Murder at the Café

A Gallery Cafe Mystery #2

by Sydney Tate

An art gallery cafe, a dream, and…..murder. Lola, Poly and Tetley are at it again. Lola is busy running the Gallery Cafe’ that she inherited from her Uncle Iggy. With the encouragement of Polly she reluctantly agrees to take part in a town wide cafe competition and a win would be great for business. However, it will be very hard to win when a dead body is found in her Cafe’. Lola’s photo is found on the dead man’s phone and now she is a suspect. But she has never seen that man before in her life. The cause of death seems to be poison. Lola has no idea where this dangerous substance might have come from, but she needs to figure it out. Was the poison still in the cafe? It could be in the coffee or the flour used for baking. There doesn’t seem to be a way to win that competition now.

Genres: Mystery

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what I just read. There’s a slew of different plots and the duo of Lola and Polly jump from one investigation to another with no rhyme or reason. Some of the actions and reasonings behind these individual plots are well preposterous frankly. They make intuitive leaps and assumptions that lead to culprits and schemes and it’s all not only hard to follow but really hard to believe. Murder, art theft, art forgery, corruption in a cooking competition, arson. I think these are supposed to somehow tie into one overall scheme but it’s too much. With stilted dialog and overly explanatory prose it’s hard to read as well. It’s disappointing as I liked the first book in this series but I found this one very tough to get through. There are moments of joy like when they are actually competing in the cook off that shine but they are few. The book absolutely would’ve benefited from a pass through with a keen eye for editing. This was my experience your mileage may vary.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Cafe, the second book in the series by Sydney Tate, once again immerses readers in the charming world of Lola, Poly, and Tetley. Lola finds herself busily running the Gallery Cafe, a beloved establishment inherited from her late Uncle Iggy. Encouraged by her friend Polly, Lola reluctantly agrees to participate in a town-wide cafe competition, hoping to boost her business. However, her dreams of success are shattered when a dead body is discovered in her cafe.

To Lola's horror, a photo of her is found on the deceased man's phone, making her a prime suspect in the murder investigation. Puzzled and shaken, Lola insists that she has never seen the man before in her life. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the cause of death was poison. Lola must confront the unsettling possibility that the dangerous substance may have been present in her cafe all along. Could it be in the coffee or the flour used for baking? With the competition now in jeopardy and her reputation on the line, Lola is determined to uncover the truth and clear her name.

Sydney Tate skillfully weaves a suspenseful and engaging tale, blending elements of mystery, friendship, and a touch of romance. Readers will find themselves drawn into the delightful world of the Gallery Cafe, eagerly following Lola's journey as she navigates the twists and turns of the murder investigation. The author's vivid descriptions bring the cafe and its surroundings to life, immersing readers in a captivating setting.

Murder at the Cafe is a delightful and entertaining cozy mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its engaging characters, intriguing plot, and a dash of culinary charm, this book is a treat for fans of the genre. Join Lola on her quest for justice as she unravels the secrets hiding within the walls of her beloved cafe.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case of the Poisoned Pie Slice!

by Barbara Kelley

"Murder at the Cafe" is Book 2 in the Gallery Cafe Mystery series, written by Sydney Tate. I really like this new series, as well as the characters the authors has created. This series is told from the first person viewpoint of Lola, A woman in her 20s who inherited a gallery cafe from her Uncle Iggy, in book 1 of the series. Her best friend/roommate is Polly, and I absolutely love Polly. She is the same age as Lola. A third character I really like is Detective Harry, known as Detective Handsome by Lola and Polly. I can actually "see" this character through all the descriptions of him. I also like Lola's pet white fluffy rabbit, who greets Lola every day when she gets home from work.

This episode is about a cooking competition gone bad, when a man who has seemingly been stalking Lola winds up dead in the Gallery Cafe after eating a piece if pie laced with a rare plant poison. Lola and Polly have to solve the case so that the cafe will not be closed down, and so that the two of them won't be accused of murdering the man. There are many suspects, including Ginger, the woman steer heading the cooking competition, and the dozens of people in the cafe at the time the man died. Will Lola and Polly figure out who did it before they wind up in prison for life? And why did this man have photos of Lola in his phone? He was an art collector that Lola never met. Why did he want to talk to Lola so badly? I gave this book 5 stars, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.

I received a copy for free via Booksprout, and this is my voluntary review.

[Carrie O · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're back in Fawnwood again, with Lola and Polly, But this time almost feels like an alternate universe version of Fawnwood. I honestly kept thinking that the first chapter or two were going to be a surprise "dream" that gets put into proper perspective shortly. That never happened. So I'm left wondering what and why, over and over and over. This small [?] town seems to have an endless supply of surprise locations the locals have never known about. It also appears to have an endless supply of amazing cafes, bakeries, artists, studios, and reality cooking show wannabees. If you need something unique and special, Fawnwood certain can find it among it's residents. Lola's police officer friend has found a new friend... and no one knew about that. I feel like an actual kitchen sink should have been thrown in the mix somewhere.

It's not that the story isn't easy to read, because it honestly is. But it's also perplexing. Almost enjoyable, and then we stumble across something else that is just entirely not believable. Can we call it a hot mess of a story? Entertaining but definitely a hot mess? The ground keeps shifting under our feet in this one. We never know what's solid and real. And the bunny is either on some recreational meds or the people with him might be. You can enjoy the story, but it's quite the hodge-podge of ingredients in this one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Gallery Cafe Mystery Series is another winner! A great beautiful flowing murder mystery that takes our main character, Lola and her helper and friend, Polly through a murderous grind. This book begins where there is a major competition, The Fawnwood Cook-off and much to Lola's chagrin, Polly has convinced her to enter since the prize is amazing - a year's free rent and an large cash prize! But when a disheveled man comes into the cafe looking for Lola saying he has something to tell her, he drops dead right there! He was poisoned. The worst part is he had a picture of Lola on his phone and apparently he was stalking her as well. Well that is enough to make Lola suspect number one, even though she's never seen the guy. So once again, it is up to Lola, Tetley and Polly to track down clues and find the real murderer. And when there is a fire in the cafe, the girls double down! There are so many potential suspects, can Tetley find some clues for the girls? This mystery with all its twists and turns will keep you guessing right to the surprise end. I can't wait to see what Lola, Polly and Tetley get into next. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read story about Lola and her family treasure? WOW!!! It was a page turner and the suspense was a thriller!!! I enjoyed reading it. Lola found out that she inherited her late Uncle Iggy Art Gallery Cafe' after his passing. She was very close to her uncle Iggy since she was a child. One day she found a man body who was murder in the cafe'with her picture next to the body and a phone as well. Lola what to know why this happen and who was this man and her picture was near his body. There were many twists and turns throughout this cozy story. Lola and Polly was investigating to who was the killer and why is she mixed up in all this drama. Her friends were looking into many suspects include they knew and did not knew. Why was this man murder in the cafe'? Will they be able to solve the case before it is to late? Is the killer could be one of them instead?I can't wait until the next book. I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed. I received a ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Murder at the Cafe, Lola and Polly are good friends trying to make their Gallery Cafe successful. They enter a cook-off with the hopes of getting publicity for their cafe and their baking. They are doing well until a man dies during the cook-off in their cafe. When it's discovered the man was poisoned, that's not the publicity they wanted. They decide to find the killer. This is a good mystery that will appeal to those who are fans of reality cooking shows. I like Lola and Polly and liked the twists and turns of the mystery. The story is good but I felt as if it's in a vacuum. I got no sense of time and place. I want to know more about Fawnwood. They have staff at their cafe but there was no interaction between them and their employees. And I want to know what Lola and Polly look like. All in all, it's a good story and an intriguing mystery.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Lola and Polly in Sydney Tate's Murder at the Cafe: A Gallery Cafe Mystery. Lola is enjoying running the cafe she inherited from her uncle Iggy.
Her bakery helper and artist best friend, Polly, signs them up for a town cafe competition, much to Lola's chagrin. In round one, every, judge and patrons alike, are enjoying the pie Lola and Polly baked...until someone shows up dead next to a slice. Who is he, and why is there a a picture of Lola on his phone?
Now Lola and Polly need to put their sleuthing hats on while trying to balance running the cafe and competing in the next round of the competition.
They have their work cut out for them, but if anyone can juggle it, it's Lola and Polly. Plus don't forget Tetley the rabbit!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for a Killer . . .

Lola is kept busy with her Gallery Cafe’ inherited from Uncle Iggy. But Polly manages to convince Lola they should enter the Fawnwood Cook-Off competition because the prize would draw attention and be good for business. Unfortunately finding a body in the café is not an effective way to start. And Lola, whose picture is found on the victim’s phone, becomes an instant suspect, even though she has never met the man!

Amid the chaos of the poisonings, murder, a kitchen fire, and who knows what else, Polly and Lola are kept quite busy with this one. Will they find the murderer? Will other wrongdoing come to light? Twists and turns will keep the reader guessing right to the end! Grab your copy and follow the clues!

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are jumping into this series here you should be able to follow along. I think it might have been harder for readers familiar with the setting. At times it felt this was written by a different author the characters and setting seemed a little "off". I can't put my finger on what's different, just that I wasn't as connected with things this time around. Lola and Polly are still likable and I wanted to know what happened but like I said I just wasn't as connected. I think it might have suffered a little from having too many ideas put into one place.

That being said I still found myself wondering who did it and how they were going to convince everyone they were framed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, Lola and Polly are at it again in this cooking-based cozy mystery. The girls enter a cook-off contest which will either help them make it or break them. Round one starts and the bodies start dropping. In the end, they end up catching the killer red-handed. Ok, so for me, this book was closer to a meh mystery than a twisty cozy mystery. First, the whole cook-off contest seems odd to me. Second, once the botanist was introduced the mystery was over for me. Also, I think the whole reason for the malice seems a little off. In addition, the writing at times was a little forced and clunky. So, in summation, it was an okay book but not what I was expecting.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great that Polly's working with Lola now as well as being her roommate. This was one twisty case while the girls were also involved in a cook-off competition with some other diners and bakeries. They had to wonder just who would've killed an art collector, surely nothing to do with the cook-off? As they got closer to the truth, it got even more involved and dangerous. Can Tetley sniff out some clues this time? You'll just have to read and see! I honestly couldn't put it down once I got going in it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a Fawnwood cook-off which Lola was trying to avoid but Polly forces her to enter .Ginger Hudson was the judge for the competition. Suddenly a man falls down died after eating a pie at their Cafe called Gallery Cafe’. He was William Mallory a local art collector. There was a strange man asking Polly about a mysterious painting. Lola and Polly are framed for the murder and it seemed to be connected with the painting. Lots of mayhem to make this book very entertaining. A great read and exciting finish. I received this book free via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola and Polly are living their dream life in Fawnwood running the charming little cafe and art gallery that Lola has inherited from her Uncle Iggy. After they decided to participate in the Fawnwood Cook-off, things started going from bad to worse, starting with the man who dropped dead while eating a piece of pie they entered in Round 1. You've got to read this one just to see all the things the girls get themselves into while trying to juggle the cafe, the cook-off and a murder investigation! I love these spunky girls and I hope to see more of them in the future!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly talks Lola into entering the prestigious cafe competition, the Fawnwood Cook-Off, even thou she has reservations. But the clincher is the grand prize, a years free rent plus a cash prize! It’s a round robin type competition, going against other places in town. But who knew it could get so crazy? A body is found in the cafe and Lola is a suspect, as her picture is on the man’s phone! Poisonings, a fire and murder have Polly and Lola investigating to clear Lola’s name. So many twists and turns, it’s not easy to figure out, so this one kept me guessing! I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Dave Measner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deadly cook-off.
It's the Fawnwood cook-off and while Lola would like to avoid it like the plague Polly is interested and the first place prize and accolades would do well for the fledgling Gallery Cafe. Just as they are victorious in the first round with their peach pie a man drops dead, poisoned by a piece of said pie. While theyare quickly ruled out as suspects by the police, they decide to investigate anyway to remove the dark cloud of suspicion that hangs over them. What ensues is more cooking, treachery in the form of art fraud, and danger from unknown sources. And who among their circle of friends could be involved.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola inherited the Art Gallery Café from her Uncle Iggy. She reluctantly agrees to take part in the town café competition. But there is a man found dead in her Café and her picture is on his phone. The method seems to be poison. Who is this man? And why does he have her picture on his phone? Can Lola and her friends solve the murder and compete in the competition? Enjoy this mystery, as Lola and friends sort through the long list of suspects, including everybody in the competition, and piece together the clues to solve the case.

[Kelly A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like riding a roller coaster, it begins with a slow climb, with a few bumps and jolts and then a big event happens, and you think you are barreling along only to have another slow climb. The journey has highs and lows along the way, but the excitement ramps up slowly, lulling you along until you near the end and you are racing to the finish to finally find out who the culprit is and can they be stopped and caught. Hang on to your hats, so they don't fly off that ride.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through some parts of this book.  Although I was keen to find out who the killer was, I didn't feel much connection to the characters. Also, I felt that the writing and the dialogue were a little bit stilted.  The deductions that the amateur sleuths made were often random and seemed to come out of nowhere a lot of the time. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you can enjoy reading this book for its entertainment value.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola and Polly are excited about the local cooking competition. They had no idea that someone would die in their cafe during the first round of competition. Lola and Polly are no strangers to investigating murder so they decide they must find out what happened. Lola and Polly determine that they are the targets after another competitor is poisoned after drinking from Polly’s water bottle. They along several other competitors set a trap for the killer.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a good bit more on the scary side! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Our two heroines want to help find out what happened to the person found in their cafe! They are scared by several other people including the police when they are told to stay out of their investigation! Of course, they don't let anyone tell them what to as they continue to try to figure it out! The two are entered into a cook-off! But someone keeps sabotaging their attempts at baking! The cafe ends up closed down so they being to work harder to figure it out!

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. After a man drops dead in the cafe during a cooking contest, Lola and Polly decide to look into the man's murder, with the help of a pet rabbit. Uncovering art forgery and theft is only part of what they find. And someone is out to sabotage their changes of winning the competition. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and entertaining cozy mystery of celebrations and challenges of two friends, Lola and Polly, after they enter a local baking contest. Lola's sixth sense warns her that things may not go smoothly during the competition and they don't. Following a murder at their cafe, the pair investigate to clear their names. A very enjoyable story well worth reading!

I read this book for free as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola, Polly, and Tetley are back, this time participating in a cooking competition that turns deadly. Lots of action and enticing food make a great combination, and lots of twists in the plot kept my interest and kept me guessing! Through all the action and all the heartache, Lola and Polly keep investigating. A definite page-turner! I received and ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and her best friend Polly are trying to sleuth out who could have poisoned a man in their cafe. With a Cook Off to win and a murderer to find, will there be time for it all? A twisty mystery with several suspects will keep you guessing as you follow along with Lola and Polly’s exploits. Fun mystery, but I would enjoy getting to know Lola and Polly better with more insight into their personalities and backgrounds.

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Fawnwood things get heated - a cook-off competition is taking place and Lola and Polly are participants.

But after they have served their award winning peach pie, one customer drops dead to the floor and the autopsy report shows that the pie was the culprit.

Of course the girls can't let the reputation of their cafe and pie be destroyed and start to investigate.


But lots is happening till the last round of the cook-off.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book Lola and Polly r smart, loyal, dedicated friends whose relationship keeps getting stronger. It’s nice to see a strong friendship between two women these days without it being anything other than friendship! I loved all the characters. I enjoyed the story with all its twists and turns! There were even heart stopping moments. Be prepared to read this book in one setting. I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book and this author!

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Cafe is the second installment of a Gallery Cafe Mystery series written by Sydney Tate. A detailed murder mystery that takes our main character, Lola and her friend, Polly through a murder plot to solve. This mystery with all its twists and turns will keep you guessing right to the surprise end. I can't wait to see what Lola, Polly and Tetley get into next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read that will keep you guessing. Who is poisoning people during the cook off competition? Polly and Lola are playing detective again. As amateur detectives these two get themselves in the wildest of situations. When their café burns down, they double down on finding the killer. There are so many suspects, you'll keep guessing.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola is busy running her art gallery and her best friends Poly and Tetley are up to something again. While Lola is busy running her coffee shop that she inherited she is talked into entering the completion by Polly to help her café but things go horribly wrong when a dead body shows up in her business. Can they race around and solve the murder and win the competition and save her business?