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The Chocolatier’s Curse
If you laughed with The Thursday Murder Club, you’ll instantly love the folks at Clumindell’s chocolate factory …
Criminologists, on the whole, do not solve crimes. So Ph.D. student Theo Chan is out of his comfort zone when a pair of enigmatic private investigators hire him for what sounds like a sweet summer gig. Soon, he’s thrust into the puzzle-box world of a classic small-town whodunnit, with few sleuthing skills to rely on.
“A clown climbs up the skeleton tree; A curse on you, a plague on me.” The cryptic prophesy was discovered in Antonia Pruskain’s pocket after her mysterious death at the Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionary headquarters four years ago. Ever since, a ghostly clown has haunted the grounds, always accompanied by inexplicable deaths and disasters. Now one of Clumindell’s founders is murdered inside a locked building, and the clown is the prime suspect.
To survive his first case, Theo must reckon with an unusual murder weapon, endangered tree frogs, paranormal YouTubers, and the shadowy motives of his own employers—who may be the biggest mystery of all.
Criminologists, on the whole, do not solve crimes. So Ph.D. student Theo Chan is out of his comfort zone when a pair of enigmatic private investigators hire him for what sounds like a sweet summer gig. Soon, he’s thrust into the puzzle-box world of a classic small-town whodunnit, with few sleuthing skills to rely on.
“A clown climbs up the skeleton tree; A curse on you, a plague on me.” The cryptic prophesy was discovered in Antonia Pruskain’s pocket after her mysterious death at the Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionary headquarters four years ago. Ever since, a ghostly clown has haunted the grounds, always accompanied by inexplicable deaths and disasters. Now one of Clumindell’s founders is murdered inside a locked building, and the clown is the prime suspect.
To survive his first case, Theo must reckon with an unusual murder weapon, endangered tree frogs, paranormal YouTubers, and the shadowy motives of his own employers—who may be the biggest mystery of all.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1777 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Seto
2 books22 followersChris earned his Ph.D. in criminology from Penn State and is presently an assistant professor at Purdue University. When not writing about fictional or non-fictional crimes, he enjoys reading, origami, and performing sleight of hand-based magic tricks. Chris lives in Indiana with his wife, daughter, three cats, and one lizard.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 8, 2025
Eclectic characters take us on a surprising journey. I like Theo wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he meets his new summer employers Primrose and Teebin. They are a most unusual pair who turn out to be PIs looking for someone to help with clerical work which turns into more. They take on a perplexing case which will keep you guessing as to who and what is going on. It’s odd but it works. A very good start to a new series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
maybe if i’d responded to those emails addresssed to every elena at penn state during grad school i would have gotten an internship like this
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November 8, 2025This book is a spellbinding blend of mystery, dark fantasy, and intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down. Set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionary headquarters, the story weaves a chilling tale of curses, cryptic prophecies, and a haunting death that refuses to be forgotten.
The book begins with the eerie discovery of a cryptic prophecy— “A clown climbs up the skeleton tree; A curse on you, a plague on me”—found in the pocket of Antonia Pruskain after her mysterious death four years prior. From there, this book masterfully unravels a narrative that is equal parts atmospheric and suspenseful, drawing you into a world where the sweetness of chocolate is tinged with the bitterness of secrets and betrayal.
The vivid, multi-dimensional characters bring everything to this book. The protagonist, a determined investigator with a knack for uncovering the truth, is both relatable and compelling. The supporting cast, from eccentric chocolatiers to shadowy figures with hidden motives, adds depth and complexity to the book. All the characters feel essential with their actions and choices, driving the story forward in unexpected ways.
The author’s writing is so rich and immersive, with descriptions that bring the chocolate factory and its dark corners to life. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head instead of reading a book. This book is gripping. I am not one for horror movies or dark themes, but this book really brought it, and those elements were integral to the story, heightening the emotional impact, which I loved. This book definitely lingered in my mind long after the final page.
The book begins with the eerie discovery of a cryptic prophecy— “A clown climbs up the skeleton tree; A curse on you, a plague on me”—found in the pocket of Antonia Pruskain after her mysterious death four years prior. From there, this book masterfully unravels a narrative that is equal parts atmospheric and suspenseful, drawing you into a world where the sweetness of chocolate is tinged with the bitterness of secrets and betrayal.
The vivid, multi-dimensional characters bring everything to this book. The protagonist, a determined investigator with a knack for uncovering the truth, is both relatable and compelling. The supporting cast, from eccentric chocolatiers to shadowy figures with hidden motives, adds depth and complexity to the book. All the characters feel essential with their actions and choices, driving the story forward in unexpected ways.
The author’s writing is so rich and immersive, with descriptions that bring the chocolate factory and its dark corners to life. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head instead of reading a book. This book is gripping. I am not one for horror movies or dark themes, but this book really brought it, and those elements were integral to the story, heightening the emotional impact, which I loved. This book definitely lingered in my mind long after the final page.
November 6, 2025
The Chocolatier’s Curse is the first book in Christopher Seto’s Notes on a Murder series. This is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery was well laid out, the clues were there but hard for me to solve. The characters were quite eclectic but made a good team. Theo Chan is the central character. He is a doctoral student in criminology who recently broke up with his girlfriend. As a result, he is looking for a job that will allow him to make money during the summer. He stumbles upon a job with an elderly pair of private investigators, Primrose Ghaust-Lee and Teebin. Theo is hired to take notes and write up their findings and is paid a hefty salary. Primrose ‘s eyesight is failing so Theo and Teebin are also tasked with helping her to be aware of what is going on.
After a slow period, they receive a phone call from the owner, Gillian, of the Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company asking them to come to their office. They drive to the town of Blue Frog Springs, PA to meet him and see why he wants to hire them. The company mascot is a creepy clown named Cloomy. They are told about an employee that committed suicide a few years ago by jumping into an open elevator shaft. After it happened, someone dressed up as the clown, showed up and left a horrible message for the company. This practice continued with the clown setting up a gruesome scene and then something bad would happen to one of the employees. The owner is dying and wants to solve the mystery of who is doing this. He believes there is a curse on the company. His brother Ian works with him and all the employees seem to dislike him.
They agree to take the case and are put up in the only motel in town. The next day, Ian is found murdered in Gillian’s office and Gillian was taken to the hospital after he collapsed. Primrose asks most of the questions as they interview all of the employees involved. The police chief had been out on maternity leave but is forced to return to work. She is married to one of the security team at Clumindell. Theo feels he is over his head in trying to solve who murdered Ian. Primrose and Teebin are both calm and seem to not be flustered by anything they discover.
The author has created characters who have mysterious pasts (Primrose and Teebin). They take Theo under their wing and instruct him on what to do in the case. The company and the employees seem to be odd but the PI’s take everything in stride. We meet multiple people who could have been the murderer. I kept trying to figure out who had done it but I continued to guess wrong. This is an excellent mystery with lots of suspense, surprises and twists. It is a five star book that I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
After a slow period, they receive a phone call from the owner, Gillian, of the Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company asking them to come to their office. They drive to the town of Blue Frog Springs, PA to meet him and see why he wants to hire them. The company mascot is a creepy clown named Cloomy. They are told about an employee that committed suicide a few years ago by jumping into an open elevator shaft. After it happened, someone dressed up as the clown, showed up and left a horrible message for the company. This practice continued with the clown setting up a gruesome scene and then something bad would happen to one of the employees. The owner is dying and wants to solve the mystery of who is doing this. He believes there is a curse on the company. His brother Ian works with him and all the employees seem to dislike him.
They agree to take the case and are put up in the only motel in town. The next day, Ian is found murdered in Gillian’s office and Gillian was taken to the hospital after he collapsed. Primrose asks most of the questions as they interview all of the employees involved. The police chief had been out on maternity leave but is forced to return to work. She is married to one of the security team at Clumindell. Theo feels he is over his head in trying to solve who murdered Ian. Primrose and Teebin are both calm and seem to not be flustered by anything they discover.
The author has created characters who have mysterious pasts (Primrose and Teebin). They take Theo under their wing and instruct him on what to do in the case. The company and the employees seem to be odd but the PI’s take everything in stride. We meet multiple people who could have been the murderer. I kept trying to figure out who had done it but I continued to guess wrong. This is an excellent mystery with lots of suspense, surprises and twists. It is a five star book that I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2026
The Chocolatier’s Curse is a PI mystery.
Criminology grad student Theo Chan needed a summer job when he answered a posting from the offices of Primrose Ghaust-Lee and Philip Teebin.
The PIs accept a job to investigate the strange happenings at Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company. Years ago, a maintenance worker died—whether it was an accident or suicide is still debated. Since her death, the Clumindell’s mascot clown has been sighted on the campus, which are then followed by injuries to an employee. Now Theo is helping Primrose and Teebin unmask a clown who may also be a killer.
Bottom line: The Chocolatier’s Curse is for you if you like murder mysteries with imaginative, fantastical characters and setting.
The star of The Chocolatier’s Curse is the imaginative premise. A little bit Willy Wonka, a sprinkling of Psych and you have the investigation of Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company. The story is told by Theo Chan, hired to act as an assistant to the elderly detectives. He is the straight man who always feels one step behind his eccentric employers and is figuring out the mystery along with us. Primrose Ghaust-Lee has advanced macular degeneration. While her mind is sharp, her sight is poor. Philip Teebin is a ball of chaotic energy who excels at endearing himself to the people he wants information from. This is a highly intelligent and entertaining detective trio.
Theo is our narrator, and he is reliable; we do know everything he knows. There are times when Primrose or Phillip do not share knowledge with Theo, which makes this a follow-along mystery for us readers (and for Theo too.) The logic of the overall story holds up after all the threads are unraveled. For a light-hearted and, at times, playful mystery, it is not simple.
This is Christopher Seto’s debut novel. It is an excellent first book with well developed characters, well timed humor, well-constructed mystery, and plenty to smile about. This is the first case for the offices Ghaust-Lee and Teebin. Their second case, The Vanishing Stone, comes to TBR piles on April 8.
Criminology grad student Theo Chan needed a summer job when he answered a posting from the offices of Primrose Ghaust-Lee and Philip Teebin.
The PIs accept a job to investigate the strange happenings at Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company. Years ago, a maintenance worker died—whether it was an accident or suicide is still debated. Since her death, the Clumindell’s mascot clown has been sighted on the campus, which are then followed by injuries to an employee. Now Theo is helping Primrose and Teebin unmask a clown who may also be a killer.
Bottom line: The Chocolatier’s Curse is for you if you like murder mysteries with imaginative, fantastical characters and setting.
The star of The Chocolatier’s Curse is the imaginative premise. A little bit Willy Wonka, a sprinkling of Psych and you have the investigation of Clumindell Chocolate and Confectionery Company. The story is told by Theo Chan, hired to act as an assistant to the elderly detectives. He is the straight man who always feels one step behind his eccentric employers and is figuring out the mystery along with us. Primrose Ghaust-Lee has advanced macular degeneration. While her mind is sharp, her sight is poor. Philip Teebin is a ball of chaotic energy who excels at endearing himself to the people he wants information from. This is a highly intelligent and entertaining detective trio.
Theo is our narrator, and he is reliable; we do know everything he knows. There are times when Primrose or Phillip do not share knowledge with Theo, which makes this a follow-along mystery for us readers (and for Theo too.) The logic of the overall story holds up after all the threads are unraveled. For a light-hearted and, at times, playful mystery, it is not simple.
This is Christopher Seto’s debut novel. It is an excellent first book with well developed characters, well timed humor, well-constructed mystery, and plenty to smile about. This is the first case for the offices Ghaust-Lee and Teebin. Their second case, The Vanishing Stone, comes to TBR piles on April 8.
November 18, 2025
I received this book for free as a Goodreads giveaway.
When grad student Theo suddenly finds himself in need of a summer job, he answers a mysterious ad and is hired as the new assistant to a pair of rather enigmatic private detectives. Although he is studying criminology, he finds that real-life detective work isn’t much like he expected.
I wasn’t crazy about this one. So many overlapping crimes, suspects and motives. Many (most?) characters were cartoonish and buffoonish.
And I have questions. Why is it called the chocolatier’s curse when almost none of the candy mentioned was chocolate? And that secret recording where they could only hear the audio because it was too dark for the camera - it seems rather unlikely that the police and EMTs wouldn’t have turned the lights on when they arrived (and it was morning by then anyway). And do you really think $15,000 is going to be enough to get Grandma into personal care? (Sorry, that one doesn’t have all that much to do with the plot!)
When grad student Theo suddenly finds himself in need of a summer job, he answers a mysterious ad and is hired as the new assistant to a pair of rather enigmatic private detectives. Although he is studying criminology, he finds that real-life detective work isn’t much like he expected.
I wasn’t crazy about this one. So many overlapping crimes, suspects and motives. Many (most?) characters were cartoonish and buffoonish.
And I have questions. Why is it called the chocolatier’s curse when almost none of the candy mentioned was chocolate? And that secret recording where they could only hear the audio because it was too dark for the camera - it seems rather unlikely that the police and EMTs wouldn’t have turned the lights on when they arrived (and it was morning by then anyway). And do you really think $15,000 is going to be enough to get Grandma into personal care? (Sorry, that one doesn’t have all that much to do with the plot!)
October 14, 2025
The Chocolatiers Curse is a great read , Christopher Seto has written an engaging whodunit which had me in its clutches from the opening chapters. Theo answered an advert which intrigued him as like many students he was looking for work over the summer break and felt he would enjoy the work . On meeting his employers who were Private Investigators, he was even more intrigued with their story, however they felt he would be an ideal assistant and employed him on the spot.
Clumindell's Chocolate Factory is the focus of their investigation and the trio travel to Philadelphia to sort out the strange sightings of a clown and its curses.
Well written , this book absorbed me into the storyline and I was fascinated with the twists and turns the author incorporated into his novel .
It reminded me a little of Agatha Christie's writing and I am sure anyone who enjoys a mystery will find this a worthwhile read. Thanks to Tule publishing for an ARC e copy to read and review
Clumindell's Chocolate Factory is the focus of their investigation and the trio travel to Philadelphia to sort out the strange sightings of a clown and its curses.
Well written , this book absorbed me into the storyline and I was fascinated with the twists and turns the author incorporated into his novel .
It reminded me a little of Agatha Christie's writing and I am sure anyone who enjoys a mystery will find this a worthwhile read. Thanks to Tule publishing for an ARC e copy to read and review
November 7, 2025
I started out with this book thinking that the premise would be just like any other murder mystery. But it quickly proved me wrong! Theo sets out to work with a pair of detectives who are anything but ordinary—Primrose is insanely clever and legally blind, while Teebin is a mix of charming, goofy, and very perceptive. The mystery of the chocolatier’s curse moves quickly with intrigue and intricate clues that reveal something about the case and the characters.
The pacing kept me hooked and the characters had me coming back for more. I’m following this author for whatever’s next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pacing kept me hooked and the characters had me coming back for more. I’m following this author for whatever’s next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
Christopher Seto is a new-to-me author with his unusual mystery, The Chocolatiers Curse. This well written story has a clueless postgraduate doctoral student becoming an amateur sleuth. While Theo Chan is pursuing a doctorate degree in criminology, he soon finds himself employed for the summer with a most eccentric couple of older PIs. To tell more would spoil this engaging read even if it is highly different from any mystery I have read. Better to read for yourselves, you won’t regret it but will be surprised by it.
November 7, 2025
The Chocolatier’s Curse ~ Notes on a Murder #1 by Christopher Seto
This was my first book by Christopher Seto, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it. The Chocolatier’s Curse is well written, with believable characters and an engaging storyline that was easy to follow from start to finish. It kept me hooked right from the beginning.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author, and I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of charm.
This was my first book by Christopher Seto, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it. The Chocolatier’s Curse is well written, with believable characters and an engaging storyline that was easy to follow from start to finish. It kept me hooked right from the beginning.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author, and I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of charm.
November 15, 2025
Entertaining read with several twists and turns in it that keep you wondering what's happening next. Like the main character that is trying to figure out all of the secrets. Like the setting and the background of the story. Enjoy reading a book that has a plotline that keeps you guessing until the end. Hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
this turned out to be a good surprise of a book. I enjoyed it. The characters definitely keep this book going. They were so fun and eccentric. Not your normal, average, every day PIs lol. The journey to the end is full of a lot twists. Just when you think you have it figured out....nope. Something else turns you another direction. I really had a good time with it. I recommend picking this up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2025
This was really good. I received it from a give away. I liked all the characters and it was well written. The ending was a little fun twist. Lots of clues given throughout the story. I will definitely be looking for more books if it turns into a series. I can't wait to see what the trios next adventure will be.
November 9, 2025
This is the story of a young man who thinks he wants to solve crimes. When he’s giving the chance to work for the summer as an assistant to investigators he has no idea what is actually involved in solving crimes. When the team travels to small town Pennsylvania to look into what seems to be practical jokes it turns out to be murder.
January 7, 2026
Pretty good book, very suspenseful and entertaining, it took me longer than I wanted to, but moving and reading are hard to do together!
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I wish that I could have put more into my review! I will say that it is very with reading and should not take as long as I did to read.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I wish that I could have put more into my review! I will say that it is very with reading and should not take as long as I did to read.
February 10, 2026
This is a new to me author, and I will definitely be looking forward to more of his works. I immensely enjoyed the story and could not put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat with all its twist and turns. I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys mysteries and suspense.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and involuntary review
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and involuntary review
November 5, 2025
An excellent mystery with clever twists, good worldbuilding, and a lot of humour. I loved the characters and the gasp-inducing twist at the end.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
A cute, funny, and entertaining cozy mystery featuring likeable characteres and a solid mystery.
It kept me hooked and guessing
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
It kept me hooked and guessing
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
November 8, 2025
I struggled a bit with this one. It took me quite a while to get into the story. In the end I did enjoy it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
November 12, 2025
Wow! This book was SO good! A very twisty, layered mystery from start to finish and it left my jaw on the floor. Excellent writing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews