A Pie to Die For

by Lisa Maliga

In this cozy mystery, Yolanda Carter is told of her grandmother’s best friend’s unsolved murder. Mildred Overmeyer was an outstanding home baker who was stabbed to death while baking a cherry pie. The story of the 1960s crime touches Yolanda, along with her new friend, Detective Churchill. Her budding sleuthing skills lead her to search for the killer.

In between investigating and baking batches of pies in time for her latest product launch, Yolanda discovers more about the sweetness of love. And who is heating up the kitchen with Yolanda?

Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Lisa Maliga is an American author of contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers and cozy mysteries. Her nonfiction titles consist of how to make bath and body products with an emphasis on melt and pour soap crafting. When researching her cozy mystery, she discovered the art of baking French macarons. She continues to bake macarons, always trying new flavor combinations. When not writing, Lisa reads an assortment of books, takes photos, skates and is working on a series of baking and soaping video tutorials. Visit her website at www.LisaMaliga.com

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Reviews

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although she is an excellent self-taught baker, Yolanda has yet to make pies. An appreciated guest questions the lack of pies in her Yummery, and Yolanda realizes that her grandmother never taught her how. This omission occurred because her grandmother’s best friend, Mildred, was stabbed to death while making a pie, and after that, her grandmother just didn’t want to make pies anymore. When Yolanda finds out that Mildred’s pies were the best anyone ever had, she becomes intrigued with the idea of making pies like Mildred’s. When she discovers that Mildred’s murder was never solved, she becomes determined to solve it and find closure for Mildred. When she “sees” Mildred putting pies in her car at the cemetery, and then suddenly disappearing, she really becomes invested in Mildred’s story. This third installment in the series is quite intriguing, and a noticeable improvement from the first two books. The characters are better developed, the mystery is quite interesting with just a touch of magical realism thrown in, and the writing itself is much improved from the previous books in the series. It is evident that the author has gained more skill and is flourishing in her craft. The writing just flows. A secondary storyline concerning Yolanda’s love life fits well in the novel and does not overpower the main mystery. The story is entertaining and leaves readers wanting to know what is next in store for Yolanda. A recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is included as a bonus. Maybe next time, we’ll get the recipe for Yolanda’s banana cream pie!

I received an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story, based on Yolanda's bakery, is well thought out and quite novel. The chief characters are well done and each of them is quite distinctive. The products of the bakery sound absolutely delicious, especially to those of us with a sweet tooth.

This far is excellent, but I thought the book was let down by the quality of the writing. I tend to read every word of a book so these things stand out. There were far too many places where my reaction was "Huh, what was that about", leaving me having to try to work it out by going back. This slows down the pace, and can leave one feeling permanently confused by what has just been read.

I was tempted to give a "2" rating but I think the story, the setting and the characters save it and so a "3" is more appropriate.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

A Pie to Die for by author Lisa Maliga was a dreamy, magical sweet treat. Yolanda's Yummery is a bake house with such delicious sounding treats that I wished it were real. In this instalment, Yolanda thinks of baking a pie when one of her appreciated guests requests for one. This leads her to the thought that her grandmother to whom she owes her passion for baking to, never taught her to bake a pie!

In her search for the perfect pie recipe, Yolanda ends up solving the cold murder case of her grandma's best friend.

Heavily sprinkled with the names of such delicious sweet treats, I enjoyed this book and the recipe at the end.

[Cindy Topp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An innocent request from one of Yolanda`s appreciated guests for adding pies to the yummery`s offerings starts the ball rolling, setting in motion the beginnings of mysterious occurrances and the need to solve a very cold case. “A Pie to Die For” has Lisa Maliga departing slightly from her normal style, and I find the shifted focus most refreshing, the feeling conveyed more polished, mature and authentic. As always, you`ll find an incredible, yummery-worthy recipe at the back of the book. After finishing this installment in the Yolanda`s Yummery series, I am truly looking forward to reading more!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kind of iffy on the first two books in this series but after reading this one I had to give credit where credit is due. To me, it just felt like something in the series had clicked. I enjoyed this book, the storyline was good and different, with the mystery set in the past. I enjoy having recipes in the books I read, I haven't been able to try the Chewy Oatmeal Raisin cookies yet but I'm definitely going to. If you like a slow building storyline in a series and good, solid characters; you will enjoy this series. I'm interested to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time to check into Yolanda’s Yummery and see what’s happening. A customer asks her why she never has pies. Yolanda remembers her grandmother telling her that no pies will be made in her kitchen. Mildred Overmeyer a friend of her grandmother baked pies that everyone loved but she was killed. Yolanda takes it upon herself to find out what happened in the cold case. I am a big fan of the Yolanda’s Yummery books and look forward to each one. There is usually so much going one like Heather’s lotions being contaminated and Abby’s illness that you have to keep reading to find out how each little story will end. You will not go wrong in picking up a Yolanda’s Yummery book.

[Veronica Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolanda strikes again! It takes place around the holidays and Yolanda's Yummery is very active. Business is good just one little thing has her wondering why didn't her Grandma teach her to make pies? She is still on her healthy kick of making yummy droolworthy desserts.

All the while juggling a boyfriend Nigel who is just everywhere and a nice Cop.Her hunting for someone in her grandma's past and her changing up things in the bakery which just make's everything oh so delish can get complicated.

I highly recommend this book and it's series This Author has became one of my new favorite authors. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sad story. This mystery was about a cold case that Yolanda was interested in, because the woman murdered was famous local pie maker. What I found interesting and helpful was the account told by Mildred the victim. That's when I teared up a bit. I picked two suspects, but both were wrong.I did enjoy the story except for Yolanda's dating history and present beau. I could do without that as it was unnecessary. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pie to Die For is book 3 in A Yoanda's Yummery Cozy Mystery by Lisa Maliga. I found it interesting that Yolanda did not make pies and Mildred was killed in 1960 while making a pie. I like the main characters and the progression of the characters with each book. I thought the mystery about the recipes and murder was a good mystery and I thought the ending answered all my questions and had a touch of romance. I am enjoying this series and I love the cats, Miss Chef and Mr Whisker! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolanda's Yummery has been a huge success. After a chance encounter with the ghost of Mildred Overmeyer, a home baker who specialized in awesome pies who was stabbed to death in the 1960's, Yolanda was faced with a challenge. The story of Mildred's unsolved death and the desire to add pies to the Yummery's offerings becomes front and center. Romantic challenges also add to her full plate. Can she solve the cold case, bake perfect pies and sort out her love life? Very special story that is perfect for fans of both cozy mysteries and sweet romance! I highly recommend this book!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolander Carter owner of Yummery bakery hears the story of Mildred Overmeyer's who had been a friend of her grandmother and had baked great pies. Mildred had been murdered and her murder was now a cold case that Yolanda wanted to solve. With the help of Tank and Detective Churchill she goes about finding evidence with lots of mayhem. An intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Yolanda stumbles upon a ghost who a murder victim and a friend of Yolanda's grandmother. She enlists help from Detective Churchill and Tank to help solve this cold case. Her friend Heather also has a mystery that needs to be solved before it ruins her business. Then there is a lot of Yolanda's love life and decisions she has to make. This is a light hearted cozy mystery with some romance thrown in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and I am sorry that it took so long for me write a review. This book had lots of twist and turns that I was not expecting. The main character has alot of deepth to her and I hope that Lisa Maliga will continue to write about her. There were many different things going on at once but it was worth reading. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery;

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolanda Carterowns a bakery and is a part time. She became very curious about a pie maker who was murdered many years ago. The woman was her grandmothers friend so she feels she has to find out the truth. The woman was stabbed to death while making a pie. Very interesting read.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a busy little book with a lot going on in it. It was an engaging story with the usual protagonist Yolanda, but instead of finding herself in a current murder mystery, she is investigating a cold case of murder.

There is a charming little supernatural twist to it.

There is even a recipe for biscuits given at the end which is a nice touch.

All in all, a great read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AMBER CLARK]

This is a light-hearted read that's easy to follow. As soon as you thought you knew who the murderer was, another clue would lead you in a different direction. Will Yolanda uncover the truth? It's a good food mystery. Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! It's perfect for fans of both cozy mysteries and sweet romance!

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story. The characters were really interesting. I liked Yolanda and her cats. I also liked her friends. I liked the author's dialogue between Yolanda and Win. It felt so sweet. The story was a sweet mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

As before this author has spun an interesting tale. Delectable treats to entice one to consume till you have finished. Leaving a definite want for more. Being a distinguished guest in her stories you feel welcome to ask for more. You will not regret reading her works.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to the series. Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. This series is getting better and better. A recommendation.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a volutary and honest review.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolanda owns a bake shop and she bakes delicious cakes and fudge. She hears about her Grandmother's friend who was murdered in her kitchen and decides to investigate the murder. She has the help of a Detective and several friends to help her solve the case. This was a fun story and I recommend it.

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book with interesting characters and a good mystery.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.