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peacefrog's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
There were time in this book where all I could think was that Chloe was too dumb to live. Then she redeemed herself. To me there was a bit too much talk about cannabis. Nothing against it, I don’t enjoy any book that spends chapter after chapter on a topic. Like the Hannah Swensen books - page after page of let’s make thins and this is how you mix it. Ugh.
Will try the next book.
Will try the next book.
shaleyflowers's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
pageturningpaige's review
3.0
I loved the concept of her opening a cannabis bakery! I wish there was more to do with the bakery than the murder but I liked the mystery and trying to figure out who did it. I feel like the writing fell a little flat for me but it was good!
meredith_gayle's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
salomax_64's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
First in this series. I can’t wait to see where the author takes Chloe, Grandma Rose, and the rest of the town.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
A HALF-BAKED MURDER, by Emily George, is the first book in the brand-new Cannabis Café Mysteries. A terrific start to what promises to be an entertaining cozy series, I was immediately swept up into the story of Paris-trained pastry chef Chloe Barnes. Reeling from a disastrous breakup and a career-breaking food review, Chloe returns to her California coast hometown, Azalea Bay. She settles in with her ill grandmother and tries to make the most of her shattered life. Enter her quirky boho Aunt Dawn, who has the brilliant idea to open a cannabis café featuring Chloe’s delectable treats with a twist. The relationship between the three women is precious and I admire their tender respect and love for each other. I also appreciate how Ms. George handles what can be a controversial subject of legal cannabis usage with great sensitivity. She weaves information into the storyline without detracting from the mystery. I was especially touched how she explains the usage for medicinal purposes, such as for the side effects her grandmother is experiencing from chemo.
The mystery was well-plotted and had all the necessary ingredients for the armchair detective to follow along. When Chloe is targeted by the town bully and her aunt has a run-in with him, her aunt is placed at the top of the suspect list by local police. The victim was unsympathetic and honestly, it was a wonder he hadn’t been killed earlier in his life. This provides a wide open field of suspects for Chloe to work through as she tries to clear her aunt’s name. It doesn’t help that Aunt Dawn seems to be hiding secrets that need to be brought to light to prove her innocence. The fast-paced read had me turning pages to find out what happens next, and the reveal answered all my questions. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and am eager to try one of the tempting recipes included at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery was well-plotted and had all the necessary ingredients for the armchair detective to follow along. When Chloe is targeted by the town bully and her aunt has a run-in with him, her aunt is placed at the top of the suspect list by local police. The victim was unsympathetic and honestly, it was a wonder he hadn’t been killed earlier in his life. This provides a wide open field of suspects for Chloe to work through as she tries to clear her aunt’s name. It doesn’t help that Aunt Dawn seems to be hiding secrets that need to be brought to light to prove her innocence. The fast-paced read had me turning pages to find out what happens next, and the reveal answered all my questions. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and am eager to try one of the tempting recipes included at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
robyn_grace's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
bbecca_marie's review
4.0
A Half-Baked Murder by Emily George
I love cozy mysteries when I’m in the mood for them and this one was so good! It was a fast and fun read that holds your attention throughout the story. My favorite parts were Chloe’s relationships to her aunt Dawn and her grandmother, it really had me kissing my own tia. Stories with strong and close familial relationships will always have my heart and if you add baking to the mix?? I already know I’m going yo love it! And I did love it! A Half-Baked Murder is the first installment in the Cannabis Café Mysteries and I will definitely be reading the rest!
Happy reading
I love cozy mysteries when I’m in the mood for them and this one was so good! It was a fast and fun read that holds your attention throughout the story. My favorite parts were Chloe’s relationships to her aunt Dawn and her grandmother, it really had me kissing my own tia. Stories with strong and close familial relationships will always have my heart and if you add baking to the mix?? I already know I’m going yo love it! And I did love it! A Half-Baked Murder is the first installment in the Cannabis Café Mysteries and I will definitely be reading the rest!
Happy reading
lisafrancine's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75