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Fresh-Baked Mystery #10
The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer
'Tis the season in Weatherford, Texas, and everyone in town is gearing up for the annual holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony in the town square, where Phyllis Newsom will be serving her much-anticipated candy cane cupcakes. Local rancher Barney McCrory manages to charm one away from her before the ceremony begins. But unfortunately, when the minty confection is finished, so is he.
This isn't the first time someone has dropped dead after eating one of Phyllis's treats. But when the paramedics determine the rancher was shot, suspicion swiftly falls on McCrory's daughter and her husband—who both stand to reap some sweet rewards from his death. Though Phyllis doesn't want to get mixed up in another murder investigation, something about this case doesn't sit right with her. With a little help from a tabloid TV news crew, Phyllis must unwrap the truth and restore good cheer to Weatherford before it's too late...
Includes recipes!
This isn't the first time someone has dropped dead after eating one of Phyllis's treats. But when the paramedics determine the rancher was shot, suspicion swiftly falls on McCrory's daughter and her husband—who both stand to reap some sweet rewards from his death. Though Phyllis doesn't want to get mixed up in another murder investigation, something about this case doesn't sit right with her. With a little help from a tabloid TV news crew, Phyllis must unwrap the truth and restore good cheer to Weatherford before it's too late...
Includes recipes!
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
83 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Livia J. Washburn
64 books348 followersUnder the names Livia J. Washburn and L.J. Washburn, Livia Reasoner has been writing award-winning, critically acclaimed mystery, western, romance, and historical novels for more than thirty years. She began to write in collaboration with her husband, author James Reasoner, and soon branched out into telling her own stories. She received the Private Eye Writers of America award and the American Mystery award for her first mystery, WILD NIGHT, and was nominated for a Spur by the Western Writers of America for a novel she wrote with her husband, James Reasoner. Livia won the Peacemaker Award from Western Fictioneers for her story “Charlie’s Pie”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 11, 2020
There's a big bang at the start of the book; someone gets murdered. And there's a big event near the end - the murderer shows up. Between these two events the padding is of shear quality.
What I like most of this series is that with each passing book, the notoriety of the resident amateur detective, Phyllis Newsome, grows exponentially. So by the time this book came around, Mrs Newsome was a kind of mini celebrity.
This food-oriented cozy has a nice end, where Eve, Phyllis's friend and housemate, reveals she's been writing a novel heavily based on Phyllis's adventures. During the inquiry of the murder case, we see quite less of Phyllis's beau, Sam. But that's okay, because the rest of the gang gets enough screen time. I read this book now, since it's part of my Christmas themed list. It was worth the wait.
What I like most of this series is that with each passing book, the notoriety of the resident amateur detective, Phyllis Newsome, grows exponentially. So by the time this book came around, Mrs Newsome was a kind of mini celebrity.
This food-oriented cozy has a nice end, where Eve, Phyllis's friend and housemate, reveals she's been writing a novel heavily based on Phyllis's adventures. During the inquiry of the murder case, we see quite less of Phyllis's beau, Sam. But that's okay, because the rest of the gang gets enough screen time. I read this book now, since it's part of my Christmas themed list. It was worth the wait.
November 29, 2018
3.5 ⭐️’s. A cozy mystery that will put you in the Christmas spirit! Another choice I made for a reading challenge. It was a cute read for the holiday season and a little more upbeat than my usual reads!
December 28, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s Christmastime in Weatherford and it starts with the annual holiday parade. The crowd has turned out but a Grinch destroys the day. Barney McCrory, a local rancher, whose horse team is pulling Santa’s sleigh drops dead after the parade just gets started and Phyllis panics, Barney has just eaten one of her cupcakes. When the chaos clears it is determined Barney was shot. Who would benefit with the rancher out of the picture? His daughter and her husband seem to gain the most landing them in the hot seat. Phyllis soon finds herself in the middle of another investigation. This time she gets help from a very surprising group but can they save Christmas and save Barney’s family?
I purposely saved this book to read closer to Christmas because a trip to Weatherford always puts a smile on my face.
After 10 stories these characters feel like old friends. Phyllis, Eve, Carolyn and Sam live together in a good size home and it seems the door is always open. Not only do visitors get a nice meal or a cupcake, they also get a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, but they also get an amateur sleuth in Phyllis or as the tabloids call her “Texas’s Elderly Angel of Death”. But calling her that will get the door slammed in your face, as Felicity Prosper from Inside Beat quickly found out. I would love to visit them myself without anyone having to be dead. They may be retired but they definitely aren’ t tired. They are always on the go doing something.
This story started out with a bang that no one heard and continued its quick pace right up to the last page. I thought I had the who of the whodunit figured out a time or two, but I was completely wrong. That is the way it is supposed to be, right. Phyllis had her own way of investigating and sometimes she has all the clues she just needs to think things through a few times to get them to all fall together. Sam makes a great sounding board and sometimes even goes off on his own to chase down a clue.
This author tells a great story with dialogue that rings true and the characters’ wit comes shining through. Weatherford is the perfect setting too for this wonderful mystery. This was an exciting story and so much fun to read.
We are given just a hint of what is in store for this cast of characters and I am excited to see it play out.
Now I think I need to bake some Candy Cake Cupcakes. Our family truly believes in the saying “Eat Dessert First” and these cupcakes will do nicely.
It’s Christmastime in Weatherford and it starts with the annual holiday parade. The crowd has turned out but a Grinch destroys the day. Barney McCrory, a local rancher, whose horse team is pulling Santa’s sleigh drops dead after the parade just gets started and Phyllis panics, Barney has just eaten one of her cupcakes. When the chaos clears it is determined Barney was shot. Who would benefit with the rancher out of the picture? His daughter and her husband seem to gain the most landing them in the hot seat. Phyllis soon finds herself in the middle of another investigation. This time she gets help from a very surprising group but can they save Christmas and save Barney’s family?
I purposely saved this book to read closer to Christmas because a trip to Weatherford always puts a smile on my face.
After 10 stories these characters feel like old friends. Phyllis, Eve, Carolyn and Sam live together in a good size home and it seems the door is always open. Not only do visitors get a nice meal or a cupcake, they also get a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, but they also get an amateur sleuth in Phyllis or as the tabloids call her “Texas’s Elderly Angel of Death”. But calling her that will get the door slammed in your face, as Felicity Prosper from Inside Beat quickly found out. I would love to visit them myself without anyone having to be dead. They may be retired but they definitely aren’ t tired. They are always on the go doing something.
This story started out with a bang that no one heard and continued its quick pace right up to the last page. I thought I had the who of the whodunit figured out a time or two, but I was completely wrong. That is the way it is supposed to be, right. Phyllis had her own way of investigating and sometimes she has all the clues she just needs to think things through a few times to get them to all fall together. Sam makes a great sounding board and sometimes even goes off on his own to chase down a clue.
This author tells a great story with dialogue that rings true and the characters’ wit comes shining through. Weatherford is the perfect setting too for this wonderful mystery. This was an exciting story and so much fun to read.
We are given just a hint of what is in store for this cast of characters and I am excited to see it play out.
Now I think I need to bake some Candy Cake Cupcakes. Our family truly believes in the saying “Eat Dessert First” and these cupcakes will do nicely.
October 24, 2018
My first cozy mystery!! 3.5 stars. It was a cute and corny read. Very light after finishing an in depth classic.
Set in Texas, Phyllis is a retired school teacher that lives in a house with several other elderly friends. There was supposed to be a Christmas parade until Barney McCrory gets shot. She has to find the real killer while the suspect is his son-in-law.
The writing isn't great and the plots are kind of obvious but it was delightful and comes with recipes in the back of the book which I might use.
Set in Texas, Phyllis is a retired school teacher that lives in a house with several other elderly friends. There was supposed to be a Christmas parade until Barney McCrory gets shot. She has to find the real killer while the suspect is his son-in-law.
The writing isn't great and the plots are kind of obvious but it was delightful and comes with recipes in the back of the book which I might use.
December 24, 2019
This was another good one. I enjoyed the new characters involved in this story even the one I didn’t like at first. It’s fun watching Phyllis solve crimes and seeing her come up with her theories. Looking forward to the next book.
October 26, 2015
Every time I read a new book in the Fresh Baked Mystery series, I come away from it completely entertained, and hungry!
In THE CANDY CANE CUPCAKE KILLER, it’s Christmas in Weatherford, Texas and protagonist, Phyllis Newsom is back and baking up goodies. However, author Livia J. Washburn is cooking up murder.
The action and intrigue start off in chapter one and continues to build through the entire book, all the way to the surprising reveal. I had a suspect all picked out, I just knew I was right, but I was way off. I love it when that happen, even if I do want to solve one once in a while. ;-)
It’s easy to see in this story just how much Ms. Washburn loves writing her series. With every new book, her characters grow and develop new layers. Her writing, which has been wonderful since book one, A PEACH OF A MURDER, continues to capture the imagination and hold the reader transfixed.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, enjoyable book, one that will draw you in, look no further because you’ve found it!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for amazing recipes, and an excerpt from book one in this series, A PEACH OF A MURDER.
In THE CANDY CANE CUPCAKE KILLER, it’s Christmas in Weatherford, Texas and protagonist, Phyllis Newsom is back and baking up goodies. However, author Livia J. Washburn is cooking up murder.
The action and intrigue start off in chapter one and continues to build through the entire book, all the way to the surprising reveal. I had a suspect all picked out, I just knew I was right, but I was way off. I love it when that happen, even if I do want to solve one once in a while. ;-)
It’s easy to see in this story just how much Ms. Washburn loves writing her series. With every new book, her characters grow and develop new layers. Her writing, which has been wonderful since book one, A PEACH OF A MURDER, continues to capture the imagination and hold the reader transfixed.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, enjoyable book, one that will draw you in, look no further because you’ve found it!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for amazing recipes, and an excerpt from book one in this series, A PEACH OF A MURDER.
July 13, 2022
It's a couple of weeks before Christmas, and Sam and Phyllis go to their town's tree lighting party. Before it can start, the driver of the Santa sleigh gets shot. Was he the target, or was the corrupt councilman playing Santa the intended victim? When the victims' son-in-law gets blamed, he asks Sam, who used to be his basketball coach, and Phyllis to help clear his name.
This mystery had a good number of suspects and red herrings all over.
This mystery had a good number of suspects and red herrings all over.
December 13, 2022
An enjoyable Christmas cozy mystery. With a good ending
January 29, 2018
Yum,Yum,Yum!
I just love all the main characters in this book! I love trying to solve the crimes, in this series.
I just love all the main characters in this book! I love trying to solve the crimes, in this series.
September 15, 2018
*The difference between a lawyer and a detective is that the former is satisfied with an acquittal.
*The antidote to frustration is action.
*The antidote to frustration is action.
March 31, 2016
Phyllis and Sam are off to the Christmas parade with a batch of her candy cane cupcakes when one of Sam's friends is killed by sniper.
When the man's son in law is arrested for the murder, they're convinced he's innocent. Of course Phyllis and Sam have to investigate. The whole notion of of the pesky reporter ending up actually helping seemed completely unlikely. The solution didn't ring true, either.
It was okay, but just okay. I didn't think it was as good as some of the earlier books in the series because a lot of what happened seemed too far fetched.
When the man's son in law is arrested for the murder, they're convinced he's innocent. Of course Phyllis and Sam have to investigate. The whole notion of of the pesky reporter ending up actually helping seemed completely unlikely. The solution didn't ring true, either.
It was okay, but just okay. I didn't think it was as good as some of the earlier books in the series because a lot of what happened seemed too far fetched.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
The title is slightly misleading because Phyllis' cupcakes weren't under suspicion. Even though I guessed the killer early on, I didn't fully figure out the entire thing until certain things came to light. Another fun, quick read by this author. Although I'm beginning to wonder if the community has faith in their police and sheriff departments when there gets to be as many wrongful arrests as there seems to be. This is one active area!
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September 5, 2016Another fun read from Livia J. Washburn. I look forward to reading about the next adventure of Phyllis Newsom, retired teacher and amateur sleuth, along with her friends. This Texas town has some very interesting characters.
In addition, the recipes are mouth watering.
In addition, the recipes are mouth watering.
September 1, 2018
A pleasant read but not exceptional. We were hit over the head with the key to the mystery early on, but Phyllis did not seem to put any thought into it until the end.
July 11, 2020
While a mystery about retired seniors actively involved in their community as well as helping to solve murders is appealing, this one was a bit of a disappointment.
The title had little to do with the actual mystery and the motive was too convoluted to be believable.
The title had little to do with the actual mystery and the motive was too convoluted to be believable.
April 8, 2016
Reading Challenge: A Mystery or Thriller
It wasn't very Christmasy and I thought the storyline was kind of boring. Not the best one in the series.
It wasn't very Christmasy and I thought the storyline was kind of boring. Not the best one in the series.
November 25, 2015
Not the best one is the series but the end twist.
February 6, 2017
Fun, fast, light weight mystery...a fun Christmas read I missed in Dec!!
October 30, 2021
I REALLY need to quit trying these 'cozy" mysteries which the lying reviewers claim is "humorous/ charming/ witty"
theyre all the same tired hackneyed formula.. Some yenta annoying , interfering female thinks she is a detective and gets in the law enforcements way and because they solve it only on luck and NOT on brain power (you notice how its always the very last thing 2 chapters before the end that they "find the killer " .. AND always end up in trouble needing help and nearly getting killed or often injured.. and often get law enforcement in trouble
Stupid. boring .. and how these females function boggles the mind
PS their oh so earnest babble about their baking/ cookin cracks me up . If one drank id say take a drink everytime you see the words " candy cane cupcakes" youll end up bloody drunk
theyre all the same tired hackneyed formula.. Some yenta annoying , interfering female thinks she is a detective and gets in the law enforcements way and because they solve it only on luck and NOT on brain power (you notice how its always the very last thing 2 chapters before the end that they "find the killer " .. AND always end up in trouble needing help and nearly getting killed or often injured.. and often get law enforcement in trouble
Stupid. boring .. and how these females function boggles the mind
PS their oh so earnest babble about their baking/ cookin cracks me up . If one drank id say take a drink everytime you see the words " candy cane cupcakes" youll end up bloody drunk
August 1, 2017
It's Christmas time and Phyllis and Sam carry freshly baked-Candy Cane Cupcakes (recipe included at the ending,) to the Weatherford Christmas Parade...then there is a stampede with Sam's buddy crumpled at the horse's leads and we are treated to quite the Western styled chase!
Phyllis and Sam have to aid the children of his, now deceased, friend and we are off to find a killer.
Now this book has a twist to the normal murder chase that will interest you. I was pleasantly surprised by the new murder team.
Also, quiet housemate, Eve has a splendid surprise up her laptop...
This is a great read.
Phyllis and Sam have to aid the children of his, now deceased, friend and we are off to find a killer.
Now this book has a twist to the normal murder chase that will interest you. I was pleasantly surprised by the new murder team.
Also, quiet housemate, Eve has a splendid surprise up her laptop...
This is a great read.
March 12, 2022
I am really hooked on this series. I just have to keep reading it. I guess it is because I am older myself and retired. The daily life of the four main people that live together is the driving force for my interest. I find it interesting how they are living together, eating together, just day to day lives. Of course the mysteries add to the interest. I understand not everyone is interested in this kind of cozy fiction but I simply can't get enough of it. Already have the next book in the series. Ready to get started on it.
I also try out some of the recipes in the back of her books. Haven't found anything disappointing yet!
I also try out some of the recipes in the back of her books. Haven't found anything disappointing yet!
July 30, 2017
Weatherland, TX is throwing it's annual Christmas parade but the good time stops when Barney McCrory (a friend of Phylis Newsom's "friend" Sam is shot to death. McCrory's son-in-law is the top suspect but Sam coached Nate back in the day and he knows that Nate is no killer. I love the "Fresh-Baked Mystery" cozy series. Great stories and characters and yummy recipes, plus it's interesting to see an older amateur detective solving mysteries!
August 15, 2017
This time Phyllis Newsom is by the person who is murdered at the start of the parade featuring Santa. Phyllis and Sam go into detective mode immediately since Sam knew the deceased. Also the man the police believe did it is a former student of Sam's. They ask questions but can't seem to find the link to solve the puzzle until Phyllis decides to team up with a TV reporter. The book also includes recipes. It was a quick easy read.
February 2, 2023
This 10th book in the series provides the usual recipes and the adventures of the 4 housemates - Phyllis Newsom, Sam Fletcher, Carolyn Wilbarger, and Eve Turner. This time Barney McCrory is the victim of murder, shortly after eating on of Phyllis' cupcakes just before the start of the Weatherford Christmas parade. At first, McCrory's son-in-law seems to be the only possible suspect but with their usual tactics Phyllis with the help of Sam manage to ensure justice is done.
March 3, 2018
Another fun adventure with Phyllis and Sam. Great recipes, good new peripheral characters, and a aolution with a twist. I did figure out half of the ending in the first half of the book, but there was a twist I wasn't expecting.
April 23, 2018
Wow! Another great read! I loved that this one was before the holiday of Christmas and not on it. I also really liked the way it came together in the end. I just wish she didn't have to deal with reporters, but that turned out okay, too.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
January 3, 2019
This was a cute story, but it didn't have much progression with the relationship between Phyllis and Sam. It also featured little of the other roommates, so I didn't connect with it as much as I did with the other books in the series.
March 6, 2023
The Fresh Baked mysteries with a house filled with older friends/roommates and their own Miss Marple aka Phyllis Newsome is fun and easy reading. Hilarious beginning which sadly ends with a friends death. Good clues & a few twists about 3/4 in. Delicious unexpected grand finale.
May 28, 2017
a fun read
November 3, 2018
Candy Cane Cupcakes and a Christmas parade spell murder for Phyllis.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews