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Merry Muffin Mystery #2
Muffin But Murder
Muffin maker Merry Wynter hopes to find a buyer for the castle she’s recently inherited. But when she throws a party to draw interest, she finds someone who’s bought the farm instead…
Merry’s career as a New York City stylist has crumbled, but her passion for muffins has helped her rise upstate in Autumn Vale. Everyone in town loves the tasty treats. Still, she would like to return to her glamorous life. Besides, the upkeep of Wynter Castle is expensive, and Merry’s cup isn’t exactly overflowing.
So in order to bring some prospective buyers into the mix, Merry whisks together a spooky soiree and decorates the castle with dashes of fabric and a sprinkling of spider webs. Friends new and old are invited, and everyone has a blast. But as the revelers empty out, Merry notices one partygoer who isn’t leaving—or breathing. Now Merry must hurry to unmask a killer before her perfect plans turn into a recipe for disaster…
Merry’s career as a New York City stylist has crumbled, but her passion for muffins has helped her rise upstate in Autumn Vale. Everyone in town loves the tasty treats. Still, she would like to return to her glamorous life. Besides, the upkeep of Wynter Castle is expensive, and Merry’s cup isn’t exactly overflowing.
So in order to bring some prospective buyers into the mix, Merry whisks together a spooky soiree and decorates the castle with dashes of fabric and a sprinkling of spider webs. Friends new and old are invited, and everyone has a blast. But as the revelers empty out, Merry notices one partygoer who isn’t leaving—or breathing. Now Merry must hurry to unmask a killer before her perfect plans turn into a recipe for disaster…
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
112 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Hamilton
45 books1,045 followersVictoria Hamilton is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos.
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 21, 2020
I read the first book in the Merry Muffin series by Victoria Hamilton almost two years ago, then moved on to sample as many other cozy mysteries as I could. I'd also read another one of Hamilton's series, Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, and am catching up on those now, too. I'm finally back to reading a few of the earlier ones from this series in publication order, which made Muffin But Murder (#2 of 5) next on my list. I'd forgotten enough about the characters and setting, but by about twenty percent into this book, it all came back... and it's gotten even better in this edition.
Merry used to be a NYC fashion and style consultant. After a model falsely accused her of stealing something, and Merry's great uncle passed away, she hightailed it to Autumn Vale in upstate New York to find out what she inherited and re-group. Surprise, he owned a castle! Merry decided to sell the estate and in this second book, she's battling a supposed cousin for ownership, townspeople who think she'll sell them out, and a killer with a vendetta. With her best friend's help, Merry holds a costume ball to help showcase the estate to wealthy folks in the hopes they'll buy the place, but when one uninvited attendee ends up dead at the end of the party, she's back to sleuthing. What's even scarier: the victim was the unknown twin brother of the guy who caused problems in the first book of the series!
Character - Good; they're developing but we need a few more supporting ones
Writing - Strong; I enjoy the witty dialog and narrative / descriptions
Setting - Good; reminds me of my trips to Hudson, NY and its surrounding towns
Voice - Good; I like the tone of the books and the perspective changes on the action
The mystery was medium-complex. There were several red herrings, lots of potential culprits, a few side stories, a secondary mystery to keep us distracted, and a strong, clear finish. When the various side stories began to weave together, I figured out what was going on, but it was still fun to watch it finish. I will definitely continue reading the series and already ordered the next one to begin in late January.
Merry used to be a NYC fashion and style consultant. After a model falsely accused her of stealing something, and Merry's great uncle passed away, she hightailed it to Autumn Vale in upstate New York to find out what she inherited and re-group. Surprise, he owned a castle! Merry decided to sell the estate and in this second book, she's battling a supposed cousin for ownership, townspeople who think she'll sell them out, and a killer with a vendetta. With her best friend's help, Merry holds a costume ball to help showcase the estate to wealthy folks in the hopes they'll buy the place, but when one uninvited attendee ends up dead at the end of the party, she's back to sleuthing. What's even scarier: the victim was the unknown twin brother of the guy who caused problems in the first book of the series!
Character - Good; they're developing but we need a few more supporting ones
Writing - Strong; I enjoy the witty dialog and narrative / descriptions
Setting - Good; reminds me of my trips to Hudson, NY and its surrounding towns
Voice - Good; I like the tone of the books and the perspective changes on the action
The mystery was medium-complex. There were several red herrings, lots of potential culprits, a few side stories, a secondary mystery to keep us distracted, and a strong, clear finish. When the various side stories began to weave together, I figured out what was going on, but it was still fun to watch it finish. I will definitely continue reading the series and already ordered the next one to begin in late January.
July 4, 2014
Merry Wynter works hard at fixing up the castle in upstate New York that she inherited from her uncle. The plan is for her to sell it and then start her life over again. Her plans are thwarted when a long lost relative arrives claiming he has rights to the castle, too. For now, they work together to restore the castle to its former glory, but Merry fully intends to look into her relative’s claim.
With the Halloween season fast approaching, Merry decides to host a huge costume party with the hopes that someone will be interested in making an offer on the castle. It’s an “invitation only” event but she begins to notice some uninvited guests. Then, she stumbles upon a guest who isn’t moving at all. In fact, he’s dead. It’s the second murder to occur at the castle in just a few short months.
When a close friend is accused of the murder, Merry takes it upon herself to find out who the real culprit is. Not only for her friend’s sake, but she doesn’t want her castle noted for its murders.
Merry is an interesting, strong character. Although she’s been widowed for seven years, she still desperately misses her husband, she does find herself interested in the local sheriff Virgil Grace. What I like about this relationship is that it’s a slow moving one. Both characters have had relationships in the past and aren’t looking to rush into anything. I think this is more realistic than some fiction romances that I’ve seen jump right into bed five minutes after meeting. This is going at a nice pace that gives readers a chance to get to know both characters. I do wish Merry would put more faith in Virgil’s ability as a lawman, though, but most cozy heroines don’t trust them to solve the mystery. That’s why we have a story :)
The rest of the characters are very well developed. I especially like Merry’s best friend Pish. He’s a great confidant for her.
It’s an intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing to the end. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you learn that you didn’t. The author gives you all the clues needed to solve the murder, but it’s not an easy resolution.
It’s a quick read and I’m happy to see it doesn’t suffer from the “sophomore slump”, which often happens with the second book of a series. This one picks up right where the first one left off, but you don’t have to read the first one to read this book. Information from the first book is sprinkled throughout this story so readers aren’t lost. I’m definitely looking forward to the third in the series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
With the Halloween season fast approaching, Merry decides to host a huge costume party with the hopes that someone will be interested in making an offer on the castle. It’s an “invitation only” event but she begins to notice some uninvited guests. Then, she stumbles upon a guest who isn’t moving at all. In fact, he’s dead. It’s the second murder to occur at the castle in just a few short months.
When a close friend is accused of the murder, Merry takes it upon herself to find out who the real culprit is. Not only for her friend’s sake, but she doesn’t want her castle noted for its murders.
Merry is an interesting, strong character. Although she’s been widowed for seven years, she still desperately misses her husband, she does find herself interested in the local sheriff Virgil Grace. What I like about this relationship is that it’s a slow moving one. Both characters have had relationships in the past and aren’t looking to rush into anything. I think this is more realistic than some fiction romances that I’ve seen jump right into bed five minutes after meeting. This is going at a nice pace that gives readers a chance to get to know both characters. I do wish Merry would put more faith in Virgil’s ability as a lawman, though, but most cozy heroines don’t trust them to solve the mystery. That’s why we have a story :)
The rest of the characters are very well developed. I especially like Merry’s best friend Pish. He’s a great confidant for her.
It’s an intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing to the end. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you learn that you didn’t. The author gives you all the clues needed to solve the murder, but it’s not an easy resolution.
It’s a quick read and I’m happy to see it doesn’t suffer from the “sophomore slump”, which often happens with the second book of a series. This one picks up right where the first one left off, but you don’t have to read the first one to read this book. Information from the first book is sprinkled throughout this story so readers aren’t lost. I’m definitely looking forward to the third in the series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 21, 2019
4 Stars
While the first book in the series had a lot of similarities to The Cat Who series at least in settings and pets, this book firmly establishes the cast of eccentric characters as one of my new favorite cozy mystery series. Merry, Shilo, and Phis are great as the main cast, but the locals really add the humor and strange to the books and plot. Doc is my favorite minor character.
While the first book in the series had a lot of similarities to The Cat Who series at least in settings and pets, this book firmly establishes the cast of eccentric characters as one of my new favorite cozy mystery series. Merry, Shilo, and Phis are great as the main cast, but the locals really add the humor and strange to the books and plot. Doc is my favorite minor character.
June 10, 2016
Review of the audiobook
I want to like these books, but I'm finding they are a little unorganized and strange.
We start with the usual premise, sort of - woman leaves NYC for a small town because she's inherited a castle she needs to deal with. Fine. Typically, in these situations, we have a husband/boyfriend who treated her badly which gives her the reason to stay in the small town. We don't have that here. In fact, Merry's husband died eight years ago. Yes, eight years. And she's been single ever since, but not happily single. No, after eight years, she still wears his clothes to do work around the house.
I'm not really sure why Merry is still in Autumn Vale. Apparently the people in the town hate her for no good reason including one crazy lady who can't hold this hatred of a complete stranger in, so she yells at Merry on the street. Because that totally happens all the time.
At the end of the day (or book) I feel like many loose ends were never tied up, I don't particularly like the characters, I'm still scratching my head that Merry inherits a house and her fashion and finance friends follow her there (all the better to avoid the awkwardness of actually making friends in a small town. Those small town people are so standoffish and they don't want her there!).
I don't know, I'm just irritated by this book.
I want to like these books, but I'm finding they are a little unorganized and strange.
We start with the usual premise, sort of - woman leaves NYC for a small town because she's inherited a castle she needs to deal with. Fine. Typically, in these situations, we have a husband/boyfriend who treated her badly which gives her the reason to stay in the small town. We don't have that here. In fact, Merry's husband died eight years ago. Yes, eight years. And she's been single ever since, but not happily single. No, after eight years, she still wears his clothes to do work around the house.
I'm not really sure why Merry is still in Autumn Vale. Apparently the people in the town hate her for no good reason including one crazy lady who can't hold this hatred of a complete stranger in, so she yells at Merry on the street. Because that totally happens all the time.
At the end of the day (or book) I feel like many loose ends were never tied up, I don't particularly like the characters, I'm still scratching my head that Merry inherits a house and her fashion and finance friends follow her there (all the better to avoid the awkwardness of actually making friends in a small town. Those small town people are so standoffish and they don't want her there!).
I don't know, I'm just irritated by this book.
October 15, 2015
Muffin But Murder 3 1/2 stars
This book was so cheesy, I could put it between 2 slices of bread and grill it up for a nice sandwich.
In Muffin But Murder, book 2 of the Merry Muffins series, Merry hosts a Halloween party that gets crashed by a bunch of people, one of whom winds up dead. Merry is also dealing with a long lost cousin who is claiming half of the castle, pining away for her long dead husband and a host of other shenanigans.
Between the convoluted plot, Merry spending her time either pining for her long dead husband or waffling over selling the castle or staying, the corny romance, the ending (in which the mystery was described to the reader and not solved) and the dropped plot lines, I'm amazed that I liked this book so much. I have no reasons for it. I've read books that irritate me far less that I didn't finish. I guess it's just that I like the characters so much, and the Western NY setting is so familiar to me that it's easy to settle into the book.
Or I keep expecting some of these mini cliff hangers to be solved. That might be part of it. Actually, since it keeps me coming back, that might just be it.
Overall, not a terrible read, but cheesy and a little inane. But enjoyable.
This book was so cheesy, I could put it between 2 slices of bread and grill it up for a nice sandwich.
In Muffin But Murder, book 2 of the Merry Muffins series, Merry hosts a Halloween party that gets crashed by a bunch of people, one of whom winds up dead. Merry is also dealing with a long lost cousin who is claiming half of the castle, pining away for her long dead husband and a host of other shenanigans.
Between the convoluted plot, Merry spending her time either pining for her long dead husband or waffling over selling the castle or staying, the corny romance, the ending (in which the mystery was described to the reader and not solved) and the dropped plot lines, I'm amazed that I liked this book so much. I have no reasons for it. I've read books that irritate me far less that I didn't finish. I guess it's just that I like the characters so much, and the Western NY setting is so familiar to me that it's easy to settle into the book.
Or I keep expecting some of these mini cliff hangers to be solved. That might be part of it. Actually, since it keeps me coming back, that might just be it.
Overall, not a terrible read, but cheesy and a little inane. But enjoyable.
November 25, 2017
Merry is getting more annoying by the chapter. Now that I think about it, every character is pretty annoying. But since I am a sucker for cozies, I am sure I will read book 3.
October 7, 2017
3.5*.... It's Halloween at "Wynter Castle", and once again our heroine, Merry Wynter, must solve another murder while keeping herself and her friends out of danger. Of course, reading this in October made it a special "treat", but I would have enjoyed it anytime of year.
I did enjoy my trip back to Autumn Vale, NY. I was invested right away in catching up with some of my favorite, quirky townsfolk. This cozy series is made more fun by the very eccentric cast of characters. The mystery stayed a mystery until the end. Solid, with enough twists to keep things interesting.
Muffin Mysteries was a "slow starter" for me, and I wasn't sure I would continue with the series. But it's getting better, and I'm glad I stayed with it. Worth giving the next book a go.
December 7, 2017
2.5 stars
Hoping that this is laying more groundwork for the series.
Hoping that this is laying more groundwork for the series.
October 11, 2017
Reading this book was painful. I hated all of the characters, even the ones that I liked in the previous book.
Pish went from being a brilliant financial analyst who is flamboyant, but intelligent enough to rein it in during professional settings to a feeble-minded possible victim of blackmail by a third rate small town con artist with a fatherly fixation for Merry that comes across as Creepy Old Man.
Two new twenty something female characters are so bitchy they need to be in a psych ward for the criminally insane. A new teen character is so spacey she's practically brain dead and the only adult she can verbally communicate with is the equally empty-headed "free-spirited" Shiloh who skips and spins and dances to transport her self.
I was ready to punch myself in the face over Merry's perpetual reminiscing and WEEPING, about her Perfect Dead Husband, Miguel. A man she knew for a couple months before they wed, was married to for 2 years and who died 8 years ago.
My version of the book would be better - Miguel faked his death to get away from his insufferable wife.
Random sidenote: just like me, both Miguel's mom and her friend, Pish's mom hate Merry. In the case of Pish's mom "she hated me with a cold passion."
Pish went from being a brilliant financial analyst who is flamboyant, but intelligent enough to rein it in during professional settings to a feeble-minded possible victim of blackmail by a third rate small town con artist with a fatherly fixation for Merry that comes across as Creepy Old Man.
Two new twenty something female characters are so bitchy they need to be in a psych ward for the criminally insane. A new teen character is so spacey she's practically brain dead and the only adult she can verbally communicate with is the equally empty-headed "free-spirited" Shiloh who skips and spins and dances to transport her self.
I was ready to punch myself in the face over Merry's perpetual reminiscing and WEEPING, about her Perfect Dead Husband, Miguel. A man she knew for a couple months before they wed, was married to for 2 years and who died 8 years ago.
My version of the book would be better - Miguel faked his death to get away from his insufferable wife.
Random sidenote: just like me, both Miguel's mom and her friend, Pish's mom hate Merry. In the case of Pish's mom "she hated me with a cold passion."
February 5, 2017
DNF
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this book spends much too much time recapping what happened in the first one and when listening to it as an audio book, I can't easily just skip over it.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this book spends much too much time recapping what happened in the first one and when listening to it as an audio book, I can't easily just skip over it.
October 21, 2017
This is the first book I have read in this series and I enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down!
January 29, 2020
The story is simple, but the wordings were unnecessarily complicated, the descriptions were overly-detailed, and there were too many irrelevant characters were included in the book.
I know the author is exceptionally detailed, but I can't believe that she will describe every guest's Halloween costume that attends the party. She described the details of all 18 guests' outfits except a couple who is not part of the residents in the town.
The main character is very self-centred, controlling, judgemental, impulsive, unreasonable, inconsiderate, ignorant, and annoying. Why she keeps pushing people to tell her everything? Nobody can keep anything for themselves, and nobody can forget anything. In another part of the story, she suggests to plan for her friend's wedding, but the conversation turns to the murder case. When her friend asks whether they can discuss the wedding plan instead of the murder, she says no because she won't let it go until it clears up. What??? Also, she loves herself a lot and feels that she is perfect. She keeps mentioning some people who don't like her, and she feels weird, and she doesn't understand why people don't like her.
I'm not sure if I want to try the third book. I don't think I can stand with the main character anymore. I guess I have some sense of achievement after I finished this book.
Book Review: Muffin but Murder (Merry Muffin Mystery #2) by Victoria Hamilton.
I know the author is exceptionally detailed, but I can't believe that she will describe every guest's Halloween costume that attends the party. She described the details of all 18 guests' outfits except a couple who is not part of the residents in the town.
The main character is very self-centred, controlling, judgemental, impulsive, unreasonable, inconsiderate, ignorant, and annoying. Why she keeps pushing people to tell her everything? Nobody can keep anything for themselves, and nobody can forget anything. In another part of the story, she suggests to plan for her friend's wedding, but the conversation turns to the murder case. When her friend asks whether they can discuss the wedding plan instead of the murder, she says no because she won't let it go until it clears up. What??? Also, she loves herself a lot and feels that she is perfect. She keeps mentioning some people who don't like her, and she feels weird, and she doesn't understand why people don't like her.
I'm not sure if I want to try the third book. I don't think I can stand with the main character anymore. I guess I have some sense of achievement after I finished this book.
Book Review: Muffin but Murder (Merry Muffin Mystery #2) by Victoria Hamilton.
February 14, 2017
I got to the halfway point in this second installment of the Merry Muffin series, and I suddenly realized that I really was bored and just didn't really care who the murderer was, or why they did it.
I am not sure why this book didn't hold my interest. I liked the first book a lot, and I liked Merry. But somehow the "small town" thing was more dull than quirky this time around. Cozies that are great somehow manage to instill a cleverness and oddball fun to the way small towns function. This one just didn't deliver that for me. I felt like I was actually living in a real small town [which I did in my early life] and all I wanted with this was to get the hell OUT!
I guess this won't be a continuing cozy series for me after all. I just wasn't engaged with either the characters or the story this time.
I am not sure why this book didn't hold my interest. I liked the first book a lot, and I liked Merry. But somehow the "small town" thing was more dull than quirky this time around. Cozies that are great somehow manage to instill a cleverness and oddball fun to the way small towns function. This one just didn't deliver that for me. I felt like I was actually living in a real small town [which I did in my early life] and all I wanted with this was to get the hell OUT!
I guess this won't be a continuing cozy series for me after all. I just wasn't engaged with either the characters or the story this time.
Read
May 5, 2015Meh. The first book was meh for me too, but I was hooked on the treasure hunt. I just don't feel like the characters have much chemistry and the dialogue always feel unnatural. Pretty good mystery though!
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/115758...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/115758...
December 18, 2014
I'm in love with this series and can't wait to get my hands on the next book. Merry and her crew of strange and wonderful friends are supplying me with an endless supply of reading pleasure.
July 12, 2017
Loved it
Enjoying this series a lot. You don't figure it out until late in the book. Can't wait to read the next book.
Enjoying this series a lot. You don't figure it out until late in the book. Can't wait to read the next book.
April 19, 2018
very enjoyable,
June 25, 2014
Muffin But Murder is the second book in the A Merry Muffin Mystery series.
Merry Wynter is at a loss as to how unload herself of castle her Great Uncle Melvyn has left her in his will. But with the help of her financier friend Phis Lincoln, she has decided to hold a pre-Halloween party at the castle. It will be by invitation only and be for people with enough money to buy the castle and convert it into a hotel or similar type of business. Merry and Shilo will be showing the guests around and she has enlisted the help of some friends from Autumn Vale to help with the serving food and drinks and Zeke and Gordy, who do odd jobs around the castle, to check in guests and park the cars. The afternoon of the party, Percy Channer, a wealthy hotelier shows for a tour. This raises a flag for Merry, as she had caught his daughter intently watching the castle a day or two before. As the evening progressed Merry noticed that were people that she didn't recognize, this really struck home when at the end of the evening she went out on the patio to check the fire pit and found the body of an uninvited guest dead with his throat slit. Merry quite naturally feels the need to investigate, so that an early solution can be found before the word reaches too many potential buyers of the mansion. There are many suspects for Merry to learn more about. First among them is Channer's daughter, also an ex-girlfriend, and a drug dealing party shop owner. Even her friend Lincoln isn't above suspicion, as he's not telling all he knows about the victim.
All of Merry's neighbors and friends are back once again to give whatever support they can.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
Will be watching for the next book to see what plans Merry has for the mansion.
Merry Wynter is at a loss as to how unload herself of castle her Great Uncle Melvyn has left her in his will. But with the help of her financier friend Phis Lincoln, she has decided to hold a pre-Halloween party at the castle. It will be by invitation only and be for people with enough money to buy the castle and convert it into a hotel or similar type of business. Merry and Shilo will be showing the guests around and she has enlisted the help of some friends from Autumn Vale to help with the serving food and drinks and Zeke and Gordy, who do odd jobs around the castle, to check in guests and park the cars. The afternoon of the party, Percy Channer, a wealthy hotelier shows for a tour. This raises a flag for Merry, as she had caught his daughter intently watching the castle a day or two before. As the evening progressed Merry noticed that were people that she didn't recognize, this really struck home when at the end of the evening she went out on the patio to check the fire pit and found the body of an uninvited guest dead with his throat slit. Merry quite naturally feels the need to investigate, so that an early solution can be found before the word reaches too many potential buyers of the mansion. There are many suspects for Merry to learn more about. First among them is Channer's daughter, also an ex-girlfriend, and a drug dealing party shop owner. Even her friend Lincoln isn't above suspicion, as he's not telling all he knows about the victim.
All of Merry's neighbors and friends are back once again to give whatever support they can.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
Will be watching for the next book to see what plans Merry has for the mansion.
December 2, 2015
I would have given it 3 stars if the editing had been better. The first of the book was a total summary of the previous book. I even found sentences repeated. The story was cheesy, silly, but I liked the main characters. The author's use of a teaser at the end of the first book in the series drew me to this one. However, the final outcome of the tease was haphazardly stuck in the middle of the book. It could have been better.
September 15, 2014
I loved the main characters, reading about them was like reading about friends!
For those who the mystery is really important--I have to admit I found it very predictable and I knew who the murderer was almost right away.
Still, it was a fun book in a series that I will continue to read.
For those who the mystery is really important--I have to admit I found it very predictable and I knew who the murderer was almost right away.
Still, it was a fun book in a series that I will continue to read.
February 16, 2016
Didn't like the first one in this series and this one didn't improve upon that opinion. I think it's the author's style, as I don't care for her other books either. Last one for me in this series.
October 10, 2019
This series continues to get better! One thing I would advise upfront: read in order, because the happenings in this book made it necessary to give spoilers about the first book. I'm loving these regular characters even more. Just like the first, this book was full of intrigue, secrets and even some con artists tossed in for good measure. I can't really say a whole lot, since I don't want to give anything away, but this was definitely a good Halloween read due to the Halloween party held at Merry's castle. I could just picture her spooky but elegant decor that she wanted to be sure wasn't too hokey or overdone.
I'm happy that Merry realized that her husband who'd died eight years ago wouldn't want her to be mourning and thinking about no one but him. She did let herself go and had some thoughts about handsome sheriff Virgil. I'm anxious to see that friendship develop into something nice. And sweet Pish who was always like a father to her was still there and had a great idea for bringing in more income after Merry got a very lucrative offer not to buy the castle but to make some income. I'm not sure when I'll have time to move along in the series, but I hope it's not too long.
I'm happy that Merry realized that her husband who'd died eight years ago wouldn't want her to be mourning and thinking about no one but him. She did let herself go and had some thoughts about handsome sheriff Virgil. I'm anxious to see that friendship develop into something nice. And sweet Pish who was always like a father to her was still there and had a great idea for bringing in more income after Merry got a very lucrative offer not to buy the castle but to make some income. I'm not sure when I'll have time to move along in the series, but I hope it's not too long.
September 8, 2020
I was looking for a relaxing book to take me out of the stress of my daily life, and this was just the ticket. I loved the characters, the plot, and wonderful writing. I have browsed the library for more but can't find any, probably because people are keeping their copies! I'll have to get online and get her newest—something to look forward to.
October 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this second entry in the series. I like Merry, she is a very real character and I kind of like that she didn't figure out where she wants her life to go during the first book and she's still trying to figure out where she wants to go. I enjoyed the mystery in the book, although as a cozy mystery heroine, you think she'd know better than to bring a casket to a party, even if it's at Halloween time, that's just asking for trouble. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
February 21, 2015
The plot on this one is fairly decent, although predictable, and the characterization is good. But the editing is atrocious! This is the fourth Hamilton mystery I've read, and the mistakes in her books drive me nuts! Here's a list of what I found during just a cursory read-through:
Pg 38. The word "between" is spelled with three E's.
Pg. 66 Non-dialogue writing contains the phrase "with the attention of Lizzie and I" instead of "Lizzie and me."
Pg. 68 contains a similar mistake with "for Cranston and I" instead of "for Cranston and me."
Pg. 73 contains use of the word "candelabra" as if it were a singular noun, when "candelabra" is the plural of "candelabrum."
Pg. 131 contains a verb tense shift which garbles the meaning of the sentence. Hamilton writes, "I would have loved to pair it with natural wood trim, but it would [have] take[n] forever to strip the baseboards...." I have shown the corrected version in brackets.
Pg. 134 contains the phrase "to whomever took over Junior Bradley's position." It should be "whoever" in this construction.
Pg. 241 contains another error of this type: "whomever you are" instead of "whoever you are."
Pg. 262 has yet another of the same: "who you met in jail" instead of "whom you met in jail."
Pg. 272 brings us back to not knowing objective case with "to snuff both Bob and I" instead of "me."
Pg.286 gives us "than her" instead of "than she is," using a subordinating conjunction as if it were a preposition.
Pg 38. The word "between" is spelled with three E's.
Pg. 66 Non-dialogue writing contains the phrase "with the attention of Lizzie and I" instead of "Lizzie and me."
Pg. 68 contains a similar mistake with "for Cranston and I" instead of "for Cranston and me."
Pg. 73 contains use of the word "candelabra" as if it were a singular noun, when "candelabra" is the plural of "candelabrum."
Pg. 131 contains a verb tense shift which garbles the meaning of the sentence. Hamilton writes, "I would have loved to pair it with natural wood trim, but it would [have] take[n] forever to strip the baseboards...." I have shown the corrected version in brackets.
Pg. 134 contains the phrase "to whomever took over Junior Bradley's position." It should be "whoever" in this construction.
Pg. 241 contains another error of this type: "whomever you are" instead of "whoever you are."
Pg. 262 has yet another of the same: "who you met in jail" instead of "whom you met in jail."
Pg. 272 brings us back to not knowing objective case with "to snuff both Bob and I" instead of "me."
Pg.286 gives us "than her" instead of "than she is," using a subordinating conjunction as if it were a preposition.
August 4, 2014
The second in Victoria Hamilton’s Merry Muffin series has Merry Wynter (don’t you just love her name) still working on the castle to get it ready to sell. How is she ever going to get people there to look at it? This time she comes up with the idea of a Halloween party. Great idea until one of the uninvited guests turns up dead. Who committed the murder? Was it one of the invited guests, her still undocumented cousin, or was it one of the party crashers? In the midst of all the craziness of trying to figure out who the killer is, something wonderful happens…..what? You may ask, but I won’t tell. You’ll have to read the book. Victoria Hamilton writes in a way that is interesting and it also fills in blanks that you might want to know. She draws you into her books and then just when you think you have it figured out, she throws a monkey wrench in the plot and it’s not who you thought it was at all. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
June 19, 2014
This is the second book in this series, I enjoyed it very much. The main character, Merry, is very likable, as are her friends and the setting. I was guessing until the end, and I would highly recommend this one!
May 31, 2021
I really didn’t enjoy this book after how wonderful the first one was. I’m going to continue with the series because I love the town and side characters, but I hate the love interest SO MUCH.
July 7, 2014
A Great Read Muffin But Murder By Victoria Hamilton
You will find fun, excitement, mystery and romance all wrapped up in a great read with Muffin but Murder A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton.
Merry Wynter has inherited a castle from her Uncle but she doesn't know how she will be able to keep it. She has left NY City to come to Autumn Vale along with two of her best friends Pish and Shilo, and is living in the castle while trying to get it ready to sell. When a long lost cousin Cranston, who she never heard of, shows up claiming to be a grandson of her Uncles and wanting his share of the inheritance things get interesting. Merry has found a niche in Autumn Vale by making and selling her muffins and she has made friends there also but doesn't see a way to be able to keep the castle so Merry throws a party for locals, a few chosen N Y friends, as well as some whom she hopes will be interested in buying the castle, but things get out of control and then someone is killed. Merry's best friend Pish is a suspect so Merry has to figure out who is really behind the murder and help Pish while trying to figure out if Cranston is really entitled to part of the inheritance from her Uncle.
This book has everything you could want a good plot with twists that you don't see coming, a great interesting setting with the castle and unique quirky characters that you can connect with as well as romance thrown in for good measure. I love that Merry is such a strong level headed, most of the time, spontaneous woman. I could see myself getting into some of the same situations as Merry with going on the spur of the moment to investigate this murder and realizing after words that it wasn't the safest or smartest thing to do. Pish and Shilo are unique and they add a lot to the story, besides as I was reading this I could think of people I know that reminded me of them, which helps you to connect with the book more. I really enjoyed this book and was glad to see that this is another great series to add to my list of series I must read. I think if you like a good mystery that you can't figure out in the first chapter and keeps you guessing to the end, with strong yet quirky characters you will want to read this. It also has recipes which is always a plus.
I had not read the first book in this series Bran New Death but that wasn't a problem this can be read as a stand alone but after reading this book I don't want to miss out on a single book in the series so I will be getting the first one to read also.
If you want more on this book and all the other series that Victoria Hamilton has check out her website at
http://www.victoriahamiltonmysteries.com
Don't miss a good book pick up Muffin but Murder it is in bookstores now.
I received a free Advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!
You will find fun, excitement, mystery and romance all wrapped up in a great read with Muffin but Murder A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton.
Merry Wynter has inherited a castle from her Uncle but she doesn't know how she will be able to keep it. She has left NY City to come to Autumn Vale along with two of her best friends Pish and Shilo, and is living in the castle while trying to get it ready to sell. When a long lost cousin Cranston, who she never heard of, shows up claiming to be a grandson of her Uncles and wanting his share of the inheritance things get interesting. Merry has found a niche in Autumn Vale by making and selling her muffins and she has made friends there also but doesn't see a way to be able to keep the castle so Merry throws a party for locals, a few chosen N Y friends, as well as some whom she hopes will be interested in buying the castle, but things get out of control and then someone is killed. Merry's best friend Pish is a suspect so Merry has to figure out who is really behind the murder and help Pish while trying to figure out if Cranston is really entitled to part of the inheritance from her Uncle.
This book has everything you could want a good plot with twists that you don't see coming, a great interesting setting with the castle and unique quirky characters that you can connect with as well as romance thrown in for good measure. I love that Merry is such a strong level headed, most of the time, spontaneous woman. I could see myself getting into some of the same situations as Merry with going on the spur of the moment to investigate this murder and realizing after words that it wasn't the safest or smartest thing to do. Pish and Shilo are unique and they add a lot to the story, besides as I was reading this I could think of people I know that reminded me of them, which helps you to connect with the book more. I really enjoyed this book and was glad to see that this is another great series to add to my list of series I must read. I think if you like a good mystery that you can't figure out in the first chapter and keeps you guessing to the end, with strong yet quirky characters you will want to read this. It also has recipes which is always a plus.
I had not read the first book in this series Bran New Death but that wasn't a problem this can be read as a stand alone but after reading this book I don't want to miss out on a single book in the series so I will be getting the first one to read also.
If you want more on this book and all the other series that Victoria Hamilton has check out her website at
http://www.victoriahamiltonmysteries.com
Don't miss a good book pick up Muffin but Murder it is in bookstores now.
I received a free Advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!
September 12, 2014
Muffin but Murder by Victoria Hamilton
The Second Merry Muffin Mystery
In Muffin but Murder, Merry continues to live in Wynter Castle with friends Shilo and Pish baking muffins, not only for herself, but, now that she has the proper permits, her clients-the local cafe and an old folks home. Although she still intends to sell the castle, Merry's grown quite fond of the town and her new found friends and wonders about her options. Merry also wonders about the man who claims to be her cousin...a cousin who says he's also eligible to receive part of Merry's inheritance. Deciding the best way to sell the castle is to show it off, Merry and the gang decide to throw a Halloween gala at the castle and invite rich prospective buyers to the event. The gala doesn't go quite as planned however, starting with party crashers and culminating with the discovery of a dead body!
Victoria Hamilton expands the setting in her Merry Muffin Mystery series to include the drab, depressing town of Ridley Ridge. This dismal town opens the book and sets the tone for the novel. This second book in the series is less light hearted than its predecessor with Merry focusing on her need to sell Wynter Castle, and all she'll lose in doing so. Although it's been eight years, Merry is now coming to grips with the loss of her husband and her new feelings toward Sheriff Virgil Grace. Will moving on with her life include letting someone else in? Will it mean leaving Autumn Vale and her new friends?
There are multiple mysteries in Muffin but Murder. Is cousin Cranston a legitimate heir to Merry's castle? Can Merry and the gang decipher the clue to her uncle's treasure?And finally-the murder mystery itself. Who is the unknown cowboy at the costume party? And why did someone kill him? When her good friend Pish becomes a suspect Merry is determined to solve the murder, for although her friend is hiding something, it's not the fact that he's a killer.
I enjoyed my second visit to Autumn Vale. Victoria Hamilton has a lot going on in Muffin but Murder, but manages to keep the plot moving forward. New dimensions are revealed in characters both old and new and the future is rife with possibilities.
Recipes are included.
The Second Merry Muffin Mystery
In Muffin but Murder, Merry continues to live in Wynter Castle with friends Shilo and Pish baking muffins, not only for herself, but, now that she has the proper permits, her clients-the local cafe and an old folks home. Although she still intends to sell the castle, Merry's grown quite fond of the town and her new found friends and wonders about her options. Merry also wonders about the man who claims to be her cousin...a cousin who says he's also eligible to receive part of Merry's inheritance. Deciding the best way to sell the castle is to show it off, Merry and the gang decide to throw a Halloween gala at the castle and invite rich prospective buyers to the event. The gala doesn't go quite as planned however, starting with party crashers and culminating with the discovery of a dead body!
Victoria Hamilton expands the setting in her Merry Muffin Mystery series to include the drab, depressing town of Ridley Ridge. This dismal town opens the book and sets the tone for the novel. This second book in the series is less light hearted than its predecessor with Merry focusing on her need to sell Wynter Castle, and all she'll lose in doing so. Although it's been eight years, Merry is now coming to grips with the loss of her husband and her new feelings toward Sheriff Virgil Grace. Will moving on with her life include letting someone else in? Will it mean leaving Autumn Vale and her new friends?
There are multiple mysteries in Muffin but Murder. Is cousin Cranston a legitimate heir to Merry's castle? Can Merry and the gang decipher the clue to her uncle's treasure?And finally-the murder mystery itself. Who is the unknown cowboy at the costume party? And why did someone kill him? When her good friend Pish becomes a suspect Merry is determined to solve the murder, for although her friend is hiding something, it's not the fact that he's a killer.
I enjoyed my second visit to Autumn Vale. Victoria Hamilton has a lot going on in Muffin but Murder, but manages to keep the plot moving forward. New dimensions are revealed in characters both old and new and the future is rife with possibilities.
Recipes are included.
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