Killing Me Soufflé

Bakeshop Mystery #20

by Ellie Alexander

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Food, Cozy, Audiobook, Contemporary

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 25, 2025

About the author

Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
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Reviews

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling and Steph are leaving Torte, as they have accepted jobs at a coastal resort. Unfortunately, their new boss is a nasty control freak. Jules and family head to the restaurant for the grand opening, but a murder puts a damper on the occasion. The Professor is helping the local cops with the investigation, as of course are Jules and Lance. This book is #20 in the series, which I recommend reading in order. With likable characters, delicious food descriptions and recipes, and a well written story, the Bakeshop Mysteries just keep getting better. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun addition to the long-running cozy mystery series--and there's an added bonus of several yummy-sounding recipes at the end! There's a change of venue for the setting, which makes the story seem fresh. Steph and Sterling have taken new jobs at a resort on Oregon's southern coast and Jules and her husband go there to help out on opening day. All the rest of the usual cast of characters come to support them too. Unfortunately everything is in chaos due to their rather nasty boss. When Jules finds a dead body, she and her best friend Lance are eager to help the local police find the killer. Light plot--entertaining with delightful characters and fantastic-sounding meals. If you enjoy baking or cooking, this series is for you! I've tried two of the recipes included, Rhubarb Crumble Cake and Breakfast Lasagna, and both were delicious!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this latest in the Bakeshop Mystery series. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. The mystery was good. This is the 20th I think in the series and the first I’ve read . I would read another one ! Recipes included ✨

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The newest installment in the Bakeshop Mystery series has Juliet and company traveling to the Oregon coast to support Stephanie and Sterling at their new jobs at a resort. But where this group goes, murder tends to follow. Luckily, they've got Juliet, as well as Lance and the Professor to help them out. Whether they're in Ashland or on the road, the group from Torte always make for an excellent story.

I always enjoy reading this series. But I did feel this one was super short and there didn't seem to be a lot to it. 🤷‍♀️

Release Date: 2/25/2025

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Torte’s loss is the Whaleshead Resort’s gain. Stephanie and Sterling have new jobs bringing a cliffside restaurant back to life. The restaurant has been scrubbed and refreshed with a little paint. Sterling and Stephanie have updated the menu with fresh fish entrees, vegan dishes, and a variety of desserts including “every chef’s nightmare – a fluffy chocolate soufflé-“. Reservations for opening night are plentiful and long-term residents and resort guests are excited to see what these kids have come up with. As are Jules, Carlos, and others from Ashland. All are ready to help make the restaurant a success and help Sterling and Stephanie shine.

While all are prepping for the big night, Jules makes a quick trip to the garden, she hears a scream. Following the sound she finds the manager of the Whaleshead Resort has fallen down an exposed cliffside trail to his death. In the short time Jules and Carlos have been there they saw there was a real problem with management especially with the manager Erik Morton so it was no surprise when his death was ruled a homicide. Did he push one of his staff too far? Did one of the Whaleshead residents have a reason to give the man one good push?

The Professor is on the case and Jules’ bestie Lance is ready to team up with her again to solve another murder. Carlos, Arlo, and Helen will help however they can.

The people who work together at Torte are family so it was hard for Sterling and Stephanie to venture out on their own. Family shows up for each other for support and celebrations so of course, Jules, Carlos, Helen, the Professor, Lance, and Arlo came for the reopening of the restaurant at the Whaleshead Resort. After 20 books these characters feel like old friends. Ms. Alexander allows them to continue to evolve in true-to-life ways. This story is character-driven as many things are happening in their lives including the latest murder.

The murder of resort manager Erik Morton was not going to be easy to solve. There are several suspects with motive. They have shady alibis, are not forthcoming with information, and are strangers to the crew from Ashland. The Professor offers his assistance to the local police which is accepted. He asks Jules to keep her eyes and ears open. Lance takes that as he usually does – an invitation to snoop. Snooping that can lead to trouble and dangerous situations. I love the banter between Lance and Jules as they work to get to the truth but I was a little nervous about Jules investigating as she now has another life depending on her. The author did an excellent job of twists and misdirection. I figured out the guilty party right along with Lance and Jules.

It was nice to have the characters take a weekend getaway from Ashland to a place where Jules had some fond memories. The resort’s lodge and cabins may need a little updating and renovating but the views, cliffs, and beach sounded amazing. It will now carry fond memories for everyone. Some maybe more than others.

Killing Me Soufflé is a delightfully entertaining story. I love the family feeling that runs through this book and the entire series. These genuine characters immediately pulled me into this story. The murder mystery kept me engaged. The ending put a huge smile on my face. There are some exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to get my hands on Laying Down the Latte! It is set to be released on August 26, 2025!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Bakeshop Mysteries! Number 20 felt like a bridge to new chapters for several of the beloved characters in the series. Steph and Sterling, formally chefs at Torte have gone out on their own, hired as chefs to turn around a resort restaurant that is iconic, but a little tired on the Oregon coast.
The main characters come to celebrate the opening weekend at the resort. As always, I love spending time with this group of family and friends. Juliet and Carlos' family is expanding, there is another happy surprise in store, and of course there is a murder.
Ellie Alexander does a remarkable job of keeping this series fresh. I highly recommend starting with an earlier installment. It was nice to experience a change of scenery but I will look forward to being back in Ashland.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ellie Alexander.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.

Book twenty and this is still my favorite series of all time. There are delicious food descriptions, heartwarming characters and a great plot to make this book all that it is. Toutes bakers Sterling and Steph, who were trying to launch a new restaurant on their own, had my heart as they were battling for success. A restaurant manager is murdered, and it's up to the head baker from Torte, Jules, who is expecting twins. As well as Lance, one of my favorite mystery sidekicks.

I feared for Jules safety as she was pregnant at times. But she came through. It's hard for me to guess whodunit and this time was no exception, but I still enjoyed it. Over this series I've got to know these characters and they somehow feel like family and I couldn't help crying tears of joy for one of these characters future.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jules is excited to visit Sterling and Steph for their grand debut at Whaleshead Resort on the coast where Jules spent many happy summers with her parents. She's sad to lose two great pastry chefs but happy they're moving up in the world. That's just the way the business works. Carlos, Ramiro, Mom and the Professor will be attending opening night dinner too with Carlos and Jules helping to assist the chefs. Before they even leave Ashland, Jules gets a tearful call from an overwhelmed Steph, her first inkling that things aren't quite right at WhalesheadAs soon as they arrive there are problems: there's a leak in one of the cabins that hasn't been dealt with, the front desk girl isn't very professional, the fish hasn't been delivered and the resort manager, Erik, is a bully. Carlos is ready to step in to defend the young chefs but Jules knows they have to work through it on their own. But when Jules is returning from a walk and hears a scream, she feels compelled to investigate. She discovers Erik lying face up on a ledge overlooking the ocean. It doesn't look good for him and the first responders are unable to find signs of life. While the police officer in charge seems competent, The Professor steps in to help. They need Jules to lend her insight as well. When Lance and Arlo arrive for dinner, Lance drags Jules into the thick of things! Can they figure out who killed Erik before it's time to go home?

This mystery is kind of low stakes. Sterling and Stef are not suspects and Lance has no reason to investigate other than to be nosy. Jules, at least, found the body and has already met the suspects. The question should be who didn't want Erik gone? Erik was a tyrant. He was only in it for the money and didn't bother managing effectively. It's his way or the highway and if anything goes wrong, it's never HIS fault. He bullies everyone but Steph and Sterling are new so Erik is waiting for them to fail before he fires them. If they do fail, it's because of his incompetence and bullying, not anything they do. They're both incredible chefs and lovely people. The front desk girl, Jess, is never there when needed, always sneaking off and really unprofessional. She feels in over her head without Erik and he never let her into his office. Or so she says. Jules notices holes in the woman's story and decencies in the evidence. It does seem on the surface Jess and Erik hated each other but that could be a front for what's really going on. It looks like they may have been having an affair.

Travis, the fisherman, is late delivering the fish. He finally arrives with the day's catch for Sterling but only because he wants to help the new chefs. Erik owes him money. No surprise there. Jules found Travis's towel at the scene of the crime and his alibi doesn't match the evidence. Could he be a killer? I don't want him to be the killer because he seemed nice at first. He helped out Sterling and seems to hate Erik so he's a good judge of character. He's cooperative with the investigation but yet he's not telling the whole truth. Is he lying or is he ignorant?

My money is on Lucy, the developer. She wants to tear down Whaleshead and build a fancy high-end resort. Erik is the last hold out, or so she says. How horrid! Families have been coming to Whaleshead for generations, include Jules and her parents and now with Ramiro, then hopefully some day with the next generation of Capshaws. It's not fancy and Steph and Sterling lean into that with simple but elegant dishes using fresh, local ingredients and kitschy decorated sea themed decor and desserts. Steph's creative side is really coming out now. A fancy high-end resort will only be for the wealthiest of tourists and not local families from the region. It will not only ruin the character of the place but also the environmental impact has to be staggering. I suspect there will be lots of trees cut down to build this resort, swimming pool, etc. Yuck.

My other prime suspect is Hoff, the maintenance man. Or supposed maintenance man. He doesn't seem to be around when needed or fix things in a timely manner. He has a chip on his shoulder and a bit of an attitude. He gets free housing on the property. Perhaps Lucy offered him a job at the new resort for more money and he killed Erik for her? Neither has an airtight alibi. Then there's Mary Beth, the mysterious artist. She doesn't seem sad or show any kind of emotion towards Erik's untimely death. She's actually glad he died. While she doesn't have an alibi, I don't think she's the killer. If Lucy was murdered, then I'd suspect Mary Beth.

Detective Mars is fair and seems competent but she's open to having Doug help out and he trusts Jules. Jules has such a big heart. This murder really upsets her and she's worried about her protégées. She's a hands-off parent to teenage stepson Ramiro though. Carlos has a great relationship with the boy but neither of them seem prepared for what's ahead. Ramiro is a good kid thanks to his mother but in today's world, especially with a murderer on the loose, I wouldn't let him roam around free. Jules and Carlos feel protective of their Torte family and Carlos is ready to jump in and defend them. He's going to be a horribly over-protective dad! The young chefs have come a long way. Sterling is confident but Steph seems insecure still. Jules helps Steph build her confidence. Jules will assist with the baking but not do it for Steph. It's up to Steph to figure out that she's talented and capable. I'm curious about the new staff at Torte and why on earth the author is introducing new characters after book 20?! Lance gets less annoying by the end of the book. I find him obnoxious most of the time but hearing about him through Arlo's eyes was interesting and hearing him express what love is to him was very sweet. They seem like a mismatched pair but they are crazy about each other.

This one sounds like it would be a fitting end to the series. There will be new beginnings ahead.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this series has my heart. I love how even when employees leave the bakeshop, they are still family and Jules and her crew and family give them all their support. It was so endearing the way she supported Steph and Sterling in their new restaurant, letting them lead but also giving them advice when they need it. Also, I love seeing Jules with her little family and I am so excited for her. This book is just uber cozy and the setting on the beach at a resort (albeit one falling apart but still) was gorgeous. I love love love seeing her and Lance sleuth together and how everyone accepts it and supports it. I truly cannot wait to see what more this series brings.

note: I listened to the audiobook and really like this narrator for Jules , Carlos and all the characters

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t tell if these books are getting worse. I used to love this series when it first came out. But it just seems like a lot of words with very little climax to the story and mystery. I think, for me, some of the problem is I don’t care for Juliet. Which is not good since she is ‘the’ main character. She is too needy. I have to say I do enjoy catching up with all the other characters. And all the recipes are definitely s bonus.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Food, Baking, murder. Count me in. Love the recipes in the back and now I need to bake this weekend. First one by this author and will be looking for more.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love just about every visit with Jules and the gang at Torte. This one was particularly interesting because it is set at a resort away from Torte but it is just as fun. It’s nice to see the development of Stephanie and Sterling’s characters, especially since Sterling was so rough around the edges in the beginning. While the setting was different, the mystery was still full of suspects and while I figured it out early on, it was also still satisfying. While I enjoy reading about the treats they serve and the occasional baking tip, I find the step-by-step narration of the recipe bothersome and usually skip these sections. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Rainie 🎧 · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for a cozy, 2.5 stars for a mystery. I love the mesmerising descriptions of the seaside town, but the unraveling of the mystery is too linear and the suspects fess up too easily to a main character who’s not even the police or holds any sort of authority. I was expecting more clever sleuthing and logical deductions.

Perhaps I expected too much, seeing as my usual repertoire of mystery novels are from Agatha Christie and the like.

[Melissa P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this one. I feel like most of my reviews are similar. There's a murder, Jules investigates, everyone is chipper. The mystery was fine. I don't really like that Steph and Sterling left the bakeshop. I really liked keeping up wirh the regular characters. Jules being pregnant changes things too. I did enjoy this one. Maybe not my favorite. Definitely not bad though. Happy reading!

[Kriss Luckett-Ziesemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series for a while, but this one really felt cobbled together. Not my favorite. After 20 books, perhaps it’s time to wrap this series up.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe that Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mysteries now has TWENTY books. I have been reading this series from the very start and it continues to be one of my favourite cozy mystery series. Not only is the Torte Bakeshop a place that I would love to hang out and eat at, but the various characters in these books have become familiar friends. From Jules and her family, to her friends, especially Thomas and Lance, to the staff at Torte, every single one of the recurring characters has well-drawn and memorable.

In this latest instalment, Jules and Carlos head to a different location, which helps to freshen up the scenery. Long-time Torte staff members Sterling and Steph have decided to leave the Bakeshop, with Jules’ blessing, and have started working at the Whaleshead Resort. While I was sad to see these two characters “leave the nest” it was nice to see how they were adjusting to life after Torte. Their new boss is quite different from Jules, but the pair seem to be holding their own. Until the murder, of course.

As always, Jules jumps in to help those nearest and dearest to her, even though she is pregnant with twins. It was interesting to see Jules in this new chapter in her life and she seems settled and content. While she is definitely suffering from some of the side-effects of pregnancy, she refuses to let her her young proteges fend for themselves.

I have always come to expect an entertaining and well-paced mystery from Ellie Alexander, and Killing Me Soufflé is no exception. The twists and turns always keep me guessing and, while guessing whodunnit is always my goal, I usually enjoy the read so much I forget I’m trying to solve a mystery!

One of the things that makes the Bakeshop Mysteries so enduring is that the characters, both primary and secondary, are constantly evolving and growing. People come in, people move out. It’s life, and it has kept this series fresh from Day One. I always look forward to new books because it feels like I’m coming home to visit old friends.

While you can definitely read Killing Me Soufflé on its own, I highly recommend reading the whole series in order so that you can see how much the characters develop and grow over the course of the twenty books. Plus, there are lots of delicious food and drink recipes to keep your mouth watering!

*** Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books, for providing me with a copy of the book for review purposes.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Killing me Soufflé (Bakeshop Mystery #20)" by Ellie Alexander has Jules and family traveling to a beach resort to help her ex-employees get their own restaurant started up. Carlos seems to do a bit more helping but Jules is quite pregnant with twins in this book so that's probably for the best. Unfortunately, the resort manager is quite the micro manager and not nice about it or good at it.

So, as any cozy mystery reader knows, the manager is the most likely to be the victim or the culprit. He's the victim in this one. I have to say that I only temporarily thought of the culprit as a suspect but was thrown off by their behavior. I didn't really have any one particular person in mind since the actual culprit threw me off a bit.

[Sem · Rating 2 out of 5]

book number 20 might be the weakest one but that doesn't mean I'm not willing to gulp down 50 more of these:

- the decision to remove all the beloved side characters from the story almost completely is not one I vibe with;
- the decision to push Lance's story forward? wonderful, delightful, give me more;
- what in the hell is that murder resolution, that was messed up. Drawing paintings with heavy subject matter is NOT some sign of a messed up would-be murderer. I know that they explain Mary Beth's motive in detail but tying her art into that is very weird energy.
- no introduction of the new hires is also a bummer, could have given some personalities to look forward to!
- any, uh, resolution to the fish guy story?

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing Me Soufflé is the 20th book in the Bakeshop Mysteries series, which I enjoy. In the last book, Torte's beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. Opening weekend is almost there and Jules, Carlos, and Jules mom have offered to help them with the big day. They've been hearing that there are problems with the manager, Erik Morton and staff are quitting, so they aren't sure what they will walk into. When they arrive, they are shocked. They are short staffed, there is no fish or seafood as the person they buy from is owed money, and the cabins are in need of repair. They meet the manager and Carlos is about ready to deck him. As they plan changes to the menu, the fish seller appears and tells them this is the last delivery until he is paid. Jules goes out for some fresh air, and sees someone lying facedown on the ledge below the cliff. The police are called and it turns out that it is Erik and it looks like he was pushed. While dinner still goes forward, there is a real estate agent there trying to get people to sign off so that they can sell the resort to a developer. Who pushed Erik over the cliff? Which of the many suspects were angry enough to kill him?

This was quite the mystery that Jules and Lance had to figure out. Luckily, the Professor came with Jules' mom. He is the police chief in Ashland and the local police welcome his assistance. Lance is there with his partner and her and Jules team up and plan out their investigation. With so many suspects, it is hard to narrow down. Is it one of the merchants who are owed money? Is it the caretaker and handyman who is tired of being yelled at and given no money to do repairs? What about the staff who will lose their job if the resort sells? Maybe it was just a disgruntled employee? I always enjoy Lance's input into the cases and how intuitive Jules is. This time out, Carlos also helps out. Everyone wants to make sure that Stephanie and Sterling come out of this with their jobs intact. I enjoyed the plotting and pace of the story. I thought I had the culprit figured out, but once again, I was not right. With lots of yummy food throughout the story and some recipes at the end, I was drooling. This was another great addition to the series. I did a read/listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Emily Durante and I have enjoyed her performances with all the books in the series. She gives wonderful voices to the characters, adding accents where necessary and using tone and inflection for the others. I enjoy listening to this series due to her narration.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
Instead of Ashland, Oregon, where most of the books in the series have been located, the action moved to the beautiful Oregon coast. Sterling and Steph, two beloved ex-employees of Torte, are spreading their wings and relaunching a restaurant at a popular resort that is experiencing some issues. High on the issue list is their volatile, and perhaps larcenous, boss. Jules, queasy and pregnant with twins, and Carlos arrived to lend a hand. But with murder on the menu, are their friends' new jobs in jeopardy? A solid mystery enhanced by the wonderful characters that we call friends. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Killing Me Soufflé" the 20th instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. The team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

I really enjoyed this story, seeing the Torte family grow and expand. Visiting the Oregon Coast where Jules use to go as a child and now where Stephanie and Sterling are starting their own journey was a nice change. The future is full of changes for all of Torte's family with Jules pregnant, new staff , Ramiro going back to Spain...

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Needless to say I cant wait for the next book.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sam Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander.

This was a fun time! From the descriptions of the environment to the details of the food, I felt I was present with Jules experiencing everything for myself.

Ellie Alexander did a great job between the balance of cozy, mystery and mouth watering descriptions of baked goods.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story takes place away from Torte. The gang is visiting the new place of employment for Sterling and Steph. The manager of the resort is horrible and is killed so Jules and Lance starting asking questions. The book was an easy read.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The murder mystery takes a backseat to catching up with Jules, seeing Steph and Sterling venture out on their own, and witness Lance get engaged. So bittersweet seeing the gang grow through life.

Eager to see Lance’s wedding in the upcoming books!

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time listening to one of the Bakeshop Mysteries on audio, and it was a little different hearing voices for characters I’ve known for so long! Carlos’s voice wasn’t quite what I had imagined, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.

I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Sterling and Stephanie after the changes in the last book and seeing them take on this new adventure. I do wish we had gotten a little more time with them though.

[Amber Siddons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god the ENDING? Sobbing, I love the bakeshop crew <3

[Kristen Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always entertaining; didn’t love part of it toward the end.

[Maddy Krenek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one! Fun

[Danielle B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always an enjoyable time back in Ashland! I can’t say too much without giving away this book and last but I will say the prior one left on a big “oOoOoO what’s it gonna be?!?” type of a situation and this book just casually stated it -where was the build up or an announcement?! 😩

Sterling and Steph are really the stars of this one and I enjoyed the character development!

Lance, oh Lance! 👌🏼

[Lance Lumley · Rating 3 out of 5]

for and in-depth review, visit my blog at:
Alexander returns with the Bakeshop Mystery that takes place not long after the last book in the series where the main character Jules visits a resort where he ex students have taken a job and end up finding the manager (who no one likes) dead on the side of a cliff. Jules agrees to help out with the investigation , which finds the investors want to sell the resort.
This one wasn't as good as the last book , and although the writer throws in characters from the last one, who show up to celebrate the young chefs in their first job on their own, it seems like rehashing a typical story while placing the characters you would not expect to be there in to please the reader.

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