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Cupcake Bakery Mystery #4
Red Velvet Revenge
It may be summertime, but sales at Fairy Tale Cupcakes are below zero--and owners Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are willing to try anything to heat things up. So when local legend Slim Hazard offers them the chance to sell cupcakes at the annual Juniper Pass rodeo, they're determined to rope in a pretty payday!
But not everyone at the Juniper Pass is as sweet for Fairy Tale Cupcakes as Slim--including star bull-rider Ty Stokes. Mel and Angie try to steer clear of the cowboy's short fuse, but when his dead body is found face down in the hay, it's a whole different rodeo.
With a vengeful murderer on the loose, the ladies are quickly realizing that while they came to save their business, they may have to save themselves--and that's no bull.
But not everyone at the Juniper Pass is as sweet for Fairy Tale Cupcakes as Slim--including star bull-rider Ty Stokes. Mel and Angie try to steer clear of the cowboy's short fuse, but when his dead body is found face down in the hay, it's a whole different rodeo.
With a vengeful murderer on the loose, the ladies are quickly realizing that while they came to save their business, they may have to save themselves--and that's no bull.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
336 people are currently reading
2370 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,258 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
January 2, 2021
My first review of the year. This was as usual a different book from its predecessors. It looked liked I would be bored senseless by reading about the rodeo in the story, but things took a different turn.
Mel's resourcefulness was tested to the max here. She is the POV from which we view the events unfolding in the book. It's an advantage here, since everything worth telling is witnessed by Mel.
The denouement was surprising. The murder seemed almost like an act of benevolence. Whether the reader buys it or not is up to the preference of each reader. I loved this book, though personally I wanted more. So 4 stars.
Mel's resourcefulness was tested to the max here. She is the POV from which we view the events unfolding in the book. It's an advantage here, since everything worth telling is witnessed by Mel.
The denouement was surprising. The murder seemed almost like an act of benevolence. Whether the reader buys it or not is up to the preference of each reader. I loved this book, though personally I wanted more. So 4 stars.
July 4, 2025
Red Velvet Revenge is the 4th book in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries written by Jenn McKinlay. Besties Mel and Angie, along with their not-so-silent partner Tate, take a job dishing up their cupcakes somewhere else during low season in their hometown. They've been invited to participate in a rodeo, and when they meet the showrunners, it's quite a change of pace for their Scottsdale, Arizona ways. Angie's struggling to decide if she will marry her rock star boyfriend and move to LA. Mel wants to settle down with Angie's brother and stay out of trouble. Tate, well... he's in love with Angie. Too bad the trio can't get away from murder; even several states away, they find a dead body and must help solve the crime.
The new characters were fun, especially the banter with the two guys running the beef stand at the rodeo. Turning cupcakes into cake pops was a great idea to win the competition. Getting massacred by a bull was an intense way to die. But the victim was a jackass! Always fun to visit another town and bring some of the supporting cast. Marty, a new hire at the bakery, brought a nice touch of old world ways, and Oz is a brilliant addition. His youth and misunderstood nature balance out the high drama that often ensues in this series. The murder mystery was good but needed more complexity and actual investigation. Everything just sorta came together as opposed to Mel and Angie seeking out the answers. Looking forward to the next one.
The new characters were fun, especially the banter with the two guys running the beef stand at the rodeo. Turning cupcakes into cake pops was a great idea to win the competition. Getting massacred by a bull was an intense way to die. But the victim was a jackass! Always fun to visit another town and bring some of the supporting cast. Marty, a new hire at the bakery, brought a nice touch of old world ways, and Oz is a brilliant addition. His youth and misunderstood nature balance out the high drama that often ensues in this series. The murder mystery was good but needed more complexity and actual investigation. Everything just sorta came together as opposed to Mel and Angie seeking out the answers. Looking forward to the next one.
March 28, 2018
I should stop binge reading this series. It's making me crave sugar something terrible!!!
In this installment Mel is invited to sell her cupcakes in a rodeo with 25 thousand people attending.
Needless to say she has dollar signs in her eyes.
There's a murder and our scrappy gang need to solve it while trying to out sell their competition.
I really do like the amount of research that was put into this book. Be it about rodeos, animal cruelty, old and current practices. The author has a good head on her shoulders.
For those like me that felt that Olivia was turning into a shoe horned joke rejoice! She only cameos in this one.
Sadly you get two walking stereotypes in her place and they're mustache twirling villains as well. Thankfully they don't over stay their welcome.
I'm taking away one star from this book because to me it felt sexist.
The clearest example of this is when Mel sees a group of activists. According to Mel they all looked like *insert name here* with blank faces and enhanced breasts... and one guy that's well groomed.
Everytime they run into that group Mel ignores every single person in it except the guy and gives him guilt trip of a look.
There are other examples through out the book of this. The women always seem to have their flaws highlighted and used as character markers while the MC actively searches for something good to say about the man.
The more I read the less I liked Mel and she was on thin ice since book two when she stole someone else's catering gig just to spite them.
For this one I had to power through. I hope it doesn't keep going in this direction, I really liked this series...
In this installment Mel is invited to sell her cupcakes in a rodeo with 25 thousand people attending.
Needless to say she has dollar signs in her eyes.
There's a murder and our scrappy gang need to solve it while trying to out sell their competition.
I really do like the amount of research that was put into this book. Be it about rodeos, animal cruelty, old and current practices. The author has a good head on her shoulders.
For those like me that felt that Olivia was turning into a shoe horned joke rejoice! She only cameos in this one.
Sadly you get two walking stereotypes in her place and they're mustache twirling villains as well. Thankfully they don't over stay their welcome.
I'm taking away one star from this book because to me it felt sexist.
The clearest example of this is when Mel sees a group of activists. According to Mel they all looked like *insert name here* with blank faces and enhanced breasts... and one guy that's well groomed.
Everytime they run into that group Mel ignores every single person in it except the guy and gives him guilt trip of a look.
There are other examples through out the book of this. The women always seem to have their flaws highlighted and used as character markers while the MC actively searches for something good to say about the man.
The more I read the less I liked Mel and she was on thin ice since book two when she stole someone else's catering gig just to spite them.
For this one I had to power through. I hope it doesn't keep going in this direction, I really liked this series...
June 28, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a great time listening to this cozy mystery! I have been slowly working my way through this series after picking up the first book in the series not quite a year ago. This is the fourth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and while it can be read as a stand alone readers of the series will appreciate checking in with the cast of characters. I found myself quickly caught up in this mystery and I may have developed a mild craving for cupcakes before reaching the end of the story.
This installment takes the cupcake crew to the rodeo. I have to tell you that this development worried me a bit since sometimes when a series hits the road it looses some of its charm. There was no need to worry since the key characters went on this trip together so I didn't find myself missing anyone. The Juniper Pass rodeo had its own quirky group of characters including the man who runs the operation, the unpleasant rodeo star, and the owners of the food truck serving Barbecue right next to the Fairy Tale Bakery's cupcake truck.
Of course, there were a few problems for the crew to work out. There was a shooting at the rodeo's parade injuring Slim, then the rodeo star is murdered, and to top things off someone has sabotaged the cupcake bakery's food truck. Nobody knows if these events are connected but Melanie and her friends are in the middle of it all especially since they were the ones to discover the bull rider's body. There are some developments between Tate and Angie that kept the story interesting on the romantic front.
Susan Boyce continues to do a fabulous job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for this quirky group of characters. She really does a great job in bringing the story to life and is able to add a lot of excitement to the reading. Ms. Boyce has a very pleasant reading voice and I had no problem listening to her narration for hours at a time. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this series to others. This book is filled with great characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. I also love the fact that we get to see enough of the dessert making process to make the cupcake bakery seem real (and to make me crave a few desserts). I can't wait to start the next book in the series very soon!
Initial Thoughts
The group goes to the rodeo in this installment to sell some cupcakes. Of course, all kinds of things go wrong and they find themselves in the middle of a mystery before long. It was nice to spend some time with this group of characters again. The narration was excellent.
Book source: Library via Hoopla
I had a great time listening to this cozy mystery! I have been slowly working my way through this series after picking up the first book in the series not quite a year ago. This is the fourth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and while it can be read as a stand alone readers of the series will appreciate checking in with the cast of characters. I found myself quickly caught up in this mystery and I may have developed a mild craving for cupcakes before reaching the end of the story.
This installment takes the cupcake crew to the rodeo. I have to tell you that this development worried me a bit since sometimes when a series hits the road it looses some of its charm. There was no need to worry since the key characters went on this trip together so I didn't find myself missing anyone. The Juniper Pass rodeo had its own quirky group of characters including the man who runs the operation, the unpleasant rodeo star, and the owners of the food truck serving Barbecue right next to the Fairy Tale Bakery's cupcake truck.
Of course, there were a few problems for the crew to work out. There was a shooting at the rodeo's parade injuring Slim, then the rodeo star is murdered, and to top things off someone has sabotaged the cupcake bakery's food truck. Nobody knows if these events are connected but Melanie and her friends are in the middle of it all especially since they were the ones to discover the bull rider's body. There are some developments between Tate and Angie that kept the story interesting on the romantic front.
Susan Boyce continues to do a fabulous job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for this quirky group of characters. She really does a great job in bringing the story to life and is able to add a lot of excitement to the reading. Ms. Boyce has a very pleasant reading voice and I had no problem listening to her narration for hours at a time. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this series to others. This book is filled with great characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. I also love the fact that we get to see enough of the dessert making process to make the cupcake bakery seem real (and to make me crave a few desserts). I can't wait to start the next book in the series very soon!
Initial Thoughts
The group goes to the rodeo in this installment to sell some cupcakes. Of course, all kinds of things go wrong and they find themselves in the middle of a mystery before long. It was nice to spend some time with this group of characters again. The narration was excellent.
Book source: Library via Hoopla
May 28, 2023
A bit silly but pleasant read
January 26, 2025
Cupcake sales are dwindling in the Prescott, Arizona summer. When they encounter a rodeo cowboy who invites them to take a food truck to the rodeo, which has a huge attendance, they jump at the chance. Almost as soon as they get there, there is a shooting people are desperate to dismiss as an accident.
Then there is an actual death, possible the result of a mad bull.
Our bakers get on the case, despite their romantic woes.
Then there is an actual death, possible the result of a mad bull.
Our bakers get on the case, despite their romantic woes.
July 21, 2012
This is absolutely one of my top 5 cozy series, and they never disappoint me! They get better as the series goes. I love the relationships and they're quite believable, though I do believe the Angie/Tate thing would have resolved itself early on. I like the little "movie quote" thing that goes on between Angie, Mel & Tate as it's something that goes on with me and some of my family members and friends. Will be impatiently waiting the 5th book in the series! RECOMMEND!!
July 29, 2018
Mel and Angie may not be ready to ride in a rodeo, but they are more than willing to sell cupcakes there. When a chance meeting with a rodeo owner results in a offer to come to his rodeo and sell cupcakes, they are ready to leave the heat of the city and head up the mountain. Luckily, their intern Oz has inherited an ice cream van, which they clean up and outfit for cupcakes. It’s all good, right up to the point where their new friend gets shot. Much happens in this well-written and delightful cozy. Besides attempted murder, outright murder, sabotage, challenges to outsell another vendor, there is romance is in the air. Author Jean McKinlay never fails to give her readers a story that is entertaining as well as enticing.
July 9, 2012
Another great book in a great series! I love all the characters, and I think this one was probably my favourite due to a combination of great romantic tension, an excellent murder plot and the fact that the nemesis in the series, Olivia Pucket, was mostly absent (she's just a little over-the-top for me).
Red Velvet Revenge takes place at a rodeo in northern Arizona and Ms, McKinlay did an excellent job with the suspects, clues and denouement. I really had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal. The dialogue throughout the book is witty, fast-paced and humorous, especially within the main cast of characters. In previous books, I found that the movie quotes felt over-done, but they were beautifully woven in throughout this story and I felt them to be a perfect addition to every scene. While there weren't any real cliffhangers, there were a couple of unresolved questions hanging out there that I can't wait to read more about in the next book.
A really excellent read.
Red Velvet Revenge takes place at a rodeo in northern Arizona and Ms, McKinlay did an excellent job with the suspects, clues and denouement. I really had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal. The dialogue throughout the book is witty, fast-paced and humorous, especially within the main cast of characters. In previous books, I found that the movie quotes felt over-done, but they were beautifully woven in throughout this story and I felt them to be a perfect addition to every scene. While there weren't any real cliffhangers, there were a couple of unresolved questions hanging out there that I can't wait to read more about in the next book.
A really excellent read.
July 29, 2016
I think this is my other favorite book in the series so far. This was just too good. And I want to see more of backbone Mel Cooper because I loved how she talked some sense into her two friends and their romance angst.
And I like how protective Mel is of Oz, that's just adorable. And we get more Marty as well, which is nice, since he along with Oz are a good addition to the series.
Anyway, this time around, the cupcake gang head to the rodeo.
I like how in the series you have some characters you like and some you don't. But at the same time, you're guessing along with Mel and co on whose the killer. It makes it all the more fun to read that way. That's what I like about these cozy mysteries, along with the characters as well.
Also that cover there looks delicious. Plus, the ending, how could you end it there and leave me smiling. Well now I want the next book already. Looking forward to the next one.
And I like how protective Mel is of Oz, that's just adorable. And we get more Marty as well, which is nice, since he along with Oz are a good addition to the series.
Anyway, this time around, the cupcake gang head to the rodeo.
I like how in the series you have some characters you like and some you don't. But at the same time, you're guessing along with Mel and co on whose the killer. It makes it all the more fun to read that way. That's what I like about these cozy mysteries, along with the characters as well.
Also that cover there looks delicious. Plus, the ending, how could you end it there and leave me smiling. Well now I want the next book already. Looking forward to the next one.
May 5, 2018
There were moments of pure MEH in this book and then there were moments of laughter and fun. I find that these are sometimes hit or miss and even with the misses, I find I like them. I like the characters [though I am extremely tired of how bratty Angie is. GROW THE F UP ALREADY] and I love the idea of cupcakes. And I like how resourceful Mel is, especially in this one and I love her relationship with Joe AND with her darling cat!
So I will keep reading and keep recommending them - there is enough enjoyment to keep going.
So I will keep reading and keep recommending them - there is enough enjoyment to keep going.
July 3, 2012
This is the 4Th book in the A Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. It just might be the best one, too.
Angie and Melanie, owners of the Fairy tale Cupcakes bakery, are riding with Oz and Marty in a recycled Good Humor van that Oz has recently purchased. They are discussing how it can become the bakery delivery van when the van breaks down. Shortly after Slim Hazard. who heads the Juniper Pass Rodeo, stops to help. Once Slim learns of their bakery, he talks them into becoming a vendor at the upcoming rodeo. Angie and Mel set out baking cupcakes for the event, while some favors are called in to make the van road worthy.
They arrive in their decked out cupcake van, to find themselves assigned a spot next to Billy Bobs BBQ. Much to there displeasure Billy Bob's busy smoking the meat for tomorrows opening. Billy Bob's BBQ owners Billy and Bob are beside themselves at being next to cupcake vendor. Angie, who can have a bit of a temper, agrees to put their total sale against Billy Bob's, and the loser needs to work the others site.
Now that they set up for tomorrow's opening they head into town to check in at their hotel, that is over the local saloon. As they are watching the parade for the opening of the rodeo, from there balcony, Slim Hazard is shot in the shoulder. It turns out to be just a minor injury and is back the next day for the opening on the rodeo. It is thought that some cowboy in the audience had just gotten carried away and shot his gun in the air, but Melanie and her coworkers just couldn't see that happening. Then later Mel bumps into the star of the rodeo, Ty Stokes. Stokes who is three sheets to the wind and when he realizes who she is wants a dozen cupcakes delivered to his room. As Mel and Angie are looking for Ty to deliver his cupcakes, they find Ty in a bull's pen, apparently gored to death. Granted their encounter hadn't been the best, but because of that they don't want suspicion to fall upon them.
In addition to wanting to investigate the death of Ty, they have another problem. It seems that the electricity hook-up hook up to their van had been unplugged and most if not all of the cupcakes have thawed. Mel comes up with a recipe for cake pops to save the day and cupcakes.
Of course there is an update of the love interests of Mel and Angie. this a very enjoyable series and an interesting cast of characters. For the movie buffs, there is a selection of lines movies to guess what movie they came from.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Angie and Melanie, owners of the Fairy tale Cupcakes bakery, are riding with Oz and Marty in a recycled Good Humor van that Oz has recently purchased. They are discussing how it can become the bakery delivery van when the van breaks down. Shortly after Slim Hazard. who heads the Juniper Pass Rodeo, stops to help. Once Slim learns of their bakery, he talks them into becoming a vendor at the upcoming rodeo. Angie and Mel set out baking cupcakes for the event, while some favors are called in to make the van road worthy.
They arrive in their decked out cupcake van, to find themselves assigned a spot next to Billy Bobs BBQ. Much to there displeasure Billy Bob's busy smoking the meat for tomorrows opening. Billy Bob's BBQ owners Billy and Bob are beside themselves at being next to cupcake vendor. Angie, who can have a bit of a temper, agrees to put their total sale against Billy Bob's, and the loser needs to work the others site.
Now that they set up for tomorrow's opening they head into town to check in at their hotel, that is over the local saloon. As they are watching the parade for the opening of the rodeo, from there balcony, Slim Hazard is shot in the shoulder. It turns out to be just a minor injury and is back the next day for the opening on the rodeo. It is thought that some cowboy in the audience had just gotten carried away and shot his gun in the air, but Melanie and her coworkers just couldn't see that happening. Then later Mel bumps into the star of the rodeo, Ty Stokes. Stokes who is three sheets to the wind and when he realizes who she is wants a dozen cupcakes delivered to his room. As Mel and Angie are looking for Ty to deliver his cupcakes, they find Ty in a bull's pen, apparently gored to death. Granted their encounter hadn't been the best, but because of that they don't want suspicion to fall upon them.
In addition to wanting to investigate the death of Ty, they have another problem. It seems that the electricity hook-up hook up to their van had been unplugged and most if not all of the cupcakes have thawed. Mel comes up with a recipe for cake pops to save the day and cupcakes.
Of course there is an update of the love interests of Mel and Angie. this a very enjoyable series and an interesting cast of characters. For the movie buffs, there is a selection of lines movies to guess what movie they came from.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 9, 2015
The summer heat is killing business for Fairy Tale Cupcakes, so when Mel and Angie get an offer to sell cupcakes at a rodeo in the mountains, it seems like a great idea. However, when someone is shot at the opening parade, they begin to wonder what they’ve landed in the middle of this time.
I found the first quarter of this book very slow since it sets up several things that could have been handled in a few pages or a couple of chapters max. Once the story does get started, it moves along at a great clip, however. The characters, both old and new, are wonderful, and the climax actually made me tear up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I found the first quarter of this book very slow since it sets up several things that could have been handled in a few pages or a couple of chapters max. Once the story does get started, it moves along at a great clip, however. The characters, both old and new, are wonderful, and the climax actually made me tear up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 18, 2021
This series is so fun and this book did not disappoint. Mel and Angie are a great team and I am so glad to finally have Marty in the story, he provides much comedy to the story. In this book, they are sucked into a murder that happens at a rodeo. There was a lot of buildup in the book till the actual murder happens. I would suggest reading this series in order as there is a lot of character development along with the relationships as well. I'm so happy to say that I did identify the killer but obviously the motive was only clear with the final reveal.
January 12, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, which I am currently bingeing. This is such a cute series that I can't believe it has taken me this long to start reading. I love the characters. The are very appealing and the friendships and relationship feel genuine. So far the series had been quick fun reads that keep me coming back for more. This book seemed to take a bit longer to set up and get to the murder, but once it did Mel was back in rare form. I'm on to the next.
February 14, 2020
Ok, for real, I am now completely hooked on this series. This has been my favorite book yet of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. When I tell you that I could not put it down (it says I started February 8 but I had a houseguest for the first two days and my reading time was limited, so I mostly read the whole thing over the final four days), I am not kidding. I reached for it during breaks at work and relaxing in the evening, in addition to my typical reading in bed. The pages practically turned themselves.
What I liked about Red Velvet Revenge:
The banter between the characters - While I wasn't sure, during the first couple of books, that these characters were going to be developed much, I have been surprisingly inaccurate in that assessment. They are growing in depth and dimension, reaching the point where I have grown to care about their overall story arcs. Part of that is evident by -- or possibly the result of? chicken or egg, anyone? -- the way they interact with one another. A little bit sharp wit, a little bit sibling-style teasing, the trademark movie quotes. The whole package is one that just works so well.
Location, location, location - I immediately fell for the gang's field trip (which felt organic and believable), soaking up the atmosphere which was painted to perfection in my mind's eye.
The case, itself - I will admit that while there was one detail that I figured out before the reveal, I didn't put together its connection to the murder until it was all spelled out.
Not one but TWO cliffhangers!! - Not only that, but I love both of them. Well-played, Ms McKinlay! I am dying to know what happens next!
What I didn't care for:
Olivia Puckett - Honestly, her very existence in the series annoys me. I'd be just fine if she found herself the victim...soon. (Ahem.)
All in all, this has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The cases are starting to become more unique, there is a definite personality emerging, the recurring characters are likable, there's enough humor and romance mixed in to keep the tone light and fun, and the last two books have left me entirely invested in the future of the series.
What I liked about Red Velvet Revenge:
The banter between the characters - While I wasn't sure, during the first couple of books, that these characters were going to be developed much, I have been surprisingly inaccurate in that assessment. They are growing in depth and dimension, reaching the point where I have grown to care about their overall story arcs. Part of that is evident by -- or possibly the result of? chicken or egg, anyone? -- the way they interact with one another. A little bit sharp wit, a little bit sibling-style teasing, the trademark movie quotes. The whole package is one that just works so well.
Location, location, location - I immediately fell for the gang's field trip (which felt organic and believable), soaking up the atmosphere which was painted to perfection in my mind's eye.
The case, itself - I will admit that while there was one detail that I figured out before the reveal, I didn't put together its connection to the murder until it was all spelled out.
Not one but TWO cliffhangers!! - Not only that, but I love both of them. Well-played, Ms McKinlay! I am dying to know what happens next!
What I didn't care for:
Olivia Puckett - Honestly, her very existence in the series annoys me. I'd be just fine if she found herself the victim...soon. (Ahem.)
All in all, this has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The cases are starting to become more unique, there is a definite personality emerging, the recurring characters are likable, there's enough humor and romance mixed in to keep the tone light and fun, and the last two books have left me entirely invested in the future of the series.
July 11, 2021
This book was a good foray in the series. I'm glad I continued with the series. There are still the same problems with the same characters. The new employees to the bakery are starting to grow on me and they bring amusement to the story. I'm not going to lie; the Angie and Tate story line is starting to get old and I'm just ready for it to commence and have them make up their mind and stop being scary.
October 21, 2025
This book offers an easy but predictable read as Mel and Angie take their bakery van to a local rodeo. The novel has fun character chemistry and a refreshing new setting full of quirky food vendors and Western flair. However, the writing and actual murder mystery is highly predictable; you will likely see the killer coming well before the reveal. If you're looking for an easy read where the setting and characters are more important than a challenging puzzle, this book is for you.
July 9, 2023
Another fun story, good mystery, surprising ending for me.
August 17, 2012
#55 Book Read in 2012
Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay
This book is the fourth installment in one of my favorite cozy mystery series. In this book, Mel and Angie decide to bring their cupcake van to a rodeo to sell their cupcakes. As always when they are involved, there is drama at the rodeo and someone turns up dead. Mel begins to investigate the death and of course gets herself in trouble. Along with the murder mystery, the romance of Mel and Joe moves forward. Angie and Tate's unspoken love for each other moves forward in its own way as well. Along for the ride are Oz and Marty.
I enjoy this series. The characters are interesting and I love how they all care for each other. There is a good balance between mystery and romance, with humor thrown in for good measure. I did miss Captain Jack's antics in this book. Hopefully in the next one, he gets more page time.
I highly recommend this series.
Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay
This book is the fourth installment in one of my favorite cozy mystery series. In this book, Mel and Angie decide to bring their cupcake van to a rodeo to sell their cupcakes. As always when they are involved, there is drama at the rodeo and someone turns up dead. Mel begins to investigate the death and of course gets herself in trouble. Along with the murder mystery, the romance of Mel and Joe moves forward. Angie and Tate's unspoken love for each other moves forward in its own way as well. Along for the ride are Oz and Marty.
I enjoy this series. The characters are interesting and I love how they all care for each other. There is a good balance between mystery and romance, with humor thrown in for good measure. I did miss Captain Jack's antics in this book. Hopefully in the next one, he gets more page time.
I highly recommend this series.
February 2, 2015
Loved it! I wasn't sure about this one with the Rodeo theme, but the characters are so great, that it didn't even make a difference. I devoured this book in about 2 days, glad I have the others waiting for me!
December 10, 2023
Still fresh and fun after the 4th book. Love this series! Can't wait to start on the next one since she left us on a cliffhanger for the first time!!
June 24, 2018
Such a fun book to listen to while in the car. Yesterday was my middle child's birthday and my youngest had chosen this book to be listened to in the car while we were traveling. My husband and children laughed out loud at many moments in the book.
It is a very hot summer in AZ and Gina and Mel are discussing what they should do about their dwindling clientele (too hot to come out and enjoy a cupcake). When Oz and Marty show up with an old ice cream truck to go out and find the business. They convince the girls to come out for a test drive and the van dies. While they are discussing what they should do about the broken van, Slim and his wife Tammy show up and help the crew out by giving them a ride back to the shop. As a reward for his help, they give Slim a package of cupcakes and he loves the cupcakes so much he gets the girls to commit to coming to the rodeo and selling cupcakes there. While they are there, Slim gets shot and then the "star" of the rodeo is found dead in a bullpen. Who really tried to shoot Slim and who really murdered Ty are the questions that they try to answer to save Oz from being charged with the murder.
It is a very hot summer in AZ and Gina and Mel are discussing what they should do about their dwindling clientele (too hot to come out and enjoy a cupcake). When Oz and Marty show up with an old ice cream truck to go out and find the business. They convince the girls to come out for a test drive and the van dies. While they are discussing what they should do about the broken van, Slim and his wife Tammy show up and help the crew out by giving them a ride back to the shop. As a reward for his help, they give Slim a package of cupcakes and he loves the cupcakes so much he gets the girls to commit to coming to the rodeo and selling cupcakes there. While they are there, Slim gets shot and then the "star" of the rodeo is found dead in a bullpen. Who really tried to shoot Slim and who really murdered Ty are the questions that they try to answer to save Oz from being charged with the murder.
October 12, 2022
Fairy Tale Cupcakes now has their own food truck! This book sees the crew going to northern Arizona to sell cupcakes at a rodeo. Of course the rodeo is interrupted by violence and Mel can't keep herself from digging into things. I really like this series, Mel and Angie are fun and it's kind of fun to see Angie's enormous extended family bail them out in various ways. Sometimes that can feel like a bit of a cheat but it just works here. The change of scenery was interesting and the new characters that were introduced were fun. I had narrowed the killer down to two people, leaning toward one and I was right. There was also something kind of cryptic at the end, not sure where things are going to go in the next book. This is a great series when I'm looking for a really quick read that's not super heavy on details so it's one I save and not one I would binge read.
June 29, 2017
It is hot in Phoenix where Mel and Angie run their bakery, Fairy Tale Cupcakes. The temperature may be rising quickly but business at the bakery has slowed down to a trickle and they are willing to do whatever they can to drum up business. Then walks in local rodeo legend Slim Hazard and Marty convinces the girls to try selling the cupcakes at the Juniper Pass Rodeo, 6 hours away. At first Mel is hesitant, they don't have a food truck after all...then Oz shows up with a tricked out cupcake selling van and they all pile in and head for the rodeo. Of course, nothing can go as planned and they stumble across the body of the mean spirited cowboy, Ty Stokes. The local sheriff directs his attention toward Oz and Mel and Angie put on their crime solving boots to prove his innocence.
September 24, 2017
I really like this series, but this book in particular was very satisfying. The solutions to problems that popped up, the back stories, the culprit reveal, and the very end. The story moved at a good pace, without any boring, slow parts. Some likeable, new characters are introduced in this book and I hope some of them might pop up again in future books. This story takes place in a different Arizona town than the others, so Mel and the rest of the cupcake gang are out of their element, and our favorite rival Olivia appears like a bad penny. This might be my favorite Cupcake Bakery book so far!
January 3, 2019
The sweetness of cupcakes and spiciness of a mystery makes this series a perfect recipe in cozy mystery. Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura along with Tate, Joe and other, especially Captain Jack Sparrow, the cat makes the stories believable along with being fun and interesting. Somewhere down the series, the story makes you start living their lives with them. Every dip in anyone mood makes the reader feels terribly sad and any happy moment makes it a teary moment while reading.
A cute cozy with a lot of cupcakes, this one is a perfect read for a Sunday afternoon by the beach. It is quick, nice, feel-good novel with enough drama to keep the reader enthralled but not too much to go overboard.
There is never a dull moment in this series. I would recommend it to all. A must read series, waiting to welcome you into their fun family.
A cute cozy with a lot of cupcakes, this one is a perfect read for a Sunday afternoon by the beach. It is quick, nice, feel-good novel with enough drama to keep the reader enthralled but not too much to go overboard.
There is never a dull moment in this series. I would recommend it to all. A must read series, waiting to welcome you into their fun family.
September 16, 2025
Still liking these, I feel like the plot development gets better with each one and it takes me a little longer to guess the killer, so that's a plus. Angie and Tate are still annoying the crap out of me, her more than him now. I love the addition of Caotain Jack because in my opinion a cute animal makes any book better! Let's see what happens next.
Side note: these stories seem like they could be read as standalones because the author does a nice job of filling in the back stories without taking too much time away from the current novel. I Iike that in a mystery series.
Side note: these stories seem like they could be read as standalones because the author does a nice job of filling in the back stories without taking too much time away from the current novel. I Iike that in a mystery series.
February 3, 2023
The 4th in the Cupcake Bakery Series. The gan is off to another part of Arizona where a rodeo is being held. In their new cupcake van they plan to sell cupcakes to pay for the van. Upon arrival they get involved in an attempted murder and then a murder. Along the way to solving the murder they have to come up with new ways to sell their cupcakes as their rival food vendors start selling breakfast food and then all their frozen cupcakes have thawed. Mel and Angies’ love lives progress to new levels.
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