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Peridale Cafe #27
Banana Bread and Betrayal
A gripping page-turning mystery of lies, betrayal, and justice in a close-knit village!
Step back into the quaint village of Peridale, where café-owner, Julia South-Brown, finds herself entangled in a gripping new mystery. When the owner of the local food bank, Hilda, seeks her help after a break-in by a dear friend, Ronnie, Julia is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and deceit.
Determined to protect the community from scandal, Hilda entrusts Julia with the case, urging her to uncover the truth behind Ronnie's inexplicable actions. But as Julia volunteers at the food bank, the situation takes a sinister turn when Ronnie is murdered, just days after being hailed as the saviour of the struggling food bank in The Peridale Post.
With her daughter, Jessie, by her side, Julia delves deeper into Fern Moore's food bank, uncovering shocking revelations about Ronnie's past. A web of suspects emerges, including a jealous fellow volunteer, a resentful brother, an angry neighbour, a cunning businessman, and an old school acquaintance.
Elsewhere, Jessie faces several blasts from her past while making big decisions about her future, Julia’s husband, Barker is working on his second book while lending his PI skills, and her sister, Sue, is settling into her new role working at the café. In a race against time, can Julia juggle family, business, and bringing justice to a close-knit community that has been rocked to the core before more volunteers suffer the same fate as Ronnie?
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 27th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series. Standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth set in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes.
Determined to protect the community from scandal, Hilda entrusts Julia with the case, urging her to uncover the truth behind Ronnie's inexplicable actions. But as Julia volunteers at the food bank, the situation takes a sinister turn when Ronnie is murdered, just days after being hailed as the saviour of the struggling food bank in The Peridale Post.
With her daughter, Jessie, by her side, Julia delves deeper into Fern Moore's food bank, uncovering shocking revelations about Ronnie's past. A web of suspects emerges, including a jealous fellow volunteer, a resentful brother, an angry neighbour, a cunning businessman, and an old school acquaintance.
Elsewhere, Jessie faces several blasts from her past while making big decisions about her future, Julia’s husband, Barker is working on his second book while lending his PI skills, and her sister, Sue, is settling into her new role working at the café. In a race against time, can Julia juggle family, business, and bringing justice to a close-knit community that has been rocked to the core before more volunteers suffer the same fate as Ronnie?
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 27th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series. Standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth set in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2023
415 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 9, 2023
This is a strong 27th entry for me in the Peridale Cafe cozy mystery series. I am so happy that with the last few books Julia's daughter Jessie is back from her travels and playing an active role in the books and the mysteries. I am even more grateful that once again, in this book, instead of having alternating POVs of Julia and her annoying grandmother Dot, we instead have alternating POVs with Julia and Jessie! In fact, in this book Dot only appeared a few times and was not critical to the story line in any way!
I enjoyed the mystery, and the continued development of all the main characters. Barker (Julia's husband) is writing his second novel. Sue (Julia's sister), is working in the cafe and truly seems more at peace than she has the entire series. And Jessie is working on the local newspaper. There have been a lot of changes, and I look forward to seeing more. This is a B+ for me, so four stars here.
I enjoyed the mystery, and the continued development of all the main characters. Barker (Julia's husband) is writing his second novel. Sue (Julia's sister), is working in the cafe and truly seems more at peace than she has the entire series. And Jessie is working on the local newspaper. There have been a lot of changes, and I look forward to seeing more. This is a B+ for me, so four stars here.
February 18, 2024
July-August
This story has murder, a search for a new newspaper headquarters, banana bread, a housing scam, and a food pantry. The mystery in this one was interesting. It ties back to a previous mystery and sets up the next book's mystery. I am curious to see where this goes.
This story has murder, a search for a new newspaper headquarters, banana bread, a housing scam, and a food pantry. The mystery in this one was interesting. It ties back to a previous mystery and sets up the next book's mystery. I am curious to see where this goes.
July 18, 2024
Another great story in the Peridale Cafe series.
June 7, 2024
Excellent Characters; Excellent Storylines!
"Banana Bread and Betrayal" is Book 27 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. This is one of my favorite series I've ever read. This series has excellent characters and excellent storylines. Of all the series I've ever read, Barker Brown is my favorite main male characters. He is 41 year old Julia's husband, 21 year old Jessie's adoptive father, and 1 1/2 year old Olivia's biological father. He's ever supportive of his wife and adoptive daughter, and the best daddy ever to his little Olivia. He's the kind of husband and father that every wife and child wish they had. Thank you, Barker, for being such a wonderful person. Julia's grandmother, Dot 80+) is another really cool character. She claims she's not a gossip, but we lovingly know that is exactly who she is. Other characters in this series are equally well-fleshed out people, leading to a series of fantastic regular characters, as well as a host of new characters that have equal shares of good guys and bad guys. This book had multiple storylines: Julia and her sister, Sue, working at the cafe; Barker working as a P.I., while writing a second book based on the Body in the Capsule case from two books ago; Julia and Barker investigating a couple of murders; Jessie attending college, investigating the same couple of murders as Barker and Julia, and helping the new lead journalist, Veronica Hilt. Veronica sees Jessie as a diamond in the rough that could become a really great investigative journalist. Two people are murdered several days apart, each volunteers involved in the Fern Moore Food Bank. It is up to Julia, Jessie, and Barker, along with the Riverswick and Peridale Police Force to figure out who the killer(s) are, and if these murders were accomplished by one or more persons. This is one of those books where nothing is exactly how it seems, and there are several characters that you'll hope is the killer, and others that you'll pray are innocent. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
"Banana Bread and Betrayal" is Book 27 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. This is one of my favorite series I've ever read. This series has excellent characters and excellent storylines. Of all the series I've ever read, Barker Brown is my favorite main male characters. He is 41 year old Julia's husband, 21 year old Jessie's adoptive father, and 1 1/2 year old Olivia's biological father. He's ever supportive of his wife and adoptive daughter, and the best daddy ever to his little Olivia. He's the kind of husband and father that every wife and child wish they had. Thank you, Barker, for being such a wonderful person. Julia's grandmother, Dot 80+) is another really cool character. She claims she's not a gossip, but we lovingly know that is exactly who she is. Other characters in this series are equally well-fleshed out people, leading to a series of fantastic regular characters, as well as a host of new characters that have equal shares of good guys and bad guys. This book had multiple storylines: Julia and her sister, Sue, working at the cafe; Barker working as a P.I., while writing a second book based on the Body in the Capsule case from two books ago; Julia and Barker investigating a couple of murders; Jessie attending college, investigating the same couple of murders as Barker and Julia, and helping the new lead journalist, Veronica Hilt. Veronica sees Jessie as a diamond in the rough that could become a really great investigative journalist. Two people are murdered several days apart, each volunteers involved in the Fern Moore Food Bank. It is up to Julia, Jessie, and Barker, along with the Riverswick and Peridale Police Force to figure out who the killer(s) are, and if these murders were accomplished by one or more persons. This is one of those books where nothing is exactly how it seems, and there are several characters that you'll hope is the killer, and others that you'll pray are innocent. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
August 28, 2023
I've read all the books in this series, and they never get tired, always easy to read with twists and turns.
Julia is busy at the cafe, and now that her sister, Sue, has joined her and Jessie, they have a good team running the successful cafe.
However, Julia is soon pulled off into solving a break in at one of her Gran's friends' houses, and it's more complicated than she first thought. It involves her going back to the Fern Moor Estate, something she isn't keen on.
Jessie, of course, gets involved and runs into someone she knew when she first came to Peridale.
Barker, Julia's husband, is busy writing his new book and looking after their young daughter, Olivia.
A really good cosy mystery with the usual characters involved, as well as a few new ones.
The books are all standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
Julia is busy at the cafe, and now that her sister, Sue, has joined her and Jessie, they have a good team running the successful cafe.
However, Julia is soon pulled off into solving a break in at one of her Gran's friends' houses, and it's more complicated than she first thought. It involves her going back to the Fern Moor Estate, something she isn't keen on.
Jessie, of course, gets involved and runs into someone she knew when she first came to Peridale.
Barker, Julia's husband, is busy writing his new book and looking after their young daughter, Olivia.
A really good cosy mystery with the usual characters involved, as well as a few new ones.
The books are all standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
August 8, 2023
Fun Return to Peridale
Agatha Frost has done it again with her latest addition to her Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series!
So much fun reading the latest adventures of Julia South-Brown and her family and friends. The resolution of the mystery is unpredictable. It’s insightful to see things from Jessie’s point of view, in addition to Julia’s. Can be enjoyed as part of the series and as a standalone book. Looking forward to the next chapter, which is already in the making. My favorite cozy mystery series!
Agatha Frost has done it again with her latest addition to her Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series!
So much fun reading the latest adventures of Julia South-Brown and her family and friends. The resolution of the mystery is unpredictable. It’s insightful to see things from Jessie’s point of view, in addition to Julia’s. Can be enjoyed as part of the series and as a standalone book. Looking forward to the next chapter, which is already in the making. My favorite cozy mystery series!
August 3, 2023
Puzzling, a Bit Scary, and Immensely Rewarding
I truly enjoy visiting Peridale with each new mystery in Julia South-Brown's life. Agatha Frost always brings unique and unusual story lines; this one renewing Jesse's old friendship and demonstrating the small-town busybodiness and gossip that's so true in small towns. Again, I thought I'd discovered the murderer, only to be distracted by other possibilities. Congratulations on another delightful story, Agatha.
I truly enjoy visiting Peridale with each new mystery in Julia South-Brown's life. Agatha Frost always brings unique and unusual story lines; this one renewing Jesse's old friendship and demonstrating the small-town busybodiness and gossip that's so true in small towns. Again, I thought I'd discovered the murderer, only to be distracted by other possibilities. Congratulations on another delightful story, Agatha.
August 15, 2023
I loved it!! The Peridale family is just so wonderful, I’ve grown quite attached to them in this series. I have enjoyed their growth and patience as a family and individuals. Having this one spend time in Fern Moore was a reminder of the differences we all have yet somehow we are all the same.
I really did enjoy this book. It moves at a good pace keep its the mystery and excitement going through out. I’m excited to see where the family and other relationships and even Peridale itself go.
I really did enjoy this book. It moves at a good pace keep its the mystery and excitement going through out. I’m excited to see where the family and other relationships and even Peridale itself go.
August 6, 2023
worth the wait!
This was a good one, well all of them are. I enjoyed more Jessie and less Dot. I liked seeing Barker busy and successful writing his book but still there for Julia. Sue in the Café is a great addition. The plot was so good and Billy back as friends with Jesse, I hope to see more of him. Can’t wait for the next one.
This was a good one, well all of them are. I enjoyed more Jessie and less Dot. I liked seeing Barker busy and successful writing his book but still there for Julia. Sue in the Café is a great addition. The plot was so good and Billy back as friends with Jesse, I hope to see more of him. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 20, 2023
A great read
This is another hit from Agatha Frost. I truly enjoyed the many characters that were entwined in this mystery, Including Barker and Billy. A most complicated mystery and one that I couldn't figure out until the very end. If you've been to Peridale before, don't wait to go back again. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?
This is another hit from Agatha Frost. I truly enjoyed the many characters that were entwined in this mystery, Including Barker and Billy. A most complicated mystery and one that I couldn't figure out until the very end. If you've been to Peridale before, don't wait to go back again. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?
August 5, 2023
Good for the soul
I enjoyed this book
No politics or bad nasty words
It is good family and friends help ear other
I wish our world was interesting in helping each other, not tearing down other lives
Thank you
Rose
I enjoyed this book
No politics or bad nasty words
It is good family and friends help ear other
I wish our world was interesting in helping each other, not tearing down other lives
Thank you
Rose
August 5, 2023
One of the best so far.
Julia and co are back to their best. A puzzling challenge and my suspects kept changing but I never spotted the real culprit till the end. Can’t wait for the next one.
Julia and co are back to their best. A puzzling challenge and my suspects kept changing but I never spotted the real culprit till the end. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 7, 2023
Peridale: A book that you can't put down.
I have read all 27 Peridale books and I have never been able to put it down until I had read the whole book. I love Agatha Frost books. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
I have read all 27 Peridale books and I have never been able to put it down until I had read the whole book. I love Agatha Frost books. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
August 10, 2023
Wonderful
Another wonderful book , I really enjoy reading about theses characters, the ups and downs of village life, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
Another wonderful book , I really enjoy reading about theses characters, the ups and downs of village life, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
August 18, 2023
Excellent
Well I've just read your last cafe book, Banana Bread and Betrayal,and like all your other books I loved it. But now I've got non left to read so I can't wait for your next Candle or Cafe book.
Well I've just read your last cafe book, Banana Bread and Betrayal,and like all your other books I loved it. But now I've got non left to read so I can't wait for your next Candle or Cafe book.
August 22, 2023
Julia is asked to help Hilda, who runs the food bank in the next town over. One of the helpers has been killed and something is suspicious. Was it his brother or was it somebody from the food bank or was it something else. Julia and Jessie both knew Ronnie and are invested in solving the case. Enjoy this great mystery as they each get pieces to put the case together.
June 2, 2024
Very cute story
When Julia is approached to help a friend solve a problem little did she know murder lurked around the corner. So starts the story where brilliantly written cast of characters take us readers through to the end of this fascinating tale.
When Julia is approached to help a friend solve a problem little did she know murder lurked around the corner. So starts the story where brilliantly written cast of characters take us readers through to the end of this fascinating tale.
August 6, 2023
thoroughly enjoyed the book, this series is one of my favorites, book was totally worth waiting for...
August 7, 2023
Another great addition to this series.
August 8, 2023
It's great being back in Peridale again, oh how I've missed you.
This to me is what a good murder mystery is all about.
This to me is what a good murder mystery is all about.
August 14, 2023
Banana Bread and Betrayal
Thanks again for another wonderful story. Even though I try I can’t figure out the end. Being old makes it hated but I’m really glad I can’t.
Thanks again for another wonderful story. Even though I try I can’t figure out the end. Being old makes it hated but I’m really glad I can’t.
August 21, 2023
Another hit..
Another twisty turny who done it. But Julia and her friends and family figure it out. Can't wait for the next adventure.
Another twisty turny who done it. But Julia and her friends and family figure it out. Can't wait for the next adventure.
September 29, 2023
I absolutely adore this series of books and even after 27 books it’s still going strong. I would move to Peridale in a heartbeat.
October 3, 2023
Agatha has done it again. A great read. All of your characters feel like family. I have read everyone up until here starting your newest one next. Looking forward to that!
February 26, 2024
A wonderful addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
April 6, 2024
Good book
April 29, 2024
Reading all the Perivale Cafe Cozy mystery books. Very readable and enjoying them.
October 7, 2024
This was a great read!! Thanks to Julia and her family!!
October 24, 2024
Great book
I love these books a great suspense light reading series of books. Recommend them to people for a relaxing read
I love these books a great suspense light reading series of books. Recommend them to people for a relaxing read
February 19, 2024
This was another good mystery in the series. Julia is asked to help solve a robbery. Unfortunately, it soon becomes a murder case. Of course, she solves it and all is well for now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews