Coffee, Cream Pies, and Crimes

Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #11

by Harper Lin

From 3x USA TODAY Bestselling Author Harper the popular cozy mystery series set in a charming beach town! Fran's dream of winning the top prize of ten thousand dollars as a contestant on a new TV baking show is quickly shattered when one of the famous judges, Jeremy Johnson, is brutally stabbed in the middle of filming.

As Fran investigates, she uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal among the contestants and judges. With tensions high and suspicions swirling, Fran realizes that the murderer could be someone she knows all too well. Can she find the culprit before they strike again? Or will she become the next victim in this deadly game of cooking and killing in Boston?

Include special recipes!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Food

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2023

About the author

Harper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!

When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family. 


Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR

www.harperlin.com

Reviews

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook

Book #11 in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series.

This is/was one of my favorite series when I want something light to read. No dramatic twists, etc. Just a good old fashioned murder in a small tourist town. Unfortunately this one was mostly filler. It took way too long to get to the murder and then it was solved a few chapters later. I also miss Marguerite Gavin as the narrator. The next book I’ll be reading instead of listening.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the recent audiobook narrator change. Now the books seem more redundant and boring. I think this might be my last one. Not sure I will continue the series if there is a book 12.

[Abby Rigdon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book (never have found them in my local libraries or bookstore). I've loved this series but this time, there was a new reader - thumbs down. If future installments are as bad as this one, I'm done. Then it took forever to reveal that they secretly enrolled her on a game show (after saying several times she wouldn't want to be on one) and no one died until 50% through the book. And the rest of the time there was just lots of waiting. No big surprise Caitlyn was pregnant or that Jeremy was the father. But these contestants barely met and they are all 'you can bring your baby to my resort, I'll be there for you, we'll help you'. Insta-family?? It made no sense for Fran to be attacked - she barely spoke to anyone, didn't speak to Winston hardly at all. And what the hell was with Matt in this book? Usually he is 'super-boyfriend' and here he barely seems to tolerate Fran. Frankly I'm shocked he showed up to save her. Even in the hospital, she wakes up to the cop. And ultimately the motive...Suzette also had a secret baby with him? Like Jeremy wouldn't have known Suzette was going to be on the show? I'd buy one secret baby Mama showing up on the baking show of the celebrity baby-daddy judge but two??? And just conveniently Winston is what- Suzette's boyfriend? So three of the contestants have ties to each other and the judge? nope nope nope. Back to Matt and his secret proposal....even those who are terrible proposers don't make their intended feel like they are cheating.

This book was the first 'miss' in the series for me.

sigh...I missed Sami and the coffee shop and Mike slurping coffee (black and scalding hot).

[SavsLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a cozy mystery in the winter and the latest in the Cape Bay series delivers with a twist on its usual small town murder vibe. This one was set on a baking show -- I LOVED IT. I'm seriously a sucker for any time there's a cooking competition in a book. What I didn't love was all the drama between Fran and Matt -- like JUST SPEAK TO EACH OTHER????? I could see the proposal and cooking show surprises from a mile away and it bothered me that Fran was so obtuse when she's normally as smart as a whip and has solved.. 11+ murders in like a year now? Anyway, can't wait for the next one lol.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fran is pleased her new hires are working out. It's a busy summer season at Antonia's already. Sammy is pushing Fran to be more active on social media and continually filming Fran for social. Life is good but could be better. Her boyfriend, Matt, has been acting odd lately and even suggested watching her baking show with her. Matt asks Fran to bake some Boston Cream Pies for an office party and she agrees only to wonder what's going on when she gets an accidental strange text from Matt. Then a strange woman comes into the café and hints she knows Matt very well and Fran is very worried. Rhonda insists Matt loves Fran. All becomes clear when Matt reveals Fran has been chosen to compete on the Baking Network's newest show, Hometown Showdown, hosted by none other than everyone's least favorite male judge, Jeremy Johnson. While Fran doesn't really want to do it, she goes along with the plan in hopes of gaining more exposure for Antonia's and Cape Bay. The other contestants are a little less friendly than Fran would like and except for Kaitlyn, none have done this before. When the male judge harshly criticizes Kaitlyn's bake, the fun turns to tears. When Fran leaves the green room in search of a tearful Kaitlyn, she discovers her fellow contestant standing over Jeremy Johnson's lifeless body! Fran is sure Kaitlyn didn't do it but there's any number of people who could have happily murdered Jeremy Johnson! Given her nosiness and past involvement in other cases, the police ask her to gossip and report what she hears. Will Fran's nosiness get her into trouble - for good?

The mystery was very good. While this story has been done many times before, I did not guess who or why. I did guess one big secret and had an inkling there was more to the story. The Boston setting made a nice change. My big problem with this novel is the inconsistences. It needs better editing. The first book says Cape Bay is NOT on Cape Cod. It was near Plymouth, I think north of Plymouth. Now it's suddenly on Cape Cod! Also, Latte is described as a she at first mention when previously Latte was a he. The author seems to have remembered that and switched back to the male pronoun but didn't correct the first one. It would be nice if someone edited these books a little better.

Fran's investigation is reigned in and she doesn't do a lot so she didn't annoy me as much as she did in some of the other books. In fact I quite admired Fran for standing up for herself and stating what she doesn't want. I liked her for befriending another contestant in need of a friend and for not being selfish about wanting to win the money. Which is why I think she should break up with Matt. He behaves like the WORST boyfriend in this book. First, he doesn't listen when she says she doesn't want to go on a baking show. Just because she CAN bake well doesn't mean she can compete against the trained pastry chefs or win over the professional chef judges. Just because she COULD doesn't mean she SHOULD. She said no. Apparently Matt doesn't understand consent and neither does the TV network or anyone else because they just go ahead and enter Fran in the contest without her knowledge or consent. Um HELLO! What else is Matt railroading Fran into, besides watching sports she can't stand and eat fast food she doesn't want? Does this guy ever LISTEN? The one thing Matt has taught Fran is how to use sports to change the direction of the competition. However, the question is NOT "How do you think the Patriots will do this year?" The answer to that question is "They suck. GO TOMMY!" The correct question is "Will Tommy come back or stay retired this time?" Or "How about that tramp Giselle leaving Tommy like that just because he wants to play football?" (yes seriously that IS the conversation around here these days with "GO TOMMY!" from the male half and eyerolls and anger from the female half).

Fran agrees to do the show for her young female employees, to show empowerment. She won't let a small man like Jeremy Johnson get her down. This is thanks to Amanda, the quiet one, who speaks out and shares what she has learned from Fran. I like the message, I just wish Fran wasn't railroaded into doing the show.

Then Matt decides to go with Fran to Boston for a romantic getaway. Um jerk she's working thanks to you. When Matt learns Fran will be working 16 hour days, he goes out with his bro and doesn't return until all hours of the night, long after Fran needs him. He doesn't bother to ask how she's doing, how it's going, or join her for dinner. Dude just go visit your bro and do baseball another day and be there for your lady or go home. Jerk. He finally shows up and someone else takes out the villain to save Matt's lady! He can't even save his own girlfriend! Sadly, I think he's about to propose marriage and Fran will feel pressured into saying yes. Say no Fran. You don't need a man to make you happy. Sweet, swoony dog daddy Matt is gone and replaced with douche bro Matt. Latte is the only man you need, girl!

Fran's so-called friends don't listen either. Normally sweet Sammy has been conspiring with Matt behind Fran's back and using social media as an excuse. Fran says she's not comfortable on camera and doesn't really want to be in the videos. Does Sammy listen? No she does not. She may be an exceptional employee but she's not being a very good friend. Not even tell-it-like-it-is Rhonda spills the beans. I usually admire Rhonda for being a straight shooter but she dropped the ball not even hinting to Fran what was going on.

The Baking Network has a lot of divas judging their competitions. I got a big kick out of the "angry British man" trope. This one doesn't judge the kids' versions of the competitions but the real life counterparts do, I think. Master Baker male judge himself was a guest judge on Junior Bake Off and was very complimentary. When he wasn't, he had constructive criticism "This is why it came out wrong... Next time do this... It just needs a pinch more salt." This Jeremy Johnson is a massive blowhard who enjoys making people upset and has zero redeeming qualities. I got his number right away and wasn't surprised by anything in the reveal about his character. Fran decides to do the show just to face him and show that no man can get her down. That's the spirit! This guy's ego knows no bounds and he sounds like he could be a liability to the network. I think they needed to sack him long ago.

Gail, one of the producers on the show, is tone deaf when it comes to anything but the network shows. She's complimentary of Fran and Matt but has zero social skills. She can't pick up on social cues and doesn't really care about the people involved. Even worse is the female judge, Veronica Browning. She's a female version of Jeremy Johnson but almost worse because she's aging and not the beauty she once was. She tries to hide it with botox and makeup but it scares her and she is desperate to keep the fame and fortune coming. Veronica is unpleasant and loathes Jeremy Johnson. There isn't room for two egos in this show and they argued right before he was killed. She shows no sensitivity after his death which makes me wonder if she killed him. That would be too obvious but it wouldn't be the first time I guessed the killer right away in this series.

I'm not sure the portrayal of the Boston PD is very complimentary. Each character is a stereotype. Officer Murphy is kind and bends the rules when she needs to. She's a little bit inept though. Detective Mullholland is the tough cop. He's critical and suspicious. He doesn't allow any nonsense and grills Fran about the murder. He won't even let her get her phone yet someone else is already on HIS phone. Fran can't contact Matt which is incredibly rude of the Detective. Sergeant Coburn is nicer but also unrealistic. He knows Mike and obviously trusts Mike. What cop would allow a civilian to help in their investigation no matter how many murders she's solved? She only solves them by nearly getting killed!

The other contestants are a mixed bad. The only one I like is Kaitlyn. She's a home baker but an experienced competitor. She's sweet and kind to Fran. I guessed her story in one clue. Even though she was found standing over the bloody body and has a good motive, I don't think she is the murderer unless she's a good actress. She comes across as too naïve and innocent to deal in murder, even in the heat of the moment. Her shock was too realistic to be fake. I hope anyway. She deserves to win after the horrible way Jeremy Johnson treated her. Suzette is nice enough. She's older and more cynical. She is willing to befriend Kaitlyn when Kaitlyn needs a friend so I guess I like her. Suzette is more cautious and not nosy like Fran. Winston is unpleasant and unfriendly. I think he's the in it to win it guy and the one who sees all other contestants as the enemy to be beaten. Eduardo is the slimy Latin guy. He's such a stereotype or at least the network makes him play up the stereotype. He's a little too friendly and I don't trust him.

There are two recipes included. One is for a salad. Um why? The other is for Fran's Boston Cream Pie with Bourbon. Boston Cream Pie has never been my favorite but as they were baking their cakes, they all sounded good! I'd reinvent it as a triple chocolate cream pie (cake). It's already been made into a doughnut so thankfully no one tried that.

Trigger warnings:
Toxic masculinity Male judge seduces women and fathers unwanted children with them all while pretending to be a family man.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, I had a good time! I enjoyed re-visiting the characters. The mystery was pretty entertaining but the ending was easy to solve.

[Juliet Minerva Swift · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has a certain charm at some point, but sadly I feel it’s been lost somewhere.

The pacing was such a big issue for me. The murder happened at the 50% mark, which was so late. The plot was 25% Matt behaving weird and then it turns out it’s because he is making her go on a show (which by the way maybe she didn’t want??? Maybe ask her before???), 25% is the show, then we have the murder and a lot of Fran sitting in a room doing nothing, then she speaks a bit with Kaitlin and wanders around doing nothing. Noticeable is the fact she does not investigate at all. Then gets attacked and goes to the hospital. Wow.

Not a big fan of the main character being hit repeatedly, why do authors think this is nice to read? I like it if she figures it out and saves herself, not that she understands shit and then would be killed if the man hadn’t arrived.

I am not sure I will be continuing with this series, it was lovely at the start but I am feeling too lukewarm towards it now.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Cape Bay series (#11), but I think Harper writes these books like you could pick up today and read this and understand the characters, but I am going to recommend that you go back and read every book in this series, as it is my favorite.

In this book, Fran thinks that she and Matt have hit a rough patch, but doesn't have time to figure out what is going on because she has landed a spot on a baking show. She is whisked off to the set and is excited to compete, but then one of the judges is murdered. In typical Fran fashion, she gets involved in the who-dun-it part, I find her investigative skills quirky and fun.

This book has a plot that keeps moving, is entertaining, and is PERFECT for you to take to the beach and relax.

[Kristine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook** Well I hope Harper Lin is done with this series because I feel that I am. This was terrible! Like the last book, the super sleuthing skills of Fran was "MISSING"! And the jealousy?! Why? What is the motive for this direction? It's depressing and gross. HL has turned Fran into a scared, insecure, jealous and uninteresting character. And the new narrator, she sounds like an OLD LADY.

This started out to be a fun and light series that I enjoyed. This and the last book, #10, are such a disappointment.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fran was way needier than usual and Matt was kind of a jerk throughout. It just didn't feel right to me. I thought the basic premise of the book was fine, but the characters just didn't seem right. And I thought they were engaged already? Did I imagine that? It didn't fit with the way the characters were through the book that it should have ended with a proposal. Maybe I am being too picky.

[Jena · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many misses this year. :( I think overall, for this specific series, I’m only a fan of books 1-9. I can’t in good faith recommend any of this series after book 9. I really wish that wasn’t the case here, and it really bums me out, but how often do we see authors frequently burn out later in the series. *shrug*

[Bri Garrett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally reserve 1 stars for DNF’s but this book was so stupid. I literally hated all of it. How I finished it, I’ll never know. If I could punch all the characters in the face, I would.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this the final book in the series? I'll miss Francesca and the people around her.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why I didn't pick it up on the last book, but this narrator was really difficult to listen to during this book. Also, it was exhausting having to listen to Fran moan and whine about Matt being weird through the entire book. Maybe if the narrator had been different, her character wouldn't have sounded as whiny. Who knows? I also did not like the way Matt sounded.

Next, we have the hotel scene. If I wanted to read about women being brutalized there are a ton of other books to choose from. It may not gave been as bad if she been able to save herself and get away, but that scene felt completely unnecessary, like gratuitous violence.

It was really difficult to maintain my interest in this book. I just didn't want to add it to my dnf list.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%. The plot and the narrator were both awful. I didn’t want to waste anymore time.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

And there we have it, my final book read of 2024!

What a fitting book to end on too, as I read this entire cozy mystery series within the span of this year and it definitely had an impact on my year at large! I’m glad for the audiobooks and narration thereof, as even this replacement for the original narrator is very good and engaging. It sounds like listening to a crime podcast sometimes rather than a fictional audiobook.

I love the main character of Frannie, even if sometimes she can get a bit on my nerves but that shows she has some flaws and is human in many ways!

I liked the other characters in this one too, even though I was annoyed at Matt for portions and missed the characters back in Cape Bay. It was nice to have a change of scenery from the small beach town but at the same time it has become its own character in so many ways that being separated from it makes me miss it!

Spoilers about this book/characters and plot things: - I thought Matt and Frannie’s conflict was resolved a bit toooo easily. Yes, I was expecting the marriage proposal (which I’m glad happened!) but it felt like that was supposed to be a forgiveness for him avoiding her/the root of her actual annoyance throughout the book. But maybe I’m overthinking it.

- Personal preference, I would have loved to see more of the baking competition before the murder happened lol. I wanted those GBBO moments and we didn’t really get any.

- The murdered guy was very Paul Hollywood esque lol. Not that I’m mad about that, but…

- The ending of Whodunnit felt a little rushed. I liked the reveal of it, because I love when two people are in on it and the hints to Suzanne’s child being Paul Hollywood’s kid were there throughout the book I think, but Wilson(?) being in on it felt a little sudden.

- Again I do like the solution of who did it, just wish there had been a couuuuuple more hints. But it definitely wasn’t a let down at all.

- I loved Caitlin and Eduardo’s characters. I hope they show up at Matt and Frannie’s wedding, with little baby Caitlin.

- I liked the change of pace of the police officer encouraging Frannie to investigate rather than Frannie taking that initiative herself, even though I love her ambitious and curious nature.


I really hope the author writes more books in this series! I have a feeling there will be one more book, taking place surrounding Matt and Frannie’s wedding, but I could honestly read 100 books in this series and it still wouldn’t be enough!

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Francesca is in her mid-thirties and worked in New York for many years in PR. She moved back home to run the family Italian café in a small town in Massachusetts when her mother passed away a year ago.

Fran is a big fan of baking and cooking competition TV shows. She is surprised when Matt, her boyfriend, enters her into one and she is accepted as one of five contestants. The filming is in Boston and Fran invites Matt along. The hours are long and Matt fills his time hanging out with a friend. There are two judges and the nastier one is found stabbed in his dressing room, which shuts down production maybe for good, as the police investigate.

This is the eleventh in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I've read them all) ... it works as a stand alone (you don't have to read the others to know what's going on). It is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. Matt was a jerk ... Fran didn't have a lot of free time and when she did, he already had made plans with his friend and she wasn't invited along. Considering it was Fran who found the body, you'd think he would be more concerned about her safety and want to spend time with her. The "whodunnit" and ending came together quickly. It was a quick light read. There are recipes at the end.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2024/02...

[theshadishow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cape Bay Mysteries were my first foray into cozy crime and for that I will always be grateful. Harper Lin is an excellent writer who can write characters very well. However, the plotting in the most recent books left a lot to be desired, and this latest book falls victim to the same shortcomings. Matt, initially a sweet supportive partner, has now continuously been characterised as a misogynistic plot device. His “secretive” behaviour when he and Fran were in Boston was never really explained - why did he message less? why did he not seem to want to spend time with her when he was aware she had just witnessed another murder? Speaking of murders - this one was solved way too quickly! The pieces of the story were woven together so beautifully but then just … ended? This book needed more time with the suspects, more time investigating, more exploration of Winston and Suzette, and I think it would have been more interesting if Gail were the murderer - particularly as she was introduced earlier in the story and that it seemed as if Gail had masterminded the return of Katelyn. The story was so well set up for a better mystery! My rating of 4 stars for the story up until the abrupt ending but I wish Harper Lin would have written more and completed the story - she is certainly more than capable!

[Linda Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from the author to read and review. This is one of my favorite series and the author never fails to amaze me with her stories. Matt gets Fran to agree to do a cooking reality show and absolutely nothing goes right from day one. From the very start of the baking contest things start to go downhill. The contestants get along ok, but the hosts of the show are a very different breed and Matt is being very secretive and unavailable for unknown reasons. Fran is convinced that he is going to break up with her and is devastated. Then there is a horrible murder on the show and Fran works to help the police figure out who the assailant is. Fantastic murder whodunit with the most surprising killer(s?) There is a very surprise ending to this story between Matt and Fran. This is one of those books I like to go back and read over and over. Definitely one of my favorites.

[VICTORIA STEWART · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the wait!! I have loved this series since the beginning and was so happy to read this one. The characters are warm and inviting into their little cafe world. It was exciting to step out of the Cape Bay and into the world of reality cooking. Harper Lin is such a wonderful writer that I felt all the emotions Fran did throughout the book. Her nervousness, excitement, confusion, compassion, and fear. We went on a rollercoaster of emotions! And I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. 🥰. The pace of this book moved well, keeping me interested and never lingering too long in any one scene. Quite the page turner. I’m excited to see where Fran and the rest of Cape Bay take us…hope it isn’t too long of a wait. But if it is…it will be well worth it!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a surprise, Fran’s boyfriend has secured her a spot in a baking competition in Boston. There’s nothing like a $10,000 prize to provide the incentive to cook your heart out! However, on the first day of filming, one of the judges is found stabbed to death! With so much at stake and the fear of more killings, Fran jumps in to investigate. Was it one of the other contestants or the other judge or one of the film crew or someone else? I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was with all the red herrings! Great read for a lazy afternoon!

[Zermeena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 31/2 stars rounded up to 4. The plot was weak and unsatisfying. When Matt signs Fran up to be on cooking competition show, I was looking forward to rivalries and underhanded contestants. Instead there was no competition and we got whiny, moody contestants. One contestant couldn't stay awake to save her life and all she did was cry.

There was a scene with a brutal attack that didn't fit in cozy mystery. The end of the book felt like the end of the series. I hate for it to end with such a weak book.

[WhiskedAwayReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book stands out from the rest of the series due to the limited presence of previous characters. There was a whole new array of characters that seemed to take center stage. If this was a tv series instead, it would have felt like a trial for a spin off. Nevertheless, the components of this series were still present within the book- the mystery and a murder, the main POV inserting herself into the investigation and being at risk due to such. I liked the different law enforcement perspective that was present, as a change of pace.

[Artist_carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This one was WONDERFUL as I do love this series. Fran dreams of winning the new bake show she's on however nothing goes as planned and Matt has been acting weird lately. Some books you just want to fall inside. Cozies and baking 2 of my favorite things what more could a Cozy reader want? nothing its perfect. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily choose to reveiw all options above are mine and mine alone.

[Lori Hendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the 11th book in the Cape BayCafe series. The latest adventures of Francesca Amaro takes her to a film studio in Boston where her Boston Cream Pie is a big hit. When one of the judges dies, Fran keeps her eyes and ears open during the investigation and ferrets out the truth. It was nice for Fran to get out of Cape Bay, but I sure missed her friends helping her find out the truth.

[Kelly Methey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was waiting for a new one to come out in this series. It was really good, a fast read that kept me guessing! The whole series has been great. I started with the first one and have read each one as it came out.
When I opened the book, I felt like I was meeting up with old friends, happily catching up!

[Nicki Mech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t found a book yet that I haven’t enjoyed by Harper Lin and this was no exception. The story was well written with an exceptionally fun setting, believable characters and a well thought out plot. I enjoyed that this book was a mystery but with a touch of romance. A perfect book to relax with. I did receive this book for an honest review and the above is my honest opinion.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. This is a book you can't put down because it grabs you and you just have to find out more. A little surprise as to who the killer was but worse was the attack on Franny
I was not ready for that one....but it all ends well.....looking forward to #12 And check out the receipe at the end of this book......

[Emily Brace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was absolutely terrible BUT the murderer did surprise me & it was the perfect book to escape responsibilities & pretend you’re on the beach instead of in Ohio…I honestly might read some of the other ones in this series because I’m not sure I can resist another baking themed murder mystery

[Megan (inkand.imagination) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately I just didn’t. I hated the miscommunication between Fran and Matt, and I wasn’t a big fan of the setting being outside of cozy little Cape Bay. This one was a miss for me, unfortunately, being that I’ve really enjoyed the majority of the Cape Bay Cafe mysteries. I did like the “surprise” at the ending, and I hope the next book will be better!