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Soup Lover's Mystery #4
Ladle to the Grave
By the Spoonful is Snowflake, Vermont’s most popular soup shop, but owner Lucky Jamieson doesn’t have any time to enjoy her success—she’s too busy trying to keep a lid on false accusations against her loved ones…
It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.
Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…
Recipes included!
It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.
Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…
Recipes included!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
25 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Connie Archer
10 books390 followersConnie Archer is the national bestselling author of the Soup Lover’s Mystery Series from Berkley Prime Crime: A SPOONFUL OF MURDER, A BROTH OF BETRAYAL, A ROUX OF REVENGE, LADLE TO THE GRAVE and A CLUE IN THE STEW. Connie's excerpts and recipes can also be found in THE COZY COOKBOOK from Penguin Random House and THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK. Connie was born and raised in New England. She now lives on the other coast.
Visit her website at http://www.conniearchermysteries.com
FB: www.Facebook.com/ConnieArcherMysteries
Twitter: @SnowflakeVT
Writing as Connie di Marco, she is also the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Suspense Publishing: The Madness of Mercury, All Signs Point to Murder, Tail of the Dragon, Enter a Wizard Stage Left and Serpent's Doom.
Visit her website at http://conniedimarco.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/zodiacmyster...
Twitter: @askzodia
Visit her website at http://www.conniearchermysteries.com
FB: www.Facebook.com/ConnieArcherMysteries
Twitter: @SnowflakeVT
Writing as Connie di Marco, she is also the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Suspense Publishing: The Madness of Mercury, All Signs Point to Murder, Tail of the Dragon, Enter a Wizard Stage Left and Serpent's Doom.
Visit her website at http://conniedimarco.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/zodiacmyster...
Twitter: @askzodia
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 20, 2015
Connie Archer’s Soup Lovers Mystery series is one of my favorites. I always look forward to a new book in this series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on LADLE TO THE GRAVE. I was not disappointed.
The story wasted no time getting started, with the victim dying within the first few pages. Naturally, I figured the rest of the book would be devoted to finding out what happened, and it was. But that death in the beginning was just the start to an amazing, head spinning ride.
Lucky, her grandfather Jack, and the Spoonful had so much going on in this book! Jack is a possible suspect in the death, though not by something he did intentionally, Sophia and Sage have their wedding coming up, Lucky is trying to help Jack, and Sophia and Sage and finds herself in yet another mysterious situation! I don’t know how author Connie Archer kept everything straight!
I was so proud of myself for guessing “whodunit”. But in the middle of patting myself on the back as I read, I found I was dead wrong.
Have tissues ready around page 146 with issues dealing with Lucky’s grandfather Jack. Jack is my favorite character in this series, and I have to tell you, my heart was breaking! I am not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby!
LADLE TO THE GRAVE was just as wonderful as the first three books in this series. No, wait. Scratch that. LADLE TO THE GRAVE was even MORE wonderful than the first three titles. And I look forward to many more installments to come.
As if the wonderful story telling isn’t enough, Mr. Archer also includes yummy recipes!
If you already love this series, you’re not going to be disappointed. If you haven’t read this series, please do! You will fall in love with the characters, the location, and with author Connie Archer herself!
The story wasted no time getting started, with the victim dying within the first few pages. Naturally, I figured the rest of the book would be devoted to finding out what happened, and it was. But that death in the beginning was just the start to an amazing, head spinning ride.
Lucky, her grandfather Jack, and the Spoonful had so much going on in this book! Jack is a possible suspect in the death, though not by something he did intentionally, Sophia and Sage have their wedding coming up, Lucky is trying to help Jack, and Sophia and Sage and finds herself in yet another mysterious situation! I don’t know how author Connie Archer kept everything straight!
I was so proud of myself for guessing “whodunit”. But in the middle of patting myself on the back as I read, I found I was dead wrong.
Have tissues ready around page 146 with issues dealing with Lucky’s grandfather Jack. Jack is my favorite character in this series, and I have to tell you, my heart was breaking! I am not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby!
LADLE TO THE GRAVE was just as wonderful as the first three books in this series. No, wait. Scratch that. LADLE TO THE GRAVE was even MORE wonderful than the first three titles. And I look forward to many more installments to come.
As if the wonderful story telling isn’t enough, Mr. Archer also includes yummy recipes!
If you already love this series, you’re not going to be disappointed. If you haven’t read this series, please do! You will fall in love with the characters, the location, and with author Connie Archer herself!
September 3, 2017
This fourth installment of the Soup Lover's Mysteries had a death after a draught of May wine with wider and even more dangerous implications, the wedding of Sophie and Sage, a dead faceless dude in a creek and the reveal of a murder and cover up long ago. It's a lot and more or less comes off well. There are some worthy red herrings but unless one has picked this up without reading the others in the series, you know fairly well who the culprits won't be. The most boring romance in a book series ever seemed a bit less focused on this time and I was grateful. On the up side, all the other relationships between Lucky and the other characters are so well done and worth following.
As in the other books, the recipes mentioned throughout sound more enticing than those in the back of the book but I was drawn to a few in the back of the book and plan to make them. Recommended for fans of the series or to casual pick ups (this doesn't need to be read sequentially as there's so much restatement, new readers will catch up; to readers of the series, this lends itself to a bit of skimming.)
As in the other books, the recipes mentioned throughout sound more enticing than those in the back of the book but I was drawn to a few in the back of the book and plan to make them. Recommended for fans of the series or to casual pick ups (this doesn't need to be read sequentially as there's so much restatement, new readers will catch up; to readers of the series, this lends itself to a bit of skimming.)
March 16, 2015
I loved Lucky and her friends. They were nice, interesting and didn't act like children. The setting is beautiful and I really want a restaurant that specializes in soup nearby! The little glimpses of Lucky's parents were nice and I really enjoyed her relationship with her grandfather. They were close but not right on top of each other. It felt very much like a real relationship. It was nice to get a feel for Sophie and Lucky's childhood and definitely helped me connect with both characters more. I liked that police weren't portrayed as inept and Lucky, while investigating, wasn't going against the orders of police. There were no slow spots or places it felt like the story was dragging and the reveal was a surprise which is pretty rare for me! While I haven't read the first 3 in the series (though I own them) I don't feel like that prevented me from enjoying the story and connecting with the characters.
Overall:This was a cup of tea kind of mystery. This is an interesting story, great pacing, nice characters and soup. What more can you want!
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
Overall:This was a cup of tea kind of mystery. This is an interesting story, great pacing, nice characters and soup. What more can you want!
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
November 23, 2017
There is a new library assistant in Snowflake who gets dragooned into taking part in the Beltane celebrations, along with six other women, by the end of the evening though one of them has wound up dead. The problem seems to lie with the May wine that was offered to the dead lady and the herbs for it were provided by Jack, Lucky (the owner of the Spoonful)'s Grandfather. The widower seems determined to make sure Jack is suitably punished (although he couldn't punish him more than he is punishing himself!)
Then Lucky and Sophie find a dead body in the creek that runs through the family property (that the powers that be think could be Sophie's brother!), the resort wants to buy part of the land and the whole town seems to think they are invited to Sophie and Sage's wedding! Lucky needs to live up to her name and sort it all out so things can go smoothly on the wedding day.
Then Lucky and Sophie find a dead body in the creek that runs through the family property (that the powers that be think could be Sophie's brother!), the resort wants to buy part of the land and the whole town seems to think they are invited to Sophie and Sage's wedding! Lucky needs to live up to her name and sort it all out so things can go smoothly on the wedding day.
March 3, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
Even though I knew there was going to be murder involved, Ladle to the Grave was simply a cozy (pun intended) comfort read from beginning to end. Connie Archer is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I’ve read two of the three previous books in the Soup Lover’s Mystery Series and she seems to just get better. The best or I should say, one of the best things about this series is that you don’t have to read the other books to enjoy this one.
Snowflake is a small town in Vermont with not a lot to do. A group of local women form a women’s group to do something fun and interesting. They decide to celebrate Beltane Eve, a night to celebrate the coming of Spring and the first May blooms. Some people in Snowflake view Beltane Eve as a pagan ritual and are not happy the women have gotten together, in the middle of the woods, at midnight. Once the ritual begins and the May wine starts to be passed around, one of the women drinks it and falls to her death. Suspicion is cast on Jack Jamieson, Lucky’s grandfather, as he is the one who picked the ingredients for the drink.
Yes, Jack is getting older, but Lucky knows that there is no way Jack would have picked a deadly weed or plant and given it to someone. Refusing to allow her grandfather to be convicted of something he didn’t do, Lucky starts her own little investigation. However, investigating and trying to clear her grandfather’s name isn’t the only thing on Lucky’s plate.
Lucky is also making the wedding dress and planning the wedding of her best friend, Sophie Colgan. Sophie is marrying Sage DuBois, the chef for By the Spoonful. There hasn’t been a wedding in Snowflake in forever. Everyone is talking about it, wondering what to wear and what to get the happy couple. The only problem is...it’s a small private ceremony and only about six people are invited, and not any of them are By the Spoonful regular customers. Now, Lucky also has to figure out how to broach the subject with Sophie.
Wanting to take a break from everything wedding, Sophie plans a surprise trip for Lucky. Only the surprise ends up being on Sophie and Lucky, when they make a unwanted discovery. Guilt isn’t immediately put on Sophie, but you have to wonder since she does have a motive.
Connie Archer has managed to write a wonderful story of death, family, and friendship. Showing just how far a person is willing to go in order to seek justice. I will admit that Connie made my spidey senses tingle, which is a sign that there’s something off about someone. But those senses didn’t enable me to figure out what was going on and why. I was in the dark until the big reveal and I found myself in awe by the details. Ladle to the Grave introduces a new character, at least one I didn’t know about before. I can only hope to see them again in future books. And speaking of future books, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
**Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
by Kim
Even though I knew there was going to be murder involved, Ladle to the Grave was simply a cozy (pun intended) comfort read from beginning to end. Connie Archer is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I’ve read two of the three previous books in the Soup Lover’s Mystery Series and she seems to just get better. The best or I should say, one of the best things about this series is that you don’t have to read the other books to enjoy this one.
Snowflake is a small town in Vermont with not a lot to do. A group of local women form a women’s group to do something fun and interesting. They decide to celebrate Beltane Eve, a night to celebrate the coming of Spring and the first May blooms. Some people in Snowflake view Beltane Eve as a pagan ritual and are not happy the women have gotten together, in the middle of the woods, at midnight. Once the ritual begins and the May wine starts to be passed around, one of the women drinks it and falls to her death. Suspicion is cast on Jack Jamieson, Lucky’s grandfather, as he is the one who picked the ingredients for the drink.
Yes, Jack is getting older, but Lucky knows that there is no way Jack would have picked a deadly weed or plant and given it to someone. Refusing to allow her grandfather to be convicted of something he didn’t do, Lucky starts her own little investigation. However, investigating and trying to clear her grandfather’s name isn’t the only thing on Lucky’s plate.
Lucky is also making the wedding dress and planning the wedding of her best friend, Sophie Colgan. Sophie is marrying Sage DuBois, the chef for By the Spoonful. There hasn’t been a wedding in Snowflake in forever. Everyone is talking about it, wondering what to wear and what to get the happy couple. The only problem is...it’s a small private ceremony and only about six people are invited, and not any of them are By the Spoonful regular customers. Now, Lucky also has to figure out how to broach the subject with Sophie.
Wanting to take a break from everything wedding, Sophie plans a surprise trip for Lucky. Only the surprise ends up being on Sophie and Lucky, when they make a unwanted discovery. Guilt isn’t immediately put on Sophie, but you have to wonder since she does have a motive.
Connie Archer has managed to write a wonderful story of death, family, and friendship. Showing just how far a person is willing to go in order to seek justice. I will admit that Connie made my spidey senses tingle, which is a sign that there’s something off about someone. But those senses didn’t enable me to figure out what was going on and why. I was in the dark until the big reveal and I found myself in awe by the details. Ladle to the Grave introduces a new character, at least one I didn’t know about before. I can only hope to see them again in future books. And speaking of future books, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
**Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
March 4, 2015
Ladle to the Grave is a solidly-written, genuinely puzzling cozy mystery with a thoroughly likable and intelligent protagonist. Lucky Jamieson owns and runs a soup restaurant; she’s engaged to the doctor who runs the town’s clinic, and her grandfather’s best friend is the police chief, which gives her access to more information than most amateur detectives. (Though I usually balk at the police sharing information with civilians, in this series I buy it, both because the town is so small and because of the personal relationship between Lucky and the chief.) Lucky is pretty level-headed, very loyal to her friends, fiercely protective of her grandfather, and naturally curious but not usually foolhardy – a good combination.
Snowflake, Vermont, the book’s small-town setting, is populated by interesting yet realistic characters – by which I mean that they are the sort of people you might meet in any town, rather than the exaggerated eccentrics that proliferate in some cozy mystery series. Sophie, Lucky’s friend, plays a large role in this book, because one of the mysteries involves her at least peripherally. Lucky’s grandfather is involved in the other death – a possible accidental poisoning – and the stress is stirring up his PTSD. As protective as Leslie is, it’s no surprise that she tries to clear his name.
I really enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and the various twists that Connie Archer threw in. The solution to one death felt just a tad convenient, though it certainly came as a surprise – I honestly didn’t see it coming. The other I had begun to suspect, but not until well into the book (and I didn’t get it exactly right even then.) It’s always fun when the author can surprise me, because I’m usually pretty good at spotting the villain.
This is the fourth book in the series, and the second I’ve read, but you don’t have to read the first ones to appreciate Ladle to the Grave. The recurring characters’ lives and relationships do develop as the series goes on, but Archer does a good job of catching new readers up on the essentials without boring those who’ve already spent time in Snowflake. That said, if you enjoy reading a cozy series from start to finish, go for it! (You can find the whole series listed on Goodreads.) And be sure to check out the recipes at the end of the book – they sound delicious.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
Snowflake, Vermont, the book’s small-town setting, is populated by interesting yet realistic characters – by which I mean that they are the sort of people you might meet in any town, rather than the exaggerated eccentrics that proliferate in some cozy mystery series. Sophie, Lucky’s friend, plays a large role in this book, because one of the mysteries involves her at least peripherally. Lucky’s grandfather is involved in the other death – a possible accidental poisoning – and the stress is stirring up his PTSD. As protective as Leslie is, it’s no surprise that she tries to clear his name.
I really enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and the various twists that Connie Archer threw in. The solution to one death felt just a tad convenient, though it certainly came as a surprise – I honestly didn’t see it coming. The other I had begun to suspect, but not until well into the book (and I didn’t get it exactly right even then.) It’s always fun when the author can surprise me, because I’m usually pretty good at spotting the villain.
This is the fourth book in the series, and the second I’ve read, but you don’t have to read the first ones to appreciate Ladle to the Grave. The recurring characters’ lives and relationships do develop as the series goes on, but Archer does a good job of catching new readers up on the essentials without boring those who’ve already spent time in Snowflake. That said, if you enjoy reading a cozy series from start to finish, go for it! (You can find the whole series listed on Goodreads.) And be sure to check out the recipes at the end of the book – they sound delicious.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 17, 2015
I have to admit I have not read the first 3 books in this series. On that note I did not feel out of place while reading the book or felt like I was lacking in any knowledge. I adored the characters Lucky and Sophie are a hoot. This book is indeed cozy from the first page. I wanted the pages to keep going and not end.
I do want to read the first 3 books now as the series has taken hold of me and doesn't want to let go. The author does a fantastic job with the story line.
I do want to read the first 3 books now as the series has taken hold of me and doesn't want to let go. The author does a fantastic job with the story line.
October 8, 2023
The recipes in the back look delicious.
December 24, 2021
I am enjoying this series and will hate to see it come to an end.
March 30, 2015
Connie Archer brings readers the fourth book in her Soup Lover's mystery series, Ladle to the Grave. In this book readers get two for the price of one, since there is more than one murder for soup restaurant owner, Lucky to solve. Readers looking for a charming small town mystery with reoccurring characters and plenty of mayhem will love this one. Archer has an eye for detail and her characters both villains and heroes are well drawn and easy to relate to. A great addition to this very popular series!
Snowflake, Vermont is the kind of New England small town I've always dreamed of living in, minus the murders that do seem to occur on occasion. Archer brings Snowflake to life with her vivid imagery and details. Readers know everything about this little town, from the details in the lives of it's citizens to the descriptions of the shops and places that make the town seem so real. Archer shows us how important the right setting can be for a mystery series.
Lucky is as always very protective of her family and her friends. In Ladle to the Grave she has to deal with suspicion being thrown on not only her grandfather, but her best friend Sophie as well. Two murder's instead of the customary one in cozy mysteries, makes the reader feel like they really get their money's worth with this one. Not only is the mystery well thought out and executed, the reader is able to discover the clues right along with Lucky. It didn't wrap up to quickly and it wasn't too apparent who the villain or villains could be. A complex but very entertaining mystery.
One of the parts that I like best in this series are the reoccurring characters. We get to learn new details in every book about Lucky and her family, her doctor boyfriend and other members of the community. In this one we get to see the planning of Sophie's wedding to the chef at Lucky's restaurant. It was fun to check in with everyone and find out what was new. Archer always makes it a good visit with old friends as well as a top notch mystery.
Bottom Line:
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Archer's eye of detail makes the setting come alive and the people of Snowflake seem like old friends. You two mysteries wrapped up in one in this one and there's plenty going on in town to give the readers even more to like about it. A great addition to the series!
Snowflake, Vermont is the kind of New England small town I've always dreamed of living in, minus the murders that do seem to occur on occasion. Archer brings Snowflake to life with her vivid imagery and details. Readers know everything about this little town, from the details in the lives of it's citizens to the descriptions of the shops and places that make the town seem so real. Archer shows us how important the right setting can be for a mystery series.
Lucky is as always very protective of her family and her friends. In Ladle to the Grave she has to deal with suspicion being thrown on not only her grandfather, but her best friend Sophie as well. Two murder's instead of the customary one in cozy mysteries, makes the reader feel like they really get their money's worth with this one. Not only is the mystery well thought out and executed, the reader is able to discover the clues right along with Lucky. It didn't wrap up to quickly and it wasn't too apparent who the villain or villains could be. A complex but very entertaining mystery.
One of the parts that I like best in this series are the reoccurring characters. We get to learn new details in every book about Lucky and her family, her doctor boyfriend and other members of the community. In this one we get to see the planning of Sophie's wedding to the chef at Lucky's restaurant. It was fun to check in with everyone and find out what was new. Archer always makes it a good visit with old friends as well as a top notch mystery.
Bottom Line:
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Archer's eye of detail makes the setting come alive and the people of Snowflake seem like old friends. You two mysteries wrapped up in one in this one and there's plenty going on in town to give the readers even more to like about it. A great addition to the series!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another tasty mystery from Connie Archer.
Snowflake Vermont is a small town where everyone knows everyone and most likely everybody knows your business too.
First Sage and Sophie are trying to plan a small wedding but the whole town seems to plan on attending, well not everyone, but definitely more than the couple had originally planned. Then we end up with not just one body but two. A group of ladies decide to welcome Spring in a whole new way. The fun quickly comes to a halt when one of the women falls over dead after drinking some special brew. The concoction was enhanced by herbs Lucky’s grandfather, Jack, had gathered, which lands him in the soup. Then the next body is found in some chilly water. Sophie finds a man in a bubbling brook on the property where she grew up. She also learns that property may hold other secrets as the neighboring Ski Resort wants to pay big bucks to buy it.
This was one of those stories that once you started reading you just couldn’t stop. I really felt bad for Jack. He was really questioning himself. Did he make a mistake and pick something that killed someone? I liked the large part Sage and Sophie played in this story. It was great to get to know more about each of them and their relationship. As always I love checking in on the the recurring characters that drop in at By The Spoonful.
Archer has given us two mysteries to solve and she weaves them together throughout the entire story. Readers follow the clues right along with Lucky, a spoonful at a time. The characters remind me so much of the people that used to drop by my mother’s restaurant. I have a picture of each of them in my mind.
Same time, next year, Connie. My next trip to Snowflake is all planned.
March 9, 2015
Restaurant owner of By the Spoonful Soup Shop, Lucky Jamieson's Grandfather Jack is deeply haunted by visions and dreams of his heartbreaking and terrible past to the point of sometimes he feels there's no return.
He truly feels lost and past the point of no return when a group of local ladies are having a ritualistic celebration in the woods. He is asked to pick herbs from his garden for the wine that the ladies are to drink during the celebration.
When one of the women Agnes suddenly dies after drinking the wine. Agne's husband accuses him of tampering with the herbs Jack gave to them. Lucky does not believe her grandfather could have made such a terrible mistake and quickly jumps to his aid to help clear his name.
Meanwhile, Lucky's best friend Sophie is getting married to By the Spoonful's chef, Sage and Lucky is helping her plan the wedding.
While visiting Sophie's dead mother's property they stumble upon a dead body beaten beyond recognition in the creek on her property.
Lucky has a tall order to fill helping her grandfather and her best friend to discover who could have murdered these people. Sophie is also a woman with a past she discovers is not what she thought.
This book is filled with characters that come right off the page and make you feel for them and think about them long after you finish reading. This fourth book in the Soup Lover's Mystery was a page turner. With a little bit of every thing you could love about reading a cozy mystery, food, books, murder and compelling and flawed characters and best of all soup.
He truly feels lost and past the point of no return when a group of local ladies are having a ritualistic celebration in the woods. He is asked to pick herbs from his garden for the wine that the ladies are to drink during the celebration.
When one of the women Agnes suddenly dies after drinking the wine. Agne's husband accuses him of tampering with the herbs Jack gave to them. Lucky does not believe her grandfather could have made such a terrible mistake and quickly jumps to his aid to help clear his name.
Meanwhile, Lucky's best friend Sophie is getting married to By the Spoonful's chef, Sage and Lucky is helping her plan the wedding.
While visiting Sophie's dead mother's property they stumble upon a dead body beaten beyond recognition in the creek on her property.
Lucky has a tall order to fill helping her grandfather and her best friend to discover who could have murdered these people. Sophie is also a woman with a past she discovers is not what she thought.
This book is filled with characters that come right off the page and make you feel for them and think about them long after you finish reading. This fourth book in the Soup Lover's Mystery was a page turner. With a little bit of every thing you could love about reading a cozy mystery, food, books, murder and compelling and flawed characters and best of all soup.
March 21, 2015
“By the Spoonful is Snowflake, Vermont’s most popular soup shop, but owner Lucky Jamieson doesn’t have any time to enjoy her success—she’s too busy trying to keep a lid on false accusations against her loved ones…
It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.
Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…”
I rated this as a 3* because I just didn’t enjoy the book! Even after reading it, the title didn’t seem to really have anything to do with the story. The story was pretty much unbelievable --- too many of the details weren’t made known until the last chapter (so you couldn’t have figured out what was happening if you tried to). There were just too many things going on in the story – too long and almost boring. There were recipes in the back and some sounded good. I enjoyed a couple of the characters.
It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.
Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…”
I rated this as a 3* because I just didn’t enjoy the book! Even after reading it, the title didn’t seem to really have anything to do with the story. The story was pretty much unbelievable --- too many of the details weren’t made known until the last chapter (so you couldn’t have figured out what was happening if you tried to). There were just too many things going on in the story – too long and almost boring. There were recipes in the back and some sounded good. I enjoyed a couple of the characters.
September 19, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
This was the first book by Connie Archer I have read but it will not be the last.
Even though this is not the first book in the series, you do not need to read them first to follow this story line. Archer weaves the past
just enough for you to be caught up.
This is a great cozy mystery. It has murders, mystery, humor, and a wedding. Plus recipes.
The story opens with a "coven" celebrating May Day. Agnes is the first of the 7 women to take a drink from the bowl. A small sip and she falls to the ground unable to breathe and dies in minutes. Was it an allergic reaction to the herb concoction in the wine or murder? Then a body is found and is it a second murder or an accident? Are the two deaths related?
The twists and turns will keep you wondering who did it. Just when you think you have it figured out, Archer throws in a new twist. There are twists though out the story.
The humor of being set in a small town will keep you smiling since everyone knows everyone and keeps up on everyone's business.
Archer brings life to all the characters and I am ready to go to Snowflake just to have lunch at By the Spoonful and meet Lucky, Sophie, Sage, and especially Jack (both of my grandfathers passed before I was born).
This was the first book by Connie Archer I have read but it will not be the last.
Even though this is not the first book in the series, you do not need to read them first to follow this story line. Archer weaves the past
just enough for you to be caught up.
This is a great cozy mystery. It has murders, mystery, humor, and a wedding. Plus recipes.
The story opens with a "coven" celebrating May Day. Agnes is the first of the 7 women to take a drink from the bowl. A small sip and she falls to the ground unable to breathe and dies in minutes. Was it an allergic reaction to the herb concoction in the wine or murder? Then a body is found and is it a second murder or an accident? Are the two deaths related?
The twists and turns will keep you wondering who did it. Just when you think you have it figured out, Archer throws in a new twist. There are twists though out the story.
The humor of being set in a small town will keep you smiling since everyone knows everyone and keeps up on everyone's business.
Archer brings life to all the characters and I am ready to go to Snowflake just to have lunch at By the Spoonful and meet Lucky, Sophie, Sage, and especially Jack (both of my grandfathers passed before I was born).
May 10, 2015
Ladle to the Grave is part of the Soup Lover’s mystery series by Connie Archer. I really am enjoying this series and this book was no exception. In this book, a death has occurred and there is some question as to whether it was accidental or not. Lucky’s grandfather is mixed up in the death due to his gardening and herb gathering hobbies. Lucky is plunged into the investigation to clear her grandfather’s conscience and his good name.
Entwined with the mystery are Lucky’s budding romance with Elias, Sage and Sophie’s wedding plans, which the entire plan wants to be in on and the ski resort’s expansion plans that include land Sophie has inherited along with her estranged brother. A second body turns up and the mystery builds. The story is paced well and flows quickly to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended to readers of cozy mysteries!
Entwined with the mystery are Lucky’s budding romance with Elias, Sage and Sophie’s wedding plans, which the entire plan wants to be in on and the ski resort’s expansion plans that include land Sophie has inherited along with her estranged brother. A second body turns up and the mystery builds. The story is paced well and flows quickly to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended to readers of cozy mysteries!
September 1, 2015
Ladle To The Grave was a great read. It grabs you right from the beginning with a murder in the first chapter. The book kept me engrossed all the way to the end. The author had me guessing who did it all the way to the end. This book is #4 in a series but can definitely be read without reading the rest of the books. I know I will be going back to read the rest of the books.
I was given this book from the author for a honest review
I was given this book from the author for a honest review
August 31, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. I had not read this author or this series before but I loved it! Very nice cozy mystery series set in Vermont at a Soup Restaurant. Characters are well rounded, mystery was well grounded and great reviews are well founded! I will definitely be visiting By The Spoonful again as I intend to go back and read this series from the start.
May 29, 2025
I've enjoyed this series in general but I had a really hard time getting into this book.
The wedding crashers kind of annoyed me. Why couldn't Lucky just let everyone know that Sophie had chosen to have a private ceremony? People would understand. Instead she let the whole town invite themselves to the wedding by not setting things straight when she had the chance. If I were Sophie, I'd be so upset with Lucky for ruining my dream wedding.
Throughout the book we don't get a lot of clues (though the identity of the killer is obvious from the very beginning, only one person acts shady). Lucky's constant insistence that Jack wouldn't have mixed up the herbs is excessive. We get it. Jack knows his herbs. In the end we find that Lucky just never questioned the most obvious people.
I also felt like there were some issues with the resolution of the mystery. The actions certain people took just didn't make sense to me. Neither of the murders had any apparent motive. It seems both murders should have been targeting a different person. Especially the main murder, why on earth would the killer do that? It just didn't work for me.
Overall this is a good series, I like the setting and the characters, but definitely this was my least favorite so far.
The wedding crashers kind of annoyed me. Why couldn't Lucky just let everyone know that Sophie had chosen to have a private ceremony? People would understand. Instead she let the whole town invite themselves to the wedding by not setting things straight when she had the chance. If I were Sophie, I'd be so upset with Lucky for ruining my dream wedding.
Throughout the book we don't get a lot of clues (though the identity of the killer is obvious from the very beginning, only one person acts shady). Lucky's constant insistence that Jack wouldn't have mixed up the herbs is excessive. We get it. Jack knows his herbs. In the end we find that Lucky just never questioned the most obvious people.
I also felt like there were some issues with the resolution of the mystery. The actions certain people took just didn't make sense to me. Neither of the murders had any apparent motive. It seems both murders should have been targeting a different person. Especially the main murder, why on earth would the killer do that? It just didn't work for me.
Overall this is a good series, I like the setting and the characters, but definitely this was my least favorite so far.
October 22, 2018
Another great addition from Connie Archer. I really like Lucky who is a good strong woman who tries to keep her grandfather going and active. He is doing well till someone states that he must have pick up the wrong plant to put in the ceremony wine for the pagan celebration. Lucky is busy between that and getting ready for her friend's wedding which is taking place on her grandfather's property. The ending and wedding at the end was very well done. I cannot wait to pick up the next one in this series.
January 29, 2020
I love the series and characters but I find that at the start the story line of each book the story drags a little and this book was no exception but then I find myself as the book goes on turning the pages rapidly wanting to know how it will end. This one was a good story but I think the mystery was pretty easy solved. I like very much the side characters except for the love interest I just can't see Lucky with that guy. I don't know if he needs developing more or if he is just too nice for me but I find him blah and not that interesting.
December 28, 2021
Cute. Lucky lives in a small mountain town where she owns a cafe that specializes in soups. The story starts with a group of women celebrating a pagan ritual that ends in a death. Lucky's grandfather, Jack, is being blamed for the death since he provided the herbs for the May wine. At the same time this is going on, Lucky is helping her friend Sophie with her small wedding. While Lucky is doing everything to clear Jack of the cloud he is hanging under, a dead body is found that may threaten the upcoming nuptials. It was a typical cozy mystery- I liked the characters.
October 27, 2016
Love this series and the author.
I found this book a little tense at times. There are two deaths right towards the beginning. First 7 ladies are celebrating the coming of spring. one dies after drinking the May wine. which Jack supplied the herbs for. Later Sophie discovers a body on her mother's property. Is Jack involved in the 1st death and Lucky is in the thick of it while trying to get ready for Sophie's wedding, take care of the shop and Jack.
I found this book a little tense at times. There are two deaths right towards the beginning. First 7 ladies are celebrating the coming of spring. one dies after drinking the May wine. which Jack supplied the herbs for. Later Sophie discovers a body on her mother's property. Is Jack involved in the 1st death and Lucky is in the thick of it while trying to get ready for Sophie's wedding, take care of the shop and Jack.
June 10, 2019
Well I felt a little lost, thinking I'd read the previous three books so long ago, but now I'm not sure I read anything other than book #1.
But, I enjoyed the characters, but the main event that lead to the murder sees a little far-fetched that these people would do it. Also, it seemed unlikely that the main character would have made enough money selling soup to throw it around the way she does in this book.
But, I enjoyed the characters, but the main event that lead to the murder sees a little far-fetched that these people would do it. Also, it seemed unlikely that the main character would have made enough money selling soup to throw it around the way she does in this book.
October 26, 2021
I like this series, I like Lucky and her family and friends, I like her little town and her ridiculous "we serve only soup" restaurant. I like her attitude and her temper and her support of those family and friends. I even understand her meddling in police matters, which generally annoys me in most cozies.
This means of course that this series is over and there is only one more book to read. :D I recommend the series and hope more books may someday appear by this author.
This means of course that this series is over and there is only one more book to read. :D I recommend the series and hope more books may someday appear by this author.
January 27, 2017
I really enjoy this series. It's nice that Lucky and her grandpa Jack are so close plus she has a great group of friends. I'm looking forward to reading more about her relationship with Elias and seeing what mystery she has to solve next.
April 2, 2020
One of my favorites
One of my favorite series, so glad to see another adventure. The characters are like old friends and snowflake is the perfect little town, well, except for all of the murders.
One of my favorite series, so glad to see another adventure. The characters are like old friends and snowflake is the perfect little town, well, except for all of the murders.
June 9, 2021
GREAT Series, really love the whole soup vibe, recipes in the back. Love the family and all the interwoven side relationships and all the goings on in the town and then on top of that there is a mystery. So Cool, Great Writing.
April 5, 2018
Kindle
March 27, 2019
Fourth book in the Soup Lover’s Mystery series. Like the first three books, I had such a hard time putting this book down! Sad there’s only one book left to the series!
April 5, 2019
Nice subplot about a wedding ceremony planned to be small and private, but in a small town everyone assumes they are invited.
Yes, main plot is good too.
Yes, main plot is good too.
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