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McBlack's Treats Cafe Cozy Mysteries #1

New Beginnings and Grand Openings

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A Cupcakes-and-Crime Caper

When Tiffany Black moves to a small town to start a new life, she expects her days to be spent managing the cafe she and her friend Rosie own...


Instead, she stumbles head-first into a series of sabotage, and then murder.

Who could be trying so hard to make her brand new bakery cafe fail?

And who, in this friendly small town, is a cold-blooded killer?
Praise for A. R. "The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D

"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon

"For fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Jana DeLeon, this is a funny, clean mystery." - Clara B, Amazon

This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore or love scenes, or bad language. It is a standalone novel.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2024

1238 people are currently reading
207 people want to read

About the author

A.R. Winters

190 books401 followers
A.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food!

When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...

You can also find her on Facebook

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5 stars
272 (60%)
4 stars
106 (23%)
3 stars
51 (11%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Judy.
577 reviews
December 27, 2025
I got 2 months free Kindle Unlimited. This is Tiffany Black's second cozy series after she retired as a PI (which I didnt know of). This is her new adventure and having a professional as an FMC made this cozy cleaner, faster and more polished. Enjoyed the book lot and solved who dunnit!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
December 23, 2024
Sabotage and Murder . . .

Tiffany Black, formerly a private investigator, steps into the new bakery cafe she and Rosie are about to open and finds a pool of water covering the freshly sealed waterproofed floor! The source was a hole in a water pipe in the kitchen. What would even cause that in their brand-new cafe? She tried to call her business partner, but the call went to voice mail. She called her boyfriend, Stone, and he told her he was on his way. Before he got there, Rosie walked in questioning whether this was a pool party or merely testing the new waterproofing on the floor. But she also had no idea where to go to turn the water off. Fortunately Stone arrived and shut off the valve. He also recognized the damage was caused by a hatchet -- so unlikely an accident. Nanna arrived and, while the ladies discussed the damage, Stone called a plumber; and their only applicant for the baker job, Nigel Pereira, walked in for his interview, helpfully pointing out that the floor was wet. Even Police Chief Birdie Zaragoza stopped by to examine the vandalism and promptly identified it as a hole. A suggestion was made that Alden Blant, the owner of Cake Kingdom, is the kind of man who might do something like that. But Birdie reminded them they are no longer investigators! So as soon as Birdie left, they headed to the Cake Kingdom. The outside smelled odd, like lavender and apples that have gone bad. When the owner walked in, he fired the girl who was serving them. Then he rudely threatened Tiffany and Rose and made it very obvious that he had caused the damage at their cafe.

Although they had no intention of getting involved in any murders in their new location, it didn’t take long to find one. The murder scene was nearby, just a block up the road, so everyone followed Birdie while she followed the crowd. There was a bus stopped in the street, and paramedics were hovered over a black bodybag. The dead man was Alden Blant. Had he been pushed in front of the bus? Or was it a traffic accident? Would Tiffany and Rosie take part in the investigation, because Birdie seemed ready to lock them all up? Grab your copy and delve into the story to find some clues. With so many suspects, Tiffany and Rosie are going to need all the help they can get!
Profile Image for MoMo Book Diary.
490 reviews62 followers
December 24, 2024
If you love curling up with a story full of warm pastries, quirky characters, and just the right amount of intrigue, New Beginnings and Grand Openings by A.R. Winters will be your next must-read. The first in a new cozy mysteries series, it delivers exactly what fans crave: a charming small-town setting, a determined amateur sleuth, and just the right blend of mystery and whimsy.

Tiffany and Rosie’s dream of a quieter life in Mariposas quickly turns into anything but calm. With big plans for their Bakery Cafe, they envision cupcakes and coffee—not acts of sabotage and murder. As Tiff’s investigative instincts kick in, readers are drawn into a web of secrets hiding behind the town’s idyllic facade. Winters expertly balances suspense with charm, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

The cozy cafe feels so real you can almost smell the cinnamon wafting from the ovens, and the banter between Tiffany and Rosie adds a lighthearted charm that offsets the tension of the mystery. The supporting characters, including the quirky townsfolk, round out the cast and deepen the narrative.

The mystery itself is well-paced, full of red herrings and surprises that keep you guessing. While seasoned mystery fans might predict a few twists, the journey is so delightful it hardly matters. My only critique is that the story takes a little while to build momentum, but once the action starts, it’s impossible to put down.

With its mix of charm, suspense, and delicious descriptions, New Beginnings and Grand Openings is a recipe for success. Fans of cozy mysteries will find themselves eagerly awaiting their next visit to Mariposas—and the next slice of drama at the Bakery Cafe.
23 reviews
December 14, 2024
“New Beginnings and Grand Openings” by A.R. Winters is the first installment in the mouthwatering murder novel in “A Tiffany Black Cafe Cozy Mystery” series, self-published by A.R. Winters.

After an exhilarating recovery from a near-fatal gunshot wound to her lung a few months ago, Tiffany moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to Mariposas, Arizona to begin a new life. Away from the big city lights. Away from her old life. Away from the murders and mayhem. Or so she thought…

Tiffany goes all in with Rosie, her former partner in crime-fighting private investigator, turned co-owner of their very own Bakery Cafe. They are getting close to the grand opening of their new endeavor, although they lack a name and a baker. Minor details.

While things are a bit overwhelming with all the to-do’s, sabotage strikes! Someone takes an axe to one of their pipes. When Tiffany and Rosie figure out whodunit, thanks to their new chef, tragedy strikes, and someone is murdered.

With so many clues pointing to friends and foes, who could possibly be the killer? Is it those who appear sweet and innocent? Is it those who are downright mean and nasty? You will have to read this wonderful book to find out!

It’s a page-turner that keeps you guessing the whole way through. I highly recommend New Beginnings and Grand Openings to anyone who likes to read funny, quirky, and suspenseful cozy murder mysteries. A.R. Winters hits it out of the ballpark once again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,220 reviews75 followers
December 27, 2024
Splendid! Absolutely enthused with this book by A.R Winters.Tiffany Black has a rude awakening if she thinks that she is settling in for a new start without drama . Expecting her time to be filled managing her’s and her friend Rosie’s cafe. Sabotage is at her door so we must implore who has it in for her and why? She isn’t a private investigator anymore but it hasn’t removed her grey cells to not know when something smells , absolutely reeks and that’s not water from a leak as she walks in her shop’s front door . It’s sabotage and what’s more she’s calling the police to her door. Her boyfriend Stone is straight out to her ,a plumber is called to cut off the water , and then Chief of police Birdie Zaragoza witnesses the scene and from what he has seen it’s definitely purposely done. Then someone called Nigel turns up for a job . Think he got here just in time as he’s the only one to apply . Letting out a sigh of fie why me? The sleuthing begins as soon as the Chief has gone. Alden Blant ,the owner at Cake Kingdom their next port of call was on a rant and rave at his poor shop assistant as there was a stench of rotten apples although I think the smell was him as a bad apple he did seem . Then there’s a dead body turns up and Tiffany and Rose see the guy. Was he pushed under the bus or was there a murderer in their midst now too. What’s a pair of sleuths to do? Of course ! Wouldn’t you? Oh my a perfectly sublime storytelling with a strong female lead that is heaven indeed! Very well written with great descriptions and quick puns lots of fun.
Profile Image for Kathy.
818 reviews30 followers
December 26, 2024
Tiffany Black retired from the PI business after an unpleasant run in with some mobsters. Along with her boyfriend, Stone, and former assistant, Rosie, she’s moved to Mariposas to start over with a bakery and cafe. Instead of the quiet small town life they were expecting, they find themselves in a heated rivalry with the local cake shop. Then acts of sabotage at their shop, rumors of a curse, and murder occur before they can even open. As outsiders, suspicion falls on them and their new employees who were fired by the victim. The local PD doesn’t seem to have their back, so Tiffany and Rosie are back to investigating on their own.

Long time readers of Tiffany’s adventures will be pleased to see that taking her out of Vegas doesn’t dull her investigative edge. Favorite characters including Nanna and Jan are on hand as well as Rosie and Stone. The new characters are interesting and I was immediately intrigued by them, wondering as suspicion fell on them. The victim was appropriately despicable so it was easy to see why different people might have had motive. There’s plenty to charm readers unfamiliar with the previous Tiffany Black series. Ms. Winters gives enough background to bring you up to speed without dragging the plot. And the food descriptions will have you wishing for a taste.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
January 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A.R. Winters’ New Beginnings and Grand Openings is an irresistible treat for fans of cozy mysteries, blending humor, charm, and an intriguing whodunit. As the first book in the Tiffany Black Cafe Cozy Mysteries, this story introduces us to Tiffany Black, a plucky heroine whose dream of running a cozy cafe with her friend Rosie takes a sharp detour into the world of sabotage and murder.

Tiffany is instantly likable, with her quick wit, determination, and knack for attracting trouble. Her move to a quaint small town, filled with quirky characters and idyllic charm, is the perfect setting for both her new start and the unexpected mysteries she must solve. Winters excels at creating a vibrant community where everyone is a potential suspect, keeping readers guessing at every turn.

The mystery unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and lighthearted moments. From sabotaged pastries to shocking murder revelations, Tiffany dives headfirst into uncovering the truth while juggling the pressures of a cafe grand opening. The banter between Tiffany and Rosie adds a delightful layer of humor, making their friendship feel authentic and heartwarming.

What sets this cozy apart is its seamless blend of cozy cafe vibes and high-stakes sleuthing. Winters paints mouthwatering scenes of baked goods and steaming lattes while weaving in clues and red herrings, ensuring you’re as invested in solving the crime as you are in cheering for Tiffany’s success.

New Beginnings and Grand Openings is a captivating start to a promising series, perfect for fans of small-town mysteries, delicious food descriptions, and relatable heroines who take life’s curveballs in stride. A.R. Winters delivers a cozy mystery brimming with charm, suspense, and just the right touch of sweetness. Don’t miss out on this delightful journey—you’ll be hooked from the first page!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,556 reviews13 followers
December 26, 2024
When Tiffany Black moves to a small town to start a new life, she expects her days to be spent managing the cafe she and her friend Rosie own...

Instead, she stumbles head-first into a series of crimes: sabotage, and then murder.

Who could be trying so hard to make her brand new bakery cafe fail?

And who, in this friendly small town, is a cold-blooded killer?


This contemporary small-town culinary cozy mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are witty, intelligent, quirky, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with new beginnings and grand openings as Tiffany Black and her friend Rosie own a bakery with mouth watering desserts, a race against time to find the cold-blooded killer, deception, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with new beginnings and grand openings in this cozy cafe mystery that is sure to leaver readers on the edge of their seats with all the suspense, and transported into a world that is magically sweet, humorous, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
732 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2025
I came into this series having read nothing from AR Winters before, so I was not aware of the deep, long history between Tiffany and Rosie.

As this is a new series, as the ladies have relocated to Mariposa from Vegas, there was a lot to set up. New people to introduce, new settings to establish, new crimes to solve. With so much to start up and introduce, it was mildly confusing at times with all the new names. I think I have most of them figured out now.

I don't really like books when the newbie in town is in the instant suspect - although having lived in small towns, I know that any newbie is instantly suss.

I wish I had known that there were 30+ books with Tiff and Rosie in Vegas because I think if I had read at least one of them, I'd have felt more prepared for the move to Mariposa.

That said, I am keen to read more and perhaps, revisit this book when I have a better grasp of the history of Tiffany and Rosie.
Profile Image for Margery.
922 reviews13 followers
Read
December 23, 2024
A new life, a new bakery, and of course a new murder. Tiffany is retired from her Las Vegas job and is eager to open a bakery with Rose and friends. The last thing she wants to do is solve murders, but, no such luck for Tiffany! The town they relocate to is a small town and a sherif who is less than thrilled with outsiders in her town, especially a bakery. This new series will be exciting and filled with laughter. Even small towns can have a plethora of suspects, not to mention cakes. I think I gained ten pounds just reading this book. Reading a book? Maybe the fact that the holidays are here has a little something to take in mind. We actually made a few of the treats. Rose is a bundle of excitement. Pour your coffee, snuggle in, this is a page turner that you won't be able to put down.
Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
2,849 reviews10 followers
December 12, 2024
Book 1 of Tiffany Black Cafe Cozy Mysteries story for Tiffany Black and her friend Rosie. Wow talk about a real head scratcher and a whole lot of mysteries going on in this story I loved the cats and their personalities, I have to say the grandmother was a hoot. I had so confused by the town sheriff and how she acted but was so surprised she was good. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the characters explained it. What a wonderful murder mystery and I can’t wait to see what the time book holds in store for this small town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
612 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2024
Tiffany and Rosie moved to Mariposas to open ups new bakery. They have been working hard to get everything ready to open when a series of calamities befall the shop. They suspect that the rival bakery is behind the incidents. Things really heat up when her rival is struck and killed by a bus after leaving Tiffany and Rosie's sidewalk party! Rosie becomes the prime suspect, but if she didn't have anything to do with his death, who did? Can Tiffany and Rosie get past all the rivalry nonsense and finally get their bakery open? Full of quirky characters, plenty of twists and turns and a surprise ending! Great read and lots of fun! I can't wait for more books in this series!
435 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2024
Tiffany, newly retired Las Vegas P.I., and her friends have moved to a small town in Arizona to set up shop as a baker but sabotage and murder pop up before she even has a chance to open her doors. It's up to her and her friends to dig up the truth in a small town hostile to outsiders before her retirement dream ends up failing. This is a fun, cozy mystery with plenty of twists thrown in to keep the reader on their toes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cyndi Taylor.
525 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2024
This was my first Tiffany Black Mystery. There are apparently 2 other stores with these characters. I didn't find it hard to follow. I can't wait to read more. This book was funny. I laughed out loud several times. The characters were well written. The leads were lovely and ride or die. The mystery was well thought out. I can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,043 reviews46 followers
December 26, 2024
Rosie, Tiff, Nana, Stone and some new associates are a colorful bunch, trying to work things out in their new home of Mariposas

A bakery cafe seems like a sweet dream, but it might be a bittersweet reality as small town murder, mayhem and miscellaneous craziness pop up.

Another fun to read bunch of mysteries, colorful kitties, crazy and colorful locals, and the special bonds of love and mayhem that Nana and the girls bring wherever they go - loved it !
2,111 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2024
New Beginnings and Grand Openings, a brand-new series with everyone's favorite mystery solving duo Tiffany Black and Rosie. Tiffany and Rosie need a fresh start in a new place but lo and behold murder shows up again. This is a well-written story, as they all are by A.R. Winters and I love that Tiffany Black gets reinvented...again. Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
852 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2024
One of my favorite author's is back with a spinoff of one of her series. i love everything by AR Winters. her books are fun, light hearted and always have a great mystery along with the quirky characters. Tiffany Black and her sidekick Rosie have moved to a small town to start fresh. Tiffany and Rosie own a cafe now and just want to enjoy life. That is until a murder happens and she once again has to solve it.
424 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2025
This was a fun book a murder of the owner of the Cake King has the residents of Mariposa suspecting the new owners of the bakery in town of murder. Tiffany and Rosie are preparing to open when several incidents occur that threaten their business. Damage to the business and verbal threats are making it hard to open. Tiffany an Ex PI looks into the murder and the other incidents determined to open her bakery and to clear her name. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
Profile Image for Joanie.
111 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2025
Rosie and Tiff in a New World

This was a great start to another series in the life of cupcake lover and former P.I. Tiffany Black. The author has a delightful way of bringing new characters to life. It was easy to fall in love with a new cast of characters. I was skeptical about placing them in a bakery, but the concept really works and I'm eager to find out what will happen next.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,586 reviews66 followers
June 27, 2025
Great series start!

The beginning had me a bit freaked out, not going to lie. But as each chapter unfolded the characters and town grew on me. I enjoyed watching the wonky investigation as Tiffany and Rosie tried to find the killer of her Cake Kingdom rival and also figure out who they could trust. A frosting-filled rivalry between two bakeries in a small southwestern town. Definitely a winner for me.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,467 reviews16 followers
December 9, 2024
This start of the McBlack mystery series was everything I wanted: a small town with quirky characters and over-the-top possible villains with twisty motives. Not to mention the delicious food and pastries mentioned. This was a great beginning and I am looking forward to more books in this series. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,540 reviews48 followers
December 11, 2024
This is an interesting cozy mystery. When Tiffany Black moves to a small town to start a new life, she expects her days to be spent managing the cafe she and her friend Rosie own. Instead, she stumbles head-first into a series of sabotage, and then murder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
676 reviews
December 21, 2024
I wish I could have read this book in one sitting. I just didn't want to stop reading. Lovely characters, easy to read because of the nice writing style. It keeps you guessing until the end.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,674 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2024
The opening of Tiffany and Rosie’s new bakery is not without problems as they come across strange happenings, quirky characters and a murder. Unable to ignore old habits, the duo investigate their new acquaintances to solve the mysterious goings on in their new hometown. Enjoyable and fun.
Profile Image for Tanvi.
619 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2024
Loved this. Tiffany is moving to a small town to open a bakery and well..gets entangled in a murder..again.

Pretty sure this series would be as great as the previous one. Looking forward to the next.
10.9k reviews127 followers
January 3, 2025
I've read a lot of books written by A.R. Winters; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the McBlack’s Treats Café Cozy Mysteries Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Tiffany, Rosie & Stone.
Profile Image for Stacie G.
167 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2025
This was a great read. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing style. If you are looking for a cozy read this is a great grab!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hank Acker.
37 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2025
Enjoyed this book.

As unusual this was a delightful read with just the right amount of mystery and fun. I have enjoyed each of your offerings to balance my usual reads of history and the sciences. Thank A. R.
315 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2025
A great mystery as Tiffany, friends, & family start out life in Mariposas! Such fun to get to meet new people! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
744 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
Great!

What a great start to a new series! I believe Tiffany and Rosie are about to make it big in Maraposa! They still know how to get into trouble and find dead bodies so I think they're going to do fine and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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