Reviews

How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder

forg_tful_'s review

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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

sacredhearthbookreviews's review against another edition

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4.0

How the Murder Crumbles is a fun, cozy little murder mystery. We follow Mallory as she tries to clear her name for a murder she didn't commit, and then more murder happens. All of it started over a cookie recipe that she was accused of stealing.

As Mallory investigates, she's threatened multiple times and in the end, she uncovers more crimes committed by multiple people. It's always fun to watch an amateur sleuth play detective in a cozy murder mystery.

I really enjoyed this read. Thank you for the audio ARC.


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thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved How the Murder Crumbles the first book in Debra Sennefelder's "A Cookie Shop Mystery" series. There is drama, romance and an absolutely expert mystery offering so many twists and turns that I was completely surprised by the ending. I really did not want this book to end, and can't wait for more!

I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Mallory in this series and I look forward to reading the next book ...

I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

keepurheadinthebooks's review against another edition

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3.0

This is my first Debra Sennefelder’s book and a first of cozy mystery fiction.
At first, I was taken aback a bit by the writing style, it’s little odd and simplistic with short sentences and unnecessary details. But then I got pulled into the plot and characters and started enjoying more.
I had some aspects I didn’t like, for example the detective seems to be more attractive than clever. I really expected to get his perspective a bit, but it seemed the police did nothing to solve the crime. Also for a good portion of the book the main heroine just talks to people without getting any insights or following any theory. The thought process is important! I felt like it lacked a strong narrative, rather having reader’s attention spread thin on absolutely unnecessary details unrelated to the crime or character development. Also there is too many suspects.
Now to the things I liked - the book is pretty light, nice and sweet with bakery, cookies, gardens and small town atmosphere. I enjoyed the romance too, although it’s merely the start of it. The murder plot line was solid too, I didn’t guess the murderer up until ¾ of the book. I liked the side characters – especially Claudia with her moody disposition and remarks. Mallory was a good main character.
Overall I’ll read the next book in the series and will check out others of the author. For me the book is around solid 3 starts, it doesn’t have any major turnoffs but also doesn’t hook your attention so that you can’t put down he book.
#HowtheMurderCrumbles
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via #NetGalley.*

lolasreviews's review against another edition

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I DNF'd this one at 41% as it wasn't gripping me. I didn't really like the main character and how she handled things and interacted with the other characters. And everyone was kinda mean and judgy to her as well. The mystery didn't grab my attention either and felt a bit too typical with the set up where the main character has a public argument with the lady who died and now she's the main suspects.

allibee's review against another edition

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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.

bookiewookie94's review

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funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I love these "cozy" mysteries. This was very much in line with the Murder She Baked, Aurora Teagarden mysteries that I simply LOVE watching, and reading.

Debra Sennefelder did not disappoint with this book at all! It was such an amazing read, and I am sooo thankful I was able to get access tot his book! It was fun, and had me hooked from the first chapter, which doesn't always happen with books such as these. Debra Sennefelder really made characters that were compelling, and complex, and made the story incredibly interesting.

It kept me guessing each moment, and I loved the way the story kept building up and up, and it was honestly really well done. I will be reading more of her books in the future that is a guarantee! 

xoselenanicole's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious

2.5

 2.5 ⭐️Cookies & small town gossip

It took a while to really get into this story, and outside of the town gossip there wasn’t much that happened until after about 65%. The main character was a bit self righteous in her interactions with others. Would I read again? Probably not

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity, all thoughts are my own 

msrichardsreads89's review

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mysterious fast-paced

bwilhoite8's review

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC. 

I absolutely loved the start to this new series. So good! Loved the setting, characters, plot, everything! Definitely looking forward to the next book. The cookies sound delicious with easy recipes included.