Chocolate Raspberry Murder

by Laura Pauling

A glamorous magician. A middle-of-the-night murder. Doesn’t matter—the show must go on!

Xavier the Astonishing comes to town in a whirl of social-media glamour with his cape swirling and illusions at the tips of his fingers. Belle connects with him over a chocolate raspberry coffee. Just days before the big show, someone is murdered.

The pressure is on! Detective Graystone and Belle Baron wade through half-truths as they enter the fascinating world of magic with fierce competitors and evasive assistants.

At the heart, there is the mysterious book of magic, the grimoire for every magician. Poof. Like magic, it disappeared. Worth killing for? Despite warnings to stay away, Belle must figure out what is truth and what is illusion before the final act.

Then there’s Betty, the poisonous snake. Don’t forget the snake.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Laura writes about spies, murder, and mystery. She’s the author of the exciting Circle of Spies Series, the Prom Impossible Series, and the Heist time travel mystery series. She’s a former elementary teacher and currently lives in New England. After spending time reading books to her kids and loving a good plot turn, she put her fingers to the keyboard. Don’t ask her about the unfinished quilts and scrapbooks. Stories are way more exciting.

She writes to entertain and experience a great story…and to be able to work in her jammies and slippers.

The Holly Hart Cozy Mystery Series releases starting in May 2015!

Reviews

[Ileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delicious Belle Baron and Lucas Graystone mystery surprises the reader and this one involves a murdered magician and a snake.

It will keep your interest because Xavier the Astonishing is in town for the big Murder Mystery Fundraiser and the Women’s Charitable Organization forgot to tell Belle it was happening like they promised they would. She’s surprised to find out about it and they are surprised when she shows up at the last planning meeting.

But just before the event, Xavier is murdered. Oh my? Belle tries to help Detective Lucas Graystone find the murderer although he tells her not to because he doesn’t want to endanger her. Will she listen? Will the murderer be caught or escape? Will anyone else be snakebit? You can read this fascinating book and find out.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was proud of how far along Belle’s come since the first book since she was ready to take on more of the requirements her aunt had set up for her—and for once she didn’t seem ready to just leave when things got a little rough. She still felt lots of guilt since that’s all she was ever told when she was growing up, that stuff was always her fault. But with awesome friends like Bixby, Lucas and Lexie, Belle was gonna finally lead a happier life.

I hadn’t really guessed the whodunit and loved the ingenious way Belle managed to get a confession from the killer. With what she’d accomplished in this book, I’m eager to read more about Belle and Lucas’s adventures in the next book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murder
A murder has happened. The culprit is not known. The victim was smothered. Who is the killer?
Xavier the Astonishing comes to town in a whirl of social-media glamour with his cape swirling and illusions at the tips of his fingers. Belle connects with him over a chocolate raspberry coffee. Just days before the big show, someone is murdered.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Sarah Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee & a mystery, anyone?

Love this cozy mystery series! The characters are likable, the stories engaging and the mysteries light making them the perfect companion whether you're curled up at home under a blanket or in your favorite coffee shop nook. Throughly enjoyable. On to book 4!

[Skater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

DNF. Sorry this wasn’t for me. Didn’t care for the characters. Just too much whining, too many unlikeable characters, and no atmosphere. It been a while since I’ve read the first two books on this series, and a don’t remember them, so that should have been a warning alarm.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macadamia fudge
By Laura Pauling.
A mysterious woman walks into the coffee shop that Belle owns and dies. It was discovered it was murder and Belle sets out to find murder. Good read right to the end. Very well written and very enjoyable highly recommend.

[Lizabeth Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

It seems a shame that the people who are killed are ones that make such an instant impression on our girl! But that is what makes her want to solve the lol murder! Great job!

[Nancy Axt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a good cozy mystery, this is a good one. Great story line and keeps your interest.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I’m really enjoying this new series. Caught my attention from the beginning & straight through to the end. I can’t wait for more.

[Malgorzata · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is easy to read, entertaining, funny mystery. Good as one of summer reads.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read.

Well thought out. Series characters are developing nicely. Was unsure after reading first in series but am enjoying the story lines and characters.

[Nancy Yancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

This was another mystery up until the last minute. I can usually pick out the villain but not this time. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start

This was a slow starting book but I ended up loving it! Author keeps you guessing on who did it.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely has the potential to be a fast read. I like it well enough but I think it could be better.

[Camille Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite book in this series. The characters are interesting and likeable, it's nice to see their relationships growing, and Belle is a little gutsier. The magician angle was fun.