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Donut Shop Mysteries #7
Drop Dead Chocolate
The whole town of April Springs is stirring over the upcoming mayoral election. Suzanne Hart’s mother, for one, is dead-set on replacing the current mayor…and what better way for Momma to drum up support than by luring in voters with Suzanne’s drop-dead-delicious donuts? Just add chocolate, and they’re sure to kill the competition…
With Momma’s half-baked campaign heating up faster than a donut shop deep fryer, Suzanne wonders if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. But when Momma’s opponent is brutally murdered, the odds of winning are suddenly, and suspiciously, in their favor. Sure, they’d been planning to beat the mayor—but with speeches and donuts, not a blunt instrument. If Suzanne hopes to reveal the killer’s recipe for revenge, she’ll have to uncover a plot that’s darker than any chocolate…
Drop Dead Chocolate is a sinfully sweet addition to Jessica Beck's delicious Donut Shop Mystery Series.
With Momma’s half-baked campaign heating up faster than a donut shop deep fryer, Suzanne wonders if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. But when Momma’s opponent is brutally murdered, the odds of winning are suddenly, and suspiciously, in their favor. Sure, they’d been planning to beat the mayor—but with speeches and donuts, not a blunt instrument. If Suzanne hopes to reveal the killer’s recipe for revenge, she’ll have to uncover a plot that’s darker than any chocolate…
Drop Dead Chocolate is a sinfully sweet addition to Jessica Beck's delicious Donut Shop Mystery Series.
289 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
1009 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Beck
103 books459 followersJessica Beck is a pseudonym used by
Tim Myers.
Jessica Beck is the penname of an author who has been nominated for the Agatha Award and named an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association national bestseller nearly a dozen times.
Jessica Beck loves donuts, and has the figure to prove it. It's amazing what people can convince themselves is all in the name of research! For each recipe featured in the donut mysteries, a dozen more are tried and tested.
When not concocting delicious treats, Beck enjoys the rare snowfalls near her home in the foothills of North Carolina.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jessic...
Tim Myers.
Jessica Beck is the penname of an author who has been nominated for the Agatha Award and named an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association national bestseller nearly a dozen times.
Jessica Beck loves donuts, and has the figure to prove it. It's amazing what people can convince themselves is all in the name of research! For each recipe featured in the donut mysteries, a dozen more are tried and tested.
When not concocting delicious treats, Beck enjoys the rare snowfalls near her home in the foothills of North Carolina.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jessic...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 7, 2023
Changes are coming in April Springs! This was almost like a last book of sorts and I guess I’ll find out if I like the changes in the next one. I enjoyed the mystery and sleuthing with Suzanne. I did enjoy the authors little inside joke although I will disagree with the comment about liking recipes throughout the book, I mainly like them at the end just because the are easier to find if you want to make something.
May 28, 2012
This was the first book I have read in the Donut series. I didn't feel lost at all. The author did a good job giving Timbits (pun intended) of background information to catch me up on anything relevant to the story. I do regret not having read the other books in the series beforehand because a major character left the series and I know if I had been reading it from the beginning that I would have felt an emotional connection to that person and would have been sad. But, that just makes me want to go back and read the others that came before this one.
This was just like the Coffee Shop murder mystery series. It felt exactly like I was reading those books. I think the Coffee Shop ones were written before this Donut series so obviously that makes this series not as original. It even had the recipes for making Donuts in between chapters like the Coffee books had recipes for Lattes and other coffee beverages. Since I had already seen this done before it felt like nothing special only a copy cat. The Coffee Shop recipes and woman seemed more passionate about her trade. But, I could be biased because coffee can be considered romantic and sexy in a way, whereas when you think of donuts you feel guilty and fat. Nonetheless, I loved every second of it and still thought it was creative and fun.
I liked the main character Suzanne. She was a take no for an answer woman. I found it strange that her being a Donut shop owner took so quickly to solving a murder. Granted, her mother was a suspect and I haven't read the other books to see how she got to be such a good sleuth. I liked that she had many friends and knew everyone. It made her seem more likable and her life interesting and playful. She had a great personality and any girl would want her as their best friend. I mean, free coffee and donuts and helping her interrogate suspects to solve a murder while antiquing? Sound perfect!
This was a super fast, fun enjoyable read that makes you want coffee and something sweet while reading. Seems like a series that is very easy to get addicted to. On to the next one, or in my case one that came before this one.
This was just like the Coffee Shop murder mystery series. It felt exactly like I was reading those books. I think the Coffee Shop ones were written before this Donut series so obviously that makes this series not as original. It even had the recipes for making Donuts in between chapters like the Coffee books had recipes for Lattes and other coffee beverages. Since I had already seen this done before it felt like nothing special only a copy cat. The Coffee Shop recipes and woman seemed more passionate about her trade. But, I could be biased because coffee can be considered romantic and sexy in a way, whereas when you think of donuts you feel guilty and fat. Nonetheless, I loved every second of it and still thought it was creative and fun.
I liked the main character Suzanne. She was a take no for an answer woman. I found it strange that her being a Donut shop owner took so quickly to solving a murder. Granted, her mother was a suspect and I haven't read the other books to see how she got to be such a good sleuth. I liked that she had many friends and knew everyone. It made her seem more likable and her life interesting and playful. She had a great personality and any girl would want her as their best friend. I mean, free coffee and donuts and helping her interrogate suspects to solve a murder while antiquing? Sound perfect!
This was a super fast, fun enjoyable read that makes you want coffee and something sweet while reading. Seems like a series that is very easy to get addicted to. On to the next one, or in my case one that came before this one.
June 20, 2012
I am addicted to these adorable donut shop mysteries. This one had me stumped. I had no idea who the killer was and why he or she did it. And one of these days I am going to try one of the many recipes that are included in the books. :)
December 25, 2019
This was a cute cozy. It can be read as a stand alone but would also be interesting to read them in order. You’d have a bit more of a background on the characters. There wasn’t too much mushy stuff like you normally find in some cozies but enough of a love interest to keep you wanting to know more. And my favorite thing? I didn’t hate anybody like I normally do!
May 18, 2012
Every time a new book in this estimable series comes out, I grab a cup of coffee and sit down to what I know will be a toothsome treat for my mystery mind.
The town of April Springs, NC has had it with the current Mayor. It is a good thing re-election time is looming. When a scandal breaks, that is the final straw for sleuth, Suzanne Hart's mother, Dorothy. This time she is going to throw her hat in the ring.
Suzanne is busy with her Donut Hearts store and giving us readers delectable recipes for chocolate baked and fried donuts, and dreaming of her boyfriend, Jake. Ready to help Mom in any way possible, she and Grace and George head over to the new campaign headquarters (across the street,) and are thwarted by finding a body...not just any body...but the hated Mayor's.
Dorothy who owns the building is under instant suspicion and scares everyone when she asks Suzanne and company to find the real killer!
This was a great book and I am eager for the next one in the series to come out..."Powdered Peril." Oh yes!
The town of April Springs, NC has had it with the current Mayor. It is a good thing re-election time is looming. When a scandal breaks, that is the final straw for sleuth, Suzanne Hart's mother, Dorothy. This time she is going to throw her hat in the ring.
Suzanne is busy with her Donut Hearts store and giving us readers delectable recipes for chocolate baked and fried donuts, and dreaming of her boyfriend, Jake. Ready to help Mom in any way possible, she and Grace and George head over to the new campaign headquarters (across the street,) and are thwarted by finding a body...not just any body...but the hated Mayor's.
Dorothy who owns the building is under instant suspicion and scares everyone when she asks Suzanne and company to find the real killer!
This was a great book and I am eager for the next one in the series to come out..."Powdered Peril." Oh yes!
April 28, 2012
Still good, and this time the donuts were not part of the murder, but how many more people in this small town are left to kill?
April 30, 2012
just finished--Amazing; truly Amazing!!
October 14, 2019
Finding her books to be entertaining. Bit of crime, mystery and romance.
June 9, 2021
Suzanne Hart owns Donut Hearts, a donut shop in small-town April Springs, North Carolina, She lives with her mother in the home she grew up in, and has made a nice life for herself after her divorce. But one day she finds her mother completely riled up by the mayor, who has done something no mayor should ever do, and decides to run against him in the upcoming election. But before that can happen, the mayor is discovered dead at one of her properties, and now Suzanne's mother Dorothy is a big suspect. When she asks her to help clear her name, how can she refuse? Even if it means going against her police inspector boyfriend Jake. But someone killed the man, and once you've murdered someone, it's a lot easier to murder again...
This is the seventh book in the series, and I'm really starting to enjoy it. I like the fact that it's not stagnating, and is moving right along. I also go back to older series every now and then because I know that the authors aren't going to throw their political beliefs in everywhere. It's sad, but I read to escape from reality, not have it pushed in my face. There's also a cute conversation about male writers using female pseudonyms, which is funny because of the author (who is very good, by the way).
Suzanne has several suspects to sift through, and none of them want to give her any answers, especially the ex-wife of the police chief, who is running against Dorothy. Not even Suzanne's donuts can open her up. But Suzanne has her posse of best friend Grace and retired cop George to help, and they all seem to glean information one way or another.
When the ending comes it is surprising in more ways than one, and there are changes for Suzanne that we will have to wait and see how it plays out. The narrative is lighthearted and playful, just as it's supposed to be. I really enjoyed the book and visiting with these characters again, and will continue on with this series. Recommended.
This is the seventh book in the series, and I'm really starting to enjoy it. I like the fact that it's not stagnating, and is moving right along. I also go back to older series every now and then because I know that the authors aren't going to throw their political beliefs in everywhere. It's sad, but I read to escape from reality, not have it pushed in my face. There's also a cute conversation about male writers using female pseudonyms, which is funny because of the author (who is very good, by the way).
Suzanne has several suspects to sift through, and none of them want to give her any answers, especially the ex-wife of the police chief, who is running against Dorothy. Not even Suzanne's donuts can open her up. But Suzanne has her posse of best friend Grace and retired cop George to help, and they all seem to glean information one way or another.
When the ending comes it is surprising in more ways than one, and there are changes for Suzanne that we will have to wait and see how it plays out. The narrative is lighthearted and playful, just as it's supposed to be. I really enjoyed the book and visiting with these characters again, and will continue on with this series. Recommended.
December 28, 2019
It was an entertaining read. Same old Suzanne up to her same old tricks (confronting the murderer by herself).
I understand why some people say Suzanne's relationships are "off." It's because Suzanne will say one thing but then we see another.
For instance, she says she and her mother don't get along well and butt heads all the time - but in that book, there's not one cross word between them. She'll say her boyfriend is a by-the-book, rule-abiding type of guy, but then he's suspended from his job for acting rashly and breaking the rules. And so on and so on.
I just accept it and keep reading.
These are not the fun, deep, loyal relationships you'll get to savor in other cozies, these relationships are more shallow, but it's still an enjoyable read. (This is a perfect example of telling and not showing not working well. While telling is an important component of storytelling, it can be done well or not well. The weird thing is in this series, the telling doesn't match the showing when the showing does take place.)
I understand why some people say Suzanne's relationships are "off." It's because Suzanne will say one thing but then we see another.
For instance, she says she and her mother don't get along well and butt heads all the time - but in that book, there's not one cross word between them. She'll say her boyfriend is a by-the-book, rule-abiding type of guy, but then he's suspended from his job for acting rashly and breaking the rules. And so on and so on.
I just accept it and keep reading.
These are not the fun, deep, loyal relationships you'll get to savor in other cozies, these relationships are more shallow, but it's still an enjoyable read. (This is a perfect example of telling and not showing not working well. While telling is an important component of storytelling, it can be done well or not well. The weird thing is in this series, the telling doesn't match the showing when the showing does take place.)
August 15, 2017
Another good read in the Donut Shop mystery series. Can't believe this book is already number 7!
The murder this time is the mayor of April Springs. Of course this was right after Suzanne's mom decided to threaten the mayor by running in the election herself.
It is a big stretch to say that Suzanne's mother was the prime suspect in the murder because she is dating the chief of police and the mayor had a lot of enemies. Suzanne's boyfriend, detective Jake, was more in this novel, but it still wasn't a lot since he had to investigate the murder.
Even though the series has many flaws, I still find myself coming back to the series and the characters in the small town.
The murder this time is the mayor of April Springs. Of course this was right after Suzanne's mom decided to threaten the mayor by running in the election herself.
It is a big stretch to say that Suzanne's mother was the prime suspect in the murder because she is dating the chief of police and the mayor had a lot of enemies. Suzanne's boyfriend, detective Jake, was more in this novel, but it still wasn't a lot since he had to investigate the murder.
Even though the series has many flaws, I still find myself coming back to the series and the characters in the small town.
June 4, 2022
#7 in the small town April Springs, North Carolina donut shop mystery series with donut shop owner Suzanne Hart.
Suzanne's mother decides to run for town mayor against the very unpopular current mayor who is found murdered in a building owned by Suzanne's mother. There are a number of potential suspect while Suzanne's mother is the early front runner. Thus, Suzanne and her helpers start investigating to find the murderer. Complicating matters are that her mother is in a relationship with the town's chief of police, the outside investigator brought in is Suzanne's boyfriend and the police chief's ex wife who is also suspect is out to get Suzanne's mother.
Suzanne's mother decides to run for town mayor against the very unpopular current mayor who is found murdered in a building owned by Suzanne's mother. There are a number of potential suspect while Suzanne's mother is the early front runner. Thus, Suzanne and her helpers start investigating to find the murderer. Complicating matters are that her mother is in a relationship with the town's chief of police, the outside investigator brought in is Suzanne's boyfriend and the police chief's ex wife who is also suspect is out to get Suzanne's mother.
April 15, 2022
This is another delicious delight in Jessica Beck’s Donut Mystery series. Suzanne’s mother is very unhappy with the mayor, so she decides to run against him in the upcoming mayoral race. Her odds go up considerably when her opponent is murdered. However, this also makes her the #1 suspect. Suzanne and her sleuthing crew are once again hard at work to solve the mystery. The characters in this series are wonderful together. I can see Dorothy and Chief Martin’s romance moving forward. It is just a fun, clean mystery with delicious recipes mixed in!
July 16, 2018
I loved this book. There was so much action, everything was well plotted and the story kept moving. It was nice to see Jake backing up Suzanne and making time to see her during the investigation. Even the side stories with the election for the new mayor and Emma leaving were written so well and so sensitively. The only part I didn't like was the whole Grace-Peter angle. There's obviously something wrong there but we never find out. Perhaps Beck will tell us in the next book.
January 1, 2025
I don't know what these books are about, but I love them. The whole bunch of characters are fun to read about. My only compliment is I thought the mystery would be beyond the characters mentioned since there seemed to be a directional pull to a mystery beyond the characters mentioned. I feel like the mystery itself was kind of just thrown together. I did give this book a 5 out of 5. I also loved the ending for George.
December 14, 2018
Suzanne's Mom becomes suspect in the murder of the mayor, when she announces that she is going to run against him.
The chief's ex-wife is also suspect, as she was seen arguing with the mayor.\
Grace has a new boyfriend, but, Suzanne is very unimpressed, as he is so much like her ex-husband.
Good read.
The chief's ex-wife is also suspect, as she was seen arguing with the mayor.\
Grace has a new boyfriend, but, Suzanne is very unimpressed, as he is so much like her ex-husband.
Good read.
May 29, 2025
Welcome to April Springs, where a resident is murdered almost every week.
Everyone is a suspect and nobody has an alibi!
This time an elected official is murdered and somebody must fill the opening.
Another madcap adventure with the “Queen of donuts” trying to track down and expose the real killer.
Everyone is a suspect and nobody has an alibi!
This time an elected official is murdered and somebody must fill the opening.
Another madcap adventure with the “Queen of donuts” trying to track down and expose the real killer.
August 27, 2017
I love this series, it's easy to fall into and enjoy. in this installment ms. Hart decides to encourage her mother to run for mayor. you know what's coming! I was surprised to see a character stepping down, but can't wait to see where the author takes it.
January 22, 2024
I'm loving this series! I also love how Suzanne "forgets" the fact she is not in law enforcement and demands that her "suspects" answer her questions. Suzanne definitely would not survive in the real world. LOL
June 6, 2017
It's been a while since the last time I read these books, but this one was definitely top of form.
February 6, 2020
Another great book in this series. Suzanne's Momma is such a fun character. Plus the recipes sound great and I might have to start making donuts myself.
September 28, 2020
Another engaging mystery. But this one a bit closer to home than preferred. I forgot that she's in a monthly book group, which has led to other recommendations for me. Delicious!
December 4, 2023
A delightful read! I recommend starting with the first book.
March 2, 2024
definitely fun without too much bloody
nice recipes even though doughnuts are not our house's forte
nice recipes even though doughnuts are not our house's forte
October 6, 2024
I like reading these between other books because they are easy and fast reads. Another good one in the series.
October 28, 2024
I enjoyed the easy read of a murder mystery with recipes, Yum! It has a few twists but just a fun, easy read. Great book you read on a rainy day.
October 6, 2025
Lots of twists and turns in this doughy mystery. Enjoyed a quick and easy read.
February 19, 2023
Quick little books to enjoy. Loved the ending. George for president.
August 26, 2024
I wouldn’t wish this book on my worst enemy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews