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Marian Moyer #1
Sex, Murder & Killer Cupcakes
Book #1 in the Marian Moyer Series! Visit allisonjanda.com. She may be a crime-scene photographer, but that doesn’t mean Marian Moyer is ready to star in her own murder mystery. Most days, she can’t even control her hair. But when the star of Marian’s racy, underground magazine turns up dead and the police are convinced she’s the guilty party, it’s up to Marian to find out who really did it before it’s too late. While danger isn’t exactly her middle name, there’s plenty to go around, especially when Marian begins to suspect that her long-time man crush is behind it all. Amazon top 100 Best Seller Amazon #2 Women Sleuth Best Seller Amazon #2 Mystery Best Seller
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2014
558 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Allison Janda
15 books32 followersMy name is Allison, and I'm an author.
Please don't ask me to name my favorite book because I have no idea what it is.
Granted, that hasn't stopped me from telling people it's To Kill a Mockingbird for years. I delight in her imagery.
With or Without You by Carole Matthews broke my heart and pieced it back together again.
Eat, Pray, Love made me realize I wasn't the only one feeling painfully alone.
Elizabeth Bennet helped me believe in love again.
Me Before You reminded me I could lose love again.
Bossypants made me laugh. Hard and out loud.
Evicted made me feel sick and sad and horrified because of what I thought I knew.
My imagination ran wild with each new Harry Potter.
I want to read The Night Circus at least 100 more times.
Victoria Laurie helped me embrace the things that go bump in the night.
I was reminded of my own vulnerabilities reading Jemima J.
And the list keeps going.
So I'm an author. I'm an author because being an author can make people laugh and cry and question their beliefs and turn them on and turn them off and fall in love and all of the other things that humans should do in order to live a full life.
And I hope that in reading my books, you feel something–something that reminds you of why you read books in the first place.
Find me on allisonjanda.com and writerlust.com
Please don't ask me to name my favorite book because I have no idea what it is.
Granted, that hasn't stopped me from telling people it's To Kill a Mockingbird for years. I delight in her imagery.
With or Without You by Carole Matthews broke my heart and pieced it back together again.
Eat, Pray, Love made me realize I wasn't the only one feeling painfully alone.
Elizabeth Bennet helped me believe in love again.
Me Before You reminded me I could lose love again.
Bossypants made me laugh. Hard and out loud.
Evicted made me feel sick and sad and horrified because of what I thought I knew.
My imagination ran wild with each new Harry Potter.
I want to read The Night Circus at least 100 more times.
Victoria Laurie helped me embrace the things that go bump in the night.
I was reminded of my own vulnerabilities reading Jemima J.
And the list keeps going.
So I'm an author. I'm an author because being an author can make people laugh and cry and question their beliefs and turn them on and turn them off and fall in love and all of the other things that humans should do in order to live a full life.
And I hope that in reading my books, you feel something–something that reminds you of why you read books in the first place.
Find me on allisonjanda.com and writerlust.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 22, 2018
"Light & fluffy"
This is very much like a cupcake. It's easy to devour. It satisfies a craving, but within hours you forget what it tasted like. I had to re-read the blurb to remember the story line before I could write this review. So, if you have a few hours to spare, on a flight or relaxing in the garden, take a taste. Just like one cupcake now and again, it won't do you any harm.
This is very much like a cupcake. It's easy to devour. It satisfies a craving, but within hours you forget what it tasted like. I had to re-read the blurb to remember the story line before I could write this review. So, if you have a few hours to spare, on a flight or relaxing in the garden, take a taste. Just like one cupcake now and again, it won't do you any harm.
August 31, 2020
This book was okay. Just okay. Nothing earth-shattering or wow-inspiring. Even though it entertained me for a couple of hours, there really wasn't much going on in this story. The main character, Marian, owns and operates a food porn publication - Think naked guys holding food in front of their private bits. Yes, really. - and moonlights as a crime scene photographer with the local police department. Though that seems like an interesting combination of career choices rife with possibilities for character development and conflict, this book is mainly about her obsession with two guys, attempts on her life, and her wild and unsubstantiated conclusions about who murdered the model in her studio. The murder weapon, by the way, was a poisoned cupcake.
Amateur detective stories can be amusing. This one quickly grew tiresome because Marian's character was annoying naive.
But it did its job in distracting me as we head into our twenty-fourth week of being sheltered-in-place during this corona virus pandemic. For the first month or so that we were ordered to stay at home, I couldn't focus on reading. I would read a page or two, and my mind would drift. Then I started reading voraciously...and my standards plummeted. Ha. Now I'll pretty much read through anything.
Amateur detective stories can be amusing. This one quickly grew tiresome because Marian's character was annoying naive.
But it did its job in distracting me as we head into our twenty-fourth week of being sheltered-in-place during this corona virus pandemic. For the first month or so that we were ordered to stay at home, I couldn't focus on reading. I would read a page or two, and my mind would drift. Then I started reading voraciously...and my standards plummeted. Ha. Now I'll pretty much read through anything.
June 23, 2014
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I've recently had the opportunity to read and review the new book, Sex, Murder, and Killer Cupcakes. This book is a quick read, which is perfect if you are looking for a quick summer read. If you’re a fan of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. This book reminded me a lot of the popular series, that I really enjoyed!
The first 20% of the book dragged on. I kept wondering and hoping that the book would pick up soon. With that said, that 20% mark seemed to be a sweet spot. The book immediately picked up and it was hard to put the book down after that.
I'm not a huge mystery fan, but just like the main character, Marian, I was blindsided at the end, when we found out who the murderer was. Even though, I liked the “dating” twist at the end, I was also bummed that I don’t know who Marian ended up with. My vote is totally with Mika (*wink, wink*). I would have liked a little more wrap up in that department, but I’m hoping that the author is planning a sequel to the book.
I've recently had the opportunity to read and review the new book, Sex, Murder, and Killer Cupcakes. This book is a quick read, which is perfect if you are looking for a quick summer read. If you’re a fan of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. This book reminded me a lot of the popular series, that I really enjoyed!
The first 20% of the book dragged on. I kept wondering and hoping that the book would pick up soon. With that said, that 20% mark seemed to be a sweet spot. The book immediately picked up and it was hard to put the book down after that.
I'm not a huge mystery fan, but just like the main character, Marian, I was blindsided at the end, when we found out who the murderer was. Even though, I liked the “dating” twist at the end, I was also bummed that I don’t know who Marian ended up with. My vote is totally with Mika (*wink, wink*). I would have liked a little more wrap up in that department, but I’m hoping that the author is planning a sequel to the book.
December 4, 2015
This was really good. Kind of a crazy combination of themes going on here - crime scene photographer/foodie/soft porn mag editor is one combination for a character that I wouldn't have put together, but it really does work. The mystery surrounds who would want to murder the protagonist, Marian and/or her team from the magazine, and why are they considered suspects? There are some misleading facts being spread about that only come to light when the final curtain is ready to drop. A good mystery and a series that I wouldn't have credited with as much interest, but it really does work, and it really is still a cozy as there really are no sex scenes or violence on scene.
November 13, 2019
Ugh!
Ridiculous fluff of a story. Typing errors galore. Characters shallow and undeveloped. So not worth your time or your effort!
Ridiculous fluff of a story. Typing errors galore. Characters shallow and undeveloped. So not worth your time or your effort!
June 3, 2020
Very enjoyable cozy mystery!!
The suspense builds so well in this book, at 50% I'm suspecting everyone but Marian! Well, I don't suspect her parents, either. Now I'm at 82%, and I still have no idea who it is! Whew! What a story! The villain was one of my suspects (and not *just* because I was suspecting everyone); there were clues, both that pointed to the villain and lending innocence to others, but I sure didn't figure out the motive, the means, or the opportunity. Jessica Fletcher would be so disappointed in me, I'm sure.
Marian is well developed, and Addison is nearly so. We get a good amount of Marian's history, and some of their joint history. We interact with Marian's parents; we see how the ladies act normally; and how they react while under stress, both with each other, with friends, and with strangers. I hope we see more development of them and of the men in future books.
I learned what a Juicy Lucy is, and that Minneapolis takes credit for it. That's about it for setting. The plot was really quite good. There's a touch of romance.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes!
Cliffhanger: not with the crime
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: kisses and arousal; sex is mentioned as having happened, but it's in the past or behind closed doors
Language: 0 F words, 13 Lord's name in vain, 2 S words
Violence: poison, explosion, loud argument with parents, stalking, breaking and entering, armed kidnapping, marijuana use referenced
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Did the author mistakenly change Richard's name to Mike and then back to Richard? Or did Marian name the mic? Or was a character trying to be oblique?
Marian recovers from her fall in less than 24 hours, with no residual aches, scrapes, etc.
The suspense builds so well in this book, at 50% I'm suspecting everyone but Marian! Well, I don't suspect her parents, either. Now I'm at 82%, and I still have no idea who it is! Whew! What a story! The villain was one of my suspects (and not *just* because I was suspecting everyone); there were clues, both that pointed to the villain and lending innocence to others, but I sure didn't figure out the motive, the means, or the opportunity. Jessica Fletcher would be so disappointed in me, I'm sure.
Marian is well developed, and Addison is nearly so. We get a good amount of Marian's history, and some of their joint history. We interact with Marian's parents; we see how the ladies act normally; and how they react while under stress, both with each other, with friends, and with strangers. I hope we see more development of them and of the men in future books.
I learned what a Juicy Lucy is, and that Minneapolis takes credit for it. That's about it for setting. The plot was really quite good. There's a touch of romance.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes!
Cliffhanger: not with the crime
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: kisses and arousal; sex is mentioned as having happened, but it's in the past or behind closed doors
Language: 0 F words, 13 Lord's name in vain, 2 S words
Violence: poison, explosion, loud argument with parents, stalking, breaking and entering, armed kidnapping, marijuana use referenced
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Did the author mistakenly change Richard's name to Mike and then back to Richard? Or did Marian name the mic? Or was a character trying to be oblique?
Marian recovers from her fall in less than 24 hours, with no residual aches, scrapes, etc.
May 30, 2020
For the love of a proof-reader. The story itself is a fair mystery although it spends too much time the same loose theory of why the killer has to be the killer based on some odd conjectures. Even as facts change the good guys never lose focus on the same possible solution.
But, maybe I missed some stuff because I was so distracted by some of the egregious errors. Fred, the protagonist's pet beta fish is called Frank for almost an entire chapter. He also seems to switch homes from a bowl to a tank at times. There are several times I needed to re-read a sentence because it didn't make sense until I realized there were incomplete phrases left in place during author's changes. And there are several conversations that you should not bother to try to keep track of who the speaker is.
Thing is, I somewhat enjoyed the main characters and the story probably could be either edited back to a good short story or fleshed out better into a full length book. So, it isn't hopeless, just in need of editing and proofreading.
But, maybe I missed some stuff because I was so distracted by some of the egregious errors. Fred, the protagonist's pet beta fish is called Frank for almost an entire chapter. He also seems to switch homes from a bowl to a tank at times. There are several times I needed to re-read a sentence because it didn't make sense until I realized there were incomplete phrases left in place during author's changes. And there are several conversations that you should not bother to try to keep track of who the speaker is.
Thing is, I somewhat enjoyed the main characters and the story probably could be either edited back to a good short story or fleshed out better into a full length book. So, it isn't hopeless, just in need of editing and proofreading.
January 9, 2018
Cover/Title: It was definitely the title that drew me in this time.
Characters: I like Marian and her friends. I love that they rallied around her when she needed them.
Plot: This mystery was very intriguing. THe reader is always kept guessing who the murderer is. The one time that I suspected the actual murderer, I decided it couldn't be. Of course, I was wrong and the end it all made sense.
Overall: I really enjoyed this mystery. I loved that I second guessed myself when trying to solve the mystery. I prefer them not to be too easy and this one was perfectly executed. My only complaint is that there are some editing issues. Grammar errors really distract from the story if I have to read the sentence again. At least they were minor ones compared to some of the books I have read. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Characters: I like Marian and her friends. I love that they rallied around her when she needed them.
Plot: This mystery was very intriguing. THe reader is always kept guessing who the murderer is. The one time that I suspected the actual murderer, I decided it couldn't be. Of course, I was wrong and the end it all made sense.
Overall: I really enjoyed this mystery. I loved that I second guessed myself when trying to solve the mystery. I prefer them not to be too easy and this one was perfectly executed. My only complaint is that there are some editing issues. Grammar errors really distract from the story if I have to read the sentence again. At least they were minor ones compared to some of the books I have read. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
August 11, 2019
When she is not a crime scene photographer, Marian Moyer runs an underground magazine in which naked men are featured with their dangly bits modestly hidden by food supplied by local eateries, mostly cakes.
She is assisted by her best friend, Addison, a graphic designer called Rory, and a grumpy intern.
Things start to get crazy when the man to whom she lost her virginity some years ago turns up and invites her on a date. Marian has other problems though as one of their models is found dead at the magazine office, having eaten some poisoned cupcakes.
Someone is out to kill Marian and she can't work out who or why?
It's not a bad read but the plot is a little ridiculous.
Janda is clearly a skillful writer but seems to be aiming this book at a particular demographic and overeggs the romance element to the detriment of character development and plot. Certainly, being a rather mature British male, I feel am not part of the target audience which kind of begs the question why one should have a target audience at all. A good book is a good book and Janda is capable of writing one.
The minor characters, such as Marian's parents, seem to be fully rounded and complex characters, while the young men in Marian's life, who have larger roles within the novel, are very one dimensional. It does seem to me that the author has included a too large dollop of romantic complications (the new model kisses so well that we go into pages of ecstasy and near orgasm) at the expense of character development and plot.
The romance isn't a bad thing, but it would be perfect if it were balanced with some logic and a better motive for the murderer.
Having said that, it is entertaining and well-written, and held my attention more satisfactorily than a few others I have read of late. It could have been so much better though.
She is assisted by her best friend, Addison, a graphic designer called Rory, and a grumpy intern.
Things start to get crazy when the man to whom she lost her virginity some years ago turns up and invites her on a date. Marian has other problems though as one of their models is found dead at the magazine office, having eaten some poisoned cupcakes.
Someone is out to kill Marian and she can't work out who or why?
It's not a bad read but the plot is a little ridiculous.
Janda is clearly a skillful writer but seems to be aiming this book at a particular demographic and overeggs the romance element to the detriment of character development and plot. Certainly, being a rather mature British male, I feel am not part of the target audience which kind of begs the question why one should have a target audience at all. A good book is a good book and Janda is capable of writing one.
The minor characters, such as Marian's parents, seem to be fully rounded and complex characters, while the young men in Marian's life, who have larger roles within the novel, are very one dimensional. It does seem to me that the author has included a too large dollop of romantic complications (the new model kisses so well that we go into pages of ecstasy and near orgasm) at the expense of character development and plot.
The romance isn't a bad thing, but it would be perfect if it were balanced with some logic and a better motive for the murderer.
Having said that, it is entertaining and well-written, and held my attention more satisfactorily than a few others I have read of late. It could have been so much better though.
July 31, 2017
Wonderful writer! I couldn't put this book down!!
I read A LOT of murder mysteries, so it's rare when I find a new author that I like so much. Allison Janda is that author! I couldn't have enjoyed this book more!! A superb writer, Ms. Janda has a gift for conversations among her characters that made me feel them come alive & that I was watching them in a movie! And, she paired that with just the perfect amount of humor! An author to savor & follow!
I read A LOT of murder mysteries, so it's rare when I find a new author that I like so much. Allison Janda is that author! I couldn't have enjoyed this book more!! A superb writer, Ms. Janda has a gift for conversations among her characters that made me feel them come alive & that I was watching them in a movie! And, she paired that with just the perfect amount of humor! An author to savor & follow!
August 10, 2020
An OK style Crime Fiction Thriller!
Confusing plotlines between chapters making the overall story predictable without the thrilling suspensions that may have been the original intent. How are civilian crime scene photographers supposed to be taken seriously when the photographer, themself, has many relationship problems with the opposite sex? As for "killer cupcakes", there were many details missing in the book, making confusing plotlines. An OK story.
Confusing plotlines between chapters making the overall story predictable without the thrilling suspensions that may have been the original intent. How are civilian crime scene photographers supposed to be taken seriously when the photographer, themself, has many relationship problems with the opposite sex? As for "killer cupcakes", there were many details missing in the book, making confusing plotlines. An OK story.
June 28, 2021
Food Porn Magazine?
Pretty cute, relaxing read. Stephanie Plum without Gramma Mozer (and not quite as complex or as thougherly developed.) Ending wasn't a big surprise. The ebook needs further editing, but it wasn't so bad as to be disruptive. I realize the first word in the title is "sex", but, if Marion didn't have a food porn magazine, this would be a cute book without too much sex in it.
Pretty cute, relaxing read. Stephanie Plum without Gramma Mozer (and not quite as complex or as thougherly developed.) Ending wasn't a big surprise. The ebook needs further editing, but it wasn't so bad as to be disruptive. I realize the first word in the title is "sex", but, if Marion didn't have a food porn magazine, this would be a cute book without too much sex in it.
March 4, 2018
Good story great characters flows along nicely but spoiled by whole paragraphs being repeated seemingly every other page , Fire the proof readers Baz
. Two stars for the plot ,the characters are well fleshed out and quite believable ,with a little more care would have gained four stars. Baz.
. Two stars for the plot ,the characters are well fleshed out and quite believable ,with a little more care would have gained four stars. Baz.
August 30, 2018
A twist your not going to see
Brilliant book, twist at the end just as i thought i had it worked out! Great writing enough suspense to keep me reading, enough intrigue to make me think and a dash of romance that could go either way! Strong characters which are believable even down to the parents and their relationship. Reminded me of family and friends.
Brilliant book, twist at the end just as i thought i had it worked out! Great writing enough suspense to keep me reading, enough intrigue to make me think and a dash of romance that could go either way! Strong characters which are believable even down to the parents and their relationship. Reminded me of family and friends.
August 25, 2020
A good story.
Marian publishes a food magazine and is a crime photographer for the police. When one of her models is killed, Marian investigates. Marian later finds herself a target of the killer. The pilot starts a little slow, but picks up later. There is action, danger and love interest for Marian
Marian publishes a food magazine and is a crime photographer for the police. When one of her models is killed, Marian investigates. Marian later finds herself a target of the killer. The pilot starts a little slow, but picks up later. There is action, danger and love interest for Marian
August 26, 2020
Cutzie
It was an OK book. Ending was silly. What drove me crazy is sentences were repeated from the bottom of one of tithe top of another. About 15 times. Doesn’t anyone read their book before publishing? Pet peeve of mine to find grammar mistakes in books but this was over the top.
It was an OK book. Ending was silly. What drove me crazy is sentences were repeated from the bottom of one of tithe top of another. About 15 times. Doesn’t anyone read their book before publishing? Pet peeve of mine to find grammar mistakes in books but this was over the top.
June 8, 2021
The main character, Marian is an idiot. She works as a crime scene photographer for the police dept, but still can't manage to figure out who done it. There are a lot of typos in this book. It still has some funny parts, though, so I won't rate it too low. Hopefully, this series gets better as we go on.
November 3, 2024
I was attracted to this book by the cute title. I thought it would be like a Hallmark Channel story.
However, I thought the story was really dumb, uninteresting, and lifeless. In addition, there were at least six-seven typos through out the book. I find typos really annoying and shows a lack of good editing.
I doubt I will read any more of her novels.
However, I thought the story was really dumb, uninteresting, and lifeless. In addition, there were at least six-seven typos through out the book. I find typos really annoying and shows a lack of good editing.
I doubt I will read any more of her novels.
June 21, 2017
Not bad, but....
The editing definitely could use help. Whole paragraphs were repeated and it made it seem very amateurish. The plot was very one dimensional and contrived, but the characters were created with an eye toward a sequel.
The editing definitely could use help. Whole paragraphs were repeated and it made it seem very amateurish. The plot was very one dimensional and contrived, but the characters were created with an eye toward a sequel.
July 16, 2017
Definitely a good book.
I really did enjoy this book, you will be surprised when you find that Whodunnit, I had not really guessed it :-) if you get the book and take your time and you won't regret it. It's a fun read.
I really did enjoy this book, you will be surprised when you find that Whodunnit, I had not really guessed it :-) if you get the book and take your time and you won't regret it. It's a fun read.
November 15, 2017
Sex Murder Killer Cupcake
This was an interesting book, many great characters, lots of action, and I loved that I had no clue who the killer was.. I would have given this 5 stars, but throughout the book, they kept repeating paragraphs! Drove me crazy!
This was an interesting book, many great characters, lots of action, and I loved that I had no clue who the killer was.. I would have given this 5 stars, but throughout the book, they kept repeating paragraphs! Drove me crazy!
December 17, 2017
Good escape from .....reality
I am living through a very stressful time and I enjoy good reads...an escape this filled !my desire to indulge with a good glass of wine wish we had a cupcake recipe to follow 👍
I am living through a very stressful time and I enjoy good reads...an escape this filled !my desire to indulge with a good glass of wine wish we had a cupcake recipe to follow 👍
February 4, 2018
A bit slow for a while, but it turns exciting.
The second half of the book is fantastic. There's a lot of juggling of good-looking, dangerous men. I like the heroine, and I am envious of her.
The second half of the book is fantastic. There's a lot of juggling of good-looking, dangerous men. I like the heroine, and I am envious of her.
October 17, 2018
What fun , suspense, intrigue!!
Title caught my eye, characters kept my interest. Had no clue of the identity of the villain. Love Marian! And the boys!!! And Fred! Looking for more by this author.
Title caught my eye, characters kept my interest. Had no clue of the identity of the villain. Love Marian! And the boys!!! And Fred! Looking for more by this author.
March 14, 2019
Was very good
Was very good but won't let me close and go on to another unless I buy another
Thanks 😘 for Christmas 😊 same 😊just want out of this why so long to get back to reading
Was very good but won't let me close and go on to another unless I buy another
Thanks 😘 for Christmas 😊 same 😊just want out of this why so long to get back to reading
July 30, 2019
Cupcakes and porn
Marian is a hard working photographer for the police and a food porn magazine producer. She has a lively bunch of good friend coworkers. People start to die cars blow up. She keeps trying to guess who is behind it.
Marian is a hard working photographer for the police and a food porn magazine producer. She has a lively bunch of good friend coworkers. People start to die cars blow up. She keeps trying to guess who is behind it.
June 9, 2020
O my!!
Well this was certainly different. Half way I almost was giving up but hate to not read a book to the end. I sort of guessed about a couple of things and later found I was right. Happy I persisted and think maybe I will try the next one after all.
Well this was certainly different. Half way I almost was giving up but hate to not read a book to the end. I sort of guessed about a couple of things and later found I was right. Happy I persisted and think maybe I will try the next one after all.
July 29, 2020
Love it
I read the second book in this series quite some time ago, so when I started this one I realized the characters were very familiar! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The ending caught me by surprise! I hope there are more in this series.
I read the second book in this series quite some time ago, so when I started this one I realized the characters were very familiar! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The ending caught me by surprise! I hope there are more in this series.
February 26, 2021
Fun, quick read
Updated theme for a cozy: Who would picture Agatha Christie writing about food porn? Some questionable points in the story - the daughter of a cop doesn't know how to use a gun? But read it without a critical eye and it's a fun romp.
Updated theme for a cozy: Who would picture Agatha Christie writing about food porn? Some questionable points in the story - the daughter of a cop doesn't know how to use a gun? But read it without a critical eye and it's a fun romp.
August 9, 2021
Narrator is awful.
While the book itself wasn’t bad the audio I got to go with it to listen when I couldn’t read was terrible. It felt like she was reading a textbook as fast as she could.
While the book itself wasn’t bad the audio I got to go with it to listen when I couldn’t read was terrible. It felt like she was reading a textbook as fast as she could.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews