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, Mystery Thriller

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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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
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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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[Amber | backinthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[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! 👌🏼

[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.

[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.

https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting journey with Jules, Carlos, and crew. This installment takes us away from Torte and up the coast to where Sterling and Steph are getting ready to open the restaurant at the beach resort where they have been given a chance to run their own kitchen. With some of regulars along for the Grand Opening, Jules' mom and the Professor, as well as Lance and Arlo, the new chefs are getting support, and their friends are getting a long weekend. Jules can understand the newbies' nerves when they meet the resort manager, who has a controlling style and a nasty manner. The resort is showing signs of wear, has disappearing employees, and disgruntled vendors. What have Sterling and Steph gotten themselves into? When the manager shows up murdered will the couple even get their chance? Who wanted the manager dead? Can a pregnant Jules stay out of it, or is she drawn in as usual? This story was definitely stronger in the character development department than the mystery department, but for fans of this long series, they probably won't mind! Thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for a chance to catch up with our friends from Ashland. #KillMeSouffle #BakeshopSeries #EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Lorri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torte Bakeshop owner Jules Capshaw has traveled to the Oregon coast with several friends and family members to help out at the opening weekend of the new restaurant run by two of her former employees. Their new boss seems somewhat shady - and later that afternoon Jules discovers his body fallen off of a cliff. Ellie Alexander writes a very charming cozy series. All of her characters are likeable and believable, and her descriptions of Oregon make me want to book the next flight. I did feel like I was on a very enjoyable weekend away while I read this book. The reason this book got four stars instead of five was because the mystery plot was very slight - not bad, and Jules and her sidekick did figure it out, but it never felt all that complex. A trickier plot could have made this book an 5. This is the twentieth in the series with one more already scheduled for publication and I look forward to reading all of them.

[Alys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites in the series. The whole thing felt pretty bland.
It didn't help that Ms. Alexander was failed by her copy editor. On page 72, near the end of the page, there is a reference to "Hoff's death." It should have read "Erik's death." Not a minor mistake. On page 82, the first full paragraph, it says that the emergency responders "rappeled down the hillside." Then 3 paragraphs later there is a description of the first responders getting ready to rappel." Whoops! On page 89 we are told that the rescue climbers carted the body to the waiting ambulance. Yet on pages 91 to 92 the same rescue crew prepared to take the body to the ambulance. Huh? On page 94, first full paragraph, Jules asks the Professor "Do you think it was an accident, or was he pushed?" The Professor responds "Indeed I do." Which is it? That's not an answer to an "or" question. It makes the Professor look like an idiot and Jules has to ask the question again -- after the Professor spouts a bunch of Shakespeare. I gave up collecting errors after this and tried to get lost in the story but the glaring errors made it hard to enjoy the book.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will be happy to finally be done with this series. All the books are the same. Cooking and baking and everything is just perfect, everyone just gets along with no drama... until someone is murdered... then it's the same inane bumbling questions to "thicken the plot"... If I never see "My Querida" again in print I'll feel cleansed. But yet I have semi-enjoyed the series. It's given me something to read. That's about all I can say about this Bakeshop Mystery Series. Carry on!!

[Chris Humphrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not as good as the others.

[Parthena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting characters but not the cozy mystery I was expecting. No surprises, twists. or turns or good lead ups to the why and who. Just meh.