Missing Ingredient

Sienna Monroe #7

by Stella Dorn

Sienna Monroe is settled in her new hometown south of Nashville.

Surprisingly the Police Chief publicly lauds Sienna’s pro-level amateur sleuthing skills.

He even seeks her help in identifying a trio of robbers hitting all local banks & businesses.

Sienna has found the balance of running her boutique bakery while actively helping her local police…

Then additional ingredients enter the a blossoming dating relationship, a persistent stray puppy, and a shocking revelation of who is the mastermind behind the infamous robbery trio.

“I hurried to the front of my bakery to see what all the commotion was out on the Town Square, only to find a crowd of people screaming, hurrying away from the far end.” Sienna felt like her heart dropped into her stomach…Pierre’s bakery was up there.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Shakella "The Singing Bibliophile" Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I enjoy a cozy mystery, and this one did not disappoint. A murder solving, stray dog saving, small business supporting, bakery shop owner with a blossoming relationship assists the local police department solve a sleu of robberies in the town by a trio of masked individuals. This is the first time I have read a story from this author and I believe that I will enjoy other titles from her. This book was well written and moved at a great pace that kept me engaged and ended in a way that was satisfying.

I received an advance copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

Such a great story. Wasn't expecting the twist . it really increased the intensity. Looking forward to the next book very much.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a culinary female sleuth cozy mystery.

I really enjoyed this story though there were several avenues of investigation that were ignored or missed that prevent me from giving five stars. I had a career in IT security and could identify holes in the investigatory process. However the story was well written and the characters were complex and realistic. Would recommend.

Sienna Monroe is a former forensic scientist who has helped the local police department in town. She is in a good place running her bakery and has a full staff allowing her to focus on helping the police when she needs to. She is also dating Pierre Delacroix who owns the bakery across the town square. She gets asked by Officer Jackson to help them with a series of robberies. She is able to help them identify 3 robbers and they set a trap to try to catch them in the process of robbing a bank. The robbers have heard about her helping the police and try to rob her bakery where they get arrested and the mastermind/leader is identified.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book eight already of Sienna Munroe Mysteries! This great series is a masterpiece. Sienna’s senses activate when she hears a deathly scream followed by lots more and even more disconcerting is there’s lots of people fleeing away from the area where Pierre’s is. Of course she has to investigate and has to be the only one going towards the danger, she sees a trio of robbers possibly armed in the cafe next door to Pierre’s and calls it in. She has the cocker spaniel puppy to help as well as celebrating an engagement and a new blossoming romance , love is in the air for her and Pierre too. Sienna is soon on the case as the trio of bandits cause mayhem in town , targeting lots of different businesses,they need to be caught fast, and the mastermind behind the robberies brought to task. Brilliant writing as always by Stella Dorn whose pen never disappoints, greatly immersive and fun .
I read an advanced copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily in my own words

[Dave Measner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A puzzling robbery crew.
In this sixth instalment of the Sienna Monroe series a trio of masked robbers has been knocking off various businesses around Columbia. This story is full of hurry up and wait style investigation and while some of the villians are identified the ringleader remains a mystery. Also as a distraction for Sienna her romance with Pierre seems to be advancing to the next level and she is close to adopting a stray puppie. The old school figuring out of clues when the computer method was giving mixed results was interesting, but the hurry up and wait solving of the robberies, to me dragged the story out a little and is why I only rated four stars. Otherwise a good entry in the series and a continuation of the development of the characters for future instalments.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Sienna and Pierre's relationship becomes official, she is automatically concerned when she realized an active robbery was in progress where his shop is. Upon arrival and realizing that his was safe but a neighboring coffee shop was not, she notified the cops and is asked to use her previous forensics expertise in helping to identify the trio that has been hitting many businesses in the area.

Another great book in the Sienna Monroe series that sees how far her relationship with Pierre and employees have come. The motive behind these robberies were a bit far-fetched but still an enjoyable read to keep you turning those pages.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Ingredient by Stella Dorn is the 7th story in this series but it is the first on that I have read. I enjoyed reading this book. Sienna Monroe is the owner of a bakery in the town of Columbia where she relocated after leaving a job as a forensic scientist in a big city. This is twist on the amateur sleuth in that Sienna is actually requested by the police to help solve the current wave of burglaries in the area.

This is a story that will keep you guessing to discover who the people are who are committing the thefts and WHY. I received a copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. This can be read as a stand alone. I recommend this book. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy murder mystery had a lot of interesting twists, turns and suspense. A group of cunning robbers are making her town unsafe and Sienna is asked to assist with her forensic skills. She does her best with a great team of police and a few others but somehow the thieves seem to be one step ahead of them. Multiple mysteries are in the works and resolved by the end of the book (no cliffhangers). I really enjoyed this book overall and it can be read as a standalone. There was one small storyline that is out of alignment with the main character but it is not distracting to the overall plot.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, cozy read. Sienna is a smart, complex, entertaining, relatable, intriguing character. I enjoy the role that Sienna plays in solving the mystery and that the police work with her and are capable in their own right. The various characters are interesting and add to the fabric of the story. The mystery was captivating and full of twists and turns. It was fun working on solving the mystery along with the amateur sleuth. The writing is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, by my standards, is the best book of the Sienna Monroe mystery series. The author, Stella Dorn, has done a sensational job writing this entire series, and here in book seven, she so effectively created a brilliant mystery and continued to expand the repertoire of her characters. And it was all done without an actual murder, which was a mild surprise and most welcoming part of the story. I hate to give anything away, but it seemed obvious from the beginning that this would be the case so I don’t think I’m spoiling anything. Bravo, Stella Dorn. This was a sensationally captivating, and thoroughly entertaining mystery.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Ms Dorn does it again with another bakery/PI mystery! You don’t have to read the other books in this series to understand what’s going on. BUT you WILL want to. The characters very easily come to life as each book is written. You come to know them and enjoy becoming involved in the stories “their” stories. This mystery will keep you guessing as it builds up. No guessing right after a chapter or two, you’ll think you’ve “got it “ but a twist comes in and you guess again. A fun and interesting read! (No sexual or curse words, so I can recommend to my preteen advanced reading friends or anyone wanting a nice clean fun interesting book

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Ingredient by Stella Dorn wow each book gets better and better. I just love this series there’s mystery, murder, and a bunch of twists and turns in this book. Sienna loves her bakery store and if she’s not baking she is out trying to solve murders. You should get this book. It will keep you reading til the end and then you will want more.

I rate this book a 5 star read. Yes I do own this book and I’m writing a review on this book it really exciting book. Keep up the great write Stella.

Written by
Edith L

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sienna Monroe has moved back to Columbia and owns a small bakery. Formerly a forensic tech, she often helps the local police with cases. Hearing that there have been a series of robberies in local businesses, when Sienna is asked for help in identifying the suspects she readily agrees. Using her forensic knowledge Sienna and the police hope she can determine the height, weight and any distinguishing features that may help in finding the robbers. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna Monroe and Pierre are getting closer to actual dating, but what is keeping them apart? A stray Cocker Spaniel that is just a pup has latched on to Sienna and will not leave, but she doesn't have the heart to refuse it, just like the local police department now lauding her praise and coming to her for help with local robberies that are putting Sienna through her paces and digging into her memory to answers. I could hardly put this book down a must-read for the weekend. I received this book free from Stella Dorn, and I leave this review voluntarily

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lighter edge and rather well written cozy mystery. Sienna Monroe is at it once again involved in a police matter. The array of familiar characters within this series will draw you in at once with their charm and daily lives while the intriguing plot that will slowly unfold before you entices you further having you turning page after intriguing page following along with clues and suspects, discovering motives becoming part of the chase. Acquire " Missing Ingredient " Book eight in the Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series. An easy to read and interesting mystery with realistic and likeable characters and a touch of romance. Sienna Monroe owns her own bakery and uses her forensic skills to help the police with their cases. In this mystery she is helping them by estimating the height and weight of a group of criminals, in an effort to identify them. I like the small town feel, and the interaction between the characters.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She owns a bakery - and loves solving crime
There are robberies happening in town . . . .and she is trying to solve them. She puzzles out who the criminals are . . .and now just needs to catch them. While keeping her bakery open. One of the police officers is being threatened - they have his wife and child!!!! This Is another great book by Stella Dorn, that kept me guessing until the end who the criminals are!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own

[Chere Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only does Sienna figure out how to make a good beignet in this installment of the Sweet Shop mysteries, she also manages to uses her forensic skills to figure out the heights and weights of the burglars terrorizing her new hometown. The real mystery is figuring out who is the brains controlling the trio of burglars and what the real purpose behind the burglaries is. This is a enjoyable series of cozy mysteries I recommend reading.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sienna is settling with her new life of running her bakery and even gaining trust with the local police to help solve crimes. She even mage a relationship with her old enemy. Pierre as they friendship continues to blossom.

Soon things will change when she sees screaming people who are running away where Pierre’s store us located. You will have to read what will happen next in this series. A must read.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read in this series. This was such a fun ride. I really enjoy al the characters in this series. Sienna and Pierre are a great team. If you love a good mystery then this book is for you. Sienna always helps the cops solve the crimes they can't solve without her. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Stella Dorn for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Loved it. It was a page turner and the suspense was fun and humor. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. Will the mysteries be solve in the bakery or will it be more clues to gather for this mystery to come to and end?If you haven't even read 1-7 it will help you get into the depth of the story and more. I highly recommend this book and you won't regret reading it. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting involved with Sienna’s thought process. She definitely sees patterns the rest of us miss. It is good to see the police acknowledge the value of her assistance and come to her for help instead of her bringing a crime to them. We get to see Sienna and Pierre’s romance advance. It’s interesting to follow the thought process behind catching a bothersome robbery trio. I really enjoyed this book. Oh, yes, she can send me some of those beignets.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna Monroe is working her bakery and the local police have now reached out to her to help them on a case. Usually she has to ask them when she has already figured out a lot of the clues. This time there is a trio of robbers that are on video and hit a lot of small places. There is a development with one of the police officers but they still manage to figure out who were the bad guys.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery in this series. Sienna gets involved with the police again, but this time at their behest, to help solve a series of robberies. A great story, lots of twists and turns and the characters are fun too.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author but am happy leaving my review and recommend it wholeheartedly.

[MommyO · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different type of mystery for Sienna as she used her knowledge of forensics to deduce who was striking terror in her community. There’s also a bit more romance as Pierre and Sienna move toward exclusively in their relationship. An enjoyable afternoon read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna Monroe hears about the robberies taking place and she is asked to helping the investigation by Officer Jackson. There are some interesting factors that Sienna finds that helps to find the real culprit. Lots of twist and turns to make it very intriguing . A nail-biting finish. I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing Ingredient is book #8 in the Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries series by Stella Dorn.

This was the first book I’ve read in the series and it was easy to read as a stand-alone story. I like that the police asked her to work with them. It was a challenge to identify the robbers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy mystery!

I enjoyed this cozy mystery which is part of a fun series with Sienna as a retired forensic investigator helping the local police solve crimes. A bit of romance adds to this series. I recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is pretty cool that the police department came to Sienna for help. Computers and AI are great but they are unable to notice tiny details or get a gut feeling that lead to important clues. I love that Sienna is so brave and smart in the face of danger. This is a fantastic book in a wonderful series!

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna has a nose for crime, so when a local shop is robbed she hurries to check it out! Luckily her past work with the police has earned her a good reputation with them so she can provide assistance when needed. I love the way Sienna works on puzzling clues until it all makes sense. This is an interesting mystery I read as an early review copy and this is my honest opinion.