The Cakes of Wrath

A Piece of Cake Mystery #4

by Jacklyn Brady

Rita Lucero, owner of New Orleans cake shop Zydeco Cakes, can’t seem to stop saying “yes.” Even though things at the bakery are busy, Rita finds herself accepting a seat on the local small business alliance—a group full of colorful characters like Chopper Shop owner Moose Hazen and his wife, Destiny, whose personal life is messier than a cake someone left out in the rain.

On the street following a heated alliance meeting, Moose pulls Rita out of the path of a speeding van. Shaken and bruised, Rita notices the next day that her prescribed pain killers are missing. When she discovers Destiny’s body in the couple’s shop, the stolen pill bottle in her lifeless hand only adds another layer to her mysterious death. But getting the frosty NOPD detective to stop focusing on Rita and look for Destiny’s real killer will be anything but a cakewalk…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Food, Fiction, Cooking, Adult

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

A pseudonym used by Sherry Lewis.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book! I did enjoy the mystery and was intrigued to follow the clues surrounding her death. I felt for the victim and her story. I may have had a good hunch who the culprit was, but I was kept second guessing myself for quite some time because there were plenty of characters to keep straight in this story. The book started off with a meeting and it seemed like they were all introduced rather quickly. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I slowly straightened them all out. I almost wish it wouldn't have been so many so that the author could have developed the main suspects a bit better.

I was definitely put off by Rita this round. She was a bit judgmental and just moody throughout the entire book. Her attacks were a tad far fetched and it never really made sense why the culprit was targeting her. I also didn't enjoy the entire Edie pregnancy storyline. Edie really got on my nerves as well as the whole drama behind the baby shower. The ending may have surprised me, but it was too much of a coincidence to remain believable. I also didn't like the main detective. He did nothing for the story except appear to be a bully.

Definitely not my favorite in the series. Hope the storyline centers more around the bakery Andy main staff in book 5!!!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good entry in the series with Rita getting involved in murder and mayhem with the local business alliance. I was definitely kept guessing in this one. There was also a lot of personal stuff going on in this book with the Zydeco employees.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best books leave you with a smile when you finish them, and this book did just that. I loved every part of it. The killer was slightly transparent but the rest of the book was simply great. Highly recommend!

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a yelling match at the Magnolia Square Business Alliance meeting about whether Destiny should be kicked out, she is found dead two days later. The drugs she OD's on were prescription ones Rita Lucero, cake baker, received when she was rescued from a hit and run by Destiny's husband, Moose. The police consider Rita a prime suspect. Her further investigations get her in more danger. The side stories about Edie's pregnancy and Miss Frankie's wayward cousin are cute. Fun read.

[Ewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite OK, quite quick and mostly cozy.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Frankie has decided Zydeco needs to join the local small business alliance and Rita needs to represent the business in addition to everything else she has to do. It should be a great way to meet more people in the neighborhood but the meetings seem to drag on forever with the members arguing over silly details.

After one heated meeting Rita and Moose, the owner of Chopper Shop, are discussing an upcoming project when a van comes speeding at them. Moose’s quick reaction saves them both from being hit by the van but Rita is pretty bruised up from hitting the ground and most of Moose landing on top of her. The doctor prescribes some pain medication but the next day when Rita really needs them she can’t find them anywhere. She remembers Destiny, Moose’s wife, being in her office the day before. Destiny has a history of drug use so Rita decides to track her down. She is too late. When she arrives at the Chopper Shop she finds Destiny dead with the pill bottle in her hand. Suicide or murder? The detective on the case decides right away that Rita is involved and refuses to believe anything Rita or anyone else tells him. She needs to find the truth herself before she is baking cakes behind bars.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jaclyn Brady has baked up another tasty mystery!

I love these characters. Rita, Miss Frankie, Ox, Edie and Sparkle are joined by some very crazy characters in this installment. Pearl Lee, Sonny, Moose, Zora, Aquanetta and more. What a group! Pearl Lee just cracked me up. Edie has her own drama with her parents not very happy with her situation and Miss Frankie gets right in the middle of everything. Add to this a busy cakery, a neighborhood clean-up project and a dead body and you have everything you need for a great cozy mystery.

The author really had me puzzled with this one. A couple of suspects really stood out and then the clues started to stack up just like cake tiers and it all made perfect sense.

I really enjoy the subplots that continue from book to book. The surprises at the very end that leave you wanting the next piece of cake…um…next book…right now!

[Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's such a bummer, but I didn't enjoy this book at all. I really wanted to, with the NOLA setting and cakes!!! but the main character is a bizarre combination of pushy and pushover, blabbing at anyone who will listen that she has to solve a murder because a police officer will put her in prison otherwise. (there is one weird moment where Rita is like, "I won't tell secrets because then people know they can't trust me with their secrets!" and then she's like, "oh hey you, I heard these two are sleeping together, and this lady was doing this thing with these young men, and also you would totally kill your own daughter!" and the story even has people respond to her appropriately - "you're insane" - but she doesn't have any self-awareness about how inappropriate and bizarre her behavior would be if this were real life and not a "cozy" mystery.) meanwhile, she constantly ends up inconveniencing herself to do things for others, grumbling about it the whole time (the book starts with her saying she needs to learn how to say no, but spoiler, she does not). she seems to NEVER actually be at work working, so what is even the point of giving her a job? more interpersonal conflict and colorful tertiary characters, of course. the one time she stands up for herself, the narrative places her in the wrong. meanwhile, there's a monstrous subplot about a pregnancy, barf. plenty of judgmental talk about women, ex/how much they "jiggle" when they move is a direct judgment of their value as a human being. there's plenty of witty commentary about botox, too. I think the ending was meant to be happy but it actually seemed pretty wretched.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! As usual Jacklyn Brady keeps me guessing until the end of this delightful and surprising mystery! I love the bit of twist that she tied in at the end of the book, it has me wondering how everything will work out... I hope we will find out in her next installment of this fabulous series! This whole series is pretty amazing, I love all the zany characters and all their "Sweet Southern Style" and flare! In "The Cakes of Wrath" we get to read about more of the neighborhood that Zydeco Bakery resides in and a bit more of the staff's personal life. We also get to see a bit more of that sexy-smokin-hot Cajun bartender that frequently gives Rita all those sizzling vibes, while the famous detective Sullivan takes a bit of a back seat in this novel. It's definitely an interesting read and I am excited to discover where this series is headed!

[Meagan Laplant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always like these books. Reading about all the decorating is very enjoyable.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m liking this series more and more. Just a quirky bunch of bakers who enjoy food and solve mysteries. OK so really only Rita solves the mysteries but they all bake and our friends. I like hearing a little bit more about Eien sparkle and their family his his. It was kind of interesting. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series to find out exactly how Edie and the baby are doing. It’s going to be a wild ride

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rita get almost mowed over by a van after a meeting of a community group. Then she finds a body the next day, her missing pain prescription bottle in their hand, and becomes the main suspect in the murder. Poor Rita suffers several attacks, and the staff in her bakery are arguing, I knew the killer from close to the beginning, but there were plenty of twists to keep me interested. There are recipes in the back.

[Kellene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite in this series. Not sure if it was the host of additional characters (suspects), the fact that there was a LOT going on in this one, or the repeated attacks on Rita that no one seemed to do anything about. But this one just didn't pull me in like the others in the series have. I'll still read the next one and hope it is better for me.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a recommendation from a family member. Once you get past the title, it's a good, classic murder mystery. It was nice to read something that wasn't full of crazy twists and turns or super dark. The book kept a nice pace and held my interest. The end felt a little abrupt, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My usual comment concerning how do you survive with out doing the work. Also why do these people constantly think they are being accused of murder when no one says any of this. The fact that murder victim was holding pill bottle doesn't mean she did it. How did she get pills in victim?? force her to swallow the pills??? No one even addressed these questions.

[Margaret Hadam-Hay · Rating 2 out of 5]

The books are getting more far-fetched in terms of the abuse Rita endures. And I'm getting tired of her attitude and yelling at Miss Frankie. Overall, the books are interesting, but getting over the top with the attacks.

[Becka · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Piece of Cake Mystery series, "The Cakes of Wrath" was a little slow moving for my liking. Although I had the two main conflicts figured out about halfway through, I would be willing to read the next book in the series to see how things turn out for Edie.

[Sara Eames · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cosy mystery with well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. It was a little difficult to sort out who was who initially, but I think that is because this is the fourth book in a series (and I haven't read the previous ones). Still it was a good read. Recommended

[Mona · Rating 2 out of 5]

SLOW and low

I still don't like the heroine. She fixated on the wrong person every time and apparently has no stop filter on her mouth. I almost want the guilty party to get away with murder even if it were Rita.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun read but the ending was way too tidy.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle

[Leni Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoy this series! Great book.

[Amanda Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fast paced and kept me on my toes the entire time. This is a great series if you like cozies

[Sharon Bezrutczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book..

[Lyn Soulia-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a group of characters and trouble for Rita. Chuckles, grumbles, and head shakes are contained in this book.

[Nicole Mcbride · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Jacklyn Brady and I picked it up initially due to the title. I found the title quirky and fun since it is a play on the title "The Grapes of Wrath". It also has some recipes at the back of the book. which I loved since I am also an avid baker. I was also intrigued by the story premise: Rita, the owner of Zydeco Cakes, almost gets run over by a van right after the business town meeting, but is saved by the local motorcycle shop owner Moose. Was the van aiming for her or was it a case of mistaken identity? When the wife of Moose is found dead a couple of days later, it looks like there is more to the hit and run. Rita takes it into her own hands when a detective comes round accusing her of killing Moose's wife. Will she be able to figure out who the murderer is before she is arrested or someone else gets killed?

In regards to the story in terms of writing, I felt it was an average read. This book is number four of the "Piece of Cake Mystery" series, so the characters have probably already been well established in the previous mysteries. However, I will say that the characters all seem to be interesting and have wonderful little idiosyncrasies. I wish I would have started at the beginning of the series though to get a better feel for the main character Rita and her life in New Orleans as the owner of Zydeco Cakes. The tension between her mother-in-law and her is very apparent, but I am now curious as to what the back story of these two is.

I would also like to applaud Brady for sticking with the first person point of view throughout the entire book. It is not easy to do, especially for longer pieces. If it were me, I would struggle with trying to show parts of the story through the eyes of the other characters, which you cannot do with first person. This book does not suffer by having this limited point of view and I found that the story still moved very smoothly from chapter to chapter.

The main problem that I had with this book was how many tangents the main storyline had. At times it felt like there was a little too much going on, especially with the addition of Edie's and Pearl Lee's passages. But I will say that it helped to flesh out Rita's character in terms of her humanity for me, so I tried to let it slide. There may have also been a little too much misdirection with regards to the murderer itself. Sadly, I had a suspicion as to who the killer was early on and was right on the money. Having said that though, I am not easily misled or fooled and thought that Brady did do an okay job at trying to keep the identity hidden until the very end.

Overall, it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it. If I have the time, I might even go back and start at the beginning some day. For the moment however, I think I will move on to the next book in my "To Be Read" list. If you enjoy mysteries that are part of a series and are easy reads, then you will most likely like this book. However, if you need a little more of darker, richer mystery that keeps you guessing the whole time, then you may not like this book.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

I got this book from my local library; I was not asked to do a review of this book.


www.thepensivechronicler.blogspot.com

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything written by Ms Brady, this series was recommended to me by the GoodReads website so I checked it out. I loved it! From the first few pages I was hooked. She didn't take her time and drag things out. She started with the reader caught your attention and didn't let go until the last page and even then you hope the next book is just as good as the first! (And after reading four of the five they are!) This book also takes place within one week so you don't have to sit and wonder how much time has passed for the characters as you are reading about them, especially since a police investigation is going on. You are always wondering 'who did it' and as you read you will change your mind on who you think was the murderer; you will LOVE the ending! Never once through the story did it loose me, nor drag on repeating itself. Book 4 is almost as good as the first one; (I just don't hand out 5 stars very often) but am now looking forward to reading the last book of the series but am a little bummed. Because once you read this series you get to know the characters as if they were your neighbor friends and wonder what they are up to next.

Book 4 can be read as a 'stand alone novel' I don't think you would be 'lost' within the story. BUT you would understand all the characters and scenes more if you had read book 1 first. You get to love them all and understand them in book 1 so it just adds to this book. In this book you get to know some of the neighbor stores and people within the community more than you have before. And TRUST me the ending is great! I want to go and reread this one to see if I can pick up on 'clues' that I may not have picked up on the first time around...'cause the ending did come as a small shock. It was good though! Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down.

If you are prof reading for your advanced reading pre teen-teenager. This book doesn't have any sex in it. It does have language at times but not 'tons all through it' and one of the main places the characters go is to a bar and the charactors drink throughout the story. So some 'adult' activities going on through but nothing more that kids probably see on PG13 movies

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth volume of the series 'A Piece of Cake Mystery' we find Rita Lucero Partner/Owner of Zydeco Cakes, thrown over her head in cakes, crime, and baby showers. I'm pooped just writing that sentence so just imagine how weary Rita is. Rita's Mother-In-Law and Partner, Miss Frankie has roped Rita into joining the local business owners 'Magnolia Square Business Alliance' and the first meeting is filled with anger as members vote whether to keep another member on the board. It seems Destiny Hazen, wife of Moose, can't manage to make the meetings and the Chair can't stand her for reasons we learn as we read.

Moose and Rita are talking outside the meeting when a van heads straight for Rita and Moose shoves her out of the way. This begins the drama that has Rita in the hospital emergency department multiple times. Even worse is when Rita's medicine is stolen and found to be the causation of Destiny's death!
The police have Rita in their sight, and are not paying attention to the internal drama of the neighborhood businesses and their personal lives.

Then there is the baby. Edie Bryce, office manager of Zydeco is pregnant and refusing to tell the name of the baby's father. So, since the family of Edie does not want anything to do with her, Zydeco becomes her 'family.' Since Rita is busy trying to deal with the business alliance, the death of Destiny, and even working with Miss Frankie's cousin, Pearl Lee Gates (don't you love that name?) Miss Frankie has agreed to handle the Baby shower...oh Boy!

This novel was action packed. I even got frustrated with the police myself! The ending was wonderful and totally unexpected. I really enjoyed this book and believe me the recipes are good. I baked the Sugar Plum Spice Cake for my husband and it's a hit! A super bonus for us readers.

I eagerly await the next volume out.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly don't even know where to start with this mess.

First off, there's too many plots going on and, as a result, none of them are really fully developed or developed well.

The prolonged love triangle continues to exist and even though it wasn't as prevalent here because one third of it wasn't present, it's still annoying that it continues to drag on.

The treatment of Edie's problem with her parents was frustrating. Even though Brady didn't make it a smooth or complete reconciliation, it still felt unrealistic. Not even a stubborn woman like Miss Frankie—who wore on my last nerve this book, or maybe it was the lack of Rita actually standing up to her)—can just solve that big of a divide on sheer will.

The plot with Sparkle's brother: while I didn't predict it, that's just waaaaay too convenient.

Finally, and this is probably the biggest issue for me, Rita as narrator. She has a tone of derision and judgement towards people lower in class that, because she's the narrator, extends to the series as a whole. Similarly, there's the issue of how she reacts to people based solely on how the dress or talk; it's one that tends to crop up in this genre and it's really at its worst here.

That alone is bad enough, but she's really not the smartest sleuth either. She often picks a suspect blindly, sticks to that person, and then happens upon the real culprit in the process. That's not solving anything, it's just being there when someone messes up.

Done wasting time with this series.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 in the A Piece of Cake mystery series. Cake lore is sparse in this cozy mystery as cake shop owner Rita Lucero accepts a position on the local small business alliance and then spends all of her time interrogating the other members to find out who aimed a stolen truck at her and who murdered the woman who announced her candidacy for president of the alliance in opposition to the incumbent. The questioning of the same neighbors and positing the identity and motive of the malefactor repeatedly gets tiresome. A sub-plot about the impending baby shower for the cake shop's office manager is more humorous, although the finale is quite a reach.

A Piece of Cake mystery - Rita Lucero, owner of New Orleans cake shop Zydeco Cakes, can't seem to stop saying "yes." Even though things at the bakery are busy, Rita finds herself accepting a seat on the local small business alliance, a group full of colorful characters like Chopper Shop owner Moose Hazen and his wife, Destiny, whose personal life is messier than a cake someone left out in the rain. On the street following a heated alliance meeting, Moose pulls Rita out of the path of a speeding van. Shaken and bruised, Rita notices the next day that her prescribed pain killers are missing. When she discovers Destiny's body in the couple's shop, the stolen pill bottle in her lifeless hand only adds another layer to her mysterious death. But getting the frosty NOPD detective to stop focusing on Rita and look for Destiny's real killer will be anything but a cakewalk.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cakes Of Wrath is the fourth book in the A Piece of Cake Mystery series.

Rita has been "roped" in to joining the a small, local business alliance. The first meeting was a rather heated one. Most members wanted to remove Destiny from the rolls, as she hasn't been to one meeting. After the meeting, Rita was standing on the sidewalk talking to Destiny's husband, when a careening van almost hits them. The fact that Moose tackled and pushed her out the way, saved her life. the next day Rita discovers that her prescription pain pills is missing. The only person that could have taken them is Destiny, a known drug user. When Rita goes to confront Destiny at her husbands chopper shop, she is dead and Rita's prescription bottle it right next to her.

To make matters even worse, the detective on the case is pretty much stalking Rita and doing everything he can to arrest her for the murder.

The characters from the previous books are back to lend a hand to Rita. And add to the mix, Rita must deal with Pearl Lee, Miss Frankie cousin. Pearl Lee hasn't met a man she doesn't love and Rita is supposed to keep her walking the straight and narrow.

A very enjoyable series where the reader can also get the feel for what goes behind the scenes in a specialty cake bakery.

Book includes delicious looking recipes.

Will be looking forward to the next book in the series.