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A review by kimdavishb
How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder
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.