Sticks and Scones

Bakeshop Mystery #19

by Ellie Alexander

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!
It’s late spring in Juliet's charming hamlet, Ashland, Oregon. Spotted deer are nibbling on lush green grasses in Lithia Park, the Japanese maples are blooming, and Torte is baking a bevy of spring delights—lemon curd cupcakes, mini coconut cream pies, grapefruit tartlets, and chocolate dipped almond Tuiles.
Meanwhile, her friend Lance, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is taking center stage with his new theater troupe—the Fair Verona Players. Their performance in Uva's vineyard promises to be a modern, gender-bending twist on "The Taming of the Shrew," but as the curtain rises, so do the strange occurrences. Stage mishaps and internal bickering threaten to derail the production. But as the curtain rises, the real show begins when the leading actor, Jimmy Paxton, meets his final curtain call. Now, Jules is not only in the mix, but she's going to need to craft the perfect recipe for solving this theatrical whodunit.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Food, Contemporary, Audiobook, Cozy

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
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Reviews

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the bakeshop series! It's no surprise since this one involves Lance putting on a contemporary gender bending version of Taming of the Shrew @ Uva. Things are going great until the very egotistical unliked star of the show ends up dead, and there are more people rejoicing than crying. This leaves the suspect pool well to...everyone!
The mystery is excellently paced from start to finish! One of the reasons I love this series so much is the growth and natural changes of characters throughout the series! I want to drink wine w/ all of them...well maybe we don't invite Richard. lol. This one had a lot of subplot leaving me laughing, crying, and even putting the book in the freezer for a while. lol
I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery lover! Oh and a word to the wise...you might want to have some of the main staples of baking on hand! You are going to want to bake along w/ Jules, Steph, and the gang!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Ellie Alexander, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules and the crew at Torte are catering the opening night for the Fair Verona Players' production of The Taming of the Shrew. When an abrasive cast member is found dead, suspicion is rampant as to the murderer's identity. Someone in the cast or crew? The entitled investor? Was the deceased in financial trouble? It's always enjoyable to revisit these likable characters. The descriptions of what is served at Torte are mouthwatering (recipes included) although this small town has had so many murders it might give one pause before considering a visit. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

It is a pleasure to be back in Ashland, Oregon. Juliet's friend Lance is taking on a new project —the Fair Verona Players. Instead of performing at the theatre, the new troupe's performance of a "modern gender-bending twist" of The Taming of the Shrew will be in a restored barn at UVA.  It hasn't been smooth sailing though. There have been some weird incidents and not the usual camaraderie among the cast and crew.

The curtain goes up on opening night, the cast kills it! Everyone is excited about future performances. Then Jimmy Paxton, the show's leading actor is found dead in the wine cellar. It was a packed house for the play. The cast and crew had access to the building. Jimmy was great on the stage but behind the scenes his "demeanor and disregard for boundaries was unsettling." Did he push someone too far? or did he have other enemies? Jules and Lance will ferret their way through the large cast of suspects to find who ended Jimmy Paxton's career just when it was set to take off.

____

Ms. Alexander has created a wonderful core cast of characters for this series. The whole way Jules and her mother previously run their business creates such camaraderie among everyone working there. Carlos is the same way with his employees. They are one big happy family that revels in each other's success and helps in times of sorrow. There is a little shake-up happening within the pages of this story that proves this perfectly. It is easy to be invested in their lives. I would love to be part of this fantastic group of human beings.

The author has penned a very well-plotted and written mystery that she blends effortlessly with all the happenings in Jules's life. She also is an expert at adding humor in all the right places. I swear everyone Jules talked to had secrets, told lies, and/or omitted key details. No one seemed to be mourning the guy's passing. I had a blast following along with each clue and twist. Jules, Carlos, and Lance make a spectacular team, the takedown was great.

A lot happens in this book aside from the murder. The ending of the book again tugs at my heart. "That was life. Love, loss, food, family, and sharing a comforting meal around a table while raising a glass in toast to all good things yet to come." I totally agree.

Sticks and Scones is a splendid addition to the Bakeshop Mystery Series. Genuine characters with huge hearts inhabit this series and Ms. Alexander gives them top-notch mysteries to solve. This book has that and more. I can't wait for Killing Me Soufflé to be released on February 25, 2025.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming installment in the Bakeshop Mystery series. The author somehow keeps this series fresh. I love the characters, the location and the community. The food is always beautifully described and I am often tempted to try out a recipe at the end of the book. Each time I visit the Torte bakeshop and Ashland I feel like I am reconnecting with old friends. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Thanks to St.Martins and Netgalley for providing me with an Arc to review.

[Melissa P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad this series is coming close to an end (with the books written so far at least). The mystery was decent. I am more focused on the possible departure of two of the main characters I am very fond of. I hope they will be in the future books. There was an incredible amount of very mushy parts in this book. I love this series and the wholesomeness but sometimes the tears they shed in these books are a lot. I don't want the series to end, as cheesy as it can be at times, I have a soft spot for these characters and this town. Ellie Alexander, keep writing! Happy reading! 🥰

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons this series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series is that the stories are well plotted, the characters have been developed wonderfully, and they feel like old friends whenever I pick up the next book. If you’re familiar with these books, you know that Lance, Juliet’s best friend and cohort, is trying something new with his new troop of Shakespearean players. Everything is going fine. It seems until the lead character is found dead in the wine cellar of Juliet Vineyard. as usual, there is no shortage of suspects and each one has their own good reason to see him dead. Juliet is the one who found the man and the shook up. She feels a responsibility to find out what happened. The story is so well put together, managing to include even the slightest of supporting characters, that turn it into a very entertaining and enjoyable read. The progression is so well done that it seems so natural and never forced. As we move into another phase of Juliet and Carlos’s life together, there is much excitement about what is to come in the next installment. If you’re looking for a fun, cozy you need not look any further. Even if you haven’t read any of them and want to start at the beginning, which is the best way, in my opinion,you will fly through them because you will be so entertained you will not want to stop until you get caught up. The relationships and the humor is what also makes them fantastic books.

I’d like to, once again, thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own as are any mistakes I’ve made.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules Capshaw is happy to be providing the venue and the foods and drinks for the opening night celebration for her best friend Lance. Lance has created a modern spin on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, but someone seems to be trying to sabotage the play with props going missing and a set collapsing. When the difficult lead actor is killed, there is no shortage of suspects. In spite of the potential danger, Jules and Lance team up to find out who killed Jimmy Paxton.

This is the 19th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series which takes place in the Shakespeare-loving town of Ashland, Oregon. For me, this series started getting really good when Jules quit fighting her feelings and reconciled with her charming husband Carlos. Carlos doesn't play a huge role in this book, but it's nice to know he's there and see him supporting Jules when he is part of the story. I enjoyed this book and always love the banter between Jules and Lance when they investigate together. Changes are coming for Jules and for Torte so fans of the series won't want to miss this book. New readers may want to read some of the prior books first to get to know the characters better. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store in future books.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy novels where the characters show continuous growth. This took a really long time to develop, but the ending made me extremely happy, but also a little sad. It's bittersweet to see beloved characters growing up. The mystery also made a lot of sense to me. However, I wish Lance wouldn’t subject Jules into doing something stupid. Can’t wait for the next book!

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jules is busier than ever, running Torte, helping Carlos with Uva and showing Ramiro the best Ashland has to offer a teenage boy. The OSF is busy too. Lance has a brand new venture, the Fair Verona Players, innovative outdoors productions with a small cast. Their first performance is scheduled at Uva and Torte has agreed to cater the event. The production is not going so well with a series of accidents happening on stage, a lead performer with a giant ego and the cast fighting among themselves. During the production, Lance's new investor, Tom Rudolph comes looking for a bottle of reserve wine, insults Uva and Ashland and gives Jules a lecture on the security of the key. Jules knows her team is family and they'd never steal but when the key goes missing and Jules discovers the lead actor stabbed to death with a corkscrew in the basement, she worries someone from the production is a murderer. Jules is content to have Thomas and Kerry investigate this one. She's too busy, tired and dizzy. Lance, of course, has other ideas.

The mystery plot was a little obvious but kept me guessing anyway. I never really figured out why but I had an inkling of something. The cozy plot is even more obvious. There are big changes ahead for the Torte family. I think the series can end here or at least after the next one.

This series has improved a lot since Jules settled on what she wants from Carlos. I like him much more now. He's a wonderful father and caring husband. Of course their obsession with Ramiro is way over the top and of course Ramiro is the perfect kid. He's polite, helpful, smart and easy going, much like his father. Of course he's easy! He's not living at home with his mother and is eager to embrace American teenage life and they let him do pretty much whatever he wants. Jules is kind of dumb. She's stretched thin with running Torte, helping Carlos with Uva and the day to day baking which is the thing she loves most. She doesn't need more on her plate. Now it seems she's unwell. She's dizzy and her stomach is unsettled after discovering the dead body. Hmm? She says she's not pregnant but I think she is. She's way too nice and lets Lance add to her schedule with a murder investigation. He should not endanger her like that. She's been trying to get pregnant so who is to say she's not and just hasn't tested yet? He doesn't know that all her tests have failed and only her mom knows about one. Lance shouldn't get involved anyway but he can't help himself. I dislike how he sees Jules as the star of his own personal drama just because of her name.

The Professor is such a dear. He's taken to being a grandfather to Ramiro with gusto and acts as a surrogate father to Jules. He's loving, caring and still actively solving crimes. Not that Thomas and Kerry can't handle it but Kerry seems to have the same "bug" as Jules. Gee I wonder what that could be? Kerry is tough and she's not going to let some stomach bug hold her back but Thomas seems worried. Arlo has Lance up an ungodly hours EXERCISING! OMG! Arlo and Lance are such opposites. I find it hard to believe they're a happy, well-matched couple. Good for Arlo pushing Lance out of his comfort zone! Sterling is very kind to Jules and empathetic. His relationship with Steph is good and Jules knows that they should and will probably take their talents elsewhere eventually. Sterling is not quite as confident as Jules thinks he is and Steph is a little neurotic. Bethany is cheerful, optimistic and sometimes annoying but those brownies sound AH-MAZING! Marty is kind and sympathetic. He's blossomed and come alive again after losing his wife. Rosa is lovely and Andy has stopped fighting with Sequoia. Dude is seriously creative and the king of coffee.

The Fair Verona players are awful. What a nightmare. Where did Lance even find these people? Jimmy, the lead actor, may be a dream come true on the stage but Lance should have looked more closely. Jimmy is a boor, selfish, crude, rude and generally a pig. Almost no one in the company likes him and he keeps clashing with Ed, the stage manager. I think Jimmy is either trying to sabotage the production so it closes and he can move on to something bigger or he has substance abuse issues. Given he was found in the cellar, I'd guess he's an alcoholic. I'm not surprised someone killed him. He had it coming.

Olive, the costume designer, doesn't seem to have a flair for style. Jimmie insults her costumes as not good enough and belittles her. She's a quiet mouse until she gets talking about murder. Then her personality changes. Is she a true crime junkie or a criminal? She's weird. I'm certain Olive is lying about a lot. Bertie, the assistant director, listens to Lance and has good instincts for a successful production but seems to be clashing with Jimmy. She doesn't put up with his nonsense. Did she put his nonsense out for good? Only Sophie liked Jimmy. She claims she loved him and they were going to be married. She claims to know everything about him. Sophie sounds stalkerish and I doubt Jimmy would have married her. Lance thinks Sophie is acting but her reaction to Jimmy's death, though over-the-top, seems like genuine shock to Jules and to me. I'm not sure what to make of her.

Tom Rudolph, Lance's investor, is also a rude boor. He's snobbish and insults Uva and Ashland the more he talks. Jules listens in silence because she knows the company needs this guy's money but he's just awful. I would have kicked him out and complained to Lance. Tom doesn't think highly of those who have less money than him and assumes Jules feels the same. Tom doesn't trust anyone and thinks everyone is out to cheat and steal. Jules knows her team is family and doesn't feel the need to listen to Tom. It's so obvious he took the key! Did he do it to teach her a lesson or blame it on someone else? Did he sneak in for more wine because he's clearly an alcoholic? Taking a job for day drinking is not an ideal way to make a living. Probably the opposite.

I can't wait to try the strawberry scones next summer! I wish there were brownie recipes!

I might read one more book in the series but that's it.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to get back to Torte and company. I have to say that the last two books in the series seemed a bit off to me. It was so good to get back to a book that reminded me why I enjoy this series. As usual, we have all of Torte's famous treats and coffees, Uva and the winery figure in, and of course, Lance and the theater and their projects figure. After a special theater performance at Uva, catered by Jules and her gang, one of the principal preformers is found dead in the wine cellar. Can Jules and Lance help the Professor, Tom, and Kerry figure out what is going on before there is more carnage? There is a lot going on in this volume, change is in the air, no spoilers, but we have all the things we love about this series, as well as a decent mystery. Yeah! Thanks to #Netgally, #StMartinsPress, and the author for the chance to read early. #SticksandScones #EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*

My second book in this Bakechop Mystery series and I really want to go back and start from the beginning! Jules and Carlos are working with Lance and his Fair Verona Players theater troupe in the Uva vineyard when one of the actors is murdered in the wine cellar. And Jules is dizzy on and off the whole book.

I like how the story progresses from the monotony of everyday life in the bakeshop to a murder and investigation and then back to the bakeshop to make adjustments to everyday life as needed. The supporting characters seem to be well rounded and fit in to help with the mysteries and to keep things running at Uva and the bakeshop. The recipes also sound wonderful! And this is why I want to read all of the books in the series. And visit Oregon!

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest Bakeshop Mystery has Jules investigating when an actor dies at her winery.

A lot of this book felt like an end/wrap-up to this series, so I was waiting for an author’s note at the end to that effect. It seems like there will be more adventures, but I’m interested to see if this series wraps up soon with certain developments for Jules imminently happening. I did enjoy the pacing and the mystery here, but it was a lot more talking to people than really sleuthing for clues (the other parts were character development, which there was a lot of here). I’m interested to see where Jules’ story goes next!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from 4.5⭐
More than a mystery, maybe a family reunion with a murder. You're delighted to reacquaint with all the characters, even the crotchety eccentric uncle...we're looking at you, Richard. Amid the clues and a resolution of a solid mystery, there's laughter, tears, importance of self-care and the acceptance of inevitable change. If you're new to the series, you'll still enjoy it, but if you're a long-time reader, you'll love it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reuniting with this fun crew and also the lovely setting of what a live show at the winery. I am always impressed by Jules's creativity and her ideas to make this event even more delicious. This book is emotional because a lot of change is coming to Torte, which is so bittersweet. I wasn't ready for this book to make me cry and yet it did. I was not surprised at all by the reveal, but I am totally fine with that and enjoyed the investigation. After that ending I am DYING for the next one!

Note: I loved the audiobook narration!

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series and love coming back to Ashland, Oregon with Juliet Capshaw. She is helping Lance with dinner and a play at their shared vineyard. When one of the cast mates keeps causing problems. He is later found dead and Juliet helps investigate.

I had an inkling of whodunnit, so there really wasn't a big reveal at the end for me. This book made me crave all the yummy food they bake. I can't wait to see what else happens in the next in the series.

[Karen]

Owning up to a passel of cozies I’ve been falling asleep to for most of this year. If you have trouble sleeping, I swear there’s nothing better than a gentle cozy mystery, preferably involving baking or bookshops, which you get from the library on your phone and play at about .85 or .90 speed, possibly at minimum volume from beneath your pillow if you’re trying not to wake up your co-sleeper. I’ve heard multiple books this way this year, so many times and in such a patchwork way, that I’m going to claim them even if I don’t recall every detail about whodunnit. Also, this insomniac tip is free and should be shared. ❤️

[Amber | backinthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment was PRECIOUS 😭❤️

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book brings changes to series for the main character both professional and personal. Yes there is a murder and it seems to be affecting the main character's health. The book was an easy read.

[Katie Shigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading these books is like being transported back to Ashland and hanging out with my favorite gang of bakers. Delightful!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#SticksandScones #NetGalley is such a fantastic story, I read it in about 5 hours. I stayed up late, and woke up early to finish it.
Jules is an amazing character and I love her role as friend, daughter, wife and step mother. Her friendship with Lance shines throughout the story and their easy going bantering always makes me laugh.
There's so much going on in the story, you just have to read it to believe it.
I'm not saying more, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but you must buy this book, it's that good!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm extremely excited to recommend this book to others.

[Olivia Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what was needed after a concerning election - escaping to Torte in Ashland with the usual players - this time with a play.

[Selina Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable. That’s ok though. I’ve committed to this series so will keep on reading. Nice and light, easy read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was another fun and delicious romp with the crew from Torte, along with the usual array of tasty treats. Some of the staff also have a couple of significant life changes.

If readers haven't read any in a mystery series, I usually recommend they start with the first book and read them in order, and this one is no exception. Part of the enjoyment is following the lives of Jules and her family and friends, almost to the point of the murder being a minor part of the story.

This is a good bet for those who like cozy mysteries set in a food-ish world, such as those by Vivien Chien (Noodle Shop Mysteries), Joanna Fluke (Hannah Swensen), and Laura Childs (Tea Shop Mysteries).

Thanks to the publisher, Macmillan, for the advanced digital reading copy. To be published on August 20, 2024.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this series and eagerly anticipated each new book being released for years now. This was definitely not my favorite. I feel like this was a transitional book moving new characters in and some old ones out, as well as adding a new activity at UVA to bring it into the series more.

The mystery was no real mystery. I figured out the murderer when the character was introduced and none of the red herrings seemed plausible to me.

I was surprised at how out of her element Jules seemed in finding the body and in investigating the murder - it is the 19th time she has been involved in one, some of it needs to be less shocking or confusing. It was interesting to put Carlos into the situation more directly instead of fretting on the sidelines.

As a side note, the editing of these books has gotten a bit sloppy. The last couple of books have had typos and continuity errors. These definitely take me right out of the story.

[Annie Kostyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editing was terrible. The mystery was an easy solve. Jules was pregnant. Knew that right away. Why did something so serious not send her immediately to the hospital or doctor? She felt flighty in this book. Just too much going on. I had trouble finishing the book. May be my last in the series.

If this was the first time you picked up this series, there is no way you would know the characters and what was going on. Very little backstory in anyone.

[Kara Haberichter · Rating 1 out of 5]

there was no indication that this book was part of a series when i picked it up. it was 50% her personal life that i knew nothing about and 50% mystery. the mystery was poorly written as well. the main character just happened to “run into” all the suspects and they told her everything. it all seemed very unrealistic. no clues or sleuthing. just this baker woman talking to suspects until one of them said he did it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules and Lance are back creating their own types of art in Ashland, Oregon. Juliet Capshaw is a baker and the owner of Torte, a local coffee shop and bakery that serves the community with caffeine, tasty treats, breakfast and lunch, ice cream treats during the summer, and even wine, through the vineyard she owns with her husband Carlos. And now that her best friend and the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lance, is starting his own production company to do smaller, more experimental stagings of Shakespearean plays, Jules is part of that as well. Since Lance has chosen their winery Uva, to stage The Taming of the Shrew, Jules and her gang at Torte have agreed to cater the first performance with small bites.

Clearly, Jules has a lot going on. And that doesn’t even include the fact that Carlos’s teenaged son has been living with them for a year, going to school in Oregon instead of his native Spain, where his mother lives. Having Ramiro living with them has been a blessing. But it’s also been a lot. Which might explain why Jules has started having dizzy spells.

But Jules pushes through and helps prepare the sweet and savory bites for the play’s opening. She even takesa van full of pastries to Uva, just in time to get in on some of the drama. Not the drama happening on the stage, but the drama happening backstage, as the lead actor was causing problems for the crew. Jimmy Paxton was a dream in the role of Petruchio, but he was a nightmare to work with. He criticized the costume designer and argued with the associate director. And not only that, he also accused someone on the crew of trying to kill him.

That night, the production is mesmerizing, and the food is perfection. But when Jules needs to go back down to the wine cellar, she realizes the key is missing. It’s usually on a hook in the kitchen, and it was there earlier, but now it’s missing. Jules looks for it but can’t find it. She decides to go to the wine cellar to see if by any chance the door is open, and it is. And sitting there, alone, is the troublesome actor himself, Jimmy Paxton, with a corkscrew in his neck.

Jules gets the police immediately, and the next few days are a whirlwind of intensity at the bakery as well as the murder investigation. Jules and Lance are known for sticking their noses into local investigations, and while they are able to find out where the wine cellar key went and why costumes and props had been going missing from the show. But until they figure out who the killer is and why they did it, Jules and Lance will still be in danger. And with Juliet having dizzy spells, will she be able to handle the extra stress of catching a killer?

Sticks and Scones is book 19 in Ellie Alexander’s popular Bakeshop Mystery. Clearly, she has found the recipe to create delicious novels with the right blend of crime and family warmth, delicious treats and investigating. These characters have been honed over years, so they are strong and three-dimensional. Reading Alexander’s cozy mysteries is like taking a master class in writing, each one with a strong plot and a perfect balance.. Although every single one does leave me hungry.

I have been a longtime fan of these Bakeshop Mysteries. I especially love this one, where Jules finally seems to feel the weight of opening some new branch of her bakery empire each book. I know she has a lot of good help, but it sounds like a lot of work. I was also a fan of Lance’s new Fair Verona Players and his choice of The Taming of the Shrew. I’m always happy reading about the Shakespeare plays they put on at the university and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, so that was a nice surprise. And as always, there are a handful of recipes at the end, including Strawberry Scones, so Sticks and Scones is packed with delectable treats from beginning to end.

Egalleys for Sticks and Scones were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, I feel compelled to tell you to stock up on tasty treats before you read. The descriptions of food and food preparation, not to mention the recipes at the end, will have you ready to savor something delectable. Even better, you'll be able to pick up lots of tricks to use when preparing such recipes yourself. Kneading bread seems to be soothing for main character Jules/Juliet Montague Capshaw and she needs all the stress relief she can get right now. The last thing she needed was another murder but, hey, it wouldn't be another Bakeshop Mystery without a murder, right?

As the book opens, Jules and her amazing crew are preparing to cater opening night of the opening of Lance's theater production of "Taming of a Shrew". Long time readers can already guess that Lance has added a few twists of his own to the show, adding some extra spice. Then, oops, his leading actor, after a wonderfully received opening show, is found dead. By Jules, no less, and the investigation is on. Jimmy Paxton seemed to be more disliked by his fellow cast members than appreciated, so there is a cast full of suspects. Jules isn't quite on top of her sleuthing game right now but doesn't let that stop her. I won't detail the plot much further but will note that the suspect list seems to keep growing, not dwindling. Who killed Jimmy and dumped him in the wine cellar? What did Sophie see in Jimmy? What was the costume lady up to? Will the understudy make it there on time to take the stage? Hmm, could he somehow be involved? Why does it seem like everyone is pointing the finger at someone else? Why are so many seemingly feeling guilt? And, yikes, what bad news does one of Jules' crew members have to share? Who is....oh, more than enough teasers and I haven't really even gotten to the side-stories!

Bottom line, another winner from Ellie Alexander. This series is a favorite although I have to admit her latest bookshop one is moving up the list. The characters here are fully fleshed out, with both strengths and weaknesses, and are people I'd love to know in real life. It's been fun to watch these characters grow. Even though I'm not much of a wine drinker, I wouldn't mind spending some time hanging out with Carlos at the winery, either. He shows both courage and good thinking this go-round, btw. Ashland, OR, sounds absolutely dream worthy, too, with everything blooming, wildlife about, and natural aromas to give the aromas drifting from Jules' bakery some competition. The plot flows naturally, with side stories and background info shared naturally, making this a solid stand-alone for new readers. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me this sneak peak at Lance's new project and the chance to catch up on Jules' life, which just seems to get busier and busier and more complicated every book. Love that big teaser at the end. Can't wait to pop back into Torte and catch up with the changes and, of course, sneak a few scones.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


In Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander, a bakeshop owner doubts her skills to solve a mystery and tries to be more relaxed.

Who would want Jimmy Paxton gone?

Juliet Capshaw
Juliet Capshaw, also known as Jules by everyone, is our point-of-view character. Jules has been running Torte, a bakeshop with her mom, for a while and is happily married to Carlos. I love Jules and how she runs her business. Not only that, but she also makes everyone around her feel like they are a part of her family. I also like the fact that she is surrounded by people who care for her and that they want to help out when she's feeling down.

Jimmy Paxton
Jimmy Paxton is our victim. He met his untimely demise at the end of the theater production of Taming of the Shrew at Jules and Carlos' winery. Now, Jules wants to find out who killed him and why at the winery. Well,  figuring that out isn't a piece of cake. Jimmy hadn't been a good person from the little bit that he interacted with Jules. He was always trying to better his situation, even at the cost of others. I figured out who did it but not the motive.

Four Stars
Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander is my first book into the foray of this fascinating world. Ms. Alexander does a great job transporting me there with Jules, solving the mystery, and hanging out in the kitchen with all those yummy treats baking. I am giving Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander four stars and recommending it to all cozy culinary mystery readers. Give it a try, even if you haven't popped into one of these books before. Oh, and don't forget to check out the recipes at the back of the book.

The recipes are Strawberry Scones, Chocolate Tahini Cookies, Huevos Rotos (Spanish Broken Eggs), Pineapple Cake with Coconut Buttercream, Barbecue Chicken Cups, and Cherry Blossom Latte.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review: 4/5 ⭐️
Genre: cozy mystery
Themes: community, power of food, poverty in the arts

I am new to this series and while reading the previous books may give you some insight into the relationship between various characters it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this instalment. Imagine a murder mystery in a quaint town like Stars Hollow where coffee and sustenance are basically given freely at the local cafe, the community is an extended family where everyone looks out for one another and food forms its own narrative. Now you have the foundations for this book.

This was the perfect light and cozy read when I had a lot going on and was at my emotional limit. As a baker, I adored the tips and descriptions of food and confection. It was as much about the food culture as it was about the murder mystery, which actually took a back seat in my mind. “Sometimes having coffee with a friend is as good as therapy” really formed the ethos to this book. The healing power of food and someone to listen to you is really how these sleuths went about their investigation that is when they weren’t making food or art!

The mystery itself had several possible leads, but wasn’t necessarily a big shock nor full of thrills. The cast of friends and their wholesome relationships really played the supporting role to the power of food that really took centre stage. As the author states, “We agreed on the transformative power of a good, hand-crafted meal served with love. There was no denying the emotional quality of food” - need I say more?

I also really appreciated the theatrical references and discourse on wine snobs - I know the type. The message on those in the artistic community being underpaid is one that can always use further endorsement. This is basically a town that I would love to live in, even with the occasional murders! There is a burgeoning theatre group, the nicest people, a cozy cafe with delicious treats and a vineyard a short drive away. All it needs is a nice bookstore and I would be set. I will also say that this series would translate well to TV in that cozy Hallmark mystery style - hint hint networks.

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for an ARC of this novel. It was just what I needed and I surprised myself by really enjoying it.