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Shake Shop #4
Thrown For A Scoop
The tiny town of Upper Sprocket Oregon is gearing up for its Centennial Celebration and Trinidad Jones is ready to serve up the sweets at her Shimmy and Shake Shop. When the discovery of a vintage hat from a notorious hijacking comes to light, Sprocket becomes ground zero for gaggles of “true crimers” who are obsessed with unmasking the identity of the hijacker who leapt out of a plane, mid-flight, fifty years before. When her fiance’s brother is implicated for the murder of a visiting true crime podcaster, Trinidad will be forced to add sleuthing to her scooping, to prevent a notorious cold case from causing a massive meltdown in Sprocket.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Dana Mentink
206 books2,222 followersUSA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews
May 26, 2025
What does a parachuter, a hijacker and an old leather cap have in common? They all come together in this Cozy Mystery fifty year cold case. It’s a centennial year for the town of Sprocket and people from all over are trying to find clues to solve this old case. When a popular podcaster comes to town he intends to get the answers that both the community and outsiders want to know. Before he can get the scoop murder stops him. When someone very close to Trinidad Jones is the main suspect she wants to get involved but she has promised her boyfriend she would not sleuth anymore. That doesn’t mean she won’t still look for clues and keep Police Chief Bigley informed. Has the main clue to solve this old cold case been right in front of the entire community for the past fifty years? You won’t want to miss reading this perplexing Mystery.
I have read the other books in this series and grabbed this one up when it was released last December. No one can write a cozy mystery quite like Dana Mentink. I’m not sure if this is her last book in this series or not. This one kept me guessing and I didn’t have a clue whodunnit. I know I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. Unpredictable and entertaining. I hope there will be another book in The Shake Shop Mysteries.
I highly recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mysteries and suspense. It can be read as a standalone but these mysteries have been so good that I would recommend them all.
I purchased my own copy of Thrown for a Scoop. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
I have read the other books in this series and grabbed this one up when it was released last December. No one can write a cozy mystery quite like Dana Mentink. I’m not sure if this is her last book in this series or not. This one kept me guessing and I didn’t have a clue whodunnit. I know I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. Unpredictable and entertaining. I hope there will be another book in The Shake Shop Mysteries.
I highly recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mysteries and suspense. It can be read as a standalone but these mysteries have been so good that I would recommend them all.
I purchased my own copy of Thrown for a Scoop. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
April 8, 2025
Excellent cozy!
August 27, 2025
Trinidad Jones is busy concocting delectable ice cream creations in honor of Upper Sprocket's Centennial. The entire town is gearing up to celebrate the Centennial and the Shimmy is no exception. Trin is also juggling planning a wedding to her love, Quinn. Every time they tried to tie the knot in the last year, something has always happened to interrupt their plans. Will the third time be the charm or does Trin, secretly, deep down inside, fear a second marriage will turn out like the first? When a stranger comes to town asking for Quinn's brother Doug, everyone is wary because Doug has special needs and the stranger seems intense. Claiming to be a famous true crime podcaster about to solve an unsolved crime. Brad Blaze is intent on finding out what happened to the notorious hijacker D.W. Hooper and the money he stole. Brad's search has led him to Sprocket and right to Doug. What would Doug know about events 50 years ago? He wasn't alive yet and neither was Quinn. Doug disappears when Brad trespasses onto the nut farm to hunt him down and Quinn, Trin and everyone in town are worried. They become even more worried when Trin discovers Brad Blaze dead with his head bashed in. While Chief Bigley knows in her heart Doug would never do such a thing, she does need to know who did it and to rule Doug out. Trinidad swears she'll stay out of the investigation but when podcaster groupies show up demanding justice for Brad, Trin worried Doug will be arrested for a crime he didn't commit. Unless Quinn is lying for his brother, in which case, does Trin still want to marry him? Can she pick up enough gossip and info from Doug and Quinn to solve the mystery?
This mystery didn't appeal to me as much as the previous ones. The mystery was based on D.B. Cooper, obviously, but fictionalized. The mystery kept me guessing until a few tiny clues made me realize who must have done it but not until 3/4 of the way through the book. I didn't like the intrusion of podcasters and "bad" people coming to town. I absolutely hated that the author would have a villain try to pin the crime on a man with autism. The "cozy" hook is always fun. I love ice cream but I am shocked by how many nuts Trin uses in her ice cream! Isn't she aware of allergies? Plus some people don't like nuts. Nuts totally ruin ice cream and sweets. There a brief mention of peanut allergy but nothing about tree nut allergies. That kind of ruined my enjoyment of the ice cream. The Centennial celebration sounds like fun if you aren't allergic to nuts and if you are, no ice cream for you, sadly.
I like Trin but she is not the best sleuth. She's nearly killed when she finally puts the clues together. I prefer it when the sleuths actually figure it out and go get help from the authorities. Plus, there's the whole ice cream with nuts issue and letting the twins run wild with their phones. I would have a no phones policy if I were her. Those kids are entrepreneurs and I admire their spirit but too much with the drone, TikTok (when they were told NOT TO), etc. I did enjoy the breakfast ice cream development plot! What is ice cream anyway except cream and sugar and most people put that in their coffee anyway! Bring on the breakfast ice cream!
I love the relationship between Trin and her grandfather. Papa Luis is my favorite human in the story. He's always charming. I wish he had a larger role in this story. Normally I love Trin's friendship with her fellow ex-wives but they aren't really in this story. Juliette is but she's on bed rest and is going a little nutty with reading/listening to crazy stories online. She helps sleuth and Bonnie offers some advice and support but with Felice away and visitors at her inn, she's too busy to spend time with Trin sleuthing. The animals are my most favorite characters. The new parrot addition to the story is hilarious and adds to the fun. Noodles is just so sweet and so adorable. I want to hug him. Noodles is great with Doug. Noodles should be a therapy dog.
Doug has special needs and is mostly non-verbal. I recognize signs of autism and maybe some OCD there. I know he's a gentle soul and would never deliberately kill someone but maybe accidentally in self-defense? Maybe he was swinging the bat around in fear and it hit the podcaster? OK so we know that's not the case because it's never the person initially suspected. (Almost never). Quinn believes his brother didn't do it but Doug isn't talking and if Doug did do it, Quinn would lie for his brother. I understand belief in your family and defending them but if Quinn knows Doug killed Brad, he should talk to Doug about telling Chief Bigley what actually happened. Chief Bigley is fair and empathetic. She knows Doug is who he is and tries to respect his boundaries but she also has to do her job. I appreciate how she balances her duties with empathy for Doug's needs. Her revelation at the end is quite a shock. Officer Echo is younger and more modern. She makes efficient use of technology to try to solve the crime. She's a go-getter.
Brad Blaze was an egotistical jerk. He thinks he's famous and everyone should recognize him and fall down at his feet giving him whatever he wants. When the Sproketarians don't know who he is and aren't leading him to Doug, he becomes angry. All he cares about is solving this crime so he can make mega bucks and be really famous. He doesn't care about the lives he's disrupting with his invasion or any humans really. He was even leading on two women online, both of whom claim to be his girlfriend. What a sleaze! Brittany Clark, girlfriend #1, is a city girl and determined to stay in Sproket long enough to solve the hijacking mystery. She doesn't participate in town life or eat ice cream. She spends her money at the coffee shop at least. Paige, girlfriend #2, is even more unlikable. She fights publicly with Brittany (@BritLit) and seems like she's more delusional than Brittany. Mayor Ramona Hardwicke sees the publicity opportunity for her town and jumps on board the podcast wagon. Ugh. She's intense and not likable.
Mr. Mavis, a down home farmer, offers to protect Quinn's farm with ... his slingshot. LOL! Mr. Mavis is sweet and means well. Mr. Mavis is the cheapest man around and never pays for anything if he can help it. I rather like him in spite of that. He's so country. Because he's cheap, he seems to have a fair bit of money. I do not like his wife. She does custodial work for the police and blabs everything she hears to Mr. Mavis and it spreads like wildfire. Hal Hardwicke, the mayor's father, owns an apple orchard. He inherited the seeds from his dad and seems to be quite successful. He's kind of grumpy and cheap, not super friendly but he loves his daughter and gets involved in the town Centennial. Warren Wheaton is another local speculating on what happened 50 years ago. He has some good theories. He loves ice cream and comes up with his own flavor for the Centennial churning contest but his ex-wife/girlfriend, Cora, keeps him on a strict diet. Poor Warren can't enjoy a freakshake at the Centennial.
Orwell, the tabloid journalist, is awful. He'll do anything for a story and doesn't care who he hurts in the process. There's a big mistake in his story, making it unrealistic.
Stan Lawper is hesitant about agreeing to represent Doug. He claims he may have to drop out, giving an excuse that doesn't hold up. He seems cagey and a little nervous. What's up with him? Could STAN be the hijacker? But he's British and came to town to help his sister run Full of Beans. At least that's what he says. Meg Lawper knows more than she's letting on. I think she knew Hooper way back when and maybe was in love with him and he lost her love when he hijacked the plane? Her reaction to digging up the old story is pretty strong and I am sure she is connected somehow.
I'm glad I got to read this book but it was a little disappointing after all this time. Also, we need recipes! I'm still dying to try a freakshake!
This mystery didn't appeal to me as much as the previous ones. The mystery was based on D.B. Cooper, obviously, but fictionalized. The mystery kept me guessing until a few tiny clues made me realize who must have done it but not until 3/4 of the way through the book. I didn't like the intrusion of podcasters and "bad" people coming to town. I absolutely hated that the author would have a villain try to pin the crime on a man with autism. The "cozy" hook is always fun. I love ice cream but I am shocked by how many nuts Trin uses in her ice cream! Isn't she aware of allergies? Plus some people don't like nuts. Nuts totally ruin ice cream and sweets. There a brief mention of peanut allergy but nothing about tree nut allergies. That kind of ruined my enjoyment of the ice cream. The Centennial celebration sounds like fun if you aren't allergic to nuts and if you are, no ice cream for you, sadly.
I like Trin but she is not the best sleuth. She's nearly killed when she finally puts the clues together. I prefer it when the sleuths actually figure it out and go get help from the authorities. Plus, there's the whole ice cream with nuts issue and letting the twins run wild with their phones. I would have a no phones policy if I were her. Those kids are entrepreneurs and I admire their spirit but too much with the drone, TikTok (when they were told NOT TO), etc. I did enjoy the breakfast ice cream development plot! What is ice cream anyway except cream and sugar and most people put that in their coffee anyway! Bring on the breakfast ice cream!
I love the relationship between Trin and her grandfather. Papa Luis is my favorite human in the story. He's always charming. I wish he had a larger role in this story. Normally I love Trin's friendship with her fellow ex-wives but they aren't really in this story. Juliette is but she's on bed rest and is going a little nutty with reading/listening to crazy stories online. She helps sleuth and Bonnie offers some advice and support but with Felice away and visitors at her inn, she's too busy to spend time with Trin sleuthing. The animals are my most favorite characters. The new parrot addition to the story is hilarious and adds to the fun. Noodles is just so sweet and so adorable. I want to hug him. Noodles is great with Doug. Noodles should be a therapy dog.
Doug has special needs and is mostly non-verbal. I recognize signs of autism and maybe some OCD there. I know he's a gentle soul and would never deliberately kill someone but maybe accidentally in self-defense? Maybe he was swinging the bat around in fear and it hit the podcaster? OK so we know that's not the case because it's never the person initially suspected. (Almost never). Quinn believes his brother didn't do it but Doug isn't talking and if Doug did do it, Quinn would lie for his brother. I understand belief in your family and defending them but if Quinn knows Doug killed Brad, he should talk to Doug about telling Chief Bigley what actually happened. Chief Bigley is fair and empathetic. She knows Doug is who he is and tries to respect his boundaries but she also has to do her job. I appreciate how she balances her duties with empathy for Doug's needs. Her revelation at the end is quite a shock. Officer Echo is younger and more modern. She makes efficient use of technology to try to solve the crime. She's a go-getter.
Brad Blaze was an egotistical jerk. He thinks he's famous and everyone should recognize him and fall down at his feet giving him whatever he wants. When the Sproketarians don't know who he is and aren't leading him to Doug, he becomes angry. All he cares about is solving this crime so he can make mega bucks and be really famous. He doesn't care about the lives he's disrupting with his invasion or any humans really. He was even leading on two women online, both of whom claim to be his girlfriend. What a sleaze! Brittany Clark, girlfriend #1, is a city girl and determined to stay in Sproket long enough to solve the hijacking mystery. She doesn't participate in town life or eat ice cream. She spends her money at the coffee shop at least. Paige, girlfriend #2, is even more unlikable. She fights publicly with Brittany (@BritLit) and seems like she's more delusional than Brittany. Mayor Ramona Hardwicke sees the publicity opportunity for her town and jumps on board the podcast wagon. Ugh. She's intense and not likable.
Mr. Mavis, a down home farmer, offers to protect Quinn's farm with ... his slingshot. LOL! Mr. Mavis is sweet and means well. Mr. Mavis is the cheapest man around and never pays for anything if he can help it. I rather like him in spite of that. He's so country. Because he's cheap, he seems to have a fair bit of money. I do not like his wife. She does custodial work for the police and blabs everything she hears to Mr. Mavis and it spreads like wildfire. Hal Hardwicke, the mayor's father, owns an apple orchard. He inherited the seeds from his dad and seems to be quite successful. He's kind of grumpy and cheap, not super friendly but he loves his daughter and gets involved in the town Centennial. Warren Wheaton is another local speculating on what happened 50 years ago. He has some good theories. He loves ice cream and comes up with his own flavor for the Centennial churning contest but his ex-wife/girlfriend, Cora, keeps him on a strict diet. Poor Warren can't enjoy a freakshake at the Centennial.
Orwell, the tabloid journalist, is awful. He'll do anything for a story and doesn't care who he hurts in the process. There's a big mistake in his story, making it unrealistic.
Stan Lawper is hesitant about agreeing to represent Doug. He claims he may have to drop out, giving an excuse that doesn't hold up. He seems cagey and a little nervous. What's up with him? Could STAN be the hijacker? But he's British and came to town to help his sister run Full of Beans. At least that's what he says. Meg Lawper knows more than she's letting on. I think she knew Hooper way back when and maybe was in love with him and he lost her love when he hijacked the plane? Her reaction to digging up the old story is pretty strong and I am sure she is connected somehow.
I'm glad I got to read this book but it was a little disappointing after all this time. Also, we need recipes! I'm still dying to try a freakshake!
February 22, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The residents of Upper Sprocket are looking forward to the influx of visitors for their Centennial Celebration but that’s not what brought podcaster Brad Blaze to the tiny town. He’s there to crack a 50-year-old cold case. A famous unsolved hijacking where the hijacker jumped out of the plane with $500,000 and disappeared. The podcaster believes one guy has all the answers he needs to solve the case. The guy happens to be Doug, the brother of Trinidad Jones’ fiance’. As word gets out true crime fans start rolling into Upper Sprocket to witness the big reveal of the hijacker’s identity.
When Doug goes missing the search uncovers a body. But it wasn’t Doug, it was Brad Blaze. Now the police have plenty of questions for Doug. Trinidad was ready to serve up treats from her Shimmy and Shake Shop during the Centennial Celebration but finding Doug and the real killer takes priority. Heck she just may solve the 50-year-old cold case too.
I was so excited to see that Ms. Mentink released a new book for this series. While at the end of Spoon to be Dead all the wonderful characters were left in a good place their stories were not complete.
Quinn and Trinidad continue to grow closer but no matter how hard they try they just can’t tie the knot. Quinn is a strong relatable man who puts his brother first in his life. Doug is autistic but is more comfortable every day around the people of Upper Sprocket. Trinidad, Juliet, and Bonnie call themselves soul sisters and they are so much stronger together. The friendship/sisterhood built due to all being married to the same man is unique and heartwarming. They are there to celebrate, support, and get closer every day. Papa Luis and Trinidad are close. They live together and work together and are a great team. Twins Carlos and Diego work at the Shimmy after school and in this story they are coming up with their own ice cream creation and assisting with the case too. Sprocket’s chief of police also connects with everyone as she is the ex’s sister. All these characters feel true to life and I would love to insert myself into their group.
I can’t forget Noodles, Trinidad’s Labrador. In his younger days, he flunked out of service dog training and ended up in a shelter. Now he goes everywhere with Trinidad or Papa Luis. He has his own buddy in Scooter, a parrot that serenades the customers at the Shimmy and Shake Shop.
Taking inspiration from D. B. Cooper and his exploits Ms. Mentink gives us D.W. Hooper who dropped from the sky over Upper Sprocket, hid his money somewhere, and was never seen again. Filled with twists and turns I was gobsmacked when all was revealed. This little town was full of secrets.
Thrown For A Scoop was a very entertaining read. Ms. Mentink plotted out a complicated mystery that involved all the characters were have enjoyed since Pint of No Return. The ending was fun and heartwarming. I really hope she continues the series because I am already looking forward to my next visit to Upper Sprocket and to the Shimmy and Shake Shop for a freakshake.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
The residents of Upper Sprocket are looking forward to the influx of visitors for their Centennial Celebration but that’s not what brought podcaster Brad Blaze to the tiny town. He’s there to crack a 50-year-old cold case. A famous unsolved hijacking where the hijacker jumped out of the plane with $500,000 and disappeared. The podcaster believes one guy has all the answers he needs to solve the case. The guy happens to be Doug, the brother of Trinidad Jones’ fiance’. As word gets out true crime fans start rolling into Upper Sprocket to witness the big reveal of the hijacker’s identity.
When Doug goes missing the search uncovers a body. But it wasn’t Doug, it was Brad Blaze. Now the police have plenty of questions for Doug. Trinidad was ready to serve up treats from her Shimmy and Shake Shop during the Centennial Celebration but finding Doug and the real killer takes priority. Heck she just may solve the 50-year-old cold case too.
I was so excited to see that Ms. Mentink released a new book for this series. While at the end of Spoon to be Dead all the wonderful characters were left in a good place their stories were not complete.
Quinn and Trinidad continue to grow closer but no matter how hard they try they just can’t tie the knot. Quinn is a strong relatable man who puts his brother first in his life. Doug is autistic but is more comfortable every day around the people of Upper Sprocket. Trinidad, Juliet, and Bonnie call themselves soul sisters and they are so much stronger together. The friendship/sisterhood built due to all being married to the same man is unique and heartwarming. They are there to celebrate, support, and get closer every day. Papa Luis and Trinidad are close. They live together and work together and are a great team. Twins Carlos and Diego work at the Shimmy after school and in this story they are coming up with their own ice cream creation and assisting with the case too. Sprocket’s chief of police also connects with everyone as she is the ex’s sister. All these characters feel true to life and I would love to insert myself into their group.
I can’t forget Noodles, Trinidad’s Labrador. In his younger days, he flunked out of service dog training and ended up in a shelter. Now he goes everywhere with Trinidad or Papa Luis. He has his own buddy in Scooter, a parrot that serenades the customers at the Shimmy and Shake Shop.
Taking inspiration from D. B. Cooper and his exploits Ms. Mentink gives us D.W. Hooper who dropped from the sky over Upper Sprocket, hid his money somewhere, and was never seen again. Filled with twists and turns I was gobsmacked when all was revealed. This little town was full of secrets.
Thrown For A Scoop was a very entertaining read. Ms. Mentink plotted out a complicated mystery that involved all the characters were have enjoyed since Pint of No Return. The ending was fun and heartwarming. I really hope she continues the series because I am already looking forward to my next visit to Upper Sprocket and to the Shimmy and Shake Shop for a freakshake.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
December 16, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I was so excited when Dana announced a fourth book in this incredible series! I just adore the town of Upper Sprocket and all its characters. With each book you wind up falling more and more in love with their truly unique dynamic of found family. Heartfelt moments between friends with a dash of romance, all mixed together with suspenseful chaos which creates the sweetest recipe for cozy mystery success!
In Thrown for a Scoop we’re following a cold case hijacking that took place in the little town of Upper Sprocket 50 years prior. As usual, Trinidad Jones, owner of the Shimmy and Shake Shop puts her sleuthing skills to the test – only this time she feels even more invested than ever when her fiancé’s brother unexpectedly becomes a suspect in the murder of a true crime podcaster that came to visit the town with plans to unearth the cold case. Trinidad will do anything to protect Doug. There is no way this sweet man had anything to do with these events. The town is all a buzz and people are showing up in droves to get in on the action that’s unfolding surrounding the infamous hijacking.
Trust me – you’re going to want to SCOOP this one up. It’s just SO good! I absolutely loved the way this story ended. A great culmination to the series, of course, I won’t at all complain if Dana decides to release a book five. 😉
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I was so excited when Dana announced a fourth book in this incredible series! I just adore the town of Upper Sprocket and all its characters. With each book you wind up falling more and more in love with their truly unique dynamic of found family. Heartfelt moments between friends with a dash of romance, all mixed together with suspenseful chaos which creates the sweetest recipe for cozy mystery success!
In Thrown for a Scoop we’re following a cold case hijacking that took place in the little town of Upper Sprocket 50 years prior. As usual, Trinidad Jones, owner of the Shimmy and Shake Shop puts her sleuthing skills to the test – only this time she feels even more invested than ever when her fiancé’s brother unexpectedly becomes a suspect in the murder of a true crime podcaster that came to visit the town with plans to unearth the cold case. Trinidad will do anything to protect Doug. There is no way this sweet man had anything to do with these events. The town is all a buzz and people are showing up in droves to get in on the action that’s unfolding surrounding the infamous hijacking.
Trust me – you’re going to want to SCOOP this one up. It’s just SO good! I absolutely loved the way this story ended. A great culmination to the series, of course, I won’t at all complain if Dana decides to release a book five. 😉
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
January 31, 2025
I really love this cozy mystery series from Dana Mentink! The storylines, characters, and humor make for great reads! I’ve enjoyed getting to know the main characters better through each mystery and the secondary characters always add to the stories.
Trinidad is our somewhat reluctant mystery solving heroine. I love her personality and how she goes about solving crimes. It’s always fun trying to solve the mysteries, even though I can never quite figure them out. I love that this mystery was loosely based off of a real mystery that I have always been interested in and has never been solved. As usual with Ms. Mentink’s stories, Noodles the dog, is one of my favorite characters.
While this is the fourth story in the Shake Shop series, each story could easily be read as a stand-alone. However, if read in order you really get to know the characters so much better, which adds to the reading experience! If you are a cozy mystery fan, I highly recommend this series!
Trinidad is our somewhat reluctant mystery solving heroine. I love her personality and how she goes about solving crimes. It’s always fun trying to solve the mysteries, even though I can never quite figure them out. I love that this mystery was loosely based off of a real mystery that I have always been interested in and has never been solved. As usual with Ms. Mentink’s stories, Noodles the dog, is one of my favorite characters.
While this is the fourth story in the Shake Shop series, each story could easily be read as a stand-alone. However, if read in order you really get to know the characters so much better, which adds to the reading experience! If you are a cozy mystery fan, I highly recommend this series!
September 26, 2025
This is a fun series and I was excited to learn about this book, when it seemed that the series had ended.
As unusual as it was earlier in the series, I've come to appreciate the relationship between Trinity, Juliette and Bonnie, and I love watching Trinity and Papa Luis together. Even more, though, I adore Noodles, the golden retriever who flunked out of service dog training.
The murder victim here was a visitor to town, and given his profession, it was obvious that the story of D.W. Hooper was central to his death. Yes, it's based on the real-life case of infamous hijacker D.B. Cooper, with a few creative twists along the way. I was glad to realize that the killer was not who I had as suspect #1, but instead was someone else on my list.
I like the way the book ended, and hope there are more books to come in the series. I want to see where things go from here!
As unusual as it was earlier in the series, I've come to appreciate the relationship between Trinity, Juliette and Bonnie, and I love watching Trinity and Papa Luis together. Even more, though, I adore Noodles, the golden retriever who flunked out of service dog training.
The murder victim here was a visitor to town, and given his profession, it was obvious that the story of D.W. Hooper was central to his death. Yes, it's based on the real-life case of infamous hijacker D.B. Cooper, with a few creative twists along the way. I was glad to realize that the killer was not who I had as suspect #1, but instead was someone else on my list.
I like the way the book ended, and hope there are more books to come in the series. I want to see where things go from here!
February 8, 2025
Once again, Trinidad finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery! Follow along as she works with Chief Bigley and her fiance' Quinn, to clear Quinn's brother Doug, from suspicion. All the while continuing to dream up new flavors and Freakshake ideas. Papa, Carlos, and Diego join in and the whole town of Sprocket is stunned to find out who the culprit is!
January 5, 2025
So happy to be back in Upper Sprockett! I was sad when she published the third book that it would be the last. I'm so happy there is a chance to revisit the Shimmy! I hope there will be more books to come
April 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this scrumptious cozy mystery. I love Trinidad and her interesting friends. I loved all the twists and turns as Trinidad must solve a murder from the past and the present that is very close to her. I loved the mystery and the bits of romance.
December 18, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and series!! You must read this book today!! I love all the characters!!
March 13, 2025
I love this series! Thrown For a Scoop is the fourth book in Dana Mentink’s Shake Shop Mystery Series, but it makes perfect sense as a stand-alone novel.
Trinidad Jones owns the Shake Shop in the quaint town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon, a town that is filled with a slew of quirky characters from her grandfather to the teenage twins who help with her business. Then there are the two women who share the same ex-husband as Trinidad, who have become like her sisters; the police chief, who is her ex -sister-in-law; Quinn, her nut farmer fiancé; and an assortment of other unique townspeople.
Once again Trinidad finds herself smack in the middle of another murder investigation. This time, she scrambles to piece together clues to identify the real murderer before the dirty deed is pinned on her soon-to-be brother-in-law.
There were lots of twists and turns to keep the plot moving quickly. The characters were all so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. Every time I thought I had figured out who the perpetrator was, something happened to prove my theory wrong. I was kept guessing until the very end.
Dana Mentink always writes superb mysteries that keep you on your toes, and she infuses humor at exactly the right places. I’ve enjoyed this cozy mystery series so much that I hope there are many more installments.
Thank you, Dana, for another amazing story! I’d give it ten stars, if I could!!
Trinidad Jones owns the Shake Shop in the quaint town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon, a town that is filled with a slew of quirky characters from her grandfather to the teenage twins who help with her business. Then there are the two women who share the same ex-husband as Trinidad, who have become like her sisters; the police chief, who is her ex -sister-in-law; Quinn, her nut farmer fiancé; and an assortment of other unique townspeople.
Once again Trinidad finds herself smack in the middle of another murder investigation. This time, she scrambles to piece together clues to identify the real murderer before the dirty deed is pinned on her soon-to-be brother-in-law.
There were lots of twists and turns to keep the plot moving quickly. The characters were all so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. Every time I thought I had figured out who the perpetrator was, something happened to prove my theory wrong. I was kept guessing until the very end.
Dana Mentink always writes superb mysteries that keep you on your toes, and she infuses humor at exactly the right places. I’ve enjoyed this cozy mystery series so much that I hope there are many more installments.
Thank you, Dana, for another amazing story! I’d give it ten stars, if I could!!
June 18, 2025
Upper Sprocket is celebrating its centennial, and Trinidad Jones has created a special freak shake to celebrate the milestone. But before the celebration kicks off, a stranger wanders into her shake shop. He’s a true crime podcaster trying to track down clues on a fifty-year-old case, and he thinks that Trinidad’s soon to be brother-in-law, Doug, might know something about it. Since Doug isn’t good with strangers, Trinidad tries to warn him only to find that the stranger is dead when she arrives. Despite vowing to stay out of it, she can’t help but try to clear Doug. Can she do it?
I was pleased to see the author was self-publishing a fourth book in the series. It does a good job of updating us on the characters while also kicking the story off. We are treated to a well plotted story that kept me guessing until we reached the logical climax. And the characters are as quirky and charming as always. There were some continuity issues early on that felt like things left over from earlier drafts of the book, but once things really got going, I didn’t notice any more of them. This book will definitely make you crave ice cream, and I am curious what was in the breakfast ice cream that is featured in a fun subplot. Fans of this series will scoop up this book. I know I’m glad I did.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was pleased to see the author was self-publishing a fourth book in the series. It does a good job of updating us on the characters while also kicking the story off. We are treated to a well plotted story that kept me guessing until we reached the logical climax. And the characters are as quirky and charming as always. There were some continuity issues early on that felt like things left over from earlier drafts of the book, but once things really got going, I didn’t notice any more of them. This book will definitely make you crave ice cream, and I am curious what was in the breakfast ice cream that is featured in a fun subplot. Fans of this series will scoop up this book. I know I’m glad I did.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 8, 2025
YES! Trinidad Jones, Papa Luis (grandfather), Bonnie, Juliette, Quinn (the boyfriend), Doug (Quinn's brother), of course her loyal fur companion Noodle and all the residents of Upper Sprocket, OR are back in the 4th book in Dana Mentink's wonderful Shake Shop series. I thought the third book was the final book in this series so I was so happy when the author announced book 4!
Upper Sprocket is celebrating their centennial and Trinidad has created a freak shake for the occasion with so many activities going on for the towns 100th birthday she is busy along with trying to marry Quinn Logan what she wasn't expecting was Brad Blaze a true crime podcaster who has shown up to solve the mystery of DW Hooper who high jacked a plane 50 years ago and got away with half a million dollars a al D.B. Cooper. When he shows up in the Shake Shop asking about a photo she realizes he is interested in one person in the picture Quinn's neurodivergent younger brother Doug.
When Doug goes missing that day and Brad Blaze's body is found later that day killed on a hiking trail on Quinn's nut farm with Doug's baseball bat Trinidad knows she can't stand by but has to clear Doug's name and figure out how a hat Doug is holding in the picture is connected a 50 year old hijacking.
Now Upper Sprocket is being over run by Brad Blaze fans and podcasters!
I found the mystery exciting and very much on the edge on my seat I just couldn't put the book down and the reveal of who DW Hooper was and the killer had my mouth dropping. I am really hoping there is a book 5
Upper Sprocket is celebrating their centennial and Trinidad has created a freak shake for the occasion with so many activities going on for the towns 100th birthday she is busy along with trying to marry Quinn Logan what she wasn't expecting was Brad Blaze a true crime podcaster who has shown up to solve the mystery of DW Hooper who high jacked a plane 50 years ago and got away with half a million dollars a al D.B. Cooper. When he shows up in the Shake Shop asking about a photo she realizes he is interested in one person in the picture Quinn's neurodivergent younger brother Doug.
When Doug goes missing that day and Brad Blaze's body is found later that day killed on a hiking trail on Quinn's nut farm with Doug's baseball bat Trinidad knows she can't stand by but has to clear Doug's name and figure out how a hat Doug is holding in the picture is connected a 50 year old hijacking.
Now Upper Sprocket is being over run by Brad Blaze fans and podcasters!
I found the mystery exciting and very much on the edge on my seat I just couldn't put the book down and the reveal of who DW Hooper was and the killer had my mouth dropping. I am really hoping there is a book 5
December 23, 2024
This is a most deliciously delightful story with Sprocket Rocket Freakshakes, breakfast ice cream, cider pressing and more. It’s Upper Sprocket’s Centennial and there are many things planned, some that are not food. But before the celebration even begins however, there is a murder and quiet Doug, Quinn’s brother, is implicated. Does that even make sense?
The author has given us a mystery to solve - one I expect you will not figure out before Trinidad helps you. Plenty of twists and turns with entrepreneurial twins, a hijacking, hidden identities and a mysterious hat will keep you guessing right up to the special surprise at the end.
An ecopy of The Shake Shop Mysteries Book 4 was received from the author. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
The author has given us a mystery to solve - one I expect you will not figure out before Trinidad helps you. Plenty of twists and turns with entrepreneurial twins, a hijacking, hidden identities and a mysterious hat will keep you guessing right up to the special surprise at the end.
An ecopy of The Shake Shop Mysteries Book 4 was received from the author. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
August 11, 2025
I’m so glad Dana continued this series on her own. I love Sprocket and all of the characters. The mystery in this one is SO well done! I was constantly updating my guess as to who had done it.
Although I truly enjoyed this book, there were a few errors and some word choices that made me reread. I also felt like there were times when the characters, specifically Noodles felt like he had more abilities than previously. For example, previously he would on occasion do things out of the blue to help out Trinidad. In this book it seemed like her was doing everything. I also felt like this could have been just a bit shorter and been just as great!
Overall, I enjoyed this and will continue to read if Dana continues to write this series!🤞🏼
Although I truly enjoyed this book, there were a few errors and some word choices that made me reread. I also felt like there were times when the characters, specifically Noodles felt like he had more abilities than previously. For example, previously he would on occasion do things out of the blue to help out Trinidad. In this book it seemed like her was doing everything. I also felt like this could have been just a bit shorter and been just as great!
Overall, I enjoyed this and will continue to read if Dana continues to write this series!🤞🏼
December 17, 2024
Upper Sprocket is celebrating its centennial. Meanwhile, a true crime blogger has come to town to investigate a 50-year-old mystery and ends up murdered. Of course, Trinidad Jones gets involved. She just can’t seem to help it, especially since her fiancé’s brother is the main suspect. Among all the mayhem there are protesters, speculation, and a mayor that thinks any publicity is good publicity and is encouraging everything. As in all Dana Mentink books, there are twists and turns, and surprises the end. This was a great, fun book.
December 31, 2024
Come join Trinidad Jones again at the Shimmy and Shake Shop in Sprocket! A fun celebration is planned the Sprocket's Centennial and some true crime bloggers come to town to try to solve a 50 year old mystery, unfortunately before the celebration begins one of the bloggers is murdered and Trinidad's fiancé, Quinn's quiet brother, is the suspect. How is this possible? Come join Trinidad and her dog, Noodles as she works on solving the murder so that Quinn's brother can be found innocent. Will she solve it in time? This was another fun book in this series! Highly recommend. Great Job Dana!
January 2, 2025
Happy to see another book in this series. Seems like it might be the last, but #3 was supposed to be too, so who knows. Neat cold case borrowed from the real-life DB Cooper hijacking. I was actually a little bummed about the killer, I was starting to like the character. We get to see plenty from our regular characters and some other townspeople as they celebrate their centennial. Noodles is still adorable, and his friendship with Scooter is so cute. Missing the ice cream recipes the previous books had.
January 4, 2025
The mystery of the D.W. Hooper hijacking (real life D.B Cooper) found its way to the small town of Spocket. Trinidad, Fiancé Quinn, and friends were quickly thrown into trying to save Quinn’s autistic brother Doug, when a reporter was found murdered.
Lots of twists and turns as you find out who really murdered the podcaster and why. Will Trinidad and Quinn finally get married? Will mysteries ever stop coming Trinidad’s way that she needs to solve? Go find your book today!
Lots of twists and turns as you find out who really murdered the podcaster and why. Will Trinidad and Quinn finally get married? Will mysteries ever stop coming Trinidad’s way that she needs to solve? Go find your book today!
June 28, 2025
A Centennial celebration brings a podcaster to town who believes he has a clue to finding a 50 year old case of a highjacker and missing money. When Doug is the suspect in the podcasters murder, Trinidad will work hard to discover what is really going on. Filled with ice cream, wedding plans, and plenty of attitude, Trinidad will figure it out so the town can celebrate. A fun read that keeps you guessing as to what really happened.
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