Cookie Calamity

Cookie Corner #1

by Cindy Stark

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

Step into a world of unexpected twists and turns in this captivating paranormal cozy mystery series.

Evie St. Claire’s life takes an exciting turn when she discovers she’s the rightful heir to her long-lost aunt’s estate. Filled with anticipation, she quickly learns that her inheritance is a dilapidated house of little value. To make matters worse, claiming her great aunt’s remains requires a journey to the serene lakeside town of Honeysuckle Springs.

Once in the picturesque town, Evie’s hopes are shattered as she encounters a murder victim shortly after her arrival. Bewildered and caught off guard, she finds herself embroiled in a web of suspicion, with even the attractive police chief keeping a watchful eye on her. As whispers of a past visit circulate among the town’s residents, Evie’s bewilderment grows, further fueling the suspicions surrounding her involvement in the murder investigation.

However, the greatest surprise lies in store when Evie’s mischievous inherited cat reveals astonishing news that forever alters her life. Little by little, the town’s and her family’s shocking secrets are revealed. The burning question remains: will these revelations lead her closer to the elusive killer? Moreover, will they persuade Evie to embrace her newfound connection to Honeysuckle Springs or drive her back to the comfort of her familiar, predictable existence, pretending that none of the extraordinary events ever occurred?

Cookie Calamity is the first book in the light-hearted and humorous Cookie Corner Cozy Mystery series. If you like the thrill of solving a murder, enjoy a sweet romance, and adore picturesque small towns with endearing, quirky characters, you’ll love these stories.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Paranormal, Witches, Fantasy, Cozy, Ebooks

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2022

About the author

Cindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances, and she loves to hear from readers.

Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19

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Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.

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Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.

Thank you!

Reviews

[Ju (NO POLLS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

the mystery was resolved!!! also, this gave me SUCH GOOD VIBES. if you rely solely on the vibe, it reminded me of ouat, the good witch, a bit of gilmore girls (veeeeeeery loosely). just a really cute paranormal mystery overall

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and meeting Evie and her newly-acquired cat, Theo. Imagine coming to inherit from an aunt you barely remember but finding that you didn't have to give her up completely when she died. That'd actually be pretty cool, but I won't spoil how Evie gets Aunt Birdie back. I thought at first too that Caden was joking with Evie when he talked about their past together...was Evie friends or more with him in the past? You'll just have to read and find out that and who killed the guy in town no one could stand. I've already borrowed the second book and can't wait to dig in!

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book 4 days ago. I literally don't remember it. I read a few reviews, and the promo material. Nope. Nothing. I'm sure if I started it again, I'd remember, but it's gone. So I class it with those cozy mysteries that are good for an afternoon on the porch, and that add to the total number of reads for the year.

I did class it as 4 stars, even with some editorial errors, so I must have liked it.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It was fun. I liked the main character though I am a little worried and disapointed that the cat itself doesn't talk but is possessed by her dead aunt Birdie. What happens to the personality of the cat? What happens when Birdie goes to 'the other side'? Will Theodora the cat still be loved for herself by the main character? Is the true self of the cat allowed to even be seen and loved by anyone?

The story is very short and ends abruptly with the killer confessing it was as if the author had reached her goal of however many words and then just quickly ended the story.

I did like the setting and the main character and the cat enough to want to continue but unlike the Nine Lives Mystery series I won't be buying the paper backs all at once and wasting over $100.00 as a treat for myself thinking I would really like the series after the first book and then not. I'll just do ebook. If I really like it then I'll buy used paperbacks because I don't like how Amazon gets into your device and updates the ebook covers and possibly even the text without your permission.

I hope Birdie becomes a ghost so the cat can be her own person and loved for herself. Maybe even able to talk or get some magical abilities from having been possessed by Birdie.

I also don't like the Sherrif's creepy behavior and the main character's lack of awareness or caution. I hope that the whole romance thing can be a very very background almost non existant thing because these are supposed to be cozy mysteries NOT romance novels.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author and new series. Loved it! Good mystery and interesting characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!


Amazon synopsis:
Evie St. Claire’s life takes an exciting turn when she discovers she’s the rightful heir to her long-lost aunt’s estate. Filled with anticipation, she quickly learns that her inheritance is a dilapidated house of little value. To make matters worse, claiming her great aunt’s remains requires a journey to the serene lakeside town of Honeysuckle Springs.

Once in the picturesque town, Evie’s hopes are shattered as she encounters a murder victim shortly after her arrival. Bewildered and caught off guard, she finds herself embroiled in a web of suspicion, with even the attractive police chief keeping a watchful eye on her. As whispers of a past visit circulate among the town’s residents, Evie’s bewilderment grows, further fueling the suspicions surrounding her involvement in the murder investigation.

However, the greatest surprise lies in store when Evie’s mischievous inherited cat reveals astonishing news that forever alters her life. Little by little, the town’s and her family’s shocking secrets are revealed. The burning question remains: will these revelations lead her closer to the elusive killer? Moreover, will they persuade Evie to embrace her newfound connection to Honeysuckle Springs or drive her back to the comfort of her familiar, predictable existence, pretending that none of the extraordinary events ever occurred?

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie has been alone most of her life. Her parents tragically died when she was young and she was placed in foster care. She has Amanda, her bestie and remains close to her foster family. But as far as her biological family goes, the St. Claire's, she's the last one standing...or so she thought. An unexpected phone call has her traveling to Honeysuckle Springs. Apparently, her recently deceased Aunt Birdie left a house including all her possessions to Evie. An aunt she has never met. How could this be? She also learns of some well kept family secrets, not to mention a murder she basically stumbled across. Immediately after arriving, Evie makes new friends, inherits a cat and falls in love with the small town. She also meets the handsome, intriguing police chief who seems familiar, but not. And Evie has no clue how Honeysuckle Springs is about to change her life forever.
I LOVED IT!!! INTRIGUING, LIKABLE CHARACTERS THAT YOU WANT TO HANG OUT WITH! GREAT ORIGINAL STORYLINE WITH STRONG SECONDARY CHARACTERS! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! A MOST DEFINITE MUST READ!!!

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie St. Claire was fostered. She was icing cookies for her foster sister’s parents. Her bestie Amanda is about to be married and moveto Seattle and she’ll miss her. Since icing cookies didn’t make much money, she was working as an admin assistant. A lawyer calls to tell her that he has been looking for her and that her father’s aunt has passed and willed everything to her as her heir to the estate. However, not a lot of money but a house was left and some other things. Evie traveled from Boise to Honeysuckle Springs to claim her Aunt’s body and the deed to the estate, etc. Auntie was 95, but hadn’t been sick before her death.
Whoa plot twists!

Once there she befriends Chloe and it’s like they’ve known each other forever. Very weird stuff happens. Theodosia was Auntie’s cat. Whoa mega plot twists. Mind blown. Can’t wait for the next book. I didn’t see a lot of it coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie receives a call from a lawyer stating she inherited everything from an aunt she didn't know existed. She travels to where her aunt lived. She loves the vibe of the town. She decides to go to the bakery when someone plows into her. The person that runs into her says there is a body, and she thinks he is dead. Evie is wrapped up in that and finds some strange occurrences especially when someone believes that they know her and that she was there before.

This is such an entertaining story to read. You will enjoy your time with these new characters and the world. The way the story unfolds will have you reading to find out what else is going to happen and what the character will discover. This author will not disappoint you at all, this will have you disappearing for a while.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie is surprised to learn her deceased aunt has left her home and estate to her. Having been raised in foster care after the death of her parents, she had no idea she had other family

surprises follow: a few folks who seemed to recognize her; a feeling of homecoming- and less welcome, a murder, theft and some suspicious characters

a fresh start for Evie, baking like she loves, with witchy heritage, skills and possibly fatal hazards in store

intriguing and intense suspense and whodunnit meets small town magical cozy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute intro to a series. Not too much paranormal yet, but you can te that's coming. I also like that the murder wasn't really the focus of the story. It was more about changes and decisions in Evie's life. She did a little investigating, but that mostly involved eavesdropping on conversations that happened in public and not sneaking around getting in trouble. It wrapped up pretty nicely, but there are definitely some outstanding questions, so I can't wait for the next book to learn more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janette Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy surprise!

This author (and this book) came to me through the recommendation of a friend. I'm not sure I would have tried it otherwise, but I'm so glad I did! This is such an enjoyable story. It's so well written it's easy to fall into the impossible fantasy of talking cats and common mysteries. I recommend this book for anyone who wants (or needs) to take a break from the ordinary. You will not be disappointed.

[Lori Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Story

Yes the cat on the cover drew me to choose this book to read!

I especially love how Cindy brings you into the story and how the plot develops. It is very smoothly written and flows bringing you into the moment of the story. I love books that keep you reading! I look forward to the next in series. Ps- I love, love, love that there were no typos! No distractions! Thank you for having pride in your story and efforts!

[Faye Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of the 52 book challenge for 2024. This was #2 Smelly book. Set in a bakery it ticked the box

Paranormal is not my cuppa.
The story was cute and predictable when you find out who the cat is....not sure i will be reading the series sadly. I'm sure Evie will get together with the policeman and become best friends with Chloe.......with the cat overlooking them all....just not my thing sadly xx

[Angie Titus · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

This one just wasn't for me. There wasn't anything really wrong with the book; I just didn't like it. The writing was good, though, so I'm sure there are people who will really enjoy it. My favorite thing inside the book was the MC's relationship with her new friend, Chloe. My favorite thing in general about the book is the cover. It's beautiful. I wish I'd liked the story better.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a surprising book. The mystery wasn't overdone and Evie didn't do outlandishly dumb things to solve the murder on her own. Enough teasers to encourage more involvement in the story evolution. Since this was the first book in the series, it was more of an intro of characters and Evie's history. Well written and interesting enough to go for book 2.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐: I very much enjoyed this book, it was a cute and funny read. The cat aunt is my favorite character by far, but the other characters are written just as good. Definitely a few unanswered questions like what happened to the aunt's ashes and the big one what happened 12yrs ago? Hopefully all will be revealed soon, definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Jennifer]

"The cat didn't budge. I gritted my teeth. 'If you don't move, I'm going to hit you."

When someone threatens to hit a cat, I'm out.

That was just the last straw for this one. Evie freaks out when a cat starts talking to her like she's see the girl from the Exorcist. She really over reacts to ridiculous things. Very little characterization. Wayyyyy too much inner monologue.

DNF 58%.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, Humourous, and quqrky witch craft

The writing in this book is excellent. The book was easy to read and it clipped along at a steady pass. There is no time to be bored while reading this book.
The story is about a Grand daughter who inherited the house and a very peculiar cat

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story.

Evie inherits a house and gets Theo the cat. I like the plot and most of the characters . The sheriff is creepy. There are several suspects and motives. The solution to the murder is rushed. I like the town and most of the people Evie met. I will be reading the next book.

[Normalee M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crazy plot that somehow works!

This was a fun read with likable characters. To say the plot was far-fetched would be an understatement but the author somehow managed to make it believable. I also liked how, though the murder mystery in this book was solved, we got loads of loose ends to be tied up in the next books in the series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love? This book is like a summer full of cotton candy. It starts off with a crime scene at a cookie shop. Enter a lonely orphan who discovers friends and more in the quaint town of Honeysuckle Springs.

(spoiler) Add a talking cat, and I'm in for the ride!

This is a sweet delight!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting start to a new series

Great characters that are easy to like (or dislike). Getting to know the village leads us around to meeting the persons of interest in a murder. There are sudden surprises and neat twists and turns. A great book to curl up with and enjoy meeting a new community of characters.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting plot that's well written and has a mix of magic and murder. There are some funny moments along with the more serious. Sleuthing just seems natural to Evie but really it just take the right question to the right person. Some intrigue and mystery which I guess is going to follow on through the series so I hope I get to read it all. Enjoyable and light read with some quaint characters.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am once again surprised at the quality of shorter books within the cozy mystery genre.

This is a sweet story with a lot of mystery and hidden history that will surely come out in the later novels. It's definitely a good start.

I do hope that the ashes of her aunty will have a nice mystery in its disappearance from the car. Maybe it's JUICY.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and wonderful paranormal cozy mystery!! I loved it.. And Caden seems like he might be a bit of a big protective teddy bear. I really liked him. I can't wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining to the max!

Such a great book to escape with. Let the world around me fade away. Well-written, with great flow and pacing. Wonderful characters, which is always so important to me. Love! Seriously, if you like humorous cozy mysteries, then I think you’ll love this as much as I did!

[Delores Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Fast read, keep you guessing, surprise ending. Excellent looking forward to the next one.
Will recommend to friends and I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Diane Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read from Ms. Stark. It definitely whet my appetite for more. I really liked these characters and the plot of this story. I am so looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome new series!

I feel like I fell right into the story! It was so easy to fall in love with these characters and setting. I just loved it all! I can’t wait to find out more about Evie’s past that even she’s not aware of! This is going to be great!

[Robin Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery and cookies

This is a very interesting story that involves baked cookies and murder and a change to a new scenery. I really like this book It was very interesting With a good background, and Nice visual effects.