A Poisoned Proposal: A dangerously addictive and twist-filled cozy crime mystery

by Cass Landri

238 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Attempted Murder ? . . .

The Cozy Crumb is in chaos as Sam Baker is preparing a celebration for her 1-year anniversary of starting her bakery. Friends Lily, Hazel, and Jamie were helping out, but it was still manic! Hollace had asked Sam about proposing to Tessa as the anniversary celebration was in full gear so the whole town wouldn’t find out and Tessa wouldn’t panicked. At the proper time, he stepped onto a wooden platform and got the attention of the crowd. He made a little speech and pulled out a ring box while Jamie handed out champagne, her jaw tight as if this was unpleasant news to her. Hollace raised his glass and took a bite of Sam’s famous lemon tart and a sip of champagne, as he began his proposal -- but drops to the floor, his skin turning greenish. Tessa had clutched her stomach but didn’t respond when Sam called her name. The ring box was next to her shoe, open and empty since she had put on the ring. Hollace was rushed to the hospital where they discover this was a result of poison! The celebration had become a crime scene. And if they didn’t want Sam’s reputation destroyed, it would mean Sam, her friends and, of course, her dog Diggie, needed to start their own investigation to preserve Sam’s business and freedom as the gossip begins to spread! Can they find the guilty party behind this? And will Hollace recover from the poisoning?

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Baker is celebrating the one year anniversary of her bakery, The Cozy Crumb. During the celebration, a wedding proposal occurs, but before the groom-to-be gets an answer, he collapses and is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Once it is determined he was poisoned, Sam and her friends, Hazel and Lily work to clear Sam’s name. As they investigate, they find more questions than answers. Can they solve the mystery before Sam’s reputation is ruined?

I enjoyed this installment of this cozy mystery series. The plot is easily understood, the characters are well-defined and there is subtle humor embedded throughout the story. It is a speedy read with several possible suspects and twists that keeps the reader captivated. I think that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book and I look forward to the next book.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy to review. I enjoyed learning more about Sam, Hazel and Lily and how their friendship advances. Sam is hosting a anniversary celebration for the Cozy Crumb and unfortunely Hollis is poisoned. With accusations against several people events from the past having to be investigated. Clara who's baakery burned down and she was banned from a bake-off is under suspuction. The ladies of the Cozy Crumb are suspected until Chief Poe says they have been cleared. With sugar flowers, multiple pictures of the tart which Hollis had taken a bite when he collapsed. Then an attempt on Sam life takes place just making her determined to find the culprit. An interesting read with many suspects. Very enjoyable.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cozy Crumb is celebrating its one-year anniversary, and the citizens of Ashford Peaks are all ready for the sweet treats they have come to enjoy. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happens when a surprise marriage proposal turns deadly and Sam’s tarts are suspect. With her closest friends Hazel and Lily lending a hand Sam is determined to prove that it wasn’t her tart that nearly killed the groom-to-be.
I adore these wonderful characters who always manage to find clues that no one else sees, or even looks for, it seems. Some interesting twists in the plot and fast-paced engaging dialog made it nearly impossible to put this book down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cozy Crumb where the next crime scene takes place belongs to our amateur sleuths Sam and her crime spotting, sneezing Corgi, Diggie. This story is a little more personal because it takes place in Sam's bakery. Combined, Hazel, Lily, Sam, and Diggie set out to find answers as to who is behind poisoning Hollace during The Cozy Crumbs anniversary party and during Hollace's proposal to Tessa. After following the crumbs and eliminating possible suspect, Sam, Diggie, Hazel, and Lily stumble upon the truth! This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries to read. Any mystery that involves four-legged crime fighting pooches have my full attention. I also love the familial friendship between Sam, Hazel, and Lily. I cannot wait for the next adventure.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cozy Crumb is setting up a big fancy bakery spread for their anniversary party when one of the regular couples are are getting a lemon tart and a surprise proposal when the groom to be takes a bite of the tart and suddenly falls to the floor almost dead. The ladies from the Cozy Crumb can't believe that something that they made could have poisoned and start looking into all the possible suspects. What they find with some help from their friends is unbelievable. Great story as always!
I received an arc and this is my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the latest book. Finally, Lily comes into her own. Sam, Hazel and Lily make a great team, in the bakery and out being detectives solving crimes. )Goodness knows Poe is useless.) But of course, cutest detective and the one that finds (sniffs) the best clues is Diggie! The plotline in this book had so many red herrings that kept the plotline going very smoothly. Only a little whiplash.

Can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and honest. Not only do I recommend this book, I also purchased an ebook when it became available.

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The baking crime fighters at what they do best!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2025
This was a good book. I read it in two days it was so good. Sam, Hazel, and Lilly are at it again, solving a crime and clearing names. They know that Chief Poe is not going to do what needs to be done so the three of them with Diggie, the faithful crime fighting dog, go to whatever lengths they have to and get the job done. Worth the read!

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a wedding proposal to a murder and someone wants Sam to be the fall guy! When the groom to be falls dead from poisoning right after taking a bite of a tart that Sam baked, her bakery is shut down and all suspicion is on her. To clear her name Sam and her friends along with canine companion Diggie set out to prove her innocence!! This is another great book by Cass Landri and one you won’t want to miss!!
Cherie

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Same Baker mysteries, because they're always well-written and set in a town where people try to help each other. The stories are set in New Hampshire, my favorite state, and the setting feels very realistic. The plot feels real, too, with a murderer I couldn't guess in advance. Any cozy mystery fan should enjoy this book. Highly recommended!

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosy Crumb Bakery is having a big party to celebrate being open for a year. Some stands at the microphone to make an announcement, but, takes a bit of a tart & collapses. Later he dies, an allergic response. So, who knew & who wanted him dead. He had a name for bad deals, so it could be a few people. This is quite an involved story as to how Hazel, Lily, Sam & Diggy work it out.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun with the characters you love! Really nice writing.

Favorite quotes:
“…Clara…was…stirring rumors like she’d auditioned for town villain.”
“…Bitterness bakes slow, but it rises.”

[Chris Meiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome mystery in this series! Multiple suspects & twists & turns. I love the characters and their friendship. Diggie is awesome!