Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The launching of a new bakery and fundraiser in town should be cause for celebration, not a murder investigation.Just when Nikki Knight thinks things might be getting back to normal in Frog Hollow, her friend Carla’s business manager is found dead at the scene of her new, year-round Christmas bakery.When Dale, the gourmet grocer next door, suggests that the cookie fundraiser be held at his place, Nikki and the Accidental Ghost Detective team suspect foul play.But all signs are pointing to Carla and some strange magical happenings.Can Dash and Nikki sniff out this case before the cookie crumbles?

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

32 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Emmie Lyn

41 books142 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
119 (74%)
4 stars
34 (21%)
3 stars
7 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,398 reviews27 followers
April 2, 2023
Nikki Knight inherited her large B&B from her late Aunt Audrey -- who's still around as a ghost, guiding her through messy situations. But today, Nikki, Audrey, her cook and friend Birdie, and of course, her talking dog Dash and not-talking dog Honey are all going to their friend Carla's new opening of The Gingerbread House, a year-round Christmas bakery. They're also bringing along boxes of cookies for her to sell for an animal shelter fundraiser. But when they arrive, Nikki finds cookie crumbs and Dash finds a dead body -- that of Carla's business manager Gail, stuffed in one of the display cases. Now Detective Paine has another murder on her hands, and she isn't happy to find Nikki there.

But Nikki and her Ghost Detective Agency have ideas of their own. They want to find the killer and clear Carla's name since Detective Paine thinks Carla might be the main suspect. When Nikki's best friend Lacey shows up along with one of her beauty salon customers, Pearl, Nikki finds that Pearl can understand Dash, too. How? What she soon learns is that Pearl is a witch -- although a bit of a strange one -- and Nikki doesn't know what to make of it. Will Pearl be a help or a hindrance? How will she prove Carla 's innocence when things are pointing to her? And will she find the murderer before they have a chance to kill again?...

This is the fourth book in the series and I absolutely love it. Nikki is an interesting character. She's managed to run a successful business, is intelligent and attractive, and keeps secrets well. I do also love the fact that her love interest, Luc, is a mystery writer and doesn't keep telling her to 'stay out of' the investigation and finding clues. He trusts her to do the right thing, and that's the biggest plus in this book (also, she might actually be giving him ideas for new mysteries, but hey--).

When she starts investigating, she relies on her trusty Dachshund Dash (Prince Dash to you) to help her with discovering clues, and his nose never disappoints. He can smell things she can't, and therefore figure out what's really going on around them. What he's really searching for is sausage, but that's neither here nor there!

Now with Pearl as the newest member of the Ghost Agency, things are changing, and Nikki likes the older woman, who brings her own twist on things. I knew who the murderer was halfway through the book, but as I've said ad nauseum, I read a lot of mysteries. When Nikki discovers the killer, she's finally put her clues together but it just might be too late (we hope not). The clues are there throughout the story, you just have to look for them.

One thing this has given me is the fact that I would like to visit quirky Frog Hollow and stay at the B&B and even meet Audrey in all her shimmery glory. This series is one of the most enjoyable I read, and I look forward to many more. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and BookSprout, but this in no way influenced my review.
961 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2023
Ghostly Granny, Talking Dachshund, and A Little Bit of Magic!

by Barbara Kelley

"Cookies and A Killer" is Book 4 in The Accidental Ghost Detective series, written by Emmie Lyn. I have read books by Emmie Lyn, but this is the first one I've read of this series. Now, I'm going to have to read Books 1-3 to catch up. This series has Nikki inheriting a Bed & Breakfast from her deceased Grandma Audrey, but never fear, Audrey might be dead, but her ghost is alive and kicking, helping her granddaughter solve murder mysteries. Nikki has a dog named Prince Dash who talks Nikki's ear off. He's always searching for sausage, but winds up digging up dead bodies, instead. Nikki's boyfriend, Luc, is a wonderful character, a mystery writer who supports Nikki in her endeavors to solve crimes. I know, he's probably just keeping her around to get a few mystery novel ideas, but I think he also really loves her. The Gingerbread House is a year around bakery, with Carla as the owner. When her partner at the bakery is murdered, Carla is the number one suspect, and Nikki is positive that Carla is innocent. I also like Pearl, an older lady with magical powers. With Nikki, Prince Dash, Granny Audrey, Pearl and several other good friends on the case, the real murderer will be brought to justice. I simply luuuuv books with talking animals. If you are a fan of the Chatty Corgi mysteries, you'll be a fan of this series. I gave this book a 5 star rating, and now I'll read book 1 in the series.

I received an advanced copy via booksprout and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
April 4, 2023
A Cookie Caper . . .

Carla Greene's friends are gathering at her bakery, The Gingerbread House, for a Christmas-themed cookie sale to benefit the Underdog Animal Shelter. Not everyone wishes her success, however. Her ex-husband Roger had threatened to ruin her business and her life in general. And Dale Fisher next door, owner of the Gourmet Grocer, is angry that she is stealing his customers. So ghost Audrey will be keeping an eye on things.

When the gang arrives at the bakery, Nikki Knight finds cookies crunched all over the floor. Then Dash discovers the dead body of Carla's rude business manager Gail Jamison -- whom Carla was going to “let go” after the cookie sale -- stuffed into the bottom shelf of a display case. With the Accidental Ghost Detectives ready to take on the mystery, will they find the murderer? They are about to get another “member” of the team when Nikki's best friend Lacey introduces them to one of her beauty salon customers, Pearl, and Pearl understands what Dash is saying! As a witch, Pearl might be a help to them as they try to prove the police’s primary suspect, Carla, is innocent. (She will at least keep the reader laughing!) With Detective Paine on the scene, they will have their hands full as she wants Nikki to stay out of her investigation. But Nikki needs to solve this one because maybe the wrong target was killed and Carla may still be in danger!
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,481 reviews48 followers
July 11, 2023
It’s Christmas Cookie Day in Frog Hollow, Georgia. Well, not really. Still, everyone in the area is excited about Carla Greene’s grand opening of The Gingerbread House. The celebration will begin with a sale of Christmas cookies benefiting the Underdog Animal Shelter.

Dash is the first to enter The Gingerbread House, and can’t believe his eyes; everywhere he looks, there are Christmas cookie crumbs on the floor. However, amid all the delicious tastes, there’s an unusual sight. With a face and whiskers full of crumbs, Dash must quickly tell Nikki about the display case. There’s a new case for the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency to investigate.

I love this series! It is the very definition of cozy mystery fun, or for this case: Christmas cookies + supporting friends = magical! There were 3 agency members when it began, and now there are the "Stunning Seven," and each member, 5 humans, and 2 canines, bring unique talents to the investigative team. My favorite of the 7 continues to be the talkative Dash, especially his joy and appreciation for Birdie’s sausages and at this time of year in Frog Hollow, sausages and Christmas cookies.

There’s always an open invitation to be with friends, old and new, at the Moonlight Mansion B&B, where generous hospitality is abundant and for you dear reader books and cozy moments.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
March 26, 2023
I loved this book. I have been with this series since the beginning and enjoyed it but it has got a while lot more interesting with the addition of a new character. A ghost and a talking dog made the accidental detective a good team, with there many skills and talents but add in a witch and it's unstoppable. I really enjoyed the way the magic didn't always turn out the way she intended and I hope she doesn't change. A nice addition to a fun packed group of characters. The mystery kept you guessing, especially as you weren't sure the right person was attacked. I can't wait for the next book.
Birdie's friend, Carla, is opening a new bakery and to celebrate it's opening she is hosting a charity find raised for the local dog shelter. Nikki and the rest of the Moonlight mansion gang are on hand to lend a helping hand. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and instead of handing cookies they end investigating a murder but who was the target? With a number of suspects and the police suspecting Carla, Nikki and Dash with need all the help they can get in order to solve the murder and get to.the bottom of the cookie jar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,858 reviews
March 24, 2023
Nikki Knight's friend Carla is opening as new bakery that will feature year-round Christmas cookies. Her grand opening is also a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. But things go very wrong when Carla's business manager is found dead in the bakery. Nikki and the Accidental Ghost Detective team get right on the case looking for clues to find a killer.

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest, unbiased review. I've really enjoyed this series and I think this is my favorite book so far. It was a quick, fun read that was well-written with wonderful characters, both human and animal. I was drawn into this engaging story and kept hooked from beginning to end. The mystery has a lot of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing and on your toes. I'm looking forward to more from this series. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit although each book does have its own self-contained mystery and could be read on its own.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,316 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2023
COOKIES AND A KILLER is the fourth installment in the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency series by Emmie Lyn. This group of eclectic characters are great, and the entitled dog and bossy ghost definitely add to the entertainment.

There has been another murder and the main suspect is a friend. The only clues are a shopping bag and cookies crumbs. Nilkki's not sure which way to look. But she has a little food hound on her side.Tracking this killer by taste and nose will take a food critic like Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean (aka Dash).

Detective Paine is still carrying a chip on her shoulder and still wants no interference from Nikki. That attitude just won't go over very well with the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency.  Get ready some exciting sleuthing by none other than Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean (Dash) and the bossy instructions from Audrey, the ghostly grandmother.

If you like dogs with sass and attitude, murder and ghost mysteries this book and series is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
215 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2023
This is such a fun series to read! Nikki, Dash, Lacey, Birdie and Audrey are back again. Birdie’s friend Carla is getting ready to open her new year round Christmas themed bakery, The Gingerbread House. Before she even gets a chance to host her first event to raise money for the animal shelter, her employee is killed. The Accidental Ghost Team with new member Pearl is on the case.

This series has everything you could want in a paranormal cozy: a taking dog, a ghost and a witch. It’s a perfect can’t put it down read just like the rest of the books in this series. My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,265 reviews43 followers
April 4, 2023
This is another cute, fun and entertaining cozy mystery in this wonderful series! Nikki Knight and her friends are once again involved in solving a murder mystery. Of course, the Accidental Ghost Detectives are on the job, so you know the guilty party will be found!

Dash, the amazing dachshund, once again sniffs out clues, especially those involving cookies! And, the author has added another great character in the klutzy witch, Pearl.

All in all, if you enjoy a well-written cozy mystery with a touch of magic, wonderfully colorful characters and cute animal friends, you will enjoy this book and the others in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
April 2, 2023
This series is just so much silly fun. I know I’m going to get shenanigans and hijinks that leave me laughing and a mystery that I most likely won’t be able to solve before the big reveal. The author has an ability to write sentient animals in a way that I fully believe in every word they’re saying. And the poor humans around them? I empathize so much with everything they go through, because I feel like there are some things that are simply universal experiences to pet parents. I love Nikki and Dash and I can’t wait to see what they get mixed up in next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
6,030 reviews45 followers
April 5, 2023
The ladies connected to the Accidental Ghost Detective group are a colorful bunch. Ghost plus newbie witch, plus crone, and of course super pup Dash make up witty and colorful parts of the team.

helping friends and neighbors with their resources, and bringing bad actors to better ways if action, keeps them very busy, alongside their individual quirky pursuits and their friends and family groups fundraising, helping the career of another, or just plain wild and a bit out of control newbies action

small town whodunnit with fun supernatural flair and a few surprising baddies in unexpected guises.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,660 reviews103 followers
March 31, 2023
Just when you think this amazing series couldn't get better...it does! I loved the new magical character introduced. This person was always namedropped before but she's real now and a pretty darn amazing addition to an already stellar cast of characters. Dash, of course was at his absolute cutest and I loved that Nikki and Luc were getting even closer. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
4,540 reviews38 followers
March 25, 2023
Cookies and a Killer is part of such a fun series! I love Pearl, the new addition to the Accidental Ghost Detective team, and her misfiring magic. And wouldn't it be wonderful if our animals could talk to us? The Accidental Ghost Detective team makes fairly quick work of solving the latest murder. I love the premise of Carla's new shop. Ms. Lyn's plots always engage my interest and I just keep reading until I reach the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this well plotted tale!
4,589 reviews31 followers
March 29, 2023
I am really enjoying The Accidental Ghost Detective series. Nikki Knight had no idea how her grandmother’s untimely death would change her life. Now she had a talking dog (at least to her), a ghost, a best friend and a witch who gives Bewitched beloved Aunt Clara a run for her money. I laughed out loud at Pearl’s blinks and spells, not sure close counts in spells. After a few twists, turns and false trails, mystery is solved.
1,835 reviews12 followers
April 5, 2023
This is the best book in this series. I love Dash. He had a bigger part in helping to solve the murder in this book. Besides sausage, he loves cookies, just like my husband. There is a new member with the Ghost Detective Agency also. The ending is very clever. I highly recommend this series. Wonder what happens in the next book?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,415 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2023
Nikki and her gang are back. They’re helping Carla with the grand opening of her Gingerbread Bakery. But when the General Manager is found dead melee ensues. Thanks to the help of Pearl things start to straighten out – after a few practice tries. Meanwhile, Nikki is off solving the murder. You are going to love Pearl’s addition to the wonderful characters!
Profile Image for Federica De dominicis.
362 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2023
Charming Little Cozy.

Fast paced, and hilarious in spots, the mystery is good, the characters entertaining and the cosiness high. Dash and Audrey shenanigans are a bit too much at times, making the chuckles and awkward situations a bit stale and irritating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pam.
359 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2023
Nikki was hoping that things were getting back to normal but then she found the dead body. There goes that idea. What's worse is that the body is in her new bakery. Nikki and her team of Ghost Detectives need to solve the murder before something else happens. Can she pull it off?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sabrina Nelson.
353 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2024
I really enjoy this series of The Accidental Ghost Detective's. Cookies and a Killer book 4 still gets you into the story. Some of the things in the book makes you laugh and you are right there trying to see who the killer is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,786 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2023
Another great mystery solved!

Another mystery solved by the Accidental Ghost Detectives! I love Dash! I wish my dogs could talk to me! I wonder what they would say…? This series is fantastic and this has to be one of the best ones. I’m hoping these stories never end!
1,029 reviews
August 30, 2025
A new member to the group

We finally meet Mrs. Pearl Sweeney, of Lacey's frequent hair emergencies. She graduated at the bottom of her class in witch school, but her spells tend to do what's needed, not what she wanted. Nice addition to the group.
164 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2023
Great book. Pearl is awesome, I hope she is in the next book as well. This is a clean cozy mystery. Dash makes me laugh.
1,281 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2023
Nothing like an ankle-biter solving the mystery as to who packed the display case with a body. He's a little bewitching with all his antics.
Cute read.
1,394 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2023
Another wonderful book by author Emmie Lyn. I absolutely love reading about the
Accidental Ghost Detectives. They are such awesome characters. I highly recommend
reading this wonderful series...
104 reviews
May 2, 2023
Catches the attention from the start.

The twists and turns this author writes are the very best! Their tangled webs really make the best of the story :-)
49 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2023
The ghost detevtive

I love this storyline. I like the mysteries and the characters are funny. Looking forward to the next book. Keep them coming please.
Profile Image for Lottie.
942 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2023
A little juvenile, but interesting reading.
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,347 reviews26 followers
June 10, 2024
Enjoyed the story with all the characters, Nikki Knight, Dash, a ghost, and a new witch find a killer. This has suspense with humor in this ongoing series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.