Killer Crust: A Poppy James Cozy Mystery

by Gemma Harper

In Willowbrook, even the sweetest pies can hide the sharpest secrets.

When the Willowbrook Pie Festival ends in chaos, café owner Poppy James finds herself holding more than flour-dusted plates. A letter from beloved baker Etta May reveals shocking the bakery deed is missing, and a secret recipe may hold the map to its whereabouts.

With her loyal beagle Midsip sniffing out clues and her gossip-loving best friend Nadine stirring trouble faster than batter in a bowl, Poppy dives headfirst into a puzzle baked with secrets. Historian Theo Mercer lends a steady hand—and perhaps a spark of something more—but even his research can’t keep suspicion from landing on the wrong doorstep. Was it Etta May’s ambitious niece, eager to seize control, or the rival baker who long envied her success?

As threats turn to break-ins and a fire nearly silences the truth, Poppy must race against time. If she can’t untangle the coded recipes and expose the real culprit, Willowbrook’s sweetest traditions—and her own café—may crumble for good.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2025

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Crust is an excellent follow-up to Gemma Harper’s A Poppy James Cozy Mystery series. This installment begins with even more secrets that the community of Willowbrook is desperately trying to conceal. Killer Crust is an incredibly captivating tale that captured my interest from the very first page and lingered long after I finished it.

Someone is determined to keep these secrets buried, never allowing them to come to light. Their desire to protect these secrets is so intense that Poppy’s café is set ablaze, taking the truth along with it as it burns. Poppy and Nadine do their utmost to uncover the truth, but their efforts yield little success as everything slips away from them.

How far are they prepared to go to prevent the town’s secrets from surfacing? What level of peril do Poppy, Nadine, and Theo face? I found myself on the edge of my seat, assisting Poppy and Nadine in their quest for answers, yet the more they delved, the more questions arose for me.

I couldn’t put the book down until every answer was uncovered and all the secrets were disclosed. The numerous twists and turns kept me eager for more as I hurried to the conclusion to discover who was behind all the turmoil and the concealed truths.

Killer Crust is a delightful read for any mystery enthusiast! Be sure to pick up a copy of Killer Crust today for yet another thrilling mystery to unravel.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a very enjoyable, entertaining series that keeps you turning pages until the end. Who wanted a well liked baker, Etta May out of the picture and where is the deed to the bakery? Will Poppy lose it all? Well of course Poppy, her friend Nadine, historian and maybe more than friend, Theo and of course the best clue finding dog, Midsip get involved in the investigation and there is danger in their mission. We see threats, break ins and fires. Will Poppy and crew come out on top or will she lose everything she worked for? Once I began this book, I couldn't put it down until a great ending. I highly recommend this second book as well as the first and can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about Poppy, Theo, and Nadine. Poppy’s dog Midsip plays an important part in this story. This story starts with Etta being the deceased owner of the bakery and its brought out that Etta’s deed to the bakery was missing. Poppy, Theo, and Nadine set out to find out what happened to the deed and then when going thru the bakery receipe box they find some things that are really different. The planning of this story is fantastic. The story is filled with suspense from beginning to end. Poppy, Theo, and Nadine find the corruption in their town has been happening for many years and runs deep. I liked how these three didn’t give up they just kept digging even with the threats that were made known to them. I really liked how this story ended.

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and in turn I am doing this review. This is the 2nd in a series and I did not read the 1st one. I don't think that makes a big difference, I would have already known the characters but it doesn't take long to get into the story. The trio of friends, Poppy, Nadine and Theo, along with their canine companion Midsip are quickly embroiled into a murder investigation and a mystery where they find notes in pies and other clues as they continue to investigate. It's a page turner!

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Crust is a story about Poppy James a Cafe Owner and her clever, sleuthing dog Midsip. She is catering at a Pie Festival and Nadine her best friend finds a letter on Poppy's door. So Poppy starts to investigate the mystery with Nadine and Theo a Librarian and Historian. They look for pieces of the puzzle and some are hidden in plain sight. But can they solve this puzzle ?
Excellent story and series that I recommend you read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little mystery set in the small town of Willowbrook and when the towns baker turns up dead and the deed to the bakery turns up missing Poppy James and her beagle Midsip set out to solve it. With the help of friends Nadine and Theo they sort through the clues they find to find the answers . This mystery takes lots of twists and turns that’ll keep you guessing you won’t be disappointed!
Cherie

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent mystery. Try to figure out who the "Circle' is. No spoilers here, but this is a must-read book. I loved it and couldn't put it down. This is an excellent trio (Poppy, Nadine, and Theo), and I can't wait for the next adventure. Midsip is a great supporting character, helping to solve the mystery and protect the characters. You will not be disappointed with this book.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story Poppy is involved in trying to find a deed that is missing after her friend Etta Mae dies. The recipe cards she leaves behind have mysterious marks that hold clues to dangerous dealings. A group called the Circle has tight control over the town and Poppy is in danger. This was exciting and unpredictable I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy James is horrified when told that Etta May had died. They say natural causes but......Then her niece tries to take over. Poppy, Nadine, and Theo with the help of Midsip the dog they go hunting for clues when the deed is missing. They are hindered on every turn by "The Circle" and their interests. Would love to see where that organization leads in this small town.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Poppy James and her friends solving the murder of Etta May.
Etta May left clues as to what was going on.
Lots of drama, clues and an interesting read.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery.
There's great characters, an intriguing plot, and plenty of clues sprinkled throughout like the tastiest morsels.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot and imagery, but felt the story dragged out a little in some spots.

i received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.