Bake the System

by Gretchen Allen

It never rains but it pours.
Breezy Lake Village is bustling with new residents moving in, a hurricane on the way, and the Clubhouse Cooks trying desperately to keep everyone calm by hosting a hurricane prep party.

Resident and amateur sleuth, Loretta Barksdale, is baking a special cake for the event, while keeping an eye on the weather.

When the storm hits, wreaking havoc in the closely-knit retirement village, the community manager, along with a resident, goes missing.

The downed trees and storm debris turn out to not be the biggest mess after the storm – there are a string of thefts and feuding contractors mucking things up as well - and Loretta vows to discover where her missing neighbors might be.

Can she crack the case and take the cake?
Find out in this delectable Cozy Mystery!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2023

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even imagine riding out a hurricane but I know I’d probably be just as scared and worried as Loretta was. She actually did much better than I would’ve since I’m still freaked by midwestern tornado warnings and I’m a lifelong resident. Even though there wasn’t a murder this time, it was still exciting and tense to see if the search party was gonna find the two that were missing. It was definitely a good ending and I was proud of Brigitte who finally stood up to Pauline a couple times instead of being a meek minion.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series and this book makes a great addition. The storyline is creative and the book well written. Where else would you find a retirement community with so much action? The characters are mostly seniors who are quirky and center around a cooking club. These seniors don’t just cook though, they solve murders in the community at the same time!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Marilyn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

No murder this time but a hurricane and two missing people. Oh and feuding contractors. A hurricane whipped through the community and left mild destruction in its path but it also left a missing resident and Rachel the community manager. Pauline was being her best self and was more concerned about missing lawn chairs, Bridgette actually snapped at Pauline about being inconsiderate. In the end!both people were found as well as Pauline's missing chairs. On to the next book.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a hurricane approaches the Clubhouse Cooks decides to throw a hurricane prep party and Loretta decides to make a special cake. The hurricane does it damage as the residents try to clean up as sub contractors begin the feud while cleaning up the mess. Une of her neighbours is not to be found afterwards as the gang will search to see if their neighbours are still alive. A fast paced cozy that will sweep you away.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series

Loretta is enjoying a beautiful sunrise in her backyard. She is interrupted by her neighbor telling her the park is in the line of a hurricane that will hit that night. The next morning Loretta gets outside and determines her house has only minor damage. She starts trying to help her neighbors. The missing person mystery is resolved. A fun read.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

I love this series. It’s original, well written and has great characters. Pauline is always making me laugh or shake my head. I look forward to many more in this series.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much. I especially loved how Loretta weathered her first hurricane. Looking forward to the next book very much.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher.

[Linda Morriosn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series and have read them all but Pauline should move, not liking her.