What do you think?
Rate this book
Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery #3
When the Cookie Crumbles
Olivia Greyson is the proud owner of The Gingerbread House--a quaint shop that specializes in all things cookie--and her best friend, Maddie, is her sidekick, baking up scrumptious treats for their parties. But the real-life version of their magnificent gingerbread house is about to crumble to pieces...
Tensions are running high as Chatterley Heights' 250th birthday celebration approaches, and Olivia and Maddie are working feverishly to finish a gingerbread house modeled after the famous Chatterley Mansion. When Paine Chatterley, presumed to be dead, shows up to claim his father's house, the town gossips are driven into a tizzy. And when he refuses to allow visitors to tour the mansion during the celebration, all the preparations seem for naught.
Then Paine is found lifeless in the bathtub, his wife hysterical and their precious heirlooms destroyed. The hidden lives of the prestigious Chatterley family members begin to surface, and Olivia must unravel their dark past. As it turns out, the town's history isn't all that sweet...
Tensions are running high as Chatterley Heights' 250th birthday celebration approaches, and Olivia and Maddie are working feverishly to finish a gingerbread house modeled after the famous Chatterley Mansion. When Paine Chatterley, presumed to be dead, shows up to claim his father's house, the town gossips are driven into a tizzy. And when he refuses to allow visitors to tour the mansion during the celebration, all the preparations seem for naught.
Then Paine is found lifeless in the bathtub, his wife hysterical and their precious heirlooms destroyed. The hidden lives of the prestigious Chatterley family members begin to surface, and Olivia must unravel their dark past. As it turns out, the town's history isn't all that sweet...
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
22 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 21, 2012
"When the Cookie Crumbles" is a cozy mystery that left me craving gingerbread. It's the third novel in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this one didn't spoil the previous mysteries.
I enjoyed the characters in this cozy. There was a good variety of personality types, and the characters acted in realistic ways to the different situations. Olivia was a sensible gal who handled people well and was likable. The details about cookie decorating and cookie cutters were described well enough to give a feel for what went into the job and and for the reader see the main character's passion for them but without so much detail that it slowed the story.
The suspense was created by relationship tensions and from wondering whodunit. The mystery was interesting and kept me reading to see what the next clue would be. I did finally settle on whodunit shortly before the big reveal, but I couldn't figure out the motive and I'm still not sure I follow whodunit's reasoning (though I don't think whodunit's reasoning was supposed to be logic).
There was a minor amount of explicit bad language. There were no sex scenes (though plenty of past affairs were mentioned). Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
I enjoyed the characters in this cozy. There was a good variety of personality types, and the characters acted in realistic ways to the different situations. Olivia was a sensible gal who handled people well and was likable. The details about cookie decorating and cookie cutters were described well enough to give a feel for what went into the job and and for the reader see the main character's passion for them but without so much detail that it slowed the story.
The suspense was created by relationship tensions and from wondering whodunit. The mystery was interesting and kept me reading to see what the next clue would be. I did finally settle on whodunit shortly before the big reveal, but I couldn't figure out the motive and I'm still not sure I follow whodunit's reasoning (though I don't think whodunit's reasoning was supposed to be logic).
There was a minor amount of explicit bad language. There were no sex scenes (though plenty of past affairs were mentioned). Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
July 15, 2013
Love the characters in this cozy series about two woman who run a Cookie Cutter shop - "The Gingerbread House" and cookie catering business. The story begins with the mayor's over-the-top desire to control how their town's 250th birthday celebration goes, you kind of want to throttle her as time passes; but, eventually we learn more about why she is the way she is and how her life is woven into the mystery. Other than the mayor, I enjoy the relationships between the characters and the setting of this series, the lovely city of Chatterley Heights.
As a previous reviewier mentioned, I'm curious when Maddie ever sleeps because it does seem that she is at their store baking at all hours of the day and night; but I do enjoy how Olivia interacts with her. I'm impressed by the author's ability to weave cookie cutters into each mystery - who knew their value or unique features? I quite enjoy this cozy series and look forward to the next one and the
As a previous reviewier mentioned, I'm curious when Maddie ever sleeps because it does seem that she is at their store baking at all hours of the day and night; but I do enjoy how Olivia interacts with her. I'm impressed by the author's ability to weave cookie cutters into each mystery - who knew their value or unique features? I quite enjoy this cozy series and look forward to the next one and the
August 7, 2016
This is a a series with an unusual theme, a cookie cutter shop. The shop is owned by Olivia and she works there with her best friend Maddie. The show sells new and antique cutters and demonstrates the cutters through baked and decorated cookies. In this, book three of the series, the town is an uproar over a 250th anniversary celebration. Renovations have been taking place on the Chatterley mansion as a centerpiece to the celebration. Just before the big events, the long lost Chatterley heir returns to claim his family home and set the town on its head!
There are really two mysteries here, first who murdered the victim, and second where are the Chatterley Cookie Cutters (if they really exist)? Olivia is dragged into the investigation, which threatens to uncover secrets about the Chatterley family, the mayor, and other members of the anniversary celebration committee. But whose secrets were important enough to kill for?
Well written mystery with enough action and twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. Likeable protagonist and sidekick, just a hint of romance and an interesting setting and theme all make for a great cozy read!
There are really two mysteries here, first who murdered the victim, and second where are the Chatterley Cookie Cutters (if they really exist)? Olivia is dragged into the investigation, which threatens to uncover secrets about the Chatterley family, the mayor, and other members of the anniversary celebration committee. But whose secrets were important enough to kill for?
Well written mystery with enough action and twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. Likeable protagonist and sidekick, just a hint of romance and an interesting setting and theme all make for a great cozy read!
September 5, 2012
This is the third book in the series, when I first started reading them I wasn't too sure bout em. Seems like maddi never sleeps & is always baking cookies. Livie seems to never be runnin her business but runnin round town instead. The series grew on me and it's a good read but not one of my favorite series. She casts suspicion on a variety of characters with the actual mixed in with them. This book had a lil less violence pointed at livie than the last but it was still good. Only wish is that she would make livie & del an actual item instead of dancing round it. They go out, show affection but they themselves don't say theyre together, the town people come to livie for help talkin to del cuz theyre dating is the only thing we hear bout a relationship
September 22, 2013
Olivia and Maddie are the co-owners of The Gingerbread House, a decorated cookie and cookie cutter store in Chatterly Heights.
When the late and the last of the Chatterly family makes an appearance back in Chatterly Heights just in time for the 250th anniversary celebration of it's founding, questions abound.
Once he takes over Chatterly Mansion again there are even more questions. Is he the real Paine Chatterly, or is he a fake? A far better question though, is who killed him and why? Was it his wife, friends from his youth or was it maybe someone who wants the Chatterly cookie cutter collection? You will find out all the answers in the book. I love Virginia Lowell's cookie cutter books. You should read them.
When the late and the last of the Chatterly family makes an appearance back in Chatterly Heights just in time for the 250th anniversary celebration of it's founding, questions abound.
Once he takes over Chatterly Mansion again there are even more questions. Is he the real Paine Chatterly, or is he a fake? A far better question though, is who killed him and why? Was it his wife, friends from his youth or was it maybe someone who wants the Chatterly cookie cutter collection? You will find out all the answers in the book. I love Virginia Lowell's cookie cutter books. You should read them.
January 11, 2017
I think I'm calling it quits on this series. I haven't been loving the last few books.
Paine Chatterley has returned back to Chatterley Heights. However it is quite the surprise visit since Paine was confirmed dead a number of years ago. Paine has not made very many friends on his return, since he is found dead a few days later. Olivia and Maddie need to find the killer since the town is putting on a 250th birthday celebration and the mayor doesn't want anyone's death to be in the way of the party.
My favourite thing about this series is how the author can throw in a few surprises along the way that I would of never guessed. Unfortunately the characters have gone downhill for me and I still don't believe the friendship between Olivia and Maddie.
Paine Chatterley has returned back to Chatterley Heights. However it is quite the surprise visit since Paine was confirmed dead a number of years ago. Paine has not made very many friends on his return, since he is found dead a few days later. Olivia and Maddie need to find the killer since the town is putting on a 250th birthday celebration and the mayor doesn't want anyone's death to be in the way of the party.
My favourite thing about this series is how the author can throw in a few surprises along the way that I would of never guessed. Unfortunately the characters have gone downhill for me and I still don't believe the friendship between Olivia and Maddie.
March 11, 2025
Who knew antique cookie cutters were such a hot commodity. I enjoyed this story a lot but keeping track of all the characters and history was a bit challenging at times. I do like Livie and Maddie. All the cookies they baked and decorated for the towns 250th anniversary celebration seemed exhausting though. I wish there were recipes included. #readforkimberly
November 12, 2012
This is really a 2.5 star read, but I'm feeling generous today and going the extra .5. This series just really doesn't do a thing for me. The best character is the dog! Maybe I'd like the books better if they had recipes. I don't know, but something is definitely missing for me! Eh!!
February 15, 2013
No connection to the characters. Read first 2 books with same issue. Was hoping the series would improve as it has a good foundation but just couldn't engage. Also, too many inconsistencies in the storytelling, became distracting.
January 13, 2023
I really enjoy this series. The mysteries are good and I like Olivia and Maddie. This one was an interesting one, although it was a bit confusing at times. I liked the ending on this one.
August 29, 2015
Livvie is serving on the Chatterley Heights 250th birthday celebration under the eye of the mayor, Karen Evanson. Karen is obsessed with getting everything just right and making news in DC and Baltimore. So when Paine Chatterley, the last remaining legitimate descendant of Frederick P. Chatterley, the town's founder, shows up with his wife Hermione, the locals are shocked and furious. After 6 months of renovations with free labor donated by Lucas and his crew, the Chatterley mansion is fit to live in again and Paine Chatterley won't let anyone in or near the mansion. Despite Livvie's attempts at reconciliation, Paine remains stubbornly opposed to socializing. The only person Paine shows a different side to is Maddie's Aunt Sadie, with whom he spent his happiest childhood memories. When Paine ends up dead in the bathtub, Sheriff Del determines foul play. Sure Paine was an awful old man who drank too much, but who could have wanted him dead? Was it his wife? Matthew Fabriziao, one of the construction crew who claims Chatterly descent on the wrong side of the blanket? Karen who is furious at having her masterly plans ruined? Quill, the town historian who seems to hold a grudge against Paine? Or someone else who may have heard rumors of the possible Chatterley cookie cutter collection? As the long-held secrets of the suspects come to life, it becomes clear this case will be a difficult one to solve.
Even though I stayed up too late finishing this book, I was really disappointed in the murderer. I was positive it was someone else entirely. I had a list of four suspects before the murder even happened and who did it barely crossed my radar. They had very little motive except a long-held grudge. That grudge doesn't make any sense in the real world.
The writing was tighter on this one than the last. The story progresses quickly once the mystery begins, which is pretty early on. The serving wench/tavern wench costumes drove me batty. If Maddie's such a computer whiz, why didn't she find out what real people wore in the 18th century instead of perpetuating a ridiculous stereotype? You would think Karen and Quill would have insisted on realism.
The characters in this story are really realistic. I love Livvie's rescue Yorkie Spunky and how the author makes sure the reader understands how the dog's past affects his present and how it takes time, patience and love to own a rescue but the owner is rewarded with unconditional love in return. He is my favorite character. My only quibble is that his great garbage find didn't put up any red flags for Livvie. Why was it in the garbage? Later on it is revealed that Spunky's find could have been a clue or a red herring clue but that didn't even cross Livvie's mind. I also thought what else Livvie saw in the trash was going to be a clue.
I still like Livvie and Maddie managed not to drive me crazy, aside from the serving wench thing. I enjoy Livvie's mom Ellie, though she is so different from me. She adds a bit of lightness to the story. I didn't like Karen any more than Livvie did. Her type A personality was too abrasive to make her likable. Rosemarie and Heather annoyed me a lot trying to take advantage of Livvy's relationship with Del. That's not right and they knew it. Livvy fortunately has more sense than that. I liked the fleeting glimpse of Constance and I hope she's in future books. She's tough but likable. I wanted to like Quill, the historian. Despite the difference in our ages, we have a lot in common. He's a little cranky and standoffish though. Paine and Hermione Chatterley round out the new characters. Neither of them are particularly appealing. Hermione dinged warning bells in my head early on and I didn't like Livvie's attempts to befriend her. Paine was a nasty old man but he had a terrible childhood and perhaps like Olivia's dog, he could have been loving and kind if he had had someone to love him sooner. He was very nice to Aunt Sadie.
The biggest complaint aside from the identity of the murderer is the lack of recipes! You can't write a book about gingerbread houses without including the recipe! Maddie uses meringue powder to make her royal icing so we can at least look up a recipe.
Even though I stayed up too late finishing this book, I was really disappointed in the murderer. I was positive it was someone else entirely. I had a list of four suspects before the murder even happened and who did it barely crossed my radar. They had very little motive except a long-held grudge. That grudge doesn't make any sense in the real world.
The writing was tighter on this one than the last. The story progresses quickly once the mystery begins, which is pretty early on. The serving wench/tavern wench costumes drove me batty. If Maddie's such a computer whiz, why didn't she find out what real people wore in the 18th century instead of perpetuating a ridiculous stereotype? You would think Karen and Quill would have insisted on realism.
The characters in this story are really realistic. I love Livvie's rescue Yorkie Spunky and how the author makes sure the reader understands how the dog's past affects his present and how it takes time, patience and love to own a rescue but the owner is rewarded with unconditional love in return. He is my favorite character. My only quibble is that his great garbage find didn't put up any red flags for Livvie. Why was it in the garbage? Later on it is revealed that Spunky's find could have been a clue or a red herring clue but that didn't even cross Livvie's mind. I also thought what else Livvie saw in the trash was going to be a clue.
I still like Livvie and Maddie managed not to drive me crazy, aside from the serving wench thing. I enjoy Livvie's mom Ellie, though she is so different from me. She adds a bit of lightness to the story. I didn't like Karen any more than Livvie did. Her type A personality was too abrasive to make her likable. Rosemarie and Heather annoyed me a lot trying to take advantage of Livvy's relationship with Del. That's not right and they knew it. Livvy fortunately has more sense than that. I liked the fleeting glimpse of Constance and I hope she's in future books. She's tough but likable. I wanted to like Quill, the historian. Despite the difference in our ages, we have a lot in common. He's a little cranky and standoffish though. Paine and Hermione Chatterley round out the new characters. Neither of them are particularly appealing. Hermione dinged warning bells in my head early on and I didn't like Livvie's attempts to befriend her. Paine was a nasty old man but he had a terrible childhood and perhaps like Olivia's dog, he could have been loving and kind if he had had someone to love him sooner. He was very nice to Aunt Sadie.
The biggest complaint aside from the identity of the murderer is the lack of recipes! You can't write a book about gingerbread houses without including the recipe! Maddie uses meringue powder to make her royal icing so we can at least look up a recipe.
January 16, 2016
Chatterley Heights’ is celebrating its 250th birthday and Mayor Karen Evanson is running the planning committee ragged with her demands and numerous meetings. Maddie is busy making a Gingerbread town including a house that looks like the famous Chatterley Mansion. Olivia is on cookie making duty and at Karen’s beck and call. Everyone just wants the celebration to go smoothly and maybe bring some tourists to Chatterley Heights.
The entire town gets a big surprise when Paine Chatterley shows up right before the celebration is supposed to begin. Everyone thought he was dead. In fact the town took over care of the mansion and volunteers did a major renovation because they believed there were no more living Chatterleys. Paine informs everyone he will not be opening the mansion to the public for the celebration and this sends the committee scrambling.
Someone must have taken this news badly because Paine is soon found dead. Olivia ends up right in the middle of the investigation and as secrets are revealed it turns out the town’s history may not be that sweet after all.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Get your cookie cutters ready, Virginia Lowell has done it again. She gives us wonderful characters, a marvelous mystery and some mouth watering virtual cookies that will have all of us wanting more!!
The friendship between Maddie and Livie continues to be the icing that binds these stories together. They each have their quirks and little ways to tease each other that add the humor and fun to the story. They are in each other lives 24/7 365 days a year and it warms my heart the way they are always there for each other.
Lowell also gives us Mayor Karen and her over the top craziness and Binnie the blogger with her desire to create havoc with her lies and innuendo. We are also treated to the strangeness of Hermione and Paine Chatterley. The eclectic characters needed in every cozy mystery.
The plot is well thought out and engaging. The details of cookie and gingerbread decorating was really interesting. A perfect balance of mystery and suspense is reached with the necessary humor and a touch of romance. I highly recommend this one!
The entire town gets a big surprise when Paine Chatterley shows up right before the celebration is supposed to begin. Everyone thought he was dead. In fact the town took over care of the mansion and volunteers did a major renovation because they believed there were no more living Chatterleys. Paine informs everyone he will not be opening the mansion to the public for the celebration and this sends the committee scrambling.
Someone must have taken this news badly because Paine is soon found dead. Olivia ends up right in the middle of the investigation and as secrets are revealed it turns out the town’s history may not be that sweet after all.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Get your cookie cutters ready, Virginia Lowell has done it again. She gives us wonderful characters, a marvelous mystery and some mouth watering virtual cookies that will have all of us wanting more!!
The friendship between Maddie and Livie continues to be the icing that binds these stories together. They each have their quirks and little ways to tease each other that add the humor and fun to the story. They are in each other lives 24/7 365 days a year and it warms my heart the way they are always there for each other.
Lowell also gives us Mayor Karen and her over the top craziness and Binnie the blogger with her desire to create havoc with her lies and innuendo. We are also treated to the strangeness of Hermione and Paine Chatterley. The eclectic characters needed in every cozy mystery.
The plot is well thought out and engaging. The details of cookie and gingerbread decorating was really interesting. A perfect balance of mystery and suspense is reached with the necessary humor and a touch of romance. I highly recommend this one!
September 8, 2012
This series is really growing on me. I still wish there was the occasional background on a specific cookie cutter but this storyline came close. We learned about an entire Antique cookie cutter collection.
Sleuth and owner of the 'Gingerbread House', Olivia Greyson, finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving the entire town of Chatterley Heights. The town is celebrating the 250th anniversary of it's founding. Center to the fete is the Chatterley Mansion, now owned by the town as the last owners have died. A large and impressive mansion carries it's share of aging and stories. Two men are busy trying to do restoration prior the fete. Olivia finds herself on the fete's organizing committee.
To all's dismay, a man naming himself as the deceased, Paine Chatterley, and wife, Hermione, pop up and take residence in the mansion. But what about the death certificate? Where or who is the hoax? Why the interest in an antique cookie cutter myth?
Olivia finds herself in the middle of the controversy when suddenly Paine is found dead in his bathtub. Olivia finds herself, with the aid of her best friend and cookie decorator, Maddie, with too many suspects...the Fete must go on!
This was the best novel in the series, to me, yet. I was caught up at page three and continued until page last. I have grown familiar with the characters and I like how they interact. The crime was fascinating. I had to try and figure out how Paine had died. That was fun. Clever also.
A good cozy mystery for all.
Sleuth and owner of the 'Gingerbread House', Olivia Greyson, finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving the entire town of Chatterley Heights. The town is celebrating the 250th anniversary of it's founding. Center to the fete is the Chatterley Mansion, now owned by the town as the last owners have died. A large and impressive mansion carries it's share of aging and stories. Two men are busy trying to do restoration prior the fete. Olivia finds herself on the fete's organizing committee.
To all's dismay, a man naming himself as the deceased, Paine Chatterley, and wife, Hermione, pop up and take residence in the mansion. But what about the death certificate? Where or who is the hoax? Why the interest in an antique cookie cutter myth?
Olivia finds herself in the middle of the controversy when suddenly Paine is found dead in his bathtub. Olivia finds herself, with the aid of her best friend and cookie decorator, Maddie, with too many suspects...the Fete must go on!
This was the best novel in the series, to me, yet. I was caught up at page three and continued until page last. I have grown familiar with the characters and I like how they interact. The crime was fascinating. I had to try and figure out how Paine had died. That was fun. Clever also.
A good cozy mystery for all.
August 27, 2012
The first half of this book went really slowly for me, and I had a really hard time getting into it. In part because Ms. Lowell made the mayor such a nasty, ungrateful, rude piece of work. This seems to be a very popular trend in cozies lately: add a character that is completely, thoroughly hateful, allow them to treat everyone including the protagonist like shit, then have the protagonist roll over and take it like a co-dependent abuse victim. What is this about? Has some publisher told authors that this sells more cozies? Cuz I gotta say, it only pisses me off and makes me want to toss the book across the room - if that's what I'm looking for in my reading material, I'll switch to political commentary, thanks.
Luckily, the second half of the book gets much more interesting, in part because the stupid mayor appears far less often. I love the interplay between Olivia and Maggie - their verbal sparring is first rate and highly entertaining. The mystery surrounding Chatterly House is interesting, with a hint of missing 'treasure'. I didn't see who did it until I was supposed to, so I found the plot well written and clever. I loved the tiny twist at the end of the story too. :)
I'll read the next in the series, and hope the author has run out of nasty characters...
Luckily, the second half of the book gets much more interesting, in part because the stupid mayor appears far less often. I love the interplay between Olivia and Maggie - their verbal sparring is first rate and highly entertaining. The mystery surrounding Chatterly House is interesting, with a hint of missing 'treasure'. I didn't see who did it until I was supposed to, so I found the plot well written and clever. I loved the tiny twist at the end of the story too. :)
I'll read the next in the series, and hope the author has run out of nasty characters...
July 18, 2015
This cozy is about 2 women, Maddie & Olivia, who run a cookie shop and cookie cutter business. In this book the town of Chatterly Heights is getting ready for their big 250th Birthday Bash. A huge part of the celebrations will be tours of the newly renovated Chatterly Mansion. A few days before the event Paine Chatterly, who was thought to be dead, shows up in town with his wife Hermoine. He immediately puts a stop to any tours or anyone wandering his property. As committee members try to change his mind, he ends up dead. The coroner determines it was murder. The town Sheriff, Del, who is involved with Olivia wants to cancel the celebrations but they just end up being scaled down. Olivia and Maddie begin some sleuthing of their own and begin to uncover clues, but can still not figure out who killed Paine. Throughout the story there is discussion about the Chatterly Antique Cookie Cutters that are considered a treasure. Are they hidden in the mansion? Is someone looking for them? Why did Paine and Hermoine return to Chatterly Heights. Tensions run high between towns people and committee members which adds to the interest. An enjoyable read.
June 5, 2016
I enjoyed it!! I love Livie and Maddie!! Yes, they eat like unhealthy college students... all those cookies and pizza, honestly, if you really stop to count how many cookies they each consume in a single days time and knowing they eat like that every day, technically they should each weigh about 300 pounds, but maybe all of Livie's errand running and Maddie's general nervous energy just burns it all off.... whatever, LOL!! I still love them! I got a little bogged down about half way into it with all the Mayor Karen and town Celebration stuff (and Paine was a real pain, I didn't like him at all), but the mystery was good and I loved all the surprises at the end! Hermione's quirky and funny, Aunt Sadie is precious, Livie's mom, Ellie is, as always, adorable, and Spunky the yorkie is my favorite character!! He's just so cute!! The decorated gingerbread village was a unique part of the celebration activities and the mystery of the alledged Chatterly cookie cutters was cool! I can't wait for the next in the series!!
July 16, 2016
A fun read. The mystery didn't give me all of the clues to solve it, but the storyline made sense and you got to follow Livvie's train of thought. The cookie decorating and shop aspect of the story was interesting, largely realistic, and didn't dominate the story. One of the keys to a good cozy mystery series is a cast of characters that you can get attached to. I got attached to these people and will keep my eyes open for more in the series. The only thing that didn't quite work for me was the location of Chatterly Heights -- supposedly between DC and Baltimore -- it could have been anywhere in the country, really, although someone not living in the area might not know. But that wasn't critical to the plot (references to Johns Hopkins were not that specific); it is possible that it matters more in other books in the series.
November 8, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 16, 2016
Olivia Greyson is back - and so are all the supporting cast that makes me love this series.
This time around the town is abuzz with activity to celebrate the town's 250-year anniversary. But there's one hitch - their star attraction, the Chatterly Mansion, is suddenly claimed by a family member long believed to be dead. He closes the doors to the mansion to any visitor, and then he is found dead.
But never fear. Olivia is on the case, along with her loyal friend Maddie and her loyal canine Spunky.
An interesting story with lots of twists and turns. It was a fun read. And now I need a cookie.
This time around the town is abuzz with activity to celebrate the town's 250-year anniversary. But there's one hitch - their star attraction, the Chatterly Mansion, is suddenly claimed by a family member long believed to be dead. He closes the doors to the mansion to any visitor, and then he is found dead.
But never fear. Olivia is on the case, along with her loyal friend Maddie and her loyal canine Spunky.
An interesting story with lots of twists and turns. It was a fun read. And now I need a cookie.
July 14, 2013
An heir, long thought dead, returns to Chatterley Heights just in time to forbid tours of the mansion being lovingly restored by volunteers at the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the town. Paine Chatterley and his English wife Hermione antagonize a lot of people, and Olivia, who's on the anniversary committee, and her best friend and business partner Maddie are drawn into the investigation when they want to be baking cookies.
March 28, 2014
This series has such an interesting premise to me. Cookie cutters. Who knew they could be so interesting and apparently valuable. Guess I need to look in the baking drawer at my cookie cutters. I really love the character, Maddie, she is so fun, outgoing and a great cook. The murder mystery was good, I didn't exactly guess who done it til almost the end and even then I wasn't sure. Nice story line.
October 25, 2018
This was a quick , easy and fun read ! This was first book by Virginia Lowell that I have read and I enjoyed her writing style and the mystery in this story.
Olivia was a great heroine and the town of Chatterley was a lovely little town with a fun cast of characters. The mystery around the Chatterley cookie cutters was interesting and had a fun ending.
Will definitely look for more cosy mysteries by Virginia Lowell.
Olivia was a great heroine and the town of Chatterley was a lovely little town with a fun cast of characters. The mystery around the Chatterley cookie cutters was interesting and had a fun ending.
Will definitely look for more cosy mysteries by Virginia Lowell.
August 23, 2015
This series just keeps getting better. I was completely in the dark on the killer & surprised at the twist in the end. I have the next 2 checked out from the library & own the one after. I just love these. Highly recommended & you need not be a cookie cutter enthusiast. These books are, however, a danger to read at night because here it is after midnight & now I really want cookies.
February 26, 2015
I love this series. If not for the character that drove me nuts this book would of been a solid 4 stars instead of 3.5 stars. I loved the ending and will continue reading this series.
March 3, 2017
wasn't a big fan of this one. a lot of new characters that I wasn't fond of. the mystery was pretty boring and the reasons for the culprit were seriously thin to say the least. Not my favorite.
July 13, 2017
Loved It! Started a little slow and then BAM!!! I was hooked! Great mystery and I love Livie and Maddie and all thier wonderful shenanigans!!
September 21, 2017
With the amount of cozies I've read, it is difficult to find one that would keep me guessing "whodunit" till the end.
Well, this one did it :) Great read!
Well, this one did it :) Great read!
September 24, 2018
Nice installment of this series. I really like the friendship between Olivia and Maddie, sort of like Lucy and Ethel getting into mischief trying to solve crimes.
March 18, 2020
I just finished the third book of the Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery Series by Virginia Lowell! Our two main sleuths Olivia and Maddie are preparing for a big Chatterley Heights town birthday festival and trying to steer clear of the slightly neurotic town mayor as the festival approaches. Everything is going smoothly until the previously presumed dead last member of the Chatterley family (and rightful owner of the Chatterley Mansion, central to the festival) turns up after decades - and then actually dies! Intrigued? You should be! There is all KINDS OF TEA being spilled in this Austen-esque installment of the series. It's a who's who of social entanglements, mystery, and of course - suspense!
Author Virginia Lowell creates a web-like new cast of characters in this third book revolving around a party planning committee of vastly different personalities. Having an alcoholic curmudgeon from yesteryear and his dotty wife getting thrown into the mix is just the type of shenanigans that we needed to shake things up. And sure, people may be murdering or getting murdered, but that doesn't stop our sleuths from also hunting for a literal hidden treasure trove of cookie cutters in the Chatterley Mansion at the same time. Jump in and keep reading!
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Olivia Greyson (age 31)
Business: Cookie Shop owner
Pet: Spunky, a yorkie dog
Best-Friend: Maddie (age 31)
Love Interest: Del, a male cop (age 34?)
Family: Mother, Step-Father, younger brother
Author Virginia Lowell creates a web-like new cast of characters in this third book revolving around a party planning committee of vastly different personalities. Having an alcoholic curmudgeon from yesteryear and his dotty wife getting thrown into the mix is just the type of shenanigans that we needed to shake things up. And sure, people may be murdering or getting murdered, but that doesn't stop our sleuths from also hunting for a literal hidden treasure trove of cookie cutters in the Chatterley Mansion at the same time. Jump in and keep reading!
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Olivia Greyson (age 31)
Business: Cookie Shop owner
Pet: Spunky, a yorkie dog
Best-Friend: Maddie (age 31)
Love Interest: Del, a male cop (age 34?)
Family: Mother, Step-Father, younger brother
May 3, 2020
Chatterley Heights is preparing to celebrate the 250th birthday of the town and unveil the restoration of the Chatterley Mansion. Olivia is unhappily a member of the committee planning the festivities. The celebration is slightly derailed when the sole heir to the mansion, previously thought to be dead, arrives in town and moves into his childhood home. Paine Chattterley and his wife Hermione are not about to allow tours of their home and the mayor is beside herself.
The mayor enlists Olivia to convince the Chatterleys to open their home to the town. While Hermione seems willing to entertain the thought, Paine is not interested in the least. When Paine is unexpectedly found dead in the bathtub of unnatural causes, the sheriff begins to search for a killer and Olivia begins to do a search of her own.
This is the third book in the Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery series. I enjoy the characters. They are well-developed and interact with one another realistically. The plot moves at a steady pace. There were a couple of clues that seemed to be random, but by the end everything was explained and made sense. I enjoy this series and recommend this book. It could stand alone but the series is worth reading from the beginning.
The mayor enlists Olivia to convince the Chatterleys to open their home to the town. While Hermione seems willing to entertain the thought, Paine is not interested in the least. When Paine is unexpectedly found dead in the bathtub of unnatural causes, the sheriff begins to search for a killer and Olivia begins to do a search of her own.
This is the third book in the Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery series. I enjoy the characters. They are well-developed and interact with one another realistically. The plot moves at a steady pace. There were a couple of clues that seemed to be random, but by the end everything was explained and made sense. I enjoy this series and recommend this book. It could stand alone but the series is worth reading from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews