Blackberry Crumble

A Culinary Mystery #5

by Josi S. Kilpack

The word is out about Sadie Hoffmiller's amateur detective work, but it's not exactly the kind of publicity Sadie wants. In the newest culinary mystery from bestselling author Josi Kilpack, Sadie accepts her first investigation-for-hire and travels to Portland, Oregon, at the request of a woman who has suspicions about her wealthy father's untimely death. Putting her detective skills to the test, Sadie delves into a past business partnership that didn't end well, discovers some unsavory family secrets, and exposes more than a few motives for murder. When the investigation leads to threats against her safety, Sadie pretends to crumble under the pressure. But secretly, she is more determined than ever to uncover answers that seem to be buried in shocking scandal, insatiable appetites, and pure greed.
• Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie's Virtual Test Kitchen.
• Josi's culinary mysteries have become favorites with members of Goodreads and other book networking sites.
• Reader's guide available online.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2011

About the author

I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Reviews

[Shash]

Sadie Hoffmiller is in the middle of things again! This time she's even getting paid. Sadie is the perfect nosy heroine for a cozy mystery. She's unassuming and kind, and trying to glean information wherever she can. I love the drive she has to hone her investigative skills. It's also fun to watch her delight over all things food.

[Mina]

Well, if you've been following my reviews on this series, it will come as no shock that this is probably my favorite to date. I feel almost THANKFUL that Sadie was actually HIRED to investigate this murder. Now her boldness and daring have purpose and are actually useful assets.

The players in this mystery were all quite interesting. I especially liked the children of the murdered man and all of their issues and interactions. I actually wish we could have watched them interact together a little more. I loved the restauranteur, and even the presumed bad guys. I was glad we got to hear their side of things. Nothing happens in a vacuum! I also have to say, being a sucker for romance, that I was particularly happy with the way May's story wrapped up!

To sum up ... well written and fun as always, and now that I'm more at ease with Sadie, I can really just have a good time with the story and recipes. Hm. I really need to start trying out some of those recipes. I will say that I hope Sadie continues to be bold in her use of other people's kitchens. ;)

Looking forward to more of Shawn and more of the Pete/Sadie relationship. Hurray for professions of love! I'm also looking forward to Sadie becoming better trained as a PI. That could actually really add to the books tremendously.

[Aubrey]

Sadie is losing her touch. She tried to hard to make it professional and she was getting nowhere. As soon as she got invested she worked through it. I think that this ending was weak. It seemed more of a, "mind-blowing surprise" than what makes the most sense and can still work while being shocking.

[Susan McCully]

It's still an awesome series with great recipes

[Michelle Llewellyn]

I rated "Key Lime Pie" (Mystery #4 in this series) just three stars but I am happy to report that I am back to my usual 4 star rating with "Blackberry Crumble." If you can get past the superficiality of the first act with Sadie humiliated by the slander of a newspaper article written by Jane Seely (See "Devil's Food Cake" book #3 in this series) and everyone in her social circle immediately believing the article which pushed Sadie to take another spontaneous trip to another state like she did in "Key Lime Pie" to get herself involved in another murder mystery, this wasn't a bad read.

Pete, Sadie's "sort-of" boyfriend, has her back this time and does NOT believe the silly article that questions Sadie's virtue, painting her as a busybody who cycles through relationships as she solves mysteries. (Never mind the kernel of truth hidden in that statement!) However, Sadie is not impressed when she discovers widower Pete still hasn't told any of his adult children that he's dating a single, widowed, empty nester like himself. With her church friends all giving her judgmental looks behind whispered hands thanks to the article and now this questionable behavior from the man she's developed feelings for, Sadie decides to take the case of the mysterious woman who contacted her two days before when our story opened.

Speaking of time frames, "Lemon Tart" took place in late winter and as the following books moved through the year, it is now August. Apparently, Jane did a bunch of research on all of Sadie's previous adventures and published them for the world to read. Jane will prove to be an important character as this story progresses which is why I'm including her in this recap.

Another reason to rate this book 4 stars. Up to now, all of these books have taken place in a rather unbelievable short period of time. One or two days at most, so it is refreshing to have Sadie not be time-crunched into solving this book’s main plot complication.

Sharla-May Sanderson is from Portland, Oregon. Her father died rather unexpectedly of a heart attack just a couple weeks ago or so. Sharla-May, hereafter referred to as “May,” has tracked Sadie down at a public event here in Colorado that she is helping oversee. May tells Sadie her psychic suspicion that her father didn’t die of natural causes…he was murdered!

After two days of acting like Katniss from the "Hunger Games" books, hiding in bed, filled with angst over the gossip and slander thanks to Jane's article AND Pete's final straw reveal that their relationship is on slippery slopes as he continues to question her ability to solve mysteries, Sadie gives May a call and books her flight to The Beaver State and The City of Roses.

Arriving in Portland, Sadie checks herself into a mid-range brand hotel and gets to work. She has decided to make it an official business venture and market herself as a real Private Investigator with May as her first official client. Why not? She enjoys researching facts and has been told she has a gift for reading people and coaxing needed information from them to expose the truth.

Never mind that it usually lands Sadie in the hospital!

Our list of suspects includes: Members of the Sanderson clan who are May's older brother and sister-Hugh, Jolene, and Jolene's husband, Gary. Gary might have a very good motive to murder his father-in-law who deliberately left him out of the will. I enjoyed reading the part where Gary meets with Sadie to discuss his shady pyramid-type scheme and urging Sadie to invest while Sadie cleverly gets the information she needs from him and is smart enough not to fall for his questionable business venture. Hugh has been struggling to keep the family business afloat all by himself now that Dad is dead and he was never very good at staying out of debt, so Hugh might also have a good reason to murder his father so he could inherit more quickly and pay off his debts.

Keith Kelly and his son, Richard, are connected to the Sanderson family as Keith is the longtime friend of Jim Sanderson and Sadie and May's Most Wanted Suspect. Keith is the obvious person to arrange the murder of his former friend and business partner with whom he had a falling out years ago and is now pressuring the kids to sell him the business Jim started after they parted ways, so he has the biggest motive. Richard later reveals to Sadie he and May used to be childhood sweethearts but thanks to his overbearing father, he jilted May, married the woman his father chose for him, continued to make good money working for his father who started his own very successful business after he and Jim parted ways, had kids, and is now divorced and wishing he'd stood up to his father and eloped with May who is still very single. *spoiler alert* Sadie helps get them together at the end and it IS kinda sweet, so Richard is not really a suspect in this story. Both Jim and Keith’s wives died years ago so they are not suspects in this story either.

Lois is the sweet, kind and good longtime friend and neighbor who lives across the street from the Sanderson home, now being sold in the event of this family's death, and who hosts the annual neighborhood backyard picnic every year. She loves to cook and bake and is happy to provide Sadie with some very interesting gossip about the Sanderson clan when Sadie attends the event in Lois’s backyard. May is here too and enjoying a very tender moment, as Sadie observes her holding someone’s newborn baby with that longing look on her face only those who are single and childless will understand. Could May actually be the mastermind behind this whole thing? It would be very out of character for her if she was, but when she slaps Sadie full across the face later in the story when she discovers Sadie meeting with Richard, more deserving of her slap than Sadie, I thought it rather odd behavior for good-girl Sharla-May.

And Lois doesn’t seem the type who would ever kill anyone...right?

Jane Seely ends up following Sadie to Oregon, repentant, and wanting to help in any way she can since she got fired from her reporting job at the Denver Post thanks to her uncivilized libel. Sadie avoids her like the plague but Jane might just prove to be helpful.

Like “Devil’s Food,” the featured recipe sounded so good (see my review of that book) I had to make it myself and loved it, so, if blackberries are in season, I highly recommend whipping up blackberry crumble. Use fresh blackberries and buy them from WinCo if you have one in your part of the United States because they have some of the best prices on produce in town. Blackberries and brown sugar (from the famous bins at WinCo!) were the only ingredients I needed for this. Everything else-flour, sugar, nutmeg, oatmeal, butter-I already had on hand. A very simple recipe to prepare and best served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream though I did try a serving with Reddi-Wip and it wasn’t bad either.

Once again, another enjoyable read from Josi Kilpack and I’ve already started “Pumpkin Roll” and finding it even better, plot wise, than any of the previous books in this series.
Keep up the good work, Josi!

[Cheryl]

After being involved in helping to solve several murder cases, Sadie Hoffmiller has gained a reputation. A reputation that Sadie would rather not have. Unfortunately for Sadie, the harder she tries to not get involved, she always seems to fine herself in the wrong place, no matter what she does. Sadie’s reputation has caused the townsfolk to gossip even more. Also Sadie, is trying to figure what where she and her boyfriend, Peter Cunningham are in their relationship. So when, May Sanderson wants to hire Sadie to travel with her to Portland, Oregon to help solve her father’s murder, Sadie decides this might be the break she needs to get away from it all for a little while.

I like this series. Blackberry Crumble is the latest yummy, treat in the Culinary Mysteries series. Sadie is a fun character. She is just your normal, everyday woman who just wants to bake, have a boyfriend, and solve a few murder cases on the side. While, this book took a little longer for me to get into it, I still did like it. Once it picked up, I had fun reading about all the mayhem that Sadie got into. It is amazing how Sadie solves a murder as it is like she does it purely by accident. An added bonus that comes with each of these books are the delicious recipes inserted throughout the book. For example, there is always the featured recipe that goes with the title of the book. In this case for Blackberry Crumble, the featured recipe was…Blackberry Muffin Tops.

[Emily]

I have to admit, I didn't like this book as much as the previous four. I preferred it when Sadie was personally involved with the mysteries...(although I get that she can't keep realistically being involved in various murders). It was a little painful how unqualified Sadie was to be a private investigator, whereas in the other books, she had a good (ish) reason to be involved. Here, it didn't make a lot of sense.

But I could get over the unreasonableness of the story (I mean, the entire premise of these stories is a little over-the-top in a wonderful way) if the book had been a little more interesting. The others were wacky page-turners; this one was actually quite slow for the first 200 pages. I actually struggled to keep reading, which should never happen with a book like this. I wasn't given enough of a reason to like the characters (besides Sadie), other than the fact that they had tragic lives. The heaviness also put me off the story--prior to Blackberry Crumble, Kilpack had managed to keep the stories light and fun despite the fact that they all involved murder.

But I did really enjoy how this book furthered the personal story of Sadie Hoffmiller. I got a much deeper glimpse into her character, which I was ready for after four other books. And I loved having a certain other character back whom I'd always liked--I'm looking forward to seeing that character more in the next book.

[Lacey]

July 2017-
I must have a terrible memory because I barely rememberd this story other then the fact that it took place in Portland. It was fun to see Sadie actually be "hired" to be in the mess of things-rather then just happening to be in the wrong place at the the wrong time. It's funny how mentioned in my previous review that this was one of my favorites--because after re reading the series this one is probably not on the favorites list. Sadie is such a fun character-she does some pretty crazy stuff. I can see why she would drive some people crazy. But I love her thought process and her adventures.

2011-
I just really love these books. They are so fun & light hearted, for a murder mystery anyway. I'll admit, I was little bit concerned as to how Josi Kilpack could write a 5th book in this series without it feeling repetitive and unbelievable. However, she manages to pull off a completely different story that keeps you hooked. This one was probably one of my favorites. :) However, I did read the first chapter to "Pumpkin Roll" (which will be released in Fall 2011) and it has quite a different approach. I'm anxious to see how it turns out.

By the way, does anyone know how many books are going to be in this series??

[Kim Dennis]

I wish I could have given this book 2.5 stars...and I wish I could put my finger on what it was that I didn't quite like about it. Sometimes I think it isn't fair for me to rate books that I read while I am doing the exercise bike because it takes me so long to get through them that there's a lack of continuity. However, I read about 1/2 of the book over the last couple of days, and I still had a vague feeling of not quite loving the book. I did feel like the ending was pretty good...it wasn't until right before the end that I figured out who the killer was..., which helped it go from 2.5 to 3 stars. I will have to wait awhile before I read the next book in the series.

[Erin]

These books are intense for cooking books! And the series keeps getting better and better. I should be able by know to pick out the killer, but no, it's right in front of your face the whole time.

Once again, when greed and power come tragedy always strikes Glad that there are Sadie Hoffmiller's in the world who can bring people to justice.

I want to go explore Portland. Sounds like a fun place.

[Lara]

Another fun Sadie Hoffmiller mystery. I was glad that this time she was actually hired to investigate a death because I'm not sure how believable finding herself in the middle of another murder investigation would have been.

I definitely didn't see the twist coming at the end either and liked that it was less predictable than the previous installments.

[Wendy]

3.5 stars.

[Mindy]

4 1/2 stars. Loved it. Very very good! Got teary at end :). Favorite of the series so far!

[Valerie]

Fun book with a touching ending that made me cry!

[Kay Noble]

Also this book has great recipes, and a bacon ice cream recipe! Out of this world!

[Chrissy]

This one is definitely my favorite of this series! (So far, anyway.) I loved that it was someone else asking Sadie to help investigate this crime, that Sadie struck out on her own and learned how to become a private investigator (even if unofficially). And I LOVED that Sadie's personal drama took a backseat (by and large) to the mystery at hand. True, it was still peppered throughout the story (no pun intended), popping up in Sadie's thoughts every now and then. But the focus was on the death of Jim Sanderson and his family and his business and everything going on there. Not that I don't enjoy Sadie's overarching story throughout the series, but there have been points in this series where she has to tiptoe around Pete or Eric or someone else from back home and that gets in the way of the mystery being solved.

The Sanderson family and their associates were a great cast of characters in their own right, too. When the story first introduced the character who is ultimately responsible for Jim's death, I did think that it could be that person - just because they were so innocuous and there were other suspects to deal with. This mystery was put together so well and I really enjoyed it! I've had fun reading these so far, but I hope this means the series has really found a nice groove and there will be several great installments as I continue on.

[Barb]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Even after five books, I'm still not sure how I feel about this series. I think I like Sadie, but there are times when she gets on my nerves. It's not so bad in this book, as she's hired to solve a mystery, so she has good reason to stick her nose into the case. But she's not yet a PI so should not be investigating *any case, and her minimal skills leave a lot to be desired. Does she really think she can watch crime shows on television and learn the necessary skills and techniques?

The death she is investigating has been ruled natural causes, but the victim's (adult) daughter believes it was murder and asks Sadie to find out who was responsible. There are several potential suspects, and a few red herrings thrown in for good measure. The motive was more or less the same for everyone, and I thought I'd figured out who the culprit was until it became obvious in the book that it was someone else entirely, someone who never even made it to my suspect list.

The next book in this series is in my audio library, and I intend to listen to it at some point, I'm just not sure how soon.

[Jessica]

I just can’t help it: I liked this book. I don’t know if it’s necessarily better than it’s couple of predecessors, but I enjoyed it. I felt like Sadie is *finally* starting to realize what her impulsiveness is so rash and dangerous, and that her nosiness is just a recipe for disaster. I guess we’ll see just how much that carries into other books but seeing the emotional pain she caused others by her lack of thinking may make a difference. I will say I was disappointed that May never apologized for her abominable behavior. I know, I know. She’s going through a very difficult time and her trials are probably clouding her ability to think clearly (plus she’s just emotional [and impulsive] anyway), but even so. She should have apologized to Sadie. Maybe it’s silly that that rubbed me so wrong, but especially after Sadie solves the mystery and helps give May some hope, I lost some respect for her character that she never said sorry.

[Heather]

As I began this book, I thought to myself. "I think I'm done with this series. They are getting a little old and where can this story really go?" My feelings hadn't changed much when I was about halfway in. I found myself rolling my eyes at the scenarios and situations that the main character found herself and put herself in. But the last half of the book pulled me in. I found myself engaged and invested and really caring about what happened. I was surprised at the ending (well some of it) and felt clever at the parts I had figured out. But if you want to know the truth... my favorite part of these books is the recipes. Oh my, goodness they sound AMAZING! My kind of food, for sure. I wonder if she has a cookbook or a website with all these recipes? I have yet to make any of them, but I am usually dreaming or drooling over them as I read them.

[Lyssa]

This book had an interesting premise - with Sadie developing her natural interests and talents (?). While I enjoy the quick and easy read, as well as the cache of new recipes to try, I think what stops me from really loving these stories is Sadie. I like the side characters - Pete, her children and other supporting (interesting) roles. But Sadie... I think she is probably relatable, but I think I'd prefer a heroine who is a little less relatable and a little more inspiring. Someone who uses her quick thinking and deductive reasoning, someone who, in her line of work, would naturally be suspicious of everyone. Sadly, Sadie is kind of the opposite. Sadie has a habit of jumping in before she thinks, getting caught and not knowing how to get herself out of it - indeed, frequently relying on others to come to her aid / save her life.

[Noelle]

I really like Josi’s books. They’re fun, light-hearted. They may be Murset mysteries, but there’s just enough intrigue without being too heavy. I think of them kind of like Nancy Drew books. I love the main character, Sadie, who does some of the most unimaginable things and finds herself in a pickle every time! This book had a pretty quick ending compared to the last one in the series, but it wasn’t inappropriate. I love how Josi brings in characters that surprise you in the roles they wind up taking on. I enjoy watching Susie’s relationship with Pete grow and evolve with every book. I love that Sadie is getting a “reputation” (well-deserved). Looking forward to reading the next in the series, Pumpkin Roll!

[Clara Madelena]

Começo MUITO devagar. Foi tipo, ela é loca? Tem nada evidências que era um matança. Mas, também como, pagamento pra Sadie? 🤑😎 E também como, o artículo no periódico, sim, creio que se essas coisas eram de verdades, não eram bem. Mas...isso é tão aceitada nossa sociedade, me pareciam um pouco estranho o maneira que o povo reagiriam. E também, Jane + Sadie me parece uma combinação muito interessante rsrs. E o fim?!?!? Lois UAU! Nunca pensava disso...até ela entrou na casa dela. Tsk tsk, sempre termina nessa maneira. Ela vai num lugar com o matador e tem traição.

Mas, gostei. E May + Richard 🥺🥺

[Anita]

I read this book for the 52 books in 52 weeks reading challege. I used the November mini challenge prompt for 2022. read a book with dessert on the cover. I am completely falling in love with this series. this is the second one i have read. each one can be read as a stand alone although there are some references to books gone by. it just happened to be the one i had read (key lime pie) Each book contains several receipies if you are of the culinary persuasion. I find them nice easy reads with just the perfect amount of danger to leave you excited and breathless, but not scared.

[Kathy]

Could Sadie be in over her head. . .

After a news article paints Sadie as a murder magnet, the residents of her small town start treating her differently. Tired of being in the spotlight and needing a way to escape Garrison, Sadie agrees to accept an offer to investigate a death in Portland, Oregon. But being an "official" investigator poses its own challenges. This is a delightful addition to the series.

[Naomi Noorda]

Enjoyed it, including Sadie’s struggle with gossip and damaged reputation in her community. I don’t understand why May was so angry at Sadie for talking to Jim Kelly. Like hello, you hired her to investigate a murder and implied that you thought his father was responsible, and didn’t tell Sadie about your romantic history with him. Why on earth would she NOT try and talk to him? SMH. Thought Jane turning up again and saving the day was a great twist.

[Kathleen]

If you haven't stumbled upon Josi Kilpack's mystery recipe books then you're in for a treat! Her character Sadie is delightful and witty. The plot development is anything but predictable. I love her recipes too! Every book I have read in the series has surprised me with the ending, which I love. No predictable plots by Miss Kilpack!

[Tiffany De Armond]

I have read all but 1 one of the series up to this book. I thought in this book the author was more open in discussion of the purpose of life, hope, and love, and she talks about God more frequently than in all her previous books together. I feel it was more rounded because of this, and I had some more stuff to think about that simply enjoying a fun mystery.

[Jo-Anne Schindler]

Another surprising ending -- again the author is able to come up with an intriguing plot and ending. She continues to develop her characters well. And again I was pleased with her ending, although she continues to find herself in a precarious situation, but not what I had expected. The only thing I find frustrating is her need to always apologize and say "I'm so sorry".

[Kellie]

This is my 4th of these culinary mysteries, but I read the first two books quite a few years ago. They are fun, quick reads with a fun main character. I enjoy the trouble she gets into and while I agree the “bad guy” was quite a shock, it didn’t come that far out of left field to me as it did to a couple other reviewers. I enjoyed the Oregon location in this one, too. Good job, Josi!

[Meegan]

Every time I read one of Josi S. Kilpack's books, I'm always reminded of how much I love her! This book was entertaining, interesting, thrilling, and funny. Sadie is finally launching her PI career, and I love that she is focusing more on the people still living instead of those who have passed.

As always, I am excited to read the next book in this series.