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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander is the eighteenth A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. The story was not as easy to read as the others in the series. We are introduced to a number of new characters plus there are the regular characters (hotel staff, Ramiro’s family, ski patrol, bakery staff, contest participants, townspeople). It can be a challenge to keep them all straight. I found the pacing to be languid (little action, but plenty of chatting and eating). The mystery was uncomplicated. The victim, of course, was not well liked. You do not get to know any of the suspects very well. The mystery is not at the forefront of the story. A couple of details give away the killer’s identity. I like that we get to learn about a few of the outdoor activities available around Ashland. Jules arranged for the family to go on a midnight snowshoe trip on Mount Ashland (I bet the stars were beautiful) with a late-night feast. They also went skiing. Mount Ashland’s annual downhill dummy competition is certainly different. As usual, there is plenty of baking, cooking, eating, and drinking wine. A Smoking Bun had a cheery ending. There was a tidbit at end regarding the obnoxious Richard Lord that had me chuckling. A Smoking Bun is a light, upbeat tale with a visiting family, a slain skier, a snug lodge, tasty pastries, downhill dummy competition, and sunny news.
thephdivabooks's review
3.0
Ellie Alexander’s latest book in her Bakeshop Mystery series set in Ashland, OR sees pastry chef Jules’ growing extended family come to visit from Spain. Meanwhile a murder on the ski slopes threatens to upend everything in A Smoking Bun.
Review | A Smoking Bun
I’ve read some of the books in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mysteries, but I certainly haven’t read them all. A Smoking Bun is book 18, which is quite impressive! Typically I comment on whether a cozy mystery can be read as a standalone, and technically this one could (the mystery is solved within the book). However, I think reading this in the context of the series matters more in this case than some others, as we see Jules dealing with a lot of life challenges outside the mystery that will have a greater impact if you’ve experienced at least some of her character arc across the series.
“They say you should embrace the seasons of life […] Beauty was literally all around me. My problem was more about centering on the moment. Being fully present and not spiraling into imagined worries and plans for my future.”
The book opens with Jules struggling to relax and enjoy life. Readers of the series will know that Jules is a great character, but she is a heavy character for a cozy mystery series. This isn’t the first book where the narrative is weighted down with her current issues (which is partly why so many love the series and it’s authenticity). This is a book where we see Jules tackling grief, anxiety, and reflecting on her journey of self-growth. Carlos has moved to Ashland, OR to be with Jules and his son Ramiro has been staying with them for the past six months. Ramiro’s family is coming to visit, and Jules is a bundle of stress (not only because of this).
Carlos and Jules have a checkered past in the series. I haven’t read every book and it seems that they are in one of the better places they have been the entire series in A Smoking Bun, but I can’t shake my dislike of him from some of his past behavior. Jules doesn’t seem to be having the same problem! In fact, I think she is most stressed that things seem to be going so well and this may mean they are ready for the next step—having their own children. More about that topic if you read the book!
“Baking is my escape from grief […] You know how they say that time heals all wounds? Don’t believe that lie—it doesn’t. […] Time changes us. Time morphs us. But for those of us who have loved and lost, grief comes with us.”
Oof. See what I mean by heavy? Jules is not the only person in this book dealing with grief and anxiety. She and another character bond over baking as a healing activity (this is actually a theme that has come up before in the series). That part of this story I found quite lovely. Jules has a big heart and she puts a lot of love into her baking.
If you are wondering why I haven’t touched on the mystery yet, it’s because the mystery really felt secondary to everything else going on for the first half! The second half picks up pace as the investigation goes on and we learn more about the suspects and their backgrounds and motivations. The conclusion to the mystery does have a satisfying twist to it, and a few heart-pounding scenes to balance the heavier ones.
Overall, I did like this book this book, but with the caveat that I’ve read some of the series. Jules is a character I care about from other books, so opening with her in such a low place didn’t push me away. I am curious how this opening will read for those new to the series. Will Jules be able to win them over, even as she is processing a lot of emotions and negative energy?
I think A Smoking Bun is truly a gift for the longtime readers of this series. Jules has a growth arc during the events of this book that are setting her up to be in a much different place in the next book in the series. I also think if you’ve grown to care about Jules as a character and seen her ups and downs over the previous seventeen books, this story will hold a special place in your heart as it feels like her truly processing and releasing a lot of what is holding her down. By the end of the book, it feels like Jules is embarking on a new chapter with a much lighter spirit in mind. A lot of credit goes to Ramiro’s mother, Sophia. I actually thought the scene between her and Jules at the wine tasting was the best of the book, though it had nothing to do with the mystery.
The mystery itself is good. It almost felt like a mini mystery happening intertwined with everything else going on in Jules’s life. Reflecting, I’m glad the author gave the space it did to Jules’ struggles. I think this was needed for the series to be able to move on from it, and I have faith it will. I think it may also resonate with readers who have experienced blended or nontraditional families, as well as readers who have experience with periods of grief and anxiety over the future. Alexander is a talented writer and lends a lot of depth and authenticity to Jules’ story.
Thank you to St Martins Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Review | A Smoking Bun
I’ve read some of the books in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mysteries, but I certainly haven’t read them all. A Smoking Bun is book 18, which is quite impressive! Typically I comment on whether a cozy mystery can be read as a standalone, and technically this one could (the mystery is solved within the book). However, I think reading this in the context of the series matters more in this case than some others, as we see Jules dealing with a lot of life challenges outside the mystery that will have a greater impact if you’ve experienced at least some of her character arc across the series.
“They say you should embrace the seasons of life […] Beauty was literally all around me. My problem was more about centering on the moment. Being fully present and not spiraling into imagined worries and plans for my future.”
The book opens with Jules struggling to relax and enjoy life. Readers of the series will know that Jules is a great character, but she is a heavy character for a cozy mystery series. This isn’t the first book where the narrative is weighted down with her current issues (which is partly why so many love the series and it’s authenticity). This is a book where we see Jules tackling grief, anxiety, and reflecting on her journey of self-growth. Carlos has moved to Ashland, OR to be with Jules and his son Ramiro has been staying with them for the past six months. Ramiro’s family is coming to visit, and Jules is a bundle of stress (not only because of this).
Carlos and Jules have a checkered past in the series. I haven’t read every book and it seems that they are in one of the better places they have been the entire series in A Smoking Bun, but I can’t shake my dislike of him from some of his past behavior. Jules doesn’t seem to be having the same problem! In fact, I think she is most stressed that things seem to be going so well and this may mean they are ready for the next step—having their own children. More about that topic if you read the book!
“Baking is my escape from grief […] You know how they say that time heals all wounds? Don’t believe that lie—it doesn’t. […] Time changes us. Time morphs us. But for those of us who have loved and lost, grief comes with us.”
Oof. See what I mean by heavy? Jules is not the only person in this book dealing with grief and anxiety. She and another character bond over baking as a healing activity (this is actually a theme that has come up before in the series). That part of this story I found quite lovely. Jules has a big heart and she puts a lot of love into her baking.
If you are wondering why I haven’t touched on the mystery yet, it’s because the mystery really felt secondary to everything else going on for the first half! The second half picks up pace as the investigation goes on and we learn more about the suspects and their backgrounds and motivations. The conclusion to the mystery does have a satisfying twist to it, and a few heart-pounding scenes to balance the heavier ones.
Overall, I did like this book this book, but with the caveat that I’ve read some of the series. Jules is a character I care about from other books, so opening with her in such a low place didn’t push me away. I am curious how this opening will read for those new to the series. Will Jules be able to win them over, even as she is processing a lot of emotions and negative energy?
I think A Smoking Bun is truly a gift for the longtime readers of this series. Jules has a growth arc during the events of this book that are setting her up to be in a much different place in the next book in the series. I also think if you’ve grown to care about Jules as a character and seen her ups and downs over the previous seventeen books, this story will hold a special place in your heart as it feels like her truly processing and releasing a lot of what is holding her down. By the end of the book, it feels like Jules is embarking on a new chapter with a much lighter spirit in mind. A lot of credit goes to Ramiro’s mother, Sophia. I actually thought the scene between her and Jules at the wine tasting was the best of the book, though it had nothing to do with the mystery.
The mystery itself is good. It almost felt like a mini mystery happening intertwined with everything else going on in Jules’s life. Reflecting, I’m glad the author gave the space it did to Jules’ struggles. I think this was needed for the series to be able to move on from it, and I have faith it will. I think it may also resonate with readers who have experienced blended or nontraditional families, as well as readers who have experience with periods of grief and anxiety over the future. Alexander is a talented writer and lends a lot of depth and authenticity to Jules’ story.
Thank you to St Martins Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
manal_osmally's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
readingwithmrsleaf's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
vkaz's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the mystery in this book. The “Dummy” competition on the slopes of Mt. Ashland is a fun event, and the shock of a murder during this venerable local tradition plunges the reader right into the action. The one thing that bothered me was that Jules obsesses a little too much about the murder. She runs off to investigate or to speculate with Lance, while her stepson Ramiro’s family is there from Spain for a time of introduction and bonding.
This book has more of Jules’ introspection than others in this series—she’s mulling over changes at Torte and contemplating the possibility of her and Carlos starting a family of their own. It doesn’t slow down the action, and it’s a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book.
This book has more of Jules’ introspection than others in this series—she’s mulling over changes at Torte and contemplating the possibility of her and Carlos starting a family of their own. It doesn’t slow down the action, and it’s a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book.
gwenm's review
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
3.0
rants_n_reads's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
chymerra's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Important details about A Smoking Bun
Pace: Medium
POV: 1st person (Jules)
Series: A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books to understand backstories and relationships.
Trigger Warnings: A Smoking Bun contains themes that include alcohol consumption, blood, dead bodies, fire & arson, explosions, and murder & attempted murder.
Language: There is mild swearing in A Smoking Bun. There is also language used that might offend some people.
Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in A Smoking Bun.
Setting: A Smoking Bun is set in Ashland, Oregon.
My Review
After several weeks of reading books that were often difficult to read (because of the content), I was ready to read something lighter. When I saw that A Smoking Bun was next on my TBR, I initially had an “Oh no” reaction. I had thought this would be another book with heavy subject matter. But, since I have a weekly reading schedule, I started reading. I was pleasantly surprised! A Smoking Bun was a perfect balm to a mind that previous books had overloaded.
A Smoking Bun is the eighteenth book (yes, I had the same reaction you did when I saw the number) in the A Bakeshop Mystery series. Because I hadn’t read the previous books, I was expecting some confusion over the characters, their backstories, and how they related to the storyline I was reading. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. There was minor confusion, but the author quickly explained the characters’ relationships to Jules. The explanations occurred within the two to three chapters, and the author moved on after the explanations were given. The focus was solely given to the mystery.
The storyline of A Smoking Bun centers on Jules and her investigation into the murder of Fitz Baskin. Fitz was horrible, with many people who didn’t want him around. The author hones the focus on four main suspects: two former clients of Fitz who he left on the side of the mountain, off the trail and in subzero temperatures, on purpose, an outspoken member of the ski rescue team, and the owner of the ski chalet/resort. All four suspects had the motive and opportunity to kill Fitz. Jules started looking into the case when one of her employees begged her to (plus, she was there, along with most of the town, when the body fell off the sled during the dummy run). His best friend was one of the four, and her employee was sure he had nothing to do with it.
I am fond of mysteries set in restaurants, bakeries, and other food stores. I enjoy reading about the delicious food that these fictional places make. I also appreciate the recipes usually included at the end of the book. I don’t know if this is because I got an ARC copy; none was included here. There were some recipes included that I would have loved to copy down.
The mystery angle of A Smoking Bun was well written. It was predictable, but overall, I enjoyed it. Jules had a unique way of looking into the case. She also had a connection with the suspects and used that to ferret out clues. Now, I was surprised at who the killer was and why that person killed Fitz. The killer was on my list of suspects, but there wasn’t enough for me to go, “Yes, it is that person.” So, when everything was revealed (and it was revealed dramatically), I was astonished.
The end of A Smoking Bun was your typical mystery ending. The author wrapped up that storyline in a way I liked but left an opening for book 19.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks, NetGalley, and Ellie Alexander for allowing me to read and review this ARC of A Smoking Bun. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.
bexellency's review against another edition
2.5
Alright. A bit slow moving. And how many times can you say “ski patrol” in one novel? The resolution of the mystery feels odd, that they take so quickly to the new comer who really owns the lodge. Seems strange for a tight knit community and given that they’ve known the other owner for so long that there’s almost no hesitation at rejecting her after her misdeeds. A sentence of remorse and that’s it? Also, it was painfully obvious from early on that ther was something going on with development and the lodge owner. But Inpick these up for something cozy and light, not for stellar literary matter.
kleingang11's review
Couldn't get into it. At least as far as I got, too much of it just seemed like I was reading someone's agenda.