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A Sugar & Spice Mystery #2
Risky Biscuits
Former magazine editor "Sugar" Calloway's life has taken a delicious twist since she launched a community cookbook publishing business with blue-ribbon baker Dixie Spicer. Now these amateur sleuths must solve a small-town murder—without getting burned . .
Sugar and Spice Cookbooks' newest project is a fundraiser organized by the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club, famous for their all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy events. But when a group member is found dead, Sugar and Spice's priorities change from raising dough to figuring out who put murder on the menu.
The return of former badboy Nick Marchant has stirred the town's gossips too. Add a few grudges and some old-fashioned greed over a land deal into the mix, and it's a recipe for mayhem. And when someone serves up a second helping of murder, Sugar and Spice need to sift the guilty from the blameless, or their next breakfast may be their last . . .
Sugar and Spice Cookbooks' newest project is a fundraiser organized by the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club, famous for their all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy events. But when a group member is found dead, Sugar and Spice's priorities change from raising dough to figuring out who put murder on the menu.
The return of former badboy Nick Marchant has stirred the town's gossips too. Add a few grudges and some old-fashioned greed over a land deal into the mix, and it's a recipe for mayhem. And when someone serves up a second helping of murder, Sugar and Spice need to sift the guilty from the blameless, or their next breakfast may be their last . . .
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
63 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 15, 2020
Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford is the second installment of the cozy A Sugar & Spice Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book in the A Sugar & Spice Mystery series features it’s own mystery that is solved within the book so each can be read as a standalone or in any order. There is character development that carries over from book to book for those that do follow from the beginning though.
This series introduces Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway who prefers to just be called Sugar by her friends. After losing her job at a magazine Sugar teamed up with baker Dixie Spicer, the other half of Sugar and Spice, to start a cookbook publishing business in the small town of St. Ignatius, Iowa.
Sugar and Dixie have now taken on a new job at Sugar and Spice Cookbooks in organizing the recipes from a fundraiser organized by the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. However the gals end up back to their sluething when a member of the club turns up murdered.
The A Sugar & Spice Mystery series is another small town cozy with quirky characters and lots of culinary delights for the foodies out there, there are even some yummy recipes included in case the book gives readers cravings. With likable characters and a decent mystery involved again I’d rate this second installment of the series at three and a half stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This series introduces Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway who prefers to just be called Sugar by her friends. After losing her job at a magazine Sugar teamed up with baker Dixie Spicer, the other half of Sugar and Spice, to start a cookbook publishing business in the small town of St. Ignatius, Iowa.
Sugar and Dixie have now taken on a new job at Sugar and Spice Cookbooks in organizing the recipes from a fundraiser organized by the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. However the gals end up back to their sluething when a member of the club turns up murdered.
The A Sugar & Spice Mystery series is another small town cozy with quirky characters and lots of culinary delights for the foodies out there, there are even some yummy recipes included in case the book gives readers cravings. With likable characters and a decent mystery involved again I’d rate this second installment of the series at three and a half stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 29, 2025
“Sugar” Calloway and her business partner Dixie Spicer have taken on a new cookbook client, the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. The group is famous for their all you can eat biscuits and gravy breakfasts, and they want their cookbook to raise money to refurbish the park where they hold their breakfasts. Alma is the de facto head of the group, and she is also a neighbor and friend of Greer, Sugar’s landlady, in the retirement community where Greer now lives. One day, Alma goes missing only for the police to report that she died under mysterious circumstances. This throws the cookbook project into chaos, but Greer is very concerned about what happened to her friend. Can Sugar uncover a few clues while making sure the cookbook makes it to print on time?
Reading this book, I realize I have completely fallen in love with the setting. St. Ignatius seems like a charming small town that I would love to visit (between murders, of course), and the author’s descriptions of Iowa make it sound beautiful. The book takes a little time to focus before the plot really starts to get going. As I figured, those early wanderings did come into play as the story wound to its logical conclusion. I thought I knew where things were going early on, but it turned out I was wrong. The characters in this series are all strong and just as charming as the setting. And there’s the food. While reading, I was drooling at the descriptions of food, so I was happy for the four recipes we find at the end. This book will leave you hungry for delicious food and another trip to this charming small town.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Reading this book, I realize I have completely fallen in love with the setting. St. Ignatius seems like a charming small town that I would love to visit (between murders, of course), and the author’s descriptions of Iowa make it sound beautiful. The book takes a little time to focus before the plot really starts to get going. As I figured, those early wanderings did come into play as the story wound to its logical conclusion. I thought I knew where things were going early on, but it turned out I was wrong. The characters in this series are all strong and just as charming as the setting. And there’s the food. While reading, I was drooling at the descriptions of food, so I was happy for the four recipes we find at the end. This book will leave you hungry for delicious food and another trip to this charming small town.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 7, 2019
The Sugar and Spice Publishing company is preparing a community cookbook for the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club in the second book. Gossip is running as Nick Marchant has returned to town cause problems during high school days, after graduating he left and had not returned. The cookbook has problems and the MURDER of the liaison connection to the Breakfast Club is found dead and apparently killed. Sugar and her partner, Spice begin to look into the affair so the cookbook comes out in time. There is information on taking photos and publishing that was of interest. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Recipes are included!
Disclosure: Thanks to Lyrical Underground for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed my own.
Recipes are included!
Disclosure: Thanks to Lyrical Underground for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed my own.
July 5, 2019
Risky Biscuits was a brilliant and exciting read! While this is the second book in the 'A Sugar and Spice' series, I had not read the first one, but this served me fine as a standalone. It was a fantastic mystery and with the addition of a love interest from the past, some rankled seniors and a wealthy family with a few skeletons in the closet, it was definitely a page-turner. I loved Mary Lee Ashford's writing style and fantastic characterisation. I fully appreciated the comedic aspect of this engaging tale and I am looking forward to catching up with the first book of the series. Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 1, 2020
No longer a magazine editor, Sugar Callaway joined forces with Dixie Spicer two launch a community cookbook publishing business....Sugar and Spice. When one of the feisty seniors whose group is their latest project goes missing, Sugar helps look for her. Later found dead, Sugar keeps on looking into it and finds many secrets in her small Iowa town. I wasn't able to connect with the characters, but that could be from skipping the first book in the series. The book is lively and fast paced with a number of red herrings to keep the reader engaged. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2019
I have no idea how I had missed this author and series, but I am glad to be catching up and I hope there will be a lot more to come with this wonderful couple of female sleuths.
Sugar and Spice are helping set out a fundraiser cookbook for a local breakfast club, there are a couple of hiccups but they don't expect the largest hiccup of all to be the death of the organiser, Alma, and when it turns out that her death wasn't the accident that everyone thought Sugar in particular starts to look more closely at people around St Ignatius, one of which appears to be the prodigal son, who is trying to smarm his way back into people's good books. Does he know more about the death than he is letting on, does Alma's grandson? and can the Sheriff sort it out quickly!
Sugar and Spice are helping set out a fundraiser cookbook for a local breakfast club, there are a couple of hiccups but they don't expect the largest hiccup of all to be the death of the organiser, Alma, and when it turns out that her death wasn't the accident that everyone thought Sugar in particular starts to look more closely at people around St Ignatius, one of which appears to be the prodigal son, who is trying to smarm his way back into people's good books. Does he know more about the death than he is letting on, does Alma's grandson? and can the Sheriff sort it out quickly!
August 25, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I had so much fun with this book! Let's start with the series name which is just adorable fitting the two women's personalities to a tee. Sugar is trying to keep up with local gossip as she learns everything about small town life so i t was nothing to her when Nick Merchant returned to town. Before she can completely catch up an older friend is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Sugar decides to investigate with the help of Spice and a few friends. Add in another murder, a surprising suspect, and a surprise ending to get a mystery you will refuse to put down. The addition of the mouth watering recipes just makes it that much better. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I had so much fun with this book! Let's start with the series name which is just adorable fitting the two women's personalities to a tee. Sugar is trying to keep up with local gossip as she learns everything about small town life so i t was nothing to her when Nick Merchant returned to town. Before she can completely catch up an older friend is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Sugar decides to investigate with the help of Spice and a few friends. Add in another murder, a surprising suspect, and a surprise ending to get a mystery you will refuse to put down. The addition of the mouth watering recipes just makes it that much better. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
August 19, 2019
Fun cozy mystery! I loved the recipes that were included!
August 10, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Biscuits and Gravy cooks from the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club have been hosting breakfast events to raise money for the park shelter where they hold their events. The decide to bind their recipes together in a cookbook put together by Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and Dixie Spicer aka “Sugar” and “Spice”. When the de facto leader of the Breakfast Club goes missing and is later found killed, Sugar’s landlord, a member of the group begs Sugar to look into the tragic death. Sugar does have an in as she needs to attend meetings and contact members to keep the fundraising cookbook on track. Plus the gossip chain has ratcheted up with the return of Nick Marchant to town. He and “Spicy” have some kind of a past that Sugar knows nothing about but keeping her ears open and putting a little pressure on her friend she just might find out. The good sheriff is sure not thrilled the man is back in town either.
After reading Game of Scones recently I could wait to sink my teeth into Risky Biscuits. Author Mary Lee Ashford sure didn’t disappoint. She has written strong characters and enveloped them in a stellar mystery.
Sugar & Spice Publishing is getting more clients and Sugar is using her organizational skills while Spice refines a bunch of recipes all to make their next cookbook publication a huge success. Photographer Max Windsor wasn’t as present at the beginning of the story as I had hoped but he doesn’t let the ladies down when it is time to take the food photos needed for the book. We also meet several residents from Greer’s retirement community. While mourning their friend they are still a fun and feisty group.
Ms. Ashford takes a bit of time introducing the new characters and showing readers how they fit with those we had already met. But then Sugar gets hot on the trail to find the killer. Red herrings, yes there were a few. I made the mistake of thinking I had the culprit pinned down early only to be shown the error of my ways. Twists and turns led to a shocking reveal.
Aside from the murder, this little town in Iowa is a fun place to visit. I love all the friendships that are blooming.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning the food. Spice is always baking up something good. Even things she considers flops are downright tasty. She always seems to have plenty of people dropping by their shop for samples too. I wish she could pass them out from the pages, especially the Better Than Robert Redford/George Clooney cake. The author does include recipes in the back of the book but I don’t have the skills Spice has. Then again the recipe of the above mentioned doesn’t look too complicated 🙂
Culinary cozies readers will love this story.
Biscuits and Gravy cooks from the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club have been hosting breakfast events to raise money for the park shelter where they hold their events. The decide to bind their recipes together in a cookbook put together by Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway and Dixie Spicer aka “Sugar” and “Spice”. When the de facto leader of the Breakfast Club goes missing and is later found killed, Sugar’s landlord, a member of the group begs Sugar to look into the tragic death. Sugar does have an in as she needs to attend meetings and contact members to keep the fundraising cookbook on track. Plus the gossip chain has ratcheted up with the return of Nick Marchant to town. He and “Spicy” have some kind of a past that Sugar knows nothing about but keeping her ears open and putting a little pressure on her friend she just might find out. The good sheriff is sure not thrilled the man is back in town either.
After reading Game of Scones recently I could wait to sink my teeth into Risky Biscuits. Author Mary Lee Ashford sure didn’t disappoint. She has written strong characters and enveloped them in a stellar mystery.
Sugar & Spice Publishing is getting more clients and Sugar is using her organizational skills while Spice refines a bunch of recipes all to make their next cookbook publication a huge success. Photographer Max Windsor wasn’t as present at the beginning of the story as I had hoped but he doesn’t let the ladies down when it is time to take the food photos needed for the book. We also meet several residents from Greer’s retirement community. While mourning their friend they are still a fun and feisty group.
Ms. Ashford takes a bit of time introducing the new characters and showing readers how they fit with those we had already met. But then Sugar gets hot on the trail to find the killer. Red herrings, yes there were a few. I made the mistake of thinking I had the culprit pinned down early only to be shown the error of my ways. Twists and turns led to a shocking reveal.
Aside from the murder, this little town in Iowa is a fun place to visit. I love all the friendships that are blooming.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning the food. Spice is always baking up something good. Even things she considers flops are downright tasty. She always seems to have plenty of people dropping by their shop for samples too. I wish she could pass them out from the pages, especially the Better Than Robert Redford/George Clooney cake. The author does include recipes in the back of the book but I don’t have the skills Spice has. Then again the recipe of the above mentioned doesn’t look too complicated 🙂
Culinary cozies readers will love this story.
July 5, 2019
Series: A Sugar & Spice Mystery – Book 2
Author: Mary L Ashford
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/Literary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 252
Publishing Date: July 9, 2019
The second cozy book Risky Biscuits in the series, “A Sugar & Spice Mystery” by Mary Lee Ashford published by Kensington Books will be released July 9th. This is a fun and exciting series that is turning out to be a hit. Ms. Ashford knows her craft and her audience, and her writing never fails to entertain.
Sugar is always getting herself and her business partner, Dixie into trouble of one sort or another. She seems to attract murder and mayhem for no apparent reason. Contrary to what the residents of St. Ignatius, especially the police, think, she doesn’t do it on purpose. Somehow, no matter what she is doing or not doing, Sugar finds trouble, or a body, most of the time both. She is a thoroughly likable, interesting, and generous of spirit character, who also happens to be nosey.
Other characters in this cozy book and series are people you could find in any small town across the US. Sugar’s wonderful landlady, Greer makes a return, as do other characters that make up the basis of Sugar’s new “family.” A killer and victim(s) show us that we may not know our neighbors, or even our family as well as we think we do.
It isn’t possible for Sugar not to come to the aid of Greer or anyone who needs her help, and when one of Greer’s friends is murdered, it becomes personal. Unfortunately, along the way to finding the killer, Sugar manages to upset a lot of people and almost becomes a victim of a murderer who is hell-bent on eliminating anyone who gets in the way.
The plot is front and center; the book is character driven. There is action, but not so much that readers lose focus on the main storyline. You will love the recipes in the back almost as much as the story. Giving recipes in this type of cozy book has become almost as important as the characters and the story, and just as delicious. I enjoyed Risky Biscuits and am looking forward to seeing where this series will go with future additions. This is a well-written and well-thought-out story that will leave readers happy and looking forward to the next book. I am pleased to recommend it to readers of the cozy book category.
Author: Mary L Ashford
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/Literary
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 252
Publishing Date: July 9, 2019
The second cozy book Risky Biscuits in the series, “A Sugar & Spice Mystery” by Mary Lee Ashford published by Kensington Books will be released July 9th. This is a fun and exciting series that is turning out to be a hit. Ms. Ashford knows her craft and her audience, and her writing never fails to entertain.
Sugar is always getting herself and her business partner, Dixie into trouble of one sort or another. She seems to attract murder and mayhem for no apparent reason. Contrary to what the residents of St. Ignatius, especially the police, think, she doesn’t do it on purpose. Somehow, no matter what she is doing or not doing, Sugar finds trouble, or a body, most of the time both. She is a thoroughly likable, interesting, and generous of spirit character, who also happens to be nosey.
Other characters in this cozy book and series are people you could find in any small town across the US. Sugar’s wonderful landlady, Greer makes a return, as do other characters that make up the basis of Sugar’s new “family.” A killer and victim(s) show us that we may not know our neighbors, or even our family as well as we think we do.
It isn’t possible for Sugar not to come to the aid of Greer or anyone who needs her help, and when one of Greer’s friends is murdered, it becomes personal. Unfortunately, along the way to finding the killer, Sugar manages to upset a lot of people and almost becomes a victim of a murderer who is hell-bent on eliminating anyone who gets in the way.
The plot is front and center; the book is character driven. There is action, but not so much that readers lose focus on the main storyline. You will love the recipes in the back almost as much as the story. Giving recipes in this type of cozy book has become almost as important as the characters and the story, and just as delicious. I enjoyed Risky Biscuits and am looking forward to seeing where this series will go with future additions. This is a well-written and well-thought-out story that will leave readers happy and looking forward to the next book. I am pleased to recommend it to readers of the cozy book category.
June 7, 2019
RISKY BISCUITS, the second book in A Sugar & Spice Mystery series by Mary Lee Ashford, is an entertaining addition to a delightful series! I greatly enjoyed the first book (GAME OF SCONES) but feel that Ms. Ashford has found her stride with this second book. Protagonist, Sugar Calloway, and her business partner, Dixie Spicer, have been allowed to fully display their personalities in this newest book, all to the readers’ advantage. The humorous one-liners kept me chuckling and Sugar’s Aunt Cricket’s idioms added to the folksy narration provided by Sugar. Ms. Ashford’s colorful descriptive settings are brought to life with an added humorous touch: such as the town’s Red Hen Diner, (which Sugar frequents often) where the door clucks every time it’s opened and the owner’s apron announces her as The Head Chick. The author creates several imaginative characters to support Sugar and Dixie, each well developed and each with unique personalities. I enjoyed the interaction between Dixie and her former flame, Sheriff Terry, while Sugar’s friendship with food photographer, Max, has the potential to flourish.
I greatly enjoy character-drive cozy mysteries, and RISKY BISCUITS not only met my expectation but exceeded it. The initial murder itself was tragic, but eventually it managed to bring the town together in support of the senior citizens’ group, The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. There were twists and turns, old secrets brought to light, and old rivalries revived. Subplots were intertwined with the murder and at first I didn’t see how they connected. But as the story progressed and clues were introduced, Ms. Ashford pulled it all together into one satisfying read.
With Sugar and Dixie working on The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club’s cookbook, there are all sorts of yummy dishes mentioned throughout the story. Fortunately, Ms. Ashford includes several delicious sounding recipes at the back of the book for the reader to try.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I greatly enjoy character-drive cozy mysteries, and RISKY BISCUITS not only met my expectation but exceeded it. The initial murder itself was tragic, but eventually it managed to bring the town together in support of the senior citizens’ group, The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. There were twists and turns, old secrets brought to light, and old rivalries revived. Subplots were intertwined with the murder and at first I didn’t see how they connected. But as the story progressed and clues were introduced, Ms. Ashford pulled it all together into one satisfying read.
With Sugar and Dixie working on The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club’s cookbook, there are all sorts of yummy dishes mentioned throughout the story. Fortunately, Ms. Ashford includes several delicious sounding recipes at the back of the book for the reader to try.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2019
When project leader, Alma Stoller, of the St. Ignatius "Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club" is murdered, Sugar and Dixie have to work overtime to make sure they meet the deadline and don't become a murderer's next victims!
St. Ignatius, Iowa is in an uproar and the gossip mill is in high gear! Bad boy Nick Marchant, who broke high school hearts (Dixie's included), is back in town and looking to become reacquainted. Strangers are in town and prowling around Alma's house, threats are made and the ladies have to keep their business going!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one! Sugar and Dixie's pasts are explored (especially Sugar's father) and the characters continue to develop. The mystery solving duo are smart, independent, don't rush into danger (though it finds them!) and work with law enforcement. The books feature Sugar, in the lead role, and I love the character! She's open, funny, tries to do the right thing and is smart. Dixie is dependable, down to earth and relatable. The two of them make the perfect team!
Of course, there's the lovable feline Ernest, the "on the go seniors" - Greer and Bunny, the Red Hen (where I'd love to eat) and the funny and annoying Mrs. Pickett (you'll love her theory on weeds!) that add to the enjoyment of the series!
I'm looking forward to the next cookbook adventure!
I received an ARC , from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book.
St. Ignatius, Iowa is in an uproar and the gossip mill is in high gear! Bad boy Nick Marchant, who broke high school hearts (Dixie's included), is back in town and looking to become reacquainted. Strangers are in town and prowling around Alma's house, threats are made and the ladies have to keep their business going!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one! Sugar and Dixie's pasts are explored (especially Sugar's father) and the characters continue to develop. The mystery solving duo are smart, independent, don't rush into danger (though it finds them!) and work with law enforcement. The books feature Sugar, in the lead role, and I love the character! She's open, funny, tries to do the right thing and is smart. Dixie is dependable, down to earth and relatable. The two of them make the perfect team!
Of course, there's the lovable feline Ernest, the "on the go seniors" - Greer and Bunny, the Red Hen (where I'd love to eat) and the funny and annoying Mrs. Pickett (you'll love her theory on weeds!) that add to the enjoyment of the series!
I'm looking forward to the next cookbook adventure!
I received an ARC , from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book.
August 7, 2019
“Risky Biscuits” earns 5/5 Breakfast Treats...Entertaining and Clever!
Former magazine editor “Sugar” Calloway has partnered with award winning baker Dixie “Spicer” to launch a unique publishing company, “Sugar and Spice” Cookbooks. They help communities and organizations create cookbooks as a fundraising event. The current project is for St. Ignatius senior’s Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club who hope to refurbish the aging shelter house at the park. However, their cookbook has...a recipe for murder! Deliciously entertaining! Mary Lee Ashford has stepped up her game with book two in her Sugar & Spice Mystery making me an eager fan! Her entertaining writing style includes descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well the setting, characters, tone, and personalities along with a delightful sense of humor, some a little too quirky but fun. Ashford follows a traditional cozy formula with a first-person narrative from “Sugar” Calloway’s perspective sharing her inner thoughts. And for a delicious bonus...start your own “breakfast club” with these easy-to-follow recipes each including informative tips: Jeri Beetles Cat’s Head Biscuits, Alma Stiller’s Heart Attack Hot Dish, Greer’s Better Tan Robert Redford Cake, and Diane’s Blue Ribbon Made-From-Scratch Biscuits.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Former magazine editor “Sugar” Calloway has partnered with award winning baker Dixie “Spicer” to launch a unique publishing company, “Sugar and Spice” Cookbooks. They help communities and organizations create cookbooks as a fundraising event. The current project is for St. Ignatius senior’s Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club who hope to refurbish the aging shelter house at the park. However, their cookbook has...a recipe for murder! Deliciously entertaining! Mary Lee Ashford has stepped up her game with book two in her Sugar & Spice Mystery making me an eager fan! Her entertaining writing style includes descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well the setting, characters, tone, and personalities along with a delightful sense of humor, some a little too quirky but fun. Ashford follows a traditional cozy formula with a first-person narrative from “Sugar” Calloway’s perspective sharing her inner thoughts. And for a delicious bonus...start your own “breakfast club” with these easy-to-follow recipes each including informative tips: Jeri Beetles Cat’s Head Biscuits, Alma Stiller’s Heart Attack Hot Dish, Greer’s Better Tan Robert Redford Cake, and Diane’s Blue Ribbon Made-From-Scratch Biscuits.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 15, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine. (And I loved this book so much that I bought my own copy!)
First of all, this is a cozy mystery extraordinaire! I have read many cozy mysteries over the past few years, and most are well-written, fun, and "cozy." The mysteries often keep me guessing. The characters are quirky and intriguing. Baking is a usual theme for these. And typically there is no profanity, bedroom scenes, or graphic violence. All of this is true for this book and more besides! I can say without a doubt that this is one of the best cozies I have read in a long time.
In addition to the impeccable writing and interesting characters, our heroine in this mystery added so much humor to this story! One of the things I often notice about so many books of every genre nowadays is that the art of humor seems to be almost nonexistent. Not so with Mary Lee Ashford! There were so many "laugh-out-loud" moments that I had to catch myself from disrupting those around me.
Another thing I appreciate in this book series is that even though I didn't read the first book, I didn't feel lost. I still was able to understand what was going on and enjoy all the fun insights from our heroine's viewpoint. Oh, and there was a fun cat in the book, too. Doesn't every mystery need a cat??
First of all, this is a cozy mystery extraordinaire! I have read many cozy mysteries over the past few years, and most are well-written, fun, and "cozy." The mysteries often keep me guessing. The characters are quirky and intriguing. Baking is a usual theme for these. And typically there is no profanity, bedroom scenes, or graphic violence. All of this is true for this book and more besides! I can say without a doubt that this is one of the best cozies I have read in a long time.
In addition to the impeccable writing and interesting characters, our heroine in this mystery added so much humor to this story! One of the things I often notice about so many books of every genre nowadays is that the art of humor seems to be almost nonexistent. Not so with Mary Lee Ashford! There were so many "laugh-out-loud" moments that I had to catch myself from disrupting those around me.
Another thing I appreciate in this book series is that even though I didn't read the first book, I didn't feel lost. I still was able to understand what was going on and enjoy all the fun insights from our heroine's viewpoint. Oh, and there was a fun cat in the book, too. Doesn't every mystery need a cat??
July 17, 2019
Risky Biscuits is the second book in Mary Lee Ashford’s Sugar & Spice Mystery series and is an entertaining read with well-developed characters, an interesting mystery, and laugh out loud moments.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway (Sugar) relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius, and started Sugar and Spice Publishing, a community cookbook publishing company for fundraisers in St. Ignatius, Iowa, with her friend, Dixie Spicer (Spice). Sugar handles the business end, and Dixie takes care of testing the recipes. Their current project is for a fundraiser for the Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. The project’s leader, Alma Stoller, is murdered, which is disruptive to the cookbook project, and Sugar is scrabbling to get things organized and back on track. Between the murder and a local bad boy, Nick Marchant, returning to town, the town’s gossip mill is working overtime. Sugar and Dixie have a knack for solving mysteries and find themselves deeply entrenched in the investigation while trying to stay out of Sheriff Terrance Griffin’s path.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway (Sugar) relocated to the small town of St. Ignatius, and started Sugar and Spice Publishing, a community cookbook publishing company for fundraisers in St. Ignatius, Iowa, with her friend, Dixie Spicer (Spice). Sugar handles the business end, and Dixie takes care of testing the recipes. Their current project is for a fundraiser for the Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. The project’s leader, Alma Stoller, is murdered, which is disruptive to the cookbook project, and Sugar is scrabbling to get things organized and back on track. Between the murder and a local bad boy, Nick Marchant, returning to town, the town’s gossip mill is working overtime. Sugar and Dixie have a knack for solving mysteries and find themselves deeply entrenched in the investigation while trying to stay out of Sheriff Terrance Griffin’s path.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 3, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed this cozy. I liked the cookbook business, St. Ignatius, and the friendship between Sugar and Dixie.
April 8, 2025
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. We have the standard formula of small-town life, a new transplant with a golden heart and an interesting cat. You will have to take my word for the fact that this was a very well written version of the cozy murder mystery genre(plus cat). That is until you read and confirm the tale's efficiency for yourself.
Each action and behavioural quirks are explained in painstaking detail and should have had the effect of explaining a joke after the crowd has heard the punchline but it does not. I cannot place my finger on how that worked but it did. We have cutesy names for all the characters and I did not feel like cringing because their behaviour was above board and intelligent and the names are just coincidences of their lives in general. This is not the first book in the series but apart from the (almost non-existent) love life of our leading lady Sugar (see what I mean about the names?) who is a partner in a cookbook publishing company, the story can be read as a standalone. I only felt I missed something in the first story when she mentioned the 'guy' who was absent from the first half of this tale and I wanted to know more about their original meeting.
In this installment, Sugar is trying to settle on friendly terms with her neighbour and solve a local murder when it turns up because she cares for the people involved and she might be holding all the clues in her hand. Once again with books like this, the plotline is not the main focus. the narrative tone, the comic timing and of course the random mentions of the cat and commentary of the interpretation of his actions or the lack thereof. I would definitely read the next in the series only to spend time with Sugar and her friends and keep my fingers crossed on Dixie (her partner) finding her happily ever after soon. If I have to mention the investigation in this one I would say it progresses at an acceptable pace and has a few twists that I thought I saw coming but was wrong about (in the best way).
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
Each action and behavioural quirks are explained in painstaking detail and should have had the effect of explaining a joke after the crowd has heard the punchline but it does not. I cannot place my finger on how that worked but it did. We have cutesy names for all the characters and I did not feel like cringing because their behaviour was above board and intelligent and the names are just coincidences of their lives in general. This is not the first book in the series but apart from the (almost non-existent) love life of our leading lady Sugar (see what I mean about the names?) who is a partner in a cookbook publishing company, the story can be read as a standalone. I only felt I missed something in the first story when she mentioned the 'guy' who was absent from the first half of this tale and I wanted to know more about their original meeting.
In this installment, Sugar is trying to settle on friendly terms with her neighbour and solve a local murder when it turns up because she cares for the people involved and she might be holding all the clues in her hand. Once again with books like this, the plotline is not the main focus. the narrative tone, the comic timing and of course the random mentions of the cat and commentary of the interpretation of his actions or the lack thereof. I would definitely read the next in the series only to spend time with Sugar and her friends and keep my fingers crossed on Dixie (her partner) finding her happily ever after soon. If I have to mention the investigation in this one I would say it progresses at an acceptable pace and has a few twists that I thought I saw coming but was wrong about (in the best way).
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
Read
January 3, 2021This is a new to me series AND I'm starting with book #2. I found the main characters to be well thought out and fun to watch as they work together and get involved in many activities outside their business. The basis is a Senior Group looking to do a fund raiser by having Dixie and her partner turn their personal recipes into a polished looking book. Then death strikes and it's off to the races. Solve the murder and get the book finished.
I enjoyed it immensely and will troll my public library for the first book so I can find out how this all began.
I enjoyed it immensely and will troll my public library for the first book so I can find out how this all began.
August 6, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Who would murder Alma? And where are those recipes?
Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford is a marvelous mystery, filled with small-town life, lots of humor and plenty of baked goods.
Characters
Sugar Calloway is our main character and point of view. She and Dixie Spicer run the Sugar & Spice Publishing Company, where they publish cookbooks. They also dabble in the investigation of local murders. Even though the local Sheriff, Terry doesn’t like or appreciate their assistance.
I like Sugar and Dixie. They make a good partnership. The problem they have is that they are nosy. Neither Sugar nor Dixie can let a mystery go. At least they turn over their findings to the Sherriff.
Greer Gooder is my favorite character. She is a hoot, who drinks coffee until she is buzzing, has to be everywhere early and she is nosier than Sugar. Here is a quote from the story.
Mystery
The mystery is superb and had me guessing throughout the story whodunit? There aren’t a lot of suspects but the culprit was a surprise. I like the tie back to old small-town secrets.
Recipes Included
Jeri Beetles Cat’s Head Biscuits
Alma Stoller’s Heart Attach Hot Dish
Greer’s Better Than Robert Redford Cake
Diane’s Blue-Ribbon Made-from-Scratch Biscuits
I can't wait to try these recipes.
4 Stars for Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford
My rating for Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford is four stars. The story is entertaining with well-developed characters and the mystery is top-notched. I recommend this cozy mystery to all.
First Book in the Series
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Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford is a marvelous mystery, filled with small-town life, lots of humor and plenty of baked goods.
Characters
Sugar Calloway is our main character and point of view. She and Dixie Spicer run the Sugar & Spice Publishing Company, where they publish cookbooks. They also dabble in the investigation of local murders. Even though the local Sheriff, Terry doesn’t like or appreciate their assistance.
I like Sugar and Dixie. They make a good partnership. The problem they have is that they are nosy. Neither Sugar nor Dixie can let a mystery go. At least they turn over their findings to the Sherriff.
Greer Gooder is my favorite character. She is a hoot, who drinks coffee until she is buzzing, has to be everywhere early and she is nosier than Sugar. Here is a quote from the story.
“She’s been on edge. Like the other day we were going to the bakery over in Marston and she turned the wrong direction on the highway. When I said, ‘Hey Alma, wrong way!’ she slammed on the brakes so hard that poor Freda Watson’s wig ended up in the front seat on top of Nellie’s pocketbook. It’s lucky we didn’t all have whiplash.”
Mystery
The mystery is superb and had me guessing throughout the story whodunit? There aren’t a lot of suspects but the culprit was a surprise. I like the tie back to old small-town secrets.
Recipes Included Jeri Beetles Cat’s Head Biscuits
Alma Stoller’s Heart Attach Hot Dish
Greer’s Better Than Robert Redford Cake
Diane’s Blue-Ribbon Made-from-Scratch Biscuits
I can't wait to try these recipes.
4 Stars for Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford
My rating for Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford is four stars. The story is entertaining with well-developed characters and the mystery is top-notched. I recommend this cozy mystery to all.
First Book in the Series
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
October 6, 2019
Risky Biscuits by Mary Lee Ashford
Book #2: Sugar and Spice Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Lyrical Underground
Rating: 4½/5 stars
The girls are back with a new project, the prospect of several future projects, and another dead body or two 😊
Following the success of their first cookbook and crime solving foray, Sugar and Dixie are back in business with a small but significant project. The morning breakfast group at the senior center is intent on refurbishing one of the building in the park and to raise funds, they intend to sell a cookbook full of nothing but yummy breakfast foods. Trouble is, just as the project is getting off the ground, the senior charge is found dead, run over by her own car.
With only one case behind them, Sugar and Dixie have no intention of becoming involved in this newest St. Ignatius crime. Unfortunately, because of their involvement with the cookbook, they’re smack dab in the middle of the mess. If the cookbook is going to move forward and be completed, Sugar and Dixie are going to have to do some poking and prodding. Poking and prodding usually means discomfort, especially for the person responsible for the crime.
Poking around into this new murder has Dixie and Sugar digging up secrets at least two local families would much rather stay buried! From an illegitimate birth to a set of twins with clear and present issues, the murder of one little lady has stirred up a hornet’s nest of trouble. With each new revelation, Dixie and Sugar discover some people/families will go to any lengths necessary to preserve the status quo. To Dixie and Sugar’s dismay they dig deep enough, accidentally discover just enough, and ask just enough questions to trigger a second death. With a load of guilt and great sense of responsibility, the ladies work harder than ever to uncover the truth behind all the awful.
The Bottom Line: In case y’all didn’t know, I LOVE breakfast foods which makes this the perfect book for me 😊 Dixie and Sugar are a bit more experienced with the crime solving and because they were involved by default have a vested interest in solving the crime. What I liked most about this installment of the series, beyond the food, of course, is the subtle little ways the author is setting up story lines for future installments of the series. For example, Sugar is interviewing with another group for a future cookbook project, Max the photographer is more committed than ever to staying in town, Sugar’s neighbor is pesky as ever and not going anywhere, and Dixie’s love life is slowly making a comeback following the death of her husband. All of these bits and pieces play out as the girls work on their current project and solve yet another crime. All is blended together seamlessly to create yet another totally yummy cozy mystery.
Book #2: Sugar and Spice Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Lyrical Underground
Rating: 4½/5 stars
The girls are back with a new project, the prospect of several future projects, and another dead body or two 😊
Following the success of their first cookbook and crime solving foray, Sugar and Dixie are back in business with a small but significant project. The morning breakfast group at the senior center is intent on refurbishing one of the building in the park and to raise funds, they intend to sell a cookbook full of nothing but yummy breakfast foods. Trouble is, just as the project is getting off the ground, the senior charge is found dead, run over by her own car.
With only one case behind them, Sugar and Dixie have no intention of becoming involved in this newest St. Ignatius crime. Unfortunately, because of their involvement with the cookbook, they’re smack dab in the middle of the mess. If the cookbook is going to move forward and be completed, Sugar and Dixie are going to have to do some poking and prodding. Poking and prodding usually means discomfort, especially for the person responsible for the crime.
Poking around into this new murder has Dixie and Sugar digging up secrets at least two local families would much rather stay buried! From an illegitimate birth to a set of twins with clear and present issues, the murder of one little lady has stirred up a hornet’s nest of trouble. With each new revelation, Dixie and Sugar discover some people/families will go to any lengths necessary to preserve the status quo. To Dixie and Sugar’s dismay they dig deep enough, accidentally discover just enough, and ask just enough questions to trigger a second death. With a load of guilt and great sense of responsibility, the ladies work harder than ever to uncover the truth behind all the awful.
The Bottom Line: In case y’all didn’t know, I LOVE breakfast foods which makes this the perfect book for me 😊 Dixie and Sugar are a bit more experienced with the crime solving and because they were involved by default have a vested interest in solving the crime. What I liked most about this installment of the series, beyond the food, of course, is the subtle little ways the author is setting up story lines for future installments of the series. For example, Sugar is interviewing with another group for a future cookbook project, Max the photographer is more committed than ever to staying in town, Sugar’s neighbor is pesky as ever and not going anywhere, and Dixie’s love life is slowly making a comeback following the death of her husband. All of these bits and pieces play out as the girls work on their current project and solve yet another crime. All is blended together seamlessly to create yet another totally yummy cozy mystery.
January 5, 2026
Plot
The women of the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn breakfast group need to raise some dough to renovate the local city park and their monthly all-you-can-eat breakfasts have done so well that they believe a cookbook of recipes will sell like hotcakes. Sugar and Spice are happy to oblige, but when they visit the group’s chairwoman to pick up some recipes, they find her face down in her French toast. When it turns out the lady didn’t die of natural causes, Sugar and Spice fear the cookbook project may have stirred up old grudges. It’s out of the egg-frying pan and into the fire for the two amateur sleuths as they try to solve the murder without getting creamed.
My Analysis
This is the second Sugar and Spice cozy mystery. Like the first there are good things and problems.
Good things: I like the plot. Well thought out. Clues sprinkled here and there. The main person, Sugar, who tells the story from a first person POV has Ernest the cat and the pesky neighbor who fusses over the little “wrongs” she think Sugar commits. You have recipes in the back.
The characters are numerous. You need a few suspects to keep everyone guessing. Greer who is Sugar’s landlord. Griffith, the sheriff who has a relationship with Spice. Nick Marchant, the bad boy returned to town. Nick and Stanley, Nick’s brother and father respectively. A couple of other recurring characters.
As I said, the story was well laid out with the mystery developing and added to at the right places.
Problems: Numerous spelling/grammar/punctuation errors that should have been caught during editing. Words used as tag lines that can’t be tag lines.
Follow-up. While I don’t mind extra bits in the story being inserted—side stories—I do like them to be wrapped up. In this book, I found four. Tina’s mysterious boyfriend. The thief stealing packages from the back entrances of businesses. Sugar’s Creeping Charlie. Sugar’s sort of boyfriend Max who’s been distant.
Two were resolved. Two were not. We discover whether Tina’s beau is real, and Max explains his distance. But we never find out who the thief was. This was mentioned at the beginning but never resolved. Also, was Sugar successful with the weeds?
Otherwise, a nice cozy to keep you entertained.
My rank (despite the editing errors):
Purple Belt
The women of the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn breakfast group need to raise some dough to renovate the local city park and their monthly all-you-can-eat breakfasts have done so well that they believe a cookbook of recipes will sell like hotcakes. Sugar and Spice are happy to oblige, but when they visit the group’s chairwoman to pick up some recipes, they find her face down in her French toast. When it turns out the lady didn’t die of natural causes, Sugar and Spice fear the cookbook project may have stirred up old grudges. It’s out of the egg-frying pan and into the fire for the two amateur sleuths as they try to solve the murder without getting creamed.
My Analysis
This is the second Sugar and Spice cozy mystery. Like the first there are good things and problems.
Good things: I like the plot. Well thought out. Clues sprinkled here and there. The main person, Sugar, who tells the story from a first person POV has Ernest the cat and the pesky neighbor who fusses over the little “wrongs” she think Sugar commits. You have recipes in the back.
The characters are numerous. You need a few suspects to keep everyone guessing. Greer who is Sugar’s landlord. Griffith, the sheriff who has a relationship with Spice. Nick Marchant, the bad boy returned to town. Nick and Stanley, Nick’s brother and father respectively. A couple of other recurring characters.
As I said, the story was well laid out with the mystery developing and added to at the right places.
Problems: Numerous spelling/grammar/punctuation errors that should have been caught during editing. Words used as tag lines that can’t be tag lines.
Follow-up. While I don’t mind extra bits in the story being inserted—side stories—I do like them to be wrapped up. In this book, I found four. Tina’s mysterious boyfriend. The thief stealing packages from the back entrances of businesses. Sugar’s Creeping Charlie. Sugar’s sort of boyfriend Max who’s been distant.
Two were resolved. Two were not. We discover whether Tina’s beau is real, and Max explains his distance. But we never find out who the thief was. This was mentioned at the beginning but never resolved. Also, was Sugar successful with the weeds?
Otherwise, a nice cozy to keep you entertained.
My rank (despite the editing errors):
Purple Belt
July 9, 2019
This is the second book in the Sugar and Spice Mystery series. I started reading this book first, got a couple of pages in, then went and bought the first book because I could tell just that quickly that I was going to enjoy this series. This book can be read stand-alone, but I recommend reading the series in order so you can understand how the characters developed and where it all began.
Sugar Calloway and Dixie Spicer have a fairly new business which publishes community cookbooks for special groups. They are always hustling for the next job with Sugar the business end and Dixie the blue ribbon cook.
Their most recent endeavor is to publish a cookbook of breakfast recipes for the Crack of the Dawn breakfast group. The group has a great all you can eat biscuits day that they use to raise money for their projects. The biscuits are described in such wonderful detail, it made me want to stop what I was doing, whip up a batch, and enjoy eating them while reading.
Unfortunately, my biscuits are more like hockey pucks than light and airy biscuits, so it was just as well that I just kept reading and wishing than actually doing and eating.
There is, of course, a murder (this is a murder mystery, right?) and Sugar and Dixie get involved in solving it.
Along with the murder mystery, a home-grown bad boy comes back home after many years away. His arrival turns the town upside down with rival groups of those who like him and those who really can’t stand him. He seems to be trying to restart a relationship with Dixie, who falls firmly in the I can’t stand him category.
There is more mysteries in this story than just the murder, which makes it all the more a fun read. The author has a knack for funny dialog and for funny situations. I really enjoy Sugar’s take on all sorts of things. Quite a tongue-in-cheek sort of gal.
I’ll be looking forward to this author’s next book, whether it be in this series or not.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
Sugar Calloway and Dixie Spicer have a fairly new business which publishes community cookbooks for special groups. They are always hustling for the next job with Sugar the business end and Dixie the blue ribbon cook.
Their most recent endeavor is to publish a cookbook of breakfast recipes for the Crack of the Dawn breakfast group. The group has a great all you can eat biscuits day that they use to raise money for their projects. The biscuits are described in such wonderful detail, it made me want to stop what I was doing, whip up a batch, and enjoy eating them while reading.
Unfortunately, my biscuits are more like hockey pucks than light and airy biscuits, so it was just as well that I just kept reading and wishing than actually doing and eating.
There is, of course, a murder (this is a murder mystery, right?) and Sugar and Dixie get involved in solving it.
Along with the murder mystery, a home-grown bad boy comes back home after many years away. His arrival turns the town upside down with rival groups of those who like him and those who really can’t stand him. He seems to be trying to restart a relationship with Dixie, who falls firmly in the I can’t stand him category.
There is more mysteries in this story than just the murder, which makes it all the more a fun read. The author has a knack for funny dialog and for funny situations. I really enjoy Sugar’s take on all sorts of things. Quite a tongue-in-cheek sort of gal.
I’ll be looking forward to this author’s next book, whether it be in this series or not.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
June 16, 2023
Risky Biscuits. If you are reading the novel, Risky Biscuits, and hoping a teenage boy in his white boxers, socks, shirt with no pants is seen by one of the main characters, I hate to disappoint you. The Sugar and Spice Mysteries are clean, sweet reads that are delightful at every twist and turn.
After reading The Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford, I knew I had to search out and find the next book. The second book in the Sugar & Spice Mystery series is Risky Biscuits. I love the clever titles and as a reader I enjoy finding a series with great characters.
“Sugar” Calloway is a delightful character that manages to get caught in the strangest predicaments. Her partner, Dixie Spicer, is a blue-ribbon baker with a secret past with the local good-looking sheriff. The cast of side characters makes for delightful reading, especially Disco’s clothing choices.
The Iowa author, Mary Lee Ashford is able to capture the small-town gossip and add just enough “spice” to keep you reading long into the night. Here is an excerpt from the book’s description: “The return of former bad boy Nick Marchant has stirred the town’s gossip. Add a few grudges and some old-fashioned greed over a land deal into the mix, and it’s a recipe for mayhem. And when someone serves up a second helping of murder, Sugar and Spice need to sift the guilty from the blameless, or their next breakfast may be their last . . .”
I strongly recommend Risky Biscuits to any reader who enjoys a good mystery with blue-ribbon recipes at the end of the novel.
Julie M. Granger
After reading The Game of Scones by Mary Lee Ashford, I knew I had to search out and find the next book. The second book in the Sugar & Spice Mystery series is Risky Biscuits. I love the clever titles and as a reader I enjoy finding a series with great characters.
“Sugar” Calloway is a delightful character that manages to get caught in the strangest predicaments. Her partner, Dixie Spicer, is a blue-ribbon baker with a secret past with the local good-looking sheriff. The cast of side characters makes for delightful reading, especially Disco’s clothing choices.
The Iowa author, Mary Lee Ashford is able to capture the small-town gossip and add just enough “spice” to keep you reading long into the night. Here is an excerpt from the book’s description: “The return of former bad boy Nick Marchant has stirred the town’s gossip. Add a few grudges and some old-fashioned greed over a land deal into the mix, and it’s a recipe for mayhem. And when someone serves up a second helping of murder, Sugar and Spice need to sift the guilty from the blameless, or their next breakfast may be their last . . .”
I strongly recommend Risky Biscuits to any reader who enjoys a good mystery with blue-ribbon recipes at the end of the novel.
Julie M. Granger
August 2, 2019
Although RISKY BISCUITS is the second book in A Sugar & Spice Mystery series by Mary Lee Ashford, it reads just as well all on its own. Just like “Sugar” Calloway’' I felt right at home in the small community of St. Ignatius, Iowa.
While the business Sugar runs with her partner, Dixie,"Spice" Spicer, is not open to the public, like other shops on the main street, the delicious smells coming from Dixie's kitchen keeps a steady stream of visitors walking in their door. And with them comes town news and gossip.
Sugar is renting a house from an elderly woman. In return, they have a friendship that has extended to the other residents of the independent living retirement community in which Greer lives. That includes offering rides and a helpful hand at times. Sugar and Spice are also working on publishing a cookbook of recipes from those same elderly residents, and members of The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. Fortunately for us, several of the top recipes are included at the end of this book!
When one of the elderly women goes missing and the police won't take it seriously for at least 48 hours, Sugar is recruited to help the other women investigate. After all, it isn't breaking and entering if you know where the key is kept, is it?
Lots of small town hijinx history, high school remembered romances, and a bad boy returned home, without this leopard changing his spots, it seems, as well as colorful idioms and phrases inspired by Sugar's Aunt Cricket, make this a fun read as well as a well shrouded mystery. When you feel you have it figured out, something else comes to your attention.
I can't wait for my next visit!
While the business Sugar runs with her partner, Dixie,"Spice" Spicer, is not open to the public, like other shops on the main street, the delicious smells coming from Dixie's kitchen keeps a steady stream of visitors walking in their door. And with them comes town news and gossip.
Sugar is renting a house from an elderly woman. In return, they have a friendship that has extended to the other residents of the independent living retirement community in which Greer lives. That includes offering rides and a helpful hand at times. Sugar and Spice are also working on publishing a cookbook of recipes from those same elderly residents, and members of The Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. Fortunately for us, several of the top recipes are included at the end of this book!
When one of the elderly women goes missing and the police won't take it seriously for at least 48 hours, Sugar is recruited to help the other women investigate. After all, it isn't breaking and entering if you know where the key is kept, is it?
Lots of small town hijinx history, high school remembered romances, and a bad boy returned home, without this leopard changing his spots, it seems, as well as colorful idioms and phrases inspired by Sugar's Aunt Cricket, make this a fun read as well as a well shrouded mystery. When you feel you have it figured out, something else comes to your attention.
I can't wait for my next visit!
July 17, 2019
This is the 2nd installment in the Sugar and Spice mystery series. Sugar and her best friend Dixie run a cookbook publishing business. Sugar has a background in publishing and Dixie is an amazing cook. The current project is for the St. Ignatius Crack of Dawn Breakfast club who are trying to raise money and the point person for the project is Alma. Greer Sugar's landlady call's her all upset that her friend Bunny is missing and Sugar goes looking for her. She finds near the post office because Alma forgot to pick her up. Alma has been acting pretty distracted recently and Sugar hopes this does not stop the project from going forward. The next day Greer calls Sugar again to say that Alma is missing. Sugar goes to the retirement community and along with the Greer and some others use a key and go into Alma's apartment to see if she is okay. She is not there but the Sheriff Terry arrives and they find out Alma was found dead in the park. Also former bad boy Nick Marchant arrives in town ready to pick up where he left off in high school to stir up trouble and break hearts. He broke up Terry and Dixie in high school. Later he is found dead in the same park as Alma. Is there a connection. Don't want to give too much away. I like the way Sugar is not in your face investigating. She just seems to be at the right place at the right time and asks the right questions. Enjoyed the mystery and the pace of the story and all the supporting characters. Look forward to the next in the series.
July 18, 2019
In my opinion, Risky Biscuits is even better than than the first in this delightful series, Game of Scones. Coming back to St. Ignatius, Iowa to find out what Sugar Calloway and her business partner and friend Dixie Spicer are up to since their first foray into homicide investigation is reading time well spent. They are working on a cookbook for the Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. What could possibly go wrong? The purpose of the cookbook is to raise money to fix up the local park, the setting of their famous breakfasts. Working with Alma, a friend of Sugar's landlady, Greer, things turn deadly when Alma is found dead and the plans for the cookbook are up in the air as she was the head of the club.
Sugar sets to work to search for clues to uncover the killer and keep the cookbook on schedule for publication. Add to the many things she has to juggle, the bad boy from her high school days is back in town, the seniors from the local retirement community are a factor in her sleuthing and, of course, the police are on her case. If she isn't very careful, the killer may just come after her next.
The wonderful characters take center stage in this series and the small town setting is a perfect fit. The puzzle kept me guessing to the final pages and the humor had me laughing out loud. I'm looking forward to the next book and catching up with the residents of St. Ignatius.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sugar sets to work to search for clues to uncover the killer and keep the cookbook on schedule for publication. Add to the many things she has to juggle, the bad boy from her high school days is back in town, the seniors from the local retirement community are a factor in her sleuthing and, of course, the police are on her case. If she isn't very careful, the killer may just come after her next.
The wonderful characters take center stage in this series and the small town setting is a perfect fit. The puzzle kept me guessing to the final pages and the humor had me laughing out loud. I'm looking forward to the next book and catching up with the residents of St. Ignatius.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2019
Sugar Calloway and her partner Dixie Spicer are working with the local Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club on a cookbook fund raiser. Sugar is loving life and settling into her adopted hometown of St. Ignatius, where everyone knows everyone and their business. Things are going well as Sugar collects recipes and history from St. Ignatius’ locals for the cookbook, but then the club member who is heading up the cookbook efforts is murdered and Sugar and DIxie are not only looking for the recipes that Alma had collected, they’re looking for her murderer.To add more intrigue to the mix, former hottie and bad boy Nick Marchant returns home from New York City and is stirring up trouble.
Sometimes knowing everyone in town and everything about them an be murderous. Yet sometimes people aren’t exactly who they seem to be. But someone in town is the murderer and Sugar and Dixie uncover some big secrets that could help the police solve the case.
While this is the second book in the series, I did not read the first one and this serves fine as a standalone. Sugar’s nomadic childhood that followed her parent’s divorce makes you cheer for her having adopted St. Ignatius as her hometown and settling down. Can’t wait to see how she and Max overcome their respective challenges as they move ahead and build their relationship.
Don’t miss the recipes that are included. They look yummy!
Sometimes knowing everyone in town and everything about them an be murderous. Yet sometimes people aren’t exactly who they seem to be. But someone in town is the murderer and Sugar and Dixie uncover some big secrets that could help the police solve the case.
While this is the second book in the series, I did not read the first one and this serves fine as a standalone. Sugar’s nomadic childhood that followed her parent’s divorce makes you cheer for her having adopted St. Ignatius as her hometown and settling down. Can’t wait to see how she and Max overcome their respective challenges as they move ahead and build their relationship.
Don’t miss the recipes that are included. They look yummy!
July 5, 2019
3.5 stars
This is the second in the Sugar and Spice Mystery series. I did not read the debut, but the general background was pretty well explained and I had no trouble following. A baker (Dixie Spicer) and a PR person (Sugar Calloway) have joined forces to compile and market cookbooks for various groups and businesses. The setting is small town Iowa, and there is a cast of regular characters to flesh out the group, along with some romantic possibilities for each principal.
Sugar's landlady and friend Greer is a resident of a senior living home, and Sugar often pitches in to provide rides or support. When one of the other residents goes missing and is later found run over in a suspicious death, Dixie and Sugar start sniffing around the see if they can help the police.
As with most small town mysteries, old stories and incidents taking back decades still exert a lot of power and provide motives for revenge. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second in the Sugar and Spice Mystery series. I did not read the debut, but the general background was pretty well explained and I had no trouble following. A baker (Dixie Spicer) and a PR person (Sugar Calloway) have joined forces to compile and market cookbooks for various groups and businesses. The setting is small town Iowa, and there is a cast of regular characters to flesh out the group, along with some romantic possibilities for each principal.
Sugar's landlady and friend Greer is a resident of a senior living home, and Sugar often pitches in to provide rides or support. When one of the other residents goes missing and is later found run over in a suspicious death, Dixie and Sugar start sniffing around the see if they can help the police.
As with most small town mysteries, old stories and incidents taking back decades still exert a lot of power and provide motives for revenge. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2019
Our protagonist in this novel is named Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway. She goes by the nickname “Sugar” and produces vanity cookbooks with a partner named Dixie Spicer through a company named “Sugar and Spice.” The story takes place in Iowa. Unfortunately, with names like “Dixie” and “Sugarbaker” I couldn’t help but think of the TV show Designing Woman and wanted to place the location in Georgia.
The plot line was entertaining. A group of senior citizens is raising money to restore a part in their small town. The woman who is heading up the cookbook project is found dead and the story goes on from there. I felt the characters were pretty well developed. Only Sugar is a newcomer to the town; it seems that the others were all natives to St. Ignatius.
While it was an entertaining story, it wasn’t one that will have me remembering it for a very long time. It was a mindless beach read. Fun but nothing to write home about. I was, however, very happy to get to the end (I was reading on a kindle) and find that several of the recipes were included! They are must try recipes.
The plot line was entertaining. A group of senior citizens is raising money to restore a part in their small town. The woman who is heading up the cookbook project is found dead and the story goes on from there. I felt the characters were pretty well developed. Only Sugar is a newcomer to the town; it seems that the others were all natives to St. Ignatius.
While it was an entertaining story, it wasn’t one that will have me remembering it for a very long time. It was a mindless beach read. Fun but nothing to write home about. I was, however, very happy to get to the end (I was reading on a kindle) and find that several of the recipes were included! They are must try recipes.
June 3, 2019
In this second installment of the Sugar and Spice mystery series (after Game of Scones), we find Sugar and Dixie back in their community cookbook publishing business. This time they are creating a fundraising cookbook for the Crack of Dawn Breakfast Club. When a group member is found run over, however, Sugar feels the need to find out what really happened to the poor woman. Was it an accident…or murder?
I have enjoyed both books in this series. The fictional town of St. Ignatius isn’t far from me geographically, so it resonates with me. The characters are ones well fleshed-out and ones I can totally see living in St. Ignatius. It is a good mystery. Add in riled up seniors, a love from the past, and a rich family with something to hide, and it is a page-turner. I loved the humor. It was well written, and I look forward to the next installment! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
I have enjoyed both books in this series. The fictional town of St. Ignatius isn’t far from me geographically, so it resonates with me. The characters are ones well fleshed-out and ones I can totally see living in St. Ignatius. It is a good mystery. Add in riled up seniors, a love from the past, and a rich family with something to hide, and it is a page-turner. I loved the humor. It was well written, and I look forward to the next installment! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
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