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Fresh-Baked Mystery #8
The Fatal Funnel Cake
It’s time for the State Fair of Texas—and cooking contests galore! Fryers are heating up and stomachs are growling. But Phyllis Newsom had better watch out. Someone’s brought an appetite for murder....
Phyllis and her friends Carolyn and Sam are ready to whip up their best dishes and win some ribbons in Dallas. And they’re excited to learn that one of their favorite celebrity chefs—Joye Jameson of The Joye of Cooking—is broadcasting her TV show from the fair. When Phyllis’s funnel cake is picked as one of the best of that category, Joye invites her and the other finalists to prepare their delicious recipes live on the air.
But Phyllis’s moment in the spotlight is spoiled after Joye suffers a deadly allergic reaction from one bite of her funnel cake. Now she’s gone from top entry to top suspect. So in order to clear her name, Phyllis will have to turn up the heat on this investigation before the real killer slips through her fingers....
INCLUDES RECIPES!
Phyllis and her friends Carolyn and Sam are ready to whip up their best dishes and win some ribbons in Dallas. And they’re excited to learn that one of their favorite celebrity chefs—Joye Jameson of The Joye of Cooking—is broadcasting her TV show from the fair. When Phyllis’s funnel cake is picked as one of the best of that category, Joye invites her and the other finalists to prepare their delicious recipes live on the air.
But Phyllis’s moment in the spotlight is spoiled after Joye suffers a deadly allergic reaction from one bite of her funnel cake. Now she’s gone from top entry to top suspect. So in order to clear her name, Phyllis will have to turn up the heat on this investigation before the real killer slips through her fingers....
INCLUDES RECIPES!
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
41 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Livia J. Washburn
64 books347 followersUnder the names Livia J. Washburn and L.J. Washburn, Livia Reasoner has been writing award-winning, critically acclaimed mystery, western, romance, and historical novels for more than thirty years. She began to write in collaboration with her husband, author James Reasoner, and soon branched out into telling her own stories. She received the Private Eye Writers of America award and the American Mystery award for her first mystery, WILD NIGHT, and was nominated for a Spur by the Western Writers of America for a novel she wrote with her husband, James Reasoner. Livia won the Peacemaker Award from Western Fictioneers for her story “Charlie’s Pie”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 11, 2020
There are three reasons why this entry in the Freshly Baked mystery series is special. Firstly, because even before the murder happened, it was deserving of 4 or 5 stars. Secondly, the heroine of the book was not in mortal and direct danger, like it happens so many times in cozy mysteries. Thirdly, after what seems to be a hundred books read, I finally guessed the murderer's identity successfully. It was just a hunch. I didn't catch on to the discrepancy in the testimony of the culprit. I don't have a head for that type of remembrance. I'm just glad that I read this book when I did and I'm also happy that the series will continue. Livia J. Washburn is an uncommon and gifted writer. I toast to her success. She deserves it.
June 17, 2022
Fairly decent cozy.
Our senior sleuths go to the Texas State Fair and enter some cooking contests. Phyllis guest stars on a national cooking show. The host is poisoned by Phyllis's dish!
Of course, our detectives poke around and find out what really happened.
The State Fair makes a good setting.
Our senior sleuths go to the Texas State Fair and enter some cooking contests. Phyllis guest stars on a national cooking show. The host is poisoned by Phyllis's dish!
Of course, our detectives poke around and find out what really happened.
The State Fair makes a good setting.
January 22, 2021
I knew I was going to love this book before I even read it. Livia J. Washburn's A Fresh-Baked Mystery series is always a hit with me. I love the older characters in her books. I like the subject of food and the mysteries are just right, cozy. That's what I want when I read. Now off to find another one in this series.
April 3, 2017
It's time for the annual State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Retired schoolteacher Phyllis Newsom and her fellow friends and boarders, Sam Fletcher, Carolyn Wibarger, and Eve Turner all want to attend the festival. Because the festival is a drive from their home in Weatherford, Texas, Phyllis and her friends will be staying with Carolyn's cousin, Peggy, near Dallas. The fair holds plenty of cooking contests. Phyllis plans to enter her maple pecan funnel cake topped with maple syrup and pecans in the funnel cake contest. Carolyn wants to enter several cookie contests. Even Sam has decided to enter the Spam cooking contest.
Everyone is excited that one of their favorite cooking shows, "The Joye of Cooking" starring Joye Jameson will be broadcasting live from the state fair. When Phyllis is invited on air to prepare her funnel cake recipe with Joye, she is flattered. However, when Joye takes a bite of Phyllis's funnel cake, she drops to the floor in an apparent allergic reaction. An injection with an epipherine pen only seems to make Joye's reaction worse, and Joye dies in the middle of filming. It soon comes to light that the corn cooking oil used to cook Phyllis's funnel cakes was replaced by peanut oil, and Joye had a deadly allergy to peanuts.
The Dallas police promptly arrest Bailey Broderick, Joye's assistant and the show's assistant producer for the murder. After all, Bailey had ample opportunity to tamper with the ingredients and with Joye gone, Bailey would have been substituting starring in the cooking shows until a permanent replacement was chosen or the show was re-branded. However, Phyllis was standing near Bailey as Joye collapsed, and she witnessed Bailey's genuine sorrow and grief when Joye passed away. Phyllis does not believe Bailey had anything to do with the murder.
Even though the Dallas police warn Phyllis to stay out of the case, Bailey's attorney consults Phyllis, and she finds herself drawn in. Phyllis uncovers a web of affairs and past flings as well as knowledge of the fact that Joye was overbearing and hard to get along with with she didn't get her way. Gloria Kimball, the woman Joye replaced on the cooking show, likely had a grudge against Joye as well, and Joye was causing havoc with the syndicate executives, trying to negotiate a higher salary for herself in the next round of contract talks. Phyllis is on the hunt for a killer.
I have read the previous books in this series. This story is one of the better mysteries in the series. I liked the feel of the Texas State Fair as well as the descriptions of the food. However, the mystery was slow to get started, as Joye did not die until nearly the middle of the book. I kept waiting and waiting for the murder to occur. I did figure out the murderer in the end, but to be fair, there really weren't too many suspects to choose from. Foodies will enjoy trying out the tasty recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a good, solid cozy mystery.
Everyone is excited that one of their favorite cooking shows, "The Joye of Cooking" starring Joye Jameson will be broadcasting live from the state fair. When Phyllis is invited on air to prepare her funnel cake recipe with Joye, she is flattered. However, when Joye takes a bite of Phyllis's funnel cake, she drops to the floor in an apparent allergic reaction. An injection with an epipherine pen only seems to make Joye's reaction worse, and Joye dies in the middle of filming. It soon comes to light that the corn cooking oil used to cook Phyllis's funnel cakes was replaced by peanut oil, and Joye had a deadly allergy to peanuts.
The Dallas police promptly arrest Bailey Broderick, Joye's assistant and the show's assistant producer for the murder. After all, Bailey had ample opportunity to tamper with the ingredients and with Joye gone, Bailey would have been substituting starring in the cooking shows until a permanent replacement was chosen or the show was re-branded. However, Phyllis was standing near Bailey as Joye collapsed, and she witnessed Bailey's genuine sorrow and grief when Joye passed away. Phyllis does not believe Bailey had anything to do with the murder.
Even though the Dallas police warn Phyllis to stay out of the case, Bailey's attorney consults Phyllis, and she finds herself drawn in. Phyllis uncovers a web of affairs and past flings as well as knowledge of the fact that Joye was overbearing and hard to get along with with she didn't get her way. Gloria Kimball, the woman Joye replaced on the cooking show, likely had a grudge against Joye as well, and Joye was causing havoc with the syndicate executives, trying to negotiate a higher salary for herself in the next round of contract talks. Phyllis is on the hunt for a killer.
I have read the previous books in this series. This story is one of the better mysteries in the series. I liked the feel of the Texas State Fair as well as the descriptions of the food. However, the mystery was slow to get started, as Joye did not die until nearly the middle of the book. I kept waiting and waiting for the murder to occur. I did figure out the murderer in the end, but to be fair, there really weren't too many suspects to choose from. Foodies will enjoy trying out the tasty recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a good, solid cozy mystery.
April 23, 2018
Phyllis & Sam and friends are off to Dallas to visit the State Fair and enter some cooking contests. Meanwhile, a Cooking show TV star dies of an extreme allergic reaction after trying Phyllis' Funnel Cake. Phyllis is aghast, as there were no peanuts in her recipe. Who is responsible, and will the senior sleuths find the killer so they can go back home.
This is a sweet series with strong characters (i.e., I don't like some of them) and good food-centered mysteries. I figured out the killer about halfway thru the book, but was wondering about the motive until the end. I will continue reading this series!
This is a sweet series with strong characters (i.e., I don't like some of them) and good food-centered mysteries. I figured out the killer about halfway thru the book, but was wondering about the motive until the end. I will continue reading this series!
February 4, 2018
Retired school teacher living under one roof. Not a thriller, not a culinary mystery either. They go to texas fair and stumble upon a murder there too. Sleuthing by the main character of the story (Mrs. Newsom). I can see Mr. Fletcher joining the investigation more and can see bigger role for him the next books.
As expected all of them win blue ribbons which was slightly unbelievable for me considering the chances but will take it.
Otherwise, another cozy mystery by author.
As expected all of them win blue ribbons which was slightly unbelievable for me considering the chances but will take it.
Otherwise, another cozy mystery by author.
April 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book in the Fresh Baked Mystery series. I’ve read them all so far, but this one is my favorite ... it was just a nice, easy read and I loved that it took place at the Texas State Fair (it made me wish I could’ve tagged along with the friends to experience it with them ... and sample the fried foods they talked about, too, of course).
September 27, 2019
I enjoyed my trip to the Texas State Fair with Phyllis, Sam and the rest of the gang. The setting for this one was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the various cooking contests everyone entered and that there wasn't direct competition between the characters. The mystery kept me guessing and I didn't see that resolution coming.
February 23, 2022
Cute cozy mystery book! Per usual for this series!
July 20, 2017
This is a comfortable series for me. I know that when I open the pages, even after a long spell, I will remember each character and the friendships they hold.
The four retired school teachers decide to go to the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Texas. Carolyn and Phyllis decide that they want to enter their baked goods. Although the duo often competes against each other, this time they will compete in different classes. Carolyn will go for the ribbon in cookies while Phyllis tries her hand in making Funnel Cakes. Not to be outdone, Sam decides to try his hand at making Texas Spam Sushi.
While the group enjoys watching a favorite national cooking show live, Phyllis will get a chance to be featured on the show. That is until...the hostess dies on camera.
The police make an arrest but...Phyllis and Sam know thy have the wrong person or persons.
The novel ends giving us the winning recipes. I say winning because they sure pleased my home.
I will look forward to the next adventure!
The four retired school teachers decide to go to the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Texas. Carolyn and Phyllis decide that they want to enter their baked goods. Although the duo often competes against each other, this time they will compete in different classes. Carolyn will go for the ribbon in cookies while Phyllis tries her hand in making Funnel Cakes. Not to be outdone, Sam decides to try his hand at making Texas Spam Sushi.
While the group enjoys watching a favorite national cooking show live, Phyllis will get a chance to be featured on the show. That is until...the hostess dies on camera.
The police make an arrest but...Phyllis and Sam know thy have the wrong person or persons.
The novel ends giving us the winning recipes. I say winning because they sure pleased my home.
I will look forward to the next adventure!
April 16, 2018
This is a great book for that lazy weekend. Phyllis and her friends/roommates Carolyn and Sam head to Dallas to stay with Carolyn's cousin. They plan to enter their best dishes at the State Fair and go see one of their favorite celebrity chefs, Joye Jameson, who is broadcasting her TV show live from the fair. Phyllis wins first prize for her funnel cake and is invited to prepare her funnel cake live on the Joye Jameson show. However, seconds after Joye takes a bite of the funnel cake she dies! Phyllis, who is also an amateur detective, decides to do some sleuthing on her own and manages to be one step ahead of the local law enforcement. Not a lot of substance but an enjoyable read.
June 22, 2017
With the number of cooking contests going on at the Texas State Fair, retired school teacher Phyllis Newsom and her friends can't resist taking part. Phyllis wins the blue ribbon for her funnel cake but her moment in the spotlight goes out as the host of a cooking show tastes her cake and suffers a deadly allergic reaction. Phyllis is the number one suspect and she most sleuth out who the real killer is. I love the "Fresh-Baked Mystery" series. Great characters, mysteries and a sweet romance between Phyllis and Sam!
June 24, 2017
Phyllis and the gang head to Dallas for their favorite cooking show. While there they enter some of the cooking contests. When Phyllis wins the Blue Ribbon for best funnel cake, things turn murderous. The host dies after one bite. Who knew of her allergies and why was she targeted? Read and find out.
October 11, 2019
The description was a little misleading in my opinion. I thought Phyllis would be the one interrogated & arrested but she wasn't. Other than that bit of misdirection, the story was entertaining overall. Not sure if some of the scenarios would happen if this took place in real life but it's still interesting to "watch" her mind in action.
February 13, 2024
Another good mystery in the series, perfect for summer or early fall.
I did figure out who the killer was early on.
There were some scenes that dragged on. The serious investigating didn't happen till over half way into the book.
Still a fun time and like seeing the characters agian.
I did figure out who the killer was early on.
There were some scenes that dragged on. The serious investigating didn't happen till over half way into the book.
Still a fun time and like seeing the characters agian.
June 4, 2024
A pretty cute mystery which involves a PA Dutch treat -- a Funnel cake! Pretty enjoyable read and quite a little mystery involving some senior ladies and one senior male. It's a nice change in a mystery.
June 27, 2025
The tv host is allergic to nuts but yet eats the maple PECAN funnel cake and that’s not even brought up or what started the reaction. This was all I could think about. Cute story, glad the characters were more mature, age wise. That was refreshing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2018
Retired school teachers all living together, they enter the Texas state fair and of course all win blue ribbons with their recipes. A light read but good. May ]even try a recipe from the book.
November 30, 2019
This was just a great quick read lots of fun.
April 26, 2024
Texas State Fair murder of TV cooking show host.
May 21, 2025
this one makes me glad I don't eat funnel cakes very often
June 30, 2023
I enjoyed this wonderful series set in Texas during a food festival. Of course there is a murder. Several suspects and motives.
January 16, 2016
When Phyllis, Sam, Eve and Carolyn hear that celebrity chef Joye Jameson of The Joye of Cooking will be broadcasting live from the Texas Fair they quickly make arrangements to stay with Carolyn’s cousin Peggy’s place and go to the fair. Phyllis even plans to enter the funnel cake competition even though she has never made one in her life. Carolyn is interested in the cookie competitions and Sam may even throw his hat into the ring of contests.
Things go better than expected and when one of them wins they get to meet Joye Jameson in person and even appear on her show. But the show takes a deadly turn when its host suffers a fatal allergic reaction after taking just one bite of the ribbon winning treat and the retired school teachers find themselves right in the middle of another murder investigation.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Chapter 1, Page 1 had me laughing out loud. You see I sat down to read this book, tuned the television to ESPN and sat back to read. Sam was saying he doesn’t “get cooking shows”. Phyllis says she doesn’t “understand the appeal of fishing shows” Then Carolyn pipes up with “At least it isn’t NASCAR. Why in the world would anyone sit there and watch a bunch of cars drive around and around all day is totally beyond me.” I was watching the NASCAR race from Texas near where the state fair takes place and reading this story. I am a huge NASCAR fan, specifically Matt Kenseth in the #20 car and I love funnel cakes and cozy mysteries too!! Carolyn we need to talk!! :)
I look forward to these books arriving because this foursome is one of favorite cozy groups. I can’t wait to see what they get themselves mixed up in each and every story. This one really excited me because funnel cakes are one of my favorite treats. We used to have a fall event at our church and those ladies made some awesome funnel cakes. Phyllis tries some interesting recipes out as she tries to figure out what to enter at the fair and they all sounded yummy to me. Of course there are some recipes included in the back of the book for us to try.
The author has cooked up another fine mystery with plenty of suspects and this was a fun read because I figured out the guilty party at the same time as Phyllis. It also really hit home with me as I have a similar allergy and learned I need to be even more alert when I try those deep fried goodies at the fair.
Great characters with snappy dialogue, a prime location, a wonderful whodunit. Mix together and you have another fantastic cozy from Livia Washburn. Her books always leave me smiling and anxiously waiting for another trip to visit Phyllis and her friends.
Things go better than expected and when one of them wins they get to meet Joye Jameson in person and even appear on her show. But the show takes a deadly turn when its host suffers a fatal allergic reaction after taking just one bite of the ribbon winning treat and the retired school teachers find themselves right in the middle of another murder investigation.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Chapter 1, Page 1 had me laughing out loud. You see I sat down to read this book, tuned the television to ESPN and sat back to read. Sam was saying he doesn’t “get cooking shows”. Phyllis says she doesn’t “understand the appeal of fishing shows” Then Carolyn pipes up with “At least it isn’t NASCAR. Why in the world would anyone sit there and watch a bunch of cars drive around and around all day is totally beyond me.” I was watching the NASCAR race from Texas near where the state fair takes place and reading this story. I am a huge NASCAR fan, specifically Matt Kenseth in the #20 car and I love funnel cakes and cozy mysteries too!! Carolyn we need to talk!! :)
I look forward to these books arriving because this foursome is one of favorite cozy groups. I can’t wait to see what they get themselves mixed up in each and every story. This one really excited me because funnel cakes are one of my favorite treats. We used to have a fall event at our church and those ladies made some awesome funnel cakes. Phyllis tries some interesting recipes out as she tries to figure out what to enter at the fair and they all sounded yummy to me. Of course there are some recipes included in the back of the book for us to try.
The author has cooked up another fine mystery with plenty of suspects and this was a fun read because I figured out the guilty party at the same time as Phyllis. It also really hit home with me as I have a similar allergy and learned I need to be even more alert when I try those deep fried goodies at the fair.
Great characters with snappy dialogue, a prime location, a wonderful whodunit. Mix together and you have another fantastic cozy from Livia Washburn. Her books always leave me smiling and anxiously waiting for another trip to visit Phyllis and her friends.
February 22, 2017
Pretty good - I have enjoyed reading this series - easy, clean language, interesting plots.
May 15, 2014
This is the 1st of the freebies that I read over the past weekend. I was pleasantly surprised since this is book 8 in a well-established series (though the author hasn't updated her website since about book 6). It was easy to jump into the story and into the characters lives. I have a feeling the group of retired teachers that the books center around aren't overly complicated characters in general. There isn't a lot of backstory that I missed out on by not reading the 1st 7 books in the series which was nice.
Phyllis, the main character, and her friends head to Dallas to attend the state fair of Texas and meet one of their favorite cooking celebrities, Joye Jameson. Phyllis, Sam and Carolyn have entered various cooking contests and hope to win blue ribbons. Of course Joye ends up dead and Phyllis becomes the initial prime suspect! Phyllis and her friends start sleuthing and try to get to the bottom of the mystery so they can clear their names and enjoy their winning dishes!
Overall, this was an enjoyable free read and easy to follow. The mystery was tied up nicely and there were tons of great recipes included in the book. I think the mystery was almost too simple and too light. I like it well enough but I don't know if I would go back and read the 1st 7. If I had endless amounts of time, I probably would but for now, I'll take them as they come.
Phyllis, the main character, and her friends head to Dallas to attend the state fair of Texas and meet one of their favorite cooking celebrities, Joye Jameson. Phyllis, Sam and Carolyn have entered various cooking contests and hope to win blue ribbons. Of course Joye ends up dead and Phyllis becomes the initial prime suspect! Phyllis and her friends start sleuthing and try to get to the bottom of the mystery so they can clear their names and enjoy their winning dishes!
Overall, this was an enjoyable free read and easy to follow. The mystery was tied up nicely and there were tons of great recipes included in the book. I think the mystery was almost too simple and too light. I like it well enough but I don't know if I would go back and read the 1st 7. If I had endless amounts of time, I probably would but for now, I'll take them as they come.
January 24, 2014
What do you get when you mix, 5 fiesty senior citizens, 3 cooking contests, a top rated TV show, and a State Fair? You get Phyllis, Sam, Carolyn, Eve and Peggy, recipes for cookies, funnel cakes and Spam, a murder and fun, fun, fun.
This was such a great book to read. The gang travels to Dallas to the fair and stay with Carolyn's cousin Peggy. Instead of cooking against each other Phyllis and Carolyn decide to enter different cooking contests, Carolyn enters 2 cookie recipes, Phyllis tries her luck at funnel cake, which she has never made, and Sam enters the big Spam contest. When Phyllis is invited to appear on The Joye of Cooking show, everyone else goes with her for moral support. Little did they know that Phyllis will need more than moral support when someone dies right in front of her and all the audience members.
This is the 8th book in Livia Washburn's Fresh Baked Mysteries. Being a senior myself, it is such fun to read of the antics from members of fellow baby boomers. I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy all of the books in the series. All of the books are food based and contain yummy recipes.
This was such a great book to read. The gang travels to Dallas to the fair and stay with Carolyn's cousin Peggy. Instead of cooking against each other Phyllis and Carolyn decide to enter different cooking contests, Carolyn enters 2 cookie recipes, Phyllis tries her luck at funnel cake, which she has never made, and Sam enters the big Spam contest. When Phyllis is invited to appear on The Joye of Cooking show, everyone else goes with her for moral support. Little did they know that Phyllis will need more than moral support when someone dies right in front of her and all the audience members.
This is the 8th book in Livia Washburn's Fresh Baked Mysteries. Being a senior myself, it is such fun to read of the antics from members of fellow baby boomers. I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy all of the books in the series. All of the books are food based and contain yummy recipes.
November 27, 2014
Retired teacher Phyllis and her housemates head to Dallas for the Texas State Fair. Several of them have decided to enter cooking contests (even the lone male, Sam, will try his hand at Spam cookery!), and Phyllis's favorite cooking show hostess will be there. Not only do they score some winners, but Phyllis is invited to demonstrate her technique on the cooking show. Then there's a dead body and some hostile police detectives, who don't want Phyllis interfering. Of course, they arrest the wrong person, but Phyllis picks out the real murderer. Not as strong as most of this series, perhaps because the group is away from the usual small-town setting.
August 31, 2015
This is a new favorite mystery author. This mystery about the Texas State Fair in Dallas every fall and was interesting with cooking contests and a murder of a host of a popular cooking show. I like the way Livia Washburn takes about 100 pages to set up the murder before we know who is going to be murdered and then Phyllis and her friends(ex-school teachers) step in to solve the mystery. Recipes are at the back of the book but the mysteries are fun to read and the recipes are extra. This one had some funny parts with Sam and Phyllis and the other characters were interesting. I would recommend it to mystery lovers.
October 30, 2014
This was the first book I've read by Livia Washburn. It was okay - I'd probably even rate it a 3.5. The characters were interesting and maybe if I had read others in the series I would understand and 'know' them better. The story moved very slowly at the beginning. When they finally got to the Texas State Fair to enter their recipes in the contests, things picked up. I even guessed who the murderer was and that is something I hardly ever accomplish! I'll check out some of her other books, maybe her earlier ones in the series. This one was a good distraction for a slow evening.
April 2, 2022
Phyllis and the gang head to the Texas State Fair to compete in a few bake 🍪 and cook 🍣 offs. Much to their surprise 😀 😯 they are able to attend a live taping of one of their favorite cooking 🍴 shows. Unfortunately the host👧 of the show dies while Phyllis is cooking 🍴 with her. When the hosts assistant is arrested for the murder, Phyllis and Sam know the police 👮 are wrong and help her attorney investigate. The BEST part of the book 📗 was Sam's question at the end. (totally NOT what I thought!!!!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews