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Death by Chocolate #1
Death by Chocolate
Previous cover edition of ISBN 9781939551078
Lindsay Powell's only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn't seem very dead and a psycho stalker. Her best friend and co-worker, Paula, dyes her blond hair brown, hides from everybody and insists on always having an emergency exit from any room. Secrets from Paula's past have come back to put lives in jeopardy. Determined to help Paula and to save her own life, Lindsay enlists the reluctant aid of another neighbor, Fred, an OCD computer nerd. In spite of his mundane existence, Fred possesses tidbits of knowledge about such things as hidden microphones, guns and the inside of maximum security prisons. Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos. Lindsay Powell's only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn't seem very dead and a psycho stalker. Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos.
Lindsay Powell's only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn't seem very dead and a psycho stalker. Her best friend and co-worker, Paula, dyes her blond hair brown, hides from everybody and insists on always having an emergency exit from any room. Secrets from Paula's past have come back to put lives in jeopardy. Determined to help Paula and to save her own life, Lindsay enlists the reluctant aid of another neighbor, Fred, an OCD computer nerd. In spite of his mundane existence, Fred possesses tidbits of knowledge about such things as hidden microphones, guns and the inside of maximum security prisons. Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos. Lindsay Powell's only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn't seem very dead and a psycho stalker. Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos.
291 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
About the author
Sally Berneathy
35 books289 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 615 reviews
May 24, 2016
I only had one problem with this book but unfortunately it was the main character. Please oh please but if you found your husband in bed with another woman and then he went to live with that woman and is still living with her but wants you back do you honestly consider it for even one second? I know it is just a book but really!
Anyway once I managed to ignore anything to do with Rick the rest of the book was pretty good. The neighbours were fun, especially Fred, and the policeman/prospective boy friend was good too. The story galloped along and the mystery was suitably mysterious.
So I did enjoy the book but I refuse to believe a woman who can set herself up as bait for a murderer cannot say no to a soon to be ex husband. A quick glance at the sequel tells me the situation continues so I will probably not be reading on.
Anyway once I managed to ignore anything to do with Rick the rest of the book was pretty good. The neighbours were fun, especially Fred, and the policeman/prospective boy friend was good too. The story galloped along and the mystery was suitably mysterious.
So I did enjoy the book but I refuse to believe a woman who can set herself up as bait for a murderer cannot say no to a soon to be ex husband. A quick glance at the sequel tells me the situation continues so I will probably not be reading on.
September 24, 2021
Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy is a wonderful cosy mystery that took me by surprise because although it caught my attention by the title I was a little uncertain that I would enjoy it, but I can honestly say I enjoyed it. This is the first book in the series was a great start to the series.
Dark secrets, mystery and fast-paced with quite a bit of humor all of which makes for a fabulous read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Dark secrets, mystery and fast-paced with quite a bit of humor all of which makes for a fabulous read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 22, 2019
This book is chick-lit, meets crime in a cosy manner. An enjoyable book centring on Lindsay who is addicted to chocolate. Her neighbour and good friend appears to be being stalked, but also has a secret past that she is reluctant to share with anyone.
One thing that did irritate me was the constant wise-cracking and flippancy of Lindsay throughout the entire story. Yes, it was irritating, no it did not detract from the story and sometimes the humour was quite good.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
One thing that did irritate me was the constant wise-cracking and flippancy of Lindsay throughout the entire story. Yes, it was irritating, no it did not detract from the story and sometimes the humour was quite good.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 6, 2022
After her husband cheats on her, a woman opens a bakery specializing in chocolate treats. A man is reported missing. It seems her employee might have something to do with it. The husband wants to get back together. There's a mysterious neighbor, an intelligent cat, and things just snowball.
Entertaining, but maybe over the top.
Entertaining, but maybe over the top.
December 7, 2018
Lindsey Powell owns a chocolate shop in Kansas City. When her best friend is stalked, Lindsey investigates.
Berneathy gives us a sassy protagonist, an engaging plot with vivid descriptions, and captivating secondary characters. All done within a delightful chocolate environment with plenty of humor.
A fun, fast-paced read.
Berneathy gives us a sassy protagonist, an engaging plot with vivid descriptions, and captivating secondary characters. All done within a delightful chocolate environment with plenty of humor.
A fun, fast-paced read.
September 15, 2019
Audiobook narrated by
Sarianna Gregg
⭐️
Horrible narrating, but the book is top tier!
Kindle.
This was my first book by Sally Berneathy. It will not be the last..!
Truly enjoyable!
The story was cosy, warm, and funny.
It was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't put it down.
Sarianna Gregg
⭐️
Horrible narrating, but the book is top tier!
Kindle.
This was my first book by Sally Berneathy. It will not be the last..!
Truly enjoyable!
The story was cosy, warm, and funny.
It was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't put it down.
December 29, 2018
Main character loves chocolate and coca cola. That's her personality, ladies and gentlemen!
February 18, 2019
Rating:
3 stars
Trigger:
Abusive relationship (not described explicitly)
Short review:
Lately, I am into Diner Mystery kind of books. It was free on kindle, so I thought why not.
Lindsay Powell has lot on her plate with what sleeping with almost ex-husband Rick, stray overprotective watch cat (all hail Sir Henry), troubled neighbor and best friend/co-owner of her bakery (Paula), with getting involved with ongoing missing person investigation officer Trent. It is fun read except if you don't mind our protagonist consuming chocolate every 5 mins which would be sufficient to feed a small island...
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Lindsay definitely got on my nerves couple of times, like how can you simply eat (chocolate cookies, of course) while listening your best friend physically abused by her husband.
or how can you crave anything remotely chocolatey, while you puked your gut consuming a very large portion of chocolate cake...beyond me but I guess it's just me...
3 stars
Trigger:
Abusive relationship (not described explicitly)
Short review:
Lately, I am into Diner Mystery kind of books. It was free on kindle, so I thought why not.
Lindsay Powell has lot on her plate with what sleeping with almost ex-husband Rick, stray overprotective watch cat (all hail Sir Henry), troubled neighbor and best friend/co-owner of her bakery (Paula), with getting involved with ongoing missing person investigation officer Trent. It is fun read except if you don't mind our protagonist consuming chocolate every 5 mins which would be sufficient to feed a small island...
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Lindsay definitely got on my nerves couple of times, like how can you simply eat (chocolate cookies, of course) while listening your best friend physically abused by her husband.
or how can you crave anything remotely chocolatey, while you puked your gut consuming a very large portion of chocolate cake...beyond me but I guess it's just me...
March 25, 2016
This was a delightful easy to read mystery with great characters. Chocolatier Lindsay Powell has always known that her neighbour and best friend Paula is hiding a secret from her past. After all she turned up out of nowhere with no belongings or family ties other than her baby Zach, needing a home and a job. Paula took a chance renting the property she owns to her and giving her a job in her ever expanding chocolate bakery. Now someone is snooping around and Paula looks set to flee again unless Lindsay can work out what Paula has kept so well hidden up to now. At the same time Lindsay is trying to persuade her cheating estranged husband Rick that she does not want him back and trying to keep on the right side of that nice Detective Trent who is investigating the goings-on. A perfect weekend or summer read for those wanting a light, cosy mystery complete with chocolate desert recipes at the end.
November 8, 2019
DNF @ 20%. I was bored.
Things happened that should have engaged my interest--a little boy mysteriously disappearing only to be found soon after with no explanation of who took him or how he got out of the house; a stake-out spot discovered in the fenced-in yard of an empty house in the neighborhood; one of the protagonist's neighbors possessing an unusual and useful skill set to go along with her amateur investigating.
But whatever interest I might have mustered for those hooks was swamped by how stupid and irritating the protagonist herself is. Every three sentences it was chocolate this, Coke that, more chocolate, "I shouldn't be sleeping with my ex but his smile is so gorgeous," then berating the investigating officer with her "I know what I'm talking about, I saw this on a crime drama" attitude.
She is the worst. And I've gathered that she's got a romance subplot with that officer? If I were him, I would run for the hills.
I simply could not overcome my intense dislike for the protagonist to keep reading, especially coupled with an all-telling, no-showing writing style. I'm not a "cozy mystery" genre fan, so I'm not aware of the general conventions, but this seemed simplistic and dull.
Things happened that should have engaged my interest--a little boy mysteriously disappearing only to be found soon after with no explanation of who took him or how he got out of the house; a stake-out spot discovered in the fenced-in yard of an empty house in the neighborhood; one of the protagonist's neighbors possessing an unusual and useful skill set to go along with her amateur investigating.
But whatever interest I might have mustered for those hooks was swamped by how stupid and irritating the protagonist herself is. Every three sentences it was chocolate this, Coke that, more chocolate, "I shouldn't be sleeping with my ex but his smile is so gorgeous," then berating the investigating officer with her "I know what I'm talking about, I saw this on a crime drama" attitude.
She is the worst. And I've gathered that she's got a romance subplot with that officer? If I were him, I would run for the hills.
I simply could not overcome my intense dislike for the protagonist to keep reading, especially coupled with an all-telling, no-showing writing style. I'm not a "cozy mystery" genre fan, so I'm not aware of the general conventions, but this seemed simplistic and dull.
June 4, 2015
Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy is the first book in the Death by Chocolate mystery series. Chocolatier and owner of cafe Death by Chocolate, Lindsay Powell helps her friend Paula when she is targetted by a stalker who then goes missing. I loved everything about this book. The chocolate cake on the cover looks so tempting and the quirky crazy characters were fun and entertaining, even the cat. No murder to solve but more of a disappearance, it was still a great mystery to read. Fast paced, with plenty of action to keep me interested and I definitely want to read more in the series.
May 5, 2019
A chocolate mess
Loved the book but regret having no chocolate available as I absorbed it. Strong plot with multiple subplots to keep the reader guessing. Strong characters that were well developed. This book does have talk of abuse and narcissistic tendencies and may be a trigger for some.
Chocolate recipes included.
Loved the book but regret having no chocolate available as I absorbed it. Strong plot with multiple subplots to keep the reader guessing. Strong characters that were well developed. This book does have talk of abuse and narcissistic tendencies and may be a trigger for some.
Chocolate recipes included.
March 7, 2019
Wonderful characters and relationships. Well-written, well-edited and I couldn't put it down. A little bit wacky, a little bit sad and a whole lot of fun.
January 24, 2019
This was a fun cozy mystery. The characters are interesting and there are a few twists to the story line. The writing style was one that drew me in to the story immediately.
February 18, 2016
Cuando hace unos meses mi amiga Ana me contó que Sally Berneathy se había puesto en contacto con ella para proponerle que fuera la traductora de sus libros al español me hizo mucha ilusión. Cuando nos paso la biografía y las sinopsis de los libros de la serie Muerte por chocolate estuve deseando poder leer el primer libro ya que estaba segurísima que me iba a gustar.
Lindsay Powell su único talento es saber hacer fabulosos postres donde el ingrediente principal es el chocolate, es una inepta en la cocina no es capaz de cocinar nada potable pero eso cambia cuando cocina repostería, en sus manos un simple brownie se convierte en algo increíble. Gracias a esa habilidad pudo montar su pastelería Muerte por chocolate.
Después de estar casada 8 años con Rick un hombre pretencioso y snob, en resumen un capullo total, no entiendo como Lindsay se dejó conquistar por él… el matrimonio terminó el día en que la protagonista lo pillo con una de sus amantes en plena faena en su cama matrimonial.
Lindsay de su divorció solo quería cuatro cosas… su pastelería, una casita que compraron y que alquilaban, la casa vecina a esa la cual la tenía alquilada a su mejor amiga Paula y su viejo coche.
Nuestra protagonista en su nuevo vecindario tiene dos amigos Paula, amiga, inquilina y empleada de su pastelería y a unas casas más allá Fred un obsesivo compulsivo que decía que trabajaba vendiendo valores bursátiles y frikis de los ordenadores.
Lindsay sabía que su amiga escondía algo, nunca hablaba de su pasado, su casa tenía más cerrojos que una cárcel de alta seguridad y siempre parecía que vivía en estado de vigilancia. Sospechaba que o era una mujer que huía de una relación abusiva o lo que esperaba fuera la opción menos probable que fuera una fugitiva de la ley. Hasta ese momento la pastelera había respetado su deseo de no hablar de su vida pasada pero todo cambió la mañana que se presentó la policía en la casa de su amiga. Y cuando en la casa abandonada que había delante de su casa encontró evidencias de que alguien se escondía para vigilar, o que a su amiga le empezaron a suceder cosas extrañas… decidió que quisiera o no quisiera Paula iba a ayudarla aunque eso significará indagar en el pasado de ella, para eso están las amigas ¿no?. Y para hacerlo recluta a su amigo y vecino Fred que se descubre como un hombre con habilidades y destrezas poco habituales para un inversor en bolsa que trabaja desde casa y que sus aficiones es ver películas antiguas… ¡otro amigo que le esconde cosas!
Lindsay es una protagonista algo alocada que siempre acaba metida en líos, adicta al chocolate y a la coca cola, su dieta casi se compone de esos dos productos solamente. Es una protagonista de esas con la que te ríes un montón debido a su humor irónico. Su vida se puede decir que es un desastre, un ex marido que estuvo encantado cuando ella se fue de casa y habló de divorcio y que ahora ha decidido que la quiere de vuelta así que tiene que aguantar que a cualquier hora se presente a su casa hablando de reconciliación y utilizando a sus suegros como aliados para su “campaña de reconciliación”. Un gato que un día se presentó en su casa y no sabe como acabó instalado y que a veces parece más un perro guardián que a un gato, personalmente creo que King Henry (ese es el nombre que le puso) tenía un trastorno de personalidad jajaja.
Y con esta protagonista sus amigos no podían ser normales, una amiga, Paula, que escondía algo, que tanto podía ser una atracadora de bancos que huía de la justicia, como una mujer que huía de un marido maltratador, el otro amigo, Fred, que sus habilidades lo ponían más cerca de ser un super espía que de un friki que siempre estaba enterado de lo que pasaba en el barrio, de hecho Lindsay sospechaba que tenía micrófonos ocultos por el vecindario jajaja.
Y por último esta el detective Adam Trent, el policía encargado de investigar los sucesos raros que ocurren alrededor de Paula, Lindsay por un lado se muestra arisca con él por ser el “enemigo” pero por otro lado se siente atraída por él. Por la forma en que el detective se enfrenta con el ex marido sospecho que también se siente muy atraído por nuestra protagonista.
Es un libro que yo lo catalogaría como Cozy mystery, una trama de intriga donde no encontrarás asesinatos sangrientos, ni psicópatas, ni torturas. La historia es sencilla pero muy divertida con las locuras de la protagonista, con su forma de enfrentarse a su nueva vida, sus reflexiones.
Es una novela entretenida de lectura fácil, con una historia fresca donde el humor tiene mucha importancia. El romance en este primer libro de la serie tiene poca importancia aunque sospecho que entre el detective Trent y Lindsay va a ver algo más que una amistad en los próximos libros de la serie.
Lindsay Powell su único talento es saber hacer fabulosos postres donde el ingrediente principal es el chocolate, es una inepta en la cocina no es capaz de cocinar nada potable pero eso cambia cuando cocina repostería, en sus manos un simple brownie se convierte en algo increíble. Gracias a esa habilidad pudo montar su pastelería Muerte por chocolate.
Después de estar casada 8 años con Rick un hombre pretencioso y snob, en resumen un capullo total, no entiendo como Lindsay se dejó conquistar por él… el matrimonio terminó el día en que la protagonista lo pillo con una de sus amantes en plena faena en su cama matrimonial.
Lindsay de su divorció solo quería cuatro cosas… su pastelería, una casita que compraron y que alquilaban, la casa vecina a esa la cual la tenía alquilada a su mejor amiga Paula y su viejo coche.
Nuestra protagonista en su nuevo vecindario tiene dos amigos Paula, amiga, inquilina y empleada de su pastelería y a unas casas más allá Fred un obsesivo compulsivo que decía que trabajaba vendiendo valores bursátiles y frikis de los ordenadores.
Lindsay sabía que su amiga escondía algo, nunca hablaba de su pasado, su casa tenía más cerrojos que una cárcel de alta seguridad y siempre parecía que vivía en estado de vigilancia. Sospechaba que o era una mujer que huía de una relación abusiva o lo que esperaba fuera la opción menos probable que fuera una fugitiva de la ley. Hasta ese momento la pastelera había respetado su deseo de no hablar de su vida pasada pero todo cambió la mañana que se presentó la policía en la casa de su amiga. Y cuando en la casa abandonada que había delante de su casa encontró evidencias de que alguien se escondía para vigilar, o que a su amiga le empezaron a suceder cosas extrañas… decidió que quisiera o no quisiera Paula iba a ayudarla aunque eso significará indagar en el pasado de ella, para eso están las amigas ¿no?. Y para hacerlo recluta a su amigo y vecino Fred que se descubre como un hombre con habilidades y destrezas poco habituales para un inversor en bolsa que trabaja desde casa y que sus aficiones es ver películas antiguas… ¡otro amigo que le esconde cosas!
Lindsay es una protagonista algo alocada que siempre acaba metida en líos, adicta al chocolate y a la coca cola, su dieta casi se compone de esos dos productos solamente. Es una protagonista de esas con la que te ríes un montón debido a su humor irónico. Su vida se puede decir que es un desastre, un ex marido que estuvo encantado cuando ella se fue de casa y habló de divorcio y que ahora ha decidido que la quiere de vuelta así que tiene que aguantar que a cualquier hora se presente a su casa hablando de reconciliación y utilizando a sus suegros como aliados para su “campaña de reconciliación”. Un gato que un día se presentó en su casa y no sabe como acabó instalado y que a veces parece más un perro guardián que a un gato, personalmente creo que King Henry (ese es el nombre que le puso) tenía un trastorno de personalidad jajaja.
Y con esta protagonista sus amigos no podían ser normales, una amiga, Paula, que escondía algo, que tanto podía ser una atracadora de bancos que huía de la justicia, como una mujer que huía de un marido maltratador, el otro amigo, Fred, que sus habilidades lo ponían más cerca de ser un super espía que de un friki que siempre estaba enterado de lo que pasaba en el barrio, de hecho Lindsay sospechaba que tenía micrófonos ocultos por el vecindario jajaja.
Y por último esta el detective Adam Trent, el policía encargado de investigar los sucesos raros que ocurren alrededor de Paula, Lindsay por un lado se muestra arisca con él por ser el “enemigo” pero por otro lado se siente atraída por él. Por la forma en que el detective se enfrenta con el ex marido sospecho que también se siente muy atraído por nuestra protagonista.
Es un libro que yo lo catalogaría como Cozy mystery, una trama de intriga donde no encontrarás asesinatos sangrientos, ni psicópatas, ni torturas. La historia es sencilla pero muy divertida con las locuras de la protagonista, con su forma de enfrentarse a su nueva vida, sus reflexiones.
Es una novela entretenida de lectura fácil, con una historia fresca donde el humor tiene mucha importancia. El romance en este primer libro de la serie tiene poca importancia aunque sospecho que entre el detective Trent y Lindsay va a ver algo más que una amistad en los próximos libros de la serie.
September 13, 2026
e-book freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
TW: The plot centers around domestic violence.
Lindsay is addicted to chocolate and Coca-Cola. Together they can solve all life's problems. She owns a chocolate bakery/gourmet cafe where she simply bakes delicious chocolate treats that are apparently the most amazing things anyone has ever tasted ever. Lindsay is also addicted to her estranged husband, Rick, who moved Muffy or Buffy or Tuffy whatever her name is into their martial home and their bed. Lindsay gets a former rental cottage to herself, one for her best friend Paula next door, her old but fast car and the bakery. She has no interest in getting Rick back. So why is Rick in her bed first thing in the morning? Oh NO! While Paula sympathetically listens to Lindsay's tirades about Rick, she shares little about herself and her past is a big mystery. So when two cops show up on Paula's carefully guarded doorstep looking for a Lester Mackey, someone Paula claims not to know, Lindsay goes on the defensive to help her best friend but she needs some answers so she can help. Someone has been squatting and spying in the empty house next to Lindsay's through a hole in the hedge that could lead to either Paula's house or Lindsay's. A mysterious but protective cat shows up on Lindsay's doorstep to alert her whenever Rick or anyone suspicious is nearby but that doesn't help Paula, especially not when scary things start happening and her toddler son disappears. With the help of next door neighbor Fred, a man with mysterious skills, Lindsay sets out to discover Paula's secrets and find a way to help her friend.
This is not your average whodunit or a light, fun cozy mystery. There are also veiled references to Christian fundamentalists and the trad wife movement. The plot is disjointed because half the time Lindsay is succumbing to Rick's charm as he tries to win her back/is fighting with him but the rest is about Paula. The plot is not so much as whodunit but why is this happening to Paula and why now? There's a lot of darkness in Paula's past which is catching up to her. The story also asks the question what happens when the cops ARE the bad guys? I didn't find the romantic drama funny at all and the mysterious attack cat subplot came out of nowhere and was very strange. I stayed up late skimming to find out what happened but found this story too dark and disturbing for my tastes.
I can't stand Lindsay. OK so we share a love of chocolate. Chocolate makes everything better, chocolate for every meal yes please but even when she's in the hospital? That seems to be all she consumes and never eats anything remotely healthy. Lindsay is bold, pushy and gutsy. Yet Lindsay can't say no to Rick. He's absolutely delusional, not a good salesman, but a narcissist who knows how to get what he wants. He wants his Muffy AND Lindsay and knows just how to woo Lindsay.
Lindsay bluffs and lies her way through the whole case, obstructs justice and destroys evidence that can be used against her friend. She thinks she knows how the law works because she watches cop shows on TV. Sadly real life is not TV or a cozy mystery and sometimes the law is on the side of the innocent. People like Paula are guilty until proven innocent and in this case, it's her word vs. the word of a trusted member of the community. The attitude towards mental illness is not very sympathetic and there's lots of words tossed around that shouldn't be. There's a lot of gaslighting and even I was left wondering whether Paula was right or if she was wrong and I did believe Paula though. Her story is more plausible. I read the news and I do not believe Paula's parents had a loving, happy marriage. Ultimately, I really liked Paula. She's a good mother to little Zack who seems happy and normal. He loves Mommy, Auntie Lindsay, trucks and plees men, like most toddlers. Paula doesn't trust easily but she trusts the preschool, the sitter and Lindsey with her son so that's good progress but she's terrified of something, of her past somehow and won't say why or what. Her flight or fight response is to flee as opposed to Lindsay's which is fight.
Fred is a mysterious figure. He won't say what he does for work but he's a tech wiz with some special skills. Some of the information he learns is just there in the public domain, some you have to pay for but it's easy to find someone. Other information is more hidden and he won't say how he found it. I suspect he's a CIA agent or ex-CIA and now a private detective. King Henry the cat is unbelievable. He shows up one day and acts like Lindsay belongs to him. She treats him like a dog, asking if he has to go outside in the middle of the night. Um weird. She apparently didn't buy a litter box. Henry also acts like a dog, judging Lindsay's relationships and protecting her from bad people.
Detective Adam Trent and Officer Donald Creighton are two of the good cops. Adam is just trying to do his job and it's his job to find evidence and make an arrest. It's not his job to determine if someone is guilty or not. He doesn't seem to be looking into the sleazy landlord in the building where Lester Mackey is staying. A cash only transaction should raise red flags. Adam doesn't abuse his power at all. Lindsay is oddly attracted to him and he seems to have feelings for her too, at least protective feelings. The language used to describe Det. Trent is very sexist. Trent is big, solid, dependable and exudes self-confidence. In other words, he's manly and the opposite of slick, whiny Rick. Creighton is good with Zack and seems to be a nice human being and a good cop.
While I stayed up late to find out what happened, I didn't enjoy the story or the characters enough to want to read more. Some of the recipes sound really good but most contain nuts.
TW: The plot centers around domestic violence.
Lindsay is addicted to chocolate and Coca-Cola. Together they can solve all life's problems. She owns a chocolate bakery/gourmet cafe where she simply bakes delicious chocolate treats that are apparently the most amazing things anyone has ever tasted ever. Lindsay is also addicted to her estranged husband, Rick, who moved Muffy or Buffy or Tuffy whatever her name is into their martial home and their bed. Lindsay gets a former rental cottage to herself, one for her best friend Paula next door, her old but fast car and the bakery. She has no interest in getting Rick back. So why is Rick in her bed first thing in the morning? Oh NO! While Paula sympathetically listens to Lindsay's tirades about Rick, she shares little about herself and her past is a big mystery. So when two cops show up on Paula's carefully guarded doorstep looking for a Lester Mackey, someone Paula claims not to know, Lindsay goes on the defensive to help her best friend but she needs some answers so she can help. Someone has been squatting and spying in the empty house next to Lindsay's through a hole in the hedge that could lead to either Paula's house or Lindsay's. A mysterious but protective cat shows up on Lindsay's doorstep to alert her whenever Rick or anyone suspicious is nearby but that doesn't help Paula, especially not when scary things start happening and her toddler son disappears. With the help of next door neighbor Fred, a man with mysterious skills, Lindsay sets out to discover Paula's secrets and find a way to help her friend.
This is not your average whodunit or a light, fun cozy mystery. There are also veiled references to Christian fundamentalists and the trad wife movement. The plot is disjointed because half the time Lindsay is succumbing to Rick's charm as he tries to win her back/is fighting with him but the rest is about Paula. The plot is not so much as whodunit but why is this happening to Paula and why now? There's a lot of darkness in Paula's past which is catching up to her. The story also asks the question what happens when the cops ARE the bad guys? I didn't find the romantic drama funny at all and the mysterious attack cat subplot came out of nowhere and was very strange. I stayed up late skimming to find out what happened but found this story too dark and disturbing for my tastes.
I can't stand Lindsay. OK so we share a love of chocolate. Chocolate makes everything better, chocolate for every meal yes please but even when she's in the hospital? That seems to be all she consumes and never eats anything remotely healthy. Lindsay is bold, pushy and gutsy. Yet Lindsay can't say no to Rick. He's absolutely delusional, not a good salesman, but a narcissist who knows how to get what he wants. He wants his Muffy AND Lindsay and knows just how to woo Lindsay.
Lindsay bluffs and lies her way through the whole case, obstructs justice and destroys evidence that can be used against her friend. She thinks she knows how the law works because she watches cop shows on TV. Sadly real life is not TV or a cozy mystery and sometimes the law is on the side of the innocent. People like Paula are guilty until proven innocent and in this case, it's her word vs. the word of a trusted member of the community. The attitude towards mental illness is not very sympathetic and there's lots of words tossed around that shouldn't be. There's a lot of gaslighting and even I was left wondering whether Paula was right or if she was wrong and I did believe Paula though. Her story is more plausible. I read the news and I do not believe Paula's parents had a loving, happy marriage. Ultimately, I really liked Paula. She's a good mother to little Zack who seems happy and normal. He loves Mommy, Auntie Lindsay, trucks and plees men, like most toddlers. Paula doesn't trust easily but she trusts the preschool, the sitter and Lindsey with her son so that's good progress but she's terrified of something, of her past somehow and won't say why or what. Her flight or fight response is to flee as opposed to Lindsay's which is fight.
Fred is a mysterious figure. He won't say what he does for work but he's a tech wiz with some special skills. Some of the information he learns is just there in the public domain, some you have to pay for but it's easy to find someone. Other information is more hidden and he won't say how he found it. I suspect he's a CIA agent or ex-CIA and now a private detective. King Henry the cat is unbelievable. He shows up one day and acts like Lindsay belongs to him. She treats him like a dog, asking if he has to go outside in the middle of the night. Um weird. She apparently didn't buy a litter box. Henry also acts like a dog, judging Lindsay's relationships and protecting her from bad people.
Detective Adam Trent and Officer Donald Creighton are two of the good cops. Adam is just trying to do his job and it's his job to find evidence and make an arrest. It's not his job to determine if someone is guilty or not. He doesn't seem to be looking into the sleazy landlord in the building where Lester Mackey is staying. A cash only transaction should raise red flags. Adam doesn't abuse his power at all. Lindsay is oddly attracted to him and he seems to have feelings for her too, at least protective feelings. The language used to describe Det. Trent is very sexist. Trent is big, solid, dependable and exudes self-confidence. In other words, he's manly and the opposite of slick, whiny Rick. Creighton is good with Zack and seems to be a nice human being and a good cop.
While I stayed up late to find out what happened, I didn't enjoy the story or the characters enough to want to read more. Some of the recipes sound really good but most contain nuts.
May 6, 2017
Lindsay Powell’s best friend Paula and her two year old son Zach lived right next door to Lindsay – they had also worked together in her café, Death by Chocolate for the past two years. Lindsay’s divorce from her cheating ex-husband Rick would be through in around three weeks, but Rick was still trying to stay sweet with Lindsay. But that all went on the back-burner when Paula found herself in trouble from a secretive past – a past she wouldn’t tell Lindsay about…
Fred, Lindsay’s other neighbour, was a computer expert who was extremely OCD. He was also friends with Lindsay and Paula, so when bad things started to happen, Fred began immediately digging into the past – and some of the things he found were mind-blowing. And with the police suspicious of Paula’s secretive ways, plus the stalker leaving no prints or evidence whatsoever, and the danger escalating, survival wasn’t guaranteed.
What would Lindsay do to ensure Paula and Zach’s safety? And would Rick finally take no for an answer?
Death by Chocolate is a fast-paced, adrenalin packed cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed! It had lots of laugh out loud moments, especially with Zach and Henry, the cat and had a very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
Fred, Lindsay’s other neighbour, was a computer expert who was extremely OCD. He was also friends with Lindsay and Paula, so when bad things started to happen, Fred began immediately digging into the past – and some of the things he found were mind-blowing. And with the police suspicious of Paula’s secretive ways, plus the stalker leaving no prints or evidence whatsoever, and the danger escalating, survival wasn’t guaranteed.
What would Lindsay do to ensure Paula and Zach’s safety? And would Rick finally take no for an answer?
Death by Chocolate is a fast-paced, adrenalin packed cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed! It had lots of laugh out loud moments, especially with Zach and Henry, the cat and had a very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2017
The mystery aspect was decent enough but the soon to be ex husband was a total moron and completely pathetic, controlling, and a d-bag. The main character wasn't much better in regards to her interactions with him. He repeatedly said they were still married, she was cheating on him, etc - yet he cheated on her and was living with the other woman. On top of that, it took the main character multiple accusations by her soon to be ex husband for her to remotely say what a hypocrite he was, and even then it wasn't very convincing. I'll try the second book but if it's more of that shit, book three will be a no-go.
November 1, 2014
I loooooove this book! M daughter told me I had to read it and I blew her off for months. When I finally read it I was screaming with laughter (Fred, you da man!) and that was all it took to get me hooked. I call in sick to work when I see Sallly Berneathy has a new book out so I can stay home and read.
August 15, 2024
There's always something happening in the Pleasant Grove, Missouri, neighborhood, at least on the street where Lindsay Powell lives.
Lindsay Powell, soon to be the ex of Rick Kramer, is the owner of Death by Chocolate, an eatery for breakfast and lunch with a specialty bakery. Paula Walters is Lindsay's only employee, but she also rents the property next door and lives with her toddler, Zach. The other neighbor Lindsay's closest to living on the other side of her home is Fred Sommers, immaculate, OCD, computer geek, work-from-home Fred. In other words, the opposite of Lindsay, a comparison of their yards, tells that tale, but one taste of Lindsay's chocolate creations ensured the bond of friendship.
How can I not love Lindsay? First and foremost, this woman loves chocolate in all its forms at any time of day. Who doesn't appreciate a fellow chocoholic? She also enjoys Coca-Cola in a can, without worrying about the quantity. Not diet, classic. No need for a straw, glass, or ice - just pop the tab and enjoy! This was also my drink of choice in my earlier years of drinking soda! But more importantly, Lindsay is a supportive friend to Paula, despite having a lot going on in her own life. When it comes to Lindsay and Fred, there’s so much more to learn about them! And did I mention Henry and Trent? WoW!
Don’t miss this motley crew! They’re all a delight!
Decadent chocolate dessert recipes are available at the end of the cozy.
Lindsay Powell, soon to be the ex of Rick Kramer, is the owner of Death by Chocolate, an eatery for breakfast and lunch with a specialty bakery. Paula Walters is Lindsay's only employee, but she also rents the property next door and lives with her toddler, Zach. The other neighbor Lindsay's closest to living on the other side of her home is Fred Sommers, immaculate, OCD, computer geek, work-from-home Fred. In other words, the opposite of Lindsay, a comparison of their yards, tells that tale, but one taste of Lindsay's chocolate creations ensured the bond of friendship.
How can I not love Lindsay? First and foremost, this woman loves chocolate in all its forms at any time of day. Who doesn't appreciate a fellow chocoholic? She also enjoys Coca-Cola in a can, without worrying about the quantity. Not diet, classic. No need for a straw, glass, or ice - just pop the tab and enjoy! This was also my drink of choice in my earlier years of drinking soda! But more importantly, Lindsay is a supportive friend to Paula, despite having a lot going on in her own life. When it comes to Lindsay and Fred, there’s so much more to learn about them! And did I mention Henry and Trent? WoW!
Don’t miss this motley crew! They’re all a delight!
Decadent chocolate dessert recipes are available at the end of the cozy.
September 24, 2017
This was a fun cozy mystery. What attracted me to it was the title of the book, anything chocolate gains my attention! I loved how Lindsay's shop was involved, how chocolate was her life. Lindsay's personal life was a bit of a mess, as witnessed by the first chapter. I have to say that I thought less of Lindsay for the choice she made at the start. I was glad that by the end of the book she rectified that and put her past in the past and love that there seems to be a spark with a certain detective.
The drama with Paula was predictable from the start. I was glad when Paula finally trusted her friends to talk to them. I thought it was funny how Lindsay managed to make the bad guy tell the truth implicating himself, something that needed to happen.
The drama with Paula was predictable from the start. I was glad when Paula finally trusted her friends to talk to them. I thought it was funny how Lindsay managed to make the bad guy tell the truth implicating himself, something that needed to happen.
June 26, 2023
I normally do not read books like this. But this book was free, and as much I love reading I love free books more. So I gave it a shot, and I was immediately hooked from the first page to ending. This book will have your mind running in different directions. Although I will admit the interactions with the detective and the suspects definitely was not realistic, but it is a book so it doesn't have to be. I absolutely loved how Fred and Lindsey had Paula's back no matter what, life or death they was there for her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and plan on reading some books from this author I have already recommended this book to a few friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
Interestingly enough I stumbled across this book while browsing on AllAuthor for another reason altogether. I saw the title and was intrigued. I read the free preview and was hooked. I got the book and read the thing in a matter of hours. This was one of the funniest things I have read in a long time, plus it was a good story that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Well worth a look...
Well worth a look...
February 23, 2019
Chocolate can be the death of you
This is a nice book with a good story line. Lindsay Powell is owner of a small cafe called Death by Chocolate. Which is fitting since Lindsay has a major love of chocolate and coke.
She's getting a divorce from her cheating husband who seems to have a revolving door in her life.
She has a neighbor, Paula Walters who has a son and keeps her house locked up like Fort Knox and another neighbor, Fred who is mysterious.
When strange things start happening to Paula, Lindsay and Fred jump in to help.
While the story line is different, the soon to be ex-husband, who now wants her back and she's not sure if she really wants a divorce and the hunk of a cop who she finds intriguing is a bit run of the mill.
I did like the twist at the end and the writing is good so I will be reading the next book in the series
This is a nice book with a good story line. Lindsay Powell is owner of a small cafe called Death by Chocolate. Which is fitting since Lindsay has a major love of chocolate and coke.
She's getting a divorce from her cheating husband who seems to have a revolving door in her life.
She has a neighbor, Paula Walters who has a son and keeps her house locked up like Fort Knox and another neighbor, Fred who is mysterious.
When strange things start happening to Paula, Lindsay and Fred jump in to help.
While the story line is different, the soon to be ex-husband, who now wants her back and she's not sure if she really wants a divorce and the hunk of a cop who she finds intriguing is a bit run of the mill.
I did like the twist at the end and the writing is good so I will be reading the next book in the series
April 5, 2019
An absolutely fun read with a rich, mystery center!
I'm not going to go into fine details, because everyone should go into this with no idea what it's about except for the blurb on the back cover. Our confectionary heroine finds herself with an interesting group of friends and cohorts (plus one strange feline) to come to the aid of a friend fleeing her actions that ended an abusive relationship.
There are a few times the abilities of one friend (and the cat) exceed any reasonable suspension of disbelief, but it was still charming , and I still wanted to read what happened next.
A good read, and it comes with a handful of recipes that should satisfy even the most intense of chocaholics!
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
I'm not going to go into fine details, because everyone should go into this with no idea what it's about except for the blurb on the back cover. Our confectionary heroine finds herself with an interesting group of friends and cohorts (plus one strange feline) to come to the aid of a friend fleeing her actions that ended an abusive relationship.
There are a few times the abilities of one friend (and the cat) exceed any reasonable suspension of disbelief, but it was still charming , and I still wanted to read what happened next.
A good read, and it comes with a handful of recipes that should satisfy even the most intense of chocaholics!
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
June 5, 2019
While I enjoyed the cozy mystery flair, I found the overbearing chocolate addict protagonist silly and tiresome. I did like all the other characters except for the soon-to-be ex-husband. I wish I had the stomach to read the next editions to see how the Trent/Lindsay/King Henry relationship goes. But, alas, no more Coke and chocolate stories for moi.
July 16, 2017
The worst part of this book unfortunately is the main character. Everyone other character is interesting, but it's hard to move past how immature, annoying, & whiny the main character is. But I still read the second book because I bought the first three of the series for 99 cents.
December 2, 2018
Loved it!!!
This story sucked me in and kept me glued to my Kindle until I was done. Funny, quirky, and just enough mystery to keep you completely involved. I look forward to the next book!!!
This story sucked me in and kept me glued to my Kindle until I was done. Funny, quirky, and just enough mystery to keep you completely involved. I look forward to the next book!!!
April 21, 2019
Everything was fine with the story, but for the main character. To put it plainly, she is dumb. And I don't mean occasional tstl moments, no, it's a smug overwhelming stupidity. Pity. I rather liked the story and the dialogue was good.
November 19, 2022
Death by Chocolate is book one in the Death by Chocolate series by Sally Berneathy. One day her friend and co-worker Paula were arrested for child abuse, so Lindsay Powell and her neighbour, Fred, started investigating to find the truth and save Paula. During her investigation, Lindsay realised that her friends and neighbour all have secrets. The readers of Death by Chocolate will continue to follow Lindsay Powell to discover what happens.
Death by Chocolate was the first book I read by Sally Berneathy, and I did enjoy reading this cozy mystery. At first, I had trouble engaging with Death by Chocolate's plot and characters; however, it made me want to buy Chocolate. However, I enjoyed reading this book once I engaged with the story. I love Sally Berneathy's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Death by Chocolate is well-written and researched by Sally Berneathy. I like Sally Berneathy's description of the settings of Death by Chocolate which complimented the book's plot.
The readers of Death by Chocolate will learn how to make chocolates. Also, the readers of Death by Chocolate will understand the devastation of reporting the wrong information to law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
Death by Chocolate was the first book I read by Sally Berneathy, and I did enjoy reading this cozy mystery. At first, I had trouble engaging with Death by Chocolate's plot and characters; however, it made me want to buy Chocolate. However, I enjoyed reading this book once I engaged with the story. I love Sally Berneathy's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Death by Chocolate is well-written and researched by Sally Berneathy. I like Sally Berneathy's description of the settings of Death by Chocolate which complimented the book's plot.
The readers of Death by Chocolate will learn how to make chocolates. Also, the readers of Death by Chocolate will understand the devastation of reporting the wrong information to law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
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