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zandrawaggoner's review
It didn’t capture my attention. If you’re looking for light-hearted, hyper formulaic murder, this is the book for you.
tayparks's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alireadsandknits's review
2.0
The narrator was wonderful.
I read book #1 and listened to this book as it was available before the ebook/print book at my library.
I will try book three in the series when it comes out, but I'm on the fence if I actually like the main character Mac.
This may be more due to my own reaction to her OCD. Almost get murdered because you can't allow shoes in your house? I am not diminishing the seriousness of OCD and know it can rule someone's life, but it's not relaxing for me to read about it in a cozy mystery. I have a feeling this is going to become more and more prevalent in this series and I'm not sure if I'll continue due to that.
I read book #1 and listened to this book as it was available before the ebook/print book at my library.
I will try book three in the series when it comes out, but I'm on the fence if I actually like the main character Mac.
This may be more due to my own reaction to her OCD. Almost get murdered because you can't allow shoes in your house? I am not diminishing the seriousness of OCD and know it can rule someone's life, but it's not relaxing for me to read about it in a cozy mystery. I have a feeling this is going to become more and more prevalent in this series and I'm not sure if I'll continue due to that.
pussreboots's review
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
peggyemi's review
4.0
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one seemed to sit on my TBR pile for too long. So, with the third book coming out in a few months, I bumped this one up the TBR list and was so happy I did. I really enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the mystery. Belle, Mac's pet African Gray parrot provides some humor and levity during the course of the story. Belle is a fun character in her own right and frankly saves the day at one point in the story. I found there to be plenty of suspects and Ms. Day provides clues that lead the reader to believe any one of them could have committed the murder. I was not surprised by the killer's identity given the clues and the plot. This is a terrific series so far and I am looking forward to the next book due out in November 2021.
esabel's review against another edition
3.0
This book was OK. I liked the small town setting and I really liked the bird, Belle. I also like the idea of a book club that reads cozy mysteries and solves murders.
I didn't like that the reader is not given enough information to solve the murder themselves. I also didn't like parts of the book read like an ad for Alexa (seriously, it was over the top) and I hated that Mac kept referring to her boyfriend as 'my man'. I also felt that the writing was a bit too simplistic.
I didn't like that the reader is not given enough information to solve the murder themselves. I also didn't like parts of the book read like an ad for Alexa (seriously, it was over the top) and I hated that Mac kept referring to her boyfriend as 'my man'. I also felt that the writing was a bit too simplistic.
lolasreviews's review
4.0
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
I read the first book in this series and then for the second book I ended up deciding to switch to audio. This series is narrated by Rachel Dulude who is one of my favorite narrators so far, so I decided to go to audio. It took me a bit of time early on in this book to make the switch and get used to how everyone sounded, but once I was through the first few chapters I was into the story and the audio worked great for this book.
In Murder at the Taffy Shop Mac and her friends have another mystery to solve. Beverly, a women who not many people liked, is killed and Gin and Mac find her body. Gin becomes a suspect in the murder while Mac and the rest of the cozy capers book group get involved in trying to solve the mystery. I liked the mystery, there were some possible suspects from the start, but I wasn't quite sure who did it. I liked how we got more pieces of the mystery and suspects, but no suspects can be crossed off till the end when we find out who the murderer is. I wasn't surprised by who the murderer was, but it was great seeing it play out. I didn't really care for how the detective kept telling Mac not to get involved and how Mac kinda went back and forth on investigating or not, even though it felt realistic. I liked how it all came together at the end and how the danger scene at the end got resolved.
I liked reading this book, just like Maddie Day's other series it has a nice mix between the real life and events and the mystery. I enjoy reading about Mac's daily life and her job running her bike shop. In this book she and her boyfriend Tim are struggling with a decision about their future and whether to take kids or not. Tim wants kids, but Mac isn't sure. I found Tim could act a bit harsh at times and I am still not sure whether I like the romance or am hoping she ends up with someone else. I am a bit frustrated that this plot line didn't get resolved as I wanted to know in which direction things are going. I thought the last chapter would resolve it, but it didn't. They do patch things up, but no final decisions is made.
There is a wonderful group of side characters. Mac has a whole family around her, her mother and father as well as her brother and niece. Then there are the cozy capers book club members and her engineer in the store. She also has a parrot called Belle, who is so fun to read about. It's not difficult remembering who is who as everyone has their own personality, although there certainly are a lot of characters especially when you add in the murder suspects.
I am glad I switched to the audio version. I like how Rachel Dulude narrated this one and the way she does the voices for all the characters. I like how the voices fit the characters and things like her niece who talks with a lisp or the way the parrot talks all add some flavor to the book. I really enjoyed the audio version of this book and will be continuing the rest of the series in audio if possible.
To summarize: This was a great book. I liked the mix of daily life and the murder mystery. The mystery was interesting with a few clear suspects, the mystery moves forward, but no gets scrapped of the list till the reveal at the end. I wasn't surprised at who had done it, but it was great to see how things played out. I like reading about Mac and her work at the bike shop and seeing her interact with her friends and family. I am still on the fence about the romance and in this book she and Tim argue a bit, sadly by the end of the book I am still not sure what Mac decides. There are a lot of characters and it's fun to read about them. I especially liked Mac's parrot Belle. I am glad I switched to audio for this series as I really enjoyed listening to this one. I liked the different voices for the characters that the narrator did and it was pleasant to listen to this one.
I read the first book in this series and then for the second book I ended up deciding to switch to audio. This series is narrated by Rachel Dulude who is one of my favorite narrators so far, so I decided to go to audio. It took me a bit of time early on in this book to make the switch and get used to how everyone sounded, but once I was through the first few chapters I was into the story and the audio worked great for this book.
In Murder at the Taffy Shop Mac and her friends have another mystery to solve. Beverly, a women who not many people liked, is killed and Gin and Mac find her body. Gin becomes a suspect in the murder while Mac and the rest of the cozy capers book group get involved in trying to solve the mystery. I liked the mystery, there were some possible suspects from the start, but I wasn't quite sure who did it. I liked how we got more pieces of the mystery and suspects, but no suspects can be crossed off till the end when we find out who the murderer is. I wasn't surprised by who the murderer was, but it was great seeing it play out. I didn't really care for how the detective kept telling Mac not to get involved and how Mac kinda went back and forth on investigating or not, even though it felt realistic. I liked how it all came together at the end and how the danger scene at the end got resolved.
I liked reading this book, just like Maddie Day's other series it has a nice mix between the real life and events and the mystery. I enjoy reading about Mac's daily life and her job running her bike shop. In this book she and her boyfriend Tim are struggling with a decision about their future and whether to take kids or not. Tim wants kids, but Mac isn't sure. I found Tim could act a bit harsh at times and I am still not sure whether I like the romance or am hoping she ends up with someone else. I am a bit frustrated that this plot line didn't get resolved as I wanted to know in which direction things are going. I thought the last chapter would resolve it, but it didn't. They do patch things up, but no final decisions is made.
There is a wonderful group of side characters. Mac has a whole family around her, her mother and father as well as her brother and niece. Then there are the cozy capers book club members and her engineer in the store. She also has a parrot called Belle, who is so fun to read about. It's not difficult remembering who is who as everyone has their own personality, although there certainly are a lot of characters especially when you add in the murder suspects.
I am glad I switched to the audio version. I like how Rachel Dulude narrated this one and the way she does the voices for all the characters. I like how the voices fit the characters and things like her niece who talks with a lisp or the way the parrot talks all add some flavor to the book. I really enjoyed the audio version of this book and will be continuing the rest of the series in audio if possible.
To summarize: This was a great book. I liked the mix of daily life and the murder mystery. The mystery was interesting with a few clear suspects, the mystery moves forward, but no gets scrapped of the list till the reveal at the end. I wasn't surprised at who had done it, but it was great to see how things played out. I like reading about Mac and her work at the bike shop and seeing her interact with her friends and family. I am still on the fence about the romance and in this book she and Tim argue a bit, sadly by the end of the book I am still not sure what Mac decides. There are a lot of characters and it's fun to read about them. I especially liked Mac's parrot Belle. I am glad I switched to audio for this series as I really enjoyed listening to this one. I liked the different voices for the characters that the narrator did and it was pleasant to listen to this one.
karen_the_baroness's review
5.0
Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day is set during the last days of summer before the start of a new school year on the cape.
Will Mac and the book group keep Gin out of jail?
Mac and the Book Group
Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida takes us on another journey with her book group to solve a mystery while enjoying life on the cape during the summer. She has a wonderful niece that she loves to spoil, an awesome family that helps her greatly with not only her shop but also her life, and a boyfriend who is perfect for her. I love all aspects of Mac's life since it seems like she has almost everything figured out. Mac tries not to get involved in a murder investigation, but sometimes, it can't be helped. She is able to look at clues differently than the cops, and she always gives them information.
Mac is a fantastic character that still has flaws that she is working through.
The Mystery
Gin found the dead body of Beverly Ruchart while waiting for Mac to start their work out of speed walking before they opened up their respective businesses. Everything is going well until the police make it known that Gin is their prime suspect, at least in Mac's eyes, and she decides, along with the rest of their book group - including Gin, to solve the mystery. Mac doesn't want to see her best friend go to jail for a crime she knew that she didn't commit. I have to say that I was puzzled by this one. The clues were something I paid attention to, but I went the wrong way in interpreting them for the right killer. Oh well, you win some, and you lose some. Ms. Day definitely did a great job of leading me astray.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day, along with a recommendation to anyone who wants a great cozy mystery to read. Ms. Day wrote a beautiful mystery, and I can't wait to see where she takes us on this wonderful journey with Mac, the book group, and the mysteries. Maybe something more will happen for Mac and her boyfriend.
There are wonderful recipes in the back that you should take a look at. They are Zane's Summer Cooler, Tulia's Cod Cakes, Avocado Deviled Eggs, Parmesan Polenta Disks, Bear Claws, and Yeasted Dough.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Will Mac and the book group keep Gin out of jail?
Mac and the Book Group
Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida takes us on another journey with her book group to solve a mystery while enjoying life on the cape during the summer. She has a wonderful niece that she loves to spoil, an awesome family that helps her greatly with not only her shop but also her life, and a boyfriend who is perfect for her. I love all aspects of Mac's life since it seems like she has almost everything figured out. Mac tries not to get involved in a murder investigation, but sometimes, it can't be helped. She is able to look at clues differently than the cops, and she always gives them information.
Mac is a fantastic character that still has flaws that she is working through.
The Mystery
Gin found the dead body of Beverly Ruchart while waiting for Mac to start their work out of speed walking before they opened up their respective businesses. Everything is going well until the police make it known that Gin is their prime suspect, at least in Mac's eyes, and she decides, along with the rest of their book group - including Gin, to solve the mystery. Mac doesn't want to see her best friend go to jail for a crime she knew that she didn't commit. I have to say that I was puzzled by this one. The clues were something I paid attention to, but I went the wrong way in interpreting them for the right killer. Oh well, you win some, and you lose some. Ms. Day definitely did a great job of leading me astray.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day, along with a recommendation to anyone who wants a great cozy mystery to read. Ms. Day wrote a beautiful mystery, and I can't wait to see where she takes us on this wonderful journey with Mac, the book group, and the mysteries. Maybe something more will happen for Mac and her boyfriend.
There are wonderful recipes in the back that you should take a look at. They are Zane's Summer Cooler, Tulia's Cod Cakes, Avocado Deviled Eggs, Parmesan Polenta Disks, Bear Claws, and Yeasted Dough.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.