Sugar Plum Poisoned

Cupcake Bakery Mystery #15

by Jenn McKinlay

It's Christmastime, and this holiday season, things are heating up for the bakers at Fairy Tale Cupcakes, in the newest Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

When up-and-coming singing sensation Shelby Vaughn arrives in town for two weeks of concert dates, she hires her old friend Angie and the rest of the bakery crew to supply cupcakes for the VIP guest lounge every night.

After overhearing Shelby in a heated argument with her manager, Mel is concerned, but she and the crew decide to make the best of their time working with the star. Just as the bakers fall into the rhythm of the job, Shelby's manager is found dead, clutching a bit of fabric from a Santa suit and a cupcake. With the bakery crew and Shelby's backup dancers all dressed in similar Santa costumes, it's impossible to say who is the killer. When all suspicions lead back to Shelby, Mel and Angie stand up for their friend, determined to prove her innocence before she's frosted for a crime she didn't commit.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Christmas, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 10, 2023

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy this series very much. When a singer visits her friends, Mel and Angie, things take a deadly turn for someone in her entourage. Which friend or foe decided to take matters into their own hands? Toss in the usual antics with both the girls' families, and some heartwarming holiday moments with Tate and the new baby, and you've got a winner. For some reason, I could feel the songs coming from the singer even tho I was merely reading the book. McKinlay's wording made this was soar, and I'm super excited because the next installment just landed on NetGalley. Maybe I'll get an early holiday present?

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series even though I have only read a couple of them. I do think it’s a little harder to keep this cast of characters straight than some cozy mystery series, but like most cozies they can be read and understood out of order. The characters are fun, and who doesn’t love delicious cupcakes being described? I thought this mystery was ok. I felt pretty confident of who the murderer was pretty much the whole book and I was right. I had hoped for a bit stronger of red herrings, but I still enjoyed the story quite a bit. It’s the holiday season, the most busy season for cupcake shop owner Mel. Her best friend Angie’s good friend is in town to perform some Christmas song shows. While she’s a little uneasy about being replaced she meets and likes Shelby. When Shelby’s manager is killed, the second one to die suspiciously, Mel and her friends can’t help but ask some questions to ensure the murder is solved before the media tears apart Shelby and her entire career. This was a fun book with a good dose of holiday cheer.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel and Angie find themselves back in the midst of murder when an old friend of Angie's shows up in town to put on a Christmas Music Show, but with so many possible suspects and a lack of clarity on who the actual victim was meant to be, the girls and Uncle Stan are going to need to work double time to save Christmas, their friend's life and possibly even their own! Once again, a wonderfully plotted story has been presented for our reading enjoyment and I can't be happier! The characters are so well fleshed out that they seem like living, breathing people that you definitely want to be friends with or avoid depending on the character. The plot is well thought out with twists, turns and plenty of red herrings, but if you pay attention you'll find your way to the truth! I've been as addicted to this series as I am to cupcakes since the first book in the series and I am still addicted after this book! I do highly recommend that you start with book one in the series and work your way up to this one or you will miss out on tons of backstory and connecting that is brought up in this book. I must also mention that the narration of the audiobook takes an already amazing book and takes it up a notch from there! The narrator brings to life the feelings and emotions of the characters as well as their personality traits and flaws. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and I just finished this one!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet treat that made me wish it were the holidays. I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that I figured out who did it way too early. It’s okay, I still had a great time reading how we got to the answer.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite an incredibly busy holiday season, Mel and Angie can't pass up the opportunity to provide cupcakes for the VIP lounge when Angie's old friend Shelby comes to town for a Christmas showcase. On the first night of the show, Mel finds Shelby's overbearing manager dead in her dressing room. Despite having literally one million things to do, Mel feels compelled to have exonerate Shelby. After all, this is her second manager that has mysteriously died. Weird...

The mystery was good even though I guessed the culprit and the story was fun. But what the hell is with Mel and her family? Her mom: "Oh, honey, I know you are busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest, but can you host us, your brother and a total of 8 people for Christmas? And if the house could look like a Hallmark-movie, that's mandatory." (Not quite a direct quote, but close.) Then Joe: "Well, since your family is already coming, plus Shelby and her stylist, then we should also invite my parents, brothers, their partners, and children. Because why not?! It's not like you're busy." (Again not quite direct quote, but close.) And who helped prepare the celebration meal with Mel? Oz. That's it. And he didn't even stay to eat! The only other help she got was entrusting Joe's brothers to decorate for her, which naturally turned out to be a mess. That whole storyline irritated the shit out of me. They dumped a TON of work on her, and nobody popped in with help, offered to bring a dish (except for the eternally annoying Olivia), or anything. Just pushed their menus of what MUST be made toward her and gave her their dietary restrictions. I'm still pissed off on her behalf.

Overall, I enjoyed it. But Mel needs to grow a backbone.

[Cristina Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite cozy mystery series since the very first book!
I'm completely addicted! ❤️

Once again Mel seems to attract murders in this new event the Fairy Tale Cupcakes Bakery is participating: Christmas shows by the singer Shelby Vaughn a friend of Angie.

Mel, Joe, Angie, Tate, her uncle Detective Stan, her mother Joyce, the DeLaura family, especially Ray who always knows a guy, Oz, Marty and so many others quirky characters, make the reading an absolute delight!
Not forgetting the amazing delicious cupcakes!!
(Recipes included.)

And best of all I Have the Next Book waiting for me to read it right now!!!
🤩🤩🤩

[Carlymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel, Angie and Fairy Tale Cupcakes have been hired to cater in the VIP room for music star Shelby Vaughn who has come to town, on tour. When Shelby's manager is found murdered, she is the main suspect and Mel and Angie jump in to help clear the name of their friend. I really enjoy this series, with its very likable cast of characters and sweet humor. I have read all of the series and am looking forward to another visit to Fairy Tale Cupcakes in the next one.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, not my favorite mystery and I guessed whodunnit too early on

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Christmas story with my Fairy Tale cupcake favorites. There was a true Christmas miracle and I figured out the culprit well ahead of Mel. All the cupcakes at the end sound so good and I can’t wait to try out some of them.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis the season at Fairy Tale Cupcakes and Mel and Angie are catering the VIP room for a residency for Christmas for an old friend of Angie's. When Angie was on tour with Roach, she became friends with Shelby, an up and coming musician. Now Shelby is definitely on the rise, but when her manager is found dead in her dressing room, everyone's a suspect. As always, McKinlay layers humor and mystery in between delicious cupcakes in this 15th entry into the series.

I absolutely enjoyed this one, but I called the culprit during that thing with the reporter. Still, I love reading about the shenanigans of this group

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review on Fresh Fiction

I was very excited to see that the newest installment of the Cupcake Bakery Series was a Christmas themed one. I’m such a sucker for a holiday cozy mystery, so I had high hopes for this one. This story involves an up-and-coming singing sensation. However, when her manager is found dead, it’s up to Angie and the rest of the bakery crew to figure out what happened.

This holiday theme paired with the concert was really fun. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters with this concept and I definitely feel like many would like this book. It’s more light-hearted than other cozy mysteries I’ve tried, so I would recommend it to readers who want to try the genre out or those who are looking for a fun and light-hearted read.

SUGAR PLUM POISONED definitely got me in the merry spirit and now I can’t wait for my next taste of the Cupcake Bakery Series!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a holiday treat. I love spending time with Mel, Angie, and their amazing crew of friends and family. I love how they can count of any of them in a pinch and especially when they call in "the brothers". This book was filled with holiday cheer, but also murder and a LOT of Mel's plate (but what's new right?!) I have to say I figured out the murderer pretty early on (and am proud of it hehe), but it didn't take anything away from the book because I was able to "keep an eye" on them and Jenn McKinlay did so well with the red herrings that I doubted myself quite a few times. I love how fiercely Angie and Mel will protect someone they care about and it shows in this book especially. I also love how Joe and Mel work together and how he trusts her even when she is in danger. I enjoyed this book so much and already can't wait for more!

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery,especially a Christmas one.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hilarious adventure with Mel, Angie and the rest of the gang. This mystery was great and it had Jen’s trademark humor-with characters like Ray, Marty and Oz, humor is a given. Loved everything about this book!

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas time and Angie is overjoyed that a friend is to perform at a hotel in town. However when a murder happens both Mel and Angie go into overdrive to find the killer and clear the singer's name. All of the regulars appear in this book to some degree. The book was an easy read.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

Angie met Shelby when she was tagging along with a former boyfriend. Now Shelby is coming to town to do two weeks of concerts for the holiday season, and she has hired Angie & Mel to provide cupcakes for the show’s VIP guest lounge every night. When Shelby’s manager is found dead, she becomes the primary suspect, and the bakery crew set out to prove her innocence.

I have been reading – and loving – this series since the very first book, except for one book in which a decision was made that annoyed me so much I would have thrown the book across the room if it hadn’t been a library book. The was a one-off, though, and I’m back to counting this among my favorite cozy series.

The recurring characters feel like old friends by now, and I enjoy every visit with them. I have enjoyed watching relationships grow and change as the series has progressed, and appreciate how some have reached a truce with other characters so they are able to peacefully co-exist. Because so much of this book took place in/around the performance venue, many of the usual town residents were absent, and I missed some of them.

The murder victim here was not easy to like, so there were quite a few possible suspects to think about. I kept rearranging the handful of names on my mental list, but one character seemed especially likely to me. Not only did I have the right person, but I nailed the motive as well, something that doesn’t happen often.

I can’t wait to return to Arizona and the bakery for another visit with Mel, Angie, Joe, Tate, Oz and the rest.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #15 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. The usual characters that readers are familiar with are present, along with an old friend of Angie’s, Shelby Vaughn, an up-and-coming singing star. Baking cupcakes for Shelby’s two-week stint of performances, Mel and Angie have their hands full. Add the fact that it is Christmastime on top, and you have the makings of a crazy time in everyone’s life. Then, throw in a murder to make matters more interesting.

Shelby’s manager is found dead with one of Mel’s cupcakes in his hand. But that isn’t the cause of his demise. The man was murdered, and it seems there might be more than one skeleton in the closet when Shelby is accused of being the murderer. Everyone who might have wanted him dead or to ruin Shelby’s career is all center stage as suspects. Motives compromise everything from jealousy to revenge. Evidence is sketchy, but if you dig deep enough, readers will be able to pull it out of the story. No one is certain who the killer is until the very end of the book, and only after someone tries to kill Mel.

Unfortunately, I knew who the killer was immediately, but that in and of itself isn’t unusual. I enjoyed the read never-the-less. The characters are fun to learn about, and even the suspects are entertaining. I’m not sure the victim deserved his fate, but someone had to die. I enjoy holiday-themed cozies; a Christmastime cozy is especially fun. Mel’s situation with her family adds flavor to this book, and Angie’s loyalty is admirable. Of course, the cupcakes make me hungry, and I am craving a pumpkin with cream cheese frosting.

In the end, Mel saves the day with a bit of help from her husband and best friend. The Christmastime festivities are held with everyone having a wonderful time. The read is easy and well-paced, and the writing is, as usual, clean and professional. My only complaint about this book is the title. After reading the book, it felt wrong in more ways than one. That said, I spent a few relaxing hours enjoying Mel and Angie’s antics and got some great cupcake recipes I plan to try this holiday season.

[Mystic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was too over the top even for me. So easy to figure out.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this cupcake mystery series, and this entry is just as good as previous ones. In this story, a singer/celebrity friend of Angie's is in town for a Christmas show, and has a nasty manager who does not want her to connect with her old friend. After Angie and Mel have served cupcakes in the VIP room at the show, Mel is mysteriously locked into the room, but later finds the nasty manager dead....with one of her cupcakes half-eaten in his hand. Together the friends, Mel, Joe, Angie, and Tate discover who the real murderer is.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed this series. I love Mel, Angie, Tate and company, this is a holiday book set around Christmas and while I enjoyed it, for the most part, and it was well written as usual, I just found it just a bit over the top. Too much holiday, ie decorations, too many people, 50 for Christmas dinner, too much time away from the bakery and love ones ie spouces and children and too many suspects. I would have preferred something just a little slower and less crowded. That said it was good to catch up with everyone involved in the series and leave them happy at Christmas.

[Sharon Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in Jenn McKinley cupcake series and this was one of my favorites. It was so much fun catching up with the bakery family and the crazy DeLauras. Angie's friend Shelby is a performer and coming to town to entertain over the holidays. She meets Mel and they form a tight trio. The bakery is hired to provide cupcakes every night. We start to meet shady & suspicious characters and murder and mayhem ensue. So much holiday fun!

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was really good. A lot of suspects, though I thought I knew who it was, then I questioned myself. But ultimately I was right. Ray cracked me up with the Christmas lights that could probably be seen from the space station. Then they became the house where people came from all over to see. That was hilarious to me. Didn't get enough of Oz though. I love that character.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

We're firmly in holiday themed book publication season and there is a lot to choose from, but I really enjoyed the latest in one of my favorite long running cozy series. Mel, Angie, and the whole crew are prepping for the holidays and a busy bakery season on top of taking on a gig providing VIP cupcakes for one of Angie's old friends as she performs locally. Of course, there's a murder, and a great mystery plot, but half the fun of this one was watching Mel and her family connect together and celebrate.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Christmassy and cute

Loved this one! Tons of fun non mystery stop from the light display to Christmas dinner...well worth the read. I did solve this mystery early, but that did not detract from my enjoyment.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn McKinlay, once again, you continue to hit it out of the park! I’ve fallen in love with this series and will continue to do so with every fiber of my pancreas! You’re my favorite author and I hope we can have the pleasure of reading about Mel and Angie for at least another 90 years!

[Jasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful installment!! I absolutely loved spending Christmas with Mel, Angie, and the rest of the gang. Ray DeLaura definitely stole the spotlight of a few chapters, but I didn’t mind. He may be my favorite of the brothers- besides dear Joe, of course.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

I love this series and Sugar Plum Poisoned is the perfect holiday cozy mystery.
Angie and Mel are up to their elbows in cupcake baking, preparing for Christmas, and solving another murder.
This is a great addition to this sweet series, and I enjoyed it very much.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Like every book in this series, this story was super cute! It felt stiff in the beginning and as a TN girlie I was annoyed that some references to TN didn't match BUT I love these characters and it was fun to have a Christmas theme book for the series.

[Sharon Helfrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to generate the holiday spirit. So happy to spend time with my favorite cupcake bakers from Arizona.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, even though I had pretty much guessed the killer before the reveal. I love these characters, and reading a new Cupcake Bakery book is like meeting up with old friends. If you are new to the series, you could start here, but I would suggest starting from Book 1, in order to be able to appreciate the story that much more!