Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Death on Tap
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Kate Dyer-Seeley [from sketchwriter; looks like this may actually be her name, as she has a detailed entry at LinkedIn; Alexander may be a pseudonym]
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.elliealexander.co/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY: American
Pacific Northwest native. Agent: Erika Albright. http://www.bluevaser.com/ [from sketchwriter: no address; describes herself as a publicist and casting agent]
RESEARCHER NOTES:
IMPORTANT: This originally listed main name as Alexander, Ellie, but that is a pseudonym for Kate Dyer-Seeley, who has several other titles under her own name. With BP approval, I changed that to her main name, with Alexander as the pseudonym.
PERSONAL
Married; children: Luke.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon Chapter, communication and public policy coordinator, 2009-11; Broadsheet360 (online magazine), Portland, OR, chief innovation officer, beginning 2011.
AVOCATIONS:Hiking, baking.
MEMBER:Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Willamette Writers Association.
WRITINGS
Contributor to periodicals, including Climbing, Columbian, Oregonian, Portland Family, Seattle Backpacker, and Vancouver Voice.
SIDELIGHTS
Kate Dyer-Seeley moved from Florida to Washington State as a preschooler. She grew up in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, the volcano that exploded in 1980 and continued to disrupt life in the region for several years thereafter. In the early years of the new millennium, Dyer-Seeley’s world was further disrupted. While experiencing the joy of pregnancy, she was also caring for her mother, who had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother lingered until 2006, losing one function after another just as her son was developing his. A few years later Dyer-Seeley became the communication and policy coordinator for the Oregon chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For the next few years, she devoted herself to research, public speaking, and fundraising on behalf of families coping with this cruel disease, and she wrote the memoir Underneath the Ash: My Journey into Motherhood while Losing My Mother. Then Dyer-Seeley turned her attention to two other, very different, passions: the outdoor beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the fascinating allure of the baker’s kitchen.
"Pacific Northwest" Mysteries
The Pacific Northwest is an adventurer’s paradise. Dyer-Seeley has experienced much of it firsthand, and she wanted to share its beauty with the world. In an interview posted at Christa Nardi’s Blog, the author described her “Pacific Northwest” series as “a love letter to … the beautiful places.” Dyer-Seeley, who makes no claim to athletic prowess, created a protagonist with a similar lack of expertise “so that readers can learn along with her.”
Meg Reed is a recent college graduate in need of a job. When the editor of an extreme sports magazine learns that her late father was an award-winning journalist, he decides to take a chance on Meg, but she will need more than good luck to succeed. Each adventure is complicated by a suspicious death, a plethora of plausible suspects, and personal danger. Readers get to know Meg’s friends and family: her quirky grandmother, her best friend and potential love interest Matt Parker, and her editor Greg, whose background may be harboring more than meets the eye. Another continuing thread in the series is Meg’s growing suspicion that her father’s apparently accidental death may warrant more serious investigation.
In Scene of the Climb, Meg covers a climb to Angel’s Rest with the crew of a reality television show, witnesses the body of a contestant falling from the 2,000-foot bluff above the Columbia River Gorge, and realizes that she could be next. Slayed on the Slopes takes Meg along with the high-altitude Ridge Rangers rescue team on a weekend training retreat, only to be trapped in a blizzard with an unidentified killer. Whether covering a windsurfing exhibition on the Hood River, an extreme “mud run” obstacle race at Fort Vancouver National Park, or a trip into the subterranean Lava River Caves, Meg thrills her fans with every new assignment. She “may act impulsively and lead with her heart more than her head,” wrote Cynthia Chow in her review of In Cave Danger in Kings River Life, “but she continues to be a vulnerable and sympathetic character.” Critics enjoyed the murder mysteries, the dynamic of Meg’s circle of friends, and (overwhelmingly) her evocative descriptions of the beautiful Pacific outdoors. Several readers singled out the helpful sporting tips and tourism highlights that appear at the end of each volume.
"Bakeshop" Mysteries
Dyer-Seeley has another passion, but she adopted the pseudonym Ellie Alexander to write about it. The “Bakeshop” mysteries take place, for the most part, in the quaint tourist town of Ashland, Oregon, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (an actual annual event founded in 1935). The star of the series is Juliet Montague “Jules” Capshaw, who returns from ten years as the pastry chef on a cruise ship to manage her mother’s bakery. She is not expecting a side dish of murder.
More than a half-dozen sweet mysteries await Alexander’s growing fan base. In Meet the Baker, the murder victim is a Festival administrator so thoroughly disliked that any one of the colorful cast or crew members could be the killer. A Batter of Life and Death revolves around the murder of a contestant in a local baking contest sponsored by a television reality channel. On Thin Icing takes place at an Alpine lodge while the Festival is on winter hiatus, and hearty comfort foods are on the menu until Jules discovers a body in the freezer. Caught Bread Handed features a community crisis over a gaudy fast-food restaurant threatening the quaint Shakespearean ambience of the local town square. Additional installments follow the seasons and the Festival schedule as Jules reunites with former high-school boyfriend Thomas, now a local detective, while her estranged husband, the dashing Spanish cruise ship chef Carlos, tries to win her back.
Reviewers welcomed the pastry-themed mysteries, and they especially appreciated the bonus recipes at the end of each volume. Readers became invested in the trials and tribulations of Jules’s extended family and friends. Whereas the “Pacific Northwest” mystery series extolled the beauty of the rugged outdoors, “Bakeshop” shines a spotlight on one of the historical small towns and theme-style villages that attract millions of less athletic visitors to the Northwest each year. A reviewer of Caught Bread Handed at Rainy Day Ramblings echoed comments by fans of the entire ongoing series: “I love the characters, the town, the bakery and most of all the food.” Cynthia Chow, who reviewed several volumes in Kings River Life, including Another One Bites the Crust, said: “What makes this series so enjoyable is how it perfectly balances the small-town vibe and details with a realistic police investigation.”
Dyer-Seeley launched two new series in 2018. The “Rose City” mystery series is set in the eponymous city of Portland. Britta Johnston works at Blooma, her aunt’s floral boutique. She hopes for a fresh start after leaving a failed marriage and stagnant job, but the neighborhood ambience is tense. A developer has eyes on her aunt’s waterfront property, and dead roses are popping up everywhere. Then the developer’s body is found murdered, apparently with Aunt Elin’s garden shears, and Britta must freelance as a detective to find the killer.
Ellie Alexander is credited as the author of the “Sloan Krause” mystery series, which begins with Death on Tap. The volume features the town of Leavenworth, Washington, an actual Bavarian-style village tucked into the Cascade Mountains. Sloane works at the microbrewery of her adopted family until she catches her husband with a barmaid. She flees to the competition, the Nitro small-batch nanobrewery. When a body is found in a Nitro brewing tank, Sloane’s philandering husband is suspected of murder, but Sloane knows he couldn’t be the killer. A Kirkus Reviews contributor reported that Death on Tap offers “oodles of beer lore, plenty of pleasant characters, and a stronger mystery than usual.” A Publishers Weekly commentator noted the allure of the beer-flavored pastries and wished that “the recipes weren’t a mystery.”
BIOCRIT
BOOKS
Dyer-Seeley, Kate, Underneath the Ash: My Journey into Motherhood While Losing My Mother, Broadsheet 360 (Portland, OR), 2011.
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2017, review of A Crime of Passion Fruit; August 1, 2017, review of Death on Tap.
Publishers Weekly, August 7, 2017, review of Death on Tap, p. 52.
ONLINE
A Bookish Way of Life, http://abookishwayoflife.blogspot.com/ (January 10, 2017), review of Fudge & Jury.
Books Are Life–Vita Libri, https://booksarelifevitalibri.wordpress.com/ (August 21, 2016), review of Slayed on the Slopes.
Buried under Books, https://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/ (March 6, 2016), Lelia Taylor, review of Meet Your Baker.
Caramel Files, https://thecaramelfiles.com/ (September 20, 2017), review of A Batter of Life and Death.
Carstairs Considers, http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/ (January 26, 2016), Mark Baker, review of Slayed on the Slopes; (January 26, 2017), Mark Baker, review of Silenced in the Surf; (June 20, 2017), review of First Degree Mudder.
Christa Nardi’s Blog, http://christanardi.blogspot.com/ (April 7, 2015), author interview.
Criminal Element, https://www.criminalelement.com/ (June 29, 2015), Kerry Hammond, review of A Batter of Life and Death; July 14, 2016, author interview.
Ellie Alexander Website, https://www.elliealexander.co (Maych 11, 2018).
Escape with Dolly Cas, https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/ (April 28, 2015), Lori Caswell, review of Slayed on the Slopes.
Fresh Fiction, http://freshfiction.com/ (April 5, 2015), Leanne Davis, review of Scene of the Climb; (June 23, 2015), Viki Ferrell, review of A Batter of Life and Death; (January 5, 2017), Clare O’Beara, review of First Degree Mudder.
In Bed With Books, http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/ (January 11, 2017), Liviana Smith, review of Fudge & Jury.
Kate Dyer-Seeley Website, http://www.katedyerseeley.com (March 11, 2018).
Kings River Life, http://kingsriverlife.com/ (March 26, 2016), Cynthia Chow, review of Silenced in the Surf; (November 26, 2016), Cynthia Chow, review of First Degree Mudder; (February 3, 2018), Cynthia Chow, review of In Cave Danger; (February 10, 2018), Cynthia Chow, review of Another One Bites the Crust.
Lit Bitch, https://thelitbitch.com/ (January 25, 2018), review of Another One Bites the Crust.
MJB Reviews, https://mjbreviewers.wordpress.com/ (December 17, 2017), review of In Cave Danger.
Mysteries Etc., http://mysteriesetc.blogspot.com/ (January 4, 2016), review of On Thin Icing.
Portland Book Review, http://portlandbookreview.com/ (October 7, 2014), review of Scene of the Climb.
Rainy Day Ramblings, http://www.rainydayramblings.com/ (August 1, 2016), review of Caught Bread Handed.
Reactions to Reading, https://reactionstoreading.com/ (January 15, 2017), Bernadette Bean, review of Scene of the Climb.
Writing Pearls, http://writingpearls.com/ (June 11, 2015), Jessica Samuelson, review of Meet Your Baker; (June 22, 2016), Jessica Samuelson, review of On Thin Icing; (June 27, 2017), Jessica Samuelson, review of A Crime of Passion Fruit.
About the Author
Murder mystery author, Ellie Alexander, is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing a multitude of pastry and other recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, or hard at work on the next book in one of her mystery series, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.
5
About the Mysteries
Author of the best-selling Bakeshop Mystery Series (St. Martin’s Press) set in the beautiful southern Oregon town of Ashland, as well as the Sloan Krause Mystery Series set in Bavarian paradise of Leavenworth, Washington. In addition to the murder and intrigue, each book in the mystery series contains delicious recipes. Ellie also writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series and Rose City Mystery Series (Kensington Books) as Kate Dyer-Seeley.
Ellie Alexander, author of the Bakeshop Mystery Series (St. Martin's Press), is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her here:
Blog: http://www.bakeshopmystery.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexanderauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BakeshopMystery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexander
From sketchwriter:
Bakeshop Mystery Series by Ellie Alexander
Meet Your Baker: A Bakeshop MysteryDec 30, 2014
Another One Bites the Crust: A Bakeshop MysteryJan 2, 2018
Till Death Do Us Tart: A Bakeshop MysteryJun 26, 2018
Torte―the small-town bakeshop no one can resist―is hosting a midsummer night’s wedding . . . where merry-making and murder are served up in equal measure.
Jules Capshaw has too much on her plate―and she’s feeling the pinch: the whole town of Ashland,Oregon, is in on the surprise Elizabethan-themed wedding she’s planning for her mom and soon-to-be stepdad. But is her secret scheme half-baked? She’s hiding racks overflowing with sweet treats while Torte is topsy-turvy with a major remodel and the return of Jules’s estranged husband, Carlos. And until now, Jules had no clue about the bitter family feud that has her friend Lance frazzled and suspicious. But when a party crasher takes someone out with a serving of poisoned wine and Jules discovers the deadly cup was intended for her, it’s time to turn the tables on a killer.
...
A Crime of Passion Fruit: A Bakeshop MysteryJun 27, 2017
Fudge and Jury (A Bakeshop Mystery)Jan 3, 2017
Caught Bread Handed: A Bakeshop MysteryJun 28, 2016
A Batter of Life and Death: A Bakeshop MysteryJun 30, 2015
On Thin Icing: A Bakeshop MysteryDec 29, 2015
Sloan Krause Mystery Series by by Ellie Alexander
nothing
Pacific Northwest Mystery Series by Dyer-Seeley
Scene of the Climb (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)Jun 3, 2014
Silenced in the Surf (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)Mar 29, 2016
Slayed on the Slopes (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)Mar 31, 2015
In Cave Danger (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)Nov 28, 2017
First Degree Mudder (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)Nov 29, 2016
Rose City Mystery Series by Dyer-Seeley
Natural Thorn Killer (A Rose City Mystery)Mar 27, 2018
by Kate Dyer-Seeley
Mass Market Paperback
$7.99 $ 7 99 Prime
Available for Pre-order. This item will be released by Kensington Books on March 27, 2018.
Amazon.com: ut down among the flowers . . .
Britta Johnston might be a late bloomer, but after leaving her deadbeat husband and dead-end job, she’s finally pursuing her artistic passion at her aunt Elin’s floral boutique, Blooma, in Portland, Oregon. It’s on the banks of the Willamette, in a quaint district of cobblestone paths and cherry trees. The wine bar featuring Pacific Northwest vintages is a tasty bonus, offering another kind of bouquet to enjoy. But things aren’t as peaceful as they look.
For one thing, someone’s been leaving dead roses around—and a sleazy real estate developer who wants the waterfront property has put a big-money offer on the table. Then, after a contentious meeting of local business owners, he’s found on the floor of the shop, with Elin’s garden shears planted in his chest. And before the police decide to pin the crime on her beloved aunt, Britta will have to find out who arranged this murder . . .
About the Author
Kate Dyer-Seeley is the author of Scene of the Climb, Slayed on the Slopes, Silenced in the Surf, First Degree Mudder, and In Cave Danger in the Pacific Northwest Mystery series, as well as the memoir Underneath the Ash. Her writing has appeared in Climbing Magazine, The Oregonian, The Columbian, Portland Family Magazine, and The Vancouver Voice. She is an active member of the Willamette Writers Association and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Visit her website at katedyerseeley.com.
Underneath the Ash: My Journey into Motherhood While Losing My MotherNov 26, 2011, Broadsheet 360
by Kate E. Dyer-Seeley
In her early thirties with the birth of her first child, Kate Dyer-Seeley is suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver for her mom, who is suffering from Young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As Kate’s son, Luke, takes his first steps, her mother struggles to stand. As Luke’s language begins to blossom, her mother’s words disappear. Kate must learn how to care for their ever-changing needs. To compound matters, Kate has become the family spokesperson and advocate for her mother’s care. She begrudgingly takes on this duty while her extended family refuses to accept the circumstances. Set in the Pacific Northwest with an erupting Mount St. Helens, Underneath the Ash is much more than a story solely about Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the story of how the deterioration of one person can mirror the deterioration that misunderstanding and denial create in families. It’s the universal story of mother loss, the journey into motherhood and how we assimilate the two.
Note: Son Luke, husband may be named Gordy.
About the Author
Kate serves as a national Alzheimer’s advocate and speaker and is the Communications and Public Policy Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter. She works with her state and local representatives on Alzheimer’s research, care, and funding issues and is also a member of the speakers’ bureau for the Alzheimer’s Association. In February of 2008, she was the keynote speaker at the Association’s Western Regional Conference. In May, she traveled to Washington, DC, to share this story with members of Congress. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series for Kensington Publishing, featuring a young journalist, Meg Reed, who bills herself as an intrepid adventurer in order to land a gig writing for Northwest Extreme. Only Meg’s idea of sport is climbing onto the couch without spilling her latte.
Kate’s work has appeared in a variety of regional and international publications including: The Columbian, The Vancouver Voice, Seattle Backpacker, Portland Family Magazine, and Climbing Magazine.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, where you can find her hitting the trail, at an artisan coffee shop, or at her favorite pub. Better yet—all three.
Kate Dyer-Seeley
Chief Innovation Officer at Broadsheet360
Self-Employed
Portland, Oregon Area
---
Experience
Self-Employed
Writer/Editor
Company Name Self-Employed
Dates Employed Jul 2011 – Present Employment Duration 6 yrs 9 mos
Location Portland, Oregon Area
I'm a freelance writer and editor at Broadsheet360. My writing has been featured in a variety of regional, national, and international publications, and my first book "Underneath the Ash" was published in 2011. I'm fast at work on my second novel, and getting ready to launch Broadsheet360, an online perspectives magazine this fall.
Broadsheet360
Chief Innovation Officer
Company Name Broadsheet360
Dates Employed Jul 2011 – Present Employment Duration 6 yrs 9 mos
Location Portland, Oregon Area
Broadsheet360 is an online magazine where we dive into topics and points of view designed to provoke connections, conversations, and possibly change your perspective.
Alzheimer's Association Oregon Chapter
Communication and Public Policy Coordinator
Company Name Alzheimer's Association Oregon Chapter
Dates Employed Jan 2009 – Jul 2011 Employment Duration 2 yrs 7 mos
In my role I recruit advocates, support local and national legislation, and educate elected officials on the impact of the disease on family members and caregivers. I also coordinate public relations, media relations, marketing, and public policy activities across the state of Oregon. The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer's research in the world. At the Association we're working to raise awareness about this growing public health threat.
Q&A with Ellie Alexander, Author of Caught Bread Handed
CRIME HQ and ELLIE ALEXANDER
We peppered Ellie Alexander, author of Caught Bread Handed, with some questions and she was gracious enough to spice up our blog with some delicious answers about her Bakeshop Mystery series, her recipes, and more!
Torte is the bakeshop owned by the Capshaw family. Are there any real life bakeries that inspired Torte?
Yes! In fact, there are quite a few bakeries that have inspired Torte. The series is set in Ashland, Oregon, which is one of my favorite places. The town is designed with Elizabethan architecture and centers around the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. There’s a great artisan coffee shop and bakery on the plaza, Mix, where I imagine Torte would sit because it has a fabulous view of all of the action downtown. I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with professional bakers through writing the series, and my pastry “muse” is Tier Catering. They craft gorgeous, elegant cakes and pastries that are works of art and taste divine.
As a baker, Jules Capshaw is constantly making delicious treats. Do you have a favorite dessert or treat?
That’s a tough question. Do I have to pick one? Like Jules, I’m constantly baking and testing new recipes for the books. Many of the recipes that end up in the books are old family favorites. Food can be memory, and one of my best memories is of my Mom’s raspberry Danish. She would make it on Saturday mornings, and I used to think it took hours to bake because waiting for a slice of the gooey raspberry deliciousness was agony. Then, I made it as an adult and realized it only takes thirty minutes.
How do you decide which recipes to include in your books?
I don’t work on any recipes until after I finish a first draft. I keep a notepad next to my computer and will jot down potential recipes. Once I have a completed first draft, I set it aside and don’t look at it for a few months. During that time, I review my notes and start testing recipes. I want food to feel like a character in the books, so I spend a lot of time making sure the recipes match the tone of the book.
For example, I set the third book in the series, On Thin Icing, at a remote high alpine lodge in the dead of winter, so all of the recipes in that book are hearty—things like tomato orange soup and roasted rosemary chicken. Usually, I have too many recipes, and I get a ton of reader feedback about things that Jules mentions as she baking but don’t make the final cut. It’s so fun to hear what resonates with readers, and I have a running list of recipes for future books.
I’ve seen some pictures of you sketching out your books. What can you tell our readers about your writing process?
I always start my initial sketches with the actual murder. Then, I map out my list of suspects and what each of them are lying about or hiding. I find that giving every suspect a secret helps misdirect readers and naturally embeds red herrings into the story. Maybe a suspect is lying about sneaking around the back alley because they are the killer, or maybe they are just addicted to Jules’s double chocolate cookies and are stealing them from the back entrance to the bakeshop. After I have my suspect list, I plot out each act and then write about a twenty to thirty page outline. It’s interesting to look back and see how the final books end up really close to my initial sketches.
Caught Bread Handed is the 4th book in your Bakeshop Mystery series. How has Jules changed over the course of the series?
Jules has really found her stride running Torte, the family bakeshop, and being back in her childhood town of Ashland, Oregon. So much of her story is about coming home. I love getting to explore the idea of whether we can really ever go home again and how the idea of home changes and evolves as we change and evolve. I think it’s one of the things that makes her such a strong heroine. That and her incredible ability in the kitchen of course!
The Bakeshop Mysteries are set in Ashland, Oregon, the home of Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Do you have a favorite Shakespeare play?
My dad is a huge Shakespeare buff. He taught Shakespeare and can quote almost any sonnet on command. When I was younger, my parents threw a Midsummer Night’s Dream party where all of our friends and neighbors came in full Elizabethan costumes and dined under the stars. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the play because it felt so magical to me. Reading it as an adult (kind of like baking my mom’s super easy Raspberry Danish) made me realize why it felt so magical—it’s a play all about magic and fairies! No wonder I loved it.
What would be your murder weapon of choice?
A rolling pin! It has to be a rolling pin. I was interviewing a professional pastry chef a while back and when she showed me her marble rolling pin I thought, now there’s a murder weapon. I haven’t killed anyone off with a rolling pin yet, but just wait. I mean, could there be a better way to bump someone off in a bakeshop than with a marble rolling pin?
Tell us about Caught Bread Handed. What can readers expect in this newest Bakeshop Mystery?
I’m so excited to share this book with readers. Jules is back in Ashland and business is booming at Torte, as the town enjoys the last few weeks of calm before the launch of the new season at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Jules is up to her elbows in bread dough. The bakeshop has taken on additional wholesale accounts during the off season and is preparing for the Chocolate Festival. And, to complicate matters, her husband, Carlos, has shown up unexpectedly.
Ashland is known for its Tudor style architecture and its shops and restaurants themed after Shakespearean characters, like Puck’s Pub. The downtown plaza has strict guidelines about maintaining its old English design standards, so when a chain restaurant with hideous green and orange neon signage moves in, no one is happy. In fact, the owner of the new chain ends up murdered and everyone in town is a suspect.
If you could pick any famous detective to help Jules solve the murders in Ashland, who would you choose?
I think I would have to go with Sherlock Holmes. I have a feeling that he would fit right in with Ashland’s eclectic artistic community of playwrights and actors. He would feel at home in Ashland’s charming downtown. No one would raise an eyebrow if they spotted him strolling the cobblestone streets with his pipe and deerstalker cap. Sherlock is known for his aloof attitude when it comes to personal relationships, but I think that Jules and her mom, Helen, would butter him up with their delicious pastries and have him spilling all of his secrets!
What is one imaginary snack that you would love to try? (Examples: Butterbeer from Harry Potter, Turkish delight from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, etc.)
One of my favorite books growing up was Little House on the Prairie, and I remember drooling over the Molasses Snow Candy that Laura and Mary made whenever it snowed. Basically, it involved pouring hot molasses on snow and letting it melt. I begged my mom to let me try and make it one winter when I was a kid, and I was quite disappointed with the result. I’m sure that molasses would have been a special treat growing up in the 1800s, but not so much these days.
Do you have a favorite mystery book?
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It’s one of the first mysteries I read, and I was so impressed and in awe of how she crafted such a layered and entwined plot. It definitely inspired me to want to write mysteries.
What is the last book you read that you wish you had written instead?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Not only do I wish that I had written it, but I wish I could go back in time before I read it, just so I could read it again for the first time. It’s a beautiful book, and I’m a sucker for anything set during World War II, but as a writer, what’s stunning to me is that the entire book is written in letter form. It’s a masterpiece!
I know you are working on more Bakeshop Mystery books. Any hints for our readers about what’s in Jules’s future?
I have many more culinary adventures in store for Jules. In the next book, Fudge and Jury, which will come out in early 2017, she and her team at Torte are going to be one of the showcase vendors at Ashland’s annual Chocolate Fest. My office was dripped with photos of chocolate while I was working on the book, and I had the oh-so-tough job of tasting lots and lots of chocolate. If you’re a chocolate fan, then this book is for you! After that, Jules is going to be heading back to the seas for a quick stint on the cruise ship in Book Six.
What’s the one recipe from Caught Bread Handed that you can’t wait for readers to try?
I’m excited for readers to try Jules’s recipe for Lemon Olive Oil Cake. It’s the perfect cake for summer. It’s light and airy with a fantastic tang from fresh Meyer lemons and a hint of spice from the olive oil. My official taste testers (AKA my middle schooler and husband) devoured it.
I know that in the second Bakeshop Mystery, A Batter of Life and Death, Jules competed on a baking reality show. How do you think she would do on a real cooking reality show like Chopped or Cupcake Wars?
She would win it all, of course! Actually, I think she would be a great contestant on a reality cooking show because she’s very level-headed. Having worked as a professional pastry chef for over ten years, I don’t think that she would let the pressure get to her. And, she’s insanely talented when it comes to the culinary arts. I’d love to give her a Chopped basket and see what she would create. Come to think of it, maybe that’s a future plot line!
What is your recipe for a great mystery?
1 vile victim
5-6 cagey suspects
1 cunning and crafty sleuth
A recurring cast of rich characters
A page-turning plot
Copious amounts of mouth-watering food
excerpt of interview posted April 7, 2015
Interview with Kate Dyer-Seeley:
1. In Slayed on the Slopes Meg is covering the training of a rescue team. How did you decide on this context?
Mt. Hood is an adventure lover’s paradise all year round. Since it’s a short drive from Portland, Oregon, my family and I love trekking up to the slopes for a snow day in the winter or for an alpine hike in the summer. We spend the holidays at Timberline Lodge and in Government Camp. It’s like stepping back in time and onto the set of a Bing Crosby movie. After a long day out in the snow, we’ll cozy up in front of roaring fire with steaming mugs of hot chocolate or take a dip in the heated pool as fat snowflakes fall. But the mountain is also very dangerous. Hundreds of climbers attempt to summit Mt. Hood every year, and unfortunately many have died in the process. The weather can change in an instant, trapping climber on the mountain for days. When I was in middle school there was a group of students from a local school who became trapped on the mountain, and died. It was a terrible tragedy and left a lasting impression on me.
Meg is working on expanding her outdoor skill set, but I knew she wasn’t ready to summit a mountain yet. I decided the more realistic option for her was to have her cover a training weekend with a group of high altitude guides, the Ridge Rangers. There a number of mountaineering guides in the PNW who train novice climbers and help them summit. The Ridge Rangers are on the slopes to ski, snowboard, ice climb, and brush up on skills like building a snow cave. Not only does Meg have to keep up with them, but a blizzard hits and traps them high up at the remote Silcox Hut.
2. The books in this series include adventure guides. Have you experienced this adventures yourself?
It depends on the adventure! Unlike Meg, I love to hike and be in the outdoors, but I’m a bit of a klutz. I definitely tap into that side of me when I’m writing Meg. For example, when I was in college I went water-skiing for the weekend and skied just fine, but fell climbing off the boat and broke my foot. I have not attempted to summit the mountain. I like to hike, sled, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, but that’s the extent of my adventures on the mountain. I’ve always been fascinated by adrenaline junkies, and have a serious addiction to watching the Discovery Channel and any show about climbers who summit Everest, but I much prefer the comfort of my couch!
My goal with the series is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. I’ve intentionally written Meg as young and not very experience in outdoor pursuits <
The series is also<< a love letter to>> all<
Death on Tap
Publishers Weekly.
264.32 (Aug. 7, 2017): p52+.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Death on Tap
Ellie Alexander. Minotaur, $25.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-250-10863-0
Set in Leavenworth, Wash., a neo-Bavarian craft beer paradise, this hopped up series launch from
Alexander (A Crime of Passion Fruit and five other Bakeshop mysteries) introduces gifted beer brewer
Sloan Krause. When Sloan catches her husband, Mac, in flagrante with the barmaid at the Krause family's
venerable microbrewery, Das Keller, Sloan leaves Mac and takes a job at Nitro, a competing brewery. There
she discovers brewmaster Eddie Deluga, "bloated with beer and death" in a brewing tank. The local police
chief arrests Mac for Eddie's murder. For the sake of their teenage son and Mac's terrific parents and
brother, Sloan must save her low-life cheating husband by sussing out the real killer. Meanwhile, the
chemistry cooks between Sloan and handsome Garrett Strong, Nitro's owner. Alexander provides
everything you want to know about brewing, maybe more, including the temperature for storing hops and
reasons to filter. Readers will enjoy descriptions of Sloan's IPA cupcakes and chocolate stout brownies;
many will wish <
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Death on Tap." Publishers Weekly, 7 Aug. 2017, p. 52+. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A500340337/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=4dd54580.
Accessed 3 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A500340337
3/3/2018 General OneFile - Saved Articles
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Alexander, Ellie: DEATH ON TAP
Kirkus Reviews.
(Aug. 1, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Alexander, Ellie DEATH ON TAP Minotaur (Adult Fiction) $25.99 10, 3 ISBN: 978-1-250-10863-0
Beer is king in a Washington town tarted up to look like Oktoberfest on steroids.Leavenworth has
succeeded in making itself into a beer lover's vacation destination full of breweries of all sizes and shops
selling German-flavored products from wurst to pretzels. But it offers no comfort to Sloane Krause, who's
caught her husband, Mac, with a newly hired barmaid. After growing up in foster homes, Sloan finally
found a loving family with Otto and Ursula Krause, who cherish both her and her unrivaled nose for beer.
Sloane still lives in the family home and helps her adoptive parents with their brewery, but now she's taken
a job with Garrett Strong, who's transformed the restaurant/hotel he inherited from an aunt into Nitro, the
town's only nanobrewery. Garrett, a born brewer, needs Sloane's advice about Nitro's food and design.
Despite the ardent wish of April Ablin, the town gossip and guardian of kitsch, to transform Nitro into a
Bavarian beer hall, Garrett and Sloan manage to keep it modern. All goes well until Sloan discovers the
body of Eddie Deluga, the brewmaster at Bruin's Brewing, floating in a tank of Nitro's best beer the
morning after their successful opening. The murder doesn't seem to hurt business, but Garrett and Sloan
have their hands full purchasing the hops they need for a new batch from a hops grower with his own
priorities. A glowering Mac's failed at every attempt to win Sloan back, but when he's arrested for the
murder, Sloan finds herself looking for other suspects. Mac may be a bad husband with more charm than
substance, but she's sure he's not a killer. Alexander (A Crime of Passion Fruit, 2017, etc.) kicks off a new
series that takes the passion for wine-related cozies in a new direction with <
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Alexander, Ellie: DEATH ON TAP." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2017. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A499572826/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=145185f3.
Accessed 3 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A499572826
3/3/2018 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1520122925479 3/3
Alexander, Ellie: A CRIME OF PASSION
FRUIT
Kirkus Reviews.
(May 15, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Alexander, Ellie A CRIME OF PASSION FRUIT St. Martin's (Adult Fiction) $7.99 6, 27 ISBN: 978-1-250-
08807-9
Who killed the stowaway?Juliet Capshaw has left behind years of traveling the world as a pastry chef on a
cruise ship to return to her beloved hometown of Ashland, Oregon, as manager of Torte, her mother's
bakery. She's also left behind her sexy Spanish husband, Carlos, also a chef. But when he calls to beg her to
stand in for a few days until their new pastry chef arrives on the Amour of the Seas, she can't resist,
especially when he throws in double pay and a free trip for her mother and her mother's boyfriend, a
detective everyone calls the Professor. All goes swimmingly until Juliet discovers a body floating in the
ship's pool. Although Juliet had seen the unidentified young woman with both the cruise director and a
sultry dancer with designs on Carlos, she was most likely a stowaway, and everyone claims not to know her.
When it's determined that the death was no accident, the captain asks the Professor for assistance, and
Juliet, who's helped the Professor solve other crimes (Fudge & Jury, 2017, etc.), tries to lend a hand in what
little spare time she has. Although Juliet still loves Carlos, she's unwilling to give up her life in Ashland,
and she isn't sure Carlos would be happy there even if he were willing to give up his wandering ways.
Though Juliet has a knack at getting people to confide in her, she's so busy creating perfect pastries that
detection is way down on her list, leaving the Professor to carry the load in ferreting out the killer. Just
reading the descriptions of delectable desserts (and the appended recipes) can pile on the pounds, leaving
the slight mystery to languish.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Alexander, Ellie: A CRIME OF PASSION FRUIT." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2017. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491934378/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=80ab643a.
Accessed 3 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491934378
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Book Review: Slayed on the Slopes by Kate Dyer-Seeley (Pacific Northwest Mysteries #2)
Stars: 3 out of 5
Pros: Great characters
Cons: Uneven plotting
The Bottom Line:
Remote cabin death
An uneven mystery
Saved by characters
Murder in a Blizzard
Outdoor settings don’t seem to be super popular themes for cozy mysteries. (I mean, if I gained or lost weight based on the books I’d read, I’d be in more trouble than I already am.) One of the few series trying to fill that void is the Pacific Northwest mysteries by Kate Dyer-Seeley. Slayed on the Slopes is the second book, but it has some problems.
Meg Reed has been working hard to fit in at her new job for Northern Extreme magazine, even going so far as to sign up for survival classes from the Crag Rats, a group that specializes in search and rescue. The Crag Rats are planning to start an offshoot that would offer their services as guides to those who want to climb to the summit of Mount Hood, and Meg figures that their training would make for an interesting article, so she tags along on a weekend retreat at the Silcox Hut near the top of Mount Hood.
However, when she arrives, Meg quickly finds that the group is filled with tension. Ben Rogers, who is financing the new group, has a huge ego, and none of the rest of the men like him. A blizzard hits, trapping them in the cabin, but when Meg takes a quick trip outside, she thinks she hears a gun shot. The next morning, she finds she is right when a dead body is found in the snow. Which of these outdoorsmen is a killer?
The real problem with this book is the pacing. The book starts off very slowly with some extraneous scenes that could have easily been cut. Once we arrive at the cabin, the pace picks up, and I must say the climax had my palms sweaty. However, again, the pacing was off again at the end, and that is all I will say to avoid spoiling anything.
Since the book takes place away from Portland, the author needed to work in Meg’s friends somehow, however, the way she did that felt a bit too forced. Their presence did provide for movement on a couple of threads that carried over from the first book, and they were certainly interesting. In fact, I am quite confused (in a good way) where one of these threads is going, and I really do want to know about that part of Meg’s recent past.
Because here’s the thing that is a strength for the book – the characters. I like Meg. She reminds me a bit too much of me when it comes to outdoors stuff, so I can sympathize when she gets in over her head. Her friends are a great bunch as well so I was happy to see them pop up, and I love how they have her back. The suspects were appropriately mysterious and helped keep me confused about the outcome.
The back of the book provides some survival tips as well as more detail about some of the places mentioned in the book. It’s fun to learn a bit more about this area of the country.
It’s a shame the mystery in Slayed on the Slopes isn’t stronger because I really do want to love these books. I’m curious enough about Meg’s life to pick up the next in the series; hopefully, the mystery will be stronger.
Book Review: “Slayed on the Slopes” by Kate Dyer-Seeley (Pacific Northwest Mystery #2)
slayedontheslopes
Title: Slayed on the Slopes
Author: Kate Dyer-Hernandez
Series: Pacific Northwest Mystery #2
Synopsis (from bn.com):
After talking her way into a job writing for Portland’s Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg Reed may now really be in over her head. Actually, about 8,000 feet over her head. . .
She’s at Mount Hood’s remote Silcox Hut, covering the the seriously hardcore Ridge Rangers— Oregon’s elite high-altitude rescue team—during their four-day winter training. Sure, Meg beefed up her outdoor skills over the summer . . . but she’s still hoping to cover the event with some hot chocolate by the cheery fireplace. Then, during a sudden blizzard, she swears she hears gunshots. No one stranded in the hut believes her . . . until self-absorbed Ridge Ranger Ben Rogers is found outside in a pool of frozen blood. Meg’s now got to find this killer quickly . . . before cabin fever does them all in!
My thoughts: If you have read my review of the first book in this series, Scene of the Climb, you know that I absolutely love this series and let’s face it, I’m reading the first 3 back to back – I can’t put them down.
Book #2 in the series takes us back to the beautiful Oregon scenery, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge in the middle of a winter storm as our dear main character Meg sets off to write a story about the Ridge Rangers – a rescue team. Needless to say, things don’t go as planned, a winter storm traps her and the Ridge Rangers in the Silcox Hut with yes – a dead body!
Again, I loved the descriptions of the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest. It really makes this series for me – as a lifelong Midwesterner. I was so intrigued by the places this author writes about I looked them up and read up on some of the history of the area.
If you are a nature lover and a lover of great cozies – get yourself into this series. You won’t regret it.
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather
Review – Slayed on the Slopes by Kate Dyer Seeley
Cruisin Thru Cozies, E-Book Challenge, Literary Escapes, Reviews 2015
Apr
28
2015
slayed on the slopesSlayed on the Slopes
(A Pacific Northwest Mystery)
2nd in Series
Cozy Mystery
Setting – Oregon
Kensington (March 31, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1617730009
E-Book ASIN: B00OEW7562
goodreads-badge-add-plus
After talking her way into a job writing for Portland’s Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg Reed may now really be in over her head. Actually, about 8,000 feet over her head. . .
She’s at Mount Hood’s remote Silcox Hut, covering the the seriously hardcore Ridge Rangers– Oregon’s elite high-altitude rescue team–during their four-day winter training. Sure, Meg beefed up her outdoor skills over the summer . . . but she’s still hoping to cover the event with some hot chocolate by the cheery fireplace. Then, during a sudden blizzard, she swears she hears gunshots. No one stranded in the hut believes her . . . until self-absorbed Ridge Ranger Ben Rogers is found outside in a pool of frozen blood. Meg’s now got to find this killer quickly . . . before cabin fever does them all in!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have been waiting for this book, thankfully we weren’t kept waiting a whole year!
Meg is back and off on another adventure and again she is not prepared and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! She thinks a little “training” she did over the summer will be able to make her look like she knows what she is doing and fool her boss. Well she is prepared for roughing in front of the fireplace but she can’t ski and her cute little gloves are not going to keep her warm as she observes the Ridge Rangers. She does know what gunshots sound like and she knows they mean trouble especially when the head Ridge Ranger is found dead!
This girl she can get herself in the middle of things even when she is trying hard to avoid them. Her father was a journalist too and was killed. She hears his voice in her head throughout the entire story and there are several unanswered questions about his death. This was touched on in the first book and that subplot continues in this one.
Again in addition to the great cast of characters the setting is a character too. The author describes everything so wonderfully, from the blizzard and piles of snow to the frigid temps. Burrrrrrr!!! Traveling up an down the mountain from the main lodge to the remote Silcox Hut, I could picture it so vividly.
This was a fantastic story with a huge OMG moment! The main mystery was so good. I was suspecting everyone at one point or another. I had just one little issue with sometime Meg had a hard time with near the end of the story but I don’t want to spoil anything but those of you that know me will know exactly what I am talking about when you read the story.
I am already waiting the next edition, these cliffhangers are killer, lol!!!
Review: SCENE OF THE CLIMB by Kate Dyer-Seeley
Posted on January 15, 2017 by bernadetteinoz
I started 2017 with a couple of really harrowing books (one about the hideous behaviour of the Catholic Church and another about a terrorist incident). After these I needed a mental breather and plucked a couple of cosy mysteries from my pile of unread books. The second of these is eligible for my virtual tour of the USA.
sceneoftheclimbkatedyer27100_fThis book’s central character is Meg Reed, a young college graduate who, as the book opens, is living on a friend’s couch and desperately looking for a job. Fortuitously she one day spills a coffee on the editor of an adventure magazine and he offers her a job. Meg can write and she is the daughter of one of the city’s most well-known investigative journalists, her recently deceased father, so she doesn’t bother to mention that any sports, let alone extreme ones, are not really her forté. The product reviews and other minor articles she starts out writing are easy enough but when she is tasked with covering the Portland leg of an extreme sports reality TV show things start to get more complicated.
I have a low threshold for the cutesy titles beloved by cosy mystery series but in the case of SCENE OF THE CLIMB the wordplay is relevant. Set in Oregon in the northwest of the US the book’s central events combine murder with recreational climbing in some beautiful-sounding locations. I will admit to getting sidetracked more than once as I googled Angel’s Rest and other key locations for the story’s set pieces. It’s a part of the US I have not yet visited but the author made Portland, with its relatively low population and eco-friendly ways, and the surrounding areas very inviting. Even with the odd murder.
The story here is a good one, with a decent amount of plausible suspects for the crimes that pile up. Meg’s magazine is sponsoring the local leg of the reality TV show so there is a lot of access to the contestants and crew. Plus a couple of locals, including Meg’s new boss, also come under suspicion. The disparate threads and red herrings are all woven together well so the reader is easily swayed from one suspect to another before the final resolution. As with most cosy mysteries Meg has a circle of friends and family that are enjoyable to get to know. Her beloved grandmother is an entertaining mix of pragmatist and psychic and I can see her being a popular drawcard for future instalments of the series.
The cosy end of the crime fiction market is crowded and one I generally avoid these days due to the preponderance of gimmicks over the basics of story and character development. But SCENE OF THE CLIMB keeps the gimmicks and quirkiness to an acceptable level and it tells a suspenseful story that does not rely too heavily on unrealistic coincidences and the superhuman behaviour of its amateur sleuth. Although the main plot is well-wrapped up there’s a teaser relating to future possibilities for a minor thread that did make me add this book’s sequel to my wishlist for the next time I fancy a visit to the mountains. My only real gripe with the book is that its Australian character (one of the reality TV show’s crew) is not very authentic (for example the word ocker is not Australian for womaniser). I know it’s a small thing but unnecessary errors like this annoy me.
Scene of the Climb (A Pacific Northwest Mystery) by Kate Dyer-Seeley
by Site Owner on October 7, 2014
0
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Publisher: Kensington
Formats: Paperback, Mass Market Paperback, Kindle, eBook, Audible
Purchase: Powell’s | Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Recently graduated with a degree in journalism, Meg Reed is unemployed and staying with a friend in Portland, Oregon, when a chance encounter with an editor at a neighborhood coffee shop provides her with a job opportunity. Northwest Extreme is a magazine geared to athletic outdoor enthusiasts, and they need a writer. Attempting to hide the fact that she is not at all athletic, she takes the job and is soon given an assignment to cover a nationwide race coming to Oregon that is being produced for reality television. When one of the finalists in the contest dies, Meg is caught up in a dangerous investigation.
A fast-paced adventure with excellent descriptions of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, this novel is consistently entertaining throughout. A smooth plot and well-defined, interesting characters make Scene of the Climb an easy, enjoyable read. Anyone who loves hiking, climbing, or any outdoor activity will relate immediately to the action, but even those less athletically inclined will enjoy the people, the suspense, and the surprising plot twists.
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RATING
OUR RATING
OVERALL RATING
4/5
Scene of the Climb
Kate Dyer-Seeley
Reviewed by Leanne Davis
Posted April 5, 2015
Mystery
Meg Reed is mourning the death of her father, a well- known journalist. She idolized her father and learned the craft at his feet. Newly graduated with a degree in journalism, jobs are hard to come by. With papers closing and magazines folding, Meg is sleeping on her best friend's couch.
A chance meeting in a coffee shop leads to a job at an adventure magazine. Now, Meg has a job which she is woefully unprepared for. Portland, OR is a great place to live but the joys of nature have never been big in Meg's life.
When one of their premier reporters breaks his leg, Meg finds herself covering one of the last challenges of a reality TV show. Climbing to Angel's rest is enough of a challenge without the shock of having one of the contestants fall to his death. No one believe Meg at first but when the body is discovered, the police will be called. Everyone is content to assume it's nothing but an unfortunate accident; except for Meg.
Meg and her friends will get caught up in an investigation which could lead to someone else's death. Life becomes even more complicated when Matt tells her that he has proof that the death of Meg's father was not the accident everyone assumed it to be.
SCENE OF THE CLIMB is the first in a new series, I enjoyed the relationships between Meg, Matt, and Jill. Her quirky Gran added a touch of levity that Meg needed to lift her from her depression. Her complicated relationship with her mother adds to Meg's difficulties. It was amusing to watch her lie to her employer about her interest in adventure travel and then struggle to fit in with the magazine's other writers.
Ms. Dyer-Seely has started an intriguing new series which will be of interest to anyone who likes cozies. Her skillfully plotted book with the unexpected revelation of the killer's identity, kept me interested from the first. SCENE OF THE CLIMB was a solid start to the series.
Learn more about Scene of the Climb
SUMMARY
Portland, Oregon, is the perfect fit for someone like Meg Reed. It's a city with a small town feel, where she can crash on the couch of her best friend Jill, now that she's graduated from journalism school. . .
But a girl needs a job, so Meg bluffs her way into writing for Northwest Extreme magazine, passing herself off to editor-in-chief Greg Dixon as an outdoor adventure enthusiast. Never mind that Meg's idea of sport is climbing onto the couch without spilling her latte. So when she finds herself clawing to the top of Angel's Rest--a two-thousand-foot peak--to cover the latest challenge in a reality TV adventure show, she can't imagine feeling more terrified. Until she witnesses a body plummet off the side of the cliff. Now Meg has a murder to investigate. And if the climbing doesn't kill her, a murderer just might. . .
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Book Review: Silenced in the Surf by Kate Dyer-Seeley (Pacific Northwest Mysteries #3)
Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Good mystery and strong characters
Cons: Some pacing issues; Meg’s grandma
The Bottom Line:
More outdoor murder
With Meg swept up in the case
Overall, it’s good
You’ll Surf Through This Book
In my mind, I’m a great athlete. The reality is that some of the sports I would love to try freak me out when the time comes. I don’t want to go too fast. I don’t want to be too high. It’s one reason I can identify with Meg, the main character in Kate Dyer-Seeley’s Pacific Northwest series.
You see, Meg works at Northwest Extreme magazine, based in Portland, Oregon, despite having little outdoor experience herself. Still, she is trying these new sports as she covers them. Silenced in the Surf, the third in the series, finds her covering a windsurfing event on the Hood River.
As part of her press pass, she is given the opportunity to get out on the river early one morning and try windsurfing. Given her background as a swimmer, Meg thinks this is one sport she should be able to do. However, the strong winds are more than she bargained for, and soon she is being blown down the river. When she gets things under control, she finds a body floating nearby.
The body is that of surfer Justin Cruise, the star of the windsurfing circuit. However, he’s also a very nasty person, as Meg has witnessed firsthand in just the day she’s been there. Her interviews give her an opportunity to talk to those who knew Justin best. Can she piece together who killed him and why?
Those who have been reading this series know that there is an ongoing story in this series concerning Meg’s father. We are teased with just a bit more information on that in this book. I hope we start getting more answers on it soon.
As far as the main mystery goes, it’s very strong. There are some wonderful suspects, and I didn’t know for sure who had done it until Meg figured it out. The pacing was off overall, but the clues and twists kept me entertained.
Meg is out of town again for this book, but her friends Jill and Matt are along for the ride. Heck, even her grandma shows up for the book. I find that I have a love/hate relationship with her grandma, mainly because of her New Age beliefs. She’s a fun character when she’s not promoting that. When she does start spouting that, it can slow things down. Still, this is a minor thing because it’s easy to skim past those scenes. The new characters we meet along the way are just as strong as the series regulars, and I found them all compelling suspects.
We get some tips and very brief travel guide at the end, so if you are interested in trying windsurfing or traveling to the Hood River, be sure to check that out.
While there are some flaws, Silenced in the Surf is overall a very fun book. If you want to add some outdoor adventure to your reading, be sure to check it out.
Silenced in the Surf By Kate Dyer-Seeley: Review/Giveaway
IN THE MARCH 26 ISSUE
FROM THE 2016 ARTICLES,
ANDCYNTHIA CHOW,
ANDMYSTERYRAT'S MAZE SECTIONS
by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Silenced in the Surf and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
Although klutz-prone journalist Meg Reed often feels in over-her-head during assignments for Northwest Extreme magazine, she finally is in her element. An experienced swimmer, covering the King of the Hook windsurfing competition on Oregon’s Hood River is a challenge Meg can meet. What Meg is not prepared for is yet another encounter with a murder victim, this time that of Justine Cruise, the number one surfer in the world.
‘Cruise Control’ may have been the competitor most likely to win the championship, but he is also the most disliked windsurfer on and off of the water. Arrogant, a womanizer, and a sore winner, Cruise leaves behind a string of angry exes, bullied Cosplayers, and jealous rivals. Meg’s role in discovering the body has her invested in the investigation despite warnings from her boss, friends, and the sheriff currently dating her grandmother. Meg may lack journalistic experience, but she more than makes up for it with her youthful enthusiasm and deftness with social media platforms.book
Even though Meg is out of her normal Portland stomping grounds, the author incorporates entertaining details that make the Pacific Northwest so unique. From extreme outdoor sports’ athletes to hipsters who love their organic fruits and nitrogen-infused gourmet iced coffee, the Oregon natives embrace their environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Just as vital to this series are Meg’s struggles to find her way as a 24-year-old woman who has often felt as an outsider looking in on the world. Resentful when treated like an irresponsible child, she feels equally bitter about being forced into responsible adulthood by the loss of her father. His death during his own investigation into Meth labs still haunts her, and continues to keep Meg estranged and spiteful towards her mother. Meg is also struggling with her attraction for her best friend Matt Parker, who in turn warns her against trusting her secretive, and attractive, editor-in-chief. While the dangerous but gorgeous setting quickly establishes itself as a riveting character, what keeps readers returning to this series is Meg Reed. Her resilience and quick wit ensure that her adventures are as fun and entertaining as they are breathtaking.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Book Review: First Degree Mudder by Kate Dyer-Seeley (Pacific Northwest Mysteries #4)
Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Series regulars shine, interesting developments in Meg’s life
Cons: This book’s mystery overshadowed by other developments
The Bottom Line:
Body in steam room
Meg’s life gets complicated
Series fans will like
Meg Faces a Muddy Mess
My love of mud runs has come full circle. I first heard of them when a mystery author I read did one, and now I’ve read First Degree Mudder, set during the training for a mud run. (And yes, I even timed it so that I was reading it the week between doing the Camp Pendleton Mud Run and the Irvine Lake Mud Run this month.)
Meg Reed’s newest assignment for Northwest Extreme magazine is to participate in Mud, Sweat, and Beers, a mud run coming to Portland in three weeks. But before that, she’s signing up for Mind Over Mudder, a training course that meets every morning to whip people into shape for the run. The drill instructor running the course is Billy, and he takes his job very seriously. Some might even say too seriously, and after two weeks Meg is seriously questioning her decision to sign up.
The Saturday before the race is the first time Meg and her team actually crawl through the mud as part of their training. It doesn’t go well, and Meg sneaks out early instead of completing the rest of the run. However, when she arrives back at the barracks the company uses as their headquarters, she discovers Billy’s body in the steam room. What is going on?
First, I’ve got to say that author Kate Dyer-Seeley is much nicer to Billy than I would have been. When I heard mystery set at a mud run, I was expecting the dead body to show up in a mud pit. But that’s completely beside the point.
This is now Meg’s fourth mystery, and I really don’t recommend you jump into the series here. In fact, if you do, I think you’ll be disappointed. The mystery of what happened to Billy and why is more of a sub-plot than the focus of the book. Instead, we get stories of Meg’s life changing and some serious twists in the plot of her father’s murder, a series long plot thread.
Here’s the thing. As someone who has been following this series since the beginning, I want to know this information. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. But without that background, I don’t think I would have been as engrossed in this book. Believe me, with the way this book ends, I’m already looking forward to finding out what happens to Meg next. (Can we say cliffhangers?)
Given this, I’m sure it will be no surprise when I say that the characters introduced in this book are good, but not given enough page time to be fully developed. However, the series regulars are more than up to the task of carrying this book. Meg especially continues to grow as the book unfolds.
And at the end of the book, we get the usual adventure tips and tour guide if you’d like to go to some of the real places where this book is set.
If I sounded overly harsh earlier, let me be clear, the mystery here has some good twists and definitely holds together. It’s just overshadowed by some other developments in Meg’s life that will only mean something to those who already care about Meg.
So if you are up to date on Meg’s adventures, you’ll definitely want to read First Degree Mudder. If you are new to the series, I recommend backing up before you dive into these murky waters.
First Degree Mudder
Kate Dyer-Seeley
Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
Posted January 5, 2017
Mystery Hobbies | Mystery Woman Sleuth
If, like me, you have a family member who runs for sport, you might enjoy giving them this book for Christmas. FIRST DEGREE MUDDER set in the Pacific Northwest which is also the title of the cosy crime series, follows training for a mud run. In her fourth outing, young journalist and amateur sleuth Meg Reed is in Portland, Oregon. She's hoping to get fit, lose a few pounds and take part in a race for Northwest Extreme magazine.
Rebelling against the onset of computer-generated stories, facing being laid off as the magazine goes digital, the journalist Meg grabbed her chance to participate in a lengthy, muddy obstacle course race. She needed some boot camp training first. Now at a converted historic barracks, Meg discovers her solidly-built trainer Billy dead on the floor. We get a look at the training they have all been doing, and several trainees probably wanted to kill Billy the somewhat bullying instructor. But did someone really get out of hand, or was it natural causes? Or maybe an accident, around all these adrenalin junkies. The indications are that Billy was strangled, though who would do it Meg can't imagine. Still, she's on the scene, so she'll cover the story. But she's not the only journalist in town. And she's still got a race to run.
The other characters include Jenny, working hard to lose the baby weight she gained a few years ago, Jill, Meg's best friend who has just been offered an art college place in Italy, and Dylan, the natural foods side of the training camp. Kelsey Kain is an athletic studio journalist who is taking the course too, annoying people by interviewing them while running. Tim is a businessman doing the run to please his wife. Matt is a serious technology journalist, disillusioned with stories that are no more than clickbait headlines to grab a few seconds of readers' attention. Kenny is a handsome cop eager to see more of Meg, even if she does wear pink a lot. Portland itself is a major character, with vivid descriptions of Meg's sorties to coffee bars, food markets, film locations and rugged scenery. As this is a few books in to a series, we also see the ongoing saga of Meg's family, but I assure you a new reader can just jump in and enjoy the tale. At the end we get guidelines on getting fit. FIRST DEGREE MUDDER by Kate E Dyer-Seeley is an unconventional and interesting mystery which will appeal to all those who know there's more to life than watching TV.
Learn more about First Degree Mudder
SUMMARY
When a mud marathon champion bites the dust, Meg Reed has to go the distance to make sure a killer comes clean . . .
Back home in Portland, Oregon, Meg is ready to take her career as an outdoor writer for Extreme magazine to the next level. Lesser journalists sling mud—Meg plans to run through it. To train hard for Mud, Sweat & Beers, an extreme 5K mud run, she’s signed on with the Mind Over Mudder team, run by ten-time mud marathon champ—and former drill sergeant—Billy the Tank. But when Meg finds her tenacious trainer dead in the locker room, she has a sinking feeling someone may have been pushed too far. Digging through the hidden secrets at Mind Over Mudder is a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Meg will have to tread carefully, though—or she may soon be running for her life . . .
First Degree Mudder By Kate Dyer-Seeley: Review/Giveaway
IN THE NOVEMBER 26 ISSUE
FROM THE 2016 ARTICLES,
ANDCYNTHIA CHOW,
ANDMYSTERYRAT'S MAZE SECTIONS
by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of First Degree Mudder. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.
Although Meg Reed was last seen venturing to New York City for an amazing week interviewing for a prospective job at ESPN, she has returned with the realization that Portland, Oregon, is her true home. Meg’s decision to stay at outdoor adventure magazine Northwest Extreme has come at a rather inopportune time, as the owner Greg just dropped the bomb that he may be selling out to a Japanese buyer. Desperate to bring in a story that will impress both Greg and the new possible owners, Meg signs herself up for Mud, Sweat, and Beers, the newest ultimate outdoor endurance obstacle course race. Having had a few too many experiences with extreme sports that placed her far out of her league, Meg proactively enrolls in Mind over Mudder, a three-week training intensive training class specifically designed for the event. No amount of training could have prepared Meg for the discovery of her take-no-prisoners drill sergeant trainer dead in the locker room, despite how much he may have been loathed by his abused trainees.book
Held in historic army barracks at Fort Vancouver National Park, Mind over Mudder’s trainer Billy the Tank spared no expense and little pity on those enrolled to get whipped into shape. While a camera-ready reporter enthusiastically records the workouts for her morning television show, those who enlisted with the intent to lose weight are having less of an enjoyable experience. When not even death stops the program, Meg sees the opportunity to cover both the event and the investigation into what looks to be Billy’s less-than-natural demise.
Still in her early twenties, Meg is at a crossroads in her life as she sees her friends moving on in their careers and away from her life. Just when she had thought that she had found a journalist career at a magazine she was growing to love, the changing world of publishing places it in jeopardy. While Meg was hired to appeal to a youth market and update Northwest Extreme’s social media presence, there’s only so much that can be done to compete in the new digital age. Meg’s personal life is facing a crisis as well, as her two best friends, one of whom she was considering as more than just that, may be pursuing their dreams in places far from Portland.
The mystery of Meg’s father’s death while pursuing the Meth Madness story continues to hover in the background, as does its connection to her current boss. Meg’s confidence with extreme sports grows along with her skills at investigative journalism, although she still maintains her youthful optimism and occasional naïveté. No matter how dire the situation or physically strenuous the situation, Meg battles through with her admirable good nature and entertaining good humor. The series continues to excel at portraying the unique characters and outdoorsy appeal of Portland, which it interweaves with an enthralling mystery.
In Cave Danger By Kate Dyer-Seeley: Review/Giveaway
IN THE FEBRUARY 3 ISSUE
FROM THE 2018 ARTICLES,
ANDCYNTHIA CHOW,
ANDMYSTERYRAT'S MAZE SECTIONS
by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of In Cave Danger, and a link to purchase it from Amazon and an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.
Claustrophobic, fearful of heights, and favoring pink vintage couture over hiking books, Northwest Extreme outdoor magazine should not be Meg Reed’s natural habitat. Not enjoying the outdoors doesn’t mean that she hasn’t learned to appreciate or respect it though, and working for the publication has certainly forced her to push her boundaries and limits. Now that the magazine is facing a corporate buyout, and considering the precarious state of print publishing, Meg jumps at the invitation to an expedition through Lava River Caves of Bend, Oregon. The lava tubes are being opened as part of senior Congressman Riley’s promotional tour to push through legislation to ease up Forest Service land restrictions, something environmentalists find appalling. Meg sees this as an ideal opportunity to branch out and cover the political side of the issue, while still amping up Northwest Extreme’s social media presence through jaw-dropping photos of the site.book
Once Meg arrives, she finds that there’s more than a little animosity between the National Park rangers and the Big Business politicians, the latter of whom seek to exploit the reserves for personal gains. Meg’s horrific discovery of a body once again lands her in the midst of a battle between man and nature, with her sense of right and wrong pushing her past her physical limitations.
As the novel delves into the mystery within the lava tubes and the research facility, Meg is forced to once again reconcile with the death of her father. A Pulitzer Prize winning journalist killed while investigating a Meth Madness story, Charlie Reed was Meg’s idol and the reason she landed at Northwest Extreme. At the age of twenty-four, Meg faces yet another step in becoming an adult as her closest college friends depart on their own paths, and she must accept the personal and professional changes.
Author Dyer-Seeley makes the Pacific Northwest come alive not just with the natural beauty of its mountain ranges, but with the ubiquitous draft beer pubs that have become the meeting grounds of incoming hipsters. Meg <
Review of In Cave Danger
DECEMBER 17, 2017 BMARY82224 COMMENTS
In Cave Danger
Pacific Northwest Mystery, Book #5
Kate E. Dyer-Seeley
5 Stars
34488843Synopsis:
On an expedition into Oregon’s Lava River Cave, outdoor journalist Meg Reed stumbles across a body buried way more than six feet under . . .
A debate is raging over the use of public lands, and to cover the story for Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg joins a congressman and several others on a subterranean adventure–despite her intense claustrophobia. The thoughts of cave-ins and cougars are unnerving, but at least it’s a distraction from her other anxieties, like her best friend’s departure for Italy, her boss’s plan to sell the company, and the ongoing questions about her father’s suspicious death. But in the chilly darkness of the volcanic rock, she discovers a Forest Service employee, stabbed with a trowel. Now Meg will need to do some in-depth investigating or the truth may never come to the surface . . .
PRAISE FOR SCENE OF THE CLIMB
“A splendid overview of the greater Portland and Columbia River Gorge region, perfect for travel buffs. Her protagonist shows promise with her determined attitude and moxie.” —Library Journal
“A fun, terrific adventure.”–Suspense Magazine
INCLUDES ADVENTURE GUIDES! (Goodreads)
Review:
Meg is a brave, smart, spunky and quirky woman. Although she is not really an outdoorsy adventurous person, she is willing to do things outside of her comfort zone for her job. That is how she finds herself inside the Lava River Cave where she stumbles upon a dead body, yet again. It will take all of her skills to figure out who the killer is before something bad happens to somebody else.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. It was great to get to spend more time with Meg and her friends, Jill and Matt. I will say that after a while I got a little tired of reading about what they were drinking and how often they were drinking. That’s only my opinion and other readers may not feel the same. And Gam is still the grounding force in Meg’s life, and not your typical grandmother.
The author is very talented in writing suspense with just the written word, and there was plenty of it contained within the pages of this book. There are a lot of suspects to consider and clues to sift through and the mystery is not an easy one to solve. And we get more details involving the murder of Meg’s dad, which is another mystery in the book and series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like the outdoors and extreme sports, this book and series is for you.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review – Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander
by JESSICA on JUNE 11, 2015
Review – Meet Your Baker by Ellie AlexanderMeet Your Baker (A Bakeshop Mystery, #1) by Ellie Alexander
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on December 30th 2014
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 320
Source: CBB Book Promotions
I received this book for free from CBB Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Goodreads
Amazon, B&N
Welcome to Torte-a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it's criminal...After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her quaint hometown of Ashland, Oregon, to heal a broken heart and help her mom at the family bakery. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bringing in lots of tourists looking for some crumpets to go with their heroic couplets. But when one of Torte's customers turns up dead, there's much ado about murder...The victim is Nancy Hudson, the festival's newest board member. A modern-day Lady Macbeth, Nancy has given more than a few actors and artists enough reasons to kill her...but still. The silver lining? Jules's high school sweetheart, Thomas, is the investigator on the case. His flirtations are as delicious as ever, and Jules can't help but want to have her cake and eat it too. But will she have her just desserts? Murder might be bad for business, but love is the sweetest treat of all...
In An Oyster Shell- The book was, all in all, a fun cozy mystery what you see is what you get. It was innovative with its option to interact with the story by having the recipes in the back of the book. It was really fun.
The Pearls –
This book was a “just dessert” for me. I’ve been saving this book as a reward until I got through other books for reviews. It’s just so fun with its bright yellow cover and spooky bakery front. I had a feeling this was going to be a fun book, I was not disappointed. I would like to say the first surprise that I got from this book was when I started reading it, I realized the Ellie Alexander had signed it for me. I was so excited! I look forward to meeting her next month at her book launch for the second book in this series.
The setting of this book couldn’t have been more fun – Ashland, Oregon during the Shakespeare festival. I have not been personally, but being in the Portland Metro area I have heard lots about it, so I was quite excited for it to be set where and when it was.
The book overall had a dinner theater mystery feel. Following a small-town who-done-it quest with our main character Jules takes us on an unexpected adventure. I might as well add tasty adventure because this book was full of food ideas. I am going to have to try some of them out. The author was kind enough to put some recipes in the back of the book. I thought it was super novel. See what I did there…
One of my favorite parts of the books where the interrelations between the characters. You got that quaint small-town feel with how everyone interacted. Lance and Thomas were some of my favorite characters.
The Sand –
I felt like one part of the romance was not tied up well. The relationship with her husband… I feel like the author leaves us in the wind. So I feel that one part of the plot was unfinished by the end of the book.
I give this book a hearty 4 Pearls!
Book Review: Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander
MARCH 6, 2016 BY LELIA T
2
Meet Your BakerMeet Your Baker
A Bakeshop Mystery #1
Ellie Alexander
St. Martin’s Paperbacks, December 2014
ISBN 978-1-250-05423-4
Mass Market Paperback
Juliet “Jules” Capshaw left her hometown of Ashland, Oregon ten years ago, to learn how to be an expert pastry chef, and then to travel the world working on a cruise ship. She had no plans to return to Ashland except for visits to see her widowed mother, but when serious issues arise in Jules’s marriage, her plans change. Jules finds herself right back where she originally started – working at Torte, the family bakery business that her parents began decades before.
I know this book was good for a few reasons. The first is that, whether it’s fair or not, I usually steer clear of cosy mysteries with cute covers and a pun in the title. This book has made me question that policy, because it turned out to be a fine mystery with unexpected twists and turns not only in the plot, but in character development. The second reason is that, although I am normally a tea drinker, I wanted to drink every coffee and latte and espresso shot that was described in the book. Similarly, the third reason is that I generally prefer savoury foods to sweet ones, but as I was reading Meet Your Baker, I wanted to eat every raspberry danish, scone, oatmeal cookie, lime crescent cookie, and lime mint cupcake described in the story, as well as the delicious-sounding chicken pasta salad and turkey havarti sandwiches. Alexander is clearly a strong writer if she could win me over on all those points.
I have never been to Ashland, Oregon, and until I read Meet Your Baker, I hadn’t heard of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which provides much of the employment for the residents of Ashland. Most of the business for Torte comes from the tourists who visit to see the plays in the city’s three theatres, stop in at galleries, and shop in the distinctive stores. Ashland is also home to South Oregon University, and this also plays a part in the story, since a number of the characters are students with various part-time jobs around town.
The setting was probably my favourite part of the book. Although I haven’t visited Ashland, it sounds very similar to Stratford, Ontario, a Canadian city with a similar population that is also home to a Shakespeare Festival. I love going to Stratford, not only to see the great acting and the wonderful plays, but also because everywhere you go during the season, there are actors and people connected with the theatre – you can’t help but bump into intriguing characters and hearing dramatic discussions in every restaurant and cafe.
This was also what I loved about the descriptions of Ashland. The mystery plot revolves around the theatre, and around the constant fund-raising and endless clashes between producing fabulous plays and ensuring the festival remains commercially viable. Because so many of those involved are actors, directors, and producers, they all have larger-than-life personalities – and often exceptional wardrobes, which makes for a fun read. The dependence of the town’s economy on tourism is clearly described here, and I liked Juliet’s practicality and strong work ethic as she tries to help her mother keep Torte on its feet, even during the slower months.
Although the mystery plot itself is maybe a bit convoluted, I thought this was offset by unexpected developments in the characters’ lives. The reason Juliet has decided to leave her job and her marriage was not what I anticipated when I began reading, and I liked being surprised. Although she is struggling with sadness and confusion as the book begins, Jules is not someone to lie around and wallow in her grief. Instead, she gets busy and bakes, and Alexander’s careful and detailed descriptions of Juliet’s cooking were fascinating to read.
To top it all off, this book also includes recipes. I’m not sure that I’ve ever made a recipe from a fictional book before, but Alexander certainly makes it seem like a tempting idea.
Reviewed by Andrea Thompson, February 2016.
A Batter of Life and Death
September 20, 2017
A Batter of Life and DeathA Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on June 30th 2015
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Barnes & Noble, Buy at The Book Depository
Goodreads
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for...It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon-'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally.
Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered-death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?
What I Expected [Prior to the Summary Read]
An adorable, cozy, foodie-based mystery
A quick, light read – but still suspenseful
A fun follow-up to the start of the Bakeshop Mystery series
What I Got
All of the above!
I never guessed who the killer is
Anticipation for the series’ third installment
I adore Ellie Alexander’s A Bakeshop Mystery series – it introduced me to the cozy mystery genre – which I have discovered that I love! I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Meet Your Baker, which was a surprise gift from a blog swap partner. I read Alexander’s intro to the awesome series on a whim and – like I said – I fell in love and could not wait to get to this, the second installment.
A Batter of Life and Death certainly did not disappoint and I blew through it in a matter of a few days. I could have read it in a single sitting, but, you know – life! I was instantly sucked into the continuation of Jules Capshaw’s inadvertent involvements in murder mysteries. Jules is not an amateur detective, she co-owns Torte, a bakery featuring deliciously described delicacies, with her mother.
However, Jules is a magnet for murder, as she is pulled into crime drama due to her intense curiosity and connections with a local detective, who also happens to be Jules’ high school sweetheart. I like that the Bakeshop Mysteries feature only a hint of romance – I can only handle so much lovey dovey stuff.
Jules is chosen to be a contestant on a baking competition show, Take the Cake, one of the crowning jewels of The Pastry Channel. The characters competing against Jules are colorful and well-developed, even the one who gets killed, Chef Marco. Character development and a flowy writing style are very important to me when it comes to books, and this tale features both – lucky me!
Another major selling point for me regarding A Batter of Life and Death is that it was utterly impossible for me to guess the culprit before the big reveal. I did jump from character to character, examining their possible motives and dissecting their sometimes odd behaviors, but never figured out the ending, making me one happy reader!
Alexander’s writing style could be described as poetic – but it’s so not poetry! Her writing simply flows and her dialogue between characters is both entertaining and interesting. As an end-of-story bonus, Alexander includes recipes for the desserts and coffees featured at Torte, which I totally want to create myself!
Love, Maggie
Fresh Meat: A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
KERRY HAMMOND
A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander is the second book in the Bakeshop Mystery series featuring baker Jules Capshaw in her hometown of Ashland, Oregon (available June 30, 2015).
Reality TV meets cozy mystery, with a little bit of murder thrown in. The town of Ashland is known for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but the last of the plays are being performed and the theater company is about to go into hiatus for the fall. The town is experiencing cooler weather and a slowdown in tourist traffic. What better time for a television crew to set up shop to film a reality show for the Pastry Channel? Juliet Montague Capshaw aka Jules, has recently moved back to her hometown to help her mother run Torte, a family owned bakery and coffee shop. She is roped into being a contestant on the show and soon finds out that there is as much drama behind the scenes as there is on camera. Specifically, Chef Marco is causing a lot of problems on set as he finds it hard to remain sober for filming.
Four people stood, including Chef Marco. Philip took a moment to introduce each of them. He started with Marco. “I’m sure you’re all familiar with the celebrity chef. We’re thrilled that he’s signed on to do this year’s show.”
Marco gave a little bow as Philip went through a lengthy list of his accolades. I noticed Marco decline Andy’s offer of coffee. He kept one pudgy hand on his notebook and glared at Andy like he was trying to steal it or something.
Andy refilled mugs around the room as Philip spoke. After he’d refreshed everyone’s drink he stopped by my table and knelt down.
“Hey, boss, Chef Marco is asking for something stronger. What do you want me to do?”
“Stronger—as in a drink?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall—it read 2 p.m.
The only reason Jules even considers entering the contest is that the winner gets $25,000 and their own show on the network. That money would be the answer to their prayers, as the bakery is in need of new ovens and other upgrades. Of course, that sort of prize money can make it a very tight competition, and emotions can run high, and things take a turn towards deadly early on in the competition when Jules discovers the lifeless body of Marco. She decides to stay on, but can’t help herself and decides to poke around and investigate a bit on her own. Her mother and her good friend, Thomas, who is also a policeman, attempt to stop her snooping, but she still finds herself drawn to detecting.
“Uh-oh.” Thomas gave Mom a knowing look. “Here we go again.”
“You tell her, Thomas.” Mom waved her finger at me. “I don’t want her involved in this at all. We both know what a close call she had.”
“I’ve already told her that.” Thomas addressed Mom like I wasn’t even in the room.
“Knock it off, you guys. I’m right here, and for the record I’m not inserting myself into the investigation, I’m simply sharing my thoughts as a witness to this vandalism.”
“Right.” Thomas scowled and looked at Mom. “She’s not going to stay out of this, is she?”
Mom sighed. “Doesn’t look like it.”
Thomas placed his iPad on the counter. He reached behind him and held a pair of handcuffs up. “I thought so. I came prepared.” He turned to Mom. “Where should we keep her?”
“That front booth might be nice.” Mom grinned. “She’ll have a good view from there.”
Thomas stepped toward me, dangling the cuffs. “Let’s go, Jules. Get moving.”
Jules is a character torn by her past and her present. She misses her previous life with her husband where she worked as a chef on a cruise ship, but at the same time she feels happy to be back home with her Mom, helping to run the bakery. Her feelings for her estranged husband conflict with her feelings toward Thomas, her old high school flame. The men are extremely different and each provides a different reason for her to be drawn to them.
I’ve never visited Ashland, Oregon, but it sounds like an idyllic small town. The author’s description transported me and I could picture the cafes lining the main street, the mom and pop shops, and the locals meeting up and chatting in the streets. It is small town America at its best, and the bakery fits into the scene perfectly:
Downtown Ashland is like a little village with a collection of shops, restaurants, and the famed OSF theater complex an easy walk up the hill. Lithia Park, the jewel of town, flanks one end of the downtown. Its meandering pathways, ancient trees, and natural streams make it one of my favorite places on the planet, which is saying a lot. A decade of working on a cruise ship allowed me to visit ports of call all over the world. Other places might be more exotic or boast a more happening night life scene, but Ashland’s sophisticated charm and quaint beauty was unparalleled.
Most books transport the reader to a different time or place, and some manage to do both. The cozy mystery is aptly named because in addition to transporting the reader physically, it also provides a certain emotional transport. A cozy is meant to make the reader want to visit a town, meet the residents, or even move there if the town were to exist. I found that this book did just that, made me want to visit Ashland, have a pastry and coffee at the bakery, and buy tickets to a play. If an author manages to tempt the reader to that extent, I think it’s safe to say that the book is a complete success.
A Batter Of Life And Death
Ellie Alexander
Reviewed by Viki Ferrell
Posted June 23, 2015
Mystery Culinary | Mystery Cozy
Juliet Montague Capshaw returns to her hometown of Ashland, Oregon after ten years as a pastry chef on a cruise ship. She's taking a break from her unfaithful husband Carlos and sorting out her life. The family bakeshop, named Torte, is the perfect place for Jules to figure out what's next for her. Right now, she and her mom are getting the shop ready for a reality TV show entitled Take the Cake to use their kitchen for filming one of the contestants. When everyone arrives at the shop for the first meeting, Jules learns that one of the contestants has dropped out, and she is asked to be the replacement. With a prize of twenty-five thousand dollars, it's hard to say "no." They could use the money to update the ovens at Torte and make some much needed renovations.
Jules arrives in the mock kitchen setup at the local theater for their first taping and finds one of the contestants face down in a large bowl of buttercream frosting. Upon further examination, she determines that he is actually dead. The police are called in and filming is shut down for the day. This isn't the first time Jules has found someone dead in a kitchen. A few months ago, she found someone dead in the kitchen of Torte. Jules got herself involved in that investigation and almost ended up a victim herself. The first thing everyone tells Jules is to stay out of this investigation. Will she do it, or will her armature sleuthing get the best of her?
A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH is a delightful cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages to see what Jules is going to get into next. Juliet tells this story in first person and gives us a lot of insight into her personal life and thoughts. She is surrounded by many supporting characters that are a real mix of very colorful personalities.
Ashland is a quaint little town that author Ellie Alexander portrays in such a way that you want to pack your bags and go for a visit. Torte is more than just a bakeshop. It's a place where people come for advise, encouragement and compassion, as well as delectable pastries and a good cup of coffee. A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH is a story about taking a step back for a time and assessing your life and relationships and the directions they are headed. Grab a few napkins, because you'll be drooling all over the pages as you read some of the delicious-sounding recipes these chefs are cooking up. Ms. Alexander includes a few at the end of her book as an added bonus.
Learn more about A Batter Of Life And Death
SUMMARY
Welcome to Torte--a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for…
It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon--'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally.
Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered--death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?
Review – On Thin Icing by Ellie Alexander
by JESSICA on JUNE 22, 2016
Review – On Thin Icing by Ellie AlexanderOn Thin Icing (A Bakeshop Mystery, #3) by Ellie Alexander
Series: Bakeshop Series #3
Published by Minotaur Books on December 29th 2015
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
Goodreads
Amazon
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.
It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.
"An intriguing new series."-Reader to Reader
Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.
"A delectable tale of murder and intrigue."-Portland Book Review on Meet Your Baker
Jules is back settling into the winter season at Ashland Oregon. She is asked by the Shakespeare theatre director to cater a retreat for the weekend up in the woods. With the tourist rush over she can use the extra cash flow so she readily agrees. What she doesn’t see coming is the dead body that she finds in the freezer. To make things worse her estranged husband shows up to win her back while her old high school flame is there to investigate the murder. Will they find the killer? Will Jules figure out who her heart belongs to?
In an Oyster Shell – Another great installment of the Bakeshop series, that is more intriguing than the last books because the love triangle becomes more prominent.
The Pearls – I think I say this in every review of this series – I love the setting of Ashland Oregon. Though this book it’s a little out of town in a little fishing resort. It’s set in the winter and is just a cozy read. Would be even more cozy for the winter, but I didn’t get around to reading it until now.
For the first three books, Carlos the husband was estranged off being a chef on a cruise ship somewhere. Jules has returned to her hometown where she is back in contact with her old high school sweetheart Thomas. In this book, it becomes a full-blown love triangle. I was adamantly on team Thomas. After this book, I am more open to Carlos. So now it’s anybody’s game. I am not a huge fan of triangles but this one has just become plain fun. Even the characters in the book are enjoying it. I find it very clever that the author is teasing the readers through some of the characters comments. Not surprising coming from Ellie Alexandar, she likes to tease.
I really enjoy this series because each book has an outstanding plot, yet there is a weaving of a greater plot that makes you want to keep up with the whole series. This book really impressed me, and I think is the best one yet. The next one is being released in a couple of weeks, so we will see. I bet the just keep getting better and better!
The Sand – This book was fantastic!
4 Pearls!
Monday, January 4, 2016
Review: On Thin Icing (A Bakeshop Mystery #3) by Ellie Alexander
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1162 KB
Print Length: 305 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250054257
Publisher: Minotaur Books (Dec 29 2015)
Sold by: Macmillan CA
Language: English
ASIN: B00Z637EIM
Book Description
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.
It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.
"An intriguing new series."-Reader to Reader
Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.
"A delectable tale of murder and intrigue."-Portland Book Review on Meet Your Baker
About the Author
Ellie Alexander, author of the Bakeshop Mystery Series (St. Martin's Press), is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her blog at http://www.bakeshopmystery.com/ or following her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
My Review
On Thin Icing is the third book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. This is the first book of Alexander's that I have read. It definitely won't be my last!
I love the setting of Ashland, Oregon which is a small city in southern Oregon that is renowned for its annual Shakespeare festival. My father lived just south of there in northern California so I am very familiar with the area. Author Alexander presents it very realistically. I looked up the area on the map and I've actually been on roads very close to Lake of the Woods. Beautiful area.
I love baking and love cozies about baking and cooking. I found the descriptions about the baking and cooking process to be very interesting and very realistic.
Ellie Alexander is a good writer and I enjoyed the flow of the book. Very enjoyable. On Thin Icing also had a fascinating mystery that had me guessing until the end. There was also a bit of romance and questions about the future as Ellie's husband showed up...six months after she left him on the cruise ship they both worked for.
Perfect mystery to read in the winter as On Thin Icing is set in the midst of a snow storm. Great read! I highly recommend On Thin Icing.
08/01/2016
Review: Caught Bread Handed(Bakeshop Mysteries #4) by Ellie Alexander
28352099
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…
Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon.
Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen?
Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary…especially when murder is thrown into the mix.
When Mindy Nolan, the owner of a new restaurant in town, turns up dead, the batter at hand thickens. Jules knows that there was bad blood between Mindy and others in town, and tracking down the killer could prove to be an unwelcome treat.
And to top it all off, there’s Carlos, who is pleading—with those delicious dark eyes and sexy Spanish accent—for Jules to take him back.
Is home where the heart is or will she make a fresh start…and risk getting burned?
Paperback, 320 pages
Published June 28th 2016 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Source: Publisher
Buy4._V192207739_Goodreads-badge-add-plus
04
Four stars: A simple cozy mystery packed full of delicious food.
It is January in Ashland, Oregon, and it is unseasonably warm. Jules and the Torte gang are busy preparing their daily menu, despite the spring like weather. Jules is troubled because her estranged husband Carlos has been in town, winning over the hearts of everyone, including her, but now he is set to leave in a few days. She is torn between following her heart or staying put in Ashland and continuing to help her mother restore Torte. Unfortunately, trouble comes storming in when a fast food chain sets up shop in the middle of historic downtown. Many townsfolk aren't happy with the neon lights and the fast food menu in the Shakespeare district. A town meeting is called, and tempers flare. The next morning, Jules stumbles upon the body of owner of the new restaurant. Who would kill Mindy?
What I Liked:
What can I say? I always love settling back into the picturesque town of Ashland, Oregon. <>. I can't get enough of all the decadent descriptions of the food. If you want a simple cozy mystery series, you should try Bakeshop Mysteries.
What makes a good cozy for me is one that grabs your senses, and I love how the author of these books manages to awaken all of my senses, especially scent and taste. I can almost smell and taste all the yummy goodies that the gang bakes in the Torte bakery.
I love the cast of characters. They are eclectic and fun. Especially in Torte, you have the matron, Helen, wise and kind in her later years, the fiesty Jules, who is struggling to find her way as she enters middle age, and then there are the three college students, Sterling, Andy and Stephanie, who make up the staff of Torte. One mustn't forget some of the other colorful townsfolk such as Lance, Richard Lord, the Professor and Thomas. Finally, add in the enigmatic and sexy, Carlos, whom I especially enjoyed getting to know.
The mystery in this one is a bit more simple and it wasn't too hard to guess who done it. What I liked this time around was the way it all was done up. It felt more believable this time.
The romance heats up in this volume. I was worried that a love triangle was in the works, but things seem settled. Jules has chosen her suitor, and the other is placed firmly in the friend category. Unfortunately, things aren't all sewn up with the romance as there are still conflicts to overcome.
At the end of the book, there are several recipes that I am interested in trying. There is one for a Red Velvet Cake with a flour frosting, Potato Casserole, Tomato Orange Soup, Chocolate Crinkle Molasses Cookies and a Lemon Olive Oil Cake. Yummy!
And The Not So Much:
This time around, there are several story threads that are introduced, and many of them were left undone. I wished that more had been done up by the end.
I didn't think that the red herrings in the mystery were as believable, and some weren't developed well. It was apparent from the beginning, to me, who the killer was.
The other issue I am having with the series is that it is taking place over a short period of time, a span of just a few months, and it is unrealistic to have so many murders in this quiet town in such a short time span.
There was a big focus on a local winery and the owner, and then it was left hanging. I was a bit put off by this story line just because it didn't seem to fit well with the story, and then when the author did tie it in, it just felt out of place.
Caught Bread Handed is another delightful entry in the Bakeshop Mysteries series. This is certainly a series that will tickle your senses and delight you with its laid back, comfortable charm. I can't get enough of Ashland, Oregon and Torte Bakery, and I will eagerly be awaiting the next volume. If you want simple, good reading, I urge you to grab this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of Fudge & Jury: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander
(Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
about book:
Welcome to Torte–a friendly, small-town family bakery where the pastries are delicious…and, now, suspicious.
It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crèpes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter—unless murder taints the batter.
Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for—literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream?
my thoughts:
Cozy mysteries are quickly becoming my go-to reads when I'm looking for something light and fun to read. They are the perfect antidote to a grey and rainy day, especially when the winds are howling like mad. Imagine my delight when this little tome found its way into my hands during one of the very rare cold fronts South FL has experienced this winter. I grabbed me a cuppa, a warm blanket and settled in for the afternoon with Ellie Alexander's latest book in her popular Bakeshop Mystery series, Fudge & Jury. Talk about bliss! I devoured this book in one sitting and wished that I had more to read. I just fell in love with Ashland, Oregon and its quirky inhabitants - they truly made for quite an entertaining read.
In this fifth book (in a six-book series), I met Jules, baker and owner of her family's bakery, Torte. She's gearing up for the annual Chocolate Festival, while simultaneously getting her kitchen in order. After saving up enough money, Jules and her mom are finally able to purchase new ovens for Torte. Plus, they plan on painting and installing a new register. They are excited and thrilled to refresh their bakery. Of course, their top priority is getting everything made for the festival - they are one of the four showcase vendors, so they have to be ready in time. Talk about stress and excitement combined. Unfortunately, Jules and Torte get thrown in the 'hot seat' when Evan, one of the other showcase vendors, dies after sampling Jules' confections. Ack! Death by chocolate?! Well, nuts to be exact - seeing as he was allergic to them. Uh oh! What is Jules to do? Apparently, she'll put on her sleuthing cap and get to figuring out what really happened to Evan. Who killed him and why?
Alexander has written an engaging and rather delicious 'whodunit' story. Filled with choco-tastic sweets, this book had my mouth watering non-stop. I couldn't help but find myself craving all of Jules' yummy desserts. Luckily, Alexander has included the recipes at the back of the book - hurrah! Of course, I also found myself trying to figure out who was behind Evan's murder - I enjoyed all the twists and turns woven throughout the story. Fudge & Jury was truly a fun read. I plan on reading all of the other books in the series and can't wait to learn more about Jules and her sleuthing adventures. I just know that I'm in for quite a treat.
I would happily recommend Fudge & Jury to fans of Ellie Alexander's, A Bakeshop Mystery series, and fans of cozy mysteries with a foodie bent - you will DEVOUR this book!!
Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Fudge & Jury
GIVEAWAY: Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away one (1) copy of this book! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment. Don't forget to include your email address - that way I can contact you, if you win the book. Last date to enter is January 20th. US/Canada residents only. Good luck!!
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
JANUARY 11, 2017
Review: Fudge and Jury
Fudge and Jury The fifth Bakeshop Mystery
By Ellie Alexander
Available now from St. Martin's
Review copy
Ashland, Oregon is a small town that's built up a Shakespearean tourist industry, as well as an annual chocolate festival. As the co-owner of Torte, Ashland's resident bakeshop, Jules is cooking on all burners. She's considering expanding the business, and using the festival as a chance to renovate her current storefront. She's also got a couple of guys vying for her attention, but she's not ready to move on from her estranged husband.
When Evan Rowe, the infamously mean owner of Confections Couture, dies of an allergic reaction during the festival, everyone suspects foul play. The desserts he was served were supposedly nut free. Jules would be interested in the case just to clear her own name, but her friend Lance pushes her to become even more involved in probing for answers. As is the case in many mysteries where the victim is a real jerk, there's a plurality of suspects.
I haven't read the previous four Bakeshop Mysteries, but I was able to dive right into this tale. There is some exposition at the beginning about Jules' business and husband which helped me understand the basics of the setting, although it made me think Jules' husband would actually show up in the story. The series has a fairly standard cozy mystery set up, which made stepping into the series in the middle still feel familiar.
What I found stood out about FUDGE & JURY is the importance of Jules' career. Her professional development often overtook the murder mystery as the most important part of the book. I don't think that's a bad thing, since there's a new murder per book but investment in Jules is what will keep readers coming back. I know I'm thinking about checking out the previous four books from the library. I find that most cozy mysteries are centered around hobbies, or people starting new careers, so it was unusual to read one about a woman who is excelling in her field and finding increasing success.
I thought the cast was likeable. The array of romantic options seemed like a bit much, although Ellie Alexander sold the scene where Jules turns one of her suitors down. I felt for the guy and appreciated how maturely Jules handled the situation, by making her feelings clear but being compassionate. That's always a rough situation.
The details of the various confections are lush and mouth-watering. I know I wanted some chocolate pasta of my own! (And I greatly enjoyed Jules' defense of cocoa-powder based brownies. This Smitten Kitchen recipe proves they don't have to be grainy.) The solution to the mystery surprised me, and will certainly make me more careful about serving one of my favorite sauces to guests. The denouement happened quickly, since FUDGE & JURY does focus on so much more than the mystery, but I found the clever solution satisfying.
I have one copy to give away. US only, 13 and up.
ARC Review – A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander
by JESSICA on JUNE 27, 2017
ARC Review – A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie AlexanderA Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on June 27th 2017
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 320
Source: Netgalley
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Goodreads
Amazon
Torte--everybody's favorite small-town family bakeshop--is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . .
Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte gets set to make its transformation from quaint, local confectionary cafe to royal pastry palace. Meanwhile, Jules's estranged husband Carlos is making a desperate plea for her to come aboard his cruise ship and dazzle everyone with her signature sweets. She may be skeptical about returning to her former nautical life with Carlos but Jules can't resist an all-expense-paid trip, either. If only she knew that a dead body would find its way onto the itinerary . .
"A warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and likable main characters, and a nasty murder mystery to solve!" --Fresh Fiction Now, instead of enjoying tropical drinks on deck between whipping up batches of sea-salted chocolates and flambeing fresh pineapple slices in the kitchen, Jules is plunged into dangerous waters. Her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers: Why can't anyone on board identify the young woman? And how can she help Carlos keep passengers at ease with a killer in their midst? Jules feels like she's ready to jump ship. Can she solve this case without getting in too deep?"A perfect mix for fans of Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Budewitz, or Jessica Beck." --Library Journal
Jules is back in this bakeshop mysteries. She is called upon by her estranged husband to go back to the cruise ship to fill in for the pastry chef. He includes an all-paid trip for her mom and her beau the professor so Jules agrees. Everything is going great until Jule’s finds a body on board. No one seems to know who she is. Jules is plunged into another mystery. While making pastries for the ship Jules sets out to find out who the girl is and who killed her.
In an Oyster Shell – Another great installment of the series and is even a nice change of pace being set on a cruise ship.
The Pearls – I really liked this book in the series. It was a nice change of pace to be set on a cruise ship. Made me want to take a cruise. The descriptions of the boat and the food made you feel like you were there. It made me want to be there. The author really knew what she was talking about. You can tell she does her homework.
The mystery was intriguing. I felt like this was more of a stumper than in other books. They didn’t even know who the girl was for part of the investigation. Usually, they know the victim but not this time. Jules had a lot more to figure out and made for a more interesting read.
You can’t talk about these books and not talk about the romance. Carlos wants Jules back and spent her time on the ship showing her that. Jules knows her heart is in Ashland and she doesn’t know if Carlos would be happy there. Of course, Thomas is back on land worrying about Jules. It’s still a mystery who Jules will end up with. There is another part to the romance and that’s between her mom and the professor. You don’t want to miss what happens in this book!
The Sand – It’s a well-rounded good book.
Review: Another One Bites the Crust (A Bakeshop Mystery #7) by Ellie Alexander
I recently reviewed one of Ellie Alexander’s novels and I loved how she incorporated unique locations in her book. One of her books was based in Leavenworth Washington which is basically the Christmas town of the Pacific Northwest.
That was the reason I agreed to review this one….this time Alexander has us in Ashland Oregon. I live in Oregon (in Salem, the capital) which is about 5 hours north of Ashland but I have been to Ashland many times and I loved the charming town.
They host a yearly Shakespearean festival there which I have attended before and the quality of acting is superior to man festivals. Plus the theater is outdoors and reminiscent of the famous Globe theater. So I thought this book offered a unique setting for a murder.
It’s the role of a lifetime for Jules. The Shakespeare Festival has returned to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torte has been cast as the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event.
But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Jules’s friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house. . .and the next morning, Anthony is dead. Jules knows that Lance loves his drama—and his just desserts—but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him.
Now it’s up to Jules to cut through a bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co-stars who all have their own secrets—before the curtain drops on someone else (summary from Goodreads).
The first thought that stood out in my mind was THANK YOU Ellie Alexander for not making Oregon sound like ignorant and incompetent hillbillies! When people think of Oregon the first thought is often back woodsy folks cut off from the world, or idealistic tree huggers who recycle. In this book, the Oregon police are capable and the characters are cultured thespians. I loved that she kept the town charming and colorful but yet realistic and modern. It’s clear that she has a healthy respect for Oregonians and she really brings the town and its culture to life.
While this is the 7th book in the mystery series I didn’t feel completely lost within the narrative. Sure there were some nuances that I felt like I was missing but overall it didn’t detract from the novel. I normally would prefer to start a mystery series at the beginning so I could fully appreciate the characters however, I liked Alexander’s story telling style in her Sloan Krause series that I figured I would try her more popular series, A Bakeshop Mystery.
This is an easy to read cozy mystery that does keep you guessing until the very end. I was actually really anxious for the characters and the final outcome which is sometimes unusual in a cozy. I was invested in the story and the mystery enough to keep reading even when I said ‘one more chapter’. As I said there were some nuances that I felt like I was missing from previous books but on the whole I wasn’t entirely lost.
Also, the food in the book is to die for. The descriptions of some of the desserts were enough to make me hungry even though I had just eaten. I was drooling at times and felt like I gained 10 pounds just from reading this book. I want to visit this bakeshop now!
If you like cozy mysteries with delicious food descriptions as well as intriguing mysteries then this is the book for you. If you are worried about starting at a late point in the series, don’t be but if you want the full experience start with the first book. I am excited to go back and see how the characters have evolved since the first book.
Challenge/Book Summary:
Book: Another One Bites the Crust (A Bakeshop Mystery #7) by Ellie Alexander
Kindle Edition
Published January 2nd 2018 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ASINB072QWFWRV
Review copy provided by: Author/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book counts toward: NA
Hosted by: NA
Books for Challenge Completed: NA
Recommendation: 4 out of 5
Genre: cozy mystery, mystery
Memorable lines/quotes: NA
Another One Bites the Crust By Ellie Alexander: Review/Giveaway/Valentine’s Post
IN THE FEBRUARY 10 ISSUE
FROM THE 2018 ARTICLES,
ANDCYNTHIA CHOW,
ANDFOOD FUN,
ANDMYSTERYRAT'S MAZE SECTIONS
by Cynthia Chow
& Ellie Alexander
This week we have a review of another fun food mystery, Another One Bites the Crust: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander, and we have a fun Valentine’s Day Food guest post and recipe from Ellie! Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Another One Bites the Crust, and a link to purchase it from Amazon and an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.
Another One Bites the Crust: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander
Review by Cynthia Chow
Taking place not long after the working vacation on a cruise depicted in A Crime of Passion Fruit, bakeshop owner Jules Capshaw is adjusting back to life running Torte and its expansion into the basement below. The Elizabethan-themed town of Ashland, Oregon, embraces the Bard as an inspiration to attract tourists, but most of the antics seem to be occurring behind-the-scenes. Jules is seeing firsthand the mental spiraling of her friend Lance Rosseau, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, whose upcoming production is the tragic Antony and Cleopatra.
Desperate to hold onto his position and fearing that the board plans to remove him, Lance enlists Torte into catering an over-the-top Shakespearean dessert buffet to go along with his ostentatious preseason party. In an act that has Jules concerned about his stability, Lance physically assaults his method-acting lead, calling him untalented and desperate for attention. Jules wonders if it isn’t an instance of the pot calling the kettle black, as an hysterical Lance arrives at her door holding a prop knife and claiming to have found Antony’s dead body. book
When police are unable to find a corpse, even Jules must ponder whether it was all a publicity stunt. Lance may be known for his dramatic attention-seeking acts, and she has to admit that the news will attract a plethora of media attention. As the truth slowly unfolds, Jules is forced to help her friend and once again finds herself in the middle of a police investigation. Even if he weren’t already in the midst of wedding plans to Jules’ widowed mother, the Professor, and lead detective, recuses himself due to possible personal biases. His replacement is by-the-book and not accustomed to Ashland’s informality, which not only has everyone in everyone else’s business, but keeps a prisoner “jailed” in an unused office with Jules delivering Torte treats.
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Characters introduced early in the series continue to be developed, and while new readers will have no trouble catching up long-time fans will be rewarded by seeing the lives of their favorite residents progress. Jules is realizing that she must make a decision in her personal life, even if one has become glaringly clear. Ashland truly is where she feels most at home, and with a lead up to further intrigue, readers will anticipate where Jules’s life goes next.
Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).
Love and Food on Valentine’s Day
by Ellie Alexander
“If food be the music of love, play on.” ~ William Shakespeare
February is the month of love and in my opinion, there’s no greater love language than that expressed with a beautiful flaky pastry, or a magnificent eight-layer chocolate hazelnut cake with mocha buttercream and apricot preserves. In my Bakeshop Mystery series Juliet Montague Capshaw, a romantic pastry chef, spends her days crafting light-as-air soufflés and dainty petit fours in her family bakeshop, Torte, while sometimes stumbling upon murder.
When Juliet (but please call her Jules) returned to her hometown of Ashland, Oregon to heal her broken heart she never intended to fall in love again. But she’s fallen hard for her little hamlet tucked into the Siskiyou Mountains. Ashland is home to an eclectic group of actors, playwrights, artists, and adventure seekers of all kinds. Its sun-drench skies, sepia toned hillsides, and Elizabethan architecture make it an ideal getaway and a dreamy spot to cocoon yourself in.
Torte is more than a bakeshop. It’s a gathering space for the community. Visitors from around the globe come to take in a production of Shakespeare under the stars at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and treat themselves to one of Torte’s famed coconut cream tarts and almond lattes. Everyone who walks through the bakeshop’s front door is treated like royalty. That is especially true on Valentine’s Day.food
For the love-infused holiday, Jules is creating her signature red velvet cake. The luscious cake is the perfect slice to share with your sweetheart. Its blood-red chocolate with velvety layers of whipped vanilla buttercream, are sure to make your taste buds swoon. This deep, dark beauty has hints of mystery and will leave you wanting more. Fair warning, you might start seeing stars after one bite.
If you want to impress your amour this Valentine’s Day here is Jules’s recipe for love:
1. Handwrite a Shakespearean sonnet on a creamy note card.
2. Serve a slice of red velvet cake.
3. Pop open a bottle of something bubbly.
4. Light a candle.
5. Gaze into each other’s eyes and let the red velvet love affair begin.
Jules’s Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 ½ cup flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vinegar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, food coloring, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder. Once incorporated slowly add flour and buttermilk—alternating between the two as you beat the batter. Fold in baking soda and vinegar. Bake in eight-inch greased cake pans for thirty minutes. Cool. Cut in half crosswise to frost.
Frosting:
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons flour
1 cup water
2 sticks butter (1 cup)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cook the flour and water on medium high heat on the stove, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until it turns opaque. Set aside to cool.
Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a mixer. Add cooled flour paste and beat until light and fluffy. Frost in four equal layers.
Torte―the small-town bakeshop no one can resist―is hosting a midsummer night’s wedding . . . where merry-making and murder are served up in equal measure.
Jules Capshaw has too much on her plate―and she’s feeling the pinch: the whole town of Ashland,Oregon, is in on the surprise Elizabethan-themed wedding she’s planning for her mom and soon-to-be stepdad. But is her secret scheme half-baked? She’s hiding racks overflowing with sweet treats while Torte is topsy-turvy with a major remodel and the return of Jules’s estranged husband, Carlos. And until now, Jules had no clue about the bitter family feud that has her friend Lance frazzled and suspicious. But when a party crasher takes someone out with a serving of poisoned wine and Jules discovers the deadly cup was intended for her, it’s time to turn the tables on a killer.