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Beacon Bakeshop #1
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop: Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series, Book 1
After Lindsey Bakeswell catches her celebrity chef fiance sizzling in the arms of another woman, Lindsey leaves big city Wall Street for small town Beacon Harbor, Michigan, to pursue her own passion as a pastry baker - and gets mixed up in someone's sweet taste of revenge....
More interested in kneading dough than adding it up, Lindsey's breakup inspired her to set up the shop she always wanted in a place that always made her happy. She'd spent many childhood summers near this beach community and converting the old run-down lighthouse into a bakery cafe and home offers a perfect fresh start for Lindsey.
But not everyone in town has a sweet tooth. The preservation society won't have the lighthouse's history sugar coated by lattes and cakes - and a protest group crashes Lindsey's Memorial Day opening. Then her ex-fiance Jeffrey Plank and his girlfriend Mia Wong arrive to trash the place. In the ensuing chaos Mia chokes on a donut and dies.
An autopsy reveals cyanide in Mia's bloodstream and Lindsey is the police's prime suspect. To clear her name, she's going to need to combine ingredients found in the town's checkered past to uncover the identity of a desperate killer....
More interested in kneading dough than adding it up, Lindsey's breakup inspired her to set up the shop she always wanted in a place that always made her happy. She'd spent many childhood summers near this beach community and converting the old run-down lighthouse into a bakery cafe and home offers a perfect fresh start for Lindsey.
But not everyone in town has a sweet tooth. The preservation society won't have the lighthouse's history sugar coated by lattes and cakes - and a protest group crashes Lindsey's Memorial Day opening. Then her ex-fiance Jeffrey Plank and his girlfriend Mia Wong arrive to trash the place. In the ensuing chaos Mia chokes on a donut and dies.
An autopsy reveals cyanide in Mia's bloodstream and Lindsey is the police's prime suspect. To clear her name, she's going to need to combine ingredients found in the town's checkered past to uncover the identity of a desperate killer....
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First published February 23, 2021
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About the author
Darci Hannah
14 books777 followersCozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn't baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should.
In addition to cozy mysteries, Darci's other passion is writing historical fiction. She is the author of The Exile of Sara Stevenson
(Ballantine Books, 2010, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016) and The Angel of Blythe Hall (Ballantine Books, 2011)
In addition to cozy mysteries, Darci's other passion is writing historical fiction. She is the author of The Exile of Sara Stevenson
(Ballantine Books, 2010, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016) and The Angel of Blythe Hall (Ballantine Books, 2011)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 665 reviews
February 17, 2021
Why did I give this book a 5 star review? Because I wrote it, and I loved writing it, and I love it even more because you amazing Goodreads reviewers are enjoying it too. Thank you for reading this first Beacon Bakeshop mystery. I promise to write more, and I promise to make them just as fun for you to read. You all deserve a 5 star review! Hugs and donuts for you all!
February 11, 2021
I kept seeing this book pop on Goodreads and decided to read it and am glad that I did. The story includes some great, interesting and likable characters in a fun setting and murder mystery plot. After discovering her celebrity chef and fiancé with his pastry chef, Lindsey Bakewell left her successful Wall Street career behind her to pursue her dream of opening a bakeshop and café in an old lighthouse on the shores of a lake in Beacon Harbor, Michigan. Her grandparents had a bakery in a nearby city years before and she has fond memories of spending time with them. On opening day after lots of work on the building, hiring a staff, and preparing lots of yummy goodies, the day is ruined when her ex and his lover as well as some protesters against her purchase of the lighthouse show up with the patrons causing problems. But the worst is when the pastry chef falls dead, due to cyanide in the latte she grabbed from the realtor who sold the property to Lindsey. Thus ensues a long investigation she, her hunky, former Special Ops neighbor Rory Campbell and her best friend Kennedy Kapoor begin along with the police. Lots of people are suspect, including Lindsey, Rory, and others. This is a fun mystery to unravel and weed through through the clues and has an interesting resolution that kept me turning the pages. I am looking forward to the next story and look for a little romance to add to the mix.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
August 21, 2021
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah is the first book in the new cozy Beacon Bakeshop series. As with most cozy series each book in the Beacon Bakeshop series will have it’s own fully solved mystery so readers can read each as a standalone or in any order. However, there is some character development that will carry over from book to book for those that read the series from the beginning.
Lindsey Bakeswell has that “safe” career that she thought she should have and a boyfriend that she thought may have been the one. When Lindsey’s relationship crumbles when she catches her celebrity chef boyfriend with another woman she decides to ditch the safe career and follow her dreams of owning her own bakeshop. Lindsey packed up and moved to her childhood vacation destination of Beacon Harbor, Michigan where she bought the old lighthouse intending to convert it into a bakery/home for herself and her dog, Wellington.
Lindsey’s dream isn’t without a lot of conflict though in her new home. Welly doesn’t exactly make a good impression with Lindsey’s new sexy neighbor, the town preservation society also isn’t happy with Lindsey “destroying” town history by converting the rundown lighthouse and turning it into a shop. And on top of it all Lindsey never expected to be sharing her lighthouse with a ghost! But though it all Lindsey manages to get her bakeshop up and running only to have a protest group come crashing in on her big opening. Amidst all the chaos Lindsey’s ex and his new gal pal, Mia, also crash the party only to end up with Mia murdered and Lindsey the prime suspect.
Darci Hannah was not a new cozy author to me, I had read her A Very Cherry Mystery series and had really enjoyed it so when I saw this new series I knew I had to give it a shot. Just as I had found before the Beacon Bakeshop series was full of laughs and plenty of fun which I absolutely adore. The setting in this one is wonderful, a small beachy town which is always my favorite and being set up in the lighthouse with a creepy mysterious past was just that extra bit of fun I liked. After getting to know Lindsey, Welly and all the new cast of characters I will definitely be interested in returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Lindsey Bakeswell has that “safe” career that she thought she should have and a boyfriend that she thought may have been the one. When Lindsey’s relationship crumbles when she catches her celebrity chef boyfriend with another woman she decides to ditch the safe career and follow her dreams of owning her own bakeshop. Lindsey packed up and moved to her childhood vacation destination of Beacon Harbor, Michigan where she bought the old lighthouse intending to convert it into a bakery/home for herself and her dog, Wellington.
Lindsey’s dream isn’t without a lot of conflict though in her new home. Welly doesn’t exactly make a good impression with Lindsey’s new sexy neighbor, the town preservation society also isn’t happy with Lindsey “destroying” town history by converting the rundown lighthouse and turning it into a shop. And on top of it all Lindsey never expected to be sharing her lighthouse with a ghost! But though it all Lindsey manages to get her bakeshop up and running only to have a protest group come crashing in on her big opening. Amidst all the chaos Lindsey’s ex and his new gal pal, Mia, also crash the party only to end up with Mia murdered and Lindsey the prime suspect.
Darci Hannah was not a new cozy author to me, I had read her A Very Cherry Mystery series and had really enjoyed it so when I saw this new series I knew I had to give it a shot. Just as I had found before the Beacon Bakeshop series was full of laughs and plenty of fun which I absolutely adore. The setting in this one is wonderful, a small beachy town which is always my favorite and being set up in the lighthouse with a creepy mysterious past was just that extra bit of fun I liked. After getting to know Lindsey, Welly and all the new cast of characters I will definitely be interested in returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 18, 2021
The Beacon Bakeshop is open for business! Author Darci Hannah has assembled a fantastic group of characters in a cozy mystery filled with savvy plot twists taking place in a dreamy beach setting.
When protagonist Lindsey Bakewell purchases an old, rundown lighthouse in Beacon Harbor, MI, she has no idea it comes with a pirate ghost. Many townspeople wanted it torn down, while others wanted it preserved for its historical significance. Lindsey leaps forward with her plans to open a Bakeshop and Cafe despite the callousness of some of the locals. The Grand Opening is a success until someone from Lindsey’s past drops dead.
I loved Lindsey’s spunkiness, and her best friend, Kennedy provides a source of much humor with her energizer bunny ways! Welly, Lindsey’s Newfoundland, is a mischievous pup and the source of introduction to handsome neighbor, Rory Campbell.
Sgt. Murdock is a surprising character I really enjoyed! Tough as nails...with a sweet tooth. Before the story’s end; there are three murders to contend with and not much evidence to go on. The exciting conclusion is a hot mess, and I enjoyed every second of it! Delicious recipes included. This debut story is now a favorite on my 2021 cozy list! Enjoy!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
When protagonist Lindsey Bakewell purchases an old, rundown lighthouse in Beacon Harbor, MI, she has no idea it comes with a pirate ghost. Many townspeople wanted it torn down, while others wanted it preserved for its historical significance. Lindsey leaps forward with her plans to open a Bakeshop and Cafe despite the callousness of some of the locals. The Grand Opening is a success until someone from Lindsey’s past drops dead.
I loved Lindsey’s spunkiness, and her best friend, Kennedy provides a source of much humor with her energizer bunny ways! Welly, Lindsey’s Newfoundland, is a mischievous pup and the source of introduction to handsome neighbor, Rory Campbell.
Sgt. Murdock is a surprising character I really enjoyed! Tough as nails...with a sweet tooth. Before the story’s end; there are three murders to contend with and not much evidence to go on. The exciting conclusion is a hot mess, and I enjoyed every second of it! Delicious recipes included. This debut story is now a favorite on my 2021 cozy list! Enjoy!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
March 6, 2021
DO NOT purchase this book! A key piece of the story is missing and replaced by a chunk of another author's story!
After catching her fiancé, celebrity chef Jeffery Plank with that tart of a pastry chef Mia Long, Lindsey Bakewell got a leeetttllle tipsy and bought a lighthouse in Michigan on the internet. Arriving in Michigan to find a run-down lighthouse next to the keeper's cottage she had arranged to have renovated, Lindsey almost turns and runs back to her high-powered Wall Street job. Baking is her true passion though and she's not about to back down now. Plus, her Newfoundland dog Wellington, loves romping on the beach, and apparently stealing fish from the neighbor's cottage, bringing Lindsey into contact with Rory Campbell, a smoking hot ex-Navy SEAL. Six months later, Lindsey has hired baker Dylan and two high school girls to run the shop. Lindsey's social media influencer BFF Kennedy Kapoor arrives from New York to make the Beacon Bakeshop the next big thing. Things are going well until opening day when the barista lands in the hospital with a broken arm. Then Jeffery and his evil girlfriend Mia and a bus of their followers show up from New York and start causing trouble. In the midst of the chaos, Lindsey's enemy, Fiona Dickel arrives with a group of protesters angry at what Lindsey has done to "their" light. When Mia starts fake choking and causing a scene, Rory escorts her out the door and onto the lawn where he realizes Mia can't breathe. As he performs CPR, Lindsey calls 911 and assumes all will be well and Mia will be back tomorrow to trash her. Unfortunately, Mia is pronounced dead on arrival and the medical examiner discovers cyanide poisoning. The Sergeant wants to look into the young woman's death and sets her sights squarely on Lindsey! When Lindsey meets the ghost of a long-dead Captain who ran the lighthouse in the mid-19th-century, he asks her to avenge Mia's death AND solve his own murder. Lindsey wants to save her shop and is determined to find out who killed Mia. The ghost suspects Jeffery and Lindsey wants it to be him or one of Mia's entourage so the problem will go away. Her relationship with Rory heats up but he's keeping secrets. What if HE was the killer? Can Lindsey save her bakery and her budding relationship?
I REALLY wanted to like this book because of the bakery theme and the sweet dog on the cover. Sadly, I found this book is just not for me or anyone else who enjoys good writing and likable characters. There's a lot of repetition going on. She describes someone by name once and then the next time they're introduced, she repeats that information. She spends A LOT of time describing how to make laminated pastry (yes we know, butter, envelope fold) and pie crust (yes we know how to make pie crust or that's what cookbooks and cooking shows are for). The important stuff is rushed. Suddenly it's 6 months later and she's opening her bakery? A key piece of the story is missing. I guessed what happened in the beginning of the missing section but something else happened I didn't suspect and would like to have read about it. There's a bizarre encounter with a ghost I don't like and more romance content than I prefer. Save something for the next book. I was surprised by whodunit and why. I never guessed it at all and I gasped and yelled when I saw who it was.
I did not like most of the characters. I loved Wellie but felt sorry for him to be stuck with Lindsey who is a brainless idiot. Who buys a cute, fluffy puppy without checking to see how big he'll get? Oh excuse me-she's fabulously wealthy and lives in a penthouse apartment so it's OK to shut up a huge dog in there because she's fabulously wealthy and has people to train him and walk him. Did I mention she's fabulously wealthy? It takes money to make money, Lindsey, not so much time. I wonder whether the author knows anyone from New York because Lindsey seemed so outrageously unrealistic. Did I mention she lived in a penthouse? She's 38, made a killing on Wall Street following in her father's footsteps, still looks young and beautiful thanks to her former model mother but really immature. When she catches her fiancé cheating on her she keys his car! How old are you?! Then she bakes dozens of cupcakes and proceeds to throw a half dozen at his picture on the wall. 38 is way too old for that kind of childish behavior. Even 28 is too old! I would expect all that from a teenager. She acknowledges she's a bit old to be ogling a hunk 28-year-old police officer but never admits to her childish behavior. Did I mention her mother was a MODEL and Lindsey inherited her mother's good looks?
She acts kind of snooty at first wearing her Chanel suit out to dinner at the local hotspot- a rustic tavern sort of place decorated with antlers! She does adapt to the dress code a bit more. Lindsey is very judgmental and tosses off offensive comments like "distinctive Asian accent" and spirit animal. She tosses around the word "tart" a lot not to refer to a baked good but to Mia Long! I don't appreciate the slut shaming especially as Lindsey believes women should stick together.
Lindsey is a great baker, I'll give her that but a few cherries short of a pie if she doesn't figure out what must have happened right away. I knew exactly what happened and I was waiting for the police to ask her questions about her CHERRY doughnuts! The police investigated her shop and home but somehow missed the fact she was baking with cherries? Apparently the police don't even catch that. She's also too dumb to know when her dog barks at 3 am there's something going on but even I didn't figure out what. Also, she talks to a ghost on her computer. Um NO! Never do that! Don't use a Ouija Board either. You may invite in an evil demon. Yes those ghost hunting shows are cheesy but I know a demonologist I'd call just in case...
I hated Lindsey's bff Kennedy. Kennedy is supposedly the daughter of a Baroness, implausible as there aren't that many and if the title passes through the female line, is she the next Baroness? She's really, really awful! With friends like her, who needs enemies? Kennedy is more snooty and judgmental than Lindsey. She's totally bat guano crazy and if my bff ever pulled any of the stunts she does, our friendship would be so over and she'd be back in NYC with only her phone for company. She's loyal, I'll give her that, but she shows her loyalty in strange ways. I don't get the point of social media influencers or why people blindly follow lame idiots who don't have anything better to do than stare at their phones? Who is she that she has the power to make or break someone's career? I wouldn't want her as an enemy. I like Dilly much better. Dylan, a local woman, has had a troubled past but like Lindsey, she wants to put it behind her and just bake! She's a dream employee and a good friend. Plus she's tough and not afraid to show her strength. I'd rather have her at my back than Kennedy. Betty VanHoosten, the relator, is also a friend. She's kind and grandmotherly but I don't 100% trust her.
Rory is Lindsey's love interest. He's really into her and she's attracted to him. They are dying to be intimate but things keep popping up. I think they need to know each other better. He disappears for period of time, is writing a book but no one seems to know what about or has seen him writing. He doesn't like Kennedy (I don't blame him) and has a temper. Angry kisses are not hot. Her other option is Officer Tuck McAllister. He seems to find her attractive and he's very kind. He's also 10 years younger and Lindsey feels a little creeped out by her interest in him. I think she needs to forget men for awhile.
Jeffery is a wanker, as Kennedy says. He's selfish, egotistical and a moron. I think he's brainless and spineless. Mia was truly awful. She got what she wanted first by hard work and then she wasn't content with that so she had to lie, cheat and barge her way to what she wanted. Her behavior at the bake shop was TOTALLY rude and uncalled for. It was immature and I'd have called the cops and had her arrested for disturbing the peace and vandalism! Yet, there are people who loved her and claim to be grieving for her. Is someone lying because someone murdered Mia and it has to be someone close to her.
Fiona Dickel is a grumpy, unhappy woman who likes to cause trouble. As an environmentalist and preservationist myself, I would never dream of doing the things she does. I would be happy to have the lighthouse repurposed instead of being torn down and Fiona should be too. If I were her, I'd go after the hunters and leave the baker alone. If anyone should be upset, it's Ginger, who owns the ice cream shop. Lindsey even said she's planning to serve an occasional scoop of ice cream for pie a la mode. Another weirdo townsperson is Mike, the Uber driver. He's kind of rude and mocking of Lindsey at first and does nothing to help make her feel welcome. Wendy, Lindsey's new employee, has a medical condition that causes her to faint when she experiences emotional distress. I think she needs a new job. She's too sweet and sensitive to work for Lindsey. Sergeant Stacy Murdock is one police officer who I think is actually good at her job. It's hard to tell, with a crucial chunk of the book missing but Lindsey does solve the case for her and she had no idea what was going on under everyone's noses, so maybe not so good at her job. Paige, Betty's assistant, is a perky millennial. Apparently millennials are angry at "the man" so she could be a suspect in wanting to sabotage Lindsey's bakery purely because Lindsey is a wealthy Wall Street outsider but Paige wasn't anywhere near the bakery at the time Mia died. Or was she? It was so crowded it would be impossible to know. Chad, at the hotel, is sleazy and creepy. I wonder if he's involved somehow because he met Mia and fell under her spell, she rejected him and he wanted revenge?
We finally meet Lindsey's parents at the end of the book. At first her mom seems shallow and self-absorbed but she really does love her daughter. Lindsey's dad is a lot softer and they share a love of baking. He ends up being sweet and kind. Their Westies, Brinkley and Ireland, are happy to romp with Wellie but want to sit in Lindsey's lap? I've never met a Westie lap dog. It's not in their DNA. They'd climb in her lap to get the food though.
This book was not for me, even without the missing chunk, I already had a page full of critical notes. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
Content:
technically this is a clean romance with only kisses but some kisses are passionate and Lindsey and Rory really want to be alone and intimate. In the end she brings up sexting.
some gunshots
After catching her fiancé, celebrity chef Jeffery Plank with that tart of a pastry chef Mia Long, Lindsey Bakewell got a leeetttllle tipsy and bought a lighthouse in Michigan on the internet. Arriving in Michigan to find a run-down lighthouse next to the keeper's cottage she had arranged to have renovated, Lindsey almost turns and runs back to her high-powered Wall Street job. Baking is her true passion though and she's not about to back down now. Plus, her Newfoundland dog Wellington, loves romping on the beach, and apparently stealing fish from the neighbor's cottage, bringing Lindsey into contact with Rory Campbell, a smoking hot ex-Navy SEAL. Six months later, Lindsey has hired baker Dylan and two high school girls to run the shop. Lindsey's social media influencer BFF Kennedy Kapoor arrives from New York to make the Beacon Bakeshop the next big thing. Things are going well until opening day when the barista lands in the hospital with a broken arm. Then Jeffery and his evil girlfriend Mia and a bus of their followers show up from New York and start causing trouble. In the midst of the chaos, Lindsey's enemy, Fiona Dickel arrives with a group of protesters angry at what Lindsey has done to "their" light. When Mia starts fake choking and causing a scene, Rory escorts her out the door and onto the lawn where he realizes Mia can't breathe. As he performs CPR, Lindsey calls 911 and assumes all will be well and Mia will be back tomorrow to trash her. Unfortunately, Mia is pronounced dead on arrival and the medical examiner discovers cyanide poisoning. The Sergeant wants to look into the young woman's death and sets her sights squarely on Lindsey! When Lindsey meets the ghost of a long-dead Captain who ran the lighthouse in the mid-19th-century, he asks her to avenge Mia's death AND solve his own murder. Lindsey wants to save her shop and is determined to find out who killed Mia. The ghost suspects Jeffery and Lindsey wants it to be him or one of Mia's entourage so the problem will go away. Her relationship with Rory heats up but he's keeping secrets. What if HE was the killer? Can Lindsey save her bakery and her budding relationship?
I REALLY wanted to like this book because of the bakery theme and the sweet dog on the cover. Sadly, I found this book is just not for me or anyone else who enjoys good writing and likable characters. There's a lot of repetition going on. She describes someone by name once and then the next time they're introduced, she repeats that information. She spends A LOT of time describing how to make laminated pastry (yes we know, butter, envelope fold) and pie crust (yes we know how to make pie crust or that's what cookbooks and cooking shows are for). The important stuff is rushed. Suddenly it's 6 months later and she's opening her bakery? A key piece of the story is missing. I guessed what happened in the beginning of the missing section but something else happened I didn't suspect and would like to have read about it. There's a bizarre encounter with a ghost I don't like and more romance content than I prefer. Save something for the next book. I was surprised by whodunit and why. I never guessed it at all and I gasped and yelled when I saw who it was.
I did not like most of the characters. I loved Wellie but felt sorry for him to be stuck with Lindsey who is a brainless idiot. Who buys a cute, fluffy puppy without checking to see how big he'll get? Oh excuse me-she's fabulously wealthy and lives in a penthouse apartment so it's OK to shut up a huge dog in there because she's fabulously wealthy and has people to train him and walk him. Did I mention she's fabulously wealthy? It takes money to make money, Lindsey, not so much time. I wonder whether the author knows anyone from New York because Lindsey seemed so outrageously unrealistic. Did I mention she lived in a penthouse? She's 38, made a killing on Wall Street following in her father's footsteps, still looks young and beautiful thanks to her former model mother but really immature. When she catches her fiancé cheating on her she keys his car! How old are you?! Then she bakes dozens of cupcakes and proceeds to throw a half dozen at his picture on the wall. 38 is way too old for that kind of childish behavior. Even 28 is too old! I would expect all that from a teenager. She acknowledges she's a bit old to be ogling a hunk 28-year-old police officer but never admits to her childish behavior. Did I mention her mother was a MODEL and Lindsey inherited her mother's good looks?
She acts kind of snooty at first wearing her Chanel suit out to dinner at the local hotspot- a rustic tavern sort of place decorated with antlers! She does adapt to the dress code a bit more. Lindsey is very judgmental and tosses off offensive comments like "distinctive Asian accent" and spirit animal. She tosses around the word "tart" a lot not to refer to a baked good but to Mia Long! I don't appreciate the slut shaming especially as Lindsey believes women should stick together.
Lindsey is a great baker, I'll give her that but a few cherries short of a pie if she doesn't figure out what must have happened right away. I knew exactly what happened and I was waiting for the police to ask her questions about her CHERRY doughnuts! The police investigated her shop and home but somehow missed the fact she was baking with cherries? Apparently the police don't even catch that. She's also too dumb to know when her dog barks at 3 am there's something going on but even I didn't figure out what. Also, she talks to a ghost on her computer. Um NO! Never do that! Don't use a Ouija Board either. You may invite in an evil demon. Yes those ghost hunting shows are cheesy but I know a demonologist I'd call just in case...
I hated Lindsey's bff Kennedy. Kennedy is supposedly the daughter of a Baroness, implausible as there aren't that many and if the title passes through the female line, is she the next Baroness? She's really, really awful! With friends like her, who needs enemies? Kennedy is more snooty and judgmental than Lindsey. She's totally bat guano crazy and if my bff ever pulled any of the stunts she does, our friendship would be so over and she'd be back in NYC with only her phone for company. She's loyal, I'll give her that, but she shows her loyalty in strange ways. I don't get the point of social media influencers or why people blindly follow lame idiots who don't have anything better to do than stare at their phones? Who is she that she has the power to make or break someone's career? I wouldn't want her as an enemy. I like Dilly much better. Dylan, a local woman, has had a troubled past but like Lindsey, she wants to put it behind her and just bake! She's a dream employee and a good friend. Plus she's tough and not afraid to show her strength. I'd rather have her at my back than Kennedy. Betty VanHoosten, the relator, is also a friend. She's kind and grandmotherly but I don't 100% trust her.
Rory is Lindsey's love interest. He's really into her and she's attracted to him. They are dying to be intimate but things keep popping up. I think they need to know each other better. He disappears for period of time, is writing a book but no one seems to know what about or has seen him writing. He doesn't like Kennedy (I don't blame him) and has a temper. Angry kisses are not hot. Her other option is Officer Tuck McAllister. He seems to find her attractive and he's very kind. He's also 10 years younger and Lindsey feels a little creeped out by her interest in him. I think she needs to forget men for awhile.
Jeffery is a wanker, as Kennedy says. He's selfish, egotistical and a moron. I think he's brainless and spineless. Mia was truly awful. She got what she wanted first by hard work and then she wasn't content with that so she had to lie, cheat and barge her way to what she wanted. Her behavior at the bake shop was TOTALLY rude and uncalled for. It was immature and I'd have called the cops and had her arrested for disturbing the peace and vandalism! Yet, there are people who loved her and claim to be grieving for her. Is someone lying because someone murdered Mia and it has to be someone close to her.
Fiona Dickel is a grumpy, unhappy woman who likes to cause trouble. As an environmentalist and preservationist myself, I would never dream of doing the things she does. I would be happy to have the lighthouse repurposed instead of being torn down and Fiona should be too. If I were her, I'd go after the hunters and leave the baker alone. If anyone should be upset, it's Ginger, who owns the ice cream shop. Lindsey even said she's planning to serve an occasional scoop of ice cream for pie a la mode. Another weirdo townsperson is Mike, the Uber driver. He's kind of rude and mocking of Lindsey at first and does nothing to help make her feel welcome. Wendy, Lindsey's new employee, has a medical condition that causes her to faint when she experiences emotional distress. I think she needs a new job. She's too sweet and sensitive to work for Lindsey. Sergeant Stacy Murdock is one police officer who I think is actually good at her job. It's hard to tell, with a crucial chunk of the book missing but Lindsey does solve the case for her and she had no idea what was going on under everyone's noses, so maybe not so good at her job. Paige, Betty's assistant, is a perky millennial. Apparently millennials are angry at "the man" so she could be a suspect in wanting to sabotage Lindsey's bakery purely because Lindsey is a wealthy Wall Street outsider but Paige wasn't anywhere near the bakery at the time Mia died. Or was she? It was so crowded it would be impossible to know. Chad, at the hotel, is sleazy and creepy. I wonder if he's involved somehow because he met Mia and fell under her spell, she rejected him and he wanted revenge?
We finally meet Lindsey's parents at the end of the book. At first her mom seems shallow and self-absorbed but she really does love her daughter. Lindsey's dad is a lot softer and they share a love of baking. He ends up being sweet and kind. Their Westies, Brinkley and Ireland, are happy to romp with Wellie but want to sit in Lindsey's lap? I've never met a Westie lap dog. It's not in their DNA. They'd climb in her lap to get the food though.
This book was not for me, even without the missing chunk, I already had a page full of critical notes. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
Content:
technically this is a clean romance with only kisses but some kisses are passionate and Lindsey and Rory really want to be alone and intimate. In the end she brings up sexting.
some gunshots
March 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
This book is closer to a three ⭐️ star read, but I rounded up because I do like the series. Of course I started out of order and now I’m reading from the beginning. If I had read this one first I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series. I did not like that she brushes the way people treat her under the rug and is so quick to forgive. Of course, it just might bug me because I’ll hold a grudge until I’m dead. 😂
This book is closer to a three ⭐️ star read, but I rounded up because I do like the series. Of course I started out of order and now I’m reading from the beginning. If I had read this one first I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series. I did not like that she brushes the way people treat her under the rug and is so quick to forgive. Of course, it just might bug me because I’ll hold a grudge until I’m dead. 😂
November 4, 2021
There is a whole lot of, probably unintentional, yikes in this book.
On a storytelling level, this book does something I absolutely hate - it makes the main look smart by making everyone else look incompetent by comparison, including the audience. You do not need to be a financial genius to know bankruptcy is bad. For goodness sake, Hannah has the cops arrest the main before they confirm her alibi. Then there is our main character who instinctually tries to fix everything by throwing money at it and tries to talk down the killer by telling her to be a girlboss. But don't worry, our main isn't a feminist because she "likes men". My eyes cannot roll hard enough.
Moving on to the yikes...
A lot of what I'm about to describe was probably a result of thoughtlessness rather than intention but when you add it all up it does not look good.
First of all, idk who's decision it was but the character voice for Mia in the audiobook was racist. She is supposed to be 1st Gen American, she should not sound like Uncle Roger.
Second, the main character mistaking Mia's cousin for Mia's sister plays into the whole "all Asians look alike" nonsense.
Third, having the half-Indian woman be the one to assist with a online harassment campaign over thoughtless remarks about cows is a bad look.
Fourth, the whole good and noble rich person vs the evil and morally bankrupt poor people is a choice. The book basically says the villains are generationally bound to be evil and poor no matter which well meaning rich person takes them under their wing because it is in their blood.
Fifth, Hannah uses the word metrosexual, which I have not heard since 2005, to describe her evil duplicitous ex who was fool enough to be controlled by his even more evil ambitious vaguely foreign girlfriend. This is contrasted with Rory, the rugged flannel wearing hunter veteran "real man". Remember kids, real men hack your computer and pretend to be a ghost so you can discover your newest kink.
Sixth, the comment about millennials fighting for and against nothing and characterizing the protesters as unwashed hippies screams of an older writer who does not realize her 30-something main is also a millennial.
In conclusion, Wellie was the best part of the story and the only reason I didn't rate this a 1 is because the yikes was low key even if it was pervasive.
EDIT: I forgot about the military thing! So Rory is a retired Navy SEAL captain but also around our main characters age? What career military man at CO-6 retires after his 20? Enlisted, sure. But commissioned? Nah, bro.
On a storytelling level, this book does something I absolutely hate - it makes the main look smart by making everyone else look incompetent by comparison, including the audience. You do not need to be a financial genius to know bankruptcy is bad. For goodness sake, Hannah has the cops arrest the main before they confirm her alibi. Then there is our main character who instinctually tries to fix everything by throwing money at it and tries to talk down the killer by telling her to be a girlboss. But don't worry, our main isn't a feminist because she "likes men". My eyes cannot roll hard enough.
Moving on to the yikes...
A lot of what I'm about to describe was probably a result of thoughtlessness rather than intention but when you add it all up it does not look good.
First of all, idk who's decision it was but the character voice for Mia in the audiobook was racist. She is supposed to be 1st Gen American, she should not sound like Uncle Roger.
Second, the main character mistaking Mia's cousin for Mia's sister plays into the whole "all Asians look alike" nonsense.
Third, having the half-Indian woman be the one to assist with a online harassment campaign over thoughtless remarks about cows is a bad look.
Fourth, the whole good and noble rich person vs the evil and morally bankrupt poor people is a choice. The book basically says the villains are generationally bound to be evil and poor no matter which well meaning rich person takes them under their wing because it is in their blood.
Fifth, Hannah uses the word metrosexual, which I have not heard since 2005, to describe her evil duplicitous ex who was fool enough to be controlled by his even more evil ambitious vaguely foreign girlfriend. This is contrasted with Rory, the rugged flannel wearing hunter veteran "real man". Remember kids, real men hack your computer and pretend to be a ghost so you can discover your newest kink.
Sixth, the comment about millennials fighting for and against nothing and characterizing the protesters as unwashed hippies screams of an older writer who does not realize her 30-something main is also a millennial.
In conclusion, Wellie was the best part of the story and the only reason I didn't rate this a 1 is because the yikes was low key even if it was pervasive.
EDIT: I forgot about the military thing! So Rory is a retired Navy SEAL captain but also around our main characters age? What career military man at CO-6 retires after his 20? Enlisted, sure. But commissioned? Nah, bro.
May 9, 2021
Really fun cozy. Lindsey moves from the city to the cute little town after her fiance cheats on her. And she buys a lighthouse and renovates into a bakery. On opening day of Lindsey's bakery, her ex-fiance's new girlfriend dies. And of course, Lindsey is suspect no.1. There were a lot of fun characters and her dog welly is really adorable. I think the romance started off too soon, but it's okay. The murderer was a total surprise to me. Overall, this was quite a good book.
February 10, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Lindsey Bakewell had spent the summers of her childhood youth in Beacon Harbor, Michigan so when she finds her celebrity chef fiancé cheating on her she decides to leave her job on Wall Street and get a fresh start following her dream to open a bakery there. She couldn't believe the old lighthouse was for sale. It is the perfect location for The Beacon Bakeshop and Cafe and her home with her loveable Newfoundland dog, Wellington.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Beacon Harbor is happy about Lindsey's plans. Fiona Dickel wants the lighthouse to be preserved as a historical landmark. She even shows up with the other 6 members of the Beacon Point Lighthouse Preservation Society to protest at the bakeshop's grand opening. As if that wasn't enough chaos, Lindsey's ex-fiancé Jeffrey Plank, his girlfriend Mia Long, and a bunch of her friends show up to cause havoc and have to be escorted out. Shortly thereafter, Mia chokes on a donut and dies.
Stunned Lindsey is the police's main suspect. She gets even more confused when cyanide is found in Mia's bloodstream. How would she poison just that one particular donut and serve it to someone she didn't even know was going to be there? She wastes no time in trying to find who the real killer is, why the woman was killed, and how in the heck did cyanide get into something at her cafe?
____
This book was released while I was dealing with the aftermath of my breast cancer treatments and I am upset with myself for taking so long to jump into this book and this series.
Lindsey Bakewell is a fabulous protagonist. She knows what she wants and has the money and spunk to get it. She could have wallowed about the implosion of her relationship but instead, she has moved on. She left her best friend, Kennedy Kapoor back in the city but the distance didn't stop Kennedy from using her talents to create a "buzz" about Lindsey's lighthouse bakery and also come to Michigan to help with the grand opening. There is never a dull moment when she is around. We also meet Rory Campbell who lives near the lighthouse. He meets Lindsey's dog Wellington before he meets Lindsay though. All three become fast friends even though Lindsey knows there may be more to Rory than meets the eye. We also meet other residents of Beacon Harbor as Lindsey works to open her bakery and snoops around to catch a killer. All the characters were well-crafted and felt true to life.
The author wrapped her characters in a complex mystery that twisted off in surprising directions. There was a slow build as clues were cleverly dropped throughout the story. Lindsey does have a knack for sleuthing. I enjoyed following along as she tried to make sense of the crimes that caused the major upheaval in her life. Both of us missed some major clues though. When all was revealed we were both taken aback but then the clues rapidly made sense but there were still things to be explained. I was hanging onto every word. Then the coolest thing happened, an awesome takedown. Loved it, but I can't say more. No spoilers here.
I love the lighthouse theme. Like Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Mysteries, Darci Hannah's stories have given new life to an old run-down lighthouse. Both have great histories and may have some lingering guests.
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop has set this series off to a marvelous start. With unique characters and a tantalizing mystery, I enjoyed my time in Beacon Harbor, Michigan very much and am eager to return to see what Christmas brings to The Beacon Bakeshop and Cafe, Lindsey, Welly, and their friends.
Lindsey Bakewell had spent the summers of her childhood youth in Beacon Harbor, Michigan so when she finds her celebrity chef fiancé cheating on her she decides to leave her job on Wall Street and get a fresh start following her dream to open a bakery there. She couldn't believe the old lighthouse was for sale. It is the perfect location for The Beacon Bakeshop and Cafe and her home with her loveable Newfoundland dog, Wellington.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Beacon Harbor is happy about Lindsey's plans. Fiona Dickel wants the lighthouse to be preserved as a historical landmark. She even shows up with the other 6 members of the Beacon Point Lighthouse Preservation Society to protest at the bakeshop's grand opening. As if that wasn't enough chaos, Lindsey's ex-fiancé Jeffrey Plank, his girlfriend Mia Long, and a bunch of her friends show up to cause havoc and have to be escorted out. Shortly thereafter, Mia chokes on a donut and dies.
Stunned Lindsey is the police's main suspect. She gets even more confused when cyanide is found in Mia's bloodstream. How would she poison just that one particular donut and serve it to someone she didn't even know was going to be there? She wastes no time in trying to find who the real killer is, why the woman was killed, and how in the heck did cyanide get into something at her cafe?
____
This book was released while I was dealing with the aftermath of my breast cancer treatments and I am upset with myself for taking so long to jump into this book and this series.
Lindsey Bakewell is a fabulous protagonist. She knows what she wants and has the money and spunk to get it. She could have wallowed about the implosion of her relationship but instead, she has moved on. She left her best friend, Kennedy Kapoor back in the city but the distance didn't stop Kennedy from using her talents to create a "buzz" about Lindsey's lighthouse bakery and also come to Michigan to help with the grand opening. There is never a dull moment when she is around. We also meet Rory Campbell who lives near the lighthouse. He meets Lindsey's dog Wellington before he meets Lindsay though. All three become fast friends even though Lindsey knows there may be more to Rory than meets the eye. We also meet other residents of Beacon Harbor as Lindsey works to open her bakery and snoops around to catch a killer. All the characters were well-crafted and felt true to life.
The author wrapped her characters in a complex mystery that twisted off in surprising directions. There was a slow build as clues were cleverly dropped throughout the story. Lindsey does have a knack for sleuthing. I enjoyed following along as she tried to make sense of the crimes that caused the major upheaval in her life. Both of us missed some major clues though. When all was revealed we were both taken aback but then the clues rapidly made sense but there were still things to be explained. I was hanging onto every word. Then the coolest thing happened, an awesome takedown. Loved it, but I can't say more. No spoilers here.
I love the lighthouse theme. Like Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Mysteries, Darci Hannah's stories have given new life to an old run-down lighthouse. Both have great histories and may have some lingering guests.
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop has set this series off to a marvelous start. With unique characters and a tantalizing mystery, I enjoyed my time in Beacon Harbor, Michigan very much and am eager to return to see what Christmas brings to The Beacon Bakeshop and Cafe, Lindsey, Welly, and their friends.
August 17, 2025
I accidentally read the second book (the Christmas one) in this series before this one and it was ok enough for me to read this prequel. Unfortunately, this book was a disappointment.
The protagonist, Lindsay, is a painfully shallow person and judges all the men in town based on their looks alone. That is half the reason she and the handsome Rory become a thing. It’s also annoying that we have to hear constantly about how much money she has from her fancy old job, and that she has her model-mother’s looks. We get it, she’s Ms. Perfection.
But what enraged me was Kennedy. Not only is she completely unbelievable as a character (she’s described as a shallow Englishwoman living in the US who is an influencer and daughter of a baroness), but she is just a terrible person who causes more trouble than she solves. And not even in a funny, endearing way.
This next part is a spoiler: Lindsay, Rory, and Kennedy find a body towards the end of the book. And Kennedy suggests that the woman died because of her mismatched outfit. It’s meant to be funny, but this victim-blaming comment comes from an already-unlikable person, which ruins any attempt at humor.
I think it’s safe to say that I will not continue with this series.
The protagonist, Lindsay, is a painfully shallow person and judges all the men in town based on their looks alone. That is half the reason she and the handsome Rory become a thing. It’s also annoying that we have to hear constantly about how much money she has from her fancy old job, and that she has her model-mother’s looks. We get it, she’s Ms. Perfection.
But what enraged me was Kennedy. Not only is she completely unbelievable as a character (she’s described as a shallow Englishwoman living in the US who is an influencer and daughter of a baroness), but she is just a terrible person who causes more trouble than she solves. And not even in a funny, endearing way.
This next part is a spoiler: Lindsay, Rory, and Kennedy find a body towards the end of the book. And Kennedy suggests that the woman died because of her mismatched outfit. It’s meant to be funny, but this victim-blaming comment comes from an already-unlikable person, which ruins any attempt at humor.
I think it’s safe to say that I will not continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
The first book in the new series A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery kept my attention the whole way through as I read it very quickly.
I wasn't too sure about the beginning as our main character leaves a successful Wall Street career to start over . She has converted an old run down lighthouse into a home for herself and her Newfoundland, Wellington.
Have I forgotten to mention she is also opening the lighthouse as a bakery cafe .
Not all in town see this as a sweet deal though. The preservation society doesn't want the history of the lighthouse lost among donuts and lattes .
They really mean business when a protest group crashes the holiday opening and when a death occurs during the ensuing chaos it's surely the bakery owners fault.
This book made me hungry for sweet treats especially with the delicious recipes included.
A sweet treat of a read you are sure to enjoy.
Published February 23rd 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I wasn't too sure about the beginning as our main character leaves a successful Wall Street career to start over . She has converted an old run down lighthouse into a home for herself and her Newfoundland, Wellington.
Have I forgotten to mention she is also opening the lighthouse as a bakery cafe .
Not all in town see this as a sweet deal though. The preservation society doesn't want the history of the lighthouse lost among donuts and lattes .
They really mean business when a protest group crashes the holiday opening and when a death occurs during the ensuing chaos it's surely the bakery owners fault.
This book made me hungry for sweet treats especially with the delicious recipes included.
A sweet treat of a read you are sure to enjoy.
Published February 23rd 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2021
Book 1 is about Lindsey a woman that has money. She decided to own a Bake Shop out of a lighthouse she bought on the Inge from a relator named Betty When she got there ( moved from New York to get away from her ex fiancee) she could not believe how the lighthouse looked. After awhile she got it fixed up and was going to run her bakery with ( Lindsey specialties were amazing donuts like maple bacon, but she made all kinds of different foods in her bakery) her sexy neighbor Rory helping her with barista coffees. And her best friend from New York Kennidy and 2 other employees and the uber drivers ( Mike) cousin Dillon the baker. But suddenly Lynsey ex came to the shop with his girlfriend and started making a scene. ( And a picketers were there too saying they did not want a Bake shop in lighthouse cause it was a land mark) a woman died and Lyndsey was the prime suspect. There was another murder too in this one. I Absolutely loved this story line. The chemistry with Lyndsey and her neighbor Rory was love at first sight. The Newfoundland pup Wellington is a sweet heart. And I love British Kennedy ( She is Lyndsey best friend and kind of like a sponsor for Lindsey shop) I believe you all should read these series.
September 26, 2025
This was such a delightful start to a cozy mystery series! 🕵🏻♀️🧁 The mystery itself was solid, but what really drew me in was Lindsey—she’s such a fun main character, and I loved how well the humor and writing style fit her personality. The bakeshop setting was absolutely adorable (bonus points for the cute recipes included!) and the lighthouse backdrop gave the whole story a slightly haunted, atmospheric vibe that made it even more fun. I listened on audio and Amy Melissa Bentley was fantastic as Lindsey, her narration brought the character to life perfectly. Cozy, charming, and just spooky enough, I’ll definitely be continuing this series! 🌊✨
February 2, 2021
Murder at The Beacon Bakeshop was an exciting adventure from the start. It had quirky characters. Suspenseful from beginning to end. A thrilling start. I would have never guessed who the murderer was. It was a surprise to me. A picturesque setting that I would love to visit again in the second book.
I received this book ARC from Netgalley. This was a honest review.
I received this book ARC from Netgalley. This was a honest review.
August 23, 2023
Great first in, what I'm sure will be a great series! Totally blindsided and SHOCKED at the reveal!! Don't miss this one!!
February 20, 2021
I am so excited to share the first book in A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series with you! It truly was a pleasure reading Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah.
I rarely laugh at cozy mysteries and when people say in their reviews that they couldn’t stop laughing, I wonder if I really am that jaded from reading so many thrillers and horror books. While I wasn’t LOLing at Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop, I was amused by some of the dialogue and scenes, which for me is basically rolling on the floor with laughter.
Then having the location be in Michigan with a possibly haunted lighthouse on the shores that now houses a bakery with renovated living quarters, which would be a dream living spot for me, is a great choice. Add in a BFF who is an influencer for clothes and skin care, who also has a British accent and is super feisty with a heart of gold, a hunky next door neighbor that loves animals, a young cop that is very easy on the eyes, and a town of caring folks that really want your business to succeed, and you have a recipe for a great cozy.
Oh, and speaking of cooking cozies, this one is spot on. The food descriptions are delectable and the recipes at the end all sound soooo good. I may not make the donuts, because I’m lazy like that, but the omelet and cookies are ones that I really would like to make.
Then there’s the animals in the cozy! For most of the book it’s the big, loving Wellington, aka Welly, for short. Who is loyal and loves food, including fresh lake fish. Towards the end we also get to meet two little dogs, Brinkley and Ireland, who are adorbs. And the way Brinkley and Ireland come to be in the story is touching, and they along with two other people will add even more fun and depth to future books.
And…. And! I recently put this in a review that I was hoping a cozy mystery would have the killer be this type of person, but I figured it wouldn’t be done. Well, Darci Hannah, you did it, and now you have a fangirl for life.
I rarely laugh at cozy mysteries and when people say in their reviews that they couldn’t stop laughing, I wonder if I really am that jaded from reading so many thrillers and horror books. While I wasn’t LOLing at Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop, I was amused by some of the dialogue and scenes, which for me is basically rolling on the floor with laughter.
Then having the location be in Michigan with a possibly haunted lighthouse on the shores that now houses a bakery with renovated living quarters, which would be a dream living spot for me, is a great choice. Add in a BFF who is an influencer for clothes and skin care, who also has a British accent and is super feisty with a heart of gold, a hunky next door neighbor that loves animals, a young cop that is very easy on the eyes, and a town of caring folks that really want your business to succeed, and you have a recipe for a great cozy.
Oh, and speaking of cooking cozies, this one is spot on. The food descriptions are delectable and the recipes at the end all sound soooo good. I may not make the donuts, because I’m lazy like that, but the omelet and cookies are ones that I really would like to make.
Then there’s the animals in the cozy! For most of the book it’s the big, loving Wellington, aka Welly, for short. Who is loyal and loves food, including fresh lake fish. Towards the end we also get to meet two little dogs, Brinkley and Ireland, who are adorbs. And the way Brinkley and Ireland come to be in the story is touching, and they along with two other people will add even more fun and depth to future books.
And…. And! I recently put this in a review that I was hoping a cozy mystery would have the killer be this type of person, but I figured it wouldn’t be done. Well, Darci Hannah, you did it, and now you have a fangirl for life.
March 8, 2025
This was a fun start to this cozy mystery series. Lindsey Blackwell catches her fiancé with another woman, and decides to follow her dreams and open a bakery cafe. She finds an old lighthouse for sale in a small Michigan town, and is inspired to make it into her dream. It rakes a lot of work, but she and her friends are so excited for opening day. Unfortunately some people take the opening as an opportunity to protest and things turn chaotic. A woman dies and it’s determined she’s been poisoned. Lindsey’s dream cafe is shut down by police.
Lindsey and friends start exploring strange events, and another death. Lindsey and her friends and townspeople are fun and interesting characters. There is a love interest. And a big sweet Newfoundland dog! I must admit he is one of my favorites. I will definitely be continuing this series.
Lindsey and friends start exploring strange events, and another death. Lindsey and her friends and townspeople are fun and interesting characters. There is a love interest. And a big sweet Newfoundland dog! I must admit he is one of my favorites. I will definitely be continuing this series.
August 14, 2022
When a woman in finance catches her celebrity chef fiance doing the deed with another woman, she quits her job and buys a lighthouse in Michigan to start a bakery.
After meeting the hottie neighbor, and the nutty denizens of the area, she opens her bakery. There's a protest group outside, but then the baker's ex-fiance and his woman come along to try to ruin her grand opening.
The other woman quickly dies by choking on a donut...or does she?
Other people start dying, and the financier/baker adds another occupation to her resume: Amateur sleuth.
It's pretty decent. The dog isn't too annoying. The local denizens aren't too nutty. The mystery was well constructed.
After meeting the hottie neighbor, and the nutty denizens of the area, she opens her bakery. There's a protest group outside, but then the baker's ex-fiance and his woman come along to try to ruin her grand opening.
The other woman quickly dies by choking on a donut...or does she?
Other people start dying, and the financier/baker adds another occupation to her resume: Amateur sleuth.
It's pretty decent. The dog isn't too annoying. The local denizens aren't too nutty. The mystery was well constructed.
January 5, 2021
After a few disappointing reads by new to me cozy mystery authors, I was hesitant to try another. Darci Hannah has been on my TBR list with her previous series, so I thought I would take a chance. I'm happy to say that I found Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop to be a delightful debut in this new series. The reasons I was drawn to this series were the culinary aspect and because it is set in my home state. I always think it is fun to read a book set in my home state, especially when the author also lives here as well. For me, it adds to the overall enjoyment. Linsdey Blackwell is a terrific main character. I like that she knows who she is and goes after her dream of opening a bakery. She is surrounded by a cast of secondary characters that complement the story nicely, including a new romance developing in future books. I loved her dog, Wellington - you can't go wrong combining a culinary cozy with a pet. There is a hint of the paranormal, in a possible ghost that haunts the lighthouse, and while this is not a paranormal cozy, I think there is potential for this storyline down the road.
The mystery was well done. Lindsey is the primary suspect in the murder of her former fiance's girlfriend and has to do her own investigating to help clear her name. There are some good suspects for the reader to choose from and some cleverly laid clues, some of which I missed. The killer is revealed in a dramatic conclusion and I have to say I was surprised by the whodunit.
This book was a wonderful first book in a new series. It has good characters with a lot of potential for growth and a solid mystery that kept me guessing. I was engaged right from the start and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for her readers with future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The mystery was well done. Lindsey is the primary suspect in the murder of her former fiance's girlfriend and has to do her own investigating to help clear her name. There are some good suspects for the reader to choose from and some cleverly laid clues, some of which I missed. The killer is revealed in a dramatic conclusion and I have to say I was surprised by the whodunit.
This book was a wonderful first book in a new series. It has good characters with a lot of potential for growth and a solid mystery that kept me guessing. I was engaged right from the start and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for her readers with future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 21, 2021
This was my first book by Darci Hannah but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the setting for this mystery (a lighthouse bakery in a Michigan small town) and thought it was unique and really added some character to the story. If I ever heard of a lighthouse bakery it would definitely be on my bucket list of places to visit. I also really loved the characters in this story. Lindsey Bakewell is a great main character; smart, spunky, and friendly. She was an easy character to cheer for.
I thought the mystery was interesting and had several twists to it. I can honestly say that I was shocked when the killer was revealed, as well as sad because I liked this character (or thought I did). I loved that Lindsey’s parents showed up at the end and thought she finally got the grand opening that she deserved. I can’t wait to read book 2!
I thought the mystery was interesting and had several twists to it. I can honestly say that I was shocked when the killer was revealed, as well as sad because I liked this character (or thought I did). I loved that Lindsey’s parents showed up at the end and thought she finally got the grand opening that she deserved. I can’t wait to read book 2!
February 18, 2021
This story is sure to make you hungry. Lindsey Bakewell leaves New York City and her cheating fiance to a quaint small town on Lake Michigan to open her own bakeshop. Little did she know she was going to be in more danger than she ever experienced in NYC.
A charming setting with interesting characters and a well plotted ending make this a well rounded cozy. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
A charming setting with interesting characters and a well plotted ending make this a well rounded cozy. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 13, 2020
The first in a new series, Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop, by Darci Hannah, is a breath of fresh air for cozy mystery lovers. Hannah’s success can be attributed to the perfect recipe; delectable humour, unique plot and fantastic characters.
Leaving her ex-fiance and his midtown New York restaurant in her rearview mirror, Lindsey Bakewell heads off for Beacon Harbour on the shores of Lake Michigan to begin a new life. Shocked to hear that her celebrity chef fiancé, Jeffrey Plank, was having an ongoing affair with his pastry chef, Mia Wong, Lindsey decides to give up her lucrative career in investment banking to pursue a life long dream of owning a bakery. Intent on thwarting Lindsey’s plans, a local protest group, spearheaded by a bitter local, makes life difficult for her as they are unhappy that the lighthouse is moving into private hands. Apparently, the folks of Beacon Harbour don’t like change. After restoring the lighthouse and hiring a team of competent locals, Lindsey is ready for opening on busy Memorial Day. Unfortunately, it isn’t the success Lindsey imagined; her barista fails to show up and a customer chokes on a donut and dies! The Beacon Bakeshop and Café gets lots of attention, just not the kind Lindsey was planning.
The perfect mixture containing all the right ingredients, you’ll want to pick up this five-star cozy mystery on February 23, 2021. The first thing you’ll notice is Hannah’s sense of humour. I was laughing within the first few pages and instantly knew I was going to love this book. Hannah has crafted the most wonderful characters; a hunky woodsman next door, a squatchy-looking and questionable Uber driver, a busy body real estate diva, a sassy camouflage wearing bakery assistant with sinister connections, a town downer with an agenda, a YouTube influencer best friend, and a fish stealing two-year-old Newfoundland. The protagonist and sleuth is a delight to hang out with because Hannah breathes so much humour and sarcasm into her that readers eagerly follow her along as she digs up dirt on the locals in an attempt to uncover who’s murdering her customers. How ironic that Lindsey's surname is Bakewell! She does bake well, she just needs to convince the locals. In addition to a unique and well-paced plot, Hannah’s timing of murders and red herrings is perfect, making reading her story an addiction. This phenomenal mystery, first in a new series, will lock you in for the long haul. After all, we need more humour, more of the hunky woodsman, more sweet delights, and more of Captain Willy Riggs. Keep writing, Darci Hannah, the world needs more of your books!
Thank you to Darci Hannah, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this 5-star advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Leaving her ex-fiance and his midtown New York restaurant in her rearview mirror, Lindsey Bakewell heads off for Beacon Harbour on the shores of Lake Michigan to begin a new life. Shocked to hear that her celebrity chef fiancé, Jeffrey Plank, was having an ongoing affair with his pastry chef, Mia Wong, Lindsey decides to give up her lucrative career in investment banking to pursue a life long dream of owning a bakery. Intent on thwarting Lindsey’s plans, a local protest group, spearheaded by a bitter local, makes life difficult for her as they are unhappy that the lighthouse is moving into private hands. Apparently, the folks of Beacon Harbour don’t like change. After restoring the lighthouse and hiring a team of competent locals, Lindsey is ready for opening on busy Memorial Day. Unfortunately, it isn’t the success Lindsey imagined; her barista fails to show up and a customer chokes on a donut and dies! The Beacon Bakeshop and Café gets lots of attention, just not the kind Lindsey was planning.
The perfect mixture containing all the right ingredients, you’ll want to pick up this five-star cozy mystery on February 23, 2021. The first thing you’ll notice is Hannah’s sense of humour. I was laughing within the first few pages and instantly knew I was going to love this book. Hannah has crafted the most wonderful characters; a hunky woodsman next door, a squatchy-looking and questionable Uber driver, a busy body real estate diva, a sassy camouflage wearing bakery assistant with sinister connections, a town downer with an agenda, a YouTube influencer best friend, and a fish stealing two-year-old Newfoundland. The protagonist and sleuth is a delight to hang out with because Hannah breathes so much humour and sarcasm into her that readers eagerly follow her along as she digs up dirt on the locals in an attempt to uncover who’s murdering her customers. How ironic that Lindsey's surname is Bakewell! She does bake well, she just needs to convince the locals. In addition to a unique and well-paced plot, Hannah’s timing of murders and red herrings is perfect, making reading her story an addiction. This phenomenal mystery, first in a new series, will lock you in for the long haul. After all, we need more humour, more of the hunky woodsman, more sweet delights, and more of Captain Willy Riggs. Keep writing, Darci Hannah, the world needs more of your books!
Thank you to Darci Hannah, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this 5-star advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2021
Bring your appetite and your thinking cap when you dive into this story.
I pretty much wasn’t able to put this book down when I was reading it... only when the food descriptions were so heavenly that I had to stop and make myself a snack (this may have happened more times than I care to admit).
The plot and mystery were perfect for the cozy mystery genre. Likeable narrator, quaint town, suspicious about everyone else, precious pooches, a possible haunting ... wait what?! Yes! A possible haunting! That’s what made this story even more fun for me.
I’m going to be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series because I honestly wasn’t ready to leave Beacon when I reached the end.
Side note: many of the delicious foods mentioned within the story are given as recipes at the end of the book.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Kensington Books on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
I pretty much wasn’t able to put this book down when I was reading it... only when the food descriptions were so heavenly that I had to stop and make myself a snack (this may have happened more times than I care to admit).
The plot and mystery were perfect for the cozy mystery genre. Likeable narrator, quaint town, suspicious about everyone else, precious pooches, a possible haunting ... wait what?! Yes! A possible haunting! That’s what made this story even more fun for me.
I’m going to be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series because I honestly wasn’t ready to leave Beacon when I reached the end.
Side note: many of the delicious foods mentioned within the story are given as recipes at the end of the book.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Kensington Books on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
December 12, 2021
I almost quit this book 3 times. I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. It’s a miracle I made it through the audiobook.
What I liked - the setting, the crimes & the reason for the crimes… all realistic and well planned
What I didn’t like - the lack of maturity displayed by the grown ups… the drama was so over the top for Lindsey, her friend Kennedy, Mia and Jeffrey… you get the idea.
What I REALLY didn’t like - overuse of lame phrases and nicknames like “officer cutie pie” and “my inner New Yorker” ALL throughout the book. The author wrote Lindsey like a horny teenager focused purely on the outward appearance of male characters. Scenes between her and one guy in particular didn’t always walk the expected line of cozy mysteries. Not sure what might happen in book 2.
What I liked - the setting, the crimes & the reason for the crimes… all realistic and well planned
What I didn’t like - the lack of maturity displayed by the grown ups… the drama was so over the top for Lindsey, her friend Kennedy, Mia and Jeffrey… you get the idea.
What I REALLY didn’t like - overuse of lame phrases and nicknames like “officer cutie pie” and “my inner New Yorker” ALL throughout the book. The author wrote Lindsey like a horny teenager focused purely on the outward appearance of male characters. Scenes between her and one guy in particular didn’t always walk the expected line of cozy mysteries. Not sure what might happen in book 2.
December 10, 2023
Did not finish. I made it 23% in. I expected a cozy mystery, but got a childish squabble. I stopped reading right when the mystery was about to start, but I couldn’t stomach any more. The writing is juvenile. The characters are all acting like all bunch of delinquent high schoolers. For example. If your fiancé cheats on you, it is still NOT Ok to key his car. That is criminal. Then the revenge war starts up.
February 12, 2021
What a great start to a series - I loved this book! The setting was imaginative, the characters were strong yet quirky, and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed the light paranormal aspect.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MurderattheBeaconBakeshop #NetGalley
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MurderattheBeaconBakeshop #NetGalley
March 6, 2021
I just finished reading Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah. Lindsey buys a lighthouse on Lake Michigan and turns it into a bakeshop. Not everyone in town is happy about that. On opening day her ex fiance and his girlfriend show up. The girlfriend ends up dead. Since Lindsey is the chief suspect she and her friends have to find out who did it. This is such a fun read. The town's personalities are just that--personalities. The lighthouse may have a ghost. And the ending is a surprise. I loved it!
July 1, 2021
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop was excellent! I love lighthouse settings. I enjoy the lighthouse library series by Eva Gates so this one caught my eye. This is a bakeshop set in a repurposed lighthouse. The owner is somewhat repurposed herself, a former wall street mover and shaker, she had her life up ended and has cashed out her fortune and taken her chances on this new venture. When a customer dies on her opening day, it seems like her new life it at risk. Enjoyable read with great characters and good pacing.
June 13, 2021
Murder At The Beacon Bakeshop is the first book in a new culinary-based series, with hints of paranormal. It features a bakeshop in an old lighthouse that may or may not be haunted. Lindsey, the main character, is young, a bit immature, and at times, doesn’t stop to think before she jumps in. These can be good and bad traits. Other characters, such as Lindsey's friends, and neighbors all have issues that blend well with Lindsey. The location is enjoyable and easy to picture.
The murder of Lindsey's ex’s new girlfriend is a bit unexpected, especially as it takes place in a crowded room. Unfortunately, the blame is placed squarely on Lindsey. Some of the storyline is questionable. For instance, how would Lindsey have planned to murder her ex’s girlfriend when she didn’t even know that she would be at her shop’s grand opening? Why her ex and girlfriend showed up in the first place is never really explained, or why they brought other people with them. I question if the people who are in the shop at the time of the murder could even fit in a lighthouse all at the same time. And, if you are going to introduce a ghost into the story, why wasn’t he at the opening wreaking havoc along with everyone else? There are suspects, evidence that readers will follow, but the killer’s identity will surprise most.
Lindsey's dog is a nice addition to the cast, and a few other characters help the story progress and make it interesting. The love interest, however, is too soon, and he may not be the best choice. The lighthouse is an excellent backdrop for a bakeshop. The ghost would be a great character as long as the character can be given a more defined role. Lindsey needs to do some growing up, and her friends may not be the best people for her to take advice from. Overall, I liked most of Murder At The Beacon Bakeshop, the mystery was done well, but I did find that the book, in general, had some issues. This is not, however, unusual in a new series. Characters will grow and deepen, plots will tighten, and the stories will become more attractive. I will be reading the next book in the series to see where the author takes these unusual characters.
The murder of Lindsey's ex’s new girlfriend is a bit unexpected, especially as it takes place in a crowded room. Unfortunately, the blame is placed squarely on Lindsey. Some of the storyline is questionable. For instance, how would Lindsey have planned to murder her ex’s girlfriend when she didn’t even know that she would be at her shop’s grand opening? Why her ex and girlfriend showed up in the first place is never really explained, or why they brought other people with them. I question if the people who are in the shop at the time of the murder could even fit in a lighthouse all at the same time. And, if you are going to introduce a ghost into the story, why wasn’t he at the opening wreaking havoc along with everyone else? There are suspects, evidence that readers will follow, but the killer’s identity will surprise most.
Lindsey's dog is a nice addition to the cast, and a few other characters help the story progress and make it interesting. The love interest, however, is too soon, and he may not be the best choice. The lighthouse is an excellent backdrop for a bakeshop. The ghost would be a great character as long as the character can be given a more defined role. Lindsey needs to do some growing up, and her friends may not be the best people for her to take advice from. Overall, I liked most of Murder At The Beacon Bakeshop, the mystery was done well, but I did find that the book, in general, had some issues. This is not, however, unusual in a new series. Characters will grow and deepen, plots will tighten, and the stories will become more attractive. I will be reading the next book in the series to see where the author takes these unusual characters.
January 21, 2021
This is a great addition to the cozy mystery genre. Lindsay is a good character, she’s independent, loyal and her good attitude are excellent qualities in a protagonist.
With the opening of her own bakery in a lighthouse, Lindsay has everyone in the little community talking. Some residents are excited and some are livid, and someone is out for revenge.
A gruesome death casts a shadow over Lindsay’s grand opening, landing her directly at the top of the suspect list.
Refusing to give up, Lindsay and her friend Kennedy try to find the answers and find themselves in the killer’s path.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
With the opening of her own bakery in a lighthouse, Lindsay has everyone in the little community talking. Some residents are excited and some are livid, and someone is out for revenge.
A gruesome death casts a shadow over Lindsay’s grand opening, landing her directly at the top of the suspect list.
Refusing to give up, Lindsay and her friend Kennedy try to find the answers and find themselves in the killer’s path.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
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