Pastries, Podcasts & Murder

by Elizabeth Perry

Chasing killers with a shady attorney, wrangling her (almost) felonious grandma, and trying not to die? Just another day in true crime podcastingMeet Samantha Malone—an ex-journalist turned true crime podcast host. In Samantha’s opinion, donuts are a balanced breakfast, coffee is best served cold, and young women aren’t supposed to vanish like a bad Wi-Fi signal.
When Samantha stumbles across a cluster of local cold cases involving missing women (and a few dead bodies no one is talking about), she realizes that reporting on them isn’t enough.
She decides to start investigating.

A chance encounter lands her with the least expected Miguel Rodrigo, the country’s most infamous defense attorney. Sure, his vibe is darker than his deranged client list, but Samantha’s willing to overlook that—for now. One of his former clients, Jack Jones, is at the center of the cold case web, and if anyone can help her crack it, it's Rodrigo.

But balancing an investigation isn’t easy when you’ve also got a felony-dodging grandma, a deliciously handsome detective ex who keeps showing up uninvited, and an insatiable sweet tooth that keeps leading straight into trouble
As a new disappearance shakes the town, Samantha races to connect the dots between the past and present—before the killer decides she’s the next loose end that needs snipping.

Because solving cold cases is one thing.
Surviving them?
Now that’s another story.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ever since she learned to spell her name, Elizabeth Perry has been writing stories.
As an adult, she fell back into writing as her four children began to grow up and spread their wings. She loves writing cozy mysteries and romantic comedies featuring funny & strong heroines who remind her of the influential women she's met along the way.
She resides in Michigan with her husband, children, and yellow lab named Lucy. If she's not reading, she's writing, or spending time with her beloved family and friends.

Reviews

[Tara Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from hello. It’s the first book in a long time that I was truly excited about. The only reason it took me over a week to read is because I wouldn’t let myself start reading at night bc I knew I’d stay up too late. I could have read this in one sitting if I didn’t have to work and eat and such.
If you love Stephanie Plum and the Crime Junkies podcast, add this to your TBR immediately! It’s funny, engaging, sexy (but no actual sex), and a great puzzle to figure out. It’s well-written and I adored the author’s voice. Truly a fantastic read.

I was so lucky to receive an advanced reader copy and am delighted to leave my honest review. I will be purchasing a paperback copy when it releases so I can share it with my mother!

[Shannon Banchero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Vacation Read!
I’ve always enjoyed a good mystery, but after reading several disappointing novels by well-known authors recently, I was hesitant to pick up another. Overused red herrings and flat characters had left me disinterested. Fortunately, I decided to give Pastries, Podcasts & Murder a try after receiving an advance reader copy—and I’m glad I did.

Sam, the protagonist, is a strong female character with a background in journalism that lends authenticity to her role as a true-crime podcaster. The supporting characters are equally enjoyable, and while the book fits the cozy mystery genre, it incorporates thriller elements that add a refreshing twist.

If you're in the mood for an engaging read, grab an iced coffee and a donut—just like Sam—and dive into the mystery of Pastries, Podcasts & Murder.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! I loved Sam lol and her bestie was hilarious! I found myself laughing in the middle of the night, lol!

This reminded me of the beloved Stephanie Plum series, and I just devoured it! Fun fact, I read all the Stephanie Plum books, and to read this, it healed my heart 🩷

Did I mention this is my first book from this author? I fell in love!

Just do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR! It's cute, a whodunit and sweet 😝

10/10 ⭐️

Thank you so much for writing this, I loved it 🥹

[Teresa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun to read and such a refreshing modern day romantic suspense tale. Samantha is an out of work journalist that is podcasting with a best friend about missing young women in her hometown. Unbeknownst, to her she finds herself embroiled in the mystery of "who done it" while trying to get her life back on track and wondering which man in her life is her real love. Oh, by the way, Samantha has a major fetish with sweets.

[Stephanie Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quirky, and page-turning book. I thought the characters were great and I enjoyed the plot. Not to be read if you are on a diet, haha! The descriptions of the sweet treats made me want to eat too. I would read more from this author.

[Breanna Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who loves true crime podcasts and sweets, this book had my attention from the beginning! I loved the concept and storyline of this book and actually felt myself feeling for the characters and the situations they were in. I will definitely be reading this book again and can’t wait to buy a physical copy!

[Kasandra Bethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Hooked me from the beginning! This was definitely a book I judged by the cover, but the inside was just as good! I can’t wait to purchase the hardcopy when it’s released!

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read. Well written “who done it” mystery read. I enjoyed reading this so much!