What do you think?
Rate this book
Cheese Shop Mystery #6
Bait and Swiss
In Korina Moss's Bait and Swiss, Yarrow Glen’s newest business gives one unlucky resident the swiss of death.
It’s been almost two years since Willa Bauer opened Curds & Whey in Yarrow Glen, and both cheesemonger and cheese shop are thriving in the Sonoma Valley. While Willa doesn’t eat chocolate, it’s true that life is like a box of chocolates. Unfortunately, life’s latest curveball is that Willa’s ex fiancé and ex-best friend—the reason for her chocolate aversion—are opening a chocolate pop-up shop across the street. By the end of the shop’s first day, the town’s newest reporter is the victim of death by chocolate. Now Willa’s ex wants her to be Swiss Congeniality, solve the case, and save the day. As much as Willa wants to hit him with the nearest cheese wheel, she can't stop herself from saying yes. And it’s not long before tourists decide to stay clear of town until the killer is caught. To save Yarrow Glen, Willa and Team Cheese have some work to do.
It’s been almost two years since Willa Bauer opened Curds & Whey in Yarrow Glen, and both cheesemonger and cheese shop are thriving in the Sonoma Valley. While Willa doesn’t eat chocolate, it’s true that life is like a box of chocolates. Unfortunately, life’s latest curveball is that Willa’s ex fiancé and ex-best friend—the reason for her chocolate aversion—are opening a chocolate pop-up shop across the street. By the end of the shop’s first day, the town’s newest reporter is the victim of death by chocolate. Now Willa’s ex wants her to be Swiss Congeniality, solve the case, and save the day. As much as Willa wants to hit him with the nearest cheese wheel, she can't stop herself from saying yes. And it’s not long before tourists decide to stay clear of town until the killer is caught. To save Yarrow Glen, Willa and Team Cheese have some work to do.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 29, 2025
42 people are currently reading
4424 people want to read
About the author
Korina Moss
15 books383 followersKORINA MOSS is the author of the Cheese Shop Mystery series set in the Sonoma Valley, which includes multiple Agatha Award nominated books for Best Contemporary Novel and the winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, Cheddar Off Dead. Listed as one of USA Today’s “Best Cozy Mystery Series,” her books have also been featured in PARADE Magazine, Woman’s World, and Writer’s Digest.
Korina is also a freelance developmental editor specializing in cozy and traditional mysteries.
For more information or to subscribe to her free monthly #teamcheese newsletter, go to her website korinamossauthor.com
Korina is also a freelance developmental editor specializing in cozy and traditional mysteries.
For more information or to subscribe to her free monthly #teamcheese newsletter, go to her website korinamossauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 23, 2025
This is the third one I’ve read of the series. This is the last one ,I just found out. I did win this book from the authors newsletter. I enjoy the mysteries overall! I really like the cheese and the recipe aspect, but the ending with the chocolate was very confusing for me !
March 21, 2025
Willa owns a speciality cheese Shop located in the Sonoma Valley area of California. Author Moss has penned a delicious story in which the murder revolves around poisoned chocolates from a local chocolatier. The question is who added the poison? The plot is clever and the cheese offerings are, as always, yummy! My only complaint is that Willa and her boyfriend need to commit to a relationship that isn’t as lukewarm as it is now—this is the sixth book!!
if you’ve read previous stories in the Cheese Shop series, you’re already hooked on it. If this your first book of the series, rest assured it is as excellent as the first five are! I highly recommend to cheese lovers and cozy mystery readers.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
if you’ve read previous stories in the Cheese Shop series, you’re already hooked on it. If this your first book of the series, rest assured it is as excellent as the first five are! I highly recommend to cheese lovers and cozy mystery readers.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
April 11, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
I love this cozy mystery series. A comfort read, this is made even better by the characters, setting, and cheese. It was also great to see this book focus on another treat, chocolate. Across the street, Willa's ex and his partner open a chocolate pop-up shop, but then someone gets poisoned. Willa and her reporter friend soon become suspects. Together with Willa's friends and employees "Team Cheese" from her shop team up to help Willa find a killer. Inside Willa's shop, Curds and Whey I was completely enchanted by the details every time I read a new book in this series.
I love this cozy mystery series. A comfort read, this is made even better by the characters, setting, and cheese. It was also great to see this book focus on another treat, chocolate. Across the street, Willa's ex and his partner open a chocolate pop-up shop, but then someone gets poisoned. Willa and her reporter friend soon become suspects. Together with Willa's friends and employees "Team Cheese" from her shop team up to help Willa find a killer. Inside Willa's shop, Curds and Whey I was completely enchanted by the details every time I read a new book in this series.
April 16, 2025
6 billion million stars!
This was so good, I laughed, I teared up, I was on the edge of my seat staying up way past my bedtime and in the end I was smiling and wishing I was in the Glen with team cheese. I adore Willa and her squad of folks that are her chosen family. I loved that Willa also go to deal with some of her past and build a little bit of her future. This series is one of my favorites, may it live forever!!
This was so good, I laughed, I teared up, I was on the edge of my seat staying up way past my bedtime and in the end I was smiling and wishing I was in the Glen with team cheese. I adore Willa and her squad of folks that are her chosen family. I loved that Willa also go to deal with some of her past and build a little bit of her future. This series is one of my favorites, may it live forever!!
July 5, 2025
It's the second year anniversary for Curds & Whey. Willa and crew are throwing a celebration. The festivities are marred though by her ex when they open a chocolate pop-up shop across the street in the newly renovated bakery and then someone is poisoned. Willa is just one of the suspects and with the success of the local businesses also on the line Team Cheese is on the case.
I previously read only the first book in the series, but I had no trouble jumping back in. In fact, Bait and Swiss made me excited to back and read others to catch up on what I have missed out on. It's clear that the characters and their relationships have developed. It's fun when there's a clear history in the town.
There are a lot of returning characters which is fun as it makes Yarrow Glen seem like a lively place. The characters are charming and fun. Willa herself is likeable, even if she isn't perfect. It makes her relatable. Detective Heath is sweet.
The mystery is so well done and thought out. There are a lot of suspects and potential motives. There is plenty of stuff going on to keep the reader guessing. I love how Team Cheese works together. It was a lot of fun trying to guess the killer.
This is a series that I can tell just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed this and can't recommend it enough for mystery fans!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
I previously read only the first book in the series, but I had no trouble jumping back in. In fact, Bait and Swiss made me excited to back and read others to catch up on what I have missed out on. It's clear that the characters and their relationships have developed. It's fun when there's a clear history in the town.
There are a lot of returning characters which is fun as it makes Yarrow Glen seem like a lively place. The characters are charming and fun. Willa herself is likeable, even if she isn't perfect. It makes her relatable. Detective Heath is sweet.
The mystery is so well done and thought out. There are a lot of suspects and potential motives. There is plenty of stuff going on to keep the reader guessing. I love how Team Cheese works together. It was a lot of fun trying to guess the killer.
This is a series that I can tell just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed this and can't recommend it enough for mystery fans!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
April 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, and this is a really good one. Willa Bauer is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her California cheese shop, Curds & Whey. Another Yarrow Glen shop is having a celebration, too. The town's bread bakery has been revamped into a cake shop that also includes exclusive chocolates. Willa has an unwanted connection to the chocolatiers (they are her ex-fiancé and former best friend!) and when a reporter at the town's newspaper is poisoned, Willa becomes a suspect.
Willa's almost boyfriend, Heath, is one of the detectives on the case, but has to keep his distance from Willa so nobody questions the fairness of the investigation. I was disappointed that they weren't able to collaborate on the case. Luckily, Willa isn't on her own, though. She has Team Cheese (Archie, Mrs. Schultz, and Baz) on her side. The investigation is interesting, and Willa does a great job finding other suspects and possible motives to help prove her innocence. I thought I had guessed the killer, but I was surprised when all was revealed. The ending of the case and of the overall book is satisfying and left me already looking forward to more in this series!
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, and this is a really good one. Willa Bauer is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her California cheese shop, Curds & Whey. Another Yarrow Glen shop is having a celebration, too. The town's bread bakery has been revamped into a cake shop that also includes exclusive chocolates. Willa has an unwanted connection to the chocolatiers (they are her ex-fiancé and former best friend!) and when a reporter at the town's newspaper is poisoned, Willa becomes a suspect.
Willa's almost boyfriend, Heath, is one of the detectives on the case, but has to keep his distance from Willa so nobody questions the fairness of the investigation. I was disappointed that they weren't able to collaborate on the case. Luckily, Willa isn't on her own, though. She has Team Cheese (Archie, Mrs. Schultz, and Baz) on her side. The investigation is interesting, and Willa does a great job finding other suspects and possible motives to help prove her innocence. I thought I had guessed the killer, but I was surprised when all was revealed. The ending of the case and of the overall book is satisfying and left me already looking forward to more in this series!
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
May 3, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Death by chocolate – not cheese. You would think that would keep cheesemonger Willa Bauer out of the investigation, and she would concentrate on celebrating the 2nd anniversary of her Curds & Whey cheese shop. But no, she has a connection to this crime. Her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend have surprisingly arrived in Yarrow Glen and have opened a pop-up chocolate shop. The chocolate shop that made the chocolate creams that killed the town’s newest reporter. Her exes have asked her to help clear their names and their pop-up.
Willa really has no desire to help them, but their pop-up was coordinated with the new bakery in town owned by Archie’s friend Hope, who was already taking a big chance by completely changing a successful business. Plus, an unsolved death will hurt the whole town of Yarrow Glen.
So, it’s time for Team Cheese to get together and cream the killer before it’s too late!
There is nothing I like better than a multigenerational group of people that comes together to solve mysteries. I also enjoy when coworkers become genuine friends who truly care about each other. Willa, Baz, Archie, and Mrs. Schultz fit both to a tee. It is easy to get invested in their lives. Right now, they are all dealing with romance issues. Mrs. Schultz has an admirer, but she sees a different side of him in this story. Archie and Hope are now trying to be friends, and he is worried about how that will go. Baz dates, but could he have finally found the right woman? Willa and Heath’s relationship was going in the right direction until she became a person of interest in the current case.
The mystery Ms. Moss has penned is complicated; Was the new reporter the actual target? Could the target have been his boss? Was it Willa who was supposed to die? Did her actions land her on the suspect list, or are both true? How were the chocolates tainted? Could someone from Yarrow Glen have tinkered with the treats? Involving people from Willa’s past was hard for her. Could she trust them after how they hurt her? Team Cheese did their best to follow every clue, but a secret had to be disclosed to get the investigation truly moving in the right direction. The reveal caught me off guard, I was right there with Willa when we both got an enormous surprise. The showdown was suspenseful and painful for our protagonist, but the truth prevailed.
I always enjoy my visits to Yarrow Glen and to Curds & Whey. Willa’s anniversary celebration didn’t go as planned, but I loved all the things they had planned for the day, with costumes, games, and plenty of cheese. The author’s attention to detail in her descriptions took me right into the shop and everywhere Willa and Team Cheese went, even to a dumpster in an alley. That scene was pretty funny.
Readers will be craving cheese while reading. May I suggest you flip to the recipes at the back of the book and whip up Ms. Schultz’s Swiss or Miss Dip, then grab some pretzels or crackers to snack on as you enjoy this story.
Bait and Swiss is an excellent addition to this series. The pages were flying. The characters entertained. The mystery was well-plotted and written. There was some humor to tickle the funny bone. And plenty of cheese to tempt the taste buds. Willa’s betta fish, Loretta, was “wiggling happily in her fishbowl” at the end of the story. I was happy too and can’t wait to see what Ms. Moss has planned for her next Cheese Shop Mystery.
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 St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Death by chocolate – not cheese. You would think that would keep cheesemonger Willa Bauer out of the investigation, and she would concentrate on celebrating the 2nd anniversary of her Curds & Whey cheese shop. But no, she has a connection to this crime. Her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend have surprisingly arrived in Yarrow Glen and have opened a pop-up chocolate shop. The chocolate shop that made the chocolate creams that killed the town’s newest reporter. Her exes have asked her to help clear their names and their pop-up.
Willa really has no desire to help them, but their pop-up was coordinated with the new bakery in town owned by Archie’s friend Hope, who was already taking a big chance by completely changing a successful business. Plus, an unsolved death will hurt the whole town of Yarrow Glen.
So, it’s time for Team Cheese to get together and cream the killer before it’s too late!
There is nothing I like better than a multigenerational group of people that comes together to solve mysteries. I also enjoy when coworkers become genuine friends who truly care about each other. Willa, Baz, Archie, and Mrs. Schultz fit both to a tee. It is easy to get invested in their lives. Right now, they are all dealing with romance issues. Mrs. Schultz has an admirer, but she sees a different side of him in this story. Archie and Hope are now trying to be friends, and he is worried about how that will go. Baz dates, but could he have finally found the right woman? Willa and Heath’s relationship was going in the right direction until she became a person of interest in the current case.
The mystery Ms. Moss has penned is complicated; Was the new reporter the actual target? Could the target have been his boss? Was it Willa who was supposed to die? Did her actions land her on the suspect list, or are both true? How were the chocolates tainted? Could someone from Yarrow Glen have tinkered with the treats? Involving people from Willa’s past was hard for her. Could she trust them after how they hurt her? Team Cheese did their best to follow every clue, but a secret had to be disclosed to get the investigation truly moving in the right direction. The reveal caught me off guard, I was right there with Willa when we both got an enormous surprise. The showdown was suspenseful and painful for our protagonist, but the truth prevailed.
I always enjoy my visits to Yarrow Glen and to Curds & Whey. Willa’s anniversary celebration didn’t go as planned, but I loved all the things they had planned for the day, with costumes, games, and plenty of cheese. The author’s attention to detail in her descriptions took me right into the shop and everywhere Willa and Team Cheese went, even to a dumpster in an alley. That scene was pretty funny.
Readers will be craving cheese while reading. May I suggest you flip to the recipes at the back of the book and whip up Ms. Schultz’s Swiss or Miss Dip, then grab some pretzels or crackers to snack on as you enjoy this story.
Bait and Swiss is an excellent addition to this series. The pages were flying. The characters entertained. The mystery was well-plotted and written. There was some humor to tickle the funny bone. And plenty of cheese to tempt the taste buds. Willa’s betta fish, Loretta, was “wiggling happily in her fishbowl” at the end of the story. I was happy too and can’t wait to see what Ms. Moss has planned for her next Cheese Shop Mystery.
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 St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
March 5, 2025
Wow, how do you top an awesome series about cheese and mystery? Add a little chocolate! In this adventure, the sixth in the series Willa gets a little blast from the past and not in a good way. When Hope reopens her bakery as a cake shop, instead of the bakery it was, that's one surprise, when she rented out a part of her space to a new chocolate shop everyone is in shock and the biggest surprise is for Willa as Chocolate Bliss is owned by Willa's ex-fiance and ex-best friend Pearce and Riley. When Willa ends up dropping off a gift of chocolate from Pearce to AJ at the newspaper, in hopes of a good review, things go haywire when the chocolate gets eaten by someone else at the paper who ends up dead. As usual, in this series, you know that Team Cheese will be on the case. Some of the things I really enjoy about this series besides the cheese talk and a satisfying mystery are the teamwork and the deepening relationships. All of those things are present here, plus chocolate! Thanks to #Netgally, #StMartinsPress, and the author for an opportunity to read! #BaitandSwiss #ACheeseShopMystery #KorinaMoss #bookideas #bookreview #retiredreader
May 12, 2025
Another fun mystery in this series. I liked it but it definitely is not my favorite in the series.
What I liked:
🧀The found family Willa has in Yarrow Glen. These characters all work so well together, banter, comfort, etc. Their closeness shines through.
What I wanted more of:
🧀Heath. I don’t like that he has to “stay away” while investigating.
🧀The cheese shop.
What wasn’t my favorite:
🧀The conclusion to the mystery. I loved the actual mystery, investigation, trying to figure out whodunnit and who was the actual victim. At the end though, the conclusion was a little underwhelming for me.
This still remains a favorite series. The characters and setting are truly the heart of this series and I love re-visiting again and again.
What I liked:
🧀The found family Willa has in Yarrow Glen. These characters all work so well together, banter, comfort, etc. Their closeness shines through.
What I wanted more of:
🧀Heath. I don’t like that he has to “stay away” while investigating.
🧀The cheese shop.
What wasn’t my favorite:
🧀The conclusion to the mystery. I loved the actual mystery, investigation, trying to figure out whodunnit and who was the actual victim. At the end though, the conclusion was a little underwhelming for me.
This still remains a favorite series. The characters and setting are truly the heart of this series and I love re-visiting again and again.
April 22, 2025
Bait and Swiss is the sixth installment of the Cheese Shop Mystery series. It's a typical whodunit with a cheese centric theme.
In Bait and Swiss, Team Cheese -- comprising of Willa, Archie, Mrs. Schultz and Baz, must clear Willia and town newspaper editor, A.J. of any wrongdoing in the death of A.J's new star reporter, Kevin Wallace. But as fate would have it, all the evidence points towards A.J's and Willa's guilt. Will Team Cheese be able to uncover the clues needed to exonerate A.J. and Willa?
I really enjoyed this installment. Team Cheese is back to their usual antics and Archie as well as Mrs. Schultz got their groove back from the last installment. Some new transient characters were introduced. But the regulars are still their with their wry sense of humor.
Being a cozy mystery, the story is all about atmosphere -- whether it be in a restaurant setting, garden setting, or a B&B. As such, the pacing can be a little slow for some. But in this particular series, and this novel, there are numerous clues dispersed throughout the novel that kept me engaged. With an unexpected perpetrator, the novel's ending was a surprise. Five stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
In Bait and Swiss, Team Cheese -- comprising of Willa, Archie, Mrs. Schultz and Baz, must clear Willia and town newspaper editor, A.J. of any wrongdoing in the death of A.J's new star reporter, Kevin Wallace. But as fate would have it, all the evidence points towards A.J's and Willa's guilt. Will Team Cheese be able to uncover the clues needed to exonerate A.J. and Willa?
I really enjoyed this installment. Team Cheese is back to their usual antics and Archie as well as Mrs. Schultz got their groove back from the last installment. Some new transient characters were introduced. But the regulars are still their with their wry sense of humor.
Being a cozy mystery, the story is all about atmosphere -- whether it be in a restaurant setting, garden setting, or a B&B. As such, the pacing can be a little slow for some. But in this particular series, and this novel, there are numerous clues dispersed throughout the novel that kept me engaged. With an unexpected perpetrator, the novel's ending was a surprise. Five stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 12, 2025
I was really excited to see that we get to learn a bit more about Willa's past in this novel. Since I picked up the series at book #2 (and still haven't managed to get back to read book #1), I was extra excited to find out about her ex and the reasons she came to Yarrow Glen. Her ex-fiancé lives up to the non-hype, unfortunately for Willa and everyone else.
Willa really goes through it in this installment. In addition to having to face her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend, she's also a main suspect in the murder. Which, inevitably, puts pressure on her relationship with Detective Heath. I felt badly for her many times during this one, but she always manages to pull herself together and get things done.
So many people got hurt in this book though, wow. Thankfully there was only the one death, but I was afraid that there was about to be a second. Willa was especially knocked about and hopefully this doesn't continue to be her norm. While I don't mind the occasional mishap while investigating, I don't like it when the main character is constantly abused. In the end, nothing serious happened, which makes me happy.
To date, I've really enjoyed each new book in this series. As the series progresses, the characters become more fully realized and the mysteries become a bit more involved. I was completely convinced that it was one person, then a second person. Not once did I even briefly think that the murderer was who it wound up being. Nothing makes me want to continue a series more than this. Keep me guessing and keep me wanting to know more, and you've got me hooked.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Willa really goes through it in this installment. In addition to having to face her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend, she's also a main suspect in the murder. Which, inevitably, puts pressure on her relationship with Detective Heath. I felt badly for her many times during this one, but she always manages to pull herself together and get things done.
So many people got hurt in this book though, wow. Thankfully there was only the one death, but I was afraid that there was about to be a second. Willa was especially knocked about and hopefully this doesn't continue to be her norm. While I don't mind the occasional mishap while investigating, I don't like it when the main character is constantly abused. In the end, nothing serious happened, which makes me happy.
To date, I've really enjoyed each new book in this series. As the series progresses, the characters become more fully realized and the mysteries become a bit more involved. I was completely convinced that it was one person, then a second person. Not once did I even briefly think that the murderer was who it wound up being. Nothing makes me want to continue a series more than this. Keep me guessing and keep me wanting to know more, and you've got me hooked.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 24, 2025
This is my favorite of the series! The shop and the characters have come so far. I don’t know if it’s just me, but when I first read the words, Detective Heath, my heart just warms automatically along with a smile on my face. Now, I know what Willa must feel like! There was so much drama with Willa’s ex-fiance and ex-best friend being in town. The mystery had me constantly guessing and it was a lot of fun. I am ready for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for a review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for a review.
May 29, 2025
This was such a great mystery! I am so so sad that this is the last one. I honestly could have read a minimum 20 more. I adore Team Cheese. This one in particular was a really fun one. I really never can figure out the mystery ahead of time which makes it so much more fun. Hopefully the publisher changes their minds and we get more cheese mysteries. For now I will Just have to daydream about what my favorite characters are doing these days. I'm sure it involves more cheese and murder, but I also like to think all the relationships are still working out 😊
April 23, 2025
"Bait and Swiss (Cheese Shop Mystery #6)" by Korina Moss has Willa and her team celebrating the 2 year anniversary of her cheese shop and the re-opening of their friend's bakery as a cakery. However, the cakery has a surprise business partner. The chocolate company Willa's ex-fiancé and ex-best friend started together. Unfortunately, there's something off about the chocolate's and someone ends up dead.
Willa ends up investigating partly as a favor to her ex-friend and ex-fiancé. Mostly because the bad pr over the bad chocolates are affecting her business too. The head of the local paper is her primary investigative partner because her boyfriend, the detective has to distance himself from her on this one. She pretty much stumbles on the correct culprit by accident and ends up only really solving it all because of the accidental discovery.
Willa ends up investigating partly as a favor to her ex-friend and ex-fiancé. Mostly because the bad pr over the bad chocolates are affecting her business too. The head of the local paper is her primary investigative partner because her boyfriend, the detective has to distance himself from her on this one. She pretty much stumbles on the correct culprit by accident and ends up only really solving it all because of the accidental discovery.
April 22, 2025
4.25⭐
Totally enjoyed my visit with Team Cheese in Yarrow Glen. While preparing for the two year anniversary celebration of Curds & Whey, Willa and all head over to the grand opening of the Cakery. However, she finds that there's also a pop-up chocolatier opening in the space. Unfortunately, the owners of that are Willa's ex-fiance and ex-best friend. Awkward with a side of tension. Plus the owners of the local candy store were not pleased with the surprise competition. When someone dies from poison chocolates, Willa and others immediately become persons of interest. Team Cheese is found family at its best, comprised of her employees and neighbor, Baz. All are characters you love and respect. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of reasonable suspects. Count me in when the next book comes out!
Totally enjoyed my visit with Team Cheese in Yarrow Glen. While preparing for the two year anniversary celebration of Curds & Whey, Willa and all head over to the grand opening of the Cakery. However, she finds that there's also a pop-up chocolatier opening in the space. Unfortunately, the owners of that are Willa's ex-fiance and ex-best friend. Awkward with a side of tension. Plus the owners of the local candy store were not pleased with the surprise competition. When someone dies from poison chocolates, Willa and others immediately become persons of interest. Team Cheese is found family at its best, comprised of her employees and neighbor, Baz. All are characters you love and respect. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of reasonable suspects. Count me in when the next book comes out!
April 12, 2025
Willa Bauer is getting ready to celebrate the 2nd birthday of her cheese shop Curds & Whey in Yarrow Glen. However, the celebration is derailed when a new reporter in town is found dead after eating some poisoned chocolates. It seems that her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend planned a new pop-up shop selling their designer chocolates in her friend Holly's new cakery.
Now, Winna is a suspect, and she needs to investigate her former friends. There are a number of suspects and the first thing she has to figure out is who the intended victim was. The chocolates were supposed to be a gift to the newspaper editor, but they were with Willa's order at the cakery. Maybe someone intended that she'd be the one to eat them.
Willa is immediately suspicious of her exes since their breakup still haunts her. But maybe the bread baker who lost his job when the bakery became a cakery or the owners of the local vintage candy shop had reasons to poison chocolates.
This was another engaging entry into the Cheese Shop Mysteries. There are lots of returning characters from earlier books which made for a large cast of characters.
Now, Winna is a suspect, and she needs to investigate her former friends. There are a number of suspects and the first thing she has to figure out is who the intended victim was. The chocolates were supposed to be a gift to the newspaper editor, but they were with Willa's order at the cakery. Maybe someone intended that she'd be the one to eat them.
Willa is immediately suspicious of her exes since their breakup still haunts her. But maybe the bread baker who lost his job when the bakery became a cakery or the owners of the local vintage candy shop had reasons to poison chocolates.
This was another engaging entry into the Cheese Shop Mysteries. There are lots of returning characters from earlier books which made for a large cast of characters.
May 25, 2025
Korina Moss delivers another delightful cozy mystery with Bait and Swiss, and honestly, it’s a treat from start to finish. The romance woven into the story adds a sweet touch, making the characters even more engaging. And let’s talk about the food—if you love cheese, this book will have you craving every delicious bite described.
The mystery itself is well plotted, keeping things intriguing without feeling overly complicated. It’s the perfect mix of charm, suspense, and mouthwatering moments.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
The mystery itself is well plotted, keeping things intriguing without feeling overly complicated. It’s the perfect mix of charm, suspense, and mouthwatering moments.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 2, 2025
On the eve of the second birthday of Willa Bauer’s cheese shop Curds & Whey, she got a big shock. Her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend appeared in her small California town. Local baker Hope had a grand opening for her new cakery and announced a partnership with Chocolate Bliss, the chocolate shop owned by Pearce and Riley. There had been a time when Willa had been a part of the business plan and about to marry Pearce, but while Willa had been putting in long hours learning to run a business, Pearce and Riley had been putting in long hours falling in love.
After the breakup, Willa had gone to France and fallen in love with cheese. When she came back to the States, she had chosen a small town where she could open a cheese shop and start a new life. Now Pearce and Riley are in her town, and she’s not happy about it. Willa had ordered a cheesecake for her shop birthday party, and when she goes to the cakery to pick it up, she finds a box of chocolates with it. The chocolates weren’t for her. They were supposed to go to A.J. at the local newspaper for a review. Willa swallows her hurt and offers to take the chocolates to A.J.’s office.
When Willa got to the newspaper office, she hears angry voices. Her friend and local reporter Deandre is arguing with new reporter Kevin about assignments. Kevin is competitive and pushing in on Deandre’s assignments, and she doesn’t like that. She leaves her resignation letter on A.J.’s desk and storms out. Willa leaves the chocolates on A.J.’s desk along with a note that says, “You’re in trouble,” as she was upset that Deandre would rather quit than work with Kevin. She and A.J. had worked together solving some local murders, so Willa knew she could poke at him like that.
But when A.J. shows up at the office, he finds Kevin dead. The police determine that he had eaten the chocolates, which someone had poisoned. And when they make an announcement through the town, asking anyone who had bought anything or eaten anything from the cakery’s opening, tourists start to worry about whether it’s safe to eat anywhere in town, even Willa’s cheese shop.
Willa wants to help figure out who killed Kevin and why, but there are a lot of questions. Who had access to the chocolates to poison them? And was Kevin the intended target? He was known for having a sweet tooth, but those chocolates were meant for A.J. And at first, they were placed with Willa’s order, so maybe it was someone who wanted to get rid of her. And was it meant to be a murder, or was someone trying to sabotage Chocolate Bliss and run them out of town? As Wills and Team Cheese, as she calls her crime-solving and cheese-loving team, try to sort through what they know, they get closer and closer to a killer. So even if Willa wasn’t the target originally, she becomes one as the clues pile up and the true picture of the murder comes together. Will she be able to solve it before they come for her?
Bait and Swiss is book six in Korina Moss’s tasty Cheese Shop mystery series. In this one, Willa’s past comes to her small town and upends her quiet life. I was really excited to find out more about her past, about the relationships that shaped her life in Yarrow Glen. I also love all the cheese talk in the books, but it does make me hungry. The Raclette over potatoes? My mouth was watering. Sadly, that was not one of the recipes included at the end of the book, but there are No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Jars and Pizza Smashed Potatoes, so all is forgiven.
I really enjoy Korina Moss’s cheesy mysteries. These are smart characters who believe in justice and cheese, and I am all in for that. Bait and Swiss is a fun read, cozy and delicious, with everything I’m looking for in a good, solid cozy mystery.
Egalleys for Bait and Swiss were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
After the breakup, Willa had gone to France and fallen in love with cheese. When she came back to the States, she had chosen a small town where she could open a cheese shop and start a new life. Now Pearce and Riley are in her town, and she’s not happy about it. Willa had ordered a cheesecake for her shop birthday party, and when she goes to the cakery to pick it up, she finds a box of chocolates with it. The chocolates weren’t for her. They were supposed to go to A.J. at the local newspaper for a review. Willa swallows her hurt and offers to take the chocolates to A.J.’s office.
When Willa got to the newspaper office, she hears angry voices. Her friend and local reporter Deandre is arguing with new reporter Kevin about assignments. Kevin is competitive and pushing in on Deandre’s assignments, and she doesn’t like that. She leaves her resignation letter on A.J.’s desk and storms out. Willa leaves the chocolates on A.J.’s desk along with a note that says, “You’re in trouble,” as she was upset that Deandre would rather quit than work with Kevin. She and A.J. had worked together solving some local murders, so Willa knew she could poke at him like that.
But when A.J. shows up at the office, he finds Kevin dead. The police determine that he had eaten the chocolates, which someone had poisoned. And when they make an announcement through the town, asking anyone who had bought anything or eaten anything from the cakery’s opening, tourists start to worry about whether it’s safe to eat anywhere in town, even Willa’s cheese shop.
Willa wants to help figure out who killed Kevin and why, but there are a lot of questions. Who had access to the chocolates to poison them? And was Kevin the intended target? He was known for having a sweet tooth, but those chocolates were meant for A.J. And at first, they were placed with Willa’s order, so maybe it was someone who wanted to get rid of her. And was it meant to be a murder, or was someone trying to sabotage Chocolate Bliss and run them out of town? As Wills and Team Cheese, as she calls her crime-solving and cheese-loving team, try to sort through what they know, they get closer and closer to a killer. So even if Willa wasn’t the target originally, she becomes one as the clues pile up and the true picture of the murder comes together. Will she be able to solve it before they come for her?
Bait and Swiss is book six in Korina Moss’s tasty Cheese Shop mystery series. In this one, Willa’s past comes to her small town and upends her quiet life. I was really excited to find out more about her past, about the relationships that shaped her life in Yarrow Glen. I also love all the cheese talk in the books, but it does make me hungry. The Raclette over potatoes? My mouth was watering. Sadly, that was not one of the recipes included at the end of the book, but there are No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Jars and Pizza Smashed Potatoes, so all is forgiven.
I really enjoy Korina Moss’s cheesy mysteries. These are smart characters who believe in justice and cheese, and I am all in for that. Bait and Swiss is a fun read, cozy and delicious, with everything I’m looking for in a good, solid cozy mystery.
Egalleys for Bait and Swiss were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
April 17, 2025
In "Bait and Swiss," life takes a sharp turn for Willa Bauer, the dedicated cheesemonger and owner of Curds & Whey. The serene cheese-infused atmosphere of Yarrow Glen is shattered when Hope's Cakery announces a grand opening, paired with the arrival of the Chocolate Bliss pop-up shop. To Willa's dismay, the chocolatiers are none other than her ex-fiancé, Pearce, and ex-best friend, Riley.As if the circumstances weren't complicated enough, Willa accidentally finds herself caught up in a murder mystery when she delivers a box of Chocolate Bliss candies—meant for the local newspaper editor, AJ—that leads to the death of the newest reporter, Kevin. Her note she included to AJ, laced with a hint of her annoyance with his recent actions, places her in a sticky situation on the suspect list alongside Pearce and Riley. Now, with the town of Yarrow Glen in a state of unease, Willa must team up with her trusted friends in Team Cheese to uncover the truth before the killer melts away like fondue.
From the opening page, "Bait and Swiss" captivated me like an indulgent piece of chocolate. As a passionate admirer of culinary mysteries, this book presented a delightful mix of suspense and humor, keeping me on the edge of my seat right until the very conclusion. Team Cheese, with their unique blend of personalities and clever camaraderie, makes the investigation both engaging and entertaining. Their dynamic interactions, filled with wit and a touch of humor, remind me of a well-aged cheese—complex, satisfying, and impossible to resist. The storyline is packed with twists and turns, and scattered red herrings, keeping me guessing and eagerly turning pages to see who would crumble under the pressure.
Korina Moss has crafted a deliciously intriguing mystery. The descriptions are so vivid, that I could practically taste the nostalgia of Sweet Tooth's vintage candies and the inviting aroma of Golden Glen Meadery's golden mead. The plot's twists are as smooth and unexpected, with each development adding layers to the mystery. Once again, Korina Moss has delivered a perfectly crafted cozy mystery tale, leaving me with an ending that ties everything up in a perfectly neat little bow, while still whetting my appetite for more.
In conclusion, if you're a fan of culinary mysteries that blend suspense with a touch of humor, "Bait and Swiss" is a must-read. Korina Moss has created a delectable mystery that offers the perfect balance of intrigue and charm. So, if you're looking for a story that's truly the cream of the crop, grab a copy and enjoy the flavorful journey through Yarrow Glen with Team Cheese. Reading this book is like savoring a slice of Swiss cheese—it's hole-some and gouda for your soul!
Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0 / 5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0 / 5.0
Pacing: 5.0 / 5.0
Dialogue: 5.0 / 5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0 / 5.0
Cover Design: 5.0 / 5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
From the opening page, "Bait and Swiss" captivated me like an indulgent piece of chocolate. As a passionate admirer of culinary mysteries, this book presented a delightful mix of suspense and humor, keeping me on the edge of my seat right until the very conclusion. Team Cheese, with their unique blend of personalities and clever camaraderie, makes the investigation both engaging and entertaining. Their dynamic interactions, filled with wit and a touch of humor, remind me of a well-aged cheese—complex, satisfying, and impossible to resist. The storyline is packed with twists and turns, and scattered red herrings, keeping me guessing and eagerly turning pages to see who would crumble under the pressure.
Korina Moss has crafted a deliciously intriguing mystery. The descriptions are so vivid, that I could practically taste the nostalgia of Sweet Tooth's vintage candies and the inviting aroma of Golden Glen Meadery's golden mead. The plot's twists are as smooth and unexpected, with each development adding layers to the mystery. Once again, Korina Moss has delivered a perfectly crafted cozy mystery tale, leaving me with an ending that ties everything up in a perfectly neat little bow, while still whetting my appetite for more.
In conclusion, if you're a fan of culinary mysteries that blend suspense with a touch of humor, "Bait and Swiss" is a must-read. Korina Moss has created a delectable mystery that offers the perfect balance of intrigue and charm. So, if you're looking for a story that's truly the cream of the crop, grab a copy and enjoy the flavorful journey through Yarrow Glen with Team Cheese. Reading this book is like savoring a slice of Swiss cheese—it's hole-some and gouda for your soul!
Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0 / 5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0 / 5.0
Pacing: 5.0 / 5.0
Dialogue: 5.0 / 5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0 / 5.0
Cover Design: 5.0 / 5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
January 26, 2025
Perhaps the hardest personal aspect of this investigation, well, other than being considered a suspect, was the need for Willa to avoid contact with boyfriend-detective Heath. Seems his superior is watching this one very closely and would like nothing better than to take the case away from Heath, thus denying Willa what protection he can provide from harassment. If only she hadn't given in to that moment of pique and left that now questionable note with the chocolates she delivered to the newsroom for the brand new shop. Nothing like leaving your fingerprints and a potential threat in broad daylight. Needless to say, despite being stunned that the pop-up chocolate shop is headed by her ex-finance and former best friend, Willa carries on what she does so well, trying to run her own cheese shop as usual while ferreting out evidence and questioning potential suspects, even those who happen to be people she likes.
So, who poisoned the new, quite pushy newspaper reporter? Who had motive and opportunity to put the poison into the chocolate rum cremes? We barely got to meet ambitious reporter Kevin Wallace before he was dead, so little is known about him other than that he'd surely managed to annoy many in a short time, but...enough to kill him? Or, wait. Was he even the target? Or was it Gazette editor/owner AJ? Or, gasp, even Willa? I won't detail the plot further other than to say that there seem to be ample suspects but none with a seemingly legit reason to kill. Willa is already unhappy by the presence of her former fiance Pearce and former friend Riley but reluctantly agrees to help. Side-stories are less stressful, with even some budding romances. And, oh, for those unaware, a pop-up shop is meant as a temporary shop, usually used to test a new product line in an area with heavy foot traffic.
Bottom line, lots going on, including some humor. I'm pretty sure Willa didn't like how her bed-head hair was described, for instance, and AJ's attachment to that fedora certainly isn't helpful in going undercover. The characters were likable and it was fun watching them interact and deal with their own lives, romantic and otherwise, in addition to helping Willa with the case. Yarrow Glen sounds like an intriguing town with close knit shop and shop owners who support each other through both the good and bad times. It was sad to see the sudden drop in trust of food places as a result of the poisoning but perhaps that is normal. Fortunately, I've had no experience with that. You'll get to know them by the time the big reveal of whodunit rolls around, one that was a bit of a surprise to me, I must admit, even though it made sense. Thanks #St.Martin'sPress for giving me this early look at how Willa's life is progressing in Yarrow Glen. After that scene at the end definitely looking forward to the next book.
So, who poisoned the new, quite pushy newspaper reporter? Who had motive and opportunity to put the poison into the chocolate rum cremes? We barely got to meet ambitious reporter Kevin Wallace before he was dead, so little is known about him other than that he'd surely managed to annoy many in a short time, but...enough to kill him? Or, wait. Was he even the target? Or was it Gazette editor/owner AJ? Or, gasp, even Willa? I won't detail the plot further other than to say that there seem to be ample suspects but none with a seemingly legit reason to kill. Willa is already unhappy by the presence of her former fiance Pearce and former friend Riley but reluctantly agrees to help. Side-stories are less stressful, with even some budding romances. And, oh, for those unaware, a pop-up shop is meant as a temporary shop, usually used to test a new product line in an area with heavy foot traffic.
Bottom line, lots going on, including some humor. I'm pretty sure Willa didn't like how her bed-head hair was described, for instance, and AJ's attachment to that fedora certainly isn't helpful in going undercover. The characters were likable and it was fun watching them interact and deal with their own lives, romantic and otherwise, in addition to helping Willa with the case. Yarrow Glen sounds like an intriguing town with close knit shop and shop owners who support each other through both the good and bad times. It was sad to see the sudden drop in trust of food places as a result of the poisoning but perhaps that is normal. Fortunately, I've had no experience with that. You'll get to know them by the time the big reveal of whodunit rolls around, one that was a bit of a surprise to me, I must admit, even though it made sense. Thanks #St.Martin'sPress for giving me this early look at how Willa's life is progressing in Yarrow Glen. After that scene at the end definitely looking forward to the next book.
April 28, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss brings Willa's past to haunt her.
Can Willa get past her old feelings of betrayal from Riley and Pearce?
Willa
Willa thought that she had left her past behind when she left Oregon to pursue her cheesemongering endeavors. Well, that is until the grand opening of Hope's Cakery, and she finds out that her past has come back to haunt her. Pearce and Riley own a successful chocolate business called Chocolate Bliss. Willa decided that she would be the better person and get past her emotions regarding how much they both hurt her. I must say that I love Willa in this novel, as she is strong and proves it by not letting her past cloud her judgment in solving the case.
The Mystery
Willa took a box of chocolates to the newspaper office for AJ to try and write a review on them. After she does that, a new reporter tries them and ends up dying. Now, to keep her and AJ out of the police crosshairs, Willa decides to solve the case. Well, and okay, her ex did ask for her help, but mostly Willa is doing it for her AJ. This mystery has so many red herrings that it was hard to keep track of them all, and everyone kept pointing fingers at each other. I must admit that I am proud I didn't fall for the red herrings and stayed focused on two possible suspects, and I was right on the mark.
Four Stars
My rating for Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss is four stars, and I'm recommending it to all cozy culinary readers out there. Ms. Moss does a perfect job of writing these stories as standalone pieces while keeping them connected to the series. It's great for a new reader to dive into it without feeling completely lost in the series.
Like always, Ms. Moss has recipes at the back of the book. They are No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Jars, Swiss or Miss Dip, and Pizza Smashed Potatoes. I may try some of these.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss brings Willa's past to haunt her.
Can Willa get past her old feelings of betrayal from Riley and Pearce?
Willa
Willa thought that she had left her past behind when she left Oregon to pursue her cheesemongering endeavors. Well, that is until the grand opening of Hope's Cakery, and she finds out that her past has come back to haunt her. Pearce and Riley own a successful chocolate business called Chocolate Bliss. Willa decided that she would be the better person and get past her emotions regarding how much they both hurt her. I must say that I love Willa in this novel, as she is strong and proves it by not letting her past cloud her judgment in solving the case.
The Mystery
Willa took a box of chocolates to the newspaper office for AJ to try and write a review on them. After she does that, a new reporter tries them and ends up dying. Now, to keep her and AJ out of the police crosshairs, Willa decides to solve the case. Well, and okay, her ex did ask for her help, but mostly Willa is doing it for her AJ. This mystery has so many red herrings that it was hard to keep track of them all, and everyone kept pointing fingers at each other. I must admit that I am proud I didn't fall for the red herrings and stayed focused on two possible suspects, and I was right on the mark.
Four Stars
My rating for Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss is four stars, and I'm recommending it to all cozy culinary readers out there. Ms. Moss does a perfect job of writing these stories as standalone pieces while keeping them connected to the series. It's great for a new reader to dive into it without feeling completely lost in the series.
Like always, Ms. Moss has recipes at the back of the book. They are No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Jars, Swiss or Miss Dip, and Pizza Smashed Potatoes. I may try some of these.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 3, 2025
Rating: 3.4 / 5
Full disclosure that I do NOT like the "exes come into the story from the hero/heroine's past and need help with a problem" plotline, and that this did influence my reading of this book--and, therefore, my rating and review.
_____________
So, we're back in Yarrow Glen with Team Cheese, preparing for the two year anniversary. Willa's all excited, until she finds out that her ex-fiance and ex-best friend are opening a chocolate shop practically across the street. Considering how profoundly they had a negative impact on Willa in her past, it's understandable that she's hostile....
...but then a murder is committed, and of course Willa is asked to investigate it by said Asshole #1 and Whore #2.
Ugh.
_____________
In all honesty, anyone would have a hard time making this a sell for me; and Moss...didn't try that hard. Like, okay, she makes it a point to outline how other shops in Yarrow Glen are being impacted by the murder (a poisoning), therefore giving Willa a stake in everything....
...except that she agrees to help out her exes before those stakes become apparently, making her seem like just a bit pushover.
Add to that the fact that since Heath's investigating the case and Willa's a person of interest in the middle of it, he needs to "stay away" from her, and apparently they weren't even "labelling" their relationship even though they've been dating for months?!
Um...WUT?
_____________
*sighs* All in all, it just took me way too long to get through this when I should've breezed through it, but everything from the atmosphere to the character interactions to CARING about solving the mystery just...lacked. I honestly felt like Willa could've stayed out of this one and done just fine, as exes 1 and 2 would've just had to hightail it outta there and BAM!--problem solved!
But anyway, three stars is the lowest I'm willing to go for this book, and already it hurts. I really love this series and consider it to be my cozy place in terms of the characters, town, and interactions between them; and therefore, while I can say that this book was a bait and MISS for me, I will continue the series, and just hope that this one off was a rotten piece of cheese: something you can cut off before it infects the rest.
Full disclosure that I do NOT like the "exes come into the story from the hero/heroine's past and need help with a problem" plotline, and that this did influence my reading of this book--and, therefore, my rating and review.
_____________
So, we're back in Yarrow Glen with Team Cheese, preparing for the two year anniversary. Willa's all excited, until she finds out that her ex-fiance and ex-best friend are opening a chocolate shop practically across the street. Considering how profoundly they had a negative impact on Willa in her past, it's understandable that she's hostile....
...but then a murder is committed, and of course Willa is asked to investigate it by said Asshole #1 and Whore #2.
Ugh.
_____________
In all honesty, anyone would have a hard time making this a sell for me; and Moss...didn't try that hard. Like, okay, she makes it a point to outline how other shops in Yarrow Glen are being impacted by the murder (a poisoning), therefore giving Willa a stake in everything....
...except that she agrees to help out her exes before those stakes become apparently, making her seem like just a bit pushover.
Add to that the fact that since Heath's investigating the case and Willa's a person of interest in the middle of it, he needs to "stay away" from her, and apparently they weren't even "labelling" their relationship even though they've been dating for months?!
Um...WUT?
_____________
*sighs* All in all, it just took me way too long to get through this when I should've breezed through it, but everything from the atmosphere to the character interactions to CARING about solving the mystery just...lacked. I honestly felt like Willa could've stayed out of this one and done just fine, as exes 1 and 2 would've just had to hightail it outta there and BAM!--problem solved!
But anyway, three stars is the lowest I'm willing to go for this book, and already it hurts. I really love this series and consider it to be my cozy place in terms of the characters, town, and interactions between them; and therefore, while I can say that this book was a bait and MISS for me, I will continue the series, and just hope that this one off was a rotten piece of cheese: something you can cut off before it infects the rest.
March 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of Bait and Swiss, the sixth book in the Cheese Shop mystery series by Korina Moss. I've read several of her earlier books and believe this is the best one so far.
Willa Bauer, the first-person protagonist, owns a cheese shop in Yarrow Glen, in California's Sonoma Valley. She has developed a great camaraderie with fellow business owners and employees and has recently become romantically involved with Heath, the local police detective.
This idyllic life is disrupted when neighbor Hope transforms her bakery into a cakery and rents part of her space to a franchise of Chocolate Bliss, a candy shop founded by Willa's ex-fiance, Pearce, and ex-best friend, Riley. The last two people she ever wanted to see.
The day of the shop's grand opening, Willa goes to pick up a cheesecake and ends up volunteering to deliver a box of chocolates to AJ, the editor of the local newspaper; the new arrivals are hoping he'll write them a favorable review.
However, a new reporter at the paper, who apparently has quite a sweet tooth, intercepts the gift and eats the entire box. And then keels over dead. Toxicity tests determine the cause of death to be poisoning.
Because Willa delivered the chocolates, she becomes a suspect. Team Cheese (Willa, her employees Archie and Mrs. Schultz, and her best friend, Baz) must spring into action to clear her name.
The mystery has a lot of moving parts. Who was the intended target? The actual victim, A.J., or Willa? Or was the motive merely sabotage? And where were the chocolates poisoned? At the newspaper office? In transit? Or at the shop, perhaps while they were being made?
The entire community suffers as tourists and residents are afraid to eat any food served in Yarrow Glen, which gives Team Cheese another reason to solve the murder quickly. Also, Heath and Willa have to put their relationship on hold until the investigation is concluded, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
The author did a great job of casting suspicion on multiple characters, and Team Cheese laid it all out logically. I didn't figure out whodunnit until almost the end.
This was a very enjoyable read with endearing, well-developed characters and setting.
Willa Bauer, the first-person protagonist, owns a cheese shop in Yarrow Glen, in California's Sonoma Valley. She has developed a great camaraderie with fellow business owners and employees and has recently become romantically involved with Heath, the local police detective.
This idyllic life is disrupted when neighbor Hope transforms her bakery into a cakery and rents part of her space to a franchise of Chocolate Bliss, a candy shop founded by Willa's ex-fiance, Pearce, and ex-best friend, Riley. The last two people she ever wanted to see.
The day of the shop's grand opening, Willa goes to pick up a cheesecake and ends up volunteering to deliver a box of chocolates to AJ, the editor of the local newspaper; the new arrivals are hoping he'll write them a favorable review.
However, a new reporter at the paper, who apparently has quite a sweet tooth, intercepts the gift and eats the entire box. And then keels over dead. Toxicity tests determine the cause of death to be poisoning.
Because Willa delivered the chocolates, she becomes a suspect. Team Cheese (Willa, her employees Archie and Mrs. Schultz, and her best friend, Baz) must spring into action to clear her name.
The mystery has a lot of moving parts. Who was the intended target? The actual victim, A.J., or Willa? Or was the motive merely sabotage? And where were the chocolates poisoned? At the newspaper office? In transit? Or at the shop, perhaps while they were being made?
The entire community suffers as tourists and residents are afraid to eat any food served in Yarrow Glen, which gives Team Cheese another reason to solve the murder quickly. Also, Heath and Willa have to put their relationship on hold until the investigation is concluded, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
The author did a great job of casting suspicion on multiple characters, and Team Cheese laid it all out logically. I didn't figure out whodunnit until almost the end.
This was a very enjoyable read with endearing, well-developed characters and setting.
April 4, 2025
BAIT AND SWISS is the sixth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss. With cheese as a central theme (one of my top favorite things!) I didn’t see how the author could improve upon it. Well, she did. The charming wine country Yarrow Glen in Sonoma Valley has a luxury chocolate pop-up shop come to town. Everyone except protagonist Willa Bauer and the local candy shop owners are excited to have the new shop. Unfortunately for Willa, the chocolate shop is owned by her ex-fiancé and her ex-best friend and as you’d expect, it’s an uncomfortable, emotionally fraught situation. Ms. Moss captures the emotions flying about with a strong descriptive skill. And don’t get me started on her mouthwatering descriptions of the different cheeses her shop serves. It made me want to book a trip and camp out in Willa’s Curds & Whey shop. Another aspect I adore about this series is the close friendship Willa has with her employees and how they’ve created their ‘Team Cheese’ group to help solve crimes. I also enjoyed seeing Willa’s relationship with Detective Jay Heath progress, even if they had to take a break from seeing each other during the investigation because of Willa’s involvement.
After Willa helps by delivering a box of the luxury chocolate candy to a local reporter, a suspicious death occurs. When it’s found that the hapless victim was poisoned by the chocolates and Willa’s fingerprints are all over the box, along with what could be construed as a threatening note written by her, she becomes the number one suspect. Unfortunately, her detective boyfriend is ordered to keep his distance from her, which leaves Willa on her own. The author deftly creates an intriguing plot, making the reader question their guesses as the clues unfold. The read is fast-paced and kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. Was the victim really the intended target, or was Willa the target all along? As food service businesses in town suffer from lack of customers worried about a poisoner, Willa and team cheese (love their name!) come together to solve the mystery. If you enjoy a well-plotted mystery with characters you’d love to call friends, then I highly recommend Bait and Swiss!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After Willa helps by delivering a box of the luxury chocolate candy to a local reporter, a suspicious death occurs. When it’s found that the hapless victim was poisoned by the chocolates and Willa’s fingerprints are all over the box, along with what could be construed as a threatening note written by her, she becomes the number one suspect. Unfortunately, her detective boyfriend is ordered to keep his distance from her, which leaves Willa on her own. The author deftly creates an intriguing plot, making the reader question their guesses as the clues unfold. The read is fast-paced and kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. Was the victim really the intended target, or was Willa the target all along? As food service businesses in town suffer from lack of customers worried about a poisoner, Willa and team cheese (love their name!) come together to solve the mystery. If you enjoy a well-plotted mystery with characters you’d love to call friends, then I highly recommend Bait and Swiss!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2025
My review originally posted at https://novelsalive.com/2025/04/28/4-...
The Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss has quickly become one of my favorite mystery series. So when I saw that the latest installment was releasing, I knew I had to get my hands on Bait and Swiss.
The Cheese Shop Mysteries follows Willa and her staff in a small northern California town. In Bait and Swiss, the shop is celebrating its second anniversary, and the town is welcoming a new cake and specialty chocolate business. However, when a reporter dies from poisoned chocolates, Willa appears to be the prime suspect and her business is taking a hit. Of course, Team Cheese can’t just sit by and hope that the police will solve the mystery, so they begin their own investigation.
I really liked that in Bait and Swiss, Willa’s backstory was expanded upon and her budding relationship with Detective Heath continues to grow. Willa is shocked when her ex-fiance and best friend show up in town as the business partners in this pop-up chocolate shop. Willa doesn’t hide her surprise and even anger that these two from her past are in town, but she’s determined to support Hope’s half of the new business. But when chocolates are determined to be the murder weapon and Willa happens to be the one to deliver them to the newspaper office, well, it puts her as the prime suspect and puts a strain on her relationship with Heath. I found this to be a nice twist to the series to help advance Willa’s growth as a character.
I continue to enjoy Team Cheese. Willa, Archie, Baz, and Mrs Shultz are so different, yet they make a great team. Their friendship and interactions enhance the story, making me wish I was part of their group. They genuinely like spending time together in and out of work, and I appreciate that aspect of the story. And I even like that each member of Team Cheese got a bit of character development in Bait and Swiss.
The mystery wasn’t bad, but for me, it felt more like the vehicle for all the character development rather than the primary focus of the book. Willa actively investigated, and she did it with the help of her team, yet somehow it all felt secondary to their relationship growth. I wasn’t terribly surprised by the reveal of the murderer or their motives, even though I hadn’t figured it out on my own.
I have no problem recommending this book, but I suggest starting earlier in the series to understand the setting and characters better. Bait and Swiss was a fun ride and I will definitely continue with this series. Thank you for another enjoyable read, Ms. Moss!
June 22, 2025
I think that this is my favorite Cheese Shop Mystery yet. All is right in the world of Willa as she and detective Heath have gotten their wires uncrossed, Team Cheese is a well-oiled (mystery) machine and Curds and Whey is thriving after only two years. So of course, this is the time when fate intervenes/interferes, and the past relocates to the present. Willa mentions in past books that she had been heartbroken, but we do not get the whole story...until now. Surprise, Willa's ex-fiancé, and her ex-friend were thinking or not thinking by showing up in Willa's town to set up a pop-up shop.
The story is engaging, and the characters are just fun to read about. Willa and her crew are celebrating the second anniversary of Curds and Whey in a cheesetastic way complete with decorations and amazing cheese selections. The crew is made up of Willa; the cheesemonger extraordinaire, Mrs. Schultz; who likes to say that she is "smack dab" in the middle of her sixties, Baz; Willa's best friend and jack of all trades, and Archie, a young cheesemonger in the making. Willa has sworn off of sleuthing but once again she is drawn in. After all, she was the person who delivered the tainted treats that would have done in. I have never been a fan of rum filled chocolates, and this just reinforces my hesitation to try them. As with the other mysteries, Team Cheese is on the case as they sift through the clues. Was it a random poisoning or is someone after AJ. There are some very humorous aspects to his reaction of being the supposed recipient of the tainted goods. Willa has a time of it trying to not automatically suspect Pearce and Riley. Wouldn't it be so easy and somewhat like karma if they were to blame? But Willa is above all of that and besides, she has a wonderful new town, her dream business, and a dreamboat of a detective.
As with the previous Cheese Shop Mysteries, recipes are also provided in this one. I decided to make the Pizza Smashed Potatoes so I could have a little snack while I armchair sleuthed. Looking forward to the next Cheese Shop Mystery with Team Cheese!
The story is engaging, and the characters are just fun to read about. Willa and her crew are celebrating the second anniversary of Curds and Whey in a cheesetastic way complete with decorations and amazing cheese selections. The crew is made up of Willa; the cheesemonger extraordinaire, Mrs. Schultz; who likes to say that she is "smack dab" in the middle of her sixties, Baz; Willa's best friend and jack of all trades, and Archie, a young cheesemonger in the making. Willa has sworn off of sleuthing but once again she is drawn in. After all, she was the person who delivered the tainted treats that would have done in. I have never been a fan of rum filled chocolates, and this just reinforces my hesitation to try them. As with the other mysteries, Team Cheese is on the case as they sift through the clues. Was it a random poisoning or is someone after AJ. There are some very humorous aspects to his reaction of being the supposed recipient of the tainted goods. Willa has a time of it trying to not automatically suspect Pearce and Riley. Wouldn't it be so easy and somewhat like karma if they were to blame? But Willa is above all of that and besides, she has a wonderful new town, her dream business, and a dreamboat of a detective.
As with the previous Cheese Shop Mysteries, recipes are also provided in this one. I decided to make the Pizza Smashed Potatoes so I could have a little snack while I armchair sleuthed. Looking forward to the next Cheese Shop Mystery with Team Cheese!
December 29, 2025
The final book in the Cheese Shop mystery series by Korina Moss brings the story full-circle.
The reason for Willa Bauer opening her shop in Yarrow Glen was due in part to her then-fiancee and then best friend hooking up behind her back and their actions causing the break up of their planned business partnership as well as their personal relationships.
But when her past comes to town in the form of those two people opening up a chocolate shop across the street from Willa's Curds and Whey shop, things get rather dicey pretty quickly.
When a reporter ends up dead and the weapon points to poison in one of the chocolates from the new shop, Willa's ex wants her to clear his name.
Problem is, since Willa delivered the box of chocolates to the newspaper's offices, she's considered a suspect. Clearing herself first, she then digs into the case in full, along with her #TeamCheese cohorts and co-workers.
What she learns is that the business deal that brought the chocolate shop to town is far less on the up-and-up than one would think. That places her exes squarely in the suspect pool. The police are looking into the whole matter but Willa has even more of an interest in finding the killer. The news is affecting the entire Yarrow Glen business community. No tourism, no business.
But tracking down a killer will mean Willa putting herself square in the sights of a killer who has no problem with adding to their body count.
I enjoyed the mystery and the eventual reveal of the killer well enough. But I knew going in that this was the last book in the series and I think that made me read a lot slower. I hate the idea of not being in Yarrow Glen anymore and seeing what's up with Willa and #TeamCheese. I've come to enjoy being mixed up in their lives and cases (however unofficial they are) that I still wasn't ready to say goodbye even as I knew the end was coming as I turned each page of the book.
Still, this was a pretty darn good mystery and you have to say that with BAIT AND SWISS, The Cheese Shop Mysteries series by Korina Moss went out on a high note while still leaving you wanting more.
The reason for Willa Bauer opening her shop in Yarrow Glen was due in part to her then-fiancee and then best friend hooking up behind her back and their actions causing the break up of their planned business partnership as well as their personal relationships.
But when her past comes to town in the form of those two people opening up a chocolate shop across the street from Willa's Curds and Whey shop, things get rather dicey pretty quickly.
When a reporter ends up dead and the weapon points to poison in one of the chocolates from the new shop, Willa's ex wants her to clear his name.
Problem is, since Willa delivered the box of chocolates to the newspaper's offices, she's considered a suspect. Clearing herself first, she then digs into the case in full, along with her #TeamCheese cohorts and co-workers.
What she learns is that the business deal that brought the chocolate shop to town is far less on the up-and-up than one would think. That places her exes squarely in the suspect pool. The police are looking into the whole matter but Willa has even more of an interest in finding the killer. The news is affecting the entire Yarrow Glen business community. No tourism, no business.
But tracking down a killer will mean Willa putting herself square in the sights of a killer who has no problem with adding to their body count.
I enjoyed the mystery and the eventual reveal of the killer well enough. But I knew going in that this was the last book in the series and I think that made me read a lot slower. I hate the idea of not being in Yarrow Glen anymore and seeing what's up with Willa and #TeamCheese. I've come to enjoy being mixed up in their lives and cases (however unofficial they are) that I still wasn't ready to say goodbye even as I knew the end was coming as I turned each page of the book.
Still, this was a pretty darn good mystery and you have to say that with BAIT AND SWISS, The Cheese Shop Mysteries series by Korina Moss went out on a high note while still leaving you wanting more.
May 3, 2025
I discovered cozy mysteries about five years ago, and now I’m hooked, especially when the cozy features great characters and great food! Reading Bait and Swiss was like cozying up with a big plate of favorite comfort foods, in this case, cheese and chocolate! This is the first book by Korina Moss I’ve read, and it is also the first one from this delicious series. After reading the first few chapters, I knew I had to go back and read the other five books in the series, because the fictional town of “Yarrow Glen,” (in the very real Sonoma Valley region of California), and so many fabulously entertaining and well-written characters, especially main character and cheese monger Willa Bauer, completely drew me in. Ms. Moss does a great job of giving enough background and context to help the reader get up to speed, but I have so many questions that I can’t wait to read to go back to the beginning!
In this installment, Willa and her staff are getting ready to celebrate two years of Curds & Whey, Willa’s cheese shop. On the same day of the celebration, a new cakery opens in town, and much to Willa’s dismay, there is also a pop-up chocolate shop, Chocolate Bliss, that is owned by Willa’s ex-fiancé and his girlfriend, who is Willa’s ex-best friend. Although she hasn’t seen them in 10 years, old feelings of anger and mistrust surface. Later that day, someone is poisoned, and Willa is one of many suspects. Now she and some of her friends, known as Team Cheese, work to solve this “whodunit.” What made it even more fun was that every time I thought I had it figured out, the story went in another direction, and even at the end, there were a few additional twists. The friendships among Willa, her friends, and staff are also a delightful part of this story, and yet another reason to go back to the beginning to get to know these fun characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
In this installment, Willa and her staff are getting ready to celebrate two years of Curds & Whey, Willa’s cheese shop. On the same day of the celebration, a new cakery opens in town, and much to Willa’s dismay, there is also a pop-up chocolate shop, Chocolate Bliss, that is owned by Willa’s ex-fiancé and his girlfriend, who is Willa’s ex-best friend. Although she hasn’t seen them in 10 years, old feelings of anger and mistrust surface. Later that day, someone is poisoned, and Willa is one of many suspects. Now she and some of her friends, known as Team Cheese, work to solve this “whodunit.” What made it even more fun was that every time I thought I had it figured out, the story went in another direction, and even at the end, there were a few additional twists. The friendships among Willa, her friends, and staff are also a delightful part of this story, and yet another reason to go back to the beginning to get to know these fun characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
February 20, 2025
Bait and Swiss Review: A Perfect Installment to a Perfect Cozy Mystery Series
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Summary:
Willa Bauer’s cheese shop, Curds & Whey, is thriving in Yarrow Glen and about to have their anniversary party—until her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend steal her thunder by surprise opening a chocolate pop-up shop right across the street. As if that isn’t bad enough, on their opening day, a local reporter is found dead—by chocolate poisoning. When her exes begs her to help clear their names, Willa would rather chuck a block of cheese at them, but she can’t ignore how the murder is hurting her town’s business district and her good friend who happens the boss of the dead man. Setting personal feelings aside, Willa and team cheese set out to find the killer before Yarrow Glen crumbles like blue cheese under the weight of scandal.
Review:
I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s a fantastic addition to an already perfect cozy mystery series, bringing together everything I adore—engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and a charming small-town setting that feels like a character in itself.
Pros:
✔ Compelling Storyline– The mystery was intriguing, and the personal stakes for Willa made it all the more engaging.
✔ Character Development– I loved seeing further depth in characters we already know and getting to understand others who haven’t been explored as much before.
✔ Yarrow Glen’s Atmosphere– The town truly comes to life, adding warmth and personality to the story.
✔ Standalone Friendly– While this book can be read on its own, it’s even more enjoyable if you’ve read at least one other in the series, as it gives more insight into Willa’s past.
✔ Willa’s Strength– Honestly, Willa is a better person than me—I would never help out my ex-fiancé and ex-best friend after the way they treated her! But her kindness and determination make her such a great protagonist.
Cons:
✘ I didn’t feel much connection to the murder victim, but that didn’t bother me too much since Willa’s motivation to solve the case was more about protecting her loved ones than avenging the victim.
✘ More Heath, Please! – I completely understand why Detective Heath kept his distance, but I selfishly wanted more romance. Just one more date night scene would’ve made me extra happy!
Overall, this book is an absolute **must-read** for cozy mystery lovers, and I can’t wait for the next installment!
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Summary:
Willa Bauer’s cheese shop, Curds & Whey, is thriving in Yarrow Glen and about to have their anniversary party—until her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend steal her thunder by surprise opening a chocolate pop-up shop right across the street. As if that isn’t bad enough, on their opening day, a local reporter is found dead—by chocolate poisoning. When her exes begs her to help clear their names, Willa would rather chuck a block of cheese at them, but she can’t ignore how the murder is hurting her town’s business district and her good friend who happens the boss of the dead man. Setting personal feelings aside, Willa and team cheese set out to find the killer before Yarrow Glen crumbles like blue cheese under the weight of scandal.
Review:
I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s a fantastic addition to an already perfect cozy mystery series, bringing together everything I adore—engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and a charming small-town setting that feels like a character in itself.
Pros:
✔ Compelling Storyline– The mystery was intriguing, and the personal stakes for Willa made it all the more engaging.
✔ Character Development– I loved seeing further depth in characters we already know and getting to understand others who haven’t been explored as much before.
✔ Yarrow Glen’s Atmosphere– The town truly comes to life, adding warmth and personality to the story.
✔ Standalone Friendly– While this book can be read on its own, it’s even more enjoyable if you’ve read at least one other in the series, as it gives more insight into Willa’s past.
✔ Willa’s Strength– Honestly, Willa is a better person than me—I would never help out my ex-fiancé and ex-best friend after the way they treated her! But her kindness and determination make her such a great protagonist.
Cons:
✘ I didn’t feel much connection to the murder victim, but that didn’t bother me too much since Willa’s motivation to solve the case was more about protecting her loved ones than avenging the victim.
✘ More Heath, Please! – I completely understand why Detective Heath kept his distance, but I selfishly wanted more romance. Just one more date night scene would’ve made me extra happy!
Overall, this book is an absolute **must-read** for cozy mystery lovers, and I can’t wait for the next installment!
April 21, 2025
Bait and Swiss is the sixth book in the Cheese Shop Mystery Series by Korina Moss. The amateur sleuth is Willa Bauer, a cheesemonger with a French-inspired cheese shop in Yarrrow Glen, a small town in the Sonoma Valley.
In this installment, Willa's ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, who are now a couple, open a chocolate store near Willa's cheese shop. Willa is less than thrilled about this new development. And when someone is poisoned by one of their chocolates, things go from bad to worse.
Willa soon finds herself caught up in a mystery that she needs to solve if she wants to save her town and avoid getting blamed for the toxic candy.
Willa's ex-boyfriend (Pearce) and ex-best friend (Riley) and Willa's aversion to chocolate have been mentioned in past books, so it was rather nice to have all of that play a role in the story.
It is the two-year anniversary of Willa's shop opening. Having the toxic couple from Willa's background pop up on this anniversary created a full circle sort of moment.
This installment was a page turner. I read it in two sittings during a 24- hour period. The mystery was very twisty but fair and had me guessing right up to the big reveal.
Team Cheese (Willa, Archie, Mrs. Schultz, and Baz) were as entertaining as ever. And there were some really sweet moments of friendship in the story. The found family aspect is one of the best parts of this series.
As usual, there were lots of delightful cheese descriptions to support the theme. The book ends with three delicious recipes for dishes that were mentioned in the story. I'm looking forward to trying all of them!
I love the Cheese Shop Mystery Series and can see why it is so popular among cozy mystery readers. I can't wait to read more!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the ARC.
In this installment, Willa's ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, who are now a couple, open a chocolate store near Willa's cheese shop. Willa is less than thrilled about this new development. And when someone is poisoned by one of their chocolates, things go from bad to worse.
Willa soon finds herself caught up in a mystery that she needs to solve if she wants to save her town and avoid getting blamed for the toxic candy.
Willa's ex-boyfriend (Pearce) and ex-best friend (Riley) and Willa's aversion to chocolate have been mentioned in past books, so it was rather nice to have all of that play a role in the story.
It is the two-year anniversary of Willa's shop opening. Having the toxic couple from Willa's background pop up on this anniversary created a full circle sort of moment.
This installment was a page turner. I read it in two sittings during a 24- hour period. The mystery was very twisty but fair and had me guessing right up to the big reveal.
Team Cheese (Willa, Archie, Mrs. Schultz, and Baz) were as entertaining as ever. And there were some really sweet moments of friendship in the story. The found family aspect is one of the best parts of this series.
As usual, there were lots of delightful cheese descriptions to support the theme. The book ends with three delicious recipes for dishes that were mentioned in the story. I'm looking forward to trying all of them!
I love the Cheese Shop Mystery Series and can see why it is so popular among cozy mystery readers. I can't wait to read more!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews