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Death by Chocolate Mystery #6
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie
The island village of Eastport, Maine, is full of delights, including the delicious treats sold at The Chocolate Moose, the waterfront bakery run by Jacobia Jake Tiptree and Ellie White. But a new bakery in town is proving that you can have too much of a good thing... Summer in Eastport means lobsters and blueberries, though tourists and locals alike always leave a little room for baked goods from The Chocolate Moose. This year's arts festival, featuring food, games, and rollicking local musicians, means even more sweet-toothed customers. But it's also bringing competition from a new rival, Choco's, that's trying to slice into the action. Choco's owner, Brad Fairway, is pulling sneaky stunts to divert Moose patrons to his own shop, and Ellie finally confronts him about his tactics. But when Brad is found dead next day, and the weapon is a gun that belongs to Ellie, it's only a matter of time before she is charged with the crime. Sifting through the victim's connections, Jake and Ellie sense they're getting close to the real culprit, a little too close. Can they serve up the solution before the killer dishes up another helping of murder?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2023
194 people are currently reading
6707 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Graves
34 books795 followersSarah Graves lives with her husband John, a musician and luthier, and their black Labrador Retriever in a house very much like the one Jacobia Tiptree is remodeling in Eastport, Maine. When she's not writing Jake's adventures, Sarah works with her husband on the house and she plays the 5-string banjo.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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April 17, 2023
Book six in the Death by Chocolate Mysteries, but the first book I have read by this author.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and her friend Ellie run The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery in Eastport, Maine. Things are going well for them until competition appears in the form of a new shop selling many similar foods only cheaper. When the owner of that business is found murdered, shot with Ellie's gun, it is understandable that she is the main suspect.
Jake sets out to clear her friend's name and she has help from her own family and the local police. Jake's mysterious past is raised when there are hints of involvement by the mob, and there are small things I could only guess at due to not having read the earlier books, like the huge sum of money mentioned and where it is. Jake puts herself into a number of situations where she should have known better which always irritates me a little.
It is nicely written with some very appealing characters. I liked husband Wade with his laid back attitude very much and Sam, Jake's son, was also excellent. Overall an easy read with several good things going for it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and her friend Ellie run The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery in Eastport, Maine. Things are going well for them until competition appears in the form of a new shop selling many similar foods only cheaper. When the owner of that business is found murdered, shot with Ellie's gun, it is understandable that she is the main suspect.
Jake sets out to clear her friend's name and she has help from her own family and the local police. Jake's mysterious past is raised when there are hints of involvement by the mob, and there are small things I could only guess at due to not having read the earlier books, like the huge sum of money mentioned and where it is. Jake puts herself into a number of situations where she should have known better which always irritates me a little.
It is nicely written with some very appealing characters. I liked husband Wade with his laid back attitude very much and Sam, Jake's son, was also excellent. Overall an easy read with several good things going for it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
I love this series! Even though it’s very familiar to other cozy mysteries; i.e., The main characters work at a bakery, and it takes place in a small town, it reads differently. The characters are interesting and have such ‘jump off the page’ personalities that you feel like you’re actually there and part of the action. In this book one of the main characters is leaving to move to Arizona, so I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to see how she writes in a new character. Highly recommended!
I love this series! Even though it’s very familiar to other cozy mysteries; i.e., The main characters work at a bakery, and it takes place in a small town, it reads differently. The characters are interesting and have such ‘jump off the page’ personalities that you feel like you’re actually there and part of the action. In this book one of the main characters is leaving to move to Arizona, so I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to see how she writes in a new character. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2022
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie was an interesting read. The story takes place in the town of Eastport, Maine. Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree is the main character. She is the owner of the Chocolate Moose themed baking store. Ellie White is her friend and baker who works at the store. Bob Arnold is the policeman and friend. A new store called Choco's owned by Brad Fairway sells the same things as the Moose but at a lower prices. Jake had a run-in with Brad telling one of her customers that their flour had bugs in it. Because of the bad things Brad is saying the local shelter went with Brad instead of them. They called to tell them so. While at his store she recognizes him but he did not recognized her. In her past Jake had been a manager guys whose large illegal incomes would arrive in manila folders. They needed someone trustworthy to handle all their money and invest it and move it around and make it grow.
Later that day Ellie calls Jake and tells her to come to the Moose. She knows why Brad is trying to destroy their business. Ellie's husband, George Valentine heard that Brad has bought the two buildings on either side of the Moose and wants her building so he can build condos. They go over to Choco's and discover Brad is dead with a bullet in his head in his office. Ellie checks on him and gets blood over her hands. Bob comes in and asks them why they were there and Ellie tells him everything. While there Babs Littrell comes into the store to find out what is going on. When she comes out of the store she looks terrified.
The next day Jake comes down and finds her son, Sam there. Bella, Jake's step-mom is upset as her father has decided to move into a retirement home but Bella does not want to go. A man comes and takes him to the home.
Dory Sloan, Bab's personal assistant tells Jake that Bab's is so upset about Brad's death. They live in his guesthouse on his property. Jake comes into the store. He is angry. They have found the weapon and it has Ellie;s name engraved in the handle. She goes and checks the glove compartment in her car but the gun is not there. Bob tells her that it does not look good for her as Brad was shot with her gun and she was the person who found him. Tells her to find a lawyer.
Bella calls Jake and tells her that her father is missing from the retirement home. Jake finds him in their backyard and tells him about Ellie. Things start to happen with all the characters that it is too much for me to put on paper so I will let the reader find out all that is happening.
The story builds up with Ellie's kidnapping. Realizing who killed Brad and others, Jake, Bob and Sam go to find the killer. The climax builds up. The reader will follow along to the exciting ending,
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC
Later that day Ellie calls Jake and tells her to come to the Moose. She knows why Brad is trying to destroy their business. Ellie's husband, George Valentine heard that Brad has bought the two buildings on either side of the Moose and wants her building so he can build condos. They go over to Choco's and discover Brad is dead with a bullet in his head in his office. Ellie checks on him and gets blood over her hands. Bob comes in and asks them why they were there and Ellie tells him everything. While there Babs Littrell comes into the store to find out what is going on. When she comes out of the store she looks terrified.
The next day Jake comes down and finds her son, Sam there. Bella, Jake's step-mom is upset as her father has decided to move into a retirement home but Bella does not want to go. A man comes and takes him to the home.
Dory Sloan, Bab's personal assistant tells Jake that Bab's is so upset about Brad's death. They live in his guesthouse on his property. Jake comes into the store. He is angry. They have found the weapon and it has Ellie;s name engraved in the handle. She goes and checks the glove compartment in her car but the gun is not there. Bob tells her that it does not look good for her as Brad was shot with her gun and she was the person who found him. Tells her to find a lawyer.
Bella calls Jake and tells her that her father is missing from the retirement home. Jake finds him in their backyard and tells him about Ellie. Things start to happen with all the characters that it is too much for me to put on paper so I will let the reader find out all that is happening.
The story builds up with Ellie's kidnapping. Realizing who killed Brad and others, Jake, Bob and Sam go to find the killer. The climax builds up. The reader will follow along to the exciting ending,
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC
September 18, 2023
This one was all right. It definitely had potential to be a good mystery and it wasn't terrible. It just wasn't my favorite in the series. Pretty slow moving and I forgot some stuff while reading it. (To be honest, I mixed a couple things up from the last book with this one.) As much as I really like this series, I'm not upset this is the last one, so far. If the author writes another, I will read it. I may just need a break from the series. I read one after another. Which can be fun but sometimes you overdo it. I will enjoy some more death by chocolate if another comes out, but for now, I will dive into some other series to see what else is out there. 🍫🥧
May 1, 2023
This was another good entry into this series. Jake and Ellie find that their newish neighbor has been telling untrue tales about their shop and the quality of their baked goods, so Jake goes over to confront him. As she is doing so, she realizes this is a bad person from her past, and leaves, feeling pretty certain he has not recognized her. Later, when Ellie goes to talk with him, she finds him dead, on bullet between the eyes. Let the investigating begin!
I've been reading the Sarah Graves books for many years. I began when the first Home Repair is Homicide book was released, moved on when she morphed into a new series, and have just finished this, #6 in the "new" series. Obviously, I like Ms. Graves writing, or I wouldn't have read this many of her books. I liked this one as well, although it seemed to me that Jake spent a lot more time running around (trying to prove her BFF Ellie's innocence, than she spent in her bakery, working!! Perhaps it was all the bodies piling up that made it seem necessary, but it bothered me a bit. In past books, Jake and Ellie have asked Jake's daughter in law to come in and sub for them, but this time around, they just closed the shop. It's a successful bakery, but it is small, in a small town, how can they afford to do this? Anyway, I will still be eager to read the next in this series!!
I've been reading the Sarah Graves books for many years. I began when the first Home Repair is Homicide book was released, moved on when she morphed into a new series, and have just finished this, #6 in the "new" series. Obviously, I like Ms. Graves writing, or I wouldn't have read this many of her books. I liked this one as well, although it seemed to me that Jake spent a lot more time running around (trying to prove her BFF Ellie's innocence, than she spent in her bakery, working!! Perhaps it was all the bodies piling up that made it seem necessary, but it bothered me a bit. In past books, Jake and Ellie have asked Jake's daughter in law to come in and sub for them, but this time around, they just closed the shop. It's a successful bakery, but it is small, in a small town, how can they afford to do this? Anyway, I will still be eager to read the next in this series!!
April 12, 2023
I did not realize this was 6th in a series but after starting saw I had read the first book in this series awhile back.
I loved the cover which initially attracted me to this book. It didn’t take me long to get back into this little world.
It is day read and in this case audiobook.
My only quibble is the author used the ‘GD’ word. That was overkill for a cozy and jarring especially while listening to audiobook and I highly recommend a change to simple ‘Damn’. I don’t like language like that and using it breaks one of the cardinal rules of cozies of no vulgar language.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. I do plan to read the books between 1-6.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for chance to listen to this ARC. All opinions in this review is my own.
I loved the cover which initially attracted me to this book. It didn’t take me long to get back into this little world.
It is day read and in this case audiobook.
My only quibble is the author used the ‘GD’ word. That was overkill for a cozy and jarring especially while listening to audiobook and I highly recommend a change to simple ‘Damn’. I don’t like language like that and using it breaks one of the cardinal rules of cozies of no vulgar language.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. I do plan to read the books between 1-6.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for chance to listen to this ARC. All opinions in this review is my own.
February 13, 2023
Jacobia, 'Jake', Tiptree, has a dream of a job which she gets to share with her best friend, Ellie White as they run a bakery together. The Chocolate Moose, with its small seating area, is perfectly situated on the waterfront of their hometown of Eastport, Maine. Jake also has a checkered past but she'd rather not dwell on that. It's the beginning of summer and, as the weather gets warmer, they are getting ready to sell their wares at the local art festival.
Unfortunately, directly across the street from the Moose, a rival establishment, Choco’s, has just opened, and owner, Brad Fairway, is not above running a dirty tricks campaign to poach their customers. Determined to sort things nicely, Jake and Ellie try to speak with the owner about his actions, but things don't go quite to plan! When a body is discovered by the intrepid pair, they find themselves in the local police department's eyeline, and one of them is soon the number one suspect.
Although this is the sixth in Sarah Graves series, it is my first visit to Eastport, and although I had my suspicions as to whodunnit, I wasn't confident or correct! I really enjoyed this book, but there were a couple of instances towards the beginning, which seemed a little too far fetched, hence 4 stars. I really liked the parts featuring Jake's family and their problems, none of which detracted from the murder investigation but definitely added to the storyline. I will be reading the previous books in this series and on the lookout for new ones.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good read, which I very much enjoyed.
Unfortunately, directly across the street from the Moose, a rival establishment, Choco’s, has just opened, and owner, Brad Fairway, is not above running a dirty tricks campaign to poach their customers. Determined to sort things nicely, Jake and Ellie try to speak with the owner about his actions, but things don't go quite to plan! When a body is discovered by the intrepid pair, they find themselves in the local police department's eyeline, and one of them is soon the number one suspect.
Although this is the sixth in Sarah Graves series, it is my first visit to Eastport, and although I had my suspicions as to whodunnit, I wasn't confident or correct! I really enjoyed this book, but there were a couple of instances towards the beginning, which seemed a little too far fetched, hence 4 stars. I really liked the parts featuring Jake's family and their problems, none of which detracted from the murder investigation but definitely added to the storyline. I will be reading the previous books in this series and on the lookout for new ones.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good read, which I very much enjoyed.
August 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a small coastal town in Maine. In the story, the MCs stumble across a dead body and have to prove that one of them wasn't the murderer. I loved the audiobook and hearing the Maine accents for some of the characters was great fun. This was my first book from this series, and I plan to go back and start from the beginning. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2023
The annual art festival is back in town and it's thriving. The ladies have a booth of their sweets open and ready to sell. The only problem is there is a new sweet shop in town and.it is right across the street from the Chocolate Moose. The new owner is already causing problems for Jake and Ellie by spreading false rumors. When the the owner of the shop, Brad Fairway, is found murdered the police aim their sights on Ellie. They soon learn he was shot with her gun making her the prime suspect. Jake knows Ellie is innocent so the investigation into who the real killer is begins. Will Jake and Ellie figure out who the murderer is before Ellie herself ends up behind bars?
April 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie.
Narrated by Susan Boyce
Published: 04/25/23
Argh. How many times can an author write the main character does not like marshmallows? The fact that marshmallows are part of the title is another issue. Sadly, I don't remember the ending. I remember the birthday girl being pleased with her pie. I remember the main character, oh did I mention recurring main character, doesn't like marshmallows.
The narration was pretty good. She did keep me going. However, the truth is we both agreed to do a job and we did it. She narrated, and I listened and am reviewing.
This just really didn't work for me. I like smart people and smart situations that are realistic. This was none of that. This was repetitive, simple, and tried too hard.
Merged review:
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie.
Narrated by Susan Boyce
Published: 04/25/23
Argh. How many times can an author write the main character does not like marshmallows? The fact that marshmallows are part of the title is another issue. Sadly, I don't remember the ending. I remember the birthday girl being pleased with her pie. I remember the main character, oh did I mention recurring main character, doesn't like marshmallows.
The narration was pretty good. She did keep me going. However, the truth is we both agreed to do a job and we did it. She narrated, and I listened and am reviewing.
This just really didn't work for me. I like smart people and smart situations that are realistic. This was none of that. This was repetitive, simple, and tried too hard.
Narrated by Susan Boyce
Published: 04/25/23
Argh. How many times can an author write the main character does not like marshmallows? The fact that marshmallows are part of the title is another issue. Sadly, I don't remember the ending. I remember the birthday girl being pleased with her pie. I remember the main character, oh did I mention recurring main character, doesn't like marshmallows.
The narration was pretty good. She did keep me going. However, the truth is we both agreed to do a job and we did it. She narrated, and I listened and am reviewing.
This just really didn't work for me. I like smart people and smart situations that are realistic. This was none of that. This was repetitive, simple, and tried too hard.
Merged review:
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie.
Narrated by Susan Boyce
Published: 04/25/23
Argh. How many times can an author write the main character does not like marshmallows? The fact that marshmallows are part of the title is another issue. Sadly, I don't remember the ending. I remember the birthday girl being pleased with her pie. I remember the main character, oh did I mention recurring main character, doesn't like marshmallows.
The narration was pretty good. She did keep me going. However, the truth is we both agreed to do a job and we did it. She narrated, and I listened and am reviewing.
This just really didn't work for me. I like smart people and smart situations that are realistic. This was none of that. This was repetitive, simple, and tried too hard.
August 20, 2023
“Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie” is the 6th instalment in the "Death By Chocolate" mystery series by Sarah Graves. Summertime in the quirky island village of Eastport, Maine, is full of delights—including delicious treats from The Chocolate Moose, the waterfront bakery run by Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White. But these amateur sleuths are in for a rocky road when a chocolate shop rivalry turns deadly.
I enjoy this series set in the village of Eastport, Maine and really like protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie. Plus I love her family especially Bella.
There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. I did suspect the killer early on but then second guessed myself. The book was engaging from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the very start.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoy this series set in the village of Eastport, Maine and really like protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie. Plus I love her family especially Bella.
There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. I did suspect the killer early on but then second guessed myself. The book was engaging from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the very start.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
As usual, Eastport Maine is the place to be. We arrive just in time for the Arts Festival featuring all kinds of art, music, demonstrations, food, and games. The Chocolate Moose has a booth selling their sweet treats but truthfully Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White have something more important on their minds, the new competing bakery across the street and its owner Brad Fairway. He has been doing some irritating things to take customers away from Jake and Ellie and rumor has it he has big plans after he puts them out of business plus for some reason he looks familiar to Jake.
Ellie decides to try to reason with the man one more time but instead, she finds his dead body. It isn't long before the murder weapon is determined to be her gun and without a strong alibi, she knows she is going to be arrested for a murder she did not commit. Jake is not going to let that happen. They have done it before, they will do it again. They are going to catch the killer before Ellie has to spend any time behind bars. Or will this killer catch them first?
______
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Jake and Ellie are fun and smart and their lives are certainly not what you would expect for a couple of small-town bakers. Ellie's husband is away a lot but she is right at home among Jake's family. In this story, Jake's father has a bug up his . . . . I mean a crazy idea that it is time for him and Bella to move out into an assisted living place. There is something going on with Sam and Mika that brings him home for a couple of nights. Jake is trying to be supportive of everyone and hoping they all get their lives back on track soon but she has to concentrate on helping Ellie most of all. All these characters continue to develop nicely and have important roles in the story.
The mystery in Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie has ties to Jake's former life which really ups the ante for her to find the killer. Is someone from her past on her trail? Is it her fault Ellie is being framed? Is the rest of her family in danger? The state police don't seem to have any other suspects so she has no choice but to get involved. And when Jake gets involved and takes Ellie along the level of suspense and the level of hilarity increases rapidly. Oh, my stars! These girls put their lives at risk as well as others in a madcap ending that had me on the edge of my seat until the final harrowing moment.
As always the story is filled with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Ellie is trying to find the perfect recipe for a Chocolate Marshmallow Pie for her daughter. I am not much of a baker anymore but I wanted to jump in the book and give her a few suggestions. I would have also loved a piece of the one that was finally served.
The ending to the story was very interesting. It tied up a lot of loose ends and had a surprising development along with a happy announcement. I am afraid this may be the end of the series. I sure hope I am wrong because since finding this series it has been one of my favorites. I would love to keep visiting these characters for a good long time.
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie is a well-written and well-plotted cozy mystery that was completely entertaining. With genuine characters and twisty mystery, I was happily glued to the pages until the final word.
I highly recommend the entire series!
As usual, Eastport Maine is the place to be. We arrive just in time for the Arts Festival featuring all kinds of art, music, demonstrations, food, and games. The Chocolate Moose has a booth selling their sweet treats but truthfully Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White have something more important on their minds, the new competing bakery across the street and its owner Brad Fairway. He has been doing some irritating things to take customers away from Jake and Ellie and rumor has it he has big plans after he puts them out of business plus for some reason he looks familiar to Jake.
Ellie decides to try to reason with the man one more time but instead, she finds his dead body. It isn't long before the murder weapon is determined to be her gun and without a strong alibi, she knows she is going to be arrested for a murder she did not commit. Jake is not going to let that happen. They have done it before, they will do it again. They are going to catch the killer before Ellie has to spend any time behind bars. Or will this killer catch them first?
______
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Jake and Ellie are fun and smart and their lives are certainly not what you would expect for a couple of small-town bakers. Ellie's husband is away a lot but she is right at home among Jake's family. In this story, Jake's father has a bug up his . . . . I mean a crazy idea that it is time for him and Bella to move out into an assisted living place. There is something going on with Sam and Mika that brings him home for a couple of nights. Jake is trying to be supportive of everyone and hoping they all get their lives back on track soon but she has to concentrate on helping Ellie most of all. All these characters continue to develop nicely and have important roles in the story.
The mystery in Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie has ties to Jake's former life which really ups the ante for her to find the killer. Is someone from her past on her trail? Is it her fault Ellie is being framed? Is the rest of her family in danger? The state police don't seem to have any other suspects so she has no choice but to get involved. And when Jake gets involved and takes Ellie along the level of suspense and the level of hilarity increases rapidly. Oh, my stars! These girls put their lives at risk as well as others in a madcap ending that had me on the edge of my seat until the final harrowing moment.
As always the story is filled with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Ellie is trying to find the perfect recipe for a Chocolate Marshmallow Pie for her daughter. I am not much of a baker anymore but I wanted to jump in the book and give her a few suggestions. I would have also loved a piece of the one that was finally served.
The ending to the story was very interesting. It tied up a lot of loose ends and had a surprising development along with a happy announcement. I am afraid this may be the end of the series. I sure hope I am wrong because since finding this series it has been one of my favorites. I would love to keep visiting these characters for a good long time.
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie is a well-written and well-plotted cozy mystery that was completely entertaining. With genuine characters and twisty mystery, I was happily glued to the pages until the final word.
I highly recommend the entire series!
November 14, 2025
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie (Book 6 Death by Chocolate) by Sarah Graves
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and her friend Ellie run The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery in Eastport, Maine. Things are going well for them until competition appears in the form of a new shop selling many similar foods only cheaper. When the owner of that business is found murdered, shot with Ellie's gun, it is understandable that she is the main suspect.
This is when the cozy mystery takes off Jake seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time getting herself in bad situations. Jake is also dealing with her father wanting to go into a retirement community and her stepmother doesn't want that. Who is involved with the murder? Why are they trying to frame Jake? Will Jake figure out?
This is a really good cozy mystery and enjoyable mystery. I recommend this book if you are a fan of cozy mysteries. This audio book was narrated by Susan Boyce who really does a great job with the Maine voices it was really enjoyable to lister to this audio book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a free copy of Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie for an honest review.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and her friend Ellie run The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery in Eastport, Maine. Things are going well for them until competition appears in the form of a new shop selling many similar foods only cheaper. When the owner of that business is found murdered, shot with Ellie's gun, it is understandable that she is the main suspect.
This is when the cozy mystery takes off Jake seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time getting herself in bad situations. Jake is also dealing with her father wanting to go into a retirement community and her stepmother doesn't want that. Who is involved with the murder? Why are they trying to frame Jake? Will Jake figure out?
This is a really good cozy mystery and enjoyable mystery. I recommend this book if you are a fan of cozy mysteries. This audio book was narrated by Susan Boyce who really does a great job with the Maine voices it was really enjoyable to lister to this audio book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a free copy of Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie for an honest review.
February 19, 2023
I received an advance copy from NetGalley.
This is the 6th book in the Death by Chocolate series, set in a small Maine town where lead character Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree runs a bakery with her dear friend Ellie and contends with a lot of family drama, too. As the book starts out, a jerk has opened a rival shop across the street and badmouthed their business. After some unpleasant confrontations about his practices, the guy, of course, ends up dead—by Ellie’s gun. Jake needs to get her friend off the hook, fast.
I had no problem getting into the groove of the mystery. The setting and characters engaged me from page 1, and I wanted to find out whodunnit. What did frustrate me, though, was how Jake kept doing things that verged on stupid and made her friend look even more guilty. Some behavior like that is part of being an amateur detective but it needs to be handled with care, and the sheer foolhardiness of the characters began to annoy me. I finished the book, though, and I liked how the complicated pieces came together in the end.
—-
This is the 6th book in the Death by Chocolate series, set in a small Maine town where lead character Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree runs a bakery with her dear friend Ellie and contends with a lot of family drama, too. As the book starts out, a jerk has opened a rival shop across the street and badmouthed their business. After some unpleasant confrontations about his practices, the guy, of course, ends up dead—by Ellie’s gun. Jake needs to get her friend off the hook, fast.
I had no problem getting into the groove of the mystery. The setting and characters engaged me from page 1, and I wanted to find out whodunnit. What did frustrate me, though, was how Jake kept doing things that verged on stupid and made her friend look even more guilty. Some behavior like that is part of being an amateur detective but it needs to be handled with care, and the sheer foolhardiness of the characters began to annoy me. I finished the book, though, and I liked how the complicated pieces came together in the end.
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April 13, 2023
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie by Sarah Graves is the sixth book in the Death by Chocolate Mystery Series. I enjoy every release in this series as the author includes many referances to chocolate and the characters are smart, savvy and fun to follow. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
Jake and Ellie are friends managing their popular chocolate bakery "The Chocolate Moose" in the picturesque town of Eastport Maine. They are preparing for a town festival when they find out another baker is trying to take over bakery sales for the festival using neferious methods . Jake has words with him before he is found murdered. She is prime suspect number one as her gun was used and must work to clear her name. Having successfully solved cases in the past she finds clues abound amid red herrings and secrets about the victim. Soon Jake is in danger and the excitment builds to a surprising conclusion.
This was a well plotted fun sleuth that is captivating to conclusion. The charcters all add to the fun of this series. I enjoyed this next in series and recommend it for all cozy readers.
Jake and Ellie are friends managing their popular chocolate bakery "The Chocolate Moose" in the picturesque town of Eastport Maine. They are preparing for a town festival when they find out another baker is trying to take over bakery sales for the festival using neferious methods . Jake has words with him before he is found murdered. She is prime suspect number one as her gun was used and must work to clear her name. Having successfully solved cases in the past she finds clues abound amid red herrings and secrets about the victim. Soon Jake is in danger and the excitment builds to a surprising conclusion.
This was a well plotted fun sleuth that is captivating to conclusion. The charcters all add to the fun of this series. I enjoyed this next in series and recommend it for all cozy readers.
April 5, 2023
"Death By Chocolate Marshmallow Pie" is the 6th book in the "Death By Chocolate Mystery" series by Sarah Graves. I also kinda hope it is the last of the Jacobia Tiptree books. It is still very much her classic story line but it just felt a little more ridiculous than in previous instances. More "what was she thinking?" and less "well isn't that unfortunate." Some continuity issues, especially about Jacobia's flight from New York. Each time the story of why Jacobia left is told it is told slightly differently. It still has the cheating husband, badly behaved son and mob connections but the motivator changes and the how changes. The other reason I hope this is the last one for Jacobia is that it wrapped things up very nicely. Gave the whole family a nice ending that doesn't need to have a follow up. I'm glad I read it for the closure, but I'm done with the series if there is more.
Last but not least, what is with the marshmallow hate? You'd think a chocolate focused baker would at least know some good ways to pair marshmallow with chocolate. She doesn't have to love it but man, Jacobia seems to just loath marshmallows in this one. The audiobook didn't have the recipe recorded but I had heard that the recipe at the end didn't even match what the final product for marshmallow pie that the book is even named after.
Last but not least, what is with the marshmallow hate? You'd think a chocolate focused baker would at least know some good ways to pair marshmallow with chocolate. She doesn't have to love it but man, Jacobia seems to just loath marshmallows in this one. The audiobook didn't have the recipe recorded but I had heard that the recipe at the end didn't even match what the final product for marshmallow pie that the book is even named after.
June 5, 2023
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie is the 6th book in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series by Sarah Graves. I picked up this series with Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake (book 2) and I also thoroughly enjoyed books 3, 4 and 5.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and Ellie White, the owners of 'The Chocolate Moose'. I really adore the way Sarah Graves brings to life the fictional, yet seemingly real, small-town of Eastport. The story is highly entertaining, with plenty of action and an ample choice of suspects. I was delighted with the dynamic in the tale and with its fabulous story and wonderful characters, I would recommend Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie to all lovers of cozy mysteries. I hope this series continues and I can keep following Jake and Ellie's madcap adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Jacobia (Jake) Tiptree and Ellie White, the owners of 'The Chocolate Moose'. I really adore the way Sarah Graves brings to life the fictional, yet seemingly real, small-town of Eastport. The story is highly entertaining, with plenty of action and an ample choice of suspects. I was delighted with the dynamic in the tale and with its fabulous story and wonderful characters, I would recommend Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie to all lovers of cozy mysteries. I hope this series continues and I can keep following Jake and Ellie's madcap adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 17, 2023
I love this series and this book is a wonderful addition!
Jake once again gets into some "sticky" situations. The money that went missing is mentioned and is a part of the mystery. Her son is a wonderful character and I enjoy reading about him.
Overall, I highly recommend this book!
Jake once again gets into some "sticky" situations. The money that went missing is mentioned and is a part of the mystery. Her son is a wonderful character and I enjoy reading about him.
Overall, I highly recommend this book!
March 30, 2023
I found this book to be sadly lacking in everything-plot, character development and reader engagement. It may just be me-but I didn't enjoy it at all.
December 16, 2022
She used to work for the mob?! And she recognizes the bully from those days?
The murder victim is no surprise (the kind of character you love to hate). But even if you (or me) have not read the earlier books in series you just know that the apparent killer certainly is not guilty, and the group of friends will work hard to prove it.
There is a lot of family issues as the ongoing fun that snakes in and out of the sleuthing. The whole book is just too much fun!
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
The murder victim is no surprise (the kind of character you love to hate). But even if you (or me) have not read the earlier books in series you just know that the apparent killer certainly is not guilty, and the group of friends will work hard to prove it.
There is a lot of family issues as the ongoing fun that snakes in and out of the sleuthing. The whole book is just too much fun!
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 26, 2022
Jake and Ellie have some competition in town with Choco’s, and the owner isn’t shy about trying to take business away from The Chocolate Moose. Not being a shrinking candied violet, Ellie confronts Brad about his low handed tactics.
When Brad is found murdered with Ellie’s gun, she’s the prime suspect. Jake and Ellie need to get cooking if they’re going to solve the mystery and find the real murdered if they don’t want Ellie to go down like a bad soufflé’s for the murder.
What’s better than a really good whodunit? A whodunits that includes drool worthy goodies and recipes to make them! That’s what this series delivers each. and. every. time!
When Brad is found murdered with Ellie’s gun, she’s the prime suspect. Jake and Ellie need to get cooking if they’re going to solve the mystery and find the real murdered if they don’t want Ellie to go down like a bad soufflé’s for the murder.
What’s better than a really good whodunit? A whodunits that includes drool worthy goodies and recipes to make them! That’s what this series delivers each. and. every. time!
April 24, 2023
This is the 6th book in the series and my first. I was able to read it as a standalone. The author did an awesome job doing a backstory. I really enjoyed following the clues and trying to figure out who the killer was. I'm really craving chocolate covered marshmallows. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see what happens next.
May 9, 2023
This was the sixth book in a series. I do think that reading the other books in the series first would be beneficial for the enjoyment factor. The main character frustrated me in parts but overall this was a fun read and good mystery. I did enjoy the narrator. Thank you #Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
IF IT WAS kind of funnyi won it free
May 11, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Sarah Graves for allowing me to listen to an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book for an honest review.
Death By Chocolate Marshmallow Pie was made available to the public on this past Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
If you are into cozy mysteries, this book (and series) is for you! To be honest, I’ve never read a lot of cozy mysteries but this book convinced me that I’m adding the genre to my favorite/most commonly read list.
The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery, in Eastport, Maine is a popular hot spot for both locals and tourists. Owners Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White are just as sweet as the beloved desserts that they serve. That is until a new bakery opens in town and owner Brad Fairway’s life is threatened by the dynamic duo. Brad is found dead not too long after the confrontation. Will Jake and Ellie be able to put their undercover detective skills to use to solve the crime before Ellie is accused and imprisoned, all while perfecting the recipe for Chocolate Marshmallow Pie? 🥧
Tropes:
Villainous Victim
Early Suspect
Everyone Is Quick To Point Fingers
Multiple Murders
What I Liked:
💕 Sarah Graves creates characters that are lovable and relatable.
💕 An unbelievable (yet intriguing) series of events.
💕 Female leads with strong deductive reasoning skills.
💕 Justice is served.
Death By Chocolate Marshmallow Pie was made available to the public on this past Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
If you are into cozy mysteries, this book (and series) is for you! To be honest, I’ve never read a lot of cozy mysteries but this book convinced me that I’m adding the genre to my favorite/most commonly read list.
The Chocolate Moose, a waterfront bakery, in Eastport, Maine is a popular hot spot for both locals and tourists. Owners Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White are just as sweet as the beloved desserts that they serve. That is until a new bakery opens in town and owner Brad Fairway’s life is threatened by the dynamic duo. Brad is found dead not too long after the confrontation. Will Jake and Ellie be able to put their undercover detective skills to use to solve the crime before Ellie is accused and imprisoned, all while perfecting the recipe for Chocolate Marshmallow Pie? 🥧
Tropes:
Villainous Victim
Early Suspect
Everyone Is Quick To Point Fingers
Multiple Murders
What I Liked:
💕 Sarah Graves creates characters that are lovable and relatable.
💕 An unbelievable (yet intriguing) series of events.
💕 Female leads with strong deductive reasoning skills.
💕 Justice is served.
May 2, 2023
This is the 6th book in the Death by Chocolate series. I have never read any from this series, but that will change now. Two best friends own a bakery together. Across the street a rival establishment opens run by a guy who has no problem playing dirty to steal their customers. The two go over to try to reason with him and instead find a dead body. Not only are they thrown into the investigation, but one becomes the #1 suspect. It’s a good whodunnit with lots of interesting characters thrown in the story. This was entertaining and definitely worth a read. Thank you to NetGalley for this opportunity to read this book in advance. I give it 4 stars!
April 30, 2023
How many times can the same person be accused of murder in a 6 book series?
December 30, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. This is a solid cozy mystery. I love the history of the characters. Their continued development, and the many red herrings to keep things fun.
Highlight suggest this author and series for cozy mystery fans.
For a sweet and cozy mystery with plenty of red herrings. This is a read for the adult who loved Boxcar Children as a kid.
#DeathByChocolateMarshmallowPie by Sarah Graves is everything a cozy mystery should be. It has likable characters, a solid mystery that keeps you guessing, all fun and no gore, and a little background story. It’s a fun palate cleanser for me.
Highlight suggest this author and series for cozy mystery fans.
For a sweet and cozy mystery with plenty of red herrings. This is a read for the adult who loved Boxcar Children as a kid.
#DeathByChocolateMarshmallowPie by Sarah Graves is everything a cozy mystery should be. It has likable characters, a solid mystery that keeps you guessing, all fun and no gore, and a little background story. It’s a fun palate cleanser for me.
June 27, 2023
Pretty obvious who did it
June 27, 2023
The Death by Chocolate Mystery is one of the series I keep up with as I enjoy the characters and the various plots Sarah Graves has introduced. In Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie, Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree and Ellie White, who run the local bakery, The Chocolate Moose, are having business difficulties when a new bakery comes to town, Choco's. With the festival coming, will it bring enough business to The Chocolate Moose as Choco's is undercutting all their prices and pulling sneaky stunts to divert Moose patrons to his own shop. When Ellie has enough she confronts Choco's owner, Brad Fairway, so when he is found dead, she is a suspect. Evidence piles up including that the weapon that killed him belonged to Ellie, so Jake and Ellie begin their own investigation to find the real killer.
I love the characters in this series. As I have read them all, I know all about their history, ups and downs and backstories. Jake's family play a large role in her life and I love how they ground her. The motive for Brad to try to put The Chocolate Moose out of business is revealed, but that makes Ellie look even more guilty. There are lots of twists and a tie to Jake's past in this one. I liked how the investigation played out. At one point Ellie is in danger and Sam, Jake's son helps to save her. There is an action packed climax and reveal that bring this book to a satisfying conclusion. This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but because there is a lot of character development and the series is so enjoyable, I recommend you read them all in order. The audiobook was narrated by Susan Boyce. She narrates many cozy mysteries and I enjoy her easy listening voice, with her expression and voices.
I love the characters in this series. As I have read them all, I know all about their history, ups and downs and backstories. Jake's family play a large role in her life and I love how they ground her. The motive for Brad to try to put The Chocolate Moose out of business is revealed, but that makes Ellie look even more guilty. There are lots of twists and a tie to Jake's past in this one. I liked how the investigation played out. At one point Ellie is in danger and Sam, Jake's son helps to save her. There is an action packed climax and reveal that bring this book to a satisfying conclusion. This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but because there is a lot of character development and the series is so enjoyable, I recommend you read them all in order. The audiobook was narrated by Susan Boyce. She narrates many cozy mysteries and I enjoy her easy listening voice, with her expression and voices.
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