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Lt. Dekker Mystery #4

Murder at Breakfast

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In an upscale apartment building for retired people, where meals are included with the rent, a woman is found poisoned in her apartment with her head bent over in her lunch plate. But the autopsy shows that she was poisoned sometime around breakfast. Was she poisoned before she went down for breakfast, at breakfast seated among the other residents, or after she returned to her apartment?

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2013

210 people are currently reading
640 people want to read

About the author

Steve Demaree

52 books162 followers

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5 stars
253 (39%)
4 stars
184 (28%)
3 stars
136 (21%)
2 stars
46 (7%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
123 reviews
January 23, 2020
I almost died

This is my first time reading Mr. Demaree and I love it. Cyrus Dekker is a character for sure. It was a good mystery but egad, the humore nearly killed me. I currently have bronchitis and I would start laughing which sent me into fits of coughing, Cy and Lou are quite a pair. I am certainly going to have to read more or Mr. Demaree's books.
1,272 reviews21 followers
July 28, 2020
Murder at Breakfast is an improvement over the previous book in the series, Murder In The Library. However, it still suffers from too much nonsensical filler - constant discussions about food, Cy's dismay that Lou is getting healthy, and Cy's dislike of his next door neighbor. The book would be better served by focusing on the investigation and the crime, though much of what happens is discussed repeatedly. The author is improving but has a long way to go before these books are solid.
50 reviews
March 26, 2024
The murder mystery aspect of this story was not terrible, and I was curious about how it would all turn out, but I could not stand the narrator. It might have been slightly entertaining to read once or twice about his weight issues, love for desserts, and disdain for his best friend's new healthy lifestyle, but the jokes got old quickly.
I might read one more in the series sometime, to see if they improve at all, but it's not near the top of my list.
Profile Image for Georgene Doyle.
57 reviews
April 7, 2020
Common thread?

It seems a common thread has been running through the books I have read this far in this series. There always seems to be some kind of secret passage, tunnel way, or apparatus. In this particular book it did not ffg figure into the murder itself. I am wondering if this is going to continue and is it common thread of this author's writings.
33 reviews
November 24, 2020
Not as fast moving and witty as others in the series

Book 4 seemed more repetitive than 1 and 2 (haven't read 3 yet), almost like trying to squeeze more pages out of a story that could have ended earlier. Still a good read, and because I like the humor and characters of this series, I'll rate up to a 4.
159 reviews
February 22, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better. When Cy attempts the hula hoop exercise on the Wii, I couldn’t stop laughing. Steve Demaree’s descriptions of these antics are amazing. Perhaps they are from first hand experience. The characters are so very realistic that you would welcome them to your family tree. I love this series and look forward to book #5.
Profile Image for Mary Manson.
355 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
Another Good Cozy Mystery

This book was as delightful and entertaining as the previous books in this series. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged trying to figure out who did it. Enjoy his writing style and his characters.
569 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2018
Fun Book

I couldn't wait to find out what Cy and Lou were up to in this murder mystery. I got a little bogged down with all the repetition hence the four. It's nice to read a book with no profanity and sex.
22 reviews
June 18, 2018
Hilarious

Love the way that the author is able to weave suspense with humor. The relationship between the two detectives is SO funny. It's nice to see childhood friends tease each other and still be able to build on that friendship.
11 reviews
February 28, 2020
Although I enjoyed the first book of this series, I have grown bored by this 4th book. I found myself anxious for the book to be over. Too much droning on and on about meals, exercise and the annoying neighbor.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,830 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2020
I really love this series. Cy and Lou have a difficult murder to solve when a resident at a fancy apartment complex is poisoned there are few clues to help them. The two main characters, Cy and Lou are brilliant. They are semi retired and filled with humour.
Profile Image for LeAnne.
384 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2021
I have read nearly all of this cute series and enjoyed them. Relaxing departure from serious, suspenseful mysteries. I guess I'm burned out with this series now. No longer as funny to me now. My fault, not the series. I'm just ready for something different.
Profile Image for Rick  Farlee.
1,144 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2021
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase

A WII LITTLE MURDER

One body, ten suspects and one killer... What's the motive and the opportunity? This mystery is like working on a Rubik cube! Nearly impossible to guess whodunnit…
Another funny murder mystery that's highly RECOMMENDED.
63 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2023
So many suspects!

I have enjoyed several “Murder at…” books by Steve Demaree and this one is no exception.
The two featured homicide detectives continue with their discoveries of clues, solutions and, of course, good food.
The crime in Murder at Breakfast had so many suspects, yet they finally (and creatively!) solved it.
Enjoy.
Profile Image for Becky.
639 reviews26 followers
March 16, 2025
kinda silly yet sweet

I thought I knew who the murderer was but I was wrong. I liked how the convoluted mystery was sorted out despite the many red herrings. I got a little tired of the constant references to food (and sometimes a little hungry). Fun cozy mystery!
Profile Image for Sarah M Woodfin.
1 review
January 13, 2018
Do not like that gender

Did not hold my attention.Took me a long time to finish. I usually finish my books in less than a week.
26 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2020
Way too much emphasis on going over and over the witnesses, evidence or lack thereof, food and candy.
Profile Image for Harmonie.
33 reviews
August 12, 2015
Getting better.

These still are not my favorite series but I guess it is growing on me. After reading the first book I didn't think I would continue with the series but I had already downloaded several for free. This latest book seemed to have better pacing but we still get ALOT of food talk and eating. While it gives some insight into the MC it still drags the story down a bit. The characters do seem to be evolving as the series continues. Maybe that is what keeps me coming back.

These are clean stories, no swearing or sex. The humor is self deprecating which sometimes gets old. I also don't appreciate the way he deals with his neighbor, kind of makes him come off as a jerk.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2016
One of the most boring mystery books I've attempted to read. There is more print discussing food and Wii and other pointless stuff then the story itself.

I must confess I was not expecting anything great as past books have not ben all that great but since the author does not have sex or excessive use of the f-word and the like I thought I give it a try. One needs something to read, but the endless words of food and laziness and other stupid stuff has resulted in me deleting future e-books of this series.

As an FYI the author's reference to God and prayer leads me to believe he may be Christian but that is not the reason for my poor review I too am Christian, but truth is the series is borrrrinnng
Profile Image for Tereza Candioto.
13 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2015
If I could, I'd give no stars, because, in my opinion, the main character was overly childish. Besides, his attitudes were just too rude and/or sexist to my taste.
I reckon the writer spent too much time describing the detective's love for food and distaste for exercise rather than building tension around the murder story.
When the crime was finally solved, I felt relieved the book was finished, but also a little sorry that the writer failed to involve the reader in the final process of solving the case. Maybe I was too bored to notice the toothbrush clue... well, I definitely won't read any other book of this author.
Profile Image for Allison Kohn.
Author 69 books51 followers
October 15, 2014
Another good mystery by my new favorite mystery author, Steve Denmaree. I didn't figure out who done it and was really surprised this time. These are different from any other cosy mystery I ever read because Steve is a uniqe author. His books are about a man who would be shot out of a metaphoical cannon for political incorrectness even by Fox news, but there is no way I can not love him. His characterization is so real I can almost see and smell him. His very human feelings about his neighbor, while they make me want to preach to him, are one of the things that make him so real.
Profile Image for Linda Crowder.
Author 22 books55 followers
March 12, 2015
This is my fourth Dekker mystery and I enjoyed it very much. I read while walking on the treadmill so the subplot about fitness was especially good reading. I enjoyed the humor, a hallmark of the series, and as always the Christian underpinnings. I did guess the method of murder correctly but did not guess the murderer so it was still a surprise ending. Well done and I'm looking forward to book five.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
May 9, 2015
I really enjoy this author's books. He immediately draws the reader into his characters. I have read six of the books in the author's Dekker Cozy, one of the books in the Off the Beaten Path series and one of the books in the Aylesford Place series and can highly recommend them all, proving that a good story with great characters and humor does not need obscenity, graphic violence or sex. Please keep writing these wonderful books!!
148 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2015
Cy and Lou solve another one.

Another good read by Mr Demaree. Cy and Lou come out of retirement to solve a murder at a retirement home. Many suspects not many helpful clues. A fun read. With this series you can read any book, each has its own case to solve. You benefit from starting at the first because of getting to know the main characters. I recommend them for anyone that enjoys a cozy mystery. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Carol.
383 reviews
October 12, 2015
Long drawn out and boring with a split second ending

After reading 99% of this book, the story of an incredibly slow murder investigation which is dominated by Lt Dekker's food obsession we finally got to the solution of the crime. In less than 2 pages the author raced through revealing the murderer, after regurgitating the same evidence repeatedly for 25 chapters. This writer needs to hone his skills.
Profile Image for Sara Eames.
1,723 reviews16 followers
July 23, 2016
Another excellent book from the writing desk of Steve Demaree. I am, as I have probably mentioned before, a huge fan of this author (and this series of books) and Murder at Breakfast continues the tradition and does not disappoint. It is laugh-out-loud funny in places and is a great story. The characters are like visiting old friends - but the books are not predictable. I am already looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Barbara Zeh.
95 reviews
June 29, 2015
I have always loved a good mystery, and Steve Demaree has quickly become one of my favorite mystery writers. I enjoy his characters, especially the way they interact. Cy and Lou are perfect together, and I really enjoy the sense of humor, and occasional sarcasm, Cy has. As usual, I did not figure out who the culprit was until revealed by our detectives at the end.
Profile Image for Shelley Gingrich.
186 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2015
Cy and Lou to the rescue again.

I has been reading the series with pleasure, but I have to admit this one moved quite slowly. How many times can they interview the same people before they figure out who the murderer is? I will keep reading, but I hope the next book has a faster pace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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