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Sienna Monroe #9
Better with Butter
Crime is at a lull in Sienna’s new hometown of Columbia, just south of Nashville, and she’s enjoying the extra time now devoted to her boutique bakery.
When a former key informant in a previously solved mystery comes by the bakery, Sienna discovers this woman and her husband are unsuspecting targets for ruin.
But who is directing this well calculated destructive plan and why?
Sienna’s string of victories in solving criminal mysteries appears to be coming to an end.
Can Tennessee’s favorite amateur sleuth uncover the web of lies before this honorable disabled woman and her husband end up in prison?
When a former key informant in a previously solved mystery comes by the bakery, Sienna discovers this woman and her husband are unsuspecting targets for ruin.
But who is directing this well calculated destructive plan and why?
Sienna’s string of victories in solving criminal mysteries appears to be coming to an end.
Can Tennessee’s favorite amateur sleuth uncover the web of lies before this honorable disabled woman and her husband end up in prison?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 1, 2024
Another mysterious case for sienna.
Her friend is accused of fraud and the husband for embezzlement.
I like how each of these mysterious slowly unravel and I enjoyed reading the two I have read so far.
This is part of a series of books but I do feel you can read as a stand alone book you just wouldn’t have that knowledge of some character backgrounds and how they link.
Her friend is accused of fraud and the husband for embezzlement.
I like how each of these mysterious slowly unravel and I enjoyed reading the two I have read so far.
This is part of a series of books but I do feel you can read as a stand alone book you just wouldn’t have that knowledge of some character backgrounds and how they link.
February 26, 2024
Voy a iniciar por aclarar que este libro lo recibí como un ARC.Este libro nos cuenta la historia de Sienna Monroe, que es dueña de una pastelería/ panadería, que antes era criminóloga, pero en ningún momento de la historia se dice porque ya no lo es, posiblemente se toca en los libros anteriores, si no estoy mal, este es el libro 11 de la serie de Sienna Monroe.La historia este enfocada en los proyectos sociales en Estados Unidos, además de que toca otro par de temas un poco delicados como el abuso físico y mental dentro de los matrimonios, el abuso del poder.Ahora sí, vamos con la crítica. Para mi gusto, este libro no me agrado, por tres diferentes razones. El primero fue la forma en que está escrito el libro. Los monólogos de Sienna eran pesados para leer y a menudo perdía mi atención, aunado a que los diálogos fueron muy pocos a lo largo del libro y los que había se sentían forzados en ciertos puntos. Para ser un libro de misterio, falto bastante acción.La segunda razón, es que como mexicana, no pude relacionarme con los problemas que estaban pasando. El sistema social de Estados Unidos es muy diferente al de México, sin embargo, creo que fue más por el hecho de que había un momento en el libro que parecía que estaba leyendo un panfleto de gobierno sobre los programas sociales, más que un libro. Creo que falto edición en cuanto a cómo aligerar algo tan complicado para que el lector no sintiera un poco de rechazo a esta parte.La tercera razón, es que iniciamos con un problema con Lisa Peterson, y terminamos resolviendo otro. Es decir, al final del libro lo que sucedió con Lisa Peterson se volvió secundario y realmente sentí en un punto que ya lo que pasara con Lisa no importaba, solo íbamos a ver lo que sucedía con Sienna.Debido a estas tres razones me fue muy complicado formar cualquier tipo de empatía con los personajes. Muchos de ellos eran simplemente de relleno y era poco lo que a mi parecer aportaban a la trama.
Es un libro que siento tiene potencial, solo hay que agregar más diálogos, que los monólogos internos no sean tan densos y sobre todo que uno como lector logré conectarse con los personajes.
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I will start by saying that I received this book as an ARC. This book tells us the story of Sienna Monroe, who owns a pastry shop/bakery and was previously a criminologist, but at no point in the story is it said that she is no longer one. Possibly, it is touched on in the previous books. If I am right, this is book 11 in the Sienna Monroe series. The story is focused on social projects in the United States, in addition to touching on a couple of other somewhat delicate topics, such as physical and mental abuse within marriages and the abuse of power. Now, let's get to the criticism. For my taste, I didn't like this book for three different reasons. The first was the way the book is written. Sienna's monologues were heavy to read and often lost my attention, coupled with the fact that there were very few dialogues throughout the book, and it felt forced at specific points. For a mystery book, it needed more action. The second reason is that, as a Mexican, I needed help to relate to the problems. The social system of the United States is very different from that of Mexico. However, it was more because there was a moment in the book where it seemed like I was reading a government pamphlet about social programs rather than a book. There needed to be more editing on lighting something so complicated that the reader wouldn't feel repulsed by this part. The third reason is that we started with one problem with Lisa Peterson and solved another. At the end of the book, what happened with Lisa Peterson became secondary, and I felt at one point that what happened with Lisa didn't matter anymore; we were going to see what happened with Sienna. Due to these three reasons, it was challenging for me to form any empathy with the characters. Many of them were simply filler, and they contributed little to the plot.
It is a book that has potential; it must add more dialogue, make sure that the internal monologues are manageable, and, above all, that I can connect with the characters as a reader.
Es un libro que siento tiene potencial, solo hay que agregar más diálogos, que los monólogos internos no sean tan densos y sobre todo que uno como lector logré conectarse con los personajes.
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I will start by saying that I received this book as an ARC. This book tells us the story of Sienna Monroe, who owns a pastry shop/bakery and was previously a criminologist, but at no point in the story is it said that she is no longer one. Possibly, it is touched on in the previous books. If I am right, this is book 11 in the Sienna Monroe series. The story is focused on social projects in the United States, in addition to touching on a couple of other somewhat delicate topics, such as physical and mental abuse within marriages and the abuse of power. Now, let's get to the criticism. For my taste, I didn't like this book for three different reasons. The first was the way the book is written. Sienna's monologues were heavy to read and often lost my attention, coupled with the fact that there were very few dialogues throughout the book, and it felt forced at specific points. For a mystery book, it needed more action. The second reason is that, as a Mexican, I needed help to relate to the problems. The social system of the United States is very different from that of Mexico. However, it was more because there was a moment in the book where it seemed like I was reading a government pamphlet about social programs rather than a book. There needed to be more editing on lighting something so complicated that the reader wouldn't feel repulsed by this part. The third reason is that we started with one problem with Lisa Peterson and solved another. At the end of the book, what happened with Lisa Peterson became secondary, and I felt at one point that what happened with Lisa didn't matter anymore; we were going to see what happened with Sienna. Due to these three reasons, it was challenging for me to form any empathy with the characters. Many of them were simply filler, and they contributed little to the plot.
It is a book that has potential; it must add more dialogue, make sure that the internal monologues are manageable, and, above all, that I can connect with the characters as a reader.
March 1, 2024
Y’all,
Knowing your way around the kitchen is serious business. Someone taught you, someone taught them, & so it repeats, a line of family traditions begin.
Like a sponge, you soaked in all of their wisdom & expertise. TRANSLATION: NEVER skimp on the hallmark ingredient, butter! It’s like the bacon of meats - butter is key to quality over quantity.
Armed with this knowledge, our heroine baker/amateur detective, Sienna Monroe, has the genius wherewithal to use the best of butters! Inflation is costing everyone these days, & there will be a pinch somewhere in her business. Thankfully, it won’t be at the expense of her customer’s satisfaction.
Sienna finds herself in the middle of another police investigation; this time with her friends, Lisa & Orsino Peterson. His job as a local accountant is on the line, & the assumed ramifications will affect both he & his lovely wife. Sienna & Lisa plan a dinner date at the Peterson household, and Sienna brings along her boyfriend, Pierre. A man’s presence may help Orsino open up about more details of what is happening at his work. And Sienna will work closely with the police investigators. Journey alongside:
•Behind the scenes of the glass enclosed pastry displays & piping hot coffee at a bakery’s forefront
•The background operations of police investigations to reach the end conclusion of the truth
•A hint of Christmas
•False accusations, the good guy/the bad guy, a horrible motive to justify criminal means
•A wonderful storyline all woven into Stella Dorn’s Better With Butter •A Sienna Monroe Mystery• And what did we learn? NEVER skimp on butter! 😉
Knowing your way around the kitchen is serious business. Someone taught you, someone taught them, & so it repeats, a line of family traditions begin.
Like a sponge, you soaked in all of their wisdom & expertise. TRANSLATION: NEVER skimp on the hallmark ingredient, butter! It’s like the bacon of meats - butter is key to quality over quantity.
Armed with this knowledge, our heroine baker/amateur detective, Sienna Monroe, has the genius wherewithal to use the best of butters! Inflation is costing everyone these days, & there will be a pinch somewhere in her business. Thankfully, it won’t be at the expense of her customer’s satisfaction.
Sienna finds herself in the middle of another police investigation; this time with her friends, Lisa & Orsino Peterson. His job as a local accountant is on the line, & the assumed ramifications will affect both he & his lovely wife. Sienna & Lisa plan a dinner date at the Peterson household, and Sienna brings along her boyfriend, Pierre. A man’s presence may help Orsino open up about more details of what is happening at his work. And Sienna will work closely with the police investigators. Journey alongside:
•Behind the scenes of the glass enclosed pastry displays & piping hot coffee at a bakery’s forefront
•The background operations of police investigations to reach the end conclusion of the truth
•A hint of Christmas
•False accusations, the good guy/the bad guy, a horrible motive to justify criminal means
•A wonderful storyline all woven into Stella Dorn’s Better With Butter •A Sienna Monroe Mystery• And what did we learn? NEVER skimp on butter! 😉
March 8, 2024
BETTER WITH BUTTER, a Sienna Monroe Mystery by Stella Dorn was my introduction to the author. I did enjoy this criminal mystery investigation and the plot.
Sienna Monroe retired from her former job in forensic investigations. Now, in her new hometown, she's both a baker and an unlicensed private investigator. At times aiding the police in their investigation.
A casual friend is being accused of benefit fraud. Before Sienna can get into investigating the fraud, her friend's husband is arrested for embezzlement. Now Sienna has two cases to solve to set her friends free. It's not helping that the benefits department isn't really cooperating with Sienna or the police. The embezzlement case isn't going any better. As Sienna and the police keep following any slight clue things just gets more murky. Then a turn of events. Could an abused woman be the key to the answers needed?
I enjoyed the characters, and the overall story, but some detailed descriptions didn't need repeating. Less repeated descriptions of "farm fresh eggs" and other such descriptions.
MY CONS:
▪️At times, the dialogue between Sienna and Pierre felt awkward and stiff, I couldn't sense any emotions between them. Especially at the beginning of the story.
▪️Two character names were easily confusing, Jeffery Nicholas and Officer Nicholson. I was constantly trying to remember who was who. (old brain here)
▪️For closure I would have liked to know how Jeffery Nicholas got access to the financial records to the company he was embezzling from and frame Orsino.
I did receive a copy of this book via Bookfunnel and this is my freely given, honest review.
Sienna Monroe retired from her former job in forensic investigations. Now, in her new hometown, she's both a baker and an unlicensed private investigator. At times aiding the police in their investigation.
A casual friend is being accused of benefit fraud. Before Sienna can get into investigating the fraud, her friend's husband is arrested for embezzlement. Now Sienna has two cases to solve to set her friends free. It's not helping that the benefits department isn't really cooperating with Sienna or the police. The embezzlement case isn't going any better. As Sienna and the police keep following any slight clue things just gets more murky. Then a turn of events. Could an abused woman be the key to the answers needed?
I enjoyed the characters, and the overall story, but some detailed descriptions didn't need repeating. Less repeated descriptions of "farm fresh eggs" and other such descriptions.
MY CONS:
▪️At times, the dialogue between Sienna and Pierre felt awkward and stiff, I couldn't sense any emotions between them. Especially at the beginning of the story.
▪️Two character names were easily confusing, Jeffery Nicholas and Officer Nicholson. I was constantly trying to remember who was who. (old brain here)
▪️For closure I would have liked to know how Jeffery Nicholas got access to the financial records to the company he was embezzling from and frame Orsino.
I did receive a copy of this book via Bookfunnel and this is my freely given, honest review.
March 1, 2024
3.5* - Rounded up to 4...
This truly is a cozy mystery, and was the first I've read in the series. I believe that it would be best to read the series in order, as you would have a better understanding/knowledge of all the characters, but it's definitely not a requirement. The topics in the story may also require that readers check trigger warnings before reading.
Sienna is new to a smaller town, and has opened her own bakery, but she uses a lot/most of her time to help with police investigations. In this story, her friend is accused of benefits fraud and her friends husband is accused of embezzlement, and both cases turn out to be linked. These are then further linked to individuals who perpetrate and are victim to domestic abuse, so may be sensitive to certain readers.
I enjoyed the characters, and the overall story, but did find that certain aspects of the story were covered in almost too much detail. While the detail didn't detract from the story, I did end up feeling that less descriptions of Sienna's farm fresh eggs for breakfast would be great.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This truly is a cozy mystery, and was the first I've read in the series. I believe that it would be best to read the series in order, as you would have a better understanding/knowledge of all the characters, but it's definitely not a requirement. The topics in the story may also require that readers check trigger warnings before reading.
Sienna is new to a smaller town, and has opened her own bakery, but she uses a lot/most of her time to help with police investigations. In this story, her friend is accused of benefits fraud and her friends husband is accused of embezzlement, and both cases turn out to be linked. These are then further linked to individuals who perpetrate and are victim to domestic abuse, so may be sensitive to certain readers.
I enjoyed the characters, and the overall story, but did find that certain aspects of the story were covered in almost too much detail. While the detail didn't detract from the story, I did end up feeling that less descriptions of Sienna's farm fresh eggs for breakfast would be great.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2024
Sienna can concentrate on her boutique bakery since things have quieted down in town. But when a friend who helped her on a previous case comes to her asking for help, how can she say no? It appears that Lisa's husband, Orsino is having a problem but won't divulge it to his wife, so she figures if she invites Sienna and her boyfriend, Pierre to dinner, he will spill what the problem is. And he does. It appears Orsino has been accused of embezzling funds from his company. But he says he is innocent. And to boot, they arrest his wife Lisa accused of fraud. They ask Sienna if she could help. She was a forensic accountant helping police in her other life. And so goes the crazy investigation. Who is after this couple and why? Who wants to ruin them? There are so many twists and turns and dead ends can Sienna solve the puzzle? I love how Sienna and Pierre's relationship is developing. This is the 11th book in a fantastic series each book is a page turner. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
March 6, 2024
Better with Butter is my first read of Sienna Monroe mystery series.
Sienna Monroe and boyfriend Pierre, both are baker and having a bakery. Her acquaintance, Lisa asked Sienna for help because her husband is caught up on embezzlement.
I like the Author's takeaway of heavy topics such as missused disability food stamps, fraud, embezzlement, domestic abuse which are rarely in cozy mystery books. I am not US resident so food stamps are new information for me. I don't know if amateur sleuths are allowed to help local police solving case, none that I ever heard of.. The story is not believable to me but Sienna have been working with police multiple times and she used to be a forensic so.. I'll let that pass.
Now talking about cons
I don't like the author write "with that", "this", "that" multiple times and too many telling instead of showing. I find that boring that it takes a long for me to finish it. I hope that'd be corrected in the future. The ending kinda left me hanging. Less talk about baking which I am intend to look for.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sienna Monroe and boyfriend Pierre, both are baker and having a bakery. Her acquaintance, Lisa asked Sienna for help because her husband is caught up on embezzlement.
I like the Author's takeaway of heavy topics such as missused disability food stamps, fraud, embezzlement, domestic abuse which are rarely in cozy mystery books. I am not US resident so food stamps are new information for me. I don't know if amateur sleuths are allowed to help local police solving case, none that I ever heard of.. The story is not believable to me but Sienna have been working with police multiple times and she used to be a forensic so.. I'll let that pass.
Now talking about cons
I don't like the author write "with that", "this", "that" multiple times and too many telling instead of showing. I find that boring that it takes a long for me to finish it. I hope that'd be corrected in the future. The ending kinda left me hanging. Less talk about baking which I am intend to look for.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
I’m always excited to start reading a Sienna Monroe mystery . This more than met expectations,it being the eleventh in series, no mean feat. Her bakery is as successful as her previous investigations and although she refuses to get her PI permit she’d do well, her business aside she and her ex competitor and high end bakery owner Pierre are still working at their budding romance. When an old friend begs for her help when not only her husband is arrested on embezzlement charges but she herself is accused of fraudulent activity in claiming benefits she never received and is denied food stamps and the like. Sienna’s past as forensics specialist is key to come to the assistance of the key informant of a closed case. Brilliant! Immersive , with all the usual suspects..I mean characters , the writing is constant easy flowing , weaving a journey through to conclusion. A compelling narrative with solid storytelling prowess of Stella Dorn. I read a forwarded book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily and in my own thoughts
March 5, 2024
Customer Review
Pepper Hamilton
5.0 out of 5 stars New to the area, Sienna's talents are not limited to baking
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
Sienna is forming friendships with the people who frequent her bakery.
it doesn't take long before one of her acquaintances confides in her that her life and that of her husband's are falling to pieces as accusations fly.
Good thing she is good at investigating when things just don't look right.
Will Sienna find out who is causing trouble for her new friends in time? That is only the tip of the iceberg.
I love Sienna. She is smart and powerful. The story moves along nicely and the supporting characters are a strong presence.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series. What's even better is that I didn't have to follow the books in order. The mood is just right for a cozy mystery and the description of the baked goods was driving me bananas.
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Pepper Hamilton
5.0 out of 5 stars New to the area, Sienna's talents are not limited to baking
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
Sienna is forming friendships with the people who frequent her bakery.
it doesn't take long before one of her acquaintances confides in her that her life and that of her husband's are falling to pieces as accusations fly.
Good thing she is good at investigating when things just don't look right.
Will Sienna find out who is causing trouble for her new friends in time? That is only the tip of the iceberg.
I love Sienna. She is smart and powerful. The story moves along nicely and the supporting characters are a strong presence.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series. What's even better is that I didn't have to follow the books in order. The mood is just right for a cozy mystery and the description of the baked goods was driving me bananas.
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Delete
Permalink
February 22, 2024
Sienna is back and facing a mystery surrounding another real-world problem, navigating the world of disability benefits, food stamps, and even benefits fraud. When her friend is accused of fraud for benefits she never received and the husband for embezzlement, she uses her past experience in forensics to aid the police once again in their investigation.
While I love her ability to do so and is still an enjoyable read, it seems to be the focus of her life now even though she insists she doesn't want to get a PI license. I felt that her role in the bakery has fallen to the wayside, where she is barely there and at times leaving her employees overwhelmed and short staffed.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
While I love her ability to do so and is still an enjoyable read, it seems to be the focus of her life now even though she insists she doesn't want to get a PI license. I felt that her role in the bakery has fallen to the wayside, where she is barely there and at times leaving her employees overwhelmed and short staffed.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 6, 2024
"Better With Butter" is soo compelling well written and full of wonderful familiar characters to draw you in and if this is your first Sienna Monroe Cozy mystery your in store for an intriguing and eye opener that will have you looking up the first in the series then getting caught up with the rest. And of course since this is a mystery you'll find a schemer hidden making trouble for others and Sienna Monroe looking for clues suspects and motives while trying to help those that need it. Stella Dorn brings the characters to life with her wealth of knowledge and words her stories aiming to entertain and they certainly do that as you read this intriguing cozy mystery. Acquire"Better with Butter " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
March 1, 2024
This is listed as Book 11 of the series, but there isn't any sign of a Book 10, so this appears to directly follow Book 9. This book is written somewhat differently from the rest of the series, with a more serious tone through the first half of the book. However, that's just the set-up for the real story. Around the halfway point, the story picks up and smoothly shifts to an enthralling tale that I couldn't put down. (Trigger warning: Themes include disabilities, food stamps, embezzlement, and domestic violence, so read with care if you're triggered by any of these subjects. The story does have a very happy ending.)
March 2, 2024
Don’t cut corners!
Once again, we’re back with Sienna Monroe in her new home of Columbia, Tennessee. Just as Sienna won’t cut corners with her cupcakes by using only Irish butter, she won’t cut corners in her relationship with Pierre either or any other aspect of her life. Sienna gets pulled into another case when she’s asked to help by an acquaintance. I really enjoy watching Sienna become more and more a part of her new home as she becomes more involved with the local police force, and the people in the community. I enjoy these stories and always look forward to the next one. They’re well written, and the cases are always interesting. Well done, Stella Dorn!
Once again, we’re back with Sienna Monroe in her new home of Columbia, Tennessee. Just as Sienna won’t cut corners with her cupcakes by using only Irish butter, she won’t cut corners in her relationship with Pierre either or any other aspect of her life. Sienna gets pulled into another case when she’s asked to help by an acquaintance. I really enjoy watching Sienna become more and more a part of her new home as she becomes more involved with the local police force, and the people in the community. I enjoy these stories and always look forward to the next one. They’re well written, and the cases are always interesting. Well done, Stella Dorn!
March 5, 2024
Sienna Monroe has her hands full and they aren't filled with batter. With her new assistant manager, Zane, the bakery is in very capable hands. Which is good because the police ask for her help with a case of disability fraud and embezzlement. A husband and wife were each arrested and charged with each of the crimes. But, did they commit them? Sienna doesn't think so and she is determined to find out who the real criminal is so that the couple get released from prison.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and volunteered an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and volunteered an honest review.
March 5, 2024
I just finished Better With Butter and it was a great read! I was quickly drawn in as Sienna takes on a case that leads to charges against friends of hers and she is determined to solve the case and make sure the real culprit is arrested. This story will sink its claws in you, and I was so caught up and was hoping for a happy ending which was delivered! I don’t want to give the story away, but I do recommend the book for you to read. It will make you smile as you read about the bakery family, a cute dog, and a boyfriend who all support the sleuthing Sienna takes on to make sure the wrongfully accused are set free.
February 22, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader copy through book funnel. I have read two others in the series. I think it is helpful to read in order, however they can be read as a stand alone. Some heavy topics are touched upon, embezzlement, benefit fraud, and domestic abuse. Sienna gets involved helping the local police. While she is investigating, her staff steps up to keep the bakery running. A few baking tips include the use of Irish butter. A romance with Pierre is blooming with a possible trip to France to meet his family. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery.
February 29, 2024
Sienna is visited by a friend that asks for help with problems with her husband not telling her what is happening with his work, so she takes Pierre and they go to dinner. It ends up being a new case for Sienna. She is working with the police to see what is going on when her friend is arrested. Then her husband is suspected of embezzlement and is put on leave of absence. Sienna does a lot of work investigating with the police and they are able to close the case. Lots of twists and turns and unsuspecting people involved.
March 1, 2024
Super sleuth!
Sienna is a super sleuth! Despite owning a bakery and being a retired forensic expert, Sienna's compassion for others pushes her to investigate unjust actions. I loved Sienna's intuition and determination as she searched for justice and ensured the safety of her acquaintances. And yes, I would love to visit Sienna's bakery and her boyfriend, Pierre's patisserie! I recommend this book and this series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
Sienna is a super sleuth! Despite owning a bakery and being a retired forensic expert, Sienna's compassion for others pushes her to investigate unjust actions. I loved Sienna's intuition and determination as she searched for justice and ensured the safety of her acquaintances. And yes, I would love to visit Sienna's bakery and her boyfriend, Pierre's patisserie! I recommend this book and this series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
March 5, 2024
Educational mystery!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kudos to the author for this gripping mystery that highlights several social inadequacies. Better With Butter is a scathing indictment of our modern day shortcomings to service several categories of vulnerable people. Most do not choose to be disabled, homeless, poor, or a victim of domestic violence. Better With Butter addresses these concerns in the form of a mystery with solid main characters stepping up to the plate. Though not my usual format of a cozy mystery, I nonetheless am enlightened and feel this book is exceptional in presenting a message.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kudos to the author for this gripping mystery that highlights several social inadequacies. Better With Butter is a scathing indictment of our modern day shortcomings to service several categories of vulnerable people. Most do not choose to be disabled, homeless, poor, or a victim of domestic violence. Better With Butter addresses these concerns in the form of a mystery with solid main characters stepping up to the plate. Though not my usual format of a cozy mystery, I nonetheless am enlightened and feel this book is exceptional in presenting a message.
March 22, 2024
Sienna isn't just a bakery owner. She spends a lot of her time solving mysteries! This time around, a friend from a previous case has asked for help in finding out what is troubling her husband. This opens up a whole can of worms involving embezzlement, food stamp fraud, disability benefits and spousal abuse. Tough subjects but handled beautifully in a wonderful cozy mystery! Very engaging as you find yourself rooting for the good guys and hoping the bad guys get what they deserve! And there's no dead body!
February 21, 2024
Better with Butter by Stella Dorn. WOW another awesome story. Sienna sure has her hands full this time. I opened the book and could not put it down till I was finish the book. Not only is Sienna a Bakery owner she is also a sleuth and she finds away to help people. She is one awesome investigator. You have to get this book it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Yes I own this book and I’m giving an honest review. I can’t wait til the next book is out.
Written by
Edith L
Written by
Edith L
February 29, 2024
Sienna Monroe's friend Lisa Peterson comes to her for help as her husband Orsino was wrongly accused. Someone was trying to frame him .Then Lisa is sent to jail and Sienna finds this case to be very mysterious. Things get worse for the Petersons and Sienna is determined to find the truth. A nail-biting finish to this exciting read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
March 2, 2024
Sienna is not sure which "hat" she is wearing on any given day. She owns a bakery but also gets involved in cases to assist the overworked police department. While this book had a good plot/storyline, it didn't read quite as smoothly as her other books. I would still recommend this book and others in this series. Great characters and interesting twists in books by this author.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 2, 2024
Sienna just can’t avoid being sucked into crime solving. At least this time, it doesn’t involve finding a dead body, just helping an old acquaintance/friend. Bakeries are my kryptonite and I know I gain weight every time I read one of these books. All those macarons and cupcakes! Again we get some excellent sleuthing on Sienna’s part, more Pierre and more working with the police department. I enjoyed this tale of true treachery.
April 11, 2024
Fantastic read "Better with butter. I wish I could keep up. The storyline is great. The character of Sienna Monroe gets better and better with each book. Keep it up!! I enjoy reading each one I can't put them down I stay up late to try and keep up. I missed a few but it doesn't hurt the next book that you don't miss too much. I will go back and catch up one of these days. Thank You for sending me advanced copies.
February 20, 2024
This cozy mystery was a little closer to home than most. I had a friend who had MS and had to fight tooth and nail to get benefits when she was no longer able to work and had to help support her family. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and compassion Sienna has for others. This book can easily be read as a standalone.
February 26, 2024
This was a very good mystery that had lots of parts, suspects and characters. I liked the book. It did have some very serious issues that were brought into the story, embezzlement and domestic abuse that were handled well. Thankfully, it all ended well for everyone involved but the abuser/thief and that’s how it should be. I will be reading more of this series.
February 27, 2024
Stella Dorn has done it again. She has written a lively, plot twisty book that will hold your attention until the end. Serious subject matters were touched on in this book, benefits fraud, disability benefits fraud and difficulty in filing for those benefits, and abuse. Stella has handled the subjects very well. Can't wait for the next book.
February 27, 2024
When a former key informant in a previously solved mystery comes by the bakery, Sienna discovers this woman and her husband are unsuspecting targets for ruin. But who is directing this well calculated destructive plan and why?
This is a good mystery full of angst. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This is a good mystery full of angst. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
March 1, 2024
I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader of this book. It was an extremely fun story, and I liked that it didn’t follow the typical mystery formula. You really liked the characters and you really wanted the protagonist to succeed. The dialogue was a little forced, but that was my only critique of the book. I recommend this to everyone because it was really really fun to read.
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