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Death by Chocolate #3
The Great Chocolate Scam
Finally Rick has agreed to sign the divorce papers and give Lindsay her freedom! She is sitting in her lawyer’s office waiting for him when she gets the call.
Rick is dead. Murdered by a bomb that blew up his car in his own driveway.
Lindsay is his sole heir. Or is she? She’s never met any of Rick’s family. Though he told her various conflicting stories about them, she came to believe they didn’t exist, that Rick was an alien stranded here when the mother ship left without him. But then Rick’s mother and two brothers show up followed by a woman who claims to be his ex-wife and a boy she claims is Rick’s son. Everyone except Lindsay wants to inherit Rick’s estate. What’s so valuable that someone killed for it and is ready to kill again?
Come for the Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, stay for the murder, mayhem and fun!
Rick is dead. Murdered by a bomb that blew up his car in his own driveway.
Lindsay is his sole heir. Or is she? She’s never met any of Rick’s family. Though he told her various conflicting stories about them, she came to believe they didn’t exist, that Rick was an alien stranded here when the mother ship left without him. But then Rick’s mother and two brothers show up followed by a woman who claims to be his ex-wife and a boy she claims is Rick’s son. Everyone except Lindsay wants to inherit Rick’s estate. What’s so valuable that someone killed for it and is ready to kill again?
Come for the Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, stay for the murder, mayhem and fun!
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2012
205 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Sally Berneathy
35 books285 followers“Write what you know,” they said. I’d been married three times. I wrote romances.
Fast forward ten years.
“Write what you know,” they said. I’d been divorced three times and fantasized about murdering my ex. Only massive doses of chocolate kept my finger off the trigger.
Now I write about murder and chocolate and the occasional ghost.
Fast forward ten years.
“Write what you know,” they said. I’d been divorced three times and fantasized about murdering my ex. Only massive doses of chocolate kept my finger off the trigger.
Now I write about murder and chocolate and the occasional ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 14, 2017
Lindsay dressed for the occasion – after so many false alarms with Rick and their divorce papers, she was finally sitting in the lawyer’s office, waiting for Rick to appear, pen in hand. But of course he didn’t show up – instead Lindsay received a call from the police to say he was dead. Blown up in his car in his own driveway. Lindsay wasn’t sure whether to be sad or elated – but at least she was divorced now!
While the police investigated the killing, Lindsay was inundated by relatives of Rick’s – which was totally strange as he’d always said he had no family. Instead his mother and two brothers, plus a woman saying she was his ex-wife, along with Rick’s son turned up. What was going on? Was she being scammed? Were all these people imposters?
When another man turned up stating he’d had an agreement with Rick which he wanted Lindsay to honour, she threw up her hands in disgust. She didn’t want anything to do with these people – she didn’t want anything of Rick’s, except what was hers… but it appeared someone wanted what had been Rick’s bad enough to kill. Would they kill again?
The Great Chocolate Scam by Sally Berneathy is 100% fun, with laugh out loud moments, sarcasm and wit littered throughout. I love the characters – Lindsay and Trent, Fred and Paula, and of course King Henry the cat. A wonderful, light and entertaining read; I’ll be getting to book 4 soon. Highly recommended.
While the police investigated the killing, Lindsay was inundated by relatives of Rick’s – which was totally strange as he’d always said he had no family. Instead his mother and two brothers, plus a woman saying she was his ex-wife, along with Rick’s son turned up. What was going on? Was she being scammed? Were all these people imposters?
When another man turned up stating he’d had an agreement with Rick which he wanted Lindsay to honour, she threw up her hands in disgust. She didn’t want anything to do with these people – she didn’t want anything of Rick’s, except what was hers… but it appeared someone wanted what had been Rick’s bad enough to kill. Would they kill again?
The Great Chocolate Scam by Sally Berneathy is 100% fun, with laugh out loud moments, sarcasm and wit littered throughout. I love the characters – Lindsay and Trent, Fred and Paula, and of course King Henry the cat. A wonderful, light and entertaining read; I’ll be getting to book 4 soon. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2020
This is the third book in the Death by Chocolate series of cosy mysteries. Lindsay is back again with her enigmatic neighbour Fred to solve yet another crime. This one is a little more personal when Lindsay, who is expecting her divorce to come through, finds out her ex has met with foul play.
The story is told with a lot of humour and some very out there characters. A nice light read the break up some of the heavier books I have read recently.
The story is told with a lot of humour and some very out there characters. A nice light read the break up some of the heavier books I have read recently.
April 20, 2016
The Great Chocolate Scam by Sally Berneathy is book 3 in the Death by Chocolate series. Chocolatier Lindsay Powell is waiting at her lawyers office for her husband Rick to show up to sign divorce papers, when she receives news that his car exploded in his driveway as her was leaving. She now has to deal with a horde of people all claiming to be entitled to inherit his estate. Another very funny book which kept me entertained to the last page. With the help of Fred's amazing skills, Lindsay does a gret job with dealing with all the dysfunctional relatives as well as solving the crime, all with the help of some amazing chocolate recipes. A very addictive series.
March 29, 2016
This is a fun and wonderful series that I will be following. Linsday is waiting for Rick to arrive and finally signed the divorce papers. Instead, Trent calls and tells her that Rick's car exploded with him in it. Now Lindsay doesn't need a divorce. All of a sudden Rick's relatives appear and want to stay with her.
Henry is back in a minor role. Fred takes a more active part . The local body builder tells her Rick was going to sell him his parents flour mill that Rick scam from them. Lindsay has all these troubles to manage.
Henry is back in a minor role. Fred takes a more active part . The local body builder tells her Rick was going to sell him his parents flour mill that Rick scam from them. Lindsay has all these troubles to manage.
February 11, 2023
Great and easy read.
October 7, 2017
At the start of the book I was very happy that Lindsay was going to be free of Rick, then he was killed and she was fully free. I think that makes me a bit blood thirsty, but it was so much better for her this way, Rick wouldn't be able to wheedle his way back into her life.
When Rick's family showed up, it was madness and about what you thought. All of them were of the same cloth as Rick, slimy. Lindsay did a good job of dealing with them, I would have shoved them out the door.
I hated the last surprise that Rick had for Lindsay, but Fred, who has all sorts of hidden depths, had her back, helping her get what she wanted most!
When Rick's family showed up, it was madness and about what you thought. All of them were of the same cloth as Rick, slimy. Lindsay did a good job of dealing with them, I would have shoved them out the door.
I hated the last surprise that Rick had for Lindsay, but Fred, who has all sorts of hidden depths, had her back, helping her get what she wanted most!
April 3, 2022
Yum!
I too am from Oklahoma and love Chocolate. And coke. Together. Nothing beats a Snickers and a Coke. Even better is enjoying them while reading this series. They are laugh out loud good!
I wish I had neighbors like Paula and Fred. And did I mention King Henry the cat? Lindsay is a fun, high octane protagonist. Yet she manages to keep her cool as two different sets of the near ex husband's family show up to get their claws into his goods. Rick is dead. Yet no one mourns him except maybe Lindsay's own parents who never wanted the marriage in the first place. What is a flame headed, chocolate loving girl to do when chaos shows up on her door and won't leave? Solve the murder of course.
I too am from Oklahoma and love Chocolate. And coke. Together. Nothing beats a Snickers and a Coke. Even better is enjoying them while reading this series. They are laugh out loud good!
I wish I had neighbors like Paula and Fred. And did I mention King Henry the cat? Lindsay is a fun, high octane protagonist. Yet she manages to keep her cool as two different sets of the near ex husband's family show up to get their claws into his goods. Rick is dead. Yet no one mourns him except maybe Lindsay's own parents who never wanted the marriage in the first place. What is a flame headed, chocolate loving girl to do when chaos shows up on her door and won't leave? Solve the murder of course.
February 7, 2021
Who would have guessed that Lindsay and gang would ever be investigating Rick's (Lindsay's ex) murder. And, since Rick didn't get around to signing the divorce papers, leaving Lindsay technically in charge, she gets to meet and deal with her in-laws. So, with lots of humour, her friends and her cat, Lindsay sets out to solve the murder.
The mystery is well put together and along with Fred's mysterious ways and Henry's watch cat assistance, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end and I bought the next in the series before I even finished.
The mystery is well put together and along with Fred's mysterious ways and Henry's watch cat assistance, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end and I bought the next in the series before I even finished.
May 7, 2021
So full of scams!
We get to meet Ricks family (or do we?) and the scams fly! Seem they all have that trait honed to perfection! Another entertaining, enjoyable, funny, light read that you won't know the ending to before hand.
We get to meet Ricks family (or do we?) and the scams fly! Seem they all have that trait honed to perfection! Another entertaining, enjoyable, funny, light read that you won't know the ending to before hand.
September 24, 2019
Sigh...
A bit disappointed with this one.
-but I will read the next 📚🤓
Hopefully it will be of the quality as the first 2 🤞
A bit disappointed with this one.
-but I will read the next 📚🤓
Hopefully it will be of the quality as the first 2 🤞
April 4, 2023
Funny
Lindsey talking to herself or Henry makes me laugh. I like that we are getting to know more about Fred. It was a funny book to read. .
Lindsey talking to herself or Henry makes me laugh. I like that we are getting to know more about Fred. It was a funny book to read. .
December 18, 2017
Another fun entry in the Death by Chocolate series by Sally Berneathy. Light-hearted, with quite pushy, unlikable characters in this one that bring out the best of the worst in character Lindsay! Fun!
September 3, 2025
Another cute, funny book.
Try as I may, I just can’t get on board with Lindsay, the MC. Her chief character traits are sarcasm, driving too fast, and making chocolate. It was funny for the first book or two, but it’s wearing on me. Hope she develops more as the series progresses.
My favorite character by far is Fred. Just the right blend of funny, genius, mystery, and resourcefulness. In every appearance, the interplay between Fred and Lindsay not only serves the storyline, but delivers solid laughs. Fingers crossed the author preserves the mystery of Fred. Who is he? What is he? Will he ever let Lindsay drive his car again? I can’t imagine it’s easy to write a character who continually surprises yet doesn’t give away his past. Kudos to the author!
Try as I may, I just can’t get on board with Lindsay, the MC. Her chief character traits are sarcasm, driving too fast, and making chocolate. It was funny for the first book or two, but it’s wearing on me. Hope she develops more as the series progresses.
My favorite character by far is Fred. Just the right blend of funny, genius, mystery, and resourcefulness. In every appearance, the interplay between Fred and Lindsay not only serves the storyline, but delivers solid laughs. Fingers crossed the author preserves the mystery of Fred. Who is he? What is he? Will he ever let Lindsay drive his car again? I can’t imagine it’s easy to write a character who continually surprises yet doesn’t give away his past. Kudos to the author!
December 31, 2015
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
When I began this audio book I knew it was going to be hilarious! Soon to be lying, cheating, ex-husband dies and all of a sudden all kinds of so
called family start coming out of the woodwork. The not so greiving widow has to figure out how to have a romantic tryst with her cop boyfriend,
while they try to find the murderer. Oh! And trying to find out why a piece of property is so valuable.Who was that woman that was blown up with
the former husband? I like the sarcasim of the female protaginist, and all the twists and turns in the plot. I wasn't disappointed in the overall
book.
I love the attitude and excitement the narrator exudes in this novel!
When I began this audio book I knew it was going to be hilarious! Soon to be lying, cheating, ex-husband dies and all of a sudden all kinds of so
called family start coming out of the woodwork. The not so greiving widow has to figure out how to have a romantic tryst with her cop boyfriend,
while they try to find the murderer. Oh! And trying to find out why a piece of property is so valuable.Who was that woman that was blown up with
the former husband? I like the sarcasim of the female protaginist, and all the twists and turns in the plot. I wasn't disappointed in the overall
book.
I love the attitude and excitement the narrator exudes in this novel!
July 28, 2025
“The Great Chocolate Scam”, third in the 'Death by Chocolate' series, starts off with an explosion.
Rick's car has been blown to smithereens.
Even though human remains and his wallet were found in the wreckage this reader needed far more evidence that Lindsay's slippery, soon to be ex-husband, had joined the con artist community in Hell.
As the divorce papers hadn't been signed Lindsay is set to inherit everything.
Until Rick's money-grabbing mother, his two brothers, a woman who claims she was his wife, and a boy she claims is his son.
And then there's a local celebrity, owner of a chain of gyms, who wants to buy back a piece of land his elderly parents sold to Rick - he's not taking no for an answer.
Everybody wants a piece of the estate and, while Lindsay doesn't give a hoot about the money, she's not prepared to hand it over willy-nilly.
Fred's esoteric knowledge and skills come in handy as he and Lindsay try to sort out truth from fiction.
It's a fast, fun read.
3 Stars.
Rick's car has been blown to smithereens.
Even though human remains and his wallet were found in the wreckage this reader needed far more evidence that Lindsay's slippery, soon to be ex-husband, had joined the con artist community in Hell.
As the divorce papers hadn't been signed Lindsay is set to inherit everything.
Until Rick's money-grabbing mother, his two brothers, a woman who claims she was his wife, and a boy she claims is his son.
And then there's a local celebrity, owner of a chain of gyms, who wants to buy back a piece of land his elderly parents sold to Rick - he's not taking no for an answer.
Everybody wants a piece of the estate and, while Lindsay doesn't give a hoot about the money, she's not prepared to hand it over willy-nilly.
Fred's esoteric knowledge and skills come in handy as he and Lindsay try to sort out truth from fiction.
It's a fast, fun read.
3 Stars.
July 8, 2022
The books in this series just keep getting better and better. Maybe because now I know the characters and actually care about what happens to them. The mystery and murders are a very minor part of the plot. It's all about the chocolate! And the unfulfilled romance between Lindsay and the cop. Also, Lindsay's friends and her cat Henry are great characters.
Rick is finally going to sign the divorce papers, but he is murdered before that can happen. Then all of his previously unknown horrible relatives suddenly appear to come claim a part of his estate. Most of the story then revolves around figuring out who has a legitimate claim, and who wanted Rick dead, enough to murder him.
Such a light fun story with lots of cute humor. You will be craving a chocolate dessert the whole two days that you are reading this book.
Rick is finally going to sign the divorce papers, but he is murdered before that can happen. Then all of his previously unknown horrible relatives suddenly appear to come claim a part of his estate. Most of the story then revolves around figuring out who has a legitimate claim, and who wanted Rick dead, enough to murder him.
Such a light fun story with lots of cute humor. You will be craving a chocolate dessert the whole two days that you are reading this book.
March 14, 2020
On the way to finally sign the divorce papers that will leave Lindsey free to develop her relationship with Police Detective Adam Trent, Rick is blown up in his own driveway. Now Lindsey, his sole heir, has to deal with the aftermath... Or does she?
Suddenly relatives start popping up everywhere and it makes sense why Rick was such a conman.
Things only get worse from there, involving incredibly irritating children, and mob bosses. Fortunately there's plenty of chocolate and coke to go around, Lindsey does need her chocolate fix.
Another fun read in the series, and I can't wait to finish the rest.
Suddenly relatives start popping up everywhere and it makes sense why Rick was such a conman.
Things only get worse from there, involving incredibly irritating children, and mob bosses. Fortunately there's plenty of chocolate and coke to go around, Lindsey does need her chocolate fix.
Another fun read in the series, and I can't wait to finish the rest.
July 13, 2017
The series is getting better and is a decent way to pass an hour or so. I never thought Rick was really dead, that part was thoroughly unconvincing. I had actually anticipated that he had faked his death, instead of it coming out that someone was trying to kill him. I figured out pretty early on that Bryan was the would-be assassin, but still wasn't a terrible book. I don't really care for the main character, but I think Fred is a hoot. He's be the reason I'd continue this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2019
Love the cast of characters! Lacey thinks she’s finally free of Rick (SPOILER: His car is blown up with his girlfriend inside and he fakes his death). His crazy family pops out of the woodwork and lots of drama ensues. Lacey gets hers divorce in the end. I like how the series progresses and isn’t stagnant so I can happily binge read them. Each book seems complete but makes me want me. Really enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
Time was set to sign the divorce papers, while Rick didn’t show up. Later told somehow his car blew up and he was dead. Rick could t tell the truth if he tried. When his real estate partner comes to her, and wanting his parents home back.Then a woman saying she was his mother. comes with hifs brothers. Then a woman comes saying she was a wife, and their son.
A circus of people for Lindsay, and is any of it true. Rick was a salesman, a good con artist.
A circus of people for Lindsay, and is any of it true. Rick was a salesman, a good con artist.
December 4, 2018
Fast paced exciting reading
Loved every one of these books. The fast paced delightful plots take several twists and turns to keep your attention. Enjoy all the characters. Lindsey is intriguing and has a quirky personality. Really like her neighbor Fred and the mystery behind his character.
Loved every one of these books. The fast paced delightful plots take several twists and turns to keep your attention. Enjoy all the characters. Lindsey is intriguing and has a quirky personality. Really like her neighbor Fred and the mystery behind his character.
January 6, 2024
OMG!!! Totally hysterically funny!! This series gets better with each book! We get to know Lindsay's "in-law's" and they make her soon-to-be ex-husband Rick look normal!! I know the character is supposed to be from around the Kansas City area, but I truly see her being from NYC! She has the snarkiness of a Brooklynite. I could not put this book down! Read it all in one sitting!
February 14, 2024
Another enjoyable, funny cozy mystery from Berneathy. Lindsay thinks her husband will finally sign their divorce papers, but it's just not that easy. His wacky family shows up, and many funny scenes ensue. Lindsay's trademark sarcastic humor keeps readers amused as we struggle to untangle the truth from all the lies.
December 30, 2018
It is unrealistic!
The main character leaves her soon to be ex's family stay in her house even though she has never heard of these people is just totally unbelievable which is why I have this book only 3 stars. The last third of the book was a page turner.
The main character leaves her soon to be ex's family stay in her house even though she has never heard of these people is just totally unbelievable which is why I have this book only 3 stars. The last third of the book was a page turner.
March 2, 2019
Delightful mystery
Loved the characters, plot, humor and the author's style. If you haven't read Sally Berneathy before, I would advise you to begin with the first book in this series, Death by Chocolate. That will avoid any spoilers.
Loved the characters, plot, humor and the author's style. If you haven't read Sally Berneathy before, I would advise you to begin with the first book in this series, Death by Chocolate. That will avoid any spoilers.
September 6, 2019
Being a grass widow is preferable.
Some men are just more trouble dead than alive. Ms. Berneathy has written another clean cozy mystery. I did foresee most of the plot but enjoyed the characters so much I kept reading.
Some men are just more trouble dead than alive. Ms. Berneathy has written another clean cozy mystery. I did foresee most of the plot but enjoyed the characters so much I kept reading.
September 10, 2019
Love mysteries
This is the 3rd of 7. I started them and have not been able to stop reading them. Originally I only had the first two, my brother got me an Amazon card and I purchased the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the rest of them.
This is the 3rd of 7. I started them and have not been able to stop reading them. Originally I only had the first two, my brother got me an Amazon card and I purchased the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the rest of them.
February 10, 2020
I can't get enough of this series!
I read book one because it was free. I immediately bought book2. Before I finished that one. I bought the rest of the series. I've been reading a book a day. You will laugh, cry and be fingernail biting through these books. Enjoy!
I read book one because it was free. I immediately bought book2. Before I finished that one. I bought the rest of the series. I've been reading a book a day. You will laugh, cry and be fingernail biting through these books. Enjoy!
December 29, 2021
Thoroughly enjoying this series!
Lots of laughs, sarcasm, and crazy things happening.
Easy read, with enjoyable characters.
But you definitely will get more out of these books if you read them in order.
Keep em coming!
Lots of laughs, sarcasm, and crazy things happening.
Easy read, with enjoyable characters.
But you definitely will get more out of these books if you read them in order.
Keep em coming!
February 5, 2023
Another winner
I wasn't expecting this to be as engaging as the other books I was wrong. Glimpse of what Fred nay have done before retirement, possibility of Trent and Lindsay finally getting together. Loved it
I wasn't expecting this to be as engaging as the other books I was wrong. Glimpse of what Fred nay have done before retirement, possibility of Trent and Lindsay finally getting together. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews