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Murder in the Mix #56

The Proof is in the Banana Pudding

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It’s Mother’s Day in Honey Hollow!
Honey Hollow is stepping back to the 1950s—poodle skirts, vintage vibes, and a side of murder! Because nothing says retro like a killer in kitten heels.

A laugh out loud standalone cozy mystery by New York Times, USA TODAY, & Wall Street Journal bestseller Addison Moore.
Humor with a side of homicide. All books in the series can be read individually, so dive on in! Includes RECIPES!

My name is Lottie Lemon, and I see dead people. Okay, so I rarely see dead people, mostly I see furry creatures of the dearly departed variety, who have come back from the other side to warn me of their previous owner’s impending doom.
This time, a ghostly peacock has me strutting straight into danger—and looking fabulous while doing it. When the Daughters of Honey Hollow declare a week-long 1950s reenactment culminating in a Mother’s Day garden party, I’m ready to showcase my signature banana pudding and maybe win the Golden Whisk. With twin babies strapped to my chest and a somewhat bossy two-year-old in tow, what could go wrong at a vintage-themed celebration?

Of course, when the chairwoman of the Daughters ends up dead with a commemorative cast iron skillet knocked over her perfectly coiffed head, I realize someone just turned Honey Hollow’s Mother’s Day celebration into a murder investigation. Between embezzlement scandals, secret affairs, and enough blackmail to fill a vintage hat box—half the organization had motive to kill the queen bee.

But when the investigation reveals this murder has more layers than my banana pudding, I know I’m dealing with a killer who’s been perfecting their domestic goddess image for decades. With my spatula in one hand and my sleuthing skills in the other—plus a supernatural sidekick who has some serious tail feathers, and enough suspects in poodle skirts to populate a sock hop—I’ll need to crack this case before the killer decides I know too much.
Living in Honey Hollow can be deadly.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

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Addison Moore

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Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.


FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,706 reviews19 followers
May 8, 2026
Mother’s Day murder

Another holiday another murder or two. It’s time for Mother’s Day and the town is going all out 1950’s style. Instead of being able to enjoy and celebrate with family Lottie and the crew are caught up in a murder Investigation and some less than ideal neighbor shenanigans. What’s a girl to do? Dress her best and corral the killer like she rounds up her kiddos lol.
This book stands alone but the characters are well established as are their relationships. If you can I’d start from the beginning but if not just jump in and enjoy the Scooby like shenanigans as this crew hunts for the truth. It’s light, twisty, a bit silly but all in all a fun read.
Profile Image for Mandy.
316 reviews
Review of advance copy
April 17, 2026
Wow! What an adventure Lottie and the gang take us on in the story “The Proof is in the Banana Pudding”. It’s Mother’s Day and Honey Hollow has been transformed into the 1950’s for the week. Lottie is not only seeing poodle skirts everywhere, she is seeing a beautiful peacock named Percy. The catch…only Lottie, Carlotta (Lottie’s bio mom) and Lottie’s daughter Lyla Nell can see Percy. This can only mean one thing in Honey Hollow– someone is about to be murdered. Rather than being able to focus on finding out the secret that makes Midge’s banana pudding an award winner, now Lottie has to figure out who wanted the victim dead.

Not only has someone been murdered and there is a whole list of suspects, Lottie and her family has to deal with some obnoxious neighbors. They threw a rock while she was driving and it hit her windshield and cracked it while she was driving with her precious cargo. And what a family it is. The father is a complete jerk and doesn’t know how to set a good example if you paid him too, so Everett and Noah work together to “legally” deal with him. They were a lot nicer about it than I would have been especially after their houses and vehicles were vandalized with enough eggs to feed a small country. With neighbors like that, who needs enemies?!

So between three little ones, banana pudding, peacocks, the 1950’s, and annoying neighbors, Lottie is trying to narrow down the suspect list to figure out who killed the victim.

The story has you laughing out loud and shaking your head all at the same time. Lyla Nell and her experiences at preschool are hilarious. Lottie and Noah have a little boss diva on their hands! I think she would make a great leader someday – doesn’t matter what of – she is just going to rule the world.

I loved when Evie surprised Lottie for Mother’s Day and I laughed so hard when Lottie opened the gift that Evie and Lyla Nell painted for her. I don’t want to tell you what they painted because it would ruin the surprise factor, but it was good.

This book can be read as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning if you are able to. Doing so allows you to really get to know the characters and truly appreciate each and everyone of them. I am always excited when the next book is going to be released and I think you will be too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
884 reviews30 followers
May 7, 2026
The Daughters of Honey Hollow are celebrating Mother’s Day with a weeklong extravaganza of everything 50s. From the fashions and hairstyles to the food concoctions, the ladies are competing to be the most authentic homemaker. But when Lottie Lemon notices the spectral form of Perceval the Peacock at the kickoff event, everyone knows murder is on the menu. Juggling sweet treats, infant twins, a tyrant toddler, Cray Cray Carlotta and her men while solving a murder is Lottie’s specialty. The teenage delinquents ramping up a vandalism vendetta she leaves to Everett & Noah to handle. After-all what’s a holiday in Honey Hollow without a side of murder?

The 56th Murder in the Mix is full of all the offbeat shenanigans you expect from Addison Moore with a 1950s flair. Breakout the Jell-O molds and come along with Lottie and the gang as they try to figure out who took out the doyenne with her treasured cast iron pan, “Big Bertha”. Find out the secret ingredient in the award winning day-glo banana pudding. Cower as Lyla Nell stages a coup at pre-school. Feel the second hand embarrassment as Lottie, Noah, and Everett get invited to a very special party in Leeds. Take bets on how many places Carlotta gets kicked out of. And cheer on Noah and Everett as they try to teach responsibility to a deadbeat dad and some out of control teens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
444 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2026
The Proof is in the Banana Pudding is the fifty -sixth book in the Murder in the Mix series. Even with this book being late in the series it can be read as a stand alone but reading in order brings more to the story as they build on the previous books and story lines.
This series takes place in Honey Hollow and focuses around Lottie Lemon a small town bakery owner that has a little quirk. She can see the dead.
It is almost Mother’s Day and Honey Hollow is celebrating with the Daughters of Honey Hollow throw back to the 1950’s and their beginning. Having contests with fully submerging into all things from that era, the clothes, the food, the hair and even no technology for those set on trying to win the golden whisk. The challenges are set the standards are high but the women in town are showing off their devotion to their commitment to the Daughters of Honey Hollow and all that it represents. But during the first event of the week someone was pushed past their limit and snapped killing the host of the event. In Honey Hollow fashion Lottie stumbles upon the body and is compelled to investigate. This is such a busy week, all the Daughters event, the investigation and all the harassment happening to her home and Noah’s. With everything going on will this be the murder that can’t be solved or will Lottie over come and solve it in time?
129 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2026
I picked up The Proof Is in the Banana Pudding because I love cozy mysteries with food themes, and the title alone made me want to read it. This turned out to be a really fun and enjoyable mystery with plenty of charm.

I liked the small-town atmosphere and all the little food-related details woven throughout the story. The banana pudding theme added a light and comforting feel, while the mystery itself kept things interesting. It had that cozy balance I always look for in this type of book.

The main character was easy to connect with, and I enjoyed following along as the investigation unfolded. The pacing felt steady, and I liked that the story kept me guessing without becoming too complicated. I had a few suspicions here and there, but I still wasn’t completely sure how it would all come together.

I also enjoyed the supporting characters and the sense of community throughout the story. It made the setting feel warm and realistic, which added even more to the overall charm.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Proof Is in the Banana Pudding. It’s a cozy, entertaining mystery with a fun premise, likable characters, and a solid whodunit. If you enjoy food-themed cozies with small-town charm, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,690 reviews
May 11, 2026
The Proof is in the Banana Pudding: MURDER IN THE MIX, Book 56 by Addison Moore

Tagline: A Deliciously Fun Cozy Mystery!

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

Addison Moore’s The Proof is in the Banana Pudding is another delightful treat in the Murder in the Mix series. As always, Lottie Lemon finds herself in the middle of a sweetly sinister mystery—this time, banana pudding takes center stage!

I love how Moore blends mouthwatering bakery details with clever clues and quirky characters. The story moves quickly, and I found myself guessing (and second-guessing) the culprit until the very end. The dialogue is witty, and the characters feel like old friends—even after 56 books, they’re as charming as ever.

What really stands out is the balance between cozy, heartwarming moments and suspenseful twists. It’s the perfect book to curl up with when you want a fun, light read that keeps you entertained.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, The Proof is in the Banana Pudding is a satisfying, feel-good mystery that will leave you hungry for more!
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,919 reviews17 followers
May 10, 2026
Mother's Day is murder. - Opening with the perp's POV set the perfect tone for this intensely delightful cozy mystery. The victim got what was coming to her, decades of snobbery and back-biting snuffed out with a single stroke of Big Bertha. Multiple suspects, multiple secrets to be kept, but only one took the swing that ended all of their torment. As always, Lottie is unfortunate enough to be the first on the scene. You'd think she'd stop screaming by now. With the help of Percy the peacock, she and Cray Cray navigate a weeklong Daughters of Honey Hollow homage to 1950s living, and navigate the underbelly of small-town Vermont. Everett and Noah have a side investigation, some neighborhood kids making dangerous mischief and Lyla Nell starts a kindergarten coup. A great two-for-one whodunnit just in time for Mother's Day, but don't get any ideas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,805 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy
April 27, 2026
Perfectly coiffed, but still dead!

The Daughters of Honey Hollow are holding a week-long 50s reenactment, complete with kitten heels and wiggle skirts, for Mother’s Day. Lottie is entering her signature banana pudding, aiming to win the Golden Whisk, but she is up against stiff competition. The reigning champion has won eighteen straight years and doesn’t have twin babies strapped to her chest, an opinionated two-year-old following her, or a ghostly peacock that means there will be a murder. Even a dead chairwoman cannot derail the reenactment, so Lottie will have to work even harder to solve this case..

Hot hunks and a sleep-deprived amateur sleuth keep the mystery moving at a good pace. The characters each bring their own brand of humor to the story. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for JulieAnn Crane.
201 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2026
The Proof is in the Banana Pudding is a fun cozy mystery that’s hard to put down. Lottie Lemon has a chaotic and rather unique family, to say the least, which adds a lot of excitement to the storyline—watching her two husbands try to protect her while her biological mother does something crazy in the background often had me cracking up.

I have read a couple books from the Murder in the Mix series, but not all of them. So, I really appreciate the care taken to remind me where we are, and who each character is without feeling like it’s stopping the story every time. I never felt lost in who Lottie was talking to, so I was able to get fully engrossed in the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,432 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2026
2-1/2 stars.

This is my least favorite book in this series. Lottie has a murder to solve , and she has teenaged boys bullying her family and her. I like the peacock ghost. The murder mystery part is good with good suspects and motives. The 1950's theme activities and food contests are good. Carlotta is going to far with what she says and does. Why does everyone put up with her? Meanwhile, Lyra Nell is trying to control children and adults to do what she orders. She also calls Lottie by her first name. I feel Lyla Nell has no respect for her mother. I didn't see Lottie or Noah tell their daughter to stop trying to control people. I've enjoyed this series. I hope the next book is better.
Profile Image for Margery.
988 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
The Daughters of Honey Hollow are holding a week long reenactment all in 1950's style, clothes food and all. A Mother's day garden party is set and The Golden Whisk award is up for the prize in the food competition. Lottie has entered her famous Banana Pudding as her entry. A peacock ghost appears before her and Lottie knows what that means, dreadfully. It means impending murder. In true Lottie style she races head first into danger as she follows the peacock to uncover who killed the chairwoman of the committee. When someone blackmails so many people, there are so many suspects. Honey Hollow is so rich in secrets that it is a gossip haven.
Profile Image for Johanna.
4,514 reviews74 followers
May 9, 2026
'It’s Mother’s Day in Honey Hollow!
Honey Hollow is stepping back to the 1950s—poodle skirts, vintage vibes, and a side of murder! Because nothing says retro like a killer in kitten heels.
A laugh out loud standalone cozy mystery.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and mysterious and complex and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,376 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2026
The Proof is in the Banana Pudding is Book 56 of the Murder in the Mix Series by Addison Moore so I haven't read all the books in this seriously hilarious and wonderful series, but I wasn't lost at all! Honey Hollow is celebrating the Daughters of Honey Hollow a festival throwback to their beginning and the 1950’s along with all things from that era the clothes, the food, the hair it sounds like so much fun! Lottie, who sees dead people of course stumbles across a body and has to investigate. I absolutely love this series, it's fun, funny and a guilty pleasure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
519 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2026
Another madcap escapade for Lottie and crew to navigate with lots of suspects, a dead peacock called Percy plus as a sideline we have Lyla Nell starting a coup at pre-school and then there's the obnoxious teenagers and the father from hell that try and terrorise Lottie and Noah. Lots going on, Carlotta might be getting a bit much now, but there's lots to amuse in this and keep you entertained. Although it can be read as a stand alone I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series so you can get to know the characters.
11 reviews
May 12, 2026
interesting and lovely

I really like Lottie and her family and friends. The craziness and love sprinkled through her stories are fun to read. And I really enjoyed the addition of the Pickens family drama. And who would have guessed the secret ingredients for the banana pudding; I can’t wait to try it. And I must admit , either I’m getting used to the shenanigans of Carlotta, or she pared down the chaos and inappropriateness. I look forward to continuing this series.
143 reviews
May 14, 2026
Lottie Lemon is a busy woman with a family & a bakery. She’s making her banana pudding to try to win the Golden Whisk. She sees Percy the peacock ghost, which means someone will die. I read a few books by this author in other series & am glad I found this one in a different series. I got a few other books in this series after I read this one since I was laughing & enjoyed the 2 recipes in the book. I received this book as an ARC from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,682 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2026
another stunner….

Banana pudding! I want some right now!

It’s an entire week of retro Mother’s Day activities for Honey Hollow, with the celebration of everything from the Eisenhower era (girdles, pin-curls, Jell-O molds, hairspray and all) on display.

The stately grounds of Vivian Pemberton-Clarke’s mansion is the site for the celebration.

And then….!!!
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,392 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2026
Daryl Pickens was a nasty piece of work as well as a poor husband, role model, and father. Poor Everett and Noah, having to deal with two cases that Lottie is involved in. This was a fun book to read!
553 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2026
The Proof is in the Banana Pudding: Murder in the Mix book 56

Never a dull moment and this time the women and their long lived club are celebrating the 50's every way possible. And of course a murder is involved. Lots of laughs and family joy too.
164 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2026
Lottie

Always a great read. Love these books! I might have to start over and read them again, just for the joy of it!
44 reviews
May 11, 2026
Great book! Great series!
I've read them all in order so far.
Can't wait for more to be released.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews