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A Spot of Spice Bakeshop Cozy #1
Cryptic Cupcakes:
A Spot of Spice Bakery's grand opening featured delightful aromas, delicious pastries, and DEADLY cupcakes.
Amidst the idyllic charm of Cedarwood Cove, Nikki, the owner of Spots of Spice Bakery, finds her grand opening marred by a death that leaves a bitter taste.
When Nikki's rival baker is found lifeless in the alley, suspicion immediately falls on her Dalmatian Dot Cupcakes.
With a fervent love for baking and the support of her faithful pup, Pepper, Nikki embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Yet, as they delve deeper, a string of break-ins suggests a more sinister plot at play, prompting Nikki to question the hidden depths of her delicious creations.
As the clock ticks, Nikki must outbake the culprit before the secrets in her bakery turn deadly.
Can she sift through the clues and save her business, or will the next batch of sweets be her last?
Amidst the idyllic charm of Cedarwood Cove, Nikki, the owner of Spots of Spice Bakery, finds her grand opening marred by a death that leaves a bitter taste.
When Nikki's rival baker is found lifeless in the alley, suspicion immediately falls on her Dalmatian Dot Cupcakes.
With a fervent love for baking and the support of her faithful pup, Pepper, Nikki embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Yet, as they delve deeper, a string of break-ins suggests a more sinister plot at play, prompting Nikki to question the hidden depths of her delicious creations.
As the clock ticks, Nikki must outbake the culprit before the secrets in her bakery turn deadly.
Can she sift through the clues and save her business, or will the next batch of sweets be her last?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2024
38 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 18, 2024
Potential but not quite there yet
I think there’s good potential here but I feel like at times I’m missing something. As if I skipped a page or a paragraph or some explanation as to why the characters make assumptions,potions or take certain actions that to me make no sense. I’m all for characters making assumptions I mean who doesn’t love a good Sherlock Holmes moment when he figures out some key piece of evidence from some obscure observation that we then all feel silly for not having noticed. Here it just feels a bit forced, rather than magical turned logical. There’s also a lot of moving pieces and random new characters that suddenly prove vital and I just wound up confused. I’ve read other books by the author and enjoyed them but this one just didn’t work for me. My two cents, your mileage may vary.
I received an ARC from the author this is my honest and voluntary review.
I think there’s good potential here but I feel like at times I’m missing something. As if I skipped a page or a paragraph or some explanation as to why the characters make assumptions,potions or take certain actions that to me make no sense. I’m all for characters making assumptions I mean who doesn’t love a good Sherlock Holmes moment when he figures out some key piece of evidence from some obscure observation that we then all feel silly for not having noticed. Here it just feels a bit forced, rather than magical turned logical. There’s also a lot of moving pieces and random new characters that suddenly prove vital and I just wound up confused. I’ve read other books by the author and enjoyed them but this one just didn’t work for me. My two cents, your mileage may vary.
I received an ARC from the author this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 19, 2024
Nikki is a brat and the writing seems to be disjointed in places. There are threads left unresolved so it’s an unsatisfactory ending in some ways.
August 4, 2024
DNF 30%
Desperately needs to be edited and reviewed before publishing. Repeat lines. Text errors. Quote errors. Back to back sentences showing different conversations of the same moment. Just couldn't keep going.
Desperately needs to be edited and reviewed before publishing. Repeat lines. Text errors. Quote errors. Back to back sentences showing different conversations of the same moment. Just couldn't keep going.
June 22, 2024
Proof reading helps
I wanted to enjoy this book but became bogged down in the poor grammar and diction as well as typos that I became frustrated. Sorry to be unkind. It was just such a big detractor from the writing.
I wanted to enjoy this book but became bogged down in the poor grammar and diction as well as typos that I became frustrated. Sorry to be unkind. It was just such a big detractor from the writing.
June 30, 2024
There were a lot of inconsistencies with names/nicknames. Needed a lot more editing. The flow of the book was choppy. I’m glad I’m done reading it. I don’t plan on continuing the series.
March 19, 2024
Cryptic Cupcakes: A Spot of Spice Bakeshop Cozy Mystery
by Kate Jach
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’ve not read Kate Jach‘s “ Cryptic Cupcakes “, you are missing out big time! Entertaining from the first few pages, and it only gets better as you continue. There is simply no way anyone would not be hooked on this small-town sleuthing story — I’m anticipating the sequel already!
In this instalment, Nikki and her canine companion own A Spot of Spice, a bakery. New to the business, she desires to push the boundaries of the traditional baker and introduce the town to her revolutionary perfect pastries. In the midst of her journey towards achieving her goal, a startling development arises when Clara Barton, a fellow baker who lives nearby, is found dead in the alleyway adjacent to Nikki’s store. And if that isn’t bad enough, lying next to the body is an overturned box of Nikki’s signature cupcakes. How far can professional rivalry go? Surely the area is big enough for all the bakers?
Events spiral when several eatery establishments are broken into, and that is just one morning alone! Will Nikki uncover the culprit in time to save her hard-earned reputation?
In a town where everyone is a suspect, Nikki must use her wile and her wit to conquer this monstrous mystery. Unfortunately, the wrongdoer always seems to be one step ahead. With time running out, Nikki must fight to both clear her name and save her struggling bakery.
Undoubtedly, Cryptic Cupcakes is an exciting read that draws in the reader, allowing them to be part of the story and engage in their own guessing games. This adds a certain stimulation to this mystery that makes the book intriguing. The narration, mystery, suspense and hint of a budding romance keep the reader on their toes. I’ll be honest, I was mildly disappointed that the romance didn’t evolve into something more concrete, but the spark is undeniably present!
I rate Cryptic Cupcakes 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this read to all readers who love a light-hearted mystery set in a cosy small-town setting.
by Kate Jach
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’ve not read Kate Jach‘s “ Cryptic Cupcakes “, you are missing out big time! Entertaining from the first few pages, and it only gets better as you continue. There is simply no way anyone would not be hooked on this small-town sleuthing story — I’m anticipating the sequel already!
In this instalment, Nikki and her canine companion own A Spot of Spice, a bakery. New to the business, she desires to push the boundaries of the traditional baker and introduce the town to her revolutionary perfect pastries. In the midst of her journey towards achieving her goal, a startling development arises when Clara Barton, a fellow baker who lives nearby, is found dead in the alleyway adjacent to Nikki’s store. And if that isn’t bad enough, lying next to the body is an overturned box of Nikki’s signature cupcakes. How far can professional rivalry go? Surely the area is big enough for all the bakers?
Events spiral when several eatery establishments are broken into, and that is just one morning alone! Will Nikki uncover the culprit in time to save her hard-earned reputation?
In a town where everyone is a suspect, Nikki must use her wile and her wit to conquer this monstrous mystery. Unfortunately, the wrongdoer always seems to be one step ahead. With time running out, Nikki must fight to both clear her name and save her struggling bakery.
Undoubtedly, Cryptic Cupcakes is an exciting read that draws in the reader, allowing them to be part of the story and engage in their own guessing games. This adds a certain stimulation to this mystery that makes the book intriguing. The narration, mystery, suspense and hint of a budding romance keep the reader on their toes. I’ll be honest, I was mildly disappointed that the romance didn’t evolve into something more concrete, but the spark is undeniably present!
I rate Cryptic Cupcakes 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this read to all readers who love a light-hearted mystery set in a cosy small-town setting.
March 14, 2024
“After all, variety is the spice of life.” Can you smell it? Try harder. That fresh, heavenly smell of cupcakes, croissants, pastries & more. Mmmmm, warm butter, cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla - it’s like a candle of aromas for your nose.
Nicki is the proud owner of “A Spot of Spice” Bakery, with decor like an old fashioned firehouse, complete with her real Dalmatian Pepper. Pepper gently carries each plate’s offerings, over to the customers’ table. On a to go order, Pepper hands them their bag. The setting of this bakery is already visualized in my mind, it’s classy & unique. The smells of have already found my nose.
But, what else is in Cedarwood Cove?
•Almost everyone in a small town has secrets
•A dead body behind Nikki’s bakery with her signature Dalmatian Dot cupcakes lying close to the body
•Rival bakeries
•Old fashioned, set in stone thinking
•A relative who owns a gossip column
•Past romances
•Fired employees
The suspects’ pool is numerous. Will the Police Chief, along with Nikki’s help, find the killer in time to save her life & her bakery?
This story is bound to keep you entertained right up until the very last turn of the page! Enjoy it!!
Nicki is the proud owner of “A Spot of Spice” Bakery, with decor like an old fashioned firehouse, complete with her real Dalmatian Pepper. Pepper gently carries each plate’s offerings, over to the customers’ table. On a to go order, Pepper hands them their bag. The setting of this bakery is already visualized in my mind, it’s classy & unique. The smells of have already found my nose.
But, what else is in Cedarwood Cove?
•Almost everyone in a small town has secrets
•A dead body behind Nikki’s bakery with her signature Dalmatian Dot cupcakes lying close to the body
•Rival bakeries
•Old fashioned, set in stone thinking
•A relative who owns a gossip column
•Past romances
•Fired employees
The suspects’ pool is numerous. Will the Police Chief, along with Nikki’s help, find the killer in time to save her life & her bakery?
This story is bound to keep you entertained right up until the very last turn of the page! Enjoy it!!
March 12, 2024
The town of Cedarwood Springs has 4 bakeries and Nikki is the owner of Spot of Spice bakery which is a little of the norm of what you'd expect for baked goods. She loves to experiment with ingredients far different than your average cupcake. A couple of stores down is Clara's bakery a very traditional bakery and because of this, she looks her nose down on Nikki. When Nikki takes her intuitive dog Pepper for a walk, he leads her to the ally behind Clara's store only to find her lying there...Dead! But the worst part is she is lying there with one of Nikki's famous cupcakes, the Dalmatian Dot ones strewn around her. So of course, Nikki becomes a suspect! Why does someone want to frame Nikki? Is it another baker? Who else could it be? Nikki meets Eli who is the owner of one of the other bakeries, Morgan’s Hearth who decides to help Nikki investigate and clear her name, even though the sheriff warned them off. This is a fun, fast paced book that keeps you entertained as you turn page after page! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
March 11, 2024
Nikki owns Spot of Spice Bakery in Cedarwood Springs, a small town where there are four bakeries! The nearest is Sweet Whisk, a traditional bakery owned by Clara, a few doors away. Nikki’s specialties are more untraditional like Dalmatia Dot cupcakes, Spicy Paw Print Cookies, Pepper's Delight Donuts, Firefighter's Sourdough Loaf and chocolate chili tortes! When Nikki’s Dalmatian, Pepper, leads her to Clara’s dead body in the alley behind her shop, she becomes the prime suspect! She meets Eli, who owns Morgan’s Hearth, the newest bakery in town, and together they decide to investigate who killed Clara. I received a free ARC of this book, which has great characters, a delightful small town, and a fast paced storyline. I write this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2024
The baker and owner next door to Nikki’s shop turns up dead with one of Nikki’s cupcakes in her hand. Thing is she has never step foot inside the shop
before even though they are next door neighbors. In fact, the lady didn’t like Nikki at all. When it turns out
the cupcake was poisoned suspicion naturally falls on Nikki. She uses her wits and the help of a new baker in town along with a couple of other individuals
to get to the bottom of some deep secrets that some individuals in the town decided were worth killing for and framing Nikki for that murder!
This was a fun cozy to try to figure out whodunnit and why. I think you’ll enjoy playing sleuth as well and so I recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.
before even though they are next door neighbors. In fact, the lady didn’t like Nikki at all. When it turns out
the cupcake was poisoned suspicion naturally falls on Nikki. She uses her wits and the help of a new baker in town along with a couple of other individuals
to get to the bottom of some deep secrets that some individuals in the town decided were worth killing for and framing Nikki for that murder!
This was a fun cozy to try to figure out whodunnit and why. I think you’ll enjoy playing sleuth as well and so I recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.
July 30, 2024
Baking, engaging characters and a strong plot makes this book an enjoyable read. Nikki is an empathetic character for whom life takes a sinister turn, following the death of a neighbouring baker and a series of break-ins, including her own shop. Accompanied by her dog, Pepper, and new baker to the town, Eli, she sets out to solve the crime and, in the process, clear her own name. The plot takes quite a few turns before the denouement and the revelation of the killer. The sub plot, which concerns computer whizz, Chloe, works well in parallel with the main plot, keeping the reader guessing. Now, I need to sample some of those cupcakes!
August 28, 2024
I feel like this book was written by AI. Bizarre editing mistakes, incorrect names being used, random capitalizations and periods in the middle of sentences. Pepper the dog was male the entire book except inexplicably for one paragraph where he was referred to consistently as she. A quick Google of Kate Jach brings up nothing, no social media or anything, which seems odd for an “enigmatic writer from New York.”
It’s unfortunate because the story actually was cute and cozy, the perfect bedtime read. But it was so sloppy, peculiarly edited and cobbled together that the real mystery became “where on earth did this book actually materialize from?”
It’s unfortunate because the story actually was cute and cozy, the perfect bedtime read. But it was so sloppy, peculiarly edited and cobbled together that the real mystery became “where on earth did this book actually materialize from?”
March 13, 2024
Nikki owns "A spot of spice" bakery and is ready for her grand opening.
But it's spoiled by the death of a local rival baker.
Not only that, a box of her special Dalmation dot cupcakes are found by the body!
Fingers are instantly pointed in her direction so to save her reputation and bakery Nikki sets out to prove her innocence.
But the more she digs into this mystery the more she finds out about her town and the secrets it hides.
This was a fun, engaging and really enjoyable "foodie" cosy mystery.
I loved Pepper the dog.
But it's spoiled by the death of a local rival baker.
Not only that, a box of her special Dalmation dot cupcakes are found by the body!
Fingers are instantly pointed in her direction so to save her reputation and bakery Nikki sets out to prove her innocence.
But the more she digs into this mystery the more she finds out about her town and the secrets it hides.
This was a fun, engaging and really enjoyable "foodie" cosy mystery.
I loved Pepper the dog.
March 11, 2024
sweet cosy mystery
Great story. Perfectly cosy, familiar feeling , engaging with the characters and immersing into the fabric of the atmospheric ambience of all that yummy bakery goodness . One bakery is fine , more is positively divine…except when one owner is murdered and Nikki from A Spot and Spice Bakeshop along with her loyal dog Pepper find the body and a need to help find the culprit/ culprits before her own business goes under….
Great story. Perfectly cosy, familiar feeling , engaging with the characters and immersing into the fabric of the atmospheric ambience of all that yummy bakery goodness . One bakery is fine , more is positively divine…except when one owner is murdered and Nikki from A Spot and Spice Bakeshop along with her loyal dog Pepper find the body and a need to help find the culprit/ culprits before her own business goes under….
March 12, 2024
"When Nikki's rival baker is found lifeless in the alley, suspicion immediately falls on her Dalmatian Dot Cupcakes.
With a fervent love for baking and the support of her faithful pup, Pepper, Nikki embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mystery." Who was responsible for the death? Will Nikki solve the mystery? I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
With a fervent love for baking and the support of her faithful pup, Pepper, Nikki embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mystery." Who was responsible for the death? Will Nikki solve the mystery? I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
March 12, 2024
How to catch a killer that used a dessert from your bakery to kill another baker. Nikki was doing great business at her bakery until the murder. Who would do this and why? After meeting with another bakery owner, Eli, Nikki, and Eli decided to help find the killer. The Chief of Police told them he didn’t want them involved, but they decided to help anyway. With clues from many people, the investigation was moving closer. Good reading.
March 12, 2024
Great cozy mystery!
This is a great cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and recommend. It was an easy-read that kept me engaged from cover to cover as Nikki and her clever dog, Pepper, investigated the murder of a fellow bakery owner. The plot and characters are fun and believable and the cupcakes on the book cover have me craving for one!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
This is a great cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and recommend. It was an easy-read that kept me engaged from cover to cover as Nikki and her clever dog, Pepper, investigated the murder of a fellow bakery owner. The plot and characters are fun and believable and the cupcakes on the book cover have me craving for one!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
March 14, 2024
This was a great book by a new author and start of a new series. There are a lot of bakeries in this small town and it seems that some people are hiding secrets since the town was founded. Nikki has a unique bakery that adds spices to everyday items to change their taste. One of the bakers gets murdered and the rest of the bakers are not sure how the case will be solved. This is definitely one of the cases that was solved by a village.
March 16, 2024
Nikki owns the new bakery in a small town with four bakeries. There seems to be a lot of unfriendly competition with the owners. Lots of things going on and then a murder of one of her mean competitors. To save her business, Nikki teams up with the local police chief to find answers. This book is a good mystery with lots of suspects and twists and turns. I hope there is more to come with Nikki and Eli’s relationship. This is a good start to a series that has lots of possibilities.
March 20, 2024
Nikki and her dog Pepper have a very interesting conversation with Clara a rival baker. Clara does not like Nikki and her new bakery in her town. Later that day Clara is found dead in the alley way behind the two bakeries. Nikki ever curious cannot stay out of the investigation. Who killed Clara and why leads to another mystery as well as Clara's death. Come and read this new series from Kate Jach to find out the killer.
March 21, 2024
Nikki has just opened up the bakery she has always dreamed of featuring cupcakes and pastries with a twist. When the body of a rival baker is found in the alley next to her shop, fingers start pointing at Nikki. If she can't find the killer, her dream may be closed forever. With her faithful dog Pepper at her side, Nikki finds there's more to this than she bargained for! Wonderful characters and an engaging storyline make for a delightful read. Hope there's more cupcakes coming!
July 7, 2024
I read this first book of a new series with great expectations but somehow it just never clicked for me. I kept looking over my shoulder feeling like I had read this before: bakery owner/sleuth who wants to solve local murders to make her community a safer place. Has problems with police chief who doesn't want her help until she proves her sleuthing abilities. It's an enjoyable mystery but felt too much like a been there, done that read.
March 15, 2025
So, so bad
I've read my fair share of bad books, but this one takes the (cup)cake. From the beginning when the dog was allowed in the bakery to the end, it's awful. The dog switches sexes randomly. People switch places (looking at the bookshelf but make a discovery in the desk someone else was searching). I still don't know what actually happened, and don't particularly care.
Unless you want to read something hilariously bad, stay away from this book/author. I know I will.
I've read my fair share of bad books, but this one takes the (cup)cake. From the beginning when the dog was allowed in the bakery to the end, it's awful. The dog switches sexes randomly. People switch places (looking at the bookshelf but make a discovery in the desk someone else was searching). I still don't know what actually happened, and don't particularly care.
Unless you want to read something hilariously bad, stay away from this book/author. I know I will.
March 12, 2024
Nikki the owner of Spots of Spice Bakery was looking forwards to a grand opening of her bakery but the death of her rival spoils it. She also be ones the main suspect. A exciting read with lots of suspense with a nail-biting finish . I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
March 12, 2024
This enjoyable page turner cozy murder mystery was full of twists and turns. Pepper, the Dalmatian, is cute as a button and very protective. Armed with Pepper, the dog, and pepper spray Nikki was able to put her amateur sleuthing skills to the test and assist the police. The mystery is resolved so there are no cliffhangers at the end of the book.
March 14, 2024
A newer kind of cozy murder mystery. The array of vibrant and complex characters are what draw you in but it's the plot full of secrets, betrayals hidden in the world of ciber computer networks instead of only the humans keepers. A plot full of ciber intrigue mixed into the frey. Acquire " Cryptic Cupcakes " for hours of mixed intrigue and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
March 15, 2024
Nikki owns a bakery that doesn't cater to the normal clientele.
Her fashionista cupcakes draw clients that want something different,
and she is so far successful.
Until she finds the body of a rival baker behind her own bakery whom she had an argument with just hours before.
The prized cupcakes that she is becoming famous for are scattered around the body making Nikki the prime suspect.
Her fashionista cupcakes draw clients that want something different,
and she is so far successful.
Until she finds the body of a rival baker behind her own bakery whom she had an argument with just hours before.
The prized cupcakes that she is becoming famous for are scattered around the body making Nikki the prime suspect.
March 17, 2024
Will Nikki figure out who killed her competition and what else is going on in town?
Really good book to read. Great storyline with a few surprises and fun characters. I had a great time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Really good book to read. Great storyline with a few surprises and fun characters. I had a great time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
March 21, 2024
This is an intriguing little mystery, the storyline is easy to follow and the characters relatable. When a bakery owner is murdered all the other bakery owners come under suspicion but Nikki most of all because she found the victim and her cupcakes were the murder weapon. So Nikki along with her dog Pepper is determined to find out who did it and clear her name. Great book!!
Cherie Robinson
Cherie Robinson
March 23, 2024
Who knew that being a bakery owner was so dangerous and cutthroat. From a dead bakery owner to break-ins, Nikki, the owner of a spicy bakery, wants to be hands on in solving the crime, especially when suspicions are costing her business. Kate Jach brings us a good mystery with a few surprises and twists. I enjoyed the book and would love to try some of Nikki’s pastries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews