dialogue. The dialogue between Billy, Mrs. Moods and Howard was really interesting.
I was entertained by this story. I think that it had a good premise.
I received this as an arc from booksprout and freely left this review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another awesome read for this series. The twins and Billy are on a trip to check out a snow lodge deep in the Maine forest country. Rita is considering buying it but has to get Rhonda on board. She needs Billy also but she's having second thoughts about her feelings for him.
Of course when a murder happens they have to figure out why and who. This was a great mystery even though it went pretty quick. Which we actually got two mysteries in this book.
I can't wait for the next book. I need Rita to quit fighting her feeling for Billy. Let's get to marriage and kids soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cinda Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita and Rhonda Knight and Rita's boyfriend, Billy Northfield, are at the Hidden Winter Lodge in Maine. Rita is wanting to purchase the inn from Mr. and Mrs. John and Pauline Moods. However, when Howard Maples turns up dead Rita and Rhonda begin to investigate his murder. Rhonda becomes ill and Rita must continue on her own. She also is second guessing her feelings about Billy. This fifth book in the Twin Berry Bakery has many twists and turns.
A couple from Los Angeles supposedly celebrating their 30th anniversary are being followed by a hitman. There is more than one mystery in this story.
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

when Rita longs for a quiet, simple place as a retreat, the twins and Billy end up at a rural lodge in Maine with Chester the hound, and a host of confounding characters

the lodge seems to be many things, but it does not seem very relaxing to me - seems a whole host of troubles gets thrown in together there in the snow, with greed, larceny and murderous intent on the list of offerings

Sisterly desires and bonds, romance fears, and various types of thievery and global arena mischief are in play

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita and Billy's getaway to a Maine lodge results in cabin fever on so many levels. Actual fevers for Rhonda and another guest, being stuck indoors because of multiple external threats including one of the owners and Rita herself going missing. Whose past came back to haunt them that putting all their lives at risk?

This is darker than previous Twin Berry Bakery mysteries which is typical when a series is coming to an end, so hope it is not the end.

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

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita, Rhonda, and Billy are visiting a remote lodge in the middle of winter. Rita brings Rhonda there and declares she wants to buy the lodge. Billy will loan them the money for it. This to totally out of character for her. Meanwhile, Rhonda and some other guests come down with some kind of flu. But one guest is dead. Was it the flu or something else? Rita also saw someone lurking outside. There are many secrets in this story, and Rita is at a cross-road in her life. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita, Rhonda and Billy take a winter trip to Maine. But poor Rhonda becomes bedridden with the flu, leaving Rita with Billy as her backup when trouble arrives. Not everyone at the lodge is who they claim to be and some of their secrets could be almost deadly.
This series keeps getting better with each book. The characters are continuing to develop in their relationships and the settings are really varied which is entertaining. I am looking forward to the next adventure.

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita, Rhonda and Billy are at a lodge when things start to go wrong. Murder, multiple plots at various people, feelings hurt and confused and so much more. The characters all work great together, as a wide variety of twists and surprises come into play. The storyline has people hiding secrets and hidden agendas. People are taken to hidden caves and and one is shot before he can take one of the guests out. Loved the ending and the possibilities.

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

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita, Rhonda and Billy are in Maine to look at purchasing an Inn. Rhonda and another guest are sick in bed. Rita and Billy find themselves in the dealing with a murder. Nothing and no one is what they present. Rita becomes frustrated and take things out Billy. Things get very dangerous but in the end they solve the murder and Rita makes some realizations about life and the future.

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

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twin power!
Rita sounds very much like me...not a control freak, but feels like she has to be the rock for everyone. Then the minute she eases up and tries to let go, panic sets in and she pushes the one she cares about away to prevent any possible heartache. It's not a female thing, it just is. Men do it too. Excellent story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good and I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. The girls are at a lodge in Maine and as usual something happens and they have to investigate but the biggest that is being investigated is Rita and Billy's relationship will they make it or not. I recommend this book to everyone I know and this author because she is simply amazing.

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 fifth book in the Twin Berry Bakery Series; she has written another fantastic book. Rita is a retired detective hoping to escape to a quiet life with her boyfriend Billy but ends up dealing with a murder mystery while trapped in a snowstorm.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
A change of scenery comes with murder! Rita and Billy are on a vacation/scouting trip. With Rhonda ill, Rita takes the lead. I found this to be a fun quick read with great characters and a good mystery. I received an ARC from BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cozy mystery that will have you scratching your head as you try to solve the mystery of who dun it before you reach the end. The characters are great and fun to get to know. The suspense, mystery, humor and of course murder will keep you turning the pages not wanting to stop reading.

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

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Rita and Rhonda and their cute little bakery. I love these quirky mysteries. They are so fun to read. I got caught up in the first chapter and did not put it down until I finished it. Absolutely brilliant.

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

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside a long morning or afternoon for this family-friendly cozy which sees retired cops Rita and Rhonda Knight, accompanied by Billy Northfield and Chester, leaving their bakery in Georgia to visit the Hidden Winter Lodge in Maine.

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

[Paula Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast the First Scone by Wendy Meadows is a delightful cozy mystery. Rita wants she and Rhonda to buy a lodge. But, wile visiting this lodge, a dead body turns up and two people disappear. I love getting to know the characters in this series even better in this book.

[Aineenmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great plot. I loved this book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait for another book. I really enjoyed this book.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I loved it! The characters are likable and relatable and the story is well-written and entertaining.

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

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read with a mediocre mystery. Read if you need something to occupy yourself with, but wouldn't go out of my way for this one. Expected more from this prolific author to be honest.

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

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the series. It's another good story. I like the continued development of the characters. It keeps you guessing until the end.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and entertaining characters in an interesting story with a few twists and turns. Plenty of mystery and intrigue. Grabs you from the start! Good read.

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

[Laura Rusiecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowy Wonderland Becomes Mystery and Murder Magnet

I loved the growth of the characters and the way their relationships changed as the mysteries deepened.To say more would give it away. Enjoy the mystery!

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a greatbook in the Twin Berry Bakery series by Wendy Meadows. I love all the characters especially Billy.

[Penny Perse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast the first scone

What a great story. Not what I expected which made it even better. Looking forward to reading the next story