The Diva Frosts a Cupcake

A Domestic Diva Mystery #7

by Krista Davis

Sophie Winston and her BFF, Nina Reid Norwood, share a sweet spot for animals. So Sophie is delighted to help when Nina cooks up Cupcakes and Pupcakes, a fundraising event for animal shelters. All the local bakeries will be selling treats, with the profits going to pups and kitties in need. But Old Town is in for a whole batch of trouble when a cupcake war erupts between two bakeries . . . Tongues wag and tempers rise when a partner leaves Sugar Baby Bakery and unveils her competing cupcakery, Sugar Mama, precisely as the fundraiser gets under way. Just as it seems nothing else can go wrong, Sugar Baby's sole remaining employee is found dead. Suspicion falls on the feuding owners, but the scrumptious new guy in town is also raising some eyebrows. Now Sophie and Nina have to sift through the clues and discover who isn't as sweet as they seem.

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

289 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 4, 2014

About the author

Krista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.

Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.

WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com

NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was okay, too much cupcakes for my liking but extra star for pets.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

More ridiculous and entertaining hijinks with lots and lots of cupcakes.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit nervous when I decided to read this book because I had heard from a few reviewers that I follow that it was the worst book in the series, I am happy to say, however, that I found this book to be very entertaining with only a few small problems.

With the risk of sounding like a broken record I again want to say that these characters are amazing. These are some of the most complex and vivid characters I have read in a cozy mystery series and the way the author portrays them makes them all seem like a big happy family, but not in an obnoxious way.

However, you never see Wolf in this book. I was honestly very surprised because he had taken a role as one of the forefront characters in the couple of books before this, but after what happened in the last book you never see him, I really hoped to see him and I hoped that Ms. Davis would wrap up some loose ends between him and Sophie. But that doesn't happen.

The mystery was very good, as always. It had a nice number of clues and misleading facts that put you on the right track then derailed you and vice-versa. I didn't guess the killer or any of the reasons until the end.

Overall a very good book. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes a cozy mystery or simply a regular whodunit!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Diva Frosts a Cupcake by Krista Davis is the 7th book in the Domestic Diva mystery series and is one of my favourite series to visit. Cupcakes and Pupcakes is a fund-raising event to help animal shelters put on by Sophie's animal loving friend Nina. The events are marred when a cupcake bakery employee is killed. Robberies, missing dogs and contest sabotage all add to the mystery. I love the little bits of advice at the beginning of each chapter and the rivalry between Sophie and Natasha. Recipes are included. An entertaining read overall

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cupcakes and pups, what is there not to like in the Divas next installment?! I thought this one was fun. Had me chuckling to myself. I still feel like I haven't recovered from the last book though.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read several other books in this series and enjoyed them, but this one just fell flat for me. I couldn't get interested. I thought the whole dinner featuring cupcakes(savory) was kind of odd. And the story jumped around and at times I was very confused. I do like the series(love Sophie and Nina esp.)but this book just didnt live up to what I expect from the author.

[Candace Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic series, I am never disappointed!

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series, but I have to say this was not my favorite book. It had all the hallmarks that readers have come to expect from the author at this point in the series - well-developed characters, humor, solid plot, and an entertaining mystery. That said, in this book, I found the email secondary characters introduced to be pitted against one another for petty reasons that made them look unnecessarily jealous and silly. In addition, while I enjoyed the mystery, the culprit(s) was not unexpected. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series in the near future.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Town Alexandria is alive with the sounds of dogs and cats clamoring for their furever homes! Sophie's best friend, Nina, has organized Cupcakes and Pupcakes, a fundraising event for animal shelters. All the local bakeries are selling treats and vendors are selling pet accessories with the profits going to pups and kitties in need. Nina is focused on emptying the shelter, getting homes for the pups and cats in need of homes. Sophie is glad to assist and Humphrey promised to help as well but he is a surprising no show, being too busy helping one of the cupcake bakery owners. Before the event even begins, there's high drama in town when Renee Gatewood and Joy of Sugar Baby split and Joy opens her own bakery, Sugar Mama. The two still intended to share an assistant, the aptly named Muffin, who will do the baking for the event. At least that's the plan until Sophie and Humphrey discover Muffin dead in the apartment above the bakery. Renee fears for her life and turns to Humphrey who wants Sophie to solve the case before Renee ends up dead too. Could her death be related to the break in and the Cake My Day chain? Sophie is also dealing with the collapse of her love life and trying to date again with the local gossips whispering behind her back. Why does Clarissa Osbourne of Cake My Day hate Sophie so much anyway? What does Sophie's prior relationship have to do with anything? When Clarissa's husband, Spenser, wants to adopt one of Nina's puppies, it creates conflict with the local crank, Maurice Lester, who claims to hate mutts and not be a dog person yet REALLY wants Buddy. When Buddy goes missing, Nina is sure Maurice is to blame. She and Sophie team up once again to try to find the missing dog. Then at the benefit dinner, someone collapses and may be dead! The cause seems to be really obscure and connected to the cupcakes. Who could have done such a thing and was it deliberate or an accident?

An 8 course cupcake dinner? Be still my heart! Sign me up! I didn't like half the menu but I'll go for cheese, fruit and dessert please! Even Natasha's Coco Loco cupcake sounded appealing even if Natasha missed the theme and then acted like a spoiled BRAT for not winning best of. Several of the recipes are included but not for mint cookies and cream or white chocolate raspberry or the dark side chocolate cupcake *sigh*. Those three are only sold at the street fair and not the dinner. Obviously the cozy plot is right up my alley! The mystery was good. I didn't put the clues together even though I was highlighting as I went along. I got the clues but not the whole picture.

The writing style is not the best. Sophie's narrative voice continues to describe people by size, race and ethnicity which is really lazy and makes Sophie seem judgmental. I'm not sure why Sophie continues to dress like an old lady now she's suddenly single. Sophie claims she doesn't date married men yet she agrees to go out with someone she just met who is separated from his wife. She even lets him kiss her before they even have one date. Seriously? Is this normal? She just got out of a relationship with a married man. She's also completely clueless as to why Clarissa hates her and doesn't understand why her frequent denials of the rumored situation are not taken seriously. When she discovers the source of the rumor, she's a little too nice about it. I would threaten to press charges and definately tell their boss. She is too much of a doormat and REALLY needs to learn to lock her kitchen door.

Natasha is a first class WITCH! She needs a huge slap across the face by multiple people. She needs Nina to tell her NO dogs, she needs Marshall to tell her NO and break up with her and she needs Sophie to be more proactive and take her keys back. Sorry Mars but if you need Daisy, Sophie should drop her off! Natasha royally ticked me off BUYING a purebred puppy in spite of not liking or knowing anything about dogs. Sophie's pet friendly Diva tips are way better and more sensible than Natasha's and if Sophie doesn't know something from experience, she can ask Nina. Natasha shuts a PUPPY up in Mars's office alone all day and continues to treat Martha like an accessory in spite of the puppy continuing to bite Natasha! That's not acceptable behavior for either a human or a puppy. Martha and Natasha need puppy class to learn how to work with one another. Natasha's solution in the end made me sick. Nina should steal Martha and rehome her far away. I can't believe Nina didn't chew Natasha out for that. Sophie is really not a likable heroine.

Much better are Nina and Francie. I love Nina's devotion to animals and her passion for rescue but I don't think her adoption technique is very good for the pets. Just because she knows people doesn't mean she should pre-approve them for adoption. She KNOWS Natasha but would she pre-approve Natasha? NO! It's much better to interview references and do a home visit. Francie is a hoot. She isn't shy and tells it like it is. She also asks questions no one else dares ask. She is NOT a southern lady! Humphrey is so sweet in spite of his awkwardness. It's funny to see him with TWO women vying for his affection and how uncomfortable it makes him. He's too good for either of them. Bernie is a good friend but has bad taste in employees. He's really settling down and putting down roots in Old Town. He's still irrepressible and enjoys getting involved in Sophie's schemes.

Officer Wong is a great police woman. She's thoughtful and respectful and has a good sense of humor but where is Wolf? He loves animals and is a frequent donor to the shelter. He shouldn't let his failed relationship with Sophie get in the way of helping animals in need. Detective Kenner keeps a low profile in this story. He's still intense but he understands Sophie a little better and she's able to stand up to him.

Myra is Humphrey's colleague and has the hots for him. She's too intense for poor Humphrey. Myra loves bright colors and bold prints. She's strong, bold, daring and speaks up for herself. I didn't like her at first because she came on too strong but once I got to know her, I actually really liked her. She could be good for Humphrey if he lets her.

Muffin Pruitt is a talented baker caught in the middle of Old Town's cupcake war. She seems really nice and talented. Sadly, Muffin is soon murdered with an icing bag still in her hand. Her death is a tragedy for cupcake lovers and of course, just in general but it seems as if Muffin did most of the baking for the original bakery and is doing twice as much work.

Renee Gatewood of Sugar Baby Cupcakes looks so sweet and lovely. She's terrified and clings to Humphrey. Yet others begin to notice a not so sweet side to Renee. She can be ruthless when she wants to be. Does this apply to Humphrey? Did she kill Muffin? I don't blame her for being terrified but she should turn to the police for help and not rely on Humphrey. Joy, the other baker, feels guilty because she thinks Renee killed Muffin. Joy doesn't seem all that reliable though when strange things start happening. She was heard arguing with Muffin about something before Muffin's death. Joy also points the finger at Renee but she's the one who cleaned out their business account? Could Joy be the killer?

Another suspect is Maurice Lester. He's a cranky old man who is extremely rude to the rescue dogs from the shelter. He claims he hates mutts, likes cats, and has nothing good to say about Nina's rescue. Maurice is crazy and seems to want to thwart Spenser's adoption of Buddy, and anything else Spenser does. This man is senile. He also hits on Myra when it makes her uncomfortable. Surely the police can lock him up for something like animal abuse, dog napping or harassment? There's no way he's in his right mind. Officer Wong should send a social worker to check on him and if he has the missing dog, let the social worker and Officer Wong find it legally.

Clarissa Osbourne is as nutty as a hazelnut cupcake. She's either totally out of her mind or she's trying to deflect attention away from the break in and murder. I think she knows more than she lets on. Her husband, Spenser, seems like a nice guy but non-confrontational. He's affable and charming, loves dogs but perhaps not his wife. She's intense so I'm not surprised. I couldn't love someone who sold my grandmother's desk without telling me. I'm not sure I'd approve him to be a rescue dog dad in his situation. I also think Clarissa is sabotaging the cupcake competition and trying to kill someone for some reason. Nick Rigas is the handsome but maybe bad boy the ladies love. Maurice claims Nick is behind on his rent and about to be evicted so don't adopt to him. Can Maurice be trusted? Nick is barely in the story but when he's mentioned he comes across as arrogant and spoiled.

General Euclid German, an older man, is a real character. He's a bon vivant who enjoys entertaining ladies and plying them with cupcakes. Sophie finds him charming which is super disturbing. Don't mistake him for a fool though. He's tough on his family and doesn't suffer fools gladly. His nephew Alex is new in town. A handsome lawyer, Alex is interested in Sophie while Natasha, who is NOT single, is taken with Alex. Alex and Sophie's attempts to ditch Natasha, while amusing, would be unnecessary if Sophie just said CUT IT OUT! Natasha doesn't listen to anything but the ego in her brain so I guess it wouldn't work. Alex is too smooth for me. He moves too quickly with Sophie and I don't trust him. She has her doubts after seeing him with his realtor who is younger, thinner and more put together than Sophie. I'd have my doubts about him because he moves way too quickly in the romance department. Not cool.

There are some really nasty busbodies and gossips in this book. I HATE busybodies and gossips. One of them should know better than to repeat what they hear and the other is motivated by personal reasons.

I don't think I'll be reading more of this series. The characters don't appeal to me. I'll check out the e-books for the recipes but that's about it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

For cozies, which I think this is the category the series falls into; these books are more thoughtful, and more serious, in a sense, than most cozies. The heroine – Sophie Winston is certainly not a TSTL heroine, as most cozy series seem to have. I think this is because Sophie seems grounded; smart and certainly not reckless, as so many cozy heroines are. The novels themselves are also complex and thoughtful and I often don’t have a sense of who the killer actually is.

Figuring out the murderer is not my main love of mysteries. I just love the completeness of the stories, on the most part – a beginning, middle and end. Most mysteries have and end, which I like very much; though I have read many that leave you hanging.

Sophie doesn’t leave you hanging and she certainly satisfies. I’m intrigued by what seems to be the burgeoning attraction between Sophie and her ex – more on her ex’s part than on Sophie’s part; though she still seems to have some feeling for him. Is this the beginning of a reconciliation? Not sure how I feel about that.

I don’t dislike the ex – Mars; He seems to have evolved since the early books and seems more sensible and grounded himself. I am getting a bit tired of Natasha however. She is Sophie’s rival in many ways. They are childhood rivals, both in the same professional field and Natasha may have had a hand in breaking up Sophie’s marriage to Natasha, before she even realized it.

Natasha is so self-centered; so narcissistic that she seems in danger of becoming a cliché here. She has been good protagonist to Sophie in the past – but now, though annoying, how can anyone take her seriously. She is much, much to full of herself

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is a favorite of mine, but this one has to be my least favorite of all of them so far. It took me awhile to get through it and it seemed the story just didn't flow like previous ones did. A couple of really over the top characters and what the hell makes Sophie a "scarlet" woman because of her relationship with Wolf? EVERYONE thought his wife was dead!! Also, with all that's happened in Sophie's life in past books, why would her doors not be locked so stupid people couldn't barge in with accusations? Anyway, one of the best things about this book? Natasha just came across as really stupid instead of just plain mean this time! Recommend if you're already a fan of the series, otherwise pick up another book in the series first.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this series. However, I found this to be confusing and boring at times. Too many new characters that are under-developed. Where's Wolf?? He's really gone and there are no long term prospects in sight. I miss the banter between Natasha and Sophie. It just seems this book belongs in different series....Hopefully the next installment will be better.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmmm, something missing-? this story is ok, always an upheaval with Sophie and her love life/or lack of. I find it hard to believe the only men interested in her are married-separated, come on, give a girl a break!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this one. There was so much going on!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the new characters and all the cupcakes. Natasha still annoyed me which is my biggest complaint about this series. #readforkimberly

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina Norwood has cooked up a wonderful fundraiser, Cupcakes and Pupcakes, to benefit the local animal shelter. Bakeries and pet orientated businesses will be selling goodies with all the profits going to help animal in need. Plus there will be a fancy dinner and each course served is a cupcake. Sofie is happy to help her best friend with anything she needs, whether it be manning the pet adoption tent or helping count the votes for the best cupcake.

They never imagined it would create a Cupcake War. It all starts when the partners of Sugar Baby Bakery split and the leaving partner opens her own cupcakery right across the street from the original store. But the new Sugar Mama Bakery is the least of their worries when the remaining employee of Sugar Baby is found dead and the former partners are the number one suspects.

Now it’s time for Sophie to sift through the clues and figure out who really frosted the cupcake baker…

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I love these characters and they sure get themselves into some tight situations in this installment. In addition to the murder, there is a very special cupcake missing, a problem with ingredients, a missing dog, the rival bakers feuding, and I can’t forget to mention a new hunky lawyer has come to Old Town.

Krista Davis has baked up a story that enjoy from the first bite to the last, I mean first word to the last. That is my only “complaint” about this book – the food so deliciously described – in addition to the delicious cupcakes Sofie serves up meals that will make your mouth water and your stomach growl. This book could be bad for our waistlines :) Because of this story my daughter is baking cupcakes as I write this and copying down all the recipes in the back of the book, even the ones for pupcakes.

Marvelously plotted. I didn’t figure out the killer until it was revealed, but made perfect sense. A touch of romantic tension, just the right amount of humor, a feline named Moochie and a canine named Daisy, all set in a town the reader will want to visit again and again.

You can’t go wrong with a Domestic Diva Mystery! The whole series is terrific! They are a perfect escape!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.newandusedbooks.com/index....

The Diva Frosts a Cupcake (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
By Krista Davis
Berkley Prime Crime
June 2013

Sophie Winston is helping her BFF Nina with a fundraising event for animal shelters. The event is a black-tie dinner serving an eight course dinner consisting of cupcakes made by local bakeries. For example the appetizer is Avocado and Black Bean, Cupcake and the Desserts are Salted Caramel Cupcake and a Chocolate Coconut Cupcake. There are also dishes especially for animals.

Sugar Baby Cupcakes is owned by Renee and Joy, and a young woman named Muffin helps them out. However, this morning everyone on the square is talking about the partnership of Renee and Joy breaking up and Joy has opened another bakery right across the street named Sugar Mama Cupcakes. No one knows what caused the rift. Muffin could probably shed some light on this, but she’s been murdered in Renee’s bakery.

Sophie is publicly accosted and humiliated by Clarissa Osbourne who is telling everyone that Sophie is having an affair with Spenser Osbourne, Clarissa’s husband. And, Sophie’s friend since high school, Humphrey, thinks he is love with Renee, but is being chased by one of his colleagues. Oh, and I mustn’t leave out the dog that Spenser wants to adopt that gets “dognapped” and has everyone looking for him.

THE DIVA FROSTS A CUPCAKE is rollicking good fun, and Krista Davis adds a delicious new man in Sophie’s life – divorced attorney Alex German, nephew of General Euclid German. This doesn’t sit well with Sophie’s ex, Mars, who still hasn’t married Natasha. The well-defined characters, all of whom I consider my personal friends and frenimies, plus the witty story lines, makes this another winning Diva outing that is cooked to perfection. Of course bonus recipes are included, along with some for your fur-babies.


Betty Cox for ReaderToReader.com

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the craziness of the last book, it was nice to see this one return somewhat to normal. Sophie is helping Nina with an event for shelter dogs and once again ends up in the middle of a murder.

What I liked:
* Sophie, although I was annoyed by the stuff that happened in book 6, it was nice to see her taking control of her life although I was surprised she agreed to date Alex since we was just separated from his wife
* Francine, I loved how she wasn't afraid to ask the personal questions.
* Humphrey - good for him finally getting some romance.
* I really wanted a cupcake while reading this book, they made most of them sounds awesome.

What could have been better:
* I still don't understand how Joy was talked into what she did, nor how she kept it secret from her business partner/roommmate.
* The killer was a bit of a let down.
* Each book I have a harder and harder time figuring out what Mars sees in Natasha. I had been softening a bit towards her until she was back to her old tricks again.
* Does Nina's husband actually exist?

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the early chapters of this book. But the quality was a flash in the pan. There wasn't enough plot ongoing to sustain any type of enthusiasm or momentous curiosity. Nothing worked in this story. Sophie felt like someone who didn't really have any friends. Nina and Humphrey were nobodies here. Sophie's so called boyfriend, Alex, was a peripheral ghostly intruder in the grand scheme of things. I really missed the many members of Sophie's family. Her sister and parents and niece. Even more so a crime was the lack of emphasis on goodies and eatables and more focus on dogs. For some reason Krista Davis has a huge crush on them, it seems. She even has a book with the new series, "claws and paws". The author looks to have gone senile, I'm afraid. This series has gone to the dogs, figuratively and literally. I think I'll pass her future books. Not even the Agatha Christie tribute could save this stinker. Okay, so some readers may find the recipes at the end useful, but that's not why I read books for. I'm very disappointed.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Winston's best friend Nina organizes a fundraising event for the local animal shelter called Cupcakes and Pupcakes, with all the local bakeries selling sweets. A rivalry ensues between two bakeries over whose cupackes are the best. The owners of the rival bakeries were once partners but split after a disagreement . But when one of the owners is found dead, suspicion falls on the other bakeries owners. So Sophie and Nina set out to solve the mystery .

I loved this book. The characters are well developed and I love catching up with them. This book had a lot of subplots that I enjoyed as well . A missing dog, the animal shelter fundraiser and the rivalry between the bakeries are just a few. I would definitely recommend this series.

[Lisa Cornelius Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cozy series! It is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I really enjoyed this one centered around cupcake baking and pets up for adoption. The murder mystery was quite interesting! I enjoyed this latest installment in the Domestic Diva series.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilary Huber does a great job in narrating the Diva Series. Sophie Weston is helping Nina with a benefit for dogs. Sophie has to man a table, while Nina runs an errand. Humphrey is supposed to help, but he gets leashed into helping Renee at her booth. Humphrey asks Sophie to help him with an errand, and soon, Sophie is involved in another case.

Davis' characters all evolve. She adds new minor characters to the mix, which sometimes stick around in more books. I like that she adds characters that become minor characters in her books. The Diva series is a cozy mystery. I recommend it if you enjoy reading cozies.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#LibbyApp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook #KristaDavis #TheDivaFrostsaCupcake
#Serieslove2025

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one involves a newcomer, a festival, a love triangle, dogs, a ring, and a desk. The cupcakes sounded delicious. That was my favorite part of this story. I also liked the mystery. I didn't think it would end the way it did. I didn't like the love triangle. I also didn't like Humphrey, which made the love triangle that much worse. The new man means new romance for Sophie. I liked Alex in this book.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly fun characters in this mystery! I enjoy the collection of people in this small town. Love lives are all twisted up with one another with small-town gossip. Add in puppies and cupcakes and it makes for a good read!

[Elizabeth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. It introduced some new characters, and a new love interest for Sophie! The tying in of old characters with new makes the book series fun. I additionally really liked all the different baking ideas this book gave!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I'm seriously surprised she hasn't punched Natasha in the face yet.

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!!

[Kristina Deluise · Rating 4 out of 5]

please check out my review on my deluise book series channel on youtube

[Sam Riner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great combination of many plot lines weaved together to create a satisfying ending.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m highly disappointed that nothing has happened to Natasha yet