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Laughing Loaf Bakery #7
Shot Through the Tart: Laughing Loaf Bakery Mystery #7
The ovens are hot, the coffee’s fresh, and The Laughing Loaf Bakery is ready to reopen with a beautiful new dining room, a quirky lunch crew, and Beck’s showstopping summer tart.
What could go wrong?
Plenty.
Just days before the grand reopening, one of the new hires, the fun-loving Barb D’Amato, is caught snooping in Gracie’s office. The next morning, Gracie discovers Barb’s body in the alley behind the bakery. Suddenly, Gracie’s picture-perfect week is crumbling faster than an overbaked scone.
And if murder isn’t enough, her witness protection agents have bad news. A shadowy group of angry Satrovanian dissidents is closing in, desperate for pipeline access codes tied to her tech-spy ex-husband—who told them Gracie has them.
During her busiest week ever at the bakery, Gracie must unravel a deadly mystery that threatens her bakery, her freedom, and possibly her life.
Can Gracie solve the murder--before she winds up toast herself?
Includes Laughing Loaf Bakery recipes.
What could go wrong?
Plenty.
Just days before the grand reopening, one of the new hires, the fun-loving Barb D’Amato, is caught snooping in Gracie’s office. The next morning, Gracie discovers Barb’s body in the alley behind the bakery. Suddenly, Gracie’s picture-perfect week is crumbling faster than an overbaked scone.
And if murder isn’t enough, her witness protection agents have bad news. A shadowy group of angry Satrovanian dissidents is closing in, desperate for pipeline access codes tied to her tech-spy ex-husband—who told them Gracie has them.
During her busiest week ever at the bakery, Gracie must unravel a deadly mystery that threatens her bakery, her freedom, and possibly her life.
Can Gracie solve the murder--before she winds up toast herself?
Includes Laughing Loaf Bakery recipes.
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
156 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2025
Fun read.
Things are going well at the Laughing Loaf. Renovations are almost complete, Gracie has hired some new helpers and they're all set for the grand opening. Then the past comes calling again. Out of spite, Gracie's rotten ex-husband let it be known that Gracie was involved with his treason and now some very bad people are after her again because they think she has something that her ex sold to them and now they want what they paid for. When one of her new employees is caught snooping in Gracie's office for the second time, Gracie finally has to fire her. The next day, her ex-employee is shot dead in the alley behind the bakery. I enjoyed the book. I do wish that the story would stay "closer to home" instead of a CIA-type situation with international bad guys. But I do enjoy this series and I'll still read the next book.
Things are going well at the Laughing Loaf. Renovations are almost complete, Gracie has hired some new helpers and they're all set for the grand opening. Then the past comes calling again. Out of spite, Gracie's rotten ex-husband let it be known that Gracie was involved with his treason and now some very bad people are after her again because they think she has something that her ex sold to them and now they want what they paid for. When one of her new employees is caught snooping in Gracie's office for the second time, Gracie finally has to fire her. The next day, her ex-employee is shot dead in the alley behind the bakery. I enjoyed the book. I do wish that the story would stay "closer to home" instead of a CIA-type situation with international bad guys. But I do enjoy this series and I'll still read the next book.
May 18, 2025
Laughing Loaf Bakery
Love visit the Laughing )Loaf Bakery! Never a dull moment!
Hoping there will be additional books in this series.
Definitely recommend
Love visit the Laughing )Loaf Bakery! Never a dull moment!
Hoping there will be additional books in this series.
Definitely recommend
June 4, 2025
Hang on for a wild ride
This series gets better with each batch. Victoria is my favorite author and I try to wait patiently for the next book. This book had me on the edge. I love every character in this series and their relational development.
This series gets better with each batch. Victoria is my favorite author and I try to wait patiently for the next book. This book had me on the edge. I love every character in this series and their relational development.
August 15, 2025
Having read the series starter prior to reading book number 7 I am familiar with Gracie’s unique situation. Not to worry, this is a stand-alone cozy with a sprinkling of thriller so you will not feel lost. The Laughing Loaf bakery owner, Gracie Markley and her dad are in the WITSEC program and have only been in River Grove for about two years. The bakery has done so well that it is getting a little overhaul. To keep the patrons happy and the bills paid, Gracie has set up a “pop up” on the green until the final touches are complete. Since the Laughing Loaf will be a bigger place with more tasty offerings, that means more employees. This leads Gracie to once again become embroiled in a mystery. Well, that and her lousy ex-husband and his business partner telling certain foreign dissidents that she has the system codes they paid a whole lot of money to acquire.
Opening day is crazy and it only gets crazier when the new employee who was fired for snooping in Gracie’s office is found dead. Topping the crazy is threats from members of SABRE who want what they paid ex-husband Ben for, and they are under the impression that Gracie has it. Is it a coincidence or was someone out to get Barb? I am not sure how Gracie keeps it together regardless of the number of agents who are watching her every move, the local operative who keeps an eye on her, or Chief Westerman who is working out of his car while parked outside of the bakery. This story draws you in like the scent of the fresh baked cinnamon rolls that Gracie makes every morning. With the new enhancements, the bakery is doing gangbusters, but Gracie is still able to make time to sneak out and search for clues. Actually, Gracie has an amazing staff to cover for her while she tries to keep away from the Satrovanians who are threatening her life.
This cozy checks all the boxes. The story was entertaining, there is an adorable little pooch named Biga, there is an attentive boyfriend, and a supportive group of friends and family. For a little added flavor there is also the federal agent involvement and thriller undertones. Not only do you get an enjoyable mystery with amazing bakery items descriptions but also a great recipe for Beck’s Strawberry Shortbread Tarts made with créme anglaise. The directions were easy, and the cream and crust came out perfect. I will be going back to see what I missed in the previous books plus there will be more recipes to enjoy.
Opening day is crazy and it only gets crazier when the new employee who was fired for snooping in Gracie’s office is found dead. Topping the crazy is threats from members of SABRE who want what they paid ex-husband Ben for, and they are under the impression that Gracie has it. Is it a coincidence or was someone out to get Barb? I am not sure how Gracie keeps it together regardless of the number of agents who are watching her every move, the local operative who keeps an eye on her, or Chief Westerman who is working out of his car while parked outside of the bakery. This story draws you in like the scent of the fresh baked cinnamon rolls that Gracie makes every morning. With the new enhancements, the bakery is doing gangbusters, but Gracie is still able to make time to sneak out and search for clues. Actually, Gracie has an amazing staff to cover for her while she tries to keep away from the Satrovanians who are threatening her life.
This cozy checks all the boxes. The story was entertaining, there is an adorable little pooch named Biga, there is an attentive boyfriend, and a supportive group of friends and family. For a little added flavor there is also the federal agent involvement and thriller undertones. Not only do you get an enjoyable mystery with amazing bakery items descriptions but also a great recipe for Beck’s Strawberry Shortbread Tarts made with créme anglaise. The directions were easy, and the cream and crust came out perfect. I will be going back to see what I missed in the previous books plus there will be more recipes to enjoy.
January 10, 2026
First time reading from this Cosy author. Kept me going but didn't completely finish at the end🧐....maybe it follows up in #2. ? Enjoyed the baking talk throughout👍🏼🍪🧁
August 1, 2025
Love this series,can't put it down. Hope it's not the last book
February 17, 2026
"Shot Through the Tart" is book #7 in the "Laughing Loaf Bakery" series by Victoria Kazarian.
Just days before the renovated Laughing Loaf is about to reopen, Barb, a new hire, is caught snooping in Gracie's office. Gracie discovers the woman dead the next day. In addition, the federal agents from Witness Protection inform her that an angry group of foreign dissidents believe she has info that her ex-husband had sold to them and never delivered. They think she has that info. They want that info now and will do what it takes to get it from her.
You couldn't help but feel for Gracie with all that was going on in this story. Major stress levels but also so limited in who she could confide in. None of the staff at the Laughing Loaf know the real story but they are also supportive of each other. Compartmentalizing her past life from her present life isn't easy. Bits of humor and tasty baked goods go a long way to easing tensions - even if only for a few minutes.
Sorting out if the dissidents or someone else was behind the murder proved to be a challenge for Gracie and the various officers involved. There were also a couple of scary moments before a dramatic conclusion and justice was served.
I love the core characters of this series! Idyllic setting, tasty baked goods, witty banter and just enough murder and drama to keep you turning the pages and wanting more stories in this entertaining series!
Just days before the renovated Laughing Loaf is about to reopen, Barb, a new hire, is caught snooping in Gracie's office. Gracie discovers the woman dead the next day. In addition, the federal agents from Witness Protection inform her that an angry group of foreign dissidents believe she has info that her ex-husband had sold to them and never delivered. They think she has that info. They want that info now and will do what it takes to get it from her.
You couldn't help but feel for Gracie with all that was going on in this story. Major stress levels but also so limited in who she could confide in. None of the staff at the Laughing Loaf know the real story but they are also supportive of each other. Compartmentalizing her past life from her present life isn't easy. Bits of humor and tasty baked goods go a long way to easing tensions - even if only for a few minutes.
Sorting out if the dissidents or someone else was behind the murder proved to be a challenge for Gracie and the various officers involved. There were also a couple of scary moments before a dramatic conclusion and justice was served.
I love the core characters of this series! Idyllic setting, tasty baked goods, witty banter and just enough murder and drama to keep you turning the pages and wanting more stories in this entertaining series!
June 27, 2025
Lots was going on in this book since the bakery was getting ready to launch after its renovation. A woman Gracie just hired was murdered, then Gracie and her dad found out there were some enemies in town that wanted some codes Gracie didn’t have. She met up with those people in an exciting showdown and finally got to find out who the protective local operative was that kept Gracie and her dad safe. It was pretty cool and I would’ve never guessed. Can’t wait to see what the crew gets up to in the next book!
August 5, 2025
enjoyable
With the bakery, about to reopen after a major remodel, Gracie on the back room, girls have their hands full. Then comes news that Gracie’s past is about to reconnect with her present.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Characters are very believable and likable (except for the bad guys that is). The plot is certainly what I imagined. It would be in a situation like this. Always important to me, the editing is excellent. If you like cozy mysteries, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this one
With the bakery, about to reopen after a major remodel, Gracie on the back room, girls have their hands full. Then comes news that Gracie’s past is about to reconnect with her present.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Characters are very believable and likable (except for the bad guys that is). The plot is certainly what I imagined. It would be in a situation like this. Always important to me, the editing is excellent. If you like cozy mysteries, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this one
July 29, 2025
Shot through the tart
This book is about a divorced woman reopening her bakery in a small town. Her ex-husband had been caught selling secrets to international spies and had used her to take the fall for his actions. Even though she was in the witness protection program she was still having problems with spies finding her to demand top secret information that her ex stole and sold. Although innocent she was still dealing with the fallout from her past.
This book is about a divorced woman reopening her bakery in a small town. Her ex-husband had been caught selling secrets to international spies and had used her to take the fall for his actions. Even though she was in the witness protection program she was still having problems with spies finding her to demand top secret information that her ex stole and sold. Although innocent she was still dealing with the fallout from her past.
August 2, 2025
Totally enjoyable and relaxing
I chose this series bc it reminded me of some others I like. It totally satisfied my hopes. The characters were real and likeable and the plot had done surprises and intrigue!
I chose this series bc it reminded me of some others I like. It totally satisfied my hopes. The characters were real and likeable and the plot had done surprises and intrigue!
August 4, 2025
Very interesting
This was a very interesting book. I didn’t read any of the earlier installments of the series. But I called on pretty fast. Maybe I’ll read the next one. It was fast moving and had very happening characters.
This was a very interesting book. I didn’t read any of the earlier installments of the series. But I called on pretty fast. Maybe I’ll read the next one. It was fast moving and had very happening characters.
August 10, 2025
Not the Same Mystery Done Over &Over Again
Usually a light mystery seems to use a recipe all the time. The laughing loaf mysteries do not. I read this whole series and I look forward to the next book. I recommend this Series to anyone who likes light mystery.
Usually a light mystery seems to use a recipe all the time. The laughing loaf mysteries do not. I read this whole series and I look forward to the next book. I recommend this Series to anyone who likes light mystery.
October 26, 2025
More problems from her ex
First, a new employee snoops, and then she is murdered. Someone else who her ex promised info to, but didn't deliver, comes after her. And her newly remodeled bakery reopens. Just a normal week.
First, a new employee snoops, and then she is murdered. Someone else who her ex promised info to, but didn't deliver, comes after her. And her newly remodeled bakery reopens. Just a normal week.
July 6, 2025
Basic idea of witness protection is far fetched.
July 11, 2025
Loved this story. Interesting characters. Especially Biga. Everyone needs a dog like that! Storyline is twisted but possible with the way the world is now. The bakery goods sounds yummy.
July 14, 2025
liked it
I didn’t think I would like this book but it was actually pretty good. I liked the characters and I would like to have the recipe for the chocolate chip sourdough cookies
I didn’t think I would like this book but it was actually pretty good. I liked the characters and I would like to have the recipe for the chocolate chip sourdough cookies
July 15, 2025
Fast and fun read
The story moved along well with interesting characters and scenes. The characters are well described and great to get to know.
The story moved along well with interesting characters and scenes. The characters are well described and great to get to know.
July 19, 2025
shot through the Tart
Very,very good and funny, yet still a scary also, which made a good read!
Never have I read any of your books, But Will enjoy more of, never fear😊😊😊😳😳
Very,very good and funny, yet still a scary also, which made a good read!
Never have I read any of your books, But Will enjoy more of, never fear😊😊😊😳😳
August 2, 2025
Happy Reader!!!
Really enjoyed Shot through the Tart. Always keep you in suspense with a surprise ending. Looking forward to next one.
Really enjoyed Shot through the Tart. Always keep you in suspense with a surprise ending. Looking forward to next one.
September 8, 2025
I enjoy these books. There is enough of everything to make me want to keep reading.
December 29, 2025
Another page-turner straight through the ending! It’s great to see Gracie’s relationships deepen over the series, as she and the Laughing Loaf become a beloved part of the community.
February 5, 2026
Engaging and entertaining
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews