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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
How the Murder Crumbles is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Mallory Monroe enjoys baking and decorating cookies. She has traded in the big city for a small town. Mallory has fond memories of summers spent in Wingate, especially the summer she received her first kiss. The cookie descriptions will have your mouth watering. There are recipes for a couple of them at the end including the controversial Almond Meltaways. The mystery has the unpleasant Beatrice Wright ending up dead and Mallory finding her body. Beatrice was a disagreeable woman who managed to annoy the majority of the town’s residents. This leads to a lengthy suspect list. It can be confusing trying to keep all the suspects straight. The guilty party can easily be identified and with the reason why long before the reveal. Mallory runs around town asking questions in a not-so-subtle manner. I thought someone who had worked in advertising would be a better schmoozer. Mallory manages to anger several people during her investigation (not good for a fledgling business). There are a couple of incidents along the way, but they do not deter Mallory. Personally, I kept hoping Mallory’s cantankerous employee, Claudia, would find herself in the killer’s crosshairs (there is always the next installment). The mystery is neatly wrapped up at the end. I had trouble getting into How the Murder Crumbles. The story is a slow starter. The pacing was choppy throughout the book. I also found there to be too much repetition of key details (the bakery, the cousin, details regarding the mystery). The majority of the characters are superficial and there are so many of them. There is some romance as well. Mallory breaks up with one fellow and soon has feelings for another. I thought it was a little quick. I liked Mallory’s cat, Agatha. Mallory’s best friend, Kip, is a friendly, upbeat individual as well as a good baker. He is a good friend and there for Mallory in her time of need. How the Murder Crumbles was just okay for me (as you can tell). How the Murder Crumbles is a cookie centric cozy with a mean Queen Bea, a cookie controversy, a lethal rolling pin, an unkind cousin, a two-timing suitor, a cuddly cat, an attractive detective, and a probing baker.
mariyavd's review against another edition
3.0
A good cozy/beach mystery read. We follow Mallory in her new chapter in life- a small town bakery. Everything begins well until it starts to crumble. Someone gets murdered and Mallory is on a mission to find out who is the killer. It has its twists and turns, everyone has a secret and everyone is a suspect. The story is light and interesting until the very end.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES is the first book in the brand-new Cookie Shop Mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. This delightful cozy mystery brings all the right ingredients to the story—a fast-paced plot, memorable characters, yummy cookies, and a charming setting. Protagonist Mallory Monroe is an enjoyable character. Who wouldn’t want to spend time at her bakery, The Cookie Shop, with all the delicious and beautiful treats she bakes and decorates. I greatly enjoyed the tidbits of cookie decorating skills shared on the pages and could just envision the gorgeous flower cookie bouquets she creates. Mallory’s best friend and employee, Kip, offers some comic relief with his jokes and brings a lightheartedness to the story. It helps offset the irritation brought by her disgruntled employee, Claudia, which I hope improves with the next book.
Ms. Sennefelder manages to effortlessly juggle several subplots—such as a cheating boyfriend, a cousin who is intent on ruining The Cookie Shop, a pie baking contest, and an accusation of stealing a cookie recipe. But it’s the death of the accuser who drives the story and the well-plotted mystery kept my attention throughout. Not only is Mallory accused of stealing the recipe, but she becomes a suspect in the murder. With business drying up and the townspeople unsure of her innocence, Mallory decides she needs to ask some questions around town and clear her name. Thrown into the mix is a handsome detective and the unlikeliest of sidekicks, which bring some surprising twists. The author’s deft writing wraps all the threads of the plot and subplot together into one highly satisfactory conclusion. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
Be prepared to crave cookies as you read this book! Fortunately, for the home cook, Ms. Sennefelder has included a few recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms. Sennefelder manages to effortlessly juggle several subplots—such as a cheating boyfriend, a cousin who is intent on ruining The Cookie Shop, a pie baking contest, and an accusation of stealing a cookie recipe. But it’s the death of the accuser who drives the story and the well-plotted mystery kept my attention throughout. Not only is Mallory accused of stealing the recipe, but she becomes a suspect in the murder. With business drying up and the townspeople unsure of her innocence, Mallory decides she needs to ask some questions around town and clear her name. Thrown into the mix is a handsome detective and the unlikeliest of sidekicks, which bring some surprising twists. The author’s deft writing wraps all the threads of the plot and subplot together into one highly satisfactory conclusion. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
Be prepared to crave cookies as you read this book! Fortunately, for the home cook, Ms. Sennefelder has included a few recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
darcerenity's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
whatnolareads's review against another edition
4.0
Wingate, Connecticut, is the backdrop to a tantalizing mystery that unfolds at Mallory Monroe’s beloved Cookie Shop. As the intoxicating scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, Mallory's life takes a sharp turn when she becomes entangled in a murder investigation.
From the chaotic kitchen to personal betrayals, Mallory faces numerous challenges that threaten her business and reputation. Accused of stealing a recipe and embroiled in a deadly feud with food blogger Beatrice Wright, Mallory's world is rocked when Beatrice is found dead in her kitchen, casting suspicion upon her.
Sennefelder skillfully weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With a cast of endearing characters and a vivid portrayal of small-town life, "How the Murder Crumbles" offers a delectable blend of mystery and charm that will leave you craving more.
From the chaotic kitchen to personal betrayals, Mallory faces numerous challenges that threaten her business and reputation. Accused of stealing a recipe and embroiled in a deadly feud with food blogger Beatrice Wright, Mallory's world is rocked when Beatrice is found dead in her kitchen, casting suspicion upon her.
Sennefelder skillfully weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With a cast of endearing characters and a vivid portrayal of small-town life, "How the Murder Crumbles" offers a delectable blend of mystery and charm that will leave you craving more.
allibee's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, thank you so much to Dreamscape Media, Debra Sennefelder, and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook!
This book was such a fun read for me on my daily walks. I absolutely love a murder mystery but even more so when I get to own and operate a small business along side my main character. This one follows Mallory who owns a cookie shop in Wingate, Connecticut!
Are you hooked yet? You should be!
Not only is this book filled with silly cookie puns and a recipe at the end, Mallory is happy living her quiet life until she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her the entire time. Then a local food blogger accused her of stealing her cookie recipe! To put a chocolate chip on top, said food blogger turns up dead and Mallory finds the body! Dum dum dummmmm!
THEN the girl her ex was cheating on her with MOVED TO TOWN and rents the flat above the cookie shop!!
Guys, as a gemini, I loved the drama! I don't want to give anything away so I shut my mouth but I will say you'll root for Mallory and her small business. You'll also love her cat, Agatha (named after Christie!).
Anyway, you'll get loads of small town gossip, two potential love interests, great friends and tons of community support. I super enjoyed this book and Ellen Quay was a fantastic narrator! Def a book I recommend to anyone interested in murder mysteries.
Blog Post: https://onthetripside.com/2023/05/book-review-round-up-28/
This is a review of the audiobook.
This book was such a fun read for me on my daily walks. I absolutely love a murder mystery but even more so when I get to own and operate a small business along side my main character. This one follows Mallory who owns a cookie shop in Wingate, Connecticut!
Are you hooked yet? You should be!
Not only is this book filled with silly cookie puns and a recipe at the end, Mallory is happy living her quiet life until she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her the entire time. Then a local food blogger accused her of stealing her cookie recipe! To put a chocolate chip on top, said food blogger turns up dead and Mallory finds the body! Dum dum dummmmm!
THEN the girl her ex was cheating on her with MOVED TO TOWN and rents the flat above the cookie shop!!
Guys, as a gemini, I loved the drama! I don't want to give anything away so I shut my mouth but I will say you'll root for Mallory and her small business. You'll also love her cat, Agatha (named after Christie!).
Anyway, you'll get loads of small town gossip, two potential love interests, great friends and tons of community support. I super enjoyed this book and Ellen Quay was a fantastic narrator! Def a book I recommend to anyone interested in murder mysteries.
Blog Post: https://onthetripside.com/2023/05/book-review-round-up-28/
This is a review of the audiobook.
becky_m8's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
booklovingmom_'s review
5.0
How the Murder Crumbles is the first mystery in the new Cookie Shop Mystery series. Mallory Monroe has recently taken over and revamped her aunts bakery, turning it into the Cookie Shop. The start of the business isn’t going as smoothly as Mallory hopes and she can’t seem to catch a break. When Mallory has a fight with Beatrice Wright, who later turns up murdered, Mallory is the number one suspect. In order to clear her name and save her livelihood, Mallory takes it upon herself to search out the killer.
This is a great start to a promising new cozy mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. I have read some of her other cozy series and have loved them, this new series appears it will be no different. I really enjoyed the main character, Mallory, and the setting of this mystery. I found this to be another great cozy and look forward to seeing what comes next for Mallory and her Cookie Shop.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
This is a great start to a promising new cozy mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. I have read some of her other cozy series and have loved them, this new series appears it will be no different. I really enjoyed the main character, Mallory, and the setting of this mystery. I found this to be another great cozy and look forward to seeing what comes next for Mallory and her Cookie Shop.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
katreader's review
4.0
HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES by Debra Sennefelder
The First Cookie Shop Mystery
Beatrice Wright is known around Wingate, Connecticut as Queen Bea. So when she's found murdered there are plenty of suspects, including Cookie Shop owner Mallory Monroe, who just had a huge blowup with the victim. With townsfolk looking askance at her, Mallory also has to deal with bickering employees, a devious cousin, and the woman she caught her boyfriend with, not to mention a hunky detective, all while creating distinctive and delectable cookies. Desperate to prove her innocence, Mallory starts her own search for a killer. But will she solve a murder or become a victim?
How anyone can claim a cookie recipe is theirs and theirs alone is beyond me, but that's just what the supercilious Queen Bea believes. With a huge ego and little tolerance for others it's no wonder she becomes our murder victim. As Mallory investigates we learn even more reasons why people would like to kill her. I love mysteries with a good number of suspects all with excellent motives, and that's what we get in the first Cookie Shop Mystery.
I enjoyed my first visit to Wingate, Connecticut and the Cookie Shop. I like the slight tweak to the bakery in that the focus of the shop is highly decorated cookies and cookie bouquets. It's a nice departure from just regular baked goods, although Mallory offers those too...leading to the threats. I like that Mallory is somewhat suspicious of everyone and I think the addition of "the other woman" into her close circle is great fun. All of the characters have dimension and I look forward to learning more about them, especially a certain detective with a sparkle in his eye.
With great character dynamics, some surprising twists and turns, and lots of delicious cookies HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES is a great start to a new series.
The First Cookie Shop Mystery
Beatrice Wright is known around Wingate, Connecticut as Queen Bea. So when she's found murdered there are plenty of suspects, including Cookie Shop owner Mallory Monroe, who just had a huge blowup with the victim. With townsfolk looking askance at her, Mallory also has to deal with bickering employees, a devious cousin, and the woman she caught her boyfriend with, not to mention a hunky detective, all while creating distinctive and delectable cookies. Desperate to prove her innocence, Mallory starts her own search for a killer. But will she solve a murder or become a victim?
How anyone can claim a cookie recipe is theirs and theirs alone is beyond me, but that's just what the supercilious Queen Bea believes. With a huge ego and little tolerance for others it's no wonder she becomes our murder victim. As Mallory investigates we learn even more reasons why people would like to kill her. I love mysteries with a good number of suspects all with excellent motives, and that's what we get in the first Cookie Shop Mystery.
I enjoyed my first visit to Wingate, Connecticut and the Cookie Shop. I like the slight tweak to the bakery in that the focus of the shop is highly decorated cookies and cookie bouquets. It's a nice departure from just regular baked goods, although Mallory offers those too...leading to the threats. I like that Mallory is somewhat suspicious of everyone and I think the addition of "the other woman" into her close circle is great fun. All of the characters have dimension and I look forward to learning more about them, especially a certain detective with a sparkle in his eye.
With great character dynamics, some surprising twists and turns, and lots of delicious cookies HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES is a great start to a new series.
forg_tful_'s review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0