Twin Troubles and Chocolate Tortes

Death by Chocolate #9

by Sally Berneathy

An elderly man moves next door to Paula and becomes Zach’s new best friend. They play baseball and draw pictures. Paula even likes him.

Then the man falls downstairs and dies.

The next day a woman shows up at Death by Chocolate claiming to be Paula’s twin sister, claiming the dead man was their grandfather. This woman has got DNA results, vintage family photos, and a heartwarming backstory…that doesn’t quite add up.

Lindsay finds herself knee-deep in secrets, lies, and one very tangled family tree. With Paula skeptical, Zach heartbroken, and the truth hiding somewhere in plain sight, it’s up to Lindsay to connect the dots—before someone else takes a fall. In this town, murder might be rare…but it’s always served with dessert.

259 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

“Write what you know,” they said. I’d been married three times. I wrote romances.

Fast forward ten years.

“Write what you know,” they said. I’d been divorced three times and fantasized about murdering my ex. Only massive doses of chocolate kept my finger off the trigger.

Now I write about murder and chocolate and the occasional ghost.

Reviews

[Goldie]

More antics and suspense

As always, Sally Berneathy delivers a great read featuring a fun, but flawed, main character doing her best to solve a crime. The pace is quick and the collection other characters holds your interest. And this author delivers on the promise of chocolate-infused action.

[Linda O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Chocolate Series

I've been hoping for another book in Sally Berneathy's, Death by Chocolate series for too long. It's worth the wait! Loved the mystery, family drama, and most of all Lindsay and her love of chocolate. Please keep writing this series.

[Sherri Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death By Chocolate-great series!

I Just finished book 9 of the death by chocolate series. Great stories. I Enjoyed reading all nine of the books.

[Crystal Fricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🌟again!!!

[Cynthia Callenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot.

I was so excited to find this book. I love Sally's work. Best read this summer...thank you! Bring on more

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Deliciously Twisted Mystery with Heart, Humor, and a Dash of Suspicion

Sally Berneathy once again delivers a charming, fast-paced cozy mystery in Twin Troubles and Chocolate Tortes, the ninth installment of her beloved Death by Chocolate series. With her signature blend of wit, warmth, and intrigue, Berneathy spins a tale that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

When a friendly elderly man moves in next door and bonds with young Zach, it seems like nothing more than a sweet addition to the neighborhood. But after a sudden and suspicious fall, his death opens the door to a tangled web of secrets, unexpected family ties, and a mysterious woman claiming to be Paula’s long-lost twin sister. Armed with DNA tests and old photos but a story that doesn’t quite line up she adds just the right dose of suspicion to keep readers guessing.

Protagonist Lindsay is as sharp and likable as ever, navigating deception, heartbreak, and a very complicated family tree with humor and heart. The pacing is tight, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional stakes feel real especially as Zach struggles with loss and Paula is forced to confront truths about her past.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or diving in fresh, this book has all the hallmarks of a great cozy: engaging characters, clever twists, and of course, plenty of chocolate. Berneathy masterfully balances light-hearted charm with genuine suspense, proving once again why she’s a USA Today bestselling author.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate strong female leads, quirky plotlines, and just enough emotional depth to keep the story grounded. Twin Troubles and Chocolate Tortes is a treat in every sense of the word.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Marcha Fox delivers a captivating blend of vivid world-building, sharp character development, and thought-provoking themes. Her storytelling pulls you in from the first page, immersing you in worlds that feel both vast and intimate. Every twist is purposeful, every detail adds depth, and her pacing keeps you hooked until the very last word. A masterful voice in her genre, Marcha’s work is both entertaining and unforgettable."

[M.A.SPRIGGS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read

I love this series. The characters are funny, relatable, quirky and entertaining. Lots of sarcastic humourous quips from a chocoholic, cat loving, nosy but friendly baker. Throw in a murder mystery and kidnapping and you have a fun and enjoyable story. So happy to have another book to add to my collection. Highly recommend.

[Gayle Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Love these books! Have been waiting for number 9 and was not disappointed. Hope Sally Berneathy writes many more. Love the recipes at the end. Plan on trying some of them.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh what a fun read! I missed these when I thought the series ended a few years ago. But here's another one, and I hope they keep coming. All the characters are great, in different ways. Even Henry the cat pulls his weight.

[Cindy Pendergraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun,fun,fun

I love how Lindsay is not afraid to tackle any problem that involve her friends.. I like her and Henry's relationship. This series is fantastic.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty, comical, mischievous and fun. Made me chuckle a lot.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you say “chocolate”.

This last book by Sally is sweet and fun. Lots of twists and turns and totally enjoyable. Could not put it down…