P.D. Workman's Blog

Mock Apple Alibi (Auntie Clem’s Bakery #25) — Erin Price is sleuthing againMOCK APPLE ALIBI IS HERE! — Book 25: When Small Town Secrets Spoil the Recipe

Get ready, culinary cozy mystery fans! The dough is rising and the secrets are spilling in Bald Eagle Falls, Tennessee — Mock Apple Alibi (Book #25), the newest installment of P.D. Workman’s Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, has arrived. Erin Price, gluten-free baker and amateur sleuth, can’t just stick to muffins when murder comes calling.

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Welcome back to Bald Eagle Falls, where Erin Price is serving up more than delicious treats at Auntie Clem’s Bakery. This time, the recipe for disaster includes missing persons, clan warfare, and a mock apple pie that’s not as fake as the alibis flying around town! Erin and Vic must cut deep to solve a string of mysterious disappearances.

The Core Tropes: Piecing Together the Past

In this small town mystery, Erin is pulled into simmering town tensions and a frightening run of disappearances. Key elements include:

The Mock Apple Metaphor. The title nods to the wartime dessert made with crackers instead of fruit — a culinary twist that mirrors the book’s theme: nothing in Bald Eagle Falls is what it seems.Clan Warfare & Missing Persons. A bitter feud between the Dyson and Jackson clans escalates while several people vanish, including Charley (Erin’s half-sister), General Store owner Mary Lou Cox, and Erin’s assistant, Vic.The Baker as Detective. Erin uses the routine and refuge of Auntie Clem’s Bakery to keep steady, but the anxiety over the missing people forces her into sleuthing mode — baking and investigation collide.Meet the Bakery CrewErin Price — The Gluten-Free Genius

Founder and owner of Auntie Clem’s Bakery. A meticulous baker who specializes in gluten-free and allergen-friendly treats — and an amateur sleuth who keeps finding mysteries in her small town. She’s supported by her law enforcement boyfriend, Officer Terry Piper.

Vic — The Loyal Partner

Erin’s essential partner at the bakery — practical, opinionated about recipes (stack cakes among them), and personally entangled in town affairs that draw her into the clan conflict.

Orange Blossom & Marshmallow

Orange Blossom is a demanding ginger cat who provides comic and emotional support; Marshmallow is a sedate rabbit. Both help ground Erin at home amidst the chaos.

Who Will Love Mock Apple Alibi?

If you enjoy cozy mystery series that pair a strong culinary element with character-driven suspense, this one’s for you. Readers who like domestic settings that conceal deep secrets — and protagonists who balance everyday life with sleuthing — will be satisfied. The book digs into the tight-knit, sometimes prejudiced world of Bald Eagle Falls and the relationships that shape it.

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About the Series

Erin Price is a baker, not a sleuth. It’s really not her fault that mysteries keep landing in her lap while she’s trying to run Auntie Clem’s Bakery and make a living from baking gluten-free and specialty goods.

With 24 books, 2 short stories, a novella crossover, a recipe book already dished out, and 3 more books simmering for 2025-6 release, you can look forward to many delicious adventures with Erin and Vic. They will be served up a heaping helping of family secrets, cold cases, the criminal underworld, a cruise gone awry, and sinister villains. These savory stories will provide you with many hours of scrumptious entertainment.

Sink your teeth into these sweet mysteries!

Take Your First Bite!

New to the series?

Stand-alone Friendly. All Auntie Clem’s Bakery books, including Mock Apple Alibi, are written so new readers can jump in at any book.Recent Reads. Mock Apple Alibi follows Muffin to Hide (Book #23) and Custard Cream Conspiracy (Book #24).Begin with Gluten-Free Murder (Book #1). Sign up for the mailing list at PDWorkman.com to receive Your First Bite — a Cozy Mystery Starter Pack (first ebook, audiobook, printable recipe cards, and more).Ready to Binge?

Get books 1-24 in a single purchase for 50% savings

Need to catch up? Get books 22-24 and save!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Mock Apple Alibi a culinary cozy mystery?
A: Yes — the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series is a culinary cozy mystery that centers on gluten-free baking and food-related crimes.

Q: Who is the amateur sleuth in the series?
A: Erin Price, owner of Auntie Clem’s Bakery, is the series’ amateur sleuth who frequently uncovers mysteries in Bald Eagle Falls.

Q: Can I read Book 25 as a standalone mystery?
A: Yes. P.D. Workman writes the Auntie Clem’s books so they work as stand-alone reads while still rewarding series readers.

Q: Where is the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series set?
A: The series is set in Bald Eagle Falls, Tennessee — a small town with a lot more under the surface than it appears.

Q: How can I get the first book, Gluten-Free Murder, for free?
A: Sign up for the mailing list at PDWorkman.com and receive the “Your First Bite” starter pack, which includes the first ebook and audiobook.

The post New Cozy Mystery Release: Mock Apple Alibi — Culinary, Small-Town Suspense first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Featured Collection Cozy Mysteries

Come home to a cozy mystery

P.D. Workman’s cozy mysteries invite readers into warm kitchens, friendly (and not-so-friendly) small towns, and bakeries where the smell of fresh bread masks secrets. These stories combine comfort and curiosity—delivering page-turning puzzles wrapped in community, food, and heart.

These are cozies for readers who want clever mysteries with cozy atmospheres: humane characters, light humor, and stakes that feel urgent without dwelling on graphic violence. Expect rescued pets, local feuds, layered motives, and an amateur sleuth who bakes, listens, and notices what others miss.

Browse All Cozy Mysteries Start Reading Gluten-Free Murder The Sweet Side of Suspense — Baking and Mystery

How baking and mystery make the perfect cozy pairing

Animals Belong in Cozy Mysteries

The Furry Family of Auntie Clem’s Bakery

Small Town Secrets

Bald Eagle Falls, Food, and Cozy Mystery Suspense

The Secret Ingredient of Auntie Clem’s Bakery

Gluten-Free Murder

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What Readers Are Saying

—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!

—It was very good! But made me hungry!

—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!

—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.

—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book a cozy mystery?

A cozy mystery centers on an amateur sleuth, a tight-knit community, and a puzzle that focuses on motive and character rather than graphic violence. The tone is warm, the stakes feel personal, and domestic details (food, pets, clubs) play key narrative roles.

Q: Are P.D. Workman’s cozy mysteries clean?

Yes. These books deliver tension and emotional realism without explicit gore or gratuitous language. The suspense comes from character, secrets, and social pressure rather than graphic description.

Q: Which book should I start with?

Gluten-Free Murder is an ideal entry point — it introduces Erin, Auntie Clem’s Bakery, and the central themes of food, community, and concealed prejudice. You can also explore later cozy entries or themed bundles on the series page.

Q: Do recipes or food details feature in the books?

Yes. Food and baking detail are woven into the storytelling for atmosphere and plot. Check out Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery for a few gluten-free, vegan, low-allergen recipes to try at home.

Q: How are pets used in these stories?

Pets provide emotional grounding, comic relief, and occasional clues. They help humanize characters, create domestic texture, and sometimes draw attention to evidence or danger in moments that would otherwise feel ordinary.

Want more cozy reads? Dive into the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series and follow Erin from muffin counter to mystery scene.

The post Cozy Mysteries first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Animals Belong in Cozy Mysteries

The Furry Family of Auntie Clem’s Bakery

In the world of cozy mystery pets, the presence of animal companions adds warmth, stakes, and occasional clues — nowhere is that truer than in P.D. Workman’s Auntie Clem’s Bakery, where Orange Blossom, Marshmallow, and K9 help shape Erin Price’s story.

This menagerie of pet offers comfort, comic relief, and even crucial insights into the strange happenings of Bald Eagle Falls. Erin’s pets aren’t just background elements; they are essential members of her chosen family and critical to her well-being as a baker dealing with extraordinary crimes.

The Core Menagerie: A Rescue Family

Erin’s household boasts an unconventional trio: Orange Blossom (a highly vocal cat), Marshmallow (a quiet rabbit), and K9 (a German Shepherd police dog often at home with his partner, Terry Piper). Later additions include Nilla, a small white dog adopted by Erin’s friend Vic.

Orange Blossom: The Loud and Loving Cat Orange Blossom is anything but a silent sidekick. He is “vocal”, “noisy”, and “meowing loudly” about everything from Erin’s arrival home to his perpetually empty food dish. He is demanding, sometimes slinking around and pouting when he feels neglected.A Need for Nurture: Orange Blossom arrived as a straggly little orange stray kitten. Erin notes his personality is “much more anxious and demanding,” making her think his mother might have left him too early, leading him to fear abandonment. He sometimes howls at night and seeks cuddles with Erin or Vic.Drama and Comedy: Blossom regularly winds around Erin’s legs, sometimes tripping her, and insists on receiving treats, even making Vic go around him as he watches K9 with disapproval. He is so vocal that Terry sometimes worries he will “wake the dead” or at least the neighbors.Marshmallow: The Chill Rabbit Marshmallow, a toasted-brown and white rabbit, is Orange Blossom’s calm counterpart. He was a rescue, found injured in Allergen-Free Assignation, and, despite rabbits being prone to shock, he “pulled through just fine.”Quiet Companionship: Unlike the cat, Marshmallow is sedate and quiet. He provides companionship by lying on Erin’s feet or snuggle close to K9 when Terry is around. Erin sometimes wonders if Marshmallow considers himself one of the dogs. He sometimes lollops in for a carrot treat when he hears the other pets getting theirs.Unexpected Friendship: Marshmallow and Orange Blossom are described as “fast friends,” and Marshmallow is often found sleeping next to K9.K9: The Professional Dog K9, Terry Piper’s German Shepherd police dog, is a contrast to the other animals. As a trained service dog, he is obedient and polite, waiting patiently for his gluten-free doggie biscuit from Erin.Treat Protocol: K9 often visits the bakery or Erin’s home and receives a homemade, grain-free dog biscuit from Erin, a special item offered at Auntie Clem’s Bakery. Erin even plans to launch a branded line of high-quality, safe, and tasty dog biscuits, using K9 and Nilla as test subjects.Rivalry and Tolerance: K9 is generally tolerant of Orange Blossom, but Blossom views K9 as an adversary, often hissing at him and slinking closer only to snatch crumbs. Terry notes that K9 has chased squirrels and rabbits before and initially wasn’t sure why he couldn’t chase Marshmallow.Pets as Pillars of the Cozy Mystery

Animal companions fulfill several vital roles in this small town mystery series:

Emotional Support and Grounding: For Erin, who runs a high-stress business and repeatedly stumbles into murder investigations, the animals are a source of comfort. They are always happy to snuggle, and tending to them provides routine and distraction. When Erin is anxious, she appreciates the company of Orange Blossom and Marshmallow.The Baker’s Nurturing Instinct: Erin’s primary mission as a baker is to provide safe, accommodating food, particularly for the vulnerable. This nurturing impulse extends directly to her pets, all of whom are rescues. She is meticulous about their care, ensuring Orange Blossom only eats food she knows is safe after he was poisoned. She uses the routine of feeding them to help settle her own anxiety.A Source of Humor and Domesticity: The pets inject moments of warmth and humor into the grim reality of murder. Orange Blossom’s dramatic antics and loud demands provide comic relief. The constant rivalry between Blossom and K9, and Marshmallow’s oblivious presence, emphasize the everyday domestic life that persists alongside the extraordinary crimes.Emotional Support, Clues, and Comic Relief

The animals help connect Erin to her community. She provides K9’s dog biscuits, linking her professionally to her policeman boyfriend. Furthermore, Orange Blossom has been noted to be very intuitive and often senses what is going on. When Orange Blossom was poisoned, it was a major health crisis that foreshadowed other dangerous acts against Erin and her loved ones. On occasion, one or the other of the animals has led Erin to a clue or protected her from a villain.

The inclusion of these animal companions makes the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series a classic example of a pet cozy mystery, reminding readers that no matter how unsettling the crime, there is always a soft, purring, or panting presence nearby to restore comfort and remind the amateur sleuth of what she is fighting to protect.

Want more murder and muffins? Dive into the full Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, where cats, dogs, and other pets are always ready for a cozy adventure!

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy do pets feature so strongly in cozy mysteries?

Pets add warmth, routine, and emotional stakes to cozy mysteries. They provide comic relief, ground characters in domestic life, and create plausible scenes where gossip and clues naturally surface.

Which animal companions appear in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series?

Key companions include Orange Blossom (an outspoken orange cat), Marshmallow (a calm rescue rabbit), and K9 (Terry Piper’s German Shepherd). Later additions such as Nilla expand the rescue menagerie.

See the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series page and the individual book pages for more appearances.

Do the animals ever help solve crimes in these books?

Yes — an animal’s behavior, a found item near a pet, or a health incident (for example, Orange Blossom being poisoned) can surface as clues or foreshadowing that steer Erin’s investigations.

How do the pets support Erin emotionally and narratively?

The pets provide routine and comfort that help Erin cope with stress; their antics create humor and domestic texture. Caring for them reveals Erin’s nurturing character and strengthens relationships (e.g., her bond with Vic and Terry).

Are the pet care and food details realistic?

Yes. The series includes realistic pet-care details (safe, grain-free biscuits for K9, close monitoring after suspected poisoning, rescue-rehab notes for Marshmallow) that anchor the fiction in lived experience.

Where can I read more about these pets and related recipes?

Read the full Auntie Clem’s Bakery series and individual book pages (e.g., Gluten-Free Murder, Allergen-Free Assignation, Mock Apple Alibi). For pet-safe treats and bakery recipes, visit the Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery page.

The post Animals Belong in Cozy Mysteries: The Furry Family of Auntie Clem’s Bakery first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Bakery Mystery The Sweet Side of Suspense

How baking and mystery make the perfect cozy pairing

In the world of small town mysteries, few locations offer the same blend of comfort and contrast as a local bakery. P.D. Workman’s Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, which follows baker and amateur sleuth Erin Price, capitalizes on this unique setting, proving that murder and muffins are the perfect culinary cozy mystery pairing.

Erin Price runs Auntie Clem’s Bakery, a welcoming establishment specializing in gluten-free and allergen-free goods. This peaceful, aromatic haven constantly finds itself at odds with the dark secrets and criminal activity swirling through Bald Eagle Falls. For Erin, the act of baking itself provides stability and routine, acting as a mental anchor amidst the chaos of investigating murders.

Here is the recipe for how baking and detection blend perfectly at Auntie Clem’s.

The Bakery as the Nerve Center for Gossip

In the world of bakery mystery and culinary cozy fiction, Auntie Clem’s Bakery proves why food and sleuthing are a perfect match—comfort, clues, and community collide. In Bald Eagle Falls, Auntie Clem’s Bakery is not just a place to buy freshly baked, yeasty bread; it’s the primary hub for local news and speculation. This reality creates a morbid, yet profitable, dynamic: business always improves when a major crime is committed.

The public flocks to the bakery to commiserate and gossip about tragedy and rumors. Erin notes that she can “almost count on it as a marketing technique” if things slow down. From the initial shock of murder to a food critic dying after eating one of her muffins, the bakery is frequently the epicenter of scandal. Erin must learn to navigate this atmosphere, using the visibility and attention to her advantage.

The Baker’s Routine: A Cover for the Amateur Sleuth

Erin Price repeatedly asserts, “I’m a baker, not a detective.” She finds true nirvana in her work and loves providing nourishing and delicious food for everyone. Yet, her dedication to her business conveniently gives her access to information others lack:

Delivery as Interrogation: Erin often uses her baking as a pretext to gather intelligence. She regularly brings fresh muffins, cookies, or sticky buns to the police department, which allows her to chat with police staff like Clara Jones and overhear details about ongoing cases.Customer Confidantes: Regular customers, like those attending the ladies’ tea or the book club next door, rely on Auntie Clem’s for fellowship. Erin is privy to local secrets and history simply by waiting on customers who want to know the scoop.

The comfort and routine of baking provide Erin with a crucial psychological shield. When her life is overwhelmed by anxiety, she finds solace in the kitchen: “If she just focused on her baking, nothing else existed.”

Culinary Chemistry and Criminal Investigation

Erin’s work as a baker requires immense skill, patience, and precision. She specializes in products deemed difficult or impossible to make without gluten, such as turnovers or eclairs, investing countless hours in kitchen chemistry and experimentation to perfect her recipes. She must meticulously check every ingredient and ensure no cross-contamination to protect customers with allergies.

This methodical approach mirrors the slow, puzzle-like nature of police work, which Officer Terry Piper describes as fitting together hundreds and hundreds of pieces of information.

The specialty nature of her culinary cozy mystery often introduces the crime:

Targeted Goods: Her baked goods are sometimes used as a means of crime, from intentionally poisoned cinnamon rolls or her famous Morning Sunshine Muffins being associated with a food critic’s death due to an allergen.Recipe Mysteries: Erin finds herself delving into the town’s past through old cooking sources, such as vintage recipe books from the Women’s League, which contain clues about generations-old feuds (like the Dysons and Jacksons). She uses the challenge of adapting a traditional wartime recipe, like the mock apple pie, as a distraction from the stresses of clan wars and missing persons.

The combination of sweet treats and sinister happenings makes the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series irresistible: the warmth of the oven is always there to soothe the shock of finding the latest body. Erin’s mission to provide safe, delicious food for the vulnerable ironically places her squarely in the path of the dangerous elements lurking beneath the quaint surface of her small town mystery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Auntie Clem’s Bakery make a good setting for a bakery mystery?

A bakery combines comfort, routine, and community — a perfect stage for a bakery mystery. At Auntie Clem’s, the counter is a social hub where gossip, clues, and motives naturally surface, giving the amateur sleuth plausible chances to observe and investigate.

How does baking help Erin Price with sleuthing?

Erin’s role as baker provides natural access to suspects and scenes: deliveries, order receipts, chat at the counter, and attendance at community events. Her routine gives her plausible reasons to be present, notice small details, and gather otherwise private information.

What is the “murder muffin” phenomenon?

The “murder muffin” describes the morbid curiosity that follows crimes tied to food — for example, a food critic dying after eating a particular muffin. Such events draw crowds and publicity to the bakery, complicating and sometimes advancing Erin’s investigations.

Are the gluten-free and allergen-free baking details realistic?

Yes. The books emphasize texture, safety, and technique (including strict cross-contamination practices) so the gluten-free and allergen-free baking reads as lived experience rather than a simple metaphor.

How does culinary chemistry in the bakery mirror police work?

Baking requires patience, precise timing, careful measurement, and experimentation — the same slow, methodical puzzle-solving that police work involves. Erin’s methodical recipe testing often parallels the way she pieces together clues.

Where can I find recipes or more series information?

Find gluten-free recipes in Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery and series details on the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series page page.

The post The Sweet Side of Suspense: How Baking and Mystery Make the Perfect Cozy Pairing first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Animal Companions

In the world of cozy mysteries, few settings are as comforting as a small-town bakery. But the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, beginning with Gluten-Free Murder, subverts classic bakery tropes. Protagonist Erin Price runs a specialty bakery that intentionally excludes the foundational ingredient of traditional baking: gluten. This choice is far more than a culinary novelty; it is a powerful symbol of nurture, non-conformity, and Erin’s unique role in the close-knit, yet often prejudiced, community of Bald Eagle Falls.

Nurturing the Othered with Delicious Choice

For Erin Price, gluten-free baking is fundamentally an act of deep personal care and compassion, driven by a desire to nurture those society has marginalized.

Erin’s primary motivation stems from tragedy: her foster sister, Carolyn, suffered from celiac disease and died because she desperately wanted to fit in and tried to look normal by sneaking gluten foods. Erin’s mission is to ensure others facing dietary restrictions never suffer that feeling of being left out or forced to choose between health and social normalcy.

A Lifesaver for the Gluten Intolerant or Allergic: Auntie Clem’s Bakery is a literal lifesaver for customers like young Peter Foster, who has severe celiac disease. Before Erin arrived in Bald Eagle Falls, Peter was limited to dry commercial gluten-free bread and cookies. Now, he has delicious options and is “always so happy to have nice, soft bread like his sisters”. Erin aims to provide “something for everyone”.A Commitment to Safety: Erin’s dedication extends to strict rules ensuring no cross-contamination, refusing even to employ equipment used for gluten products, as microscopic traces could trigger reactions in customers.Caring for Neighbors: Beyond allergy safety, Erin extends her nurturing through practical community support. She established a “no questions asked” program to distribute day-old baked goods to indigent neighbors in Hot on the Trail Mix, preferring to feed the local community rather than taking surplus into the city shelters.

Erin’s baking is an expression of her own empathy, rooted in her experience of hunger, hardship, and being “down on her luck”. She likes helping people, especially by looking after their dietary needs, seeing it as “kind of what I do”.

The Symbol of Non-Belonging and Intolerance

While Erin’s baking is an act of inclusion for those with special diets, the very nature of her business marks her and her chosen family as outsiders in the conservative, religious small-town mystery setting. The gluten-free bakery symbolizes everything the entrenched community views as “other” or inferior.

Rejection of the Mainstream: In the beginning, many locals view Erin’s specialized baking with suspicion and disdain. Early customers questioned how she could make a living off “that gluten-free stuff”, predicting it would taste like cardboard. Mainstream residents like Trenton Plaint scoffed that “normal people” shouldn’t have to buy “that crap”. Erin constantly fights the stigma that gluten-free food is “inferior”.Intolerance for the “Othered” Allies: The bakery attracts and employs others who don’t fit Bald Eagle Falls’ societal standards:Vic is Erin’s close friend and assistant, who is transgender and receives disapproval from some townsfolk. Vic is often misgendered by some community members, but Erin fiercely defends her.Erin herself is an atheist, which is a “whole other problem” in the Bible belt town. Even attending a single Christmas service in Santa Shortbread resulted in months of effort to convince people she hadn’t suddenly become “Christian-curious”.The townsfolk are also suspicious of anything else unusual, forcing Erin to abandon Halloween themes for the ladies’ tea and leading to accusations of “witchcraft” or devil worship when Erin tries Tai Chi.Baking and Sleuthing

Erin and her employees are often on the receiving end of veiled hostility. As an amateur sleuth Erin is consistently warned by local figures to “stick with the bakery and your cookies” and keep her nose out of police business. Paradoxically, the murders and tragedies that occur in Bald Eagle Falls often bring a flood of customers—the very gossip and scandal Erin’s specialty bakery represents often draws crowds, leading to Erin’s busiest days.

The bakery becomes the center of social activity, acting as the primary hub for sharing news and theories in this small-town mystery.The “murder muffin” phenomenon is a prime example: after a famous food critic died from an allergic reaction to her Morning Sunshine Muffins, people flocked to Auntie Clem’s to buy the same muffin, treating it as a pilgrimage. Erin, the baker who seeks to nourish and protect, is suddenly associated with death, yet she uses this notoriety to her advantage, proving her skill at taking advantage of local gossip for marketing.Erin often uses her status as the “beloved local baker” to get close to suspects, police (like her boyfriend, Terry Piper), or victims, providing a convenient cover for her role as an amateur sleuth.

In essence, Erin’s gluten-free baking is her defining characteristic. It is the boundary she draws—protecting the vulnerable, defying prejudice—but it is also the magnet for trouble. She created Auntie Clem’s as a safe haven, a place of health and choice, but the outside world—with its judgment, intolerance, and crime—constantly tries to break through the bakery doors.

Ready for a delicious dive into Bald Eagle Falls?

Find out where gluten-free goodies meet grit and gossip in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, starting with the mystery that started it all.

Get your first taste of Gluten-Free Murder

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is gluten-free baking important in Gluten-Free Murder?

In Gluten-Free Murder, gluten-free baking functions as both practical care and symbolic action. Erin’s bakery protects customers with celiac and allergies while also signaling difference in a conservative small town — a difference that exposes hidden judgments and fuels plot tension.

How does the bakery in Bald Eagle Falls reflect social intolerance?

The bakery’s gluten-free focus becomes shorthand for being “other” in the town. Polite behaviors — potlucks, invitations, and bake sales — often mask exclusionary attitudes, and the bakery highlights how everyday rituals can enforce conformity and ostracize those who don’t fit local norms.

Who are Erin and Vic, and how do they relate to the theme?

Erin Price is the protagonist and baker whose gluten-free work is motivated by personal loss and care. Vic is a close friend/assistant whose identity highlights the town’s coded exclusion. Both characters illustrate how food, belief, and identity intersect in the community’s social dynamics.

How does Erin’s role as a baker help her sleuth?

The bakery is the town’s social hub: customers swap news and small physical items (orders, receipts, boxes) that can act as clues. Erin’s position gives her plausible access to suspects, events, and private moments that help her piece together motives and contradictions.

Is the gluten-free food in the book described realistically?

Yes — the writing emphasizes texture, technique, and safety (cross-contamination rules) so gluten-free baking reads as lived experience rather than a symbolic prop. The sensory details anchor the metaphor in everyday reality.

Does this post cover sensitive topics?

Yes. The article discusses prejudice, religious and social exclusion, and dietary illness. Consider adding a short content note at the top of the post to warn readers that these themes are addressed.

The post The Secret Ingredient of Auntie Clem’s Bakery — Gluten-Free Murder first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Animal Companions

There is a comforting paradox at the heart of the cozy mystery genre: we love reading about terrible crimes, as long as they happen in the most delightful places. The Auntie Clem’s Bakery culinary cozy mystery series features gluten-free baker Erin Price and leverages this duality perfectly. Set in the seemingly tranquil, yet deeply secretive, Tennessee community of Bald Eagle Falls, the series—from the initial shock of Gluten-Free Murder to the deep historical dive of Mock Apple Alibi—proves that beneath every charming façade lies an extraordinary crime.

The Illusion of Tranquility in a Small Town Mystery

Bald Eagle Falls presents the quintessential image of a peaceful American town. Main Street is lined with red brick buildings, some boasting whimsical paint and sunshade canopies. Erin Price initially arrives to claim her inheritance and start a new life, enjoying the act of baking bread in her kitchen as her nirvana.

However, Bald Eagle Falls is not the sleepy little town that it pretends to be. Beneath the surface of quaint shops and neighborly smiles exist generations of secrets. As Officer Terry Piper notes, with secret tunnels once running between Main Street buildings, it’s clear people have been hiding behind masks for generations.

The Bakery as the Epicenter of Mystery

Auntie Clem’s Bakery acts as the perfect microcosm for the town’s tensions. While the bakery itself is a welcoming haven, offering specialty gluten-free goods to those with allergies or restrictions, it unintentionally becomes the primary hub for Bald Eagle Falls’ grim social activity.

Paradoxically, business always improves at Auntie Clem’s when a major crime is committed. Whether it’s due to morbid curiosity or a need for collective commiseration, townspeople flock to the bakery to gossip and speculate. Erin notes this phenomenon could almost be counted on as a marketing technique.

From Sudden Death to Buried History

The series explores both immediate, catastrophic violence and slow-simmering historical grudges, often tied directly to the bakery:

Gluten-Free Murder

The series begins with a crime that immediately shatters the town’s tranquility in Gluten-Free Murder: the death of Angela Plaint, the owner of the rival The Bake Shoppe, on Erin’s opening day. Angela’s death is determined to be a homicide via poisoning.

This event immediately throws Erin into the role of amateur sleuth and suspect. The locals, many of whom were loyal to Angela and resistant to Erin’s specialty bakery, find it easy to suspect the “outsider” who dared to introduce competition and “that gluten-free stuff”.

Mock Apple Alibi

Later in the series, titles like Mock Apple Alibi delve into the deep, inter-generational secrets Erin uncovers. The book focuses on old recipes collected in a Bald Eagle Falls Women’s League cookbook, revealing subtle long-held grudges and feuds between clan members like the Jacksons and Dysons.

Erin even plans to experiment with adapting a vintage recipe—the “mock apple pie” made with crackers—which arose from difficult wartime necessity. This culinary endeavor mirrors the way she attempts to convert old, dark small-town history into palatable truth. Meanwhile, the town is rife with worry about missing people and escalating clan activities, making everyone far more alert and watchful of their neighbors.

The Amateur Sleuth’s Double Life

Erin Price’s status as the beloved local baker is inextricably linked to her role as the amateur sleuth.

She often uses her bakery duties to gather information, such as delivering baked goods to the police department, hoping for gossip and updates. She even profits from the scandal: after the famous food critic Gerald Montgomery died eating her Morning Sunshine Muffin, fans created the morbid “Morning Sunshine Challenge” and traveled to Bald Eagle Falls to buy the muffins, turning a tragic incident into massive publicity for the bakery.

Erin struggles with her double life, often wishing she could just stick to baking. Yet, having gained notoriety for stumbling into several cases, she is driven to follow “breadcrumbs” to solve the puzzles, believing that solving a mystery—even an old one—might give some families closure.

The appeal of the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series lies in this exquisite contrast: the cozy, delightful aromas of fresh-baked, specialty treats clash daily with the violent realities of a small town that desperately tries to cling to the illusion of safety. Erin Price is constantly balancing the need to create comforting food with the compulsion to expose the dark, often centuries-old, secrets hiding right around the corner. Bald Eagle Falls proves that the smaller the town, the deeper the secrets, and the more dangerous the baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Bald Eagle Falls a good setting for a culinary cozy mystery?

A: Bald Eagle Falls pairs comforting small-town baking culture with long-buried feuds and secrets; the bakery setting gives frequent social access to clues, gossip, and suspects.

Q: Is Auntie Clem’s Bakery a recurring location in the series?

A: Yes — Auntie Clem’s Bakery is the social hub and recurring touchstone where characters gather and key scenes unfold.

Q: Are recipes or real baking tips included in the books?

A: The books use culinary detail for atmosphere and plot (e.g., mock-apple recipes), but they are not primarily recipe books. Grab Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery for gluten-free, vegan, low-allergen recipes.

Q: Who is Erin Price and why is she an effective amateur sleuth?

A: Erin Price is a gluten-free baker who uses her bakery duties as cover to gather gossip, build relationships, and follow leads; her empathetic, curious nature drives her sleuthing.

Q: Which books explore Bald Eagle Falls’ history and secrets?

A: Gluten-Free Murder introduces the immediate crime; some later titles like Mock Apple Alibi dig into intergenerational grudges and hidden histories.

Q: How can readers find more books in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series?

A: You can find more books in the series at https://pdworkman.com/books/series/au...

The post Small Town Secrets: Bald Eagle Falls, Food, and Cozy Mystery Suspense first appeared on pdworkman.com.

STUFF YOUR STOCKING

The giving season is upon us and you know what that means! (No, not snow tires and crowded malls.) It’s time to think about what gifts will make the people in your life smile. We have the answer!

Pour yourself a peppermint latte and join us on Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m., when Canada West authors with new releases in the second half of 2025 will read, answer your questions about their books and their process, and celebrate with readers and members.

Have your checklist ready–you wouldn’t want to mix up your sister-in-law’s cozy fantasy mystery with the dark thriller you’re giving to Uncle Jim!

Registration is free but is required. See you there!

Register

The post 2025-11-22 SINC Between the Covers first appeared on pdworkman.com.

November Cozy & Sweet Author Chit Chat Session. 

Join us virtually for a fun-filled evening of chatting with cozy & sweet authors as we discuss moments and characters we just can’t forget.

The event will take place on November 20th, 2025 at 7 p.m. (EST).

Here’s the Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84440910840?pwd=vismH7LUAO8D7EjXqH9PdI57QhMyP7.1

The post 2025-11-20 November Cozy & Sweet Author Chit Chat Session first appeared on pdworkman.com.

There’s something about the hush of snowfall, the soft clink of a mug against a saucer, and the warm scent of spices and baking that invites you to read a cozy mystery or a Christmas classic. Tucked under a blanket with twinkling lights on the tree, steaming cocoa at your side, these gentle page-turners are perfect companions for the season. These are books that feel like old friends.

Mysteries Baked with Love

Auntie Clem’s Bakery is the heart of our cozy holiday hub — stories baked around family recipes, neighborhood traditions, and the small mysteries that happen between frosting and flour.

Santa Shortbread

Will the Grinch steal Christmas?

Somebody is stealing Christmas gifts from the Bald Eagle Falls children. At the rate that presents are disappearing, there soon won’t be a gift left in Whoville. Err, Bald Eagle Falls.

Gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends are on the case to try to unmask the Grinch and bring him to justice, and toys to the children. But time is not on their side. Soon it will be Christmas Eve—will the winner be the Grinch or Santa?

EBOOK PAPERBACK RETAILERS

READ SAMPLE BOOKBUB BINGEBOOKS GOODREADS

Make it a bundle:
BOOKS 10-12 BOOKS 1-15

If a clean and intriguing mystery with well-drawn diverse characters appeals to you, this book would be a great investment of your time and money. I shall eagerly await my next visit to Bald Eagle Falls to find out what the author has in store for these delightful characters.

If you like cozies, this is a series for you. We have a bakery, a dog, a cat and a bunny. What more do you need?

Like baking mysteries? Cats, dogs, and other pets? Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman brings readers back to small town Bald Eagle Falls for another culinary cozy mystery to be solved by gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends.

Have your gluten-free cake and eat it too. Sink your teeth into this sweet treat now!

Canine-Free Christmas Caper (formerly Dog-Free Dinner)

Vic is looking forward to Christmas with her new Bald Eagles Falls family. Erin—not so much. But she wants to make it a special day for Vic. But an unexpected turn in events changes all of their carefully-laid plans.

This Christmas short, part of the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, is only available through my website. The series—and your holiday—won’t be complete without it.

Like baking mysteries? Cats, dogs, and other pets? Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman brings readers back to small town Bald Eagle Falls for another culinary cozy mystery to be solved by gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends.

Have your gluten-free cake and eat it too. Sink your teeth into this sweet treat now!

$0.99 Exclusive

Classic Christmas Books — a personal indulgence or with your familyDickens Advent Reader

The best stories are the ones you can’t get enough of. Dickens Advent Reader is a beautiful way to experience the joys and wonders of Christmas with your family.

Experience the magic of Dickens this Christmas. 24 readings from two classics that are perfect for family reading! Order today and get them in time for Christmas.

Read two of the greatest Christmas stories ever told with your family. This duology includes twenty-four readings from each of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and The Life of Our Lord.

Dickens’ tale that defined Christmas and his last published book, read to his children for Christmas every year, have each been divided into twenty-four readings for you to read from December 1 to 24.

Experience the master storyteller’s magic all over again this Christmas season with this fantastic deal!

BUYA Christmas Carol

Share the Christmas Classic with your family this year. Experience one of the greatest Christmas stories of all time, A Christmas Carol, in a way that is easy and enjoyable for families to read together! Give the gift of memories. This edition is perfect for families to read together and it has been specially formatted into 24 readings suitable for reading during December. Give a family tradition this Christmas with A Christmas Carol.

BUYThe Life of Our Lord

Written by Charles Dickens for his Children

The last published book of Charles Dickens, read to his children for Christmas every year, has been divided into twenty-four readings for you to read from December 1 to 24. Experience the master storyteller’s magic all over again this Christmas season.

BUYWant ideas for fitting in reading and sharing books with your children?

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate reading and sharing books with your children, here are a few ideas.

1. Read together as a family

Make reading a family activity by taking turns reading aloud. You can even have different people read different parts of the same book. This is a great way to spend quality time together and introduce your children to new authors and genres.

2. Set aside time for reading

Set aside some time each day for reading, whether it’s before bedtime or after dinner. Let your kids choose what they want to read, and make sure they have access to a variety of books, including picture books, comics, chapter books, and nonfiction titles.

3. Take turns reading to each other

Take turns reading to each other, or have someone read aloud while the others follow along in their own books. This is a great way to bond with your children and help them develop their reading skills.

4. Visit the library together

Make regular trips to the library together so your children can explore the vast array of books available. Encourage them to try new genres and authors, and help them find books that are at their level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where should I start in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series?

A: Start with Gluten-Free Murder, the first Auntie Clem’s Bakery title. It introduces Erin Price, the bakery, and the town of Bald Eagle Falls. From there you can read in order or pick holiday-themed titles first.

Q: Are P.D. Workman’s cozy mysteries clean?

A: Yes — these books are written to be tidy and family-friendly while still offering satisfying puzzles, emotional depth, and food-centred scenes.

Q: Are there holiday-themed Auntie Clem’s Bakery books?

A: Yes — several Auntie Clem’s books and shorts take place during Christmas or the winter holiday season; check the series page or the cozy bundles on the shop for seasonal picks.

Q: What formats are available (ebook, print, audio)?

A: Most titles are available as ebook and paperback; selected titles may also be available in audiobook. Check the product page for format and audio availability.

Q: Do you offer printable recipe cards or bookmarks with purchases?

A: Sometimes — promos often include printable recipe cards. Sign up for the newsletter for the current freebies and printable bundles.

The post Awesome Christmas Books & Cozy Mysteries for the Holidays first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Chocolate Eclairvoyant, the 26th book in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery culinary cozy mystery series is coming soon!

Watch for exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes insights, and videos right here on pdworkman.com and across my social media channels.

A dash of danger, a sprinkle of suspense, and a whole lot of eclairs! In a town where secrets are as rich as the pastries, one woman must solve a chilling mystery before it’s too late.

In the picturesque town of Bald Eagle Falls, Erin Price runs Auntie Clem’s Bakery, where gluten-free delights and charming community vibes create the perfect recipe for happiness. But when a threatening cryptic letter lands on her counter, a chill falls over the town and Erin Price finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and suspense. As whispers of clairvoyance swirl around town like flour in the air, panic brews among the locals. With teenage Harold Melville—a new bakery employee tied to an organized crime family—in hot water, Erin teams up with Officer Handsome and her best friend Vic to uncover the truth.

As she works on a recipe for the perfect gluten-free eclairs and chats with customers, Erin uncovers layers of secrets simmering beneath the surface. With Officer Handsome occupied with police work and tensions mounting, Erin decides to ask just a few questions…

Can Erin crack this case before things get too hot?

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries brimming with culinary delights “Chocolate Eclairvoyant” is a page-turner that mixes humor with heartwarming moments. If you love delightful baking adventures and can’t resist a good mystery—this book is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Don’t miss out on this irresistible treat! Grab your copy today and get ready to indulge in a mystery that’s too sweet to resist!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Chocolate Eclairvoyant released?

Release date: December 19, 2025 

Is Chocolate Eclairvoyant part of a series?

Yes — it’s Book 26 in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery culinary cozy mystery series (Auntie Clem’s Bakery #26). 

What formats will be available (ebook, paperback, accessibility)?

Available in multiple formats — ebook and paperback are available at all retails, and an accessibility edition/pack is offered at shop.pdworkman.com. 

Will there be recipes or baking tips in the book?

The book features vivid culinary scenes (Erin works on gluten-free eclairs) and baking details for atmosphere, but it is a cozy mystery — it is not primarily a recipe book. Look for Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery for some delicious gluten-free recipes!

Are there any content warnings?

This is a cozy mystery with no on-page gore. The plot includes a threatening cryptic letter, references to organized-crime ties, and tense/suspenseful moments. If you prefer lighter cozies, be aware this title has stronger threat elements than a very gentle cozy.

Where can I buy the book?

The book is offered on shop.pdworkman.com (ebook, paperback, and accessibility options) and will be available through retail channels—check the store/product page for purchase links. 

The post 2025-12-19 Release of Chocolate Eclairvoyant, a Culinary Cozy Mystery first appeared on pdworkman.com.