What do you think?
Rate this book
Annie Graceland Mystery #1
Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys
My name’s Annie Graceland.
Three things you should know about me: 1. I’m a Midwesterner living in L.A. 2. I run my own baking business. 3. I talk to dead people and I’m not all that happy about it.
When Dr. Derrick Fuller -- the know-it-all, self-help guru who ruined my marriage is murdered -- guess who becomes a suspect? Now I’m getting divorced, my baking business hits the skids, and Fuller’s ghost dogs my every step, nagging me to solve his murder.
In a desperate effort to reclaim the last shreds of my sanity, I infiltrate the ‘motley crew’ of HOLLYWOOD’S ELITE who wanted Fuller dead. Problem is – one of them wants me dead too…
Three things you should know about me: 1. I’m a Midwesterner living in L.A. 2. I run my own baking business. 3. I talk to dead people and I’m not all that happy about it.
When Dr. Derrick Fuller -- the know-it-all, self-help guru who ruined my marriage is murdered -- guess who becomes a suspect? Now I’m getting divorced, my baking business hits the skids, and Fuller’s ghost dogs my every step, nagging me to solve his murder.
In a desperate effort to reclaim the last shreds of my sanity, I infiltrate the ‘motley crew’ of HOLLYWOOD’S ELITE who wanted Fuller dead. Problem is – one of them wants me dead too…
320 pages, ebook
First published November 8, 2010
136 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Pamela DuMond
63 books387 followersUSA Today Best author Pamela DuMond writes merry mysteries, modern fairytales, and smart romance.
Pam pitched the "Erin Brockovich" story to Hollywood, was featured on “ABC 20/20," is repped for TV/Film/Lit by Italia Gandolfo at GHLiterary.com, and was a contracted writer for Pixelberry Studios.
Pam's books include the hilarious Part-time Princess © 2014 Rom-Com series, Annie Graceland cozy mysteries, Mortal Beloved 'romantasy' time travel, Courtesan "addicting" psychological thrillers, etc. #Iwritemyownbooks
Pam lives in NC where she consumes audiobooks, swims like a mermaid, and is bossed by cats. Sign up for her newsletter at www.pameladumond.com.
Pam pitched the "Erin Brockovich" story to Hollywood, was featured on “ABC 20/20," is repped for TV/Film/Lit by Italia Gandolfo at GHLiterary.com, and was a contracted writer for Pixelberry Studios.
Pam's books include the hilarious Part-time Princess © 2014 Rom-Com series, Annie Graceland cozy mysteries, Mortal Beloved 'romantasy' time travel, Courtesan "addicting" psychological thrillers, etc. #Iwritemyownbooks
Pam lives in NC where she consumes audiobooks, swims like a mermaid, and is bossed by cats. Sign up for her newsletter at www.pameladumond.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 8, 2018
This the dumbest fucking book I've ever read.
It tried so hard to be funny and just completely failed. Annie was supposed to be zany and quirky but her behavior was outlandish and unrealistic instead. She's a 40 year old baker who smokes, eats pastries all day, can't even perform a lunge (Seriously? A lunge? Even first graders do lunges in PE class!), but somehow she has this rockin' bod that no man can resist. Bad dialogue, bad writing, overall just plain ridiculous, and actually includes multiple fart jokes. The small amount of mystery there was took a backseat to her marital issues and wasn't the least bit interesting. I hate to judge an audiobook narrator based on the content they're reading and the idiotic characters they are portraying, but she was loud and annoying and mispronounced several common words so I can't recommend her or this terrible book.
It tried so hard to be funny and just completely failed. Annie was supposed to be zany and quirky but her behavior was outlandish and unrealistic instead. She's a 40 year old baker who smokes, eats pastries all day, can't even perform a lunge (Seriously? A lunge? Even first graders do lunges in PE class!), but somehow she has this rockin' bod that no man can resist. Bad dialogue, bad writing, overall just plain ridiculous, and actually includes multiple fart jokes. The small amount of mystery there was took a backseat to her marital issues and wasn't the least bit interesting. I hate to judge an audiobook narrator based on the content they're reading and the idiotic characters they are portraying, but she was loud and annoying and mispronounced several common words so I can't recommend her or this terrible book.
March 3, 2011
A First-Rate Mystery with all the Ingredients
When I heard the buzz about, Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys my curiosity was piqued. Such a quirky title sounded like a lot of fun. And the author delivers a well-plotted mystery with an extra helping of humour infused throughout the pages.
We follow, Annie Graceland. Whose idyllic life suddenly changed when her cheating husband, Dr. Fuller, was found dead. Annie a bakery proprietor and psychic became prime murder suspect as the cause of death was one of her cupcakes. We are introduced to a colourful array of characters and laughter as Annie sets in search of the real killer.
Pamela DuMond is a new voice in writing today. If you are looking to be thoroughly entertained, I cannot recommend Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guy’s high enough---from the front page to the back, five stars easily. I am now looking forward to the next Annie Graceland mystery
When I heard the buzz about, Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys my curiosity was piqued. Such a quirky title sounded like a lot of fun. And the author delivers a well-plotted mystery with an extra helping of humour infused throughout the pages.
We follow, Annie Graceland. Whose idyllic life suddenly changed when her cheating husband, Dr. Fuller, was found dead. Annie a bakery proprietor and psychic became prime murder suspect as the cause of death was one of her cupcakes. We are introduced to a colourful array of characters and laughter as Annie sets in search of the real killer.
Pamela DuMond is a new voice in writing today. If you are looking to be thoroughly entertained, I cannot recommend Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guy’s high enough---from the front page to the back, five stars easily. I am now looking forward to the next Annie Graceland mystery
August 20, 2019
Since I am the author of this book, I liked it. Hah!
"A hilarious read, a well plotted mystery. I can't wait to see these characters again!" - Carla Shamberg, Executive Producer of Erin Brockovich, the movie.
"A hilarious read, a well plotted mystery. I can't wait to see these characters again!" - Carla Shamberg, Executive Producer of Erin Brockovich, the movie.
October 3, 2012
This story had potential of being funny as the mystery was being solved. But, the author went over the top with the slap stick and zany behavior of the main female character. Leading the reader to wonder why they picked up the book in the first place.
September 24, 2015
Funny, witty, good lite read!!!!!
February 5, 2017
Annie Graceland is a fairly typical cozy character. She kind of falls into her mystery and as she's the main suspect in a very personal case (the death of her husband's lover). Annie receives photographic proof of her husbands infidelity while on the table in her doctor's office. Not just any doctor, of course, the Gynocologist! Wacky, right? To add to the fun, her husband isn't just cheating on her, he's cheating on her with a man. The real twist is when her husband's thong clad lover, Derrick Fuller, shows up to haunt and annoy (emphasis on the latter). He's visible only to her as a result of her empathetic ability; which is not consistent. Annie may be in a unique situation but her methods in finding the killer aren't original by any stretch of the imagination. She's a police botherer that plunges in without really thinking about what might happen when she inevitably loses control of the scene. She very openly talks to Derrick and, as no one else can see him, looks completely crazy. Her comments are seldom guarded which may not be good for self preservation but is sometimes entertaining for the reader.
If light and funny is what you like to read, give this one a shot but pass on the audio book and go for the paper version.
If light and funny is what you like to read, give this one a shot but pass on the audio book and go for the paper version.
February 16, 2011
It's not often a mystery offers a wit, snark, and a glimpse into the human condition but Pamela DuMond's CUPCAKES, LIES & DEAD GUYS does all three. It exposes us to a culture not everybody's familiar with--at least not on such an intimate level--and gives us a heroine who often says the things the rest of us are thinking. A fun, witty romp from an author I want to get to know better. The recipes are a fun touch--just enough to make you hungry! I almost started to cook after reading one of them...Almost.
February 8, 2011
Let's start with the cover, how can you not love it? It's witty, sarcastic, and frankly, brilliant. Plus, the title is fantastic. DuMond has a way with words, and a way with humor. This book has a little bit of everything; love, laughter, mystery...and of course, food (who doesn't love food?) Check this book out, you won't regret it!!
February 7, 2015
Great book!!! Well done, Kudos Pamela. I read cupcakes, lies & dead guys, also Cupcakes sales & cocktails, and Cupcakes, pies and Hot guys. All were wonderful mysteries. I totally love the fact that there were recipes included!!!! Pamela you have become my new favorite author. Keep up the great detective writing and story plotting. Thank you for a super read. Cindy
October 17, 2012
An interesting murder mystery with a jump into the paranormal. The characters are likable and witty. The begining was a little confusing because it jumped through the characters so quickly but once I got everyone sorted I enjoyed it. I am curious to see where this series goes from here.
January 9, 2013
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the main characters and am very glad I am not an empath! I will be adding the second book in the series to my TBR list.
Edited to correct typos. I must have done the review on my phone! :-D
Edited to correct typos. I must have done the review on my phone! :-D
April 1, 2013
Read this is one day! A sick day home from work. Totally enjoyed it. A mystery put together well, intertwined with a bit of super natural, good friends and the quest for love/ happiness!
On to the novella next!
On to the novella next!
December 16, 2014
It's 1:40AM and I just finished Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys and I want MORE right now. I loved this book and can't wait to share it and the sequels with my friends. Funny and a good mystery. I usually know whodunnit early in the game not this one. Bravo, Pamela Dumond!
December 4, 2010
Have read most of Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys and am still laughing and intrigued. I highly recommend it from this wonderful novelist!
December 14, 2010
FUNNY!!!
June 3, 2011
I can not get into this book. Have put it away and will try again later.
May 8, 2011
I thourghly enjoyed this book. I look forward to more adventures of Annie.
March 24, 2012
A little different than what I'm used to reading, but that definitely made it fun to read!
October 3, 2012
Stilted prose, stilted dialouge. Good premise, but author is unable to execute it in a manner that reads as funny. Instead, prose is just clunky and dead and the dialogue unrealistic.
December 27, 2013
Light fun reading
March 20, 2014
Fun, entertaining mystery with lots of spins. I would give at least 3.5 stars. A little wordy in places.
August 24, 2017
So funny! Poor Ms. Graceland. She is someone I'd like to be friends with. Plus she bakes! The empath gift is a little strange but I'd stand by my friend and help her figure it out.
January 22, 2023
Cupcakes, Lies and Dead Guys by Pamela DuMond is the first book in the Annie Graceland Mystery series. Baker and Empath Annie Graceland splits from her husband after receiving compromising photos of him with self-help guru Dr. Derek Fuller. When Derek is poisoned shortly afterwars with one of Annie's cupcakes, she becomes drawn into the investigation. I found it difficult to rate this book. Although the mystery was interesting, I found it difficult to like any of the characters. Everyone seemed very self absorbed especially Derek's ghost which was very off-putting. Annie was just ridiculous. A nice mystery, spoiled with all the silliness.
August 22, 2020
Killer Story, Bad Linguistics
I wanted to stop reading before chapter 3 because of the constant language and foul descriptions of everything but knew I could not give a fair review of I didn't finish the book.
Good storyline and characters but needs a ton of editing for typos, grammar, and awkward sentences. I'd like to see this author continue writing but drop the constant crude descriptions. Because of this I won't be reading another.
I wanted to stop reading before chapter 3 because of the constant language and foul descriptions of everything but knew I could not give a fair review of I didn't finish the book.
Good storyline and characters but needs a ton of editing for typos, grammar, and awkward sentences. I'd like to see this author continue writing but drop the constant crude descriptions. Because of this I won't be reading another.
November 12, 2020
Excellent humor and plot
I loved this book with such great characters. Annie is hilarious and her mind works in creative ways. It make for great reading. The author should market this series as more cozy paranormal or paranormal women's fiction because it fits those genres perfectly. There's really nothing in the title that puts the series in anything but the cozy genre. I just happened to love the cover and read the book description.
I loved this book with such great characters. Annie is hilarious and her mind works in creative ways. It make for great reading. The author should market this series as more cozy paranormal or paranormal women's fiction because it fits those genres perfectly. There's really nothing in the title that puts the series in anything but the cozy genre. I just happened to love the cover and read the book description.
January 18, 2020
Cute and Quirky
The book is a light read and offers an interesting premise. I found that I wanted more from the book. There are inconsistencies in the storyline and little red herrings that never got too deep.
The book is a light read and offers an interesting premise. I found that I wanted more from the book. There are inconsistencies in the storyline and little red herrings that never got too deep.
March 12, 2020
I absolutely could not get interested in this book until the very end, and even then I felt my mind wandering. The whole plot has a "Ghost" feel with a deceased man haunting an empathic woman to find his killer. Unfortunately, the characters did not remind me of Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg.
June 21, 2020
I wanted a complete “cotton candy” read, and this fit the bill. Not great. Just a silly take-off of vanilla cozy mysteries. I think I got this book collection for free on our Nook many years ago, but I never opened it until now. I’ll read the others whenever I have a craving for pure brain candy.
September 27, 2020
Murder mystery and dead guy
Interesting book about a murder, dead guy and a ghost. The Baker is a emphat psychic and solve murders
mysteries.
Interesting book about a murder, dead guy and a ghost. The Baker is a emphat psychic and solve murders
mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews