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Candy, Murder and Me: Cozy Mystery with Recipes: Amateur Detective and her Dog
Candy, Murder and Me is a sweet cozy mystery with recipes that's a dog lover’s delight.When Cookie Berelli, dress designer for full figured women, discovers her private investigator dead in her salon, she calls on a few friends to get her out of trouble. This cozy mystery with a dog includes a cute little dachshund she named Sigmund Freud because he's such a good listener. She has a bunch of crackpot ideas for how to catch the murderer, and Sigmund, the trustworthy dog he is, follows right along, sometimes even discovering a clue or two himself.Everyone starts to look suspicious!
- GenresMystery
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2010
31 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Chambers Clark
77 books63 followersHi,
I'm Carolyn chambers Clark, and I'm an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction. Won first place in a RWA competition and second place in a Florida State Writing competition. I won 3 Book of the Year Awards for my health-related nonfiction books.
I've been featured on BellaOnline.com, Examiner, Beacon Publications, Seattle-Post Intelligencer, St. Petersburg Times, Health Central.com and many more.
For a chuckle, click on my book videos to your left.
I'm giving away presents!
READERS: Go to https://mybookcave.com/d/bfd7fe18/ and get a free sample chapter of CANDY, MURDER & ME and the chance to win the whole book for free!
Sign up for my free Wellness Newsletter e-zine by leaving me a message @Dr.CarolynChambersClark. The last monthly edition focused on gratitude and its effect on health and wellness, with concrete suggestions for expressing gratitude
I'm Carolyn chambers Clark, and I'm an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction. Won first place in a RWA competition and second place in a Florida State Writing competition. I won 3 Book of the Year Awards for my health-related nonfiction books.
I've been featured on BellaOnline.com, Examiner, Beacon Publications, Seattle-Post Intelligencer, St. Petersburg Times, Health Central.com and many more.
For a chuckle, click on my book videos to your left.
I'm giving away presents!
READERS: Go to https://mybookcave.com/d/bfd7fe18/ and get a free sample chapter of CANDY, MURDER & ME and the chance to win the whole book for free!
Sign up for my free Wellness Newsletter e-zine by leaving me a message @Dr.CarolynChambersClark. The last monthly edition focused on gratitude and its effect on health and wellness, with concrete suggestions for expressing gratitude
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 23, 2020
3.75 Stars
Cookie, the heroine of this tale, has been implicated in embezzlement at her workplace a fashion house that designs for fuller figured women. Alas, her champion, an investigator called Sam Falcone, has been murdered and it seems that she is about to be detained as a murderer as well as an embezzler. With no skills or training, it's up to Cookie to prove her innocence and bring the real criminal to justice.
While I appreciated not having a generic gumshoe running the show, it would have been better if Cookie wasn't so much of a caricature of a larger sized woman. She is constantly (not hyperbole) pushing candy between her lips and obsessing about food. Anyone who eats that much sugar really couldn't manage all the physical activity that she undertakes during the course of her snoopery. What's more, she takes on a case without a PI license. I have a sneaking suspicion that if that came to light, she might be looking at additional legal woes.
It's probably pretty obvious that Cookie and I aren't simpatico. Perhaps we'll get on better at a later date.
Cookie, the heroine of this tale, has been implicated in embezzlement at her workplace a fashion house that designs for fuller figured women. Alas, her champion, an investigator called Sam Falcone, has been murdered and it seems that she is about to be detained as a murderer as well as an embezzler. With no skills or training, it's up to Cookie to prove her innocence and bring the real criminal to justice.
While I appreciated not having a generic gumshoe running the show, it would have been better if Cookie wasn't so much of a caricature of a larger sized woman. She is constantly (not hyperbole) pushing candy between her lips and obsessing about food. Anyone who eats that much sugar really couldn't manage all the physical activity that she undertakes during the course of her snoopery. What's more, she takes on a case without a PI license. I have a sneaking suspicion that if that came to light, she might be looking at additional legal woes.
It's probably pretty obvious that Cookie and I aren't simpatico. Perhaps we'll get on better at a later date.
April 20, 2015
Since there are other reviews that discuss the story-line, I won't be going into details of the plot. I prefer to read books blind, rather than know what to expect thanks to details leaked on the back cover or from other reviews.
I'd categorize this book as cozy mystery. Filled with fun recipes that were included in the chapter the food was mentioned in. Personally I’d prefer the recipes to be including at the end, only because I have bought books where someone had ripped out some of the recipes and since they were in the middle of the book, pages of story were taken as well.
This is first book in a series and served as a fun fast past introduction to the characters. Told from Cookie's first person point of view, you are immediately drawn into the mystery. The mystery itself is well done and not easily unraveled.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
I'd categorize this book as cozy mystery. Filled with fun recipes that were included in the chapter the food was mentioned in. Personally I’d prefer the recipes to be including at the end, only because I have bought books where someone had ripped out some of the recipes and since they were in the middle of the book, pages of story were taken as well.
This is first book in a series and served as a fun fast past introduction to the characters. Told from Cookie's first person point of view, you are immediately drawn into the mystery. The mystery itself is well done and not easily unraveled.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 18, 2011
I don't think I have ever ate so much candy while reading a book before. Good thing it was after Halloween so I had a stash to raid on hand. Candy aside, I honestly had fun reading this book. It is fast paced and crazy.
There is a fair amount of violence in the book but nothing too graphic. It is a murder mystery so some violence is to be expected. There was no heavy sex scenes even though there is a possibility of romance. No bad language so it is perfect for those who wish to read without language issues. We meet Cookie's family and I really loved the strong bond presented there. There are recipes scattered throughout the book. I liked that they were spread throughout the book, appearing wherever they were mentioned in the story. The one thing I would ask the authors to do is add an index with the titles of recipes and location of the recipe listed. Full review is on my blog.
* I reviewed this book as part of Indie of the Month. I was not compensated for my review. All opinions are my own.*
There is a fair amount of violence in the book but nothing too graphic. It is a murder mystery so some violence is to be expected. There was no heavy sex scenes even though there is a possibility of romance. No bad language so it is perfect for those who wish to read without language issues. We meet Cookie's family and I really loved the strong bond presented there. There are recipes scattered throughout the book. I liked that they were spread throughout the book, appearing wherever they were mentioned in the story. The one thing I would ask the authors to do is add an index with the titles of recipes and location of the recipe listed. Full review is on my blog.
* I reviewed this book as part of Indie of the Month. I was not compensated for my review. All opinions are my own.*
November 13, 2020
This book was my introduction to author Carolyn Chambers Clark. An amusing cozy mystery, this book tells the story of (Mafalda) Cookie Berelli. She is a dress designer for full-figured women in Florida. She was, that is, until her employer Mr. Kiekofer of Florida Fashions fired her! Somebody messed up the Spring Into Fashion Show clothes and she found her PI. Sam Falcone dead! She hired him when she was accused of embezzling. She wants to know who framed her and why. Cookie decides to join forces with Falcone's assistant, Rhonda Roddenberry. Together they do some dangerous amateur sleuthing. Cookie avoids bullets and even finds herself driving a Xeldorf Chemicals truck! Cookie is a spunky character with an interesting family including her brother, Joey. This looks like the beginning of an entertaining series.
March 7, 2023
I DNF this book - it takes way too long to really start. Cookie is not a great character, with her constantly eating candy, thinking about food and what to eat, and dodging the cops who are working on solving the murder of her PI. I made it about 30% into the book before I gave up. 30% was too long to deal with the constant complaining - my boss is awful, my landlord is bad, my mom is mean, my brother is a frat bro, my coworker was arrested, the cops think I did it, etc. on top of the scared other character (the PI's secretary) who basically violated all of the rules by giving Cookie access to all of the PI files. I completely get that cozy mysteries are not real life, and that this is fiction, but good grief, it has to have some level of relatability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
Great for laughter, a hero dachshund and yummy recipes
This was a hilarious story of two self-appointed amateur sleuths and how they took on a killer to figure out why a PI was killed and clear Cookie Berelli of a false embezzlement claim. I loved how Cookie managed to have some kind of candy available at all times. I really fell in love with her awesome little dachshund named Sigmund, who seemed able to give her advice on anything. He also played a big part in taking down the killer. I'm hoping there will be another book coming out soon.
This was a hilarious story of two self-appointed amateur sleuths and how they took on a killer to figure out why a PI was killed and clear Cookie Berelli of a false embezzlement claim. I loved how Cookie managed to have some kind of candy available at all times. I really fell in love with her awesome little dachshund named Sigmund, who seemed able to give her advice on anything. He also played a big part in taking down the killer. I'm hoping there will be another book coming out soon.
November 13, 2020
Loved this story. The storyline was great and the characters and all fit together so nicely. It is funny, surprising, suspenseful, intriguing, emotional and so much more. A book you just can't put down. The dog is funny. Goes along with her and even finds clues with her. About a murder she is accused of and the ones she calls in to help solve it. I recommend it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
February 5, 2020
An enjoyable read with a few afronts the mane character is vibrant but inconsistent the story itself is fast paced from the start and carries through to I'ts finish full of intreage mystery dappled with humor. Now I'ts your turn to aquier a copy and start enjoying "Candy Murder &Me " as much as I have 🤔😏Kat
October 31, 2020
fun characters and 2 murders solved including catching a hit man. Loved the heroine using cany to calm her nerves.
November 19, 2020
2 star
More annoyed than satisfied by the read. Has potential in the ideas, but needs more revision and attention to detail in the implementation. She calls 911 about the body but keeps stressing she's in trouble she hadn't called the cops. The entire point of 911 is combined emergency services. The guy from the opening is just not mentioned again. This is just a few examples. The ending scene felt like it didn't properly match the events of the book I read. So confusing.
More annoyed than satisfied by the read. Has potential in the ideas, but needs more revision and attention to detail in the implementation. She calls 911 about the body but keeps stressing she's in trouble she hadn't called the cops. The entire point of 911 is combined emergency services. The guy from the opening is just not mentioned again. This is just a few examples. The ending scene felt like it didn't properly match the events of the book I read. So confusing.
May 7, 2015
This book was way too girly for me. I mean, every fucking chapter had some recipe for foodstuffs. Like I fucking care. I don't even know what the fuck those recipes were doing there. What did they add to the story? Absolutely nothing. If anything, it just distracted from the story.
This book is about a murder mystery. Some ditzy woman aptly named 'Cookie', finds her P.I. dead in her clothing design studio. And the cops think she did it. Because the P.I. was investigating some embezzlement case that Cookie was involved in.
So, of course Cookie has to take up the P.I. business herself, and find out who really killed Mr. Falcone. Now that's a mob name, if I ever heard one. And sure enough, the guy was seriously involved in the mob. That's one way to get yourself killed fast. Dumbass.
Cookie goes to Mr. Falcone's office and digs through his files, to see if she can find any leads into his murder. Mr. Falcone's assistant helps her out and gives her some stupid ideas about how to be a good detective. You know, like getting a fucking gun, and trying not to shoot yourself with it.
The story continues on and on with Cookie and her new friend checking out all of Mr. Falcone's recent cases. Most of which were guys trying to find out if their wives were cheating on them. Of course they're cheating. If you think they're cheating, they are. Period. Because they fucking hate you.
Then she comes across a case involving a chemical company that may be dumping toxic waste. So she starts investigating by breaking into their offices, and promptly gets shot at. She escapes, and nearly gets run off the road by 'the guy with the golden tooth', straight out of fucking James Bond.
In the end, Cookie got all the answers she needed from the bad guy. He confronted her, gun in hand, and insisted that she hand over the evidence. But no. She started singing off tune instead. Oh shit. MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE, I'LL DO ANYTHING! JUST MAKE IT STOP!. So he ended up telling her everything. Because the pain in his ear holes was just too much to take. Really? What kind of murderous pussy are you, guy? Damn.
This book reminds me a lot of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. Where some ditzy broad takes up some profession she clearly doesn't belong in. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I mean, just about every book out there is derivative in some way or another.
I can't say that I hated this book. But I didn't like it either. Which is strange, because I rather liked the Stephanie Plum novels which are quite similar. The problem I found with this book was that it was just too repetitive. And too fucking girly. And no sexual tension. It was kind of a taco fest, because there weren't really any guys in the story. Just dead ones. And it's hard to build sexual tension around a dead guy.
This book is about a murder mystery. Some ditzy woman aptly named 'Cookie', finds her P.I. dead in her clothing design studio. And the cops think she did it. Because the P.I. was investigating some embezzlement case that Cookie was involved in.
So, of course Cookie has to take up the P.I. business herself, and find out who really killed Mr. Falcone. Now that's a mob name, if I ever heard one. And sure enough, the guy was seriously involved in the mob. That's one way to get yourself killed fast. Dumbass.
Cookie goes to Mr. Falcone's office and digs through his files, to see if she can find any leads into his murder. Mr. Falcone's assistant helps her out and gives her some stupid ideas about how to be a good detective. You know, like getting a fucking gun, and trying not to shoot yourself with it.
The story continues on and on with Cookie and her new friend checking out all of Mr. Falcone's recent cases. Most of which were guys trying to find out if their wives were cheating on them. Of course they're cheating. If you think they're cheating, they are. Period. Because they fucking hate you.
Then she comes across a case involving a chemical company that may be dumping toxic waste. So she starts investigating by breaking into their offices, and promptly gets shot at. She escapes, and nearly gets run off the road by 'the guy with the golden tooth', straight out of fucking James Bond.
In the end, Cookie got all the answers she needed from the bad guy. He confronted her, gun in hand, and insisted that she hand over the evidence. But no. She started singing off tune instead. Oh shit. MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE, I'LL DO ANYTHING! JUST MAKE IT STOP!. So he ended up telling her everything. Because the pain in his ear holes was just too much to take. Really? What kind of murderous pussy are you, guy? Damn.
This book reminds me a lot of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. Where some ditzy broad takes up some profession she clearly doesn't belong in. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I mean, just about every book out there is derivative in some way or another.
I can't say that I hated this book. But I didn't like it either. Which is strange, because I rather liked the Stephanie Plum novels which are quite similar. The problem I found with this book was that it was just too repetitive. And too fucking girly. And no sexual tension. It was kind of a taco fest, because there weren't really any guys in the story. Just dead ones. And it's hard to build sexual tension around a dead guy.
March 27, 2015
Sam T. Falcone (PI) had been murdered in Cookie Berelli (fashion designer, Sloan Technical Institute of Dress Design, narrator) at her Queendom clothing design studio.
Sergeant Denny Dennehy questioned her.
Cookie had actually just hired Sam. Her boss Alfred Al W. Kiekhofer had accused her of embezzlement.
Cookie was released for now & started her own investigation of the murder.
1st stop to talk with Rhonda Roddenberry (Sam’s former assistant).
Cookie & Rhonda rented another office from Mr. Swenson (manager) & started their own PI business.
Rhonda was investigating Cookie case & Cookie (Mafalda) Sam’s murder,
Al Kiekhofer, Xeldorf's Chemical Plant, Sheldon Weinstein (President Xeldorf's CP), Max Xeldorf & the EPA clues up.
Rose Falcone (widow) had been whacked also.
Will Cookie & Rhonda solve the murder mysteries?
What about the Xeldorf's Chemical Plant?
Norma (pg. 43; Norman), Igrabbed (pg. 94) Ipopped (pg. 149)
The crime mystery books I have read before the recipes were in the back. They also had pets. This was kind of neat & different. Raisins in UR meat-a-ballsas’, uh,
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, cool map, great font & writing style. A
very well written who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. Recipes & pet lovers included. This could also make another great movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. To be continued. Wasn’t pins/needles but I like it. That said I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Sergeant Denny Dennehy questioned her.
Cookie had actually just hired Sam. Her boss Alfred Al W. Kiekhofer had accused her of embezzlement.
Cookie was released for now & started her own investigation of the murder.
1st stop to talk with Rhonda Roddenberry (Sam’s former assistant).
Cookie & Rhonda rented another office from Mr. Swenson (manager) & started their own PI business.
Rhonda was investigating Cookie case & Cookie (Mafalda) Sam’s murder,
Al Kiekhofer, Xeldorf's Chemical Plant, Sheldon Weinstein (President Xeldorf's CP), Max Xeldorf & the EPA clues up.
Rose Falcone (widow) had been whacked also.
Will Cookie & Rhonda solve the murder mysteries?
What about the Xeldorf's Chemical Plant?
Norma (pg. 43; Norman), Igrabbed (pg. 94) Ipopped (pg. 149)
The crime mystery books I have read before the recipes were in the back. They also had pets. This was kind of neat & different. Raisins in UR meat-a-ballsas’, uh,
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, cool map, great font & writing style. A
very well written who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. Recipes & pet lovers included. This could also make another great movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. To be continued. Wasn’t pins/needles but I like it. That said I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 6, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Candy, Murder and Me” is an entertaining mystery story where a candy-addict dress designer investigates the murder of her PI.
Since the very beginning you enter a loony world where the illogical makes perfect sense.
The writing style supports a quick an easy reading, where the tempo is dictated by the main character’s sudden need for candies and her fashion obsession.
The prose, simple and neat, perfectly fits the main character, Cookie. It gives space to the entertaining, eccentric and adorable personality of Cookie, without falling into an illogical and unreadable excess.
Cookie’s eyes give the reader a light, witty and sweet vision of her world and experiences, smoothly easing the reader through the thrilling and scary moments with copiously filled pockets.
Cookie’s friendship with Rhonda adds layers to her personality, and strengthen the reader’s attachment, creating a deep character, despite the light and frivolous first facet.
An enjoyable book, heavy on the calories and light in the spirit.
“Candy, Murder and Me” is an entertaining mystery story where a candy-addict dress designer investigates the murder of her PI.
Since the very beginning you enter a loony world where the illogical makes perfect sense.
The writing style supports a quick an easy reading, where the tempo is dictated by the main character’s sudden need for candies and her fashion obsession.
The prose, simple and neat, perfectly fits the main character, Cookie. It gives space to the entertaining, eccentric and adorable personality of Cookie, without falling into an illogical and unreadable excess.
Cookie’s eyes give the reader a light, witty and sweet vision of her world and experiences, smoothly easing the reader through the thrilling and scary moments with copiously filled pockets.
Cookie’s friendship with Rhonda adds layers to her personality, and strengthen the reader’s attachment, creating a deep character, despite the light and frivolous first facet.
An enjoyable book, heavy on the calories and light in the spirit.
August 28, 2012
This is a well written book, characters are described exceptionally well, and you can immediately have a clear picture in your mind of how they look like. This is a fun, informative and very enjoyable book to read. This book was written by talented writers, from whom, I ‘m willing to learn the art of writing good books. It is a very good book to read, I recommend this book to readers and authors alike. Well done! Carolyn you have done a great job again.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews